Zircon U–Pb geochronology of gneissic rocks in the Yunkai massif and its implications on the Caledonian event in the South China Block

This paper presents new zircon U–Pb data and interpretations for the gneissic rocks in the Yunkai massif in order to constrain the timing and evolution of the Caledonian tectonothermal event in the South China Block (SCB). Magmatic and inherited zircons from the orthogneiss in the region, previously thought to be of Precambrian origin, yielded ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U apparent ages of 421–441 Ma and 513–1343 Ma, respectively. Also a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 236.0 ± 3.1 Ma was obtained, interpreted as the metamorphic resetting age during the Indosinian tectonic event. Our analyses show that the paragneiss in the region, previously regarded as Proterozoic sedimentary rocks, contains detrital zircons of the Archaean to Paleozoic origin, of which the youngest zircons yielded the U–Pb age of  423 Ma. These data indicate that (1) the Proterozoic and Archaean components may exist beneath the Yunkai massif; (2) most of the metaigneous rocks are actually the Caledonian anatectic granites possibly overprinted by Indosinian ( 236 Ma) reactivation; (3) some paragneiss might have originally deposited during the Devonian time; and (4) a subsequently rapid uplifting took place after the emplacement of the Caledonian granites, revealed by the observation that the Devonian clastic strata uncomfortably overlie the Caledonian granites. In combination with other geochronological data and geological observations throughout the SCB, we propose that the Caledonian tectonothermal event around Silurian ( 450–400 Ma) might be a result from an intracontinental collision between the Yangtze and Cathaysian blocks in response to the subduction/collision between the North China block and SCB.     

The origin of basic rocks of the Korosten AMCG complex, Ukrainian shield: Implication of Nd and Sr isotope data

The Korosten complex is a Paleoproterozoic gabbro–anorthosite–rapakivi granite intrusion which was emplaced over a protracted time interval — 1800–1737 Ma. The complex occupies an area of about 12 000 km² in the north-western region of the Ukrainian shield. About 18% of this area is occupied by various mafic rocks (gabbro, leucogabbro, anorthosite) that comprise five rock suites: early anorthositic A₁ (1800–1780 Ma), main anorthositic A₂ (1760 Ma), early gabbroic G₃ (between 1760 and 1758 Ma), late gabbroic G₄ (1758 Ma), and a suite of dykes D₅ (before 1737 Ma). In order to examine the relationships between the various intrusions and to assess possible magmatic sources, Nd and Sr isotopic composition in mafic whole-rock samples were measured. New Sr and Nd isotope measurements combined with literature data for the mafic rocks of the Korosten complex are consistent and enable construction of Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isochronous regressions that yield the following ages: 1870 ± 310 Ma (Rb–Sr) and 1721 ± 90 Ma (Sm–Nd). These ages are in agreement with those obtained by the U–Pb method on zircons and indicate that both Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd systems have remained closed since the time of crystallisation. In detail, however, measurable differences in isotopic composition of the Korosten mafic rock depending on their suite affiliation were revealed. The oldest, A₁ rocks have lower Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 0.70233–0.70288) and higher Nd (εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 1.6–0.9) isotopic composition. The most widespread A₂ anorthosite and leucogabbro display higher Sr and lower Nd isotopic composition: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 0.70362, εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varies from 0.2 to − 0.7. The G₃ gabbro–norite has slightly lower εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varying from − 0.7 to − 0.9. Finally, G₄ gabbroic rocks show relatively high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70334–0.70336) and the lowest Nd isotopic composition (εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varies from − 0.8 to − 1.4) of any of the mafic rocks of the Korosten complex studied to date. On the basis of Sr and Nd isotopic composition we conclude that Korosten initial melts may have inherited their Nd and Sr isotopic characteristics from the lower crust created during the 2.05–1.95 Ga Osnitsk orogeny and 2.0 Ga continental flood basalt event. Indeed, εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ values in Osnitsk rocks vary from 0.0 to − 1.9 and from 0.2 to 3.4 in flood basalts. We suggest that these rocks being drawn into the upper mantle might melt and give rise to the Korosten initial melts. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ values also support this interpretation. We suggest that the Sr and Nd isotopic data currently available on mafic rocks of the Korosten complex are consistent with an origin of its primary melts by partial melting of lower crustal material due to downthrusting of the lower crust into upper mantle forced by Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of Sarmatia and Fennoscandia.     

Tonian rift-related, A-type continental plutonism in the Araçuaí Orogen, eastern Brazil: New evidence for the breakup stage of the São Francisco–Congo Paleocontinent

Zircon U–Pb SHRIMP, petrographical and geochemical data lead to the first characterization of the Tonian plutonism (Salto da Divisa Granite Suite), ascribed to the continental rift stage of the precursor basin of the Araçuaí Orogen (Eastern Brazil). The suite includes batholitic plutons and comprises mainly fluorite-bearing, dominantly mesoperthitic hornblende–biotite leucogranites. The presence of mafic (tholeiitic) gabbroic enclaves and syn-plutonic dykes confers to the suite a bimodal character. The plutons were locally deformed and foliated under amphibolite facies conditions, in response to the Neoproterozoic collage of the Araçuaí Orogen against the São Francisco Cratonic margin. However, undeformed magmatic facies are well preserved at inner portions of the plutons. The granitoids are metaluminous, with high SiO₂ and HFSE: Nb, Zr, Y, Ta and REE (except Eu); low CaO, Al₂O₃, Sc, Ba, Sr; high FeOt/MgO ratios, characterizing a chemical signature akin to the subalkaline, A-2 type granites. U–Pb SHRIMP data obtained on zircons from the main pluton yielded a magmatic crystallization age of 875 ± 9 Ma. Some inherited xenocrysts revealed ages of ca. 2080 Ma, corresponding to ages of the host rocks, a Paleoproterozoic basement. Nd isotopic evolution studies confirm the Paleoproterozoic influence on magma genesis with a T_DM model age of ca. 1.6 Ga and ε_Nd of − 5.58 at 880 Ma. The African counterpart, the West Congo Belt, encompasses thick rift-related alkaline volcanic-sedimentary basin (Zadinian and Mayumbian groups, and associated anorogenic granites), dated in the interval of ca. 1000–900 Ma. The age differences between the Salto da Divisa Suite intrusion and the anorogenic magmatic episode at the West Congo Belt suggests a westward migration (i.e. to the Brazilian side) of the thermal axis of the rift, ca. 30 Ma after the ending of the extensional process in Africa.     

A-type granite and adakitic magmatism association in Songpan–Garze fold belt, eastern Tibetan Plateau: Implication for lithospheric delamination

The Songpan–Garze fold belt covers a huge triangular area (> 200,000 km²), confined by the South China (Yangtze), North China and Tibetan Plateau continental blocks. In the Songpan–Garze fold belt, Triassic adakitic granitoids have been identified. However, whether there are Triassic A-type granites is unclear. Here, we report our first finding of an A-type granite (Nianbaoyeche), which occurs in the central part of the Songpan–Garze fold belt. The Nianbaoyeche granite ( 820 km²) is characterized by arfvedsonite in its mineral assemblage. Using both LA-ICPMS and TIMS U–Pb zircon dating methods, we obtain a magma crystallization age of 211 ± 1 Ma, which is slightly younger than Triassic adakitic granitoids (216–221 Ma) in the Songpan–Garze fold belt. The Nianbaoyeche granite is enriched in Si, K, Na, Rb, REE, HFSE (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf), with elevated FeO^tot/(FeO^tot + MgO) and Ga/Al ratios, but is depleted in Al, Mg, Ca, Ba and Sr. The REE compositions show moderately fractionated patterns with (La/Yb)_N = 2.67–7.54 and Eu/Eu = 0.09–0.34. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the Nianbaoyeche granite has an A-type affinity. Geochemical data and U–Pb zircon age, combined with regional studies, show that the Nianbaoyeche granite formed in a post-collisional tectonic setting. Sr–Nd isotopic data for the granite exhibit I_Sr = 0.7090–0.7123 and ε_Nd(t) = − 2.72 to − 4.26 with T_DM = 1.15–1.51 Ga, suggesting that the magma has a dominantly crustal source, though a minor contribution from the mantle cannot be ruled out. Melting to produce an A-type granite may have resulted from Triassic lithospheric delamination after Triassic crustal thickening of the Songpan–Garze fold belt due to convergence between the Yangtze, North China and North Tibet continental blocks. The lithospheric delamination model also helps to explain the Triassic adakitic magma generation in the Songpan–Garze belt. We conclude that association of A-type granite and adakitic granitoids in post-collisional environment could be a useful indicator of lithospheric delamination.     

赣西北蒙山岩体的锆石U-Pb-Hf、地球化学特征及成因

华南印支期花岗岩形成的构造背景和成因机制存在较大的争议,赣西北印支期岩浆活动的规模及该次岩浆活动是否与基性岩浆的底侵有关,仍缺乏可靠的资料.过去认为赣西北蒙山花岗岩形成于燕山期,而本次锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年代学研究表明,蒙山3次花岗质岩浆活动的时间分别为236±3 Ma,220±3 Ma和217±1 Ma.蒙山花岗岩属准铝－过铝质,高硅、富钾,K₂O+Na₂O为7.53%~8.86%;稀土总量为213.09~380.75 μg/g,轻稀土元素富集,δEu=0.07~0.40,富集大离子亲石元素,Nb-Ta弱亏损,P、Ti亏损.大部分花岗岩的ε_Nd(t)值为-9.9~-6.1,Nd二阶段模式年龄t_DM2为1.5~1.8 Ga.第1次形成的灰白色粗粒花岗岩锆石的ε_Hf(t)值大部分集中在1.10~2.65,Hf同位素单阶段模式年龄t_DM1集中分布于782~866 Ma,二阶段模式年龄t_DM2集中分布在1 096~1 186 Ma,说明其物源主要为新元古代早期形成的地壳;第3次形成的细粒花岗岩锆石的ε_Hf(t)值集中分布于1.71~4.98,t_DM1为671~832 Ma,t_DM2集中在932~1 139 Ma.蒙山细粒花岗岩锆石的Hf同位素组成暗示成岩过程中有基性岩浆加入,为华南部分印支期花岗岩的成因与基性岩浆底侵有关的关系提供了证据.蒙山花岗岩的Nd同位素和锆石Hf同位素出现了解耦现象,解耦原因可能与花岗岩的物源主要为新元古代早期形成的具有Nd-Hf解耦特征的弧源地壳有关.根据目前获得的有关华南印支期火成岩的资料,总结了华南印支期花岗岩类岩石的成因类型及其时空分布规律,据此讨论了华南印支期的动力学背景和华南印支期花岗岩的成因机制,认为华南印支期的构造－岩浆活动与古太平洋西北向俯冲于华南板块之下有关.      

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.     

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.     

Petrology and geochemistry of Zijinshan alkaline intrusive complex in Shanxi Province, western North China Craton: Implication for magma mixing of different sources in an extensional regime

In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions and whole rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data are presented for the Zijinshan alkaline intrusive complex from the Shanxi Province, western North China Craton. Salic rocks dominate the complex with the monzonite occurring in the outermost and pseudoleucite phonolitic breccia in the center. The intrusion took place 127 Ma ago with the earliest emplacement of monzonite and the termination of cryptoexplosive pseudoleucite phonolitic breccia. All rocks from this complex show LREE enrichment and HFSE depletion and exhibit enriched to depleted Sr–Nd isotopic features. The presence of inherited zircons and enriched Hf isotopic compositions in zircon rims, along with the enriched whole rock Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, indicate that the monzonite was formed through the mixing of lithospheric mantle-derived magma with lower crust-derived melts. The diopside syenite and nepheline-bearing diopside syenite are more depleted than the monzonite in terms of the Sr and Nd isotopes, together with their very high concentrations of LILE, we proposed that they originated from a mixed mantle source of enriched lithospheric mantle and depleted asthenosphere. The nepheline syenite has very low concentrations of MgO, Ni, Cr, suggesting that the magma underwent significant crystal fractionation. The most depleted Sr and Nd isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7036–0.7042, ε_Nd(t) = − 0.2–0.3) among all rock types indicate a great contribution of asthenosphere to the nepheline syenite. The Zijinshan complex and its related crust-mantle interaction occurred in an extensional environment which resulted in continuously asthenospheric upwelling. Such an extensional environment might have been developed during the post-orogenic stage of the Late Paleozoic amalgamation of North China Craton with Mongolian continents and subsequent Mongol–Okhotsk ocean closure.     

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.     

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 evolution of Pliocene–Pleistocene granites from the Larderello geothermal field (Tuscan Magmatic Province, Italy)

Extensive, mainly acidic peraluminous magmatism affected the Tuscan Archipelago and the Tuscan mainland since late Miocene, building up the Tuscan Magmatic Province (TMP) as the Northern Apennine fold belt was progressively thinned, heated and intruded by mafic magmas. Between 3.8 and 1.3 Ma an intrusive complex was built on Larderello area (Tuscan mainland) by emplacement of multiple intrusions of isotopically and geochemically distinct granite magmas. Geochemical and isotopic investigations were carried out on granites cored during drilling exploration activity on the Larderello geothermal field. With respect to the other TMP granites the Larderello intrusives can be classified as two-mica granites due to the ubiquitous presence of small to moderate amounts of F-rich magmatic muscovite. They closely resemble the almost pure crustal TMP acidic rocks and do not show any of the typical petrographic features commonly observed in the TMP hybrid granites (enclaves, patchy zoning of plagioclase, amphibole clots). On the basis of major and trace elements, as well as REE patterns, two groups of granites were proposed: LAR-1 granites (3.8–2.3 Ma) originated by biotite-muscovite breakdown, and LAR-2 granites (2.3–1.3 Ma) generated by muscovite breakdown. At least three main crustal sources (at 14–23 km depth), characterized by distinct ε_Nd(t) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values, were involved at different times, and the magmas produced were randomly emplaced at shallow levels (3–6 km depth) throughout the entire field. The partial melting of a biotite-muscovite-rich source with low ε_Nd(t) value (about −10.5) produced the oldest intrusions (about 3.8–2.5 Ma). Afterwards (2.5–2.3 Ma), new magmas were generated by another biotite-rich source having a distinctly higher ε_Nd(t) value (−7.9). Finally, a muscovite-rich source with high ε_Nd(t) (about −8.9) gave origin to the younger group of granites (2.3–1.0 Ma). The significant Sr isotope disequilibrium recorded by granites belonging to the same intrusion is interpreted, as due to the short residence time of magmas in the source region followed by their rapid transfer to the emplacement level. Partial melting was probably triggered by multiple, small-sized mafic intrusions, distributed over the last 3.8 Ma that allowed temporary overstepping of biotite- and muscovite-dehydration melting reactions into an already pre-heated crust. Dilution in time of the magmatic activity probably prevented melt mingling and homogenization at depth, as well as the formation of a single, homogeneous, hybrid pluton at the emplacement level. Moreover the high concentrations of fluxing elements (B, F, Li) estimated for the LAR granites modified melt properties by reducing solidus temperatures, decreasing viscosity and increasing H₂O solubility in granite melts. The consequences were a more efficient, fast, magma extraction and transfer from the source, and a prolonged time of crystallization at the emplacement level. These key factors explain the long-lived hydrothermal activity recorded in this area by both fossil (Plio-Quaternary ore deposits) and active (Larderello geothermal field) systems.     

Sveconorwegian crustal underplating in southwestern Fennoscandia: LAM-ICPMS U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope evidence from granites and gneisses in Telemark, southern Norway

Laser ablation ICPMS U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope data on granitic-granodioritic gneisses of the Precambrian Vråvatn complex in central Telemark, southern Norway, indicate that the magmatic protoliths crystallized at 1201 ± 9 Ma to 1219 ± 8 Ma, from magmas with juvenile or near-juvenile Hf isotopic composition (¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf = 0.2823 ± 11, epsilon-Hf > + 6). These data provide supporting evidence for the depleted mantle Hf-isotope evolution curve in a time period where juvenile igneous rocks are scarce on a global scale. They also identify a hitherto unknown event of mafic underplating in the region, and provide new and important limits on the crustal evolution of the SW part of the Fennoscandian Shield. This juvenile geochemical component in the deep crust may have contributed to the 1.0–0.92 Ga anorogenic magmatism in the region, which includes both A-type granite and a large anorthosite–mangerite–charnockite–granite intrusive complex. The gneisses of the Vråvatn complex were intruded by a granitic pluton with mafic enclaves and hybrid facies (the Vrådal granite) in that period. LAM-ICPMS U–Pb data from zircons from granitic and hybrid facies of the pluton indicates an intrusive age of 966 ± 4 Ma, and give a hint of ca. 1.46 Ga inheritance. The initial Hf isotopic composition of this granite (¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf = 0.28219 ± 13, epsilon-Hf = − 5 to + 6) overlaps with mixtures of pre-1.7 Ga crustal rocks and juvenile Sveconorwegian crust, lithospheric mantle and/or global depleted mantle. Contributions from ca. 1.2 Ga crustal underplate must be considered when modelling the petrogenesis of late Sveconorwegian anorogenic magmatism in the region.     

Perspectives on basaltic magma crystallization and differentiation: Lava-lake blocks erupted at Mauna Loa volcano summit, Hawaii

Explosive eruptions at Mauna Loa summit ejected coarse-grained blocks (free of lava coatings) from Moku'aweoweo caldera. Most are gabbronorites and gabbros that have 0–26 vol.% olivine and 1–29 vol.% oikocrystic orthopyroxene. Some blocks are ferrogabbros and diorites with micrographic matrices, and diorite veins (≤ 2 cm) cross-cut some gabbronorites and gabbros. One block is an open-textured dunite.

The MgO of the gabbronorites and gabbros ranges  7–21 wt.%. Those with MgO > 10 wt.% have some incompatible-element abundances (Zr, Y, REE; positive Eu anomalies) lower than those in Mauna Loa lavas of comparable MgO; gabbros (MgO < 10 wt.%) generally overlap lava compositions. Olivines range Fo_83–58, clinopyroxenes have Mg#s  83–62, and orthopyroxene Mg#s are 84–63 — all evolved beyond the mineral-Mg#s of Mauna Loa lavas. Plagioclase is An_75–50. Ferrogabbro and diorite blocks have  3–5 wt.% MgO (TiO₂ 3.2–5.4%; K₂O 0.8–1.3%; La 16–27 ppm), and a diorite vein is the most evolved (SiO₂ 59%, K₂O 1.5%, La 38 ppm). They have clinopyroxene Mg#s 67–46, and plagioclase An_57–40. The open-textured dunite has olivine  Fo_83.5. Seven isotope ratios are ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.70394–0.70374 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.51293–0.51286, and identify the suite as belonging to the Mauna Loa system.

Gabbronorites and gabbros originated in solidification zones of Moku'aweoweo lava lakes where they acquired orthocumulate textures and incompatible-element depletions. These features suggest deeper and slower cooling lakes than the lava lake paradigm, Kilauea Iki, which is basalt and picrite. Clinopyroxene geobarometry suggests crystallization at < 1 kbar P. Highly evolved mineral Mg#s, < 75, are largely explained by cumulus phases exposed to evolving intercumulus liquids causing compositional ‘shifts.’ Ferrogabbro and diorite represent segregation veins from differentiated intercumulus liquids filter pressed into rigid zones of cooling lakes. Clinopyroxene geobarometry suggests < 300 bar P. Open-textured dunite represents olivine-melt mush, precursor to vertical olivine-rich bodies (as in Kilauea Iki). Its Fo_83.5 identifies the most primitive lake magma as  8.3 wt.% MgO. Mass balancing and MELTS show that such a magma could have yielded both ferrogabbro and diorite by ≥ 50% fractional crystallization, but under different fO₂: < FMQ (250 bar) led to diorite, and FMQ (250 bar) yielded ferrogabbro. These segregation veins, documented as similar to those of Kilauea, testify to appreciable volumes of ‘rhyolitic’ liquid forming in oceanic environments. Namely, SiO₂-rich veins are intrinsic to all shields that reached caldera stage to accommodate various-sized cooling, differentiating lava lakes.     

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.     

Petrogenesis of A-type granites and origin of vertical zoning in the Katharina pluton, Gebel Mussa (Mt. Moses) area, Sinai, Egypt

The central pluton within the Neoproterozoic Katharina Ring Complex (area of Gebel Mussa, traditionally believed to be the biblical Mt. Sinai) shows a vertical compositional zoning: syenogranite makes up the bulk of the pluton and grades upwards to alkali-feldspar granites. The latters form two horizontal subzones, an albite–alkali feldspar (Ab–Afs) granite and an uppermost perthite granite. These two varieties are chemically indistinguishable. Syenogranite, as compared with alkali-feldspar granites, is richer in Ca, Sr, K, Ba and contains less SiO₂, Rb, Y, Nb and U; Eu/Eu* values are 0.22–0.33 for syenogranite and 0.08–0.02 for alkali-feldspar granites. The δ¹⁸O (Qtz) is rather homogeneous throughout the pluton, 8.03–8.55‰. The δ¹⁸O (Afs) values in the syenogranite are appreciably lower relative to those in the alkali–feldspar granites: 7.59–8.75‰ vs. 8.31–9.12‰. A Rb–Sr isochron (n = 9) yields an age of 593 ± 16 Ma for the Katharina Ring Complex (granite pluton and ring dikes).

The alkali–feldspar granites were generated mainly by fractional crystallization of syenogranite magma. The model for residual melt extraction and accumulation is based on the estimated extent of crystallization ( 50 wt.%), which approximates the rigid percolation threshold for silicic melts. The fluid-rich residual melt could be separated efficiently by its upward flow through the rigid clusters of crystal phase. Crystallization of the evolved melt started with formation of hypersolvus granite immediately under the roof. Fluid influx from the inner part of the pluton to its apical zone persisted and caused increase of P_H2O in the magma below the perthite granite zone. Owing to the presence of F and Ca in the melt, P_H2O of only slightly more than 1 kbar allows crystallization of subsolvus Ab–Afs granite. Abundance of turbid alkali feldspars and their ¹⁸O/¹⁶O enrichment suggest that crystallization of alkali-feldspar granites was followed by subsolvus fluid–rock interaction; the δ¹⁸O (Fsp) values point to magmatic origin of fluids.

The stable and radiogenic isotope data [δ¹⁸O (Zrn) = 5.82 ± 0.06‰, I_Sr = 0.7022 ± 0.0064, ε_Nd (T) values are + 3.6 and + 3.9] indicate that the granite magma was generated from a ‘juvenile’ source, which is typical of the rocks making up most of the Arabian–Nubian shield.     

Petrogenesis of the earliest Early Cretaceous mafic rocks from the Cona area of the eastern Tethyan Himalaya in south Tibet: Interaction between the incubating Kerguelen plume and the eastern Greater India lithosphere?

The relationship between the breakup of eastern Gondwanaland and the Kerguelen plume activity is a subject of debate. The Cona mafic rocks are widely exposed in the Cona area of the eastern Himalaya of south Tibet, and are studied in order to evaluate this relationship. Cona mafic rocks consist predominantly of massive basaltic flows and diabase sills or dikes, and are divided into three groups. Group 1 is composed of basaltic flows and diabase sills or dikes and is characterized by higher TiO₂ and P₂O₅ content and OIB-like trace element patterns with a relatively large range of Nd(T) values (+ 1.84 to + 4.67). A Group 1 diabase sill has been dated at 144.7 ± 2.4 Ma. Group 2 consists of gabbroic sills or crosscutting gabbroic intrusions characterized by lower TiO₂ and P₂O₅ content and “depleted” N-MORB-like trace element patterns with relatively higher, homogeneous Nd(T) values (+ 5.68 to + 6.37). A Group 2 gabbroic diabase dike has been dated at 131.1 ± 6.1 Ma. Group 3 basaltic lavas are interbedded with the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous pelitic sediments; they have compositions transitional between Groups 1 and 2 and flat to slightly enriched trace element patterns. Sr–Nd isotopic data and REE modeling indicate that variable degrees of partial melting of distinct mantle source compositions (enriched garnet–clinopyroxene peridotite for Group 1 and spinel-lherzolite for Group 2, respectively) could account for the chemical diversity of the Cona mafic rocks. Geochemical similarities between the Cona mafic rocks and the basalts probably created by the Kerguelen plume based on spatial–temporal constraints seem to indicate that an incubating Kerguelen plume model is more plausible than a model of normal rifting (nonplume) for the generation of the Cona mafic rocks. Group 1 is interpreted as being related to the incubating Kerguelen plume–lithosphere interaction; Group 2 is likely related to an interaction between anhydrous lithosphere and rising depleted asthenosphere enriched by a “droplet” originating from the Kerguelen plume, while Group 3 may be attributed to thermal erosion resulting in the partial melting of lithosphere during the long-term incubation of a magma chamber/pond at a shallow crustal level. The Cona mafic rocks are probably related to a progressively lithospheric thinning beneath eastern Gondwanaland from 150–145 Ma to 130 Ma. Our new observations seem to indicate that the Kerguelen plume may have started its incubation as early as the latest Jurassic or earliest Cretaceous period and that the incubating Kerguelen plume may play an active role in the breakup of Greater India, eastern India, and northwestern Australia.     

Possible correlation between a mantle plume and the evolution of Paleo-Tethys Jinshajiang Ocean: Evidence from a volcanic rifted margin in the Xiaru-Tuoding area, Yunnan, SW China

Several Paleozoic sutures in Southwestern China provide a record of the history of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, whose birth and final closure are associated with the breakup and assembly of Gondwanaland. Recent studies indicate that there are widespread OIB-type mafic volcanic rocks within these suture zones and intervening terranes. This paper examines the geology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Xiaruo-Tuoding area, a remnant passive margin succession of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. The sedimentary and volcanic stratigraphy of this area is interpreted as a seaward dipping margin with a few continentward dipping normal faults. The available geochemistry of these volcanic rocks suggest that they are OIB-like basalts, characterised by SiO₂ = 42.78–50.46 wt.%, high TiO₂ contents (TiO₂ = 2.2–3.55 wt.%), moderate MgO = 4.15–6.49 wt.%, Mg# = 0.37–0.50, high Ti/Y ratios (mostly > 450), large ion lithosphere elements enrichment, high strength field elements and rare earth elements, with La/Nb = 1.04–1.39, Ce/Yb = 18.38–30, Sm/Yb = 2.16–3.52, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)i = 0.705350–0.707867, and Nd(t) = − 1.43–1.90. These geochemical and isotopic signatures are generally similar to those of the Emeishan flood basalts, which together with stratigraphic constraints, demonstrate that these volcanics were formed in a volcanic rifted margin, probably associated with a mantle plume. A new model is proposed to interpret the evolution of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethyan Ocean and its possible relationship to the Emeishan mantle plume. In this model, we argue that the opening of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethyan Ocean in the Carboniferous was caused by a mantle plume. The mantle plume was active to the east along the western margin of the Yangtze Craton between 300 and 260 Ma, from which the voluminous Emeishan flood basalts were erupted at 260 Ma. The closure of the Jinshajiang Ocean occurred since the Middle Permian. Continuous westward subduction generated the Jiangda-Weixi magmatic arc to the west of the Jinshajiang suture. This subduction also partly destroyed and/or tectonically sliced the volcanic rifted margin. Some seaward dipping volcanic-sedimentary sequences on the east flank of the Jinshajiang Ocean were preserved, but are strongly deformed.     

Post-collisional granitoids from the Dabie orogen in China: Zircon U–Pb age, element and O isotope evidence for recycling of subducted continental crust

While recycling of subducted oceanic crust is widely proposed to be associated with oceanic island, island arc, and subduction-related adakite magmatism, it is less clear whether recycling of subducted continental crust takes place in continental collision belts. A combined study of zircon U–Pb dating, major and minor element geochemistry, and O isotopes in Early Cretaceous post-collisional granitoids from the Dabie orogen in China demonstrates that they may have been generated by partial melting of subducted continental crust. The post-collisional granitoids from the Dabie orogen comprise hornblende-bearing intermediate rocks and hornblende-free granitic rocks. These granitoids are characterized by fractionated REE patterns with low HREE contents and negative HFSE anomalies (Nb, Ta and Ti). Although zircon U–Pb dating gives consistent ages of 120 to 130 Ma for magma crystallization, occurrence of inherited cores is identified by CL imaging and SHRIMP U–Pb dating; some zircon grains yield ages of 739 to 749 Ma and 214 to 249 Ma, in agreement with Neoproterozoic protolith ages of UHP metaigneous rocks and a Triassic tectono-metamorphic event in the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt, respectively. The granitoids have relatively homogeneous zircon δ¹⁸O values from 4.14‰ to 6.11‰ with an average of 5.10‰ ± 0.42‰ (n = 28) similar to normal mantle zircon. Systematically low zircon δ¹⁸O values for most of the coeval mafic–ultramafic rocks and intruded country rocks preclude an AFC process of mafic magma or mixing between mafic and felsic magma as potential mechanisms for the petrogenesis of the granitoids. Along with zircon U–Pb ages and element results, it is inferred that the granitic rocks were probably derived from partial melting of intermediate lower crust and the intermediate rocks were generated by amphibole-dehydration melting of mafic rocks in the thickened lower crust, coupled with fractional crystallization during magma emplacement. The post-collisional granitoids in the Dabie orogen are interpreted to originate from recycling of the subducted Yangtze continental crust that was thickened by the Triassic continent–continent collision. Partial melting of orogenic lithospheric keel is suggested to have generated the bimodal igneous rocks with the similar crustal heritage. Crustal thinning by post-collisional detachment postdated the onset of bimodal magmatism that was initiated by a thermal pulse related to mantle superwelling in Early Cretaceous.     

Zircon U–Pb age and trace element evidence for Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphism and Archean crustal rocks in the Dabie Orogen

Zircon U–Pb ages and trace elements were determined for granulites and gneiss at Huangtuling, which are hosted by ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Dabie Orogen, east-central China. CL images reveal core–rim structure for most zircons in the granulites. The cores show oscillatory zoning, relatively high Th/U ratios, and HREE enriched patterns, consistent with a magmatic origin. They gave a weighted mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 2766 ± 9 Ma, interpreted as dating magma emplacement of the protolith. The rims are characterized by sector or planar zoning, low Th/U ratios, negative Eu anomalies and flat HREE patterns, consistent with their formation under granulite-facies metamorphic conditions. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a weighted mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 2029 ± 13 Ma, which is interpreted to record a metamorphic event, possibly during assembly of the supercontinent Columbia. The gneiss has a protolith age of 1982 ± 14 Ma, which is younger than the zircon age of the granulite-facies metamorphism, suggesting a generally delay between HT metamorphism and the intrusion of post-collisional granites. A few inherited cores with igneous characteristics have ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 2.90, 3.28 and 3.53 Ga, suggesting the presence of Mesoarchean to Paleoarchean crustal remnants in the Yangtze Craton. A few Cretaceous metamorphic ages were also obtained, suggesting the influence of post-collisional collapse in response to Cretaceous extension of the Dabie Orogen. It is inferred that the recently discovered Archean basement of the Yangtze Craton occurs as far north as the Dabie Orogen.     

Early cretaceous granitoids and their implications for the collapse of the Dabie orogen, eastern China: SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating and geochemistry

Two stages of early Cretaceous post-orogenic granitoids are recognized in the Dabie orogen, eastern China, which recorded processes of extensional collapse of the orogen. The early stage granitoids ( 132 Ma) are foliated hornblende quartz monzonites and porphyritic monzogranites. They are of high-K calc-alkaline series and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, with high K₂O and low MgO contents (Mg^# values: 32.0–46.0), they contain high Sr, low Y and heavy rare earth elements (HREE), and have high Sr/Y and (La/Yb)_N ratios, without clear negative Eu, Sr and Ti anomalies. The early stage deformed granitoids have adakitic geochemical compositions and are equilibrated with residues rich in garnet and poor in anorthite-rich plagioclase, and thus indicate the existence of an over-thickened (> 50 km) crustal root beneath the orogen at  132 Ma. The later stage granitoids ( 128 Ma) are undeformed fine-grained monzogranites, fine-grained K-feldspar granites and coarse-grained K-feldspar granite-porphyry. They belong to a peraluminous and high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonite series, and display a flat HREE pattern and have strong negative Eu, Sr and Ti anomalies, with low Sr/Y and (La/Yb)_N ratios. The late stage granitoids are equilibrated with residues rich in anorthite-rich plagioclase, hornblende, ilmenite/titanite and poor in garnet, indicating that the crust of the Dabie orogen became thinner (< 35 km) at  128 Ma. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages and changing compositional trends for these two stages of granitoids indicate that the over-thickened crust formed by the Triassic continental subduction/collision under the Dabie orogen remained until the early Cretaceous, and collapsed quickly in a few million years during the early Cretaceous.