Understanding the processes leading to the broad chemical variability of arc magmas is an essential, yet not fully elucidated, issue in Earth Sciences. Here, I show that Zn-MgO-SiO2 systematics of magmatic arc rocks correlate significantly with arc thickness. Because Zn-MgO-SiO2 systematics are mostly controlled by fractionation of different mineral phases, this suggests a systematic change in the proportions of fractionating mineral assemblages depending on arc thickness. Using a mass balance model with a Monte Carlo approach, I show that Zn-MgO-SiO2 systematics can be quantitatively explained by a continuous transition from plagioclase-dominated fractionating assemblages in thin arcs to amphibole-garnet-magnetite-dominated assemblages in increasingly thicker arcs. Most likely, such a systematic change results from the increase of average depth of magma differentiation that is ultimately controlled by arc thickness. Results presented have implications on the causes of different geochemical trends in arcs, the role of arcs as H2O filters, and their association with porphyry deposits.
© 2021. The Author(s).