Zircon ages and Hf isotopic constraints on sources of clastic metasediments of the Slyudyansky high-grade complex,southeastern Siberia: Implication for continental growth and evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

We present results of combined in situ U–Pb dating of detrital zircons and zircon Hf and whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions for high-grade clastic metasedimentary rocks of the Slyudyansky Complex in eastern Siberia. This complex is located southwest of Lake Baikal and is part of an early Paleozoic metamorphic terrane in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Our new zircon ages and Hf isotopic data as well as whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions provide important constraints on the time of deposition and provenance of early Paleozoic high-grade metasedimentary rocks as well as models of crustal growth in Central Asia. Ages of 0.49–0.90 Ga for detrital zircons from early Paleozoic high-grade clastic sediments indicate that deposition occurred in the late Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic, between ca. 0.62–0.69 and 0.49–0.54 Ga. Hf isotopic data of 0.82–0.69 Ga zircons suggest Archean and Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.7–2.8 and 2.2–2.3 Ga; Hfc = 2.5–3.9 Ga) sources that were affected by juvenile 0.69–0.82 Ga Neoproterozoic magmatism. An additional protolith was also identified. Its zircons yielded ages of 2.6–2.7 Ga, and showed high positive ε_Hf(t) values of +4.1 to +8.0, and Hf model ages t_Hf(DM) = t_Hfc = 2.6–2.8 Ga, which is nearly identical to the crystallization ages. These isotopic characteristics suggest that the protolith was quite juvenile. The whole-rock Nd isotopic data indicate that at least part of the Slyudyansky Complex metasediments was derived from “non-Siberian” provenances. The crustal development in the eastern CAOB was characterized by reworking of the early Precambrian continental crust in the early Neoproterozoic and the late Neoproterozoic–early Paleozoic juvenile crust formation.     

Paleo- to Eoarchean crustal evolution in eastern Hebei,North China Craton: New evidence from SHRIMP U–Pb dating and in-situ Hf isotopic study of detrital zircons from paragneisses

In the Caozhuang complex in eastern Hebei, North China Craton, the Paleo- to Eoarchean crustal evolution was earlier revealed by the preservation of detrital zircon grains older than (or as old as) 3.8 Ga in fuchsite-quartzite. In order to test if the Eoarchean antiquity is also preserved in rocks other than the fuchsite quartzite, we collected two paragneisses, a hornblende gneiss and a garnet–biotite gneiss, from Huangbaiyu village and dated their detrital zircon grains. The zircon dating of the hornblende gneiss yielded concordant ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages ranging from 3684 to 3354 Ma. However, an older date of 3782 Ma with 18% discordancy was also obtained. Detrital zircon grains from the garnet–biotite gneiss gave a similar ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age range, from 3838 to 3342 Ma. The metamorphic domains of the zircon grains from both samples, including the strongly recrystallized cores and rims, recorded an overprinting metamorphism at ca. 2.5 Ga, which correlates with the most widespread tectono-thermal event in the North China Craton. In situ zircon Hf-isotope analyses on the dated zircon grains yielded a wide range of model ages (T_DM1) from 4.0 to 3.3 Ga with corresponding ε_Hf(T) from −36.0 to +4.8. This suggests that the evolution of the crustal segment in this area has involved multiple phases of juvenile crustal addition as well as recycling of older crustal rocks. The new geochronological results imply the presence of a significant amount of Eoarchean crustal fragments in the eastern Hebei area. The sedimentary protoliths of the paragneisses and other high-grade metamorphic rocks in the Caozhuang complex were probably deposited between 3.4 and 2.5 Ga.     

Origin of the Alxa Block,western China: New evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of the Longshoushan Complex

The NW–SE trending Longshoushan is in the southwestern margin of the Alxa Block, which was traditionally considered the westernmost part of the North China Craton (NCC). Precambrian crystalline basement exposed in the Longshoushan area was termed the “Longshoushan Complex”. This complex's formation and metamorphism are significant to understand the geotectonics and early Precambrian crustal evolution of the western NCC. In this study, field geology, petrology, and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes of representative orthogneisses and paragneisses in the Longshoushan Complex were investigated. U–Pb datings reveal three Paleoproterozoic magmatic episodes (ca. 2.33, ca. 2.17 and ca. 2.04 Ga) and two subsequent regional metamorphic events (ca. 1.95–1.90 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga) for metamorphic granitic rocks in the Longshoushan Complex. U–Pb dating of the detrital magmatic zircons from two paragneisses yields concordant ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages between 2.2 Ga and 2.0 Ga, and a small number of metamorphic zircon rims provide a ca. 1.95 Ga metamorphic age, suggesting that the depositional time of the protolith was between 2.0 and 1.95 Ga and that the sedimentary detritus was most likely derived from the granitic rocks in the Longshoushan Complex itself. Zircon Lu–Hf isotopic analyses indicate that nearly all magmatic zircons from ca. 2.0 Ga to ca. 2.17 Ga orthogneisses have positive εHf(t) values with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DMC) ranging from 2.45 to 2.65 Ga (peak at ca. 2.5 Ga), indicating that these Paleoproterozoic granitic rocks were derived from the reworking of the latest Neoarchean–early Paleoproterozoic juvenile crust. Detrital magmatic zircons from two paragneisses yield scattered ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, εHf(t) and T_DMC values, further indicating that the sedimentary detritus was not only derived from these plutonic rocks but also from other unreported or denuded Paleoproterozoic igneous rocks. The ca. 2.15 Ga detrital magmatic zircons from one paragneiss have negative εHf(t) values with T_DMC ranging from 2.76 to 3.04 Ga, indicating another important crustal growth period in the Longshoushan region. These data indicate that the Longshoushan Complex experienced Neoarchean–Early Paleoproterozoic crustal growth, approximately ca. 2.3–2.0 Ga experienced multiphase magmatic events, and approximately ca. 1.95–1.90 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga experienced high-grade metamorphic events. The sequence of tectonothermal events is notably similar to that of the main NCC. Together with the datasets from an adjacent area, we suggest that the western Alxa Block was most likely an integrated component of the NCC from the Neoarchean to the Paleoproterozoic.     

Petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Neoproterozoic and Late Paleozoic magmatism in the Manzhouli–Erguna area of Inner Mongolia,China: Geochronological,geochemical and Hf isotopic evidence

U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from various granitoids, combined with major and trace element analyses, were undertaken to determine the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Neoproterozoic and Late Paleozoic magmatism in the Manzhouli–Erguna area of Inner Mongolia, China. The Neoproterozoic granitoids are mainly biotite monzogranites with zircon U–Pb ages of 894 ± 13 Ma and 880 ± 10 Ma, and they are characterised by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, Ba, K) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The Late Devonian granitoids are dominantly syenogranites and mylonitised syenogranites with zircon U–Pb ages of 360 ± 4 Ma, and they form a bimodal magmatic association with subordinate gabbroic rocks of the same age. The Late Devonian syenogranites have A-type characteristics including high total alkalis, Zr, Nb, Ce and Y contents, and high FeOt/MgO, Ga/Al and Rb/Sr ratios. The Carboniferous granitoids are mainly tonalites, granodiorites and monzogranites with U–Pb ages varying from 319 to 306 Ma, and they show very strong adakitic characteristics such as high La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios but low Y and Yb contents. The Late Permian granitoids are dominated by monzogranites and syenogranites with zircon U–Pb ages ranging between 257 and 251 Ma. Isotopically, the ε_Hf(t) values of the Neoproterozoic granitoids range from +4.3 to +8.3, and the two-stage model ages (T_DM2) from 1.2 to 1.5 Ga. The Late Devonian granitoids are less radiogenic [ε_Hf(t) from +12.0 to +12.8 and T_DM2 from 545 to 598 Ma] than the Carboniferous [ε_Hf(t) from +6.8 to +9.5 and T_DM2 from 722 to 894 Ma] and Late Permian granitoids [ε_Hf(t) from +6.1 to +9.4 and T_DM2 in the range of 680–895 Ma]. These data indicate (1) the Neoproterozoic granitoids may have been generated by melting of a juvenile crust extracted from the mantle during the Mesoproterozoic, probably during or following the final stages of assembly of Rodinia as a result of the collision and amalgamation of Australia and the Tarim Craton; (2) the Late Devonian granitoids may have formed by partial melting of a new mantle-derived juvenile crust in a post-orogenic extensional setting; (3) the Carboniferous granitoids appear to have been produced by melting of garnet-bearing amphibolites within a thickened continental crust during and following the collision of the Songnen and Erguna–Xing’an terranes; and (4) the Late Permian granitoids may have been generated by melting of garnet-free amphibolites within the Neoproterozoic juvenile continental crust, probably in the post-collisional tectonic setting that followed the collision of the North China and Siberian cratons.     

Formation and evolution of Precambrian continental lithosphere in South China

An overview is presented for the formation and evolution of Precambrian continental lithosphere in South China. This is primarily based on an integrated study of zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotopes in crustal rocks, with additional constraints from Re–Os isotopes in mantle-derived rocks. Available Re–Os isotope data on xenolith peridotites suggest that the oldest subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath South China is primarily of Paleoproterozoic age. The zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope studies reveal growth and reworking of the juvenile crust at different ages. Both the Yangtze and Cathaysia terranes contain crustal materials of Archean U–Pb ages. Nevertheless, zircon U–Pb ages exhibit two peaks at 2.9–3.0 Ga and ~ 2.5 Ga in Yangtze but only one peak at ~ 2.5 Ga in Cathaysia. Both massive rocks and crustal remnants (i.e., zircon) of Archean U–Pb ages occur in Yangtze, but only crustal remnants of Archean U–Pb ages occur in Cathaysia. Zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in the Kongling complex of Yangtze suggest the earliest episode of crustal growth in the Paleoarchean and two episodes of crustal reworking at 3.1–3.3 Ga and 2.8–3.0 Ga. Both negative and positive ε_Hf(t) values are associated with Archean U–Pb ages of zircon in South China, indicating both the growth of juvenile crust and the reworking of ancient crust in the Archean. Paleoproterozoic rocks in Yangtze exhibit four groups of U–Pb ages at 2.1 Ga, 1.9–2.0 Ga, ~ 1.85 Ga and ~ 1.7 Ga, respectively. They are associated not only with reworking of the ancient Archean crust in the interior of Yangtze, but also with the growth of the contemporaneous juvenile crust in the periphery of Yangtze. In contrast, Paleoproterozoic rocks in Cathaysia were primarily derived from reworking of Archean crust at 1.8–1.9 Ga. The exposure of Mesoproterozoic rocks are very limited in South China, but zircon Hf model ages suggest the growth of juvenile crust in this period due to island arc magmatism of the Grenvillian oceanic subduction. Magmatic rocks of middle Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages are widespread in South China, exhibiting two peaks at about 830–800 Ma and 780–740 Ma, respectively. Both negative and positive ε_Hf(t) values are associated with the middle Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages of zircon, suggesting not only growth and reworking of the juvenile Mesoproterozoic crust but also reworking of the ancient Archean and Paleoproterozoic crust in the middle Neoproterozoic. The tectonic setting for this period of magmatism would be transformed from arc–continent collision to continental rifting with reference to the plate tectonic regime in South China.     

Zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic study of Mesozoic felsic rocks from eastern Zhejiang,South China: Geochemical contrast between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks

The Jiangshan–Shaoxing Fault Zone (JSFZ) in Zhejiang Province has been proposed to represent a suture between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in South China. In this study, in-situ zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic analysis and whole-rock major- and trace-element measurement of early to middle Cretaceous felsic rocks across the fault zone were conducted to constrain the nature of the fault zone. Twelve Cretaceous granitoid bodies were sampled from the NW and SE sides of the fault zone, respectively, with composition ranging from diorite to granite (SiO₂ = 56.2–76.6 wt.%). These granitoids yielded U–Pb ages ranging from 135–100 Ma, with a systematic variation in zircon Hf isotopic compositions (ε_Hf(t) = + 6.9 to –7.0 in the NW side vs. + 1.9 to ? 12.9 in the SE side). The T_DM2 values for the granitoids from the NW side are 0.34 to 1.33 Ga, with two peaks at ca. 876 and 1170 Ma respectively, whereas those from the SE side are 0.70 to 1.62 Ga, with a single peak at ca. 1126 Ma. The Hf isotopic disparity for the two sides may indicate a fundamental difference in the lower crustal compositions of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, supporting that the JSFZ is possibly a suture zone between the two blocks. Our results together with the available geological data suggest that the Mesoproterozoic materials are important for both the Yangtze and Cathaysia basement and the Neoproterozoic magmatic activities were important in the Yangtze Block, possibly related to the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent, but less significant in the Cathaysia Block. This may imply that the two blocks have not completely juxtaposed in the Neoproterozoic.     

Tracing the position of the South China block in Gondwana: U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes of Devonian detrital zircons

U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology from Lower Devonian quartz arenites of the northwestern margin of the Yangtze block yields dominant early Neoproterozoic (0.85–1.0 Ga), Pan-African (0.5–0.65 Ga) and middle Neoproterozoic (0.68–0.8 Ga) age populations and minor Mesoproterozoic to middle Mesoarchean (1.0–3.0 Ga) ages. Middle Mesoarchean to Mesoproterozoic rocks, however, are widespread in the South China block. Although Hf isotopic compositions show both juvenile crustal growth and crustal reworking for all the age groupings, the crust growth, essentially mantle-derived, occurred mainly around 3.1 Ga, 1.9 Ga and 1.0 Ga, respectively. Zircon typology and youngest grain ages indicate that this suite of quartz arenites was the product of multiphase reworking. Abundant magmatic zircon detritus with concordant U–Pb Grenvillian and Pan-African ages, together with accompanying various ε_Hf(t) values, indicate an exotic provenance for the quartz arenite external to the South China block. Qualitative comparisons of age spectra for the late Neoproterozoic sediments of the Cathaysian Block, early Paleozoic sediments of pre-rift Tethyan Himalaya sequence in North India and lower Paleozoic sandstone from the Perth Basin in West Australia, show that they all have two the largest age clusters representing Grenvillian and Pan-African orogenic episodes. The resemblance of these age spectra and zircon typology suggests that the most likely source for the Lower Devonian quartz arenites of the South China block was the East African Orogen and Kuunga Orogen for their early Grenvillian and Pan-African populations, whereas the Hannan–Panxi arc, Jiangnan orogen, and the Yangtze block basements might have contributed to the detrital zircon grains of the Neoproterozoic and Pre-Grenvillian ages. Hf isotopic data indicate that the crustal evolution of the drainage area matches well with the episodic crust generation of Gondwana. These results imply that the previously suggested position of the SCB in Gondwana should be re-evaluated, and the South China block should be linked with North India and West Australia as a part of East Gondwana during the assembly of Gondwana, rather than a discrete continent block in the paleo-Pacific.     

Mid-Neoproterozoic crustal evolution of the northeastern Yangtze Block: Evidence from the felsic-gneiss xenoliths hosted in the Donghai Cenozoic basalts

Crustal xenoliths can provide new insights into the unexposed crust, and those from the northeastern Yangtze Block have rarely been studied. This paper reports U–Pb–Hf isotopes and trace-element compositions of zircons from six felsic xenoliths hosted by the Neogene alkali basalts in the Donghai region (i.e. Anfengshan and Pingmingshan) of the Sulu orogen in central eastern China. The xenoliths are mainly composed of orthoclase and quartz, or orthoclase and natrolite, with accessory minerals of Fe–Ti oxides and zircon. Most zircon grains show core-rim structures, with the cores and rims being magmatic and metamorphic in origin, respectively. The zircon cores mainly yield ages of ca. 827–794 Ma, while the zircon rims give ages of ca. 232–212 Ma. We interpret the zircon core ages as the time of an early Mid-Neoproterozoic magmatic event in the northeastern Yangtze Block and the zircon rim ages as the time of collision between the Yangtze and North China Blocks. Our data suggest that much more ca. 830–800 Ma magmatic records are possibly preserved in the unexposed deep crust, and the early Mid-Neoproterozoic is an important era for the crust evolution of the northeastern Yangtze Block. The new zircon Hf isotopic analyses show that the Anfengshan sample (south of Donghai) has zircon ε_Hf (820 Ma) values ranging from −15.3 to −9.4, and two-stage Hf model ages of 2.66–2.30 Ga; the Pingmingshan sample (southeast of Donghai) has zircon ε_Hf (820 Ma) values ranging from −1.4 to +3.8, and two-stage Hf model ages of 1.80–1.47 Ga. These data suggest that ancient crust as old as Neoarchean to Mesoproterozoic was involved in the early Mid-Neoproterozoic magmatism. Combined with the previously reported zircon U–Pb–Hf results of the exposed rocks, it is highlighted that crustal recycling was dominant in the early Mid-Neoproterozoic (ca. 830–800 Ma) magmatism, whereas both crustal recycling and addition of mantle-derived melts were significant in the late Mid-Neoproterozoic (ca. 800–720 Ma) magmatism in the northeastern Yangtze Block.     

Geochemistry,zircon UPb geochronology and LuHf isotopic composition of eclogites and their host gneisses in the Dulan area,North Qaidam UHP terrane: New evidence for deep continental subduction

In this study, we link zircon UPb SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS geochronology and the LuHf isotopic composition of eclogites and their host gneisses/schists with whole-rock geochemistry of eclogites in the Dulan area to constrain their protoliths and metamorphic relationships. UPb dating suggests that the protolith of one of the eclogites was a Neoproterozoic mafic intrusive rock (828 ± 58 Ma) and the protolith of enclosing orthogneiss was an early-Neoproterozoic granitoid (923 ± 12 Ma). Detrital zircons from Grt-bearing mica-schists yield ages of 0.9–2.5 Ga, with a dominant range of 1.0–1.8 Ga, indicating sedimentary sources from Neoproterozoic to Neoarchean crust and a depositional age ≤ 0.9 Ga. The matching metamorphic ages of eclogites (438 ± 5 Ma, 436 ± 4 Ma) and their country rocks (Grt-bearing mica-schists: 438 ± 4 Ma, 439 ± 8 Ma; orthogneiss: 427 ± 8 Ma) indicate that all studied samples experienced coeval Early Paleozoic HP/UHP metamorphism. The UPb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of the inherited magmatic zircon cores of an eclogite sample (ε_Hf (800) = 2.6–9.2, T_DM1 = 1.0–1.3 Ga, T_DM2 = 1.1–1.4 Ga) suggest that the protolith may be derived from Neoproterozoic depleted mantle with variable proportions of an older crustal component. The magmatic zircon cores of the orthogneiss (ε_Hf (900) = ? 7.3 to ? 0.2; T_DM2 = 1.8–2.1 Ga) suggest that the parental magma was derived from a Paleoproterozoic crustal source. Hf isotopic compositions of the detrital zircons from the metasediments (ε_Hf(t) = ? 19.4 to + 10.6) suggest three crust formation and reworking events: (1) Archean (T_DM2 = 2.7–2.9 Ga) juvenile crust reworked at ~ 2.5 Ga; (2) early Paleoproterozoic (T_DM2 = 2.3–2.5 Ga) juvenile crust reworked at ~ 1.8 Ga; and (3) late Paleoproterozoic (T_DM2 = 1.5–1.9 Ga) juvenile crust reworked in the Neoproterozoic.Whole-rock geochemical data suggest that the protoliths of the Dulan eclogites were probably derived from a continental rift or an incipient oceanic basin rather than a large, long-lived ocean basin. Thus, combined with field relationships, petrology, geochemistry, zircon UPb dating and the LuHf isotopic analysis presented in this paper and reported from previous studies, we suggest that the Dulan eclogites and their country rocks experienced a common UHP metamorphism during Late Ordovician deep continental subduction.     

U–Pb–Hf zircon study of two mylonitic granite complexes in the Talas-Fergana fault zone,Kyrgyzstan, and Ar–Ar age of deformations along the fault

A 2000 km long dextral Talas-Fergana strike–slip fault separates eastern terranes in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan from western terranes. The aim of this study was to constrain an age of dextral shearing in the central part of the fault utilizing Ar–Ar dating of micas. We also carried out a U–Pb–Hf zircon study of two different deformed granitoid complexes in the fault zone from which the micas for Ar dating were separated. Two samples of the oldest deformed Neoproterozoic granitoids in the area of study yielded U–Pb zircon SHRIMP ages 728 ± 11 Ma and 778 ± 11 Ma, characteristic for the Cryogenian Bolshoi Naryn Formation, and zircon grains analyzed for their Lu–Hf isotopic compositions yielded εHf(t) values from −11.43 to −16.73, and their calculated tHfc ages varied from 2.42 to 2.71 Ga. Thus varying Cryogenian ages and noticeable heterogeneity of Meso- to Paleoproterozoic crustal sources was established for mylonitic granites of the Bolshoi Naryn Formation. Two samples of mylonitized pegmatoidal granites of the Kyrgysh Complex yielded identical ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 279 ± 5 Ma corresponding to the main peak of Late-Paleozoic post-collisional magmatism in the Tien Shan (Seltmann et al., 2011), and zircon grains analyzed for their Lu–Hf isotopic compositions yielded εHf(t) values from −11.43 to −16.73, and calculated tHfc ages from 2.42 to 2.71 Ga indicating derivation from a Paleoproterozoic crustal source. Microstructural studies showed that ductile/brittle deformation of pegmatoidal granites of the Kyrgysh Complex occurred at temperatures of 300–400 °C and caused resetting of the K–Ar isotope system of primary muscovite. Deformation of mylonitized granites of the Bolshoi Naryn Formation occurred under high temperature conditions and resulted in protracted growth and recrystallization of micas. The oldest Ar–Ar muscovite age of 241 Ma with a well defined plateau from a pegmatoidal granite of the Kyrgysh Complex is considered as a “minimum” age of dextral motions along this section of the fault in the Triassic while younger ages varying from 227 Ma to 199 Ma with typical staircase patterns indicate protracted growth and recrystallization of micas during ductile deformations which continued until the end of the Triassic.     

Origin and tectonic setting of the giant Duolong Cu–Au deposit,South Qiangtang Terrane,Tibet: Evidence from geochronology and geochemistry of Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks

We constrain the origin and tectonic setting of the giant Duolong porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au deposit in the South Qiangtang Terrane of northern Tibet, based on new zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data, as well as whole-rock major and trace element data from poorly studied ore-associated intrusions in the Duolong area. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the ore-associated rocks formed between 121 and 126 Ma. These ore-associated rocks are geochemically similar to low-K tholeiitic M-type granitoids and to mid- to high-K, calc-alkaline I-type granitoids. They have variable and predominantly positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (− 1.4 to + 15.6) and variable crustal model ages (T^C_DM(Hf); 176–1122 Ma). Taking into account previous data and the regional geology of the study area, we propose that the ore-associated rocks originated from fractional crystallization of mantle-derived mafic melts and magma mixing of mantle-derived mafic and hybrid lower crust-derived felsic melts, and the hybrid lower crust included a mix of juvenile and older continental material. The Duolong porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au deposit formed within an ‘ensialic forearc’ of an active continental margin as a result of the northwards subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean crust beneath the South Qiangtang Terrane.     

Geochronology and geochemical characteristics of the Dongping ore-bearing granite,North China: Sources and implications for its tectonic setting

The Dongping gold deposit, located in Chongli County (Hebei Province) about 200 km northwest of Beijing, is one of the largest gold-producing areas along the northern margin of the North China Craton. It is located in the of Shuiquangou alkaline igneous complex of Middle Devonian age (394.3 ± 3.2 Ma), composed chiefly of highly alkaline syentite and quartz syenites. This study reveals the age of the Carboniferous in the deposit at 351.7 ± 2.8 Ma (MSWD = 1.9). The Dongping deposit is locally hosted in Cretaceous (~143 ± 1 Ma) alkali granites that intruded the older and the gold mineralization is closely associated genetically with this event. Hydrothermal zircons in the alkali granites have Th/U ratios mostly ranging between 0.01 and 0.7 indicating oscillatory zoning. A few grains with high Th/U ratios (1.31–2.07) may be from metamorphic domains. Negative εHf(t) values of the zircon mainly range between −19.75 and −16.93, suggesting that they originated principally by the melting of recycled continental crust. Less abundant zircons with εHf(t) ranging from −25.76 to −23.46, with Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 2.54 to 2.67 Ga, (mainly 2.2 to 2.3 Ga) suggest that recycled Neoarchean basement was also present in the source region. The Devonian syenites and quartz syenites have T_DM1 ages ranging from 1.96 to 2.08 Ga. Zircons from these rocks have εHf(t) values of −11.9 to −18.9. Certain zircons from the gold-bearing granite of Paleozoic age have an initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratio of 0.281816 to 0.282058 and 0.282147 to 0.282348, reflecting a homogenous distribution of hafnium isotopes typical of magmatic sources. The T_DM1 and T_DM2 of the latest intrusion varying 1.33 to 1.59 Ga and 1.72 to 2.11 Ga respectively, indicating that the Neoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic rocks of this area are an important source for the younger magma which are important to forming ore deposits. The TDM₂ indicate that the magma may be derived from a very old crustal basement (~2.67 Ga) in the northern margin of North China Craton by partial melting.     

Growth and reworking of the early Precambrian continental crust in the North China Craton: Constraints from zircon Hf isotopes

We synthesize more than 2600 Hf isotope data on the Archean-Paleoproterozoic zircons from the North China Craton (NCC). Recalculation of the data based on single stage and two-stage Hf model ages of the Eastern Block of the NCC shows peak ages of 3902 ± 13 Ma and 3978 ± 18 Ma, respectively, and also small peaks at 3.5–4.0 Ga. The majority of zircon ε_Hf(t) values are positive, suggesting the possibility of the crust and the mantle differentiation at ca. 3.9–4.0 Ga in the Eastern Block of the NCC. Most magmatic zircons from the whole of NCC have their Hf model age range of 2.4–2.9 Ga, and the single stage model ages is cluster at 2698 ± 4 Ma, whereas the two-stage model ages concentrate at 2714 ± 5 Ma, implying that the protoliths were juvenile crustal rocks. The most prominent peak at 2.7 Ga indicates that this period marks the most important stage of the crust-mantle differentiation and crust formation of the NCC. The widespread 2.5 Ga rocks in the NCC and the absence of the 2.5 Ga peaks in Hf model ages are consistent with the partial melting and reworking of the juvenile rocks at 2.5 Ga. Furthermore, the 2.5–1.7 Ga zircon Hf isotope features are also related to the reworking of the crustal rocks. Our results from the integration of a large database suggest that the Eastern Block and the Trans-North China Orogen have undergone similar crust-mantle differentiation and magmatism, leading to the conclusion that the essential cratonization of the North China took place at the end of Neoarchean.     

Paleozoic multi-stage accretionary evolution of the SW Chinese Tianshan: New constraints from plutonic complex in the Nalati Range

We conducted field investigations, whole-rock geochemical, Sr-Nd and zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic analyses on a suite of intrusive complex in the southern Nalati Range, SW Chinese Tianshan in order to better understand the Paleozoic tectonic and magmatic evolution of the belt. The intrusive complex comprises weakly foliated diorite, low-grade altered diabase, and deformed monzogranite; these plutonic rocks were in turn crosscut by undeformed coarse-grained diorite, granodiorite as well as granite stock. Foliated Late Silurian diorites (421 ± 4 Ma) show arc-type geochemical features, slightly negative whole-rock εNd(t) value (− 1.7; T_DM-Nd = 1.52 Ga) and variably positive zircon εHf(t) values (2.34 to 7.27; T_DM-Hf: 0.95– 1.26 Ga). Deformed Early Devonian porphyritic monzogranites (411 ± 4 Ma) show geochemical features similar to A-type granite, and their zircon εHf(t) values range from − 6.63 to 1.02, with T_DM-Hf ages of 1.82 to 1.33 Ga. Metamorphosed Early Devonian diabases (ca. 410 Ma) have OIB-like REE patterns, εNd(t) values of − 2.0 ~ − 0.8 and T_DM-Nd ages of 1.37– 1.25 Ga. The undeformed Early Carboniferous diorite and granodiorite (353– 344 Ma) exhibit arc-type geochemical features, positive εHf(t) values of 6.11– 7.91 with T_DM-Hf ages of 0.97– 0.86 Ga, and positive εNd(t) value of 1.9 with T_DM-Nd age of 1.04 Ga. The Early Permian granite stock (292 ± 5 Ma) has highly differentiated REE pattern, slightly negative εNd(t) value (− 4.4) and variable zircon εHf(t) values of − 9.73– 6.36. Combining with available data, Early Paleozoic (500– 410 Ma) arc-related magmatic rocks occurring on both sides of the suture zone along the southern Nalati Range, likely resulted from a bi-directional subduction of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean beneath the Yili Block to the north and the Central Tianshan to the south. Occurrences of A-type granites and OIB-like diabases (ca. 410 Ma) along the Nalati Range likely indicate a hot extensional regime probably induced by the break off of the northward subducting slab of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean. The closure of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean and subsequent amalgamation during Early Carboniferous resulted in the regional deformation and metamorphism of the Early Paleozoic arc-related magmatic rocks. From Early to Late Carboniferous, a magmatic arc that corresponded to the well-developed Late Paleozoic Balkhash-Yili active continental margin, superimposed upon the southern Yili Block, most likely resulted from the southward subduction of the Junggar-North Tianshan Ocean. After the closure of the North Tianshan Ocean in Late Carboniferous, the study area was dominated by post-orogenic magmatism.     

Postcollisional magmatism: Geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of Mesozoic granitoids in the Sulu orogen,China

A combined study of zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotopes, mineral O isotopes, whole-rock elements and Sr–Nd isotopes was carried out for Mesozoic granitoids from the Shandong Peninsula in east-central China, which tectonically corresponds to the eastern part of the Sulu orogen that formed by the Triassic continental collision between the South and North China Blocks. Four plutons were investigated in this region, with the Linglong and Guojialing plutons from the northwestern part (Jiaobei) and the Kunyushan and Sanfoshan plutons from the southeastern part (Jiaodong). The results show that these granitoids mostly have high Sr, low Yb and Y contents, high (La/Yb)_N and Sr/Y ratios with negligible to positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.69–1.58), which are similar to common adakites. On the other hand, they have relatively low MgO, Cr, Ni contents and thus low Mg#. Zircon U–Pb dating yields Late Jurassic ages of 141 ± 3 to 157 ± 2 Ma for the Linglong and Kunyushan plutons, but Early Cretaceous ages of 111 ± 2 to 133 ± 3 Ma for the Guojialing and Sanfoshan plutons. Some zircon cores from the Linglong and Kunyushan granitoids have Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages. All the granitoids have variably negative zircon ε_Hf(t) values of ?39.6 to ?5.4, with Mesoproterozoic to Paleoproterozoic Hf model ages of 1515 ± 66 to 2511 ± 97 Ma for the Sanfoshan pluton, but Paleoproterozoic to Paleoarchean Hf model ages of 2125 ± 124 to 3310 ± 96 Ma for the other three plutons. These indicate that the Mesozoic granitoids formed in the postcollisional stage and were derived mainly from partial melting of the subducted South China Block that is characterized by Paleoproterozoic juvenile crust and Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks along its northern edge. However, there are some differences between the Jiaobei and Jiaodong plutons. Compared to the Jiaodong granitoids, the Jiaobei granitoids have very old zircon Hf model ages of 3310 ± 96 Ma suggesting the possible involvement of a Paleoarchean crust that may be derived from the North China Block. Therefore, the continental collision between the two blocks would bring crustal materials from both sides into the subduction zone in the Triassic, yielding subduction-thickened crust as the magma source for the adakite-like granitoids. While lithospheric extension and orogenic collapse are considered a major cause for postcollisional magmatism, anatexis of the subducted mafic crust is proposed as a mechanism for chemical differentiation of the continental crust towards felsic composition.     

Petrogenesis of the early Eocene I-type granites in west Yingjiang (SW Yunnan) and its implication for the eastern extension of the Gangdese batholiths

This study reports new zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopes and whole-rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic data for the gneissic granite and leucogranite from the Nabang metamorphic zone, Yingjiang area (West Yunnan, SW China). The metamorphosed granitoids crystallized during the early Eocene (~ 55–50 Ma) with zircons showing ε_Hf(t) values from + 11 to − 5.3 and crustal model ages of 1.5 to 0.42 Ga, comparable to those of coeval I-type granitoids from the Gangdese batholith, southern Lhasa. The rocks are characterized by metaluminous and weakly peraluminous hornblende-bearing gneissic granites with A/CNK = 0.95–1.09, Na₂O > K₂O, coupled with low initial Sr isotopic values of 0.7049–0.7070 and high ε_Nd(t) values from + 1.1 to − 7.1. The rocks were derived from crustal materials involving ancient upper crust/sedimentary and juvenile mantle-derived rocks. Together with available data from nearby regions, it is proposed that the early Eocene granitoids in the Nabang and Tengliang area can be correlated to the Gangdese granitoids and represent the southeastward continuation of the magmatic arc resulting from the Neotethyan subduction in southern Tibet. The petrogenesis of early Eocene granitoids in western Yunnan was probably related to the rollback of the subducting Neotethyan slab that caused the remelting of the crustal materials newly modified by the underplated basaltic magma.     

Isotope Lu–Hf composition of detrital zircon from paragneisses of the Sharyzhalgai uplift: evidence for the Paleoproterozoic crustal growth

We present results of study of the trace-element and Lu–Hf isotope compositions of zircons from Paleoproterozoic high-grade metasedimentary rocks (paragneisses) of the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton (Irkut terrane of the Sharyzhalgai uplift). Metamorphic zircons are represented by rims and multifaceted crystals dated at ~ 1.85 Ga. They are depleted in either LREE or HREE as a result of subsolidus recrystallization and/or synchronous formation with REE-concentrating garnet or monazite. In contrast to the metamorphic zircons, the detrital cores are enriched in HREE and have high (Lu/Gd)_n ratios, which is typical of igneous zircon. The weak positive correlation between ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf and ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf in the zircon cores evidences that their Hf isotope composition evolved through radioactive decay in Hf = the closed system. Therefore, the isotope parameters of these zircons can give an insight into the provenance of metasedimentary rocks. The Paleoproterozoic detrital zircon cores from paragneisses, dated at ~ 2.3–2.4 and 2.0–1.95 Ga, are characterized by a wide range of ε_Hf values (from + 9.8 to –3.3) and model age T ^C 2.8–2.0 Ga. The provenance of these detrital zircons included both rocks with juvenile isotope Hf parameters and rocks resulted from the recycling of the Archean crust with a varying contribution of juvenile material. Zircons with high positive ε_Hf values were derived from the juvenile Paleoproterozoic crustal sources, whereas the lower ε_Hf and higher T ^C values for zircons suggest the contribution of the Archean crustal source to the formation of their magmatic precursors. Thus, at the Paleoproterozoic stage of evolution of the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton, both crustal recycling and crustal growth through the contribution of juvenile material took place. On the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton, detrital zircons with ages of ~ 2.3–2.4 and 1.95–2.0 Ga are widespread in Paleoproterozoic paragneisses of the Irkut and Angara–Kan terranes and in terrigenous rocks of the Urik–Iya graben, which argues for their common and, most likely, proximal provenances. In the time of metamorphism (1.88–1.85 Ga), the age of Paleoproterozoic detrital zircons (2.4–2.0 Ga), and their Lu–Hf isotope composition (ε_Hf values ranging from positive to negative values) the paragneisses of the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton are similar to the metasedimentary rocks of the Paleoproterozoic orogenic belts of the North China Craton. In the above two regions, the sources of detrital zircons formed by both the reworking of the Archean crust and the contribution of juvenile material, which is evidence for the crustal growth in the period 2.4–2.0 Ga.     

Geologically constraining India in Columbia: The age,isotopic provenance and geochemistry of the protoliths of the Ongole Domain,Southern Eastern Ghats,India

The Ongole Domain in the southern Eastern Ghats Belt of India formed during the final stages of Columbia amalgamation at ca. 1600 Ma. Yet very little is known about the protolith ages, tectonic evolution or geographic affinity of the region. We present new detrital and igneous U–Pb–Hf zircon data and in-situ monazite data to further understand the tectonic evolution of this Columbia-forming orogen.Detrital zircon patterns from the metasedimentary rocks are dominated by major populations of Palaeoproterozoic grains (ca. 2460, 2320, 2260, 2200–2100, 2080–2010, 1980–1920, 1850 and 1750 Ma), and minor Archaean grains (ca. 2850, 2740, 2600 and 2550 Ma). Combined U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf zircon isotopic data suggest that the sedimentary protoliths were not sourced from the adjacent Dharwar Craton. Instead they were likely derived from East Antarctica, possibly the same source as parts of Proterozoic Australia. Magmatism occurred episodically between 1.64 and 1.57 Ga in the Ongole Domain, forming felsic orthopyroxene-bearing granitoids. Isotopically, the granitoids are evolved, producing εHf values between − 2 and − 12. The magmatism is interpreted to have been derived from the reworking of Archaean crust with only a minor juvenile input. Metamorphism between 1.68 and 1.60 Ga resulted in the partial to complete resetting of detrital zircon grains, as well as the growth of new metamorphic zircon at 1.67 and 1.63 Ga. In-situ monazite geochronology indicates metamorphism occurred between 1.68 and 1.59 Ga.The Ongole Domain is interpreted to represent part of an exotic terrane, which was transferred to proto-India in the late Palaeoproterozoic as part of a linear accretionary orogenic belt that may also have included south-west Baltica and south-eastern Laurentia. Given the isotopic, geological and geochemical similarities, the proposed exotic terrane is interpreted to be an extension of the Napier Complex, Antarctica, and may also have been connected to Proterozoic Australia (North Australian Craton and Gawler Craton).     

Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian tectono-magmatic evolution of the Central Iranian terrane,northern margin of Gondwana: Constraints from detrital zircon U–Pb and Hf–O isotope studies

U–Pb dating and oxygen and Lu–Hf isotope analyses are applied to ~ 400 detrital zircon grains from the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian Kahar, Bayandor and Zaigun sandstones. The results reveal the evolutionary history of the Central Iranian continental crust in the northern margin of Gondwana during the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian. The U–Pb dating produces major peaks of crystallization ages at 0.5–0.7 Ga and minor peaks around the Tonian, Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean. The zircon population in the Zaigun sandstone is dominated by long-transported grains and exhibits slightly different zircon distribution patterns than those from the older Kahar and Bayandor units. The zircon population ages and Hf isotopes of the Zaigun sample are very similar to the Neoproterozoic–Early Palaeozoic siliciclastic units in the Arabian Nubian shield (ANS) and Turkey, which suggests the late to post–Pan-African unroofing of the Afro–Arabia realm as the main process for detritus accumulation in Central Iran during the early Palaeozoic. A significant proportion of the Tonian-aged zircons (~ 64%) in the Kahar and Bayandor samples show positive εHf_(t) values, whereas those with late Cryogenian–Ediacaran ages have high δ¹⁸O and variable εHf_(t) values (~− 30‰ to + 17‰), suggesting that the crustal evolution of provenance of the Tonian-aged zircons commenced in an island arc setting and continued in an active continental margin. All the samples contain pre-Neoproterozoic zircons that are ca 1.9–2.3 Ga or 2.5–3.2 Ga, which are much older than the known Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in Iran and are more consistent with pre-Neoproterozoic igneous-metamorphic rocks in the eastern ANS and northern Africa. These ages support the eastern sector of the Afro–Arabia margin as a provenance for the detrital zircons in the oldest sedimentary sequences of Iran during the late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian. The Hf model ages of zircons with mantle-like δ¹⁸O values suggest that a significant amount of continental crust in the provenance of the detrital zircons was generated at around 1.0–2.0 and 3.0–3.5 Ga, likely by mantle-derived mafic magmas, and subsequently reworked during crustal differentiation into younger, more felsic crust with varying crustal residence times.     

Mesoproterozoic arc magmatism in SE India: Petrology,zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of the Bopudi felsic suite from Eastern Ghats Belt

The southern segment of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) in India was an active convergent margin during Mesoproterozoic, prior to the final collision in Neoproterozoic during the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. Here we present mineralogical, whole-rock geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic data from a granitoid suite in the Bopudi region in the EGGB. The granitoid complex comprises quartz monzodiorite with small stocks of rapakivi granites. The monzodiorite, locally porphyritic, contains K-feldspar megacrysts, plagioclase, quartz, biotite and ortho-amphibole. The presence of mantled ovoid megacrysts of alkali feldspar embaying early-formed quartz, and the presence of two generations of the phenocrystic phases in the rapakivi granites indicate features typical of rapakivi granites. The K-feldspar phenocrysts in the rapakivi granite are mantled by medium-grained aggregates of microcline (Ab₇ Or₉₃), which is compositionally equivalent to the rim of Kfs phenocryst and Pl (An_23–24 Ab₇₅). The geochemistry of both the granitoids shows arc-like features for REE and trace elements. LA-ICP-MS zircon analyses reveal ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 1582 (MSWD = 1.4) for the rapakivi granite 1605 ± 3 Ma (MSWD = 3.9) for the monzodiorite. The zircons from all the granitoid samples show high REE contents, prominent HREE enrichment and a conspicuous negative Eu anomaly, suggesting a common melt source. The zircons from the monzodiorite have a limited variation in initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios of 0.28171–0.28188, with εHf(t) values of −2.2 to +2.8. Correspondingly, their two-stage Hf isotope model ages (T_DM2) ranging from 2.15 to 2.47 Ga probably suggest a mixed source for the magma involving melting of the Paleoproterozoic basement and injection of subduction-related juvenile magmas. The prominent Mesoproterozoic ages of these granitoids suggest subduction-related arc magmatism in a convergent margin setting associated with the amalgamation of the Columbia-derived fragments within the Neoproterozoic Rodinia assembly.