Volatile and major elements in mid-ocean ridge basalt glasses from the Gulf of Aden

Natural basalt glasses from the Gulf of Aden were analyzed at The University of Tulsa for volatiles and major elements. The concentrations of H2O and CO2 (really CO3) dissolved in the glass were measured by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). Concentrations of major elements were measured by electron microprobe. Concentrations of Cl, F and S were measured by electron microprobe using very long counting times and high beam currents for greater precision. These data are being used in collaboration with Prof. David Graham at Oregon State University who measured CO2 and Helium concentrations in vesicles; and Helium concentrations and Helium isotope ratios in glasses to obtain an integrated understanding of volatiles in a rifting environment that is influenced by a mantle plume. The purpose of the dataset is to understand the sources of volatiles in this region and their potential influence on the rifting process.