Silurian volcanism recorded in sedimentary sections at the southwestern margin of the East European Platform: geochemical correlation and tectono-magmatic interpretation

X-ray fluorescence analyses of sixty-one K-bentonite samples from the Ludlow-Pridoli sections of western Ukraine and Moldova were used for correlation and source magma interpretation. The study reveals that source magmas of K-bentonites were low-temperature (~720oC) rhyolites indicating melting of continental crust during subduction of a hydrated oceanic plate. Volcanic sources were probably located within the developing Scythian Platform embracing the southeastern margin of the East European Platform. The present study demonstrates the potential of using immobile elements for correlating volcanic ash layers between different sections.