Geochemical insights into the origins of compositionally distinct Early Permian Panjal Traps basalts: Implications for the transition from continental lithospheric to sub-lithospheric mantle melting regimes

The Early Permian Panjal Traps in northwestern Himalaya are the by far largest continuous expression of the Panjal-Qiangtang large igneous province (LIP). The eruption of the Panjal Traps is connected with the rifting at the northern continental margin of Gondwana, leading to the formation of the ribbon-shaped continent 'Cimmeria' and the opening of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. This study presents geochemical investigations on the lava flows from the Sonmarg area in the Kashmir Valley, representing the northeastern extremity of the Panjal Traps, to understand the spatio-temporal variations in the compositions of the traps and to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. The upper and lower flows show distinct geochemical characteristics, with the lower flows (classified as Group I basalts) showing negative high-field strength elements (Nb, Ta, Ti) anomalies similar to arc-related basalts and melts derived from the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), and the upper flows (classified as Group II basalts) having geochemical traits similar to enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts (EMORB). The geochemical affinity of the Group I basalts with arc-related basalts is interpreted as a result of significant assimilation of continental crust during ascent of these melts while undergoing fractionation of a gabbroic assemblage. It is inferred that the Group I basalts erupted during continental extension when continental crust was thinned and available for the uprising magma for assimilation. In contrast, the petrogenesis of the upper Group II basalts is inferred to occur in an extended rift where hot convecting sub-lithospheric mantle underwent adiabatic decompression melting. The transition from the eruption of Group I basalts to Group II basalts reflects the progressive evolution of mantle sources from sub-continental lithospheric mantle to sublithospheric mantle melting regimes during the passive continental extension at the northern margin of Gondwana in the Early Permian.