Adakite-like signature of porphyry granitoid stocks in the Meiduk and Parkam porphyry copper deposits,NE of Shahr-e-Babak,Kerman, Iran: Constrains on geochemistry

The Middle Miocene porphyry granitoid stocks of Meiduk and Parkam porphyry copper deposits are intruded in the north-western part of the Dehaj-Sarduiyeh volcano-sedimentary belt in the south-eastern extension of the Urumieh-Dukhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) in Iran. The porphyritic to microgranular granitoids are mainly consist of quartz diorite, granodiorite and diorite. The whole rock geochemical analyses of these rocks reveals sub-alkaline, calc-alkaline, meta-peraluminous and I-type characteristics. Their geochemical characteristics such as Al₂O₃ content of 13.51–17.05 wt%, high Sr concentration (mostly >400 ppm), low Yb (an average of 0.74 ppm) and Y (an average of 9.02 ppm) contents, strongly differentiated REE patterns (La/Yb ≥ 20), lack of Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu¹ ≥ 1) are indicative of adakitic signature. Their enrichment in low field strength elements (LFSE) and conspicuous negative anomalies for Nb, Ta and Ti are typical of subduction related magmas. Detailed petrological studies and geochemical data indicated that Meiduk and Parkam porphyry granitoids were derived from amphibole fractionation of hydrous melts at a depth of >40 km in a post-collisional tectonic setting.     

Volcanic degassing at Somma–Vesuvio (Italy) inferred by chemical and isotopic signatures of groundwater

A geochemical model is proposed for water evolution at Somma–Vesuvio, based on the chemical and isotopic composition of groundwaters, submarine gas emission and chemical composition of the dissolved gases. The active degassing processes, present in the highest part of the volcano edifice, strongly influence the groundwater evolution. The geological–volcanological setting of the volcano forces the waters infiltrating at Somma–Vesuvio caldera, enriched in volcanic gases, to flow towards the southern sector to an area of high pCO₂ groundwaters. Reaction path modelling applied to this conceptual model, involving gas–water–rock interaction, highlights an intense degassing process in the aquifer controlling the chemical and isotopic composition of dissolved gases, total dissolved inorganic C (TDIC) and submarine gas emission. Mapping of TDIC shows a unique area of high values situated SSE of Vesuvio volcano with an average TDIC value of 0.039 mol/L, i.e., one order of magnitude higher than groundwaters from other sectors of the volcano. On the basis of TDIC values, the amount of CO₂ transported by Vesuvio groundwaters was estimated at about 150 t/d. This estimate does not take into account the fraction of gas loss by degassing, however, it represents a relevant part of the CO₂ emitted in this quiescent period by the Vesuvio volcanic system, being of the same order of magnitude as the CO₂ diffusely degassed from the crater area.     

Petrology and geochemistry of the Karaj Dam basement sill: Implications for geodynamic evolution of the Alborz magmatic belt

The northeastward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere beneath the Iranian block produced vast volcanic and plutonic rocks that now outcrop in central (Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic assemblage) and north–northeastern Iran (Alborz Magmatic Belt), with peak magmatism occurring during the Eocene. The Karaj Dam basement sill (KDBS), situated in the Alborz Magmatic Belt, comprises gabbro, monzogabbro, monzodiorite, and monzonite with a shoshonitic affinity. These plutonic rocks are intruded into the Karaj Formation, which comprise pyroclastic rocks dating to the lower–upper Eocene. The geochemical and isotopic signatures of the KDBS rocks indicate that they are cogenetic and evolved through fractional crystallization. They are characterized by an enrichment in LREEs relative to HREEs, with negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Geochemical modeling using Sm/Yb versus La/Yb and La/Sm ratios suggests a low-degree of partial melting of a phlogopite–spinel peridotite source to generate the KDBS rocks. Their low I_Sr = 0.70453–0.70535, ɛNd (37.2 Ma) = 1.54–1.9, and T_DM ages ranging from 0.65 to 0.86 Ga are consistent with the melting of a Cadomian enriched lithospheric mantle source, metasomatized by fluids derived from the subducted slab or sediments during magma generation. These interpretations are consistent with high ratios of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.43–18.67, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.59, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.42–38.71, indicating the involvement of subducted sediments or continental crust. The sill is considered to have been emplaced in an environment of lithospheric extension due to the slab rollback in the lower Eocene. This extension led to localized upwelling of the asthenosphere, providing the heat required for partial melting of the subduction-contaminated subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the Alborz magmatic belt. Then, the shoshonitic melt generates the entire spectrum of KDBS rocks through assimilation and fractional crystallization during the ascent of the magma.     

Geology and isotope geochemistry (C–O–S) of the Diyadin gold deposit,Eastern Turkey: A newly-discovered Carlin-like deposit

Diyadin mineralization is the first reported gold deposit located in a collisional tectonic environment in Eastern Anatolia. The mineralization is related to N–S and N10–20°W-trending fault systems and hosted within the Paleozoic metamorphic basement rocks of the Anatolide–Toride microcontinent. Calc-schist, dolomitic marble and Miocene and Quaternary volcanic rocks comprise the exposed units in the mineralized area. Geochemical signatures, alteration types and host rock characteristics of the Diyadin gold deposit resemble those of Carlin-type deposits. Mineralization is constrained by alteration of overlying volcanic rocks to younger than ~ 14 Ma (K–Ar).Carbon and oxygen stable isotope measurements of carbonate rocks were made on six drill holes (n = 81) with an additional four samples of fresh carbonate rocks from surface outcrops. Background carbonate rocks have δ¹³C_V-PDB ~ 1.8‰ and δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW ~ 27‰. Isotopically-altered host rock samples have decreased δ¹⁸O (down to ~+11.4‰) and variable δ¹³C (from − 3.6 to + 4.8‰). Postore carbonate veins and cave-fill material have distinctly different isotopic signatures, particularly carbon (from δ¹³C = + 8.4 to + 9.8‰). Whether this post-ore carbonate is simply very late in mineralization associated with the gold system, or is a completely different, younger system utilizing the same pathways, is unclear at present. Within the host rock sample set, there is no correlation between gold and δ¹³C, and a weak correlation between gold and δ¹⁸O, indicative of water–rock interaction and isotopic alteration. Both the isotopic data and structural mapping suggest that the main upflow zone for the deposit is near the northern portion of the drill fence. Additional data at multiple scales are required to clarify the relationship(s) between fluid flow and mineralization.     

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

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

Rock alteration in alkaline cement waters over 15 years and its relevance to the geological disposal of nuclear waste

The interaction of groundwater with cement in a geological disposal facility (GDF) for intermediate level radioactive waste will produce a high pH leachate plume. Such a plume may alter the physical and chemical properties of the GDF host rock. However, the geochemical and mineralogical processes which may occur in such systems over timescales relevant for geological disposal remain unclear. This study has extended the timescale for laboratory experiments and shown that, after 15 years two distinct phases of reaction may occur during alteration of a dolomite-rich rock at high pH. In these experiments the dissolution of primary silicate minerals and the formation of secondary calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) phases containing varying amounts of aluminium and potassium (C–(A)–(K)–S–H) during the early stages of reaction (up to 15 months) have been superseded as the systems have evolved. After 15 years significant dedolomitisation (MgCa(CO₃)₂ + 2OH⁻ → Mg(OH)₂ + CaCO₃ + CO₃²⁻_(aq)) has led to the formation of magnesium silicates, such as saponite and talc, containing variable amounts of aluminium and potassium (Mg–(Al)–(K)–silicates), and calcite at the expense of the early-formed C–(A)–(K)–S–H phases. This occured in high pH solutions representative of two different periods of cement leachate evolution with little difference in the alteration processes in either a KOH and NaOH or a Ca(OH)₂ dominated solution but a greater extent of alteration in the higher pH KOH/NaOH leachate. The high pH alteration of the rock over 15 years also increased the rock’s sorption capacity for U(VI). The results of this study provide a detailed insight into the longer term reactions occurring during the interaction of cement leachate and dolomite-rich rock in the geosphere. These processes have the potential to impact on radionuclide transport from a geodisposal facility and are therefore important in underpinning any safety case for geological disposal.     

The volcanic succession of Baoligaomiao,central Inner Mongolia: Evidence for Carboniferous continental arc in the central Asian orogenic belt

The Baoligaomiao Formation, within the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex is an important segment to understand the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), world's largest Phanerozoic orogenic belt. In this study, we present an integrated study of zircon U-Pb isotopic ages, whole rock major-trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data from the volcanic succession in the Baoligaomiao Formation. The volcanic succession can be divided into the lower sequence with zircon U-Pb ages in the range of 326.3 Ma–307.4 Ma and the upper sequence of 305.3 Ma. The succession belongs to two suites: calc-alkaline volcanics and high-Si rhyolites. The calc-alkaline volcanic rocks include basaltic andesite through andesite and dacite to rhyolite and their pyroclastic equivalents. These rocks exhibit a well-defined compositional trend from basaltic to rhyolitic magma, reflecting continuous fractional crystallization. These rocks show obvious enrichment in LILEs and LREEs and relative depletion of HFSEs, typical of subduction-related magma. The calc-alkaline rocks have low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7023–0.7052), positive ɛNd(t) values (2.75–4.80), and their initial Pb isotopic compositions are 17.875–18.485 of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.481–15.520 of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and 37.467–37.764 of ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, respectively. Geochemical and isotopic results suggest that the volcanic succession represents Carboniferous subduction-related, mature, continental arc volcanism. The outcrops of high-Si rhyolites are restricted to the northern edge of the continental arc, marking a transition zone between volcanic arc and back-arc basin, where they are interbedded with the calc-alkaline rocks in the lower sequence, and the upper sequence is composed only of high-Si rhyolites. The high-Si rhyolites have high SiO₂ (71.12–81.76 wt%) and varied total alkali contents (K₂O + Na₂O = 5.46–10.58 wt%), low TiO₂ (0.06–0.27 wt%), MgO (0.09–0.89 wt%) and CaO (0.08–0.72 wt%). Based on the presence of mafic alkali phenocrysts, such as arfvedsonite and siderophyllite, high Zr/Nb ratios (> 10) and peralkalinity index (PI) near unity, the high-Si rhyolites can be classified as peralkaline comendites. The high-Si rhyolites are characterized by unusually low Sr and Ba, and high abundance of Zr, Th, Nb, HREEs and Y. They show geochemical characteristics similar to those of typical A₂-type granites including their high K₂O + Na₂O, Nb, Zr and Y, and high ratios of FeO^T/MgO, Ga/Al and Y/Nb. Our study suggests that the high-Si rhyolites were derived from discrete trachytic parent magma with fractional crystallization within shallow magma reservoirs. Their Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics are similar to those of the calc-alkaline arc rocks and are compatible with partial melting of pre-existing juvenile continental arc crust. We observe that the widespread eruptions of A₂-rhyolitic magmas (305.3 Ma–303.4 Ma) following a short period of magmatic quiescence was temporally and spatially associated with voluminous intrusion of the bimodal magmas (304.3 Ma–299.3 Ma) in the pre-existing arc volcanic-plutonic belt (329 Ma–307 Ma). We envisage northward subduction and slab breakoff process resulting in an obvious change of the regional stress field to extensional setting within the Carboniferous continental arc running E-W for thousands of kilometers. Therefore, we propose the existence of an east-west-trending Carboniferous continental arc in the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex, with the slab breakoff event suggesting that the age of the upper sequence (305.3 ± 5.5 Ma) likely indicates the maximum age for the cessation of the northward subduction of the Hegenshan oceanic lithosphere.     

Triassic volcanism in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces,NE China: Chronology,geochemistry, and tectonic implications

With the aim of constraining the Early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), we undertook zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analyses (major and trace elements, Sr–Nd isotopes) of volcanic rocks of the Luoquanzhan Formation and Daxinggou Group in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, China. The analyzed rocks consist mainly of dacite and rhyolite, with SiO₂ contents of 68.52–76.65 wt%. Three samples from the Luoquanzhan Formation and one from the Daxinggou Group were analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb zircon techniques. Three zircons with well-defined oscillatory zoning yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 217 ± 1, 214 ± 2, and 208 ± 1 Ma, and one zircon with oscillatory zoning yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 201 ± 1 Ma. These ages are interpreted to represent the timing of eruption of the volcanic rocks. The Triassic volcanic rocks are characterized by high SiO₂ and low MgO concentrations, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7040–0.7050 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 0.7163–0.7381 (Daxinggou Group), and ε_Nd (t) = 1.89–3.94 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 3.42–3.68 (Daxinggou Group). These geochemical features indicate an origin involving the partial melting of juvenile lower crust (Nd model ages (T_DM2) of 651–821 Ma) and that compositional variation among the volcanic rocks arose from mineral fractionation and minor assimilation. These volcanic rocks formed within an extensional environment following collision of the NCC and Jiamusi-Khanka Massif during the Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic.     

Geochemical characteristics of the high- and low-Ti basaltic rocks from the uplifted shoulder of the Ohře (Eger) Rift,Western Bohemia

High-Ti melanephelinite (3.8–5.9 wt% TiO₂), medium-Ti (phono)tephrite (2.7–3.1 wt% TiO₂), and low-Ti olivine melanephelinite/basanite (1.9–2.3 wt.% TiO₂) are subordinate rock types in the central European Cenozoic Volcanic Province. A contrasting melanephelinite to (phono)tephrite series occurs in the Lou?ná–Oberwiesenthal Volcanic Centre (37–28 Ma) and also as satellite volcanic bodies (26–12 Ma) together with olivine melanephelinite/basanite (17–20 Ma) on the southwestern periphery of the Kru?né hory mountains (Erzgebirge). The volcanic rocks intrude the Variscan basement of the uplifted shoulder of the Oh?e/Eger Rift in the Kru?né hory mountains of the Bohemian Massif. Low Mg# (44–59) and Cr, Ni contents and enrichment of LILE, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, U, Th and LREE in the high-Ti melanephelinites contrast with the composition of primitive low-Ti olivine melanephelinites/basanites displaying high Mg# (63–74) and high contents of compatible elements. The high-Ti melanephelinites reveal a wide range in initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of ca. 0.7034–0.7038 and ε_Nd of 2.4–4.9. The low-Ti melanephelinites show an overlapping range of initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of ca. 0.7035–0.7036 and ε_Nd of 4.3–5.5. The large variation in initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios at similar ε_Nd values in those rock types is interpreted as evidence for melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle sources comprising K-bearing phases with radiogenic Sr. Modification of the olivine-free alkali basaltic magmas by differentiation or crustal contamination could give rise to the medium-Ti (phono) tephrites. The initial isotope ratios of all samples are consistent with HIMU-mantle sources and contributions from lithospheric mantle. The olivine-free melanephelinitic rocks often contain alkali pyroxenite–ijolite xenoliths with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of ca. 0.7036 and ε_Nd of 3.0. We interpret these xenoliths as samples of an intra-crustal alkali complex derived from similar mantle sources as those for the basaltic volcanic rocks.     

Geology,geochemistry, and geochronology of the Wangjiazhuang porphyry–breccia Cu(–Mo) deposit in the Zouping volcanic basin,eastern North China Block

The Wangjiazhuang porphyry–breccia Cu(–Mo) deposit is located in the Zouping volcanic basin, western Shandong Province. Seven molybdenite samples yield a Re–Os weighted mean age of 127.8 ± 0.7 Ma (2σ), which is identical within error to the zircon weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 128.3 ± 1.3 Ma (2σ) determined for quartz monzonite samples. The host rock is characterized by high concentrations of K₂O (4.26–4.53 wt.%), Na₂O (4.97–5.76 wt.%), LILEs and LREEs, and high Mg# (> 40), and low concentrations of HFSEs and HREEs, with K₂O/Na₂O ratios of 0.76–0.88. The quartz monzonite also has high Sr/Y (69.9–112.5) and (La/Yb)_N (22.0–30.0) ratios, similar to adakitic rocks worldwide. Relatively low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.70549–0.70556), high ε_Nd(t) values (2.58–3.06), high radiogenic Pb [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)i = 18.3424–18.4606, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.5692–15.5985, (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 38.1714–38.2734] and high zircon ε_Hf(t) values (− 2.1 to + 4.3) indicate that the magma was likely derived from the partial melting of subducted oceanic crust which then reacted with the peridotitic mantle wedge. Both the breccia and porphyry ores have a narrow range of δ³⁴S (− 4.8 to + 2.1‰) and Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.295–18.402, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.551–15.573, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.215–38.331), suggesting that the ore metals were extracted primarily from the quartz monzonite or similar source. Subduction of the Paleo-Pacific slab during the Early Cretaceous resulted in the formation of the Wangjiazhuang quartz monzonite and associated Cu(–Mo) deposit in western Shandong Province.     

Evaluation of radiation dose due to naturally occurring radionuclides in rock samples of different origins collected from Azad Kashmir

The state of Azad Kashmir is rich in three types of rocks, namely, sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. These rocks contain extensive deposits of graphite, marble, limestone, quartzite, granite, dolerite, and sandstone, which are widely used for the construction of dwellings in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. Therefore, knowledge about the presence of natural radioactivity in these materials is desirable to assess the radiological hazards associated with it. In this context, 30 rock samples were collected from different geologic formations of the Muzaffarabad Division, Azad Kashmir. After processing the samples, the specific activities of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰ K in them were measured using a P-type coaxial high-purity germanium detector. The observed highest dose rate values for sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks have been found to be 83.16 ± 1.08, 135.87 ± 1.18, and 115.98 ± 1 nGy ⋅ h^–1, respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Ra_eq) varied from 23.76 ± 1.15 for dolerite sample (igneous rock) to 293.69 ± 2.60 Bq ⋅ kg^–1 for marble (metamorphic rock). The Ra_eq values of all rock samples are lower than the limit mentioned in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 1979) report (370 Bq ⋅ kg^–1, equivalent to γ-dose of 1.5 mSv ⋅ y^–1). The values of external (H_ex) and internal hazard indices (H_in) are less than unity. The mean outdoor and indoor annual effective dose equivalents are 0.073 mSv ⋅ y^–1 and 0.29 mSv ⋅ y^–1, respectively. The mean (over all types of rock samples) annual effective dose equivalent is reported as 0.36 mSv ⋅ y^–1.     

Comparison of dissolved inorganic and organic carbon yields and fluxes in the watersheds of tropical volcanic islands,examples from Guadeloupe (French West Indies)

Organic matter is an important factor that cannot be neglected when considering global carbon cycle. New data including organic matter geochemistry at the small watershed scale are needed to elaborate more constrained carbon cycle and climatic models. The objectives are to estimate the DOC and DIC yields exported from small tropical watersheds and to give strong constraints on the carbon hydrodynamic of these systems. To answer these questions, we have studied the geochemistry of eleven small watersheds around Basse-Terre volcanic Island in the French West Indies during different hydrological regimes from 2006 to 2008 (i.e. low water level versus floods). We propose a complete set of carbon measurements, including DOC and DIC concentrations, δ¹³C data, and less commonly, some spectroscopic indicators of the nature of organic matter. The DOC/DIC ratio varies between 0.07 and 0.30 in low water level and between 0.25 and 1.97 during floods, indicating that organic matter is mainly exported during flood events. On the light of the isotopic composition of DOC, ranging from ? 32.8 to ? 26.2‰ during low water level and from ? 30.1 to ? 27.2‰ during floods, we demonstrate that export of organic carbon is mainly controlled by perennial saprolite groundwaters, except for flood events during which rivers are also strongly influenced by soil erosion. The mean annual yields ranged from 2.5 to 5.7 t km^? 2 year^? 1 for the DOC and from 4.8 to 19.6 t km^? 2 year^? 1 for the DIC and exhibit a non-linear relationship with slopes of watersheds. The flash floods explain around 60% of the annual DOC flux and between 25 and 45% of the DIC flux, highlighting the important role of these extreme meteorological events on global carbon export in small tropical volcanic islands. From a carbon mass balance point of view the exports of dissolved carbon from small volcanic islands are important and should be included in global organic carbon budgets.     

Deciphering an Archean mantle plume: Abitibi greenstone belt,Canada

The 2724–2722 Ma Stoughton-Roquemaure Group (SRG) of the Abitibi greenstone belt (the Archean Superior Province, Canada) is a ≤ 2 km thick komatiite–basalt succession intermittently exposed for about 50 km along strike. The ultramafic and mafic rocks occur mainly as pillowed, brecciated, and massive flows with well preserved spinifex textures in the komatiites. Volcanological, comparative stratigraphic and geochemical studies of the group along a volcanic marker horizon at the base of the succession allow the assessment of magma emplacement processes and mantle source rocks. Major feeder channels, secondary distributary tubes surrounded by pillowed flows with minor breccias and hyaloclastites display facies architecture of small volume flow fields (1–2 km³). Within the SRG, Al-depleted (ADK; Barberton-type) and Al-undepleted (AUK; Munro-type) komatiitic lavas are intercalated with tholeiitic basalt flows at a m- to 10s of m scale. Basalts and komatiites are inferred to be mantle plume-related; both rock types form two groups with characteristics of ADK and AUK including Al₂O₃/TiO₂ ~ 9–12 for ADK versus 17–22 for AUK, as well as (Gd/Yb)_n with > 1.3 versus ~ 1, respectively. The interdigitation of compositionally different flow units, limited extent of SRG volcanic rocks and facies architecture with the prevalence of small volume flows argue for a relatively small, heterogeneous mantle plume during the incipient stage of the evolution of the Archean Abitibi belt. Assuming that the scale of heterogeneities is comparable to the field expression of compositional changes and stratigraphy, it can be suggested that geochemical plume ‘layering’ is on 10s to 100s of m-scale. The evolution of this Archean mantle plume from inception to demise compares favorably with the Yellowstone hotspot which is assumed to have developed over 17 m.y. and had a diameter of about 300 km.     

Eocene potassic and ultrapotassic volcanism in south Tibet: New constraints on mantle source characteristics and geodynamic processes

In the Yangbajing area, southern Tibet, several monogenic volcanoes were conformably superimposed on the Linzizong calc-alkaline volcanic successions. According to their petrologic and geochemical characteristics, these monogenic volcanoes are composed of three rock varieties: tephritic phonolitic plugs and shoshonitic and trachytic lavas. Their geochemical systematics reveals that low-pressure evolutionary processes in the large voluminous Linzizong calc-alkaline magmas were not responsible for the generation of these potassic–ultrapotassic rocks, but the significant change in petrologic and geochemical characteristics from the Linzizong calc-alkaline to potassic–ultrapotassic magma is likely accounted for the change of metasomatic agents in the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle source during the Paleocene to Eocene. The tephritic phonolites containing both leucite and plagioclase show primary ultrapotassic character similar to that of Mediterranean plagioleucititic magmas. Radiogenic Sr increases with SiO₂ in the xenolith-bearing trachytes strongly suggesting significant crustal assimilation in the shoshonitic magmas. The Yangbajing ultrapotassic rocks have high K₂O and Al₂O₃, and show depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs) with respect to large ion lithophile elements. In primitive mantle-normalized element diagrams, all samples are characterized by positive spikes at Th (U) and Pb with negative anomalies at Ba, Nb–Ta and Ti, reflecting the orogenic nature of the ultrapotassic rocks. They are characterized by highly radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) ratios (0.7061–0.7063) and unradiogenic ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) (0.5125), and Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.688–18.733, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.613–15.637, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.861–38.930) similar to the global subducting sediment. Strong enrichment of incompatible trace elements and high Th fractionation from the other HFSEs (such as Nb and U) clearly indicate that the Th-enriched sedimentary component in a network veined mantle source was mainly introduced by sediment-derived melts. In addition, the ultrapotassic rocks have significant Ce (Ce/Ce* = 0.77–0.84) and Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–0.75) anomalies, suggesting a subduction sediment input into the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle source. In contrast, high U/Th (> 0.20) and Ba/Th (> 32) and low Th/La (< 0.3) in the shoshonites indicate that the Eocene potassic magma originated from partial melting of the surrounding peridotite mantle pervasively affected by slab-related fluid addition from the dehydration of either the subducting oceanic crust or the sediment. Thus, at least two different subduction-related metasomatic agents re-fertilized the upper mantle. According to the radiometric ages and spatial distribution, the Gangdese magmatic association shows a temporal succession from the Linzizong calc-alkaline to ultrapotassic magmas. This indicates a late arrival of recycled sediments within the Tibetan lithospheric mantle wedge. The most diagnostic signatures for the involvement of continent-derived materials are the super-chondritic Zr/Hf (45.5–49.2) and elevated Hf/Sm values (0.81–0.91) in the ultrapotassic rocks. Therefore, the occurrence of orogenic magmatism in the Gangdese belt likely represents the volcanic expression of the onset of the India–Asia collision, preceding the 10 Ma Neo-Tethyan slab break-off process at 42–40 Ma. The absence of residual garnet in the mantle source for the ultrapotassic volcanism seems to imply that the southern Tibetan lithosphere was not been remarkably thickened until the Eocene (～ 50 Ma).     

Petrogenesis of the 2115 Ma Haicheng mafic sills from the Eastern North China Craton: Implications for an intra-continental rifting

The Rhyacian (2300–2050 Ma) is a special era of the Paleoproterozoic represented by large layered intrusions in many cratons. It is well known that there are widespread igneous events at ~ 2100 Ma in the Eastern North China Craton; however, their tectonic environments are under debate: whether they were related to an intra-continental rifting or an arc/back-arc setting along a continental margin. These ~ 2100 Ma igneous events comprise several mafic dykes/sills, with some coeval A-type granites and volcanic events in several rifts; among them, the Haicheng mafic sills in the Liaohe rift are unique as their host rock, the Liaohe Group, bears the world's largest magnesium deposit. Most of the mafic sills are E-W-elongated at present coordinates. Exclusive of superimposition caused by deformation, the widths of the individuals are tens to hundreds of meters and the lengths are hundreds to thousands of meters. They have metamorphosed to an assemblage of plagioclase and hornblende, with minor quartz and accessory chlorite, epidote, apatite, ilmenite, and magnetite. However, relic gabbro and ophitic textures with mainly plagioclase and clinopyroxene are well-preserved. SIMS Pb–Pb dating on baddeleyites from one ~ 1000 m thick sill near Xialiulinzi village yields an average ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 2115 ± 3 Ma (n = 15, MSWD = 2.3), representing the timing of crystallization. SIMS U–Pb dating on zircon yields a similar forming age. They are tholeiitic in composition (MgO: 4.36–8.88 wt.%; SiO₂: 45.76–53.39 wt.%), enriched in light rare earth elements ((La/Yb)_N = 1.72–4.37) and large ion lithophile elements (i.e., Cs, Rb, Sr, and K) but depleted in high field strength elements (i.e., Nb, Ta, and Ti). These features were unlikely caused by crustal contamination during their emplacement, as there are little variations in Nb/La and Th/Nb. The rocks have experienced significant plagioclase-plus clinopyroxene-dominating fractional crystallization. Their enriched Sr–Nd isotope characteristics (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_t = 0.703 ~ 0.705, εNd_t = − 1.9 ~ 0.6) and trace element patterns indicate that their source(s) could be the ancient subcontinental lithospheric mantle; and this source is similar to those coeval sills from other parts of the craton. Their arc-like trace element features could be inherited from their source regions formed via a subduction process at the late Archean rather than at the middle-late Paleoproterozoic. These sill swarms, throughout the craton, might have developed in an integrated intra-continental rift system at ~ 2100 Ma.     

The origin of the Dapingzhang volcanogenic Cu–Pb–Zn ore deposit,Yunnan province,SW China: Constraints from host rock geochemistry and ore Os–Pb–S–C–O–H isotopes

The Dapingzhang volcanogenic Cu–Pb–Zn sulfide deposit is located in the Lancangjiang tectonic zone within the Sanjiang region, Yunnan province of southwestern China. The deposit occurs within a felsic volcanic dome belonging to a mid-Silurian volcanic belt stretching for more than 100 km from Dapingzhang to Sandashan. The mineralized volcanic rocks are predominantly keratophyre and quartz keratophyre with subordinate spilite. The Dapingzhang deposit is characterized by well-developed vertical zonation with stockwork ores in the bottom, disseminated sulfide ores in the middle, and massive sulfide ores in the top, overlain by a thin layer of chemical sedimentary exhalative rocks (chert and barite). The Re–Os age of the pyrites from the deposit is 417 ± 23 Ma, indistinguishable from the age of the associated felsic volcanic rocks. The associated felsic volcanic rocks are characterized by negative Nb–Ta anomalies and positive ε_Nd(t) values (+ 4.4–+6.5), similar to the coeval calc-alkaline volcanic rocks in the region. This observation supports the interpretation that the felsic volcanic rocks associated with the Dapingzhang deposit are the derivatives of arc basaltic magma by extensive fractional crystallization. The δ³⁴S values of the sulfides from the deposit vary from − 1.24 to + 4.32‰, indicating a predominantly magmatic source for the sulfur. The sulfides are also characterized by homogeneous and relatively low radiogenic Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.310–18.656, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.489–15.643 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.811–38.662), similar to the Pb isotopic compositions of the associated volcanic rocks. The Pb isotopic data indicate that mantle-derived Pb is more prevalent than crust-derived Pb in the deposit. The S–Pb isotopic data indicate that the important ore-forming materials were mainly derived from the associated volcanic rocks. The δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of the associated hydrothermal calcite crystals vary from − 2.3‰ to + 0.27‰ and from + 14.6 to + 24.4‰, respectively. These values are between the mantle and marine carbonate values. The narrow range of the δ¹³C_PDB values for the calcite indicates that carbon-bearing species in the hydrothermal fluids were primarily derived from marine carbonates. The δ¹⁸O values for the hydrothermal fluids, calculated from the measured values for quartz, are between − 2.1‰ and + 3.5‰. The corresponding δD values for the fluids range from − 59‰ to − 84‰. The O–H isotopic data indicate mixing between magmatic fluids and seawater in the ore-forming hydrothermal system. Similar to a typical volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit, the ore-forming fluids contained both magmatic fluids and heated seawater; the ore metals and regents were derived from the underlying magma as well as felsic country rocks.     

Adakitic rocks derived from the partial melting of subducted continental crust: Evidence from the Eocene volcanic rocks in the northern Qiangtang block

Eocene is a critical time for the elevation of Tibetan Plateau and global climate change, and previous studies suggested that the Eocene elevation was caused by intra-continental subduction of the Songpan–Garze block beneath the Qiangtang block. This paper reports zircon U–Pb age and geochemistry of the Eocene volcanic rocks from the Zuerkenwula mountain area in the northern part of Qiangtang block, and proposes that both slab break-off of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab along the Bangong–Nujiang suture and intra-continental subduction of the Songpan–Garze block beneath the Qiangtang block caused the extensive partial melting of lithospheric mantle and subducted Songpan–Garze continental crust, which resulted in the significant elevation of the Tibetan Plateau. The volcanic rocks have LA-ICP MS U–Pb zircon age of 40.25 ± 0.15 Ma (MSWD = 2.1, 2σ), which is contemporaneous with the Eocene eclogites in the Great Himalayan and K-rich lavas in the southeastern Tibet. They display some adakitic characteristics with SiO₂ = 57.44 to 68.72%, TiO₂ = 0.38 to 0.81%, Na₂O = 2.89 to 4.35%, K₂O = 2.77 to 4.48%, Al₂O₃ = 13.92 to 18.22%, A/CNK = 0.69 to 1.03, MgO = 0.27 to 5.86% with Mg# ranging from 13.2 to 72.0, strongly depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) (Yb = 0.92 to 1.51 ppm and Y = 10.1 to 24.1 ppm), in combination with their positive Sr anomalies, high Sr/Y ratios and no significant Eu anomalies, which suggest a garnet-in and plagioclase-free source residue. These volcanic rocks can be divided into high-Mg# (> 45) and low-Mg# (< 45) groups. Both of the two groups share evolved Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.707412–0.708284; ε_Nd(t) = ? 4.0 to ? 5.7; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.7499–18.8189, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.7189–15.7384; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.166–39.262. The geophysical data and regional geological setting suggest that the low-Mg# adakitic rocks were derived from the decompression melting of a subducted lower continental crust, when low-Mg# adakitic melts in the overlying peridotite mantle wedge captured some olivine crystals, resulting in their elevated Mg# and MgO values.     

Fluorite (U–Th)/He thermochronology: Constraints on the low temperature history of Yucca Mountain,Nevada

Fluorite is one of the secondary minerals precipitated in pore spaces at the future nuclear waste repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The authors have conducted (U–Th)/He dating of this fluorite in an attempt to constrain the temperature and timing of paleo-fluid flux into the site. Repeated analysis of colourless fluorite yielded a weighted average age of 9.7 ± 0.15 Ma (2σ), younger than previously determined sanidine ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹ Ar ages (12.8 Ma) for deposition of the tuff.Laboratory He-diffusion experiments conducted on the Yucca fluorite yield a preliminary He closure temperature (T_c) of 90 ± 10 °C (cooling rate of 10 °C/Ma) and previous studies have determined that the fluorite precipitated from warm fluids (65–80 °C) at depths of <400 m. However, minerals can experience partial He loss at temperatures well below the T_c and therefore the (U–Th)/He age of 9.7 Ma is interpreted to be a cooling age. This result implies that the last period of elevated temperature fluid circulation through the Yucca site was approximately 9.7 Ma ago.It was observed that the purple coloured outer portion of the fluorite nodule yielded non-reproducible and invariably older ages than colourless fluorite. Several possible reasons are suggested.     

Petrology,geochemistry, and geochronology of Paleoproterozoic volcanic and granitic rocks (1.89–1.88 Ga) of the Pitinga Province,Amazonian Craton,Brazil

This paper presents geochemical, petrographic, and geochronological data on the Uatumã magmatism in the Pitinga Province, where it is represented by volcanic rocks from the Iricoumé Group and granitic rocks from the Mapuera Suite. The Iricoumé Group (1.89–1.88 Ga) is constituted of the Divisor Formation (intermediate volcanic rocks), Ouro Preto Formation (acid effusive rocks), and Paraiso Formation (acid crystal-rich ignimbrites, surge deposits, and basic rocks). The volcanic sequence is intruded by granitoids from the Mapuera Suite (1.88 Ga), mainly represented by monzogranites and syenogranites. Structural and field relations suggest that caldera complex collapse controlled the emplacement of volcanics and granitoids of the Mapuera Suite. Subsequent structure reactivations allowed the younger Madeira Suite (1.82–1.81 Ga) to be emplaced in the central portion of the caldera complex. The felsic Iricoumé magmatism is mainly composed of rhyolites, trachydacites and latites, with SiO₂ contents between 64 wt% and 80 wt%. The plutonic rocks from the Mapuera Suite present SiO₂ between 65 wt% and 77 wt%. Volcanic and granitic rocks present identical geochemical characteristics and that is attributed to their co-magmatic character. The felsic volcanic rocks and granites are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous and show affinity with silica-saturated alkaline series or with A-type magmas. They have Na₂O + K₂O between 6.6% and 10.4%, FeO^t/(FeO^t + MgO) varying between 0.76 and 0.99, Ga/Al ratios between 1.5 and 4.9, like typical A-type rocks; and plot in the within-plate or post-collisional fields in the (Nb + Y) vs. Rb diagram. The Nb/Y ratios indicate that these rocks are comparable to A2-type granites. This magmatism can be related to the (i) potassic alkaline series, with low Sr content in the felsic rocks explained by plagioclase fractionation at low pressure and high temperature or, alternatively, (ii) a bimodal association where magma had high crustal influence. The similarity of the Iricoumé felsic magmatism with A2-type granitoids and their high ETRL/Nb ratios suggest its relation with mantle sources previously modified by subduction, probably in a post-collision environment. Alternatively, this can be interpreted as bimodal within-plate magmatism with contamination by crustal melts. In this context, the extreme F, Nb and Zr enrichment of Madeira Suite could be explained by the presence of a thin crust which favored the presence and continuity of convective systems in the upper mantle.     

Geochemistry of A-type granites in the Huangshaping polymetallic deposit (South Hunan,China): Implications for granite evolution and associated mineralization

The Huangshaping granites in Hunan Province, South China were investigated for their geochemical characteristics. Three types of granites have been petrographically identified: quartz porphyry, granophyre, and granite porphyry. Whole rock geochemistry suggests that the Huangshaping granites, especially the granite porphyry, exhibit typical A-type granite characteristics with their enrichment in Si, Rb, U, Th, and Nb and significant depletion in Ba, Sr, Ti, Eu, and P. Based on the Al, Y and Zr contents as well as the REE patterns of the rocks investigated, the quartz porphyry and the granophyre are classified as A₁ type alkaline granites whereas the granite porphyry is considered as A₂ type aluminous granite. Whole rock and quartz/feldspar O isotope data yields a wide range of δ¹⁸O_SMOW values (11.09–26.32‰). The granites are characterized by high radiogenic Pb isotopic composition. The present-day whole rock Pb isotopic ratios are ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.706–19.155, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.616–15.711 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.734–39.296. Combining the O–Pb isotope compositions with major, trace and REE geochemistry and regional geology characteristics, the Huangshaping granites were determined to resemble within-plate granites that were mainly derived from a felsic infracrustal source related to continental extension. The magma source of the quartz porphyry and the granophyre may have been generated from deeper depths, and then ascended rapidly with limited water content and low oxygen fugacity, which contributed to Cu, Pb and Zn mineralization. On the other hand, the magma that generated the granite porphyry may have ascended relatively slower and experienced pronounced crystal fractionation, upper-crustal basement rock contamination (assimilation) and wall–rock interaction, producing the Sn- and W-rich granite porphyry. This study reveals the crustal extension process and associated magmatic–metallogenic activities during 180–150 Ma in South Hunan.