A comprehensive trace element and radiogenic isotope dataset allows new insights into the petrogenesis of Quaternary Eifel Volcanism

Lavas from the Quaternary East and West Eifel volcanic fields in western Germany are among the youngest volcanic products of the Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP). In a comprehensive approach, we report Sr-Nd-Pb-Os isotope as well as major and trace element data for 59 samples covering Quaternary Eifel volcanism. In accord with previous studies, all lavas are SiO₂-undersaturated including primitive basanites, melilitites, and nephelinites as well as phonolites. In the West Eifel Field (WEVF), Sr–Nd–Pb compositions of the younger ONB-suite lavas are similar to FOZO or the EAR. Conversely, older (700 to 80 ka) F-suite lavas in the WEVF and from the entire East Eifel Field (EEVF) tap a more enriched mantle component, as illustrated by more radiogenic Sr isotope compositions and variable Pb isotope compositions. Radiogenic isotope compositions of F-suite and EEVF lavas require the admixture of melts from lithospheric mantle sources. Elevated Nb/Ta and Lu/Hf in combination with variable Os isotope compositions indicate residual carbonated eclogite components as a possible source of CO₂ in the lavas. The presence of a mantle plume can neither be confirmed nor excluded based on geochemical data alone. However, the absence of W isotope anomalies together with only moderately elevated He isotope compositions argue against a deep-rooted plume beneath the Eifel volcanic fields. Collectively, plume-like melt pulses that partially tap carbonated eclogite domains and interact to variable extents with the lithospheric mantle provide a viable model for the compositional spread of volcanism in the Eifel and elsewhere in the CEVP.