Late Paleozoic underplating in North Xinjiang: Evidence from shoshonites and adakites

Shoshonitic series volcanic rocks (SSVR) and adakites are widely distributed in the Permian terrestrial volcanic strata of the Yishijilike–Awulale range of west Tianshan, north Xinjiang, China. Isotopic dating yields Permian ages of 280–250 Ma. The SSVR include absarokite, shoshonite and banakite which are characterized by enrichment of alkalis, particularly in K, combined with lower Ti, higher Al (A/NKC = 0.70–0.99, metaluminous) and Fe₂O₃ > FeO. The SSVR that are rich in LILE with high REE contents and Eu/Eu range from 0.59 to 1.30. They are rich in LREE ((La/Yb)_N 2.15–11.97) and depleted in Nb, Ta and Ti (TNT negative anomalies). The adakites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/NKC = 0.85-1.16) and belong to the high-SiO₂ type of adakite (HSA, SiO₂ = 62%–71%). They are characterized by lower ΣREE with strong LREE enrichment ((La/Yb)_N 13–35). Pronounced positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 1.02–1.27), very low Yb contents and distinct TNT-negative anomalies are evident. The SSVR have ε_Nd(t) (+ 1.28 to + 4.92) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.7041–0.7057) that are similar to adakites in the regions which are characterized by ε_Nd(t) = 0.95 to + 5.69 and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7050–0.7053. Trace element, REE and Sr/Nd isotopic compositions suggest that both SSVR and adakites possess similar source regions associated with underplated mantle-derived basaltic materials. Lithosphere extension driven by magmatic underplating was responsible for the generation of both the SSVR and adakites. This magmatism serves as a petrological indicator of underplating during the Permian. Obviously thickened crust (62–52 km), a complex Moho discontinuity, high heat flow (~ 100 mw·m^− 2), widespread contemporary alkali-rich granites, basic dike swarms (K–Ar ages of 187–271 Ma, Ar–Ar ages of 174–270 Ma and Rb–Sr ages of 255 ± 28 Ma; ε_Nd(t) + 1.84 to + 10.1; (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i 0.7035 and 0.7065), and basic granulites (SHRIMP U–Pb age of 268–279 ± 5.6 Ma) provide additional evidences for the underplating event in this area during Permian.     

Tectonic significance of Late Neoproterozoic granites from the Tibesti massif in southern Libya inferred from Sr and Nd isotopes and U–Pb zircon data

The Neoproterozoic crust of the Tibesti massif was stabilized by magmatism that included subduction-generated batholithic suites and post-orogenic granite plutons. All of the magmatism occurred in a period of about 20 million years centered around 550 Ma, and nearly all of the granites have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of about 0.706. The Wadi Yebigue pluton has U–Pb zircon ages of 563 Ma and 558 Ma on two different phases and ε_Nd at 550 Ma from −0.5 to −2.2. These isotopic data and the geologic history of the massif suggest that granites in the Tibesti massif developed during and shortly after closure of a short-lived ocean basin that developed by fragmentation of pre-existing continental crust of the Saharan region.     

Geochemistry of Cretaceous mafic rocks from the Lower Yangtze region, eastern China: Characteristics and evolution of the lithospheric mantle

Geochemical and isotopic data for Cretaceous mafic rocks (basalt, gabbro, and diorite) from the Lower Yangtze region, northern Yangtze block, constrain the evolution of the lithospheric mantle. The mafic rocks, separated into the northeast and southwest groups, are alkaline and evolved, with low Mg# values (44–58) and variable SiO₂ contents (47.6–57.4 wt%). Enriched LREEs, LILEs, and Pb, together with depleted Nb, Zr, and Ti, suggest that the mantle sources were metasomatized by slab-derived fluid/melt. All samples show high radiogenic ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(t) (15.41–15.65) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(t) (37.66–38.51) ratios at given ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(t) (17.65–19.00) ratios, consistent with the mantle sources having been metasomatized by ancient slab-derived material. Mafic rocks of the southwest group show enriched Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) ranging from 0.7056 to 0.7071 and ε_Nd(t) ranging from −5.3 to −8.3, indicating an origin from enriched lithospheric mantle. Mafic rocks of the northeast group, which record ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) ratios of between 0.7044 and 0.7050 and ε_Nd(t) of −2.8 to −0.7, possibly formed by the mixing of melts from isotopically enriched lithospheric mantle and isotopically depleted asthenospheric mantle. Taking into consideration the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of Cretaceous mafic rocks, Cenozoic basalts, and basalt-hosted peridotite xenoliths from the Lower Yangtze region, we propose that an isotopically enriched, subduction-modified lithospheric mantle was replaced by or transformed into an isotopically depleted “oceanic-type” mantle. Such a process appears to have occurred in the eastern North China Craton as well as the eastern Yangtze block, probably in response to subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate beneath East Asia.     

Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin, NW China: Implications for plume–lithosphere interaction

There are large areas of Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin (PBRT) in northwestern China. Precise Ar–Ar dating of these rocks revealed an eruption age span of 262 to 285 Ma. Most of the PBRT is composed of alkaline basaltic rocks with high TiO₂ (2.43%–4.59%, weight percent), high Fe₂O₃ + FeO (12.63%–17.83%) and P₂O₅ (0.32%–1.38%) contents. Trace elements of these rocks have affinities with oceanic island basalts (OIB), as shown in chondrite normalized rare earth elements (REE) diagrams and primitive mantle normalized incompatible elements diagrams. The rocks show complex Sr–Nd isotopic character based on which they can be subdivided into two distinct groups: group 1 has relatively small initial (t = 280 Ma)⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio ( 0.7048) and positive εNd(t) (3.42–4.66) values. Group 2 has relatively large initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (0.7060–0.7083) and negative εNd(t) (from − 2.79 to − 2.16) values. Lead isotopes are even more complex with variations of (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t ranging from 17.9265 to 18.5778, 15.4789 to 15.6067 and 37.2922 to 38.1437, respectively. Moreover, these two groups have different trace elements ratios such as Nb/La, Ba/Nb, Zr/Nb, Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf, implying different magmatic processes. Based on the geochemistry of basaltic rocks and an evaluation of the tectonics, deformation, and the compositions of crust and lithospheric mantle in Tarim, we conclude that these basaltic rocks resulted from plume–lithosphere interaction. Permian mantle plume caused an upwelling of the Tarim lithosphere leading to melting of the asthenospheric mantle by decompression. The magma ascended rapidly to the base of lower crust, where different degrees of assimilation of OIB-like materials and fractionation occurred. Group 1 rocks formed where the upwelling is most pronounced and the assimilation was negligible. In other places, different degrees of assimilation and fractionation account for the geochemical traits of group 2.     

Two magma series and associated ore deposit types in the Permian Emeishan large igneous province, SW China

The Late Middle Permian ( 260 Ma) Emeishan large igneous province in SW China contains two magmatic series, one comprising high-Ti basalts and Fe-rich gabbroic and syenitic intrusions, the other low-Ti basalts and mafic–ultramafic intrusions. The Fe-rich gabbros are spatially and temporally associated with syenites. Each series is associated with a distinctive type of mineralization, the first with giant Fe–Ti–V oxide ore deposits such as Panzhihua and Baima, the second with Ni–Cu–(PGE) sulfide deposits such as Jinbaoshan, Limahe and Zhubu. New SHRIMP zircon U–Pb isotopic data yielded 263 ± 3 Ma for the Limahe intrusion, 261 ± 2 Ma for the Zhubu intrusion and 262 ± 2 Ma for a syenitic intrusion. These new age dates, together with previously reported SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages, suggest that all these intrusions are contemporaneous with the Emeishan flood basalts and formed during a major igneous event at ca. 260 Ma.The oxide-bearing intrusions have higher Al₂O₃, FeO (as total iron) and total alkalis (Na₂O + K₂O) but lower MgO than the sulfide-bearing intrusions. All intrusions are variably enriched in LREE relative to HREE. The oxide-bearing intrusions display positive Nb- and Ti-anomalies and in certain cases negative Zr–Hf anomalies, whereas the sulfide-bearing intrusions have obvious negative Nb- and Ti-anomalies, a feature of crustal contamination. Individual intrusions have relatively small ranges of Nd(t) values. All the intrusions, however, have Nd(t) values ranging from − 3.9 to + 4.6, and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from 0.7039 to 0.7105. The syenites have very low MgO (< 2 wt.%) but highly variable Fe₂O₃ (2.5 to 13 wt.%) with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.7039 to 0.7089. Magmas from both series could have derived by melting of a heterogeneous mantle plume: the high-Ti series from a Fe-rich, more fertile source and the low-Ti series from a Fe-poor, more refractory source. In addition, the low-Ti series underwent significant crustal contamination. The two magma series evolved along different paths that led to distinct mineralization styles.     

Nd-Sr-Pb systematics and age of the Kings River ophiolite,California: implications for depleted mantle evolution

Sm-Nd whole-rock and mineral data for the Kings River ophiolite define two isochrons of 485±21 Ma and 285±45 Ma age with _Nd (483)= +10.7±0.5 and Nd (285)= +9.9±1.1, respectively. The 483 Ma isochron is defined by samples of the main igneous construct. Samples from crosscutting diabase dikes and flaser gabbro sheets within the peridotite unit yield the 285 Ma isochron. The 483 Ma data provide the first evidence of lower Paleozoic oceanic crust in the Sierran ophiolite belt. New U-Pb analyses of zircons from a plagiogranite lying on the 483 Ma Sm-Nd isochron yield upper and lower intercepts with the concordia of 430 _–60 ⁺²⁰⁰ and 183±15 Ma. Published zircon ages have underestimated the primary age of the ophiolite by 200–300 m.y. due to the effects of polymetamorphism. The 483 Ma samples have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7023–0.7030, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=17.14–17.82, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.37–15.52, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=36.80–37.38. The 285 Ma samples have similar initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, but more radiogenic Pb. The range in Sr and Pb compositions is probably due to introduction of radiogenic Sr and Pb during multiple post-emplacement metamorphic events. The high _Nd, low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of the least disturbed samples are clearly diagnostic of a midocean ridge origin for the 483 Ma portion of the ophiolite. Igneous activity at 285 Ma is thought to have occurred in an arc or back-arc setting, or perhaps along a leaky transform. The initial _Nd (483)=+10.7 is indistinguishable from that of the similar age Trinity Peridotite (Jacobsen et al. 1984). This value is the highest yet reported for the Mesozoic or Paleozoic depleted mantle and requires either a mantle source that was depleted 850 m.y. earlier than average or a source more highly depleted than average. Alternatively, if such values were more typical of the early Paleozoic mantle than is currently thought, then there has been little evolution of the depleted mantle over the last 500 m.y. This requires that the modern mantle has been refluxed by material with low _Nd, such as continental crust.Division Contribution # 4302 (530)     

Post-collisional Plio-Pleistocene shoshonitic volcanism in the western Kunlun Mountains, NW China: Geochemical constraints on mantle source characteristics and petrogenesis

Major and trace element, Sr–Nd–Pb isotope and mineral chemical data are presented for post-collisional late Cenozoic shoshonitic volcanic rocks from the western Kunlun Mountains, NW China. They are distributed in two approximately E–W striking sub-belts, with the lavas in the southern sub-belt having been generated earlier than those in the northern sub-belt. The mineralogy of the rocks reflects crystallization from moderate temperature magmas (700–1000 °C) with high oxygen and water fugacities. They are geochemically characterized by relatively low TiO₂, Al₂O₃ and FeO and high alkalies coupled with very high contents of incompatible element concentrations. Remarkably negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies are displayed on primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns. In addition, they show a relatively broad range of low ε_Nd (−1.8 to −8.7) at more restricted ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7081–0.7090). Pb isotopes are characterized by a range of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.48–15.74) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (38.30–39.12) ratios at relatively invariant ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.60–18.83) values, except one sample with a ratio of 18.262, leading to near-vertical arrays. The lavas from the northern sub-belt have relatively high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. All lavas have extremely high La/Yb ratios, probably reflecting that the magmas were derived from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle source containing phlogopite–hornblende garnet peridotite affected by subducted sediments and hydrous fluids, rather than from a depleted asthenopheric mantle source or mantle plume source. However, the lavas from the southern sub-belt were derived from a lower degree of melting of more highly metasomatized sub-lithospheric mantle in comparison with those from the northern sub-belt. Processes responsible for partial melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle and post-collision magmatism in the western Kunlun could be a consequence of continuously conductive heating of upwelling, hot asthenospheric mantle following the delamination subsequent to thickening, which is consistent with the spatial and temporal geochemical variations in shoshonitic rocks in Tibet.     

Pb and Sr systematics of ultrapotassic and basaltic rocks from the central Sierra Nevada,California

This study presents Sr and Pb isotopic ratios and Rb, Sr, U, Th, and Pb concentrations of an ultrapotassic basaltic suite and related rocks from the central Sierra Nevada, California. The ultrapotassic suite yields a narrow range of Sr and Pb isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.70597–0.70653; ²⁰⁶Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=18.862–19.018; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.640–15.686; ²⁰⁸Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=38.833–38.950). Associated basalts containing ultramafic nodules have less radiogenic Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶=0.70430–0.70521) and generally higher Rb/Sr ratios than the ultrapotassic suite. Leucitites from Deep Springs Valley, California, contain high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (71141–0.71240) and low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (17.169–17.234) ratios, reflecting contamination by crustal granulite.The isotopic relationships support an origin of the ultrapotassic basaltic suite by partial melting of an enriched upper mantle source. Dehydration of a gently inclined oceanic slab beneath the Sierra Nevada may have provided Ba, K, Rb, Sr, and H₂O, which migrated into the overlying upper mantle lithosphere. The end of subduction 10 m.y. ago allowed increased asthenospheric heat flow into the upper mantle lithosphere. The increased heat flow enhanced fluid movement in the upper mantle and contributed towards isotopic homogenization of the upper mantle source areas. Continued heating of the enriched upper mantle caused partial melting and subsequent eruption of the ultrapotassic lavas.     

Petrogenesis of isotopically unusual Pliocene olivine leucitites from Deep Springs Valley, California

High-K mafic alkalic lavas (5.4 to 3.2 wt% K₂O) from Deep Springs Valley, California define good correlations of increasing incompatible element (e.g., Sr, Zr, Ba, LREE) and compatible element contents (e.g., Ni, Cr) with increasing MgO. Strontium and Nd isotope compositions are also correlated with MgO; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios decrease and ɛ_Nd values increase with decreasing MgO. The Sr and Nd isotope compositions of these lavas are extreme compared to most other continental and oceanic rocks; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range from 0.7121 to 0.7105 and ɛ_Nd values range from −16.9 to −15.4. Lead isotope ratios are relatively constant, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼17.2, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼15.5, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼38.6. Depleted mantle model ages calculated using Sr and Nd isotopes imply that the reservoir these lavas were derived from has been distinct from the depleted mantle reservoir since the early Proterozoic. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotope variations of the Deep Springs Valley lavas are unique because they do not plot along either the EM I or EM II arrays. For example, most basalts that have low ɛ_Nd values and unradiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios have relatively low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (the EM I array), whereas basalts with low ɛ_Nd values and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios have radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (the EM II array). High-K lavas from Deep Springs Valley have EM II-like Sr and Nd isotope compositions, but EM I-like Pb isotope compositions. A simple method for producing the range of isotopic and major- and trace-element variations in the Deep Springs Valley lavas is by two-component mixing between this unusual K-rich mantle source and a more typical depleted mantle basalt. We favor passage of MORB-like magmas that partially fused and were contaminated by potassic magmas derived from melting high-K mantle veins that were stored in the lithospheric mantle. The origin of the anomalously high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios and low ɛ_Nd values and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios requires addition of an old component with high Rb/Sr and Th/Pb ratios but low Sm/Nd and U/Pb ratios into the mantle source region from which these basalts were derived. This old component may be sediments that were introduced into the mantle, either during Proterozoic subduction, or by foundering of Proterozoic age crust into the mantle at some time prior to eruption of the lavas. Received: 28 February 1997 / Accepted: 9 July 1998     

Geology and geochemistry of the adjacent Changkeng gold and Fuwang silver deposits, Guangdong Province, South China

The Changkeng Au and Fuwang Ag deposits represent an economically significant and distinct member of the Au–Ag deposit association in China. The two deposits are immediately adjacent, but the Au and Ag orebodies separated from each other. Ores in the Au deposit, located at the upper stratigraphic section and in the southern parts of the orefield, contain low Ag contents (< 11 ppm); the Ag orebodies, in the lower stratigraphic section, are Au-poor (< 0.2 ppm). Changkeng is hosted in brecciated cherts and jasperoidal quartz and is characterized by disseminated ore minerals. Fuwang, hosted in the Lower Carboniferous Zimenqiao group bioclastic limestone, has vein and veinlet mineralization associated with alteration comprised of quartz, carbonate, sericite, and sulfides. Homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions from quartz veinlets in the Changkeng and Fuwang deposits are in the range of 210 ± 80 °C and 230 ± 50 °C, respectively. Salinities of fluid inclusions from the two deposits range from 1.6 to 7.3 wt.% and 1.6 to 2.6 wt.% equiv. NaCl, respectively. The δD_H2O, δ¹⁸O_H2O, δ¹³C_CO2 and ³He/⁴He values of the fluid inclusions from the Changkeng deposit range from − 80‰ to − 30‰, − 7.8‰ to − 3.0‰, − 16.6‰ to − 17.0‰ and 0.0100 to 0.0054 Ra, respectively. The δD_H2O, δ¹⁸O_H2O, δ¹³C_CO2 and ³He/⁴He values of fluid inclusions from the Fuwang deposit range from − 59‰ to − 45‰, − 0.9‰ to 4.1‰, − 6.7‰ to − 0.6‰ and 0.5930 to 0.8357 Ra, respectively. The δD_H2O, δ¹⁸O_H2O, δ¹³C_CO2 and ³He/⁴He values of the fluid inclusions suggest the ore fluids of the Changkeng Au-ore come from the meteoric water and the ore fluids of the Fuwang Ag-ore are derived from mixing of magmatic water and meteoric water. The two deposits also show different Pb-isotopic signatures. The Changkeng deposit has Pb isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 18.580 to 19.251, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.672 to 15.801, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 38.700 to 39.104) similar to those (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 18.578 to 19.433, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.640 to 15.775, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 38.925 to 39.920) of its host rocks and different from those (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 18.820 to 18.891, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.848 to 15.914, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 39.579 to 39.786) of the Fuwang deposit. The different signatures indicate different sources of ore-forming material. Rb–Sr isochron age (68 ± 6 Ma) and ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar age (64.3 ± 0.1 Ma) of the ore-related quartz veins from the Ag deposit indicate that the Fuwang deposit formed during the Cenozoic Himalayan tectonomagmatic event. Crosscutting relationships suggests that Au-ore predates Ag-ore. The adjacent Changkeng and Fuwang deposits could, however, represent a single evolved hydrothermal system. The ore fluids initially deposited Au in the brecciated siliceous rocks, and then mixing with the magmatic water resulted in Ag deposition within fracture zones in the limestone. The deposits are alternatively the product of the superposition of two different geological events. Age evidence for the Fuwang deposit, together with the Xiqiaoshan Tertiary volcanic-hosted Ag deposit in the same area, indicates that the Pacific Coastal Volcanic Belt in the South China Fold Belt has greater potential for Himalayan precious metal mineralization than previous realized.     

Post-collisional lamprophyric event in Sierra Norte, Córdoba, Argentina: Mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic characteristics

Over 20 lamprophyre dykes, varying in width between a few centimeters and several meters, have been identified in central Sierra Norte – Eastern Pampean Ranges, Córdoba, Argentina. Their mineralogy and chemistry indicate that they are part of the calc-alkaline lamprophyres clan (CAL). They contain phenocrysts of magnesiohornblende ± augite set in a groundmass of magnesiohornblende, calcic-plagioclase, alkali feldspar, and opaque minerals, which designate them as spessartite-type lamprophyres. Alteration products include chlorite, calcite and iron oxides after mafic phenocrysts, though some are partially replaced by actinolite. Feldspars are replaced by carbonate and clay minerals.The dykes are relatively primitive, and show restricted major element variation (SiO₂ 51.1–55.3 wt.%, Al₂O₃ 12–16.6 wt.%, total alkalies 1.5–4.7 wt.%), high Mg# (55–77), high Cr contents (27–988 ppm) and moderate to high Ni contents (60–190 ppm). Lamprophyre LILE (e.g. Rb averages 110 ppm, Sr 211–387 ppm, Ba 203–452 ppm) are high relative to HFSE (e.g., Ta 0.2–1.6 ppm, Nb 4–11 ppm, Y 17–21 ppm), and are enriched in LREE (30–70 times chondrite). They are characterized by relatively high ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (38.8–39.9), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.7), and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.7–20.1), combined with low (epsilon)ε_Nd (−4.69 to −1.52) and a relative moderately high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.7055–0.7074. The Rb–Sr whole rock isochron indicates an Early Ordovician age of 485 ± 25 Ma. The calculated T_DM (1.7 Ga) suggests that these rocks appear to have originated from a reservoir that was created during a mantle metasomatism event related to the Pampean orogeny.The Sierra Norte lamprophyres show affinities with a subduction-related magma in an active continental margin. Their geochemical and isotopic features suggest a multicomponent source, composed of enriched mantle material variably contaminated by crustal components. The lamprophyric suite emplacement occurred at the dawning stage of the Pampean orogeny, in a regional post-collisional extensional setting developed in the Sierra Norte-Ambargasta batholith (SNAB) in Early Ordovician times.     

The subducted oceanic crust within continental-type UHP metamorphic belt in the North Qaidam, NW China: Evidence from petrology, geochemistry and geochronology

Three types of eclogite, together with a serpentinized harzburgite, coexist as blocks within granitic and pelitic gneisses along the Shaliuhe cross section, the eastern part of the North Qaidam continental-type ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, NW China. The olivine (Ol¹) and orthopyroxene in the harzburgite are compositionally similar to present-day abyssal peridotites. The kyanite–eclogite is derived from a troctolitic protolith, whereas the epidote–eclogite from a gabbroic protolith, both having distinct positive Eu anomalies, low TiO₂, and high Al₂O₃ and MgO. The kyanite–eclogite shows inherited cumulate layering. The phengite–eclogite has high TiO₂, low Al₂O₃ and MgO with incompatible trace elements resembling enriched-type MORB. Sr–Nd isotope data indicate that the protoliths of both kyanite–eclogite and epidote–eclogite ([⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr]_i ~ 0.703–0.704; ε_Nd(T) ~ 5.9–8.0) are of mantle origin (e.g., ocean crust signatures). On the other hand, while the lower ε_Nd(T) value (1.4–4.1) of phengite–eclogite is more or less consistent with an enriched MORB protolith, their high [⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr]_i ratio (0.705–0.716) points to an additional enrichment in their history, probably in an subduction-zone environment. Field relations and geochemical analyses suggest that the serpentinized harzburgite and the three types of eclogite constitute the oceanic lithological section of an ophiolitic sequence from mantle peridotite, to cumulate, and to upper basaltic rocks. The presence of coesite pseudomorphs and quartz exsolution in omphacite plus thermobarometric calculations suggests that the eclogites have undergone ultrahigh pressure metamorphism (i.e., peak P ≥ 2.7 GPa). The harzburgite may also have experienced the same metamorphism, but the lack of garnet suggests that the pressure conditions of ≤ 3.0 GPa. Zircon U–Pb SHRIMP dating shows that the eclogites have a protolith age of 516 ± 8 Ma and a metamorphic age of 445 ± 7 Ma. These data indicate the presence of a Paleo-Qilian Ocean between Qaidam and Qilian blocks before the early Ordovician. The ophiolitic assemblage may be the relics of subducted oceanic crust prior to the subduction of continental materials during Ordovician–Silurian times and ultimate continent collision. These rocks, altogether, record a complete history of ocean crust subduction, to continental subduction, and to continental collision.     

Geochemistry and Nd–Sr isotopic studies of Late Mesozoic granitoids in the southeastern Hubei Province, Middle–Lower Yangtze River belt, Eastern China: Petrogenesis and tectonic setting

A geochemical and isotopic study was carried out for the Mesozoic Yangxin, Tieshan and Echeng granitoid batholiths in the southeastern Hubei Province, eastern China, in order to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. These granitoids dominantly consist of quartz diorite, monzonite and granite. They are characterized by SiO₂ and Na₂O compositions of between 54.6 and 76.6 wt.%, and 2.9 to 5.6 wt.%, respectively, enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), and relative depletion in Y (concentrations ranging from 5.17 to 29.3 ppm) and Yb (0.34–2.83 ppm), with the majority of the granitoids being geochemically similar to high-SiO₂ adakites (HSA). Their initial Nd (ε_Nd = − 12.5 to − 6.1) and Sr ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7054–0.7085) isotopic compositions, however, distinguish them from adakites produced by partial melting of subducted slab and those produced by partial melting of the lower crust of the Yangtze Craton in the Late Mesozoic. The granitoid batholiths in the southeastern Hubei Province exhibit very low MgO ranging from 0.09 to 2.19 wt.% with an average of 0.96 wt.%, and large variations in negative to positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 0.22–1.4), especially the Tieshan granites and Yangxin granite porphyry (Eu/Eu = 0.22–0.73). Geochemical and Nd–Sr isotopic data demonstrate that these granitoids originated as partial melts of an enriched mantle source that experienced significant contamination of lower crust materials and fractional crystallization during magma ascent. Late Mesozoic granitoids in the southeastern Hubei Province of the Middle–Lower Yangtze River belt were dominantly emplaced in an extensional tectonic regime, in response to basaltic underplating, which was followed by lithospheric thinning during the early Cretaceous.     

Geochemical, Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic studies of Late Carboniferous magmatism in the West Junggar, Xinjiang: Implications for ridge subduction?

Voluminous granitic intrusions are distributed in the West Junggar, NW China, and they can be classified as the dioritic rocks, charnockite and alkali-feldspar granite groups. The dioritic rocks (SiO₂ = 50.4–63.8 wt.%) are calc-alkaline and Mg enriched (average MgO = 4.54 wt.%, Mg^# = 0.39–0.64), with high Sr/Y ratios (average = 21.2), weak negative Eu (average Eu/Eu = 0.80) and pronounced negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Their Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7035–0.7042, ε_Nd(t) = 4.5–7.9, ε_Hf(t) = 14.1–14.5) show a depleted mantle-like signature. These features are compatible with adakites derived from partial melting of subducted oceanic crust that interacted with mantle materials. The charnockites (SiO₂ = 60.0–65.3 wt.%) show transitional geochemical characteristics from calc-alkaline to alkaline, with weak negative Eu (average Eu/Eu = 0.75) but pronounced negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7037–0.7039, ε_Nd(t) = 5.2–8.0, ε_Hf(t) = 13.9–14.7) also indicate a depleted source, suggesting melts from a hot, juvenile lower crust. Alkali-feldspar granites (SiO₂ = 70.0–78.4 wt.%) are alkali and Fe-enriched, and have distinct negative Eu and Nb–Ta anomalies (average Eu/Eu = 0.26), low Sr/Y ratios (average = 2.11), and depleted Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7024–0.7045, ε_Nd(t) = 5.1–8.9, ε_Hf(t) = 13.7–14.2). These characteristics are also comparable with those of rocks derived from juvenile lower crust. Despite of the differences in petrology, geochemistry and possibly different origins, zircon ages indicate that these three groups of rocks were coevally emplaced at ~ 305 Ma.A ridge subduction model can account for the geochemical characteristics of these granitoids and coeval mafic rocks. As the “slab window” opened, upwelling asthenosphere provided enhanced heat flux and triggered voluminous magmatisms: partial melting of the subducting slab formed the dioritic rocks; partial melting of the hot juvenile lower crust produced charnockite and alkali-feldspar granite, and partial melting in the mantle wedge generated mafic rocks in the region. These results suggest that subduction was ongoing in the Late Carboniferous and, thus support that the accretion and collision in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt took place in North Xinjiang after 305 Ma, and possibly in the Permian.     

Paleoproterozoic subduction-related metasomatic signatures in the lithospheric mantle beneath NE Brazil: inferences from trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Neoproterozoic high-K igneous rocks

Late Neoproterozoic (ca. 580 Ma), high-K, mafic-intermediate rocks represent voluminous bimodal magmatism in the Borborema Province, northeast Brazil. These rocks show the following chemical signatures that reflect derivation from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle source: (1) enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, K, Th) and light rare-earth elements (REE) (La/Yb_CN=11–70), (2) pronounced negative Nb anomalies, and (3) radiogenic Sr (0.71202–0.7059) and unradiogenic Nd (_Nd from −9.3–−20.1) isotopic compositions. T_DM model ages suggest that modification of the lithospheric mantle source (metasomatised garnet lherzolite) may have occurred in the Paleoproterozoic during the Transamazonian/Eburnean tectonics that affected the region. Interaction with asthenospheric fluids is believed to have partially melted this enriched source in the Neoproterozoic, probably as a result of asthenosphere-derived fluid percolation in the Brasiliano/Pan-African shear zones that controlled the emplacement of these mafic-intermediate magmas. The involvement of this asthenospheric component is supported by the nonradiogenic Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=16–17.3, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.1–15.6, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=36–37.5), which contrast with the enriched Sr and Nd compositions and thereby suggest the decoupling of Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, and U–Pb systems at the time of intrusion of the mafic-intermediate magmas in the crust.     

A deformed alkaline igneous rock–carbonatite complex from the Western Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina: Evidence for late Neoproterozoic opening of the Clymene Ocean?

A deformed ca. 570 Ma syenite–carbonatite body is reported from a Grenville-age (1.0–1.2 Ga) terrane in the Sierra de Maz, one of the Western Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina. This is the first recognition of such a rock assemblage in the basement of the Central Andes. The two main lithologies are coarse-grained syenite (often nepheline-bearing) and enclave-rich fine-grained foliated biotite–calcite carbonatite. Samples of carbonatite and syenite yield an imprecise whole rock Rb–Sr isochron age of 582 ± 60 Ma (MSWD = 1.8; Sri = 0.7029); SHRIMP U–Pb spot analysis of syenite zircons shows a total range of ²⁰⁶Pb–²³⁸U ages between 433 and 612 Ma, with a prominent peak at 560–580 Ma defined by homogeneous zircon areas. Textural interpretation of the zircon data, combined with the constraint of the Rb–Sr data suggest that the carbonatite complex formed at ca. 570 Ma. Further disturbance of the U–Pb system took place at 525 ± 7 Ma (Pampean orogeny) and at ca. 430–440 Ma (Famatinian orogeny) and it is concluded that the Western Sierras Pampeanas basement was joined to Gondwana during both events. Highly unradiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values in calcites (0.70275–0.70305) provide a close estimate for the initial Sr isotope composition of the carbonatite magma. Sm–Nd data yield Nd₅₇₀ values of +3.3 to +4.8. The complex was probably formed during early opening of the Clymene Ocean from depleted mantle with a component from Meso/Neo-proterozoic lower continental crust.     

An Isotopic (Sr, Nd and Pb) Tracer Study on the Xiaoxinancha Gold-rich Copper Deposit in Yanbian, China: Implication for the Geodynamic Model of Diagenesis and Metallogenesis

An isotopic study was systemically carried out on the granitic complex, diorite-porphyrite, ores and ore minerals of the 103 Ma Xiaoxinancha gold-rich copper deposit in Jilin province to determine the geodynamic model of diagenesis and metallogenesis. Results show that the initial Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of the granitic complex are in the range of 0.70425–0.70505 for (87Sr/86Sr)i , 0.51243–0.51264 for INd, and –1.31 to +2.64 for εNd(t); those of the diorite-porphyrite are in the range from 0.70438–0.70448 for (87Sr/86Sr)i, 0.51259–0.51261 for INd, and +1.56 to +2.09 for εNd(t). For ores and sulfides, the (87Sr/86Sr)i , INd, and εNd(t) values are in the range from 0.70440–0.70805, 0.51259–0.51279 and +1.72 to +5.56, respectively. The Pb isotopic ratios of the granitic complex range from 18.2992–18.6636 for 206Pb/204Pb, from 15.5343–15.5660 for 207Pb/204Pb, and from 38.1640–38.5657 for 208Pb/204Pb. For diorite-porphyrite, the isotopic ratios of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb are 18.3919, 15.5794 and 38.3566, respectively, whereas those of the ores and ore sulfides vary from 18.2275–18.3770 for 206Pb/204Pb, from 15.5555–15.5934 for 207Pb/204Pb and from 38.1318–38.3131 for 208Pb/204Pb. The results indicate that the mineralization was correlated to the formation and evolution of the granitic complex and the diorite-porphyrite. Combining with the reported data in petrologic characteristics, elemental geochemistry and chronology, conclusions can be drawn that the geodynamic settings of diagenesis and metallogenesis of this deposit were consistent with the subduction of the Izanagi oceanic plate during the Early Cretaceous. The diorite-porphyrite was formed by the emplacement of the adakitic magma triggered by partial melting of the enriched mantle, which originated from the derivative continental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by dehydration fluids from the subducting oceanic crust. The granitic complex was produced by fractional crystallization of the mixture between the adakitic magma and the high-K calc-alkaline acidic magma, which were generated by the remelting of the lower crust in the course of intraplate upwelling of the adakitic magma. The ore-bearing fluid reservoir convened in a late stage of the evolution of the mixed magma chamber.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of the Taishan sanukitoids (Shandong): Implications for Neoarchean subduction in the Eastern Block, North China Craton

Elemental, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic and geochronological data are presented for the Taishan high-mg dioritic rocks (western Shandong) from the Eastern Block of the North China Craton in order to better understand the Archean tectonic evolution and crustal growth of the Craton. The rocks gave the zircon U–Pb age of 2536–2540 Ma. They show low SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents, high MgO, mg-number, Cr, Ni, Y, Yb, Sr and Ba, enriched LILEs and LREEs, depleted HFSEs and HREEs with (Nb/La)_N of 0.07–0.12. They exhibit _Nd(t) values of 1.53–3.30, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i of 11.20–15.30, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i of 14.14–14.83 and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_I of 31.10–33.93. Such geochemical features with an affinity to both a mantle- and crust-like source for the Taishan dioritic rocks are similar to those of the typical Archean sanukitoids, suggesting an origination from a sub-arc mantle wedge variably metasomatized by the slab-derived dehydration fluids and melts before 50–100 Ma of the emplacement of the Taishan sanukitoid plutons. It is proposed that the Taishan sanukitoids resulted from the sudden change of the downgoing slab from a flat subduction to subsequently steeper subduction in an active continental margin regime during Neoarchean time.     

Origin of Sr,Nd and Pb isotopic systematics in high-Sr basalts from central Arizona

Alkalic and tholeiitic basalts were erupted in the central Arizona Transition Zone during Miocene-Pliocene time before and after regional faulting. The alkalic lava types differ from the subalkaline lavas in Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic ratios and trace element ratios and, despite close temporal and spatial relationships, the two types appear to be from discrete mantle sources. Pre-faulting lava types include: potassic trachybasalts (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7052 to 0.7055, _Nd= –9.2 to –10.7); alkali olivine basalts (⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr = 0.7049 to 0.7054, _Nd= –2 to 0.2); basanite and hawaiites (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7049 to 0.7053, _Nd= –3.5 to –7.8); and quartz tholeiites (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7047, _Nd= –1.4 to –2.6). Post-faulting lavas have lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (<0.7045) and _Nd from –3.2 to 2.3. Pb isotopic data for both preand post-faulting lavas form coherent clusters by magma type with values higher than those associated with MORB but within the range of values found for crustal rocks and sulfide ores in Arizona and New Mexico. Pb isotopic systematics appear to be dominated by crustal contamination. Effects of assimilation and fractional crystallization are inadequate to produce the Sr isotopic variations unless very large amounts of assimilation occurred relative to fractionation. It is impossible to produce the Nd isotopic variations unless ancient very unradiogenic material exists beneath the region. Moreover the assumption that the alkalic lavas are cogenetic requires high degrees of fractionation inconsistent with major- and trace-element data. Metasomatism of the subcontinental lithosphere above a subduction zone by a slab-derived fluid enriched in Sr, Ba, P and K could have produced the isotopic and elemental patterns. The degree of metasomatism apparently decreased upward, with the alkalic lavas sampling more modified regions of the mantle than the tholeiitic lavas. Such metasomatism may have been a regional event associated with crustal formation at about 1.6 Ga. Disruption and weakening of the subcontinental lithosphere in the Transition Zone of the Colorado Plateau by volcanism probably made deformation possible.     

Geodynamic significance of the Raspas Metamorphic Complex (SW Ecuador): geochemical and isotopic constraints

The Raspas Metamorphic Complex of southwestern Ecuador is regarded as the southernmost remnant of oceanic and continental terranes accreted in the latest Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. It consists of variably metamorphosed rock types. (1) Mafic and ultramafic rocks metamorphosed under high-pressure (HP) conditions (eclogite facies) show oceanic plateau affinities with flat REE chondrite-normalized patterns, Nd_{150 Ma} ranging from +4.6 to 9.8 and initial Pb isotopic ratios intermediate between MORB and OIB. (2) Sedimentary rocks metamorphosed under eclogitic conditions exhibit LREE enriched patterns, strong negative Eu anomalies, Rb, Nb, U, Th, Pb enrichments, low Nd_{150 Ma} values (from −6.4 to −9.5), and high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ^206,207,208Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotopic ratios suggesting they were originally sediments derived from the erosion of an old continental crust. (3) Epidote-bearing amphibolites show N-MORB affinities with LREE depleted patterns, LILE, Zr, Hf and Th depletion, high Nd_{150 Ma} (>+10) and low initial Pb isotopic ratios.The present-day well defined internal structure of the Raspas Metamorphic Complex seems to be inconsistent with the formerly proposed interpretation of a “tectonic mélange”. The association of oceanic plateau rocks and continent-derived sediments both metamorphosed in HP conditions suggests that the thin edge of the oceanic plateau first entered the subduction zone and dragged sediments downward of the accretionary wedge along the Wadatti–Benioff zone. Subsequently, when its thickest part arrived into the subduction zone, the oceanic plateau jammed the subduction processes, due to its high buoyancy.In Ecuador and Colombia, the latest Jurassic–Early Cretaceous suture involves HP oceanic plateau rocks and N-MORB rocks metamorphosed under lower grades, suggesting a composite or polyphase nature for the latest Jurassic–Early Cretaceous accretionary event.