Origin of the Yinshan epithermal-porphyry Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,southeastern China: insights from geochemistry,Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Yinshan deposit is a large epithermal-porphyry polymetallic deposit, and the timing and petrogenesis of ore-hosting porphyries have been hotly debated. We present new results from geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic investigations. Zircon U–Pb data demonstrate that the quartz porphyry, dacitic porphyry, and quartz dioritic porphyry formed at ?172.2 ± 0.4 Ma, ?171.7 ± 0.5 Ma, and ?170.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Inherited zircon cores show significant age spreads from ?730 to ?1390 Ma. Geochemically, they are high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonitic rocks with arc-like trace element patterns. They have similar whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions, yet an increasing trend in ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values typifies the suite. Older (inherited) zircons of the three porphyries display Hf compositions comparable to those of the Jiangnan Orogen basement rocks. In situ zircon oxygen isotopic analyses reveal that they have similar oxygen isotopic compositions, which are close to those of mantle zircons. Moreover, a decreasing trend of δ¹⁸O values is present. We propose that the ore-related porphyries of the Yinshan deposit were emplaced contemporaneously and derived from partial melting of Neoproterozoic arc-derived mafic (or ultra-mafic) rocks. Modelling suggests that the quartz porphyries, dacitic porphyries, and quartz dioritic porphyries experienced ?25%, ?10%, and ?10% crustal contaminations by Shuangqiaoshan rocks. Our study provides important constraints on mantle–crust interaction in the genesis of polymetallic mineralization associated with Mesozoic magmatism in southeastern China.     

Early Paleozoic batholiths in the northern part of the Kuznetsk Alatau: Composition,age, and sources

The paper reports geological, chemical, and geochronological data on the Early Paleozoic granitoid and gabbro-granite associations, which compose the Kozhukhovskii and Dudetskii batholiths in the northern part of the Kuznetsk Alatau. The Kozhukhovskii batholith located in the Alatau volcanoplutonic belt is made up of tholeiitic, calc-alkaline, and subalkaline rocks that were formed in two stages. The first stage corresponded to the formation of granitoids of the Tylinskii quartz diorite-tonalite-plagiogranite complex (～530 Ma, Tylinskii Massif, tholeiitic type) in an island arc setting. The second stage (～500 Ma) produced the Martaiga quartz diorite-tonalite-plagiogranite complex (Kozhukhovskii Massif, calc-alkaline type) and the Krasnokamenskii monzodiorite-syenite-granosyenite complex (Krasnokamenskii Massif, subalkaline type) in an accretionary-collisional setting. The Dudetskii batholith is situated in the Altai-Kuznetsk volcanoplutonic belt and contains widespread subalkaline intrusive rocks (Malodudetskii monzogabbro-monzodiorite-syenite and Karnayul’skii granosyenite-leucogranite complexes) and less abundant alkaline rocks (Verkhnepetropavlovskii carbonatite-bearing alkaline-gabbroid complex), which were formed within the age range of 500–485 Ma. Our Nd isotopic studies suggest mainly a subduction source of the rocks of the Kozhukhovskii batholith (ε_Nd from + 4.8 to + 4.2). Subalkaline rocks of the Dudetskii batholith exhibit wide isotopic variations. The Nd isotopic composition of monzodiorites and monzogabbro of the Malodudetskii Complex (ε_Nd = + 6.6), in association with the elevated alkalinity and high Nb and Ta contents of these rocks, testifies to the predominant contribution of an enriched mantle source at the participation of a depleted mantle source. The lower ε_Nd (from + 3.2 to + 1.9) in its syenites possibly indicates their generation through melting of metabasic rocks derived from enriched mantle protolith. The rocks of the Karnayul’skii Complex have lower Nb and Ta contents at similar ε_Nd (+3.6), which suggests some crustal contribution to their formation.     

Synmetamorphic granitoids (~ 490 Ma) as accretion indicators in the evolution of the Ol’khon terrane (western Cisbaikalia)

We present geological, structural, and geochemical data on synmetamorphic granitoids from the Tutai and South Ol’khon plutons of the Ol’khon terrane (Central Asian Fold Belt) with an estimation of the U–Pb zircon age of the Tutai granites. The structural and petrological data suggest the synfolding and synmetamorphic origin of the granitoids. The U–Pb zircon age of the Tutai granites (488.6 ± 8.0 Ma) almost coincides with the previously estimated age of quartz syenites from the South Ol’khon pluton (495 ± 6 Ma). The plutons occupy the same position in the regional structure. The granitoids underwent final deformations and metamorphism at 464 ± 11 Ma. The Tutai pluton consists of moderately potassic granites, whereas the South Ol’khon pluton is made up of quartz syenites and granites. The geochemical characteristics of the granites from both plutons (low Y and Yb contents, fractionated REE patterns) indicate their formation under conditions of garnet crystallization in deep crustal restite. The higher Y and Yb contents of the South Ol’khon quartz syenites as compared with those of the granites suggest the lack of equilibrium between the quartz syenite magmas and garnet parageneses during their formation or evolution. The Tutai and South Ol’khon granites were derived from quartz-feldspar crustal rocks, whereas the South Ol’khon quartz syenites might have originated from a mixed (crust-mantle) source. It is presumed that the granitoids formed within accretion-thickened crust. Early accretion, which has been first identified in the region, affected not only the Pribrezhnaya zone (the zone of the Tutai and South Ol’khon plutons) but also the entire Anga–Satyurty megazone of the Ol’khon terrane. The accretion ended with the convergence and oblique collision of the Ol’khon terrane and Siberian continent, when strike-slip tectonics became ubiquitous.     

Neoproterozoic collisional S-type granitoids of the Yenisei Ridge: petrogeochemical composition and U-Pb,Ar-Ar,and Sm-Nd isotope data

Collisional granitoid magmatism caused by the Early Neoproterozoic orogeny in the west of the Siberian craton is considered. New data on the petrogeochemical composition, U-Pb (SHRIMP II), Ar-Ar, and Sm-Nd isotopic ages of the Middle Tyrada granitoid massif in the northwestern Yenisei Ridge are presented. Plagiogranites, granodiorites, and quartz diorites of the massif are of calcareous and calc-alkalic composition. The elevated alumina contents and presence of accessory garnet permit them to be assigned to S-type granitoids. Their spidergrams show Rb, Ba, and Th enrichment, minimum Nb, P, and Ti contents, and no Sr depletion. The granitoids formed through the melting of plagioclase-enriched graywacke source, obviously Paleoproterozoic metaterrigenous rocks of the Garevka Formation and Teya Group (T_Nd(DM) = 2.0-2.5 Ga), judging from the isotope composition of the granitoids (T_Nd(DM-2st) = 2200 Ma and 8_Nd(T) = − 6.0) and the presence of ancient zircon cores (1.80-1.85 Ga). Formation of granitoids took place in the final epoch of the Grenville collision events in the late Early Neoproterozoic (U-Pb zircon age is 857.0 ± 9.5 Ma). In the Late Neoproterozoic, the granitoids underwent tectonothermal reworking caused by Vendian accretion and collision events on the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton, which explain the younger K-Ar biotite age, 615.5 ± 6.3 Ma.     

Sm-Nd systematics and petrology of postorogenic granitoids in the northern Baltic Shield

In the northern part of the Baltic Shield, quartz diorites, diorites, and monzodiorites compose massifs of postorogenic granites, in which younger granite phases are restricted to their central parts, and dike rocks (aplites, pegmatites, and granite porphyries) occur in the apical parts. The rocks of the Litsa-Araguba Complex (which is located in the northwestern part of the Kola Peninsula and was examined most thoroughly) compose seven intrusions 850 km² in total area, which were formed in mesoabyssal and hypabyssal depth facies. The massifs consist of quartz diorites and monzodiorites dated at 1774 ± 9 Ma, diorites, diorite porphyries, and lamprophyres, which are distinguished as phase 1. The porphyritic and equigranular granites, granodiorites, quartz monzonites, granites, alaskites and related vein leucogranites, pegmatites, and granite porphyries of phases 2 (main), 3, and 4 have an age of 1772–1762 Ma. Data obtained on the Sm-Nd systematics of the rocks indicate that their ?_Nd(1765) values are close to those for rocks of phases 1, 2, and 3 (from ?6.8 to ?8.8) and vary from ?5.0 to ?11.9 for the leucocratic granites of phase 4. The model age values are, respectively, 2.37–2.62 and 2.58–3.23 Ga. These data suggest that the parental melts were of anatectic genesis and were produced by the melting of mostly metasomatically altered garnet granulites from the lower crust. The leucogranites and alaskites of phase 4, which occur as relatively thin bodies in the rocks of the Archean Complex penetrated by the Kola Superdeep Borehole, were derived from a Neoarchean sialic source or produced by the contamination of the parental melts with the material of the Late Archean upper crust. The SHRIMP-II zircon age of the lower crustal migmatized garnet granulites lies within the range of 1831 ± 23 to 1392 ± 21 Ma in the concordia plot. All dates of the rocks are characterized by a unimodal distribution with most values lying within the range of 1650–1800 Ma and approximated by a discordia with T₁ = 1750 ± 30 Ma, MSWD = 3.1. This age value can be interpreted as an averaged age of the lower crustal granitization and corresponds, within the errors, to the age of postorogenic granite intrusions in the upper crust.     

Isotopic geochronology of the archean posttectonic association of sanukitoids, syenites, and granitoids in central Karelia

The U-Pb geochronological study (by the classic technique and on an ion microprobe) of syenites from central Karelia has established their Archean age. The age values obtained for individual massifs are 2735 ± 15 Ma for syenites from the Sjargozero Massif and 2745 ± 10 Ma for syenite from the Khizhjarvi Massif. The syenites are demonstrated to have been emplaced nearly synchronously with sanukitoid massifs in central Karelia, whose average age is 2743 ± 3 Ma (Bibikova et al., 2005). The syenites of the Sjargozero Massif and granodiorites of the Ust-Volomsky Massif were determined to have practically identical ages of 2735 and 2738 Ma, respectively, a fact also corroborating the coeval character of the syenites and granodiorites. Some zircon grains from the Sjargozero syenites contain cores with an age of about 2755 Ma, which suggests that the syenites could have been contaminated with the material of the host volcanic rocks of basaltic and andesitic composition that were metamorphosed at 2750–2760 Ma. The results of the isotopic geochronologic research indicate that the different rock groups composing the Archean postorogenic association of sanukitoids, syenites, and granitoids in central Karelia have been generated in a single stage at approximately 2740 Ma, i.e., 60–70 m.y. after the origin of the syntectonic tonalites. The zircons have elevated Th/U ratios, which is consistent with the mantle genesis of the rocks. Significant crustal contamination was identified in the most acid members of the sanukitoid series: syenites and granitoids. Our data obtained for zircons from the sanukitoids and syenites of the Karelian craton in the Baltic Shield are in good agreement with the results obtained on the sanukitoids of the Canadian Shield.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Permian granitoids in the northwestern margin of the North China Craton: insights from the Dongshengmiao pluton,Inner Mongolia

Permian granitoid emplacement represents one of the most important tectonothermal events in the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). In this study, we collected geochronological and geochemical data of the regional Permian granitoid in the northwestern margin of the NCC, and investigated the Dongshengmiao pluton, using it as an example to constrain the regional granitoid petrogenesis and its geodynamic settings. The Dongshengmiao pluton contains porphyritic granite and quartz diorite. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results have constrained the granitoid emplacement to be ca. 287?275 Ma. The Dongshengmiao granitoids have a SiO₂ range of 58.4?76.5%, moderate to high alkali content (Na₂O + K₂O = 5.16–7.94%), and are rich in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Rb, Ba) and depleted in high-field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti). The zircons in quartz diorite have ε_Hf(t) values of ?15.6 to ?11.1 with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 1997–2281 Ma, suggesting that the magma was derived from partial melting of old continental materials. In contrast, porphyritic granite shows variable Hf isotopic composition with ε_Hf(t) values of ?13.7 to ?2.6 and T_DM2 of 1471–2167 Ma, indicating a heterogeneous magma source. Besides the Dongshengmiao pluton, all the Permian granitoids in the northwestern margin of the NCC exhibit similar geochemical characteristics, including enrichment in LILEs, depletion in Nb and Ta, and enriched Hf isotopic signatures. The comprehensive geochemical data indicate that these Permian granitoids are derived from magma mixing between dominant partial melting of ancient felsic crustal materials and minor juvenile basaltic magma. Tectonically, the Dongshengmiao and other granitoids in the northwestern margin of the NCC may have been formed in a post-collisional extensional setting.     

First U-Pb and Sm-Nd isotopic data on granitoids from the Devonian volcanic belt of Kazakhstan

First U-Pb zircon isotopic dates were obtained for rocks from the Devonian volcanic belt in Kazakhstan. The granodiorites of the Zhabden Massif (Karamendinskii Complex) were dated at 391 ± 1 Ma. The Sm-Nd isotopic system of a whole-rock granodiorite sample (?_Nd = 2.5) suggests a high percentage of mantle material in the initial granite melt, which is in good agreement with known data on granitoids in neighboring territories in Kazakhstan. With regard for the isotopic dates obtained for the granodiorites, the material of their source was separated from the mantle at 946 Ma.     

Permian–Carboniferous arc magmatism in southern Mexico: U–Pb dating,trace element and Hf isotopic evidence on zircons of earliest subduction beneath the western margin of Gondwana

Undeformed felsic to mafic igneous rocks, dated by U–Pb zircon geochronology between 311 and 255 Ma, intrude different units of the Oaxacan and Acatlán metamorphic complexes in southwestern Mexico. Rare earth element concentrations on zircons from most of these magmatic rocks have a typical igneous character, with fractionated heavy rare earths and negative Eu anomalies. Only inherited Precambrian zircons are depleted in heavy rare earth elements, which suggest contemporaneous crystallization in equilibrium with metamorphic garnet during granulite facies metamorphism. Hf isotopic signatures are, however, different among these magmatic units. For example, zircons from two of these magmatic units (Cuanana pluton and Honduras batholith) have positive εHf values (+3.8–+8.5) and depleted mantle model ages (using a mean crustal value of ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf = 0.015) (T _DMC) ranging between 756 and 1,057 Ma, whereas zircons from the rest of the magmatic units (Etla granite, Zaniza batholith, Carbonera stock and Sosola rhyolite) have negative εHf values (?1 to ?14) and model ages between 1,330 and 2,160 Ma. This suggests either recycling of different crustal sources or, more likely, different extents of crustal contamination of arc-related mafic magmas in which the Oaxacan Complex acted as the main contaminant. These plutons thus represent the magmatic expression of the initial stages of eastward subduction of the Pacific plate beneath the western margin of Gondwana, and confirm the existence of a Late Carboniferous–Permian magmatic arc that extended from southern North America to Central America.     

Age and Origin of Paleogene Granitoids from Western Yunnan Province, China: Geochemistry, SHRIMP Zircon Ages, and Hf-in-Zircon Isotopic Compositions

We report geochemical data, SHRIMP zircon ages and Hf-in-zircon isotopic compositions for Cenozoic granitoids from major fault systems in the Tethyan belt in western Yunnan Province, southwestern China.Four magmatic pulses occurred in the Paleogene, namely at ca.57 Ma, ca.50 Ma, 45–40 Ma, and 38–34 Ma.Early magmatism of this episode(57–50 Ma) produced S-type granites whose zircons yielded εHf(t) values of-5.0 to-0.3.In contrast, late magmatism of this episode reflects heterogeneous sources.Zircons from a granite porphyry along the Ailaoshan-Red River fault system have slightly positive εHf(t) values suggesting derivation from relatively young crust and/or a juvenile source.However, zircons from a granite along the Gaoligong fault system have strongly negative εHf(t) values and suggest derivation from a Paleoproterozoic crustal source.The composition of the granitoids varies with age(from ca.57 Ma to ca.34 Ma) from peraluminous to metaluminous and also suggests a change from syn-collisional to late-orogenic tectonic setting.A new tectonic model, impacting lithospheric wedge(ILW) is shown for the origin of Paleogene granitoids in this paper.     

阿尔泰造山带变质岩系时代问题的讨论

针对目前阿尔泰地区变质岩系时代划分中年龄数据应用的一些问题,提出如下认识:富蕴县城西的石榴石片麻岩中锆石UPb上交点年龄2349±226Ma(2σ),初步确证了该区古元古代大陆地壳岩石的存在;克木齐群和富蕴群变质岩全岩SmNd等时线年龄代表其母岩形成时代。变质岩系和显生宙花岗岩类的Nd模式年龄,以及各种类型岩石中长石Pb二阶段模式t1年龄仅指出存在前寒武纪大陆地壳的可能性,没有真正的年龄意义,不能作为划分地层时代的依据。阿尔泰造山带是否存在1400Ma和700～900Ma的变质岩系岩石,至今仍缺乏可靠年龄数据的佐证     

On the geodynamics of the Alpine collisional granitoids from Central Anatolia: petrology,age and isotopic characteristics of the granitoids of the Ekecikdağ Igneous Association (Aksaray/Turkey)

Granitoids of the Ekecikda? Igneous Association (Central Anatolia/Turkey) are products of collisional–post-collisional magmatism in the Ekecikda? area. These granitoids are granodiorite, microgranite and leucogranite. Field relations of granodiorites with microgranites is obscured, but leucogranites intrude both rock types. Mean zircon laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS ²⁰⁶Pb-²³⁸U ages of granodiorites and microgranites are 84.52 ± 0.93 Ma and 80.7 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively, and age of leucogranites is suggested as 80 Ma, based on field relations combined with ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U and Rb-Sr ages. Crystallisation temperatures of granodiorites, microgranites and leucogranites are 728°C-848°C, 797°C-880°C, 704°C-809°C, respectively.

Geochemical characteristics including Sr-Nd isotopic evidences infer a non-cogenetic character, as there is a high crustal contribution in I-type granodiorite sources, a crustal source with insignificant and significant mantle inputs in S-type microgranites and leucogranites, respectively. LA-ICP-MS Lu-Hf isotope data from zircons reveal their crustal nature (εHf_(t): ?1.3 ± 0.5 to ?8.8 ± 0.5). Crustal melting linked to the Alpine thickening during the Late Cretaceous led to formation of heterogeneous sourced granitoids with crustal dominated sources in the Ekecikda? area. Understanding of the nature and evolution of collisional Ekecikda? granitoids is not only important to put contribution in the geodynamic evolution of Central Anatolia and surrounding Alpine area, but also to better understand systematics of collisional magmatic systems.     

Late Paleozoic magmatism and metallogenesis in the Aqishan-Yamansu belt,Eastern Tianshan: Constraints from the Bailingshan intrusive complex

The Aqishan-Yamansu belt in the Eastern Tianshan (NW China) contains many intermediate to felsic intrusive rocks and spatially and temporally associated Fe (-Cu) deposits. Zircon U-Pb dating of the Bailingshan granitoids, including diorite enclaves (in granodiorite), diorite, monzogranite and granodiorite, and andesitic tuff from the Shuanglong Fe-Cu deposit area yielded ages of 329.3 ± 2.1 Ma, 323.4 ± 2.6 Ma, 313.0 ± 2.0 Ma, 307.5 ± 1.7 Ma and 318.0 ± 2.0 Ma, respectively. These new ages, in combination with published data can be used to subdivide magmatism of the Bailingshan intrusive complex into three phases at ca. 329–323 Ma, ca. 318–313 Ma and ca. 308–297 Ma. Of the analyzed rocks of this study, the Shuanglong diorite enclave, diorite and andesitic tuff show calc-alkaline affinities, exhibiting LILE enrichment and HFSE depletion, with negative Nb and Ta anomalies. They have high MgO contents and Mg^# values, with depleted ε_Hf(t) and positive ε_Nd(t) values, similar crustal-derived Nb/Ta and Y/Nb ratios, low Th/Yb and Th/Nb, and high Ba/La ratios, which are consistent with them being sourced from a depleted mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and crustal contamination. However, the monzogranite and granodiorite are metaluminous with characteristics of low- to high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites. The granitic rocks are enriched in LILE, depleted in HFSE and have significant Eu anomalies, with high Y contents and low Sr/Y ratios, resembling typical of normal arc magmas. Depleted ε_Hf(t) and positive ε_Nd(t) values with corresponding young T_DM^C ages of zircons, as well as Nb/Ta, Y/Nb, Th/U and La/Yb ratios suggest that the granitic rocks were probably formed by re-melting of juvenile lower crust or pre-existing mantle-derived mafic–intermediate igneous rocks. Integrating published data, we conclude that the Bailingshan granitoids (excluding the Shuanglong diorite and diorite enclave) were derived from re-melting of juvenile lower crust and mantle-derived mafic–intermediate igneous rocks, with mantle components playing a more prominent role in the formation of the younger and more felsic rocks. A comprehensive review, including our new data, suggests that the Aqishan-Yamansu belt formed as a fore-arc basin during the Carboniferous (ca. 350–300 Ma) when the Kangguer oceanic slab subducted beneath the Yili-Central Tianshan block. The ongoing southward subduction of the slab resulted in the closure of the Aqishan-Yamansu fore-arc basin (ca. 320–300 Ma), due to slab steepening and rollback followed by slab breakoff and rebound. During the Aqishan-Yamansu fore-arc basin inversion, the main phase of the Bailingshan granitoids emplaced in the Aqishan-Yamansu belt, accompanied by contemporary Fe and Fe-Cu mineralization.     

Neoproterozoic alkaline intrusive complex in the northwestern Yangtze Block,Micang Mountains region,South China: petrogenesis and tectonic significance

Voluminous Neoproterozoic mafic–ultramafic, felsic, and alkaline intrusions are found in the northern Yangtze Block, South China. Here, we present whole-rock major and trace element, and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, together with zircon U–Pb ages, for syenite and gabbro samples from the Shuimo–Zhongziyuan alkaline intrusive complex in the Micang Mountains region at the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Block. Zircon U–Pb dating yields crystallization ages for the Na- and K-rich Shuimo syenites of 869 ± 4 (MSWD = 0.85, 2σ) and 860 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.47, 2σ), respectively, and for the Zhongziyuan gabbros of 753 ± 4 Ma (MSWD = 0.23, 2σ), indicating that the syenites and gabbros represent different stages of magmatism. The syenites include both Na- and K-rich types and have high values of the Rittman index (σ), and high SiO₂ and Na₂O + K₂O contents. These syenites are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE), with high (La/Yb)_N values and small negative and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.74–1.17). In contrast, the gabbros have lower SiO₂ and Na₂O + K₂O contents, are only slightly enriched in LREEs, are enriched in LILE but depleted in HFSEs, and have small negative and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.86–1.37). The syenites have low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.703340) and ?_Nd(t) values (+1.9 to +7.7). The gabbros have relatively high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.703562–0.704933) and positive ?_Nd(t) values (+1.6 to +4.5). These data suggest that the syenites and gabbros are isotopically similar and were largely derived from melts of depleted mantle. The syenites underwent significant fractional crystallization and small amounts of crustal contamination during magma evolution. In contrast, the gabbros were formed by partial melting (>15%) of a garnet lherzolite source and might also have experienced crustal assimilation. Taking into account the geochemical signatures and magmatic events, we propose that the Shuimo syenites formed in an intra-arc rifting setting, however, the Zhongziyuan gabbros were most likely produced in a subduction-related, continental margin arc setting during the Neoproterozoic, thus suggesting that the alkaline intrusive complex were formed by the arc-related magmatism in the Micang Mountains.     

Petrogenesis and evolution of late Mesozoic granitic magmatism in the Hohhot metamorphic core complex,Daqing Shan,North China

Late Mesozoic granitoid plutons of four distinct ages intrude the lower plate of the Hohhot metamorphic core complex along the northern margin of the North China craton. The plutons belong to two main groups: (1) Group I, deformed granitoids (148 and 140 Ma subgroups) with high Sr, LREE, and Na₂O, low Y and Yb contents, high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, weak or no Eu anomalies, low Rb/Ba ratios, similar initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.7064–0.7071) and low Mg^# (<37 mostly, 100?×?molar MgO/MgO + FeO _t ); (2) Group II, non-deformed granitoids (132 and 114 Ma subgroups) with low Sr, relatively low Na₂O, high Y and Yb contents, pronounced negative Eu anomalies, high Rb/Ba ratios, and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.7098–0.7161). The two groups share geochemical similarities in ?_Nd(t) (–11.3 to –15.4) and T _DM2 ages (1.85–2.18 thousand million years) as well as Hf isotopic ratios in zircons. Geochemical modelling (using the MELTS code) suggests that similar sources but different depths of magma generation produced the early, high-pressure low-Mg adakitic granitoids and late, low-pressure granitoids with A-type characteristics. The early granitoids likely represent a partially melted, deep-seated, thickened lower continental crust that involved a minor contribution from young materials, whereas the later group partially melted at shallower depths. This granitic magmatic evolution coincided with the tectonic transition from crustal contraction to extension.     

Diversity of Archean crust in the eastern Tula Mountains,Napier Complex,East Antarctica

The Napier Complex of Enderby and Kemp Lands forms the north-western part of the East Antarctic Shield and consists predominantly of gneisses and granulites metamorphosed during a ca. 2.8 Ga high-grade and a ca. 2.5 Ga ultra-high temperature event. The western segment of the Napier Complex includes coastal outcrops, islands and nunataks around Amundsen and Casey Bays, and the Tula Mountains. This region records some of the highest metamorphic temperatures measured on Earth, affecting a variety of gneisses as old as ca. 3.8 Ga. Five samples of orthogneiss from the less-studied eastern Tula Mountains, including three granitic, one trondhjemitic and one dioritic gneiss, were dated by zircon U-Pb Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). The three orthogneisses yield protolith ages of 3750 ± 35 Ma (granitic), 3733 ± 21 (trondhjemitic) Ma and 3560 ± 42 Ma (dioritic), whereas the two other granitic orthogneisses record ages of 2903 ± 14 Ma and 2788 ± 24 Ma. Zircon growth during metamorphism occurred at 2826 ± 10 Ma, and also between 2530 Ma and 2480 Ma. Samples from the Tula Mountains can be geochemically subdivided into Y-HREE-Nb-Ta depleted and undepleted groups. Eoarchean granitoids are included in both geochemical groups, as are Meso- and Neoarchean granitoids. The Y-HREE-Nb-Ta depleted granitoids can be generated by medium- to high-pressure melting of mafic crust, whereas undepleted granitoids can be generated by low-pressure melting. However, relatively high potassium contents in most samples, and the presence of xenocrystic/inherited zircon in some, reflect the likely involvement of felsic crustal sources. This diversity in granitoid composition occurs across the Napier Complex. The lack of a simple correlation between protolith age and geochemical type is an indication that magmatism during the Eoarchean (and later) involved diverse sources and processes, including re-melting and recycling of various crustal components, rather than just the formation of juvenile crust.     

Further evidence for an early Carboniferous (∼340 Ma) age of high-grade metamorphism in the Saxonian granulite complex

U–Pb and Pb–Pb zircon ages for metamorphic zircons from granulites in the Saxonian granulite complex are reported, using the SHRIMP ion microprobe, conventional multigrain and single-gain techniques and the evaporation method. This is complemented by a Pb–Pb evaporation age for a post-granulite granite emplaced into the schist mantle around the granulites during uplift of the complex. We also demonstrate that zircon ages are not reset during high-grade metamorphism, as commonly argued, but have a very high closure temperature and usually preserve the isotopic composition reflecting the time of their formation. Multifaceted zircons from four granulite samples that probably grew close to the peak of high-grade metamorphism yielded identical U–Pb and Pb–Pb ages of ～340?Ma which support previously published data and unambiguously show that the granulites formed during a lower Carboniferous event and not in the early Palaeozoic or Precambrian as previously suggested. Older cores in some of the metamorphic zircons reveal early Palaeozoic components at 470–485?Ma that we interpret as ages reflecting magmatic crystallization of the granulite precursors. One sample suggests an inherited component as old as ～1700?Ma. The post-granulite granite has a Pb–Pb evaporation age of 333.1±1.0?Ma, and the short time interval between granulite metamorphism and granite intrusion implies that uplift, crustal extension and cooling of the granulite complex occurred rapidly after peak metamorphic conditions.     

High-P granulites of the Songshugou area (Qinling Orogen,east-central China): Petrography,phase relations,and U/Pb zircon geochronology

High-pressure (HP) granulites provide telling records of mineral reactions at upper mantle to lower crustal levels and key information on the fate of material in subduction systems. The latter especially applies when they abut eclogite and mantle dunite because such rock associations are crucial for understanding the incompletely known processes at the interface of converging plates. A continental arc, active c. 520–395 Ma ago, formed an enigmatic example of such a rock association in the Songshugou area, Qinling Orogen. To unravel the juxtaposition of the distinct rocks, this study combines petrography, phase equilibria modelling, conventional thermobarometry, and zircon U–Th–Pb–Ti–REE analysis. Two mafic HP granulites, which contain the mineral assemblages garnet–clinopyroxene–plagioclase–rutile–mesoperthite–quartz and garnet–clinopyroxene–plagioclase–rutile, experienced peak metamorphic conditions of ≤1.4 GPa, 860°C and ~1.3 GPa, ≥910°C, respectively. During decompression and cooling, at 489 ± 4 Ma, amphibole lamellae unmixed from a clinopyroxene solid solution and orthopyroxene in part replaced garnet. A felsic HP granulite shows equilibration of garnet, perthite, antiperthite, kyanite, quartz, and rutile at 810–860°C, ~1.2 GPa, sillimanite growth during decompression, and upper amphibolite facies cooling at 510 ± 4 Ma. Though the thermobarometric data are just within the methodological errors, the U/Pb zircon ages imply the HP granulites did not evolve coherently. The HP granulites either represent foundered lower arc crust or originated from subduction erosion because their geochemistry is indistinguishable from that of the hanging-wall plate. Published and new pressure–temperature–time–deformation paths converge at ~710°C, ~0.9 GPa, and ≲470 Ma, implying exhumation tectonics juxtaposed the HP granulites with a mélange of eclogite and mantle dunite at lower crustal levels. This study highlights that lower arc crust can comprise material of diverse evolution.     

Petrogenesis of Late Jurassic granitoids and relationship to polymetallic deposits in southern China: The Huangshaping example

ABSTRACT

Southern Hunan Province, located in the Cathaysia Block where the Shi–Hang zone and Nanling belt meet, is characterized by extensive Mesozoic magmatism and coeval polymetallic mineralization. The Huangshaping W–Mo–Pb–Zn–(Cu) deposit is representative in this area. However, the petrogenesis of the granitoids associated with the Huangshaping deposit, and their relationships with mineralization, remain undetermined. In this paper we focus on zircon U–Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions in order to further our understanding of these issues, as well as their regional implications. The Huangshaping granitoids are characterized by two pulses of intrusive activity: a first-stage quartz porphyry and a second-stage felsite and granite porphyry, our new data show that the quartz porphyry and felsite formed at 160.5 ± 1.3 and 156.6 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively, representing a period of Late Jurassic magmatism. Granitic enclaves within the quartz porphyry crystallized at 160.2 ± 1.6 Ma, and zircons and apatites from the enclaves exhibit Hf isotopic and geochemical compositions that suggest a Palaeoproterozoic lower crustal melt as one end-member of the magma that formed the quartz porphyry, whereas another likely end-member was coeval mantle-derived magma, as indicated by the geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes. However, both the felsite and granite porphyry were probably derived from the melting of metamorphic basement rocks in the upper crust. The felsite clearly formed as a result of the rapid ascent and cooling of magma, whereas the granite porphyry underwent fractional crystallization. The magma sources and evolution of the granitoids, as well as their association with the Huangshaping mineralization, suggest that melting of upper crustal components controlled the W–Mo and Pb–Zn mineralization, whereas dehydration of a subducted slab provided the Cu mineralization in southern Hunan Province.     

Origin of Middle Cambrian and Late Silurian potassic granitoids from the western Kunlun orogen,northwest China: a magmatic response to the Proto-Tethys evolution

This paper presents new SHRIMP zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data of two Early Paleozoic granitic plutons (Yierba and North Kudi) from the western Kunlun orogen, in attempt to further constrain the Proto-Tethys evolution. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Yierba pluton was emplaced in the Middle Cambrian (513?±?7 Ma) and the North Kudi pluton was emplaced in the Late Silurian (420.6?±?6.3 Ma). The Yierba pluton consists of quartz monzodiorite, quartz monzonite and granodiorite. These granitoids are metaluminous and potassic, with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7072–0.7096, ε_Nd (T) of ?0.2 to ?1.6 and ε_Hf (T) (in-situ zircon) of ?1.2. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that they were formed by partial melting of subducted sediments, with subsequent melts interacting with the overlying mantle wedge in an oceanic island arc setting in response to the intra-oceanic subduction of Proto-Tethys. The North Kudi pluton consists of syenogranite and alkali-feldspar granite. These granites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and potassic. They show an affinity of A₁ subtype granite, with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7077–0.7101, ε_Nd (T) of ?3.5 to ?4.0 and ε_Hf (T) (in-situ zircon) of ?3.9. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that they were formed by partial melting of the Precambrian metamorphic basement at a shallow depth (<30 km) during the post-orogenic regime caused by Proto-Tethyan oceanic slab break-off. Our new data suggest that the subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust was as early as Middle Cambrian (～513 Ma) and the final closure of Proto-Tethys was not later than Late Silurian (～421 Ma), most probably in Middle Silurian.