Nd, Sr and Pb isotope data, together with new major and trace element data are presented for lavas from northern Kenya. A general trend towards silica saturation and decreasing incompatible element contents is observed from the Miocene to the present day. Significantly, the abundances of different incompatible elements decrease The Nd, Sr and Pb isotope compositions of the basic lavas are similar to those observed on the Atlantic ocean islands. Comparison of the Sm/Nd ratios required to produce the Nd isotope ratios with those observed in the rocks indicates that light rare earth elements (r.e.e.) have probably been added to the source region of the lavas comparatively recently. A model involving recent metasomatism of the subcontinental mantle beneath Kenya, which could account for the correlated silica undersaturation and incompatible element content of the lavas, is proposed.

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SummaryThe pahoehoe and pillow lavas described show many common features of morphology. A finger-like or digital flow mechanism adequately accounts for the similarities although the growth mechanism of individual lobes is by markedly different processes. An important distinction is the time taken to develop a rigid crust and its subsequent expansion by fracturing and auto intrusion. This is rapidly achieved in pillow lavas but only occurs at a late stage in the pahoehoe forms. The main factors controlling the formation of these features are the environment of eruption, the volume of erupted material and the rate of eruption.