Geochemistry and origin of Archaean quartz-cordierite gneisses from the Godthåbsfjord region,West Greenland

We report new data on the major, minor and trace element compositions of metasedimentary quartzcordierite gneisses (QCG), an important member of the Archaean Malene supracrustal suite found throughout the Godthåbsfjord region of West Greenland. The analyzed QCG contain assemblages of quartz+cordierite+biotite±garnet±anthophyllite/gedrite±staurolite±sillimanite±plagioclase (with abundant accessory zircon, and minor rutile, monazite and allanite), and broadly resemble cordierite-orthoamphibole rocks found in a great number of other metamorphic terrains. Chemically, the QCG are characterized by: (1) high but variable SiO₂ (59–87 wt%), relative enrichments in MgO, FeO, and Al₂O₃ (mg～0.35–0.85), and depletions in Na₂O, K₂O and especially CaO; (2) low concentrations of Sc, Cr, Co, Ni, and Sr; (3) high concentrations of Y, Nb, Zr, Hf, Ta, Th, U, and REE (rare earth elements)-with prominent negative Eu-anomalies in each case; (5) high concentrations of Ga (18–55 ppm), with variable Ga/Al ratios that are significantly higher than average crustal material. Low Cr and Ni, together with enriched and fractionated REE (displaying negative Eu-anomalies), distinguish the Malene QCG from published accounts of most other Archaean sedimentary rocks. Furthermore, all of the above-mentioned trace element characteristics distinguish the QCG from “ordinary” Malene clastic metasediments (quartzites, psammites, and pelites), suggesting a separate origin for the QCG. These data point towards chemically evolved felsic igneous rocks being the source of the QCG. Consequently, we propose that the Malene QCG represent metamorphosed felsic volcaniclastic sediments that underwent hydrothermal alteration by heated seawater prior to metamorphism, which resulted in gain of Mg (and Fe?), loss of alkalis and lime, and possibly Eu and Sr. The overall trace-element characteristics of the QCG (elevated Ga, Zr, Nb, REE, etc.) are features shared by A-type granites and their volcanic equivalents. Such igneous rocks may represent the ultimate source material for the QCG protolith.     

Recognition of Early Paleozoic Magmatisms in the Supposed Proterozoic Basements of Zhalantun, Great Xing’an Range, NE China

The Zhalantun terrane from the Xing'an massif, northeast China, was used to be considered as Proterozoic basements. However, amounts of detrital zircon ages from the meta-sedimentary rocks deny the existence of Precambrian basements recently. Notably, magmatic rocks were barely reported to limit the exact ages of the Zhalantun basements. In this study, we collected rhyolite, gabbro and quartz diorite for zircon in-situ U-Pb isotopic dating, which yield crystallization ages of ～505 Ma, ～447 Ma and ～125 Ma, respectively. Muscovite schist and siltstone define maximum depositional ages of ～499 Ma and ～489 Ma, respectively. Additionally, these dated supracrustal rocks and plutons also yield ancient detrital/xenocryst zircon ages of ～600–1000 Ma, ～1600–2220 Ma, ～2400 Ma, ～2600–2860 Ma. Based on the whole-rock major and trace element compositions, the ～505 Ma rhyolites display high SiO_2 and alkaline contents, low Fe_2O_3T, TiO_2 and Al_2O_3, and relatively high Mg O and Mg#, which exhibit calc-alkaline characteristics. These rhyolites yield fractionated REE patterns and negative Nb, Ta, Ti, Sr, P and Eu anomalies and positive Zr anomalies. The geochemistry, petrology and Lu-Hf isotopes imply that rhyolites were derived from the partial melting of continental basalt induced by upwelling of sub-arc mantle magmas, and then experienced fractional crystallization of plagioclase, which points to a continental arc regime. The ～447 Ma gabbros exhibit low Si O2 and alkaline contents, high Fe2 O3 T, Ti O2, Mg O and Mg#. They show minor depletions of La and Ce, flat MREE and HREE patterns, and negative Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf anomalies. Both sub-arc mantle and N-MORB-like mantle were involved in the formation of the gabbros, indicative of a probable back-arc basin tectonic setting. Given that, the previously believed Proterozoic supracrustal rocks and several plutons from the Zhalantun Precambrian basements were proved to be Paleozoic to Mesozoic rocks, among which these Paleozoic magmatic rocks were generally related to subduction regime. So far, none Proterozoic rocks have been identified from the Zhalantun Precambrian basement, though some ～600–3210 Ma ancient detrital/xenocryst zircons were reported. Combined with ancient zircon ages and newly reported ～2.5 Ga and ～1.8 Ga granites from the south of the Zhalantun, therefore, the Precambrian rocks probably once exposed in the Zhalantun while they were re-worked and consumed during later long tectonic evolutionary history, resulting in absence of Precambrian rocks in the Zhalantun.     

冀西北怀安地体高级变质表壳岩的锆石年代学研究

位于华北克拉通中部造山带中北段的怀安地体与内蒙孔兹岩带相接,出露高压麻粒岩和退变榴辉岩等多种高级变质岩,是洞悉华北克拉通古元古代构造演化历史的重要窗口。研究区变质表壳岩包括夕线石榴长英质片麻岩、石榴长英质粒状岩石以及紫苏黑云二长片麻岩。阴极发光图像特征显示研究区样品的锆石主要包括碎屑锆石和变质锆石,其中碎屑锆石具有岩浆结晶环带,而变质锆石为单颗粒或围绕着继承性碎屑锆石边部生长,内部结构均匀,Th/U比值较低。锆石LAICP-MS U-Pb定年结果与前人研究结果综合表明该区变质表壳岩石的碎屑锆石的207Pb/206Pb年龄主要集中在~2040Ma,其原岩形成时代与孔兹岩带变泥质岩石相近,均为~2.0Ga。变质锆石记录其变质时代为1957~1804Ma,结合前人对怀安地区变泥质岩和变基性岩变质作用和年代学研究结果,推测得出1.95~1.92Ga代表了峰期(高压)麻粒岩相变质时代,1.90~1.85Ga代表峰后减压阶段变质时代,而1.85~1.80Ga代表退变质晚期的时代。怀安地区变质岩石可能卷入了阴山陆块、鄂尔多斯陆块以及东部陆块间的先后碰撞造山过程,并持续较长时间(1.95~1.80Ga),最终拼贴为统一的整体。     

Protoliths of Paleoproterozoic calciphyres from the Irkut block (Sharyzhalgai uplift of the Siberian craton): composition and origin

The paper presents data on high-grade silicate–carbonate rocks (calciphyres) from the Irkut block (Sharyzhalgai uplift, southwestern Siberian craton). Their origin and age were determined from the rock characteristics, U–Pb dating, REE content, and Hf isotope composition of zircon. The calciphyres occur both as independent section fragments and as interbeds within Paleoproterozoic garnet-bearing and high-alumina (cordierite- and sillimanite-bearing) gneisses. They were produced by metamorphism of terrigenous-carbonate sediments. The terrigenous sediments range in maturity from arenites and wackes to argillaceous rocks; this is consistent with the reconstruction of the sedimentary protoliths of paragneisses, which are predominant in the metasedimentary rocks. The petrogeochemical features of the calciphyres, their LREE enrichment relative to “pure” carbonate rocks, and a distinct Eu anomaly were inherited from the terrigenous component of calc-silicate sediments. The Nd model age (2.4–2.7 Ga) of the calciphyres and the value T_Hf(DM-2st) = 2.5–3.0 Ga for zircon from these rocks indicate that carbonate accumulation was accompanied by the supply of terrigenous material, which formed during the erosion of Archean and Paleoproterozoic crust. Zircon from the calciphyres is similar to metamorphic zircon in REE patterns and Th/U ratios. It might have been of detrital origin and then recrystallized during high-temperature metamorphism. Terrigenous-silicate rocks were metamorphosed at ca. 1.87 Ga. This is close to the previous age estimates for the terrigenous rocks metamorphism (1.85–1.86 Ga) and the age of baddeleyite from apocarbonate metasomatic rocks (1.86 Ga).     

Chemical and isotopic evidence for widespread Eoarchean metasedimentary enclaves in southern West Greenland

New mapping, geochemistry and zircon U-Pb ion microprobe geochronology of pre-3750 Ma rocks from West Greenland was used to identify sedimentary protoliths in a problematic high-grade metamorphic terrane. Samples were collected from southernmost part of the Itsaq Gneiss Complex where Akilia association supracrustal rocks have previously been noted. Supracrustal lithologies include laterally continuous and variably deformed units of amphibolite, ultramafics and ferruginous quartz-pyroxene rocks. Oxygen isotope and mass-independently fractionated sulfur isotopes, immobile trace elements and rare earth element patterns are consistent with origin of quartz-pyroxene rocks as chemical sediments deposited in a marine hydrothermal setting. We describe a further supracrustal lithology: Garnet-bearing quartz-biotite schists with elevated oxygen isotope values (δ¹⁸O_SMOW ? +16‰) and mass-independently fractionated S isotopes consistent with a low-temperature aqueous sedimentary origin. In several enclaves, granitoid gneisses within low-strain limbs transect lithologic contacts and contain inclusions of surrounding rocks. This supports the interpretation that some orthogneisses were originally emplaced as igneous veins that cut supracrustal lithologies. Zircon geochronology on orthogneisses that preserve intrusive relationships confirms minimum ages of ca. 3750 Ma for the supracrustals and pooled [Th/U]_zircon and δ¹⁸O_zircon values of older zircon populations are consonant with igneous growth in the bulk composition of the host rocks. Low [Zr]_WR and high Zr saturation temperatures further minimize the possibility of zircon inheritance. A >3750 Ma age and chemical sedimentary origin for various Akilia association lithologies underscores the widespread occurrence of rocks of this kind beyond the type locality on Akilia (island) at the southern limit of the Itsaq Gneiss Complex.     

南秦岭勉略带铧厂沟火山岩锆石U-Pb年代学及地球化学研究

陕西省西南部铧厂沟火山岩以英安岩为主(～ 90vol％),夹玄武岩构造透镜体(～ 10vol％).玄武岩SiO2含量为43.6％ ～ 54.7％,具有低K、Ti,高Na、Mg的特征;稀土总量为24×10-6 ～29×10-6,中稀土轻微富集,Eu、Sr轻微正异常;具有正Rb、Ba异常及负Nb、Zr异常,LaN/YbN值为1.81 ～2.87,Th/Yb值为0.19 ～0.23,Th/Nb值为0.11 ～0.20,Nb/La值为0.26～0.70,Hf/Th值为0.50 ～ 0.67,显示亚碱性弧玄武岩的特征.英安岩SiO2含量为59.5％～ 72.3％,稀土总量较低(116×10-6～187 × 10-6),为右倾式配分模式,Eu负异常,富集大离子亲石元素(如Rb、Ba、Th、K等),亏损高场强元素(如Nb、P、Ti、Ta等),显示弧火山岩地球化学特征.获得玄武岩的锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄为801.7±4.7Ma (MSWD=1.18;n=12),英安岩的锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年龄为802.1±5.3Ma (MSWD=1.02;n=19),二者在误差范.内一致.因此,铧厂沟火山岩是一套火山弧环境的亚碱性玄武质-英安质火山岩组合,表明新元古代曾有大洋板块向南俯冲到扬子古板块北缘之下;这套火山岩裹挟于泥盆系沉积地层中,与泥盆系地层一起,共同组成了一套由晚古生代-三叠纪勉略洋闭合所致的构造混杂岩带.     

New data on carbonatites of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex,the southern Urals,Russia

Carbonatites that are hosted in metamorphosed ultramafic massifs in the roof of miaskite intrusions of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex are considered. Carbonatites have been revealed in the Buldym, Khaldikha, Spirikha, and Kagan massifs. The geological setting, structure of carbonatite bodies, distribution of accessory rare-metal mineralization, typomorphism of rock-forming minerals, geochemistry, and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions are discussed. Dolomite-calcite carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks contain tetraferriphlogopite, richterite, accessory zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and pyrochlore. According to geothermometric data and the composition of rock-forming minerals, the dolomite-calcite carbonatites were formed under K-feldspar-calcite, albite-calcite, and amphibole-dolomite-calcite facies conditions at 575–300°C. The Buldym pyrochlore deposit is related to carbonatites of these facies. In addition, dolomite carbonatites with accessory Nb and REE mineralization (monazite, aeschynite, allanite, REE-pyrochlore, and columbite) are hosted in ultramafic massifs. The dolomite carbonatites were formed under chlorite-sericite-ankerite facies conditions at 300–200°C. The Spirikha REE deposit is related to dolomite carbonatite and alkaline metasomatic rocks. It has been established that carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks are characterized by high Sr, Ba, and LREE contents and variable Nb, Zr, Ti, V, and Th contents similar to the geochemical attributes of calcio-and magnesiocarbonatites. The low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7044?0.7045 and εNd ranging from 0.65 to ?3.3 testify to their derivation from a deep mantle source of EM₁ type.     

Sm-Nd Isotopic and Geochemical Study of the Archean Tonalite-Amphibolite association from the eastern Indian Craton

We report the results of a Sm-Nd isotopic, major element and rare earth element (REE) study of the Older Metamorphic Group (OMG) tonalite-amphibolite association of the eastern Indian Craton. The Older Metamorphic Tonalite Gneisses (OMTG) have been previously dated to be 3.8 Ga using Sm-Nd isotope systematies, and 3.2–3.4 Ga by Rb-Sr and Pb-Pb dating. The results of this study indicate that the protoliths of the OMG amphibolites are 3.3 Ga isochron age=3.30±0.06 Ga, _Nd= +0.9 ± 0.7), and therefore, the OMTG, which intrude into the associated amphibolites, cannot be any older than 3.3 Ga. The amphibolites display light REE enrichment ((Ce/Yb)_N=2.2–6.7; La=30–100 x chondrite) and nearly flat heavy REE patterns ((Tb/Lu)_N=1.2–1.9); the basaltic parents of the amphibolites were probably generated by the partial melting of a spinel lherzolite mantle. Strong linear relationships between the amphibolites and tonalites in ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd-¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd space (isochron age =3.29±0.04 Ga, _Nd= +0.8 ± 0.8) imply that they are genetically related. The tonalites display fractionated REE patterns (La=100–300 x chondrite) with moderate heavy REE depletions ((Tb/Lu)_N=1.9–3.4). The isotopic, major element and REE data are consistent with the derivation of the OMTG from partial melting of OMG amphibolites or equivalent rocks at amphibolegarnet stabilization depths. An initial _Nd(t) value of +0.9±0.7 for the amphibolites indicates the presence of a slightly depleted mantle source at 3.3 Ga with ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd. between 0.20 and 0.22. It is suggested that the growth of continental crust in the eastern Indian craton occurred in response to magmatic underplating in a plume setting.     

Evolution of the Yunkai Terrane, South China: Evidence from SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating, geochemistry and Nd isotope

The Yunkai Terrane is one of the most important pre-Devonian areas of metamorphosed supracrustal and granitic basement rocks in the Cathaysia Block of South China. The supracrustal rocks are mainly schist, slate and phyllite, with local paragneiss, granulite, amphibolite and marble, with metamorphic grades ranging from greenschist to granulite facies. Largely on the basis of metamorphic grade, they were previously divided into the Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic Gaozhou Complex, the early Neoproterozoic Yunkai ‘Group’ and early Palaeozoic sediments. Granitic rocks were considered to be Meso- and Neoproterozoic, or early Palaeozoic in age. In this study, four meta-sedimentary rock samples, two each from the Yunkai ‘Group’ and Gaozhou Complex, together with three granite samples, record metamorphic and magmatic zircon ages of 443–430 Ma (Silurian), with many inherited and detrital zircons with the ages mainly ranging from 1.1 to 0.8 Ga, although zircons with Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic ages have also been identified in several of the samples. A high-grade sillimanite–garnet–cordierite gneiss contains 242 Ma metamorphic zircons, as well as 440 Ma ones. Three of the meta-sedimentary rocks show large variations in major element compositions, but have similar REE patterns, and have t_DM model ages of 2.17–1.91 Ga and ε_Nd (440 Ma) values of −13.4 to −10.0. Granites range in composition from monzogranite to syenogranite and record t_DM model ages of 2.13–1.42 Ga and ε_Nd (440 Ma) values of −8.4 to −1.2. It is concluded that the Yunkai ‘Group’ and Gaozhou Complex formed coevally in the late Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic, probably at the same time as weakly to un-metamorphosed early Palaeozoic sediments in the area. Based on the detrital zircon population, the source area contained Meso- to Neoproterozoic rocks, with some Archaean material. Palaeozoic tectonothermal events and zircon growth in the Yunkai Terrane can be correlated with events of similar age and character known throughout the Cathaysia Block. The lack of evidence for Palaeo- and Mesoproterozoic rocks at Yunkai, as stated in earlier publications, means that revision of the basement geology of Cathaysia is necessary.     

Late Precambrian terrigenous rocks of the Anamakit–Muya zone of the Baikal–Muya belt: geochemistry and results of LA-ICP-MS dating of detrital zircons

A comparative geochemical characteristics of Late Precambrian sedimentary rocks (Ust’-Kelyana and Tuluya rock units) in the Anamakit–Muya zone of the Baikal–Muya belt is given, and the conditions of their sedimentation are considered. The first results of U–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) dating of detrital zircons and Sm–Nd isotope data on the Tuluya unit deposits are presented. Petrogeochemical study showed that the studied sediments are first-cycle rocks similar in composition to terrigenous island-arc sediments. The low contents of Th, Rb, Zr, Hf, and LREE and high contents of Co, Ni, Sc, V, Cr, and Fe₂O₃* in the sandstones of the Ust’-Kelyana unit evidence that these rocks are similar to oceanic-arc deposits. In contrast, the enrichment of the Tuluya unit rocks in Zr, LREE, Th, Rb, and Nb indicates their similarity to deposits of continental island arcs or active continental margin. Isotope-geochronological studies of the Tuluya rock unit showed the mixing of detrital material resulted from the erosion of Neoproterozoic island-arc igneous rock associations (625–700 Ma), like those in the Karalon–Mamakan zone (Yakor’ and Karalon Formations), and more ancient associations, like the Kelyana (812–824 Ma) and/or Dzhaltuk Groups. Judging from the minimum age of detrital zircon, the lower time bound of sedimentation corresponds to 0.6 Ga.     

华北克拉通新太古代板块俯冲作用:来自山西云中山地区变质高镁火成岩组合的证据

在华北克拉通中部的山西云中山地区,新太古代花岗闪长质片麻岩中存在一些超镁铁质岩-镁铁质岩块及由斜长角闪岩、角闪变粒岩、石英岩和石榴夕线黑云片岩等岩石类型构成的变质表壳岩残片,其中的超镁铁质-镁铁质岩、斜长角闪岩和角闪变粒岩构成一套高镁火成岩组合。超镁铁质岩已变质为橄榄绿泥阳起片岩等岩石类型,呈变余斑状结构,橄榄石斑晶仍有保存;岩石SiO_2含量为39.22%～44.99%,Al_2O_3为8.82%～13.47%,Mg O为19.24%～22.13%,Na_2O+K_2O=0.71%～1.11%,CaO为5.75%～8.42%;Al_2O_3/TiO_2=14.8～17.4,CaO/Al_2O_3=0.60～0.84;化学成分上与科马提岩有一定的相似性。与之紧密伴生的斜长角闪岩也具有高镁特征,Mg O含量为11.28%～15.09%,铝、硅和碱质均偏低,具正铕异常,显示堆晶辉长岩的特征。非高镁斜长角闪岩有相对高的铝、硅和碱质,其原岩应为钙碱性玄武岩。角闪变粒岩样品的SiO_2含量为54.21%～55.71%,Al_2O_3为14.24%～15.49%,Mg O为6.26%～8.28%,Fe OT/Mg O=1.11～1.58,高钠低钾,Na_2O+K_2O=3.7%～4.78%,Na_2O/K_2O=5.15%～13.13,Mg#=53.0～61.5,属于高镁安山岩。由超镁铁质质岩-斜长角闪岩-角闪变粒岩构成的变质高镁火山岩组合具有钙碱性系列趋势。超镁铁质岩稀土元素含量总量较低,具有轻稀土富集和重稀土亏损的稀土型式;斜长角闪岩与超镁铁质岩比较,除富集大离子亲石元素和Cr、Ni明显较低外,具有相似的微量元素图谱形态。三种岩石类型在微量元素蛛网图上均显示出Ta、Nb、Ti负异常和Pb正异常。野外产状和岩石地球化学特征表明超镁铁质岩和高镁斜长角闪岩属于阿拉斯加型杂岩体,角闪变粒岩属于赞岐岩质高镁安山岩。在Zr/Nb-Nb/Th和Nb/Y-Zr/Y构造环境判别图解上显示出与俯冲相关的演化趋势,在Hf-Th-Ta、Nb/La-(La/Sm)N和Th/Yb-Nb/Yb图解上也落在岛弧钙碱性岩石区域。以上特征表明高镁火成岩组合形成于与板块俯冲相关的岛弧构造背景。野外地质关系和锆石U-Pb年龄限定高镁火成岩组合形成时代在～2.5Ga。云中山地区阿拉斯加型镁铁质-超镁铁质杂岩与赞岐岩质高镁安山岩共生,表明该地区存在新太古代的板块俯冲作用,为太古宙存在板块构造机制提供了新证据。     

碎屑沉积岩/沉积物Sm-Nd、U-Pb与Hf同位素的化学地球动力学意义

碎屑沉积岩能有效记录它们的源区。碎屑沉积岩的Nd同位素组成及其中锆石U-Pb年龄与Hf同位素组成是解析碎屑物质源区、源区壳-幔相互作用及不同块体间相互作用的关键方法。全岩/全样的Nd模式年龄可以指示其源区地壳从亏损地幔分离的平均时间,而锆石Hf同位素模式年龄能够揭示出所测锆石颗粒其形成时的源区特征。细粒碎屑沉积岩/沉积物化学组成代表了其源区上地壳在风化、搬运、沉积过程中不溶于水的Nb、Ta、Zr、Hf、Sc、Ti、Th、REE等的平均组成。实践表明,华北板块、扬子板块、以大兴安岭为代表的中亚造山带东部具有明显不同的形成与演化历史。大兴安岭的地壳增生主要发生于新元古代—古生代期间。由碎屑沉积岩进行化学动力学分析时,应充分系统考虑地质过程的复杂性,将宏观与微观相结合、局部与整体相结合。     

A Paleoproterozoic A—type Rhyolite

The rhyolites in the upper Lueliang Group of Shanxi,China,are Paleoproterozoic weakly alkaline volcanic rocks.They are characterized by high,SiO2,NaO K2O,Zr,Nd,Ga,Y and REE contents and large FeO^*/MgO,Rb/Sr and Ga/Al ratios,and low CaO,Sr and Eu contents,and share much in common with the A-type granitic rocks.They erupted in the rift setting at the continental margin.Chemical features and isotope data,as well as high Nd and low initial Sr ratios,suggest that the original granitic magma was derived from partial melting of Late Archean metamorphic rocks in the lower crust due to the influence of basaltic magma and hot fluid in response to rifting.The A-type rhyolites were finally formed after the fractional crystallization of the dominant mineral feldspar.     

Geology, geochemistry, and U–Pb geochronology of the Archean (2.74 Ga) Serra do Rabo granite stocks, Carajás Metallogenetic Province, northern Brazil

The Carajás region, located in the southeastern part of the Amazon Craton, has been considered one of the most important mineral provinces in the world. The Serra do Rabo Granite (SRG) crops out near the eastern termination of the Carajás fault as two granite stocks, elongated approximately in an E–W direction, concordant with the regional structures. Leucomicrocline granite, hornblende–microcline granite, biotite–hornblende–microcline granite, hornblende syenogranite, and subordinate aplite are identified. The granites are grayish pink and coarse to medium grained and have mainly hypidiomorphic granular texture. Granophyric textures are common. The accessory minerals are ilmenite, apatite, zircon, allanite, and rare pyroxene.The SRG rocks are either massive or foliated, with a slightly anastomosed continuous S₁ foliation (E–W/subvertical) outlined by the preferred orientation of quartz, feldspars, and mafic minerals. Locally, decimeter- to meter-wide mylonite/ultramylonite bands (S_1m) occur along the E–W foliation. The S₁ foliation was developed under higher temperatures than those of the S_1m mylonite foliation. The SRG structural evolution was controlled by progressive deformation under decreasing temperature, indicative of syntectonic emplacement. The SRG also has relatively high SiO₂, K₂O, and Na₂O contents; high FeO*/(FeO*+MgO) ratios; high Zr, Ba, Nb, and Ga; and very high rare-earth element contents. The chemical signature is moderately alkaline and metaluminous, comparable to that of the A-type, A2, and ALK-3 granites. The origin of the SRG magmas may be related to the partial melting of crustal sources, such as previously metamorphosed calc-alkaline granites.The SRG crosscuts supracrustal rocks, promoting low-pressure/high-temperature metamorphism. The interaction between regional compressive stresses and the ballooning effect of the granite stocks promoted slight aureole flattening and rheological changes in the supracrustal rocks. The U–Pb zircon age of 2743±1.6 Ma is interpreted as the age of zircon crystallization, granite stock emplacement, and regional horizontal shortening. Other 2.7 Ga syntectonic alkaline granites (e.g. Estrela, Plaquê, Planalto) have been reported in the region.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of two types of supracrustal rocks in the Northeastern Sulu UHP terrane: constraints on the surface boundary between South China and North China

ABSTRACT

There are voluminous ultrahigh pressure-related orthogneisses and minor metamorphic supracrustal rocks in the northeastern Sulu UHP terrane (NSL), East China. The tectonic affinities of the supracrustal rocks are crucial for unravelling the deep continental subduction processes and locating the tectonic suture between the South China (SCB) and North China (NCB) blocks. In this contribution, we report new zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data for the supracrustal rocks and metagabbros in the Zeku region of the NSL. In the Zeku region, the supracrustal rocks are spatially associated with granitic gneisses, metagabbros, and eclogites. Detrital zircon U–Pb analyses yield ages between 3.39 and 0.65 Ga that cluster as three major age populations including (1) 2.15–1.68 Ga with two subpeaks at ~1.83 Ga and~1.97 Ga, (2) 2.45–2.15 Ga with a peak at ~2.37 Ga, and (3) 0.79–0.65 Ga. In addition, there is a small age population between 3.39 and 2.61 Ga. The youngest age population of 0.79–0.65 Ga indicates that the Zeku supracrustal rocks must have been deposited after 650 Ma rather than during the Palaeoproterozoic as previously thought. The 210–190 Ma metamorphic ages suggest that the Zeku rocks were affected by Triassic collision–subduction and exhumation. Most of the Archaean-Palaeoproterozoic zircons have negative ε_Hf(t) values and two-stage Hf model ages concentrating at 2.4–3.4 Ga (peak at ~2.9 Ga), indicating that source rocks of these zircons were mainly derived from recycling of ancient crustal material. These ages, together with the Hf isotopic compositions and rock assemblages, indicate that the Zeku supracrustal rocks were mainly derived from the Precambrian basement rocks of the northern Yangzte Block and have a tectonic affinity to the SCB, rather than the NCB. Our results, together with previously published data, suggest that there are two types of supracrustal rocks with different zircon U–Pb ages and tectonic affinities in the NSL. On the basis of new data, we suggest that the surface boundary between the SCB and NCB in the Jiaodong Peninsula is a complicated tectonic mélange zone rather than a single fault.     

海南公爱地区抱板群花岗片麻岩的年代学、地球化学及其构造意义

海南岛地处华南陆块南缘,紧邻印支陆块,大地构造位置独特,其地质特征一直备受关注。厘定该地区中元古代岩石的成因对恢复华南中元古代构造演化具有重要意义。海南岛西部公爱地区花岗质岩石与围岩抱板群变沉积岩呈侵入接触关系,绝大部分岩石片麻状构造发育、韧性剪切标志明显。这些岩石高SiO_2、K_2O、Al_2O_3、Rb、U,贫CaO、MgO、FeO~T、TiO_2,铝饱和指数A/CNK1.1,具S型花岗岩特点,稀土元素配分模式类似于抱板群变沉积岩,全岩ε_(Nd)(t)=-2.02~-2.38,Nd同位素二阶段亏损模式年龄(t_(DM2)~(Nd))为2.2~2.3 Ga,锆石Hf同位素ε_(Hf)(t)=-5.4~4.0,Hf同位素二阶段亏损模式年龄t_(DM2)~(Hf)=1.71~2.53 Ga。对四个代表性花岗片麻岩样品进行LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年,其~(207)Pb/~(206)Pb加权平均年龄为1444±15 Ma、1439±19 Ma、1433±31 Ma和1450±23 Ma,属中元古代。综合区域研究资料认为,海南岛西部公爱地区中元古代花岗质岩石的熔融源区为类似抱板群变沉积岩组分,推测其产出于大陆边缘构造背景,是哥伦比亚超大陆边缘的增生产物。     

Volcanoplutonic association of the early-stage evolution of the Imandra-Varzuga rift zone,Kola Peninsula,Russia: Geological,petrogeochemical, and isotope-geochronological data

The western flank of the Paleoproterozoic Imandra-Varzuga rift zone consists of three volcanogenic-sedimentary series and layered mafic-ultramafic intrusions of different age (2.50–2.45 Ga). The earliest Monchegorsk and Monche Tundra layered massifs were formed about 2.50 Ga during the prerift stage of the evolution of the Imandra-Varzuga zone. The early rift stage (～2.45 Ga) produced layered intrusions of the Imandra complex and volcanic rocks of the Strelna Group, consisting of the Kuksha and Seidorechka formations. In terms of chemical composition, the volcanic rocks of the Seidorechka Formation belong to a single basalt-rhyolite series, mostly of normal alkalinity and both tholeiitic and calc-alkaline affinity. The rocks of the Imandra Complex are characterized by moderate LREE enrichment, relatively flat HREE patterns, and a positive Eu anomaly. Similar REE distribution patterns were observed in the volcanic rocks of the Seidorechka Formation, which show a gradual increase in REE content with increasing SiO₂. The upper part of the Seidorechka Formation in the southern Khibiny region is composed of metarhyodacites. They terminate the sequence of the Strelna Group and have a U-Pb zircon age of 2448 ± 8 Ma. This age presumably reflects the upper age boundary of the rocks of the Seidorechka Formation and the end of the early stage of the evolution of the Imandra-Varzuga zone. Xenogenic zircon from the same sample yielded a U-Pb zircon age of 2715 ± 42 Ma. A U-Pb age of 2202 ± 17 Ma was obtained for titanite and rutile and interpreted as the metamorphic age of the Seidorechka Formation. The metavolcanic rocks of the Seidorechka Formation have negative ?_Nd (T) varying from ?2.84 to ?2.32, and I_Sr values of 0.7041–0.7038, which are higher than those of the depleted mantle and suggest their derivation from an enriched mantle reservoir (EM1). The spatial association of the volcanic rocks of the Seidorechka Formation and the rocks of the Imandra Complex, similarity in the behavior of most major elements, similar REE distribution patterns, and close formation ages and isotope signatures give grounds to combine them in a single volcanoplutonic association.     

Transition from I‐type to A‐type magmatism in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone,NW Iran: an extensional intra‐continental arc

The South Dehgolan pluton, in NW Iran was emplaced into the Sanandaj–Sirjan magmatic–metamorphic zone. This composite intrusion comprises three main groups: (1) monzogabbro–monzodiorite rocks, (2) quartz monzonite–syenite rocks, and (3) a granite suite which crops out in most of the area. The granites generally show high SiO₂ content from 72.1%–77.6 wt.% with diagnostic mineralogy consisting of biotite and amphibole along the boundaries of feldspar–quartz crystals which implies anhydrous primary magma compositions. The granite suite is metaluminous and distinguished by high FeOt/MgO ratios (av. 9.6 wt.%), typical of ferroan compositions with a pronounced A‐type affinity with high Na₂O + K₂O contents, high Ga/Al ratios, enrichment in Zr, Nb, REE, and depletion in Eu. The quartz monzonite–syenites show intermediate SiO₂ levels (59.8%–64.5 wt.%) with metaluminous, magnesian to ferroan characteristics, intermediate Na₂O + K₂O contents, enrichment in Zr, Nb, REE, Ga/Al, and depletion in Eu. The monzogabbro–monzodiorites show overall lower SiO₂ content (48.5%–55.9 wt.%) with metaluminous and calc‐alkaline compositions, relatively lower Na₂O + K₂O contents, low Ga/Al ratios, and FeOt/MgO (av. 1.6 wt.%) ratios, low abundances of Zr, Nb, and lower REE element concentrations relative to the granites and quartz monzonite–syenites. These geochemical differences among the three different rocks suites are likely to indicate different melt origins. We suggest that the South Dehgolan pluton resulted from a change in the geodynamic regime, from compression to extension in the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone during Mesozoic subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic crust beneath the Central Iranian microcontinent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mineralogical and geochemical features of alluvial sediments from the Lobo watershed (Southern Cameroon): Implications for rutile exploration

This paper is focused on the morphological, mineralogical, and geochemical features of alluvial sediments from the Neoproterozoic Pan-African belt to explore rutile. The fine-grained sediments, which contain a large proportion of rutile, are made up of quartz, rutile, zircon, brookite, tourmaline, andalusite, and kyanite. The high SiO₂ and TiO₂ contents highlight the predominance of silica minerals in the alluvia from the humid tropical zone. La/Sc, La/Co, Th/Sc and Zr/Cr ratios reflect the contribution of felsic and mafic sources. The highest Ti contents, which occur at the outlet of the Lobo watershed, indicate the resistance of rutile. The REE distribution could be linked to the heavy mineral sorting. The low (La/Yb)_N ratios and high Zr contents are attributed to the high proportion of zircon. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns indicate high felsic sources, which are the regional rocks. Ultimately, the Yaoundé Group constitutes a favorable potential target for further rutile exploration.     

Metasomatism of garnet peridotite from Jiangzhuang,southern Sulu UHP belt: constraints on the interactions between crust and mantle rocks during subduction of continental lithosphere

The Jiangzhuang ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic peridotite from south Sulu, eastern China occurs as a layer within gneiss with eclogite blocks, and consists of coarse‐grained garnet porphyroblasts and a fine‐grained matrix assemblage of garnet + forsterite + enstatite + diopside ± phlogopite ± Ti‐clinohumite ± magnesite. Both types of garnet are characterized by high MgO content and depletion of light rare earth element (LREE) and enrichment of heavy rare earth element, but the matrix garnet has lower MgO, TiO₂ and higher Cr₂O₃ and REE contents. Diopside displays LREE enrichment, and has low but variable large‐ion lithophile element (LILE) contents. Phlogopite is a major carrier of LILE. Ti‐clinohumite contains high Nb, Ta, Cr, Ni, V and Co contents. The P–T conditions of 4.5–6.0 GPa and 850–950 °C were estimated for matrix mineral assemblages. Most peridotites are depleted in Al₂O₃, CaO and TiO₂, and enriched in SiO₂, K₂O, REE and LILE. In contrast to phlogopite‐free peridotites, the phlogopite‐bearing peridotites have higher K₂O, Zr, REE and LILE contents. Zircon occurs only in the phlogopite‐bearing peridotites, shows no zoning, with low REE contents and Th/U ratios, and yields tight U–Pb ages of 225–220 Ma, indicating the peridotites experienced consistent Triassic UHP metamorphism with subducted supercrustal rocks. These data demonstrate that the Jiangzhuang peridotites were derived from the depleted mantle wedge of the North China Craton, and experienced various degrees of metasomatism. The phlogopite‐free peridotites may have been subjected to an early cryptic metasomatism at UHP conditions of the mantle wedge, whereas the phlogopite‐bearing peridotites were subjected to a subsequent strong metasomatism, characterized by distinctly enrichment in LILE, LREE, Zr and K as well as the growth of zircon and volatile‐bearing minerals at UHP subduction conditions. The related metasomatism may have resulted from the filtration of fluids sourced mainly from deeply subducted supracrustal rocks.