Distribution and tectonic setting of Ordovician K-bentonites in the United Kingdom

Abstract
Twenty-five Ordovician K-bentonite samples ranging in age from Llanvirn to Ashgill and representing both sides of the lapetus suture were analysed by INAA and XRF and compared on magmatic and tectonic discrimination diagrams. The proportional distribution of Nb, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Th and REE indicates that source volcanics were erupted in a setting that changed from subduction-related in the Llanvirn/Llandeilo to marginal basin extensional volcanism in the Caradoc/Ashgill. Welsh K-bentonites appear to be derived from volcanoes within the Welsh Basin, but K-bentonites from the Southern Uplands to not have characteristics consistent with a fore-arc setting, further suggesting a source related to ensialic marginal basin extensional volcanism.