Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the origin of the 304 ± 5 Ma Karamay A-type granites from West Junggar,Northwest China: implications for understanding the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

U–Pb zircon geochronological, geochemical, and whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopic analyses are reported for a suite of Karamay A-type granites from the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) in the western Junggar region of northern Xinjiang, Northwest China, with the aim of investigating the sources and petrogenesis of A-type granites. The Karamay pluton includes monzogranite and syenogranite. Laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb dating yielded a concordant weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 304 ± 5 Ma (n = 11), defining a late Carboniferous magmatic event. Geochemically, the rock suite is characterized by high SiO₂, FeOt/MgO, total alkalies (K₂O + Na₂O), Zr, Nb, Y, Ta, Ga/Al, and rare earth elements (REEs) (except for Eu), and low contents of MgO, CaO, and P₂O₅, with negative Ba, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies. These features indicate an A-type affinity for the Karamay granitic intrusions. Isotopically, they display consistently depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7014–0.7022, ?_Nd(t) = +5.6–+7.0). Geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data suggest that the Karamay A-type granites were derived from remelting juvenile lower crust, followed by fractional crystallization. The Karamay A-type granites as well as widespread late Carboniferous magmatism in the western Junggar region of the southwestern CAOB may have been related to ridge subduction and a resultant slab window. This further demonstrates the importance of the late Palaeozoic granitic magmatism in terms of vertical crustal growth in northern Xinjiang.     

Ore-forming granites from Jurassic porphyry Mo deposits,east–central Jilin Province,China: geochemistry,geochronology, and petrogenesis

ABSTRACT

The east–central part of Jilin Province, NE China, hosts an important polymetallic metallogenic district that contains more than 10 recently discovered large-, medium-, and small-scale Mo deposits. The Mo deposits in this area include porphyry-, skarn-, and quartz vein-type mineralization, of which the porphyry-type deposits dominate. Few studies of these mineralization-related granitoids have been undertaken. Here, we present the results of a systematic regional survey of the geochemistry and geochronology of Mo mineralization-related granites in this area. Zircon U–Pb dating of the Fuanpu, Jidetun, Shuangshan, and Jiapigou granites, all of which are associated with Mo mineralization, yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 167.05 ± 0.81, 170.91 ± 0.83, 183.8 ± 1.1, and 182.3 ± 2.2 Ma, respectively, indicating that these plutons were emplaced during the Early–Middle Jurassic. They have SiO₂ = 62.59–73.5 wt.%, Al₂O₃ = 13.74–16.19 wt.%, and K₂O/Na₂O = 0.8–2.18. Chemically, they are metaluminous to peraluminous and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series. Moreover, they are enriched in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, and are depleted in high field strength elements, which are characteristics of I type granite. Whole rock Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of these granitoids are similar (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70404 to 0.70554; εNd(t) = –0.9 to 2.4; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t = 15.549–15.567, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t = 18.035–18.530, ⁽²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t = 37.966–38.229) and altogether suggest that the magmas from which the Mo deposits were generated originated from the mantle or juvenile crust. Combining our results with regional Jurassic tectonic setting, we conclude that the mineralization of these granitoids reflected Pacific plate subduction which induced magma underplating and promoted the remelting of the juvenile crust, resulting in voluminous granitic magma.     

Spatial-temporal relationships of late Mesozoic granitoids in Zhejiang Province,Southeast China: constraints on tectonic evolution

ABSTRACT

Late Mesozoic granitoids in South China are generally considered to have been generated under the Palaeo–Pacific tectonic regime, however, the precise subduction mechanism remains controversial. Detailed zircon U–Pb geochronological, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data are used to document the spatiotemporal distribution of the granitoids in Zhejiang Province. Three periods of late Mesozoic magmatism, including stage 1 (170–145 Ma), stage 2 (145–125 Ma), and stage 3 (125–90 Ma), can be distinguished based on systematic zircon U–Pb ages that become progressively younger towards the SE. Stage 1 granitic rocks are predominantly I-type granitoids, but minor S- or A-type rocks also occur. Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data suggest that these granitoids were generated from hybrid magmas that resulted from mixing between depleted mantle-derived and ancient crust-derived magmas that formed in an active continental margin environment related to the low-angle subduction of the Palaeo–Pacific plate beneath Southeast China mainland. Stage 2 granitic rocks along the Jiangshan–Shaoxing Fault are predominantly I- and A-type granitoids with high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, low ε_Nd(t), ε_Hf(t) values and Mesoproterozoic Nd–Hf model ages. These results suggest that stage 2 granitoids were derived from mixing between enriched mantle-derived mafic magmas and ancient crust-derived magmas in an extensional back-arc setting related to rollback of the Palaeo–Pacific slab. Stage 3 granitic rocks along the Lishui–Yuyao Fault comprise mainly A- and I-type granitoids with high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values, again suggesting mixing of enriched mantle-derived mafic magmas with more ancient crustal magmas in an extensional back-arc setting, related in this case to the continued rollback the Palaeo–Pacific plate and the outboard retreat of its subduction zone.     

Late Mesozoic magmatism and metallogeny in NE China: The Sandaowanzi–Beidagou example

The Sandaowanzi (>22t Au) and Beidagou (>5t Au) tellurium–gold deposits are located in the northeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (Heilongjiang Province, NE China). The ore-hosting volcanic rocks unconformably overly monzogranite and were intruded by adakitic granodiorite. In this study, we report new-age, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data to elucidate the genetic link between the igneous rocks and the Te–Au mineralization. New-age data indicate that local magmatism occurred in the Early Jurassic (ca. 177.2 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (ca. 118.7 ? 122.0 Ma). Geochemically, the igneous rocks are enriched in LREEs, Pb, K, and U, and depleted in Nb, P, and Ti, showing calc-alkaline affinity. The Early Jurassic monzogranite rocks are featured by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7111?0.7118; ε_Nd(t) = ?4.6 to ?4.7; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.098?18.102, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.558?15.580, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.781?37.928, whereas the Early Cretaceous adakitic granodiorite contains: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7071?0.7073; ε_Nd(t) = ? 3.4 to ?3.2; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.991?18.080, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.483?15.508, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.938?37.985. Initial isotopic ratios for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7061?0.7087; ε_Nd(t) = ? 3.6 to ?2.9; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.136?18.199, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.512?15.628, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.064?38.155. The pyrite, chalcopyrite, and telluride grains yielded δ³⁴S of ?6.52 ‰ to 2.13 ‰ (mean = ? 0.82 ‰) and δ¹³C_PDB of the calcite samples are in the range of ?6.64 ‰ to ?5.24 ‰, implying the ore materials were derived from mantle. The geochemical and isotopic results indicate that primary melts of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks have features by partial melting of the continental crust. The adakitic rocks may have been the products of the thickened lower crustal delamination and the subsequent asthenospheric upwelling during the intra-continental extension in NE China. Regionally, intrusive activity and molybdenum mineralization during the Jurassic was affected by subduction setting, whereas gold mineralization was controlled by the Early Cretaceous tectonothermal events associated with a superposition extension.     

Laser-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Niyasar plutonic complex,Iran: constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

We conducted geochemical and isotopic studies on the Oligocene–Miocene Niyasar plutonic suite in the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt, in order better to understand the magma sources and tectonic implications. The Niyasar plutonic suite comprises early Eocene microdiorite, early Oligocene dioritic sills, and middle Miocene tonalite + quartzdiorite and minor diorite assemblages. All samples show a medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous affinity and have similar geochemical features, including strong enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g. Rb, Ba, Sr), enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti, P). The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of microdiorite and dioritic sills are slightly fractionated [(La/Yb)_n = 1.1–4] and display weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–1.1). Isotopic data for these mafic mantle-derived rocks display I_Sr = 0.70604–0.70813, ?_Nd (microdiorite: 50 Ma and dioritic sills: 35 Ma, respectively) = +1.6 and ?0.4, TDM = 1.3 Ga, and lead isotopic ratios are (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.62–18.57, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.61–15.66, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.65–38.69. The middle Miocene granitoids (18 Ma) are also characterized by relatively high REE and minor Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.77–0.98) and have uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7065–0.7082), a range of initial Nd isotopic ratios [?Nd(T)] varying from ?2.3 to ?3.7, and Pb isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.67–18.94, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.63–15.71, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.73–39.01. Geochemical and isotopic evidence for these Eocene–Ologocene mafic rocks suggests that the magmas originated from lithospheric mantle with a large involvement of EMII component during subduction of the Neotethyan ocean slab beneath the Central Iranian plate, and were significantly affected by crustal contamination. Geochemical and isotopic data of the middle Miocene granitoids rule out a purely crustal-derived magma genesis, and suggest a mixed mantle–crustal [MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization)] origin in a post-collision extensional setting. Sr–Nd isotope modelling shows that the generation of these magmas involved ～60% to 70% of a lower crustal-derived melt and ～30% to 40% of subcontinental lithospheric mantle. All Niyasar plutons exhibit transitional geochemical features, indicating that involvement of an EMII component in the subcontinental mantle and also continental crust beneath the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt increased from early Eocene to middle Miocene time.     

Petrogenesis of the Late Jurassic Laomengshan rhyodacite (Southeast China): constraints from zircon U–Pb dating,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes

Extensive magmatism occurred in southeast China during Late Jurassic time, forming large-scale granitic and volcanic rocks associated with non-ferrous, rare earth and rare, radioactive metal deposits. The Shuikoushan Pb–Zn–Au orefield is a typical example located in Hunan Province. This study reports LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock chemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, and in situ Hf isotopic geochemistry of zircons from the Laomengshan rhyodacite in the Shuikoushan Pb–Zn–Au orefield. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a weighted average age of 156.7 ± 1.6 Ma for the intrusion of the rhyodacite. The rhyodacite samples are mainly shoshonitic series, having metaluminous to weakly peraluminous A/CNK values ranging from 0.96 to 1.09, with moderately high magnesium content (Mg# = 42.4–47.5). Samples display high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values (0.71165–0.71176), low ε_Nd(T) values (?10.7 to ?10.3), old Nd model ages (T_DM = 1.73–1.86 Ga), and relatively homogeneous Pb isotopic compositions [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 18.365–18.412, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.663–15.680, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 38.625–38.666]. The zircons exhibit enriched ε_Hf(T) values (?16.22 to ?9.86) and old two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2 = 1.82–2.22 Ga). All the above data indicate that the Laomengshan rhyodacite originated from melting Palaeoproterozoic basement, perhaps contaminated by subordinate mantle melts. Intense extension and thinning of the continental lithosphere during Late Jurassic time resulted in melting of upwelling asthenosphere, and mafic mantle melts interacted with and melted Palaeoproterozoic lower crust, thus forming the Laomengshan rhyodacite.     

Early Cretaceous adakitic rocks in the Anqing region,southeastern China: constraints on petrogenesis and metallogenic significance

ABSTRACT

The Anqing region in Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt is one of the important Cu polymetal producers in China. The origin of Cu polymetallic deposits in the region is closely related to Early Cretaceous adakitic intrusions. To constrain the petrogenetic and metallogenic significance of the adakitic rocks, a detailed geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic study was performed. The Anqing adakitic rocks (SiO₂ = 57.4–64.2 wt.%) consist mainly of quartz monzodiorite, formed at 138.2 ± 1.7 Ma (Mean Standard Weighted Deviation (MSWD) = 0.61). They have high MgO, Al₂O₃, Sr, and low Rb, Y, Yb contents, together with high Sr/Y (50.5–222) and La/Yb (31.9–46.9) ratios. They also show negative whole-rock ε_Nd(t) (?9.8 to ?8.5) and zircon ε_Hf(t) (?10.0 to ?5.4), and high oxygen fugacity (mainly ?17.0 to ?8.01) values and radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions with (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 17.692–17.884, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.413–15.511, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 37.611–37.943. Coupled with negative Nb–Ta anomalies, low K₂O/Na₂O ratios (0.39–0.62), and high Mg# values (0.44–0.71), these data suggest the adakitic rocks and associated large-scale Cu–Au mineralization of the Anqing region resulted from partial melting of the high oxidized subducted oceanic crust. Addition of mantle-derived magmas and assimilation of crustal materials during emplacement are also possible.     

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.     

Acigöl rhyolite field,central Anatolia (part II): geochemical and isotopic (Sr–Nd–Pb, δ<Superscript>18</Superscript>O) constraints on volcanism involving two high-silica rhyolite suites

The Acigöl rhyolite field erupted the most recent high-silica rhyolites within the Cappadocian Volcanic Province of central Anatolia, Turkey. It comprises two sequences of domes and pyroclastic rocks with eruption ages of ~150–200 ka (eastern group) and ~20–25 ka (western group). Compositionally, the eastern rhyolite group lavas are less evolved (SiO₂ = 74–76 wt%), whereas the western group has higher silica abundance (SiO₂ = ~77 wt%) with extremely depleted feldspar-compatible trace elements. Within each group, compositional variability is small and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51257–0.51265) and Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.87–18.88, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.65–15.67 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.94–38.98) are homogeneous. The western group rhyolites have δ¹⁸O(zircon) overlapping mantle values (5.7 ± 0.2‰), whereas eastern group rhyolites are enriched in δ¹⁸O by ~0.5‰, consistent with a tendency to lower εNd values. By contrast, western group rhyolites have markedly more radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7065–0.7091) compared to those of the eastern group (0.7059–0.7065). The presence of angular granitic xenoliths and a correlation between hydration (based on loss on ignition data) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the western lavas, however, indicates that Sr was added during the eruption or post-eruption alteration. Isotope constraints preclude the possibility that the rhyolite magmas formed by partial melting of any known regional crystalline basement rocks. Basalts and andesites erupted in the periphery of the Acigöl field are characterised by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios between 0.7040 and 0.7053, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51259–0.51300, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.85–18.87, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.646–15.655, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.90–38.97. The isotopic and trace element data favour an origin of the rhyolites by mixing of basaltic/andesitic magmas with minor amounts of crustal melts and followed by extensive fractional crystallization.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Triassic A-type granites in southeastern China: insights from zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical compositions of the Luoguyan and Guiyantou granites in northwestern Fujian Province

Triassic A-type granites in eastern South China Block (SCB) are abundant in the Wuyi–Yunkai tectonic domain and provide an important opportunity to explore the early Mesozoic evolution of continental crust of the SE part of the SCB. We carried out U–Pb zircon dating, Lu–Hf isotope analyses of zircon, and whole-rock geochemical analyses for two granitic plutons, the Guiyantou (GYT) and Luoguyan (LGY) granites, from northwestern Fujian Province. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon analyses yielded ages of 232 ± 4 to 231 ± 7 Ma and 221 ± 5 Ma (Middle-Late Triassic) for the GYT and LGY granites. These two granites belong to metaluminous to weakly peraluminous high K calc-alkaline A-type granite that are enriched in K, Al, light rare earth element and Rb, Th, U, and Pb, and depleted in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti. Their rare earth element patterns are highly fractionated with (La/Yb)_N ratios of 2–21 and strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.02–0.31). In situ Hf isotopic analysis of zircon from the GYT and LGY granites yielded ε_Hf(t) values ranging from –11.5 to –1.1, with corresponding two-stage Hf model ages from 1.98 to 1.33 Ga, from which it is inferred that the GYT and LGY magmas formed by partial melting of Proterozoic metasedimentary rock in the Cathaysia block. The two granites were emplaced at 232 and 221 Ma and together with Triassic A-type granites in coastal region of the SCB, which is in agreement with an extensional tectonic setting in the Middle-Late Triassic. We suggest that the Middle-Late Triassic A-type granites in eastern SCB were probably formed in an intracontinental, post-orogenic extensional regime that collision was between the SCB and an ‘unknown block’ or the eastern extension of Indochina block.     

Origin of the Yinshan epithermal-porphyry Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,southeastern China: insights from geochemistry,Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Yinshan deposit is a large epithermal-porphyry polymetallic deposit, and the timing and petrogenesis of ore-hosting porphyries have been hotly debated. We present new results from geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic investigations. Zircon U–Pb data demonstrate that the quartz porphyry, dacitic porphyry, and quartz dioritic porphyry formed at ?172.2 ± 0.4 Ma, ?171.7 ± 0.5 Ma, and ?170.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Inherited zircon cores show significant age spreads from ?730 to ?1390 Ma. Geochemically, they are high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonitic rocks with arc-like trace element patterns. They have similar whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions, yet an increasing trend in ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values typifies the suite. Older (inherited) zircons of the three porphyries display Hf compositions comparable to those of the Jiangnan Orogen basement rocks. In situ zircon oxygen isotopic analyses reveal that they have similar oxygen isotopic compositions, which are close to those of mantle zircons. Moreover, a decreasing trend of δ¹⁸O values is present. We propose that the ore-related porphyries of the Yinshan deposit were emplaced contemporaneously and derived from partial melting of Neoproterozoic arc-derived mafic (or ultra-mafic) rocks. Modelling suggests that the quartz porphyries, dacitic porphyries, and quartz dioritic porphyries experienced ?25%, ?10%, and ?10% crustal contaminations by Shuangqiaoshan rocks. Our study provides important constraints on mantle–crust interaction in the genesis of polymetallic mineralization associated with Mesozoic magmatism in southeastern China.     

Secular evolution of the lithospheric mantle beneath the eastern North China craton: evidence from peridotitic xenoliths from Late Cretaceous mafic rocks in the Jiaodong region,east-central China

The Mesozoic lithospheric mantle beneath the North China craton remains poorly constrained relative to its Palaeozoic and Cenozoic counterparts due to a lack of mantle xenoliths in volcanic rocks. Available data show that the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle was distinctive in terms of its major, trace element, and isotopic compositions. The recent discovery of mantle peridotitic xenoliths in Late Cretaceous mafic rocks in the Jiaodong region provides an opportunity to further quantify the nature and secular evolution of the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle beneath the region. These peridotitic xenoliths are all spinel-facies nodules and two groups, high-Mg# and low-Mg# types, can be distinguished based on textural and mineralogical features. High-Mg# peridotites have inequigranular textures, high Mg# (up to 92.2) in olivines, and high Cr# (up to 55) in spinels. Clinopyroxenes in the high-Mg# peridotites are generally LREE-enriched ((La/Yb)_N>1) with variable REE concentrations, and have enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7046–0.7087; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5121–0.5126). We suggest that the high-Mg# peridotites are fragments of the Archaean and/or Proterozoic lithospheric mantle that underwent extensive interaction with both carbonatitic and silicate melts prior to or during Mesozoic time. The low-Mg# peridotites are equigranular, are typified by low Mg# ( < 90) in olivines, and by low Cr# ( < 12) in spinels. Clinopyroxenes from low-Mg# peridotites have low REE abundances (ΣREE = 12 ppm), LREE-depleted REE patterns ((La/Yb)_N < 1), and depleted Sr–Nd isotopic features, in contrast to the high-Mg# peridotites. These geochemical characteristics suggest that the low-Mg# peridotites represent samples from the newly accreted lithospheric mantle. Combined with the data of mantle xenoliths from the Junan and Daxizhuang areas, a highly heterogeneous, secular evolution of the lithosphere is inferred for the region in Late Cretaceous time.     

Magnesium isotopic behaviors between metamorphic rocks and their associated leucogranites,and implications for Himalayan orogenesis

Magnesium isotopic compositions, along with new Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data and elemental analyses, are reported for 12 Miocene tourmaline-bearing leucogranites, 15 Eocene two-mica granites and 40 metamorphic rocks to investigate magnesium isotopic behaviors during metamorphic processes and associated magmatism and constrain the tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic evolution of the Himalayan orogeny. The gneisses, granulites and amphibolites represent samples of the Indian lower crust and display large range in δ²⁶Mg from −0.44‰ to −0.09‰ in mafic granulites, −0.44‰ to −0.10‰ in amphibolites, and −0.70‰ to −0.03‰ in granitic gneisses. The average Mg isotopic compositions of the granitic gneisses (−0.19 ± 0.34‰), mafic granulites (−0.22 ± 0.17‰) and amphibolites (−0.25 ± 0.24‰) are similar, indicating the limited Mg isotope fractionation during prograde metamorphism from granitic gneisses to mafic granulites and retrograde metamorphism from mafic granulites to amphibolites. The Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites are characterized by large variations in elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions. The leucogranites and two-mica granites have their corresponding (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i varying from 0.7282 to 0.7860 and 0.7163 to 0.7191, (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_i from 0.511888 to 0.512040 and 0.511953 to 0.512076, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 15.7215 to 15.7891 and 15.7031 to 15.7317, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 38.8521 to 39.5286 and 39.2710 to 39.4035, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 18.4748 to 19.0139 and 18.7834 to 18.9339. However, they have similar Mg isotopic compositions (−0.21‰ to +0.06‰ versus −0.24‰ to +0.09‰), which did not originate from fractional crystallization nor source heterogeneity. Based on hornblende/biotite/muscovite dehydration melting reaction and Mg isotopic variations in two-mica granites and leucogranites with the proceeding metamorphism, along with elemental discrimination diagrams, Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites could be related to hornblende dehydration melting and muscovite dehydration melting, respectively. Mg isotopic compositions of Eocene two-mica granites become heavier compared to the source because of residues of isotopically light garnet in the source; while those of Miocene leucogranites become lighter because of entrainment of isotopically light garnet from the source region. Thus, a new model for crustal anatexis and Himalayan orogenesis was proposed based on the Mg isotope fractionation in the leucogranites and metamorphic rocks. This model emphasizes a successive process from Indian continental subduction to rapid exhumation of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Series (HHCS). The former underwent high-temperature (HT) and high-pressure (HP) granulite-facies prograde metamorphism, which resulted in the hornblende dehydration melting and the formation of Eocene two-mica granites; while the latter experienced amphibolite-facies retrogression and decompression, which resulted in the muscovite dehydration melting and the formation of Miocene leucogranites.     

Origin of the Late Cretaceous syenite from Yandangshan,SE China,constrained by zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopes and geochemical data

The Yandangshan syenite is a representative Late Cretaceous igneous pluton cropping out in SE China. U–Pb zircon dating using LA‐ICP‐MS yielded a crystallization age of 98±1 Ma for the syenite. Petrographically and geochemically of shoshonitic affinity, it is enriched in LREE and LILE, and has a pronounced Nb–Ta trough in the primitive mantle‐normalized trace element spider diagram. Zircon ?_Hf(t) values vary from ?3.04 to ?7.71, displaying a unimodal distribution. The syenite also has high Sr [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) _i  = 0.7086–0.7089], low Nd [?_Nd(t) = ?6.57 to ?7.64] isotopic ratios, plotting in the enriched mantle field on an ?_Nd(t) versus (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) _i diagram. We propose that the Yandangshan syenite was generated by pyroxene‐dominated high‐pressure fractional crystallization from basaltic magma that was derived from an enriched mantle source. Although coexisting Yandangshan rhyolites have Sr–Nd isotopic compositions similar to the Yandangshan syenite, they were not derived from the same source. Instead, the rhyolitic magma was produced by partial melting of crustal materials as a result of the underplating of basaltic magma. The crust‐like Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic signature of the Yandangshan syenite is ascribed to mantle sources that were enriched by subducted sediments. Formation of Yandangshan syenite may represent roll‐back of the subducting palaeo‐Pacific plate and migration of the arc front to the Yandangshan area at ～98 Ma.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Early Devonian intrusions in the Qimantagh area,Northwest China: evidence for post-collisional slab break-off

The Qimantagh area of Northwest China lies in the western part of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt and is characterized by extensive magmatism, particularly in the Triassic. However, recent research has shown that Devonian magmatism was also widespread in this area and has a genetic relationship with mineralization. This article presents a detailed study of three types of Early Devonian intrusions: high-K calc-alkaline granites, A-type granites, and mafic intrusions, all from the Qimantagh region. These rocks were subjected to precise zircon U–Pb dating, major and trace element analyses, and Sr–Nd isotope measurements, focusing on the Lalingzaohuo (eastern Qimantagh) and Yemaquan (central Qimantagh) monzogranites, as well as the coeval Tanbeixuefeng (western Qimantagh) mafic dike swarm. To better understand the Early Devonian igneous activity in the Eastern Kunlun, data for other coeval granitoids were compared with our data. The Yemaquan monzogranite yielded a mean zircon U–Pb age of 400.5 ± 1.4 Ma. These rocks are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, with Al₂O₃ contents of 13.10–14.16 wt.%, high alkali contents (total K₂O + Na₂O) of 6.89–7.68 wt.%, relatively low Sr contents (79–192 ppm), and high (La/Yb)_N ratios, all of which indicate an I-type granite affinity. The Lalingzaohuo monzogranites yielded mean zircon U–Pb ages of 396.2–402.2 Ma. These rocks have higher SiO₂ and alkali contents than the Yemaquan monzogranite, with high 10,000 Ga/Al ratios, high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents, high Fe₂O₃^T/MgO ratios, and high Y contents, indicating an A-type granite affinity. These two monzogranites have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.703–0.706 and εNd(t) values of –0.1 to –0.7. The Sr–Nd isotopic data require a significant input of a mantle component in the petrogenesis of these granites. The Tanbeixuefeng diabase dikes formed at ~396 Ma and have a continental tholeiitic affinity, as evident from small Ti–Nb–Ta anomalies and high contents of light rare earth and large-ion lithophile elements. We propose that post-collisional slab break-off was responsible for the generation of these Early Devonian intrusions in the Qimantagh area.     

Geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb Isotopes of the Granites from the Hashitu Mo Deposit of Inner Mongolia, China: Constraints on Their Origin and Tectonic Setting

The Hashitu molybdenum deposit is located in the southern part of the Great Hinggan Range,NE China.Molybdenum mineralization is hosted by and genetically associated with monzogranite and porphyritic syenogranite.Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes of the intrusions show that the porphyritic syenogranite has initial~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios of 0.70418-0.70952,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 1.3 to 2.1(t=143Ma),~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 19.191-19.573,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 15.551-15.572,and~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of38.826-39.143.The monzogranite has initial~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios of 0.70293-0.71305,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 1.1 to2.0(t=147 Ma),~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 19.507-20.075,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 15.564-15.596,and~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 39.012-39.599.The calculated Nd model ages(T_(DM))for monzogranite and porphyritic syenogranite range from 866 to 1121 Ma and 795 to 1020 Ma,respectively.The granitic rocks in the Hashitu area have the same isotope range as granites in the southern parts of the Great Hinggan Range.The isotope composition indicates that these granites are derived from the partial melting of a juvenile lower crust originating from a depleted mantle with minor contamination by ancient continental crust.The integrating our results with published data and the Late Mesozoic regional tectonic setting of the region suggest that the granites in the Hashitu area formed in an intra-continent extensional setting,and they are related to the thinning of the thickened lithosphere and upwelling of the asthenosphere.     

Petrogenesis and mantle source characteristics of Cenozoic alkaline diabase,Jiangxi Province,southeastern China

Major element, trace element, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Cenozoic diabase in southeastern China provide insights into the nature of their mantle sources and processes. The diabases are alkaline in lithochemistry (Na₂O + K₂O = 4.37–5.19 wt.%) and have overall oceanic island basalt-like trace element patterns, without negative Nb–Ta anomalies. In addition, they are characterized by lower La/Nb (<1.5) and La/Ta (<22), and higher Ce/Pb (>15) and Nb/U (>30) ratios, indicating an origin in the asthenospheric mantle. The relatively lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512632–0.512648) and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.20–18.22), but intermediate ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7061–0.7063) ratios of the diabases are similar to enriched mantle type 1, suggesting crustal contamination or mixing with metasomatized lithsopheric mantle. However, the low Th and U contents and lack of correlations of Nd isotope compositions and MgO preclude significant crustal contamination. Alternatively, the moderate TiO₂ contents (2.01–2.09 wt.%) and high Cr concentrations (>240 ppm) suggest interaction between asthenosphere-derived melts and metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Petrological modelling suggests that the diabases were generated from a low degree (~3–5%) of partial melting of lherzolite with ~2–3% garnet. Jiangxi diabase was generated in a within-plate extensional regime, probably related to the far effect of the Himalaya–Tibetan orogen.     

Geochemistry of Early Cretaceous calc-alkaline lamprophyres in the Jiaodong Peninsula: Implication for lithospheric evolution of the eastern North China Craton

Mesozoic lamprophyres are widely present in gold province in the Jiaodong Peninsula. In this study, we analyzed major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of lamprophyres from the Linglong and Penglai Au-ore districts in the Jiaodong Peninsula, in an attempt to better understand Mesozoic lithospheric evolution beneath the eastern North China Craton. These lamprophyre dikes are calc-alkaline in nature, and are characterized by low concentrations of SiO₂, TiO₂ and total Fe₂O₃, high concentrations of MgO, Mg# and compatible element, enriched in LREE and LILE but variably depleted in HFSE. They display initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.709134–0.710314, ε_Nd(t) values of − 13.2 to − 18.3, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 17.364–17.645, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 15.513–15.571 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 37.995–38.374. Interpretation of elemental and isotopic data suggests that the Linglong and Penglai lamprophyres were derived from partial melting of a phlogopite- and/or amphibole-bearing lherzolite in the spinel–garnet transition zone. The parental magma might have experienced fractionation of olivine and clinopyroxene, and minor crustal materials were incorporated during ascent of these mafic magmas. Before ~ 120 Ma of emplacement of these calc-alkaline lamprophyres, the ancient lithospheric mantle was variably metasomatized by hydrous fluids rather than melts from subducted/foundered continental crust. It is proposed that continuous modification by slab-derived hydrous fluids from the Paleo-Pacific plate converted the old cratonic lithospheric mantle to Mesozoic enriched lithospheric mantle. Geodynamic force for generation of these lamprophyres may be related to large scale lithospheric thinning coupled with upwelling of the asthenosphere beneath the North China Craton. Continental arc-rifting related to the Paleo-Pacific plate subduction is favored as a geodynamic force for the cratonic lithosphere detachment.     

The earliest Jurassic A-type granite in the Nanling Range of southeastern South China: petrogenesis and geological implications

The tectonic transition from the palaeo-Tethyan to palaeo-Pacific dynamic domains in the South China Block (SCB) is still a matter of debate. The A-type granites collected from the southeastern SCB offered an opportunity to illustrate this tectonic transition. This article records a set of petrographic, geochronological, and geochemical data for the Wengong granitic pluton from the eastern Nanling Range. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating shows a crystallization age of 196.9 ± 4.4 Ma with ε_Hf(t) values ranging from +2.1 to +7.7. The samples have high SiO₂, Zr+Nb+Ce+Y, FeOt/MgO, Ga/Al, and Y/Nb and are depleted in Nb–Ta, Zr–Hf, Ba, Sr, Ti, and Eu, similar to those of the A₂-type granite. Their initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range from 0.70885 to 0.70983 and the ε_Nd(t) values range from ?2.9 to ?1.1, close to those of the Early Palaeozoic mafic rocks in the southeastern SCB. The Wengong A₂-type granite was derived from partial melting of the mafic rocks underplated into the lower crust during the Early Palaeozoic.

The Mesozoic A-type granites in the southeastern SCB can be subdivided into 229–215 Ma (Late Triassic), 197–152 Ma (Jurassic), and 135–92 Ma (Cretaceous). They differ in geochemical and spatial distribution characteristics. The Late Triassic A-type granites were formed in the post-collision extensional setting associated with the palaeo-Tethyan dynamic domain, whereas the Cretaceous A-type granites were under the control of the palaeo-Pacific dynamic domain. The A-type granites were hardly exposed during the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. The Jurassic A-type granites were formed in the intra-plate extensional setting, a response to the tectonic transition from the palaeo-Tethyan to palaeo-Pacific dynamic domains. Thus, the occurrence of the Wengong A₂-type granite indicates that this tectonic transition possibly initiated at the earliest Early Jurassic.     

Petrogenesis of Jurassic granitoids in the west central Lhasa subterrane,Tibet, China: the Geji example

The Jurassic magmatic and volcanic rocks are widespread along the west central Lhasa subterrane. However, the petrogenesis of these rocks is poorly understood because of lacking high-quality geochronology and geochemical data. Here, we present new zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopic data, whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for the Songduole and Qiangnong plutons in Geji area. LA-ICP-MS dating of zircon yield crystallization ages of 172.1 ± 1.9 and 155.9 ± 1.2 Ma for the Songduole and Qiangnong plutons, respectively. Geochemically, Songduole and Qiangnong granodiorite are characterized by high MgO (2.63–3.49 wt%), high Mg# (49–50), and low TiO₂ (0.48–0.57 wt%). Besides, all rocks show metaluminous, calc-alkaline signatures, with strong depletion of Nb, Ta, and Ti, enrichment of large-ion lithophile (e.g. Rb, Th, K), and a negative correlation between SiO₂ and P₂O₅. All these features are indicative of arc-related I-type magmatism. Five samples from the Songduole granodiorite have whole rock (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.71207–0.71257, ε_Nd(t) values of ?15.1 to ?13.9, zircon ε_Hf(t) values of ?17.4 to ?10.5, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.402–18.854, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 15.660–15.736, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 38.436–39.208. Samples from the Qiangnong granodiorite have (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.71230–0.71252, ε_Nd(t) values of ?15.1 to ?14.2, zircon ε_Hf(t) values of ?12.6 to ?6.4, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.688–18.766, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 15.696–15.717, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 38.546–39.083. These geochemical signatures indicate that the two plutons most likely originated from partial melting of the ancient Lhasa lower crust with obvious inputs of mantle-derived melts. Combined with regional geology, our results indicate that the Jurassic magmatism in the west central Lhasa subterrane most likely resulted from the southward subduction of the Bangong Ocean lithosphere beneath the central Lhasa terrane.