Petrology of Karoo volcanic rocks in the southern Lebombo monocline, Mozambique

The Karoo volcanic sequence in the southern Lebombo monocline in Mozambique contains different silicic units in the form of pyroclastic rocks, and two different basalt types. The silicic units in the lower part of the Lebombo sequence are formed by a lower unit of dacites and rhyolites (67–80 wt.% SiO₂) with high Ba (990–2500 ppm), Zr (800–1100 ppm) and Y (130–240 ppm), which are part of the Jozini–Mbuluzi Formation, followed by a second unit, interlayered with the Movene basalts, of high-SiO₂ rhyolites (76–78 wt.%; the Sica Beds Formation), with low Sr (19–54 ppm), Zr (340–480 ppm) and Ba (330–850 ppm) plus rare quartz-trachytes (64–66 wt.% SiO₂), with high Nb and Rb contents (240–250 and 370–381 ppm, respectively), and relatively low Zr (450–460 ppm). The mafic rocks found at the top of the sequence are basalts and ferrobasalts belonging to the Movene Formation. The basalts have roughly flat mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns, with abundances of the most incompatible elements not higher than 25 times primitive mantle. The ferrobasalt has TiO₂  4.7 wt.%, Fe₂O_3t = 16 wt.%, and high Y (100 ppm), Zr (420 ppm) and Ba (1000 ppm). The Movene basalts have initial (at 180 Ma) ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7052–0.7054 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51232, and the Movene ferrobasalt has even lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70377) and higher ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51259). The silicic rocks show a modest range of initial Sr-(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70470–0.70648) and Nd-(¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51223–0.51243) isotope ratios. The less evolved dacites could have been formed after crystal fractionation of oxide-rich gabbroic cumulates from mafic parental magmas, whereas the most silica-rich rhyolites could have been formed after fractional crystallization of feldspars, pyroxenes, oxides, zircon and apatite from a parental dacite magma. The composition of the Movene basalts imply different feeding systems from those of the underlying Sabie River basalts.     

Carboniferous magmatism and mineralization in the area of the Fuxing Cu deposit,Eastern Tianshan,China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb ages,petrogeochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions

The newly discovered Fuxing porphyry Cu deposit is located in the Dananhu–Tousuquan arc, adjacent to the Tuwu–Yandong Cu deposits of Eastern Tianshan, in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Fuxing deposit is hosted by volcanic rocks (basalt and dacite) in the Early Carboniferous Qi'eshan Group and Carboniferous felsic intrusions (plagiogranite porphyry, monzogranite, and quartz diorite). New SIMS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the plagiogranite porphyry and monzogranite emplaced at 332.1 ± 2.2 Ma and 328.4 ± 3.4 Ma, respectively. The basalts are characterized by low SiO₂ contents (47.47–54.90 wt.%), a lack of Eu anomalies, strong depletion of Na, Ta, and Ti elements but positive Sr, U, and Pb anomalies, high Y (20.8–28.2 ppm) and HREE concentrations (Yb = 2.23–3.06 ppm), and relatively low (La/Yb)_N (2.20–3.92) values; the dacite samples have high SiO₂ contents (66.13–76.93 wt.%), clearly negative Eu anomalies, high Mg^# values (36–51), and high Y (41.8–54.9 ppm) and Yb (5.76–8.98 ppm) concentrations. The basalts and dacites exhibit similar signatures as normal arc rocks, and were considered to be derived from partial melting of mantle-wedge peridotite that was previously metasomatized by slab melts. In contrast, the plagiogranite porphyry, monzogranite, and quartz diorite show the same geochemical affinity with modern adakites, which are characterized by high SiO₂ contents (67.55–79.00 wt.%), minor negative to positive Eu anomalies, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements (Yb = 0.17–1.19 ppm) and Y (1.86–10.1 ppm), positive K, Rb, Sr, and Ba but negative Nb, Ta, Th, and Ti anomalies, and high (La/Yb)_N ratios and Mg^# values. Moreover, these adakitic felsic intrusions display relatively high positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (+ 11.4 to + 18.3), low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.706080–0.711239), high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512692–0.512922) ratios, and consistent zircon δ¹⁸O values (4.41‰–5.48‰), suggesting that their parental magma were most likely derived from partial melting of the subducted oceanic crust followed by mantle peridotite interaction. Based on the whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic data, as well as detailed petrographic analyses, we further suggest that the Fuxing igneous rocks and associated porphyry Cu mineralization were generated by the northward subduction of the paleo-Tianshan oceanic plate beneath the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc during the Early Carboniferous.     

A LREE-depleted component in the Afar plume: Further evidence from Quaternary Djibouti basalts

Major, trace element and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb) data and unspiked K–Ar ages are presented for Quaternary (0.90–0.95 Ma old) basalts from the Hayyabley volcano, Djibouti. These basalts are LREE-depleted (La_n/Sm_n = 0.76–0.83), with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.70369 to 0.70376, and rather homogeneous ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (ε_Nd = + 5.9–+ 7.3) and Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.47–18.55, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.52–15.57, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.62–38.77). They are very different from the underlying enriched Tadjoura Gulf basalts, and from the N-MORB erupted from the nascent oceanic ridges of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Their compositions closely resemble those of (1) depleted Quaternary Manda Hararo basalts from the Afar depression in Ethiopia and (2) one Oligocene basalt from the Ethiopian Plateau trap series. Their trace element and Sr, Nd, Pb isotope systematics suggest the involvement of a discrete but minor LREE-depleted component, which is probably an intrinsic part of the Afar plume.     

Late Silurian–early Devonian adakitic granodiorite,A-type and I-type granites in NW Junggar,NW China: Partial melting of mafic lower crust and implications for slab roll-back

Late Silurian–early Devonian magmatism of the NW Junggar region in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt provides a critical geological record that is important for unraveling regional tectonic history and constraining geodynamic processes. In this study, we report results of Zircon U–Pb ages and systematic geochemical data for late Silurian–early Devonian largely granitic rocks in NW Junggar, aiming to constrain their emplacement ages, origin and geodynamic significance. The magmatism consists of a variety of mafic to felsic intrusions and volcanic rocks, e.g. adakitic granodiorite, K-feldspar granite, syenitic granite, gabbro and rhyrolite. U–Pb zircon ages suggest that the granitoids and gabbros were emplaced in the late Silurian–early Devonian (420–405 Ma). Adakitic granodiorites are calc-alkaline, characterized by high Sr (407–532 ppm), low Y (12.2–14.7 ppm), Yb (1.53–1.77 ppm), Cr (mostly < 8.00 ppm), Co (mostly < 11.0 ppm) and Ni (mostly < 4.10 ppm) and relatively high Sr/Y (31–42) ratios, analogous to those of modern adakites. K-feldspar granites and rhyolites are characterized by alkali- and Fe-enriched, with high Zr, Nb and Ga/Al ratios, geochemically similar to those of A-type granites. Syenitic granites show high alkaline (Na₂O + K₂O = 8.39–9.34 wt.%) contents, low Fe^# values (0.73–0.80) and are weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.00–1.07). Gabbros are characterized by low MgO (6.86–7.15 wt.%), Mg^# (52–53), Cr (124–133 ppm) and Ni (84.7–86.6 ppm) contents. The geochemical characteristics of the gabbroic samples show affinity to both MORB- and arc-like sources. All granitoids have positive εNd(t) (+ 3.9 to + 6.9) and zircon εHf(t) (+ 9.8 to + 15.2) values and low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7035–0.7043), with young T_DM(Nd) (605–791 Ma) and T_DM(Hf) (425–773 Ma) ages, suggesting significant addition of juvenile material. The adakitic granodiorites probably resulted from partial melting of mafic lower crust, leaving an amphibolite and garnet residue. The K-feldspar granites, rhyolites and syenitic granites probably formed from partial melting of the Xiemisitai mid-lower crust, while the gabbroic intrusion was probably generated by interactions between asthenospheric and metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Voluminous plutons of various types (adakites, A-type granites, I-type granites, and gabbros) formed during 420–405 Ma, and their isotopic data suggest significant additions of juvenile material. We propose that a slab roll-back model can account for the 420–405 Ma magmatic “flare up” in NW Junggar as well as an extensional setting.     

Early Devonian volcanics of southeastern Gorny Altai: Geochemistry,isotope (Sr,Nd, and O) composition,and petrogenesis (Aksai complex)

Geological, geochemical, and isotope (Sr, Nd, and O) parameters of Early Devonian (405 Ma) volcanics of southeastern Gorny Altai (Aksai and Kalguty volcanotectonic structures) are discussed. The studied igneous rock association comprises magnesian andesitoids, Nb-enriched andesite basalts, and A-type peraluminous silicic rocks (dacites, rhyolites, granites, and leucogranites). Magnesian andesitoids (mg# > 50) are characterized by a predominance of Na among alkalies (K₂O/Na₂O ≈ 0.1-0.7), medium contents of TiO₂ (~ 0.8-1.3 wt.%) and Al₂O₃ (~ 12-15 wt.%), enrichment in Cr (up to 216 ppm), and low Sr/Y ratios (4-15). The Nb-enriched (Nb = 10-17 ppm) andesite basalts have high contents of TiO₂ (1.7-2.7 wt.%) and P₂O₅ (0.4-1.4 wt.%). The A-type granitoids are characterized by high contents of K(K₂O/Na₂O ≤ 60) and alumina (ASI ≤ 2.9) and depletion in Ba, Sr, P, and Ti. The magnesian andesitoids and Nb-enriched andesite basalts are products of melts generated in the metasomatized lithospheric mantle; silicic magmas were formed through the melting of Cambrian-Ordovician metaturbidites of the Gorny Altai Group and, partly, Early-Middle Cambrian island-arc metabasites. The above rock association might have resulted from a plume impact on the lithospheric substrates of the continental paleomargin during the evolution of the Altai-Sayan rift system.     

Multi-stage granitic magmatism during exhumation of subducted continental lithosphere: Evidence from the Wulong pluton,South Qinling

Detailed petrology and zircon U–Pb dating data indicate that the Wulong pluton is a zoned granitic intrusive, formed from successive increments of magmas. An age range of at least 30 Ma is recorded from the 225–235 Ma quartz diorite on the pluton margin, the ca. 218 Ma granodiorite in the intermediate zone, and the ca. 207 Ma monzogranite at the pluton center. All the granitoids display evolved Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(i) of 0.7044–0.7062, unradiogenic Nd (ε_Nd(t) values of − 6.1 to − 3.0, Nd model ages of 1.1–1.3 Ga, and moderately radiogenic Pb compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 17.500–17.872, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 15.513–15.549, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(i) = 37.743–38.001), in combination with variations in zircon Hf isotopic compositions (with ε_Hf(t) values in each stage span 12 units) and the Hf isotopic model ages of 800–1600 Ma. These features suggest that the granitoids might have been derived from the reworking of an old lower crust, mixed with Paleozoic and Proterozoic materials. The rocks also display an adakitic affinity with Sr (479–973 ppm), high Sr/Y ratios (mostly > 60) and negligible Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.78–0.97) but low Rb/Sr ratios, low Y (4.6–17 ppm), HREE (Yb = 0.95–1.7 ppm), Yb/Lu (6–7) and Dy/Yb (1.9–2.4) ratios, suggesting the absence of plagioclase and presence of garnet + amphibole in their residue. Considering a large gap among their crystallization ages, we propose that the geochemical evolution from pluton margin to center was controlled mainly by melting conditions and source compositions rather than fractional crystallization. Mafic enclaves that were hosted in the quartz diorite and granodiorite are mainly syenogabbroic to syenodioritic in composition, and are metaluminous and enriched in LREE and LILEs, but are depleted in HFSE, and display an evolved Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition, suggesting that they may have been derived from the partial melting of an enriched mantle lithosphere, which was metasomatized by adakitic melts and fluids from a subducted continental crust.In combination with the results of the Triassic ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks in the Dabie orogenic belt, we apply a model involving the exhumation of subducted continental crust to explain the formation of the Wulong pluton. At the first stage, a dense and refractory mafic lower crust that was trapped at mantle depth by continental subduction witnessed melting under high temperature conditions to produce the quartz diorite magma, characterized by low SiO₂ (60.65–63.98 wt.%) and high TiO₂ (0.39–0.86 wt.%). The magma subsequently interacted with mantle peridotite, leading to high Mg# (57–67) and the metasomatism of the overriding mantle wedge. At the second stage, an asthenosphere upwelling that was probably caused by slab break-off at ca. 220 Ma melted the enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) to produce mafic magmas, represented by the mafic enclaves that are hosted in the quartz and granodiorite, resulting in the partial melting of the shallower subducted crust, and generating the granodiorite that is distinguished by high SiO₂ (69.16–70.82 wt.%), high Al₂O₃ (15.33–16.22 wt.%) and A/CNK values (mostly > 1.05). At the third stage, the final collapse of the Triassic Qinling–Dabie Orogenic Belt at ca. 215–205 Ma caused extensive partial melting of the thickened orogenic lower crust to produce the monzogranite, which is characterized by high SiO₂ (67.68–70.29 wt.%), low TiO₂ (mostly < 0.35 wt.%) and high Sr/Y ratios of 86–151.     

Petrogenesis of Carboniferous adakites and Nb-enriched arc basalts in the Alataw area,northern Tianshan Range (western China): Implications for Phanerozoic crustal growth in the Central Asia orogenic belt

Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the Alataw area, Northern Tianshan Range (Xinjiang), consist of early Carboniferous (ca. 320 Ma) adakites and Nb-enriched arc basalts and basaltic andesites (NEBs), and late Carboniferous (ca. 306–310 Ma) mainly high-K calc-alkaline andesites, dacites and rhyolites. The adakites are calc-alkaline, and characterized by high Na₂O/K₂O (1.52–3.32) ratios, negligible to positive Eu anomalies, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements (e.g., Yb = 0.74–1.47 ppm) and Y (6.7–14.9 ppm), positive Sr and Ba but negative Nb and Ti anomalies, and relatively constant ε_Nd(T) values (+ 3.4–+ 6.6) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7035–0.7042). Some andesitic and dacitic adakite samples exhibit high MgO contents similar to magnesian andesites. The NEBs are sodium-rich (Na₂O/K₂O = 2.03–8.06), and differ from the vast majority of arc basalts in their higher Nb, Zr, TiO₂ and P₂O₅ contents and Nb/Th, Nb/La and Nb/U ratios, and minor negative to positive anomalies in Ba, Nb, Sr, Zr and Ti. They have the highest ε_Nd(T) values (+ 6.4–+ 11.6) but varying (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7007–0.7063). The high-K calc-alkaline suite is similar to typical ‘normal’ arc volcanic rocks in terms of moderately fractionated rare earth abundance and distinctly negative Eu, Nb, Sr and Ti anomalies. They have ε_Nd(T) values (+ 1.2–+ 6.4) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7018–0.7059). Geochemically, they are similar to coeval I-type granitoids in the Alataw area. Given the presence of early Carboniferous ophiolites in the Northern Tianshan Range, and the isotopically inappropriate compositions of Proterozoic metamorphic basement in the Alataw area, we argue that the Alataw adakites were most probably related to the melting of young subducted crust of the Northern Tianshan Ocean. The NEBs likely originated from mantle wedge peridotites metasomatized by adakites and minor slab-derived fluids. The later high-K calc alkaline suite was generated by AFC processes that acted on melts derived from a mantle wedge metasomatized by hydrous fluids. The larger range of isotopic compositions exhibited by both the NEB and high-K suite, relative to the adakites, suggests that the mantle wedge was heterogeneous prior to slab- or fluid-mediated metasomatism.Continental crustal growth of the Central Asian orogenic belt was dominated by contributions of the juvenile materials from the depleted mantle prior to 270 Ma and possibly afterwards. The results of this study suggest that other Carboniferous Nb-enriched basalts in the Tianshan Range were generated by subduction processes rather than by intraplate tectonics as previously proposed.     

Geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition of the Harrat Al-Madinah Volcanic Field,Saudi Arabia

Whole-rock geochemical and Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data are presented for the Harrat Al-Madinah volcanic field, in the north western part of the Arabian plate, aiming to understand their origin and the composition of their mantle source. This area is an active volcanic field characterized by the occurrence of two historic eruptions approximately in 641 and 1256 A.D. Field investigation of the main volcanic landforms indicates dominantly monogenetic strombolian eruptions, in addition to local phreatomagmatic eruption style. The lavas consist mainly of alkali olivine basalt, olivine transitional basalt, and hawaiite with ocean island basalt (OIB)-like characteristics. Evolved rocks, represented by mugearites, benmoreites, and trachytes, occur mainly as domes, tuff cones and occasionally as lava flows. Chemical variations in the evolved rocks indicated their evolution by low pressure crystal fractionation of olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and Fe–Ti oxides from the relatively primitive basalts. The isotopic compositions of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512954–0.512995), ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.702899 to–0.702977) and Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.5515–18.7446, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.5120–15.5222, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.1347–38.4468), show restricted variations suggesting only minor crustal contamination. They defined an array consistent with mixing of two geochemically distinct components of depleted MORB-mantle (DMM) and high ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb ratio (HIMU). The variations in Tb/Yb, La/Yb and Sm/Yb ratios in the relatively primitive basalts (MgO > 6 wt.%) indicated garnet peridotite source. However, the positive Nb, Sr, Ba and Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns and the significant variation between Zr/Nb vs. Ce/Y and La/Yb vs. Yb suggest contribution of an amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite source. Moreover, the negative correlations between SiO₂ vs. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Th vs. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd are interpreted as an indication of mixing melts derived from two end-members; one is garnet bearing asthenospheric source with OIB characteristic and the other is amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite. The Harrat Al-Madinah volcanic field occurs near the Red Sea Rift System and its origin reflects a strong lithospheric control on the loci of partial melting. The dominantly NNW alignment patterns of the volcanoes, which is similar to the regional Red Sea trend, may suggest that the magmas were produced by decompression partial melting triggered by lithospheric extension related to the Red Rift.     

A mafic intrusion of “arc affinity” in a post-orogenic extensional setting: A case study from Ganluogou gabbro in the northern Yidun Arc Belt,eastern Tibetan Plateau

Generally, arc-related or subduction-related mafic magmas are formed during or slightly postdate subduction, and characterized by depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) relative to the large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare-earth elements (LREEs). Combining with mineral chemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes, these geochemical characteristics were usually used to define an arc setting, especially for some ancient arcs that had been strongly modified by later tectonic activities. However, we report an exceptional case from the northern part of the Triassic Yidun Arc Belt, eastern Tibetan Plateau. The Ganluogou gabbro (∼152 Ma) occurs as several intrusive bodies. Its mineral assemblage is olivine (chrysolite), plagioclase (anorthite), clinopyroxene (diopside), amphibole (edenite and pargasite) and phlogopite. Whole rock geochemistry shows low SiO₂ (42.87–46.99 wt.%), total rear earth elements (ΣREE = 22.8–28.4 ppm), Na₂O + K₂O (0.92–1.34 wt.%), and high Al₂O₃, MgO and FeO contents. It has small variations of initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7053–0.7055) and ε_Nd(t) values (−4.8 to −1.8). All the samples exhibit enrichment in LILEs including Th and U, but strongly depleted in HFSEs, including Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf. For the mineral chemistry, there are two type amphiboles. Amp(I) show higher V, Sc, Cr, Sr, Nb and Zr contents, but lower Th and U contents than those of Amp(II). Their REE patterns range from convex shape without Eu anomaly to LREE-enriched pattern with weak positive Eu anomaly. We suggest that Amp(I) was crystallized from a liquid that was mainly buffered by olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase, while Amp(II) crystallized from later melt that was mainly buffered by olivine. Based on clinopyroxene chemistry, compositions of coexisting olivine and plagioclase, and whole rock Sr–Nd isotopes, the parental magma of the Ganluogou gabbro is interpreted as a tholeiitic arc-affinity magma, which might be derived from an N-MORB mantle that had been metasomatised by slab-derived melts in the late Triassic (237–206 Ma). Thus, the Ganluogou gabbro provides an example that magmas exhibiting arc-affinity could in fact be formed in a post-orogenic extensional setting.     

Petrogenesis of ore-forming and pre/post-ore granitoids from the Kounrad,Borly and Sayak porphyry/skarn Cu deposits,Central Kazakhstan

Ore-forming porphyries and barren granitoids from porphyry Cu deposits differ in many ways, particularly with respect to their adakitic affinity and calc-alkaline characteristics. In this study, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating, whole rock geochemistry, whole rock Sr–Nd–Pb and zircon O–Hf isotopic analyses were carried out on the ore-forming granitoids from the Kounrad, Borly and Sayak deposits, and also on pre-ore and post-ore granitoids in adjacent regions of Central Kazakhstan. Geochronology results indicate that pre-ore magmatism occurred in the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (361.3–339.4 Ma), followed by large scale Cu mineralization (325.0–327.3 Ma at Kounrad, 311.4–315.2 Ma at Borly and 309.5–311.4 Ma at Sayak), and finally, emplacement of the Late Carboniferous post-ore barren granitoids (305.0 Ma). The geochemistry of these rocks is consistent with calc-alkaline arc magmatism characterized by strong depletions in Nb, Ta and Ti and enrichments in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, suggesting a supra-subduction zone setting. However, the ore-forming rocks at Kounrad and Sayak show adakitic characteristics with high Sr (517.5–785.3 ppm), Sr/Y (50.60–79.26), (La/Yb)_N (9.37–19.62) but low Y (6.94–11.54 ppm) and Yb (0.57–1.07 ppm), whereas ore-forming rocks at Borly and barren rocks from northwest of Borly and Sayak have normal arc magma geochemical features. The Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions show three different signatures: (1) Sayak granitoids have very young juvenile lower crust-derived compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70384 to 0.70451, ɛ_Nd (t) = + 4.9 to + 6.0; T_DM2 (Nd) = 580 to 670 Ma, ɛ_Hf (t) = + 11.3 to + 15.5; T_DM^C (Hf) = 330 to 600 Ma, δ¹⁸O = 6.0 to 8.1‰), and were probably generated from depleted mantle-derived magma with 5–15% sediment melt addition in the magma source; (2) the Kt-1 granite from northwest of Sayak shows extremely enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.71050, ɛ_Nd (t) = − 7.8, T_DM2 (Nd) = 1700 Ma), likely derived from partial melting of ancient continental crust; (3) other granitoids have transitional Sr–Nd compositions between the Sayak and Kt-1 samples, indicating a juvenile lower crust source with the addition of 10–30% of ancient crustal material. The pre-ore magmatism was probably related to partial melting of juvenile lower crust due to northward subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean, whereas the ore-forming adakitic rocks at Aktogai, Kounrad and Sayak formed by partial melting of thickened lower crust which subsequently delaminated. The ore-forming rocks at Borly, and the later post-ore barren granites, formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust with normal thickness. This tectonic setting supports the existence of an Andean-type magmatic arc in the Devonian to the Late Carboniferous, resulting from the subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash oceanic plate. The link between whole rock geochemistry and scale of mineralization suggests a higher metallogenic potential for adakitic rocks than for normal arc magmatism.     

Geochemistry of pillow basalts from Bompoka,Andaman–Nicobar islands,Bay of Bengal,India

Pillow lavas in Bompoka island of the Andaman–Nicobar islands, forming a part of Sunda–Burmese forearc, are composed of plagioclase and clinopyroxene microphenocrysts in a fine-grained ferruginous groundmass along with glass. They are also characterized by several quench plagioclase and clinopyroxene morphologies. Zr/TiO₂ versus Nb/Y relationship of these pillow lavas show that these are tholeiitic basalts in composition. These basalts have low MgO (5.19–6.12 wt%), Ni (84–118 ppm), and Cr (144–175 ppm) abundance and high FeO^(T)/MgO (1.71–1.92) ratios, reflecting their fractionated nature. In Th/Yb versus Nb/Yb and Ti/Yb versus Nb/Yb binary diagrams, they show N-MORB affinity. However, La/Nb–Y and Ce/Nb–Th/Nb relationships along with a slight LREE depleted (La_N/Yb_N = 0.75–0.82) pattern and high Ba/Zr (0.28–0.40) ratios and LILE (K, Rb, Ba, Sr and Th) enrichment relative to N-MORB, suggest their back-arc basin basalt affinity. It is inferred that these pillow basalts have been derived from a metasomatised N-MORB-like mantle source in a trench-distal (wider) back-arc basin, probably near the leading edge of the Eurasian continent during Early to Late Cretaceous times, prior to the currently active Andaman–Java subduction system.     

Strongly peraluminous leucogranite (Ebrahim-Attar granite) as evidence for extensional tectonic regime in the Cretaceous,Sanandaj Sirjan zone,northwest Iran

The Ebrahim-Attar (EBAT) leucogranite body is intruded within the Jurassic metamorphic complex of the Ghorveh area, located in the northern part of the Sanandaj Sirjan zone (SaSZ) of northwest Iran. The granite comprises alkali feldspar, quartz, Na-rich plagioclase and to a lesser extent, muscovite and biotite. Garnet and beryl are also observed as accessory minerals. Additionally, high SiO₂ (71.4–81.0wt %) and Rb (145–440 ppm) content; low MgO (<0.12wt %), Fe₂O₃ (< 0.68 wt.%), Sr (mainly < 20 ppm), Ba (<57 ppm), Zr (10–53 ppm) and rare earth elements (REEs) low content (3.88–94.9 ppm with an average = 21.2 ppm); and flat REE patterns with a negative Eu anomaly characterize these rocks. The chemical composition and mineral paragenesis indicate that the rocks were formed by the partial melting of siliciclastic to pelitic rocks and can be classified as per-aluminous leucogranite or strongly per-aluminous (SP) granite. The Rb-Sr whole rock and mineral isochrons confirm that crystallization of the body occurred at 102.5 ± 6.1 Ma in Albian. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(i) and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(i) ratios are 0.7081 ± 0.009 and 0.51220 ± 0.00005, respectively, and ε_Nd(t) values range from −5.8 to −1.6. These values verify that the source of this body is continental crust. The Nd model ages (T_DM2) vary between 1.0 and 1.3 Ga and are more consistent with the juvenile basement of Pan African crust. Based on these results, we suggest that the upwelling of the hot asthenospheric mantle in the SaSZ (likely during the Neo-Tethys rollback activity) occurred after the late Cimmerian orogeny. Consequently, we suggest that this process was responsible for a thinning and heating of the continental crust, from which the SP granite was produced by the partial melting of muscovite rich in pelitic or felsic-metapelitic rocks in the northern SaSZ.     

Petrogenesis and geodynamic evolution of the Kajan Neogene subvolcanic rocks,Nain, Central Iran

Kajan subvolcanic rocks in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA), Central Iran, form a Late Miocene-Pliocene shallow-level intrusion. These subvolcanics correspond to a variety of intermediate and felsic rocks, comprising quartz diorite, quartz monzodiorite, tonalite and granite. These lithologies are medium-K calc-alkaline, with SiO₂ (wt.%) varying from 52% (wt.%) to 75 (wt.%). The major element chemical data also show that MgO, CaO, TiO₂, P₂O₅, MnO, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ define linear trends with negative slopes against SiO₂, whilst Na₂O and K₂O are positively correlated with silica. Contents of incompatible trace elements (e.g. Ba, Rb, Nb, La and Zr) become higher with increasing SiO₂, whereas Sr shows an opposite behaviour. Chondrite-normalized multi-element patterns show enrichment in LILE relative to HFSE and troughs in Nb, P and Ti. These observations are typical of subduction related magmas that formed in an active continental margin. The Kajan rocks show a strong affinity with calc-alkaline arc magmas, confirmed by REE fractionation (La_N/Yb_N = 4.5–6.4) with moderate HREE fractionation (Sm_N/Yb_N = 1.08–1.57). The negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* <1), the low to moderate Sr content (< 400 ppm) and the Dy/Yb values reflect plagioclase and hornblende (+- clinopyroxene) fractionation from a calc-alkaline melt Whole–rock Sr and Nd isotope analyses show that the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios vary from 0.704432 to 0.705989, and the ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd initial ratios go from 0.512722 to 0.512813. All the studied samples have similar Sr-Nd isotopes, indicating an origin from a similar source, with granite samples that has more radiogenic Sr and low radiogenic Nd isotopes, suggesting a minor interaction with upper crust during magma ascent. The Kajan subvolcanic rocks plot within the depleted mantle quadrant of the conventional Sr-Nd isotope diagram, a compositional region corresponding to mantle-derived igneous rocks.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Eocene back arc mafic rocks in the Zagros suture zone,northern Noorabad,western Iran

The northern Noorabad area in western Iran contains several gabbro and basalt bodies which were emplaced along the Zagros suture zone. The basalts show pillow and flow structures with amygdaloidal textures, and the gabbroic rocks show massive and foliated structures with coarse to fine-grained textures. The SiO₂ contents of the gabbros and basalts are similar and range from 46.1–51.0 wt.%, and the Al₂O₃ contents vary from 12.3–18.8 wt.%, with TiO₂ contents of 0.4–3.0 wt.%. The Nb concentrations of some gabbros and basalts are high and can be classified as Nb-enriched arc basalts. The positive εNd(t) values (+3.7 to +9.8) and low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(initial) ratios (0.7031–0.7071) of both bodies strongly indicate a depleted mantle source and indicate that the rocks were formed by partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle and interaction with slab fluids/melts. The chemical composition of trace elements, REE pattern and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr-¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios show that the rocks have affinities to tholeiitic magmatic series and suggest an extensional tectonic regime over the subduction zone for the evolution of these rocks. We propose an extensional tectonic regime due to the upwelling of metasomatized mantle after the late Cretaceous collision in the Harsin-Noorabad area. These rocks can be also considered as Eocene back arc magmatic activity along the Zagros suture zone in this area.     

Post-collisional potassic magmatism in the eastern Lhasa terrane,South Tibet: Products of partial melting of mélanges in a continental subduction channel

Post-collisional, potassic magmatic rocks widely distributed in the eastern Lhasa terrane provide significant information for comprehensive understanding of geodynamic processes of northward subduction of the Indian lithosphere and uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. A combined dataset of whole-rock major and trace elements, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, and in situ zircon U–Pb dating and Hf–O isotopic analyses are presented for the Yangying potassic volcanic rocks (YPVR) in the eastern part of the Lhasa terrane, South Tibet. These volcanic rocks consist of trachytes, which are characterized by high K₂O (5.46–9.30 wt.%), SiO₂ (61.34–68.62 wt.%) and Al₂O₃ (15.06–17.36 wt.%), and relatively low MgO (0.47–2.80 wt.%) and FeO_t (1.70–4.90 wt.%). Chondrite-normalized rare earth elements (REE) patterns display clearly negative Eu anomalies. Primitive mantle-normalized incompatible trace elements diagrams exhibit strong enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) relative to high field strength elements (HFSE) and display significantly negative Nb–Ta–Ti anomalies. Initial isotopic compositions indicate relatively radiogenic Sr [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.711978–0.712090)] and unradiogenic Nd [(¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_i = 0.512121–0.512148]. Combined with their Pb isotopic compositions [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 18.615–18.774, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.708–15.793, (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 39.274–39.355)], these data are consistent with the involvement of component from subducted continental crustal sediment in their source region. The whole-rock Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions exhibit linear trends between enriched mantle-derived mafic ultrapotassic magmas and relatively depleted crustal contaminants from the Lhasa terrane. The enrichment of the upper mantle below South Tibet is considered to result from the addition of components derived from subducted Indian continental crust to depleted MORB-source mantle during northward underthrusting of the Indian continental lithosphere beneath the Lhasa terrane since India–Asia collision at ~ 55 Ma. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) U–Pb zircon analyses yield the eruptive ages of 10.61 ± 0.10 Ma and 10.70 ± 0.18 Ma (weighted mean ages). Zircon Hf isotope compositions [Ɛ_Hf(t) = −4.79 to −0.17], combined with zircon O isotope ratios (5.51–7.22‰), imply an addition of crustal material in their petrogenesis. Clinopyroxene-liquid thermobarometer reveals pressure (2.5–4.1 kbar) and temperature (1029.4–1082.9 °C) of clinopyroxene crystallization, suggesting that depth of the magma chamber was 11.6–16.4 km. Energy-constrained assimilation and fractional crystallization (EC–AFC) model calculation indicates depth of assimilation and fractional crystallization in the region of 14.40–18.75 km underneath the Lhasa terrane, which is in consistent with depth of the magma chamber as suggested by clinopyroxene-liquid thermobarometer. Based on the whole-rock major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions, combined with EC–AFC modeling simulations and zircon Hf–O isotope data, we propose that the YPVR resulted from assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) process of the K-rich mafic primitive magmas, which were caused by partial melting of the Indian continental subduction-induced mélange rocks.     

Destruction of the North China Craton: Delamination or thermal/chemical erosion? Mineral chemistry and oxygen isotope insights from websterite xenoliths

The destruction (or reactivation) of the North China Craton (NCC) is one of the important issues related to the Phanerozoic evolution of eastern China, although the processes of destruction remain debated. Two main mechanisms – delamination and thermal/chemical erosion – have been proposed based on the geochemistry of Mesozoic–Cenozoic basalts and entrained deep–seated xenoliths. A key criterion in distinguishing between these mechanisms is the nature of the melt, derived from delaminated crust or the asthenosphere, that modified the lithospheric mantle. Here we investigate the mechanism of destruction of the NCC based on mineral compositions and oxygen isotopic data from olivines, and strontium isotopic data for clinopyroxenes within websterite xenoliths from the Early Cretaceous Feixian basalts in the eastern NCC. Olivines in websterite xenoliths have higher Mg# (86–86.4), Ni content (2187–2468 ppm), and lower Ca (983–1134 ppm), Ti (58.1–76.1 ppm), and Mn (1478–1639 ppm) contents than olivine phenocrysts (Mg# = 71.0–77.3, Ni = 233–1038 ppm, Ca = 1286–2857 ppm, Ti = 120–300 ppm, and Mn = 2092–4106 ppm) from Late Cretaceous basalts. Additionally, olivines in websterite xenolith have δ¹⁸O values of 7.10 ± 0.21‰ to 8.40 ± 0.21‰, evidently higher than those of typical mantle-derived olivines. Similarly, orthopyroxenes (Opx) and clinopyroxenes (Cpx) in the websterite xenoliths have much higher Mg# (86.3–89.2 and 87.5–90.3, respectively), and Ni contents (1097–1491 ppm and 581–809 ppm, respectively) than orthopyroxene- and clinopyroxene-phenocrysts (Opx: Mg# = 82.2–83.9, Ni = 730–798 ppm; Cpx: Mg# = 74.2–84.6, Ni = 117–277 ppm) from Late Cretaceous basalts. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of clinopyroxenes in the websterite xenoliths range from 0.70862 to 0.70979, and are much higher than those of clinopyroxene grains from peridotite xenoliths and basalts. These data indicate that olivines are the residue of ancient lithospheric mantle that was modified intensively by a melt derived from recycled continental crust, and that the silicic and calcic metasomatic melt might have been derived from the partial melting of the subducted Yangtze slab and delaminated lower crust of the NCC. The existence of recycled continental crust in the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle implies that delamination was an important mechanism of destruction of the NCC.     

The volcanic succession of Baoligaomiao,central Inner Mongolia: Evidence for Carboniferous continental arc in the central Asian orogenic belt

The Baoligaomiao Formation, within the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex is an important segment to understand the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), world's largest Phanerozoic orogenic belt. In this study, we present an integrated study of zircon U-Pb isotopic ages, whole rock major-trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data from the volcanic succession in the Baoligaomiao Formation. The volcanic succession can be divided into the lower sequence with zircon U-Pb ages in the range of 326.3 Ma–307.4 Ma and the upper sequence of 305.3 Ma. The succession belongs to two suites: calc-alkaline volcanics and high-Si rhyolites. The calc-alkaline volcanic rocks include basaltic andesite through andesite and dacite to rhyolite and their pyroclastic equivalents. These rocks exhibit a well-defined compositional trend from basaltic to rhyolitic magma, reflecting continuous fractional crystallization. These rocks show obvious enrichment in LILEs and LREEs and relative depletion of HFSEs, typical of subduction-related magma. The calc-alkaline rocks have low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7023–0.7052), positive ɛNd(t) values (2.75–4.80), and their initial Pb isotopic compositions are 17.875–18.485 of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.481–15.520 of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and 37.467–37.764 of ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, respectively. Geochemical and isotopic results suggest that the volcanic succession represents Carboniferous subduction-related, mature, continental arc volcanism. The outcrops of high-Si rhyolites are restricted to the northern edge of the continental arc, marking a transition zone between volcanic arc and back-arc basin, where they are interbedded with the calc-alkaline rocks in the lower sequence, and the upper sequence is composed only of high-Si rhyolites. The high-Si rhyolites have high SiO₂ (71.12–81.76 wt%) and varied total alkali contents (K₂O + Na₂O = 5.46–10.58 wt%), low TiO₂ (0.06–0.27 wt%), MgO (0.09–0.89 wt%) and CaO (0.08–0.72 wt%). Based on the presence of mafic alkali phenocrysts, such as arfvedsonite and siderophyllite, high Zr/Nb ratios (> 10) and peralkalinity index (PI) near unity, the high-Si rhyolites can be classified as peralkaline comendites. The high-Si rhyolites are characterized by unusually low Sr and Ba, and high abundance of Zr, Th, Nb, HREEs and Y. They show geochemical characteristics similar to those of typical A₂-type granites including their high K₂O + Na₂O, Nb, Zr and Y, and high ratios of FeO^T/MgO, Ga/Al and Y/Nb. Our study suggests that the high-Si rhyolites were derived from discrete trachytic parent magma with fractional crystallization within shallow magma reservoirs. Their Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics are similar to those of the calc-alkaline arc rocks and are compatible with partial melting of pre-existing juvenile continental arc crust. We observe that the widespread eruptions of A₂-rhyolitic magmas (305.3 Ma–303.4 Ma) following a short period of magmatic quiescence was temporally and spatially associated with voluminous intrusion of the bimodal magmas (304.3 Ma–299.3 Ma) in the pre-existing arc volcanic-plutonic belt (329 Ma–307 Ma). We envisage northward subduction and slab breakoff process resulting in an obvious change of the regional stress field to extensional setting within the Carboniferous continental arc running E-W for thousands of kilometers. Therefore, we propose the existence of an east-west-trending Carboniferous continental arc in the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex, with the slab breakoff event suggesting that the age of the upper sequence (305.3 ± 5.5 Ma) likely indicates the maximum age for the cessation of the northward subduction of the Hegenshan oceanic lithosphere.     

Geochemistry,geochronology and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions of Middle to Late Jurassic syenite–granodiorites–dacite in South China: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data, major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are reported for coeval syenite–granodiorites–dacite association in South China. The shoshonitic syenites are characterized by high K₂O contents (5.9–6.1 wt.%) and K₂O/Na₂O ratios (1.1–1.2), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.65 to 0.77), enrichments of Rb, K, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf, but depletion of Sr, P and Ti. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry intrusions are characterized by high Al₂O₃ contents (15.0–16.8 wt.%), enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), strongly fractionated LREEs (light rare earth elements) to HREEs (heavy rare earth elements), high Sr (438–629 ppm), Sr/Y (29.2–53.6), and low Y (11.7–16.8 ppm) and HREE contents (e.g., Yb = 1.29–1.64 ppm). The calc-alkaline dacites are characterized by LREE enrichment, absence of negative Eu anomalies, and enrichment of LILEs such as Rb, Ba, Th, U and Pb, and depletion of HFSEs such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti.Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the syenites suggest that the shoshonitic magmas were differentiated from parental shoshonitic melts by fractional crystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and feldspar. The parent magmas may have originated from partial melting of the lithospheric mantle with small amount contribution from crustal materials. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry have Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions that are comparable to that of the mafic lower crust. They have low Mg# and MgO, Ni and Cr contents, abundant inherited zircons, low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values as well as old whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf model ages. These granodiorites were likely generated by partial melting of Triassic underplated mafic lower crust. The Hf isotopic compositions of the dacites are relatively more depleted than the Cathaysia enriched mantle, suggesting those magmas were derived from the partial melting of subduction-modified mantle sources. The coeval shoshonitic, high-K calc-alkaline and calc-alkaline rocks in Middle to Late Jurassic appear to be associated with an Andean-type subduction. This subduction could have resulted in the upwelling of the asthenosphere beneath the Cathaysia Block, which induced partial melting of the mantle as well as the mafic lower crust, and formed an arc regime in the coastal South China during Middle to Late Jurassic.     

Formation of the Japan Sea basin: Reassessment from Ar–Ar ages and Nd–Sr isotopic data of basement basalts of the Japan Sea and adjacent regions

Many studies have examined the Japan Sea basalts recovered during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg127/128. Of these, the ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating undertaken is important in constraining the timing of the formation of the Japan Sea; however, the implications of their results do not appear to be fully appreciated by the geological community. In this paper, I reassess the ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar age data of the basalts with reference to Nd–Sr isotopic data. The ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating was performed on basalts somewhat enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and recovered from ODP Sites 794, 795 and the lower part of 797, yielding the plateau ages of 21.2–17.7 Ma. These basalts show the Nd–Sr isotopic signature of a moderately depleted mantle source (ε_Nd: 0.6–6.9). In contrast, the basalts from the upper part of Site 797 have yet to be dated due to their low K content, although their Nd isotopic compositions are similar to that of MORB (ε_Nd: 8.4–10.4). By analogy to the secular Nd–Sr isotopic trends reported for Sikhote-Alin and northeast Japan, the age of the upper basalts at Site 797 may be inferred to be younger than the lower basalts, probably around 16 Ma. The Nd–Sr isotopic compositions of the Japan Sea basalts have been interpreted in terms of eastward asthenospheric flow, as have the lavas of the Sikhote-Alin and northeastern Japan. The timing of volcanic activity in the Japan Sea region (i.e., from 21.2 to 14.86 Ma) is consistent with the timing of rotational crustal movements inferred from paleomagnetic studies of the Japanese Islands (i.e., 14.8–4.2 Ma for southwest Japan and 16.5–14.4 Ma for northeast Japan).     

Origin of Archean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) suites and granites in the Fiskenæsset region,southern West Greenland: Implications for continental growth

Mesoarchean to Neoarchean orthogneisses (2.95–2.79 Ga) in the Fiskenæsset region, southern West Greenland, are composed of an older suite of metamorphosed tonalites, trondhjemites, and granodiorites (TTGs), and a younger suite of high-K granites. The TTGs are characterized by high Al₂O₃ (14.2–18.6 wt.%), Na₂O (3.4–5.13 wt.%), and Sr (205–777 ppm), and low Y (0.7–17.4 ppm) contents. On chondrite- and N-MORB-normalized trace element diagrams, the TTGs have the following geochemical characteristics: (1) highly fractionated REE patterns (La/Yb_cn = 14–664; La/Sm_cn = 4.3–11.0; Gd/Yb_cn = 1.5–19.7); (2) strong positive anomalies of Sr (Sr/Sr* = 1.0–15.9) and Pb (Pb/Pb* = 1.4–34.9); and (3) large negative anomalies of Nb (Nb/Nb* = 0.01–0.34) and Ti (Ti/Ti* = 0.1–0.6). The geochemical characteristics of the TTGs and trace element modeling suggest that they were generated by partial melting of hydrous basalts (amphibolites) at the base of a thickened magmatic arc, leaving a rutile-bearing eclogite residue. Field observations suggest that spatially and temporarily associated tholeiitic basalts (now amphibolites) in the Fiskenæsset region might have been the sources of TTG melts. The high-K granites have steep REE patterns (La/Yb_cn = 3.8–506; La/Sm_cn = 2.7–18.9; Gd/Yb_cn = 0.92–12.1) and display variably negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.37–0.96) and moderate Sr (84–539 ppm) contents. Four outlier granite samples have variably positive Eu (Eu/Eu* = 1.0–12) anomalies. Given that the granodiorites have higher K₂O/Na₂O than the tonalites and trondhjemites, it is suggested that the granites were derived from partial melting of the granodiorites. It is speculated that the dense eclogitic residues, left after TTG melt extraction, were foundered into the sub-arc mantle, leading to basaltic underplating beneath the lower rust. Melting of the granodiorites in response to the basaltic underplating resulted in the production of high-K granitic melts. Formation of the Fiskenæsset TTGs, the foundering of the eclogitic residues into the mantle, and the emplacement of the high-K granites led to the growth of Archean continental crust in the Fiskenæsset region.