The age of the Kagenfels granite (northern Vosges) and its bearing on the intrusion scheme of late Variscan granitoids

In the Saxothuringian part of the Vosges (France), a first series of Variscan plutonic rocks (diorites to granites) has been intruded by several younger granites. Rocks of both the older generations have been cross-cut by the late orogenic Kagenfels granite. The averages of the hitherto published mineral ages of the earlier rock generations are 331 and 334 Ma, respectively, whereas Rb-Sr and K-Ar dates around 290 Ma have been reported for the Kagenfels granite. Because of the unlikely large age hiatus, a redetermination of the intrusion age of the Kagenfels granite formation appeared to be irrevocable. The newly obtained mineral ages on the Kagenfels granite (K-Ar and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar biotite ages as well as single zircon radiogenic ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb data: 331 ± 5 Ma) are about 40 Ma older than the previous results. They are interpreted as giving the time of emplacement of the Kagenfels granite during the latest Visan. The mineral ages of the earlier plutonic rocks in this part of the Variscan Orogeny in all probability are not significantly different from their ages of intrusion. Therefore the age concordance of all three granitoid generations constrains a rather narrow time interval of orogenic magmatism close to the Lower-Upper Carboniferous boundary.     

Time calibration of a PT-path from the Western Tauern Window,Eastern Alps: the problem of closure temperatures

New Hornblende K-Ar and ³⁹Ar-⁴⁰Ar and mica Rb-Sr and K-Ar ages are used to place specific timemarks on a well-constrained pressure-temperature path for the late Alpine metamorphism in the Western Tauern Window. After identification of excess ⁴⁰Ar, the closure behavior of Ar in hornblende is compared with that of Sr and Ar in phengite and biotite. Samples were collected in three locations, whose maximum temperatures were 570° C (Zemmgrund), 550° C (Pfitscher Joch), and 500–540° C (Landshuter Hütte).The average undisturbed age sequence found is: Phengite Rb-Sr (20 Ma)>hornblende K-Ar (18 Ma)>phengite K-Ar (15 Ma)>biotite Rb-Sr, K-Ar (13.3 Ma)>apatite FT (7 Ma). Except for the phengite Rb-Sr age, the significance of which is debatable, all ages are cooling ages. No compositional effects are seen for closure in biotite. Additionally, Rb-Sr phengite ages from shearzones possibly indicate continuous shearing from 20 to 15 Ma, with reservations regarding the validity of the initial Sr correction and possible variations of the closure temperatures. The obviously lower closure temperature (T _c) for Ar in these hornblendes than for Sr in the unsheared phengites indicates that the T _c sequence in the Western Tauern Window is different from those observed in other terrains. In spite of this discrepancy, valuable geological conclusions can be drawn if the application of closure temperatures is limited to this restricted area with similar T, P and : (1) All ages of samples located on equal metamorphic isotherms decrease from east to west by about 1 Ma which is the result of a westward tilting of the Tauern Window during uplift. (2) In a PT-path, the undisturbed cooling ages yield constantly decreasing uplift rates from 3.6 mm/a to 0.1 mm/a. (3) Use of recently published diffusion data for Ar in hornblende (T _c=520° C) and biotite (T _c=320° C) suggests an extrapolated phengite closure temperature for Sr at 550° C. This suggests that the prograde thermal metamorphism at this tectonic level of the Tauern Window lasted until some 20 Ma ago.     

Constraints on Variscan granite emplacement in north-east Bavaria,Germany: further clues from a petrogenetic study of the Mitterteich granite

Petrochemical and Rb-Sr, K-Ar and Sm-Nd isotopic data presented for the Mitterteich granite provide information on whole rock and mineral compositional characteristics, intrusion and cooling history, and protolith nature and put further constraints on the Variscan magmatic evolution in north-east Bavaria.The compositional characteristics classify the Mitterteich granite as a peraluminous (monzo-)granite (SiO₂ 67.3–73.5 wt.% ). Values for K₂O/Na₂O (> 1.2 and Al₂O₃/(CaO + N₂O + K₂O) (>1.1) are in the range of S-type granites. The rare earth elements show fractionated chondrite-normalized patterns (La _N /Yb _N =24–19) with negative Eu anomalies (Eu _N /Eu _N ^*=0.35–0.19). The micas have restricted ranges of major element composition, but reveal notable variations in trace element concentrations. Different biotite fractions of single specimens show a trend to lower concentrations of compatible elements in the finer fraction which can be explained as a result of asynchronous growth during the fractionation process. The PT conditions of crystallization of the magma based on muscovite and biotite is 600–640°C at 3 kbar. Regression of the whole rock samples gives an isochron corresponding to a ⁸⁷Rb-⁸⁷Sr age of 310 ± 7 Ma, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.7104±0.0010 (2 errors) and MSWD =0.03. Muscovite and biotite yield concordant K-Ar ages between 310 and 308 Ma, indicating a fast cooling rate of the granite intrusion. _{Nd T310}values average –4.2±1.0. Nd model ages of 1.4 Ga suggest a source region of mid-Proterozoic age.The Rb-Sr isochron age and initial Sr ratio of the Mitterteich granite are indistinguishable from those of the adjacent Falkenberg granite, establishing a genetic link. However, the K-Ar mica ages suggest that the Mitterteich granite must have undergone a faster uplift or cooling history than Falkenberg. Confronted with the geochronological record of granite emplacement in north-east Bavaria, the new results substantiate the view of three key periods of magmatic activity around 330–325, 315–305 and 290 Ma.     

Anomalous isotopic compositions of Sr,Ar and O in the Mesozoic diabase dikes of Liberia,West Africa

The Mesozoic diabase dikes of Liberia are tholeiites whose ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr ratios scatter widely on the Rb-Sr isochron diagram. The problem is attributed to differences in the initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of these rocks which range from 0.70311 to 0.70792, assuming a uniform age of 186 Ma for the dikes and using (⁸⁷Rb)=1.42 × 10^–11y^–1. The range of values is similar to that observed in the Mesozoic basalt flows and dikes of other Gondwana continents.New whole-rock K-Ar dates confirm previous conclusions that the diabase dikes in the Liberian and Pan-African age provinces of Liberia absorbed extraneous ⁴⁰Ar after intrusion. Only the dikes in the Paynesville Sandstone have K-Ar dates that range from 117 Ma to 201 Ma and may not contain extraneous ⁴⁰Ar. However, dikes from all three age provinces of Liberia have elevated initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. These results indicate that contamination with radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr occurred primarily before intrusion of the magma whereas the addition of extraneous ⁴⁰Ar occurred after emplacement and reflects the age and mineral composition of the country rock.The ¹⁸O values of the Liberian diabase range from +5.6/% to +9.10/% and correlate positively with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. The data can be modeled by fractional crystallization and simultaneous assimilation of crustal rocks by the magma. However, samples containing amphibole and biotite replacing pyroxene deviate from the Sr-O isotope trajectories of the model and appear to have been depleted in ¹⁸O and enriched in ⁸⁷Sr by interactions with groundwater at high temperature.Laboratory for Isotope Geology and Geochemistry Contribution No. 76     

Dating the events of metamorphism and granitic magmatism in the Alpine orogen of Naxos (Cyclades,Greece)

An isotopic dating investigation (66 K-Ar and 34 Rb-Sr analyses) provided the geochronological framework for the Alpine events of metamorphism and granitic magmatism on Naxos. The oldest phase of high-pressure/medium-temperature metamorphism, M1, was dated by Rb-Sr and K-Ar analyses of paragonites, phengitic muscovites and muscovites at 45±5 Ma (Middle Eocene). Most of the record of the M1 phase has been eraded by a second phase of medium-pressure/high-temperature metamorphism, M2, which induced a metamorphic zonation with anatectic melting in the highest-grade part, the migmatite dome. Most K-Ar dates of M2 hornblendes, muscovites, biotites and tourmalines range from about 21 Ma in the lower-grade part (biotite-chloritoid zone) to about 11 Ma in the migmatite dome. From the pattern of K-Ar mineral dates it is concluded that the M2 phase took place 25±5 Ma ago (Late Oligocene/Early Miocene) and was followed by a prolonged cooling history until about 11 Ma ago (Late Miocene), when the ambient temperature in the migmatite dome had decreased to below 400–360 °C. A Rb-Sr whole-rock isochron analysis of a granodioritic mass dated the intrusion (and the associated M3 phase of contact-metamorphism) at 11.1±0.7 Ma (Late Miocene), with an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7112 ±0.0001. A local phase of low-grade retrograde metamorphism, M4, probably related to Late Alpine overthrusting, was dated at about 10 Ma (Late Miocene).     

K-Ar ages of the Brandberg and Okenyenya igneous complexes,north-western Namibia

K-Ar mineral ages from intrusive units of the Brandberg and Okenyenya igneous complexes, north-western Namibia, confirm the Early Cretaceous age of the subvolcanic centres. The two centres are contemporaneous, although the range of ages from Brandberg, 135.2 ± 1.5 to 125.4 ± 1.3 Ma, suggests a rather longer period of intrusion than is represented by the rocks of Okenyenya, 133.3 ± 1.4 to 129.2 ± 0.7 Ma. The mean K-Ar age of the Okenyenya complex is essentially equivalent to previously determined Rb-Sr ages for the Messum and Paresis complexes on the same igneous lineament, but is a little greater than that suggested recently from Rb-Sr dating of this complex (129.1–123.4Ma). K-Ar chronology for the Brandberg complex is in conflict with the order of emplacement of granite units previously inferred from field evidence. In particular, the Amis peralkaline layered intrusion yields the oldest age from the complex, 135.2 ± 1.4 Ma. The concordancy of age measurements of amphibole and biotite, having very different potassium contents, from single rock samples is compelling evidence that neither inherited radiogenic argon, nor argon loss, presents a significant problem in the dated rocks. If the K - Ar age of 135 Ma for the Amis intrusion is correct, it constrains the minimum age for the onset of Etendeka flood volcanism, associated with continental break-up, as Etendeka lavas exhibit contact metamorphism and metasomatism around the rim of the Brandberg complex.     

The evolution of illite to muscovite: mineralogical and isotopic data from the Glarus Alps,Switzerland

Thirty-five illite and muscovite concentrates were extracted from Triassic and Permian claystones, shales, slates and phyllites along a cross-section from the diagenetic Alpine foreland (Tabular Jura and borehole samples beneath the Molasse Basin) to the anchi- and epimetamorphic Helvetic Zone of the Central Alps. Concentrates and thin sections were investigated by microscopic, X-ray, infrared, Mössbauer, thermal (DTA and TG), wet chemical, electron microprobe, K-Ar, Rb-Sr, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and stable isotope methods.With increasing metamorphic grade based on illite crystallinity data (XRD and IR) the following continuous changes are observed: (i) the 1Md2M₁ polymorph transformation is completed in the higher grade anchizone; (ii) K₂O increases from 6–8 wt. % (diagenetic zone) to 8.5–10% (anchizone) to 10–11.5% (epizone), reflecting an increase in the total negative layer charge from 1.2 to 2.0; (iii) a decrease of the chemical variation of the mica population with detrital muscovite surviving up to the anchizone/ epizone boundary; iv) a shift of an endothermic peak in differential thermal curves from 500 to 750° C; (v) K-Ar and Rb-Sr apparent ages of the fraction <2 m decrease from the diagenetic zone to the epizone, K-Ar ages being generally lower than Rb-Sr ages. The critical temperature for total Ar resetting is estimated to be 260±30° C. K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages become concordant when the anchizone/ epizone boundary is approached. The stable isotope data, on the other hand, show no change with metamorphic grade but are dependent on stratigraphic age.These results suggest that the prograde evolution from 1 Md illite to 2M₁ muscovite involves a continuous lattice restructuration without rupture of the tetrahedral and octahedral bonds and change of the hydroxyl radicals, however this is not a recrystallization process. This restructuration is completed approximately at the anchizone/epizone boundary. The isotopic data indicate significant diffusive loss of ⁴⁰Ar and ⁸⁷Sr prior to any observable lattice reorganization. The restructuration progressively introduces a consistent repartition of Ar and K in the mineral lattices and is outlined by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age spectra.Concordant K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages of around 35-30 Ma. with concomitant concordant ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar release spectra are representative for the main phase of Alpine metamorphism (Calanda phase) in the Glarus Alps. A second age group between 25 and 20 Ma. can probably be attributed to movements along the Glarus thrust (Ruchi phase), while values down to 9 Ma., in regions with higher metamorphic conditions, suggest thermal conditions persisting at least until the middle Tortonian.     

Isotopic dating of pre-Alpidic rocks from the island of Ios (Cyclades,Greece)

The lower tectonic unit of Ios provides evidence of an at least four stage metamorphic and intrusive history which well might be generalized for large parts of the internal Pelagonian.Metamorphic country rocks of unknown age were intruded about 500 Ma ago, as concluded from a Rb-Sr whole rock (WR) isochron on relic tonalites to granodiorites which largely escaped the polyphase postmagmatic overprints.A Hercynian amphibolite facies metamorphism, during which the igneous rocks were partly recrystallized to orthogneisses, is dated by a lower intercept age of 300–305 Ma of U-Pb determinations on zircons and by three almost concordant Rb-Sr muscovite-WR ages of 295 to 288 Ma.K-Ar analyses on these muscovites and on biotites, and Rb-Sr tie lines WR-biotite and WR with other relic magmatic minerals yielded various apparent ages between 260 and 60 Ma. They are interpreted as mixed ages between a Hercynian cooling age and the two stage Alpidic overprints.White micas formed during the Eocene high P/T and/or Oligocene/Miocene Barrovian-type overprints yielded K-Ar dates ranging from 82 to 26 Ma, as well as a single Rb-Sr date of 13 Ma. These Alpidic dates resemble the more detailed age patterns of other Cycladic islands. But they are not sufficient for an independent dating of the Tertiary evolution on Ios island.     

Radiometric constraints on hydrothermal circulation in cooling granite plutons

Improved precision of radiometric dating of ore deposits can provide information about the thermal history of hydrothermal circulation in cooling plutons. In Jales a Hercynian porphyritic two-mica granite and pre-Ordovician mica schists are cut and intensely altered by the Campo gold-quartz vein. The unaltered granite must be younger than 320 ± 6 Ma, and gives mica Rb-Sr ages of 308.5 ± 2.4 (1) Ma (muscovite) and 294.5 ± 1.1 Ma (biotite). Alteration muscovites from the granite give a weighted mean Rb-Sr age of 308.1 ± 1.5 Ma, and a mean ³⁹Ar-⁴⁰Ar age of 300.7 ± 2.8 Ma. Alteration muscovites from the mica schists give similar ³⁹Ar-⁴⁰Ar ages, averaging 303.0 ± 2.8 Ma. The results suggest that circulation of the Campo mineralising fluids took place no more than 2–4 Ma after the granite cooled through the muscovite Rb-Sr closure temperature, about 500 °C, and that subsequent cooling to biotite closure at about 300 °C took place at less than 14°C/Ma. The mean cooling rate following emplacement was 15 to 25 °C/Ma. The most detailed comparable published data, for the Cornubian ore field, imply much faster cooling rates.     

Anticorrelated Rb−Sr and K−Ar age discordances,Leuchtenberg granite,NE Bavaria,Germany

The Leuchtenberg granite (Oberpfalz, NE Bavaria) displays a continuous differentiation trend ranging from mildy peraluminous, coarse-grained, porphyritic biotite granites (BG) to strongly peraluminous, medium- to fine-grained, garnet-bearing muscovite granites (GMG). The Rb–Sr and K–Ar age determinations of whole-rock and mineral samples from the granite and associated intermediate rocks (redwitzites) have revealed two divergent age gradients: Rb–Sr wholerock dates decrease and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios increase for successively more evolved subsets of the granite. All BG samples (⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr=2–16) yield a date of 326±2 Ma with a low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.70778±0.00013 (1), while all GMG samples (⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr=70 to 1000) yield a younger date of 317±2 Ma with an enhanced initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7146±0.0039. The K–Ar measurements on biotites and muscovites give closely concordant dates for the GMG (326–323 Ma) and the southern lobe of the BG (324–320 Ma). The northern lobe of the BG, including the redwitzites, shows a well-defined trend of decreasing K–Ar dates from 320 Ma to 300 Ma towards the northwest. Critical consideration of both isotope systems leads to the conclusion that the Rb–Sr system of the GMG was disturbed by a later hydrothermal event. The ca. 326 Ma whole-rock Rb–Sr date for the BG is not in conflict with any of the K–Ar mineral dates and is taken as approaching the crystallization age of the Leuchtenberg granite. The K–Ar age progression within the northern lobe of the BG indicates that this part either cooled down over a protracted period of some 20 Ma or experienced reheating at ca. 300 Ma. The study highlights the potential of combined Rb–Sr and K–Ar dating in deciphering detailed chronology on the scale of a single igneous intrusion.     

Isotopic evidence of middle proterozoic magmatism from bombay high field: Implications to crustal evolution of western offshore of India

Precambrian granitic basement rocks obtained from well BH-36 of Bombay High Field, western offshore of India has been studied both by Rb-Sr and K-Ar dating methods. Seven basement samples chosen from two cores have yielded whole rock Rb-Sr isochron age of 1446 ± 67 Ma with an initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7062 ± 0.0012. This age has been interpreted as the formation/emplacement time of the granite. Two biotite fractions of different grain size separated from a sample CC6B2T have yielded Rb-Sr mineral isochron age of 1385 ± 21 Ma. However, these fractions when studied by K-Ar dating method have yielded slightly higher but mutually consistent ages of 1458 ± 43 Ma and 1465 ± 43 Ma, respectively. Further, two biotites separated from additional samples CC5B9T and CC6B3B have yielded K-Ar ages of 1452 ± 42 Ma and 1425 ± 40 Ma with an overall mean age of 1438 ± 19 Ma. This mean K-Ar age is indistinguishable from whole rock Rb-Sr isochron as well as mineral isochron age within experimental error. The similarity in the whole rock and biotite ages obtained by different isotopic methods suggests that no thermal disturbance has occurred in these rocks after their emplacement/formation around 1450 Ma ago. The present study provides the evidence for the existence of an important Middle Proterozoic magmatic event around 1400-1450 Ma on the western offshore of India which, hitherto, was thought to be mainly confined to the eastern Ghats, Satpura and Delhi fold belt of India. This finding may have an important bearing on the reconstruction of Proterozoic crustal evolution of western Indian shield.     

Rb-Sr dating of the impact melt from East Clearwater,Quebec

The Rb-Sr composition of eight melt rock and three basement samples from the East Clearwater impact structure, Quebec, and two basement samples from the West Clearwater structure has been determined. The whole rock ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the melt samples, 0.7167–0.7253, are within the range of the basement samples, 0.7054–0.7322, and provide further evidence that the melt rocks represent shock-melted basement. A mineral isochron obtained from a relatively coarse grained melt rock gives an age of 287±26 Ma for the crystallization age of the melt. This is equivalent to K-Ar whole-rock ages of 285±30 Ma and 300±30 Ma and a Rb-Sr age of 266±15 Ma obtained on melt rocks from West Clearwater and confirms the previously generally held assumption that the East and West Clearwater structures resulted from the simultaneous impact of two bodies at 285–300 Ma ago.Contribution from the Earth Physics Branch No. 909     

Middle Proterozoic uplift events in the Dunbar dome of northeastern Wisconsin,USA

Isotopic ages of granitic and metamorphic rocks exposed in the Dunbar structural dome of northeastern Wisconsin identify a protracted series of tectonic and hydrothermal events that culminated in major regional uplift during Middle Proterozoic (Keweenawan; ca 1,100 Ma) continental rifting and volcanism. The major rock-forming events and the structural development of the dome occurred during the interval 1,862+/–4 Ma to 1,836+/–6 Ma. Whole-rock Rb-Sr ages are partly reset in response to a widely recognized but cryptic event in Wisconsin and Michigan at about 1,630 Ma. The scale and systematic character of the whole-rock resetting strongly suggests the presence of a fluid phase derived in situ from water dissolved in the silicates or externally from a subthrust plate of low-grade metamorphic rocks. The regional nature of the 1,630-Ma disturbance possibly indicates that it is related to a major tectonic event such as an active plate margin far to the south. Rb-Sr biotite ages for the Dunbar dome (this study), the southern complex of the Marquette district (Van Schmus and Woolsey 1975) and the Felch trough area (Aldrich and others 1965) provide a remarkably coherent pattern that reflects multiple episodes of differential uplift. Younger events superimposed on a regional 1,630-Ma imprint are recorded at 1,330 Ma and 1,140 Ma. The 1,330 Ma disturbance could reflect stabilization following intrusion of the Wolf River batholith at 1,485 Ma. The 1,140-Ma uplift event occurred during Keweenawan rifting and volcanism as a result of stresses imposed on a mosaic of fault-bounded blocks with possible subcrustal influence. The remarkably small variance in the 1,140-Ma biotite age peak argues for rapid uplift and cooling, and hence rapid erosion. Detritus from the uplift probably was being shed into nearby tectonic basins most of which did not survive subsequent uplift and erosion.     

Development of high precision Rb-Sr phlogopite and biotite geochronology; an alternative to Ar/Ar tri-octahedral mica dating

Potassium-Ar and Rb-Sr dating of minerals was fundamental in early efforts to date magmatic and metamorphic processes and paved the way for geochronology to become an important discipline within the earth sciences. Although K-Ar and, in particular, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of micas is still widely applied, Rb-Sr dating of micas has declined in use, even though numerous studies demonstrated that tri-octahedral mica yields geologically realistic, and more reliable and reproducible Rb-Sr ages than the K-Ar or ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar system. Moreover, a reduction of uncertainties typically reported for Rb-Sr ages (ca. 1%) can now be achieved by application of multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) rubidium isotope dilution measurements (<0.3%). Replicate Rb-Sr biotite ages from the Oslo rift, Norway, yield an external reproducibility of ±0.3% (n=4) and an analytical error of ±0.8 Ma for individual ages that vary between 276.9 and 275.5 Ma. Conventional thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) Rb analysis on the same mineral separates yields ages between 276.1 and 271.7 Ma, three times the spread compared to Rb MC-ICPMS data. Biotite and phlogopite from the central Nagssugtoqidian orogen, West Greenland, yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages (ca. 1700 Ma) with a spread of ±150 Ma, while Rb-Sr ages on either biotite or phlogopite separates have a much narrower range of ±10 Ma. This comparison of Rb-Sr and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages demonstrates the robustness of the Rb-Sr system in tri-octahedral micas and cautions against the sole use of ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar tri-octahedral mica ages to date geological events. Analytical errors of 16 Ma for these Rb-Sr mica ages determined by TIMS are reduced to <±5 Ma when the Rb concentration is determined by MC-ICPMS. All the TIMS and MC-ICPMS data from the Nagssugtoqidian orogen agree within assigned analytical uncertainties. However, high precision Rb-Sr dating by MC-ICPMS can resolve geological information obscured by TIMS age determinations. TIMS data for seven phlogopite samples form an isochron age of 1645±6 Ma, and thus, no differentiation in age between the different samples can be made. In contrast, MC-ICPMS Rb measurements on the same samples reveal two distinct populations with ages of 1633±3 or 1652±5 Ma.Combining the mica Rb-Sr geochronological data with the well-constrained thermal history of this ancient orogen, we estimate the closure temperature of the Rb-Sr system in 1-2 mm slowly cooled phlogopite crystals, occurring in a matrix of calcite and plagioclase to be ∼435 °C, and at least 50 °C above that of biotite.     

Paleo-uplift and cooling rates from various orogenic belts of India, as revealed by radiometric ages

The significant discordance of the radiometric (Rb-Sr, Pb-U, K-Ar and fission track) ages from various orogenic cycles of the Dharwar, Satpura, Aravalli and Himalayan orogenic belts in India, coupled with their corresponding blocking temperatures for various radiometric clocks in whole rocks and minerals, has been used to evaluate the cooling and the uplift histories of the respective orogenic belts. The blocking temperatures used in the present study of various Rb-Sr (isotopic homogenization at 600°C, muscovite at 500°C and biotite at 300°C), Pb-U (monazite at 530°C), K-Ar (muscovite at 350°C and biotite at 300°C) and fission-track clock (zircon at 350°C, sphene at 300°C, garnet at 280°C, muscovite at 130°C, hornblende at 120°C and apatite at 100°C for the cooling rate l°C/Ma) have been found suitable to explain the differences in mineral ages by different radiometric techniques. The nature of the cooling curves drawn using the temperature versus age data for various orogenic cycles in India has also been discussed. The cooling and the uplift patterns determined for various orogenic cycles of India, suggest comparatively slow cooling (5.0–0.2°C/Ma) and uplift (180–2 m/Ma) for the Peninsular regions and rapid cooling (25.0–1.0° C/Ma) and fast uplift (800–30 m/Ma) during the Himalayan Orogenic Cycle (Upper Cretaceous—Tertiary) in the Extra-Peninsular region.     

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.     

Layered amphibolite sequence in NE Sardinia,Italy: remnant of a pre-Variscan mafic silicic layered intrusion?

A banded amphibolite sequence of alternating ultramafic, mafic (amphibolite) and silicic layers, tectonically enclosed within Variscan migmatites, outcrops at Monte Plebi (NE Sardinia) and shows similarities with leptyno-amphibolite complexes. The ultramafic layers consist of amphibole (75–98%), garnet (0–20%), opaque minerals (1–5%) and biotite (0–3%). The mafic rocks are made up of amphibole (65–80%), plagioclase (15–30%), quartz (0–15%), opaque minerals (2–3%) and biotite (0–2%). The silicic layers consist of plagioclase (60–75%), amphibole (15–30%) and quartz (10–15%). Alteration, metasomatic, metamorphic and hydrothermal processes did not significantly modify the original protolith chemistry, as proved by a lack of K₂O-enrichment, Rb-enrichment, CaO-depletion, MgO-depletion and by no shift in the rare earth element (REE) patterns. Field, geochemical and isotopic data suggest that ultramafic, mafic and silicic layers represent repeated sequences of cumulates, basic and acidic rocks similar to macrorhythmic units of mafic silicic layered intrusions. The ultramafic layers recall the evolved cumulates of Skaergaard and Pleasant Bay mafic silicic layered intrusions. Mafic layers resemble Thingmuli tholeiites and chilled Pleasant Bay mafic rocks. Silicic layers with Na₂O: 4–6 wt%, SiO₂: 67–71 wt% were likely oligoclase-rich adcumulates common in many mafic silicic layered intrusions. Some amphibolite showing a strong Ti-, P-depletion and REE-depletion are interpreted as early cumulates nearly devoid of ilmenite and phosphates. All Monte Plebi rocks have extremely low Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf content and high LILE/HFSE ratios, a feature inherited from the original mantle sources. The mafic and ultramafic layers show slight and strong LREE enrichment respectively. Most mafic layer samples plot in the field of continental tholeiites in the TiO₂–K₂O–P₂O₅ diagram and are completely different from N-MORB, E-MORB and T-MORB as regards REE patterns and Nd, Sr isotope ratios but show analogies with Siberian, Deccan and proto-Atlantic rift tholeiites. Comparisons with Thingmuli, Skaergaard and Kiglapait rocks and with experimental data suggest that the Monte Plebi intrusion was an open-to-oxygen system with fO₂ FMQ. Mafic and ultramafic samples yielded _Nd(460)=+0.79 /+3.06 and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.702934–0.703426, and four silicic samples _Nd(460)=–0.53/–1.13; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.703239–0.703653. Significant differences in Nd isotope ratios between mafic and silicic rocks prove that both groups evolved separately in deeper magma chambers, from different mantle sources, with negligible interaction with crustal material, and were later repeatedly injected within a shallower magma chamber. The spectrum of Sr and Nd isotope data is consistent with a slightly enriched mantle metasomatized during an event earlier than 460 Ma. The metasomatising component was represented by alkali-Th-rich fluids of crustal origin rather than by sedimentary materials, able to modify alkali and Sr–Nd isotope systematics. Monte Plebi layered amphibolites might represent the first example of a strongly metamorphosed fragment of an early Paleozoic mafic silicic layered intrusion emplaced in a thinning continental crust and then tectonically dismembered by Variscan orogeny.     

Nd-Sr isotopic and trace element study of rocks and fluids from the continental deep drilling Project (KTB), Germany

Geochemical analyses were interpreted on the dominant lithological units and on a deep crustal fluid from the Continental Deep Drilling Project (KTB) Pilot Hole, situated at the western margin of the Variscan Bohemian Massif. The biotite gneiss (from 384 m depth) shows a rare earth element pattern very similar to the European shale composite with Nd model ages of 940 Ma (CHUR) and 1.4 Ga (DM). The lamprophyre dike in the upper profile (1549 m), a nepheline and olivine normative basalt, is geochemically and isotopically similar to rocks from the Tertiary Central European Volcanic Province. The lower metabasite sequence (3575–4000 m), with an intrusion age of approximately 500 Ma, is made up primarily of highly metamorphosed subalkalic olivine basalts. The geochemical characteristics of the metabasites are a (La/Yb)_N of 5–10, an La concentration of 20–50 times chondrite as well as (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.7035–0.7038 and _Nd(T) of 4–6. These values suggest a depleted mantle source for the igneous precursors, evolving by assimilation-fractional crystallization processes with up to 25% of upper crust into the ultramafic, basaltic, and intermediate rock types of the metabasite sequence. The strong geochemical and chronological similarities between the KTB metabasites and rocks from the Münchberg Massif suggest that these units belong to the same lithological complex. The high salinity as well as the radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.709413 in the KTB fluid from 4000 m depth might be the result of migrating fluids reacting with the regional Permo-Mesozoic evaporite deposits, followed by extensive Sr isotopic exchange with the upper crust.     

Rb-Sr systematics of Permian volcanites in the Schwarzwald (SW-Germany)

Rb-Sr mineral ages and Sr isotopic ratios were determined for several Permian rhyolites of the Schwarzwald, mainly by using mica-apatite pairs. Extrusion ages between_307+5 and 286+7 Ma were found ( _Rb=1.42· 10^–11 a^–1, 2). The initial Sr isotopic ratios range from 0,710 to 0.7125, with one exception (St. Märgen: 0.706). The Rb-Sr age of the granite porphyry Schweighof in the Southern Schwarzwald is 323+4 Ma.Thus the subsequent volcanic activity of the Hercynian orogeny lasted nearly 20–30 Ma, starting in the Late Carboniferous and culminating in the Early Permian. The volcanic activity moved in time from South to North. In the Southern as well as the Northern Schwarzwald a hiatus of about 20 Ma exists between late orogenic plutonism and subsequent volcanism. The initial ratios lie on the crustal evolution line of Schwarzwald basement and favour, with the St. Märgen porphyry as exception, a crustal provenance of the volcanic magmas.     

The Anna's Rust Sheet and related gabbroic intrusions in the Vredefort Dome-Kibaran magmatic event on the Kaapvaal Craton and beyond?

The Anna's Rust Sheet (ARS) and a suite of mineralogically and chemically related intrusions in the core and collar of the Vredefort Dome (in particular, the Vredefort Mafic Complex: VMC) represent a newly recognised type of high Ti gabbro in this central part of the Kaapvaal Craton. This lithology, referred to as the Vredefort Type IV mafic intrusion, is distinguished from chemically similar Type V intrusions (the Karoo dolerites) by the presence of glomeroporphyritic plagioclase and higher Th content and from Type III intrusions (≈ 1600 Ma gabbro) by the lack of cross-cutting pseudotachylitic breccia veinlets. Petrographic features and both major and trace element compositions of all Type IV intrusions are very similar. Based on its Rb-Sr isotope age and character, a gabbroic intrusion from Majuba Colliery (Mpumalanga Province) is also thought to belong to the ARS (Type IV) suite of tholeiitic intrusions. Rb-Sr isotopic analysis resulted in a preferred age of 1052±11 Ma (2ω) for biotite and plagioclase data for ARS, VMC and Majuba samples. The Rb-Sr age for the ARS is further supported by ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar stepheating ages for plagioclase and pyroxene separates from two ARS and VMC samples, which favour formation of this gabbroic intrusion at ca 1000 Ma ago. These results suggest that an ≈ 120 m thick sheet intrusion may be present throughout a major part of the Vredefort Dome. While Kibaran-age (ca 1–1.2 Ga) alkaline, both mafic and felsic, magmatism, as well as tectonic and hydrothermal activity at that time, have been known in the central Kaapvaal Craton, a widespread tholeiitic magmatic component has now been added to this record. There is a strong likelihood that this magmatic event occurred throughout the southern African subcontinent and perhaps into Antarctica.