Oxygen isotope study of metamorphic and granitic rocks of the Yanai district in the Ryoke belt,Japan

¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratios have been obtained for 134 whole-rocks and minerals from metamorphic and granitic rocks of the Yanai district in the Ryoke belt, Southwest Japan. The ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratios of pelitic rocks of the marginal metamorphic zone decrease progressively with increasing metamorphic grade. In the gneiss-granite complex (zone of migmatite [1]), the most characteristic feature of the rocks is that oxygen isotopic homogenization proceeds on both local and regional scales in parallel with “granitization” or chemical homogenization. Granitic rocks of various origin are fairly uniform in isotopic composition with δ ¹⁸O of quartz of 12 to 14‰ (SMOW) and δ ¹⁸O of biotite of 7 to 9‰ and are about 3 to 4‰ enriched in ¹⁸O compared to other Cretaceous granites of non-metamorphic terranes in Japan. The high ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratios of granitic rocks of this district were discussed in relation to the ¹⁸O-depletion in metasediments. Oxygen isotopic fractionations among coexisting minerals from various rock-types of the gneiss-granite complex indicate that these minerals were formed under near isotopic equilibrium at a temperature of about 600 to 700° C. Some abnormal fractionations of quartz-biotite pairs also were obtained for rocks which had undergone a progressive ¹⁸O-depletion or ¹⁸O-enrichment. This is due to high resistivity of quartz and contrastive susceptibility of biotite to isotopic exchange during metamorphism and “granitization”.     

Geochemical and boron,oxygen and hydrogen isotopic constraints on the origin of salinity in groundwaters from the crystalline basement of the Alpine Foreland

The B isotopic composition, in combination with O and H isotopes and hydrochemical tracers, is utilized to constrain the evolution of basement-hosted groundwaters via water–rock interactions and fluid infiltration from external (sedimentary) reservoirs. Two distinct groundwater types have been identified in the Central European crystalline basement (N Switzerland–SW Germany): (1) fresh groundwaters characterized by low values of δ¹¹B (−3.5 to −0.6‰), δ¹⁸O (−12.0 to −10.0‰), and δD (−86.8 to −71.9‰), and (2) brackish groundwaters with distinctly heavier B, O, and H isotopic compositions (δ¹¹B=+6.4 to +17.6‰, δ¹⁸O=−9.4 to −5.6‰, δD=−67.6 to −60.8‰). Fresh groundwaters show a systematic decrease in δ¹¹B, related to an increase in B concentrations (and degree of total mineralization), along the pathway of groundwater migration which can only be interpreted in terms of leaching of crystalline host rocks. A δ¹¹B value of −3.3‰ is inferred for the crustal B source (mainly Hercynian granites) involved in the leaching process, in agreement with the known δ¹¹B range of granitic rocks. The evolution of brackish groundwaters, derived from crystalline basement reservoirs with little water circulation, is more complex. As indicated by B–O–H stable isotope and hydrochemical (e.g. B/Cl, Na/Cl, and Br/Cl) constraints, brackish groundwaters from the study area are influenced by admixture of sediment-derived fluids which infiltrated from Late Paleozoic (Permo-Carboniferous) and Early Mesozoic (Lower Triassic) sedimentary strata. The data presented show that B isotopes are sensitive to mixing processes of fluids derived from different crustal reservoirs and, hence, may be utilized as a tracer for constraining the internal (autochthonous) vs external (allochthonous) origin of salinity in basement-hosted groundwaters.     

18O/16O ratios of anorthosites and related rocks from the Rogaland Complex (SW Norway)

The South Rogaland Complex (South Western Norway) consists of several anorthositic intrusions emplaced in granulite facies metamorphic rocks. The anorthosites and related norites and jotunites have δ ¹⁸O values of 5.2 to 7‰ suggesting a mantle origin for these rocks, in agreement with the strontium isotopic evidence. The acidic rocks, mostly charnockitic, associated with the anorthosites have similar δ ¹⁸O values and thus a comagmatic relation between these two rock types is inferred. Small departures from mantle values are explained in terms of crustal contamination by surrounding gneisses that have δ ¹⁸O values between 4.3 and 10‰ Locally, this corresponds to important anatexis as has been suggested for the Farsund charnockite on the basis of strontium isotope and REE geochemistry. The isotopic temperatures calculated from the isotopic fractionations are in the range 500°–700° C, lower than the orthomagmatic temperatures and probably due to subsolidus isotopic exchange during the slow cooling of these plutonic rocks, either during a late magmatic deuteric stage or during a slow, postorogenic ascent under wet conditions.     

Origin of the Tongbai-Dabie-Sulu Neoproterozoic low-δ 18O igneous province, east-central China

Zircons from 71 diverse rocks from the Qinling-Tongbai-Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt in east-central China and, for comparison, eight from adjoining areas in the South China and North China blocks, have been analyzed for in situ ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratio and/or U–Pb age to further constrain the spatial distribution and genesis of Neoproterozoic low-δ ¹⁸O magmas, that is, δ ¹⁸O(zircon) ≤4 ‰ VSMOW. In many metaigneous rock samples from Tongbai-Dabie-Sulu, including high-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure eclogites and associated granitic orthogneisses, average δ ¹⁸O values for Neoproterozoic “igneous” zircon cores (i.e., 800–600 Ma) vary from ?0.9 to 6.9 ‰, and from ?9.9 to 6.8 ‰ for Triassic metamorphic rims (i.e., 245–200 Ma). The former extend to values lower than zircons in primitive magmas from the Earth’s mantle (ca. 5–6 ‰). The average Δ ¹⁸O (metamorphic zircon ? “igneous” zircon) values vary from ?11.6 to 0.9 ‰. The large volume of Neoproterozoic low-δ ¹⁸O igneous protoliths at Tongbai-Dabie-Sulu is matched only by the felsic volcanic rocks of the Snake River Plain hotspot track, which terminates at the Yellowstone Plateau. Hence, the low-δ ¹⁸O values at Tongbai-Dabie-Sulu are proposed to result from shallow subcaldera processes by comparison with Yellowstone, where repeated caldera-forming magmatism and hydrothermal alteration created similar low-δ ¹⁸O magmas. However, the possibility of involvement of meltwaters from local continental glaciations, rather than global Neoproterozoic glaciations, cannot be precluded. Our data indicate that Neoproterozoic low-δ ¹⁸O magmas that are either subduction- or rift-related are present locally along the western margin of the South China Block (e.g., Baoxing Complex). It appears that Neoproterozoic ¹⁸O-depletion events in the South China Block as the result of hydrothermal alteration and magmatism affected a much larger area than was previously recognized.     

Oxygen isotope composition of xenoliths from the oceanic crust and volcanic edifice beneath Gran Canaria (Canary Islands): consequences for crustal contamination of ascending magmas

Xenolith samples of marine terrigenous sediments and altered Jurassic MORB from Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) represent samples of sub-island oceanic crust. These samples are postulated to define end-members for crustal contamination of basaltic and felsic ocean island magmas. The meta-igneous rocks show great heterogeneity in oxygen isotope compositions (δ¹⁸O 3.3–8.6‰), broadly correlating with their stratigraphic position in the oceanic crust. Gabbros interpreted as fragments of oceanic crust layer 3 have δ¹⁸O values of 3.3–5.1‰, which is lower than MORB (5.7–6.0‰). Layer 2 lavas and dykes show a broader range of δ¹⁸O of 4.1–8.6‰. Therefore, high-temperature metamorphism seems to have been the dominant process in layer 3, while both high- and low-temperature alteration have variably affected layer 2 rocks. Siliciclastic sediments have high δ¹⁸O values (14.1–16.4‰), indicating diagenesis and low-temperature interaction with seawater. The oxygen isotope stratigraphy of the crust beneath Gran Canaria is typical for old oceanic crust and resembles that in ophiolites. The lithologic boundary between older oceanic crust and the igneous core complex at 8–10 km depth—as postulated from geophysical data—probably coincides with a main magma stagnation level. There, the Miocene shield phase magmas interacted with preexisting oceanic crust. We suggest that the range in δ¹⁸O values (5.2–6.8‰) [Chem. Geol. 135 (1997) 233] found for shield basalts on Gran Canaria, and those in some Miocene felsic units (6.0–8.5‰), are best explained by assimilation of various amounts and combinations of oceanic and island crustal rocks and do not necessarily reflect mantle source characteristics.     

Cretaceous albitization and dequartzification of Hercynian peraluminous granite in the Salvezines Massif (French Pyrénées)

The Salvezines Massif in northern French Pyrénées has undergone extensive albitization. The massif consists of gneisses and a leucogranite hosted in Paleozoic sediments (schists and carbonates). The leucogranite was emplaced at the end of the Hercynian orogeny. The granite underwent monazite fractionation during magmatic stages, which induced lowering of REE and Th contents in the most evolved rocks. Hydrothermal alteration during late magmatic stages is also identified through the development of a tetrad effect in the REE patterns of the granite and through the fractionation of ratios like Zr/Hf out of the CHARAC (CHarge RAdius Controlled) range. The granite underwent partial to complete sub-solidus albitization. Progressive metasomatic overprint induced metasomatic replacement of feldspars into albite and dissolution of quartz (episyenitization) together with new albite formation. Hydrothermal muscovite with a sheaf-like structure sometimes crystallised in albitites. Inherited muscovites from magmatic stage and newly formed muscovites from albitites have distinct chemical compositions with the latter being much more phengitic. The initial peraluminous chemistry of the leucogranite was lost during albitization and composition evolved towards a pure albite one (A/CNK = 1). Albitization induced gains in Na and Al, and losses in Si and K. Leaching of REE and U is also identified during albitization, as well as the non-CHARAC behaviour of some elements. δ¹⁸O values of quartz and muscovite in albitized granites are in the magmatic range (about 12 and 9.5‰, respectively). Feldspars acquired high δ¹⁸O values during albitization (up to 15‰). Muscovite grains from albitites have higher δ¹⁸O values than inherited ones and tend towards isotopic equilibrium with albite. The albitizing fluids have interacted with high-δ¹⁸O rocks (probably local carbonates) prior to alter granite. Muscovites inherited from magmatic stages display very characteristic disturbed ³⁹Ar–⁴⁰Ar age spectra with saddle-shapes when a muscovite associated with albitization provided a plateau age at 117.5 Ma for this alteration event. Albitization in the Salvezines Massif just preceded the regional talc/chlorite hydrothermal mineralization. Both events might then represent two outward signs of a huge hydrothermal system at the time of the rotation of the Iberian plate around Europe. The North Pyrenean Metamorphism is identified by ³⁹Ar–⁴⁰Ar analyses at ca. or younger than 100 Ma.     

Archaean fluid-assisted crustal cannibalism recorded by low δ<Superscript>18</Superscript>O and negative ε<Subscript>Hf(T)</Subscript> isotopic signatures of West Greenland granite zircon

The role of fluids during Archaean intra-crustal magmatism has been investigated via integrated SHRIMP U–Pb, δ¹⁸O and LA-MC-ICPMS ¹⁷⁶Hf isotopic zircon analysis. Six rock samples studied are all from the Nuuk region (southern West Greenland) including two ~3.69 Ga granitic and trondhjemitic gneisses, a 3.64 Ga granitic augen gneiss, a 2.82 Ga granodioritic Ikkattoq gneiss, a migmatite with late Neoarchaean neosome and a homogeneous granite of the 2.56 Ga Qôrqut Granite Complex (QGC). All zircon grains were thoroughly imaged to facilitate analysis of magmatic growth domains. Within the zircon analysed, there is no evidence for metamictization. Initial ε_Hf zircon values (n = 63) are largely sub-chondritic, indicating the granitic host magmas were generated by the remelting of older, un-radiogenic crustal components. Zircon from some granite samples displays more than one ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age, and correlated with ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf compositions can trace multiple phases of remelting or recrystallization during the Archaean. Model ages calculated using Lu/Hf arrays for each sample indicate that the crustal parental rocks to the granites, granodiorites and trondhjemites segregated from a chondrite-like reservoir at an earlier time during the Archaean, corresponding to known formation periods of more primitive tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneisses. Zircon from the ~3.69 Ga granite, the migmatite and QGC granite contains Eoarchaean cores with chondritic ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf and mantle-like δ¹⁸O compositions. The age and geochemical signatures from these inherited components are identical to those of surrounding tonalitic gneisses, further suggesting genesis of these granites by remelting of broadly tonalitic protoliths. Zircon oxygen isotopic compositions (n = 62) over nine age populations (six igneous and three inherited) have weighted mean or mean δ¹⁸O values ranging from 5.8 ± 0.6 to 3.7 ± 0.5‰. The 3.64 Ga granitic augen gneiss sample displays the highest δ¹⁸O with a mildly supra-mantle composition of 5.8 ± 0.6‰. Inherited Eoarchaean TTG-derived zircon shows mantle-like values. Igneous zircon from all other samples, spanning more than a billion years of Archaean time, record low δ¹⁸O sub-mantle compositions. These are the first low δ¹⁸O signatures reported from Archaean zircon and represent low δ¹⁸O magmas formed by the remelting and metamorphism of older crustal rocks following high-temperature hydrothermal alteration by meteoric water. Meteoric fluid ingress coupled with crustal extension, associated high heat flow and intra-crustal melting are a viable mechanism for the production of the low δ¹⁸O granites, granodiorites and trondhjemites reported here. Both high and low δ¹⁸O magmas may have been generated in extensional environments and are distinct in composition from Phanerozoic I-type granitic plutonic systems, which are typified by increasing δ¹⁸O during intra-crustal reworking. This suggests that Archaean magmatic processes studied here were subtly different from those operating on the modern Earth and involved extensional tectonic regimes and the predominance of remelting of hydrothermally altered crystalline basement.     

Paleoclimatic interpretation of the past 30 ka from isotopic studies of the deep confined aquifer of the North China plain

The δ¹⁸O and δD values in the deep confined aquifer beneath the North China Plain which is located at 112°30′E–119°30′E and 34°46′N–40°25′N, reflect differences in paleoclimatic conditions between the Holocene and the late Pleistocene. Groundwater samples whose ¹⁴C ages are between 12 and 25 ka B.P have ranges of −9.4 to −11.7‰ for δ¹⁸O and −76‰ to −85‰ for δD values. These very negative δ¹⁸O and δD values reflect the cold and arid climate in the last glacial period. The temperature estimated in this period is 6–9 °C cooler than that of the present. The entire ranges of δ¹⁸O and δD values for samples with ¹⁴C dating from 7 ka B.P to present are −7.7‰ to −10.2‰ and −63‰ to −73‰, respectively. The greater δ¹⁸O and δD enrichments of these samples indicate a period of relatively humid and warm climate in the Holocene. However, the wide ranges of δ¹⁸O (−9.0‰ to −11.1‰) and δD (−66‰ to −80‰) values for samples with ¹⁴C age ranging from 12 to 7 ka B.P. imply an unstable climatic condition of rapidly increasing temperature, which marks the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene.     

A-type granites induced by a breaking-off and delamination of the subducted Junggar oceanic plate,West Junggar,Northwest China

The A-type granites with highly positive ε_Nd(t) values in the West Junggar, Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), have long been perceived as a group formed under the same tectonic and geodynamic setting, magmatic sourceq and petrogenetic model. Geological evidence shows that these granites occurred at two different tectonic units related to the southeastern subduction of Junggar oceanic plate: the Hongshan and Karamay granites emplaced in the southeast of West Junggar in the Baogutu continental arc; whereas the Akebasitao and Miaoergou granites formed in the accretionary prism. Here the authors present new bulk-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes, zircon U-Pb ages and Hf-O isotopes data on these granites. The granites in the Baogutu continental arc and accretionary prism contain similar zircon ε_Hf(t) values (+10.9 to +16.2) and bulk-rock geochemical characteristics (high SiO₂ and K₂O contents, enriched LILEs (except Sr), depleted Sr, Ta and Ti, and negative anomalies in Ce and Eu). The Hongshan and Karamay granites in the Baogutu continental arc have older zircon U-Pb ages (315–305 Ma) and moderate ¹⁸O enrichments (δ¹⁸O_zircon=+6.41‰–+7.96‰); whereas the Akebasitao and Miaoergou granites in the accretionary prism have younger zircon U-Pb ages (305–301 Ma) with higher ¹⁸O enrichments (δ¹⁸O_zircon=+8.72‰–+9.89‰). The authors deduce that the elevated ¹⁸O enrichments of the Akebasitao and Miaoergou granites were probably inherited from low-temperature altered oceanic crusts. The Akebasitao and Miaoergou granites were originated from partial melting of low-temperature altered oceanic crusts with juvenile oceanic sediments below the accretionary prism. The Hongshan and Karamay granites were mainly derived from partial melting of basaltic juvenile lower crust with mixtures of potentially chemical weathered ancient crustal residues and mantle basaltic melt (induced by hot intruding mantle basaltic magma at the bottom of the Baogutu continental arc). On the other hand, the Miaoergou charnockite might be sourced from a deeper partial melting reservoir under the accretionary prism, consisting of the low-temperature altered oceanic crust, juvenile oceanic sediments, and mantle basaltic melt. These granites could be related to the asthenosphere’s counterflow and upwelling, caused by the break-off and delamination of the subducted oceanic plate beneath the accretionary prism Baogutu continental arc in a post-collisional tectonic setting.©2022 China Geology Editorial Office.     

Assimilation of carbonate country rock by the parent magma of the Panzhihua Fe-Ti-V deposit（SW China）：Evidence from stable isotopes

The Panzhihua intrusion in southwest China is part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and host of a large Fe-Ti-V ore deposit.During emplacement of the main intrusion,multiple generations of mafic dykes invaded carbonate wall rocks,producing a large contact aureole.We measured the oxygen-isotope composition of the intrusions,their constituent minerals,and samples of the country rock.Magnetite and plagioclase from Panzhihua intrusion haveδ¹⁸O values that are consistent with magmatic equilibrium, and formed from magmas withδ¹⁸O values that were 1-2‰higher than expected in a mantle-derived magma.The unmetamorphosed country rock has highδ¹⁸O values,ranging from 13.2‰（sandstone） to 24.6-28.6‰（dolomite）.The skarns and marbles from the aureole have lowerδ¹⁸O andδ¹³C values than their protolith suggesting interaction with fluids that were in exchange equilibrium with the adjacent mafic magmas and especially the numerous mafic dykes that intruded the aureole.This would explain the alteration ofδ¹⁸O of the dykes which have significantly higher values than expected for a mantle-derived magma.Depending on the exactδ¹⁸O values assumed for the magma and contaminant, the amount of assimilation required to produce the elevatedδ¹⁸O value of the Panzhihua intrusion was between 8 and 13.7 wt.%,assuming simple mixing.The exact mechanism of contamination is unclear but may involve a combination of assimilation of bulk country rock,mixing with a melt of the country rock and exchange with CO₂-rich fluid derived from decarbonation of the marls and dolomites.These mechanisms,particularly the latter,were probably involved in the formation of the Fe-Ti-V ores.     

The late Neoarchean transition from low- to high-K granitoids in western Liaoning Province,NE China: Clues from geochemistry and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

High-K granitoids are among the most abundant rock types in many Archean cratons. Late Neoarchean monzogranitic to syenogranitic gneisses with high-K affinities are widely distributed in the Anshan, Suizhong, Qinhuangdao, and Aolaishan areas on the northeastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). In this contribution, we present an integrated study of zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic compositions and whole-rock elemental compositions of amphibolites and trondhjemitic and monzo–syenogranitic gneisses of the Jinzhou area in the metamorphic basement of eastern Hebei–western Liaoning, with the aim of constraining their petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. Emplacement ages of the amphibolites and trondhjemitic–monzogranitic gneisses are 2543 ± 27, 2532 ± 19, and 2513 ± 7 Ma, respectively. The amphibolites are tholeiitic in composition with SiO₂ contents of 49.7–50.8 wt%, variable degrees of light rare-earth-element (LREE) enrichment and high-field-strength element (HFSE) depletion, and high zircon εHf(t) values of +2.6 to +6.3, suggesting a depleted lithospheric mantle origin. The major- and trace-element compositions of the trondhjemitic gneisses are similar to those of the low-pressure tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) suite. The zircon Hf (εHf(t) = +1.6 to +3.9) and O (δ¹⁸O = +3.76‰ to +5.73‰) isotopic compositions of the trondhjemitic gneisses indicate a juvenile basaltic source at the base of a thickened magmatic arc. The monzogranitic gneisses differ from their TTG counterparts in that they have lower SiO₂ and higher MgO, K₂O, and incompatible-element (especially Ba, Th, Sr, P, and LREE) contents. They also have slightly evolved zircon εHf(t) values (+0.6 to +3.8) and higher δ¹⁸O values (+4.69‰ to +6.13‰). These features suggest that the monzogranitic gneisses represent sanukitoid-type rocks, with a mantle source modified by crust-derived melts. The weakly deformed syenogranitic gneisses are characterized by high SiO₂ and K₂O, and very low MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, suggesting that they were formed by partial melting of local TTG rocks. Our results, together with those of previous investigations, suggest that the 2554–2513 Ma low- to high-K magmatism in the Jinzhou area most likely originated in an arc–back-arc tectonic setting on the northern margin of the NCC. The large volumes of high-K granitoids in eastern Hebei–western Liaoning are related to extensive mantle–crust interactions and crustal reworking in such a setting.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and O–Nd isotopic composition of basement rocks in the North Qinling Terrain, central China: evidence for provenance and evolution

The Qinling Group was previously interpreted as the oldest Precambrian basement unit of the North Qinling Terrain, recording its formation and early crustal evolution. The Qinling Group consists predominantly of gneisses, amphibolites, and marbles, which underwent multi-phase deformation and metamorphism. In order to better constrain the provenance and tectonic setting of this group and the evolution of the North Qinling orogenic belt, in situ U–Pb dating and oxygen isotopic analysis of zircons in combination with whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope analysis was performed on the two dominant rock types, amphibolite and felsic gneiss. Felsic gneisses exhibit enrichment of LREEs and LILEs (Rb, Ba, Th, K, Pb), negative Eu anomalies and depletion of HFSEs (Nb, Ta, P, Ti). The rocks have slightly elevated δ¹⁸O values (6.5–9.3 ‰) and initial ε _Nd values of ?4.6 corresponding to two-stage Nd model age of 1.99 Ga. Amphibolites are also enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in Nb and Ta and have homogeneous δ¹⁸O values (5.0–6.0 ‰), but higher initial ε _Nd values (2.8–3.3) and younger two-stage Nd model ages (1.29–1.24 Ga) compared to the gneisses. The zircon age record indicates that the gneisses and amphibolites were formed in a ~960 Ma volcanic arc environment rather than in a rift setting as previously suggested. A major metamorphic event took place during the Early Paleozoic. Based on the age spectrum of detrital zircons, the Qinling Group is interpreted as an autonomous geological unit, which was mainly derived mostly from 1,000 to 900 Ma old granitoid rocks. The North Qinling Terrain can be regarded as a remnant of the Grenville orogenic belt with an early Neoproterozoic evolution different from that of the North and South China blocks.     

Oxygen isotopes in the Cretaceous-Paleogene granites of Primorye and some problems of their genesis

The Cretaceous-Paleogene granites of the Eastern Sikhote Alin volcanic belt (ESAVB) and Late Cretaceous granitoids of the Tatibin Series (Central Sikhote Alin) are subdivided into three groups according to their oxygen isotope composition: group I with δ¹⁸O from +5.5 to +6.5‰, group II with δ¹⁸O from +7.6 to +10.2‰, and group III with less than +4.5‰. Group I rocks are similar in oxygen isotope composition to that of oceanic basalts and can be derived by melting of basaltic crust. Group II (rocks of the Tatibin Series) have higher δ¹⁸O, which suggests that their parental melts were contaminated by sedimentary material. The low ¹⁸O composition of group III rocks can be explained by their derivation from ¹⁸O-depleted rocks or by subsolidus isotopic exchange with low-¹⁸O fluid or meteoric waters. The relatively low δ¹⁸O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the granitoids of Primorye suggest their derivation from rocks with a short-lived crustal history and can result from the following: (1) melting of sedimentary rocks enriched in young volcanic material that was accumulated in the trench along the transform continental margin (granites of the Tatibin Series) and (2) melting of a mixture of abyssal sediments, ocean floor basalts, and upper mantle in the lithospheric plate that subsided beneath the continent in the subduction zone (granites of the ESAVB).     

Fluid infiltration effects on stable isotope systematics of the Susurluk skarn deposit,NW Turkey

A calcic skarn deposit occurs along the contact zone between Oligo-Miocene Çatalda? Granitoid and Mesozoic limestones in Susurluk, northwestern Turkey. The skarn zone with little or no retrograde stage is represented by fluid inclusions with high homogenization temperatures (up to >600 °C) and a wide range of salinity (12 to >70 wt.% NaCl). Pluton-derived fluids facilitated occurrence of continuous prograde reactions in the country rocks (particularly in the proximal zone) and oxygen isotopic depletion in calc-silicate and calcite minerals. δ¹⁸O of anhydrous minerals within proximal and distal zones indicate that skarn-forming fluids had a magmatic origin. The δ¹⁸O values are 5.93–9.08‰ (mean 6.8‰) for garnet, 4.08–9.94‰ (mean 6.4‰) for pyroxene, 4.89–7.92‰ (mean 6.4‰) for wollastonite and 6.65–8.28‰ (mean 7.5‰) for vesuvianite. Temperatures estimated by isotopic compositions of mineral pairs are significantly lower than those measured from the fluid inclusions, indicating that isotopic equilibrium is not preserved between the skarn minerals. δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values are systematically depleted from marbles to skarn carbonates. Calc-silicate forming reactions and permeability increase triggered by volatilization and consequent strong infiltration of H₂O-rich siliceous fluids into the system promoted fluid–rock interaction causing isotopic resetting and isotopic depletion of silicates (e.g. pyroxene and wollastonite) and skarn calcites.     

Carbon and oxygen isotopic constraints on paleoclimate and paleoelevation of the southwestern Qaidam basin,northern Tibetan Plateau

We investigate the growth of the northern Tibetan Plateau and associated climate change by applying oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions in Cenozoic strata in the southwestern Qaidam basin. The X-ray diffraction and isotopic studies reveal that the carbonate minerals are mainly authigenic and they do not preserve any evidence for detrital carbonate and diagenesis. The isotope data show large fluctuations in the δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values in the middle–late Eocene, indicating relatively warm and seasonal dry climate. The positive correlation of the δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values in the Oligocene and the positive shift of the δ¹³C values from the Eocene to Oligocene suggest that the climate changed to arid in the Oligocene. However, the δ¹⁸O values show negative shift, which is closely related to the global cooling event. During the Miocene, the δ¹³C values vary between –2‰ and –4‰, whereas the δ¹⁸O values show continuous negative shift. The mean δ¹⁸O values decrease from –8.5‰ in the early Miocene to –10.0‰ in the late Miocene. The stable isotope-based paleoaltimetry results suggest that the elevation of the southwestern Qaidam basin was approximately 1500 m in the middle–late Eocene and Oligocene. Subsequently, during Miocene the crustal uplift process started and the elevation reached approximately 2000 m in the early Miocene and 2500 m in the late Miocene, which suggests large-scale growth of the northern Tibet Plateau during the Miocene.     

Lithospheric thinning and ignition of a Cordilleran magmatic flare-up: Geochemical and O-Hf isotopic constraints from Cretaceous plutons in southern Korea

Northeast Asian continental margins contain the products of magma emplacement driven by prolonged subduction of the (paleo-)Pacific plate. As observed in many Cordilleran arcs, magmatic evolution in this area was punctuated by high-volume pulses amid background periods. The present study investigates the early evolution of the Cretaceous magmatic flare-up using new and published geochronological, geochemical, and O-Hf isotope data from plutonic rocks in the southern Korean Peninsula. After a long (～50 m.y.) magmatic hiatus and the development of the Honam Shear Zone through flat-slab subduction, the Cretaceous flare-up began with the intrusion of monzonites, granodiorites, and granites in the inboard Gyeonggi Massif and the intervening Okcheon Belt. Compared to Jurassic granitoids formed during the former flare-up, Albian (～111 Ma) monzonites found in the Eopyeong area of the Okcheon Belt have distinctly higher zircon ε_Hf(t) (?7.5 ± 1.3) and δ¹⁸O (7.78‰ ± 0.25‰) values and lower whole-rock La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios. The voluminous coeval granodiorite and granite plutons in the Gyeonggi Massif are further reduced in Sr/Y and to a lesser extent, in La/Yb, and have higher zircon ε_Hf(t) values (?13 to ?19) than the Precambrian basement (ca. ?30). These chemical and isotopic features indicate that Early Cretaceous lithospheric thinning, most likely resulting from delamination of tectonically and magmatically overthickened lithospheric keel that was metasomatized during prior subduction episodes, and consequent asthenospheric upwelling played vital roles in igniting the magmatic flare-up. The O-Hf isotopic ranges of synmagmatic zircons from the Albian plutons and their Paleoproterozoic and Jurassic inheritance attest to the involvement of lithospheric mantle and crustal basement in magma generation during this decratonization event. Arc magmatism then migrated trenchward and culminated in the Late Cretaceous, yielding widespread granitoid rocks emplaced at shallow crustal levels. The early Late Cretaceous (94–85 Ma) granites now prevalent in Seoraksan-Woraksan-Sokrisan National Parks are highly silicic and display flat chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns with deep Eu anomalies. Synmagmatic zircons in these granites mimic their host rock’s chemistry. Delamination-related rejuvenation of crustal protoliths is indicated by zircon ε_Hf(t) values of granites (?6 to ?20) that are consistently higher than the Precambrian basement value. Concomitant core-to-rim variation in zircon O-Hf isotopic compositions reflects a typical sequence of crustal assimilation and fresh input into the magma chamber.     

Geology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Yinchanggou-Qiluogou Pb-Zn Deposit, Sichuan Province, Southwest China

The Yinchanggou-Qiluogou Pb-Zn deposit,located in the western Yangtze Block,southwest China,is hosted by the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation dolostone.Ore bodies occur in the Qiluogou anticline and the NS-and NNW-trending faults.Sulfide ores mainly consist of sphalerite,pyrite,galena and calcite,with subordinate dolomite and quartz.Seventeen ore bodies have been discovered to date and they have a combined 1.0 million tons of sulfide ores with average grades of 2.27wt%Zn and 6.89wt%Pb.The δD_(H2O-SMOW) and δ~(18)O_(H2O-SMOW) values of fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite samples range from-68.9‰ to-48.7‰ and 7.3‰ to 15.9‰,respectively,suggesting that H_2O in the hydrothermal fluids sourced from metamorphic water.Calcite samples have δ~(13)C_(PDB) values ranging from-6.2‰ to-4.1‰ and δ~(18)O_(SMOW) values ranging from 15.1‰ to 17.4‰,indicating C and O in the hydrothermal fluids likely derived from a mixed source of metamorphic fluids and the host carbonates.The δ~(34)S_(CDT) values of sulfide minerals range from 5.5‰ to 20.3‰,suggesting that thermal chemical reduction of sulfate minerals in evaporates were the most probable source of S in the hydrothermal fluids.The ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of sulfide minerals fall in the range of 18.11 to 18.40,15.66 to 15.76 and 38.25 to 38.88,respectively.The Pb isotopic data of the studied deposit plot near the upper crust Pb evolution curve and overlap with the age-corrected Proterozoic basement rocks and the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation hosting dolostone.This indicates that the Pb originated from a mixed source of the basement metamorphic rocks and the ore-hosting carbonate rocks.The ore geology and C-H-O-S-Pb isotopic data suggest that the YinchanggouQiluogou deposit is an unusual carbonate-hosted,strata-bound and epigenetic deposit that derived ore-forming materials from a mixed source of the underlying Porterozoic basements and the Sinian hosting carbonates.     

sol18O16O of Archean clastic metasedimentary rocks: a petrogenetic indicator for Archean gneisses?

The oxygen isotopic compositions of over 100 Archean clastic metasedimentary, felsic metavolcanic and gneissic rocks from selected areas within the Superior Province have been determined. δ¹⁸O values of low grade, immature clastic metasediments range from 8.0 to 13.3%. and hence are somewhat depleted in ¹⁸O relative to other clastic metasediments. The lower ¹⁸O content is attributed to the large proportion of unaltered rock fragments in the Archean metasediments. Felsic metavolcanics have a similar range of δ¹⁸O values (7.3 to 13.0%..δ¹⁸O values for the middle amphibolite facies Pakwash paragneiss (8.8–11.7%.) are higher than those determined for the amphibolite to granulite facies Twilight paragneiss (7.3–9.2%.). Archean orthogneisses such as the Clay Lake gneiss (7.0–9.0%.), the Cedar Lake gneiss (7.4–8.7%.) and the Footprint gneiss (5.9-8.8%.) have δ¹⁸O values similar to those of the Twilight paragneiss. Therefore, at least at metamorphic grades higher than middle amphibolite facies, Archean metasedimentary gneisses may have δ¹⁸O values that are indistinguishable from those of Archean orthogneisses, and hence are no longer isotopically recognizable as metasedimentary rocks.