The petrogenesis of primary mid-ocean ridge basalts

The nature of primary mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) is reviewed from the primary-magma composition point of view. The concept of primary MORB magma used in the study stipulates that melting of the mantle produces a discrete identifiable magma that separates from the mantle and ascends toward the surface. Constraints from abyssal peridotites are considered along with constraints from high-pressure phase equilibria studies with emphasis on partial melting of mantle peridotites, basalt-peridotite sandwich techniques, high-pressure experiments on MORB-type compositions, and constraints on the pressure of origin from mineral compositions. Compositional variations in primitive MORB glasses are discussed, and possible models for the origin of these glasses are presented.