Detrital zircon geochronology of quartzites from the southern Madurai Block,India: Implications for Gondwana reconstruction

Detrital zircons are important proxies for crustal provenance and have been widely used in tracing source characteristics and continental reconstructions. Southern Peninsular India constituted the central segment of the late Neoproterozoic supercontinent Gondwana and is composed of crustal blocks ranging in age from Mesoarchean to late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian. Here we investigate detrital zircon grains from a suite of quartzites accreted along the southern part of the Madurai Block. Our LA-ICPMS U-Pb dating reveals multiple populations of magmatic zircons, among which the oldest group ranges in age from Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2980–1670 Ma, with peaks at 2900–2800 Ma, 2700–2600 Ma, 2500–2300 Ma, 2100–2000 Ma). Zircons in two samples show magmatic zircons with dominantly Neoproterozoic (950–550 Ma) ages. The metamorphic zircons from the quartzites define ages in the range of 580–500 Ma, correlating with the timing of metamorphism reported from the adjacent Trivandrum Block as well as from other adjacent crustal fragments within the Gondwana assembly. The zircon trace element data are mostly characterized by LREE depletion and HREE enrichment, positive Ce, Sm anomalies and negative Eu, Pr, Nd anomalies. The Mesoarchean to Neoproterozoic age range and the contrasting petrogenetic features as indicated from zircon chemistry suggest that the detritus were sourced from multiple provenances involving a range of lithologies of varying ages. Since the exposed basement of the southern Madurai Block is largely composed of Neoproterozoic orthogneisses, the data presented in our study indicate derivation of the detritus from distal source regions implying an open ocean environment. Samples carrying exclusive Neoproterozoic detrital zircon population in the absence of older zircons suggest proximal sources in the southern Madurai Block. Our results suggest that a branch of the Mozambique ocean might have separated the southern Madurai Block to the north and the Nagercoil Block to the south, with the metasediments of the khondalite belt in Trivandrum Block marking the zone of ocean closure, part of which were accreted onto the southern Madurai Block during the collisional amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent in latest Neoproterozoic–Cambrian.     

High-pressure and ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism at Komateri, northern Madurai Block, southern India

We report for the first time the evidence for prograde high-pressure (HP) metamorphism preceding a peak ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) event in the northernmost part of the Madurai Block in southern India. Mg–Al-rich Grt–Ged rocks from Komateri in Karur district contain poikiloblastic garnet with numerous multi-phase inclusions. Although most of the inclusion assemblages are composed of gedrite, quartz, and secondary biotite, rare staurolite + sapphirine and spinel + quartz are also present. The X_Mg (=Mg/[Fe+Mg]) of staurolite (0.45–0.49) is almost consistent with that reported previously from Namakkal district in the Palghat–Cauvery Shear Zone system (X_Mg = 0.51–0.52), north of the Madurai Block. The HP event was followed by peak UHT metamorphism at T = 880–1040 °C and P = 9.8–12.5 kbar as indicated by thermobarometric computations in the Grt–Ged rock and associated mafic granulite. Symplectic intergrowth of spinel (X_Mg = 0.50–0.59, ZnO < 1.7 wt.%) and quartz, a diagnostic indicator of UHT metamorphism, probably formed by decompression at UHT conditions. The rocks subsequently underwent retrograde metamorphism at T = 720–760 °C and P = 4.2–5.1 kbar. The P–T conditions and clockwise exhumation trajectory of the Komateri rocks, comparable to similar features recorded from the Palghat–Cauvery Shear Zone system, suggest that the Madurai Block and the Palghat–Cauvery Shear Zone system underwent similar HP and UHT metamorphic history probably related to the continent–continent collision during the final stage of amalgamation of Gondwana supercontinent.     

Petrology and isotopic evolution of granulites from central Madurai Block (southern India): reference to Ediacaran crustal evolution

The Madurai Block, constituting part of the southern granulite terrain in southern India, has contributed significantly towards understanding the UHT (ultrahigh-temperature) granulites that serve as a window into the mid-lower continental crust. The dominant rock types are charnockites, sapphirine-bearing granulites, garnet cordierite gneisses, and quartzites. Significant textural relations reveal multiphase reactions responsible for the formation of diverse mineral parageneses during prolonged metamorphic history of the area. Prograde reaction is evident from the textural relationship where biotite/sillimanite relics are seen as inclusion in garnet/orthopyroxene, suggesting dehydration reactions. The symplectitic assemblages that formed during isothermal decompression involve a series of cordierite-forming reactions, followed by retrogression and cooling. Variety of mineral assemblages present in the rocks of this area offer a wide spectrum of P–T sensors that provide details on the physical conditions of metamorphism. For the rigorous interpretation of the P–T path in the Perumalmalai area, quantitative phase diagrams (P–T pseudosections) have been constructed and contoured for the compositional as well as modal isopleths of involved mineral phases. The rocks of Perumalmalai area document a clockwise decompression P–T trajectory, consistent with crustal thickening followed by extensional collapse. SHRIMP U–Pb ages from zircon associated with sapphirine-bearing granulite facies rocks of Perumalmalai area suggest a widespread Ediacaran tectonothermal event. The occurrence of Ediacaran UHT metamorphism followed by isothermal decompression in the Madurai Block is consistent with the timing and physical conditions associated with the formation of East African Orogen during the amalgamation of Gondwana.     

Extensional collapse of the Gondwana orogen: Evidence from Cambrian mafic magmatism in the Trivandrum Block,southern India

The assembly of Late Neoproterozoice Cambrian supercontinent Gondwana involved prolonged subduction and accretion generating arc magmatic and accretionary complexes, culminating in collision and formation of high grade metamorphic orogens. Here we report evidence for mafic magmatism associated with post-collisional extension from a suite of gabbroic rocks in the Trivandrum Block of southern Indian Gondwana fragment. Our petrological and geochemical data on these gabbroic suite show that they are analogous to high Fe tholeiitic basalts with evolution of the parental melts dominantly controlled by fractional crystallization. They display enrichment of LILE and LREE and depletion of HFSE with negative anomalies at Zre Hf and Ti corresponding to subduction zone magmatic regime. The tectonic affinity of the gabbros coupled with their geochemical features endorse a heterogeneous mantle source with collective melt contributions from sub-slab asthenospheric mantle upwelling through slab break-off and arc-related metasomatized mantle wedge, with magma emplacement in subduction to post-collisional intraplate settings. The high Nb contents and positive Nbe Ta anomalies of the rocks are attributed to inflow of asthenospheric melts containing ancient recycled subducted slab components and/or fusion of subducted slab materials owing to upwelling of hot asthenosphere. Zircon grains from the gabbros show magmatic crystallization texture with low U and Pb content. The LA-ICPMS analyses show ²⁰⁶ Pb/²³⁸ U mean ages in the range of 507-494 Ma suggesting Cambrian mafic magmatism. The post-collisional mafic magmatism identified in our study provides new insights into mantle dynamics during the waning stage of the birth of a supercontinent.     

The stability and origin of sodicgedrite in ultrahigh-temperature Mg-Al granulites: a case study from the Gondwana suture in southern India

Mg-Al-rich rocks from the Palghat-Cauvery Shear Zone System (PCSZ) within the Gondwana suture zone in southern India contain sodicgedrite as one of the prograde to peak phases, stable during T = 900–990°C ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism. Gedrite in these samples is Mg-rich (Mg/[Fe + Mg] = X _Mg = 0.69–0.80) and shows wide variation in Na₂O content (1.4–2.3 wt.%, Na^A = 0.33–0.61 pfu). Gedrite adjacent to kyanite pseudomorph is in part mantled by garnet and cordierite. The gedrite proximal to garnet shows an increase in Na^A and Al^IV from the core (Na^A = 0.40–0.51 pfu, Al^IV = 1.6–1.9 pfu) to the rim (Na^A = 0.49–0.61 pfu, Al^IV = 2.0–2.2 pfu), suggesting the progress of the following dehydration reaction: Ged + Ky → Na-Ged + Grt + Crd + H₂O. This reaction suggests that, as the reactants broke down during the prograde stage, the remaining gedrite became enriched in Na to form sodicgedrite, which is regarded as a unique feature of high-grade rocks with Mg-Al-rich and K–Si-poor bulk chemistry. We carried out high-P-T experimental studies on natural sodicgedrite and the results indicate that gedrite and melt are stable phases at 12 kbar and 1,000°C. However, the product gedrite is Na-poor with only <0.13 wt.% Na₂O (Na^A = 0.015–0.034 pfu). In contrast, the matrix glass contains up to 8.5 wt.% Na₂O, suggesting that, with the progressive melting of the starting material, Na was partitioned into the melt rather than gedrite. The results therefore imply that the occurrence of sodicgedrite in the UHT rocks of the PCSZ is probably due to the low H₂O activity during peak P-T conditions that restricted extensive partial melting in these rocks, leaving Na partitioned into the solid phase (gedrite). The occurrence of abundant primary CO₂-rich fluid inclusions in this rock, which possibly infiltrated along the collisional suture during the final amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent, strengthens the inference of low water activity.     

Temporal links between pluton emplacement,garnet granulite metamorphism,partial melting and extensional collapse in the lower crust of a Cretaceous magmatic arc,Fiordland, New Zealand

Garnet granulite facies mid‐to lower crust in Fiordland, New Zealand, provides evidence for pulsed intrusion and deformation occurring in the mid‐to lower crust of magmatic arcs. ²³⁸U‐²⁰⁶Pb zircon ages constrain emplacement of the ～595 km² Malaspina Pluton to 116–114 Ma. Nine Sm‐Nd garnet ages (multi‐point garnet‐rock isochrons) ranging from 115.6 ± 2.6 to 110.6 ± 2.0 Ma indicate that garnet granulite facies metamorphism was synchronous or near synchronous throughout the pluton. Hence, partial melting and garnet granulite facies metamorphism lasted <5 Ma and began within 5 Ma of pluton emplacement. Garnet granulite facies L‐S tectonites in the eastern part of the Malaspina Pluton record the onset of extensional strain and arc collapse. An Sm‐Nd garnet age and thermobarometric results for these rocks directly below the amphibolite facies Doubtful Sound shear zone provide the oldest known age for extension in Fiordland at ≥112.8 ± 2.2 Ma at ～920 °C and 14–15 kbar. Narrow high Ca rims in garnet from some of these suprasolidus rocks could reflect a ≤ 1.5 kbar pressure increase, but may be largely a result of temperature decrease based on the Ca content of garnet predicted from pseudosections. At peak metamorphic conditions >900 °C, garnet contained ～4000 ppm Ti; subsequently, rutile inclusions grew during declining temperature with limited pressure change. Garnet granulite metamorphism of the Malaspina Pluton is c. 10 Ma younger than similar metamorphism of the Pembroke Granulite in northern Fiordland; therefore, high‐P metamorphism and partial melting must have been diachronous for this >3000 km² area of mid‐to‐lower crust. Thus, two or more pulses of intrusion shortly followed by garnet granulite metamorphism and extensional strain occurred from north to south along the axis of the lower crustal root of the Cretaceous Gondwana arc.     

阴山陆块南缘新太古代末岩浆弧的向西延伸:来自乌拉特中旗和乌拉特后旗地质年代学和地球化学的证据

阴山陆块出露了较为完整的新太古代末TTG(奥长花岗岩-花岗闪长岩-英云闪长岩)岩系、绿岩带和麻粒岩-紫苏花岗岩等高级地体,是研究华北克拉通这一时期构造背景的热点地区,尤以固阳-武川地区(基底出露最好)最为典型,但其它地区的研究则相对薄弱。本文对固阳-武川、乌拉特中旗和乌拉特后旗变质中酸性岩和斜长角闪岩进行了岩石学、地球化学、年代学及锆石Hf同位素的相关研究,对这三个地区新太古代末不同类型变质岩浆岩的成因及构造背景做出了初步的限定。固阳-武川和乌拉特中旗地区的变质中酸性岩形成时代为2491～2545Ma,变质时代为2485Ma。原始地幔标准化蛛网图中均表现出明显的Nb、Ta、Ti和HREE亏损以及Pb、Th和U的富集。在球粒陨石标准化稀土元素配分图中轻重稀土中等-强分异((La/Yb)_N=3.99～119.9),重稀土分异较小((Gd/Yb)_N=1.32～5.20)。锆石ε_(Hf)(t)主体在+0.9到+7.1范围内,t_(DM)~C主体在2.67Ga至3.03Ga范围内,表明变质中酸性岩石原岩的母岩浆主体来自中-新太古代古老地壳的再循环,也有少量新生地壳物质的加入。乌拉特后旗地区的斜长角闪岩形成时代为2495～2527Ma,原始地幔标准化蛛网图中均表现出明显Nb、Ta和Ti的亏损,Rb、Pb、Th和U的富集。在球粒陨石标准化稀土元素配分图中轻重稀土中等分异((La/Yb)_N=9.49～14.2),重稀土相对平坦((Gd/Yb)_N=1.81～2.19)。锆石ε_(Hf)(t)值为+1.7～+6.3,单阶段模式年龄为2.62～2.73Ga,指示其主要来自新太古代末亏损地幔。在总结前人阴山陆块南缘新太古代末岩浆岩的地球化学与同位素数据的基础上,我们认为这期岩浆事件是与俯冲相关的岩浆作用,其范围不仅局限于固阳-武川地区,可以向西南延伸350km至乌拉特后旗地区。     

华北地块南缘老牛山杂岩体时代、成因及地质意义——锆石年龄、Hf同位素和地球化学新证据

老牛山杂岩体位于华北地块南缘。野外侵入关系和锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年显示,其由晚三叠世(印支期)和晚侏罗(燕山期)花岗质岩石组成。印支期岩石类型为石英二长岩、石英闪长岩和粗粒黑云母二长花岗岩,年龄分别为223±1Ma、222±1Ma和214±1Ma; 燕山期为中粒-中粗粒黑云母二长花岗岩和细粒-中细粒黑云母二长花岗岩,年龄分别为152±1Ma和146±1Ma。印支期石英闪长岩、石英二长岩的SiO₂相对含量低、富碱、高铝,为钾玄系列,准铝质Ⅰ型花岗岩;印支期粗粒黑云母二长花岗岩具富硅、碱、高铝、低镁的特点,属于高钾钙碱性系列,为准铝质-过铝质Ⅰ型花岗岩;燕山期黑云母二长花岗岩具高硅和铝、富碱,低镁的特点,为高钾钙碱性系列,准铝质Ⅰ型花岗岩。组成老牛山杂岩体的花岗岩从早到晚SiO₂含量由低变高,MgO、CaO和Na₂O由高变低。各期次岩石均表现出稀土元素总量较高,轻稀土元素明显富集,轻、重稀土元素分馏明显,具有较弱的铕异常。两期花岗质岩石均富集大离子亲石元素(K、Rb、Ba、Sr),而相对亏损高场强元素(Nb、Ta、P)。印支期花岗质岩石的全岩ε_Nd(t)为-11.3~-14.87,t_DM为1.7~1.9Ga,锆石的ε_Hf(t)为-9.57~-25.11,t_DM2为1863~2841Ma;燕山期花岗岩的全岩ε_Nd(t)为-13.32~-16.83,t_DM为 1.7~1.9Ga,锆石的ε_Hf(t)为-18.28~-24.79,t_DM2 为2360~2767Ma,表明该杂岩体的源区物质以壳源物质为主,可能与太古宙太华群相似,印支期有年轻地幔物质贡献。