Abstract
Synopsis: Rare-earth element abundances and distribution patterns in Arenig tholeiitic pillow lavas from the Girvan-Ballantrae ophiolitic complex, Ayrshire, are similar to those of mid-ocean ridges and island arcs. Rare-earth evidence alone does not distinguish between these two possibilities, but the thickness of the Arenig lavas is much greater than that of typical mid-ocean ridges and more comparable with island arc series. The absence of a sheeted dyke complex also supports this conclusion. The Caradocian pillow lavas have rare-earth element patterns resembling oceanic island (Hawaiian-type) tholeiites while others have more strongly enhanced light rare-earth abundances typical of continental tholeiites.

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