Geochemical implications for the alteration of the Dras volcanic rocks from the ophiolites of Indus Suture Zone, Kashmir Himalaya

Abstract

The Dras volcanic rocks form a part of the ophiolite belt along the Indus Suture Zone in the Kashmir Himalaya. These volcanic rocks have suffered alteration as in any other ophiolite zone. Three types of alterations spilitisation, submarine weathering and ridongitisation were suggested. The spilitic mineralogy appears to be secondary and must have developed due to the reaction of these rocks with hot sea water. Depletion of MgO and CaO and enrichment of K₂O of these rocks relate to the submarine weathering at lower temperatures. Rodingitisation effect is reflected in the chemistry of some rocks with enriched CaO and depleted SiO₂. The trace elements -Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb and Rb do not show any considerable changes during alteration.