First evidence for Cambrian rift-related magmatism in the West African Craton margin: The Derraman Peralkaline Felsic Complex

West of the southern, Archean, part of the Reguibat Rise of the West African Craton the Oulad Dlim Massif consists of metamorphic nappes stacked during the Mauritanides (Variscan) orogeny. In the Derraman region, about 12 km west of the nappes, we have found strongly deformed hypersolvus aegirine-riebeckite A1-type granites with SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 525 ± 3 Ma, ε(Nd)_525Ma (− 5.2 to − 6.8.) and Nd model ages T_CR ≈ 1.85 Ga. These granites define two km-sized bodies and a few smaller satellites. One body is emplaced within a 3.12 Ga leucocratic gneiss. The other body and its satellites are emplaced within an Archean low-grade metasedimentary sequence with detrital zircons that have ages that peak at 2.84 Ga, 2.91 Ga, and 3.15 Ga. These Archean gneisses and metapelite rocks define a tectonic unit, hereafter called the Derraman-Bulautad-Leglat (DBL) unit, which was formed from the Reguibat basement at the very margin of the WAC. The ~ 525 Ma Derraman granites are the oldest post-Archean rocks in this unit and were generated in an intraplate rifting environment from melting of crustal fenites during the ubiquitous Cambrian rifting event that affected this part of northern Gondwana. At the present level of knowledge, however, we cannot decide whether the “old” Nd isotope signature of Derraman granites resulted from melting of an old (Paleoproterozoic) fenite source or reflects the signature of the mantle-derived metasomatising fluids. The just-discovered Derraman granites are strikingly similar to other rift-related Cambrian–Ordovician hypersolvus aegirine–riebeckite granites widespread in North Gondwana. Understanding the potential connections between them would help to understand the Cambrian–Ordovician breakdown of northern Gondwana.     

Zircon ages and Hf isotopic constraints on sources of clastic metasediments of the Slyudyansky high-grade complex,southeastern Siberia: Implication for continental growth and evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

We present results of combined in situ U–Pb dating of detrital zircons and zircon Hf and whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions for high-grade clastic metasedimentary rocks of the Slyudyansky Complex in eastern Siberia. This complex is located southwest of Lake Baikal and is part of an early Paleozoic metamorphic terrane in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Our new zircon ages and Hf isotopic data as well as whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions provide important constraints on the time of deposition and provenance of early Paleozoic high-grade metasedimentary rocks as well as models of crustal growth in Central Asia. Ages of 0.49–0.90 Ga for detrital zircons from early Paleozoic high-grade clastic sediments indicate that deposition occurred in the late Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic, between ca. 0.62–0.69 and 0.49–0.54 Ga. Hf isotopic data of 0.82–0.69 Ga zircons suggest Archean and Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.7–2.8 and 2.2–2.3 Ga; Hfc = 2.5–3.9 Ga) sources that were affected by juvenile 0.69–0.82 Ga Neoproterozoic magmatism. An additional protolith was also identified. Its zircons yielded ages of 2.6–2.7 Ga, and showed high positive ε_Hf(t) values of +4.1 to +8.0, and Hf model ages t_Hf(DM) = t_Hfc = 2.6–2.8 Ga, which is nearly identical to the crystallization ages. These isotopic characteristics suggest that the protolith was quite juvenile. The whole-rock Nd isotopic data indicate that at least part of the Slyudyansky Complex metasediments was derived from “non-Siberian” provenances. The crustal development in the eastern CAOB was characterized by reworking of the early Precambrian continental crust in the early Neoproterozoic and the late Neoproterozoic–early Paleozoic juvenile crust formation.     

In situ zircon U–Pb and Hf–O isotopic results for ca. 73 Ma granite in Hainan Island: Implications for the termination of an Andean-type active continental margin in southeast China

We report in the paper integrated analyses of in situ zircon U–Pb ages, Hf–O isotopes, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes for the Longlou granite in northern Hainan Island, southeast China. SIMS zircon U–Pb dating results yield a crystallization age of ∼73 Ma for the Longlou granite, which is the youngest granite recognized in southeast China. The granite rocks are characterized by high SiO₂ and K₂O, weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.04–1.10), depletion in Sr, Ba and high field strength elements (HFSE) and enrichment in LREE and large ion lithophile elements (LILE). Chemical variations of the granite are dominated by fractional crystallization of feldspar, biotite, Ti–Fe oxides and apatite. Their whole-rock initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7073–0.7107) and ε_Nd(t) (−4.6 to −6.6) and zircon ε_Hf(t) (−5.0 to 0.8) values are broadly consistent with those of the Late Mesozoic granites in southeast China coast. Zircon δ¹⁸O values of 6.9–8.3‰ suggest insignificant involvement of supracrustal materials in the granites. These granites are likely generated by partial melting of medium- to high-K basaltic rocks in an active continental margin related to subduction of the Pacific plate. The ca. 73 Ma Longlou granite is broadly coeval with the Campanian (ca. 80–70 Ma) granitoid rocks in southwest Japan and South Korea, indicating that they might be formed along a common Andean-type active continental margin of east–southeast Asia. Tectonic transition from the Andean-type to the West Pacific-type continental margin of southeast China likely took place at ca.70 Ma, rather than ca. 90–85 Ma as previously thought.     

Tectono-magmatic evolution of the Gaoligong belt,southeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau: Constraints from granitic gneisses and granitoid intrusions

The Gaoligong belt is located in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau, and is bound by the Tengchong and Baoshan blocks. This paper presents new data from zircon geochronology, geochemistry, and whole-rock Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes to evaluate the tectonic evolution of the Gaoligong belt. The major rock types analysed in the present study are granitic gneiss, granodiorite, and granite. They are metaluminous to peraluminous and belong to high-K, calc-alkaline series. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) analyses of zircons from nine granitic rocks yielded crystallization ages of 495–487 Ma, 121 Ma, 89 Ma, and 70–63 Ma. The granitoids can be subdivided into the following four groups. (1) Early Paleozoic granitic gneisses with high ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 1.06 to − 3.45 and − 1.16 to 2.09, and model ages of 1.16 Ga to 1.33 Ga and 1.47 Ga to 1.63 Ga, respectively. Their variable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Pb values resemble the characteristics of the Early Paleozoic Pinghe granite in the Baoshan block. Our data suggest that the rocks were derived from the break-off of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic slab between the outboard continent and the Baoshan block, which induced the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic pelitic sources mixed with depleted mantle materials. (2) Early Cretaceous granodiorites with low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 8.92 and − 4.91 with Nd and Hf model ages of 1.41 Ga and 1.49 Ga, respectively. These rocks have high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.711992) and lower crustal Pb values, suggesting that they were derived from Mesoproterozoic amphibolites with tholeiitic signature, leaving behind granulite residue at the lower crust. (3) Early Late Cretaceous granites with low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 9.58 and − 4.61 with Nd and Hf model ages of 1.43 Ga and 1.57 Ga, respectively. These rocks have high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.713045) and lower crustal Pb isotopic values. These rocks were generated from the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic metapelitic sources resulting from the delamination of thickened lithosphere, following the closure of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean and collision of the Lhasa–Qiangtang blocks. (4) Late Cretaceous to Paleogene granitic gneisses with low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values of − 4.41 to − 10 and − 5.95 to − 8.71, Nd model ages ranging from 1.08 Ga to 1.43 Ga, and Hf model ages from 1.53 Ga to 1.67 Ga, respectively. These rocks show high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.713201 and 714662) and lower crustal Pb values. The data suggest that these rocks are likely related to the eastward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan Oceanic slab, which induced partial melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crustal metagreywacke. The results presented in this study from the Gaoligong belt offer important insights on the evolution of the Proto-Tethyan, Bangong–Nujiang, and Neo-Tethyan oceans in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.     

Evolution of the Solonker suture zone: Constraints from zircon U–Pb ages,Hf isotopic ratios and whole-rock Nd–Sr isotope compositions of subduction- and collision-related magmas and forearc sediments

The Solonker zone in northern Inner Mongolia (China) is considered as the suture between the North China Craton and the South Mongolian microcontinent. Two magmatic belts are recognized along the suture zone: a subduction-related magmatic belt (represented by the Baolidao arc rocks), and a younger, collision-related granite belt (represented by the Halatu granites). We use zircon U–Pb ages, zircon in-situ Hf isotopic analyses and whole-rock Nd–Sr isotopic data of the two magmatic belts and related forearc sediments (the Xilinhot metamorphic complex) to constrain timing of the suturing and to discuss the petrogenesis of the magmatic rocks. A gabbroic diorite (BLD-1) of the Baolidao arc was dated at 310 ± 5 Ma (by SHRIMP). This sample shows an ε_Nd(t) value of +2.5 and I_Sr of 0.7052. Hf isotopic analyses on 25 zircons from the same sample show ε_Hf(t) = +5.4 to +11.5. Another diorite sample (XH-2) of the same arc from south of Xilinhot displays even more “depleted” isotopic compositions, with ε_Nd(t) = +5.6 and I_Sr = 0.7037. The main population of zircons from this sample have highly variable and depleted Hf isotopic compositions (ε_Hf(t) = 0–18.3). The large variation in Hf isotopic composition of zircons (with largely the same crystallization age) from a single pluton is explained by a mixing process between depleted mantle-derived magma and continental crust in an active continental arc setting. The Halatu granite (HLT-2) was dated at 234 ± 7 Ma (by SHRIMP). Zircons from the granite also show a large variation of ε_Hf(t) values (+9.1 to ?26), despite most samples having whole-rock ε_Hf(t) > +2. The large variation in ε_Hf(t) values suggests that the granite formed probably by partial melting of two source regions – a dominant juvenile crust and a subordinate old continental crust. Most zircons from the Xilinhot metamorphic complex show ages comparable with those of the Baolidao arc rocks, suggesting that the protolith of the metamorphic complex was probably deposited during or after arc magmatism. Some zircons, however, show Precambrian ages that fall into two groups: one with ages of 780–900 Ma, resembling those from the South Mongolian microcontinent, and the other with ages of 1524–2900 Ma, similar to those of the North China Craton. Thus, the protolith of the metamorphic complex probably formed in a forearc basin during convergence of the two continents, and metamorphosed subsequently during collision in the late Paleozoic. Our zircon age data thus constrain timing of collision between the South Mongolian microcontinent and the North China Craton to have been between 296 and 234 Ma.     

Mesoproterozoic arc magmatism in SE India: Petrology,zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of the Bopudi felsic suite from Eastern Ghats Belt

The southern segment of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) in India was an active convergent margin during Mesoproterozoic, prior to the final collision in Neoproterozoic during the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. Here we present mineralogical, whole-rock geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic data from a granitoid suite in the Bopudi region in the EGGB. The granitoid complex comprises quartz monzodiorite with small stocks of rapakivi granites. The monzodiorite, locally porphyritic, contains K-feldspar megacrysts, plagioclase, quartz, biotite and ortho-amphibole. The presence of mantled ovoid megacrysts of alkali feldspar embaying early-formed quartz, and the presence of two generations of the phenocrystic phases in the rapakivi granites indicate features typical of rapakivi granites. The K-feldspar phenocrysts in the rapakivi granite are mantled by medium-grained aggregates of microcline (Ab₇ Or₉₃), which is compositionally equivalent to the rim of Kfs phenocryst and Pl (An_23–24 Ab₇₅). The geochemistry of both the granitoids shows arc-like features for REE and trace elements. LA-ICP-MS zircon analyses reveal ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 1582 (MSWD = 1.4) for the rapakivi granite 1605 ± 3 Ma (MSWD = 3.9) for the monzodiorite. The zircons from all the granitoid samples show high REE contents, prominent HREE enrichment and a conspicuous negative Eu anomaly, suggesting a common melt source. The zircons from the monzodiorite have a limited variation in initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios of 0.28171–0.28188, with εHf(t) values of −2.2 to +2.8. Correspondingly, their two-stage Hf isotope model ages (T_DM2) ranging from 2.15 to 2.47 Ga probably suggest a mixed source for the magma involving melting of the Paleoproterozoic basement and injection of subduction-related juvenile magmas. The prominent Mesoproterozoic ages of these granitoids suggest subduction-related arc magmatism in a convergent margin setting associated with the amalgamation of the Columbia-derived fragments within the Neoproterozoic Rodinia assembly.     

The Arequipa Massif of Peru: New SHRIMP and isotope constraints on a Paleoproterozoic inlier in the Grenvillian orogen

The enigmatic Arequipa Massif of southwestern Peru is an outcrop of Andean basement that underwent Grenville-age metamorphism, and as such it is important for the better constraint of Laurentia–Amazonia ties in Rodinia reconstruction models. U–Pb SHRIMP zircon dating has yielded new evidence on the evolution of the Massif between Middle Paleoproterozoic and Early Paleozoic. The oldest rock-forming events occurred in major orogenic events between ca. 1.79 and 2.1 Ga (Orosirian to Rhyacian), involving early magmatism (1.89–2.1 Ga, presumably emplaced through partly Archaean continental crust), sedimentation of a thick sequence of terrigenous sediments, UHT metamorphism at ca. 1.87 Ga, and late felsic magmatism at ca. 1.79 Ga. The Atico sedimentary basin developed in the Late-Mesoproterozoic and detrital zircons were fed from a source area similar to the high-grade Paleoproterozoic basement, but also from an unknown source that provided Mesoproterozoic zircons of 1200–1600 Ma. The Grenville-age metamorphism was of low-P type; it both reworked the Paleoproterozoic rocks and also affected the Atico sedimentary rocks. Metamorphism was diachronous: ca. 1040 Ma in the Quilca and Camaná areas and in the San Juán Marcona domain, 940 ± 6 Ma in the Mollendo area, and between 1000 and 850 Ma in the Atico domain. These metamorphic domains are probably tectonically juxtaposed. Comparison with coeval Grenvillian processes in Laurentia and in southern Amazonia raises the possibility that Grenvillian metamorphism in the Arequipa Massif resulted from extension and not from collision. The Arequipa Massif experienced Ordovician–Silurian magmatism at ca. 465 Ma, including anorthosites formerly considered to be Grenvillian, and high-T metamorphism deep within the magmatic arc. Focused retrogression along shear zones or unconformities took place between 430 and 440 Ma.     

Crustal formation in the Nanling Range,South China Block: Hf isotope evidence of zircons from Phanerozoic granitoids

Granitic rocks are the principle agent of crustal differentiation, therefore their origins yield important information on crustal formation and reworking. An extensive survey of zircon Hf isotopes from granitic rocks in a large region can provide a profile of crustal characteristics that may be further linked to previous crustal evolution. In this study, we measured U–Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions of zircon grains extracted from twenty-five Jurassic, five Triassic and two Ordovician granitic plutons from the Nanling Range, South China Block (SCB). Combined with the published Lu–Hf isotopic data for the granitic rocks in the studied and adjacent areas, three domains with different crustal formation histories have been identified in the southern part of the SCB: eastern side, middle part and western side. The eastern side extends to the coastal area of the SCB, with dominant Hf crustal model ages (T_DM2) in zircons falling within the range of 2.2–1.6 Ga. The middle part is partly coincided with the low-Nd model age belt proposed by Chen and Jahn (1998), with zircon Hf T_DM2 ranging from 1.6 to 1.0 Ga. The western side covers the westernmost Nanling Range and the western end of the Jiangnan orogen, in which the granitoids have zircon Hf T_DM2 model ages spanning 2.2–1.8 Ga. The Paleo- to Meso-Proterozoic model ages of the Phanerozoic granitoids in the Nanling Range imply a long-term crustal reworking. Zircons from the western and eastern sides have an average ε_Hf(155 Ma) at around −10, about 4 epsilon units lower than the middle part (ε_Hf(155 Ma) = −6). Hf T_DM2 histogram from the western Nanling Range is similar to that of the Neoproterozoic granitoids in northern Guangxi Province to the west but much lower to the granites in the middle part to the east. The eastern side has a broader range of Hf model ages in zircons, with the main peak low to ca 1.6 Ga, suggesting the reworking of Mesoproterozoic crust. However, granitoids in the middle part have zircon Hf T_DM2 ages at 1.6–1.0 Ga, which indicates the incorporation of younger crust materials into the magma sources. The Hf model ages of granitoids, as well as four zircon xenocrysts with ages around 920 Ma within the Mesozoic granitoids in the middle part, indicate that the middle part has similar crustal features with the eastern Jiangnan orogen. We propose that this low T_DM2 granite belt is probably part of the early Neoproterozoic arc-continent collision belt between different continents (possibly Yangtze and Cathaysia) during the early assembling processes, while the granitoids in the western and eastern sides have similar crustal compositions.     

Reprint of “Depositional environment and tectonic implications of the Paleoproterozoic BIF in Changyi area,eastern North China Craton: Evidence from geochronology and geochemistry of the metamorphic wallrocks”

The Changyi banded iron formation (BIF) in the eastern North China Craton (NCC) occurs within the Paleoproterozoic Fenzishan Group. Three types of metamorphic wallrocks interbedded with the BIF bands are identified, including plagioclase gneisses and leptynites, garnet-bearing gneisses and amphibolites. Protolith reconstruction suggests that the protoliths of the plagioclase gneisses and leptynites are mainly graywackes with minor contribution of pelitic materials, the garnet-bearing gneisses are Fe-rich pelites contaminated by clastics, and the amphibolites are tholeiitic rocks. Trace elements of La, Th, Sc and Zr of the plagioclase gneisses and leptynites and the garnet-bearing gneisses support that these meta-sedimentary rocks were probably derived from recycling of Archean rocks with felsic and mafic materials differentiated into different rock types. ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of detrital zircons from the meta-sedimentary rocks concentrate at 2.7–3.0 Ga, confirming their derivation from the Archean rocks. The presence of several Paleoproterozoic detrital zircons (2240 to 2246 Ma), however, also suggests minor involvement of Paleoproterozoic materials. The Archean detrital zircons have ε_Hf(t) values varying from − 0.7 to 7.6, which mainly fall between the 3.0 Ga and 3.3 Ga average crustal evolution lines on the age vs. ε_Hf(t) diagram, further illustrating that the rocks providing materials for the meta-sedimentary rocks mainly originated from partial melting of a Mesoarchean crust. This is strongly supported by their crust-like trace element distribution patterns (such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti depletion) and ancient Nd depleted mantle model ages (T_DM = 2.9–3.4 Ga). In addition, the remarkably high ε_Hf(t) values (7.5 to 9.3) of the Paleoproterozoic detrital zircons constrain the Paleoproterozoic materials to originate from a depleted mantle. The amphibolites show low SiO₂ (46.5 to 52.8 wt.%) and high MgO (5.68 to 10.9 wt.%) contents, crust-like trace element features and low ε_Nd(t) values (− 4.5 to − 0.3), suggesting that these ortho-metamorphic rocks were mainly derived from subcontinental lithospheric mantle with some contamination by Archean crustal materials. Since an intra-continental environment was required for the formation of the above metamorphic rocks, these rocks not only confine the depositional environment of the Changyi BIF to be an intra-continental rift, but also support the rifting processes of the eastern NCC during Paleoproterozoic.     

Timing of metamorphism in the Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt: New SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating of granulites,gneisses and marbles of the Jiaobei massif in the North China Craton

The Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt lies in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton, with its southern segment extending across the Bohai Sea into the Jiaobei massif. High-pressure pelitic and mafic granulites have been recently recognized in the Paleoproterozoic Jingshan Group (Jiaobei massif). New SHRIMP U–Th–Pb geochronology combined with cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of zircon has been applied to the determination of the timing of the metamorphism of the high-temperature and high-pressure granulites and associated gneisses and marbles. Metamorphic zircons in these high-pressure granulites, gneisses and marbles occur as either single grains or overgrowth (or recrystallization) rims surrounding and truncating oscillatory-zoned magmatic zircon cores. Metamorphic zircons are all characterized by nebulous zoning or being structureless, with high luminescence and relatively low Th/U values. Metamorphic zircons from two high-pressure mafic granulites yielded ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 1956 ± 41 Ma and 1884 ± 24 Ma. One metamorphic zircon from a garnet–sillimanite gneiss also gave an apparent ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 1939 ± 15 Ma. These results are consistent with interval of ages of c. 1.93–1.90 Ga already obtained by previous studies for the North and South Liaohe Groups and the Laoling Group in the northern segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt. Metamorphic zircons from a high-pressure pelitic granulite and two pelitic gneisses yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 1837 ± 8 Ma, 1821 ± 8 Ma and 1836 ± 8 Ma respectively. Two diopside–olivine–phlogopite marbles yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 1817 ± 9 Ma and 1790 ± 6 Ma. These Paleoproterozoic metamorphic ages are largely in accordance with metamorphic ages of c. 1.85 Ga produced from the Ji'an Group in the northern segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt and c. 1.86–1.80 Ga obtained for the high-pressure pelitic granulites from the Jingshan Group in the southern segment. As this metamorphic event was coeval with the emplacement of A-type granites in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt and its adjacent areas, it is interpreted as having resulted from a post-orogenic or anorogenic extensional event.     

A new fragment of the early earth crust: the Aasivik terrane of West Greenland

The Aasivik terrane is a ∼1500 km² complex of gneisses dominated by ∼3600 Ma components, which has been discovered in the Archaean craton of West Greenland, ∼20–50 km south of the Paleoproterozoic Nagssugtoqidian orogen. The Aasivik terrain comprises granulite facies tonalitic to granitic gneisses with bands of mafic granulite, which include disrupted mafic dykes. Four gneiss samples of the Aasivik terrain have given imprecise SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of 3550–3780 Ma with strong loss of radiogenic lead and new growth of zircon probably associated with a granulite facies metamorphic event(s) at ∼2800–2700 Ma. To the Southeast, the Aasivik terrane is in tectonic contact with a late Archaean complex of granitic and metapelitic gneisses with apparently randomly distributed mafic and ultramafic units, here named the Ukaleq gneiss complex. Two granitic samples from the Ukaleq gneiss complex have U–Pb zircon ages of 2817 ± 10 and 2820 ± 12 Ma and t_zircon ε_Nd values of 2.3–5.4. Given their composition and positive ε_Nd values, they probably represent melts of only slightly older juvenile crust. A reconnaissance SHRIMP U–Pb study of a sample of metasedimentary rock from the Ukaleq gneiss complex found ∼2750–2900 Ma zircons of probable detrital origin and that two or more generations of 2700–2500 Ma metamorphic zircons are present. This gneiss complex is provisionally interpreted as a late Archaean accretionary wedge. A sample of banded granulite facies gneiss from a complex of banded gneisses south of the Aasivik terrain here named the Tasersiaq gneiss complex has yielded two zircon populations of 3212 ± 11 and 3127 ± 12 Ma. Contacts between the three gneiss complexes are mylonites which are locally cut by late-post-kinematic granite veins with SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of ∼2700 Ma. The isotopic character and the relationships between the lithologies from the different gneiss complexes suggest the assembly of unrelated rocks along shear zones between 2800 and 2700 Ma. The collage of Archaean gneiss complexes were intruded by A-type granites, here named the Umiatsiaasat granites, at ∼2700 Ma, later than the tectonic intercalation of the gneiss complexes.     

Geochronology and geochemical characteristics of the Dongping ore-bearing granite,North China: Sources and implications for its tectonic setting

The Dongping gold deposit, located in Chongli County (Hebei Province) about 200 km northwest of Beijing, is one of the largest gold-producing areas along the northern margin of the North China Craton. It is located in the of Shuiquangou alkaline igneous complex of Middle Devonian age (394.3 ± 3.2 Ma), composed chiefly of highly alkaline syentite and quartz syenites. This study reveals the age of the Carboniferous in the deposit at 351.7 ± 2.8 Ma (MSWD = 1.9). The Dongping deposit is locally hosted in Cretaceous (~143 ± 1 Ma) alkali granites that intruded the older and the gold mineralization is closely associated genetically with this event. Hydrothermal zircons in the alkali granites have Th/U ratios mostly ranging between 0.01 and 0.7 indicating oscillatory zoning. A few grains with high Th/U ratios (1.31–2.07) may be from metamorphic domains. Negative εHf(t) values of the zircon mainly range between −19.75 and −16.93, suggesting that they originated principally by the melting of recycled continental crust. Less abundant zircons with εHf(t) ranging from −25.76 to −23.46, with Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 2.54 to 2.67 Ga, (mainly 2.2 to 2.3 Ga) suggest that recycled Neoarchean basement was also present in the source region. The Devonian syenites and quartz syenites have T_DM1 ages ranging from 1.96 to 2.08 Ga. Zircons from these rocks have εHf(t) values of −11.9 to −18.9. Certain zircons from the gold-bearing granite of Paleozoic age have an initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratio of 0.281816 to 0.282058 and 0.282147 to 0.282348, reflecting a homogenous distribution of hafnium isotopes typical of magmatic sources. The T_DM1 and T_DM2 of the latest intrusion varying 1.33 to 1.59 Ga and 1.72 to 2.11 Ga respectively, indicating that the Neoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic rocks of this area are an important source for the younger magma which are important to forming ore deposits. The TDM₂ indicate that the magma may be derived from a very old crustal basement (~2.67 Ga) in the northern margin of North China Craton by partial melting.     

Neoproterozoic granitic activities in the Xingdi plutons at the Kuluketage block,NW China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb dating,geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic analyses

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks are widely distributed in the Kuluketage block along the northern margin of the Tarim Craton. However, the published literature mainly focuses on the ca. 800 Ma adakitic granitoids in the area, with the granites that intrude the 735–760 Ma mafic–ultramafic rocks poorly studied. Here we report the ages, petrography and geochemistry of two granites in the Xingdi mafic–ultramafic rocks, in order to construct a new view of the non-adakitic younger granites. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating provided weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 743.0 ± 2.5 Ma for the No.I granite (G1) and 739.0 ± 3.5 Ma for the No.II granite (G2). A clear core-rim texture of similar age and a high zircon saturation temperature of ca. 849 ± 14 °C were observed for the No.I granite; in contrast, G2 has no apparent core-rim texture but rather inherited older zircons and a lower zircon saturation temperature of ca. 763 ± 17 °C. Geochemical analysis revealed that G1 is an alkaline A-type granite and G2 is a high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite. Both granites share similar geochemical characteristics of arc-related magmatic rocks and enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes, likely due to their enriched sources or mixing with enriched magma. Whereas G1 and its host mafic rocks form typical bimodal intrusions of the same age and similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotope compositions, G2 is younger than its host mafic rocks and its Sr–Nd–Hf isotope composition indicates a lower crust origin. Although they exhibit arc-related geochemical features, the two granites likely formed in a rift setting, as inferred from thier petrology, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes and regional tectonic evolution.     

Zircon U–Pb age,Hf isotopic compositions and geochemistry of the Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granite Pluton and Taoyuan mafic–felsic Complex at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block

This work presents an integrated study of zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope along with whole-rock geochemistry on Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granites and Taoyuan mafic–felsic intrusive Complex located at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block, filling in a gap in understanding of Paleozoic I-type granites and mafic-intermediate igneous rocks in the eastern South China Craton (SCC). The Fengdingshan granite and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro are dated at 436 ± 5 Ma and 409 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The Fengdingshan granites display characteristics of calc-alkaline I-type granite with high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7093–0.7127, low εNd(t) values ranging from −5.6 to −5.4 and corresponding Nd model ages (T_2DM) of 1.6 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from −2.7 to 2.6 and model ages of 951–1164 Ma. The Taoyuan mafic rocks exhibit typical arc-like geochemistry, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta. They have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7053–0.7058, εNd(t) values of 0.2–1.6 and corresponding T_2DM of 1.0–1.1 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from 3.2 to 6.1 and model ages of 774–911 Ma. Diorite and granodiorite from the Taoyuan Complex have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7065–0.7117, εNd(t) values from −5.7 to −1.9 and Nd model ages of 1.3–1.6 Ga. The petrographic and geochemical characteristics indicate that the Fengdingshan granites probably formed by reworking of Neoproterozoic basalts with very little of juvenile mantle-derived magma. The Taoyuan Complex formed by magma mixing and mingling, in which the mafic member originated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Both the Fengdingshan and Taoyuan Plutons formed in a post-orogenic collapse stage in an intracontinental tectonic regime. Besides the Paleozoic Fengdingshan granites and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro, other Neoproterozoic and Indosinian igneous rocks located along the southeastern and western margin of the Yangtze Block also exhibit decoupled Nd–Hf isotopic systemics, which may be a fingerprint of a previous late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic oceanic subduction.     

Coupled U–Pb–Hf of detrital zircons of Cambrian sandstones from Morocco and Sardinia: Implications for provenance and Precambrian crustal evolution of North Africa

U–Pb–Hf of detrital zircons from diverse Cambrian units in Morocco and Sardinia were investigated in order to clarify the sandstone provenance and how it evolved with time, to assess whether the detrital spectra mirror basement crustal composition and whether they are a reliable pointer on the ancestry of peri-Gondwanan terranes. Coupled with Hf isotopes, the detrital age spectra allow a unique perspective on crustal growth and recycling in North Africa, much of which is concealed below Phanerozoic sediments.In Morocco, the detrital signal of Lower Cambrian arkose records local crustal evolution dominated by Ediacaran (0.54–0.63 Ga) and Late-Paleoproterozoic (1.9–2.2 Ga; Eburnian) igneous activity. A preponderance of the Neoproterozoic detrital zircons possess positive ε_Hf(t) values and their respective Hf model ages (T_DM) concentrate at 1.15 Ga. In contrast, rather than by Ediacaran, the Neoproterozoic detrital signal from the Moroccan Middle Cambrian quartz-rich sandstone is dominated by Cryogenian-aged detrital zircons peaking at 0.65 Ga alongside a noteworthy early Tonian (0.95 Ga) peak; a few Stenian-age (1.0–1.1 Ga) detrital zircons are also distinguished. The majority of the Neoproterozoic zircons displays negative ε_Hf(t), indicating the provenance migrated onto distal Pan-African terranes dominated by crustal reworking. Terranes such as the Tuareg Shield were a likely provenance. The detrital signal of quartz–arenites from the Lower and Middle Cambrian of SW Sardinia resembles the Moroccan Middle Cambrian, but 1.0–1.1 Ga as well as ~ 2.5 Ga detrital zircons are more common. Therefore, Cambrian Sardinia may have been fed from different sources possibly located farther to the east along the north Gondwana margin. 1.0–1.1 Ga detrital zircons abundant in Sardinia generally display negative ε_Hf(t) values while 0.99–0.95 Ga detrital zircons (abundant in Morocco) possess positive ε_Hf(t), attesting for two petrologically-different Grenvillian sources. A paucity of detrital zircons younger than 0.6 Ga is a remarkable feature of the detrital spectra of the Moroccan and Sardinian quartz-rich sandstones. It indicates that late Cadomian orogens fringing the northern margin of North Africa were low-lying by the time the Cambrian platform was deposited. About a quarter of the Neoproterozoic-aged detrital zircons in the quartz-rich sandstones of Morocco (and a double proportion in Sardinia) display positive ε_Hf(t) values indicating considerable juvenile crust addition in North Africa, likely via island arc magmatism. A substantial fraction of the remaining Neoproterozoic zircons which possess negative ε_Hf(t) values bears evidence for mixing of old crust with juvenile magmas, implying crustal growth in an Andean-type setting was also significant in this region.     

The petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the granitoid gneisses from Xingxingxia in the eastern segment of Central Tianshan

As part of Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), the Central Tianshan zone plays a crucial role in the reconstruction of the tectonic evolution of the CAOB. Furthermore, it is bordered by the Tarim Craton to the south, and the comparable evolutionary history between them enables the Central Tianshan zone to provide essential information on the crustal evolution of the Tarim Craton. The eastern segment of the Central Tianshan tectonic zone is characterized by the presence of numerous Precambrian metamorphic rocks, among which the Xingxingxia Group is the most representative one. The granitoids gneisses, intruded into the Xingxingxia Group, consist of two major lithological assemblages: (1) biotite-monzonitic gneisses and (2) biotite-plagioclase gneisses. These metamorphosed granitoid rocks are characterized by enrichment in SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and K₂O and depletion in MgO and FeO_T. The Rittmann index (σ) spreads between 1.44 and 2.21 and ACNK (Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O + K₂O)) ranges from 1.03 to 1.08, indicating that these granitoid gneisses are high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous. Trace element data indicate that the studied samples are enriched in LREE with moderate REE fractionated patterns ((La/Yb)_N = 10.5–75.3). The concentrations of HREE of the garnet-bearing gneisses are significantly higher than those of garnet-free gneisses. The former show pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.32–0.57), while the latter are characterized by negligible negative Eu anomalies to moderate positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.80–1.35). In addition, the enrichment of LILE (Rb, Th, K, Pb) and depletion of HFSE (Ta, Nb, P, Ti) of the examined granitoid gneisses are similar to typical volcanic-arc granites. Zircons U–Pb dating on the biotite monzonitic gneiss yields a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 942.4 ± 5.1 Ma, suggesting their protoliths were formed in the early Neoproterozoic, which is compatible with the time of the assembly of supercontinent Rodinia. The zircons have a large ε_Hf(t) variation from −5.6 to +3.2, suggesting that both old crust-derived magmas and mantle-derived juvenile materials contributed to the formation of their protoliths. Based on field observation, and petrological, geochemical and geochronological investigations, we infer that the granitoid gneisses from Xingxingxia were probably formed on a continental arc that resulted from the interaction of Australia and the Tarim Craton during the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent, and that the Central Tianshan zone was a part of the Tarim Craton during that time. Besides, the Grenvillian orogenic events may have developed better in the Tarim Craton than previously expected.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of the early Paleoproterozoic potassic granite in the Lushan area,southern margin of the North China Craton

We conducted a geochronological and geochemical study on the Paleoproterozoic potassic granites in the Lushan area, southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) to understand the tectonic regime of the NCC at 2.2–2.1 Ga. This rock suite formed at 2194 ± 29 Ma. The rocks are rich in SiO₂ (76.10–77.73 wt.%), and K₂O (5.94–6.90 wt.%) with high K₂O + Na₂O contents from 7.56 wt.% to 8.48 wt.%, but poor in CaO (0.10–0.28 wt.%), P₂O₅ (0.02–0.05 wt.%) and MgO (0.01–0.30 wt.%, Mg# = 1.08–27.3), indicating they experienced fractional crystallization. Major element compositions suggest the potassic granites share an affinity with high K calc-alkaline granite. Even though the Lushan potassic granitic rocks have high A/CNK ratios (1.11–1.25), which can reach peraluminous feature, the very low P₂O₅ contents and negative correlation of P₂O₅ and SiO₂ ruling out they are S-type granites. Different from peralkaline A-type granites, the Lushan potassic granites have variable Zr concentrations (160–344 ppm, 226 ppm on average) and 10,000 Ga/Al ratios (1.76–3.00), together with high zircon saturation temperatures (T_Zr = 826–885 °C), indicating they are fractionated aluminous A-type granites. Enriched LREE ((La/Yb)_N = 9.72–81.8), negative Eu anomalies, and low Sr/Y with no correlations in Sr/Y and Sr/Zr versus CaO suggest the possible presence of Ca-rich plagioclase and absence of garnet in the residual. Magmatic zircon grains have variable ε_Hf(t) values (−2.4 to +7.3) with zircon two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM^C) varying from 2848 Ma to 2306 Ma (mostly around ca. 2.5 Ga), and are plotted in the evolution line of crustal felsic rock. We propose that the rocks mainly formed by partial melting of ca. 2.50 Ga tonalitic–granodioritic crust as a result of upwelling mantle-derived magmas which provided thermal flux and source materials in an intra-continent rifting. The ca. 2.2 Ga magmatism suggests that intra-continental rifting occurred at 2.35–1.97 Ga at least in the southern margin of the NCC after its final cratonization in the late Neoarchean.     

Proterozoic rapakivi granites from the North Qaidam orogen,NW China: Implications for basement attribution

Voluminous Proterozoic (~ 1700 Ma) rapakivi granites occur in several cratons, especially in the northern hemisphere. Similar Proterozoic rapakivi granites have recently been recognized in the Paleozoic North Qaidam orogen, western segment of the China Central Orogenic System (CCOS). SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating of these granites yielded ages of 1778 ± 17 and 1778 ± 12 Ma. These granites exhibit typical rapakivi textures. They are ferroan, alkalic to alkalic-calc, metaluminous to peraluminous and characterized by high Ga/Al ratios, Na₂O + K₂O and rare earth elements (apart from Eu) contents, but low MgO, CaO and Sr contents. These are typical A-type granite features. Whole-rock ε_Nd(t) values of the granites range from − 6.09 to − 5.74 with Nd model ages of 2762 to 2733 Ma, and their zircon ε_Hf(t) values are from − 8.3 to − 5.2 with two-stage Hf model ages of 2944 to 2800 Ma, suggesting that these rocks were derived from old continental crust. The ages, rapakivi texture and geochemical features suggest that these granites are very close to typical Proterozoic (~ 1700 Ma) rapakivi granites within the North China Craton (NCC) and belong to the group of Proterozoic rapakivi granites of the northern hemisphere. These indicate that part of the basement of the North Qaidam orogen in the western CCOS is similar to that of the NCC or was probably derived from it, and then became involved in the CCOS. This provides new data to solve the dispute on the basement origin in this orogen.     

A crustal source for ca. 165 Ma post-collisional granites related to mineralization in the Jianglang dome of the Songpan-Ganzi Orogen,eastern Tiebtan Plateau

The Wenjiaping and Wulaxi granite plutons are located in the Jianglang dome, which is a key domain for providing deep insight into the tectonic evolution of the Songpan-Ganzi Orogen. Two granites are composed chiefly of K-feldspar, quartz, biotite with minor plagioclase and hornblende. This study presents zircon U-Pb chronology, geochemistry and Hf isotope data to explore their petrogenesis and metallogenic implications. Zircon U-Pb dating provides crystallization ages of 164.5 ± 0.9 Ma and 163.4 ± 0.9 Ma for the Wenjiaping granite, and 164.3 ± 1.7 Ma for the Wulaxi granite. This indicates that they were formed synchronously. They also contain inherited zircons related to the Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinents and the Emeishan large igneous province. Their mineral assemblages lack peraluminous (e.g., garnet and cordierite) and high-temperature (e.g., pyroxene and fayalite) minerals. They are characterized by low A/CNK (1.10–0.99), FeO^T/MgO (8.55–2.83) and K₂O/N₂O ratios (1.34–0.51) with low Zr + Nb + Ce + Y concentrations (average 258 ppm) and zircon saturation temperatures (781–651 °C). Their Al₂O₃, P₂O₅ and SiO₂ contents show negative correlations, and they thus fit the I-type granite definition. Some major and trace elements exhibit strong correlations, implying extensive fractional crystallization (e.g., hornblende and ilmenite) during the magma evolution. Two granites show enrichment in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, and depletion in high field strength elements. They have low Mg^# values (38.7–17.3) and Y/Nb ratios (0.45–0.16), and yield dominantly negative ε_Hf(t) values (1.4–−13.9), indicating a heterogeneous source and their derivation from remelting of ancient continental crust (e.g., Mesoproterozoic Liwu Group in this region) with minor juvenile crust. Combined with prior studies, we conclude that the Wenjiaping and Wulaxi granites were formed in a post-collisional extensional regime, and were responsible for the 163.7–151.1 Ma magmatic hydrothermal Cu-W mineralization in the Jianglang dome. In addition, two granite plutons intrude this dome and they are undeformed, implying that the doming was during the Early to Middle Jurassic.     

Paleozoic multi-stage accretionary evolution of the SW Chinese Tianshan: New constraints from plutonic complex in the Nalati Range

We conducted field investigations, whole-rock geochemical, Sr-Nd and zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic analyses on a suite of intrusive complex in the southern Nalati Range, SW Chinese Tianshan in order to better understand the Paleozoic tectonic and magmatic evolution of the belt. The intrusive complex comprises weakly foliated diorite, low-grade altered diabase, and deformed monzogranite; these plutonic rocks were in turn crosscut by undeformed coarse-grained diorite, granodiorite as well as granite stock. Foliated Late Silurian diorites (421 ± 4 Ma) show arc-type geochemical features, slightly negative whole-rock εNd(t) value (− 1.7; T_DM-Nd = 1.52 Ga) and variably positive zircon εHf(t) values (2.34 to 7.27; T_DM-Hf: 0.95– 1.26 Ga). Deformed Early Devonian porphyritic monzogranites (411 ± 4 Ma) show geochemical features similar to A-type granite, and their zircon εHf(t) values range from − 6.63 to 1.02, with T_DM-Hf ages of 1.82 to 1.33 Ga. Metamorphosed Early Devonian diabases (ca. 410 Ma) have OIB-like REE patterns, εNd(t) values of − 2.0 ~ − 0.8 and T_DM-Nd ages of 1.37– 1.25 Ga. The undeformed Early Carboniferous diorite and granodiorite (353– 344 Ma) exhibit arc-type geochemical features, positive εHf(t) values of 6.11– 7.91 with T_DM-Hf ages of 0.97– 0.86 Ga, and positive εNd(t) value of 1.9 with T_DM-Nd age of 1.04 Ga. The Early Permian granite stock (292 ± 5 Ma) has highly differentiated REE pattern, slightly negative εNd(t) value (− 4.4) and variable zircon εHf(t) values of − 9.73– 6.36. Combining with available data, Early Paleozoic (500– 410 Ma) arc-related magmatic rocks occurring on both sides of the suture zone along the southern Nalati Range, likely resulted from a bi-directional subduction of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean beneath the Yili Block to the north and the Central Tianshan to the south. Occurrences of A-type granites and OIB-like diabases (ca. 410 Ma) along the Nalati Range likely indicate a hot extensional regime probably induced by the break off of the northward subducting slab of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean. The closure of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean and subsequent amalgamation during Early Carboniferous resulted in the regional deformation and metamorphism of the Early Paleozoic arc-related magmatic rocks. From Early to Late Carboniferous, a magmatic arc that corresponded to the well-developed Late Paleozoic Balkhash-Yili active continental margin, superimposed upon the southern Yili Block, most likely resulted from the southward subduction of the Junggar-North Tianshan Ocean. After the closure of the North Tianshan Ocean in Late Carboniferous, the study area was dominated by post-orogenic magmatism.