Source and Tectonic Setting of Zarjebostan (NE of Qazvin) Paleogene Volcanic Rocks using REE and HFSE Elements

Paleogene basic to intermediate lava flows of Central Alborz, in the northeast of Qazvin city (Zarjebostan), include trachy-andesite, basaltic trachy-andesite and basaltic andesite. These volcanic rocks are high-K calc-alkaline rocks. Based on the high LILE/HFSE and LREE/HREE ratios and their similar composition to subduction volcanic rock suites; it seems that they have formed in a subduction zone. The subduction process has little effect on the concentration of Zr, Ta, Hf, Sm, Tb, Nd, Eu and Y elements, while it has strong influence on concentration of Th, U and La elements. Due to high Ba/La, Ba/Ta and La/Ta ratios and low TiO2 content of lavas, they could be attributed to magmatic arc setting. Th/Yb vs. Ta/Yb diagrams and association of study suite with extensive volume of acidic tuffs, indicate that these rocks have been formed in an active continental margin.