Clockwise rotation of the Santa Marta massif and simultaneous Paleogene to Neogene deformation of the Plato-San Jorge and Cesar-Ranchería basins

A moderate amount of vertical-axis clockwise rotation of the Santa Marta massif (30°) explains as much as 115 km of extension (stretching of 1.75) along its trailing edge (Plato-San Jorge basin) and up to 56 km of simultaneous shortening with an angular shear of 0.57 along its leading edge (Perijá range). Extensional deformation is recorded in the 260 km-wide, fan-shaped Plato-San Jorge basin by a 2–8 km thick, shallowing-upward and almost entirely fine-grained, upper Eocene and younger sedimentary sequence. The simultaneous initiation of shortening in the Cesar-Ranchería basin is documented by Mesozoic strata placed on to lower Eocene syntectonic strata (Tabaco Formation and equivalents) along the northwest-verging, shallow dipping (9–12° to the southeast) and discrete Cerrejón thrust. First-order subsidence analysis in the Plato-San Jorge basin is consistent with crustal stretching values between 1.5 and 2, also predicted by the rigid-body rotation of the Santa Marta massif. The model predicts about 100 km of right-lateral displacement along the Oca fault and 45 km of left-lateral displacement along the Santa Marta–Bucaramanga fault. Clockwise rotation of a rigid Santa Marta massif, and simultaneous Paleogene opening of the Plato-San Jorge basin and emplacement of the Cerrejón thrust sheet would have resulted in the fragmentation of the Cordillera Central–Santa Marta massif province. New U/Pb ages (241 ± 3 Ma) on granitoid rocks from industry boreholes in the Plato-San Jorge basin confirm the presence of fragments of a now segmented, Late Permian to Early Triassic age, two-mica, granitic province that once spanned the Santa Marta massif to the northernmost Cordillera Central.     

New geochronological results and structural evolution of the Pataz gold mining district: Implications for the timing and origin of the batholith-hosted veins

The Paleozoic Pataz–Parcoy gold mining area is located in a right-stepping jog on the regional Cordillera Blanca fault, in northern Peru. Most of the 8 million ounces of gold production from this area has come from quartz–carbonate–sulfide veins hosted by the Pataz batholith. Despite a subduction zone setting since at least the Cambrian, the area records several periods of extension and its present structure is that of a rift and graben terrain. The Pataz district (the northern part of the Pataz–Parcoy area) is dominated structurally by northwest to north northwest-striking (NW–NNW) faults and northeast to east northeast-striking (NE–ENE) lineaments, both of which have been active periodically since at least the Mississippian (Early Carboniferous). NW–NNW faults control the margins of a central horst that exposes basement schist and the Pataz batholith, and step across NE–ENE lineaments. The Lavasen graben, to the east of the central horst, contains the Lavasen Volcanics, and the Chagual graben, to the west, contains an allochthonous sedimentary sequence derived from the Western Andean Cordillera.New SHRIMP zircon geochronological data indicate emplacement of the Pataz batholith during the Middle Mississippian, at around 338–336 Ma, approximately 10 Ma earlier than previous estimates based on ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology. The calc-alkaline, I-type batholith comprises diorite and granodiorite, the latter being the major component of the batholith, and was emplaced as a sill complex within the moderately NE-dipping sequence of the Eastern Andean Cordillera. Moderate- to high-temperature ductile deformation took place on the batholith contacts during or shortly after emplacement. Following emplacement of the batholith, differential uplift occurred along NW–NNW faults forming the Lavasen graben, into which the Lavasen Volcanics were deposited. SHRIMP U–Pb in zircon ages for the Lavasen Volcanics and the Esperanza subvolcanic complex, which was intruded into the western margin of the graben, are within error of one another at ca 334 Ma. The ductile batholith contacts were cut by renewed movement on NW–NNW faults such that the margins of the batholith are now controlled by these steep brittle-ductile faults. The NW–NNW faults were oriented normal to the principal axis of regional shortening (ENE–WSW) during formation of the batholith-hosted, gold-bearing quartz–carbonate–sulfide veins. The misoriented faults were unable to accommodate significant displacement, leading to high fluid pressures, vertical extension in the competent batholith and formation of gold-bearing veins. Brittle failure of the batholith was most extensive in the northern Pataz district where the fault-controlled western contact of the batholith is offset by a swarm of NE–ENE lineaments.The timing of vein formation is not established, despite published ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 312 to 314 Ma for metasomatic white mica, which are interpreted as minimum ages of formation. Gold-bearing veins formed during or shortly after uplift of the Pataz batholith and formation of the Lavasen graben; they were therefore broadly coeval with deposition of the Lavasen Volcanics and emplacement of the Esperanza subvolcanic complex. These K-rich, weakly alkalic, ferroan (A-type) magmas may provide a viable source for the ore fluid that deposited gold in the Pataz batholith.     

Magmatic evolution of the Andean Eastern Cordillera of Colombia during the Cretaceous: Influence of previous tectonic processes

The Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes represents an inverted Cretaceous basin where Cretaceous magmatism is characterized by rare mafic dykes and sills. We use ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, as well as major and trace elements analyses of Cretaceous intrusions from both flanks of the Eastern Cordillera in combination with structural data to document the complex evolution of the basin. Magmatism, which is diachronous and geochemically diverse, seems to be related to mantle melting beneath the most subsiding segments of each sub-basin during enhanced extensional tectonics. The mafic intrusions display two different compositional series: an alkaline one with OIB-like pattern and a tholeiitic one with MORB-like features. This indicates at least two diverse mantle sources. Trace-element patterns suggest that the intrusions were emplaced in an extensional setting. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating on primary plagioclase and hornblende provides plateau ages between ～136 and ～74 Ma.The geochemical and temporal diversities show that the emplacement of the magmas was tectonically controlled, each sub-basin reflecting an individual subsidence event.     

Assembly of Pampia to the SW Gondwana margin: A case of strike-slip docking?

Different hypotheses have been proposed to account for the geologic evolution of the southwestern margin of Gondwana in the Early Paleozoic, involving accretion and displacement of different terranes in a protracted convergent margin. In order to constrain and understand the kinematic and paleogeographic evolution of the Pampia terrane a paleomagnetic study was carried out in different Cambrian to Devonian units of the Eastern Cordillera (Cordillera Oriental) and the Interandean Zone (Interandino) of NW Argentina. Paleomagnetic poles from the Campanario Formation (Middle to Upper Cambrian): 1.5°N 1.9°E A₉₅ = 9.2° K = 37.46 N = 8; and Santa Rosita Formation (Lower Ordovician): 8.6°N 355.3°E A₉₅ = 10.1° K = 26.78 n = 9, representative of the Pampia terrane, are interpreted to indicate a Late Cambrian significant displacement with respect to the Río de la Plata and other Gondwana cratons. A model, compatible with several geological evidences that explains this displacement in the framework of the final stages of Gondwana assembly is presented. We propose a simple dextral strike-slip kinematic model in which Pampia and Antofalla (? Arequipa?) blocks moved during Late Cambrian times from a position at the present southern border of the Kalahari craton into its final position next to the Rio de la Plata craton by the Early Ordovician.     

Structural analysis of the Baolun gold deposit,Hainan Island,South China: Implications for metallogeny

The Baolun gold deposit is a mesothermal orogenic gold deposit located in the southwestern part of Hainan Island, South China. The deposit comprises a series of NNW-trending quartz-sulfide lodes situated within a parallel array of fault zones traversing a sequence of variably foliated flysch siliciclastic rocks of the Lower Silurian. Detailed field mapping documented at least five phases of deformation in the deposit including NNW-trending folding of the Lower Silurian rocks (D1), development of NNW-trending, steeply dipping ductile shear zones with an oblique dextral sense corresponding to NNE-SSW shortening (D2), WNW-ESE shortening and extension associated with an early oblique sinistral ductile shearing along the NNW-trending fault zones (D3), ENE-WSW shortening (D4), and near N-S extension (D5). The gold-bearing quartz lodes cut the strata folded in the D1, show some laminar layering related to ductile shear in the D2 and are overprinted by brittle structures formed in the D3 to D5. ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating on muscovite from an auriferous quartz lode yielded an age of 242 ± 2.5 Ma, which, together with the age of 232 ± 2.5 Ma for an aplite vein in the deposit, suggests that the mineralization may be related to a tectono-thermal event in the Triassic. In the context of the southern South China plate tectonics, the formation of the Baolun gold deposit is interpreted to be related to the oblique dextral ductile shearing (D2) along the NNW-trending fault zones during the Indosinian orogeny, in relation to the convergence between the Indochina and South China plates.     

A geotraverse across two paleo-subduction zones in Tien Shan,Tajikistan

We present first LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages as well as geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data for 14 magmatic rocks collected along ca. 400 km profile across the Chatkal-Kurama terrane in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges and the Gissar Segment of the Tien Shan orogen in Tajikistan. These new data from supra-subduction and post-collisional magmatic rocks of two Late Paleozoic active margins constrain a tectonic model for terrane motions across two paleo-subduction zones: (1) The 425 Ma old Muzbulak granite of the Mogol-Tau range formed in a supra-subduction setting at the northern margin of the Turkestan Ocean. The north-dipping plate was subducted from the Early Silurian to the earliest Middle Devonian. Thereafter the northern side of the Turkestan Ocean remained a passive margin until the Early Carboniferous. (2) In the Early Carboniferous, subduction under the northern margin of the Turkestan Ocean resumed and the 315 to 305 Ma old Kara-Kiya, Muzbek, and Karamazar intrusions formed in a supra-subduction setting in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges. (3) At the same time, in the Early Carboniferous, rifting of the southern passive margin of the Turkestan Ocean formed the short-lived Gissar Basin, separated from the Turkestan Ocean by the Gissar micro-continent. North-dipping subduction in the Gissar Basin is documented by the 315 Ma Kharangon plagiogranite and the voluminous ca. 321–312 Ma Andean-type supra-subduction Gissar batholith. The Kharangon and Khanaka gabbro-plagiogranite intrusions of the southern Gissar range have geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7047–0.7056, εNd of + 1.5 to + 2.3) compatible with mantle-derived origin typical for plagiogranites associated with ophiolites. The supra-subduction rocks from the Gissar batholith and from the Mogol-Tau Kurama ranges have variably mixed Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic signatures (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7057–0.7064, εNd of − 2.1 to − 5.0) typical for continental arcs where mantle-derived magmas interact with continental crust. (4) In the latest Carboniferous, the Turkestan Ocean and the Gissar Basin were closed. The Early Permian Chinorsay (288 Ma) and Dara-i-pioz (267 Ma) post-collisional intrusions, emplaced in the northern part of the Gissar micro-continent after a long period of amagmatic evolution, have intraplate geochemical affinities and isotopic Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7074–0.7086, εNd of − 5.5 to − 7.4) indicating derivation from Precambrian continental crust which is supported by old Nd model ages (1.5 and 1.7 Ga), and by the presence of inherited zircon grains with ages 850–500 Ma in the Chinorsay granodiorite. The post-collisional intrusions in the southern Gissar and in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges (297–286 Ma), emplaced directly after supra-subduction magmatic series, have geochemical and isotopic signatures of arc-related magmas. The distinct shoshonitic affinities of post-collisional intrusions in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges are explained by the interaction of hot asthenospheric material with subduction-enriched wedge of lithospheric mantle due to slab break-off at post-collisional stage. Despite origination from different tectonic environments, all magmatic rocks have relatively old Nd model ages (1.7–1.0 Ga) indicating a significant proportion of Paleoproterozoic or older crustal material in their sources and their model ages are similar to those of post-collisional intrusions from the Alai and Kokshaal Segments of the South Tien Shan.     

Northeast-trending folds in the western Skeena Fold Belt,northern Canadian Cordillera: a record of Early Cretaceous sinistral plate convergence

The western portion of the Skeena Fold Belt, northern Canadian Cordillera, contains northeast-trending folds that are highly oblique to northwest-trending folds in the eastern portion of the fold belt, and to most Mesozoic contractional structures in the northern Cordillera. The northeast-trending folds locally interfere with the northwest-trending folds, and one region includes transected folds. Geometric relationships within and between the two fold sets are not easily reconciled by notions of the northeast-trending folds resulting from vertical axis rotation of blocks, influence of basement features, or lateral variations in magnitude of shortening. The northeast-trending folds are inferred to result from sinistral plate convergence early in the history of the fold belt (Early Cretaceous).Northeast-trending folds in the Skeena Fold Belt are the most conspicuous elements of a seldom-studied group of similarly oriented contractional structures, which collectively define a belt at least 1700 km long, within and bordering the Coast Belt. The extent of Early Cretaceous structures potentially related to sinistral convergence supports them having originated in response to the relative plate motion rather than local controls (e.g. indentors). This agrees with relative plate motion studies based on ocean floor reconstructions, which suggest a mid-Cretaceous change from sinistral to dextral convergence.     

U–Pb–Hf zircon study of two mylonitic granite complexes in the Talas-Fergana fault zone,Kyrgyzstan, and Ar–Ar age of deformations along the fault

A 2000 km long dextral Talas-Fergana strike–slip fault separates eastern terranes in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan from western terranes. The aim of this study was to constrain an age of dextral shearing in the central part of the fault utilizing Ar–Ar dating of micas. We also carried out a U–Pb–Hf zircon study of two different deformed granitoid complexes in the fault zone from which the micas for Ar dating were separated. Two samples of the oldest deformed Neoproterozoic granitoids in the area of study yielded U–Pb zircon SHRIMP ages 728 ± 11 Ma and 778 ± 11 Ma, characteristic for the Cryogenian Bolshoi Naryn Formation, and zircon grains analyzed for their Lu–Hf isotopic compositions yielded εHf(t) values from −11.43 to −16.73, and their calculated tHfc ages varied from 2.42 to 2.71 Ga. Thus varying Cryogenian ages and noticeable heterogeneity of Meso- to Paleoproterozoic crustal sources was established for mylonitic granites of the Bolshoi Naryn Formation. Two samples of mylonitized pegmatoidal granites of the Kyrgysh Complex yielded identical ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 279 ± 5 Ma corresponding to the main peak of Late-Paleozoic post-collisional magmatism in the Tien Shan (Seltmann et al., 2011), and zircon grains analyzed for their Lu–Hf isotopic compositions yielded εHf(t) values from −11.43 to −16.73, and calculated tHfc ages from 2.42 to 2.71 Ga indicating derivation from a Paleoproterozoic crustal source. Microstructural studies showed that ductile/brittle deformation of pegmatoidal granites of the Kyrgysh Complex occurred at temperatures of 300–400 °C and caused resetting of the K–Ar isotope system of primary muscovite. Deformation of mylonitized granites of the Bolshoi Naryn Formation occurred under high temperature conditions and resulted in protracted growth and recrystallization of micas. The oldest Ar–Ar muscovite age of 241 Ma with a well defined plateau from a pegmatoidal granite of the Kyrgysh Complex is considered as a “minimum” age of dextral motions along this section of the fault in the Triassic while younger ages varying from 227 Ma to 199 Ma with typical staircase patterns indicate protracted growth and recrystallization of micas during ductile deformations which continued until the end of the Triassic.     

Variable behavior of the Dead Sea Fault along the southern Arava segment from GPS measurements

The Dead Sea Fault is a major strike-slip fault bounding the Arabia plate and the Sinai subplate. On the basis of three GPS campaign measurements, 12 years apart, at 19 sites distributed in Israel and Jordan, complemented by Israeli permanent stations, we compute the present-day deformation across the Wadi Arava fault, the southern segment of the Dead Sea Fault. Elastic locked-fault modelling of fault-parallel velocities provides a slip rate of 4.7 ± 0.7 mm/yr and a locking depth of 11.6 ± 5.3 km in its central part. Along its northern part, south of the Dead Sea, the simple model proposed for the central profile does not fit the velocity field well. To fit the data, two faults have to be taken into account, on both sides of the sedimentary basin of the Dead Sea, each fault accommodating ∼ 2 mm/yr. Locking depths are small (less than 2 km on the western branch, ∼ 6 km on the eastern branch). Along the southern profile, we are once again unable to fit the data using the simple model, similar to the central profile. It is very difficult to propose a velocity greater than 4 mm/yr, i.e. smaller than that along the central profile. This leads us to propose that a part of the relative movement from Sinai to Arabia is accommodated along faults located west of our profiles.     

The tectonometamorphic and magmatic evolution of the Uppermost Unit in central Crete (Melambes area): constraints on a Late Cretaceous magmatic arc in the Internal Hellenides (Greece)

Crete consists of a nappe pile that formed during Alpine subduction and collision. The lower nappes belong to the External Hellenides, whereas the uppermost nappe is ascribed to the Pelagonian Zone of the Internal Hellenides. The Uppermost Unit consists of several subunits including the Asterousia Crystalline Complex (ACC), which comprises metasedimentary rocks, (meta)granitoids and serpentinite, the protolith age and the tectonometamorphic evolution of which are largely unknown. In the present study, we present new structural, microfabric and geochronological data from the Uppermost Unit in the Melambes area (central Crete). ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon ages (LA-ICP-MS and ID-TIMS) indicate granitic and dioritic intrusions between 71.9 ± 0.6 and 76.9 ± 0.3 Ma. Identical ages have previously been obtained from comparable intrusions in eastern Crete and on Anafi. The composition and geochemical signature suggest an extended magmatic arc along the southern active margin of the Pelagonian-Lycian Block. Post-intrusive shearing transformed granite into orthogneiss, whereas diorite remained free from foliation, because of the lower amount of mechanically weak phases. Deformation microfabrics suggest top-to-the SE shearing under amphibolite facies conditions of the ACC and at greenschist facies conditions of rocks at the base of the ACC referred to as Akoumianos Greenschist. The Akoumianos Greenschist is considered as the northern part of the Pindos realm that was subducted underneath the Pelagonian-Lycian active margin. Based on our new and on published data, the following orogenic stages are suggested to have contributed to the evolution of the Hellenides during the Late Cretaceous to Eocene: (1) pre-middle Campanian collision and subduction of the Pindos lithosphere underneath the southern margin of the Pelagonian-Lycian terrane led to obduction and offscraping of serpentinized ocean floor and stacking of the ACC during amphibolite facies top-to-the SE thrusting, (2) formation of a Campanian magmatic arc along the Pelagonian-Lycian active margin; (3) Maastrichtian collision and stacking of the magmatic arc during top-to-the SE mylonitic shearing; (4) Palaeocene top-to-the SE greenschist-facies shearing of the ACC on top of the Akoumianos Greenschist; (5) Late Eocene thrusting of the Uppermost Unit on top of the Arvi and Pindos units. Thus, top-to the SE was the dominant shear sense in the southern Aegean from at least the mid-Late Cretaceous until the Eocene.     

Late Jurassic intraplate faulting in eastern Australia: A link to subduction in eastern Gondwana and plate tectonic reorganisation

Eastern Gondwana was subjected to subduction processes during the Middle-Late Jurassic, but how these processes affected intraplate deformation in eastern Australia is poorly understood. Here we present ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar, K-Ar, and Rb-Sr geochronological data from illitic clay-bearing fault gouges associated with the northern part of the 200 km long, N-striking, dextral strike-slip, Demon Fault in eastern Australia. We show a major range of geochronological ages at 162.99 ± 0.74–152.1 ± 4.8 Ma, indicating that the Demon Fault was active during the Late Jurassic. This period partially coincides with the Middle-Late Jurassic deposition of widespread ash-fall tuffs in the Clarence-Moreton, Surat, and Eromanga basins. We propose that Middle-Late Jurassic intraplate tectonism in eastern Australia was influenced by subduction processes farther east, which produced extensive calc-alkaline magmatism in New Zealand from ~170 Ma. A global plate reorganisation event, related to the development of Early-Middle Jurassic sea-floor spreading of the Pacific Plate, possibly acted as the driving mechanism responsible for the intensification of magmatism and intraplate faulting in eastern Gondwana.     

Deformation history and U–Pb zircon geochronology of the high grade metamorphic rocks within the Klaeng fault zone,eastern Thailand

In eastern Thailand the Klaeng fault zone includes a high-grade metamorphic rock assemblage, named Nong Yai Gneiss, which extends about 30 km in a NW–SE direction along the fault zone. The rocks of this brittle-fault strand consist of amphibolite to granulite grade gneissic rocks. Structural analysis indicates that the rocks in this area experienced three distinct episodes of deformation (D₁–D₃). The first (D₁) formed large-scale NW–SE-trending isoclinal folds (F₁) that were reworked by small-scale tight to open folds (F₂) during the second deformation (D₂). D₁ and D₂ resulted from NE–SW shortening during the Triassic Indosinian orogeny before being cross-cut by leucogranites. D₁ and D₂ fabrics were then reworked by D₃ sinistral shearing, including shear planes (S₃) and mineral stretching lineations (L₃). LA–MC–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon dating suggested that the leucogranite intrusion and the magmatic crystallization took place at 78.6 ± 0.7 Ma followed by a second crystallization at 67 ± 1 to 72.1 ± 0.6 Ma. Both crystallizations occurred in the Late Cretaceous and, it is suggested, were tectonically influenced by SE Asian region effects of the West Burma and Shan-Thai/Sibumasu collision or development of an Andean-type margin. The sinistral ductile movement of D₃ was coeval with the peak metamorphism that occurred in the Eocene during the early phases of the India–Asia collision.     

Translation and the resolution of the pluton space problem

The Late Cretaceous Mono Creek granite has a pronounced NW–SE elongate shape, 60 km long by 10 km wide, characteristic of plutons from the eastern Sierra Nevada batholith. An 8 km-wide bulge exists on the NE side of this pluton, which exhibits evidence of forceful emplacement (or in-situ ballooning), such as deflection of metamorphic wallrock and igneous foliation, and the orientation of fracture patterns. Three-dimensional strain analysis indicates that wallrock strains do not provide enough volume to accommodate the emplacement of the bulge, a recurring problem in studies of plutonic terranes.We suggest that emplacement of the Mono Creek bulge was accommodated by all components of the three-dimensional displacement field—including translation, rotation, and pure strain (shape change)—of the surrounding units. Classical strain analysis only addresses the rotation and pure strain components, and is incapable of quantifying the translation component. However, our analysis suggests that translation plays the dominant role in the emplacement process. A shell model of translation of the surrounding igneous and metamorphic units is proposed for the Mono Creek bulge, which suggests that the translation component decreases dramatically away from the intrusion, consistent with the observed geology and finite strain analysis. We propose that translation is the solution to the recurring pluton `space' problem, either through tectonically controlled (passive) or magmatically controlled (active) movement of the wallrocks. Translation is generally the neglected component of the displacement field, but it may often be evaluated through judicious use of finite strain analysis and tectonic reconstruction.     

Thermal evolution of the Hengshan extensional dome in central South China and its tectonic implications: New insights into low-angle detachment formation

The Hengshan massif is an exhumed, mid-crustal, plutonic–metamorphic dome formed during Cretaceous crustal extension in the Jiangnan orogenic belt, central South China. Multiple thermochronometers (mica ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar, apatite fission track and zircon (U–Th)/He) are applied to its footwall along a slip-parallel transect to quantify its thermal history and cooling rate, and the slip magnitude, rate, initial geometry and kinematic evolution of the low-angle Hengshan detachment fault. Our thermochronological data, in conjunction with previous ages, indicate that (1) footwall rocks cooled from ~ 700 °C to ~ 60 °C in less than 60 Myr (136–80 Ma) at variable rates ranging from ~ 50 °C/Myr to ~ 13 °C/Myr, (2) the Hengshan detachment fault accommodated ~ 8–12 km of total slip at variable slip rates from 0.14 to 1 mm/yr during tectonic exhumation, (3) the footwall has been tilted ~ 26°–50° to the east since slip began, indicating that the low-angle Hengshan detachment fault initiated at a steep dip and was passively rotated to a more gentle orientation during subsequent normal slip. This study provides compelling evidence supporting that the low-angle detachment fault in the extensional dome can be generated by the reactivation and passive rotation of an initially steep reverse fault during normal slip. In addition, our thermochronological data constrain the time of extension in the Hengshan dome between 136 and 80 Ma, which implies that the back-arc extension within South China associated with the rollback of the Paleo-Pacific slab might have lasted until at least 80 Ma.     

Western Tibet relief evolution since the Oligo-Miocene

Western Tibet, between the Karakorum fault and the Gozha–Longmu Co fault system, is mostly internally drained and has a 1.5–2 km amplitude relief with km-large valleys. We investigate the origin of this peculiar morphology by combining a topography analysis and a study of the Cenozoic sedimentation in this area. Cenozoic continental strata correspond to a proximal, detrital fan deposition, and uncomformably rest on a palaeorelief similar to the modern one. Zircon U–Pb dating from trachytic flows interbedded within the Cenozoic continental sediments indicates that detrital sedimentation occurred at least between ca 24 and 20 Ma in the Shiquanhe basin, while K/Ar ages suggest it may have started since ~ 37 Ma in the Zapug basin. The distribution of continental deposits shows that present-day morphology features, including km-large, 1500 m-deep valleys, were already formed by Early Miocene times. We suggest that today's internally drained western Tibet was externally drained, at least during late Miocene, contemporaneously with early motion along the Karakorum Fault. Detailed study of the present day river network is compatible with a dextral offset on the Karakorum Fault of 250 km at a rate of ~ 10 ± 1 mm/yr. Displacement along the Karakorum fault possibly induced the shift from external to an internal drainage system, by damming of the Bangong Co ~ 4 Ma ago, leading to the isolation and preservation of the western Tibet relief.     

Precious metal mineralisation in the Sotkavaara Intrusion,northern Finland: Peak Pt,Pd, Au and Cu offsets in a small intrusion with poorly-developed magmatic layering

The Sotkavaara Intrusion is a small (2.5 × 1.5 km surface expression) mafic-ultramafic intrusion located in northern Finland, 25 km east-southeast of Rovaniemi. The intrusion was drilled by the Geological Survey of Finland between 2009 and 2012, when low-S, low-grade precious metal mineralisation (<1.1 ppm Pt + Pd + Au) was discovered. Emplaced into the 1.98 Ga eastern Peräpohja Schist Belt, Sotkavaara occurs a few tens of kilometres north of the 2.44 Ga the Penikat, Portimo and Koillismaa intrusions, which together host Europe’s most significant platinum-group element (PGE) mineralisation. The intrusion comprises a volumetrically subordinate Gabbro Unit and volumetrically dominant Pyroxenite Unit, within which layering is poorly-developed. The Pyroxenite Unit is composed predominantly of clinopyroxenite and contains a small number of laterally discontinuous wehrlite, olivine clinopyroxenite and low-Cr clinopyroxenite (<0.1 wt% Cr₂O₃) layers. Precious metal mineralisation is hosted by low-Cr clinopyroxenite layers and shows systematic Pt, Pd, Au and Cu offsets similar to those in the Munni Munni, Rincón del Tigre, Skaergaard and Great Dyke intrusions. Relative to these global examples, the Sotkavaara Intrusion represents an atypical occurrence, exhibiting poorly-developed modal layering in a small mafic-ultramafic intrusion, alongside moderately heavy δ ³⁴S values (+1.3 to +9.6‰). Despite this, mineralisation can be broadly attributed to similar ore-forming processes, whereby in-situ fractional crystallisation is ultimately responsible for generating small volumes of sulphide melt. Although mineralisation is sub-economic, this occurrence indicates that northern Finland may be prospective for magmatic sulphide deposits in Svecofennian-age mafic-ultramafic intrusions. Globally, Sotkavaara highlights that well-developed modal layering and large magma chambers are not necessarily requirements for forming this type of mineralisation.     

Evidence for Late Pleistocene ice stream activity in the Witch Ground Basin,central North Sea,from 3D seismic reflection data

Buried submarine landforms mapped on 3D reflection seismic data sets provide the first glacial geomorphic evidence for glacial occupation of the central North Sea by two palaeo-ice-streams, between 58–59°N and 0–1°E. Streamlined subglacial bedforms (mega-scale glacial lineations) and iceberg plough marks, within the top 80 m of the Quaternary sequence, record the presence and subsequent break-up of fast-flowing grounded ice sheets in the region during the late Pleistocene. The lengths of individual mega-scale glacial lineations vary from ∼5 to ∼20 km and the distance between lineations typically ranges from 100 to 1000 m. The lineations incise to a depth of 10–12 m, with trough widths of ∼100 m. The most extensive and best-preserved set of lineations, is attributed to the action of a late Weichselian ice stream which either drained the NE sector of the British–Irish ice sheet or was sourced from the SW within the Fennoscandian ice sheet. The 30–50 km wide palaeo ice-stream is imaged along its flow direction for 90 km, trending NW–SE. An older set of less well-preserved lineations is interpreted as an earlier Weichselian or Saalian ice-stream, and records ice flow in an SW–NE orientation. Cored sedimentary records, tied to 3D seismic observations, support grounded ice sheet coverage in the central North Sea during the last glaciation and indicate that ice flowed over a muddy substrate that is interpreted as a deformation till. The identification of a late Weichselian ice stream in the Witch Ground area of the North Sea basin provides independent geomorphic evidence in support of ice-sheet reconstructions that favour complete ice coverage of the North Sea between Scotland and Norway during the Last Glacial Maximum.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Late Cretaceous igneous intrusions and Mo–Cu–(W) mineralization in the southern Yidun Arc,SW China: Implications for metallogenesis and geodynamic setting

The Sanjiang Tethyan Metallogenic Domain (STMD) is an important part of the Tethyan giant metallogenic belt. The Yidun Arc is a part of the STMD in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Recently, four newly discovered Mo–Cu–(W) ore deposits related to granitic intrusions were found distributed along the north-south strike in the southern Yidun Arc, which are identified as the Xiuwacu, Relin, Hongshan, and Tongchanggou deposits herein. These four deposits formed along high-angle north-northwest or north-west strike-slip faults, with vein-type and porphyry-type Mo–Cu mineralization developed in the intrusions. Molybdenite Re–Os and zircon U–Pb dating together with zircon Hf isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry of the intrusions were studied to discern the relationship between mineralization and magmatism, metallogenesis, and tectonic settings. Molybdenite from skarn-type mineralization at the Hongshan deposit has a Re–Os isochron age of 81.2 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.3, n = 5) consistent with previously published zircon U–Pb ages and Re–Os ages of porphyry-type Mo mineralization. These results indicate that the Hongshan is a Late Cretaceous porphyry-skarn Cu–Mo deposit. Zircon U–Pb ages of the granitic intrusions in the Xiuwacu, Relin, and Tongchanggou deposits varying from ~ 87.4 Ma to ~ 82.7 Ma. Combined with published molybdenite Re–Os age spectrum (~ 85 Ma to ~ 81.2 Ma), it is proposed that the Mo–Cu–(W) mineralization in the Shangri-La region is spatially, temporally, and probably genetically related to the Late Cretaceous granitic intrusions. The Relin, Hongshan, and Tongchanggou intrusions have high SiO₂ (65.2–70.0 wt.%), Sr (363–905 ppm), Sr/Y (22–72), and La/Yb (37–69) ratios, and low Y (11.6–17.0 ppm) and Yb (0.97–1.59 ppm), which displayed adakitic affinities. Their low MgO (0.66–1.44 wt.%), Mg# (25–46), variable negative zircon ε_Hf(t) values (− 7.9 to − 2.3), and Proterozoic two-stages Hf model ages (T_DM2 = 1.13–1.62 Ga) suggest that they were probably dominantly derived from partial melting of thickened lower continental crust. According to the tectonic evolution of the Bangong Meso-Tethys Ocean during the Late Mesozoic, the Late Cretaceous igneous event and mineralization in the Yidun Arc likely formed under a late- or post-collision extensional environment, probably related to the collision between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes during the Late Cretaceous.     

Metallogeny,structural evolution,post-mineral cover distribution and exploration in concealed areas of the northern Chilean Andes

Mineral exploration of prospective areas concealed by extensive post-mineralization cover is growing, being very complex and expensive. The projection of rich and giant Paleocene to early Oligocene porphyry-Cu-Mo belts in northernmost Chilean Andes (17.5–19.5°S) has major exploration potential, but only a few minor deposits have been reported to date, due to the fact that the area is largely covered by post-mineral strata. We integrate the Cenozoic stratigraphic, structural and metallogenic evolution of this sector, in order to identify the most promising regions related to lesser post-mineral cover and the projection of different metallogenic belts. The Paleocene to early Eocene metallogenic belt extends along the Precordillera, with ca. 30 km wide, and includes porphyry-Cu prospects and small Cu (±Mo-Au-Ag) vein and breccia-pipe deposits. Geochronological data indicate an age of 55.5 Ma for an intrusion related to one deposit and ages from 69.5 to 54.5 Ma for hydrothermal alteration in one porphyry-Cu prospect and largest known Cu deposits. The middle Eocene to early Oligocene porphyry belt, in the Western Cordillera farther east, is associated with 46–44 Ma intrusions. It is estimated to be 40-km wide, but is largely concealed by thick post-mineral cover. The youngest Miocene to early Pliocene metallogenic belt, also in the Western Cordillera, is well-exposed and includes Au-Ag epithermal and polymetallic veins and manto-type deposits.The Oligocene-Holocene cover consists of a succession of continental sedimentary and volcanic rocks that overall increase in thickness from 0 to 5000 m, from west to east. These strata are subhorizontal in the west and folded-faulted towards the east. Miocene gentle anticlines and monocline flexures extend along strike for 30–60 km in the Precordillera and were generated by propagation of high-angle east-dipping blind reverse faults with at least 300–900 m of Oligocene bedrock offset. The thickness of cover exceeds 2000 m in the eastern Central Depression, whereas it is generally less than 1000 m in the Precordillera along the Paleocene to early Eocene porphyry-Cu belt and it can reach locally up to 5000 m in the Western Cordillera, above the middle Eocene to early Oligocene belt.In the studied Andean segment, the Miocene to early Pliocene metallogenic belt is superimposed on the Paleocene to Oligocene belts in a 40–50 km wide zone. This overlap may be explained by an accentuated migration of the magmatic front, from east to west, since ca. 25 Ma, as a consequence of subduction slab steepening after a period of magmatic lull and flat subduction from ca. 30–35 to 25 Ma. The identified areas of lesser cover thickness are prone to exploration for concealed deposits, especially along the projection of major porphyry-Cu-Mo belts.     

The exhumation history of collision-related mineralizing systems in Tibet: Insights from thermal studies of the Sharang and Yaguila deposits,central Lhasa

The large, newly discovered Sharang porphyry Mo deposit and nearby Yaguila skarn Pb–Zn–Ag (–Mo) deposit reside in the central Lhasa terrane, northern Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet. Multiple mineral chronometers (zircon U–Pb, sericite ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar, and zircon and apatite (U–Th)/He) reveal that ore-forming porphyritic intrusions experienced rapid cooling (> 100 °C/Ma) during a monotonic magmatic–hydrothermal evolution. The magmatic–hydrothermal ore-forming event at Sharang lasted ~ 6.0 Myr (~ 1.8 Myr for cooling from > 900 to 350 °C and ~ 4.0 Myr for cooling from 350 to 200 °C) whereas cooling was more prolonged during ore formation at Yaguila (~ 1.8 Myr from > 900 to 500 °C and a maximum of ~ 16 Myr from > 900 to 350 °C). All porphyritic intrusions in the ore district experienced exhumation at a rate of 0.07–0.09 mm/yr (apatite He ages between ~ 37 and 30 Ma). Combined with previous studies, this work implies that uplift of the eastern section of the Lhasa terrane expanded from central Lhasa (37–30 Ma) to southern Lhasa (15–12 Ma) at an increasing exhumation rate. All available geochronologic data reveal that magmatic–hydrothermal–exhumation activities in the Sharang–Yaguila ore district occurred within four periods of magmatism with related mineralization. Significant porphyry-type Mo mineralization was associated with Late Cretaceous–Eocene felsic porphyritic intrusions in the central Lhasa terrane, resulting from Neotethyan oceanic subduction and India–Asia continental collision.