Timing of high-pressure metamorphic events in the Bulgarian Rhodopes from Lu–Hf garnet geochronology

Within the Mediterranean realm, the Rhodopes represent a nappe stack of oceanic and continental fragments assembled along the Eurasian continental margin during the Alpine orogeny. The timing of the high-pressure (HP) metamorphism has long been ambiguous, lacking detailed geochronological and geochemical control on subduction-exhumation and nappe stacking processes. Here we apply the Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd chronometers to a suite of representative eclogite samples covering two different key units of the Rhodopean nappe stack: (1) the Kimi Complex (Upper Allochthon) and (2) the Middle Allochthon. In addition to geochronology, we also determined whole rock Hf and Nd isotope compositions as well as major and trace element concentrations in order to constrain the nature of the eclogite protoliths. Two HP metamorphic events were revealed by Lu–Hf geochronology: (1) a Lower Cretaceous event in the Upper Allochthon (126.0 ± 1.7 Ma) and (2) an Eocene event in the Middle Allochthon (44.6 ± 0.7 Ma; 43.5 ± 0.4 Ma; 42.8 ± 0.5 Ma), at conditions of ca. 700°C/20–25 kbar. Our new data provide direct evidence for multiple subduction events in the Rhodopes. Exhumation and subsequent thrusting of the Middle Allochthon on the Lower Allochthon can be narrowed down to the time span between 42 and 34 Ma. In a broader tectonic context, the Eocene ages for the HP metamorphism support the view that the Rhodopes represent a large-scale tectonic window, exposing the deepest nappe units of the Hellenides.     

Contrast in stress–strain history during exhumation between high- and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic units in the Western Alps: Microboudinage analysis of piemontite in metacherts

Our analyses of microboudinage structures of piemontite grains embedded within six samples of metachert, one collected from an ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic unit at Lago di Cignana in Italy of the Western Alps, and the other five from surrounding high-pressure (HP) metamorphic units in Italy and France, have revealed that the structures are all symmetrical in type, and were presumably produced in coaxial strain fields. Stress–strain analyses of the microboudinaged grains revealed significant contrasts in the stress and strain histories of the UHP and HP metamorphic units, with the differential stress recorded by the UHP sample being unequivocally lower than that recorded by the five HP samples. In addition, our analyses showed that the UHP sample underwent stress-relaxation during microboudinage, whereas the five HP samples did not. On the basis of these observations and analyses we discuss the mechanical decoupling of the UHP and HP units that led to different histories in differential stress between the units during exhumation of the Western Alps.     

Lu–Hf and geochemical systematics of recycled ancient oceanic crust: evidence from Roberts Victor eclogites

Eclogites from the Roberts Victor mine, Kaapvaal craton are classic examples of subducted Achaean oceanic crust brought up as xenoliths by kimberlite. New in situ trace element and oxygen isotope data (¹⁸O=3.09–6.99 SMOW) presented here reemphasise their origin from seawater-altered plagioclase-rich precursors. Their Hf–Nd isotopic compositions are not in agreement with compositions predicted by geochemical modelling of the isotopic composition of aged subducted oceanic crust. Instead, Hf isotopic compositions are very heterogeneous, varying between 0.281625 and 0.355077 (–37.8 and +2561 _Hf) at the time of kimberlite emplacement (128 Ma) in keeping with equally variable Nd isotopic compositions (0.511124–0.545092; –26.3 to +636 _Nd). However, most samples plot on the terrestrial array. The isotopic compositions of some samples are too extreme to play a major role in mixed peridotite-eclogite melting in basalt source regions, whereas the isotopic composition of other samples is reconcilable with a contribution of up to ca. 15% of eclogite partial melt to the MORB source. Most importantly, our results show that ancient subducted oceanic crust is not isotopically homogeneous and should not be treated as a component or reservoir during geochemical modelling. The heterogeneity reflects radiogenic in-growth starting from small compositional heterogeneities in gabbroic protoliths, followed by modification during sea-floor alteration, subduction and emplacement into the subcratonic lithosphere.     

Behavior of trace elements in relation to Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronometers during metamorphic dehydration–hydration in the HP domain of Vårdalsneset, Western Gneiss Region, Norway

The geochemical and isotopic characterization of an eclogite and the associated retrogressive amphibolite at Vårdalsneset, WGR, Norwegian Caledonide was undertaken to investigate the mobility of REE and Hf and the behavior of Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronometers during metamorphic dehydration/rehydration. Eclogitic garnets display a distinct core–rim chemical zoning. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that both cores (13–22 kbar, 500–580°C) and rims (>16 kbar, 610–660°C) crystallized under eclogite-facies conditions. The core–rim zoning corresponds to the dehydration of the system. This petrographic disequilibrium is associated with Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd disequilibrium, which prevents dating of the eclogitic stages. At the rock scale, the incoming fluid responsible for eclogite–amphibolite retrogression brought in Sm and Nd, leached Lu, and had no influence on Hf. At the grain scale, mass balance shows that Sm and Nd were stored in clinozoisite since the first eclogitic stage, whereas Lu and Hf, which were more thoroughly redistributed among minerals during retrogression, enable the dating of the amphibolitic facies at 378 ± 17 Ma.     

New Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology constrains the subduction of oceanic crust during the Carboniferous–Permian in the Dabie orogen

Eclogites from the Huwan shear zone in the western Dabie were investigated in terms of their P–T evolution, geochemistry, and combined Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology. Trace element and isotope data suggest a normal mid-ocean ridge rather than an intraplate or ocean island setting for the protoliths of the eclogites. Electron microprobe analyses of representative garnets show typical prograde zoning profiles. Estimated peak metamorphic temperatures of 540–590 °C most likely did not exceed the closure temperature of the Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd systems. The consistent Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages, therefore, most likely reflect garnet growth and are interpreted to reflect high-pressure eclogite-facies metamorphism due to the occurrence of omphacite inclusions from core to rim in garnets and the spherical geometry effect despite the well-preserved prograde zoning in the garnets. The high-pressure mineral assemblage of the eclogite yielded a statistically robust Lu–Hf age of 260.0 ± 1.0 Ma (2σ, 10 points, MSWD = 1.0) and a Sm–Nd age of 260.4 ± 2.0 Ma (2σ, 9 points, MSWD = 1.4), which are younger than the Carboniferous zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 310 Ma. The new Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd data, in combination with published geochronological data, define two distinct Carboniferous and Permian population ages for the oceanic-type eclogites from the Huwan shear zone, which may require that these rocks experienced two episodes of high-pressure metamorphism within less than 50 Myr.     

Lu–Hf garnet systematics of a polymetamorphic basement unit: new evidence for coherent exhumation of the Adula Nappe (Central Alps) from eclogite-facies conditions

The Adula Nappe in the Central Alps is a mixture of various pre-Mesozoic continental basement rocks, metabasics, ultrabasics, and Mesozoic cover rocks, which were pervasively deformed during Alpine orogeny. Metabasics, ultrabasics, and locally garnet–mica schists preserve eclogite-facies assemblages while the bulk of the nappe lacks such evidence. We provide garnet major-element data, Lu profiles, and Lu–Hf garnet geochronology from eclogites sampled along a north–south traverse. A southward increasing Alpine overprint over pre-Alpine garnets is observed throughout the nappe. Garnets in a sample from the northern Adula Nappe display a single growth cycle and yield a Variscan age of 323.8 ± 6.9 Ma. In contrast, a sample from Alpe Arami in the southernmost part contains unzoned garnets that fully equilibrated to Alpine high-pressure (HP) metamorphic conditions with temperatures exceeding 800 °C. We suggest that the respective Eocene Lu–Hf age of 34.1 ± 2.8 Ma is affected by partial re-equilibration after the Alpine pressure peak. A third sample from the central part of the nappe contains separable Alpine and Variscan garnet populations. The Alpine population yields a maximum age of 38.8 ± 4.3 Ma in line with a previously published garnet maximum age from the central nappe of 37.1 ± 0.9 Ma. The Adula Nappe represents a coherent basement unit, which preserves a continuous Alpine high-pressure metamorphic gradient. It was subducted as a whole in a single, short-lived event in the upper Eocene. Controversial HP ages and conditions in the Adula Nappe may result from partly preserved Variscan assemblages in Alpine metamorphic rocks.     

The first Lu–Hf zircon isotope data for gabbro–diorite–tonalite associations of the Urals

Doklady Earth Sciences - The Lu–Hf isotope systematics of zircon from the gabbro–plagiogranite association (gabbro, diorite, tonalite, and plagiogranite), which is one of the most...     

Ion microprobe U–Th–Pb geochronology and study of micro-inclusions in zircon from the Himalayan high- and ultrahigh-pressure eclogites,Kaghan Valley of Pakistan

We report ion microprobe U–Th–Pb geochronology of in situ zircon from the Himalayan high- and ultrahigh-pressure eclogites, Kaghan Valley of Pakistan. Combined with the textural features, mineral inclusions, cathodoluminescence image information and the U–Th–Pb isotope geochronology, two types of zircons were recognized in Group I and II eclogites. Zircons in Group I eclogites are of considerably large size (>100 μm up to 500 μm). A few grains are euhederal and prismatic, show oscillatory zoning with distinct core–rim luminescence pattern. Several other grains show irregular morphology, mitamictization, embayment and boundary truncations. They contain micro-inclusions such as muscovite, biotite, quartz and albite. Core or middle portions of zircons from Group I eclogites yielded concordant U–Th–Pb age of 267.6 ± 2.4 Ma (MSWD = 8.5), have higher U and Th contents with a Th/U ratio > 1, indicating typical magmatic core domains. Middle and rim or outer portions of these zircons contain inclusions of garnet, omphacite, phengite and these portions show no clear zonation. They yielded discordant values ranging between 210 and 71 Ma, indicating several thermal or Pb-loss events during their growth and recrystalization prior to or during the Himalayan eclogite-facies metamorphism. Zircons in Group II eclogites are smaller in size, prismatic to oval, display patchy or sector zoning and contain abundant inclusions of garnet, omphacite, phengite, quartz, rutile and carbonates. They yielded concordant U–Th–Pb age of 44.9 ± 1.2 Ma (MSWD = 4.9). The lower U and Th contents and a lower Th/U ratio (<0.05) in these zircons suggest their formation from the recrystallization of the older zircons during the Himalayan high and ultrahigh-pressure eclogite-facies metamorphism.     

Variations of Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic systematics in basalt during intensive weathering

The Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of both saprolites and parent rocks of a profile of intensively weathered Neogene basalt in Hainan, South China are reported in this paper to investigate changes of isotopic systematics with high masses. The results indicate that all these isotopic systematics show significant changes in saprolites compared to those in corresponding parent rocks. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr system was more seriously affected by weathering processes than other isotope systems, with ε_Sr drifts 30 to 70 away from those of the parent rocks. In the upper profile (> 2.2 m), the Sr isotopes of the saprolites show an upward increasing trend with ε_Sr changing from ~ 50 at 2.2 m to ~ 70 at 0.5 m, accompanying a upward increasing of Sr concentrations, from ~ 10 μg/g to ~ 25 μg/g. As nearly all the Sr of the parent rock has been removed during intensive weathering in this profile, the upward increasing of Sr concentrations in the upper profile suggests import of extraneous Sr. Rainwater in this region, which enriches in Sr (up to 139 μg/L) from seawater, may be the important extraneous source. Thus, the Sr isotopes of the saprolites in the upper profile may be mainly influenced by import of extraneous materials, and the Sr isotopic characteristics may not be retained. In contrast, the ε_Nd and ε_Hf of the saprolites drift only 0–2.6 and 0–3.7 away from the parent rocks, respectively. The negative drifts of the ε_Nd and ε_Hf are coupled with Nd and Hf losses in the saprolites; i.e., larger proportions of Nd and Hf loss correspond to lower ε_Nd and ε_Hf. Compared with the relative high Nd and Hf concentrations of the saprolites, the contributions of extraneous Nd and Hf both from wet and dry deposits of aeolian input are negligible. Thus, the ε_Nd and ε_Hf changes in the profile are mainly resulted from consecutive removal of the Nd and Hf. Calculation indicates that the ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios in saprolites are all significantly lower than their initial values in the parent rock. Simply removing part of the Nd and Hf by incongruent decomposing some of the minerals may not account for this. Fractionation should be happen, which ¹⁴³Nd and ¹⁷⁶Hf may be preferentially removed from the profile relative to ¹⁴⁴Nd and ¹⁷⁷Hf during intensive chemical weathering, resulting in lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios in saprolites relative to the parent rock, even though details for this process is not known. A positive correlation is observed between the ε_Nd and ε_Hf of the saprolites. Interestingly, the saprolites with a net loss of Nd and Hf in the upper profile show good positive correlation, and the regression line parallels the terrestrial array. By contrast, saprolites with a net gain of Nd and Hf in the lower profile generally show higher ε_Hf values at a given ε_Nd value, and the regression line between these ε_Nd and ε_Hf appears to parallel the seawater array. This supports the hypothesis that the contribution of continental Hf from chemical weathering release is the key to the obliquity of the seawater array away from the terrestrial array of the global ε_Nd and ε_Hf correlation. Our results also indicate that caution is needed when using ε_Sr, ε_Nd, and ε_Hf to trace provenances for sediments and soils.     

Significance of Devonian–Carboniferous igneous activity in Tasmania as derived from U–Pb SHRIMP dating of zircon

A series of new Sensitive High-Resolution Ion MicroProbe (SHRIMP) U – Pb ages is presented for Palaeozoic (mainly Devonian and Carboniferous) granites from Tasmania. In virtually all instances the new ages are significantly older than previously determined Rb – Sr and K – Ar ages, even though the level of emplacement had been thought to be too shallow to allow loss of radiogenic daughter products. In two extreme cases, granite bodies at South West Cape and Elliott Bay that had previously yielded Carboniferous Rb – Sr and Early Devonian K – Ar ages, respectively, are now both shown to be Late Cambrian. In northeast Tasmania, granitic activity in the Blue Tier Batholith lasted for about 22 million years, with I-type magmas being followed by S-types only toward the end of that time. The exclusively I-type granites of the Scottsdale Batholith formed about 10 million years after the initiation of igneous activity in the Blue Tier Batholith, and were emplaced over a comparatively short time interval (4 – 5 million years). The new data confirm a previously held view, based on Rb – Sr analysis, that the economically important Lottah Granite crystallised roughly 9 million years later than the nearby Poimena Granite and, therefore, could not have been derived by magmatic fractionation of the latter. A regional deformation equated with the Tabberabberan Orogeny has been dated at about 390 Ma in northeastern Tasmania, based on the presence or absence of a northwest-trending foliation in the different granite bodies. The oldest granites occur in the northeast of Tasmania, with an irregular progression of ages to the west coast. A trend of this type could have arisen in an arc-free or arc-related environment. If the latter applies, either flat subduction or processes associated with the amalgamation of eastern and western basement terranes might be the controlling mechanism. Eastern Tasmania experienced a trend from mafic I-type to progressively more felsic, largely S-type igneous activity, but the trend for western Tasmania is not as obvious. The trend for eastern Tasmania is an exception to the general rule for the Lachlan Orogen, possibly signifying that the mid-crust was relatively cool when the first I-type granites were generated. Crustal thickening during the Tabberabberan Orogeny may have been a prerequisite for the generation of later, more felsic, S- and I-types.     

The Lu–Hf Isotope Composition of Zircon from Syenites of the Saharjok Alkaline Massif,Kola Peninsula

Geology of Ore Deposits - Zircon crystals from the alkaline and nepheline syenites of the Saharjok massif, which were formed during the magmatic (2645 ± 7 Ma), hydrothermal (1832 ± 7 Ma),...     

Timing of eclogite facies metamorphism in the southernmost Scandinavian Caledonides by Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology

The Scandinavian Caledonides contain several non-cogenetic eclogite-bearing terranes that were metamorphosed before the main orogenic stage in Scandian time (430–395 Ma). Although petrological and geochronological data from these terranes have provided essential information on the geodynamic history of the Caledonian orogenic cycle, the general picture is still patchy. To refine existing geodynamic models, we have dated the eclogite occurrence in the Jæren nappe, SW Norway, by Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology. Five out of the six studied samples provide a weighted mean Lu–Hf age of 469.9 ± 1.2 Ma (±2σ). One sample provided a significantly younger age of 457.9 ± 2.4 Ma. Garnet from the younger sample grew exclusively at eclogite facies conditions. In contrast, garnet from the other samples comprises prograde cores and peak metamorphic rims. Age estimates that take Lu-contributions of each zone into account provide an age of 471.0 ± 0.9 Ma for the cores and suggest a ca. 455 Ma age for the rims, which is identical to the bulk-garnet age of the younger sample. The same pattern is indicated by Sm–Nd ages, although these are relatively imprecise and reflect isotopic disturbance during thermal overprinting upon exhumation. The data define a new high-pressure age population for the Scandinavian Caledonides, which allows more detailed insight into the subduction history that affected the Baltoscandian margin before Scandian continental collision. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential complexities involved in garnet geochronology and shows the strength of Lu–Hf dating for unraveling the geochronological record of HP rocks.     

Lu–Hf Isotopic Systematics of Zircon From Lower Crustal Xenoliths in the Belomorian Mobile Belt

Geology of Ore Deposits - The structure, geochemistry, and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic composition of zircon crystals from garnet granulite xenoliths of the lower crust in the Belomorian...     

P–T–time (phengite Ar closure) history of spatially close-outcropping HP and UHP oceanic eclogites (southwestern Tianshan): implication for a potential deep juxtaposing process during exhumation?

ABSTRACT

The Chinese southwestern Tianshan HP–UHP/LT metamorphic complex possesses well-preserved mafic layers, tectonic slices/blocks, boudins/lens of different sizes, and lithology embedded within dominant metavolcanoclastics. A recent study on the ultra-high pressure (UHP) eclogite revealed a short timescale of exhumation (≤10 Ma, ~315 ± 5 Ma). However, controversies still exist on some key questions: (1) the reasonable interpretation of spatially close-outcropped high pressure (HP) and UHP slices with respect to regional geodynamics, and (2) if the previous regional scatter Ar–Ar ages proved the existence of internally coherent sub-belts or troubled by dating on samples with notable ⁴⁰Ar retention. This study focusses on detailed P–T–time (phengite Ar closure) recovery of samples from a HP eclogite lens and its host rock, the UHP thick-layered eclogite. Based on data from bulk–rock, microprobe analysis, and muscovite Ar–Ar chronological dating, we link phengite growth to potential garnet growth stages via thermodynamic modelling. Facilitated by the P–T–Ar retention% graph, we collect all the regional muscovite Ar–Ar data together with results in this study for evaluating the significance of regional muscovite Ar–Ar ages and set back to geodynamics. According to modelling results, the HP lens eclogite reached peak metamorphism at ~550°C, 2.50 GPa with an Ar–Ar muscovite plateau age of 316.9 ± 1.0 Ma that could date the mass phengite growth event during prograde metamorphism. In contrast, the UHP layered eclogite experienced UHP peak burial at ~510°C, 2.95 GPa, and then to HP peak metamorphism at ~560°C, 2.60 GPa with ~311.6 ± 0.7 Ma plateau age that may constrain the cooling age during early exhumation. Noteworthy, both of them share a quite similar early exhumation path despite bearing contrasting prograde metamorphic experiences. With considering updated regional exhumation pattern, this might imply the existence of a potential deep juxtaposing (capture) process between HP slices and exhumating UHP complex, at about 45–60 km depth along subduction plate interface.     

Age and Sources of Metasedimentary Rocks of the Tokur Terrane of the Mongol–Okhotsk Fold Belt: Results of U–Pb and Lu–Hf Isotope Studies

Doklady Earth Sciences - This paper presents the results of U–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) and Lu–Hf isotope studies of detrital zircons from the presumably Permian meta sedimentary rocks of the...