吉南夹皮沟金矿带鞍山群的解体及主要地质事件序列的建立

位于华北地台最北缘的夹皮沟金矿带太古代鞍山群主要由两类双峰式灰色片麻岩组成,其原岩均为ＴＴＧ类古侵入体夹拉斑玄武岩质暗色包体,岩石化学上与国外许多太古代高变地体中的灰色片麻岩相似,因而不能作为地层来对待。原“鞍山群”可重新划分为白山镇片麻岩、夹皮沟片麻岩和北西向糜棱岩带三大岩石单元,两类灰色片麻岩之间有一些相似处,但也有许多重要差别,可能代表了不同的构造地体。就现有同位素年代数据和野外产状建立了本区主要地质事件的序列。上述岩石单元的划分及主要地质事件序列的建立对本区构造属性的确定及地壳演化的研究有重要的意义。     

抚顺南部早前寒武纪变质杂岩的地质事件序列

抚顺南部早前寒武纪变质杂岩是华北克拉通北缘辽北-吉南早前寒武纪变质地块的一个重要组成部分,主要由浑南群石棚子组角闪岩相变质火山岩、火山碎屑岩及相伴生的沉积岩等表壳岩系和侵位于其中的石英闪长质片麻岩、英云闪长质-奥长花岗质-花岗闪长质(TTG)片麻岩和花岗闪长岩-二长花岗岩-钾长花岗岩岩石组合组成。LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb同位素分析结果显示,侵位于表壳岩中的石英闪长质片麻岩样品12LN39-3的岩浆结晶年龄为2571±7Ma,指示存在老于该年龄的表壳岩系。英云闪长质片麻岩样品12LN04-1和奥长花岗质片麻岩样品13LB49-3的岩浆结晶年龄分别为2544±4Ma和2550±10Ma,记录了一期重要的英云闪长质-奥长花岗质片麻岩侵位事件。斜长角闪岩(样品12LN25-2)的岩浆结晶的最小年龄为2530±5Ma,指示另一火山喷发阶段。晚期钾长花岗岩样品12LN01-1和奥长花岗质片麻岩样品12LN27-1分别侵位于2522±4Ma和2518±23Ma,说明它们的岩浆作用发生于同一时期。而采自于晚期未变形侵入体的石英闪长岩样品12LN30-2的岩浆结晶年龄为2496±18Ma,与上述表壳岩和深成侵入体的主要变质作用(2510~2470Ma)同期发生。这些年代学结果表明,抚顺南部地区新太古代大规模的铁镁质火山喷发作用在大于2571±7Ma已经发生,紧接着2571±7Ma发生石英闪长质岩浆侵位,在2550±10Ma~2544±4Ma之间发生英云闪长质-奥长花岗质岩浆侵位。接下来铁镁质火山再度喷发(~2530±5Ma),随后为钾长花岗岩和奥长花岗质岩浆的侵位(2522±4Ma~2518±23Ma)。晚期为角闪岩相变质作用时期(2510~2470Ma),伴随一定规模的石英闪长岩侵位。     

Petrogenesis of Archaean Trondhjemites, Tonalites, and Granodiorites from Eastern Finland: Major and Trace Element Geochemistry

The grey gneisses of eastern Finland form the basement on whichthe Archaean greenstone belts were developed. They are composedof orthogneisses emplaced during two distinct magmatic episodes:2.86 Ga (Kivij?rvi gneisses) and 2.65 (Naavala gneisses). Theirmodal and chemical compositions are those of trondhjemites,tonalites and granodiorites (TTG). Both suites show low-K₂Ocalc-alkaline differentiation trends (trondhjemitic). The aim of this study is to qualify and quantify the successionof different mechanisms by which the TTG series evolved. Theyoungest process was studied first, and the arguments then appliedin order to go back in time to the older ones. For each one,quantification was arrived at with the major elements, and theseresults provided a basis for calculation with the rare earthelements (REE). Finally the whole model was tested with othertrace elements. The petrogenetic model may be summarized as follows: meltingof the upper mantle to form a tholeiitic crust; melting of thesetholeiites transformed into garnet-bearing amphibolites to yieldthe parental magma of the TTG. The residue of the melt consistedof hornblende, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and garnet with minoramounts of ilmenite and magnetite (10 < F < 30); and fractionalcrystallization of hornblende, plagioclase, and ilmenite withoccasional allanite and/or zircon in small amounts ((1-F) <40). No matter when they were emplaced during the Archaean, all theTTG of this part of the Baltic Shield arose from similar parentalmagmas. The petrogenetic study has shown that garnet and hornblendewere necessarily residual phases during the melting of the Archaeantholeiites. This constraint is very important, as it impliesthat the Archaean geothermal gradients occurring in subduction-zoneswere much higher than in modern times, thus allowing the partialmelting of the subducted oceanic crust.     

Early Cambrian oceanic plagiogranite in the Silvretta Nappe,eastern Alps: geochemical,zircon U-Pb and Rb-Sr data from garnet-hornblende-plagioclase gneisses

 Garnet–hornblende–plagioclase gneisses rich in incompatible elements occur in the crystalline basement of the Austro-Alpine Silvretta nappe and are associated with clinopyroxene norites and harzburgite cumulates. It is proposed here that the gneisses were formerly oceanic plagiogranites. An ε_{Nd( 530 )} value of +5.6 for the gneisses as well as initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of 0.7036–0.7037 for the gabbroic rocks and 0.7026–0.7027 for the ultramafic rocks suggest a mantle source for this rock association. The geochemical characteristics of the garnet–hornblende–plagioclase gneisses indicate that their precursors were derived by fractional crystallization from a basaltic parent magma, by the same process which produced the adjacent clinopyroxene norites and ultramafic cumulates as well. The combined U–Pb upper intercept ages of zircons from two gneiss samples yield an igneous crystallization age of 532±30 Ma, similar to previously dated (mostly calc-alkaline) orthogneisses in the same area. High-quality transparent zircons showed the least degree of discordance, but contain extremely low U and Pb levels. The rock suite, including this plagiogranite, was emplaced within oceanic crust which formed in the latest Precambrian–early Palaeozoic off the northern continental margin of Gondwana. Received: 26 April 1996 / Accepted: 2 August 1996     

河南嵩山地区新太古代TTG质片麻岩的成因及其地质意义：来自岩石学、地球化学及同位素年代学的制约

河南嵩山地区位于华北克拉通南缘,是我国记录前寒武纪地质的典型地区之一。该区广泛出露新太古代TTG质片麻岩套,主要以英云闪长岩类为主,闪长岩类次之,测得的锆石SHRIMP年龄在2600~2500Ma。该套TTG质片麻岩富Na₂O(3%~7%)、SiO₂(>67%)、贫铁、镁,高的Na₂O/K₂O比值（多在1.5~5.2）,Al₂O₃=13.72%~16.37%,A/CNK=0.97~1.21,属英云闪长岩-奥长花岗岩系列,显示新太古代富铝型TTG岩石特征。岩石富Sr (平均433×10^-6),Rb/Sr比值(<0.5) 较低,Sr/Y比值高(平均165),Nb、Ta和Ti负异常,∑REE偏低,强烈分异((La/Yb) _N=27~150),基本无Eu异常,低的Nb/Ta(14左右)、La/Nb (平均约为7)比值及其它微量元素特征表明其与岛弧或大陆边缘弧玄武质岩石特征相似。全岩Nd同位素和锆石Hf同位素数据显示岩石源区是来自亏损地幔的约2.66Ga的初生地壳;Mg^#值变化较大反映存在地幔楔不同程度的混染。地球化学特征指示该岩浆是在较高温度和压力(约700~1000℃,>1.5Gpa)下由俯冲的含水玄武质洋壳部分熔融形成,残留相中有石榴石和角闪石而不含斜长石。嵩山地区TTG片麻岩的这种成因机制表明当时陆壳以水平方式增生,也说明在随后的2.5Ga左右微陆块碰撞拼合事件之前不同陆块之间很可能被一个古大洋所分隔。     

河南嵩山地区新太古代斜长角闪岩的地球化学特征与成因

嵩山地区登封群是华北克拉通南部古老结晶基底的重要组成部分,由一套火山-沉积成因的表壳岩系组成,形成于新太古代.斜长角闪质岩石广泛发育于登封群表壳岩中,同时,也以包体形式普遍存在于TTG片麻岩体内部.二者主量元素差别不大,SiO_2含量为45%～63%,富Fe_2O_3、Al_2O_3、CaO,TiO_2(0.5%～1.11%)含量较低,原岩为亚碱性玄武岩、安山岩.二者的微量元素特征稍有差别,登封群斜长角闪岩REE配分形式平坦,轻重稀土基本无分异((La/Yb)_N=0.99～2.07),基本无Eu异常(δEu≈1);Ti负异常,Nb、Ta、Y负异常不明显,Ba、Sr呈现正异常,显示洋中脊和岛弧拉斑玄武岩特征;在Cr-Y、Ta/Yb-Th/Yb、Zr/Y-Nb/Y图解中位于洋中脊向岛弧玄武岩的过渡区域;ε_(Nd)(t)=4.43,显示源岩来自亏损地幔.而TTG片麻岩中斜长角闪岩包体的LREE富集,Eu负异常明显(δEu)=0.46～0.87);大离子亲石元素Rb、Cs、Ba明显高于登封群中的斜长角闪岩,除了Ti含量稍低外,Zr、Nb和Y含量范围和登封群斜长角闪岩相似,Nb、Ta和Y呈负异常,具有岛弧玄武岩特征;ε_(Nd)(t)=2.56和4.08,显示源岩来自亏损地幔,反映有地壳物质的混染.登封群斜长角闪岩及斜长角闪岩包体原岩的源区物质有所不同,在汇聚板块边缘洋壳俯冲条件下,前者是地幔楔部分熔融的产物,形成于弧后盆地环境;后者可能是随着俯冲作用的进行,小部分板片熔融开始发生,形成的熔浆混染亏损地幔部分熔融形成的熔浆.地球化学特征显示登封群形成的地球动力学背景是汇聚板块边缘洋壳的俯冲,反映当时陆壳以水平方式增生.     

Genesis of the Kapuskasing (Ontario) migmatitic mafic granulites by dehydration melting of amphibolite: the importance of quartz to reaction progress

Migmatitic, granulite-grade mafic gneisses make up a significant part of the Kapuskasing Structural Zone (KSZ), Ontario. Although they contain a common mineral assemblage [hornblende (Hbl)+plagioclase (Pl)+diopside (Di)±garnet (Grt)+quartz (Qtz)±titanite (Ttn)], the mafic gneisses show wide variations in modal mineralogy from hornblende-rich to diopside+garnet-rich varieties and all gradations between. Up to 25 vol.% segregated plagioclase+quartz-rich (trondhjemitic) leucosome (Tdh) is intimately associated with the mafic gneiss, occurring in a continuum of patches, veins and transecting dykes at scales ranging from decimetres to micrometres. The texture and composition of the leucosome, combined with P-T estimates for the host rocks above the solidus, suggest it represents crystallized trondhjemitic melt. Quartz is mainly restricted to the segregated leucosomes but more rarely occurs in a variety of interstitial textures in the mafic gneiss, suggesting that it crystallized from a melt phase rather than having been present as a solid phase at peak metamorphic conditions. Modal and textural data indicate a reaction relationship of the form: Hbl+Pl(+Qtz?)=Grt+Di+Ttn+leucosome (Tdh), implying that the granulite-forming process involved dehydration melting of an amphibolite protolith. Pressure-temperature estimates from Grt+Di+Pl+Qtz geothermobarometry are 9 kbar and 685-735 °C; however, based on experimental studies of dehydration melting of amphibolite, we estimate that peak conditions were closer to 11 kbar, 850 °C. Mass balance analysis, using the technique of singular value decomposition, and reaction space analysis were used to quantify the reaction and to determine the controls on reaction progress. The following mass balance provides a model for the natural reaction:1.00 Hbl+0.92 Pl+3.76 Qtz=1.14 Grt+1.54 Di+0.21 Ttn+1.49 Tdh+0.14 ‘pg’+0.39 Fe_?1Mg+0.33 NaSiCa_?1Al_?1where ‘pg’ is a pargasite-like exchange. In all model mass balances tested, quartz is a reactant with a large coefficient. We argue that the abundance of quartz in the amphibolite protolith was the primary control on the differing extents of reaction observed. Mineral compositional variation exerted a secondary control on reaction progress, with Fe-richer layers containing An-richer plagioclase and more actinolitic amphibole reacting earliest (i.e. at lowest temperatures). Comparison of the calculated amount of melt produced in the gneisses with that now observed implies expulsion of 5–30% of the melt. These volumes are similar to those predicted from REE modelling of Archaean tonalities and trondhjemites from a garnet amphibolite source, suggesting that the KSZ mafic gneisses may be representative of partially depleted source rocks for trondhjemite-tonalite generation.     

Origin and Geological Significance of TTG Gneisses from the Maevatanana Greenstone Belt in North–Central Madagascar, and A Comparison with India

The Maevatanana greenstone belt in north-central Madagascar contains widespread exposures of tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite(TTG) gneisses,and is important for its concentrations of various metal deposits(e.g.,chromium,nickle,iron,gold).In this paper we report on the petrography,and major and trace element compositions of the TTG gneisses within the Berere Complex of the Maevatanana area,as well as LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from the gneisses.The gneisses consist mainly of granitoid gneiss and biotite(±hornblende) plagiogneiss,and analysis of thin sections provides evidence of crushing,recrystallization,and metasomatism related to dynamic metamorphism.Samples have large variations in their major and trace element contents,with SiO_2 = 55.87-68.06 wt%,Al_2O_3 = 13.9-17.8 wt%,and Na_2O/K_2O =0.97-2.13.Geochemically,the granitoid gneisses and biotite plagiogneisses fall on a low-Al trondhjemite to granodiorite trend,while the biotite-hornblende plagiogneisses represent a high-Al tonalite TTG assemblage.Zircon U-Pb dating shows that the Berere Complex TTG gneisses formed at2.5-2.4 Ga.Most ε_(Hf(t)) values of zircons from the biotite(± hornblende) plagiogneisses are positive,while most ε_(Hf(t)) values from the granitoid gneisses are negative,suggesting a degree of crustal contamination.Two-stage Hf model ages suggest that the age of the protolith of the TTG gneisses was ca.3.4-2.6 Ga,representing a period of paleocontinent formation in the Mesoarchean.Geothermometries indicate the temperature of metamorphism of the TTG gneisses was 522-612℃.Based on these data,the protolith of the TTG gneisses is inferred to have formed during the development of a Mesoarchean paleocontinent that is now widely exposed as a TTG gneiss belt(mostly lower amphibolite facies) in the Maevatanana area,and which records a geological evolution related to the subduction of an ancient oceanic crust and the collision of microcontinents during the formation of the Rodinia supercontinent.The lithological similarity of Precambrian basement,the close ages of metamorphism within greenstone belts and the comparable distribution of metamorphic grade all show a pronounced Precambrian geology similarity between Madagascar and India,which can provide significative clues in understanding the possible Precambrian Supercontinent tectonics,and also important constraints on the correlation of the two continental fragments.     

吉南天桥地区基性岩墙与其围岩TTG片麻岩的成因及构造意义

吉南地区太古宙基底中发育大量早前寒武纪基性岩墙群,是陆壳伸展的直接证据。对白山市东部天桥太古宙基底出露区内基性岩墙及其围岩进行了锆石U-Pb定年和地球化学分析,以确定该期伸展事件的形成机制及地质意义。天桥地区基性岩墙岩性为斜长角闪岩,侵位于TTG片麻岩中。英云闪长质片麻岩(TN1)中锆石具核-边结构,岩浆核的LA-ICP-MS测年结果为2500±6Ma,指示其形成于新太古代末期。天桥岩墙(TN3)中的锆石内部结构与TN1相同,酸性岩浆核的SHRIMP测年结果为2490±17Ma,与TN1在误差范围内一致,表明这些锆石不是基性岩墙原生锆石,而是岩墙侵位过程中在围岩中捕获的锆石,但根据岩墙仅侵位在太古宙基底中且变质程度高于周围古元古界老岭群,将其侵位年龄大致限制在新太古代末期-古元古代早期。地球化学特征显示,基性岩墙具有低SiO_2、Na_2O、K_2O含量,高CaO、MgO含量,A/CNK=0.56～0.59,属于准铝质的拉斑玄武岩系列岩石,∑REE低、配分曲线平坦,富集LILE(Rb、Ba和K),亏损HFSE(Th、U、Nb和Ta),具有与原始地幔相同的Nb/Ta、Zr/Hf比值及接近地壳的Nb/U、Ta/U比值,指示其岩浆可能来源于地幔且在上升过程中受到地壳混染,形成于板内伸展环境。TTG片麻岩具有中等的SiO_2和MgO含量,高Al_2O_3和Na_2O含量以及低CaO含量,A/CNK=1.00～1.14,属弱过铝质的钙碱性系列岩石,∑REE低、具有右倾的REE配分曲线,轻稀土富集、重稀土亏损,富集LILE(Rb、Ba、K和Sr),强烈亏损HFSE(U、Nb、Ta、Sm和Ti),其岩浆可能来源于变质玄武质岩石和极少量沉积岩的部分熔融,结合邻区TTG的研究成果,认为其形成于与俯冲相关的活动大陆边缘环境。前人研究表明,新太古代晚期板块构造体制可能已经启动,结合我们以往研究,认为新太古代晚期华北克拉通东北部可能发生了弧陆碰撞造山运动,天桥岩墙的侵位标志着新太古代末期至古元古代早期之间华北克拉通东北部进入造山后伸展环境,可能是对新太古代造山运动结束的响应。     

Delineation of the ca. 2.7 Ga TTG gneisses in the Zanhuang Complex,North China Craton and its geological implications

Through detailed studies we have delineated a suite of banded TTG gneisses from the Zanhuang Complex. The protolith of the gneisses, predominantly tonalite, has undergone intensive metamorphism, deformation and anatexis and in a banded structure is intimately associated with melanocratic dioritic gneiss and leucocratic trondhjemitic veins. SHRIMP Zircon U–Pb data show that the tonalite was formed ca. 2692 ± 12 Ma ago. The tonalitic gneiss has the features of high SiO₂ (67.76–73.31%), high Al₂O₃ (14.38–15.83%), rich in Na₂O (4.48–5.07%) and poor in K₂O (0.77–1.93%). The gneiss is strongly fractioned in REE ((La/Yb)_N = 12.02–24.65) and shows a weak positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu^* = 1.05–1.64). It has high contents of Ba (199–588 ppm) and Sr (200–408 ppm), low contents of Yb (0.32–1.00 ppm) and Y (3.41–10.3 ppm) with high Sr/Y ratios (21.77–96.77) and depletion in HFSE Nb, Ta and Ti. These characteristics are similar to those of the high-Si adakitic rocks. The melanocratic dioritic gneiss has low SiO₂ (59.81%), high MgO (6.34%), high Al₂O₃ (14.02%) contents, rich in Na₂O (3.7%) and poor in K₂O (1.79%), with high Mg index (Mg^# = 67). REE and trace elements are on the whole similar to that of the tonalitic gneiss, but compatible element abundances V (116 ppm), Cr (249 ppm), Co (37 ppm) and Ni (179 ppm) are higher. The leucocratic felsic bands (approximating trondhjemite in composition) have major oxides similar to that of the TTG gneisses but the REE and compatible elements are extremely low, which are indicative of the products of anatexis. The tonalitic gneiss has positive ε_Nd(t) (2.37–3.29) and low initial Sr (0.69719–0.70068) values with depleted mantle Nd model age of ca. 2.8 Ga, suggesting its generation from partial melting of mantle-derived juvenile crust. The dioritic gneiss was also derived from subduction environment, but has undergone significant metasomatism of mantle wedge. The delineation of the ca. 2.7 Ga TTG gneisses in the Zanhuang Complex further proves that the North China Craton experienced large-scale continental crustal accretion in early Neoarchean, and gives new constraints on the subdivision of the early blocks and greenstone belts of the craton.     

Geochronology of an archaean tonalitic gneiss dome in Northern Finland and its relation with an unusual overlying volcanic conglomerate and komatiitic greenstone

Archaean gneiss-greenstone relationships are still unresolved in many ancient cratonic terrains although there is growing evidence that most of the late Archaean greenstone assemblages were deposited on older tonalitic crust.We report here well defined basement-cover relationships from a late Archaean greenstone belt in Lapland, north of the Polar Circle. The basal greenstone sequence contains quartzite, schist, komatiitic volcanics and an unusual volcanic conglomerate with well preserved granite pebbles of an older basement. These rocks surround a gneiss dome composed of foliated tonalite which shows a polyphase deformation pattern not seen in the neighbouring greenstones.Zircon fractions of the gneisses plot on two discordia lines and give upper intercept ages with concordia at 3,069±16 Ma and 3,110±17 Ma respectively. One fraction contains metamict zircons with components at least 3,135 Ma old. These are the oldest reliable ages yet reported from the Archaean of the Baltic Shield. Rb-Sr whole-rock dating of the tonalitic gneiss yielded an isochron age of 2,729±122 Ma and an I_Sr of 0.703±0.001. This is interpreted to reflect a resetting event during which the gneisses may have acquired their present tectonic fabric.Rb-Sr model age calculations yield mantle values for I_Sr at about 2,950±115 Ma and suggest that the tonalite was intruded into the crust as juvenile material at about 3.1 Ga ago as reflected by the zircon ages. It was subsequently deformed and isotopically reset at about 2.7 Ga ago, prior to greenstone deposition.Comparison with tonalitic gneisses of eastern Karelia displays significant differences and suggests that the Archaean of Finland may contain several generations of pre-greenstone granitoid rocks.     

河北小觉地区阜平岩群斜长角闪岩及深熔产物的稀土和Nd同位素地球化学研究

工作中重点对河北平山小觉地区阜平岩群两类角闪质岩石深熔作用的地球化学进行了研究。一类为厚层状斜长角闪岩，相邻新生浅色体常量元素组成上向TTG花岗质岩石方向转化，稀土和高场强元素含量明显降低，轻重稀土分离程度增高，tDM减小，εNd(t0)增大。另一类为与黑云变粒岩－片麻岩互层的条带状、石香肠状斜长角闪岩，相邻新生浅色体与之存在不同的地球化学关系：（1）稀土总量相对增高，轻重稀土分离程度有所降低；（2）稀土总量和轻重稀土分离程度都有明显增高。后者Nd同位素组成与斜长角闪岩也存在很大区别。这些现象可用熔融母岩、形成条件等差异得到合理的解释。     

辽南小黑山地区太古宙构造变形序列

采用地质调查和显微镜下观察方法,研究了辽南小黑山区太古宙岩石组成和构造变形特征。小黑山区太古宙岩石包括上壳岩、古老片麻岩和变基性岩脉,它们在小黑山变质岩体中呈包体出现。上壳岩由黑云变粒岩、条带状闪石磁铁石英岩组成;古老片麻岩为条带状角闪黑云斜长片麻岩、条带状角闪斜长片麻岩,原岩为英云闪长岩;变基性岩脉为斜长角闪岩和角闪石岩。上壳岩堆积之后有英云闪长岩侵位,基性脉侵位于上壳岩和英云闪长岩（古老片麻岩）。小黑山区太古宙岩石经历了2幕变形：D₁幕变形主要表现为褶皱构造（DF₁）、与褶皱轴面平行的面理（DS₁）、矿物线理（DL₁）;D₂幕变形在叠加褶皱作用下形成斜歪倾伏褶皱（DF₂）,面理和线理不发育。小黑山区太古宙变质岩中发育的变形序列、构造特征、变形特征、变质条件表明,这2幕构造形迹群属于中部构造相。D1幕变形形成逆冲推覆构造,D₂幕变形形成第Ⅲ型叠加褶皱,它们都是在同方向的水平挤压应力作用下的产物。     

Tectono-metamorphic and geochronologic studies from Sandmata complex,northwest Indian shield: Implications on exhumation of late-palaeoproterozoic granulites in an archaean-early palaeoproterozoic granite-gneiss terrane

Several bodies of granulites comprising charnockite, charno-enderbite, pelitic and calc-silicate rocks occur within an assemblage of granite gneiss/granitoid, amphibolite and metasediments (henceforth described as banded gneisses) in the central part of the Aravalli Mountains, northwestern India. The combined rock assemblage was thought to constitute an Archaean basement (BGC-II) onto which the successive Proterozoic cover rocks were deposited. Recent field studies reveal the occurrence of several bodies of late-Palaeoproterozoic (1725 and 1621 Ma) granulites within the banded gneisses, which locally show evidence of migmatization at c. 1900 Ma coeval with the Aravalli Orogeny. We report single zircon ‘evaporation’ ages together with information from LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon datings to confirm an Archaean (2905 — ca. 2500 Ma) age for the banded gneisses hosting the granulites. The new geochronological data, therefore, suggest a polycyclic evolution for the BGC-II terrane for which the new term Sandmata Complex is proposed. The zircon ages suggest that the different rock formations in the Sandmata Complex are neither entirely Palaeoproterozoic in age, as claimed in some studies nor are they exclusively Archaean as was initially thought. Apart from distinct differences in the age of rocks, tectono-metamorphic breaks are observed in the field between the Archaean banded gneisses and the Palaeoproterozoic granulites. Collating the data on granulite ages with the known tectono-stratigraphic framework of the Aravalli Mountains, we conclude that the evolution and exhumation of granulites in the Sandmata Complex occurred during a tectono-magmatic/metamorphic event, which cannot be linked to known orogenic cycles that shaped this ancient mountain belt. We present some field and geochronologic evidence to elucidate the exhumation history and tectonic emplacement of the late Palaeoproterozoic, high P-T granulites into the Archaean banded gneisses. The granulite-facies metamorphism has been correlated with the thermal perturbation during the asymmetric opening of Delhi basins at around 1700 Ma.     

Kyanite-bearing rocks from the Hackett River area,N.W.T.: Implications for Archean geothermal gradients

The increase in metamorphic grade toward the Hackett River gneiss dome indicates that the structural dome is also a metamorphic culmination. In pelitic rocks east of the dome, the prograde sequence is chlorite, biotite, staurolite-cordierite, sillimanite. To the southwest the sequence is andalusite-staurolite-cordierite, sillimanite. In quartzofeldspathic gneisses which are closer to the dome than the sillimanite isograd, kyanite occurs as corroded relics, cross-cut by sillimanite and rimmed by cordierite and plagioclase.The pelites were metamorphosed under regional low-pressure conditions at the same time the quartzo-feldspathic rocks underwent higher-pressure metamorphism. A lateral variation in geothermal gradient during metamorphism is postulated to account for the change in facies-series. High heat flow beneath oceanic crust produced the low-pressure assemblages in the pelites; higher-pressure assemblages formed in a region of suppressed isotherms around a relatively cool, proto-continental trondhjemitic body. Low-pressure conditions were imposed on the kyanite-bearing gneisses during continuing metamorphism and diapiric uplift.Spatial association of late Archean kyanite-bearing rocks with early Archean sodic proto-cratons has also been noted in the Churchill and Superior Provinces of Canada as well as the Rhodesian Craton.     

Early Precambrian tonalite-trondhjemite sialic nuclei

Early Precambrian batholiths evolved by diapiric intrusion of near-liquidus to superheated tonalitic and trondhjemitic magmas into an early greenstones crust. Distribution patterns of enclaves and xenolith screens derived from the latter provide reference markers which define the internal geometry and detailed structure of the “gregarious batholiths” (Macgregor) as polydomal multi-lobal bodies. Near-liquidus temperatures are suggested by the digestion of vast volumes of ultramafic—mafic crust by the acid magmas. Tracing of xenolith trains between low and high grade metamorphic terrains provide key evidence for coeval relations between granite—greenstone type terrains and amphibolite to granulite facies infracrustal root zones of the latter. The formation of the plutonic tonalite—trondhjemite suite was accompanied by dacitic to rhyolitic extrusions, the acid volcanic lenses being located above early greenstone units intruded by the batholiths and below upper greenstone sequences which postdate these intrusions. The geochemical characteristics of high-level and deep-level tonalites and trondhjemites are compared. Both suites display very wide compositional spectra, but data from high-grade terrains tend to define a more basic field than data from granite—greenstone terrains. Effects of source compositions on the geochemistry of the acid plutonic rocks are pointed out. Tonalites dominate in South African terrains whereas trondhjemites dominate in Western Australian terrains — a difference conceivably related to the more ultramafic composition of source rocks represented by early greenstone units in southern Africa. Granodiorites and potassic granites form a comparatively minor component of Archaean batholiths, and may occur in the following forms: (1) bands of augen gneiss in high-grade terrains; (2) components of trondhjemitic to granitic gneisses in high-level plutons; and (3) discrete post-tectonic intrusions typically emplaced at high levels of the batholiths and along older tonalite—greenstone contacts. Migmatites characteristically form in close spatial association with xenolith-rich zones, probably due to depression of the solidus consequent on water addition related to dehydration of the xenoliths. A derivation of the acid sodic magmas by anatexis of sialic materials is inconsistent with geochemical evidence and petrological theory. In contrast, the commonly low to very low LIL element levels and REE evidence indicate derivation by about 30–50% melting of basic rocks. Marked trace element anomalies are characteristic of some Archaean plutonic suites, e.g. very high Sr in some Western Australian rocks, low Rb in some Lewisian (Scotland) and South African rocks, U depletion in South African and southwestern Greenland suites, high Li in some Pilbara rocks and high Zr in some southwestern Greenland rocks. However, the only consistent anomaly observed to date is a well-pronounced depletion in Y and heavy REE, suggesting extensive equilibration of the acid melts with eclogite and/or amphibolite. Uniformitarian interpretations of the Archaean are questioned in the light of the evidence for high temperature and pressure, the unique tectonic style of diapirism and the low initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr as compared to Proterozoic plutonic suites. The diachronous nucleation of tonalite—trondhjemite plutons during the Archaean is seen as the major process effecting a transformation of an early Archaean sima into sial.     

Geochemistry of Precambrian gneisses: relevance for the evolution of the East Antarctic Shield

Archaean granulite-facies orthogneisses of the Napier Complex in Enderby Land, metamorphosed 3070 Maago, comprise two chemically distinct suites. The more abundant, mainly of tonalitic to granodioritic composition, shows strong Y depletion, explicable by hydrous partial melting of a garnet-bearing source (garnet amphibolite or possibly eclogite); it apparently represents new continental crust. Other gneisses (predominantly of trondhjemitic to granitic (s.s) composition) do not show Y depletion, and have higher TiO₂, Zr, Nb, La, Ce and Ga/Al, and lower CaO, Sr and Mg/(Mg + total Fe); they probably originated by relatively dry melting of predominantly felsic crystal rocks. Both suites show evidence for loss of Rb (relative to K), Th, and U during metamorphism. Late Archaean (−2800 Ma) amphibolite-facies gneisses of MacRobertson Land are of ‘undepleted’ type and may be representative of a higher crustal level than those of Enderby land. Late Proterozoic (1000 Ma) granulite-facies gneisses of Enderby Land (Rayner Complex) are to a large extent remetamorphosed Napier Complex rocks of igneous derivation; in contrast, gneisses of similar age in MacRobertson Land include a much higher proportion derived, either directly or by partial melting, from sedimentary protoliths.     

U-Pb zircon systematics at Gruinard Bay, northwest Scotland: implications for the early orogenic evolution of the Lewisian complex

The Gruinard Bay area of the mainland Lewisian complex comprises a metamorphosed suite of Archaean trondhjemites and minor granites enclosing remnants of older tonalitic gneiss and mafic to ultramafic enclaves. The U-Pb zircon dating yields ages of 2731 ±14 Ma and 2728 ±2 Ma for two trondhjemite and 2732 ±4 Ma for one granite sample, also revealing the presence of large amounts of inherited xenocrystic zircons. Although the region has been pervasively overprinted by retrogressive events in amphibolite to greenschist facies, the textural relations between biotite, hornblende, quartz and titaniferous minerals indicate that these minerals are pseudomorphs of pyroxene and high-Ti amphibole formed in hornblende-granulite facies. Structural relations link this metamorphism to a steep northeast-trending fabric coeval with the intrusion of the trondhjemites, dated at 2730 Ma. Dating of zircon in amphibolite and tonalite enclaves yields complex internal isotopic relations with apparent ages ranging from 2825 to 2740 Ma. This age range reflects new growth during the 2730 Ma metamorphic/metasomatic events, superimposed on older zircon phases which include combinations of xenocrystic cores, and magmatic and/or metamorphic growth phases whose mode of formation cannot clearly be resolved by imaging techniques (e.g. cathodoluminescence) alone. A pegmatitic vein that escaped the D₃ strain and related isotopic disturbances yields a precise age of 2792 ±2 Ma, which constrains to some degree the earliest orogenic events in the area. Age relationships displayed in the central block at Scourie–Badcall, and in the Gruinard Bay area indicate that petrogenetic events in both areas were comparable about 2800 Ma and that both areas underwent trondhjemitic magmatism about 2730 Ma. In contrast, at Gruinard Bay there is no isotopic evidence for a period of high-grade metamorphism and magmatism at 2490–2480 Ma that drastically affected the Scourie block indicating that at this stage the two regions occupied different levels of the crust. Received: 23 October 1997 / Accepted: 20 July 1998     

The western border of the Archaean province of the Baltic shield: evidence from northern Sweden

Restricted areas of acid to intermediate gneisses in northernmost Sweden are known to be Archaean and several other gneissic granodioritic to tonalitic massifs have been suggested to be of this age. To delimit the western border of the Archaean province of the Baltic Shield, and to characterize the Swedish Archaean, we have studied the 2.83 Ga old Soppero gneiss and 8 of the proposed Archaean massifs in northern Sweden by Sm-Nd isotopic analyses, U-Pb zircon dating (in two cases), and geochemistry.Of the Archaean gneisses proposed thus far, only those from the Soppero and Kukkola areas have Archaean ages (2.83 and 2.67 Ga, respectively). These gneisses have geochemical characteristics such as LREE-enrichment, low U-contents, and low K/Na-ratios, which are typical of Archaean TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) rocks worldwide. The REE results indicate that the Soppero and the Kukkola gneisses were generated by partial melting of basic rocks, presumably amphibolites. According to the Sm-Nd isotopic data for the Soppero gneiss, this process occurred only a short time after initial segregation from the mantle ( _Nd values between +0.9 and +3.5). The Kukkola gneiss, however, has longer crustal residence time as indicated by negative _Nd values (–1.0 and –2.5) at the U-Pb zircon age of 2.67 Ga. Evidence in support of an important event at that time is given by secondary overgrowth on zircon cores in the 2.83 Ga old Soppero gneiss.The Sm-Nd isotope results show that the Proterozoic granitoids in northern Sweden have a decreasing involvement of Archaean source material with increasing distance from the Archaean areas. Before the Proterozoic reworking, the rather small Archaean areas in northern Sweden presumably belonged to a large continuous Archaean craton. The western palaeoboundary of this craton in Sweden probably follows approximately a line extrapolated from the western limit of the Archaean of central Finland, passing west of Kukkola, and then continues to the Lofoten area in northern Norway.     

The mechanisms of petrogenesis of the Archaean continental crust—Comparison with modern processes

The petrographic and chemical composition of magmatic rocks generated during the Archaean appears to be different from that of post-Archaean rocks. Komatiites are widespread before 2.5 Ga and rarely occur afterwards. In addition the Archaean continental crust is primarily TTG (Tonalitic, Trondhjemitic and Granodioritic) in composition, exhibiting typical trondhjemitic differentiation trends; whereas modern equivalents are granodioritic to granitic following classical calc-alkaline differentiation trends. This distinction becomes more prominent when rare-earth elements (REE) are taken into account: Archaean TTG are Yb-poor (Yb_N < 8.5) and have high (La/Yb) ratios (5 < (La/Yb)_N < 150), in comparison, the post-2.5 Ga granitoids, emplaced in subduction-zone geodynamic environments have high Yb content (4.5N<20) with very low (La/Yb)_N ratios ( 20). Theoretical calculations and experimental petrology have shown that the TTG can be produced by partial melting of an Archaean tholeiite transformed into garnet-bearing amphibolite. Consequently, the low heavy REE content of the TTG is explained by the influence of both residual garnet and hornblende in their source. After 2.5 Ga the role of these minerals in calc-alkaline magma genesis becomes progressively less important, which is interpreted in terms of a cooling Earth model.

In modern subduction zone environments the subducted oceanic slab is relatively “old and cold” and the geothermal gradient along the Benioff plane in low (ca. 10°C/km). Consequently, the down-going lithosphere undergoes dehydration before partial melting is able to occur. The liberated fluids are light REE and LILE-enriched and ascend into the overlying mantle wedge where they induced partial fusion. The produced magmas separate from their mantle source region leaving a residue mainly composed of olivine and pyroxenes. Mantle derived magmas typically exhibit high Yb contents due to low KD_Yb values for olivine and pyroxenes. During the Archaean, the subducted lithosphere was relatively “young and hot” providing high geothermal gradients along the Benioff zone. Thus, partial melting of the subducted slab was possible at lower temperatures before dehydration would take place. Garnet and hornblende are the main residual phases accounting for the low Yb contents of the Archaean TTG.

This model can be tested using a modern analogue of Archaean-like subduction processes. In south Chile an oceanic ridge has subducted and all thermodynamic calculations indicate that this creates locally high geothermal gradients along the Benioff zone. Thus in very small areas, Archaean-like environments may be simulated in modern subduction zones. The modern andesites produced in this environment show Archaean geochemical characteristics with low Yb_N (<5), whereas the majority of andesites along the Andean arc have modern patterns with Yb_N ranging from 8 to more than 17. This conclusion was generalised to all young subducted lithospheres all over the world.

In conclusion, it appears that since the Archaean there has been a change in the site of continental crust genesis. The location of calc-alkaline magma source in subduction-zone environments has migrated through time from the subducted slab to the mantle wedge. This is a direct consequence of the progressive cooling of the Earth.