Isotopic equilibrium/disequilibrium in granites, metasedimentary rocks and migmatites (Damara orogen, Namibia)—a consequence of polymetamorphism and melting

The overwhelming part of the continental crust in the high-grade part of the Damara orogen of Namibia consists of S-type granites, metasedimentary rocks and migmatites. At Oetmoed (central Damara orogen) two different S-type granites occur. Their negative ε_Nd values (− 3.3 to − 5.9), moderately high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.714–0.731), moderately high ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.21–18.70) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (37.74–37.89) isotope ratios suggest that they originated by melting of mainly mid-Proterozoic metasedimentary material. Metasedimentary country rocks have initial ε_Nd of − 4.2 to − 5.6, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.718–0.725, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 18.32–18.69 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 37.91–38.45 compatible with their variation in Rb/Sr, U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Some migmatites and residual metasedimentary xenoliths tend to have more variable ε_Nd values (initial ε_Nd: − 4.2 to − 7.1), initial Sr isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.708–0.735) and less radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.22–18.53) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (37.78–38.10) isotope compositions than the metasedimentary rocks. On a Rb–Sr isochron plot the metasedimentary rocks and various migmatites plot on a straight line that corresponds to an age of c. 550 Ma which is interpreted to indicate major fractionation of the Rb–Sr system at that time. However, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the melanosomes of the stromatic migmatites (calculated for their U–Pb monazite and Sm–Nd garnet ages of c. 510 Ma) are more radiogenic (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.725) than those obtained on their corresponding leucosomes (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.718) implying disequilibrium conditions during migmatization that have not lead to complete homogenization of the Rb–Sr system. However, the leucosomes have similar Nd isotope characteristics than the inferred residues (melanosomes) indicating the robustness of the Sm–Nd isotope system during high-grade metamorphism and melting. On a Rb–Sr isochron plot residual metasedimentary xenoliths show residual slopes of c. 66 Ma (calculated for an U–Pb monazite age of 470 Ma) again indicating major fractionation of Rb/Sr at c. 540 Ma. However, at 540 Ma, these xenoliths have unradiogenic Sr isotope compositions of c. 0.7052, indicating depleted metasedimentary sources at depth. Based on the distinct Pb isotope composition of the metasedimentary rocks and S-type granites, metasedimentary rocks similar to the country rocks are unlikely sources for the S-type granites. Moreover, a combination of Sr, Nd, Pb and O isotopes favours a three-component mixing model (metasedimentary rocks, altered volcanogenic material, meta-igneous crust) that may explain the isotopic variabilty of the granites. The mid-crustal origin of the different types of granite emphasises the importance of recycling and reprocessing of pre-existing differentiated material and precludes a direct mantle contribution during the petrogenesis of the orogenic granites in the central Damara orogen of Namibia.     

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

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

High-pressure melting of metapelite and the formation of Ca-rich granitic melts in the Namche Barwa Massif, southern Tibet

A detailed geochemical and geochronological study of anatectic migmatites from the Namche Barwa Massif (NBM), southern Tibet, has been carried out to place important constraints on the thermal and tectonic evolution of the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. SHRIMP zircon U/Pb dating indicates that the granulite-facies metapelite underwent metamorphism at 21.8 ± 0.7 Ma and 24.5 ± 0.7 Ma, respectively. The latter is similar to the timing of partial melting and the formation of Ca-rich leucosomes at ~ 24-25 Ma. These leucosomes are characterized by (1) high CaO, Na₂O, and Na/K ratios; (2) radiogenic Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) = 0.7407-0.7904) but unradiogenic Nd (ε_Nd(t) = − 7.0 to − 21.2) isotope compositions; (3) depleted HFSE, and (3) variable but depleted HREE relative to their host pelites. Some of the leucosomes show large degrees of Nd isotopic disequilibrium, up to 10 epsilon units with respect to their hosts. These high CaO and Na₂O leucosomes were derived from fluxing melting of metapelite at high pressures. A similar process could have operated during the formation of the Himalayan leucogranites and contributes to the heterogeneities in such granites.     

Geochronology in migmatites a SmNd, UPb and RbSr study from the Proterozoic Damara belt (Namibia): implications for polyphase development of migmatites in high-grade terranes

Sm–Nd (garnet), U–Pb (monazite) and Rb–Sr (biotite) ages from a composite migmatite sample (Damara orogen, Namibia) constrain the time of high‐grade regional metamorphism and the duration of regional metamorphic events. Sm–Nd garnet whole‐rock ages for a strongly restitic melanosome and an adjacent intrusive leucosome yield ages of 534±5, 528±11 and 539±8 Ma. These results provide substantial evidence for pre‐500 Ma Pan‐African regional metamorphism and melting for this segment of the orogen. Other parts of the migmatite yield younger Sm–Nd ages of 488±9 Ma for melanosome and 496±10, 492±5 and 511±16 Ma for the corresponding leucosomes. Garnet from one xenolith from the leucosomes yields an age of 497±2 Ma. Major element compostions of garnet are different in terms of absolute abundances of pyrope and spessartine components, but the flat shape of the elemental patterns suggests late‐stage retrograde equilibration. Rare earth element compositions of the garnet from the different layers are similar except for garnet from the intrusive leucosome suggesting that they grew in different environments. Monazite from the leucosomes is reversely discordant and records ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U ages between 536 and 529 Ma, indicating that this monazite represents incorporated residual material from the first melting event. Monazite from the mesosome MES 2 and the melanosome MEL 3 gives ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U ages of 523 and 526 Ma, and 529 and 531 Ma, respectively, which probably indicates another thermal event. Previously published ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U monazite data give ages between 525 and 521 Ma for composite migmatites, and 521 and 518 Ma for monazite from neosomes. Monazite from granitic to granodioritic veins indicates another thermal event at 507–505 Ma. These ages are also recorded in ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U monazite data of 508 Ma from the metasediment MET 1 from the migmatite and also in the Sm–Nd garnet ages obtained in this study. Taken together, these ages indicate that high‐grade metamorphism started at c. 535 Ma (or earlier) and was followed by thermal events at c. 520 Ma and c. 505 Ma. The latter event is probably connected with the intrusion of a large igneous body (Donkerhoek granite) for which so far only imprecise Rb–Sr whole‐rock data of 520±15 Ma are available. Rb–Sr biotite ages from the different layers of the migmatite are 488, 469 and 473 Ma. These different ages indicate late‐stage disturbance of the Rb–Sr isotopic system on the sub‐sample scale. Nevertheless, these ages are close to the youngest Sm–Nd garnet ages, indicating rapid cooling rates between 13 and 20°C Ma^?1 and fast uplift of this segment of the crust. Similar Sm–Nd garnet and U–Pb monazite ages suggest that the closure temperatures for both isotopic systems are not very different in this case and are probably similar or higher than the previously estimated peak metamorphic temperatures of 730±30°C. The preservation of restitic monazite in leucosomes indicates that dissolution of monazite in felsic water‐undersaturated peraluminous melts can be sluggish. This study shows that geochronological data from migmatites can record polymetamorphic episodes in high‐grade terranes that often contain cryptic evidence for the nature and timing of early metamorphic events.     

Origin of CO2-rich fluid inclusions in leucosomes from the Skagit migmatites, North Cascades, Washington, USA

CO₂–CH₄ fluid inclusions are present in anatectic layer-parallel leucosomes from graphite-bearing metasedimentary rocks in the Skagit migmatite complex, North Cascades, Washington. Petrological evidence and additional fluid inclusion observations indicate, however, that the Skagit Gneiss was infiltrated by a water-rich fluid during high-temperature metamorphism and migmatization. CO₂-rich fluid inclusions have not been observed in Skagit metasedimentary mesosomes or melanosomes, meta-igneous migmatites, or unmigmatized rocks, and are absent from subsolidus leucosomes in metasedimentary migmatites. The observation that CO₂-rich inclusions are present only in leucosomes interpreted to be anatectic based on independent mineralogical and chemical criteria suggests that their formation is related to migmatization by partial melting. Although some post-entrapment modification of fluid inclusion composition may have occurred during decompression and deformation, the generation of the CO₂-rich fluid is attributed to water-saturated partial melting of graphitic metasedimentary rocks by a reaction such as biotite + plagioclase + quartz + graphite ± Al₂SiO₅+ water-rich fluid = garnet + melt + CO₂–CH₄. The presence of CO₂-rich fluid inclusions in leucosomes may therefore be an indication that these leucosomes formed by anatexis. Based on the inferences that (1) an influx of fluid triggered partial melting, and (2) some episodes of fluid inclusion trapping are related to migmatization by anatexis, it is concluded that a free fluid was present at some time during high-temperature metamorphism. The infiltrating fluid was a water-rich fluid that may have been derived from nearby crystallizing plutons. Because partial melting took place at pressures of at least 5 kbar, abundant free fluid may have been present in the crust during orogenesis at depths of at least 15 km.     

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

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

The S-type Ladybird leucogranite suite of southeastern British Columbia: Geochemical and isotopic evidence for a genetic link with migmatite formation in the North American basement gneisses of the Monashee complex

The 62–52 Ma Ladybird granite (LBG) suite is a peraluminous, leucocratic, S-type, quartz monzonitic to granitic suite which occurs as batholiths, stocks, dikes, sills, and pegmatite veins predominantly in the high-grade rocks of the Shuswap complex, in southeastern British Columbia. The emplacement of the LBG was synchronous with the production of abundant migmatites within Thor–Odin dome of the Monashee complex, an exposure of North American basement, exhumed from depths of ca. 26–33 km by Eocene extensional faults. The LBG and the leucosome in migmatites from Thor–Odin dome have similar major and trace element patterns, and are both characterized by zircons which have inherited Precambrian cores. Whole rock Nd isotope compositions show a range of values for the LBG with εNd_{(55 Ma)} values from − 5.0 to − 17.2. The εNd_{(55 Ma)} for the leucosome samples range from − 9.5 to − 23.6, overlapping with those of the granitic suite. These data support the interpretation of a genetic link between formation of the LBG suite and melting of North American basement rocks, such as those exposed in the core of Thor–Odin dome. The leucosome samples have lower high field strength element (HFSE) concentrations and positive Eu anomalies, whereas the LBG samples have higher HFSE concentrations and negative Eu anomalies. The similar trace element characteristics suggest that the leucosome from the migmatites and the LBG are related, whereby most of the leucosome samples are cumulates and the LBG samples represent evolved or residual melts. The initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope values for both the LBG and leucosome samples have a large range. However, the initial Sr isotopic ratios for the LBG suite are lower than those of the leucosome samples, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_{(55 Ma)} ranging from 0.70603 to 0.73688 and 0.74256 to 0.76593, respectively. This isotopic discrepancy suggests either: a) isotopic disequilibrium during partial melting in the mid- to lower crust where the leucosome formed, b) the distribution of Sr during partial melting was controlled by different melt-producing reactions, and/or c) isotopic heterogeneity in the source rocks. At least part of the LBG suite likely formed via melting of North American basement rocks that were dominantly of sedimentary origin. Melting of the Proterozoic supracrustal metasedimentary rocks overlying North American basement may also have contributed to the formation of the different phases of the suite found at the regional scale. However, the abundant leucosomes in the basement rocks of Thor–Odin dome may mark the paths along which anatectic melt migrated in the structurally overlying Ladybird granites of the South Fosthall pluton.     

Migmatites record multiple episodes of crustal anatexis and geochemical differentiation in the Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic zone,eastern China

Partial melting of ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks is common during collisional orogenesis and post‐collisional reworking, indicating that determining the timing and processes involved in this partial melting can provide insights into the tectonic evolution of collisional orogens. This study presents the results of a combined whole‐rock geochemical and zirconological study of migmatites from the Sulu orogen in eastern China. These data provide evidence of multiple episodes of crustal anatexis and geochemical differentiation within the UHP metamorphic rocks. The leucosomes contain higher concentrations of Ba and K and lower concentrations of the rare earth elements (REE), Th and Y, than associated melanosomes and granitic gneisses. The leucosomes also have homogenous Sr–Nd–O isotopic compositions that are similar to proximal (i.e. within the same outcrop) melanosomes, suggesting that the anatectic melts were generated by the partial melting of source rocks that are located within individual outcrops. The migmatites contain zircons with six different types of domains that can be categorized using differences in structures, trace element compositions, and U–Pb ages. Group I domains are relict magmatic zircons that yield middle Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages and contain high REE concentrations. Group II domains represent newly grown metamorphic zircons that formed at 230 ± 1 Ma during the collisional orogenesis. Groups III, IV, V, and VI zircons are newly grown anatectic zircons that formed at 222 ± 2 Ma, 215 ± 1 Ma, 177 ± 2 Ma, and 152 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The metamorphic zircons have higher Th/U and lower (Yb/Gd)_N values, flat heavy REE (HREE) patterns with no significantly negative Eu anomalies relative to the anatectic zircons, which are characterized by low Th/U ratios, steep HREE patterns, and negative Eu anomalies. The first two episodes of crustal anatexis occurred during the Late Triassic at c. 222 Ma and c. 215 Ma as a result of phengite breakdown. The other two episodes of anatexis occurred during the Jurassic period at c. 177 Ma and c. 152 Ma and were associated with extensional collapse of the collision‐thickened orogen. The majority of Triassic anatectic zircons and all of the Jurassic zircons are located within the leucosomes, whereas the melanosomes are dominated by Triassic metamorphic zircons, suggesting that the leucosomes within the migmatites record more episodes of crustal anatexis. Both metamorphic and anatectic zircons have elevated ε_Hf(t) values compared with relict magmatic zircon cores, suggesting that these zircons contain non‐zircon Hf derived from material with more radiogenic Hf isotope compositions. Therefore, the Sulu and Dabie orogens experienced different episodes of reworking during the exhumation and post‐collisional stages.     

喜马拉雅碰撞造山带新生代地壳深熔作用与淡色花岗岩

自从印度-欧亚大陆碰撞以来,伴随着构造演化和温度-压力-成分(P-T-X)的变化,喜马拉雅造山带中下地壳变质岩发生不同类型的部分熔融反应,形成性质各异的过铝质花岗岩。这些花岗岩在形成时代、矿物组成、全岩元素和放射性同位素地球化学特征上都表现出巨大的差异性。始新世构造岩浆作用形成高Sr/Y二云母花岗岩和演化程度较高的淡色花岗岩和淡色花岗玢岩,它们具有相似的Sr-Nd同位素组成,是碰撞早期增厚下地壳部分熔融的产物。渐新世淡色花岗岩主要为演化程度较高的淡色花岗岩,可能指示了喜马拉雅造山带的快速剥露作用起始于渐新世。早中新世以来的淡色花岗岩是喜马拉雅造山带淡色花岗岩的主体,是变泥质岩部分熔融的产物,包含两类部分熔融作用——水致白云母部分熔融作用(A类)和白云母脱水熔融作用(B类)。这两类部分熔融作用形成的花岗质熔体在元素和同位素地球化学特征上都表现出明显的差异性,主要受控于两类部分熔融作用过程中主要造岩矿物和副矿物的溶解行为。这些不同期次的地壳深熔作用都伴随着高分异淡色花岗岩,伴随着关键金属元素(Nb、Ta、Sn、Be等)的富集,是未来矿产勘探的重要靶区。新的观测结果表明:在碰撞造山带中,花岗岩岩石学和地球化学性质的变化是深部地壳物质对构造过程响应的结果,是深入理解碰撞造山带深部地壳物理和化学行为的重要岩石探针。     

Geochemical characteristics of crustal anatexis during the formation of migmatite at the Southern Sierra Nevada,California

We provide data on the geochemical and isotopic consequences of nonmodal partial melting of a thick Jurassic pelite unit at mid-crustal levels that produced a migmatite complex in conjunction with the intrusion of part of the southern Sierra Nevada batholith at ca. 100 Ma. Field relations suggest that this pelitic migmatite formed and then abruptly solidified prior to substantial mobilization and escape of its melt products. Hence, this area yields insights into potential mid-crustal level contributions of crustal components into Cordilleran-type batholiths. Major and trace-element analyses in addition to field and petrographic data demonstrate that leucosomes are products of partial melting of the pelitic protolith host. Compared with the metapelites, leucosomes have higher Sr and lower Sm concentrations and lower Rb/Sr ratios. The initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of leucosomes range from 0.7124 to 0.7247, similar to those of the metapelite protoliths (0.7125–0.7221). However, the leucosomes have a much wider range of initial ε_Nd values, which range from −6.0 to −11.0, as compared to −8.7 to −11.3 for the metapelites. Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of the leucosomes, migmatites, and metapelites suggest disequilibrium partial melting of the metapelite protolith. Based on their Sr, Nd, and other trace-element characteristics, two groups of leucosomes have been identified. Group A leucosomes have relatively high Rb, Pb, Ba, and K₂O contents, Rb/Sr ratios (0.15<Rb/Sr<1.0), and initial ε_Nd values. Group B leucosomes have relatively low Rb, Pb, Ba, and K₂O contents, Rb/Sr ratios (<0.15), and initial ε_Nd values. The low Rb concentrations and Rb/Sr ratios of the group B leucosomes together suggest that partial melting was dominated by water-saturated or H₂O-fluxed melting of quartz + feldspar assemblage with minor involvement of muscovite. Breakdown of quartz and plagioclase with minor contributions from muscovite resulted in low Rb/Sr ratios characterizing both group A and group B leucosomes. In contrast, group A leucosomes have greater contributions from K-feldspar, which is suggested by: (1) their relatively high K concentrations, (2) positive or slightly negative Eu anomalies, and (3) correlation of their Pb and Ba concentrations with K₂O contents. It is also shown that accessory minerals have played a critical role in regulating the partitioning of key trace elements such as Sm, Nd, Nb, and V between melt products and residues during migmatization. The various degrees of parent/daughter fractionations in the Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotopic systems as a consequence of nonmodal crustal anatexis would render melt products with distinct isotopic signatures, which could profoundly influence the products of subsequent mixing events. This is not only important for geochemical patterns of intracrustal differentiation, but also a potentially important process in generating crustal-scale as well as individual pluton-scale isotopic heterogeneities.     

Can trace element distributions in migmatites be used as analogues in understanding petrogenesis of anatectic granites

Trace element concentrations in leucosomes of migmatites in the Black Hills, South Dakota, USA, were examined to determine if their compositions are analogous to those of pelite-derived granites. Melanosomes in the migmatites are dominated by biotite, sillimanite, and quartz. Leucosomes have constant Si/Al that corresponds to a peraluminous granite; however, they have variable proportions of (sil+qtz)/alkali feldspar that are attributed to instability of feldspar relative to sillimanite due to high a_HF in partial melts. There are strong positive correlations of Sr, Ba, Rb, and Cs concentrations with the proportion of feldspar in the leucosomes. The average concentrations of Sr and Ba are higher and of Rb and Cs lower in the leucosomes than in pelite-derived leucogranites. A reaction progress method is used to demonstrate that partitioning of these trace elements between melanosomes and leucosomes represent mineral-mineral equilibrium rather than residue-melt equilibrium. This implies that leucosomes in migmatites may crystallize while maintaining equilibrium with melanosomes and the resulting trace element compositions may not be analogous to those of partial melts.     

Metamorphic petrology of a high‐T/low‐P granulite terrane (Damara belt,Namibia) – Constraints from pseudosection modelling and high‐precision Lu–Hf garnet‐whole rock dating

Migmatites comprise a minor volume of the high‐grade part of the Damara orogen of Namibia that is dominated by granite complexes and intercalated metasedimentary units. Migmatites of the Southern Central Zone of the Damara orogen consist of melanosomes with garnet+cordierite+biotite+K‐feldspar, and leucosomes, which are sometimes garnet‐ and cordierite‐bearing. Field evidence, petrographic observations, and pseudosection modelling suggest that, in contrast to other areas where intrusion of granitic magmas is more important, in situ partial melting of metasedimentary units was the main migmatite generation processes. Pseudosection modelling and thermobarometric calculations consistently indicate that the peak‐metamorphic grade throughout the area is in the granulite facies (~5 kbar at ~800°C). Cordierite coronas around garnet suggest some decompression from peak‐metamorphic conditions and rare andalusite records late, near‐isobaric cooling to <650°C at low pressures of ~3 kbar. The inferred clockwise P–T path is consistent with minor crustal thickening through continent–continent collision followed by limited post‐collisional exhumation and suggests that the granulite facies terrane of the Southern Central Zone of the Damara orogen formed initially in a metamorphic field gradient of ~35–40°C/km at medium pressures. New high‐precision Lu–Hf garnet‐whole rock dates are 530 ± 13 Ma, 522.0 ± 0.8 Ma, 520.8 ± 3.6 Ma, and 500.3 ± 4.3 Ma for the migmatites that record temperatures of ~800°C. This indicates that high‐grade metamorphism lasted for c. 20–30 Ma, which is compatible with previous estimates using Sm–Nd garnet‐whole rock systematics. In previous studies on Damara orogen migmatites where both Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf chronometers have been applied, the dates (c. 520–510 Ma) agree within their small uncertainties (0.6–0.8% for Sm–Nd and 0.1–0.2% for Lu–Hf). This implies rapid cooling after high‐grade conditions and, by implication, rapid exhumation at that time. The cause of the high geothermal gradient inferred from the metamorphic conditions is unknown but likely requires some extra heat that was probably added by intrusion of magmas from the lithospheric mantle, i.e., syenites that have been recently re‐dated at c. 545 Ma. Some granites derived from the lower crust at c. 545 Ma are the outcome rather than the cause of high‐T metamorphism. In addition, high contents of heat‐producing elements K, Th, and U may have raised peak temperatures by 150–200°C at the base of the crust, resulting in the widespread melting of fertile crustal rocks. The continuous gradation from centimetre‐scale leucosomes to decametre‐scale leucogranite sheets within the high‐grade metamorphic zone suggests that leucosome lenses coalesced to form larger bodies of anatectic leucogranites, thereby documenting a link between high‐grade regional metamorphism and Pan‐African magmatism. In view of the close association of the studied high‐T migmatites with hundreds of synmetamorphic high‐T granites that invaded the terrane as metre‐ to decametre‐wide sills and dykes, we postulate that crystallization of felsic lower crustal magma is, at least partly, responsible for heat supply. Late‐stage isobaric cooling of these granites may explain the occurrence of andalusite in some samples.     

Petrogenesis of the Puerto Edén Igneous and Metamorphic Complex,Magallanes, Chile: Late Jurassic syn-deformational anatexis of metapelites and granitoid magma genesis

A suite of schists, gneisses, migmatites, and biotite granitoids from the Puerto Edén Igneous and Metamorphic Complex (PEIMC) and biotite–hornblende granitoids of the South Patagonian batholith (southern Chile) has been studied. For that purpose, the chemistry of minerals and the bulk rock composition of major and trace elements including Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotopes were determined. Mineralogical observations and geothermobarometric calculations indicate high-temperature and low-pressure conditions (ca. 600–700 °C and 3 to 4.5 kbar) for an event of metamorphism and partial melting of metapelites in Late Jurassic times (previously determined by SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages). Structures in schists, gneisses, migmatites and mylonites indicate non-coaxial deformation flow during and after peak metamorphic and anatectic conditions. Andalusite schists and sillimanite gneisses yield initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of up to 0.7134 and εNd₁₅₀ values as low as − 7.6. Contemporaneous biotite granitoids and a coarse-grained orthogneiss have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios between 0.7073 and 0.7089, and εNd₁₅₀ values in the range − 7.6 to − 4.4. This indicates that metamorphic rocks do not represent the natural isotopic variation in the migmatite source. Thus, a heterogeneous source with a least radiogenic component was involved in the production of the biotite granitoids. The PEIMC is considered as a segment of an evolving kilometre-sized and deep crustal shear zone in which partial melts were generated and segregated into a large reservoir of magmas forming composite plutons in Late Jurassic times. A biotite–hornblende granodiorite and a muscovite–garnet leucogranite show initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7048 and 0.7061, and εNd₁₀₀ values of − 2.6 and − 1.8, respectively, and are thus probably related to Early Cretaceous magmas not involved in the anatexis of the metasedimentary rocks.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of leucosomes in the North Dabie Terrane, East China: implication for post-UHPM crustal melting during exhumation

Migmatites are widespread in the North Dabie ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic terrane (NDT) of Dabie orogen, East China. Idiomorphic and poikilitic amphibole grains in both leucosome and melanosome contain inclusions of plagioclase, quartz and biotite, suggesting formation of leucosome by fluid-present melting of biotite + plagioclase + quartz-bearing protoliths at P = 5–7 kbar, T = 700–800 °C. Precise SIMS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that migmatization of Dabie orogen initiated at ~140 Ma and lasted for ~10 Ma, coeval with the formation of low-Mg^# adakitic intrusions in Dabie orogen. Based on mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical data, leucosomes in NDT can be subdivided into three groups. (1) High La/Yb_(N)–Medium Sr/Y group (Group I), whose high Dy/Yb_(N) but medium Sr/Y ratios are caused by amphibole and plagioclase residual during partial melting of dioritic to granodioritic gneisses. (2) Low La/Yb_(N)–Low Sr/Y group (Group II), whose flat HREE patterns are produced by entrainment of peritectic amphiboles into melts derived from partial melting of dioritic gneiss. (3) High La/Yb_(N)–High Sr/Y and Eu^# group (Group III), whose extremely high Sr and Eu but low other REE concentrations are caused by accumulation of plagioclase and quartz. Although Group I and III fall in the adakitic fields on La/Yb_(N)–Yb_(N) and Sr/Y–Y diagrams, they are chemically distinct from contemporary high-pressure adakitic intrusions in Dabie orogen in a series of geochemical indexes, for example, lower Dy/Yb_(N) and/or Sr/Y ratios at given La/Yb_(N) ratio, lower Sr/CaO ratios, lower Rb concentration but higher K/Rb ratios. Therefore, leucosomes are produced by anatexis of the exhumed ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks at middle crustal level, instead of partial melting of thickened lower crust with garnet-rich and plagioclase-poor residual. The coeval occurrence of migmatites and high-pressure adakitic intrusions in Dabie orogen indicates large-scale partial melting of middle to thickened lower crustal column in the early Cretaceous. The required heat source may be the mantle heat conducting through the lithospheric mantle whose lower parts have been convectively removed.     

The timing of migmatization in the northern Arabian–Nubian Shield: Evidence for a juvenile sedimentary component in collision‐related batholiths

Collision‐related granitoid batholiths, like those of the Hercynian and Himalayan orogens, are mostly fed by magma derived from metasedimentary sources. However, in the late Neoproterozoic calcalkaline (CA) batholiths of the Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS), which constitutes the northern half of the East African orogen, any sedimentary contribution is obscured by the juvenile character of the crust and the scarcity of migmatites. Here, we use paired in situ LASS‐ICP‐MS measurements of U–Th–Pb isotope ratios and REE contents of monazite and xenotime and SHRIMP‐RG analyses of separated zircon to demonstrate direct linkage between migmatites and granites in the northernmost ANS. Our results indicate a single prolonged period of monazite growth at 640–600 Ma, in metapelites, migmatites and peraluminous granites of three metamorphic suites: Abu‐Barqa (SW Jordan), Roded (S Israel) and Taba–Nuweiba (Sinai, Egypt). The distribution of monazite dates and age zoning in single monazite grains in migmatites suggest that peak thermal conditions, involving partial melting, prevailed for c. 10 Ma, from 620 to 610 Ma. REE abundances in monazite are well correlated with age, recording garnet growth and garnet breakdown in association with the prograde and retrograde stages of the melting reactions, respectively. Xenotime dates cluster at 600–580 Ma, recording retrogression to greenschist facies conditions as garnet continued to destabilize. Phase equilibrium modelling and mineral thermobarometry yield P–T conditions of ~650–680°C and 5–7 kbar, consistent with either water‐fluxed or muscovite‐breakdown melting. The expected melt production is 8–10 vol.%, allowing a melt connectivity network to form leading to melt segregation and extraction. U–Pb ages of zircon rims from leucosomes indicate crystallization of melt at 610 ± 10 Ma, coinciding with the emplacement of a vast volume of CA granites throughout the northern ANS, which were previously considered post‐collisional. Similar monazite ages (c. 620 Ma) retrieved from the amphibolite facies Elat schist indicate that migmatites are the result of widespread regional rather than local contact metamorphism, representing the climax of the East African orogenesis.     

In situ zircon U–Pb and Hf–O isotopic results for ca. 73 Ma granite in Hainan Island: Implications for the termination of an Andean-type active continental margin in southeast China

We report in the paper integrated analyses of in situ zircon U–Pb ages, Hf–O isotopes, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes for the Longlou granite in northern Hainan Island, southeast China. SIMS zircon U–Pb dating results yield a crystallization age of ∼73 Ma for the Longlou granite, which is the youngest granite recognized in southeast China. The granite rocks are characterized by high SiO₂ and K₂O, weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.04–1.10), depletion in Sr, Ba and high field strength elements (HFSE) and enrichment in LREE and large ion lithophile elements (LILE). Chemical variations of the granite are dominated by fractional crystallization of feldspar, biotite, Ti–Fe oxides and apatite. Their whole-rock initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7073–0.7107) and ε_Nd(t) (−4.6 to −6.6) and zircon ε_Hf(t) (−5.0 to 0.8) values are broadly consistent with those of the Late Mesozoic granites in southeast China coast. Zircon δ¹⁸O values of 6.9–8.3‰ suggest insignificant involvement of supracrustal materials in the granites. These granites are likely generated by partial melting of medium- to high-K basaltic rocks in an active continental margin related to subduction of the Pacific plate. The ca. 73 Ma Longlou granite is broadly coeval with the Campanian (ca. 80–70 Ma) granitoid rocks in southwest Japan and South Korea, indicating that they might be formed along a common Andean-type active continental margin of east–southeast Asia. Tectonic transition from the Andean-type to the West Pacific-type continental margin of southeast China likely took place at ca.70 Ma, rather than ca. 90–85 Ma as previously thought.     

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.     

Sources of granite magmatism in the Embu Terrane (Ribeira Belt,Brazil): Neoproterozoic crust recycling constrained by elemental and isotope (Sr-Nd-Pb) geochemistry

Whole rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry and in situ K-feldspar Pb isotope geochemistry were used to identify the sources involved in the genesis of Neoproterozoic granites from the Embu Terrane, Ribeira Belt, SE Brazil. Granite magmatism spanned over 200 Ma (810–580 Ma), and is dominated by crust-derived relatively low-T (850–750 °C, zircon saturation) biotite granites to biotite-muscovite granites. Two Cryogenian plutons show the least negative εNd_t (−8 to −10) and highest mg# (30–40) of the whole set. Their compositions are strongly contrasted, implying distinct sources for the peraluminous (ASI ∼ 1.2) ∼660 Ma Serra do Quebra-Cangalha batholith (metasedimentary rocks from relatively young upper crust with high Rb/Sr and low Th/U) and the metaluminous (ASI = 0.96–1.00) ∼ 630 Ma Santa Catarina Granite. Although not typical, the geochemical signature of these granites may reflect a continental margin arc environment, and they could be products of a prolonged period of oceanic plate consumption started at ∼810 Ma. The predominant Ediacaran (595–580 Ma) plutons have a spread of compositions from biotite granites with SiO₂ as low as ∼65% (e.g., Itapeti, Mauá, Sabaúna and Lagoinha granites) to fractionated muscovite granites (Mogi das Cruzes, Santa Branca and Guacuri granites; up to ∼75% SiO₂). εNd_T are characteristically negative (−12 to −18), with corresponding Nd T_DM indicating sources with Paleoproterozoic mean crustal ages (2.0–2.5 Ga). The Guacuri and Santa Branca muscovite granites have the more negative εNd_t, highest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_t (0.714–0.717) and lowest ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb, consistent with an old metasedimentary source with low time-integrated Rb/Sr. However, a positive Nd–Sr isotope correlation is suggested by data from the other granites, and would be consistent with mixing between an older source predominant in the Mauá granite and a younger, high Rb/Sr source that is more abundant in the Lagoinha granite sample. The Ediacaran granites are coeval with profuse granite magmatism attributed to continental arc magmatism in northern Ribeira and Araçuaí belts. However, their evolved compositions with low mg# and dominantly peraluminous character are unlike those of magmatic arc granites, and they are more likely products of post-collisional magmatism or correspond to an inner belt of crust-derived granites.     

Variable Variscan thermal rejuvenation in the St Malo region, Cadomian Orogen, France: evidence from 40Ar/39Ar mineral ages

Abstract The St Malo region in north-west France contains migmatites and anatectic granites derived by partial melting of metasedimentary protoliths during Cadomian orogenesis at c. 540 Ma. Previously reported Rb–Sr model ages for muscovite and biotite range from c. 550 to c. 300 Ma, and suggest variable resetting of mineral isotopic systems. These rocks display microscopic evidence for variably intense Cadomian intracrystalline plastic strain but record no obvious evidence of penetrative Palaeozoic regional deformation. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar mineral ages have been determined to evaluate better the extent, timing and significance of Palaeozoic overprinting. Eleven muscovite concentrates and one whole-rock phyllite have been prepared from various units exposed in the St Malo and adjacent Mancellian regions. In the Mancellian region, muscovite from two facies of the Bonnemain Granite Complex record ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages of c. 527 and 521 Ma. An internally discordant ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar release spectrum characterizes muscovite from protomylonitic granite within the Cadomian Alexain-Deux Evailles-Izé Granite Complex, and probably records the effects of Variscan displacement along the North Armorican Shear Zone. Muscovite concentrates from anatectic granite and from Cadomian mylonites along ductile shear zones within the north-western sector of the St Malo region exhibit internally discordant ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar release spectra which suggest variable and partial late Palaeozoic rejuvenation. By contrast, muscovite concentrates from samples of variably mylonitic Brioverian metasedimentary rocks exposed within the south-eastern sector of the St Malo region display internally concordant apparent age spectra which define plateaux of 326–320 Ma. A whole-rock phyllite sample from Brioverian metasedimentary rocks exposed along the eastern boundary of the St Malo region displays an internally discordant argon release pattern which is interpreted to reflect the effects of a partial late Palaeozoic thermal overprint. Muscovite from the Plélan granite, part of the Variscan Plélan-Bobital Granite Complex, yields a ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau age of c. 307 Ma. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar results indicate that Cadomian rocks of the St Malo region have undergone a widespread and variable Palaeozoic (Carboniferous) rejuvenation of intracrystalline argon systems which apparently did not affect the Mancellian region. This rejuvenation was not accompanied by penetrative regional deformation, and was probably of a static thermal–hydrothermal origin. The heat source for rejuvenation was probably either the result of heating during Variscan extension or advection from Variscan granites which are argued to underlie the St Malo region.     

Palaeoproterozoic evolution of the Challenger Au deposit, South Australia, from monazite geochronology

Monazite in granulite facies metatexite migmatites (Christie Gneiss) hosting the Challenger Au deposit, South Australia, records a series of growth and resorption stages over a c. 60 Myr period between 2470 and 2410 Ma. A combination of electron microprobe X‐ray mapping and in situ ion‐microprobe dating was used to delineate and date five compositional domains. The oldest prograde metamorphic components are preserved in granoblastic gneisses surrounding the deposit, and as small high‐Y cores in large monazite grains in Au‐bearing migmatites. In metatexite leucosomes, these cores were partially resorbed prior to the growth of large high‐Th monazite domains that crystallized during partial melting and stromatic migmatite development at c. 2443 Ma. Subsequent heating to biotite dehydration conditions (c. 850 °C at 7 kbar) caused further partial melting roughly 10–15 Myr later, giving rise to c. 2428 Ma domains surrounding partly resorbed 2443 Ma grains that were entrained in the higher‐temperature melts. This period of partial melting coincided with isoclinal folding culminating in dextral transpression and represents the most likely window for remobilization of Au‐bearing polymetallic sulphide melts into low‐strain domains. Localized reaction of residual melt with the granulite facies assemblage during cooling gave rise to narrow high‐Y rims dated at 2414 ± 7 Ma. Although monazite from unmineralized granoblastic gneisses and migmatitic ore zones display the same range of U‐Pb dates, monazite in migmatites displays a higher overall Ca + Th + U content, indicating that compositional heterogeneities between ore zones and host rocks developed prior to 2470 Ma, perhaps a consequence of the hydrothermal alteration inferred to have accompanied gold mineralization.