40Ar/39Ar ages and zircon petrochronology for the rear arc of the Izu-Bonin-Marianas intra-oceanic subduction zone

Long-lived intra-oceanic arcs of Izu-Bonin-Marianas (IBM)-type are built on thick, granodioritic crust formed in the absence of pre-existing continental crust. International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 350, Site U1437, explored the IBM rear arc to better understand continental crust formation in arcs. Detailed petrochronological (U–Pb geochronology combined with trace elements, oxygen and hafnium isotopes) characterizations of zircon from Site U1437 were carried out, taking care to exclude potential contaminants by (1) comparison of zircon ages with ship-board palaeomagnetic and biostratigraphic ages and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology, (2) analysing zircon from drill muds for comparison, (3) selectively carrying out in situ analysis in petrographic thin sections, and (4) minimizing potential laboratory contamination through using pristine equipment during mineral separation. The youngest zircon ages in Site U1437 are consistent with ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and shipboard ages to a depth of ~1390 m below sea floor (mbsf) where Igneous Unit Ig 1 yielded an ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of 12.9 ± 0.3 Ma (all errors 2σ). One single zircon (age 15.4 ± 1.0 Ma) was recovered from the deepest lithostratigraphic unit drilled, Unit VII (1459.80–1806.5 mbsf). Site U1437 zircon trace element compositions are distinct from those of oceanic and continental arc environments and differ from those generated in thick oceanic crust (Iceland-type) where low-δ¹⁸O evolved melts are produced via re-melting of hydrothermally altered mafic rocks. Ti-in-zircon model temperatures are lower than for mid-ocean ridge rocks, in agreement with low zircon saturation temperatures, suggestive of low-temperature, hydrous melt sources. Zircon oxygen (δ¹⁸O = 3.3–6.0‰) and hafnium (εHf = + 10–+16) isotopic compositions indicate asthenospheric mantle sources. Trace element and isotopic differences between zircon from Site U1437 rear-arc rocks and the Hadean detrital zircon population suggest that preserved Hadean zircon crystals were probably generated in an environment different from modern oceanic convergent margins underlain by depleted mantle.     

Volcanic and Tectonic Framework of the Hydrothermal Activity of the Izu–Bonin Arc

In the Izu–Bonin Arc, hydrothermal activities have been reported from volcanoes along present‐day volcanic front, a rear arc volcano and a back‐arc rift basin as well as a remnant arc structure now isolated from the Quaternary arc. It is widely known that characteristics of hydrothermal activity (mineralogy, chemistry of fluid etc.) vary depending upon its tectonic setting. The Izu–Bonin Arc has experienced repeated back‐arc or intra‐arc rifting and spreading and resumption of arc volcanism. These characteristics make this arc system a suitable place to study the tectonic control on hydrothermal activity. The purpose of the present paper is, therefore, to summarize volcanotectonic setting and history of the Izu–Bonin Arc in relation to the hydrothermal activity. The volcanotectonic history of the Izu–Bonin Arc can be divided into five stages: (i) first arc volcanism (boninite, high‐Mg andesite), 48–46 Ma; (ii) second arc volcanism (tholeiitic, calc‐alkaline), 44–29 Ma; (iii) first spreading of back‐arc basin (Shikoku Basin), 25–15 Ma; (iv) third arc volcanism (tholeiitic, calc‐alkaline), 13–3 Ma; and (v) rifting in the back‐arc and tholeiitic volcanism along the volcanic front, 3–0 Ma. Magmas erupted in each stage of arc evolution show different chemical characteristics from each other, mainly due to the change in composition of slab‐derived component and possibly mantle depletion caused by melt extraction during back‐arc spreading and prolonged arc volcanism. In the volcanotectonic context summarized here, hydrothermal activity recognized in the Izu–Bonin Arc can be classified into four groups: (i) present‐day hydrothermal activity at the volcanic front; (ii) active hydrothermal activity in the back arc; (iii) fossil hydrothermal activity in the back‐arc volcanoes; and (iv) fossil hydrothermal activity in the remnant arc. Currently hydrothermal activities occur in three different settings: submarine caldera and stratocones along the volcanic front; a back‐arc rift basin; and a rear arc caldera. In contrast, hydrothermal activities found in the back‐arc seamount chains were associated with rear arc volcanism in Neogene after cessation of back‐arc spreading of the Shikoku Basin. Finally, sulfide mineralization associated with boninitic volcanism in the Eocene presumably took place during forearc spreading in the initial stage of the arc. This type of activity appears to be limited during this stage of arc evolution.     

The role of dispersed ash in orbital-scale time-series studies of explosive arc volcanism: insights from IODP Hole U1437B,Northwest Pacific Ocean

ABSTRACT

Tephra fallout beds in marine sediments provide chronologically precise and highly resolved records of volcanism at time scales relevant to Quaternary climate cycles. While the record of discrete (visible) thin tephra beds is readily accessible, the significance of the dispersed (invisible) tephra record remains unclear. Here we evaluate the role of dispersed tephra for orbital-scale volcanic time variations in the Quaternary (<1.2 Ma) carbonate mud of IODP Hole U1437B (Northwest Pacific). The carbonate mud contains cyclic series of discrete fallout tephra beds from the oceanic Izu Bonin (~85% of tephra beds) and the continental Japan (~15%) volcanic arcs, respectively. Our results show the inorganic aluminosilicate (lithogenic) fraction is a mixture of dispersed Izu Bonin and Japan ash, and Asian dust. The time distribution of the Izu Bonin ash with its distinct composition appears to confirm and enhance the cyclic time variation of the discrete ash beds at Hole U1437B. Dispersed Japan ash resembles Asian dust in trace elements and is only distinguishable in Sr-Nd isotope space. Collectively, our results confirm the existence of periodic, orbital-scale fluctuations of arc volcanic frequency. Orbital-scale time variations of marine ash may be best established by series of discrete marine ash beds, yet the concomitant dispersed ash flux must also be recorded in order to understand the total flux of arc volcanic ash into the ocean basins and thus the role of the volcanism-climate link.     

Chemical and Isotopic Characteristics of the Kuroko‐Forming Volcanism

The Miocene northeast Honshu magmatic arc, Japan, formed at a terrestrial continental margin via a stage of spreading in a back‐arc basin (23–17 Ma) followed by multiple stages of submarine rifting (19–13 Ma). The Kuroko deposits formed during this period, with most forming during the youngest rifting stage. The mode of magma eruption changed from submarine basalt lava flows during back‐arc basin spreading to submarine bimodal basalt lava flows and abundant rhyolitic effusive rocks during the rifting stage. The basalts produced during the stage of back‐arc basin spreading are geochemically similar to mid‐ocean ridge basalt, with a depleted Sr–Nd mantle source, whereas those produced during the rifting stage possess arc signatures with an enriched mantle source. The Nb/Zr ratios of the volcanic rocks show an increase over time, indicating a temporal increase in the fertility of the source. The Nb/Zr ratios are similar in basalts and rhyolites from a given rift zone, whereas the Nd isotopic compositions of the rhyolites are less radiogenic than those of the basalts. These data suggest that the rhyolites were derived from a basaltic magma via crystal fractionation and crustal assimilation. The rhyolites associated with the Kuroko deposits are aphyric and have higher concentrations of incompatible elements than do post‐Kuroko quartz‐phyric rhyolites. These observations suggest that the aphyric rhyolite magma was derived from a relatively deep magma chamber with strong fractional crystallization. Almost all of the Kuroko deposits formed in close temporal relation to the aphyric rhyolite indicating a genetic link between the Kuroko deposits and highly differentiated rhyolitic magma.     

Dextral transpression and late Eocene magmatism in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh Batholith (North India): implications for tectono-magmatic evolution of the Indo-Eurasian collisional arc

The trans-Himalayan Ladakh batholith is a result of arc magmatism caused by the northward subduction of the Tethyan oceanic lithosphere below the edge of the Eurasian plate. The batholith dominantly consists of calc-alkaline I-type granitoids which are ferromagnetic in nature with the presence of magnetite as the principal carrier of magnetic susceptibility. The mesoscopic and magnetic fabric are concordant and generally vary from WNW–ESE to ENE–WSW for different intrusions of ferromagnetic granites in different parts of the batholith. Strike of magnetic fabric is roughly parallel with the regional trend of the Ladakh batholith in the present study area and is orthogonal to the direction of India-Eurasia collision. In Khardungla and Changla section, the magnetic fabric is distributed in a sigmoidal manner. It is inferred that this sigmoidal pattern is caused by shearing due to transpression induced by oblique convergence between the two plates. U–Pb zircon geochronology of a rhyolite from the southern parts of the batholith gives a crystallization age of 71.7 ± 0.6 Ma, coeval with ~68 Ma magmatism in the northern parts of the batholith. The central part of the batholith is characterized by S-type two-mica granites, which gives much younger age of magmatism at 35.5 ± 0.5 Ma. The magnetic fabric of these two-mica granites is at a high angle to the regional trend of the batholith. It is proposed that these two-mica granites were emplaced well after the cessation of subduction and arc magmatism, along fractures that developed perpendicular to the regional strike of the batholith due to shearing.     

Volcanic evolution of a long-lived Ordovician island-arc province in the Parkes region of the Lachlan Fold Belt,southeastern Australia

The Ordovician mafic volcanic rocks in the Parkes region of New South Wales occur as three distinct packages of volcaniclastic and coherent volcanic rocks and minor limestone that formed part of an oceanic island arc succession. The oldest package is the Early Ordovician Nelungaloo Volcanics and overlying Yarrimbah Formation. These formations consist of volcanic siltstone, sandstone, polymictic breccia, conglomerate facies interpreted as moderately deep-water turbidites and coarser grained debris-flow deposits emplaced in the medial to distal part of a subaqueous volcaniclastic apron flanking an active volcanic centre(s). Broadly conformable massive to brecciated andesites in the apron deposits are interpreted as synsedimentary sills and/or lava flows. A hiatus in volcanism occurred between the Bendigonian and early Darriwilian (ca 476 – 466 Ma). Deposition of the second package, which produced the Middle to Late Ordovician Goonumbla Volcanics, Billabong Creek Limestone and Gunningbland Formation, commenced with shallow-water limestones and minor volcaniclastic rocks. During an approximately 15 million years period, a thick sequence of bedded volcanic sandstone, limestone and minor siltstone and volcanic breccia were deposited in very shallow to moderate water depths. The top of this package is marked by thick volcanic conglomerate and sandstone mass-flow deposits and approximately coeval basaltic andesite lavas and sills sourced from a nearby volcano. The upper age limit of this package is constrained as approximately 450 Ma by Ea3/4 fossils and monzodiorite that intrudes the Goonumbla Volcanics. The lower limit of the third package, which constitutes the Wombin Volcanics, is poorly constrained and the duration of the hiatus that separates the Goonumbla and Wombin Volcanics is unknown but may be as long as 10 million years. The Wombin Volcanics record development of a thick, proximal volcaniclastic apron flanking a compositionally more evolved volcanic edifice in the immediate Parkes area. Thick crystal-rich turbiditic sandstones of mafic provenance are intercalated with polymictic volcanic breccias and megablock breccias that are interpreted as proximal subaqueous debris-flow and debris-avalanche deposits, respectively. The sequence also includes numerous trachyandesite bodies, many of which were emplaced within the volcaniclastic apron as synsedimentary sills. No evidence was found at Parkes to support the existence of a previously proposed 22 km diameter collapse caldera and the source volcanoes for the Ordovician are envisaged as complex stratovolcanoes.     

Two contrasting magmatic types coexist after the cessation of back-arc spreading

Amongst island arcs, Izu–Bonin is remarkable as it has widespread, voluminous and long-lived volcanism behind the volcanic front. In the central part of the arc this volcanism is represented by a series of seamount chains which extend nearly 300 km into the back-arc from the volcanic front. These back-arc seamount chains were active between 17 and 3 Ma, which is the period between the cessation of spreading in the Shikoku Basin and the initiation of currently active rifting just behind the Quaternary volcanic front. In this paper we present new age, chemical and isotopic data from the hitherto unexplored seamounts which formed furthest from the active volcanic front. Some of the samples come from volcanoes at the western limit of the back-arc seamount chains. Others are collected from seamounts of various sizes which lie on the Shikoku Basin crust (East Shikoku Basin seamounts). The westernmost magmatism we have sampled is manifested as a series of volcanic edifices that trace the extinct spreading centre of the Shikoku Basin known as the Kinan Seamount Chain (KSC).Chemically, enrichment in fluid-mobile elements and depletion in HFSE relative to MORB indicates that the back-arc seamount chains and the East Shikoku Basin seamounts have a significant contribution of slab-derived material. In this context these volcanoes can be regarded as a manifestation of arc magmatism and distinct from the MORB-like lavas of the Shikoku back-arc basin. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages range from 15.7 to 9.6 Ma for the East Shikoku Basin seamounts, indicating this arc magmatism started immediately after the Shikoku Basin stopped spreading.Although the KSC volcanoes are found to be contemporaneous with the seamount chains and East Shikoku Basin seamounts, their chemical characteristics are very different. Unlike the calc-alkaline seamount chains, the KSC lavas range from medium-K to shoshonitic alkaline basalt. Their trace element characteristics indicate the absence of a subduction influence and their radiogenic isotope systematics reflect a mantle source combining a Philippine Sea MORB composition and an enriched mantle component (EM-1). One of the most remarkable features of the KSC is that their geochemistry has a distinct temporal variation. Element ratios such as Nb/Zr and concentrations of incompatible elements such as K₂O increase with decreasing age and reach a maximum at ca. 7 Ma when the KSC ceased activity.Based on the chemical and temporal information from all the data across the back-arc region, we have identified two contrasting yet contemporaneous magmatic provinces. These share a tectonic platform, but have separate magmatic roots; one stemming from subduction flux and the other from post-spreading asthenospheric melting.     

Intra-continental back-arc basin inversion and Late Carboniferous magmatism in Eastern Tianshan,NW China: Constraints from the Shaquanzi magmatic suite

The Yamansu belt,an important tectonic component of Eastern Tianshan Mountains,of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt,NW China hosts many Fe-(Cu)deposit.In this study,we present new zircon U-Pb geochronology and geochemical data of the volcanic rocks of Shaquanzi Formation and diorite intrusions in the Yamansu belt.The Shaquanzi Formation comprises mainly basalt,andesite/andesitic tuff,rhyolite and sub-volcanic diabase with local diorite intrusions.The volcanic rocks and diorites contain ca.315-305 Ma and ca.298 Ma zircons respectively.These rocks show calc-alkaline affinity with enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements(LILEs),light rare-earth elements(LREEs),and depletion in high field strength elements(HFSEs)in primitive mantle normalized multi-element diagrams,which resemble typical back-arc basin rocks.They show depleted mantle signature with ε_(Nd)(t)ranging from+3.1 to +5.6 for basalt;+2.1 to+4.7 for andesite;-0.2 to+1.5 for rhyolite and the ε_(Hf)(t)ranges from-0.1 to +13.0 for andesites;+5.8 to +10.7 for andesitic tuffs.We suggest that the Shaquanzi Formation basalt might have originated from a depleted,metasomatized lithospheric mantle source mixed with minor(3-5%)subduction-derived materials,whereas the andesite and rhyolite could be fractional crystallization products of the basaltic magma.The Shaquanzi Formation volcanic rocks could have formed in an intracontinental back-arc basin setting,probably via the southward subduction of the Kangguer Ocean beneath the Middle Tianshan Massif.The Yamansu mineralization belt might have undergone a continental arc to back-arc basin transition during the Late Carboniferous and the intra-continental back-arc basin might have closed in the Early Permian,marked by the emplacement of dioritic magma in the Shaquanzi belt.     

The Morcles microgranite (Aiguilles Rouges,Swiss Alps): geochronological and geochemical evidences for a common origin with the Vallorcine intrusion

The Morcles microgranite is located in the N–E termination of the Aiguilles Rouges massif (External Crystalline Massifs, Switzerland). It outcrops as dykes, a few meters to 150 m in thickness, intruding the Aiguilles Rouges polymetamorphic basement, and presents variation of texture from granophyric to rhyolitic. We present here for the first time, in situ U–Pb zircon dating of the Morcles microgranite/rhyolite based on laser-ablation—inductively coupled plasma—mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) data. Results indicate late Variscan emplacement ages at ~303 and ~309–312 Ma, a major Caledonian inherited component age at ~445–460 Ma, and secondary inherited ages ranging from Pan-African (550–1000 Ma) to Paleoproterozoic (2.3 Ga). Geochronological and geochemical data indicate that the Morcles microgranite/rhyolite shares a common origin with the higher (or “H”) facies of the neighbouring Vallorcine granitic intrusion. This close affinity is further corroborated by the geographical alignment of both intrusive bodies on either side of the Rhone Valley. The fine-grained texture of the microgranite groundmass and the rhyolite indicates a very rapid cooling rate and emplacement close to the surface, suggesting that the Morcles microgranite/rhyolite may constitute the shallow-level counterpart of the Vallorcine granite. The mineralogical assemblages observed in the Morcles microgranite/rhyolite support the idea of high-temperature melting conditions provided by underplating of mantle-derived magmas during the Carboniferous extension of the Variscan cordillera.     

Age and depositional setting of the Permian Black Dyke Formation: implications for the paleogeography and structural evolution of western Nevada

Abstract

In western Nevada, the Black Dyke Formation includes volcanic rocks overlain conformably by volcaniclastic sediments. At the base, hornblende-phyric basalts with cognate hornblende-bearing gabbroic cumulates are interbedded with tuffs and pyroclastic breccia. Amphiboles give ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 276 Ma. Clinopyroxene-phyric pillow basalts and plagioclase-phyric andesitic lava flows are present higher in the section. Facies changes between exposures reflect development near volcanic centers.

According to our investigations, the Black Dyke Formation is involved in east–west-trending folds overturned toward the south, and overlain unconformably by the Mesozoic Dunlap Formation, which unconformably overlies the Mississippian–Permian Mina Formation. Interpreted until now as tectonic slices within the Luning allochthon, we suggest that the Black Dyke Formation is part of the Sonoma allochthon associated with the Mina Formation. The Sonoma records closure of the Havallah basin (Golconda allochthon), and collision of an arc- trench system with the North American margin.

The Black Dyke Formation exhibits similarities with the Permian arc sequence of the northern Sierra Nevada. Both sequences are characterized by amphibole-bearing breccias, clinopyroxene-phyric pillow-basalts, plagioclase-phyric andesites and overlying volcaniclastic sediments. These sequences developed in the same geodynamic environment (an island- arc). © Elsevier, Paris     

Magmatic changes during the stabilisation of a cordilleran fold belt: the Late Carboniferous–Triassic igneous history of eastern New South Wales, Australia

In a 60 Ma interval between the Late Carboniferous and the Late Permian, the magmatic arc associated with the cordilleran-type New England Fold Belt in northeast New South Wales shifted eastward and changed in trend from north–northwest to north. The eastern margin of the earlier (Devonian–Late Carboniferous) arc is marked by a sequence of calcalkaline lava flows, tuffs and coarse volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks preserved in the west of the Fold Belt. The younger arc (Late Permian–Triassic) is marked by I-type calcalkaline granitoids and comagmatic volcanic rocks emplaced mostly in the earlier forearc, but extending into the southern Sydney Basin, in the former backarc region. The growth of the younger arc was accompanied by widespread compressional deformation that stabilised the New England Fold Belt. During the transitional interval, two suites of S-type granitoids were emplaced, the Hillgrove Suite at about 305 Ma during an episode of compressive deformation and regional metamorphism, and the Bundarra Suite at about 280 Ma, during the later stages of an extensional episode. Isotopic and REE data indicate that both suites resulted from the partial melting of young silicic sedimentary rocks, probably part of the Carboniferous accretionary subduction complex, with heat supplied by the rise of asthenospheric material. Both mafic and silicic volcanic activity were widespread within and behind the Fold Belt from the onset of rifting (ca. 295 Ma) until the reestablishment of the arc. These volcanic rocks range in composition from MORB-like to calcalkaline and alkaline. The termination of the earlier arc, and the subsequent widespread and diverse igneous activity are considered to have resulted from the shallow breakoff of the downgoing plate, which allowed the rise of asthenosphere through a widening lithospheric gap. In this setting, division of the igneous rocks into pre-, syn-, and post-collisional groups is of limited value.     

Geochemistry and origin of a black mudstone in a volcaniclastic environment, Ordovician Lower Rhyolitic Tuff Formation, North Wales, UK

Black mudstones in marine volcaniclastic environments have been interpreted both as non-volcanic ‘background’sedimentation and as fine grained vitric dust from the waning stages of primary volcanism. Although difficult to distinguish by standard petrographic techniques, differentiation between the two is crucial when attempting to determine sedimentation rates or to infer periods of volcanic quiescence. In the Ordovician Lower Rhyolitic Tuff Formation of North Wales such a fine grained black unit at Cwm Idwal is geochemically similar to an underlying rhyolite ash flow tuff. Its chemical index of alteration (CIA) is identical to that of the tuff. These data suggest that the black mudstone unit is a vitric tuff related to the underlying ash flow tuff. Use of a CIA in addition to trace element geochemistry should, in most cases, serve to distinguish tuffs from silicified mudstones.     

西南天山特克斯科桑溶洞火山岩的锆石U-Pb年代学研究

新疆特克斯县乌孙山科桑溶洞火山-沉积岩剖面由变质岩、火山-沉积岩(中酸性火山熔岩、火山碎屑岩、生物碎屑灰岩)和侵入其中的花岗质岩石组成,花岗岩中保留着英安岩-安山岩顶垂体。夹在火山岩地层之间的厚层生物碎屑灰岩(其中发育溶洞)发生褶皱变形。在剖面多处见到逆冲构造,断裂带局部塑性变形。采自剖面下部英安岩样品的锆石232Th/238U比值为0.4～0.6,U-Pb谐和年龄368.3±1.7Ma(MSWD=1.5,n=15)。剖面上部流纹岩中锆石的232Th/238U比值为0.8～2.2,U-Pb谐和年龄为356.4±1.7Ma(MSWD=1.3,n=19)。大约12Ma的时差说明存在两次火山喷发事件,在这两次火山喷发的间歇形成了巨厚生物碎屑灰岩(1000m)。这种间歇性的火山喷发在西天山地区普遍发育,形成了规模巨大的滨海相火山-沉积盆地。剖面下部的英安岩与剖面上部的流纹岩的锆石具有不同的微量元素组成,预示着其岩浆源区性质的差异。     

SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology and Hf isotope analyses of Middle Permian–early triassic intrusions in southern Manzhouli area,Northeast China: implications for the subduction of Mongol-Okhotsk plate beneath the Erguna massif

ABSTRACT

The results of SHRIMP U-Pb ages and in situ Hf isotope of zircons from three granites in the southern Manzhouli region of northeast China, provide new data to understand the subduction process of Mongol-Okhotsk Plate beneath the Erguna massif. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology results yield an age of 265.5 Ma (middle Permian) for fine-grained monzogranite. Rocks from the Early–Middle Triassic are mainly granodiorite (247.4 ± 4.6 and 249.3 ± 4.9 Ma), the granites are with SiO₂ = 60.0–77.4 wt.%, Al₂O₃ = 12.3–16.8wt.% and Na₂O/K₂O = 0.7–1.9. Chemically, they are metaluminous to peraluminous and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series. Enrichments in the large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, and K) and depletions in the high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) are typical for these rock types. The monzogranite (~265 Ma) and granodiorite (~247 Ma) contain zircons with εHf(t) values of 6.3–8.5 and 5.1–7.9, yielding T_DM2 model ages of 888–752 and 958–774 Ma, respectively. These geochemical and zircon Hf isotopic data indicate that primary magmas for Middle Permian–Early Triassic granites crystallized from primary magmas generated by Neoproterozoic crustal materials, formed in an active continental margin setting. The andesite of the Gegenaobao formation is similar with the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc, relating to subduction initiation. Based on the characteristics of exposed rocks and zircon U-Pb ages of andesite and granitoid rocks in the study area, we conclude the onset subduction of Mongol-Okhotsk Plate beneath the Erguna massif may occur at early-middle Permian.     

The Zhaheba ophiolite complex in Eastern Junggar (NW China): Long lived supra-subduction zone ocean crust formation and its implications for the tectonic evolution in southern Altaids

The composite Zhaheba ophiolite complex, exposed in Eastern Junggar in the Southern Altaids, records an unusually long record of oceanic crust and magmatic arc evolution. The Zhaheba ophiolite complex consists of ultramafic rocks, gabbro, diorite, basalt and chert intruded by diabase dikes and diorite porphyry. These rocks are overlain by a several-km-thick section of tuffaceous rocks, volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks, and intermediate volcanic rocks. The igneous rocks of the ophiolite complex show negative Nb and Ta anomalies and LREE enrichment relative to HREE, suggesting the influence of fluids derived from a subducting oceanic slab. The LA-ICPMS U–Pb age of zircons from gabbro is 495.1 ± 3.5 Ma. Zircon ages from diorite and basalt are 458.3 ± 7.2 Ma and 446.6 ± 6.0 Ma, respectively. The basalt is locally overlain by bedded chert. Diabase dikes and diorite porphyry yield the U–Pb ages of 421.5 ± 4.1 Ma and 423.7 ± 6.5 Ma, respectively. The age of stratigraphically lower part of the overlying volcanic–volcaniclastic section is constrained to be about 410 Ma, the maximum depositional age of the tuffaceous sandstone from U–Pb detrital zircon ages. Late rhyolite at the top of the stratigraphic section yielded a U–Pb zircon age of 280.3 ± 3.7 Ma. The age and stratigraphic relationships for the Zhaheba ophiolite complex and related rocks suggest that the period of ~ 70 Ma of initial supra-subduction magmatism was followed by construction of a mature island arc that spanned an additional 140 Ma. Many other ophiolites in the southern Altaids appear to record similar relationships, and are represented as substrates of oceanic island arcs covered by island arc volcanism in supra-subduction zone. The occurrence of the Zhaheba ophiolite complex with tuffaceous and intermediate to felsic volcanic rocks is different from the rock association of classic Tethyan SSZ ophiolites but similar to some ophiolites in North America. Although the Zhaheba ophiolite belt is flanked by the Dulate arc in the north and Yemaquan arc in the south, it cannot stand a suture between two arcs. It is suggested that Devonian–Carboniferous Dulate arc was built on the late Cambrian–middle Ordovician Zhaheba supra-subduction oceanic crust. The late Carboniferous rocks and early Permian rocks in Dulate arc are interpreted to form in the extensional process within Zhaheba–Dulate arc composite system.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry of the Maoliger quartz monzodiorites,Inner Mongolia,China: implications for Carboniferous arc magmatism and closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean

Recent research has identified an early to late Carboniferous magmatic arc that extends from Suzuo Qi to Xiwu Qi in Inner Mongolia, China, but the eastern extension of this arc is unknown. Understanding the relationship between this arc and the Hegenshan ophiolite belt and Xilamulun Solonker suture zone is important to our understanding of the tectonic evolution of the late Palaeozoic Palaeo-Asian Ocean. Here, we present new zircon laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb and geochemical data for the Maoliger quartz monzodiorites within the Jalaid Qi area. The Maoliger quartz monzodiorites formed at 329 ± 2 Ma, are low-K and tholeiitic, and have geochemical signatures indicative of formation within a magmatic arc. These rocks are large-ion lithophile element (e.g. Rb, Ba, and Sr)-enriched and high-field-strength element (e.g. Nb and Ta)-depleted. Combined with previously published researches, it is suggested that the quartz monzodiorites within the Jalaid Qi area formed contemporaneously with and are geochemically similar to quartz diorites of the Xiwu Qi area and the Baolidao pluton in the Suzuo Qi area. This indicates that the early to late Carboniferous magmatic arc in this region extends eastward to the Jalaid Qi area. This arc is located in an area parallel to a southerly early Permian magmatic arc, suggesting that the Palaeo-Asian Ocean subduction zone migrated south between the early Carboniferous and early Permian. The new data show that the Palaeo-Asian Ocean closed after the late Carboniferous.     

The early Miocene (~25 Ma) volcanism in the northern Kyushu-Palau Ridge,enriched mantle source injection during rifting prior to the Shikoku backarc basin opening

The northern Kyushu-Palau Ridge (KPR), remnant conjugate arc of the Izu-Ogasawara (Bonin)-Mariana (IBM) active arc, is dominated by basalt-andesite except for the Komahashi-Daini Seamount where acidic plutonic rocks of 38 Ma were recovered. These mafic to intermediate volcanics are produced by the rifting volcanism in the proto-IBM arc associated with spreading of the Shikoku Basin. The HFSE and HREE contents and ratios of these volcanics indicate enriched source mantle composition compared to recent volcanic front. The LILE ratios exhibit similar characteristics to reararc volcanism of the recent Izu arc, and some enriched volcanics exhibit high abundance of sediment melt inputs. Based on these observations and compilations of the published data set, the replacement event of the wedge mantle under the IBM arc occurred two times. The first event occurred between 45 and 38 Ma, with Pacific type mantle being replaced by depleted Indian type mantle. The second event occurred between 36 and 25 Ma, enriched mantle flowed from reararc side. The slab component during the proto-IBM arc rifting was a similar characteristic to recent reararc volcanism of the Izu arc, and sediment melt added in a local area.     

后弧（rear arc）岩浆作用的特征及其意义

后弧岩浆作用（rear arc magmatism）是一个新的术语,国内文献大多认为与弧后（back arc）相当,也译为弧后。实际上rear arc 不同于back arc,前者仍然属于弧的范围,而后者已不属于弧结构。目前,对后弧岩浆作用的研究还十分有限, 原因一是 rear arc 出露较少,二是 rear arc 的鉴别标志不清楚。本文尝试对后弧玄武岩（rear arc basalt, RAB）作一个简单的介绍, 并采用对大量数据进行分析比较的方法与典型的岛弧玄武岩（IAB）和弧后盆地玄武岩（BAB）作一个对比。研究表明,后弧玄武岩主要由中-高 K 钙碱性和钾玄岩系列组成, 与典型的 IAB 和 BAB 相比, RAB 富集 Na₂O、K₂O、P₂O₅ ,贫CaO。后弧岩浆作用的微量元素具有典型的弧岩浆岩的特点,但LILE 及HFSE 比典型的岛弧岩浆的含量更富集,LREE 明显高于岛弧岩浆岩。 与岛弧岩浆相似,后弧岩浆同样具有明显的Nb-Ta 负异常。研究表明,上述3 类玄武岩很难区分开。但是,BAB 和RAB之间还是有一些不同的,如Sc/Nb-Ba/Y、Cu/P₂O₅-Y/Zr、Sc/Nb-Sr/Y 以及F₂O₃ /Zr-Y/Zr 等判别图。本文作者指出,后弧岩浆作用的提出完善了弧结构：一个完整的弧,从海沟向弧的方向,随着板块的俯冲作用,岩浆源区深度增加,地壳混染程度增加,依次出现前弧、弧和后弧岩浆作用, 至弧的后部,洋壳拉张,出现弧后盆地。前弧以玻安岩为代表,弧主要是IAB,后弧为碱性玄武岩,弧后则为MORB（+IAB 的印记）。显然,后弧岩浆作用的提出,对古造山带岛弧结构的恢复、古俯冲方向的确定是有积极意义的。     

Age and depositional setting of the Permian Black Dyke Formation: Implications for the paleogeography and structural evolution of western Nevada

In western Nevada, the Black Dyke Formation includes volcanic rocks overlain conformably by volcaniclastic sediments. At the base, hornblende-phyric basalts with cognate hornblende-bearing gabbroic cumulates are interbedded with tuffs and pyroclastic breccia. Amphiboles give ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 276 Ma. Clinopyroxene-phyric pillow basalts and plagioclase-phyric andesitic lava flows are present higher in the section. Facies changes between exposures reflect development near volcanic centers.According to our investigations, the Black Dyke Formation is involved in east-west-trending folds overturned toward the south, and overlain unconformably by the Mesozoic Dunlap Formation, which unconformably overlies the Mississippian-Permian Mina Formation. Interpreted until now as tectonic slices within the Luning allochthon, we suggest that the Black Dyke Formation is part of the Sonoma allochthon associated with the Mina Formation. The Sonoma records closure of the Havallah basin (Golconda allochthon), and collision of an arctrench system with the North American margin.The Black Dyke Formation exhibits similarities with the Permian arc sequence of the northern Sierra Nevada. Both sequences are characterized by amphibole-bearing breccias, clinopyroxene-phyric pillow-basalts, plagioclase-phyric andesites and overlying volcaniclastic sediments. These sequences developed in the same geodynamic environment (an islandarc).     

Geochemical characteristics of ophiolitic rocks from the southern margin of the Sivas basin and their implications for the Inner Tauride Ocean,Central-Eastern Turkey

Number of dismembered ophiolite bodies crop out between Sivas and Malatya on the top of the Eastern Tauride platform in the central-eastern Turkey. One of which at the southern margin of the Sivas basin in the Tecer Mountain area comprises melange and the lower part of an oceanic lithospheric section on top of the Tauride platform. The mantle tectonites are characterized by variably serpentinized harzburgites and dunites, and are intruded by numerous isolated dykes. The gabbroic cumulates consist of olivine gabbro, gabbro and gabbronorite. The major and trace element geochemistry of the mafic cumulate rocks suggests that the primary magma was compositionally similar to those observed in modern island-arc tholeiitic sequences. The isolated dykes are exclusively basaltic in composition and display geochemically two distinct subgroups: Group I is represented by high TiO₂ (.87–1.47 wt.%) and other incompatible elements, whereas Group II is characterized by low TiO₂ (.36–.66 wt.%) and other incompatible elements. The Group I isolated diabase dykes have flat to slightly LREE-depleted profiles (La/Yb_N = .32–.79), whereas the Group II isolated diabase dykes are more depleted in general and have a LREE-depleted character (La/Yb_N = .19–.49). This suggests that the isolated dykes were derived from an island arc tholeiitic magma (Nb/Y = .02–.05) with different degrees of partial melting (Group II > Group I) and relatively high oxygen fugacity in intra-oceanic subduction zone. The ophiolitic rocks in the study area may well be compared with the Divri?i ophiolite to the southeast. All the evidence suggests that the isolated dykes in the Tecer Mountain area differ from the alkaline isolated dykes cutting the Divri?i ophiolite. Since the late stage dykes (~76 Ma) in the Divri?i area are alkaline, the tholeiitic isolated dykes in the present study should have been emplaced prior to the alkaline dykes during Late Cretaceous SSZ-spreading (~90 Ma) within the Inner Tauride Ocean.