Petrogenesis of the granite related to the Baishaziling Sn deposit,Dayishan ore field,Southern China

The Baishaziling greisen-type tin deposit is located in the Dayishan ore field, Nanling Range, Southern China. In this study, for the first time, we present both zircon and cassiterite UPb dating, whole-rock elements, zircon LuHf and apatite Nd isotopic compositions to better constrain the petrogenesis of granite and its genetic link with Sn mineralization. Zircon UPb ages of fine-grained granite and coarse-grained granite are 154 ± 1.8 Ma and 153 ± 2.1 Ma, respectively, which are consistent with the cassiterite UPb dating of 154 ± 5.4 Ma, implying genetic relationship between the Baishaziling granite and tin metallogenesis. The Baishaziling granites exhibit high SiO₂, K₂O + Na₂O, Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents, low P₂O₅ and Sr contents, and high ratios of Ga/Al, ^TFeO/(^TFeO + MgO), implying A-type granite affinity with characteristics of high-K calc-alkaline and weakly peraluminous. The zircon ε_Hf(t) values and apatite ε_Nd(t) values of the granite vary from ?4.46 to ?1.81 and ?8.37 to ?7.10, with two-stage Hf and Nd model ages of 1.40 to 1.50 Ga and 1.52 to 1.64 Ga, indicating that they were generated by the partial melt of the Proterozoic basement with the involvement of mantle magma. In addition, formation of Dayishan granite was likely associated with an intraplate extensional setting caused by the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. The Baishaziling reduced granites have high stannum and boron contents, which are in favor of the tin mineralization.     

Genesis and geodynamic process of early Cretaceous intermediate–felsic batholith within the Chem Co zone,western Qiangtang and implications for Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean subduction

The complex evolutionary history of collision-related suture zones in the western Qiangtang is poorly understood, due to the lack of pivotal magmatic and tectonic records. The Chem Co intermediate-felsic batholith is situated in the westernmost section of Qiangtang, where it intruded into the Upper Paleozoic metamorphic sedimentary series and was cut by Late-Cenozoic active normal faults. Here, we present evidence from field observations, geochemistry, zircon UPb and Hf isotopes, and mica ⁴⁰Ar³⁹Ar analysis of these granitoid rocks. Zircon UPb ages ranging from 107.3 ± 1.4 to 123.7 ± 1.7 Ma reveal that this magmatism initiated in the Early Cretaceous. Mica ⁴⁰Ar³⁹Ar yield plateau ages from 99 to 118 Ma suggest rapid emplacement into the cold crust without disturbance by subsequent >320 °C tectono-thermal events. Major element geochemistry shows these granitic rocks are enriched in Al, depleted in Ca, lie mostly within the high–K calc–alkaline series and have peraluminous features. Mineral modes that lack amphibole but contain muscovite, together with the geochemical characteristics, indicate an S–type granite affinity. Furthermore, the rocks are strongly enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE), and are moderately to strongly depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE), thus indicating typical characteristics of arc-related magmatic rocks. Considering the petrogenesis, geochemical features, zircon UPb ages, negative zircon εHf(t) values, similarity with the southwestern Qiangtang intrusions, and the geological setting, we conclude that the Chem Co granite was derived from the anatexis of crustal lithosphere through a “soft” collision associated with the continuing northwards subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan (BNT) Ocean. We propose that the final closure and termination of the western segment of the BNT Ocean was completed later than 107 Ma.     

Monazite and cassiterite UPb dating of the Abu Dabbab rare-metal granite,Egypt: Late Cryogenian metalliferous granite magmatism in the Arabian-Nubian Shield

The Abu Dabbab rare-metal granite in the Eastern Desert of Egypt is a highly-evolved alkali-feldspar granite with transitional magmatic-hydrothermal features. Extreme geochemical fractionation and the associated significant TaSn resource make the Abu Dabbab intrusion an important feature in the metallogenic evolution of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. UPb dating by laser ablation sector field (SF)-ICPMS analysis of igneous monazite yields a Concordia age of 644.7 ± 2.3 Ma, identical within uncertainty to a lower intercept Tera-Wasserburg isochron age of 644.2 ± 2.3 Ma obtained from hydrothermal cassiterite. Both ages place tight constraints on the timing of magmatic-hydrothermal processes in the Abu Dabbab granite which represents the oldest highly-evolved granite recognized so far in the Pan-African Arabian-Nubian Shield. Thus, the new ages also date the start of a period of late-orogenic metalliferous granite magmatism, when the basement of the Eastern Desert underwent a geodynamic transition from a compressive subduction-collision regime towards orogenic collapse in the late Cryogenian.     

The origin of the Pailin Crystalline Complex in western Cambodia,and back-arc basin development in the Paleo-Tethys Ocean

The Pailin Crystalline Complex, which consists of amphibolites, metagabbros, and felsic igneous rocks, is located in western Cambodia. We used the geochemistry of the amphibolites and the zircon UPb ages of felsic igneous rocks to constrain the origin of the Pailin Crystalline Complex and to gain insights into the tectonic framework of Southeast Asia. Geochemical analyses indicate that the amphibolites are normal (N-type) mid-ocean ridge basalts, similar to the Sa Kaeo Back-arc Basin basalts of southeastern Thailand. The zircon UPb ages are 283 ± 2 Ma (anorthosite dike), 280 ± 2 Ma (aplite dike), and 275 ± 2 Ma (plagiogranite). The geochemistry and detrital zircon UPb ages of sandstones adjacent to the Pailin Crystalline Complex suggest that they are sediments that filled the Sa Kaeo Back-arc Basin during the Triassic. We infer that the Pailin Crystalline Complex is part of a dismembered ophiolite related to the back-arc basin, and that the igneous rocks formed during the Early Permian. Most of the metamorphism occurred during continental collision in Southeast Asia. However, the amphibolites of the Pailin Crystalline Complex also experienced ocean-floor metamorphism at a back-arc spreading center, in a tectonic setting similar to that of the mafic metamorphic rocks of the Nan Back-arc Basin, northern Thailand. We conclude that the Pailin Crystalline Complex is the southernmost extension of a back-arc basin related to subduction of Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust and the Sukhothai Arc.     

An improved classification of mineralized zones using particle swarm optimization: A case study from Dagh-Dali ZnPb (±Au) prospect,Northwest Iran

Classification of mineralized areas into different geochemical classes in terms of prospectivity is crucial in the optimal management of exploration risk and costs. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can be served as appropriate alternatives for separating ore-related anomalies due to avoiding the assumptions of statistical distribution and compatibility with the multivariate nature of geochemical features. By hybridizing the ML with a metaheuristic algorithm called particle swarm optimization (PSO), this contribution aims to provide an innovative approach to optimize the classification of geochemical anomalies within the study area. The algorithm, PSO, is inspired by simulating the social behavior of flocks of birds in search of food. The Dagh-Dali ZnPb (±Au) mineral prospect in northwest Iran was subjected as a case study to examine the integrity of the proposed method. Mineralization-related features were extracted by applying principal component analysis (PCA) on metallogenic elements analyzed in soil samples as PC1 and PC2 with elemental assemblages of AgAuPbZn and PbZn, respectively. The silhouette index was employed to estimate the number of underlying geochemical clusters within the adopted feature space. To constitute a comparative analysis, two k-means clustering and PSO-based learning (PSO-L) algorithms were implemented to classify the gridded data of PC1 and PC2 within the study area. The results indicated that the use of PSO has improved the cost function of the clustering problem (up to 4%). Adapting the mineralization classes with the metallogenic evidence demonstrated by boreholes drilled in the study area indicated that PSO-L was superior to the traditional k-means method, improving the accurate estimation of subsurface mineralization classes by 7%. By overcoming the drawbacks of conventional methods for trapping at the local optima, PSO-based learning possesses the potential to highlight weak mineralization signals that are numerically located in boundary conditions. The results show that the proposed approach can serve as an effective medium for optimal modeling of geochemical classes and management of detailed exploration operations.     

LA-ICP-MS UPb geochronology of wolframite by combining NIST series and common lead-bearing MTM as the primary reference material:Implications for metallogenesis of South China

Direct dating of W and WSn deposits by wolframite is more reliable relatively to gangue mineral and important for understanding their timing and genesis. However, such analysis still lacks of homogeneous wolframite standard recently. Due to containing considerable and variable common lead, and inhomogeneous in different grains, the wolframite sample of MTM, which is a promising candidate reference material proposed by previous studies, is not suitable as a primary standard for wolframite UPb dating by LA-ICP-MS using the normal normalization method as zircons. In this contribution, a modified normalization method is established for wolframite UPb dating, in which NIST612 or 614 and MTM are used for correction of PbPb and UPb ratios, respectively. Wolframite UPb dating are performed on the Langcun, Xihuashan, Piaotang, Shamai W or WSn deposits and the Baiganhu ore district, the obtained lower intercept ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages are comparable with the ages from syngenetic molybdenite, cassiterite, muscovite and the genetically related granites, as well as wolframite by water vapor-assisted ns-LA-ICP-MS UPb dating method. The results of this analysis demonstrate that the robust age for W mineralization can be determined by LA-ICP-MS UPb dating of wolframite using this modified calibration method. Mineralization ages of 125–130 Ma by directly dating of metal minerals for the Langcun W, Jianfengpo Sn and large-size Xianglushan W deposits confirm that there exists an important WSn mineralization event in this period. The close temporal and spatial correlation indicates the granites and W-Cu-Mo-Pb-Zn-Sn mineralization have a genetic relationship with each other and are resulted from the same tectonic-magmatic-hydrothermal events during 140 to 120 Ma in South China.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of subducted Cadomian continental basement in central Iran: Decompressional anatexis along the Jurassic Neotethys margin

Late Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian calc-alkaline granitoids are ubiquitous in the continental basement of Iran and indicate formation within a Cadomian arc system at the northern margin of Gondwana. A basement complex comprising mainly mica schist, paragneisses, and metagranite along with metabasite and rare pegmatite is exposed in the Zayanderud region north of Shahrekord located in the hinterland of the Zagros mountain range. This complex is unique in the Neotethyan realm because it includes eclogites with Jurassic metamorphic ages implying involvement of continental crust at the onset of subduction. Ion microprobe UPb zircon dating along with trace element and oxygen isotope analyses for metagranites define two zircon age clusters of ca. 552 and 565 Ma confirming connection with the other Ediacaran age basement arc plutons in the belt. Zircon geochronology for pegmatite, by contrast, yielded a concordant age population averaging 176.5 ± 3.3 (2σ) Ma. Zircon crystals from the pegmatite also have unusually low rare earth element (REE) abundances with sharp increases towards the heavy REE. Along with an absence of a negative Eu anomaly, this indicates a high-grade metamorphic origin of zircon crystallizing from a pegmatite which was formed by melting of mica schist and possibly amphibole eclogite during decompression where incipient garnet breakdown released Zr and HREE to form zircon, and LREE were retained in stable apatite and titanite. Corresponding ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar phengite dates from the pegmatite and the mica schist country-rock are overlapping with or only slightly postdate the UPb zircon ages, indicating rapid cooling after reaching maximum metamorphic pressure in the Early Jurassic. The Zayanderud basement complex is thus potentially a rare example of deep burial of continental crust and rapid exhumation due to buoyant escape during the incipient stages of subduction, well before the ultimate closing of the Neotethys ocean basin between Arabia and Eurasia in the mid-Tertiary.     

The Mesoarchaean Dominion Group and the onset of intracontinental volcanism on the Kaapvaal craton – Geological,geochemical and temporal constraints

The ca. 3.07 Ga volcanic rocks of the Dominion Group, South Africa, represent the oldest example of intracontinental, rift-related volcanism on the Archaean Kaapvaal craton. The volcanic assemblage comprises a >2 km-thick succession of mafic-intermediate lavas interlayered with felsic lavas and pyroclastic rocks. Textural and geological features indicate emplacement in a subaerial environment probably in an incipient intracontinental rift. We report SHRIMP UPb zircon ages, elemental and Nd-isotope bulk-rock analyses of drill core samples and interpret their petrogenesis in the context of a Mesoarchaean continental setting. The UPb zircon ages of four felsic samples from different stratigraphic levels yielded the same dates, resulting in a pooled ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 3074 ± 5 Ma. Primitive mantle-normalised incompatible trace element concentrations show enriched patterns with fractionated rare earth elements over high field-strength elements and negative anomalies of Nb and Ta relative to La.Initial ε_Nd values for mafic and felsic rocks from −1.0 to −0.2 indicate melting of sources comprising time-integrated incompatible element-enriched mantle. The combined trace element and SmNd isotopic data suggest that the enrichment of incompatible elements and the low ε_Nd values in the most primitive basalt samples (Mg# of 65–67) can be explained with contamination of asthenosphere-derived melts with crustal material or melting of an incompatible element-enriched upper mantle. The chemical compositions of the Dominion Group and Pongola Supergroup represent a significant petrogenetic departure from earlier Archaean (>3.6–3.1 Ga) magmatism as recorded in the Kaapvaal craton, which was dominated by komatiite-basalt volcanism and tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite intrusions. This change reflects the transition from a “greenstone belt type” tectonic setting to a failed intracontinental rift setting shortly after stabilisation of the Kaapvaal craton.     

What is underneath the juvenile Ordovician Macquarie Arc (eastern Australia)? A question resolved using Silurian intrusions to sample the lower crust

The Ordovician intra-oceanic Macquarie Arc of eastern Australia collided with the eastern Gondwanan margin at ~440 Ma. However, the deep crustal architecture resulting from this assembly is poorly known. This is addressed here by a zircon U-Pb-Hf study of the post-assembly Silurian Browns Creek Intrusive Complex and Davies Creek Granite dykes that intrude into the arc, and not adjacent Gondwanan sedimentary sequences. Zircon UPb dating integrated with CL imagery indicate two igneous phases at 430–437 Ma and 420–426 Ma and a zircon recrystallisation phase at 395–396 Ma attributed to a late thermal event. The magmatic zircon initial ɛHf values vary from −5.1 to +4.7. This signature indicates the source of these granitic rocks is strongly influenced by typical pre-Silurian Gondwanan material. Granitic rock and zircon compositions demonstrate that at the likely temperature of the Silurian granitic magma, especially the Davies Creek Granite dykes, inherited source zircons were mostly dissolved, explaining the absence of pre-Ordovician xenocrysts within the zircon population. The unradiogenic Hf isotopic signatures preserved in the Silurian magmatic zircons demonstrate the contribution of Gondwanan crustal material to the magma source region. These results support the interpretation of the Macquarie Arc as an intra-Panthalassa ocean allochthon, emplaced and resting over the edge of Gondwanan crystalline basement, possibly including the continent-derived sedimentary rocks of the Adaminaby Group.     

Age,petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of granitic gneiss and amphibolite from the Weizigou gold deposit,Heilongjiang Province,NE China: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry

The Weizigou gold deposit is located in the western Jiamusi Massif, Northeast China. Gold mineralization is hosted in the amphibolite, which intruded the granitic gneiss. Although the deposit shows similarities to iron-oxide–copper–gold deposits, the detailed ore-forming process remains uncertain. To determine the formation age, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of the granitic gneiss and amphibolite, LA–ICP–MS zircon, titanite, and monazite UPb dating, whole-rock major- and trace-element analyses, and LA–ICP–MS in situ zircon Hf isotope analyses were conducted on samples from these rocks. The granitic gneiss yielded two age populations of 951–882 Ma, and ca. 500 Ma, with a monazite UPb concordia age of 501.5 ± 5.1 Ma. The amphibolite yielded a crystallization age of 292 Ma, consistent with the results for magmatic titanite UPb dating, and a metamorphic age of 272–258 Ma. The granitic gneiss contains typical aluminum-rich minerals, such as garnet and muscovite, mean SiO₂ = 73.31 wt%, and molar ratio Al₂O₃/(CaO + K₂O + Na₂O) values of 1.02–1.07, indicating an S-type granite protolith. The amphibolite belongs to the tholeiitic basalt series and has low SiO₂ and high MnO contents. These results, together with ε_Hf(t) values and two-stage model ages ranging from ?9.5 to 2.3 and ? 0.3 to 5.7, and from 2010 to 1659 Ma and from 1331 to 947 Ma, respectively, allow us to infer that the parental magmas of the granitic gneiss and amphibolite were derived from the partial melting of Paleoproterozoic lower crust and the partial melting of metasomatized depleted mantle, respectively. The granitic gneiss is characterized by positive Th and Hf anomalies, and negative Nb, Ta, Sr and Ti anomalies, whereas the amphibolite is enriched in K, Rb, and depleted in Ba, Nb, Ti, and Zr. These geochemical features suggest that the S-type granite was formed in an active continental margin during the Neoproterozoic and underwent granulite-facies metamorphism during the early Paleozoic. The protolith of the amphibolite was gabbro that formed in an extensional setting (e.g., a backarc basin) associated with westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate beneath the eastern Jiamusi Massif during the early Permian. The gold mineralization can most likely be attributed to contact metasomatic metamorphism of gabbro during the middle–late Permian.     

Large Zn isotope variations in the NiMo polymetallic sulfide layer in the lower Cambrian,South China

In South China, black organic-rich shales in the lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation host a NiMo polymetallic sulfide layer that discontinuously extends over ~1600 km. Seawater and hydrothermal origins are among the many suggested hypotheses and are still under debate. In order to discriminate Zn sources, we report Zn isotopes in NiMo polymetallic sulfide layers and their host shales from the Nayong and Zunyi locations in Guizhou province and the Zhangjiajie section in Hunan province. In each section, host organic-rich shales show homogeneous Zn isotope compositions which likely resulted from quantitative scavenging of dissolved Zn from seawater under euxinic conditions. The difference in the average δ⁶⁶Zn values of organic-rich shales between the two sections in Guizhou (0.76 ± 0.09‰) and one section in Hunan (0.59 ± 0.10‰) might reflect variations of Zn isotope gradient with the depth of seawater. Therefore, the organic-rich sediments need not always represent an isotopically light Zn sink, which is dependent on Zn isotope fractionation in the local basin. However, the δ⁶⁶Zn values in the NiMo polymetallic sulfide layers are different from those of their host shales, indicating that these sulfide layers did not inherit the Zn isotope signal of seawater. Based on the regular increasing trend in δ⁶⁶Zn values from Nayong (0.54 ± 0.06‰) to Zhangjiajie (1.34 ± 0.09‰) and the presence of PbZn mineralization in the Dengying/Doushantuo Formations, we argue that hydrothermal fluids associated with PbZn mineralization could be a major source of Zn in NiMo sulfide layers, especially in the Nayong location. A possible model is that the hydrothermal fluids related to MVT-type mineralization got overprinted on a multiple-sourced synsedimentary sulfide-rich layer. We provide additional evidence that Zn isotopes have great potential as a tracer of metal source and can be applied to similar types of mineralization as e.g., the late Devonian Ni-Zn-PGE Nick deposit (Selwyn Basin, Canada) or elsewhere.     

Neoproterozoic extension and the Central Iapetus Magmatic Province in southern Mexico – New U-Pb ages,Hf-O isotopes and trace element data of zircon from the Chiapas Massif Complex

Final fragmentation of Rodinia occurred during the Ediacaran Period as Amazonia, Baltica and Laurentia drifted apart to form the Iapetus Ocean. Accompanying rift-related mafic dyke swarms of the Central Iapetus Magmatic Province (CIMP) were emplaced between 0.62 and 0.55 Ga, which are preserved in Laurentia and Baltica, whereas no coeval mafic rocks are known from Amazonia. First evidence for the CIMP extending into Oaxaquia (Rodinia-type basement of Mexico) was reported as tholeiitic dykes that intruded the Novillo gneiss, NE Mexico, at 619 ± 9 Ma. In Chiapas, SE Mexico, amphibolite dykes that are chemically similar to the Novillo dykes intruded anorthosite and gneiss. In this paper, a new dating approach to obtain mafic dyke intrusion ages is presented by targeting contact metamorphic zircon with the UPb method, employing Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. Zircon that crystallized in anorthosite at intrusive contacts to mafic dykes and at temperatures exceeding 700 °C (Ti-in-zircon thermometry) yields ages between 615 ± 7 Ma and 608 ± 12 Ma, reflecting the time of dyke intrusion. Zircon chemical and isotopic (Hf, O) characteristics suggest a diachronous sequence of metamorphic processes involving Zr release from FeTi oxides, breakdown and recrystallization of other phases, and fluid-mitigated reactions during Ordovician metamorphism. Zircon δ¹⁸O values of granulites from Oaxaquia range from +6.2‰ to +9.8‰, whereas Tonian (~0.92 Ga) metamorphic zircon from SE Chiapas yielded low δ¹⁸O values from +2.0‰ to +2.8‰ that are explained by the reactivation of major tectonic boundaries during Tonian gravitational collapse. The observations increase the known extent of the CIMP in Mexico, suggesting that a Neoproterozoic superplume was still active during the Early Ediacaran producing a Large Igneous Province that extended over Amazonia, Baltica and Laurentia. The results further suggest that Oaxaquia at the northern edge of Amazonia formed the conjugate margin of Baltica during rifting.     

Northern limit of Gondwana in northwestern Mexico from detrital zircon data

UPb geochronology along a north-south transect from central Sonora to northern Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico indicates several changes in provenance sources through time and space. Lower Cambrian arenites of the Proveedora Quartzite yield a single main age peak at 1075 Ma with minor Paleoproterozoic contribution. Arenites from the Sonobari Complex of southwestern Sonora-northwestern Sinaloa, purportedly assigned to the early Paleozoic, yield main peaks at 1424, 1662, and 1736 Ma, probably derived from the Yavapai and Mazatzal provinces, which are pervasively intruded by early Mesoproterozoic granites coeval to those forming the Granite-Rhyolite Province. Lower to Upper Ordovician units deposited on shelf, slope, and abyssal environments display very similar zircon age patterns, with main peaks ca. 2700 and 1850 Ma, indicating a large drainage system arising from the Archean cratons of Laurentia such as the Wyoming or Superior Provinces, and Paleoproterozoic sources similar to the Trans-Hudsonian orogen, which are older than the Yavapai Province. The Río Fuerte quartzites from southern Sonora-northern Sinaloa contain main peaks at 534, 542, and 637 Ma whose sources may be peri-Gondwanan blocks similar to Avalonia or Carolina terranes. A minor peak at 475 Ma suggests input from igneous suites reported from the Acatlán Complex in southern Mexico. UPb geochronology permit inference of a late Paleozoic collisional orogen in northwestern Mexico that was originated by the collision of Gondwanan blocks against southern Laurentia and outline the boundary between terranes related to continental blocks in the Pangaea supercontinent.     

Zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes and whole rock geochemistry of magmatic rocks from the Posht-e-Badam Block: A key to tectonomagmatic evolution of Central Iran

The Posht-e-Badam Block in Central Iran likely formed part of the Neoproterozoic Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS). However, its Phanerozoic history is not well constrained. Zircon UPb ages, Hf isotopic compositions and whole-rock geochemistry of igneous rocks from the Bafq district were determined to constrain their source and tectonomagmatic evolution. Two magmatic cycles are identified; early Paleozoic events associated with the Cadomian Orogeny resulting from Proto-Tethys subduction beneath the northern margin of Gondwana, and Cenozoic volcanism related to the Alpine-Himalayan Orogeny and closure of Neo-Tethys. The main plutonic and volcanic rocks record early Cambrian ages. The Zarigan, Narigan and Chahcholeh granitoids, volcanic rocks of the lower Cambrian volcano-sedimentary unit (CVSU) and the Zarigan gabbro have remarkably similar ages of 536 to 528 Ma. The Zarigan and Chahcholeh granitoids and volcanic rocks of the CVSU have positive εHf(t) values of 1.4 to 9.3, with Hf model ages (Hf-T_DM^c) of 715–1034 Ma. They are mostly A₂-types, although some samples show affinity to A₁- and I-types, suggesting an asthenospheric mantle source, modified by various amounts of crustal assimilation. The Narigan granite records εHf(t) values of −3.8 - 3.1, with Hf-T_DM^c of 970 to 1255 Ma and displays I-type characteristics, formed through mixing of mantle-derived melts with predominantly Neoproterozoic crust. All rocks were generated in a post-collisional setting. The Esfordy syenite and mafic dikes are younger and essentially coeval, with weighted mean ages of 457 ± 5 Ma and 451–448 Ma, respectively. The Esfordy syenite has A₁-type characteristics, indicating possible derivation in an intraplate rift environment and was likely plume-related. The mafic dikes have OIB-like characteristics. Mafic rocks related to closure of Neo-Tethys include the ca. 23 Ma Bahabad diorite that records εHf(t) values of −16.8 to 10.1 (Hf-T_DM^c = 241–283 Ma) and an OIB-like signature, indicating assimilation of crustal material by asthenospheric mantle-derived melt.     

Continental response to mid-Cretaceous global plate reorganization: Evidence from the Tan–Lu Fault Zone,eastern China

Investigation of the ~2400-km-long Tan–Lu Fault Zone (TLFZ) in eastern China is the key to understanding how the Izanagi Plate in the western Pacific Basin and the East Asian continental margin responded to global plate reorganization during the mid-Cretaceous. We present new structural and geochronological data to show that the central segment of the NNE–SSW-striking TLFZ underwent a phase of sinistral transpression after the Early Cretaceous rifting. The resultant strike-slip structures are ductile shear belts in the south of the segment and brittle faults in the north. Quartz c-axis fabrics and other microstructures indicate deformation temperatures of 350–500 °C in different parts of the shear belts. The brittle faults were associated with the formation of NE–SW-trending folds and an angular unconformity between Lower and Upper Cretaceous volcanic or sedimentary rocks. Fault-slip data indicate that sinistral faulting was the result of NS compression. UPb dating constrains the timing of sinistral faulting between 97 and 82 Ma (early Late Cretaceous). Integration of these and existing data demonstrates that the entire TLFZ underwent sinistral displacement at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous, consistent with continental-scale NS compression in eastern China. Such compression in the overriding plate was caused by rapid oblique subduction of the Izanagi Plate and reflected global plate reorganization at this time. Both the changes in the kinematics of the Izanagi Plate and the resultant variation of stress states in the continental margin around the mid-Cretaceous are ascribed to this plate reorganization.     

Multi-stage crustal accretion by magmatic flare-up and quiescence intervals in the western margin of the São Francisco Craton: U-Pb-Hf and geochemical constraints from the Almas Terrane

The global plate tectonic regime in early Paleoproterozoic times is highly debated. The interval 2.45–2.2 Ga is known for a minima in juvenile magmatism, but this is not a global phenomenon. New results of whole-rock geochemistry and U–Pb-Hf analysis in igneous and detrital zircons, allied with existing isotopic and geophysical data, allow to identify and constrain the duration of magmatic flare-up and quiescence events in the western São Francisco Paleoplate. Igneous samples yield ages indicating three accretionary magmatic events, an older with ages ca. 2476.4 ± 9 Ma to 2462 ± 13 Ma, an intermediate at 2390 ± 14 Ma, and a younger from 2235 ± 26 Ma to 2201 ± 5 Ma, all presenting magmatic arc geochemical signatures. Xenoliths of quartzite and volcanic tuff from the upper greenstone sequence (Morro do Carneiro Fm.) are hosted in the 2211 ± 9 Ma tonalite and the maximum depositional age of the Morro do Carneiro basin is dated 2234 ± 12 Ma, indicating a syn-orogenic setting for this basin. Detrital zircon UPb age distribution for quartzites of the greenstone sequence shows peaks at 2.65, 2.47, 2.39, 2.27 and 2.23 Ga. Altogether, the studied rocks record an accretionary orogeny with four distinct episodes: Episode S1: 2.52–2.46 Ga, ɛHf(t) values from +0.57 to +6.36; Episode S2: 2.43–2.37 Ga, ɛHf(t) values from +0.10 to +4.30; Episode R1: 2.32–2.26 Ga, ɛHf(t) values from +1.61 to −7.23 (from detrital zircons); Episode R2: 2.24–2.20 Ga, ɛHf(t) values from +0.39 to −2.73. These early Paleoproterozoic accretionary orogenies mark the onset of amalgamation of the São Francisco continental paleoplate that surrounds the craton, with accretions of an exotic micro-block and continental magmatic arcs, indicating evolution from dominant Siderian juvenile magmatism to Rhyacian crustal magmatism. These patterns show striking similarities to the orogenies in the Mineiro Belt and North China Craton.     

Opening and closure history of the Mudanjiang Ocean in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Geochronological and geochemical constraints from early Mesozoic intrusive rocks

The tectonic evolution of the ancient Mudanjiang Ocean within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is strongly debated. The ocean played an important role in the amalgamation of the Songnen and Jiamusi massifs; however, the timings of its opening and closure have remained ambiguous until now. In this study, we analyzed early Mesozoic intrusive rocks from the eastern Songnen and western Jiamusi massifs in the eastern CAOB. The new zircon UPb ages, Hf isotope data, and whole-rock major and trace element data are used to reconstruct the tectonic evolution of the Mudanjiang Ocean. Zircon UPb dating indicates that early Mesozoic magmatism in the eastern Songnen Massif occurred in three stages: Early to Middle Triassic (ca. 250 Ma), Late Triassic (ca. 211 Ma), and Early Jurassic (ca. 190 Ma). The Triassic intrusive rocks typically consist of bimodal rock suites, which include gabbros, hornblende gabbros, and granitoids. The compositional information indicates an extensional environment that was probably related to the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. We integrated the results with observations from Triassic A-type granitoids and coeval sedimentary formations in the eastern Songnen Massif, as well as depositional ages of metasedimentary rocks from Heilongjiang Complex. We conclude that the opening of the Mudanjiang Ocean took place in the Early to Middle Triassic. The Early Jurassic intrusive rocks are bimodal and include olivine gabbros, hornblendites, hornblende gabbros, gabbro diorites, and granitoids. The bimodal rock suite indicates a back-arc style extensional environment. This setting formed in relation to westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate beneath the Eurasia during the Early Jurassic. Following subduction, the closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean and subsequent amalgamation of the Songnen and Jiamusi massifs happened during the late Early Jurassic to Middle Jurassic. This sequence of events is further supported by ages of metamorphism and deformation acquired from the Heilongjiang Complex. Based on these observations, we conclude that the Mudanjiang Ocean existed between the Middle Triassic and Early Jurassic, making it rather short-lived.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks of the Bima Formation,southern Lhasa subterrane,Tibet: Implications for early Neo-Tethyan subduction

Bima Formation volcanic rocks, which record the history of Neo-Tethyan subduction, are found within the central and eastern segments of the southern Lhasa subterrane, Tibetan Plateau. Zircon UPb dating, whole-rock major and trace element analysis, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions of Bima Formation volcanic rocks from the central segment of the southern Lhasa subterrane were used to constrain the magmatic and tectonic evolution of the Lhasa terrane during the early Mesozoic. Zircon UPb dating of five samples yielded consistent ages of 184.3 ± 2.4 to 176.8 ± 3.5 Ma. The dominant volcanic rock types within the Bima Formation are basalts, basaltic andesites, andesites, and dacites, which are enriched in the large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Sr, and Ba) and depleted in high-field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_t ratios are low (0.702900–0.704146), ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values are high and positive (+4.4 to +6.9 and + 9.6 to +15.7, respectively), and Pb isotope ratios are homogeneous (initial ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.28–18.40; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.53–15.56; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.21–38.38). Combining the new data with those from a previous study of Bima Formation volcanic rocks from the eastern segment of the southern Lhasa subterrane indicates that the Bima Formation formed between the Middle Triassic and Early Jurassic. It suggests that more widespread early Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane. The basaltic rocks of the Bima Formation were generated by partial melting of a depleted mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids, and subsequently experienced fractional crystallization without significant crustal contamination. The andesitic and dacitic rocks were formed by fractional crystallization of the basaltic magma. Our study indicates that the Bima Formation volcanic rocks were generated within a continental island arc setting related to northward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab during the early Mesozoic.     

Contribution of recycled sediments to the mantle reservoir beneath Hainan Island: Evidence from Sr,Nd, Pb,Hf, and Mg isotopic analyses of Late Cenozoic basalts

Magnesium isotopes are a useful tool for constraining the origin of basalts with EM-like isotopic signatures in relation to ancient subducted slabs and recycled materials incorporated in mantle plumes. In this study, we present new SrNdPbHf and Mg isotopic data that were used to determine the origin of the basalt on Hainan Island and investigate the EM mantle reservoir beneath the island. Cenozoic basalts from northern Hainan Island are mainly tholeiitic, with a small amount of alkaline basalts. The Hainan basalts exhibited depleted SrNd isotopic compositions and EM2-like Pb isotopic signatures. The δ²⁶Mg values of the Hainan basalts ranged from ?0.40‰ to ?0.28‰. The origin of the low δ²⁶Mg signature can be attributed to carbonate sediments from recycled oceanic slab. Hainan basalts show a negative concave curve relationship between ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ε_Nd values, a positive relationship between ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values and exhibit an evolution trend from depleted mantle towards marine sediments. This indicates that Hainan Island basalts can be explained by the mixing between depleted mantle and marine sediments. Most Hainan basalts have higher K/U × 10^?3 and Ba/Th ratios than primitive mantle (K/U × 10^?3 ≈ 11.8, Ba/Th ≈ 83), moreover, display highly correlated K/U × 10^?3 and Ba/Th compositions with low-pressure (6–8 GPa) carbonated melt released from initial sediments. Therefore, we speculate that the primitive mantle peridotite, coupled with the low-pressure carbonated melt, ultimately became the mantle source of Hainan Island basalts.     

The Gondwanan margin in West Antarctica: Insights from Late Triassic magmatism of the Antarctic Peninsula

Triassic orthogneisses of the Antarctic Peninsula provide evidence for the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic geological evolution of southern Gondwana within Pangaea. These rocks are sporadically exposed in southeastern Graham Land and northwestern Palmer Land, although reliable geochronological, geochemical and isotopic data are sparse. We combine new geochronological (LA-ICP-MS zircon UPb), geochemical, and zircon (Hf, O) and whole rock isotopic (Nd, Sr and Pb) data to constrain the age and Triassic – Palaeozoic tectonic setting of these rocks. Zircon cores record Palaeozoic arc magmatism between 253 ± 2 and 528 ± 6 Ma, which was mainly located to the west of the Eastern Palmer Land Shear Zone (Central Domain; Vaughan and Storey, 2000). The arc is considered to be an extension of contemporaneous Palaeozoic arcs that have been identified along the Pacific margin of South America and the Thurston Island Block. Regions to the east of the Palmer Land Shear Zone (Eastern Domain, Vaughan and Storey, 2000) were located distal from the Terra Australis Margin, and possibly resided within Sunsas-aged belts within Pangaea. Triassic continental arc, calc-alkaline magmatism during 223–203 Ma modified the crust of the Antarctic Peninsula on both sides of the Eastern Palmer Land Shear Zone. Magmatic sources included igneous and sedimentary crustal material, which formed by crustal reworking during Sunsas- and Braziliano-aged orogenesis, and Palaeozoic arc magmatism. Arc magmatism accompanied sinistral extension which brought both domains into the arc and resulted in steady oceanward migration of the Triassic arc during the Middle – Late Triassic. We propose that sinistral displacement occurred along the Eastern Palmer Land Shear Zone, and this structure was active as early as the Triassic. Finally, we conclude that both the Eastern and Central Domains are autochthonous to Gondwana.