VAPOR-DEPOSITION OF TRACE-ELEMENTS FROM DEGASSED BASALTIC LAVA, PITON-DE-LA-FOURNAISE VOLCANO, REUNION ISLAND

Silica-tube sublimates resulting from the cooling of high-temperature volcanic gases from degassed lava in lava tunnels have been sampled at Piton de la Fournaise volcano. Mineral phases deposited in the tube are mainly halides (Na, K and Cu chlorides, Si and K fluorides). The distribution of most of the chemical elements as a function of the temperature is mainly controlled by their volatility. Volatile elements such as Rb, Cs, Se, Pb and Tl are associated with low-temperature deposits, whereas refractory elements such as R.E.E., alkaline earth, Sc, Ta, Hf, Th and Zr are not detected. The mineral assemblages are characterized by the lack of sulfides, sulfates, native sulfur and oxides. In the same way, numerous transition and semi-metallic elements are lacking. This is interpreted as the result of the magma transport in surface lava tunnels, leading to extensive degassing upstream of the collection site. © 1990.