Ages of the Laocheng Granitoids and Crustal Growth in the South Qinling Tectonic Domain, Central China: Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotopic Constraints

The Laocheng granitoid pluton is located in the South Qinling tectonic domain of the Qinling orogenic belt,southern Shaanxi Province,and consists chiefly of quartz diorite,granodiorite and monzogranite.A LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb isotopic dating,in conjunction with cathodoluminescence images,reveals that the quartz diorite and granodiorite were emplaced from 220 Ma to 216 Ma,while the monzogranite was emplaced at～210 Ma.In-situ zircon Hf isotopic analyses show that theε_(Hf)(t) values of the quartz diorite a...     

Zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic and geochemical characteristics of the Xierzi biotite monzogranite pluton,Linxi, Inner Mongolia and its tectonic implications

The opening, subduction and final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean led to the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Controversy has long surrounded the timing of final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Here we present zircon U-Pb ages and petrological, geochemical and in situ Hf isotope data for the Xierzi biotite monzogranite pluton, Linxi, SE Inner Mongolia. U-Pb dating of zircon by LA-ICP-MS yields a middle Permian emplacement age(268.7 ± 2.3 Ma) for the Xierzi pluton that is dominated by biotite monzogranites with high SiO_2(71.2-72.8 wt.%),alkali(Na_2 O + K_2 O =8.05-8.44 wt.%), Al_2 O_3(14.4-15.2 wt.%) and Fe_2 O_3~T relative to low MgO contents, yielding Fe_2 O_3~T/MgO ratios of 2.87-3.44, and plotting within the high-K calc-alkaline field on a SiO_2 vs. K_2 O diagram. The aluminum saturation indexes(A/CNK) of the biotite monzogranites range from 1.06 to 1.19, corresponding to weakly to strongly peraluminous. They are enriched in rare earth elements(REE), high field strength elements(HFSEs; Zr,Hf). and large ion lithophile elements(LILEs; Rb, U, Th). The LREEs are enriched relative to the HREEs,with a distinct negative Eu anomaly in a chondrite-normalized REE diagram. Geochemically, the Xierzi biotite monzogranite is classified as an aluminous A-type granite, with all samples plotting within the A2-type granite field on a Y/Nb vs. Rb/Nb diagram. Zircon ε_(Hf)(t) values and two-stage modal ages of the zircons within the pluton range from +4.80 to +13.65 and from 983 to 418 Ma, respectively, indicating that the primary magma was generated through partial melting of felsic rocks from juvenile crust.Consequently, these results demonstrate that the Xierzi pluton formed under the post-orogenic extensional setting after arc-continent collision in the middle Permian.     

SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology and Hf isotope analyses of Middle Permian–early triassic intrusions in southern Manzhouli area,Northeast China: implications for the subduction of Mongol-Okhotsk plate beneath the Erguna massif

ABSTRACT

The results of SHRIMP U-Pb ages and in situ Hf isotope of zircons from three granites in the southern Manzhouli region of northeast China, provide new data to understand the subduction process of Mongol-Okhotsk Plate beneath the Erguna massif. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology results yield an age of 265.5 Ma (middle Permian) for fine-grained monzogranite. Rocks from the Early–Middle Triassic are mainly granodiorite (247.4 ± 4.6 and 249.3 ± 4.9 Ma), the granites are with SiO₂ = 60.0–77.4 wt.%, Al₂O₃ = 12.3–16.8wt.% and Na₂O/K₂O = 0.7–1.9. Chemically, they are metaluminous to peraluminous and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series. Enrichments in the large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, and K) and depletions in the high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) are typical for these rock types. The monzogranite (~265 Ma) and granodiorite (~247 Ma) contain zircons with εHf(t) values of 6.3–8.5 and 5.1–7.9, yielding T_DM2 model ages of 888–752 and 958–774 Ma, respectively. These geochemical and zircon Hf isotopic data indicate that primary magmas for Middle Permian–Early Triassic granites crystallized from primary magmas generated by Neoproterozoic crustal materials, formed in an active continental margin setting. The andesite of the Gegenaobao formation is similar with the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc, relating to subduction initiation. Based on the characteristics of exposed rocks and zircon U-Pb ages of andesite and granitoid rocks in the study area, we conclude the onset subduction of Mongol-Okhotsk Plate beneath the Erguna massif may occur at early-middle Permian.     

The giant tin polymetallic mineralization in southwest China:Integrated geochemical and isotopic constraints and implications for Cretaceous tectonomagmatic event

The Gejiu-Bozushan-Laojunshan W-Sn polymetallic metallogenic belt(GBLB) in southeast Yunnan Province is an important part of the southwestern Yangtze Block in South China.Tin polymetallic mineralization in this belt includes the Niusipo,Malage,Songshujiao,Laochang and Kafang ore fields in the Gejiu area which are spatially and temporally associated with the Kafang-Laochang and Songshujiao granite plutons.These granites are characterized by variable A/CNK values(mostly 1.1,except for two samples with 1.09),high contents of SiO_2(74.38-76.84 wt.%) and Al_2 O_3(12.46-14.05 wt.%) and variable CaO/Na_2 O ratios(0.2-0.65) as well as high zircon δ~(18)O values(7.74‰-9.86‰),indicative of S-type affinities.These rocks are depleted in Rb,Th,U,Ti,LREE[(La/Yb)N=1.4-20.51],Ba,Nb,Sr,and Ti and display strong negative Eu and Ba anomalies.The rocks possess high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios,relatively low initial ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios(0.6917-0.7101),and less radiogenic εNd(t)values(-8.0 to-9.1).The zircon grains from these rocks show negative ε_(Hf)(t) values in the range of-3.7 to-9.9 with mean T_(DM2)(Nd) and T_(DM2)(Hf) values of 1.57 Ga and 1.55 Ga.They show initial ~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb ranging from15.69 to 15.71 and ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb from 18.36 to 18.70.Monazite from Songshujiao granites exhibits higher U and lower Th/U ratios,lower δ~(18)O values and higher ε_(Hf)(t) values than those of the zircon grains in the KafangLaochang granites.The geochemical and isotopic features indicate that the Laochang-Kafang granites originated by partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crustal components including biotite-rich metapelite and metagraywacke,whereas the Songshujiao granites were derived from Mesoproterozoic muscovite-rich metapelite crustal source.Most zircon grains from the Songshujiao,Laochang and Kafang granites have high-U concentrations and their SIMS U-Pb ages show age scatter from 81.6 Ma to 88.6 Ma,80.7 Ma to 86.1 Ma and 82.3 Ma to 87.0 Ma,suggesting formation earlier than the monazite and cassiterite.Monazite SIMS U-Pb ages and Th-Pb ages of three same granite samples are consistent and show yielded 206 Pb/~(238)U ages of 83.7 ± 0.6 Ma,83.7±0.6 Ma,and 83.4±0.6 Ma,and ~(208)Pb/~(232)Th ages of 83.2 ± 0.5 Ma,83.8 ± 0.4 Ma,and 83.5±0.9 Ma,which are within the range of the SIMS zircon U-Pb ages from these rocks.The data constrain the crystallization of the granites at ca.83 Ma.In situ U-Pb dating of two cassiterite samples from the cassiterite-sulfide ore in the Songshujiao ore field and Kafang ore field,and two from the cassiterite-oxide+cassiterite bearing dolomite in the Laochang ore field yielded weighted mean 206 Pb/~(238)U ages of 83.5±0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.6),83.5 ± 0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.5),83.6 ±0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.6) and 83.2 ±0.7 Ma(MSWD=0.6),respectively.Combined with geological characteristics,the new geochronological data indicate that the formation of the granites and Sn polymetallic deposits are coeval.We correlate the magmatic and metallogenic event with lithospheric thinning and asthenosphere upwelling in continental extension setting in relation to the eastward subduction of the Neo-Tethys beneath the Sanjiang tectonic domain during Late Cretaceous.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Donglufang porphyry-skarn Mo-Cu deposit in the southern Yidun Terrane and their geological significances

The newly-discovered Donglufang Moe Cu porphyry-skarn deposit is located in the southern Yidun Terrane, southeast Tibet, with more than 80 million tonnes(Mt) of reserves(grading 0.15 wt.% Mo and0.48 wt.% Cu) hosted in Triassic strata and Late Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry. Ree Os dating of molybdenum ore yielded a weighted mean age of 84.9 ± 1.0 Ma and an isochron age of 85.2 ± 0.6 Ma.LA-ICP-MS Ue Pb dating of zircons from the granodiorite porphyry yielded206 Pb/238 U ages ranging from 87.4 Ma to 84.2 Ma with a weighted mean206 Pb/238 U age of 85.1 ±0.5 Ma, indicating a temporal linkage between granitic magmatism and Moe Cu mineralization. Geochemical analyses show that the granodiorite porphyries are I-type granites with Si O_2 contents of 64.3 -66.7 wt.%. These rocks are typically metaluminous with high K_2 O/Na_2 O ratios, low Mg O(1.32 -1.56 wt.%), Cr(5.6 -12.9 ppm), Ni(3.79 -10.81 ppm), Mg#(43 -52) values, and high Sr(304 -844 ppm), Sr/Y(21.2 -50.8) and La/Yb ratios(37.0 -60.1). They are enriched in light rare-earth elements(LREE) relative to heavy rare-earth elements(HREE), with slightly negative Eu anomalies, and are enriched in Th, U and large ion lithophile elements(LILE, e.g., K and Rb), and depleted in high field strength elements(HFSE, e.g., Nb, Ta, P and Ti). They also show negative zircon εHf(t) values(-6.7 to -2.3) and negative whole rock εNd(t) values(à5.2 to-4.3), as well as old Hfe Nd model ages, indicating the magmas were derived from a thickened ancient lower crust within the garneteamphibolite facies. Considering the tectonic evolution of the Yidun Terrane, geochemical characteristics of granodiorite porphyry, and the ages of mineralization obtained in this study. We suggest that the Donglufang deposit was formed in a post-collisional setting, which has a genetic relationship with the emplacement of the granodiorite porphyry. The present study provide key information for the exploration of the Late Cretaceous metallogeny in the Yidun Terrane.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of early Paleozoic granitoids in East Kunlun belt: Evidences from geochronology,geochemistry and isotopes

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt(EKOB) provides an important link to reconstruct the evolution of the Proto-Tethys and Paleo-Tethys realm. The EKOB is marked by widespread Early Paleozoic magmatism.Here we report the petrology, bulk geochemistry, zircon Ue Pb dating and, Lue Hf and SreN d isotopic data of the Early Paleozoic granitic rocks in Zhiyu area of the southern EKOB. Based on the zircon U-Pb dating, these granitoids, consisting of diorite, granodiorite and monzogranite, were formed during 450 -430 Ma the Late Ordovician to Middle Silurian. The diorite and granodiorite are high Sr/Y ratio as adakitic affinities, and the monzogranite belongs to highly fractionated I-type. Their(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)ivalues range from 0.7059 to 0.7085, εNd(t) values from -1.6 to -6.0 and the zircon εHf(t) values show large variations from +9.1 to -8.6 with Hf model ages(T_(DM2)) about 848 Ma and 1970 Ma. The large variations of whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopes demonstrate strong isotopic heterogeneity of the source regions which probably resulted from multi-phase underplating of mantle-derived magmas. Geochemical and isotopic studies proved that the diorite and granodiorite had been derived from partial melting of heterogeneous crustal source with variable contributions from ancient continental crust and juvenile components, and the monzogranites were representing fractional crystallization and crustal contamination for arc magma. The Early Paleozoic adakitic rocks and high-K calc-alkaline granitoids in the southern EKOB were likely emplaced in a continental marginal arc setting possibly linked to the southwards subduction of the Paleo Kunlun Ocean and the magma generation is linked to partial melting of thickened continental crust induced by underplating of mantle-derived magmas.     

Geochronology and Genesis of the Tiegelongnan Porphyry Cu(Au) Deposit in Tibet: Evidence from U–Pb,Re–Os Dating and Hf,S, and H–O Isotopes

The Tiegelongnan Cu (Au) deposit is the largest copper deposit newly discovered in the Bangong–Nujiang metallogenic belt. The deposit has a clear alteration zoning consisting of, from core to margin, potassic to propylitic, superimposed by phyllic and advanced argillic alteration. The shallow part of the deposit consists of a high sulphidation‐state overprint, mainly comprising disseminated pyrite and Cu–S minerals such as bornite, covellite, digenite, and enargite. At depth porphyry‐type mineralization mainly comprises disseminated chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite, and a minor vein molybdenite. Mineralization is disseminated and associated with veins contained within the porphyry intrusions and their surrounding rocks. The zircon U–Pb ages of the mineralized diorite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry are 123.1 ± 1.7 Ma (2σ) and 121.5 ± 1.5 Ma (2σ), respectively. The molybdenite Re–Os age is 121.2 ± 1.2 Ma, suggesting that mineralization was closely associated with magmatism. Andesite lava (zircon U–Pb age of 111.7 ± 1.6 Ma, 2σ) overlies the ore‐bodies and is the product of post‐mineralization volcanic activity that played a critical role in preserving the ore‐bodies. Values of ?4.6 ‰ to + 0.8 ‰ δ³⁴S for the metal sulfides (mean ? 1.55 ‰) suggest that S mainly has a deep magmatic source. The H and O isotopic composition is (δD = ?87 ‰ to ?64 ‰; δ¹⁸O_H2O = 5.5 ‰ to 9.0 ‰), indicating that the ore‐forming fluids are mostly magmatic‐hydrothermal, possibly mixed with a small amount of meteoric water. The zircon ε_Hf(t) of the diorite porphyry is 3.7 to 8.3, and the granodiorite porphyry is 1.8 to 7.5. Molybdenite has a high Re from 382.2 × 10^?6 to 1600 × 10^?6. Re and Hf isotope composition show that Tiegelongnan has some mantle source, maybe the juvenile lower crust from crust–mantle mixed source. Metallogenesis of the Tiegelongnan giant porphyry system was associated with intermediate to acidic magma in the Early Cretaceous (~120 Ma). The magma provenance of the Tiegelongnan deposit has some mantle‐derived composition, possibly mixed with the crust‐derived materials.     

Evidence of multiple sources involved in the genesis of the neoproterozoic itapetim granitic complex,NE Brazil,based on geochemical and isotopic data

The Itapetim Complex is a multiple facies intrusion of porphyritic monzogranite hosting isolated, or swarms of, dioritic enclaves and cut by late dikes of biotite granodiorite. It is a syn-tectonic intrusion in relation to the D3 regional deformation phase of the Brasiliano Orogeny. The complex has contacts with metagreywackes and gneissic granites associated with the Mesoproterozoic Cariris Velhos event and, to the northwest, with a belt of gneisses of Paleoproterozoic ages. At least two different sources seem to be involved in the evolution of the Itapetim Complex. The diorite source appears to be a depleted mantle that underwent some small degree of mixture with a Paleoproterozoic enriched mafic crust. The monzogranite source is probably metagreywacke, a mixture of enriched crust of Paleoproterozoic age and volcanic rocks related to the Cariris Velhos event. The granodiorites were generated by partial melting of a source compositionally similar to those suggested for the monzogranite. U–Pb in zircon gave a crystallization age of 638±4.9 Ma for the porphyritic monzogranites and associated mafic rocks. The granodiorite dikes represent a late magmatic event, under intermediate fO₂ conditions. The dikes, intruded into brittle fractures, are probably related to 570 Ma intrusions within the Pajeú Paraı́ba Terrane.     

Geochemistry,geochronology and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions of Middle to Late Jurassic syenite–granodiorites–dacite in South China: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data, major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are reported for coeval syenite–granodiorites–dacite association in South China. The shoshonitic syenites are characterized by high K₂O contents (5.9–6.1 wt.%) and K₂O/Na₂O ratios (1.1–1.2), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.65 to 0.77), enrichments of Rb, K, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf, but depletion of Sr, P and Ti. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry intrusions are characterized by high Al₂O₃ contents (15.0–16.8 wt.%), enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), strongly fractionated LREEs (light rare earth elements) to HREEs (heavy rare earth elements), high Sr (438–629 ppm), Sr/Y (29.2–53.6), and low Y (11.7–16.8 ppm) and HREE contents (e.g., Yb = 1.29–1.64 ppm). The calc-alkaline dacites are characterized by LREE enrichment, absence of negative Eu anomalies, and enrichment of LILEs such as Rb, Ba, Th, U and Pb, and depletion of HFSEs such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti.Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the syenites suggest that the shoshonitic magmas were differentiated from parental shoshonitic melts by fractional crystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and feldspar. The parent magmas may have originated from partial melting of the lithospheric mantle with small amount contribution from crustal materials. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry have Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions that are comparable to that of the mafic lower crust. They have low Mg# and MgO, Ni and Cr contents, abundant inherited zircons, low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values as well as old whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf model ages. These granodiorites were likely generated by partial melting of Triassic underplated mafic lower crust. The Hf isotopic compositions of the dacites are relatively more depleted than the Cathaysia enriched mantle, suggesting those magmas were derived from the partial melting of subduction-modified mantle sources. The coeval shoshonitic, high-K calc-alkaline and calc-alkaline rocks in Middle to Late Jurassic appear to be associated with an Andean-type subduction. This subduction could have resulted in the upwelling of the asthenosphere beneath the Cathaysia Block, which induced partial melting of the mantle as well as the mafic lower crust, and formed an arc regime in the coastal South China during Middle to Late Jurassic.     

Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes of the 780 Ma I-type granites in the western Yangtze Block: petrogenesis and crustal evolution

ABSTRACT

Neoproterozoic I-type granites could provide vital insights into the crust–mantle interaction and the crustal evolution along the western Yangtze Block, South China. This paper presents new zircon U–Pb ages, bulk-rock geochemistry, and in situ zircon Lu–Hf isotope on the Dalu I-type granites from the southwestern Yangtze Block. Zircon U–Pb dating show the crystallization ages of 781.1 ± 2.8 Ma for granodiorites and 779.8 ± 2.0 Ma for granites, respectively. The Dalu granodiorites are Na-rich, calc-alkaline, metaluminous to slightly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.94–1.08). Zircons from granodiorite have positive εHf(t) values (+2.16 to +7.39) with crustal model ages of 1.21–1.54 Ga, indicating juvenile mafic lower crust source. The Dalu granites are high-K calc-alkaline, peraluminous rocks. They have variable zircon εHf(t) values (?4.65 to +5.80) with crustal model ages of 1.31–1.97 Ga, suggesting that they were derived from the mature metasediment-derived melts by the mixing of newly formed mafic lower crust-derived melts. The geochemical variations in Dalu pluton is dominated not only by the different source rocks but also by the different melting temperatures. Combining with the geochemistry and isotopic compositions of I-type granitoids and tectonic setting in the western Yangtze Block, we propose that the Dalu I-type granodiorites–granites associations are the magmatic response from different crustal levels, which were induced by the heat anomaly due to the asthenosphere upwelling in the subduction-related setting.     

Geochemistry and zircon Hf isotopes of the Early Mesozoic intrusive rocks in the south Hunchun,Yanbian area,Northeast China: petrogenesis and implications for crustal growth

This paper presents major element, trace element, and new zircon Hf isotopic data for the Early Mesozoic intrusive rocks in the south Hunchun, Yanbian area, Northeast China. These data are used to constrain the petrogenesis of these intrusive rocks and their implications for the Phanerozoic continental growth of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Combining geology, geochronology, and whole-rock geochemistry, we identify three distinct episodes of magmatism as Early–Middle Triassic (249–237 Ma), Late Triassic (224–206 Ma), and Early Jurassic (200–187 Ma). The Early–Middle Triassic (249–237 Ma) adakitic tonalite and granodiorite were produced by the partial melting of subducted oceanic slabs, and the melts were contaminated by mantle peridotite during their ascent, whereas the coeval non-adakitic diorite and monzogranite were most likely derived from partial melting of crustal material. The remarkably high zircon Hf isotopic signature (ε_Hf(t) = + 9.4 – +18.9), the enrichment in large-ion lithophile element and light rare earth elements, and the depletion in high field strength element suggest that these 224 Ma gabbros were derived from the partial melting of depleted mantle modified by subduction-related fluids. The 212 Ma monzogranite was most likely derived from juvenile material mixed with old crustal material as evidenced by their high SiO₂, low MgO, and low Cr concentrations and variable ε_Hf(t) values (–4.6 to +10.0). Except for the 197 Ma tonalites with affinity to the high silica adakites, the overall geochemical evolution of Early Jurassic (200–187 Ma) rocks was consistent with fractional crystallization from quartz diorite, granodiorite, and monzogranite to syenogranite. Both the Early Jurassic syn-subduction lateral continental growth by accretion of arc complexes and the Late Triassic post-collisional vertical continental growth by accretion of mantle-derived material played an important role in the Phanerozoic continental growth of the CAOB.     

Magma mixing revealed from in situ zircon U–Pb–Hf isotope analysis of the Muhuguan granitoid pluton, eastern Qinling Orogen, China: implications for late Mesozoic tectonic evolution

In this paper, we present zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotope data to document the significance of magma mixing in the formation of Late Jurassic granitoid intrusions in the eastern Qinling Orogen, China. The Muhuguan granitoid pluton from this orogen consists of monzogranite and lesser biotite granite and granodiorite, all containing abundant hornblende-rich cumulates, dioritic xenoliths, and mafic magmatic enclaves (MMEs). The monzogranite and granodiorite are intruded by a number of lamprophyre dykes. Both a cumulate and a dioritic xenolith samples have concordant zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 161 ± 1 Ma, but possess contrasting Hf isotopic compositions. The cumulate has more radiogenic zircon Hf isotopes with negative ε _Hf(t) values (?7.9 to ?2.5) and T _DM1 ages of 0.9–1.1 Ga, indicating its derivation likely from basaltic rocks of the Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic Kuanping Group in the area. The dioritic xenolith has much lower zircon ε _Hf(t) values of ?19.5 to ?8.8 and T _DM2 ages of 2.4–1.7 Ga, consistent with a juvenile Paleoproterozoic crust source presumably represented by the metabasic rocks of the Qinling Group in the area. Individual samples of the monzogranite, MME, and a lamprophyre dyke have U–Pb ages of 150 ± 1, 152 ± 1, and 152 ± 1 Ma, respectively, demonstrating coeval mafic and felsic magmatism in the Late Jurassic. The lamprophyre dyke has homogeneous, highly negative zircon ε _Hf(t) values (?29.8 to ?24.8) and Archean T _DM2 ages (3.0–2.7 Ga), and its genesis is interpreted as partial melting of an ancient enriched subcontinental mantle source. Zircons from the fine-grained MME show a large range of ε _Hf(t) between ?29.1 and ?9.8, overlapping values of the monzogranite and lamprophyre dyke samples. Zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopes of the MMEs are consistent with their formation by mixing of crustal- and enriched mantle-derived magmas. The main group of zircons from the monzogranite has ε _Hf(t) values (?17.9 to ?9.3) and T _DM2 ages (2.3–1.8 Ga) that are compatible with the dioritic xenoliths, indicating that the former was produced by partial melting of Paleoproterozoic crustal source with involvement of mantle-derived magmas. Mafic magmatism revealed from the Muhuguan pluton indicates that the eastern Qinling Orogen was dominated by lithospheric extension during the Late Jurassic. Compilation of existing geological and geochronological data suggests that this extensional event started in Late Jurassic (ca. 160 Ma) and persisted into the Early Cretaceous until ca. 110 Ma. The Jura-Cretaceous extension may have resulted from the late Mesozoic westward subduction of the Pacific plate beneath the East Asian continental margin.     

Archaean crustal growth through successive partial melting events in an oceanic plateau‐like setting in the Tanzania Craton

The detrital zircon population in quartzitic conglomerates from the northern Tanzania Craton yield ages between 2640 Ma and 2790 Ma which includes most of the igneous history from this part of the craton. The igneous evolution is characterised by mafic volcanism with an oceanic plateau‐like geochemical signature at ~2800 Ma followed by diorite and tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite dominated magmatism between 2790 and 2700 Ma, which transitioned into more evolved high‐K magmatism between 2700 and 2620 Ma. The ε_Hf values of the detrital zircons range from +2.4 to ?1.4 and change with time from radiogenic Hf pre‐2700 Ma (98% positive ε_Hf) to unradiogenic Hf post‐2700 Ma (41% positive ε_Hf). The petrological progression from mafic to felsic crust is reflected in the detrital age distribution and Hf isotopes and is consistent with juvenile mafic crust slowly maturing into more evolved felsic crust through a series of successive partial melting events in an oceanic‐plateau‐like environment.     

A review of Palaeoarchaean felsic volcanism in the eastern Kaapvaal craton:Linking plutonic and volcanic records

In the Kaapvaal craton of southern Africa, as well as other Archaean cratons worldwide, the progression from dominant tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite(TTG) to granite-monzogranite-syenogranite(GMS)rock types is interpreted to reflect progressive reworking and differentiation of the continental crust.Here we re-evaluate the early Archaean evolution of the Kaapvaal craton and propose a unified view of the plutonic and volcanic records based on elemental and isotopic(Nd, Hf) data and zircon U-Pb ages.We also report new whole-rock major and trace element analyses, zircon U-Pb ages and Hf-in-zircon analyses of igneous clasts from a conglomerate of the 3.2 Ga Moodies Group of the Barberton Greenstone Belt. Many of these clasts are derived from shallow intrusive rocks of granitic composition, which are scarcely represented in outcrop. Despite alteration, the volcanic rocks can be classified based on their trace element contents into two main groups by comparison with plutonic rocks. One group has characteristics resembling TTGs: relatively low and fractionated rare earth element concentrations with no Eu anomaly and relatively low concentrations of high field strength elements(Nb mostly ≤12 ppm). The second group has GMS-like characteristics: less fractionated REE, marked negative Eu anomalies and HFSE-increasing trends with progressing fractionation(Nb ≤ 50 ppm or more, Th up to 30-40 ppm). In addition, igneous clasts of Moodies Group conglomerate have chemical, mineralogical and isotopic characteristics that link them to GMS. New analyses of some of these clasts indicate elevated high field strength elements(Nb up to 20 ppm) and_(εHf)(t)of zircon down to -3.5. These rocks imply the presence of an already differentiated felsic crust at 3.5 Ga, which has Nd and Hf model ages indicating mantle extraction ages extending back to the Eoarchaean. The combined record of plutonic and volcanic rocks of the Kaapvaal craton provides a more complex scenario than previously suggested and indicates that TTG and GMS-like felsic magmas were emplaced broadly coevally in multiple pulses between ~3.5 Ga and 3.2 Ga.     

The late Neoarchean transition from low- to high-K granitoids in western Liaoning Province,NE China: Clues from geochemistry and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

High-K granitoids are among the most abundant rock types in many Archean cratons. Late Neoarchean monzogranitic to syenogranitic gneisses with high-K affinities are widely distributed in the Anshan, Suizhong, Qinhuangdao, and Aolaishan areas on the northeastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). In this contribution, we present an integrated study of zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic compositions and whole-rock elemental compositions of amphibolites and trondhjemitic and monzo–syenogranitic gneisses of the Jinzhou area in the metamorphic basement of eastern Hebei–western Liaoning, with the aim of constraining their petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. Emplacement ages of the amphibolites and trondhjemitic–monzogranitic gneisses are 2543 ± 27, 2532 ± 19, and 2513 ± 7 Ma, respectively. The amphibolites are tholeiitic in composition with SiO₂ contents of 49.7–50.8 wt%, variable degrees of light rare-earth-element (LREE) enrichment and high-field-strength element (HFSE) depletion, and high zircon εHf(t) values of +2.6 to +6.3, suggesting a depleted lithospheric mantle origin. The major- and trace-element compositions of the trondhjemitic gneisses are similar to those of the low-pressure tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) suite. The zircon Hf (εHf(t) = +1.6 to +3.9) and O (δ¹⁸O = +3.76‰ to +5.73‰) isotopic compositions of the trondhjemitic gneisses indicate a juvenile basaltic source at the base of a thickened magmatic arc. The monzogranitic gneisses differ from their TTG counterparts in that they have lower SiO₂ and higher MgO, K₂O, and incompatible-element (especially Ba, Th, Sr, P, and LREE) contents. They also have slightly evolved zircon εHf(t) values (+0.6 to +3.8) and higher δ¹⁸O values (+4.69‰ to +6.13‰). These features suggest that the monzogranitic gneisses represent sanukitoid-type rocks, with a mantle source modified by crust-derived melts. The weakly deformed syenogranitic gneisses are characterized by high SiO₂ and K₂O, and very low MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, suggesting that they were formed by partial melting of local TTG rocks. Our results, together with those of previous investigations, suggest that the 2554–2513 Ma low- to high-K magmatism in the Jinzhou area most likely originated in an arc–back-arc tectonic setting on the northern margin of the NCC. The large volumes of high-K granitoids in eastern Hebei–western Liaoning are related to extensive mantle–crust interactions and crustal reworking in such a setting.     

古元古代全球静寂期岩浆活动——以华北克拉通南缘中条山~2.3 Ga横岭关花岗岩为例

在全球岩浆活动静寂期,人们在华北克拉通内相继识别出大量~2.3 Ga的地质体,对探讨华北克拉通古元古代地质演化过程具有十分重要的意义.选择中条山地区横岭关二长花岗岩进行了地球化学、锆石U-Pb年代学和Hf同位素研究.横岭关二长花岗岩LA-ICPMS锆石U-Pb年龄结果为2 308±12 Ma,代表岩体的形成时代.横岭关二长花岗岩高硅、高钾、高铝、富碱,贫钙、低钠和低钛,A/CNK主要集中在1.0~1.1之间,为高钾钙碱性偏铝－过铝质花岗岩系列.岩石的稀土元素含量相对高,轻重稀土元素分异强烈,并具有明显的Eu负异常.高场强元素Nb、Ta、Zr、Hf、U和大离子亲石元素Rb等相对富集,亏损V、Cr、Co、Ni等相容元素,具有I型花岗岩的特征.横岭关二长花岗岩锆石ε_Hf（t）为0.52~6.24,平均值为2.06,单阶段和两阶段模式年龄分别为2 419~2 642 Ma和2 438~2 738 Ma.横岭关二长花岗岩具有同碰撞花岗岩的特征,推测来源于~2.5 Ga古老地壳岩石在挤压碰撞环境下的部分熔融,揭示了华北克拉通在古元古代全球岩浆静寂期并不静寂.      

Partial melting of subducted Southern Qiangtang crust in northern Tibet: evidence from the geochemistry and geochronology of the Riwanchaka granodiorite porphyry in Central Qiangtang

ABSTRACT

This article presents new zircon U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopic, and whole-rock major- and trace-element geochemical data that provide insights into the petrogenesis and tectonic history of the Riwanchaka granodiorite porphyries of Central Qiangtang, Tibet. Zircon U–Pb ages of 236–230 Ma indicate an early Late Triassic age of emplacement of the porphyries, and zircon Hf isotopic data yield εHf(t) values of – 7.0 to – 1.5 and ancient zircon Hf crustal model ages (T_DM^C) of 1524–1220 Ma. The granodiorite porphyries are characterized by low K₂O contents, high Mg# values, and relatively high Cr and Ni contents. They are classified as I-type calc-alkaline granite and are considered to have formed through the anatexis of ancient mafic crustal rocks with contributions from mantle-derived components. The geochemistry and isotopic compositions of all samples are similar to those of magmatic rocks that originated in the South Qiangtang crust. However, field observations indicate that the pluton intrudes the North Qiangtang crust, and we propose that the granodiorite porphyries were derived by partial melting of subducted continental crust of the South Qiangtang terrane. These new data have been integrated with data from previous studies to construct a new model of slab rollback during northward subduction of the Southern Qiangtang continental crust at ca. 245–226 Ma, thereby improving our understanding of magmatic processes involved in continental subduction in collision settings.     

Petrogenesis of early Silurian intrusions in the Sanchakou area of Eastern Tianshan,Northwest China,and tectonic implications: geochronological,geochemical, and Hf isotopic evidence

ABSTRACT

Palaeozoic intrusions in Eastern Tianshan are important for understanding the evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Sanchakou intrusions situated in Eastern Tianshan (southern CAOB), are mainly quartz diorite and granodiorite. A comprehensive study of zircon U–Pb ages, zircon trace elements, whole-rock geochemistry, and Lu–Hf isotopes were carried out for the Sanchakou intrusive rocks. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded crystallization ages of 439.7 ± 2.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.63, n = 21) for the quartz diorite, and 430.9 ± 2.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.21, n = 21) and 425.5 ± 2.7 Ma (MSWD = 0.04; n = 20) for the granodiorites. These data, in combination with other Silurian ages reported for the intrusive suites from Eastern Tianshan, indicate an early Palaeozoic magmatic event in the orogen. In situ zircon Hf isotope data for the Sanchakou quartz diorite shows ε_Hf(t) values of +11.2 to +19.6, and the two granodioritic samples exhibit similar ε_Hf(t) values from +13.0 to +19.5. The Sanchakou plutons show metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, arc-type geochemical and low-K tholeiite affinities, and display trace element patterns characterized by enrichment in K, Ba, Sr, and Sm, and depletion in Nb, Ta, Pb, and Ti. The geochemical and isotopic signatures indicate that the Sanchakou dioritic and granodioritic magmas were sourced from a subducted oceanic slab, and subsequently underwent some interaction with peridotite in the mantle wedge. Combined with the regional geological history, we suggest the Sanchakou intrusions formed due to the northward subduction of the Palaeo-Tianshan Ocean beneath the Dananhu–Tousuquan arc during early Silurian time.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Ordovician plutons in the Erguna Block (NE China): further insights into the tectonic evolution of the Xing’an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT

The Ordovician plutons in the Erguna Block, NE China, can be classified into two groups: Early Ordovician diorites with zircon U–Pb ages ranging from 486 to 485 Ma and Middle Ordovician gabbros and granites with zircon U–Pb ages ranging from 466 to 463 Ma. The diorites are calc-alkaline in nature and are characterized by weak to moderate enrichments of large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to high field strength elements (HFSE) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE). The gabbros and granites have high total alkali contents, and all samples are enriched in LREE and LILE and depleted in HFSE such as Nb, Ta, and Ti. Isotopically, Early Ordovician diorites display values that are less radiogenic [ε_Hf(t) = + 9.9–+16.8] compared to those of Middle Ordovician gabbros [ε_Hf(t) = ? 3.0–+5.0]. Middle Ordovician granites have positive ε_Hf(t) values of +1.4 to +4.3 and two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 1167 to 1356 Ma. These data indicate that the diorites may have been generated by the partial melting of a recently metasomatized mantle source, whereas the gabbros and granites may have been formed by the partial melting of enriched lithospheric mantle and Mesoproterozoic crust, respectively. Our results, combined with other regional results, suggest that Early Ordovician magmatism was likely associated with the northward subduction of the Heihe–Xilinhot oceanic plate beneath the Erguna–Xing’an Block, whereas the Middle Ordovician gabbros and granites were most likely formed in an extensional setting controlled by the rollback of this subducted oceanic plate.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of late Mesozoic granitoids in southern Anhui Province,southeastern China

Late Mesozoic granitoids are widely distributed in southern Anhui Province, southeastern China, which also contains significant W–Mo–Cu mineralization. This study presents new geochronological and geochemical data that reveal the petrogenesis and tectonic affinity of the granitoids in this region. These granitoids can be divided into a high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous I-type granodiorites, and an alkaline and metaluminous A-type granites, with zircon U–Pb dating indicating that they formed at 150–138 and 133–124 Ma, respectively. The early stage I-type granodiorites are adakitic, enriched in the light rare earth elements, and depleted in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti. They have negative zircon ε_Hf(t) values (–19.8 to –2.5) that correspond to Hf crustal model ages of 2.4–1.4 Ga. These early stage granodiorites were derived from partial melting of thickened Palaeoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic lower crust. The late-stage A-type granites with strong depletion in Sr, P, and Ti, contain higher Zr, Y, and Yb contents, higher zircon ε_Hf(t) values (–1.5 to +2.1), and younger zircon Hf model ages (1.1–1.3 Ga) than the early stage granodiorites. The geochemistry of these A-type granites indicates they were likely generated by the reworking of Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic juvenile crustal material that experienced the fractional crystallization of plagioclase and accessory minerals. Combining these data with other geological data from the study area indicates that the early stage granodiorites formed in a continental arc setting, whereas the late-stage granites formed in an extensional setting associated with roll-back of the subducted Palaeo-Pacific slab. The results indicate that zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ value can provide useful insight into oxygen fugacity conditions during magmatism.