Ultrahigh-pressure and Retrograde Metamorphic Ages for Paleozoic Protolith of Paragneiss in the Main Drill Hole of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Project （CCSD-MH）, SW Sulu UHP Terrane

Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images show that most zircon crystals separated from paragneiss in the main drill hole of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Project (CCSD-MH) at Maobei, southwestern Sulu terrane, contain low-pressure mineral-bearing detrital cores, coesite-bearing mantles and quartz-bearing or mineral inclusion-free rims. SHRIMP U Pb dating on these zoned zircons yield three discrete and meaningful age groups. The detrital cores yield a large age span from 659 to 313 Ma, indicating the protolith age for the analyzed paragneiss is Paleozoic rather than Proterozoic. The coesite-bearing mantles yield a weighted mean age of 228 ± 5 Ma for the UHP event. The quartz-bearing outmost rims yield a weighted mean age of 213 ± 6 Ma for the retrogressive event related to the regional amphibolite facies metamorphism in the Sulu UHP terrane. Combined with previous SHRIMP U-Pb dating results from orthogneiss in CCSD-MH, it is suggested that both Neoproterozoic granitic protolith and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks were subducted to mantle depths in the Late Triassic. About 15 million years later, the Sulu UHP metamorphic rocks were exhumed to mid-crustal levels and overprinted by an amphibolite-facies retrogressive metamorphism. The exhumation rate deduced from the SHRIMP data and metamorphic P-T conditions is about 6.7 km/Ma. Such a fast exhumation suggests that the Sulu UHP paragneiss and orthogneiss returned towards the surface as a dominant part of a buoyant sliver, caused as a consequence of slab breakoff.     

Discovery and Geological Significance of Neoproterozoic Metamorphic Granite in Jimo, Shandong Province, Eastern China

During the 1:50000 regional geological survey in Jimo,east Shandong Province,Paleoproterozoic metamorphic supracrustal rocks and Neoproterozoic metamorphic plutonite were newly discovered. These rocks displayed inclusions which had occurred in the Mesozoic granite,and the main lithologies are schist,granulite,marble,and granitic gneiss. Geochemical analyses suggest that Neoproterozoic metamorphic plutonite are characterized by high-K,metaluminous to weakly peraluminous. They are enriched in LILE and depleted in HFSE,with moderately enrichment of LREE,weak fractionation of LREE from HREE and negative Eu anomalies. The surface age of plutonic rocks in the survey area is 770.2±2.4 Ma,representing the age of magma crystallization,which is agreement with the the Neoproterozoic magmatic event after Rodinia supercontinent in the northern margin of Southern China continental block. In addition,the age of sporadic distribution(298 Ma and 269 Ma) is mixed zircon age,representing the rocks experienced metamorphism in Indosinian period. According to the associated mineral assemblages,and the characteristic metamorphic minerals and temperature pressure conditions,four metamorphic facies were identified,including amphibolitic,epidote amphibolite,greenschist,and mid-high pressure greenschist. Analysis of tectonic setting suggests that granitic gneiss is formed in an extensional environment and was involved from the continental margin magmatic arc to intraplate environment. Jimo is distributed in the east of Zhuwu fault,and has the same Spatial distribution location with the Weihai uplift UHP metamorphic belt rocks. The metamorphic rocks in Jimo area have similar geochemical characteristics of elements,tectonic setting and retrograde metamorphism with that in the Sulu UHP metamorphic belt. Therefore,Zhuwu fault may be the boundary fault of Sulu UHP metamorphic belt.     

The Metamorphic Evolution and Tectonic Significance of the Sumdo High and Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphic Terrane, Central-South Lhasa Block, Tibet

Asthemaintectoniccomponentofthe Himalayan–Tibetan orogen,the Lhasa terrane has received much attention as it records the entire history of the orogeny.The occurrence of high pressure eclogite in the Sumdo complex in central Lhasa terrane has a significant importance on the understanding of the Paleo-Tethys subduction and plate itineration processes in this area.The petrological,geochemical and geochronological data of eclogite and associated blueschist and garnet-bearing mica schist from Sumdo,Jilang and Bailang area have been briefly reviewed to explore the origin and metamorphic evolution of this suture.Eclogites from the Sumdo complex have experienced low temperature,high pressure to ultrahigh pressure metamorphism,revealing a fastsubduction and exhumation process in a typical oceanic subduction zone.The large P-T range between different eclogites in the literature may be affected by the big error of unappropriated using geothermobarometry and may also because of slices of subducted blocks derived from different depths juxtapose together during exhumation.By summarizing the U-Pb,Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd ages of eclogites,the eclogite facies metamorphism is likely to occur in early Triassic during 245-225 Ma,but not the previously accepted late Permian at ca.260 Ma by the reinterpretation of the former geochronological data from literature.The opening of Paleo-Tethys Ocean between the Lhasa terrane initiate prior to ca.280 Ma and ultimate closure to integrate the Lhasa terrane was no earlier than225 Ma and may triggered by the initial subduction of Bangong-Nujiang Tethys Ocean in the north.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987115001516

The Semail ophiolite of Oman and the United Arab Emirates(UAE) provides the best preserved large slice of oceanic lithosphere exposed on the continental crust,and offers unique opportunities to study processes of ocean crust formation,subduction initiation and obduction.Metamorphic rocks exposed in the eastern UAE have traditionally been interpreted as a metamorphic sole to the Semail ophiolite.However,there has been some debate over the possibility that the exposures contain components of older Arabian continental crust.To help answer this question,presented here are new zircon and rutile U-Pb geochronological data from various units of the metamorphic rocks.Zircon was absent in most samples.Those that yielded zircon and rutile provide dominant single age populations that are 95-93 Ma,partially overlapping with the known age of oceanic crust formation(96.5-94.5 Ma),and partially overlapping with cooling ages of the metamorphic rocks(95-90 Ma).The data are interpreted as dating high-grade metamorphism during subduction burial of the sediments into hot mantle lithosphere,and rapid cooling during their subsequent exhumation.A few discordant zircon ages,interpreted as late Neoproterozoic and younger,represent minor detrital input from the continent.No evidence is found in favour of the existence of older Arabian continental crust within the metamorphic rocks of the UAE.     

On Continent-Continent Point-Collision and Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism

Up to now it is known that almost all ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism of non-impact origin occurred in continent-continent collisional orogenic belt, as has been evidenced by many outcrops in the eastern hemisphere. UHP metamorphic rocks are represented by coesite- and diamond-bearing eclogites and eclogite facies metamorphic rocks formed at 650-800℃ and 2.6-3.5 GPa, and most of the protoliths of UHP rocks are volcanic-sedimentary sequences of continental crust. From these it may be deduced that deep subduction of continental crust may have occurred. However, UHP rocks are exposed on the surface or occur near the surface now, which implies that they have been exhumed from great depths. The mechanism of deep subduction of continental crust and subsequent exhumation has been a hot topic of the research on continental dynamics, but there are divergent views. The focus of the dispute is how deep continental crust is subducted so that UHP rocks can be formed and what mechanism causes it to be subducte     

The Imataca Complex, NW Amazonian Craton,Venezuela： Crustal evolution and integration of geochronological and petrological coolinghistories

SHRIMP U/Pb-zircon data and Nd mean crustal residence ages indicate that the lmataca Complex developed from an Archean (≥3.2Ga) continental protolith which has undergone considerable isotopic disturbance plus and juvenile accretion during late-Archean (-2.8Ga) times. Transamazonian granulites experienced peak metamorphic conditions of 750-800℃, 6-8kbar with associated transpressive thrusting and tectonic imbrication. Geochronology on zircon, pyroxene and garnet constrains the timing of peak metamorphism at 1.98-2.05Ga. Diffusion modeling of Fe-Mg exchange between biotite inclusions and host garnet yields (near metamorphic peak) cooling rates of 50-100℃/Ma, with petrological cooling rates being generally consistent with cooling rates determined from geochronology. Combining the retrograde P-T path with cooling rates suggests that after the metamorphic peak, large portions of the lmataca Complex were exhumed from 30 to 17km at a rate of 7-2km/Ma.After this, exhumation rates progressively decreased as the rocks approached the surface. Rapid overall upliftlerosion had ceased when the rocks passed below 600-550℃ at 2.01-1.96 Ga ago. Observed variations in mineral cooling ages are interpreted as to reflect episodic differential tectonic exhumation within major fault systems. Inferred (maximum) ages of fault re-activation generally coincide with major continental accretion events in the Amazonian Craton and reflect long-term thermal evolution of the lmataca terrane, as conditioned by variable response to continued continental convergence during the Proterozoic.     

Constraints on the early cooling rates of Mt. Dabie from diffusion modeling of chemical zoning of garnet

Diffusion modeling of zoning profiles in eclogite garnets from three different tectonic units of Mt. Dabie, UHPM unit, HPM unit and northern Dabie, was used to estimate the relative time span and cooling rates of these rocks. Modeling result for the Huangzhen eclogite garnet shows that the maximal time span for the diffusion-adjustment process is about 22 Ma since the peak-temperature metamorphism, which is the maximum time span from amphibolite facies metamorphism to greenschist facies metamorphism. The Bixiling eclogites had subjected to a cooling process at a rate of - 10℃/Ma from 750℃ to 560℃ during 20 Ma. The second cooling stage of the Raobazhai eclogite following granulite-facies metamorphism is an initial fast cooling process at a rate of about 25℃/Ma and then slowed down gradually. All these belong to a coherent Dabie collision orogen with differences in subduction depth and exhumation/uplifting path.     

Polyphase Deformation of the Weihai-Rongcheng UHP Unit Rocks, NE Sulu： Insights into the Tectonic Evolution of the Dabie-Sulu UHP and HP Belts, China

Different scales of structural data reveal a complex deformation history of ultrahigh- pressure （UHP） rocks exposed in the Weihai-Rongcbeng area, NE Sulu （northern Jiangsu-eastern Shandong）, eastern China. Excluding pre-UHP deformations, at least five major sequential deformational stages （D1-Ds） are recognized. The first deformation （DO produced a weak foliation and lineation in massive eclogites. The foliated eclogite with a dominant foliation containing a stretching and mineral lineation was developed during the I）2 deformation. Both the D1 and D2 deformations occurred under UHP metamorphic conditions, and are well preserved in the eclogite bodies. D3 structures which developed shortly after the formation of granulite/amphibolite facies symplectites are characterized by imbricated associations marked by a regional, steeply dipping foliation, compositional layering, eclogite boudinage, isoclinal folds and reverse ductile shear zones. The D3 deformation was accompanied by decompressional partial melting. A regional, gently dipping amphibolite facies foliation and stretching lineation, low-angle detachments, and dome- and arc-shaped structures formed during the D4 deformation stage dominate to some degree the map pattern of the Weihai-Rongcbeng UHP domain. The last stage of deformation （Ds） gave rise to the final exhumation of the UHP rocks. Ds is characterized by development of brittle-dominated high-angle faulting associated with emplacement of large volmnes of undeformed granite plutons and dykes dated at 134-100 Ma. The deformational and metamorphic sequence followed by the UHP rocks in the Weihai-Rongcheng area is similar to that studied in the entire Dabie-Sulu UHP and HP metamorphic belts from microscopic to mapping scale. Based on structural data, combined with available petrographic, metamorphic and geochronological data, a speculative tectonic evolutionary model for the Dabie-Sulu UHP and IIP belts is proposed, involving continental subduction/collision between the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons and subsequent polyphase exhumation histories of the UHP and IIP metamorphic rocks.     

SHRIMP Dating and Recrystallization of Metamorphic Zircons from a Granitic Gneiss in the Sulu UHP Terrane

An unusual zircon SHRIMP dating result of a granitic gneiss from the Qinglongshan eclogite-gneiss roadcut section is presented in this paper. The very peculiar and complicated internal structures, as well as the very low Th/U ratios (0.01-0.08) of the zircons indicate that they were formed by metamorphic recrystallization. Strongly in contrast with previously published zircon U-Pb ages of the Dabie-Sulu UHP metamorphic rocks where protolith ages of 600-800 Ma are commonly recorded, only metamorphic age of 218±5 Ma, defined by 18 analytical spots either in rim or in core of zircons, are recorded in this granitic gneiss. This age represents the time of the complete metamorphic recrystallization overprint on primary magmatic zircons. The recrystallization was derived by the UHP metamorphism, and was strengthened by the early stage of retrograde metamorphic fluid activity.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987112000564

High-pressure（HP） granulites widely occur as enclaves within tonalite-trondhjemitegranodiorite （TTG） gneisses of the Early Precambrian metamorphic basement in the Shandong Peninsula, southeast part of the North China Craton（NCC）.Based on cathodoluminescence（CL）,laser Raman spectroscopy and in-situ U-Pb dating,we characterize the zircons from the HP granulites and group them into three main types:inherited（magmatic） zircon,HP metamorphic zircon and retrograde zircon.The inherited zircons with clear or weakly defined magmatic zoning contain inclusions of apatites,and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 2915—2890 Ma and 2763—2510 Ma,correlating with two magmatic events in the Archaean basement. The homogeneous HP metamorphic zircons contain index minerals of high-pressure metamorphism including garnet,clinopyroxene.plagioclase,quartz,rutile and apatite,and yield ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages between 1900 and 1850 Ma,marking the timing of peak HP granulite fades metamorphism.The retrograde zircons contain inclusions of orthopyroxene.plagioclase.quartz,apatite and amphibole.and yield the youngest ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 1840—1820 Ma among the three groups,which we correlate to the medium to low-pressure granulite fades retrograde metamorphism.The data presented in this study suggest subduction of Meso- and Neoarchean magmatic protoliths to lower crust depths where they were subjected to HP granulite facies metamorphism during Palaeoproterozoic（1900—1850 Ma）.Subsequently, the HP granulites were exhumated to upper crust levels,and were overprinted by medium to low-pressure granulite and amphibolite facies retrograde event at ca.1840—820 Ma.     

SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating from Sulu-Dabie dolomitic marble, eastern China: constraints on prograde, ultrahigh-pressure and retrograde metamorphic ages

Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images show that zircon from Sulu‐Dabie dolomitic marbles is characterized by distinctive domains of inherited (detrital), prograde, ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) and retrograde metamorphic growths. The inherited zircon domains are dark‐luminescent in CL images and contain mineral inclusions of Qtz + Cal + Ap. The prograde metamorphic domains are white‐luminescent in CL images and preserve a quartz eclogite facies assemblage of Qtz + Dol + Grt + Omp + Phe + Ap, formed at 542–693 °C and 1.8–2.1 GPa. In contrast, the UHP metamorphic domains are grey‐luminescent in CL images, retain the UHP assemblage of Coe + Grt + Omp + Arg + Mgs + Ap, and record UHP conditions of 739–866 °C and >5.5 GPa. The outermost retrograde rims have dark‐luminescent CL images, and contain low‐P minerals such as calcite, related to the regional amphibolite facies retrogression. Laser ablation ICP‐MS trace‐element data show striking difference between the inherited cores of mostly magmatic origin and zircon domains grown in response to prograde, UHP and retrograde metamorphism. SHRIMP U‐Pb dating on these zoned zircon identified four discrete ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age groups: 1823–503 Ma is recorded in the inherited (detrital) zircon derived from various Proterozoic protoliths, the prograde domains record the quartz eclogite facies metamorphism at 254–239 Ma, the UHP growth domains occurred at 238–230 Ma, and the late amphibolite facies retrogressive overprint in the outermost rims was restricted to 218–206 Ma. Thus, Proterozoic continental materials of the Yangtze craton were subducted to 55–60 km depth during the Early Triassic and recrystallized at quartz eclogite facies conditions. Then these metamorphic rocks were further subducted to depths of 165–175 km in the Middle Triassic and experienced UHP metamorphism, and finally these UHP metamorphic rocks were exhumed to mid‐crustal levels (about 30 km) in the Late Triassic and overprinted by regional amphibolite facies metamorphism. The subduction and exhumation rates deduced from the SHRIMP data and metamorphic P–T conditions are 9–10 km Myr^?1 and 6.4 km Myr^?1, respectively, and these rapid subduction–exhumation rates may explain the obtained P–T–t path. Such a fast exhumation suggests that Sulu‐Dabie UHP rocks that returned towards crustal depths were driven by buoyant forces, caused as a consequence of slab breakoff at mantle depth.     

Multiple partial melting events in the Sulu UHP terrane: zircon U–Pb dating of granitic leucosomes within amphibolite and gneiss

Thin layers and lenses of granitic leucosome are widely distributed within amphibolites, paragneisses and orthogneisses of the Sulu UHP terrane. They are parallel to, or cross‐cut, foliations in the host rocks at different scales and show evidence of coalescence and migration to form centimetre‐ to decimetre‐scale segregations. Variously migmatized rocks extend at least 350 km from SW Sulu (Maobei) to NE Sulu (Weihai), in a band at least 50 km wide. A combined study of mineral inclusions, cathoduluminescence (CL) images, U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS dates, and in‐situ trace element compositions of zircon provide clear evidence on the nature and timing of partial melting in these UHP rocks. Most zircon from the granitic leucosomes occurs as distinct overgrowths around inherited (igneous or metamorphic) cores or as new, euhedral crystals. The overgrowths and new crystals commonly show perfectly euhedral shapes, have pronounced oscillatory zoning and contain felsic mineral inclusions, such as Kfs + Pl + Qtz ± Ilm ± monazite (Mon). In contrast, the inherited igneous or metamorphic cores are rounded or irregular, contain low‐P or UHP mineral inclusions and show clear dissolution textures. These data suggest that the new zircon is anatectic in origin and that it grew during partial melting of the UHP rocks. The REE patterns of the anatectic zircon show steep slopes from the HREE to LREE with strongly to moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.31–0.72) and pronounced positive Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 6.8–26.5). Abundant U–Pb spot analyses of the anatectic zircon reveal two discrete and meaningful ages of partial melting within the Sulu UHP terrane. Anatectic zircon from 12 granitic leucosomes within amphibolites, paragneisses, and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slices II and III yields consistent mean U–Pb ages of 219.0 ± 1.2 to 218.3 ± 1.6 Ma, 218.8 ± 2.0 to 217.3 ± 1.7 Ma and 218.2 ± 1.4 to 215.0 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. In contrast, anatectic zircon from six granitic leucosomes within paragneisses and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slice III records younger mean U–Pb ages of 151.9 ± 1.3 to 151.1 ± 1.8 Ma and 155.9 ± 1.8 to 153.7 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. These data imply that the Sulu UHP terrane experienced two Mesozoic partial melting events. The first partial melting event (219–215 Ma) was probably associated with a Late Triassic granulite facies stage of ‘hot’ exhumation, whereas the second (156–151 Ma) is interpreted as the result of Middle‐Late Jurassic extension and thinning of the previously thickened crust of the Sulu UHP terrane. Both partial melting events induced extensive retrograde metamorphism of the eclogites and their country rocks.     

U–Pb ages and trace elements in metamorphic zircon and titanite from UHP eclogite in the Dabie orogen: constraints on P–T–t path

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses of U–Pb isotopes and trace elements in zircon and titanite were carried out on epoxy mounts and thin sections for ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) eclogite in association with paragneiss in the Dabie orogen. The results provide a direct link between metamorphic ages and temperatures during continental subduction‐zone metamorphism. Zircon U–Pb dating gives two groups of concordant ages at 242 ± 2 to 239 ± 5 Ma and 226 ± 2 to 224 ± 6 Ma, respectively. The Triassic zircon U–Pb ages are characterized by flat heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns typical of metamorphic growth. Ti‐in‐zircon thermometry for the two generations of metamorphic zircon yields temperatures of 697 ± 27 to 721 ± 8 °C and 742 ± 19 to 778 ± 34 °C, respectively. We interpret that the first episode of zircon growth took place during subduction prior to the onset of UHP metamorphism, whereas the second episode in the stage of exhumation from UHP to HP eclogite facies regime. Thus, the continental subduction‐zone metamorphism of sedimentary protolith is temporally associated with two episodes of fluid activity, respectively, predating and postdating the UHP metamorphic phase. The significantly high Ti‐in‐zircon temperatures for the younger zircon at lower pressures indicate the initial ‘hot’ exhumation after the peak UHP metamorphism. There are two types of titanite. One exhibits light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment, steep MREE–HREE patterns and no Eu anomalies, and yields Zr‐in‐titanite temperatures of 551 to 605 °C at 0.5 GPa, and the other shows LREE depletion and flat MREE–HREE patterns, and gives Zr‐in‐titanite temperatures of 782–788 °C at 2.0 GPa. The former is amenable for U–Pb dating, yielding a discordia lower intercept age of 252 ± 3 Ma. Thus, the first type of titanite is interpreted to have grown in the absence of garnet and plagioclase and thus in the early stage of subduction. In contrast, the second one occurs as rims surrounding rutile cores and thus grew in the presence of garnet during the ‘hot’ exhumation. Therefore, there is multistage growth of zircon and titanite during the continental subduction‐zone metamorphism. The combined studies of chronometry and thermobarometry provide tight constraints on the P–T–t path of eclogites during the continental collision. It appears that the mid‐T/UHP eclogite facies zone would not only form by subduction of the continental crust in a P–T path slightly below the wet granite solidus, but also experience decompression heating during the initial exhumation.     

SHRIMP U–Pb ages of ultrahigh-pressure and retrograde metamorphism of gneisses, south-western Sulu terrane, eastern China

Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images reveal that most zircon separated from paragneiss and orthogneiss in drillhole CCSD‐PP2 at Donghai, south‐western Sulu terrane, retain low‐P mineral‐bearing inherited cores, ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) mineral‐bearing mantles and low‐P mineral‐bearing (e.g. quartz) rims. SHRIMP U–Pb analyses of these zoned zircon identify three discrete and meaningful age groups: Proterozoic protolith ages (> 680 Ma) are recorded in the inherited cores, the UHP metamorphic event in the coesite‐bearing mantles occurred at 231 ± 4 Ma, and the late amphibolite facies retrogressive overprint in the quartz‐bearing rims was at 211 ± 4 Ma. Thus, Neoproterozoic supracrustal protoliths of the Sulu UHP rocks were subducted to mantle depths in the Middle Triassic, and exhumed to mid‐crustal levels in the Late Triassic. The exhumation rate deduced from the SHRIMP data and metamorphic P–T conditions is 5.0 km Ma^?1. Exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane may have resulted from buoyancy forces after slab break‐off at mantle depths.     

Differential subduction and exhumation of crustal slices in the Sulu HP-UHP metamorphic terrane: insights from mineral inclusions, trace elements, U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope analyses of zircon in orthogneiss

Based on new evidence the Sulu orogen is divided from south‐east to north‐west into high‐pressure (HP) crustal slice I and ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) crustal slices II and III. A combined set of mineral inclusions, cathodoluminescence images, U‐Pb SHRIMP dating and in situ trace element and Lu‐Hf isotope analyses was obtained on zircon from orthogneisses of the different slices. Zircon grains typically have three distinct domains that formed during crystallization of the magmatic protolith, HP or UHP metamorphism and late‐amphibolite facies retrogression, respectively: (i) oscillatory zoned cores, with low‐pressure (LP) mineral inclusions and Th/U > 0.38; (ii) high‐luminescent mantles (Th/U < 0.10), with HP mineral inclusions of Qtz + Grt + Arg + Phe + Ap for slice I zircon and Coe + Grt + Phe + Kfs + Ap for both slices II and III zircon; (iii) low‐luminescent rims, with LP mineral inclusions and Th/U < 0.08. Zircon U‐Pb SHRIMP analyses of inherited cores point to protolith ages of 785–770 Ma in all seven orthogneisses. The ages recorded for UHP metamorphism and subsequent retrogression in slice II zircon (c. 228 and c. 215 Ma, respectively) are significantly older than those of slice III zircon (c. 218 and c. 202 Ma, respectively), while slice I zircon recorded even older ages for HP metamorphism and subsequent retrogression (c. 245 and c. 231 Ma, respectively). Moreover, Ar‐Ar biotite ages from six paragneisses, interpreted as dating amphibolite facies retrogression, gradually decrease from HP slice I (c. 232 Ma) to UHP slice II (c. 215 Ma) and UHP slice III (c. 203 Ma). The combined data set suggests decreasing ages for HP or UHP metamorphism and late retrogression in the Sulu orogen from south‐east to north‐west. Thus, the HP‐UHP units are interpreted to represent three crustal slices, which underwent different subduction and exhumation histories. Slice I was detached from the continental lithosphere at ～55–65 km depth and subsequently exhumed while subduction of the underlying slice II continued to ～100–120 km depth (UHP) before detachment and exhumation. Slice III experienced a similar geodynamic evolution as slice II, however, both UHP metamorphism and subsequent exhumation took place c. 10 Myr later. Magmatic zircon cores from two types of orthogneiss in UHP slices II and III show similar mid‐Neoproterozoic crystallization ages, but have contrasting Hf isotope compositions (εHf_(～785) = ?2.7 to +2.2 and ?17.3 to ?11.1, respectively), suggesting their formation from distinct crustal units (Mesoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic to Archean, respectively) during the breakup of Rodinia. The UHP and the retrograde zircon domains are characterized by lower Th/U and ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf but higher ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf(t) than the Neoproterozoic igneous cores. The similarity between UHP and retrograde domains indicates that late retrogression did not significantly modify chemical and isotopic composition of the UHP metamorphic system.     

Tracing the protolith, UHP metamorphism, and exhumation ages of orthogneiss from the SW Sulu terrane (eastern China): SHRIMP U–Pb dating of mineral inclusion-bearing zircons

Orthogneisses are the major country rocks hosting eclogites in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China. All of the analyzed orthogneiss cores from the main drilling hole of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Project (CCSD-MH) have similar major and trace element compositions and a granite protolith. These rocks have relatively high LREE/HREE ratios, strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.20–0.39), and negative Ba anomalies (Ba/Ba*=0.25–0.64). Coesite and coesite-bearing UHP mineral assemblages are common inclusions in zircons separated from orthogneiss, paragneiss, amphibolite, and (retrograded) eclogite of the CCSD-MH. This suggests that the eclogite, together with its country rocks, experienced in situ ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism. Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images show that zircons from the orthogneisses are zoned and that they have distinct mineral inclusions in the different zones. Most zircons retain early magmatic cores with abundant low-pressure mineral inclusions, which are mantled with metamorphic zircon-containing inclusions of coesite and other UHP minerals. The outermost rims on these grains contain low-pressure mineral inclusions, such as quartz and albite. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of the zoned zircons gives three discrete and meaningful groups of ages: Proterozoic ages for the protolith, 227±2 Ma for the coesite-bearing mantles, and 209±3 Ma for the amphibolite facies retrograde rims. The widespread occurrence of UHP mineral inclusions in zircons from the Sulu metamorphic belt dated at about 227 Ma suggests that voluminous continental crust experienced late Triassic subduction to depths of at least 120 km and perhaps more than 200 km. Eighteen million years later, the terrane was rapidly exhumed to midcrustal levels, and the UHP rocks were overprinted by amphibolite facies metamorphism. The exhumation rate deduced from the zircon age data and previously obtained metamorphic P–T data is estimated to be 5.6–11.0 km/Ma. Such rapid exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane may be due to the buoyancy forces produced by subduction of low-density continental material into the deep mantle.     

Eclogite origin and timings in the North Qinling terrane,and their bearing on the amalgamation of the South and North China Blocks

The amalgamation of South (SCB) and North China Blocks (NCB) along the Qinling‐Dabie orogenic belt involved several stages of high pressure (HP)‐ultra high pressure (UHP) metamorphism. The new discovery of UHP metamorphic rocks in the North Qinling (NQ) terrane can provide valuable information on this process. However, no precise age for the UHP metamorphism in the NQ terrane has been documented yet, and thus hinders deciphering of the evolution of the whole Qinling‐Dabie‐Sulu orogenic belt. This article reports an integrated study of U–Pb age, trace element, mineral inclusion and Hf isotope composition of zircon from an eclogite, a quartz vein and a schist in the NQ terrane. The zircon cores in the eclogite are characterized by oscillatory zoning or weak zoning, high Th/U and ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, pronounced Eu anomalies and steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns. The zircon cores yield an age of 796 ± 13 Ma, which is taken as the protolith formation age of the eclogite, and implies that the NQ terrane may belong to the SCB before it collided with the NCB. The ?_Hf(t) values vary from ?11.3 to 3.2 and corresponding two‐stage Hf model ages are 2402 to 1495 Ma, suggesting the protolith was derived from an enriched mantle. In contrast, the metamorphic zircon rims show no zoning or weak zoning, very low Th/U and ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, insignificant Eu anomalies and flat HREE patterns. They contain inclusions of garnet, omphacite and phengite, suggesting that the metamorphic zircon formed under eclogite facies metamorphic conditions, and their weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 485.9 ± 3.8 Ma was interpreted to date the timing of the eclogite facies metamorphism. Zircon in the quartz vein is characterized by perfect euhedral habit, some oscillatory zoning, low Th/U ratios and variable HREE contents. It yields a weighted mean U–Pb age of 480.5 ± 2.5 Ma, which registers the age of fluid activity during exhumation. Zircon in the schist is mostly detrital and U–Pb age peaks at c. 1950 to 1850, 1800 to 1600, 1560 to 1460 and 1400 to 1260 Ma with an oldest grain of 2517 Ma, also suggesting that the NQ terrane may have an affinity to the SCB. Accordingly, the amalgamation between the SCB and the NCB is a multistage process that spans c. 300 Myr, which includes: the formation of the Erlangping intra‐oceanic arc zone onto the NCB before c. 490 Ma, the c. 485 Ma crustal subduction and UHP metamorphism of the NQ terrane, the c. 430 Ma arc‐continent collision and granulite facies metamorphism, the 420 to 400 Ma extension and rifting in relation to the opening of the Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean, the c. 310 Ma HP eclogite facies metamorphism of oceanic crust and associated continental basement, and the final 250 to 220 Ma continental subduction and HP–UHP metamorphism.     

Integrated garnet and zircon–titanite geochronology constrains the evolution of ultra‐high–pressure terranes: An example from the Sulu orogen

Dating ultra‐high–pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks provides important timing constraints on deep subduction zone processes. Eclogites, deeply subducted rocks now exposed at the surface, undergo a wide range of metamorphic conditions (i.e. deep subduction and exhumation) and their mineralogy can preserve a detailed record of chronologic information of these dynamic processes. Here, we present an approach that integrates multiple radiogenic isotope systems in the same sample to provide a more complete timeline for the subduction–collision–exhumation processes, based on eclogites from the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt in eastern China, one of the largest UHP terranes on Earth. In this study, we integrate garnet Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages with zircon and titanite U–Pb ages for three eclogite samples from the Sulu UHP terrane. We combine this age information with Zr‐in‐rutile temperature estimates, and relate these multiple chronometers to different P–T conditions. Two types of rutile, one present as inclusions in garnet and the other in the matrix, record the temperatures of UHP conditions and a hotter stage, subsequent to the peak pressure (‘hot exhumation') respectively. Garnet Lu–Hf ages (c. 238–235 Ma) record the initial prograde growth of garnet, while coupled Sm–Nd ages (c. 219–213 Ma) reflect cooling following hot exhumation. The maximum duration of UHP conditions is constrained by the age difference of these two systems in garnet (c. 235–220 Ma). Complementary zircon and titanite U–Pb ages of c. 235–230 Ma and c. 216–206 Ma provide further constraints on the timing of prograde metamorphism and the ‘cold exhumation' respectively. We demonstrate that timing of various metamorphic stages can thus be determined by employing complementary chronometers from the same samples. These age results, combined with published data from adjacent areas, show lateral diachroneity in the Dabie–Sulu orogeny. Three sub‐blocks are thus defined by progressively younger garnet ages: western Dabie (243–238 Ma), eastern Dabie–northern Sulu (238–235 Ma) and southern Sulu terranes (225–220 Ma), which possibly correlate to different crustal slices in the recently proposed subduction channel model. These observed lateral chronologic variations in a large UHP terrane can possibly be extended to other suture zones.     

Multiple zircon growth during fast exhumation of diamondiferous, deeply subducted continental crust (Kokchetav Massif, Kazakhstan)

Diamondiferous rocks from the Kokchetav Massif, Kazakhstan, represent deeply subducted continental crust. In order to constrain the age of ultra high pressure (UHP) metamorphism and subsequent retrogression during exhumation, zircons from diamondiferous gneisses and metacarbonates have been investigated by a combined petrological and isotopic study. Four different zircon domains were distinguished on the basis of transmitted light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, trace element contents and mineral inclusions. Mineral inclusions and trace element characteristics of the zircon domains permit us to relate zircon growth to metamorphic conditions. Domain 1 consists of rounded cores and lacks evidence of UHP metamorphism. Domain 2 contains diamond, coesite, omphacite and titanian phengite inclusions providing evidence that it formed at UHP metamorphic conditions (P>43 kbar; T~950 °C). Domain 3 is characterised by low-pressure mineral inclusions such as garnet, biotite and plagioclase, which are common minerals in the granulite-facies overprint of the gneisses (P~10 kbar; T~800 °C). This multi-stage zircon growth during cooling and exhumation of the diamondiferous rocks can be best explained by zircon growth from Zr-saturated partial melts present in the gneisses. Domain 4 forms idiomorphic overgrowths and the rare earth element pattern indicates that it formed without coexisting garnet, most probably at amphibolite-facies conditions (P~5 kbar; T~600 °C). The metamorphic zircon domains were dated by SHRIMP ion microprobe and yielded ages of 527LJ, 528NJ and 526LJ Ma for domains 2, 3 and 4 respectively. These indistinguishable ages provide evidence for a fast exhumation beyond the resolution of SHRIMP dating. The mean age of all zircons formed between UHP metamorphic conditions and granulite-facies metamorphism is 528Dž Ma, indicating that decompression took place in less than 6 Ma. Hence, the deeply subducted continental crust was exhumed from mantle depth to the base of the crust at rates higher than 1.8 cm/year. We propose a two-stage exhumation model to explain the obtained P-T-t path. Fast exhumation on top of the subducted slab from depth >140 to ~35 km was driven by buoyancy and facilitated by the presence of partial melts. A period of near isobaric cooling was followed by a second decompression event probably related to extension in a late stage of continental collision.     

Zircon as the best mineral for P–T–time history of UHP metamorphism: A review on mineral inclusions and U–Pb SHRIMP ages of zircons from the Dabie–Sulu UHP rocks

Zircon is the best mineral to record the complex evolution history of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks as mineralogical and geochemical tracers of UHP metamorphism are almost obliterated in matrix assemblages resulted from subsequent retrogression during exhumation. Zircons from Dabie–Sulu UHP rocks, including outcrop and core samples from drill holes ranging from 432 to 5158 m in depth contain abundant mineral inclusions of protolith, prograde, peak (UHP) and retrograde minerals in different domains; these minute inclusions were identified by laser Raman spectroscopy and/or electronic microprobe analysis. Systematic studies on inclusions in zircons from previous and present studies indicate that the Dabie–Sulu UHP terrane extends for >2000 km, is about 50 km wide, and has at least 10 km thick, probably the largest UHP terrane recognized in the world thus far. The internal structure of zircon revealed by cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging displays a distinct zonation, which comprises an inherited (magmatic or detrital) core, prograde, peak (UHP), and outmost retrograde domains, each with distinctive mineral inclusion assemblages. Low-pressure, igneous mineral inclusions are common in the inherited (magmatic or detrital) zircon cores. In contrast, quartz eclogite-facies inclusion assemblages occur in prograde domains, coesite eclogite-facies inclusion assemblages are preserved in UHP domains, and amphibolite-facies inclusion assemblages are enclosed in outmost retrograde rims. Parageneses and compositions of inclusion minerals preserved in distinct zircon domains were used to constrain the metamorphic P–T path of many Dabie–Sulu UHP rocks. The results indicate that Neoproterozoic supracrustal rocks together with minor mafic-ultramafic rocks were subjected to a prograde subduction-zone metamorphism at 570–690 °C and 1.7–2.1 GPa, and UHP metamorphism at 750–850 °C and 3.4–4.0 GPa, following by rapid decompression to amphibolite-facies retrograde metamorphism at 550–650 °C and 0.7–1.05 GPa. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb spot analyses of the zoned zircons show four discrete and meaningful ages of the Dabie–Sulu metamorphic evolution: (1) Neoproterozoic protolith ages (800–750 Ma); (2) 246–244 Ma for early-stage quartz eclogite-facies prograde metamorphism; (3) 235–225 Ma for UHP metamorphism; and (4) 215–208 Ma for late-stage amphibolite-facies retrogression. This indicates that Neoproterozoic voluminous igneous protoliths of orthogneiss in response to the breakup of Rodinia supercontinent, together with various sedimentary rocks, and minor mafic-ultramafic intrusive and extrusive rocks, were subjected to coeval Triassic subduction to mantle depths and exhumation during the collision between the South China Block and North China Block. The estimated subduction and exhumation rates for the Dabie–Sulu UHP terrane would be up to 4.7–9.3 km Myr^?1 and 5.0–11.3 km Myr^?1, respectively. The zonal distribution of mineral inclusions and the preservation of index UHP minerals such as coesite imply that zircon is the best mineral container for each metamorphic stage, particular for supracrustal rocks as their metamorphic evolution and UHP evidence have been almost or completely obliterated. Similar conclusions have been documented elsewhere for other UHP terranes.