Paleogene crustal anatexis and metamorphism in Lhasa terrane, eastern Himalayan syntaxis: Evidence from U-Pb zircon ages and Hf isotopic compositions of the Nyingchi Complex

In the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, the southern Lhasa terrane is dominated by middle- to high-grade metamorphic rocks (Nyingchi Complex), which are intruded by felsic melts. U-Pb zircon dating and zircon Hf isotopic composition of these metamorphic and magmatic rocks provide important constraints on the tectono-thermal evolution of the Lhasa terrane during convergent process between Indian and Asian continents. U-Pb zircon data for an orthogneiss intruding the Nyingchi Complex yield a protolith magma crystallization age of 83.4 ± 1.2 Ma, with metamorphic ages of 65-46 Ma. This orthogneiss is characterized by positive ε_Hf (t) values of + 8.3 and young Hf model ages of ~ 0.6 Ga, indicating a derivation primarily from a depleted-mantle or juvenile crustal source. Zircons from a quartz diorite yield a magma crystallization age of 63.1 ± 0.6 Ma, with ε_Hf (t) values of − 8.2 to − 2.7, suggesting that this magma was sourced from partial melting of older crustal materials. Zircon cores from a foliated biotite granite show ages ranging from 347 to 2690 Ma, with age peaks at 347-403 Ma, 461-648 Ma and 1013-1183 Ma; their zircon ε_Hf (t) values range from − 30.6 to + 6.9. Both the U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic composition of the zircon cores are similar to those of detrital zircons from the Nyingchi Complex paragneiss, implying that the granite was derived from anatexis of the Nyingchi Complex metasediments. The zircon rims from the granite indicate crustal anatexis at 64.4 ± 0.7 Ma and subsequent metamorphism at 55.1 ± 1.3 and 41.4 ± 2.3 Ma. Our results suggest that the late Cretaceous magmatism in the southern Lhasa terrane resulted from Neo-Tethys oceanic slab subduction and we infer that Paleocene crustal anatexis and metamorphism were related to the thermal perturbation caused by rollback of the northward subducted Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab.     

Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb and in-situ Lu–Hf isotope analyses of a tuff from Western Beijing: Evidence for missing Late Paleozoic arc volcano eruptions at the northern margin of the North China block

Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb and in-situ Lu–Hf isotopic analyses via laser ablation microprobe-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LAM-ICPMS) of a tuff within the Upper Paleozoic from Western Beijing were carried out to give new constraints on volcano eruption ages and source area of the tuffs within the North China block (NCB). SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating of the tuff yielded a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted mean age of 296 ± 4 Ma (95% confidence, MSWD = 3.3), which is very similar to the emplacement age of the newly discovered Carboniferous calc-alkaline, I-type continental arc granitoid plutons in the Inner Mongolia Paleo-uplift (IMPU) on the northern margin of the NCB. In-situ Lu–Hf analysis results of most zircons from the tuff yielded initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios from 0.282142 to 0.282284 and ε_Hf(t) values from − 15.9 to − 10.7. These Lu–Hf isotopic compositions are very similar to those of the Late Carboniferous granitoids in the IMPU, but are very different to those of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Together with the sedimentary and tectonic analyses results, we inferred that the source area of the tuffs within the NCB is the IMPU instead of the CAOB. Therefore, some arc volcanoes once existed in the IMPU on northern margin of the NCB during the Late Carboniferous, but they were entirely eroded due to strong exhumation and erosion of the IMPU during the Late Carboniferous to Early Jurassic.     

Early Permian plutons from the northern North China Block: constraints on continental arc evolution and convergent margin magmatism related to the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Recent zircon dating identified several late Carboniferous to early Permian hornblende gabbro–diorite–quartz diorite–granodiorite–tonalite–granite plutons in lithological assemblages at the northern margin of the North China Block (NCB) that were previously regarded as Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic. Our geochronological results indicate that emplacement of these plutons was a continuous process during the late Carboniferous to early Permian, from 324 ± 6 to 274 ± 6 Ma, and lasted for at least 50 Ma. In this paper, the early Permian components with compositions from gabbro to granite within the intrusive complex were studied. The early Permian plutons exhibit calc-alkaline or high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous geochemical features and highly variable SiO₂ contents. They have no significant Eu anomaly in their REE patterns, and in primitive-mantle-normalized spidergrams they display depletion in Th, U, Nb, Ta, P and Ti, and enrichment in Ba, K, Pb and Sr. The granitoid bodies within these plutons display I-type and adakitic geochemical signatures. The early Permian rocks exhibit low whole-rock initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from 0.70520 to 0.70615 and have negative whole-rock ε _Nd(t) values ranging from −17.4 to −9.3 and zircon ε _Hf(t) values of −23.2 to −10.5. The gabbros exhibit higher ε _Nd(t) values from −11.1 to −9.3 and ε _Hf(t) values from −16.5 to −10.5, and one granodiorite exhibits an even lower ε _Nd(t) value of −17.4 and zircon ε _Hf(t) values of −23.2 to −15.1. Geochemical, Sr–Nd and in situ zircon Hf isotopic compositions suggest that the hornblende gabbros were derived from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle, and the diorite and quartz diorite were generated from a gabbroic magma by fractional crystallization, coupled with differential assimilation of ancient lower crustal material. The granodiorite was likely derived from partial melting of ancient lower crust with involvement of some mantle components. Involvement of both lithospheric mantle and ancient lower crust in the generation of the early Permian plutons indicates strong crust–mantle interaction in the northern NCB. Petrological associations as well as geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic results show that the early Permian plutons were emplaced along an Andean-type active continental margin during southward subduction of the Palaeo-Asian oceanic plate beneath the NCB. Integration of our results with previously published data for late Carboniferous and late Permian to middle Triassic intrusions suggests that the continental arc on the northern margin of the NCB existed for at least 50 Ma during the late Palaeozoic, and final amalgamation of the Mongolian arc terranes with the northern NCB likely occurred during a period from ~270 to ~250 Ma, i.e, in the late Permian to earliest Triassic.     

U–Pb zircon dating, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of Early Indosinian intrusive rocks in West Qinling, central China: petrogenesis and tectonic implications

The Qinling–Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt is the junction between the North and South China blocks, which resulted from the final amalgamation of China continents during the Indosinian. Indosinian granitoids are widespread in the Qinling orogen, and their geneses can thus constrain the evolution of China continent. We carried out a combined U–Pb zircon dating and geochemical study for the Shuangpengxi granodiorite pluton and the Xiekeng diorite–granodiorite pluton in the middle part of the West Qinling orogen. U–Pb zircon dating shows that the magma crystallization ages of 242 ± 3 Ma for the Shuangpengxi pluton and ~244–242 Ma for the Xiekeng pluton. Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions reveal that the magma of the Shuangpengxi granodiorite was derived from partial melting of crustal materials. The Xiekeng diorites can be divided into high-Al diorite and high-Mg diorite. Both of them resulted from partial melting of enriched lithospheric mantle, but their mantle source had been modified by previous slab-derived melt. The high-Al diorite was formed by fractional crystallization of olivine, pyroxene and/or preferential accumulation of plagioclase, and the high-Mg diorite was formed by fractional crystallization of olivine and/or preferential accumulation of pyroxene. The Xiekeng granodioritic porphyry was formed by mixing of crust-derived and mantle-derived melts. We propose that the Early Indosinian magmatism resulted from break-off of subducted oceanic slab after collision. The slab break-off model can well explain the linear distribution of the Early Indosinian plutons and rapid crustal uplift during the Middle Triassic in the West Qinling.     

Latest Precambrian to Early Cambrian U–Pb zircon ages of augen gneisses from Calabria (Italy), with inference to the Alboran microplate in the evolution of the peri-Gondwana terranes

In situ U–Pb dating of zircons from five samples of Calabrian augen gneisses shows that their protoliths are Latest Precambrian to Early Cambrian in age (562 ± 15, 547 ± 7, 540 ± 4, 539 ± 16 and 526 ± 10 Ma), and contain Archaean (3.1 Ga), Palaeoproterozoic (1.7–2.4 Ga) and Neoproterozoic (0.6–0.9 Ga) inheritance. Geochemical signature of augen gneisses is typical of high-K calc-alkaline post-collisional magmatism. Their Sr–Nd isotopic compositions [0.7093 < (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i < 0.7139; −3.2 < ɛ_Nd(t) < −5.4; 1.5 < T _DM < 1.7 Ga] indicate the involvement of a crustal component in significant proportions. The Calabrian augen gneisses have, therefore, to be distinguished from the orthogneisses of Sardinia and northern Algeria, and from the porphyroids of Sicily, which are Middle Ordovician. By contrast, the Calabrian augen gneisses show a close similarity to the Pan-African post-collisional granitoids of the northern edge of the West African craton (e.g. the Moroccan Anti-Atlas). This suggests a peri-Gondwana origin and corroborates previous palaeogeodynamic reconstructions attributing the Alboran microplate to the northern margin of the West African craton.     

Granite,gabbro and mafic microgranular enclaves in the Gejiu area,Yunnan Province,China: a case of two-stage mixing of crust- and mantle-derived magmas

Geochronological, geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd, and zircon Hf isotopic analyses were carried out on the Jiasha Gabbro, mafic microgranular enclaves (MME) and host Longchahe Granite samples from the Gejiu area in the southeast Yunnan province, SW China, with the aim of characterizing their petrogenesis. Compositional zoning is evident in the gabbro body as the cumulate textures and mineral proportions in the gabbro interior are distinct from the gabbro margin. The Longchahe Granite largely comprises metaluminous quartz monzonite with distinctive K-feldspar megacrysts, but also contains a minor component of peraluminous leucogranite. The MME have spheroidal to elongated/lenticular shapes with sharp, crenulated and occasionally diffuse contacts with the host granite, which we attribute to the undercooling and disaggregation of mafic magma globules within the cooler host felsic magma. Field observations, geochronology, geochemistry, Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions point to a complex petrogenesis for this granite–MME–gabbro association. Zircon ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages determined by LA-ICP-MS for a mafic enclave, its host granite and the gabbro body are 83.1 ± 0.9 Ma, 83.1 ± 0.4 Ma and 83.2 ± 0.4 Ma, respectively, indicating coeval crystallization of these igneous rock units. Crystal fractionation processes can explain much of the compositional diversity of the Jiasha Gabbro. The geochemical features of the gabbro, such as high Mg^# (up to 70) and Cr (up to 327 ppm), enrichment in LILEs (e.g., Rb, Ba, K₂O) and LREEs, and depletion in HFSE (e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti), together with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.708–0.709 and negative εNd(t) values (−5.23 to −6.45), indicate they were derived from a mantle source that had undergone previous enrichment, possibly by subduction components. The Longchahe Granite has a large range of SiO₂ (59.87–74.94 wt%), is distinctly alkaline in composition, and has Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i > 0.712, εNd(t) = −6.93 to −7.62 and εHf(t) = −5.8 to −9.9) that are indicative of derivation from a crustal source. However, the most primitive rocks of Longchahe Granite are compositionally distinct from any feasible crustal melt. We interpret the spectrum of rock types of the Longchahe Granite to have formed via mixing between crustally derived peraluminous leucogranite magma and mantle-derived magma of similar heritage to the Jiasha Gabbro. We speculate that this mixing event occurred early in the magmatic history of these rocks at relatively high temperature and/or deep in the crust to allow efficient physical mixing of magmas. Saturation and accumulation of K-feldspar and zircon in the mixed magma is invoked to explain the megacrystic K-feldspar and elevated K₂O and Zr content of some of the granitic rocks. A later episode of magma mixing/mingling is preserved as the MME that have geochemical and isotopic compositions that, for the most part, are intermediate between the granite and the gabbro. The MME are interpreted to be fractionated melts of mafic magma related to gabbro that were subsequently injected into the cooler, partly crystalline granitic magma. Mingling and mixing processes within the convectively dynamic upper crustal magma chamber resulting in a hybrid (MME) magma. During this second mixing episode, element interdiffusion, rather than bulk physical mixing, is interpreted to be the dominant mixing process.     

Magma mixing origin for the post-collisional adakitic monzogranite of the Triassic Yangba pluton, Northwestern margin of the South China block: geochemistry, Sr–Nd isotopic, zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic evidences

Petrogenesis of high Mg# adakitic rocks in intracontinental settings is still a matter of debate. This paper reports major and trace element, whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope, zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope data for a suite of adakitic monzogranite and its mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) at Yangba in the northwestern margin of the South China Block. These geochemical data suggest that magma mixing between felsic adakitic magma derived from thickened lower continental crust and mafic magma derived from subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) may account for the origin of high Mg# adakitic rocks in the intracontinental setting. The host monzogranite and MMEs from the Yangba pluton have zircon U–Pb ages of 207 ± 2 and 208 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The MMEs show igneous textures and contain abundant acicular apatite that suggests quenching process. Their trace element and evolved Sr–Nd isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.707069–0.707138, and ε_Nd(t) = −6.5] indicate an origin from SCLM. Some zircon grains from the MMEs have positive ε_Hf(t) values of 2.3–8.2 with single-stage Hf model ages of 531–764 Ma. Thus, the MMEs would be derived from partial melts of the Neoproterozoic SCLM that formed during rift magmatism in response to breakup of supercontinent Rodinia, and experience subsequent fractional crystallization and magma mixing process. The host monzogranite exhibits typical geochemical characteristics of adakite, i.e., high La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios, low contents of Y (9.5–14.5 ppm) and Yb, no significant Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.81–0.90), suggesting that garnet was stable in their source during partial melting. Its evolved Sr–Nd isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7041–0.7061, and ε_Nd(t) = −3.1 to −4.3] and high contents of K₂O (3.22–3.84%) and Th (13.7–19.0 ppm) clearly indicate an origin from the continental crust. In addition, its high Mg# (51–55), Cr and Ni contents may result from mixing with the SCLM-derived mafic magma. Most of the zircon grains from the adakitic monzogranite show negative ε_Hf(t) values of −9.4 to −0.1 with two-stage Hf model ages of 1,043–1,517 Ma; some zircon grains display positive ε_Hf(t) of 0.1–3.9 with single-stage Hf ages of 704–856 Ma. These indicate that the source region of adakitic monzogranite contains the Neoproterozoic juvenile crust that has the positive ε_Hf(t) values in the Triassic. Thus, the high-Mg adakitic granites in the intracontinental setting would form by mixing between the crustal-derived adakitic magma and the SCLM-derived mafic magma. The mafic and adakitic magmas were generated coevally at Late Triassic, temporally consistent with the exhumation of deeply subducted continental crust in the northern margin of the South China Block. This bimodal magmatism postdates slab breakoff at mantle depths and therefore is suggested as a geodynamic response to lithospheric extension subsequent to the continental collision between the South China and North China Blocks.     

Post-collisional melting of crustal sources: constraints from geochronology,petrology and Sr,Nd isotope geochemistry of the Variscan Sichevita and Poniasca granitoid plutons (South Carpathians,Romania)

The Sichevita and Poniasca plutons belong to an alignment of granites cutting across the metamorphic basement of the Getic Nappe in the South Carpathians. The present work provides SHRIMP age data for the zircon population from a Poniasca biotite diorite and geochemical analyses (major and trace elements, Sr–Nd isotopes) of representative rock types from the two intrusions grading from biotite diorite to biotite K-feldspar porphyritic monzogranite. U–Pb zircon data yielded 311 ± 2 Ma for the intrusion of the biotite diorite. Granites are mostly high-K leucogranites, and biotite diorites are magnesian, and calcic to calc-alkaline. Sr, and Nd isotope and trace element data (REE, Th, Ta, Cr, Ba and Rb) permit distinguishing five different groups of rocks corresponding to several magma batches: the Poniasca biotite diorite (P₁) shows a clear crustal character while the Poniasca granite (P₂) is more juvenile. Conversely, Sichevita biotite diorite (S₁), and a granite (S₂*) are more juvenile than the other Sichevita granites (S₂). Geochemical modelling of major elements and REE suggests that fractional crystallization can account for variations within P₁ and S₁ groups. Dehydration melting of a number of protoliths may be the source of these magma batches. The Variscan basement, a subduction accretion wedge, could correspond to such a heterogeneous source. The intrusion of the Sichevita–Poniasca plutons took place in the final stages of the Variscan orogeny, as is the case for a series of European granites around 310 Ma ago, especially in Bulgaria and in Iberia, no Alleghenian granitoids (late Carboniferous—early Permian times) being known in the Getic nappe. The geodynamical environment of Sichevita–Poniasca was typically post-collisional of the Variscan orogenic phase.     

Late Mesozoic magmatism from the Daye region,eastern China: U–Pb ages,petrogenesis, and geodynamic implications

Late Mesozoic dioritic and quartz dioritic plutons are widespread in the Daye region, eastern Yangtze craton, eastern China. Detailed geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic studies have been undertaken for most of these plutons, in an attempt to provide a comprehensive understanding in the age, genesis and geodynamical control of the extensive magmatism. SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating indicate that the plutons were emplaced in the range of latest Jurassic (ca. 152 Ma) to early Cretaceous (ca. 132 Ma), which was followed by dyke emplacement between 127 and 121 Ma and volcanism during the 130–113 Ma interval. Both diorites and quartz diorites are sodic, metaluminous, high-K calc-alkaline, and characterized by strongly fractionated, sub-parallel REE patterns without obvious Eu anomalies. The rocks are enriched in highly incompatible elements and large ion lithophile elements, but depleted in high field strength elements. Samples of diorite and quartz diorite have similar Sr–Nd isotopic compositions that are consistent with the early Cretaceous basalts and mafic intrusions throughout the eastern Yangtze craton. The geochemical and isotopic data, together with results of geochemical modeling, indicate an enriched mantle source for the plutonic rocks. The quartz diorites have geochemical signatures resembling adakites, such as high Al₂O₃ (15–19 wt.%), Sr (630–2,080 ppm), Na₂O (>3.5 wt.%), negative Nb–Ta anomalies, low Y (7–19 ppm), Yb (0.5–1.8 ppm), Sc (5–15 ppm), and resultant high Sr/Y (45–200) and La/Yb (31–63) ratios. Genesis of the adakitic quartz diorites is best explained in terms of low-pressure intracrustal fractional crystallization of cumulates consisting of hornblende, plagioclase, K-feldspar, magnetite, and apatite from mantle-derived dioritic magmas. Mantle-derived magmatism broadly coeval with that of the Daye region also is widespread in other regions of the eastern Yangtze craton, reflecting large-scale melting of the lithospheric mantle during the Late Mesozoic. The large-scale magmatism was most likely driven by lithospheric extension associated with thinning of lithospheric mantle beneath the eastern China continent.     

Magmatic evolution of the ultramafic–mafic Kharaelakh intrusion (Siberian Craton, Russia): insights from trace-element, U–Pb and Hf-isotope data on zircon

The ultramafic–mafic Kharaelakh intrusion in the northwestern part of the Siberian Craton (Russia) hosts major economic platinum-group-element (PGE)–Cu–Ni sulphide deposits. In situ U–Pb, REE and Hf-isotope analyses of zircon from these rocks, combined with detailed study of crystal morphology and internal structure, identify four zircon populations. U–Pb ages of these populations cover a significant time span (from 347 ± 16 to 235.7 ± 6.1 Ma) suggesting multiple magmatic events that cluster around 350 and 250 Ma, being consistent with two recognised stages of active tectonism in the development of the Siberian Craton. The oldest zircon population, however, represents previously unknown stage of magmatic activity in the Noril’sk area. Epsilon-Hf values of +2.3 to +16.3 in the analysed zircons reflect a dominant role of mantle-derived magmas and suggest that juvenile mantle material was the main source for the ultramafic–mafic Kharaelakh intrusion. A significant range in initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf values, found in zircons that cluster around 250 Ma, indicate mixing between mantle and crustal magma sources. Our findings imply that economic intrusions hosting PGE–Cu–Ni deposits of the Noril’sk area have a far more complex geological history than is commonly assumed.     

Three-step continental-crust growth from subduction accretion and underplating,through intermediary differentiation,to granitoid production

Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb dating, laser-ablation multi-collector ICPMS Hf isotope and electron microprobe element analyses of inherited/antecrystal and magmatic zircons from five granitoid intrusions of Linxi area, in the southern segment of the Great Xing’an Range of China were integrated to solve continental crustal growth mechanisms. These intrusions were divided into two suites. Suites 1 and 2 are mainly granodiorite and syenogranite and correspond to magnesian and ferroan granites, respectively. SHRIMP dating establishes an Early Cretaceous (135–125 Ma) age for most Linxi granitoids and a time of ∼146 Ma when their source rocks were generated or re-melted. However, some granitoids were generated in Early Triassic (241 Ma) and Late Jurassic (146 Ma), after their source rock experienced precursory melting episodes at 263 Ma and 165 Ma, respectively. All zircon ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages (<300 Ma, n = 100), and high positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (n = 175) suggest juvenile source materials with an absence of Precambrian basement. Hf–Nd isotopic decoupling of Linxi granitoids suggests a source component of pelagic sediments, i.e. Paleozoic subduction accretion complexes. Zircon ε_Hf(t) values (t = 263–165 Ma) form a trend sub-parallel to the depleted mantle Hf isotope evolution curve, whilst those with t = 146–125 Ma fall markedly below the latter. The first trend indicates a provenance from essentially subducted oceanic slabs. However, the abrupt ε_Hf(t) decrease, together with extensive Early Cretaceous magmatism, is interpreted as reflecting mantle upwelling and resultant underplating, and exhumation of subducted oceanic slabs. Suite 1 granitoids derive mainly from subducted oceanic slabs or Paleozoic subduction accretion complex, whereas Suite 2 from underplated mafic rock and, subordinately, Paleozoic subduction accretion complex. Compositions of Suites 1 and 2 depend on the hydrous, oxidized or relatively anhydrous, reduced nature of source rocks. Among each of these five intrusions, magmatic zircons have systematically lower ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf than inherited/antecrystal zircons. Hf isotopic and substituting element profiles through inherited/antecrystal zircons (t = 263 to ∼146 Ma) indicate repeated low melt-fraction melting in the source region. In contrast, profiles through inherited/antecrystal and magmatic zircons (t = 146–125 Ma) reveal melting region expansion with a widening range of source compositions and increasing melt fractions. These results lead to the conclusion that continental growth in this region involved a three-step process. This included subduction accretion and repeated underplating, intermediary differentiation of juvenile rocks, and granitoid production from these differentiated rocks.     

Timing of UHP metamorphism in the Hong’an area,western Dabie Mountains,China: evidence from zircon U–Pb age,trace element and Hf isotope composition

The Hong’an area (western Dabie Mountains) is the westernmost terrane in the Qinling-Dabie-Sulu orogen that preserves UHP eclogites. The ages of the UHP metamorphism have not been well constrained, and thus hinder our understanding of the tectonic evolution of this area. LA-ICPMS U–Pb age, trace element and Hf isotope compositions of zircons of a granitic gneiss and an eclogite from the Xinxian UHP unit in the Hong’an area were analyzed to constrain the age of the UHP metamorphism. Most zircons are unzoned or show sector zoning. They have low trace element concentrations, without significant negative Eu anomalies. These metamorphic zircons can be further subdivided into two groups according to their U–Pb ages, and trace element and Lu–Hf isotope compositions. One group with an average age of 239 ± 2 Ma show relatively high and variable HREE contents (527 ≥ Lu_N ≥ 14) and ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios (0.00008–0.000931), indicating their growth prior to a great deal of garnet growth in the late stage of continental subduction. The other group yields an average age of 227 ± 2 Ma, and shows consistent low HREE contents and ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, suggesting their growth with concurrent garnet crystallization and/or recrystallization. These two groups of age are taken as recording the time of prograde HP to UHP and retrograde UHP–HP stages, respectively. A few cores have high Th/U ratios, high trace element contents, and a clear negative Eu anomaly. These features support a magmatic origin of these zircon cores. The upper intercept ages of 771 ± 86 and 752 ± 70 Ma for the granitic gneiss and eclogite, respectively, indicate that their protoliths probably formed as a bimodal suite in rifting zones in the northern margin of the Yangtze Block. Young Hf model ages (T _DM1) of magmatic cores indicate juvenile (mantle-derived) materials were involved in their protolith formation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Archean to Middle Proterozoic evolution of Baltica subcontinental lithosphere: evidence from combined Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf isotope analyses of the Sandvik ultramafic body,Norway

Combined Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf age and isotope data indicate that Mg- and Cr-rich ultramafic rocks at Sandvik, Western Gneiss Region (WGR), Norway, originated from depleted Archean lithospheric mantle that was chemically and physically modified in Middle Proterozoic time. The Sandvik outcrop consists of garnet peridotite and garnet-olivine pyroxenite and thin garnet pyroxenite layers. These contain two principal mineral assemblages: an earlier porphyroclastic assemblage of grt + opx + cpx ± ol (1,200–1,000°C, 40–50 kbar) and a later kelyphitic assemblage of grt + spl + am ± opx ± ol (700–750°C; 12–18 kbar). A CHUR Hf model age indicates a period of melt extraction at ca. 3.3 Ga for garnet peridotite, reflecting extremely high Lu/Hf ratios and very radiogenic present-day ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf (ε_Hf=+2,165). Lu–Hf garnet-cpx-whole rock ages of two olivine-bearing samples (garnet peridotite and garnet-olivine pyroxenite) from the outcrop are ca. 1,255 Ma, whereas two olivine-free garnet pyroxenites yield Lu–Hf ages of ca. 1,185 Ma. All Sm–Nd garnet-cpx-whole rock ages of these samples are significantly younger (ca. 1,150 Ma for garnet peridotite and ca. 1,120 Ma for garnet pyroxenite). The isotope systematics indicate that the Lu–Hf ages represent cooling from an earlier period of formation/recrystallization for garnet peridotite whereas they probably reflect formation/recrystallization ages of the garnet pyroxenite. The Sm–Nd ages and isotope systematics of the garnet peridotite samples are consistent with an episode of LREE metasomatism, perhaps facilitated by a fluid of carbonatitic composition that strongly decoupled Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf. The Sm–Nd ages of the garnet pyroxenite may represent either LREE metasomatism or cooling, and, like the peridotites, Lu–Hf ages are older than Sm–Nd ages. The age data, as well as the inferred Nd isotope composition of the fluid that affected the olivine-bearing samples, suggest that these rocks were not in contact during the LREE metasomatic event. Moreover, the pyroxenite layers cannot have been emplaced as magmas into the host peridotite. The pyroxenite layers are interpreted to be tectonically juxtaposed with the host olivine-bearing samples sometime after 1,150 Ma but before development of kelyphite.     

拉萨地块林芝杂岩体石榴角闪岩的地球化学特征和年代学研究

本文对位于青藏高原拉萨地体东南缘林芝杂岩中的两类石榴角闪岩进行了详细的地球化学和锆石U-Pb年代学研究。这两类石榴角闪岩分别为硅不饱和的含十字石石榴角闪岩和硅饱和的含石英石榴角闪岩。含十字石石榴角闪岩矿物组合为十字石、石榴子石、角闪石、钠云母、绿泥石、斜长石。石英石榴角闪岩矿物组合为石榴子石、角闪石、石英、斜长石、黑云母。岩石学及变质相平衡研究表明两类石榴角闪岩均经历了高压角闪岩相变质作用。含十字石石榴角闪岩和石英石榴角闪岩具有MORB的地球化学特征,锆石U-Pb年代学分析获得了800~200 Ma的206Pb/238U年龄范围,出现了~430 Ma、~268 Ma和~216 Ma年龄峰值。~430 Ma年龄可能和拉萨地体岩浆活动有关,~268 Ma变质年龄和~216 Ma变质年龄和拉萨地块经历的高压变质作用有关。其中~268 Ma年龄和拉萨地块内部松多高压带榴辉岩的峰期变质年龄一致,而~216 Ma年龄和榴辉岩的围岩含石榴子石片岩年龄一致。对比该区域的年代学研究成果,这表明林芝杂岩体不仅经历了中新生代的变质和岩浆再造活动,还经历了古特提斯洋闭合,南北拉萨地块发生碰撞的晚二叠世的高压变质作用和三叠纪的中压变质作用。     

Magma accumulation rates and thermal histories of plutons of the Sierra Nevada batholith,CA

Zircon U–Pb geochronology results indicate that the John Muir Intrusive Suite of the central Sierra Nevada batholith, California, was assembled over a period of at least 12 Ma between 96 and 84 Ma. Bulk mineral thermochronology (U–Pb zircon and titanite, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar hornblende and biotite) of rocks from multiple plutons comprising the Muir suite indicates rapid cooling through titanite and hornblende closure following intrusion and subsequent slow cooling through biotite closure. Assembly of intrusive suites in the Sierra Nevada and elsewhere over millions of years favors growth by incremental intrusion. Estimated long-term pluton assembly rates for the John Muir Intrusive Suite are on the order of 0.001 km³ a⁻¹ which is inconsistent with the rapid magma fluxes that are necessary to form large-volume magma chambers capable of producing caldera-forming eruptions. If large shallow crustal magma chambers do not typically develop during assembly of large zoned intrusive suites, it is doubtful that the intrusive suites represent cumulates left behind following caldera-forming eruptions.     

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

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

U–Pb geochronology of gneisses and granitoids from the Danish island of Bornholm: new evidence for 1.47–1.45 Ga magmatism at the southwestern margin of the East European Craton

The Danish island of Bornholm is located at the southwestern margin of the Fennoscandian Shield, and features exposed Precambrian basement in its northern and central parts. In this paper, we present new U–Pb zircon and titanite ages for granites and orthogneisses from 13 different localities on Bornholm. The crystallization ages of the protolith rocks all fall within the range 1,475–1,445 Ma (weighted average ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of zircon). Minor age differences, however, may imply a multi-phase emplacement history of the granitoid complex. The presence of occasional inherited zircons (with ages of 1,700–1,800 Ma) indicates that the Bornholm granitoids were influenced by older crustal material. The east–west fabric observed in most of the studied granites and gneisses, presumably originated by deformation in close connection with the magmatism at 1,470–1,450 Ma. Most titanite U–Pb ages fall between 1,450 and 1,430 Ma, reflecting post-magmatic or post-metamorphic cooling. Granitoid magmatism at ca. 1.45 Ga along the southwestern margin of the East European Craton has previously been reported from southern Sweden and Lithuania. The ages obtained in this study indicate that the Bornholm magmatism also was part of this Mesoproterozoic event.     

Zircon Hf isotope perspective on the origin of granitic rocks from eastern Bavaria, SW Bohemian Massif

The petrogenetic potential of in situ laser ablation Hf isotope data from melt precipitated zircons was explored through the analyses of about 700 individual crystals derived from about 20 different granitic intrusions covering the Variscan basement segment of eastern Bavaria, SE Germany. In combination with geochemical features, four major suites of granitic rocks can be distinguished: (1) NE Bavarian redwitzites (52–57 wt% SiO₂, intrusion ages around 323 Ma) have chondritic εHf(t) values (+0.8 to –0.4). The redwitzites are hybrid rocks and the Hf data are permissive of mixing of a mantle progenitor and crustal melts. (2) Various intermediate rock types (dioritic dyke, granodiorite, palite, 59–63 wt% SiO₂, 334–320 Ma) from the Bavarian Forest yield negative εHf(t) values between –3.4 and –5.1. These values which apparently contradict a mantle contribution fingerprint an enriched (metasomatized) mantle component that was mixed with crustal material. (3) Voluminous, major crust forming granites sensu stricto (67–75 wt% SiO₂, 328–298 Ma) are characterized by a range in εHf(t) values from –0.5 to –5.6. Different crustal sources and/or modification of crustal melts by various input of juvenile material can explain this variation. (4) Post-plutonic (c. 299 Ma) porphyritic dykes of dacitic composition (64–67 wt% SiO₂) from the southern Bavarian Forest have chondritic εHf(t) values (+0.6 to –1.1) and display large intergrain Hf isotope variation. The dykes form a separate petrogenetic group and the Hf data suggest that the zircons crystallized when a pristine mantle-derived parental melt was modified by infiltration of crustal material. The zircon Hf data form a largely coherent positive array with the whole-rock Nd data and both systems yield similar two-stage depleted mantle model ages (1.1–1.7 Ga).     

Cambrian granitic gneiss within the central Qiangtang terrane,Tibetan Plateau: implications for the early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Gondwanan margin

ABSTRACT

The Tibetan Plateau is located in the eastern Himalayan–Alpine orogen, an area where previous research has focused on ophiolites and a high-pressure metamorphic belt, whereas comparatively little research has been undertaken on the Tibetan basement. Cambrian granitic gneiss crops out in the Duguer area of the South Qiangtang terrane in northern Tibet and yields zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb ages of 502–492 Ma, providing insight into the possible existence of basement rocks within the South Qiangtang terrane. The granitic gneisses are geochemically similar to high-K, calc-alkaline S-type granites, and Hf isotopic analysis of zircons within the gneisses yields negative εHf(t) values (–7.4 to – 1.1) and old zircon Hf model ages (T_DM^C = 1757–1406 Ma). These granitic gneisses were generated by partial melting of ancient pelitic rocks, and the resulting melts were contaminated by a small amount of mantle-derived material. Combining our new data with previous research, we conclude that these Cambrian granitic gneisses developed in a post-collisional tectonic setting after Pan-African tectonism. This suggests that the South Qiangtang terrane might have the same early Palaeozoic crystalline basement as the Lhasa, Himalaya, Baoshan, Gongshan, and Tengchong terranes.     

In-situ U–Pb SIMS dating and trace element (EMPA) composition of zircon from a granodiorite porphyry in the Wushan copper deposit, China

Summary Zircons from a granodiorite porphyry at the Wushan copper deposit in the Lower Changjiang Metallogenic Belt, east central China, were dated using a Cameca IMS 1270 secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS); their chemical compositions and Hf isotopes were analyzed using a JEOL JX A8800 electron microprobe (EMPA) and a Neptune LA-MC-ICP-MS, respectively. The U–Pb dating of zircon reveals two age groups for the granodiorite porphyry; i.e. 144.6 ± 3.9 Ma and 121.0 ± 2.5 Ma. Zircons of the two age populations display distinct chemical compositional characteristics with respect to UO₂/HfO₂ ratios, and show a negative correlation of (UO₂ + Y₂O₃ + ThO₂) and HfO₂. The older age group of ∼145 Ma, defined by the majority of the zircons, is interpreted as the magmatic emplacement age, whereas the younger age group of ∼121 Ma is interpreted as rejuvenation due to subsequent thermal or hydrothermal events. Other interpretations such as presence of two distinct magmatic crystallization stages or inheritance of the older zircons are also discussed in the paper. The ∼145 Ma magmatism at Wushan is consistent with the ages of most of the granitods in the Lower Changjiang Metallogenic Belt. The Hf isotope composition of zircons (ɛ_Hf = −2.1 and −7.0; T_DM^Hf ages = 0.87 and 1.05 Ga), together with other available geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope data suggest that the granodioritic magma was derived from mixing of juvenile mantle with older crustal material. Due to the close spatial and temporal relationship of the granodiorite porphyry and the skarn mineralization at Wushan, the magamatic hydrothermal mineralization likely took place between 145 Ma and 121 Ma, likely around 121 Ma.