Magma generation and crustal accretion as evidenced by supra-subduction ophiolites of the Albanide–Hellenide Subpelagonian zone

Abstract Ophiolites of the Mirdita–Subpelagonian zone form a nearly continuous belt in the Albanide–Hellenide orogen, including mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) associations in the western Mirdita sector and supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) complexes, with prevalent island arc tholeiitic (IAT) and minor boninitic affinities in the eastern part of the belt (i.e. eastern Mirdita, Pindos, Vourinos). In addition, basalts with geochemical features intermediate between MORB and IAT (MORB/IAT) are found in the central Mirdita and in the Aspropotamos sequence (Pindos). These basalts alternate with pure MORB and are cut by boninitic dykes. The distinctive compositional characteristics of the mafic magmas parental to the different ophiolitic suites can be accounted for by partial melting of mantle sources progressively depleted by melt extractions. Partial melting processes (10–20%) of lherzolitic sources generated pure MORB, leaving clinopyroxene‐poor lherzolite as a residuum. Approximately 10% water‐assisted partial melting of this latter source, in an SSZ setting, may in turn generate basalts with MORB/IAT intermediate characteristics, whereas IAT basalts and boninites may have been derived from 10–20% and 30% partial melting, respectively, of the same source variably enriched by subduction‐derived fluids. In addition, boninites may also have been derived by comparatively lower degrees of hydrated partial melting of more refractory harzburgitic sources. A generalized petrologic model based on mass balance calculations between bulk rock and mineral compositions, indicate that most of the intrusives (from ultramafic cumulates to gabbronorites and plagiogranites), as well as sheeted dykes and volcanics (from basalts to rhyodacites) forming the bulk crustal section of the SSZ ophiolites, may be accounted for by shallow fractional crystallization from low‐Ti picritic parental magmas very similar in composition to IAT picrites from Pacific intraoceanic arcs. The most appropriate tectono‐magmatic model for the generation of the SSZ Tethyan ophiolites implies low velocity plate‐convergence of the intraoceanic subduction and generation of a nascent arc with IAT affinity and progressive slab roll‐back, mantle diapirism and extension from the arc axis to the forearc region, with generation of MORB/IAT intermediate basalts and boninitic magmas.     

Mesozoic to Tertiary tectonic history of the Mirdita ophiolites, northern Albania

Abstract In this paper, a summary of the tectonic history of the Mirdita ophiolitic nappe, northern Albania, is proposed by geological and structural data. The Mirdita ophiolitic nappe includes a subophiolite mélange, the Rubik complex, overlain by two ophiolite units, referred to as the Western and Eastern units. Its history started in the Early Triassic with a rifting stage followed by a Middle to Late Triassic oceanic opening between the Adria and Eurasia continental margins. Subsequently, in Early Jurassic time, the oceanic basin was affected by convergence with the development of a subduction zone. The existence of this subduction zone is provided by the occurrence of the supra‐subduction‐zone‐related magmatic sequences found in both the Western and Eastern units of the Mirdita ophiolitic nappe. During the Middle Jurassic, continuous convergence resulted in the obduction of the oceanic lithosphere, in two different stages – the intraoceanic and marginal stages. The intraoceanic stage is characterized by the westward thrusting of a young and still hot section of oceanic lithosphere leading to the development of a metamorphic sole. In the Late Jurassic, the marginal stage developed by the emplacement of the ophiolitic nappe onto the continental margin. During this second stage, the emplacement of the ophiolites resulted in the development of the Rubik complex. In the Early Cretaceous, the final emplacement of the ophiolites was followed by the unconformable sedimentation of the Barremian–Senonian platform carbonate. From the Late Cretaceous to the Middle Miocene, the Mirdita ophiolitic nappe was translated westward during the progressive migration of the deformation front toward the Adria Plate. In the Middle to Late Miocene, a thinning of the whole nappe pile was achieved by extensional tectonics, while the compression was still active in the westernmost areas of the Adria Plate. On the whole, the Miocene deformations resulted in the uplift and exposition of the Mirdita ophiolites as observed today.     

Serpentinites and serpentinites: Variety of origins and emplacement mechanisms of serpentinite bodies in the California Cordillera

Most serpentinitized peridotite in orogenic belts is derived from oceanic lithosphere, but the emplacement mechanisms of these rocks vary greatly, as illustrated by the nature of these rock bodies and their contacts. The diverse emplacement mechanisms have important implications for connecting ophiolitic rock occurrences to large‐scale orogenic processes. In the California Cordillera, the largest bodies of ultramafic rocks are parts of ophiolite sheets, such as the Coast Range ophiolite (CRO), that were part of the upper plate of an oceanic subduction system. Such units differ from smaller bodies within subduction complexes such as the Franciscan Complex that were transferred from the subducting plate to the subduction complex during accretion. Some intra‐subduction complex ultramafic rocks occur as nearly block‐free sheets within the Franciscan Complex, and as a part of mafic–ultramafic imbricates or broken formations within the Shoo Fly Complex of the northern Sierra Nevada. Franciscan Complex serpentinite also occurs as sedimentary serpentinite mélange that was partly subducted after deposition in the trench via submarine sliding. Such mélanges include blocks that record older and higher grade metamorphism than the matrix. Sedimentary serpentinite mélange that includes high‐pressure metamorphic blocks is also found in the basal Great Valley Group forearc basin deposits depositionally overlie the CRO. Distinguishing the different serpentinite origins is difficult in the California Cordillera even though a terminal continental collision did not affect this orogenic belt. In more typical orogenic belts with greater post‐subduction disruption, distinction between the types of serpentinite occurrences presents a greater challenge.     

Geochemical characteristics of Bikou volcanic group and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition: Evidence for breakup event in the north margin of Yangtze plate,Jining era

The geodynamic setting of the Bikou volcanic group is a critical question to trace the Precambrain tectonic framework and evolution for the Yangtze plate. This study has suggested that the Bikou volcanic group is composed of several residual oceanic crust units: MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt), Alk-OIB (alkaline ocean island basalt) and Th-OIB (tholeiitic ocean island basalt) as well as subduction-related volcanic rocks. According to field observation, those distinct rocks occurred collectively in form of tectonic contact, implying that the Bikou volcanic group was an ophiolitic mélange. Coupled with geochronological data, a perished oceanic basin at the northern margin of the Yangtze block during Neoproterozoic was tested by this ophiolitic mélange. Meanwhile, the isogeochemical data suggest that the ocean occurred in the Southern Hemisphere identical to Indian, South Atlantic and South Pacific oceans in terms of their Dupal anomalies, and the original source of the rocks could be probably mixing by EMI and EMII component caused by dehydration melting of subducting oceanic crust during subduction process. On the basis of geochemical characteristics of the studied rocks, the Bikou volcanic group could imply that a partial breakup event occurred in the northern margin of Yangtze plate during the Neoproterozoic era.

     

Radiolarian‐based study on the fabric and the formation process of the Early Cretaceous mélange near Zhongba,Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture Zone,southern Tibet

The Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture Zone (YTSZ), as the southernmost and youngest among the sutures that subdivides the Tibetan Plateau into several east–west trending blocks, marks where the Neo‐Tethys was consumed as the Indian continent moved northward and collided against the Eurasian continent. Mélanges in the YTSZ represent the remnants of the oceanic plate through subduction and collision. Mélanges are characterized by a highly sheared volcanoclastic or siliceous mudstone matrix including blocks of chert, claystone, and basalt. Detailed radiolarian analyses are conducted on the mélange near Zhongba County. Macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic observations are combined in order to elucidate the relationships among age, lithology, and structure of blocks in the mélange. Reconstructed ocean plate stratigraphy includes Lower Jurassic limestone within the chert sequence accumulated at a depth near the CCD (Unit 2), Upper Jurassic thin‐bedded chert interbedded with claystone deposited in the wide ocean basin (Unit 3), and Lower Cretaceous chert with siliceous mudstone (Units 4 and 5), representing the middle parts of ocean plate stratigraphy. The results highlight the fabric of brecciated chert on mesoscopic scale, which is thought to be due to localized overpressure. The formation of mesoscopic and microscopic block‐in‐matrix fabrics in the mélange is proposed for the chert and siliceous mudstone bearing different extents of consolidation and competence during the progressive deformation of accreted sediments at shallow‐level subduction.     

Magmatism and metamorphism in the Ladakh Himalayas (the Indus-Tsangpo suture zone)

Ladakh (India) provides a complete geological section through the northwestern part of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Tibet. Within this section the magmatic, metamorphic and geotectonic evolution of the northern Himalayan orogeny has been studied using petrographic, geochemical and isotope analytical techniques.The beginning of the Himalayan cycle was marked by large basaltic extrusions (Panjal Trap) of Permian to Lower Triassic age at the “northern” margin of the Gondwana continent (Indian Shield). These continental type tholeiitic basalts were followed by a more alkaline volcanism within the Triassic to Jurassic Lamayuru unit of the Gondwana continental margin.Lower Jurassic to Cretaceous oceanic crust and sediments (ophiolitic mélange s.s.) accompany the Triassic to Cretaceous flysch deposits within the Indus-Tsangpo suture zone, the major structural divide between the Indian Shield (High Himalaya) and the Tibetan Platform. So far, no relic of Paleozoic oceanic crust has been found.Subduction of the Tethyan oceanic crust during Upper Jurassic and Cretaceous time produced an island arc represented by tholeiitic and calc-alkaline volcanic rock series (Dras volcanics) and related intrusives accompanied by volcaniclastic flysch deposits towards the Tibetan continental margin.Subsequent to the subduction of oceanic crust, large volumes of calc-alkaline plutons (Trans-Himalayan or Kangdese plutons) intruded the Tibetan continental margin over a distance of 2000 km and partly the Dras island arc in the Ladakh region.The collision of the Indian Shield and Tibetan Platform started during the middle to upper Eocene and caused large-scale, still active intracrustal thrusting as well as the piling up of the Himalayan nappes. The tectonically highest of these nappes is built up of oceanic crust and huge slices of peridotitic oceanic mantle (Spongtang klippe).In the High Himalayas the tectonic activity was accompanied and outlasted by a Barrovian-type metamorphism that affected Triassic sediments of the Kashmir-Nun-Kun synclinorium up to kyanite/staurolite grade and the deeper-seated units up to sillimanite grade. Cooling ages of micas are around 20 m.y. (muscovite) and 13 m.y. (biotite). Towards the Indus-Tsangpo suture zone metamorphism decreases with no obvious discontinuity through greenschist, prehnite-pumpellyite to zeolite grade. Remnants of possibly an Eo-Himalayan blueschist metamorphism have been found within thrust zones accompanying ophiolitic mélange in the suture zone.     

Mesozoic radiolarian faunas from the northwest Ilocos Region,Luzon, Philippines and their tectonic significance

Northwestern Ilocos Norte in Luzon, Philippines, exposes cherts, peridotite and a variety of metamorphic rocks including chlorite schist, quartzo‐feldspathic schist, muscovite schist and actinolite schist. These rocks are incorporated within a tectonic mélange, the Dos Hermanos Mélange, which is thrust onto the turbidite succession of the Eocene Bangui Formation and capped by the Upper Miocene Pasuquin Limestone. The radiolarian assemblages constrain the stratigraphic range of the cherts to the uppermost Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous. Stratigraphically important species include Eucyrtidiellum pyramis (Aita), Hiscocapsa acuta (Hull), Protunuma japonicus (Matsuoka & Yao), Archeodictyomitra montisserei (Squinabol), Hiscocapsa asseni (Tan), Cryptamphorella conara (Foreman) and Pseudodictyomitra carpatica (Lozyniak). The radiolarian biostratigraphic data provide evidence for the existence of a Mesozoic basinal source from which the cherts and associated rocks were derived. Crucial to determining the origin of these rocks is their distribution and resemblance with known mélange outcrops in Central Philippines. The mélange in the northwestern Ilocos region bears similarities in terms of age and composition with those noted in the western part of the Central Philippines, particularly in the islands of Romblon, Mindoro and Panay. The existence of tectonic mélanges in the Central Philippines has been attributed to the Early to Middle Miocene arc–continent collision. This event involved the Philippine Mobile Belt and the Palawan Microcontinental Block, a terrane that drifted from the southeastern margin of mainland Asia following the opening of the South China Sea. Such arc–continent collision event could also well explain the existence of a tectonic mélange in northwestern Luzon.     

Oceanic units in the core of the External Rif (Morocco): Intramargin hiatus or South-Tethyan remnants?

The aim of this paper is to describe the mafic rocks that crop out in the central-western Mesorif Zone (External Rif Belt), and discuss their geodynamic signification. Basalt flows, olistoliths and breccias occur in Oxfordian–Berriasian deposits of Mesorif units ascribed to the distal part of the African paleomargin. The climax of volcanic activity is observed at the northern border of a Kimmeridgian carbonate platform progressively dismembered during the Tithonian–Berriasian. In spite of the alteration of the basalts, their petrological and geochemical characters point to E-MORB affinities. The studied gabbro massifs (Bou Adel, Kef el Rhar west and north) occur as restricted slivers or klippes within the Senhadja nappe or mélange of the internal Mesorif, which overlies the basalt-bearing units and other, more external Mesorif units. The compositions range from troctolitic olivine gabbro to ferrogabbro with frequent ortho- to heteradcumulate textures; they display typical tholeiitic affinity. The gabbro massifs are crosscut by trondjhemite dykes and overlain by metabasalts, fault-scarp breccias, ophicalcites, marbles and radiolarites. Composition featuring initial near liquid composition, display multi elements patterns close to those of E-MORB, with a weak Eu negative anomaly and evidence of slight crustal contamination. These gabbro massifs were regarded as Jurassic–Cretaceous intrusions, locally dated (K–Ar) at 166 ± 3 Ma. Conversely, we assume they represent discrete samples of a Jurassic–Cretaceous oceanic basement (ophiolites), emplaced tectonically in the Senhadja nappe (mélange) of the central Mesorif. The correlation of both these types of mafic rock associations (paleomargin basalts and ophiolite klippes) with the serpentinites of the eastern Mesorif (Beni Malek) and Oran mountains (Algeria) is then briefly discussed. We conclude that the previous hypothesis of an intramargin “Mesorif suture zone” must be reconsidered, being challenged by that of a major, syn-collisional “Oran-Mesorif Strike-Slip Fault”. In the latter hypothesis, the newly described Mesorif oceanic klippes would represent allochthonous remnants of the Ligurian–Maghrebian (Tethyan) oceanic domain.     

In situ pressure–temperature conditions of a tectonic mélange: Constraints from fluid inclusion analysis of syn-mélange veins

Abstract Pressure and temperature (P–T) conditions of mélange formation are estimated from fluid inclusions within “syn‐mélange” veins developed in the necks of boudins of sandstone blocks in the mélange of the Shimanto accretionary complex, south‐west Japan. The mélange records décollement‐zone processes. P–T conditions are in the range of 81 (+15) to 235 (±18) MPa and 150 (±25) to 220 (±31)°C. Assuming a constant fluid‐pressure to lithostatic‐pressure ratio for each data set, we estimate a P–T gradient of between 10.0°C/km (+0.2/?1.5) (lithostatic pressure) and 4.2°C/km (+0.1/?0.9) (hydrostatic pressure) from these results. The estimated lithostatic P–T gradient is much lower than that calculated from the age of the subducting oceanic plate. The estimated P–T conditions suggest that the mélange was formed within the seismogenic zone (hypothesized from thermal modeling), although the deformation mechanism of mélange (i.e. dominant diffusive mass transfer mainly in shale matrix with minor brittle breakage mainly in sandstone blocks) does not show evidence of seismic deformation. In addition, at the time of syn‐mélange vein formation, a shale matrix of mélange has injected into the vein, which indicates a ductile deformation of shale. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is that the mélange was formed during the interseismic period.     

Oceanic plateau accretion inferred from Late Paleozoic greenstones in the Jurassic Tamba accretionary complex, southwest Japan

Abstract The Jurassic Tamba accretionary complex is divided into two tectono‐stratigraphic suites (Type I and II nappe groups), which are further divided into six complexes (nappes) each of which is characterized by a rock sequence of Late Paleozoic greenstone/limestone, Permian to Jurassic chert and Jurassic terrigenous clastic rocks. The mode of occurrence of the greenstone is divided into two types. The major basal type occurs as a large coherent slab associated with Permian chert and limestone, constituting the basal part of each complex, and the minor mixed type occurs as fragmented allochthonous greenstone blocks and lenses mixed with chert, limestone and sandstone in the Jurassic mudstone matrix. Most of the basal greenstones have uniform geochemical characteristics, which indicate enriched‐mid‐oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) affinity. Their geochemical compositions are akin to the reported Permo‐Carboniferous and Triassic oceanic plateau basalts. Mixed greenstones are divided into two petrochemical types: (i) tholeiitic basalt with normal‐MORB affinity, which is predominant in the uppermost complex of the Type II suite (upper nappe group); and (ii) tholeiitic and alkalic basalts of oceanic island or seamount origin, which are common in all complexes of the Tamba Belt. Geochemical characteristics of the greenstones thus vary in accordance with their occurrences and the structural units to which they belong. This relationship reflects the difference in topographic relief and crustal thickness of the accreted oceanic edifices – the remnants of thick oceanic plateau crust tended to accrete to the continental margin as a large basal greenstone body, whereas thin normal oceanic crust with small seamounts or oceanic islands accreted as mixed greenstones because of their mechanical weakness. The Type II suite (upper nappe group) contains the basal and mixed greenstones, whereas the Type I suite (lower nappe group) includes only mixed greenstones. This distinction may reflect the temporal change of subducting edifices from a thick oceanic plateau to a thin normal oceanic crust, and suggests that the accretion of a large oceanic plateau may be responsible for building accretionary complexes with thick basal greenstones slabs.     

Sr–Nd isotopes and geochemistry of the infrastructural rocks in the Meatiq and Hafafit core complexes, Eastern Desert, Egypt: Evidence for involvement of pre-Neoproterozoic crust in the growth of Arabian–Nubian Shield

Abstract Meatiq and Hafafit core complexes are large swells in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, comprising two major tectono‐stratigraphic units or tiers. The lower (infrastructure) unit is composed of variably cataclased gneissose granites and high‐grade gneisses and schists. It is structurally overlain by Pan–African ophiolitic mélange nappes (the higher unit). The two units are separated by a low‐angle sole thrust, along which mylonites are developed. Major and trace element data indicate formation of the gneissose granites in both volcanic arc and within‐plate settings. Nevertheless, all analyzed gneissose granites and other infrastructural rocks, exhibit low initial ratios (Sr_i) (<0.7027), positive ε_Nd(t) (+4.9 to +10.3) and Neoproterozoic Nd model age (T_DM) (592–831 Ma for the gneissose granite samples). Although these values are compatible with other parts of the Arabian– Nubian Shield considered to be juvenile, the ε_Nd(t) values and several incompatible element ratios of the gneissose granites are too low to be derived from a mantle source without contribution from an older continental crust. Our geological, Sr–Nd isotopic and chemical data combined with the published zircon ages indicate the existence of a pre‐Neoproterozoic continent in the Eastern Desert that started to break up at ca 800 Ma. Rifting and subsequent events caused the formation of oceanic crust and emplacement within‐plate alkali basalts in the hinterland domains of the old continent. The emplacement of basaltic magma might have triggered melting of lower crust in the old continent and resulted in emplacement of the within‐plate granite masses between 700 Ma and 626 Ma. The granite masses and other rocks in the old continent have been subjected to deformation during the over‐thrusting of Pan–African nappes, probably because of the oblique convergence between East and West Gondwanaland. Rb–Sr isotopes of the gneissose granites in both Meatiq and Hafafit core complexes defines an isochron age of 619 ± 25 Ma with Sr_i of 0.7009 ± 0.0017 and mean squares of weighted deviates = 2.0. We interpret this age as the date of thrusting of the Pan–African nappes in the Eastern Desert. Continued oblique convergence between East and West Gondwanaland could have resulted in the formation northwest–southeast‐trending Meatiq and Hafafit anticlinoriums.     

Detrital zircon multi‐chronology,provenance, and low‐grade metamorphism of the Cretaceous Shimanto accretionary complex,eastern Shikoku,Southwest Japan: Tectonic evolution in response to igneous activity within a subduction zone

Detrital zircon multi‐chronology combined with provenance and low‐grade metamorphism analyses enables the reinterpretation of the tectonic evolution of the Cretaceous Shimanto accretionary complex in Southwest Japan. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages and provenance analysis defines the depositional age of trench‐fill turbidites associated with igneous activity in provenance. Periods of low igneous activity are recorded by youngest single grain zircon U–Pb ages (YSG) that approximate or are older than the depositional ages obtained from radiolarian fossil‐bearing mudstone. Periods of intensive igneous activity recorded by youngest cluster U–Pb ages (YC1σ) that correspond to the younger limits of radiolarian ages. The YC1σ U–Pb ages obtained from sandstones within mélange units provide more accurate younger depositional ages than radiolarian ages derived from mudstone. Determining true depositional ages requires a combination of fossil data, detrital zircon ages, and provenance information. Fission‐track ages using zircons estimated YC1σ U–Pb ages are useful for assessing depositional and annealing ages for the low‐grade metamorphosed accretionary complex. These new dating presented here indicates the following tectonic history of the accretionary wedge. Evolution of the Shimanto accretionary complex from the Albian to the Turonian was caused by the subduction of the Izanagi plate, a process that supplied sediments via the erosion of Permian and Triassic to Early Jurassic granitic rocks and the eruption of minor amounts of Early Cretaceous intermediate volcanic rocks. The complex subsequently underwent intensive igneous activity from the Coniacian to the early Paleocene as a result of the subduction of a hot and young oceanic slab, such as the Kula–Pacific plate. Finally, the major out‐of‐sequence thrusts of the Fukase Fault and the Aki Tectonic Line formed after the middle Eocene, and this reactivation of the Shimanto accretionary complex as a result of the subduction of the Pacific plate.     

Tethyan ophiolites and Pangea break-up

Abstract The break‐up of Pangea began during the Triassic and was preceded by a generalized Permo‐Triassic formation of continental rifts along the future margins between Africa and Europe, between Africa and North America, and between North and South America. During the Middle–Late Triassic, an ocean basin cutting the eastern equatorial portion of the Pangea opened as a prograding branch of the Paleotethys or as a new ocean (the Eastern Tethys); westwards, continental rift basins developed. The Western Tethys and Central Atlantic began to open only during the Middle Jurassic. The timing of the break‐up can be hypothesized from data from the oceanic remnants of the peri‐Mediterranean and peri‐Caribbean regions (the Mesozoic ophiolites) and from the Atlantic ocean crust. In the Eastern Tethys, Middle–Late Triassic mid‐oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) ophiolites, Middle–Upper Jurassic MORB, island arc tholeiite (IAT) supra‐subduction ophiolites and Middle–Upper Jurassic metamorphic soles occur, suggesting that the ocean drifting was active from the Triassic to the Middle Jurassic. The compressive phases, as early as during the Middle Jurassic, were when the drifting was still active and caused the ocean closure at the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary and, successively, the formation of the orogenic belts. The present scattering of the ophiolites is a consequence of the orogenesis: once the tectonic disturbances are removed, the Eastern Tethys ophiolites constitute a single alignment. In the Western Tethys only Middle–Upper Jurassic MORB ophiolites are present – this was the drifting time. The closure began during the Late Cretaceous and was completed during the Eocene. Along the area linking the Western Tethys to the Central Atlantic, the break‐up was realized through left lateral wrench movements. In the Central Atlantic – the link between the Western Tethys and the Caribbean Tethys – the drifting began at the same time and is still continuing. The Caribbean Tethys opened probably during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. The general picture rising from the previous data suggest a Pangea break‐up rejuvenating from east to west, from the Middle–Late Triassic to the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous.     

Mesozoic terranes of the northwest Pacific continental margin (Russia): Radiolarian ages and sedimentary environments

Abstract Geological mapping using detailed tectonic and complex radiolarian analysis revealed significant northward displacement of a number of Russian Far and Northeast Asia terranes. It was recorded that some terranes possibly crossed the equator. Terranes of north-east Russia were composed of different allochthonous formations, ranging in age from Middle Triassic to Maestrichtian-Paleocene and accumulated from the margin to oceanic basins. The Middle to Upper Triassic interval included two formations: (i) volcanogenic, consisting of typical volcanic rocks of the island arcs (up to 800 m thick); and (ii) a chert-limestone-terrigenous one composed of marginal sandstone, siltstone, limestone and tuffic chert (about 400 m). Lower Jurassic allochthonous formations are represented by chert-terrigenous (about 300 m) and jasper-alkaline-basaltic (WPB-type) seamount deposits (about 100 m). Middle Jurassic to Hauterivian allochthonous terranes from the northern part of the Koryak-Kamchatka region include five formations: jasper (bedding jaspers with condensed limestone lenses with Buchias, 80 m), jasper-basalt (with MORB, 100-150 m), ferrotitanic basalt (WPB with lenses of jasper mainly composed of genus Parvicingula, about 75%, 150 m), terrigenous-volcanic (with MORB, IAT, CA basalts and olistostrome, 600 m), tuffic-jasper-basalt (MORB and deposits of arc-trench system, about 500 m) with the same age according to radiolarian data. Aptian? Albian-Maestrichtian ones are predominantly terrigenous-tuffaceous-siliceous. Moreover, the Early and Middle Jurassic faunas of the northwest Pacific margin contain many boreal elements similar to those of New Zealand (Southern Hemisphere), Japan, ODP Site 801. The Late Jurassic faunas of the Koryak and Kamchatka region are mainly North Tethyan and seldom Central Tethyan and are very closely related to those of the Americas. The Tithonian to Early Cretaceous radiolarian are predominantly Central Tethyan and Equatorial in contrast to Boreal Late Cretaceous. The combining in the same region at 60°N Pacific margin of the formations accumulated in different tectonic paleoenvironments and paleoclimatic provinces, is good evidence for the possible significant northward displacement of some terranes in the northwestern Pacific.     

Late Anisian radiolarian assemblages from the Yarlung‐Tsangpo Suture Zone in the Jinlu area,Zedong, southern Tibet: Implications for the evolution of Neotethys

Abundant Triassic radiolarian fossils were obtained from varicolored bedded cherts exposed in the Buruocang section near Jinlu village, Zedong, southern Tibet. The radiolarian‐bearing rocks represent fragmented remnants of the Neotethys oceanic sediments belonging to the mélange complex of the east part of the Yarlung‐Tsangpo Suture Zone. Two new middle Late Anisian radiolarian assemblages recognized from this section named Oertlispongus inaequispinosus and Triassocampe deweveri, respectively, are compared with those known from Europe, Far East Russia, Japan, and Turkey. These Anisian radiolarian fossils are the first reported in southern Tibet and the oldest radiolarian record within the Yarlung‐Tsangpo Suture Zone. They improve time constraints for the evolution of Neotethys in southern Tibet.     

Tectonic implications of the geochemical data from the Makran igneous rocks in Iran

Makran is one of the largest accretionary prisms on Earth, formed by the closure of the Neotethys ocean which is now represented by its remnant, the Gulf of Oman. Tectonic evolution of the Makran island‐arc system is explored within the context of a north dipping subduction zone, with temporal variations in slab dip arrangement. In a Middle Jurassic–Early Paleocene steep slab dip arrangement, the Mesozoic magmatic arc and the Proto‐Jaz Murian depression, which was an intra‐arc extensional basin, were developed. This was associated with development of outer‐arc ophiolitic mélange and oceanward migration of the Bajgan–Durkan continental sliver, which is the continuation of the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone of the Zagros orogenic belt into the Makran region. In a Late Paleocene to Late Pliocene moderate to shallow slab dip arrangement, compression and tectonic inversion of the Proto‐Jaz Murian extensional basin into the Jaz Murian compressive basin was associated with the uplift of the southern part of the Jaz Murian Depression along the South Jaz Murian Fault, and emplacement of the Paleogene–Neogene magmatic arc, behind the Jaz Murian compressive basin. A shallow slab dip arrangement in the Quaternary led to the emplacement of a third magmatic arc inland, over the southern part of the Yazd–Tabas–Lut micro‐continental block. It is envisioned that the Makran island‐arc system will pass through similar tectonic events in the future, as the Zagros island‐arc system did in the past. However, a future remnant and/or residual basin similar to the present Gulf of Oman will continue to survive to the east.     

Large amount of fluid migration around shallow seismogenic depth preserved in tectonic mélange: Yokonami mélange,the Cretaceous Shimanto Belt,Kochi, Southwest Japan

Studying subduction zone fluid at shallow seismogenic depths is important to understand the nature of fault rocks at the updip limit of the seismogenic zone because fluid–rock interactions affect heat and mass transfer, and fault strength. In this study, we conducted detailed analyses of distribution of shear veins, and estimation of pressure–temperature conditions for shear vein formation for the Yokonami mélange, Shikoku, Southwest Japan, which is tectonic mélange zone in an on‐land accretionary complex. We found a seismogenic fault at the upper boundary of the Yokonami mélange, indicating that the Yokonami mélange was active at seismogenic depth. The field‐transect distribution of shear veins was examined. The frequency, the total and mean thicknesses of the shear veins were about 3.7 per meter, about 10 mm per meter, and about 3 mm per shear vein, respectively. Quartz within the shear veins shows elongate‐blocky textures, suggesting precipitation from advective flow. The pressure and temperature conditions for shear vein formation were examined by fluid inclusion analysis, ranging 175–225°C and 143–215 MPa, respectively. The temperature is almost consistent with the paleotemperature determined from vitrinite reflectance, suggesting that the shear veins were formed at up to the maximum depth. The depth might be consistent with that where the seismogenic fault was formed. On the basis of the pressure and temperature conditions and the distribution of shear veins, we estimated the minimum volumetric ratio of fluid to host rocks, assuming that the shear veins had precipitated from advective flow. The estimated amount of fluid is about 106 m³ per cubic meter of host rocks. The results suggest that a large amount of fluid migrates through mélange zones at shallow seismogenic depths. This fluid possibly originates from the dehydration of clay minerals from underthrusted sediments and an altered subducting slab.     

Provenance and thermal history of the Bayan Har Group in the western-central Songpan–Ganzi–Bayan Har terrane: Implications for tectonic evolution of the northern Tibetan Plateau

Triassic turbidites dominate the Songpan–Ganzi–Bayan Har (SGBH) terrane of the northern Tibetan Plateau. U‐Pb dating on single detrital zircon grains from the Triassic Bayan Har Group turbidites yield peaks at 400–500 m.y., 900–1000 m.y., 1800–1900 m.y., and 2400–2500 m.y., These results are consistent with recently published U‐Pb zircon ages of pre‐Triassic bedrock in the East Kunlun, Altyn, Qaidam, Qilian and Alaxa areas to the north, suggesting that provenance of the Bayan Har Group may include these rocks. The similarities in the compositions of the lithic arkosic sandstones of the Bayan Har Group with the sandstones of the Lower‐Middle Triassic formations in the East Kunlun terrane to the north also suggests a common northern provenance for both. A well exposed angular unconformity between the Carboniferous–Middle Permian mélange sequences and the overlying Upper Permian or Triassic strata indicates that regional deformation occurred between the Middle and Late Permian. This deformation may have been the result of a soft collision between the Qiangtang terrane and the North China Plate and the closure of the Paleo‐Tethyan oceanic basin. The Bayan Har Group turbidites were then deposited in a re‐opened marine basin on a shelf environment. Fission‐track dating of detrital zircons from the Bayan Har Group sandstones revealed pre‐ and post‐depositional age components, suggesting that the temperatures did not reach the temperatures necessary to anneal retentive zircon fission tracks (250–300°C). A 282–292 m.y. peak age defined by low U concentration, retentive zircons likely reflects a northern granitic source. Euhedral zircons from two lithic arkoses with abundant volcanic fragments in the southern area yielded a ～237 m.y. zircon fission track (ZFT) peak age, likely recording the maximum age of deposition. A dominant post‐depositional 170–185 m.y. ZFT peak age suggests peak temperatures were reached in the Early Jurassic. Some samples appear to record a younger thermal event at ～140 m.y., a short lived event that apparently affected only the least retentive zircons.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of Late Triassic volcanic rocks in the Chiang Khong region, northern Thailand

The Chiang Khong segment of the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak Volcanic Belt is composed of three broadly meridional sub‐belts of mafic to felsic volcanic, volcaniclastic, and associated intrusive rocks. Associated sedimentary rocks are largely non‐marine red beds and conglomerates. Three representative Chiang Khong lavas have Late Triassic (223–220 Ma) laser ablation inductively coupled mass‐spectroscopy U–Pb zircon ages. Felsic‐dominated sequences in the Chiang Khong Western and Central Sub‐belts are high‐K calc–alkaline rocks that range from basaltic to dominant felsic lavas with rare mafic dykes. The Western Sub‐belt lavas have slightly lower high field strength element contents at all fractionation levels than equivalent rocks from the Central Sub‐belt. In contrast, the Eastern Sub‐belt is dominated by mafic lavas and dykes with compositions transitional between E‐mid‐oceanic ridge basalt and back‐arc basin basalts. The Eastern Sub‐belt rocks have higher FeO* and TiO₂ and less light rare earth element enrichment than basalts in the high‐K sequences. Basaltic and doleritic dykes in the Western and Central sub‐belts match the composition of the Eastern Sub‐belt lavas and dykes. A recent geochemical study of the Chiang Khong rocks concluded that they were erupted in a continental margin volcanic arc setting. However, based on the dominance of felsic lavas and the mainly non‐marine associated sediments, we propose an alternative origin, in a post‐collisional extensional setting. A major late Middle to early Late Triassic collisional orogenic event is well documented in northern Thailand and Yunnan. We believe that the paucity of radiometric dates for arc‐like lavas in the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak Volcanic Belt that precede this orogenic event, coupled with the geochemistry of the Chiang Khong rocks, and strong compositional analogies with other post‐collisional magmatic suites, are features that are more typical of volcanic belts formed in a rapidly evolving post‐collisional, basin‐and range‐type extensional setting.     

Geochemistry of the E-MORB type ophiolite and related volcanic rocks from the Wushan area,West Qinling

The mafic-ultramafic assemblages, which thrustthrust into the Wushan-Tangzang boundary fault as some blocks and outcropped in the Yuanyangzhen, Lijiahe, Lubangou and Gaojiahe area, consist mainly of meta-peridotites, gabbros and basalts. The meta-peridotites are characterized by high SiO₂ and MgO contents, low ΣREE, as well as their chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns show some similarities to that of middle oceanic meta-peridotite. The basalts from the Yuanyangzhen, Lijiahe and Lubangou area are characterized by relatively high TiO₂ content, low Al₂O₃ content and Na₂O>>K₂O. Above all, it is the slight enrichment or flat REE distribution patterns and the unfractionated in HFS elements in the primitive-normalized trace elements distribution patterns that indicate these basalts are similar to that of the typical E-MORB. In comparison, the basalts from the Gaojiahe section are featured by depletion in Nb and Ta contents and enrichment in Th content which show that these were derived from an island-arc setting. From studies of the regional geology, petrology, geochemistry, geo-chronology and all above evidence, it can be suggested that the mafic-ultramafic rocks from the Wushan area are mainly dismembered E-MORB type ophiolite, which represent the fragments of the lithosphere of the Early-Paleozoic Qinling ocean. It is preferred that these rocks were formed in an initial mid-ocean ridge setting during the beginning stage of the oceanic basin spreading. This ophiolite together with the Gaojiahe island-arc basalts shows that there exists an ophiolitic mélange along the Wushan-Tangzang boundary fault, and marks the suture zone after the closure of the Qinling ocean in early Paleozoic.