Trace element evidence for the origin of ocean-island basalts

Ocean-island basalt (OIB) suites display significant and consistent differences in highly incompatible trace element ratios between islands which have end-member radiogenic isotope signatures. OIB derived from sources with a high U/Pb ratio have trace element characteristics consistent with a source dominated by recycled ancient oceanic crust. OIB derived from the isotopically distinct enriched mantle sources have trace element characteristics best interpreted in terms of sources which are mixtures of high U/Pb OIB with minor amounts (a few percent) of recycled sedimentary (pelagic and terrigenous) components.