The role of extensional tectonics at different crustal levels on granite ascent and emplacement: an example from Tuscany (Italy)

The role of regional extension on the rise and emplacement of granites in the crust is still debated. Pluton ascent and emplacement widely occurred in Tuscany (Italy) since late Miocene during the post-orogenic collapse of the inner Apennines, and are presently occurring in the geothermal areas of Amiata and Larderello. Tuscany offers a preferred test site to study the role of regional extension on pluton ascent and emplacement at different crustal levels. Ductile extension enhanced the segregation and ascent of granitic melts in the lower crust, controlling pluton emplacement in correspondence with the brittle–ductile transition. In the brittle crust, magma ascent occurred through subvertical faults and fractures compatible with the regional extension direction; pluton emplacement mainly occurred by means of roof lifting. The case of Tuscany suggests that the extensional structures enhance melt segregation and ascent in the ductile crust, but are not efficient alone to provide a pathway for the ascent of granitic magmas in the brittle-extending crust. The estimated magmatic strain rates due to pluton emplacement in the geothermal areas are much larger than the regional tectonic strain rates. This suggests that regional tectonics did not control magma emplacement in the brittle crust and explains why nontectonic processes (roof lifting) accommodated the space required for pluton emplacement.     

Extensional shear zones as imaged by reflection seismic lines: the Larderello geothermal field (central Italy)

The Larderello geothermal field is located in the Inner Northern Apennines, in an area which has been subject to extension since the Early Miocene. The latest extensional episode (Pliocene–Present) has resulted in the formation of NW-trending, NE-dipping listric normal faults, whose geometry is controlled down to 3 km by borehole data. In this paper, we integrate a new interpretation of seismic reflection lines with existing seismic, field, and borehole data to analyse the relations among listric normal faults, the top of the brittle–ductile transition, and the migration of geothermal fluids.In accordance with previous interpretations, we consider the strong reflector (K-horizon) marking the top of the reflective mid-lower crust, and located at a depth of 3–5 km in the geothermal area, to represent the top of the brittle–ductile transition. Its reflectivity most probably derives from the presence of overpressured fluids. We identify three main NW-trending, NE-dipping extensional brittle shear zones, showing listric geometry and soling out in the vicinity of the K-horizon. The latter appears to be dislocated in correspondence of the soling out of the shear zones. These shear zones, because of the associated intense fracturing, represent the most natural channels of upward migration of geothermal fluids from the magmatic sources located below the K-horizon.We suggest that these two conclusions—that listric normal faults root at or near the brittle–ductile transition, and that they act as preferential upward migration paths for magmatic fluids—may be of general validity for geothermal fields located in extensional settings.     

Magmatic Evolution of the Skye Igneous Centre, Western Scotland: Modelling of Assimilation, Recharge and Fractional Crystallization

The Skye igneous centre, forming part of the British Tertiarymagmatic province, developed over a 7 Myr period (61–54Ma) and is characterized by a complex suite of lavas, hypabyssaland intrusive rocks of picritic to granitic composition. Theintrusion of magma from mantle to crust at 2x10^–3km³/yr(6 Mt/yr) advected magmatic heat of roughly 0·2 GW averagedover the period of magmatism supporting an ‘excess’heat flux of about 130 mW/m², or about twice the present-dayaverage continental heat flow. The volume of new crust generatedat Skye (15000 km³) spread over the present-day area of Skyecorresponds to 9 km of new crust. The geochemical evolutionof the Skye magmatic system is constrained using the Energy-ConstrainedRecharge, Assimilation, and Fractional Crystallization (EC-RAFC)model to understand variations in the Sr- and Pb-isotopic andSr trace-element composition of the exposed magmatic rocks withtime. The character (composition and specific enthalpy) of bothassimilant and recharge magma appears to change systematicallyup-section, suggesting that the magma reservoirs migrated toprogressively shallower levels as the system matured. The modelof the magma transport system that emerges is one in which magmabatches are stored initially at lower-crustal levels, wherethey undergo RAFC evolution. Residual magma from this stagethen migrates to shallower levels, where mid-crustal wall rockis assimilated; the recharge magma at this level is characterizedby an increasingly crustal signature. For some of the stratigraphicallyyoungest rocks, the data suggest that the magma reservoirs ascendedinto, and interacted with, upper-crustal Torridonian metasediments. KEY WORDS: assimilation; EC-RAFC model; geochemical modelling; magma recharge; Skye magmatism     

Rates of Thermal and Chemical Evolution of Magmas in a Cooling Magma Chamber: a Chronological and Theoretical Study on Basaltic and Andesitic Lavas from Rishiri Volcano, Japan

Rates of magmatic processes in a cooling magma chamber wereinvestigated for alkali basalt and trachytic andesite lavaserupted sequentially from Rishiri Volcano, northern Japan, bydating of these lavas using ²³⁸U–²³⁰Th radioactive disequilibriumand ¹⁴C dating methods, in combination with theoretical analyses.We obtained the eruption age of the basaltic lavas to be 29·3± 0·6 ka by ¹⁴C dating of charcoals. The eruptionage of the andesitic lavas was estimated to be 20·2 ±3·1 ka, utilizing a whole-rock isochron formed by U–Thfractionation as a result of degassing after lava emplacement.Because these two lavas represent a series of magmas producedby assimilation and fractional crystallization in the same magmachamber, the difference of the ages (i.e. 9 kyr) is a timescaleof magmatic evolution. The thermal and chemical evolution ofthe Rishiri magma chamber was modeled using mass and energybalance constraints, as well as quantitative information obtainedfrom petrological and geochemical observations on the lavas.Using the timescale of 9 kyr, the thickness of the magma chamberis estimated to have been about 1·7 km. The model calculationsshow that, in the early stage of the evolution, the magma cooledat a relatively high rate (>0·1°C/year), and thecooling rate decreased with time. Convective heat flux fromthe main magma body exceeded 2 W/m² when the magma was basaltic,and the intensity diminished exponentially with magmatic evolution.Volume flux of crustal materials to the magma chamber and rateof convective melt exchange (compositional convection) betweenthe main magma and mush melt also decreased with time, from 0·1 m/year to 10^–3 m/year, and from 1 m/yearto 10^–2 m/year, respectively, as the magmas evolved frombasaltic to andesitic compositions. Although the mechanism ofthe cooling (i.e. thermal convection and/or compositional convection)of the main magma could not be constrained uniquely by the model,it is suggested that compositional convection was not effectivein cooling the main magma, and the magma chamber is consideredto have been cooled by thermal convection, in addition to heatconduction. KEY WORDS: convection; magma chamber; heat and mass transport; timescale; U-series disequilibria     

On the geodynamics of the Alpine collisional granitoids from Central Anatolia: petrology,age and isotopic characteristics of the granitoids of the Ekecikdağ Igneous Association (Aksaray/Turkey)

Granitoids of the Ekecikda? Igneous Association (Central Anatolia/Turkey) are products of collisional–post-collisional magmatism in the Ekecikda? area. These granitoids are granodiorite, microgranite and leucogranite. Field relations of granodiorites with microgranites is obscured, but leucogranites intrude both rock types. Mean zircon laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS ²⁰⁶Pb-²³⁸U ages of granodiorites and microgranites are 84.52 ± 0.93 Ma and 80.7 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively, and age of leucogranites is suggested as 80 Ma, based on field relations combined with ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U and Rb-Sr ages. Crystallisation temperatures of granodiorites, microgranites and leucogranites are 728°C-848°C, 797°C-880°C, 704°C-809°C, respectively.

Geochemical characteristics including Sr-Nd isotopic evidences infer a non-cogenetic character, as there is a high crustal contribution in I-type granodiorite sources, a crustal source with insignificant and significant mantle inputs in S-type microgranites and leucogranites, respectively. LA-ICP-MS Lu-Hf isotope data from zircons reveal their crustal nature (εHf_(t): ?1.3 ± 0.5 to ?8.8 ± 0.5). Crustal melting linked to the Alpine thickening during the Late Cretaceous led to formation of heterogeneous sourced granitoids with crustal dominated sources in the Ekecikda? area. Understanding of the nature and evolution of collisional Ekecikda? granitoids is not only important to put contribution in the geodynamic evolution of Central Anatolia and surrounding Alpine area, but also to better understand systematics of collisional magmatic systems.     

Subduction-related 200 Ma Talun metagranite,SE Taiwan: an age constraint for palaeo-Pacific plate subduction beneath South China Block during the Mesozoic

Various tectonic models have been proposed to account for the widely distributed igneous activities in the southeastern part of the South China Block (SCB) during the Triassic–Jurassic period. One of the major contending debates is on the timing of initiation of the palaeo-Pacific plate subduction under the SCB, due to lack of unequivocal evidence for arc magmatism during the period in this region.

The 191 ± 10 Ma (N = 5, MSWD = 12) calc-alkalic high-K I-type Talun metagranite occurs in the southern Tailuko belt of the Tananao metamorphic complex, Taiwan. In terms of age, this metagranite belongs to the Early Yanshanian igneous activity in the southeastern part of the SCB. However, its geographic position does not accord with the well-known general oceanward younging trend of the Yansnanian igneous rocks. In view of the large age uncertainty reported, this metagranite is redated in this study. Some zircons of this metagranite are high in U content and are metamict. Zircons with low U contents are analysed by SHRIMP yielding a more precise age of 200 ± 2 Ma (N = 10, MSWD = 4). In particular, the εHf(t) of these dated zircons ranges from +4.5 to +12.9. The metagranite mainly consists of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, with minor amounts of garnet, biotite, zircon, apatite, and pyrrhotite. Chlorite and calcite are secondary phases overprinted by the later tectonic event(s). Its initial Sr isotope compositional range is 0.70473–0.70588, and εNd(t), +2.4 to +3.6. The results demonstrate that the genesis of this metagranite could be attributed to the assimilation-fractionation of a depleted mantle-derived basaltic magma, which was most likely related to arc magmatism. The present study therefore offers key evidence that during the Mesozoic, the palaeo-Pacific plate subduction underneath the SCB would have taken place no later than the very early Jurassic.     

Origin and evolution of Pliocene–Pleistocene granites from the Larderello geothermal field (Tuscan Magmatic Province, Italy)

Extensive, mainly acidic peraluminous magmatism affected the Tuscan Archipelago and the Tuscan mainland since late Miocene, building up the Tuscan Magmatic Province (TMP) as the Northern Apennine fold belt was progressively thinned, heated and intruded by mafic magmas. Between 3.8 and 1.3 Ma an intrusive complex was built on Larderello area (Tuscan mainland) by emplacement of multiple intrusions of isotopically and geochemically distinct granite magmas. Geochemical and isotopic investigations were carried out on granites cored during drilling exploration activity on the Larderello geothermal field. With respect to the other TMP granites the Larderello intrusives can be classified as two-mica granites due to the ubiquitous presence of small to moderate amounts of F-rich magmatic muscovite. They closely resemble the almost pure crustal TMP acidic rocks and do not show any of the typical petrographic features commonly observed in the TMP hybrid granites (enclaves, patchy zoning of plagioclase, amphibole clots). On the basis of major and trace elements, as well as REE patterns, two groups of granites were proposed: LAR-1 granites (3.8–2.3 Ma) originated by biotite-muscovite breakdown, and LAR-2 granites (2.3–1.3 Ma) generated by muscovite breakdown. At least three main crustal sources (at 14–23 km depth), characterized by distinct ε_Nd(t) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values, were involved at different times, and the magmas produced were randomly emplaced at shallow levels (3–6 km depth) throughout the entire field. The partial melting of a biotite-muscovite-rich source with low ε_Nd(t) value (about −10.5) produced the oldest intrusions (about 3.8–2.5 Ma). Afterwards (2.5–2.3 Ma), new magmas were generated by another biotite-rich source having a distinctly higher ε_Nd(t) value (−7.9). Finally, a muscovite-rich source with high ε_Nd(t) (about −8.9) gave origin to the younger group of granites (2.3–1.0 Ma). The significant Sr isotope disequilibrium recorded by granites belonging to the same intrusion is interpreted, as due to the short residence time of magmas in the source region followed by their rapid transfer to the emplacement level. Partial melting was probably triggered by multiple, small-sized mafic intrusions, distributed over the last 3.8 Ma that allowed temporary overstepping of biotite- and muscovite-dehydration melting reactions into an already pre-heated crust. Dilution in time of the magmatic activity probably prevented melt mingling and homogenization at depth, as well as the formation of a single, homogeneous, hybrid pluton at the emplacement level. Moreover the high concentrations of fluxing elements (B, F, Li) estimated for the LAR granites modified melt properties by reducing solidus temperatures, decreasing viscosity and increasing H₂O solubility in granite melts. The consequences were a more efficient, fast, magma extraction and transfer from the source, and a prolonged time of crystallization at the emplacement level. These key factors explain the long-lived hydrothermal activity recorded in this area by both fossil (Plio-Quaternary ore deposits) and active (Larderello geothermal field) systems.     

Zircon Hf Isotopic Evidence for Mixing of Crustal and Silicic Mantle-derived Magmas in a Zoned Granite Pluton, Eastern Australia

Zircon Hf isotopic data from a zoned pluton of the Moonbi supersuite,New England batholith, eastern Australia, are consistent withmagma mixing between two silicic melts, each derived from isotopicallydistinct sources. Although zircons from three zones within theWalcha Road pluton give a U–Pb crystallization age of249 ± 3 Ma, zircon populations from each zone have arange in _Hf. Zircons from the mafic hornblende–biotitemonzogranite pluton margin and intermediate zones have _Hf +5to +11, whereas those from the more felsic centre of the plutonhave _Hf +7 to +16, representing a total variation of 11 _Hfunits. The Lu–Hf depleted mantle model ages range from650 to 250 Ma, with the younger zircons present only in thefelsic pluton centre. The variation in _Hf indicates the involvementof silicic melts from at least two sources, one a crustal componentwith a Neoproterozoic model age and the other a primitive mantle-derivedcomponent with model ages similar to the U–Pb crystallizationage of the pluton. The zircons reflect the isotopic compositionsof the different proportions of crustal-derived silicic melt,relative to mantle-derived silicic melt, between melt generationand final pluton construction. The Walcha Road pluton is consideredto have formed by incremental assembly of progressively morefelsic melt batches resulting from mixing, replenishment andcrystal–melt separation, with final pluton constructioninvolving mechanical concentration as zones of crystal mush.The zoned pluton and, more broadly, the Moonbi supersuite provideexamples of magma mixing by which the more silicic units havemore juvenile isotopic compositions as a result of increasingproportions of residual melt from basalt fractionation, relativeto crustal partial melt. KEY WORDS: Australia; granite magma mixing; zircon; zoned pluton; Hf isotopes     

Hybridization of a Shallow 'I-type' Granitoid Pluton and its Host Migmatite by Magma-Chamber Wall Collapse: the Tokuwa Pluton, Central Japan

The Miocene Tokuwa pluton of ‘I-type’ granitoidaffinity was emplaced discordantly into a Cretaceous to Paleogeneaccretionary complex and induced a contact aureole in whichvarious thermally metamorphosed rocks were developed, includinghornfels, metatexite, diatexite and cordierite-bearing tonalite(Crd-tonalite) of ‘S-type’ granite affinity. Thethermally metamorphosed rocks show low-pressure reaction texturesculminating in partial melting. Peak P–T conditions of3 kbar at 780°C are estimated on the basis of the TWQ thermobarometerfor the garnet-bearing rocks. The rocks in the contact aureoleexhibit a gradual transition from hornfels, through metatexiteand diatexite to Crd-tonalite. The Sr-isotopic composition atthe time of Tokuwa pluton emplacement at 12 Ma decreases systematicallyfrom metatexite (0·7100–0·7112) throughdiatexite (0·7078–0·7094) to Crd-tonalite(0·7067–0·7068); this trend is interpretedin terms of mixing between the Tokuwa magma and the aureolemigmatites. The field relationships, geochemical data, and isotopicdata collectively suggest that the emplacement of the Tokuwapluton triggered partial melting of the surrounding metasedimentaryrocks. Subsequent hybridization of the Tokuwa magma with themetatexite in variable proportions produced the Crd-tonaliteand diatexite. The hybridization was caused by invasion of theTokuwa magma into the migmatite zone, accompanied by gravitationalcollapse of the previously crystallized wall of the magma chamber.The data presented demonstrate that even a relatively low-temperature,shallow, ‘I-type’ granitoid pluton can induce contactanatexis and hybrid ‘S-type’ granitoid formationat the intrusive contact. KEY WORDS: contact metamorphism; hybridization; magma–host-rock interaction; migmatite; ‘S-type’ granitoid     

Sedimentology in metamorphic rocks,the Willyama Supergroup,Broken Hill,Australia

In the upper greenschist to granulite grade rocks of the Willyama Supergroup at Broken Hill, Australia, earlier recognition of metamorphosed graded bedding in siliciclastic metasedimentary rocks led to interpretations of these rocks as deep-water turbidites. However, graded beds can also be deposited in shelfal environments below storm wave base. This study identified other tempestite features including wave oscillation ripples, hummocky cross-stratification and swaley cross-stratification indicating that deposition took place above the wave base of the larger storms.

Albitised metasedimentary rocks of the upper Thackaringa Group show structures such as swaley cross-stratification typical of shallow-water conditions above fair-weather wave base. Deposition of the Broken Hill Group commenced with muddy Allendale Metasediments conformable on the Thackaringa Group. The Ettlewood Calc-Silicate Member, originally a dolomitic, siliceous sediment, is interpreted as coastal sabkha indicating onset of a marine transgression. The Parnell Gneiss represents a volcanic or volcaniclastic interruption, heralding gradually increasing input of sand in the Freyers Metasediments reaching a maximum in middle Freyers Metasediments, followed by an abrupt reversion to mud, still influenced by wave action. An open marine shelf is interpreted, possibly 30 m deep (no more than 100 m) in the final stage of a developing rift. The Broken Hill Group terminated with the massive Hores Gneiss volcanic unit.

Sedimentation of the siliciclastic Sundown Group took place in similar conditions, commencing with a muddy interval overlying the Hores Gneiss. The shallowing produced by ～90 m thickness of volcanic/volcaniclastic Hores Gneiss was compensated by subsidence.

Paragon Group deposition commenced with substantial black mud, resulting from isolation from the sand supply and probably isolation from the sea. A fresh connection to the sea led first to the deposition of dolomitic carbonate (King Gunnia Calc-Silicate Member), then to deposition of parallel-laminated fine sand below wave base (upper Cartwrights Creek Metasediments), followed by ripple cross-laminated sand above wave base (Bijerkerno Metasediments). The Dalnit Bore Metasediments show abundant very thin graded silt–mud units possibly deposited below storm wave base, and thicker units of stacked wave oscillation ripples deposited above the wave base of larger storms.

The Broken Hill orebody is hosted by altered Broken Hill Group metasedimentary rocks deposited at water depths of ～30 m. Unless the ore fluid temperature was less than 150°C, it is likely that the orebody formed below the seafloor: at such shallow-water depths, the confining pressure would be inadequate to suppress boiling of hotter rising hydrothermal fluids.     

Post-orogenic shoshonitic magmas of the Yzerfontein pluton,South Africa: the ‘smoking gun’ of mantle melting and crustal growth during Cape granite genesis?

The post-orogenic Yzerfontein pluton, in the Saldania Belt of South Africa was constructed through numerous injections of shoshonitic magmas. Most magma compositions are adequately modelled as products of fractionation, but the monzogranites and syenogranites may have a separate origin. A separate high-Mg mafic series has a less radiogenic mantle source. Fine-grained magmatic enclaves in the intermediate shoshonitic rocks are autoliths. The pluton was emplaced between 533 ± 3 and 537 ± 3 Ma (LA-SF-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon), essentially synchronously with many granitic magmas of the Cape Granite Suite (CGS). Yzerfontein may represent a high-level expression of the mantle heat source that initiated partial melting of the local crust and produced the CGS granitic magmas, late in the Saldanian Orogeny. However, magma mixing is not evident at emplacement level and there are no magmatic kinships with the I-type granitic rocks of the CGS. The mantle wedge is inferred to have been enriched during subduction along the active continental margin. In the late- to post-orogenic phase, the enriched mantle partially melted to produce heterogeneous magma batches, exemplified by those that formed the Yzerfontein pluton, which was further hybridised through minor assimilation of crustal materials. Like Yzerfontein, the small volumes of mafic rocks associated with many batholiths, worldwide, are probably also low-volume, high-level expressions of crustal growth through the emplacement of major amounts of mafic magma into the deep crust.     

Age, Origin and Cooling History of the Coronel Joao Sa Pluton, Bahia, Brazil

In north-east Brazil, Archean and Paleoproterozoic cratonicblocks are enclosed within a network of Brasiliano-age (0·7–0·55Ga) metasedimentary foldbelts. The unfoliated Coronel JoãoSá granodiorite pluton, which contains magmatic epidoteand strongly resorbed clinopyroxene, intrudes the SergipanoFoldbelt. Zircons yield a concordant U–Pb crystallizationage of 625 ± 2 Ma; titanite ages are approximately 621Ma. Discordant zircons suggest inheritance from at least twomagma sources of ages <1·8 and >2·2 Ga.Model calculations based on diffusion parameters and Rb–Srisotope data from separated minerals indicate that the plutoncooled at a rate of 36°C/Myr. Whole-rock element compositionsand initial Sr–Nd isotopic compositions that are heterogeneouson all length scales suggest magma mixing. Trace-element concentrationsand Nd isotope data argue against a contribution from a contemporaneousmantle-derived magma. Values of magmatic _Nd (at 625 Ma) resemblecontemporary _Nd for local supracrustal rocks and basement, compatiblewith anatexis of a crustal source. In north-east Brazil, cratonicblocks could have amalgamated with foldbelts that originatedas: (1) a mosaic of island arcs and arc basins (traditionalallochthonous model), or as (2) extensional continental sedimentarybasins (but not oceanic crust) later involved in collision (autochthonousmodel). The Coronel João Sá isotopic and chemicaldata support an autochthonous origin. KEY WORDS: Brasiliano Orogeny; granodiorite pluton; Rb–Sr isotopes, Sm–Nd isotopes; U–Pb isotopes, magma cooling rate     

Magnetic fabrics and microstructures of the Jurassic Shah-Kuh granite pluton (Lut Block, Eastern Iran) and geodynamic inference

The Jurassic Shah-Kuh granite pluton was emplaced in the northeastern part of the Lut Block (Eastern Iran) while this block was a part of the active margin under which the Tethys ocean, that separated Arabia from Central Iran, was subducting. Since this time, the Lut Block has rotated and migrated northward up to its present position. This structural study of the Shah-Kuh aims at strengthening the evidence of its original geodynamical location. Thanks to a systematic collection of oriented samples in the field, well-defined fabric and microstructural patterns were deduced from magnetic fabric measurements and optical microscopy observations. The overall magnetic fabric of the pluton yields vertical, north–south striking foliations and shallow lineations plunging to the north. The corresponding microstructures attest to their formation in the magmatic stage, i.e. during emplacement. Subsequent deformation, characterized by (sub)mylonitic microstructures, has modified the original fabric into a northwest and locally a west–northwest trend inside a two kilometre-wide corridor. This corridor reflects the trace of a sinistral shear zone that offsets the previous north–south magmatic pattern of the pluton. The latter magmatic pattern is proposed to result from the shear component of strain that was parallel to the ancient active margin during pluton emplacement, as a result of strain partitioning, a situation frequently documented at convergent margins. Sinistral shear along an  E–W directed south-facing active margin, assuming a northeastward slip vector for the Tethys ocean during the Jurassic, and accepting a  150° counterclockwise rotation of the Lut Block after emplacement of the Shah-Kuh pluton, best explains both the magmatic and the solid-state lineation patterns.     

An Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotope Study of the Skaergaard Intrusion and its Country Rocks: a Description of a 55 M.Y. Old Fossil Hydrothermal System

Oxygen isotope analyses have been obtained on rocks and coexistingminerals, principally plagioclase and clinopyroxene, from about400 samples of the Skaergaard layered gabbro intrusion and itscountry rocks. The ¹⁸O values of plagioclase decrease upwardin the intrusion, from ‘normal’ values of about+6.0 to +6.4 in the Lower Zone and parts of the Middle Zone,to values as low as –2.4 in the Upper Border Group. The¹⁸O depletions of the plagioclase all took place under subsolidusconditions, and were produced by the Eocene meteoric-hydrothermalsystem established by this pluton. Clinopyroxene, which is moreresistant to ¹⁸O exchange than is plagioclase, also underwentdepletion in ¹⁸O, but to a lesser degree (¹⁸O = +5.2 to +3.5).The ¹⁸O-depleted rocks typically show reversed ¹⁸Oplag–pxfractionations, except at the top of the Upper Zone, where thepyroxenes are very fine-grained aggregates pseudomorphous afterferrowollastonite; these inverted pyroxenes were much more susceptibleto subsolidus ¹⁸O exchange (¹⁸O = +3–9 to +0.7). D/H analysesof the chloritized basalt country rocks and of the minor quantitiesof alteration minerals in the pluton (D = –116 to –149)confirm these interpretations, indicating that the rocks interactedwith meteoric groundwaters having an original D –100.and ¹⁸O –14. Low D values ( –125) were also foundthroughout the biotites of the Precambrian basement gneiss,requiring that small amounts of water penetrated downward todepths of at least 6 to 10 km. These values, together with thelack of ¹⁸O depletion of the gneiss, imply that the overallwater/rock ratios were very small in that unit (<0.01), andthus that convective circulation of these waters was much morevigorous in the overlying highly jointed plateau basalts (¹⁸O –4.0 to +4–0) than in the relatively impermeablegneiss (¹⁸O +7–3 to +7–7). This contrast in permeabilitiesof the country rocks is also reflected in the distribution of¹⁸O values in the pluton; the plagioclases with ‘normal’¹⁸O values all lie stratigraphically beneath the projectionof the basalt-gneiss unconformity through the pluton. Elsewhere,the ¹⁸O depletions are correlated with abundance of fracturesand faults, particularly in the NE portion of the intrusion,where the Layered Series is very shallow-dipping and permeablebasalts underlie the gabbro. The transgressive granophyres in the lower part of the intrusivehave ¹⁸O values identical to those of the basement gneiss, indicatingthey were probably formed by partial melting of stoped blocksof gneiss. In the upper part of the intrusion these granophyredikes have ¹⁸O values similar to the adjacent host gabbro; thissuggests that much of the hydrothermal alteration occurred aftertheir emplacement. However, because of the rarity of low-temperaturehydrous alteration minerals, it is also clear that most of theinflux of H₂O into the layered gabbro occurred at very hightemperatures (>400–500 °C). Prior to flowing intothe gabbro, these fluids had exchanged with similar mineralassemblages in the basaltic country rocks, explaining the lackof chemical alteration of the gabbro. Xenoliths of roof rockbasalt and of Upper Border Group leucogabbro were strongly depletedin ¹⁸O by the hydrothermal system prior to their falling tothe bottom of the magma chamber and being incorporated in thelayered series. This proves that the hydrothermal system wasestablished very early, at the time of emplacement of the Skaergaardintrusion. However, no measurable ¹⁸O depletion of the gabbromagma could be detected, indicating that very little H₂O penetrateddirectly into the liquid magma, in spite of the fact that ahydrothermal circulation system totally enveloped the magmachamber for at least 100, 000 years during its entire periodof crystallization. Only as crystallization proceeded was thehydrothermal system able to collapse inward and interact withthe solidified and fractured portions of the gabbro. Neverthelesssome H₂O was clearly added directly to the magma by dehydrationof the stoped blocks of altered roof rock. It is also plausiblethat small amounts of meteoric water diffused directly intothe magma, most logically in the vicinity of major fracturezones that penetrated close to, or were underneath, the late-stagesheet of differentiated ferrodiorite magma. It is suggestedthat such influx of meteoric waters was responsible for manyof the gabbro pegmatite bodies that are common in the MarginalBorder Group; also, such H₂O might have produced local increasesin Fe⁺³/Fe⁺² in the magma that in turn could explain some ofthe asymmetric crystallization effects in the magma chamber.Local lowering of the liquidus temperature would also occur,perhaps leading to topographic irregularities on the floor ofthe magma chamber (e.g. the trough bands?).     

Igneous banding, schlieren and mafic enclaves in calc-alkaline granites: The Budduso pluton (Sardinia)

This study deals with the origin of igneous layering in plutons, and, especially, the extent layering is related to mafic–silicic magma interactions. The Budduso pluton (Sardinia) shows three main scales of organization.(i) Large scale lithological variations correspond to three main magmatic units, with differentiation increasing from the Outer (hornblende-bearing biotite granodiorite/monzogranite) to the Middle (biotite monzogranite) and the Inner (leucomonzogranite) units. The striking homogeneity of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios (0.7090 ± 4) and ε_Nd(t) values (− 5.6 ± 0.1) strongly suggests that magma isotopic equilibration was achieved prior to emplacement, whereas mixing/mingling structures observed within the pluton reflect second-stage processes involving broadly cogenetic components.(ii) Metre to decametre-scale igneous layering may be isomodal or modally-graded, locally with cross-layering. Biotite and plagioclase compositions are similar in both biotite-rich and quartzofeldspathic layers, as are the trace-element patterns which differ only by relative abundances. This precludes an origin by fractional crystallization. A penetrative submagmatic fabric superimposed on the layering and corresponding mainly to flattening can be ascribed to interference between pluton growth and regional deformation.(iii) Composite layering and schlieren are commonly associated to mafic microgranular enclaves, locally within synmagmatic shear zones or disrupted synplutonic dykes. In that case, there is a progressive shift in biotite X_Fe values from the core of enclave ( 0.65) to the host monzogranite ( 0.72): schlieren in the monzogranite show biotite X_Fe values similar to that of the host rock, whereas schlieren close to mafic enclaves show lower X_Fe values ( 0.69) towards those of enclave rims.These features can be ascribed to three main processes: (i) assembly of differentiated (± mixed/mingled) magmatic pulses; (ii) local hydrodynamic sorting related to density currents in a mush, and segregation of residual melt; (iii) mechanical disruption and chemical hybridization of mafic magmas during ascent or within the pluton related to magma dynamics. None of these processes affect the whole pluton but they are limited to specific magmatic units. Therefore, pluton growth by incremental assembly of magma batches is not incompatible with magma chamber processes.     

Dynamic Relationship Between Entrainment Rate and Summer Monsoon in the Transition Area of Monsoon in the East of Northwest China

Entrainment rate refers to the ratio of surrounding air quality to air quality involved in rising unit distance, including turbulent entrainment and dynamic entrainment, which are applied to the boundary layer parametrization of convective clouds, the improvement of numerical model, the observation of cloud droplet spectral dispersion and the study of tropical cyclones.Based on the daily data at 07:00 and 19:00 every 10 m of five stations such as Minqin, Yuchong, Pingliang, Yinchuan and Yan'an from May to September during 2006-2016, combined with the daily observation data on the ground, the Entrainment Rates(ER) of different heights were calculated, and the relationships between ER and height in different regions, precipitation as well as monsoon during the monsoon period were further obtained. The main results were as follows:\mathrm{①} The ER was proportional to air temperature and saturated water vapor pressure, but inversely proportional to relative humidity. The relative humidity threshold of cloud was 65%. The higher the relative humidity threshold was, the lower the cloud height of different orders of precipitation was, and the cloud height was higher with the increase of rainfall. \mathrm{②}ER had obvious diurnal changes and regional differences: It was obviously smaller at 07:00 than at 19:00 from ground to 3 km, which weakened with the increase of height in the near surface , but strengthened with the increase of height above 500 m; From small to large, the monsoon affected area, the monsoon swing area and the non-monsoon area were in turn, and there was no regional difference above 3 km. \mathrm{③} ER was closely related to the intensity and property of precipitation in monsoon period. The ER weakened with the enhancement of rain intensity from near ground to below 600 m, but strengthened with the enhancement of rain intensity from 500 m to 2~3 km.From near ground to below 700 m, the ER of stable precipitation was strong, but that of convective precipitation was strong above 700 m. The convective precipitation had big saturated water vapor pressure and strong ER , while the stable precipitation had big saturated water vapor density, rich water vapor but weak ER. \mathrm{④}The relationship between ER and monsoon as well as its duration: From no monsoon to monsoon ER was weakened, the strongest maximum height was also decreasing. There was no significant difference in the duration of ER between the non-monsoon area and the monsoon affected area, but the longer the monsoon swing area lasted in the near ground layer, the smaller the ER was, while the opposite was at 1~2 km in the high altitude. \mathrm{⑤}The relationship between ER and the APO monsoon intensity index showed that: At 07:00, the ER strengthened with height from near ground to below 800 m, but weakened with height above 800 m,and the monsoon intensity was not related to the ER. At 19:00, the ER strengthened with the height near ground but weakened with the height above 300 m, and the stronger the monsoon was, the smaller the ER was. The ER weakened with the decrease of boundary layer height.     

Paleomagnetic evidence for the emplacement mechanism of an enigmatic boulder accumulation on a coastal cliff top in New South Wales: implications for the Australian Megatsunami Hypothesis

Paleomagnetic sampling and measurement of a boulder accumulation on Little Beecroft Head on the Illawarra coastline of New South Wales was undertaken to evaluate potential emplacement mechanisms. This deposit is of central importance in the Australian Megatsunami Hypothesis (AMH) debate, but to date, there has been no unequivocal determination of its provenance. The most likely emplacement mechanisms are by slow collapse during denudation of overlying strata, storm wave overwash or a combination of these. Characteristic Remanent Magnetisation (ChRM) directions were obtained from 15 individual boulders and the in situ bedrock platform on which they currently rest. The in situ Permian bedrock has a normal polarity mean ChRM direction of D/I = 1.6°/–66.7° (α₉₅ = 5.2°; k = 33.9) that is statistically indistinguishable from the Present Earth Field direction at the site. The magnetisation is most likely due to Cenozoic/recent weathering, which is common in surficial rocks throughout the Sydney Basin. ChRM directions for the boulders are stable but scattered, although not random, and the mean boulder direction is indistinguishable in geographic (i.e. current in situ) coordinates, at the 5% significance level, from the mean direction of the in situ bedrock. Further statistical tests confirm that the scatter in the mean directions of the boulders and the in situ bedrock is different, at the 5% significance level, with the boulder mean being more scattered. At an individual boulder level, some blocks have mean ChRM directions that are statistically indistinguishable from the mean in situ rock ChRM direction, whereas others are distinguishable at the 5% significance level.

These results indicate that the boulders were magnetised prior to emplacement but were not moved far from their original positions during emplacement. The emplacement age is constrained to the last ca 780 000 years. These observations strongly support the hypothesis that the Little Beecroft Head boulder deposit was emplaced by a non-catastrophic mechanism, namely slow collapse during denudation of pre-existing cliff material or overtopping from severe storms, which occur regularly on the east coast of New South Wales. Even if a catastrophic wave were responsible, the results constrain the age of that event to be older than 780 000 years. Therefore, the results presented here are not supportive of the AMH as it currently stands. Further paleomagnetic work, on similar deposits along the Illawarra coastline and from elsewhere in Australia, is needed to evaluate the interpretations presented here.     

古物源体系多方法表征

古物源体系是深时“源—汇”系统研究的重要环节。随着沉积学理论和技术的发展,物源示踪的表征方法已从单一迈向综合、由定性走向定量,这将有助于更全面地揭示母岩发育特征、物源区构造背景、沉积物路径系统等,进而建立更可靠的古物源体系发育模式。碎屑锆石U-Pb定年等多方法物源体系表征研究表明,沾化凹陷渤南洼陷沙四下亚段（Es4x）砂岩样品主要发育岩浆成因的锆石,这些锆石颗粒自形程度较好,具有清晰的岩浆环带,其Th/U>0.4,稀土元素普遍具有“Ce正异常、Eu负异常”特征。微量/稀土元素地球化学指标和砂岩岩石学特征揭示了研究区沙四下亚段陆源碎屑具有岩浆岛弧/活动大陆边缘酸性花岗质源岩的属性。母岩的发育与华北克拉通在新太古代—古元古代及晚古生代—中生代的地球动力学背景密切相关。综合优势年龄贡献、母岩属性、岩石学特征、地球动力学背景,最终建立了渤南洼陷沙四下亚段古物源体系发育模式,即渤南洼陷沙四下亚段同时发育“近源堆积”和“远源供给”两类路径系统,发育东侧中生界岩浆岩主导型物源系、南侧新太古界/古元古界/上古生界/中生界母岩联合控制型物源系、中部混合物源系。其中,东侧物源系和中部物源系的关联性较大,应属于同一沉积物路径系统,南侧物源系相对独立。     

Exploring for heavy minerals on Cape York Peninsula,Queensland, Australia

This paper describes the results of a preliminary study of the heavy mineral (HM) potential of the northwest coast of Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland that was funded by the Queensland Government's Future Resources Program Industry Priorities Initiative. The study found that the northwest coast may have the potential to host world-class HM deposits. All the essential ingredients in a HM mineral system are present: fertile source rocks, effective transport mechanisms and abundant potential trap sites, particularly along the well-preserved Pleistocene coast.

The source rocks are Proterozoic metamorphic and Paleozoic granitic rocks of the Coen Inlier and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of the Laura and Carpentaria basins, all of which crop out along the spine of the Peninsula. These rocks were exposed in the early Cenozoic and were vigorously eroded by seasonally active rivers throughout the Quaternary. Most of these rivers are currently carrying HM, and the zircon content in river sediments in the region is comparatively high. It is speculated that in the late Pleistocene HM delivered by rivers to the northwest coast were transported predominantly in a southwesterly direction, and trapped in the swash zone of prograding beaches. It is further speculated that at this time the coastline was deeply embayed with cliffs and headlands formed in bauxite, and that structural trap sites formed on the northeastern side of prominent headlands.

Pleistocene coastal sediments were partially reworked by Holocene coastal processes, and HM liberated by these processes may have been captured by prograding Holocene beach ridges. These Holocene beach ridges are not as extensive as the Pleistocene beach ridges but are more prominent, partly because they are less well vegetated. The Holocene coastline was probably more regular than the Pleistocene coastline, with fewer headlands to create structural traps. The modern coastline is relatively starved of river sediment because the Holocene and Pleistocene coastal sediments act as barriers to river flow.

It is recommended that ongoing exploration for HM in the region should focus on potential trap sites on the Pleistocene coast and that two sites, Vrilya Point and Jackson River, where structural traps may have been formed by coastal promontories, should be priority targets. It is also noted that if the exploration of Cape York Peninsula for HM deposits is to be effective, further research needs to be carried out into the geomorphological evolution of the west coast and, in particular, the role of cyclones in forming HM deposits in tropical climates.     

Petrogenesis of the Fiambal Gabbroic Intrusion, Northwestern Argentina, a Deep Crustal Syntectonic Pluton in a Continental Magmatic Arc

The Fiambala gabbroic intrusion is an Ordovician pluton, 30km² in outcrop area, situated in the Sierras Pampeanas of NWArgentina. It was emplaced at a depth of 21–24 km in anactively deforming continental magmatic are, and it representssome of the earliest are magmatism in the southern Cordillera.Its formation was accompanied by the emplacement of voluminousgabbroic sills and dikes, and was synchronous with regionalamphibolite facies metamorphism that is locally upgraded togranulite facies along the edges of the intrusion. The intrusionhas been tilted to the east and now stands almost verticallyon edge, striking NNW-SSE. It has a 200–500-m basal cumulatezone of dunite and websterite along its western margin, overlainstratigraphically to the east by 2.5 km of poorly layered two-pyroxenegabbro and homblende gabbro. Although olivine is present inthe basal ultramafic cumulates, nowhere does it coexist withplagioclase. The common differentiation indices, such as Ancontent of plagioclase, 100 Mg/(Mg+Fe) in the pyroxenes andthe whole rocks, and the concentrations of various incompatibletrace elements, all vary systematically through the intrusion.The parental magma was evidently a hydrous, high-Mg tholeiitewith >11 wt.% MgO, 100 Mg/(Mg+Fe)=73–74, and REE abundancesapproximately 10 chondrites. Its estimated trace element characteristicswere strikingly similar to those of primary island are magmasfrom occanic regions. Most of the gabbroic rocks represent orapproach liquid compositions; they are hypersthene-normative,almost silica-saturated tholeiites. Evolution from the mostmafic compositions comparable to primitive island are basaltsto derivative compositions with the typical characteristicsof continental are basalts occurred through the combined effectsof fractional crystallization, multiple magma batch injection,and crustal assimilation. There appears to be no need to invokea special subcontinental mantle source to produce the traceelement signatures that are so characteristic of continentalare magmas. These signatures can be developed by limited crystallizationand assimilation in the lower crust.