Effects of basement composition and age on silicic magmas across an accreted terrane-Precambrian crust boundary,Sierra Madre Occidental,Mexico

Trace element and isotopic compositions of mid-Tertiary siliceous magma sequences from two localities of the Sierra Madre Occidental, northern Mexico, display differences that reflect the composition and age of the basement through which they erupted. The crust beneath the section at San Buenaventura is thicker and more evolved and forms part of the North American basement, while that under El Divisadero consists of allochthonous terranes of island arc/oceanic? crust accreted during the Mesozoic.The volcanics are highly differentiated and range in composition from basalt to rhyolite (SiO₂=50–76%). Those erupted through the accreted terranes display a small range of isotope ratios and have lowest initial (age-corrected) Sr isotope ratios (>0.7044) and the highest Nd (<0.5126) and Pb isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼18.9). Isotope ratios of the continental suite are more variable and form an array which trends away from that of the accreted terrane suite toward compositions more typical of old crust (to ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ∼0.710 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ∼0.5123). The volcanics in the continental zone are relatively more enriched in moderately incompatible elements compared with those within the accreted terranes (Ce/Yb=25–45 vs. 13–33, respectively), but are depleted in some highly incompatible elements such as U and Rb (e.g., Th/U=3.8–7.5 vs. 2.5–4.0, respectively). Those higher in the stratigraphic sections have higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and Th/U ratios, and lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios than those lower in the sections.The data have implications for the nature of the sources and the petrogenesis of these volcanics. The isotope ratios of both suites fall between those of mafic magma compositions from the Sierra Madre Occidental, and intermediate and felsic lower crustal xenoliths in northern Mexico and the southwestern USA. The relationship between the isotope ratios of the sequences and the age of the basement, combined with the fact that the overall data set forms well-defined isotopic arrays, demonstrates the strong effects of the crust on the chemistry of the silicic magmas. In the continental suite, isotope ratios covary with Th/Pb and U/Pb ratios, approaching the compositions found in the intermediate and felsic granulite facies xenoliths, strongly indicating that they are not anatectic melts of the lower crust but rather reflect interaction between mantle-derived basaltic parental magmas and the crust. Crustal contributions appear to be large, on the order of 20–70%. The small range of isotope ratios in the accreted terrane suite appears to reflect interaction of the basaltic parent with relatively juvenile crust whose isotopic composition is similar to the mantle-derived magmas. High Th/U and Th/Rb ratios indicate that the crustal contamination occurs in the lower crust. Moreover, the less radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios in the continental suite indicate that the depletion in highly incompatible elements in the continental lower crust is an old feature. The secular changes in the isotope ratios within the stratigraphic sections indicate increasingly shallow crustal contributions with time, initially by predominantly mafic deep lower crust and later by more felsic middle crust. Using lavas from outside of the two heavily sampled stratigraphic sections, the differences in the isotopic compositions between volcanics erupted through the accreted terranes and the continental basement help to delineate the location of the boundary.     

The Pb-Sr-Nd isotope geochemistry of some recent circum-Mediterranean granites

Pb, Sr and Nd isotopic compositions have been analyzed in recent granites from Northern Africa, Northern Italy and Greece. Lead isotope compositions of K-feldspars are rather homogeneous, and cluster close to the modern lead of Stacey and Kramers (1975) but with slightly higher²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios. The Cyclades samples, however, have higher²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios. Addition of mantle-derived lead was probably very limited, which supports a quasi-closed system evolution of this element in the continental crust. The Sr, Nd data fall in the enriched part of the¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd vs.⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr diagram and define a smooth hyperbolic mixing curve. Over a wide area, straddling different orogens, most granites may be accounted for by a binary mixture between a recycled crustal component and a depleted mantle-like component. No correlation is observed between either Pb and Sr or Nd isotopic ratios, or any isotopic ratio and major element contents. Quantitative modelling suggests that two cases fit the Sr and Nd characteristics of these granites: they both require anatexis of the crust on a scale large enough to average the isotopic properties of heterogeneous terranes. In the first case, the mantle-derived component may be represented by differentiated Island Arc-type magmas, and the granites result from mixing these magmas with anatectic melts. In the second case, mantle-derived igneous rocks, such as obducted ophiolites, are part of the crustal source and their variable involvement in the anatectic process causes isotopic variations.CRPG Contribution n 630.     

Trace element and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb, O) arguments for a mid-crustal origin of Pan-African garnet-bearing S-type granites from the Damara orogen (Namibia)

Geochronological data, major and trace element abundances, Nd and Sr isotope ratios, δ¹⁸O whole rock values and Pb isotope ratios from leached feldspars are presented for garnet-bearing granites (locality at Oetmoed and outcrop 10 km north of Omaruru) from the Damara Belt (Namibia). For the granites from outcrop 10 km N′ Omaruru, reversely discordant U–Pb monazite data give ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U ages of 511±2 Ma and 517±2 Ma, similar to previously published estimates for the time of regional high grade metamorphism in the Central Zone. Based on textural and compositional variations, garnets from these granites are inferred to be refractory residues from partial melting in the deep crust. Because P–T estimates from these xenocrystic garnets are significantly higher (800°C/9–10 kbar) than regional estimates (700°C/5 kbar), the monazite ages are interpreted to date the peak of regional metamorphism in the source of the granites. Sm–Nd garnet–whole rock ages are between 500 and 490 Ma indicating the age of extraction of the granites from their deep crustal sources. For the granites from Oetmoed, both Sm–Nd and Pb–Pb ages obtained on igneous garnets range from 500 to 490 Ma. These ages are interpreted as emplacement ages and are significantly younger than the previously proposed age of 520 Ma for these granites based on Rb/Sr whole rock age determinations. Major and trace element compositions indicate that the granites are moderately to strongly peraluminous S-type granites. High initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (>0.716), high δ¹⁸O values of >13.8‰, negative initial _Nd values between −4 and −7 and evolved Pb isotope ratios indicate formation of the granites by anatexis of mid-crustal rocks similar to the exposed metapelites into which they intruded. The large range of Pb isotope ratios and the lack of correlation between Pb isotope ratios and Nd and Sr isotope ratios indicate heterogeneity of the involved crustal rocks. Evidence for the involvement of isotopically highly evolved lower crust is scarce and the influence of a depleted mantle component is unlikely. The crustal heating events that produced these granites might have been caused by crustal thickening and thrusting of crustal sheets enriched in heat-producing elements. Very limited fluxing of volatiles from underthrust low- to medium-grade metasedimentary rocks may have also been a factor in promoting partial melting. Furthermore, delamination of the lithospheric mantle and uprise of hot mantle could have caused localized high-T regions. The presence of coeval A-type granites at Oetmoed that have been derived at least in part from a mantle source supports this model.     

Genesis and Mixing/Mingling of Mafic and Felsic Magmas of Back-Arc Granite: Miocene Tsushima Pluton, Southwest Japan

The Middle Miocene Tsushima granite pluton is composed of leucocratic granites, gray granites and numerous mafic microgranular enclaves (MME). The granites have a metaluminous to slightly peraluminous composition and belong to the calc‐alkaline series, as do many other coeval granites of southwestern Japan, all of which formed in relation to the opening of the Sea of Japan. The Tsushima granites are unique in that they occur in the back‐arc area of the innermost Inner Zone of Southwest Japan, contain numerous miarolitic cavities, and show shallow crystallization (2–6 km deep), based on hornblende geobarometry. The leucocratic granite has higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7065–0.7085) and lower ε_Nd(t) (?7.70 to ?4.35) than the MME of basaltic–dacitic composition (0.7044–0.7061 and ?0.53 to ?5.24), whereas most gray granites have intermediate chemical and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (0.7061–0.7072 and ?3.75 to ?6.17). Field, petrological, and geochemical data demonstrate that the Tsushima granites formed by the mingling and mixing of mafic and felsic magmas. The Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data strongly suggest that the mafic magma was derived from two mantle components with depleted mantle material and enriched mantle I (EMI) compositions, whereas the felsic magma formed by mixing of upper mantle magma of EMI composition with metabasic rocks in the overlying lower crust. Element data points deviating from the simple mixing line of the two magmas may indicate fractional crystallization of the felsic magma or chemical modification by hydrothermal fluid. The miarolitic cavities and enrichment of alkali elements in the MME suggest rapid cooling of the mingled magma accompanied by elemental transport by hydrothermal fluid. The inferred genesis of this magma–fluid system is as follows: (i) the mafic and felsic magmas were generated in the mantle and lower crust, respectively, by a large heat supply and pressure decrease under back‐arc conditions induced by mantle upwelling and crustal thinning; (ii) they mingled and crystallized rapidly at shallow depths in the upper crust without interaction during the ascent of the magmas from the middle to the upper crust, which (iii) led to fluid generation in the shallow crust. The upper mantle in southwest Japan thus has an EMI‐like composition, which plays an important role in the genesis of igneous rocks there.     

Zircon U–Pb age,Hf isotopic compositions and geochemistry of the Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granite Pluton and Taoyuan mafic–felsic Complex at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block

This work presents an integrated study of zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope along with whole-rock geochemistry on Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granites and Taoyuan mafic–felsic intrusive Complex located at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block, filling in a gap in understanding of Paleozoic I-type granites and mafic-intermediate igneous rocks in the eastern South China Craton (SCC). The Fengdingshan granite and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro are dated at 436 ± 5 Ma and 409 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The Fengdingshan granites display characteristics of calc-alkaline I-type granite with high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7093–0.7127, low εNd(t) values ranging from −5.6 to −5.4 and corresponding Nd model ages (T_2DM) of 1.6 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from −2.7 to 2.6 and model ages of 951–1164 Ma. The Taoyuan mafic rocks exhibit typical arc-like geochemistry, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta. They have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7053–0.7058, εNd(t) values of 0.2–1.6 and corresponding T_2DM of 1.0–1.1 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from 3.2 to 6.1 and model ages of 774–911 Ma. Diorite and granodiorite from the Taoyuan Complex have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7065–0.7117, εNd(t) values from −5.7 to −1.9 and Nd model ages of 1.3–1.6 Ga. The petrographic and geochemical characteristics indicate that the Fengdingshan granites probably formed by reworking of Neoproterozoic basalts with very little of juvenile mantle-derived magma. The Taoyuan Complex formed by magma mixing and mingling, in which the mafic member originated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Both the Fengdingshan and Taoyuan Plutons formed in a post-orogenic collapse stage in an intracontinental tectonic regime. Besides the Paleozoic Fengdingshan granites and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro, other Neoproterozoic and Indosinian igneous rocks located along the southeastern and western margin of the Yangtze Block also exhibit decoupled Nd–Hf isotopic systemics, which may be a fingerprint of a previous late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic oceanic subduction.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of early Silurian high-K calc-alkaline granites and their potassic microgranular enclaves,western Kunlun orogen,NW Tibetan Plateau

The western Kunlun orogen occupies a key position along the tectonic junction between the Pan-Asian and Tethyan domains, reflecting Proto- and Palaeo-Tethys subduction and terrane collision during early Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic time. We present the first detailed zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–O–Hf isotope geochemistry of the Qiukesu pluton and its microgranular enclaves from this multiple orogenic belt. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Qiukesu pluton was emplaced in the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma). It consists of weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline monzogranite and syenogranite, with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7131–0.7229, ?_Nd(T) of –4.1 to –5.7, δ¹⁸O of 8.0–10.8‰, and ?_Hf(T) (in situ zircon) of –4.9. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granites formed by partial melting of lower-crustal granulitized metasedimentary-igneous Precambrian basement triggered by underplating of coeval mantle-derived enclave-forming intermediate magmas. Fractional crystallization of these purely crustal melts may explain the more felsic end-member granitic rocks, whereas such crustal melts plus additional input from coeval enclave-forming intermediate magma could account for the less felsic granites. The enclaves are intermediate (SiO₂ 57.6–62.2 wt.%) with high K₂O (1.8–3.6 wt.%). They have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7132–0.7226, ?_Nd(T) of –5.0 to –6.0, δ¹⁸O of 6.9–9.9‰, and ?_Hf(T) (in situ zircon) of –8.1. We interpret the enclave magmas as having been derived by partial melting of subduction-modified mantle in the P–T transition zone between the spinel and spinel-garnet stability fields. Our new data suggest that subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust was continuous to the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma); the final closure of the Proto-Tethys occurred in the middle Silurian.     

Late Ediacaran crustal thickening in Iran: Geochemical and isotopic constraints from the ~550 Ma Mishu granitoids (northwest Iran)

The aim of this article is to examine the geochemistry and geochronology of the Cadomian Mishu granites from northwest Iran, in order to elucidate petrogenesis and their role in the evolution of the Cadomian crust of Iran. The Mishu granites mainly consist of two-mica granites associated with scarce outcrops of tonalite, amphibole granodiorite, and diorite. Leucogranitic dikes locally crosscut the Mishu granites. Two-mica granites show S-type characteristics whereas amphibole granodiorite, tonalities, and diorites have I-type signatures. The I-type granites show enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Ba and K) and depletion in high field strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ti and Ta). These characteristics show that these granites have been formed along an ancient, fossilized subduction zone. The S-type granites have high K, Rb, Cs (and other large ion lithophile elements) contents, resembling collision-related granites. U–Pb zircon dating of the Mishu rocks yielded ²³⁸U/²⁰⁶Pb crystallization ages of ca. 550 Ma. Moreover, Rb–Sr errorchron shows an early Ediacaran age (547 ± 84 Ma) for the Mishu igneous rocks. The two-mica granites (S-type granites) show high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) ratios, ranging from 0.7068 to 0.7095. Their ?Nd values change between ?4.2 and ?4.6. Amphibole granitoids and diorites (I-type granites) are characterized by relatively low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) ratios (0.7048–0.7079) and higher values of ?Nd (?0.8 to ?4.2). Leucogranitic dikes have quite juvenile signature, with ?Nd values ranging from +1.1 to +1.4 and Nd model ages (T_DM) from 1.1 to 1.2 Ga. The isotopic data suggests interaction of juvenile, mantle-derived melts with old continental crust to be the main factor for the generation of the Mishu granites. Interaction with older continental crust is also confirmed by the presence of abundant inherited zircon cores. The liquid-line of descend in the Harker diagrams suggests fractional crystallization was also a predominant mechanism during evolution of the Mishu I-type granites. The zircon U–Pb ages, whole rock trace elements, and Sr–Nd isotope data strongly indicate the similarities between the Mishu Cadomian granites with other late Neoproterozoic–early Cambrian (600–520 Ma) granites across Iran and the surrounding areas such as Turkey and Iberia. The generation of the Mishu I-type granites could be related to the subduction of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean during Cadomian orogeny, through interaction between juvenile melts and old (Mesoproterozoic or Archaean) continental crust. The S-type granites are related to the pooling of the basaltic melts within the middle–upper parts of the thick continental crust and then partial melting of that crust.     

Controls on Devonian–Carboniferous magmatism in Tasmania,based on inherited zircon age patterns,Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes,and major and trace element geochemistry

Devonian–Carboniferous granites are widespread in Tasmania. In eastern Tasmania, Devonian granites intrude Ordovician–Early Devonian quartz-rich turbidites of the Mathinna Supergroup. The earliest (～400 Ma) I-type granodiorites may be arc-related. Following the Tabberabberan Orogeny (～389 Ma), more felsic and, finally, strongly fractionated I- and S-type granites were emplaced until ～373 Ma. In contrast, western Tasmania granites intrude a more diverse terrane of predominantly marine shelf successions, with depositional ages as old as Late Mesoproterozoic. They are mostly felsic and fractionated I- and S-types emplaced from ～374–351 Ma, possibly in response to post-collisional crustal extension following juxtaposition of the eastern and western Tasmanian terranes. Granites from the two terranes are readily distinguishable by the age spectra of their inherited zircon, which are noticeably similar to those of the detrital zircon from sedimentary successions in their respective terranes. Furthermore, within each terrane, both I and S-types yield similar inheritance patterns. This suggests a pivotal role for the sedimentary successions in the petrogenesis of both types. Western Tasmanian granites are also enriched in ～1600 Ma zircon, which is essentially unrepresented in the exposed supracrustal succession. Subtle differences between the inheritance and detrital age spectra in eastern Tasmania probably relate to unrepresentative sampling of the supracrustal rocks. Nd, Sr and Pb isotopic characteristics of the granites are consistent with their derivation by mixing of magmas derived from the mantle, possibly the lower crust, and from supracrustal rocks. Systematic isotopic trends in some eastern Tasmanian I-types, particularly in the Scottsdale Batholith, correlate well with major and trace element geochemistry and age. The isotopes are inconsistent with simple restite unmixing or crystal fractionation in a closed magma chamber, and indicate progressive contamination by the Mathinna Supergroup, or similar rocks. The isotopic characteristics of late, strongly fractionated granites, although sometimes obscured by hydrothermal alteration, are also consistent with concurrent assimilation-fractional crystallisation processes. Together with the close association of some strongly fractionated I- and S-types, this suggests that such granites were generated directly in the lower crust, and were not derived from unfractionated parental granite magmas.     

The building blocks of continental crust: Evidence for a major change in the tectonic setting of continental growth at the end of the Archean

Oceanic arcs are commonly cited as primary building blocks of continents, yet modern oceanic arcs are mostly subducted. Also, lithosphere buoyancy considerations show that oceanic arcs (even those with a felsic component) should readily subduct. With the exception of the Arabian–Nubian orogen, terranes in post-Archean accretionary orogens comprise < 10% of accreted oceanic arcs, whereas continental arcs compose 40–80% of these orogens. Nd and Hf isotopic data suggest that accretionary orogens include 40–65% juvenile crustal components, with most of these (> 50%) produced in continental arcs.Felsic igneous rocks in oceanic arcs are depleted in incompatible elements compared to average continental crust and to felsic igneous rocks from continental arcs. They have lower Th/Yb, Nb/Yb, Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, reflecting shallow mantle sources in which garnet did not exist in the restite during melting. The bottom line of these geochemical differences is that post-Archean continental crust does not begin life in oceanic arcs. On the other hand, the remarkable similarity of incompatible element distributions in granitoids and felsic volcanics from continental arcs is consistent with continental crust being produced in continental arcs.During the Archean, however, oceanic arcs may have been thicker due to higher degrees of melting in the mantle, and oceanic lithosphere would be more buoyant. These arcs may have accreted to each other and to oceanic plateaus, a process that eventually led to the production of Archean continental crust. After the Archean, oceanic crust was thinner due to cooling of the mantle and less melt production at ocean ridges, hence, oceanic lithosphere is more subductable. Widespread propagation of plate tectonics in the late Archean may have led not only to rapid production of continental crust, but to a change in the primary site of production of continental crust, from accreted oceanic arcs and oceanic plateaus in the Archean to primarily continental arcs thereafter.     

Juvenile granite in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone,NW Iran: Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous arc–continent collision

The Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ) of western Iran is characterized by numerous granitoids of mainly calc-alkaline affinities. Several leucogranite and monzonite bodies crop out in the eastern Sanandaj. Whole-rock Rb–Sr isochrons demonstrate that the Mobarak Abad monzonite (MAM) formed in two phases at 185 and 131 Ma. Low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(i) (i represents initial) and high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(i) ratios, resulting in positive ?^t _Nd, imply that the source magma originated from a depleted mantle; large ion lithophile element (LILE) and light rare earth element (LREE) enrichments imply that slab fluid was involved in the evolution of the parent magma. Geochemical characteristics of the MAM rocks show an affinity with I- and A-type granites, and the positive values of ?^t _Nd (+2 to +6), confirm that the MAM represents juvenile granite. Therefore, the MAM rocks are different from Himalayan, Hercynian, and Caledonian granites. Based on the geology of granitic host rocks that form the protoliths of metamorphic rocks, it is likely that the mafic part of the MAM formed in an island arc setting on Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust during Early to Middle Jurassic time. Subsequent collision of the island arc with the western part of the SSZ occurred in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. Metamorphism, accompanied by partial melting, occurred during collision. Finally, leucogranite magmas of the young Mobarak Abad dikes and the Suffi Abad body were generated in this collision zone. This new model suggests a Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous arc–continental collision before final closing of the Neo-Tethys.     

Subduction-related mafic to felsic magmatism in the Malayer–Boroujerd plutonic complex,western Iran

The Malayer–Boroujerd plutonic complex (MBPC) in western Iran, consists of a portion of a magmatic arc built by the northeast verging subduction of the Neo-Tethys plate beneath the Central Iranian Microcontinent (CIMC). Middle Jurassic-aged felsic magmatic activity in MBPC is manifested by I-type and S-type granites. The mafic rocks include gabbroic intrusions and dykes and intermediate rocks are dioritic dykes and minor intrusions, as well as mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs). MBPC Jurassic-aged rocks exhibit arc-like geochemical signatures, as they are LILE- and LREE-enriched and HFSE- and HREE-depleted and display negative Nb–Ta anomalies. The gabbro dykes and intrusions originated from metasomatically enriched garnet-spinel lherzolite [Degree of melting (f_mel) ~ 15%] and exhibit negative Nd and positive to slightly negative ε_Hf(T) (+ 3.0 to ? 1.6). The data reveal that evolution of Middle Jurassic magmatism occurred in two stages: (1) deep mantle-crust interplay zone and (2) the shallow level upper crustal magma chamber. The geochemical and isotopic data, as well as trace element modeling, indicate the parent magma for the MBPC S-type granites are products of upper crustal greywacke (f_mel: 0.2), while I-type granites formed by partial melting of amphibolitic lower crust (f_mel: 0.25) and mixing with upper crustal greywacke melt in a shallow level magma chamber [Degree of mixing (f_mix): 0.3]. Mixing between andesitic melt leaving behind a refractory dense cumulates during partial crystallization of mantle-derived magma and lower crustal partial melt most likely produced MMEs (f_mix: 0.2). However, enriched and moderately variable ε_Nd(T) (? 3.21 to ? 4.33) and high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.7085–0.7092) in dioritic intrusions indicate that these magmas are likely experienced assimilation of upper crustal materials. The interpretations of magmatic activity in the MBPC is consistent with the role considered for mantle-derived magma as heat and mass supplier for initiation and evolution of magmatism in continental arc setting, elsewhere.     

Tectonomagmatic setting and provenance of the Santa Marta Schists,northern Colombia: Insights on the growth and approach of Cretaceous Caribbean oceanic terranes to the South American continent

Metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary rocks accreted to the northern South American continental margin are major vestiges of the Caribbean oceanic plate evolution and its interactions with the continent. Selected whole rock geochemistry, Nd–Sr isotopes and detrital zircon geochronology were obtained in metabasic and metasedimentary rocks from the Santa Marta and San Lorenzo Schists in northernmost Colombia. Trace element patterns are characterized by primitive island arc and MORB signatures. Similarly initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr-ε_Nd isotopic relations correlate with oceanic arcs and MORB reservoirs, suggesting that the protoliths were formed within a back-arc setting or at the transition between the inta-oceanic arc and the Caribbean oceanic crust. Trace element trends from associated metasedimentary rocks show that the provenance was controlled by a volcanic arc and a sialic continental domain, whereas detrital U/Pb zircons from the Santa Marta Schists and adjacent southeastern metamorphic units show Late Cretaceous and older Mesozoic, Late Paleozoic and Mesoproterozoic sources. Comparison with continental inland basins suggests that this arc-basin is allocthonous to its current position, and was still active by ca. 82 Ma. The geological features are comparable to other arc remnants found in northeastern Colombia and the Netherland Antilles. The geochemical and U/Pb detrital signatures from the metasedimentary rocks suggest that this tectonic domain was already in proximity to the continental margin, in a configuration similar to the modern Antilles or the Kermadec arc in the Pacific. The older continental detritus were derived from the ongoing Andean uplift feeding the intra-oceanic tectonic environment. Cross-cutting relations with granitoids and metamorphic ages suggest that metamorphism was completed by ca. 65 Ma.     

Shrimp U–Pb zircon geochronology,geochemistry, and Nd–Sr isotopic study of contrasting granites in the Emeishan large igneous province,SW China

The Cida A-type granitic stock (∼ 4 km²) and Ailanghe I-type granite batholith (∼ 100 km²) in the Pan-Xi (Panzhihua-Xichang) area, SW China, are two important examples of granites formed during an episode of magmatism associated with the Permian Emeishan mantle plume activity. This is a classic setting of plume-related, anorogenic magmatism exhibiting the typical association of mantle-derived mafic and alkaline rocks along with silicic units. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb data reveal that the Cida granitic pluton (261 ± 4 Ma) was emplaced shortly before the Ailanghe granites (251 ± 6 Ma). The Cida granitoids display mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of A-type granites including high FeO^⁎/MgO ratios, elevated high-field-strength elements (HFSE) contents and high Ga/Al ratios, which are much higher than those of the Ailanghe granites. All the granitic rocks show significant negative Eu anomalies and demonstrate the characteristic negative anomalies in Ba, Sr, and Ti in the spidergrams. It can be concluded that the Cida granitic rocks are highly fractionated A-type granitoids whereas the Ailanghe granitic rocks belong to highly evolved I-type granites.The Cida granitoids and enclaves have Nd and Sr isotopic initial ratios (ε_Nd(t) = − 0.25 to + 1.35 and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7023 to 0.7053) close to those of the associated mafic intrusions and Emeishan basalts, indicating the involvement of a major mantle plume component. The Ailanghe granites exhibit prominent negative Nb and Ta anomalies and weakly positive Pb anomalies in the spidergram and have nonradiogenic ε_Nd(t) ratios (− 6.34 to − 6.26) and high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values (0.7102 to 0.7111), which indicate a significant contribution from crustal material. These observations combined with geochemical modeling suggest that the Cida A-type granitoids were produced by extensive fractional crystallization from basaltic parental magmas. In contrast, the Ailanghe I-type granites most probably originated by partial melting of the mid-upper crustal, metasedimentary–metavolcanic rocks from the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Huili group and newly underplated basaltic rocks.In the present study, it is proposed that petrogenetic distinctions between A-type and I-type granites may not be as clear-cut as previously supposed, and that many compositional and genetically different granites of the A- and I-types can be produced in the plume-related setting. Their ultimate nature depends more importantly on the type and proportion of mantle and crustal material involved and melting conditions. Significant melt production and possible underplating and/or intrusion into the lower crust, may play an important role in generating the juvenile mafic lower crust (average 20 km) in the central part of the Emeishan mantle plume.     

Meta-igneous origin of Hercynian peraluminous granites in N.W. French Massif Central: implications for crustal history reconstructions

Seventy samples of Hercynian peraluminous granites (Guéret, Millevaches and Saint Sylvestre massifs) and metamorphic units of the Limousin area were analysed for Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd. The source rocks of the peraluminous granites can be found in the metamorphic rocks of Limousin, among them meta-igneous rocks were largely predominent over meta-sedimentary rocks in the source of the three granites. Millevaches and Guéret granites were generated by the partial melting of rocks comprising meta-volcanics and meta-sediments, whereas the Saint Sylvestre granite was produced exclusively by the melting of late Precambrian granites. This leads to confusing T _DM ^Nd values, the confusion being amplified by the segregation of monazite during the petrogenetic evolution of the peraluminous granites, which leads to dramatic fractionation in Sm/Nd ratios. The data of the present study tend to demonstrate that peraluminous granites do not give a good representation of isotopic mean crustal estimates. Late Precambrian time seems, however, to have been a period of extensive crustal generation in Western Europe.     

Mantle and Crustal Sources in the Genesis of Late-Hercynian Granitoids (NW Portugal): Geochemical and Sr-Nd Isotopic Constraints

Large volumes of granitoids were emplaced in the Hercynian Central Iberian Zone during the last ductile deformation phase (D3, 300-320 Ma). The biotite-rich granitoids are the most abundant: (1) syn-D3 granodiorites-monzogranites (313-319 Ma) with calc-alkaline and aluminopotassic affinities; (2) late-D3 granodiorites-monzogranites (306-311 Ma), related to subalkaline and aluminopotassic series. These granitoids are associated with coeval gabbro-norite to granodiorite bodies and/or mafic microgranular enclaves. Both granitoids and basic-intermediate rocks show petrological, geochemical and isotopic evidence of interaction between felsic and mafic magmas.The mantle-derived melts, represented by shoshonitic gabbro-norites, were probably derived from an enriched and isotopically homogeneous source (Sr_i = 0.7049 to 0.7053, e_Nd = -2.1 to -2.5). In some syn- and late-D3 plutons there are evidences of essentially crustal granites, represented by moderately peraluminous monzogranites of aluminopotassic affinity. They have similar Nd model ages (1.4 Ga) but different isotopic compositions (Sr_i = 0.7089 to 0.7106, e_Nd = -5.6 to -6.8), revealing a heterogeneous crust. Potential protoliths are metasedimentary (immature sediments) and/or felsic meta-igneous lower crust materials. Large amounts of hybrid magmas were generated by the interaction of these coeval mantle- and crust-derived liquids, giving rise to slightly peraluminous monzogranites/granodiorites of calc-alkaline and subalkaline affinities, which display more depleted isotopic compositions than the crustal end-members (Sr_i = 0.7064 to 0.7085, e_Nd = -4.4 to -6.2). Petrogenetic processes involving mingling and/or mixing and fractional crystallization (at variable degrees) in multiple reservoirs are suggested.A major crustal growth event occurred in late-Hercynian times (∼305-320 Ma) related to the input of juvenile mantle magmas and leading to the genesis of composite calc-alkaline and subalkaline plutons, largely represented in the Central Iberian Zone.     

Evidence for hybridisation in the Tynong Province granitoids,Lachlan Fold Belt,eastern Australia

The role of mafic–felsic magma mixing in the formation of granites is controversial. Field evidence in many granite plutons undoubtedly implies interaction of mafic (basaltic–intermediate) magma with (usually) much more abundant granitic magma, but the extent of such mixing and its effect on overall chemical features of the host intrusion are unclear. Late Devonian I-type granitoids of the Tynong Province in the western Lachlan Fold Belt, southeast Australia, show typical evidence for magma mingling and mixing, such as small dioritic stocks, hybrid zones with local host granite and ubiquitous microgranitoid enclaves. The latter commonly have irregular boundaries and show textural features characteristic of hybridisation, e.g. xenocrysts of granitic quartz and K-feldspars, rapakivi and antirapakivi textures, quartz and feldspar ocelli, and acicular apatite. Linear (well defined to diffuse) compositional trends for granites, hybrid zones and enclaves have been attributed to magma mixing but could also be explained by other mechanisms. Magmatic zircons of the Tynong and Toorongo granodiorites yield U–Pb zircon ages consistent with the known ca 370 Ma age of the province and preserve relatively unevolved ?_Hf (averages for three samples are +6.9, +4.3 and +3.9). The range in zircon ?_Hf in two of the three analysed samples (8.8 and 10.1 ?_Hf units) exceeds that expected from a single homogeneous population (～4 units) and suggests considerable Hf isotopic heterogeneity in the melt from which the zircon formed, consistent with syn-intrusion magma mixing. Correlated whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope data for the Tynong Province granitoids show a considerable range (0.7049–0.7074, ?_Nd +1.2 to –4.7), which may map the hybridisation between a mafic magma and possibly multiple crustal magmas. Major-element variations for host granite, hybrid zones and enclaves in the large Tynong granodiorite show correlations with major-element compositions of the type expected from mixing of contrasting mafic and felsic magmas. However, chemical–isotopic correlations are poorly developed for the province as a whole, especially for ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. In a magma mixing model, such complexities could be explained in terms of a dynamic mixing/mingling environment, with multiple mixing events and subsequent interactions between hybrids and superimposed fractional crystallisation. The results indicate that features plausibly attributed to mafic–felsic magma mixing exist at all scales within this granite province and suggest a major role for magma mixing/mingling in the formation of I-type granites.     

Geochronological evidence and tectonic significance of Carboniferous magmatism in the southwest Trabzon area,eastern Pontides,Turkey

The northern and southern zones of the eastern Pontides (northeast Turkey) contain numerous plutons of varying ages and compositions. Geochemical and isotopic results on two Hercynian granitoid bodies located in the northern zone of the eastern Pontides allow a proper reconstruction of their origin for the first time. The intrusive rocks comprise four distinct bodies, two of which we investigated in detail. Based on LA–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon dating, the Derinoba and Kayadibi granites have similar ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U versus ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U Concordia ages of 311.1 ± 2.0 and 317.2 ± 3.5 million years for the former and 303.8 ± 1.5 million years for the latter. Aluminium saturation index values of both granites are between 0.95 and 1.35, indicating dominant peraluminous melt compositions. Both intrusions have high SiO₂ (74–77 wt.%) contents and show high-K calc-alkaline and I- to S-type characteristics. Primitive mantle-normalized element diagrams display enrichment in K, Rb, Th, and U, and depletion in Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns are characterized by concave-upward shapes and pronounced negative Eu anomalies with La_cn/Yb_cn?=?4.6–9.7 and Eu_cn/Eu*?=?0.11–0.59 (Derinoba), and La_cn/Yb_cn?=?2.7–5.5 and Eu_cn/Eu*?=?0.31–0.37 (Kayadibi). These features imply crystal-melt fractionation of plagioclase and K-feldspar without significant involvement of garnet. The Derinoba samples have initial ?Nd values between –6.1 and –7.1 with Nd model ages and T _DM between 1.56 and 2.15 thousand million years. The Kayadibi samples show higher initial ?Nd_(I) values, –4.5 to –6.2, with Nd model ages between 1.50 and 1.72 thousand million years. This study demonstrates that the Sr isotope ratios generally display negative correlation with Nd isotopes; Sr isotope ratios were lowered in some samples by hydrothermal interaction or alteration. Isotopic and petrological data suggest that both granites were produced by the partial melting of early Palaeozoic lower crustal rocks, with minor contribution from the mantle. Collectively, these rocks represent a late stage of Hercynian magmatism in the eastern Pontides.     

Evidence for Late Miocene to Recent contamination of arc andesites by crustal melts in the Chilean Andes (25–26°S) and its geodynamic implications

Chemical and isotopic data from 12 volcanic centers of the southern Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ) in Chile, whose ages of 20, 16, 11, 8, 5, 2 and <1 Ma bracket the peak of shortening and crustal thickening in the mid-Miocene, show systematic differences with age. The composition of andesites erupted before and after crustal thickening are similar in terms of most major and trace elements, but the post-Miocene andesites show enrichments in Th, U, Cs and Rb, as well as high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios coupled with low εNd values which indicate greater crustal contamination compared with the older equivalents. Comparison of contamination indicators with age shows that contamination was low from 20 Ma to 8 Ma, increased sharply between 8 and 5 Ma, and remained at a high level into the Quaternary. Constant ratios of fluid-mobile vs immobile elements (Cs/Th or Ba/Zr) in even the most contaminated rocks indicate that fluid interaction was negligible. The contaminated andesites display disequilibrium textures and contain phenocrysts with a mixed population of melt inclusions. We suggest that the main process of crustal contamination was mixing with crustal melts. This is supported by geophysical evidence for a zone of partial melting in the mid and lower crust under the magmatic arc and by the presence of late Miocene to Pliocene crustal-derived felsic ignimbrites in the CVZ.     

Quaternary bimodal volcanism in the Niğde Volcanic Complex (Cappadocia,central Anatolia,Turkey): age,petrogenesis and geodynamic implications

The late Neogene to Quaternary Cappadocian Volcanic Province (CVP) in central Anatolia is one of the most impressive volcanic fields of Turkey because of its extent and spectacular erosionally sculptured landscape. The late Neogene evolution of the CVP started with the eruption of extensive andesitic-dacitic lavas and ignimbrites with minor basaltic lavas. This stage was followed by Quaternary bimodal volcanism. Here, we present geochemical, isotopic (Sr–Nd–Pb and δ¹⁸O isotopes) and geochronological (U–Pb zircon and Ar–Ar amphibole and whole-rock ages) data for bimodal volcanic rocks of the Ni?de Volcanic Complex (NVC) in the western part of the CVP to determine mantle melting dynamics and magmatic processes within the overlying continental crust during the Quaternary. Geochronological data suggest that the bimodal volcanic activity in the study area occurred between ca. 1.1 and ca. 0.2 Ma (Pleistocene) and comprises (1) mafic lavas consisting of basalts, trachybasalts, basaltic andesites and scoria lapilli fallout deposits with mainly basaltic composition, (2) felsic lavas consisting of mostly rhyolites and pumice lapilli fall-out and surge deposits with dacitic to rhyolitic composition. The most mafic sample is basalt from a monogenetic cone, which is characterized by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7038, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5128, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.80, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.68, suggesting a moderately depleted signature of the mantle source. Felsic volcanic rocks define a narrow range of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratios (0.5126–0.5128) and are homogeneous in Pb isotope composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.84–18.87, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.64–15.67 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.93–38.99). ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotopic compositions of mafic (0.7038–0.7053) and felsic (0.7040–0.7052) samples are similar, reflecting a common mantle source. The felsic rocks have relatively low zircon δ¹⁸O values (5.6 ± 0.6 ‰) overlapping mantle values (5.3 ± 0.3 %), consistent with an origin by fractional crystallization from a mafic melt with very minor continental crustal contamination. The geochronological and geochemical data suggest that mafic and felsic volcanic rocks of the NVC are genetically closely related to each other. Mafic rocks show a positive trend between ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Th, suggesting simultaneous assimilation and fractional crystallization, whereas the felsic rocks are characterized by a flat or slightly negative variation. High ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr gneisses are a potential crustal contaminant of the mafic magmas, but the comparatively low and invariant ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the felsic volcanics suggests that these evolved dominantly by fractional crystallization. Mantle-derived basaltic melts, which experienced low degree of crustal assimilation, are proposed to be the parent melt of the felsic volcanics. Geochronological and geochemical results combined with regional geological and geophysical data suggest that bimodal volcanism of the NVC and the CVP, in general, developed in a post-collisional extensional tectonic regime that is caused by ascending asthenosphere, which played a key role during magma genesis.     

Strontium and neodymium isotopic study of the western Mogollon-Datil volcanic region,New Mexico,USA

The Sr- and Nd-isotopic compositions of large mid-Cenozoic caldera-forming eruptions, and related rocks, from the western portion of the Mogollon-Datil volcanic field have been determined. The average initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 27 samples from felsic flows range from 0.70629 to 0.72872; however, all but two flows are 0.71337 or less. Ten analyses of intermediate and mafic rocks showed a tendency towards lower initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ranging from 0.70363 to 0.70968. Initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios of II felsic and intermediate rocks range from 0.51216 to 0.51231. Two basalts analyzed for ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd have ratios of 0.51250 and 0.51291. During the course of the volcanic activity from 34 Ma to the present, there was a shift towards lower initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and lower SiO₂ contents. A number of models of crustal melting, fractionation, mixing, and assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC), using a variety of possible endmembers, were tested, to see if they could explain the isotopic and geochemical characteristics of the Mogollon-Datil volcanic rocks. The best fit was an AFC model using two components, one a mantle-sourced primary magma, with isotopic ratios of the Kilbourne Hole, N. M., basanite, and the other an upper crust with average continental isotopic ratios, and Sr and Nd abundances similar to the Texas Canyon pluton of Arizona.