Origin and evolution of post-collisional magmatism: Coeval Neoproterozoic calc-alkaline and alkaline suites of the Sinai Peninsula

Two Late Neoproterozoic post-collisional igneous suites, calc-alkaline (CA) and alkaline–peralkaline (Alk), widely occur in the northernmost part of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. In Sinai (Egypt) and southern Israel they occupy up to 80% of the exposed basement. Recently published U–Pb zircon geochronology indicates a prolonged and partially overlapping CA and Alk magmatism at 635–590 Ma and 608–580 Ma, respectively. Nevertheless in each particular locality CA granitoids always preceded Alk plutons. CA and Alk igneous rocks have distinct chemical compositions, but felsic and mafic rocks in general and granitoids from the two suites in particular cannot be distinguished by their Nd, Sr and O isotope ratios. Both suites are characterized by positive ε_Nd(T) values, from + 1.5 to + 6.0 (150 samples, 28 of them are new analyses), but predominance of juvenile crust in the region prevents unambiguous petrogenetic interpretation of the isotope data. Comparison of geochemical traits of felsic and mafic rocks in each suite suggests a significant contribution of mantle-derived components to the silicic magmas. Model calculation shows that the alkaline granite magma could have been produced by partial (~ 20%) melting of rocks corresponding to K-rich basalts. Material balance further suggests that granodiorite and quartz monzonite magmas of the CA suite could form by mixing of the granite and gabbro end-members at proportions of 85/15. In the Alk suite, alkali feldspar and peralkaline granites have evolved mainly by fractional crystallization of feldspars and a small amount of mafic minerals from a parental syenogranite melt. Thus the protracted, 20 m.y. long, contemporaneous CA and Alk magmatism in the northern ANS requires concurrent tapping of two distinct mantle sources. Coeval emplacement of CA and Alk intrusive suites was described in a number of regions throughout the world.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of late Ediacaran (605–580 Ma) post-collisional alkaline rocks from the Katherina ring complex,south Sinai,Egypt

The Katherina ring complex (KRC) in the central part of south Sinai, Egypt, is a typical ring complex of late Neoproterozoic age (605–580 Ma). It was developed during the final tectono-magmatic stage of the north Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) during evolution of the Pan-African crust. The KRC includes Katherina volcanics, subvolcanic bodies, ring dykes and Katherina granitic pluton. The Katherina volcanics represent the earliest stage of the KRC, which was subsequently followed by emplacement of the subvolcanic bodies and ring dykes. The Katherina granitic pluton depicts as the latest evolution stage of the KRC that intruded all the early formed rock units in the concerned area. The Katherina volcanics are essentially composed of rhyolites, ignimbrite, volcanic breccia and tuffs. Mineralogically, the peralkaline rhyolites contain sodic amphiboles and aegirine. The rhyolite whole rock chemistry has acmite-normative character. The subvolcanic bodies of the KRC are represented by peralkaline microgranite and porphyritic quartz syenite. The ring dykes are semicircular in shape and consist mainly of quartz syenite, quartz trachyte and trachybasalt rock types. The Katherina subvolcanic rocks, volcanic rocks as well as the ring dykes are alkaline or/and peralkaline in nature. The alkaline granitic pluton forms the inner core of the KRC, including the high mountainous areas of G. Abbas Pasha, G. Bab, G. Katherina and G. Musa. These mountains are made up of alkaline syenogranite and alkali feldspar granite. The mantle signature recorded in the KRC indicates a juvenile ANS crust partial melting process for the generation of this system. The evolution of the KRC rocks is mainly dominated by crystal fractionation and crustal contamination. Mineral geothermometry points to the high temperature character of the KRC, up to 700–1100 °C.     

Sequence of magmatic events in the Late Paleozoic of Transbaikalia,Russia (U-Pb isotope data)

The Late Paleozoic intrusive rocks, mostly granitoids, totally occupy more than 200,000 km² on the territory of Transbaikalia. Isotopic U-Pb zircon dating (about 30 samples from the most typical plutons) shows that the Late Paleozoic magmatic cycle lasted for 55–60 m.y., from ~330 Ma to ~275 Ma. During this time span, five intrusive suites were emplaced throughout the region. The earliest are high-K calc-alkaline granites (330–310 Ma) making up the Angara–Vitim batholith of 150,000 km² in area. At later stages, formation of geochemically distinct intrusive suites occurred with total or partial overlap in time. In the interval of 305–285 Ma two suites were emplaced: calc-alkaline granitoids with decreased SiO₂ content (the Chivyrkui suite of quartz monzonite and granodiorite) and the Zaza suite comprising transitional from calc-alkaline to alkaline granite and quartz syenite. At the next stage, in the interval of 285–278 Ma the shoshonitic Low Selenga suite made up of monzonite, syenite and alkali rich microgabbro was formed; this suite was followed, with significant overlap in time (281–276 Ma), by emplacement of Early Kunalei suite of alkaline (alkali feldspar) and peralkaline syenite and granite. Concurrent emplacement of distinct plutonic suites suggests simultaneous magma generation at different depth and, possibly, from different sources. Despite complex sequence of formation of Late Paleozoic intrusive suites, a general trend from high-K calc-alkaline to alkaline and peralkaline granitoids, is clearly recognized. New data on the isotopic U-Pb zircon age support the Rb-Sr isotope data suggesting that emplacement of large volumes of peralkaline and alkaline (alkali feldspar) syenites and granites occurred in two separate stages: Early Permian (281–278 Ma) and Late Triassic (230–210 Ma). Large volumes and specific compositions of granitoids suggest that the Late Paleozoic magmatism in Transbaikalia occurred successively in the post-collisional (330–310 Ma), transitional (305–285 Ma) and intraplate (285–275 Ma) setting.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of post-collisional alkaline and peralkaline granites of the Arabian-Nubian Shield: a case study from the southern tip of Sinai Peninsula,Egypt

The southern Sinai Peninsula, underlain by the northernmost extension of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, exposes post-collisional calc-alkaline and alkaline granites that represent the youngest phase of late Neoproterozoic igneous activity. We report a petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical investigation of post-collisional plutons of alkaline and, in some cases, peralkaline granite. These granites intrude metamorphosed country rocks as well as syn- and post-collisional calc-alkaline granitoids. The alkaline and peralkaline granites of the southern tip of Sinai divide into three subgroups: syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and riebeckite granite. The rocks of these subgroups essentially consist of alkali feldspar and quartz with variable amounts of plagioclase and mafic minerals. The syenogranite and alkali feldspar granite contain small amounts of calcic amphibole and biotite, often less than 3%, while the riebeckite granite is distinguished by sodic amphibole (5–10%). These plutons have geochemical signatures typical of post-collisional A-type granites and were most likely emplaced during a transition between orogenic and anorogenic settings. The parental mafic magma may be linked to lithospheric delamination and upwelling of asthenospheric mantle material. Differentiation of the underplated basaltic magma with contributions from the juvenile crust eventually yielded the post-collisional alkaline granites. Petrogenetic modelling of the studied granitic suite shows that pure fractional crystallization cannot quantitatively explain chemical variations with the observed suite, with both major oxides and several trace elements displaying trends opposite to those required by the equilibrium phase assemblage. Instead, we show that compositional variation from syenogranite through alkali feldspar granite to riebeckite granite is dominated by mixing between a low-SiO₂ liquid as primitive or more primitive than the lowest-SiO₂ syenogranite and an evolved, high-SiO₂ liquid that might be a high-degree partial melt of lower crust.     

Late Ediacaran post-collisional A-type syenites with shoshonitic affinities,northern Arabian-Nubian Shield: a possible mantle-derived A-type magma

The Abu Rumeil syenitic rocks represent the inner ring dyke of the Katherina Ring complex, southern Sinai, Egypt. They are divided petrologically into two types, alkali feldspar syenite and quartz syenite. The mineralogy and geochemistry of the syenites indicate an alkaline nature with a shoshonitic affinity. Although rare mafic xenocrysts overgrown by primary K-feldspars and overlapping rare earth element (REE) patterns indicate some role for crustal contamination, the trace element chemistry shows a dominant mantle contribution. The geochronology and field relations imply that the Abu Rumeil syenites were emplaced in a post-collisional, within-plate tectonic setting, yet they express the enrichments in large-ion lithophile elements relative to high field strength elements generally characteristic of subduction influence. We suggest that this signature is inherited from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source previously affected by subduction during assembly of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Little evidence of the early evolution of the suite is preserved; there are no associated mafic rocks. We therefore restrict our attention to a petrogenetic model that can explain the relations among the observed felsic composition. The REE patterns of all samples are enriched in light REE and fractionated, but it is notable that there are small positive Eu anomalies in the alkali-feldspar syenites contrasting with small negative Eu anomalies in the quartz syenites. Positive Eu anomalies suggest a cumulate nature for the alkali-feldspar syenites; there are also breaks in the slopes of most variation trends between the alkali-feldspar syenites and the quartz syenites. The general trends in all major oxides and trace elements within the suite can be modeled by fractional crystallization of feldspars—with smaller roles for pyroxene, biotite, apatite, and Fe-Ti oxides—from an intermediate liquid to form the quartz syenites and by assimilation of the near-liquidus phases into the same starting liquid to form the alkali feldspar syenites. The geothermobarometry of pyroxenes and amphiboles suggests shallow emplacement (<10 km depth) and crystallization temperatures ranging from 1100 °C down to 800 °C.     

Perogenesis of granites, Sharm El-Sheikh area, South Sinai, Egypt: petrological constrains and tectonic evolution

Precambrian granites of the Sharm El-Sheikh area in south Sinai, Egypt belong to collisional and post-collisional Magmatism (610–580 Ma). The granites are widely distributed in the northern part of the Neoproterozoic Arabian-Nubian Shield. South Sinai includes important components of successive multiple stages of upper crust granitic rocks. The earliest stages include monzogranite and syenogranites while the later stages produced alkali feldspar granites and riebeckite-bearing granites. Numerous felsic, mafic dikes and quartz veins traverse the study granites. Petrographically, the granitic rocks consist mainly of perthite, plagioclase, quartz, biotite and riebeckite. Analysis results portray monzogranites displaying calc-alkaline characteristics and emplaced in island-arc tectonic settings, whereas the syenogranites, alkali-feldspar granites and the riebeckite bearing-granites exhibit an alkaline nature and are enriched in HFSEs similar to granites within an extensional regime. Multi-element variation diagrams and geochemical characteristics reinforce a post-collision tectonic setting. REEs geochemical modeling reveals that the rocks were generated as a result of partial melting and fractionation of lower crust basaltic magma giving rise to A₁ and A₂ subtype granites. They were subsequently emplaced within an intraplate environment at the end of the Pan-African Orogeny.     

Neoproterozoic calc‐alkaline peraluminous granitoids of the Deleihimmi pluton,Central Eastern Desert,Egypt: implications for transition from late‐ to post‐collisional tectonomagmatic evolution in the northern Arabian–Nubian Shield

The widely distributed late‐collisional calc‐alkaline granitoids in the northern Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) have a geodynamic interest as they represent significant addition of material into the ANS juvenile crust in a short time interval (∼630–590 Ma). The Deleihimmi granitoids in the Egyptian Central Eastern Desert are, therefore, particularly interesting since they form a multiphase pluton composed largely of late‐collisional biotite granitoids enclosing granodiorite microgranular enclaves and intruded by leuco‐ and muscovite granites. Geochemically, different granitoid phases share some features and distinctly vary in others. They display slightly peraluminous (ASI = 1–1.16), non‐alkaline (calc‐alkaline and highly fractionated calc‐alkaline), I‐type affinities. Both biotite granitoids and leucogranites show similar rare earth element (REE) patterns [(La/Lu)_N = 3.04–2.92 and 1.9–1.14; Eu/Eu* = 0.26–0.19 and 0.11–0.08, respectively) and related most likely by closed system crystal fractionation of a common parent. On the other hand, the late phase muscovite granites have distinctive geochemical features typical of rare‐metal granites. They are remarkably depleted in Sr and Ba (4–35 and 13–18 ppm, respectively), and enriched in Rb (381–473 ppm) and many rare metals. Moreover, their REE patterns show a tetrad effect (TE_1,3 = 1.13 and 1.29) and pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.07 and 0.08), implying extensive open system fractionation via fluid–rock interaction during the magmatic stage. Origin of the calc‐alkaline granitoids by high degree of partial melting of mafic lower crust with subsequent crystal fractionation is advocated. The broad distribution of late‐collisional calc‐alkaline granitoids in the northern ANS is related most likely to large areal and intensive lithospheric delamination subsequent to slab break‐off and crustal/mantle thickening. Such delamination caused both crustal uplift and partial melting of the remaining mantle lithosphere in response to asthenospheric uprise. The melts produced underplate the lower crust to promote its melting. The presence of microgranular enclaves, resulting from mingling of mantle‐derived mafic magma with felsic crustal‐derived liquid, favours this process. The derivation of the late‐phase rare‐metal granites by open system fractionation via fluid interaction is almost related to the onset of extension above the rising asthenosphere that results in mantle degassing during the switch to post‐collisional stage. Consequently, the switch from late‐ to post‐collisional stage of crustal evolution in the northern ANS could be potentially significant not only geodynamically but also economically. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SIMS zircon U–Pb and mica K–Ar geochronology,and Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry of Neoproterozoic granitoids and their bearing on the evolution of the north Eastern Desert,Egypt

Granitic rocks are commonly used as means to study chemical evolution of continental crust, particularly, their isotopic compositions, which reflect the relative contributions of mantle and crustal components in their genesis. New SIMS and K–Ar geochronology, isotope, geochemical, and mineral chemistry data are presented for the granitoid rocks located in and around Gabal Dara in the Northern Eastern Desert of Egypt. The granitoid suite comprises quartz diorites, Muscovite (Mus) trondhjemites, and granodiorites intruded by biotite-hornblende (BH) granites and alkali feldspar (AF) granites. Mus trondhjemite, granodiorite and BH granite exhibit I-type calc alkaline affinities. Mus trondhjemite and granodiorite show medium-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous/mildy peraluminous affinities, whereas BH granites have high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous character. Concordant ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted mean ages together with geochemical peculiarities suggest that Mus trondhjemites (741 Ma) followed by granodiorites (720 Ma) are genetically unrelated, and formed in subduction-related regime by partial melting of lower oceanic crust together with a significant proportion of mantle melt. The genesis of Mus trondhjemites is correlated with the main event in the evolution of the Eastern Desert, called “~750 Ma crust forming event”.The field and geochemical criteria together with age data assign the high-K calc-alkaline BH granites (608–590 Ma) and alkaline AF granites (600–592 Ma) as post-collisional granites. The differences in geochemical traits, e.g. high-K calc-alkaline versus alkaline/peralkaline affinities respectively, suggest that BH granites and AF granites are genetically unrelated. The age overlap indicating coeval generation of calc-alkaline and alkaline melts, which in turn suggests that magma genesis was controlled by local composition of the source. The high-K calc-alkaline BH granites are most likely generated from lithospheric mantle melt which have been hybridized by crustal melts produced by underplating process. AF granites exhibit enrichment in K₂O, Rb, Nb, Y, and Th, and depletion in Al₂O₃, TiO₂, MgO, CaO, FeO, P₂O₅, Sr, and Ba as well as alkaline/peralkaline affinity. These geochemical criteria combined with the moderately fractionated rare earth elements pattern (La_N/Yb_N = 9–14) suggest that AF granite magma might have been generated by partial melting of Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) arc crust in response of upwelling of hot asthenospheric mantle melts, which became in direct contact with lower ANS continental crust material due to delamination. Furthermore, a minor role of crystal fractionation of plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, zircon, and titanomagnetite in the evolution of AF granites is also suggested. The low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7033–0.7037) and positive ε_Nd(T) values (+ 2.32 to + 4.71) clearly reflect a significant involvement of depleted mantle source in the generation of the post-collision granites and a juvenile nature for the ANS.     

The passive margin of northern Gondwana during Early Paleozoic: Evidence from the central Tibet Plateau

The central–south domain of the Tibet Plateau represents an important part of the northern segment of Gondwana during the early Paleozoic. Here we present zircon U–Pb, Lu–Hf isotope, and whole–rock geochemical data from a suite of early Paleozoic magmatic rocks from the central Tibet Plateau, with a view to gain insights into the nature and geotectonic evolution of the northern margin of Gondwana. Zircon grains in four granitic rocks yielded ages of 532−496 Ma with negative ε_Hf(t) values (−13.7 to −0.6). Zircon grains in meta–basalt and mafic gneiss yielded ages of 512 ± 5 Ma and 496 ± 6 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, the granitic rocks belong to high–K calc–alkaline and shoshonitic S–type granite suite, with the protolith derived from the partial melting of ancient crustal components. The mafic gneiss and meta–basalt geochemically resemble OIB (Oceanic Island Basalt) and E–MORB (Enriched Mid–Ocean Ridge Basalt), respectively. They were derived from low degree (∼5–10%) partial melting of an enriched mantle (garnet and spinel lherzolite) that was contaminated by upper crustal components. The parental magmas experienced orthopyroxene–dominated fractional crystallization. Sedimentological features of the Cambrian–Ordovician formations indicate that the depositional cycle transformed from marine regression to transgression leading to the formation of parallel/angular unconformities between the Cambrian and Ordovician strata. The hiatus associated with these unconformities are coupled with the peak of the early Paleozoic magmatism in Tibet Plateau, indicating a tectonic control. We conclude that the Cambrian–Ordovician magmatic suite and sedimentary rocks formed in an extensional setting, and we correlate this with the post–peak stage of the Pan–African orogeny. The post–collision setting associated with delamination, orogenic collapse or lithospheric extension along the northern margin of Gondwana, can account for the Cambrian–Ordovician magmatism and sedimentation, rather than oceanic subduction along the external margin. We thus infer a passive margin setting for the northern Gondwana during the Early Paleozoic.     

Petrological and Geochemical Constraints on the Evolution of the Alkaline Complex of Koraput in the Eastern Ghats Granulite Belt,India

The Koraput Alkaline Complex in the high-grade Eastern Ghats Belt, India, is synkinematically emplaced in a pull-apart structure and far from the Bastar cratonic margin. The suite comprises four distinct members, namely, mafic syenite, felsic syenite, nepheline syenite and perthite syenite. Fe-rich orthopyroxene rims on olivine in mafic syenite indicate iron-enrichment in the early stage of differentiation. With plagioclase of andesine composition it could be described as alkali-norite, the plutonic equivalent of hawiite. Felsic syenite with both alkali-feldspars and plagioclase of oligoclase composition could be described as two-feldspar syenite, the plutonic equivalent of mugearite. Albitic rims on nepheline indicates subsolvus reaction. Chemical trends in amphiboles and plagioclase feldspars, progressively more ferroan and more sodic respectively, are strong indications of mineral fractionation in the Koraput suite. Chemical trends in the variation diagrams are compatible with feldspar fractionation in the Koraput suite. A weak Fe-enrichment trend in the early stage of differentiation, as observed in the AFM diagram, is compatible with that of the alkali-basalt series. Nb anomalies, both positive and negative, are indicative of crustal contamination as expected in synkinematic plutons. In terms of Gondwana assembly and break up, the alkaline complexes are supposed to represent rift-related magmatism along the continental margin. In spite of petrological evidence of the magmatic character of the Koraput Complex, anorogenic setting is contra-indicated by mesoscopic and microscopic fabrics, more akin to synkinematic intrusion during F 2 folding in the host country rocks. The Proterozoic alkaline complexes in the Eastern Ghats Belt, could alternatively trace the path of moving Gondwana continent over mantle plumes.     

Petrological and Geochemical Constraints on the Evolution of the Alkaline Complex of Koraput in the Eastern Ghats Granulite Belt, India

The Koraput Alkaline Complex in the high-grade Eastern Ghats Belt, India, is synkinematically emplaced in a pull-apart structure and far from the Bastar cratonic margin. The suite comprises four distinct members, namely, mafic syenite, felsic syenite, nepheline syenite and perthite syenite. Fe-rich orthopyroxene rims on olivine in mafic syenite indicate iron-enrichment in the early stage of differentiation. With plagioclase of andesine composition it could be described as alkali-norite, the plutonic equivalent of hawiite. Felsic syenite with both alkali-feldspars and plagioclase of oligoclase composition could be described as two-feldspar syenite, the plutonic equivalent of mugearite. Albitic rims on nepheline indicates subsolvus reaction. Chemical trends in amphiboles and plagioclase feldspars, progressively more ferroan and more sodic respectively, are strong indications of mineral fractionation in the Koraput suite. Chemical trends in the variation diagrams are compatible with feldspar fractionation in the Koraput suite. A weak Fe-enrichment trend in the early stage of differentiation, as observed in the AFM diagram, is compatible with that of the alkali-basalt series. Nb anomalies, both positive and negative, are indicative of crustal contamination as expected in synkinematic plutons. In terms of Gondwana assembly and break up, the alkaline complexes are supposed to represent rift-related magmatism along the continental margin. In spite of petrological evidence of the magmatic character of the Koraput Complex, anorogenic setting is contra-indicated by mesoscopic and microscopic fabrics, more akin to synkinematic intrusion during F 2 folding in the host country rocks. The Proterozoic alkaline complexes in the Eastern Ghats Belt, could alternatively trace the path of moving Gondwana continent over mantle plumes.     

长江中下游庐枞火山岩盆地南侧钾质侵入岩带的成因

庐枞火山岩盆地南侧的钾质侵入岩带由正长岩-石英正长岩-正长花岗岩组成,以石英正长岩为主。它们的形成时间介于123"130 Ma之间,峰值约为126 Ma,其中正长岩和石英正长岩的形成时间稍早,而正长花岗岩的形成时间略晚。整个钾质侵入岩带的侵位时间晚于庐枞盆地内的橄榄玄粗质火山作用约4"7 Ma,也是长江中下游地区除最东段的宁镇地区外中生代最晚的岩浆活动产物之一。地球化学上,该钾质侵入岩带以高钾、富碱、富集Rb、Th、U、K等强不相容元素和轻稀土元素、亏损高场强元素Nb、Ta和Ti为特征。它们的母岩浆主要是由富集型上地幔部分熔融形成的,从正长岩经石英正长岩到正长花岗岩的演化主要受矿物的分离结晶作用控制,地壳物质同化所起的影响不大。但与同样来自富集型上地幔部分熔融的庐枞盆地内火山杂岩的母岩浆相比,前者的母岩浆来源深度可能更大些或其中包含了更多来自软流圈地幔的组分。两者的演化路径也完全不同,钾质侵入岩带的母岩浆除经历过高压下的分离结晶作用外,晚期在低压下还经历过长石为主,可能还有黑云母的分离结晶,甚至上地壳物质一定程度的混染作用;而盆地内火山杂岩的母岩浆低压下矿物的分离结晶作用及上地壳物质的混染都不明显。庐枞盆地南缘的富钾侵入岩与盆地内的火山杂岩一样,地球化学上都具有明显的大陆弧的特征,暗示它们的岩浆源区可能形成于俯冲带环境,意味着扬子地块北缘先前(推测为古元古代晚期)曾发生过俯冲作用,上地幔的交代富集可能就与这次的俯冲作用有关。     

Petrology,geochemistry and geochronology of the magmatic suite from the Jianzha Complex,central China: Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications

The intermediate–mafic–ultramafic rocks in the Jianzha Complex (JZC) at the northern margin of the West Qinling Orogenic Belt have been interpreted to be a part of an ophiolite suite. In this study, we present new geochronological, petrological, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data and provide a different interpretation. The JZC is composed of dunite, wehrlite, olivine clinopyroxenite, olivine gabbro, gabbro, and pyroxene diorite. The suite shows characteristics of Alaskan-type complexes, including (1) the low CaO concentrations in olivine; (2) evidence of crystal accumulation; (3) high calcic composition of clinopyroxene; and (4) negative correlation between FeO^tot and Cr₂O₃ of spinels. Hornblende and phlogopite are ubiquitous in the wehrlites, but minor orthopyroxene is also present. Hornblende and biotite are abundant late crystallized phases in the gabbros and diorites. The two pyroxene-bearing diorite samples from JZC yield zircon U–Pb ages of 245.7 ± 1.3 Ma and 241.8 ± 1.3 Ma. The mafic and ultramafic rocks display slightly enriched LREE patterns. The wehrlites display moderate to weak negative Eu anomalies (0.74–0.94), whereas the olivine gabbros and gabbros have pronounced positive Eu anomalies. Diorites show slight LREE enrichment, with (La/Yb)_N ratios ranging from 4.42 to 7.79, and moderate to weak negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu¹ = 0.64–0.86). The mafic and ultramafic rocks from this suite are characterized by negative Nb–Ta–Zr anomalies as well as positive Pb anomalies. Diorites show pronounced negative Ba, Nb–Ta and Ti spikes, and typical Th–U, K and Pb peaks. Combined with petrographic observations and chemical variations, we suggest that the magmatism was dominantly controlled by fractional crystallization and crystal accumulation, with limited crustal contamination. The arc-affinity signature and weekly negative to moderately positive ε_Nd(t) values (−2.3 to 1.2) suggest that these rocks may have been generated by partial melting of the juvenile sub-continental lithospheric mantle that was metasomatized previously by slab-derived fluids. The lithologies in the JZC are related in space and time and originated from a common parental magma. Geochemical modeling suggests that their primitive parental magma had a basaltic composition. The ultramafic rocks were generated through olivine accumulation, and variable degrees of fractional crystallization with minor crustal contamination produced the diorites. The data presented here suggest that the subduction in West Qinling did not cease before the early stage of the Middle Triassic (∼242 Ma), a back-arc developed in the northern part of West Qinling during this period, and the JZC formed within the incipient back-arc.     

Nd–Sr–Hf–O isotope provinciality in the northernmost Arabian–Nubian Shield: implications for crustal evolution

Multi-isotope study including whole-rock Nd–Sr, single zircon Hf, and SIMS δ¹⁸O analyses of zircons sheds light on magma sources in the northernmost Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) during ~820–570 Ma. Reconnaissance initial Nd and Sr isotope data for the older rocks (~820–740 Ma) reaffirms previous estimates that early crustal evolution in this part of the shield involved some crustal contamination by pre-ANS material. Prominent isotope provinciality is displayed by post-collisional calc-alkaline and alkaline igneous rocks of ~635–570 Ma across a NW-SE transect across basement of the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) and southern Israel. Silicic rocks of the NW-region are characterized by lower εNd(T)–εHf(T) and higher Sr_i and δ¹⁸O compared with rocks of the SE-region, and the transition between the regions is gradual. Within each region isotope ratios are independent of the extent of magma fractionation, and zircon cores and rims yield similar δ¹⁸O values. Comparison with southern segments of the ANS shows that the source for most ~635–570 Ma rocks can be modeled as the isotopically aged lower-intermediate crust in the ANS core (SE-region) and its northern, more contaminated ANS margins (NW-region). Nevertheless, Nd–Sr isotope enrichment of the lithospheric mantle is indicated by some basic magmas of the NW-region displaying the most enriched Nd–Sr isotope compositions. Comparison of Nd and Hf depleted mantle model ages for rocks of the SE-region may indicate that crustal formation events in the ANS geographical core took place at 1.1–1.2 Ga and were followed by crustal differentiation starting at ~0.9 Ga.     

Late Neoproterozoic alkaline magmatism in the Arabian–Nubian Shield: the postcollisional A-type granite of Sahara–Umm Adawi pluton, Sinai, Egypt

The Sahara–Umm Adawi pluton is a Late Neoproterozoic postcollisional A-type granitoid pluton in Sinai segment of the Arabian–Nubian Shield that was emplaced within voluminous calc-alkaline I-type granite host rocks during the waning stages of the Pan-African orogeny and termination of a tectonomagmatic compressive cycle. The western part of the pluton is downthrown by clysmic faults and buried beneath the Suez rift valley sedimentary fill, while the exposed part is dissected by later Tertiary basaltic dykes and crosscut along with its host rocks by a series of NNE-trending faults. This A-type granite pluton is made up wholly of hypersolvus alkali feldspar granite and is composed of perthite, quartz, alkali amphibole, plagioclase, Fe-rich red biotite, accessory zircon, apatite, and allanite. The pluton rocks are highly evolved ferroan, alkaline, and peralkaline to mildly peraluminous A-type granites, displaying the typical geochemical characteristics of A-type granites with high SiO₂, Na₂O + K₂O, FeO*/MgO, Ga/Al, Zr, Nb, Ga, Y, Ce, and rare earth elements (REE) and low CaO, MgO, Ba, and Sr. Their trace and REE characteristics along with the use of various discrimination schemes revealed their correspondence to magmas derived from crustal sources that has gone through a continent–continent collision (postorogenic or postcollisional), with minor contribution from mantle source similar to ocean island basalt. The assumption of crustal source derivation and postcollisional setting is substantiated by highly evolved nature of this pluton and the absence of any syenitic or more primitive coeval mafic rocks in association with it. The slight mantle signature in the source material of these A-type granites is owed to the juvenile Pan-African Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) crust (I-type calc-alkaline) which was acted as a source by partial melting of its rocks and which itself of presumably large mantle source. The extremely high Rb/Sr ratios combined with the obvious Sr, Ba, P, Ti, and Eu depletions clearly indicate that these A-type granites were highly evolved and require advanced fractional crystallization in upper crustal conditions. Crystallization temperature values inferred average around 929°C which is in consistency with the presumably high temperatures of A-type magmas, whereas the estimated depth of emplacement ranges between 20 and 30 km (upper-middle crustal levels within the 40 km relatively thick ANS crust). The geochronologically preceding Pan-African calc-alkaline I-type continental arc granitoids (the Egyptian old and younger granites) associated with these rocks are thought to be the crustal source of f this A-type granite pluton and others in the Arabian–Nubian Shield by partial melting caused by crustal thickening due to continental collision at termination of the compressive orogeny in the Arabian–Nubian Shield.     

Late Triassic alkaline complex in the Sulu UHP terrane: Implications for post-collisional magmatism and subsequent fractional crystallization

Continental subduction and its interaction with overlying mantle wedge are recognized as fundamental solid earth processes, yet the dynamics of this system remains ambiguous. In order to get an insight into crust–mantle interaction triggered by partial melting of subudcted continental crust during its exhumation, we carried out a combined study of the Shidao alkaline complex from the Sulu ultrahigh pressure (UHP) terrane. The alkaline complex is composed of shoshonitic to ultrapotassic (K₂O: 3.4–9.3 wt.%) gabbro, pyroxene syenite, amphibole syenite, quartz syenite, and granite. Field studies suggest that the mafic rocks are earlier than the felsic ones in sequence. LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating on them gives Late Triassic ages of 214 ± 2 to 200 ± 3 Ma from mafic to felsic rocks. These ages are slightly younger than the Late Triassic ages (225–210 Ma) of the felsic melts from partial melting of the Sulu UHP terrane during exhumation. The alkaline rocks have wide ranges of SiO₂ (49.7–76.7 wt.%), MgO (8.25–0.03 wt.%), Ni (126.0–0.07 ppm), and Cr (182.0–0.45 ppm) contents. The contents of MgO, total Fe₂O₃, CaO, TiO₂ and P₂O₅ decrease with increasing SiO₂ contents. The contents of Na₂O, K₂O, and Al₂O₃ increase from gabbro to amphibole syenite, and decrease from amphibole syenite to granite, respectively. The alkaline rocks have characteristics of an arc-like pattern in trace element distribution, e.g., enrichment of LREE, LILE (Rb and Ba), Th and U, depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta, P and Ti), and positive Pb anomalies. From the mafic rocks to the felsic rocks, the (La/Yb)_N ratios and the contents of the total REE, Sr and Ba decrease but the Rb contents increase. The alkaline rocks with high SiO₂ contents also display features of an A2-type granitoids, e.g., high contents of total alkalis, Zr and Nb and high ratios of Fe₂O₃^T/MgO, Ga/Al, Yb/Ta and Y/Nb, suggesting a post-collisional magmatism during exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane. The alkaline rocks have homogeneous initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7058–0.7093) and negative ε_Nd(t) values (− 18.6 to − 15.0) for whole-rock. The Sr–Nd isotopic data remain almost unchanged with varying SiO₂ and MgO contents, suggesting a fractional crystallization (FC) process from the same parental magma. Our studies suggest a crust–mantle interaction in continental subduction interface as follows: (1) hydrous felsic melts from partial melting of subducted continental crust during its exhumation metasomatized the overlying mantle wedge to form a K-rich and amphibole-bearing mantle; (2) partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle generated the Late Triassic alkaline complex under a post-collisional setting; and (3) the alkaline magma experienced subsequent fractionational crystallization mainly dominated by olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase and alkali feldspar.     

Chronological and genetic relationships between intrusive rocks of the Berdyaush pluton,South Urals,in light of new U-Pb and Sm-Nd isotopic data

Geological observations in combination with previously published and new isotopic data allowed us to reconstruct the history of geological events that eventually gave rise to the formation of the Berdyaush pluton situated on the western slope of the South Urals: (1) emplacement of gabbro into Lower Riphean sedimentary rocks (1410–1390 Ma); an enriched mantle source of gabbro arising in the Archean or Paleoproterozoic; (2) formation of granitic melt in the lower crust; Archean TTG association subsequently enriched in K and correlative elements as a result of interaction with enriched mantle-derived magmas and related fluids was a magma source; mixing of mantle and crustal magmas in the course of their synchronous ascent with formation of hybrid intrusive rocks; injections of mafic and hybrid melts into incompletely solidified granite; fragmentation of such injections with the formation of melanocratic nodules; emplacement of basic dikes into the cooled granite—all these events took place 1410–1360 Ma ago; (3) discrete episodes of partial melting of enriched mantle source with waning intensity; formation of minor volumes of melt, which solidified under auto- and paraautochthonous conditions as local domains highly enriched in incompatible elements (1360–1270 Ma); (4) partial melting of those domains resulting in the formation of minor nepheline syenite intrusions (915–800 Ma), containing relict zircon grains dated at >1270 Ma; (5) injections of mantle-derived alkaline melt contaminated with crustal granitic material as microsyenite and syenite porphyry dikes (700–500 Ma ?). Thus, the Berdyaush pluton is a projection of a local domain of mantle and crustal magma generation, which periodically resumed its activity over almost a billion years.     

海南岛三叠纪中基性岩的年代学、地球化学及其地质意义

辉长岩大多为地幔岩石部分熔融的产物,辉绿岩脉及碱性正长岩的形成通常与伸展构造有关,本文对海南岛万宁辉长岩及辉绿岩脉和分界洲正长岩进行了系统的年代学和岩石地球化学研究,并以此来讨论其构造意义。LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年结果表明,万宁辉长岩及辉绿岩脉形成约在240 Ma,分界洲正长岩形成约在231 Ma,主量元素特征表明万宁辉长岩和辉绿岩分别属碱性系列和亚碱性系列,分界洲正长岩属于典型的碱性岩浆岩。万宁辉长岩及辉绿岩脉的稀土元素具有轻稀土富集的特点(LREE/HREE=7.22～8.50和8.11～11.10),微量元素具有岛弧型火山岩的特征,富集大离子亲石元素K、Rb、Ba、Th,贫高场强元素Nb、Ta和Zr、Hf;分界洲正长岩的微量元素特征显示出与A型花岗岩类似的特征。海南岛三叠纪中基性岩如分界洲正长岩和万宁辉长岩及辉绿岩脉形成的构造背景为陆内伸展环境,指示海南岛在240～230 Ma处于印支造山运动的应力松弛阶段。     

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

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

关于A型花岗岩命名问题的讨论

针对目前国内A型花岗岩命名中出现的一些问题，建议以“碱性花岗岩类”一词代替A型花岗岩。碱性花岗岩类包括碱性和过碱性花岗岩及与之伴生的英碱正长岩、石英正长岩，以及与之伴生并且成分相近的碱长花岗岩和富碱的偏铝质花岗岩。这些岩石有相近的岩石化学成分、矿物成分和成岩构造环境。采用“碱性花岗岩类”一词易为国人接受，特别是有利于初学者和野外地质填图工作者进行岩石定名。