Petrogenesis of the Eocene and Mio–Pliocene alkaline basaltic magmatism in Meseta Chile Chico, southern Patagonia, Chile: Evidence for the participation of two slab windows

The Meseta Chile Chico (MCC, 46.4°S) is the westernmost exposure of Eocene (lower basaltic sequence, LBS; 55–40 Ma, K–Ar ages) and Mio–Pliocene (upper basaltic sequence, UBS; 16–4 Ma, K–Ar ages) flood basalt volcanism in Patagonia. The MCC is located south of the Lago General Carrera-Buenos Aires (LGCBA), southeast from the present day Chile Triple Junction (CTJ), east of the actual volcanic gap between Southern South Volcanic Zone and Austral Volcanic Zone (SSVZ and AVZ, respectively) and just above the inferred location of the South Chile Ridge segment subducted at 6 Ma (SCR-1). Erupted products consist of mainly ne-normative olivine basalt with minor hy-normative tholeiites basalt, trachybasalt and basanite. MCC lavas are alkaline (42.7–53.1 wt.% SiO₂, 3–8 wt.% Na₂O+K₂O) and relatively primitive (Ni: 133–360 ppm, Cr: 161–193 ppm, Co: 35–72 ppm, 4–16.5 MgO wt.%). They have a marked OIB-like signature, as shown by their isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_o=0.70311–0.70414 and εNd=+4.7–+5.1) and their incompatible trace elements ratios (Ba/La=10–20, La/Nb=0.46–1.09, Ce/Pb=15.52–27.5, Sr/La<25), reflecting deep mantle origin. UBS-primitive lavas have characteristics similar to those of the Eocene LBS basalts, while UBS-intermediate lavas show geochemical imprints (La/Nb>1, Sr/La>25, low Ce/Pb, Nb/U) compatible with contamination by arc/slab-derived and/or crustal components. We propose that the genesis and extrusion of magmas is related to the opening of two slab windows due to the subduction of two active ridge segments beneath Patagonia during Eocene and Mio–Pliocene.     

The Late Precambrian Timna igneous complex, Southern Israel: Evidence for comagmatic-type sanukitoid monzodiorite and alkali granite magma

New data from a geochemical, geochronological and isotopic study of the Late Precambrian Timna igneous complex suggest the formation of alkali granites from a LIL-enriched, mantle derived, sanukitoid-type monzodiorite (a silica oversaturated rock with Mg# >60). These data also provide new insights into the petrology, timing and regional tectonic control of the transition from the calc-alkaline to the alkaline magmatic activity in the northern Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) during the Late Precambrian.

The Timna alkali granite was formed by fractional crystallization from the monzodioritic magma in a quasi-stratified magmatic cell which formed 610 Ma ago in the 625 Ma old calc-alkaline, porphyritic granite crust. These monzodiorites are mantle-derived, as demonstrated by their high Mg# (63), Cr (230 ppm), and Ni (120 ppm). They are characterized by initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.7034, ε-Nd (610 Ma) = +3.4, and are enriched in K₂O (2.9%), Sr (840 ppm), Ba (1290 ppm) and LREE [(La/Lu)_n= 10–25]. The chemical characteristics and REE patterns of the monzodiorites and andesitic dykes of Timna are very similar to Dokhan andesites from northeastern Egypt and the Archean sanukitoids from Canada. The isotopic, geochemical and geochronologic data all indicate that Timna monzodiorites are comagmatic with the alkali granite. The alkali granite is a typical post-orogenic, borderline A-type granite. It is enriched in potassium (K₂O=4.68–6.64%), has a negative europium anomaly (Eu/Eu^*=0.058–0.38) and ε-Nd (610 Ma) of +3.9. The calc-alkaline granite is a typical I-type granite with a small positive europium anomaly (Eu/Eu^*=1.02–1.16). Its age and the Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic characteristics with ε-Nd (625 Ma) of +5.6 to +5.9 are significantly different from these of the alkali granite and monzodiorites, and indicate little interaction with the monzodiorite during the formation of the alkali granite.

The alkali granites are correlative with the post-collisional extensional granites in Jordan and Egypt while the porphyritic granites can be correlated with the late orogenic types. Crustal thickening associated with orogenic compression resulted in crustal anatexis to form the I-type granitic rocks, whereas crustal thinning associated with extension allowed LIL-enriched mantle melts to rise very near to the surface, where space was available for these to pond and fractionate to alkali granite.     

Depleted arc volcanism in the Alboran Sea and shoshonitic volcanism in Morocco: geochemical and isotopic constraints on Neogene tectonic processes

Samples of volcanic rocks from Alborán Island, the Alboran Sea floor and from the Gourougou volcanic centre in northern Morocco have been analyzed for major and trace elements and Sr–Nd isotopes to test current theories on the tectonic geodynamic evolution of the Alboran Sea. The Alborán Island samples are low-K tholeiitic basaltic andesites whose depleted contents of HFS elements (0.5×N-MORB), especially Nb (0.2×N-MORB), show marked geochemical parallels with volcanics from immature intra-oceanic arcs and back-arc basins. Several of the submarine samples have similar compositions, one showing low-Ca boninite affinity. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios fall in the same range as many island-arc and back-arc basin samples, whereas ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (on leached samples) are somewhat more radiogenic. Our data point to active subduction taking place beneath the Alboran region in Miocene times, and imply the presence of an associated back-arc spreading centre. Our sea floor suite includes a few more evolved dacite and rhyolite samples with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)₀ up to 0.717 that probably represent varying degrees of crustal melting. The shoshonite and high-K basaltic andesite lavas from Gourougou have comparable normalized incompatible-element enrichment diagrams and Ce/Y ratios to shoshonitic volcanics from oceanic island arcs, though they have less pronounced Nb deficits. They are much less LIL- and LREE-enriched than continental arc analogues and post-collisional shoshonites from Tibet. The magmas probably originated by melting in subcontinental lithospheric mantle that had experienced negligible subduction input. Sr–Nd isotope compositions point to significant crustal contamination which appears to account for the small Nb anomalies.

The unmistakable supra-subduction zone (SSZ) signature shown by our Alboran basalts and basaltic andesite samples refutes geodynamic models that attribute all Neogene volcanism in the Alboran domain to decompression melting of upwelling asthenosphere arising from convective thinning of over-thickened lithosphere. Our data support recent models in which subsidence is caused by westward rollback of an eastward-dipping subduction zone beneath the westernmost Mediterranean. Moreover, severance of the lithosphere at the edges of the rolling-back slab provides opportunities for locally melting lithospheric mantle, providing a possible explanation for the shoshonitic volcanism seen in northern Morocco and more sporadically in SE Spain.     

Petrology and geochemistry of potassic and ultrapotassic volcanism in central Italy: petrogenesis and inferences on the evolution of the mantle sources

Major, trace element, Sr isotopic and mineral chemical data are reported for mafic volcanic rocks (Mg-value 65) from the northern-central sector of the potassic volcanic belt of Central Italy. The rocks investigated range from potassic series (KS) and high-K series (HKS) to lamproitic (LMP) and kamafugitic (KAM) through a transitional series (TRANS), thus covering the entire compositional spectrum of potassic and ultrapotassic magmas. KAM rocks are strongly silica undersaturated and, compared with the other rock series, have low SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Na₂O, Sc and V and high CaO, K/Na, (Na + K)/Al. KS and HKS have high Al₂O₃, CaO and variable enrichment in K₂O and incompatible elements. LMP rocks are saturated in silica and have high SiO₂, K₂O, K₂O/Na₂, MgO, Ni and Cr and low Al₂O₃, CaO, Na₂O, Sc and V. TRANS rocks display intermediate compositional characteristics between LMP and KS.

All the rocks under study have fractionated hygromagmaphile element patterns with high LIL/HFS element values and negative anomalies of Ti, Ta, Nb and Ba. Negative Sr anomalies are observed in the LMP and TRANS rocks. LIL elements show overall positive correlations with K₂O, whereas different trends of Sr and HFSE vs. K₂O are defined by LMP-TRANS and KS-HKS-KAM. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr range from about 0.710 to 0.716. KS, HKS and KAM rocks have similar ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values clustering around 0.710. LMP and TRANS rocks have the highest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values.

Geochemical and isotopic data reported for the most primitive Italian potassic and ultrapotassic rocks support the hypothesis that the interaction between crustal and mantle reservoirs was a main process in the genesis of Italian potassic magmatism. Simple mass balance calculations exclude, however, an important role of crustal assimilation during ascent of subcrustal magmas to the surface and indicate that the sources of Central Italy volcanics underwent contamination with fluids and/or melts released by upper crustal material previously brought into the mantle by subduction processes.

Different trends of incompatible elements vs. K₂O observed in the studied rocks suggest distinct metasomatic processes for the sources of the investigated magmas. Liquids derived by bulk melting of pelitic sediments are believed to be the most likely contaminants of the source of LMP rocks. Fluids or melts rich in Ca, Sr and with high LILE/HFSE value and Sr isotopic composition around 0.710 are the most likely contaminant of the source region of KS, HKS and KAM volcanics. Variations in CaO, Na₂O and ferromagnesian element abundances and ratios suggest that, in some zones, the mantle source of potassic magmas experienced partial melting with extraction of basaltic liquids prior to metasomatism.     

Origin of lamprophyres by the mixing of basic and alkaline melts in magma chamber in Beiya area, western Yunnan, China

Lamprophyres consisting mainly of diopside, phlogopite and K-feldspar formed in the early Tertiary around 60 Ma in the Beiya area and are characterized by low SiO₂ ± 46–50 wt.%), Rb (31–45 ppm) and Sr (225–262 ppm), high Al₂O₃, (11.2–13.1 wt.%), CaO (8.0–8.7 wt.%), MgO (11.5–12.1 wt.%), K₂O(4.9–5.5 wt.%), TiO₂ (2.9–3.3 wt.%) and REE (174–177 ppm), and compatible elements (e.g. Sc, Cr and Ni) and HSF elements (e.g. Th, U, Zr, Nb, Ta, Ti and Y), and low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.512372–0.512536, middle ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.707322–0.707395, middle ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.50–18.59, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.60–15.65 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 38.75–38.8. These rocks developed peculiar quartz megacrysts with poly-layer reaction zones, melt inclusions, and partial melted K-feldspar and plagioclase inclusions, and plastic shapes. Important features of these rocks include: (1) hybrid composition of elements, (2) abrupt increase of SiO₂ content of the melt, recorded by zoned diopside, (3) development of sanidine and aegirine-augite reaction zones, (4) alkaline melt and partial melted K-feldspar and plagioclase inclusions, (5) deformed quartz inclusions associated with quartz megacrysts, (6) the presence of quartz megacrysts in plastic shape with their parent melts, (7) the occurrence of olivine, high-MgO ilmenite and spinel inclusions within earlier formed diopside, phlogopite and magnetite. Median ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values between Tertiary alkaline porphyries in the Beiya area and the western Yunnan and Tertiary basalt in the western Yunnan indicate that the Beiya lamprophyre melts were derivative and resulted from the mixing between basic melts that were related to the partial melting of phenocrysts of spinel iherzolite from a mantle source. The alkaline melts originated from partial melting along the Jinshajiang subduction ductile shear zone at the contact between the buried Palaeo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere and the upper mantle lithosphere. The alkaline melts are composed of 65% sanidine (Or₇₀Ab₂₈An₂) and 35% SiO₂. The melt mixing occurred in magma chambers in the middle-shallow crust at 8–10 km before the derivative lamprophyre melts intruded into the shallow cover in Beiya area. This mixing of basic and alkaline melts might represent a general process for the formation of lamprophyre in the western Yunnan.     

Origin and significance of the Permian high-K calc-alkaline magmatism in the central-eastern Southern Alps, Italy

The Atesina Volcanic District, the Monte Luco volcanics, and the Cima d'Asta, Bressanone-Chiusa, Ivigna, Monte Croce and Monte Sabion intrusions, in the central-eastern Southern Alps, form a wide calc-alkaline association of Permian age (ca. 280–260 Ma). The magmatism originated during a period of post-orogenic extensional/transtensional faulting which controlled the magma ascent and emplacement. The magmatic products are represented by a continuum spectrum of rock types ranging from basaltic andesites to rhyolites, and from gabbros to monzogranites, with preponderance of the acidic terms. They constitute a metaluminous to weakly peraluminous series showing mineralogical, petrographic and chemical characteristics distinctive of the high-K calc-alkaline suites. In the MORB-normalized trace element diagrams, the most primitive volcanic and plutonic rocks (basaltic andesites and gabbros with Mg No.=66 to 70; Ni=25 to 83 ppm; Cr=248 to 679 ppm) show LILE and LREE enriched patterns with troughs at Nb–Ta and Ti, a distinctive feature of subduction-related magmas. Field, petrographic, geochemical and isotopic evidence (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from 0.7057 to 0.7114; ε_Nd values from −2.7 to −7.4; ∂¹⁸O values between 7.6 and 9.5‰) support a hybrid nature for both volcanic and plutonic rocks, originating through complex interactions between mantle-derived magmas and crustal materials. Only the scanty andalusite–cordierite and orthopyroxene–cordierite bearing peraluminous granites in the Cima d'Asta and Bressanone-Chiusa intrusive complexes can be interpreted as purely crustal melts (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7143–0.7167; initial ε_Nd values between −7.9 and −9.6, close to average composition of the granulitic metasedimentary crust from the Ivrea Zone in the western Southern Alps). Although the Permian magmatism shows geochemical characteristics similar to those of arc-related suites, palaeogeographic restorations, and geological and tectonic evidence, seem not to support any spatial and/or temporal connection with subduction processes. The magmatism is post-collisional and post-orogenic, and originated in a regime of lithospheric extension and attenuation affecting the whole domain of the European Hercynian belt. A change in the convergence direction between Gondwana and Laurasia, combined with the effects of gravitational collapse of the Hercynian chain, could have been the driving mechanism for lithosphere extension and thinning, as well as for upwelling of hot asthenosphere that caused thermal perturbation and magma generation. In the above context, the calc-alkaline affinity and the orogenic-like signature of the Permian magmatism might result from extensive contamination of basaltic magmas, likely derived from enriched lithospheric mantle source(s), with felsic crustal melts.     

Mixing of asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle-derived basalt magmas as shown by along-arc variation in Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of Early Miocene basalts from back-arc margin of the NE Japan arc

We report trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of Early Miocene (22–18 Ma) basaltic rocks distributed along the back-arc margin of the NE Japan arc over 500 km. These rocks are divided into higher TiO₂ (> 1.5 wt.%; referred to as HT) and lower TiO₂ (< 1.5 wt.%; LT) basalts. HT basalt has higher Na₂O + K₂O, HFSE and LREE, Zr/Y, and La/Yb compared to LT basalt. Both suite rocks show a wide range in Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (SrI) = 0.70389 to 0.70631, initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(NdI) = 0.51248 to 0.51285). There is no any systematic variation amongst the studied Early Miocene basaltic rocks in terms of Sr–Nd isotope or Na₂O + K₂O and K₂O abundances, across three volcanic zones from the eastern through transitional to western volcanic zone, but we can identify gradual increases in SrI and decreases in NdI from north to south along the back-arc margin of the NE Japan arc. Based on high field strength element, REE, and Sr–Nd isotope data, Early Miocene basaltic rocks of the NE Japan back-arc margin represent mixing of the asthenospheric mantle-derived basalt magma with two types of basaltic magmas, HT and LT basaltic magmas, derived by different degrees of partial melting of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle composed of garnet-absent lherzolite, with a gradual decrease in the proportion of asthenospheric mantle-derived magma from north to south. These mantle events might have occurred in association with rifting of the Eurasian continental arc during the pre-opening stage of the Japan Sea.     

Origin and geodynamic significance of Tertiary postcollisional basaltic magmatism in Serbia (central Balkan Peninsula)

Tertiary basaltic magmatism in Serbia occurred through three episodes: (i) Paleocene/Eocene, when mostly east Serbian mafic alkaline rocks (ESPEMAR) formed, (ii) Oligocene/Miocene, dominated by high-K calc–alkaline basalts, shoshonites (HKCA–SHO) and ultrapotassic (UP) rocks, and (iii) Pliocene episode when rocks similar to (ii) originated. In this study, the geodynamics inferred from petrogenesis of the (i) and (ii) episodes are discussed.

The ESPEMAR (62–39 Ma) occur mainly as mantle xenolith-bearing basanites. Their geochemical features, such as the REE patterns, elevated HFSE contents and depleted Sr–Nd isotope signatures, indicate a relatively small degree of melting of an isotopically depleted mantle source. Their mantle-normalized trace element patterns are flat to concave and “bell-shaped”, characteristic of an OIB source free of subduction component. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i isotope ratios (0.7030–0.7047 and 0.5127–0.5129, respectively) indicate a depleted source for the ESPEMAR similar to the European Asthenospheric Reservoir (EAR).

The HKCA–SHO rocks (30–21 Ma) occur as basalts, basaltic andesites and trachyandesites. They show enrichment in LILE and depletion in HFSE with all the distinctive features of calc–alkaline arc-type magmatism. This is coupled with somewhat enriched Sr–Nd isotope signature (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i=0.7047–0.7064, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i=0.5124–0.5126). All these features are characteristic of subduction-related metasomatism and fluxing of the HKCA–SHO mantle source with fluids/melts released from subducted sedimentary material.

UP rocks (35–21 Ma) appear as (i) Si-rich lamproites and related rocks and (ii) olivine leucitites and related rocks. UP rocks have high-LILE/HFSE ratios with enrichment for some LILE around 1000× primitive mantle, troughs at Nb and Ti, and peaks of Pb in their mantle-normalized patterns. They also show highly fractionated REE patterns (La/Yb up to 27, La_N up to 400). The isotopic ratios approach crustal values (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i=0.7059–0.7115 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i=0.5122–0.5126), and that signature is typical for ultrapotassic rocks worldwide.

The Paleocene/Eocene episode and formation of the ESPEMAR is referred to as asthenospheric-derived magmatism. This magmatism originated through passive riftlike structures related to possible short relaxational phases during predominantly collisional and compressional conditions. The Oligocene/Miocene episode and formation of HKCA–SHO and UP rocks were dominated by lithospheric-controlled magmatism. Its origin is connected with the activity of a wide dextral wrench corridor generated along the axis of the Dinaride orogen which collapsed in response to thickened crust caused by earlier compressional processes.

To explain conditions of these two magmatic events, a three-stage geodynamic model has been proposed: (1) subduction–termination/collision stage (Paleocene/Eocene), (2) collision stage (Eocene) and (3) postcollision/collapse stage (Oligocene/early Miocene).     

Geochemical constraints on the origin of Mesozoic alkaline intrusive complexes from the North China Craton and tectonic implications

Mesozoic alkaline intrusive complexes are widespread in the southern portion of the North China Craton and can provide some important constraints on the evolution of the Mesozoic lithosphere beneath the region. Three selected intrusive complexes (Tongshi, Hongshan, and Longbaoshan) are generally high in alkalis (K₂O+Na₂O=913 wt.%) and Al₂O₃ (1421.6 wt.%) and low in CaO and TiO₂ (<0.6 wt.%), with high and variable SiO₂ contents. Rocks from these complexes are all enriched in LREE and LILE (Cs, Rb, Ba, U, Th), depleted in Nb and Ti, have a highly positive Pb anomaly, and are characterized by lack of a clear Eu anomaly despite trace element abundances and isotopic ratios that vary greatly between complexes. The Tongshi complex has high Cs (2.68.5 ppm) and REE abundances (∑REE=112.6297 ppm, (La/Yb)_N=13.130.9) and MORB-like Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i<0.704; ε_Nd>0; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i>18). The Hongshan complex has low REE concentrations (∑REE=28.2118.7 ppm, (La/Yb)_N=4.614.7) and is moderately enriched as demonstrated by their Sr–Nd isotopic ratios ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i>0.706; ε_Nd<−7). The Longbaoshan complex is extremely REE enriched (∑REE=211.3392.6 ppm, (La/Yb)_N=32.460.9) and has an EM2-like Sr–Nd isotopic character ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i>0.7078; ε_Nd<−11). We suggest that the Tongshi complex originated from the asthenosphere and the Hongshan complex and the Longbaoshan complex were derived from the partial melting of previously subduction-modified lithospheric mantle, in response to post-collisional lithospheric extension and asthenospheric upwelling. The occurrence of these alkaline intrusive complexes demonstrates that the lithosphere beneath the region must have been considerably thinned at the time of intrusion of these complexes. This study also shed light on the temporal evolution of the Mesozoic lithosphere and the timing of the lithospheric thinning.     

Sr and O isotope constraints on source and crustal contamination in the high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic neogene volcanic rocks of SE Spain

The Neogene volcanic province of SE Spain (NVPS) is characterized by calc-alkaline (CA), high-K calc-alkaline (KCA), shoshonitic (SH), ultrapotassic (UP), and alkaline basaltic (AB) volcanic series. All these series, except the AB, have high LILE/LREE, LILE/HFSE and B/Be ratios and high but variable Sr, Pb and O isotope compositions. The KCA and SH lavas contain metapelitic xenoliths whose mineralogical and chemical composition are typical of anatectic restites. The geochemical characteristics of CA, KCA, SH and UP series suggest that they originated from the lithospheric mantle, previously contaminated by fluids derived from pelagic sediments. Additionally, the presence of restite xenoliths in the KCA and SH lavas indicates some sort of interaction between the mantle-derived magmas and the continental crust. Trace element and isotope modeling for the KCA and SH lavas and the restites, point towards the existence of two mixing stages. During the first stage, the lithospheric mantle was contaminated by 1–5% of fluids derived from pelagic sediments, which produced a fertile source heterogeneously enriched in incompatible elements (particularly LILE and LREE), as well as in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, without significant modifications of the δ¹⁸O values. In the second stage, the primary melts derived from this metasomatized mantle, which inherited the enrichment in LILE, LREE and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, interacted with crustal liquids from the Betic Paleozoic basement during their ascent towards the surface. This mixing process caused an increase in δ¹⁸O values and, to a lesser extent, in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. However, the incompatible trace elements abundances only change slightly, even for high mixing rates, due to their similar concentrations in both components. We suggest the following geodynamic scenario to account for the global evolution of this area: (1) a Late Cretaceous to Oligocene subduction scheme during which mantle metasomatism took place, shortly followed by Upper Oligocene to Lower Miocene continental collision, and (2) a Middle to Upper Miocene extensional event triggering partial melting of the previously metasomatized mantle and the extrusion of the CA and associated magmas.     

Bimodal back-arc alkaline magmatism after ridge subduction: Pliocene felsic rocks from Central Patagonia (47°S)

Volumetrically minor microsyenites, alkali microgranite and related trachytic dykes intrude early Pliocene OIB-like alkali basaltic and basanitic flows of the Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires in Central Patagonia (47°S–71°30′W), and occur together with scarce trachytic lava flows. Whole-rock K–Ar ages between 3.98 and 3.08 Ma indicate that the emplacement of these felsic rocks occurred more or less synchronously with that of the post-plateau basaltic sequence that they intrude, during a bimodal mafic–felsic magmatic episode devoid of intermediate compositions. Chemically, these rocks have A₁-type granitoid affinities and are characterized by high silica and alkali contents (60–68 wt.% SiO₂; 8.7–10.8 wt.% Na₂O + K₂O), major and trace elements patterns evidencing evolution by low-pressure fractional crystallization, and Sr and Nd isotopic signatures similar to those of coeval basalts ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_o = 0.70488–0.70571; (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_o = 0.512603–0.512645). Nevertheless, some of them have the most radiogenic Sr values ever reported for a magmatic rock in the Meseta and even in the whole Neogene Patagonian Plateau Lavas province ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_o = 0.70556–0.70571; (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_o = 0.512603–0.512608). In addition, very high contents of strongly incompatible elements in the most evolved rocks, together with Sr isotopic ratios higher than those of coeval basalts, suggest the occurrence of open-system magmatic processes. Continuous fractional crystallization from a primitive basaltic source, similar to post-plateau coeval basalts, towards alkali granites combined with small rates of assimilation of host Jurassic tuffs (AFC) in a shallow magmatic reservoir, best explains the geochemical and petrographic features of the felsic rocks. Therefore, A₁-type magmatic rocks can be generated by open-system crystallization of deep asthenospheric melts in back-arc tectonic settings.

In Central Patagonia, these  3–4 Ma old alkaline intrusions occur aligned along a  N160–170 trending lineament, the Zeballos Fault Zone, stacking the morphotectonic front of one segment of the Patagonian Cordillera. Intrusion along this fault zone occurred during the onset of a new transtensional or extensional event in the area, related to major regional tectonics occurring in possible relation with the collision of one segment of the Chile Spreading Ridge with the trench.     

Late Triassic granitoids of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Geochronology, petrogenesis and implications for tectonic evolution

Late Triassic granitoids in the Songpan-Garzê Fold Belt (SGFB), on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, formed at 230 to 220 Ma and can be divided into two groups. Group 1 are high-K calc-alkaline rocks with adakitic affinities (K-adakites), with Sr > 400 ppm, Y < 11 ppm, strongly fractionated REE patterns ((La/Yb)_N = 32–105) and high K₂O/Na₂O (≈ 1). Group 2 are ordinary high-K calc-alkaline I-types with lower Sr (< 400 ppm), higher Y (> 18 ppm) and weakly fractionated REE patterns ((La/Yb)_N < 20). Rocks of both groups have similar negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 0.50 to 0.94) and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70528 to 0.71086), but group 1 rocks have higher ε_Nd(t) (− 1.01 to − 4.84) than group 2 (− 3.11 to − 6.71). Calculated initial Pb isotope ratios for both groups are: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.343 to 18.627, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.610 to 15.705 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.269 to 3759. Group 1 magmas were derived through partial melting of thickened and then delaminated TTG-type, eclogitic lower crust, with some contribution from juvenile enriched mantle melts. Group 2 magmas were generated by partial melting of shallower lower crustal rocks. The inferred magma sources of both groups suggest that the basement of the SGFB was similar to the exposed Kangding Complex, and that the SGFB was formed in a similar manner to the South China basement. Here, passive margin crust was greatly thickened and then delaminated, all within a very short time interval ( 20 Myr). Such post-collisional crustal thickening could be the tectonic setting for the generation of many adakitic magmas, especially where there is no spatial and temporal association with subduction.     

Neo-Proterozoic rift-related syenites (Northern Damara Belt, Namibia): Geochemical and Nd–Sr–Pb–O isotope constraints for mantle sources and petrogenesis

Major element, trace element and Nd–Sr–Pb–O isotope data for a suite of Neo-Proterozic, pre-orogenic, rift-related syenites from the Northern Damara orogen (Namibia) constrain their sources and petrogenesis. New U–Pb ages obtained on euhdreal titanite of inferred magmatic origin constrain the age of intrusion of the Lofdal and Oas syenites to ca. 750 Ma compatible with previous high-precision zircon analyses from the Oas complex. Major rock types from Lofdal and Oas are mildly sodic nepheline-normative and quartz-normative syenites and were primarily generated by fractional crystallization from a mantle-derived alkaline magma. Primitive samples from Lofdal and Oas show depletion of Rb, K and Th relative to Ba and Nb together with variable negative anomalies of P and Ti on a primitive mantle-normalized diagram. Evolved samples from Oas develop significant negative Ba, Sr, P and Ti anomalies and positive U and Th anomalies mainly as a function of crystal fractionation processes. The lack of a pronounced negative Nb anomaly in samples from Lofdal suggests that involvement of a crustal component is negligible. For the nepheline-normative samples from Lofdal, the unradiogenic Sr and radiogenic Nd isotope composition and low δ¹⁸O values suggest derivation of these samples from a moderately depleted lithospheric upper mantle with crustal-like U/Pb ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.7031–0.7035, ε Nd: ca. + 1, δ¹⁸O: 7‰, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ca.18.00, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.58–15.60). Primitive samples of the Oas quartz-normative syenites have identical isotope characteristics (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.7034, ε Nd: ca. + 1, δ¹⁸O: 6.5‰, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ca.18.00, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.59) whereas more differentiated samples have higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.709–0.714), slightly higher δ¹⁸O values (7.0–7.1‰), less radiogenic ε Nd values (− 1.1 to − 1.4) and more radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios up to 18.27. These features together with model calculations using Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes suggest modification of a primary syenite magma by combined AFC processes involving ancient continental crust. In this case, high Nb abundances of the parental syenite liquid prevent the development of significant negative Nb anomalies that may be expected due to interaction with continental crust.     

Geochemistry of post-collisional mafic lavas from the North Anatolian Fault zone, Northwestern Turkey

Extensive magmatic activity developed at the northwestern part of the Anatolian block and produced basaltic lavas that are situated along and between the two segments of the North Anatolian Fault zone. This region is a composite tectonic unit formed by collision of continental fragments after consumption of Neotethyan ocean floor during the late Cretaceous. Northwestern Anatolian basalts and evolved lavas exhibit both tholeiitic and calc-alkaline characteristics. Mafic lavas are moderately enriched in LILE (except depleted part of Yuvacık and İznik samples) and depleted in HFSE (but not Zr, Hf) relative to primitive mantle values, suggesting derivation from a MORB-like mantle source that is unexpected in this subduction environment. Sr and Nd isotopes are close to the mantle array and vary beyond analytical error (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.70404–0.70546, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.51270–0.51289). These geochemical features may result from two possible processes: (1) melting of a MORB-like mantle source that was modified by subduction-released fluids and melts or (2) modification of mafic liquids derived from a dominantly MORB-like source by crustal or lithospheric mantle material. Geochemical characteristics of the lavas (e.g., Ba/Rb, Rb/Sr, Ba/Zr, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, Sr/P) vary systematically along the fault zone from east to west, consistent with a decrease in the degree of melting from east to west or a change in the nature of the source composition itself. Thus, the difference in incompatible elements and Sr–Nd isotopic ratios seems to result from small-scale mantle heterogeneity in a post-collisional tectonic environment.     

Magmagenesis in a subduction-related post-collisional volcanic arc segment: the Ukrainian Carpathians

Calc-alkaline magmatism in the south-west Ukraine occurred between 13.8 and 9.1 Ma and formed an integral part of the Neogene subduction-related post-collisional Carpathian volcanic arc. Eruptions occurred contemporaneously in two parallel arcs (here termed Outer Arc and Inner Arc) in the Ukrainian part of the Carpathians. Outer Arc rocks, mainly andesites, are characterized by LILE enrichment (e.g. K and Pb), Nb depletion, low compatible trace element abundances, high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, high δ¹⁸O and low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotopic ratios (0.7085–0.7095, 7.01–8.53, 0.51230–0.51245, respectively). Inner Arc rocks are mostly dacites and rhyolites with some basaltic and andesitic lavas. They also show low compatible element abundances but have lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, δ¹⁸O and higher ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0.7060–0.7085, 6.15–6.64, 0.5125–0.5126, respectively) than Outer Arc rocks. Both high-Nb and low-Nb lithologies are present in the Inner Arc. Based on the LILE enrichment (especially Pb), a higher fluid flux is suggested for the Outer Arc magmas compared with those of the Inner Arc.

Combined trace element and Sr–Nd–O isotopic modelling suggests that the factors which controlled the generation and evolution of magmas were complex. Compositional differences between the Inner and Outer Arcs were produced by introduction of variable proportions of slab-derived sediments and fluids into a heterogeneous mantle wedge, and by different extents of upper crustal contamination. Degrees of magmatic fractionation also differed between the two arcs. The most primitive magmas belong to the Inner Arc. Isotopic modelling shows that they can be produced by adding 3–8% subducted terrigenous flysch sediments to the local mantle wedge source. Up to 5% upper crustal contamination has been modelled for fractionated products of the Inner Arc. The geochemical features of Outer Arc rocks suggest that they were generated from mantle wedge melts similar to the Inner Arc primitive magmas, but were strongly affected by both source enrichment and upper crustal contamination. Assimilation of 10–20% bulk upper crust is required in the AFC modelling, assuming an Inner Arc parental magma. We suggest that magmagenesis is closely related to the complex geotectonic evolution of the Carpathian area. Several tectonic and kinematic factors are significant: (1) hydration of the asthenosphere during subduction and plate rollback directly related to collisional processes; (2) thermal disturbance caused by ascent of hot asthenospheric mantle during the back-arc opening of the Pannonian Basin; (3) clockwise translational movements of the Intracarpathian terranes, which facilitated eruption of the magmas.     

The petrogenesis of group 2 ultrapotassic kimberlites from Finsch Mine, South Africa

Major, trace element and radiogenic isotope results are presented for a suite of hypabyssal kimberlites from a single pipe, at the Finsch Mine, South Africa. These are Group 2 kimberlites characterised by abundant phlogopite ± serpentine ± diopside; they are ultrabasic (SiO₂ < 42 wt.%%) and ultrapotassic (K₂O/Na₂O > 6.9) igneous rocks, they exhibit a wide range in major element chemistry with SiO₂ = 27.6−41.9 wt. % and MgO = 10.4−33.4 wt. %. (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i=0.7089 to 0.7106, ε_{Nd is} −6.2 to −9.7 and they have unradiogenic (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i contents which ensure that they plot below the Pb-ore growth curve. They have high incompatible and compatible element contents, a striking positive array between Y and Nb which indicates that garnet was not involved in the within suite differentiation processes, and a negative trend between K/Nb and Nb contents which suggests that phlogopite was involved. In addition, some elements exhibit an unexpected order of relative incompatibility for different trace elements which suggests that the intra-kimberlite variations are not primarily due to variations in the degree of partial melting. The effects of fractional crystallization are difficult to establish because for the most part they have been masked by the entrainment of 50–60% mantle peridotite. Thus, the Finsch kimberlites are interpreted as mixtures of a melt component and entrained garnet peridotite, with no evidence for significant contamination with crustal material. The melt component was characterised by high incompatible element contents, which require both very small degrees of partial melting, and source regions with higher incompatible element contents than depleted or primitive mantle. Since the melt component was the principal source of incompatible elements in the kimberlite magma, the enriched Nd, Sr and Pb isotope ratios of the kimberlite are characteristic of the melt source region. The melt fractions were therefore derived from ancient, trace elements enriched portions of the upper mantle, most probably situated within the sub-continental mantle lithosphere, and different from the low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr garnet peridotite xenoliths found at Finsch. Within the sub-continental mantle lithosphere old, incompatible element enriched source regions for the kimberlite melt fraction are inferred to have been overlain by depleted mantle material which became entrained in the kimberlite magma.     

Petrogenesis of Cretaceous adakitic and shoshonitic igneous rocks in the Luzong area, Anhui Province (eastern China): Implications for geodynamics and Cu–Au mineralization

Both adakitic and shoshonitic igneous rocks in the Luzong area, Anhui Province, eastern China are associated with Cretaceous Cu–Au mineralization. The Shaxi quartz diorite porphyrites exhibit adakite-like geochemical features, such as light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment, heavy REE (HREE) depletion, high Al₂O₃, MgO, Sr, Sr / Y and La / Yb values, and low Y and Yb contents. They have low ε_Nd(t) values (− 3.46 to − 6.28) and high (⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7051–0.7057). Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon analyses indicate a crystallization age of 136 ± 3 Ma for the adakitic rocks. Most volcanic rocks and the majority of monzonites and syenites in the Luzong area are K-rich (or shoshonitic) and were also produced during the Cretaceous (140–125 Ma). They are enriched in LREE and large-ion lithophile elements, and depleted in Ti, and Nb and Ba and exhibit relatively lower ε_Nd(t) values ranging from − 4.65 to − 7.03 and relatively higher (⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios varying between 0.7057 and 0.7062. The shoshonitic and adakitic rocks in the Luzong area have similar Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 17.90–18.83, ²⁰⁷Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 15.45–15.62 and ²⁰⁸Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 38.07–38.80). Geological data from the Luzong area suggest that the Cretaceous igneous rocks are distributed along NE fault zones (e.g., Tanlu and Yangtze River fault zones) in eastern China and were likely formed in an extensional setting within the Yangtze Block. The Shaxi adakitic rocks were probably derived by the partial melting of delaminated lower crust at pressures equivalent to crustal thickness of > 50 km (i.e., 1.5 GPa), possibly leaving rutile-bearing eclogitic residue. The shoshonitic magmas, in contrast, originated mainly from an enriched mantle metasomatized by subducted oceanic sediments. They underwent early high-pressure (> 1.5 GPa) fractional crystallization at the boundary between thickened (> 50 km) lower crust and lithospheric mantle and late low-pressure (< 1.5 GPa) fractional crystallization in the shallow (< 50 km) crust. The adakitic and shoshonitic rocks appear to be linked to an intra-continental extensional setting where partial melting of enriched mantle and delaminated lower crust was probably controlled by lithospheric thinning and upwelling of hot asthenosphere along NE fault zones (e.g., Tanlu and Yangtze River fault zones) in eastern China. Both the shoshonitic and adakitic magmas were fertile with respect to Cu–Au mineralization.     

Mantle diversity beneath the Colombian Andes, Northern Volcanic Zone: Constraints from Sr and Nd isotopes

In order to provide mantle and crustal constraints during the evolution of the Colombian Andes, Sr and Nd isotopic studies were performed in xenoliths from the Mercaderes region, Northern Volcanic Zone, Colombia. Xenoliths are found in the Granatifera Tuff, a deposit of Cenozoic age, in which mantle- and crustal-derived xenoliths are present in bombs and fragments of andesites and lamprophyres compositions. Garnet-bearing xenoliths are the most abundant mantle-derived rocks, but websterites (garnet-free xenoliths) and spinel-bearing peridotites are also present in minor amounts. Amphibolites, pyroxenites, granulites, and gneisses represent the lower crustal xenolith assemblage. Isotopic signatures for the mantle xenoliths, together with field, petrographic, mineral, and whole-rock chemistry and pressure–temperature estimates, suggest three main sources for these mantle xenoliths: garnet-free websterite xenoliths derived from a source region with low P and T (16 kbar, 1065 °C) and MORB isotopic signature, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7030, and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio of 0.5129. Garnet-bearing peridotite and websterite xenoliths derived from two different sources in the mantle: i) a source with intermediate P and T (29–35 kbar, 1250–1295 °C) conditions, similar to that of sub-oceanic geotherm, with an OIB isotopic signature (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7043 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio of 0.5129); and ii) another source with P and T conditions similar to those of a sub-continental geotherm (>38 kbar, 1140–1175 °C) and OIB isotopic characteristics (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio=0.7041 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio=0.5135).     

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

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

The mafic-ultramafic complex near Finero (Ivrea-Verbano Zone), II. Geochronology and isotope geochemistry

Whole-rock Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of the mafic-ultramafic complex near Finero demonstrate that the magma was derived from a depleted, perhaps MORB-type mantle reservoir. The Sm-Nd data for the Amphibole Peridotite unit can be interpreted as an isochron with an apparent age of 533 ± 20 Ma, which is consistent with a ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb evaporation age of 549 ± 12 Ma of a single zircon grain from the Internal Gabbro unit. However, the interpretation of these apparent ages remains open to question. We therefore retain the alternative hypotheses that the intrusion occurred either about 533 or 270 Ma ago, the latter being the most likely age of emplacement of the much larger magma body near Balmuccia (Val Sesia). The implication of the older emplacement age (if correct) would be that the igneous complex may be related to the numerous amphibolite units, which are intercalated with the metapelites of the overlying Kinzigite Formation, and together with them may constitute an accretionary complex. In this case, the mafic-ultramafic complex itself might also be part of such an accretionary complex (as has been proposed for the Balmuccia peridotite).

Internal Sm-Nd isochrons involving grt, cpx, plag and amph from the Internal Gabbro unit yield concordant ages of 231 ± 23, 226 ± 7, 223 ± 10, 214 ± 17, and 203 ± 13 Ma. These results confirm published evidence for a separate, regional heating event about 215 ± 15 Ma ago.

Initial _Nd(533) values average +6.3 ± 0.4 for six samples of the Amphibole Peridotite unit and +6.0 ± 1.2 for ten samples of the External Gabbro unit. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios require little or no age correction and range from 0.7026 to 0.7047 (with two outliers at 0.7053 and 0.7071). Strong correlations between ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and K₂O and weaker correlations between initial _Nd and K₂O imply a comparatively minor (≤ 10%) contamination of the External Gabbro magma by crustal material and a later alteration by a crustal or seawater-derived fluid. These results contrast sharply with the isotopic composition (negative _Nd and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values) of the associated mantle rocks, the Phlogopite Peridotite unit, which has been pervasively metasomatized by crustal fluids. This type of metasomatism and its isotopic signature are never seen in the magmatic complex. This evidence rules out any direct genetic relationship between the igneous complex and the mantle peridotite. The crust-mantle interaction is the opposite of that seen at Balmuccia, where the mantle peridotite is essentially ‘pristine’ and the magmatic body has been extensively contaminated by assimilation of crustal rocks.