COMPOSITION AND METASOMATISM OF SUB-CONTINENTAL LITHOSPHERIC MANTLE

Based on previous researches, the methods and objects for the sub-continental lithospheric mantle are reviewed and summarized. The lithospheric mantle is classified into three types by Griffin, i.e. Archon, Proton and Tecton. The composition of the Archon continental lithospheric mantle is a strong loss relatively to the primitive mantle; that of most of the Tecton is modest loss; while that of the Proton continental lithospheric mantle is between the former two. Generally speaking, ancient lithospheric mantle is the most depleted; while young lithospheric mantle is relatively richer than the ancient one. The enriching process is mainly concerned with mantle metasomatism. From the aspects of metasomatic patterns and the nature and source of media, with study on the xenoliths/xenocrysts of mantle, the enriching processes of lithospheric mantle can be well recognized.