Recognition and characterisation of high-grade ignimbrites from the Neoproterozoic rhyolitic volcanism in southernmost Brazil

Neoproterozoic magmatism in southern Brazil is associated with translithospheric shear belts and strike-slip basins in a post-collisional setting related to the last stages of the Brasilian-Pan African Orogenic Cycle. It evolved from an association of high-K calc-alkaline, leucocratic-peraluminous and continental tholeiitic magmas, to an association with shoshonitic magmas and, eventually, to an association with magmas of the sodic mildly alkaline series. This magmatism varies from metaluminous to peralkaline and exhibits alkaline sodic affinity. A large volcanism is related to this alkaline sodic magmatism and is named the Acampamento Velho Formation. This unit was coeval with subaerial siliciclastic sedimentation in post-collisional basins preserved in the region. The Acampamento Velho Formation consists of pyroclastic and effusive volcanic deposits, which are mainly silicic, emplaced under subaerial conditions. The best exposures of this volcanism occur on the Ramada and Taquarembó plateaus, located southwest of Rio Grande do Sul in southernmost Brazil. The pyroclastic flow deposits are composed mainly of juvenile fragments such as pumices, shards and crystal fragments. Welding is very effective in these units. High-grade ignimbrites occur at the base and intermediate portions of the deposits and rheoignimbrites are observed at the top. The pre-eruptive temperature calculations, which were obtained at the saturation of zircon, revealed values between 870 °C and 978 °C for Taquarembó Plateau and 850 °C–946 °C for Ramada Plateau. The calculated viscosity values vary from 6.946 to 8.453 log η (Pas) for the rheoignimbrites and 7.818 to 10.588 log η (Pas) for the ignimbrites. Zr contents increase toward the top of the pyroclastic sequence, which indicates an increase in peralkalinity and determines the reduction in viscosity for clasts at the upper portions of the flows. The patterns of the structures of the ignimbrites and rheoignimbrites in the Taquarembó and Ramada plateaus accords well with successive pyroclastic flows that halts en masse. In this model the entire pyroclastic flow halts en masse, so complex vertical changes in grain size and composition are interpreted as recording deposition from successive discrete pyroclastic flows. The stratification observed in intermediate units in Taquarembó Plateau might reflect in this case variation in eruptive dynamics and short pauses.     

Potassic and low- and high-Ti mildly alkaline volcanism in the Neoproterozoic Ramada Plateau, southernmost Brazil

Ramada Plateau Neoproterozoic volcanism represents a portion of the shoshonitic and mildly alkaline magmatism related to postcollisional events of the Brasiliano/Pan African cycle of southernmost Brazil. It is constituted by shoshonitic basic-intermediate lavas, followed by a bimodal sequence characterized by pyroclastic deposits, lava flows, and hypabyssal rocks with ages of 549±5 Ma. The shoshonitic magmatism presents greater K₂O than Na₂O₂, K₂O/Na₂O ratios close to 1, and moderate large ion lithophile and high-field strength element contents. The bimodal basic-acid volcanism presents a transitional chemical affinity with features of sodic, silica-saturated alkaline to continental tholeiitic series. Observed basic and acid rocks with contrasting Ti contents are referred to as high- and low-Ti basalt-rhyolites. Another group of acid rocks with higher Nb, Ta, and Rb values was identified as high-Nb rhyolites. The Ramada Plateau magmatism is comparable to associations related to the final stages of orogenic cycles, in which shoshonitic and high- and low-Ti alkaline magmatism reflects the melting of subduction-modified sources, whereas the high-Nb magmas show less influence of subduction-related metasomatism and are closer to magmas produced from anorogenic sources. A model of magma generation in collisional settings involving slab break-off and asthenospheric upwelling is applied to the evolution of magmatism from subduction-related to anorogenic in the Ramada Plateau.     

Provenance of the Neoproterozoic Maricá Formation (Sul-rio-grandense Shield, Southern Brazil): Petrographic and Sm–Nd isotopic constraints

This paper reports the integrated application of petrographic and Sm–Nd isotopic analyses for studying the provenance of the Neoproterozoic Maricá Formation, southern Brazil. This unit encompasses sedimentary rocks of fluvial and marine affiliations. In the lower fluvial succession, sandstones plot in the “craton interior” and “transitional continental” fields of the QFL diagram. Chemical weathering probably caused the decrease of the ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios to 0.0826 and 0.0960, consequently lowering originally > 2.0 Ga T_DM ages to 1.76 and 1.81 Ga. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios are also low (0.511521 to 0.511633), corresponding to negative ε_Nd present-day values (− 21.8 and − 19.6). In the intermediate marine succession, sandstones plot in the “dissected arc” field, reflecting the input of andesitic clasts. Siltstones and shales reveal low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0.511429 to 0.511710), ε_Nd values of − 18.1 and − 23.6, and T_DM ages of 2.16 and 2.37 Ga. Sandstones of the upper fluvial succession have “dissected arc” and “recycled orogen” provenance. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotopic ratios are also relatively low, from 0.511487 to 0.511560, corresponding to ε_Nd values of − 22.4 and − 21.0 and T_DM of 2.07 Ga. A uniform granite–gneissic basement block of Paleoproterozoic age, with subordinate volcanic rocks, is suggested as the main sediment source of the Maricá Formation.     

Cadmium isotopic constraints on metal sources in the Huize Zn-Pb deposit,SW China

The Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou(SYG)Zn-Pb metallogenic zone in SW China contains＞400 carbonate-hosted hydrothermal Zn-Pb deposits.Some of these,such as the Huize,Tianbaoshan,and Daliangzi deposits,are super-large deposits with significant reserves of Cd,Ge,and Ag.However,the sources of these metals remain controversial.This study investigated the Cd isotopic geochemistry of the Huize deposit,the largest Zn-Pb deposit in the SYG area.Sphalerites formed at three stages in the deposit have different colors:black or dark brown(Stage Ⅰ),red(Stage Ⅱ),and light-yellow(Stage Ⅲ).The δ114/110Cd values of the sphalerites are in the order Stage Ⅲ＜Stage Ⅰ＜Stage Ⅱ.Kinetic isotopic fractionation is likely the key factor causing the lower δ114/110Cd values in the early formed Stage Ⅰ sphalerites than in later-formed Stage Ⅱ sphalerites,with cooling of ore-forming fluids being responsible for the still lower values of the Stage Ⅲ sphalerites.In galena,the δ114/110Cd values are inversely correlated with Cd contents and tend to be higher in high-Zn galena.We speculate that Cd isotopic fractionation was significant during the precipitation of sphalerite and galena,with light Cd isotopes being enriched in galena rather than sphalerite.Comparison of the Cd isotopic signatures and Zn/Cd ratios of different endmembers suggests that the δ114/110Cd values and Zn/Cd ratios of sphalerite from the Huize deposit,as well as other large-scale deposits from the SYG area,are lie in those range of Emeishan basalts and sedimentary rocks and the mean δ114/110Cd values of these deposits show good negative correlation with 1/Cd,suggesting that the ore-forming materials of these deposits were derived from the mixing of Emeishan basalts and sed-imentary rocks.This study demonstrates that Cd isotopes can be useful proxies in elucidating ore genesis in large Zn-Pb deposits.     

Neoproterozoic contaminated MORB of Wadi Ghadir ophiolite,NE Africa: Geochemical and Nd and Sr isotopic constraints

The ophiolitic metabasalts (pillowed and sheeted dikes) of Wadi Ghadir area, Eastern Desert, Egypt, were analyzed for their major, trace and rare earth elements, Nd and Sr isotopes and the chemistry of their plagioclase, amphibole and chlorite was also reported. Geochemically these rocks range from tholeiitic basalt to basaltic andesite. The generally low MgO, Cr and Ni and high Zr contents are consistent with derivation of these rocks from an evolved magma. The high TiO₂ contents (mostly between 1.76% and 2.23%) classify Wadi Ghadir ophiolitic metabasalts as MORB ophiolite. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of most samples display small LREE-enrichment with (La/Yb)_n ranging from 1.44 to 2.56. The MORB-normalized spider diagram shows variable LILE abundances, which are either similar to or enriched relative to MORB, and most samples display small Nb depletion. The abundances of some LILE (Ba, Rb and K) as well as Na and Si were modified by post-magmatic seafloor hydrothermal alteration. Enrichment of the least mobile LILE (Th & U) indicates that Wadi Ghadir ophiolitic metabasalts are akin to C (contaminated)-MORB. These geochemical characteristics are similar to BABB modified by contamination.Wadi Ghadir metabasalts have low initial Sr ratios (0.7010–0.7034) which are similar to those of MORB, while their ε_Nd(t) values (+7.7–+4.5) are either more or less positive than the value of depleted mantle (DM). The more positive ε_Nd(t) values indicate DM source for these basalts, while the less positive ε_Nd(t) values reflect the involvement of slightly older component in Wadi Ghadir ophiolite. We suggest that the parent magma of metabasalts was contaminated by slightly older material, most probably oceanic-arc crustal rocks, which caused enrichment in LREE, and by analogy LILE, but did not significantly affect Nd isotopic systematics or modify Sr isotopes.Such contaminated MORB character also revealed by other ophiolitic metavolcanics in the Central Eastern Desert, contrasting the N-MORB character of the Gerf ophiolite in the South Eastern Desert. Moreover, the present work suggests the increase of the degree of contamination of the ophiolitic metabasalts from south to north in the Central Eastern Desert.     

江南造山带西段新元古代超基性岩体年代学和岩石地球化学研究及其对源区的约束

本文研究对象为江南造山带西段湘西通道地区长界橄榄辉石岩。长界橄榄辉石岩锆石LA ICP-MS U-Pb加权平均年龄为701±11 Ma。长界橄榄辉石岩主要由单斜辉石、橄榄石和少量斜长石以及少量钛铁氧化物组成,指示在岩浆形成过程中单斜辉石、橄榄石和少量斜长石为主要分离结晶相。全岩具有低SiO_2(44.01%~47.72%)、Al_2O_3(6.77%~9.10%)、TiO_2(0.49%~0.75%)和全碱(Na_2O+K_2O=0.07%~2.04%)含量,而高MgO(23.97%~30.70%)含量的特征,岩石属于亚碱性拉斑玄武岩系列。长界橄榄辉石岩稀土元素总量(∑REE)较低,为25.7×10-6~55.6×10~(-6),全岩稀土和微量元素标准化图解与洋岛玄武岩(OIB)相似,具有富集轻稀土元素[(La/Yb)N为3.36~6.48]和富集大离子亲石元素(LILE)的特点,同时还显示出"弧岩浆"的地球化学性质,明显的Nb-Ta负异常,较高的Th/Nb值(0.52~0.81)和较低的Nb/La值(0.25~0.44)以及低Nb(1.11×10~(-6)~3.91×10~(-6))的特征。长界橄榄辉石岩具有高初始(87Sr/86Sr)i值(0.707 206~0.708 561)和正的εNd(t)值(0.25~0.41)。微量元素模拟结果表明,长界橄榄辉石岩起源于尖晶石相,其源区为受来自俯冲消减板片脱水或熔融形成的流体或熔体的交代的软流圈地幔,是软流圈地幔上涌并发生低度部分熔融的产物(4%~7%)。结合区域地质特征,推测长界橄榄辉石岩的形成可能与700 Ma时期江南造山带西段裂谷作用导致软流圈物质上涌并发生熔融有关。     

黔东南金矿与圈定的黔湘桂新元古代火山构造特征及地质意义

黔东南金矿地质勘查及找矿研究程度低,为之利用区域重磁资料,研究深部成矿环境,圈定区内可能存在一处大型的中心式喷发火山环形构造或隐伏岩浆岩体分布群。岩体异常北东向分布,覆盖面积广,组合形态复杂,分带特征明显,跨越黔湘桂三省区,主体异常在贵州,部分在湖南和广西,并受控于3条深大断裂,见中心环带、内环带、过渡环带、外环带,4带发育齐全,火山岩相配套出现,岩体异常分枝发育。研究发现天柱—锦屏—黎平及丹寨—三都与湘西会同—怀化等地区金矿,极有规律地分布于相应构造环带和地表背斜区及有利赋矿地层内,由内环向外环依次出现石英脉型、蚀变岩型、微细粒浸染型金矿。所圈定的潜火山构造或隐伏岩体群,将对黔湘桂交界地区地质特征及金矿成矿规律产生新的认识,具有重要的地质意义。     

Detrital zircon ages and geochronological constraints on the Neoproterozoic Puga diamictites and associated BIFs in the southern Paraguay Belt,Brazil

The Paraguay belt comprises a thick sedimentary succession deposited on the southwestern border of the Amazonian Craton and the Rio Apa Block. The base of the succession in the southern Paraguay belt is marked by a level of glacially derived deposits from the Puga Formation associated with banded iron formations, which has been assumed to be end-Cryogenian in age (635 Ma) by previous authors is spite of the lack of geochronological data. Here we present the first U–Pb SHRIMP ages on detrital zircon grains separated from the matrix of six samples of these diamictites two different localities (Puga Hill and Bodoquena area). U–Pb ages determined from two samples (ca. 130 grains) of Puga Hill show a large variation between 970 Ma and 2100 Ma. Rocks with these ages can be found in the Amazonian Craton suggesting that it is the most probable source of the sediments. Detrital zircons (ca. 230 grains) from the Bodoquena area (about 200 km south of Puga Hill) range from 706 to 1990 Ma. The 1760 Ma source is significantly more important in these samples, comprising more than 70% of analyzed grains, and indicates provenance from the adjacent Rio Apa Block. The youngest zircon was dated at 706 ± 9 Ma, thus constraining the maximum depositional age for the Puga Formation. Possible sources for this younger population could be either the juvenile Mara Rosa magmatic arc in the Brasilia belt, or the rocks from the Laurentian external fold belts located to the west of the sampled area in Neoproterozoic paleogeographic reconstructions. The maximum depositional age of the diamictites (and associated BIFs), together with cap carbonate carbon and strontium isotope data (δ¹³C = ? 5.0 and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7077) in Puga Hill, indicate that they were deposited after 700 Ma, suggesting that they may represent the end-Cryogenian event.     

Iron isotope constraints on the metal source and depositional environment of the Neoproterozoic banded iron- and manganese deposits in Urucum,Brazil

The Urucum area of Brazil hosts a series of Cryogenian ironstones intercalated by oxide-dominated manganese layers. The Urucum iron and manganese formations (IF-MnF) are among the largest sedimentary iron and associated manganese deposits of the Neoproterozoic, however, the depositional model and the source of metals for the IF-MnF in this area are highly controversial. In this study, we performed systematic Fe isotope analysis on fresh and geochemically characterized drill core samples of the Urucum iron and manganese formation deposited in the center of the ancient Urucum graben system. The samples have a large variation in Fe isotope composition, with a δ⁵⁶Fe range of −2.04‰ to +0.75‰, and exhibit a general trend of decreasing δ⁵⁶Fe values with increasing manganese contents. The low δ⁵⁶Fe values of the IF and MnF samples reflect Rayleigh fractionation processes of contineous partial oxidation of aqueous Fe(II) prior to deposition at the sampling site. Using a mixing model and previously published Nd isotope data on the same samples, we estimated that benthic (i.e., porewaters released from submarine sediments in the Urucum basin) Fe fluxes provided 7–50% of total Fe in the Urucum IF-MnF, and the rest of Fe source was from low-temperature hydrothermal vents. Based on combined Fe and Nd isotope data of the Urucum IF-MnF, we propose that low-temperature hydrothermal fluids and benthic fluxes of pore waters were mixed and transported by an upwelling current. The fluid subsequently experienced partial oxidation during the transportation process and became enriched in light Fe isotopes. In the Urucum graben basin, the iron- and manganese-rich oxides deposition occurred progressively under increasingly oxidizing conditions, and such process could have operated repeatedly to produce the alternation of iron and manganese formations. The chemical sediments of the Urucum IF-MnF deposits thus reflect the existence of a sharp redox gradient in the marine environment during the late Cryogenian period.     

Paleogeographic forcing of the strontium isotopic cycle in the Neoproterozoic

The period spanning from 825 to 540 Ma is characterized by major changes in the surficial Earth system. This extraordinary interval starts with the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent and eruption of a series of large igneous provinces and ends with the assembly of Gondwana, giving rise to the Pan-African orogenies. This paleogeographic reorganization is accompanied by a global climatic cooling, including the paroxysmal Cryogenian “snowball” glacial events. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of seawater displays a major long-term rise over this interval that is punctuated by episodic, smaller declines and inflections. We use a coupled deep time climate-carbon numerical model to explore the complex role of tectonics and climate on this distinct evolution in seawater ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. We show that the modulation of the weathering of the erupted large igneous provinces by continental drift explains the changes in seawater ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr from 800 to 635 Ma. The subsequent sharp rise in seawater ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr from 635 to 580 Ma is the result of erosion of radiogenic crust exposed in the Pan-African orogens. Coeval evolution of atmospheric CO₂ displays a decrease from about 80 times the pre-industrial level around 800 Ma to 5 times just before the beginning of the Phanerozoic.     

Mantle sources of the Cenozoic Iblean volcanism (SE Sicily, Italy): Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic constraints

Summary A wide range of relatively undifferentiated lavas, ranging in composition from quartz-tholeiites to ankaratrites, were erupted in the Iblean area (SE Sicily) during the Upper Miocene-Lower Pleistocene. New Sr-Nd-Pb isotope analyses, presented in this paper, have been used to constrain the petrogenesis of the Iblean magmas, and to characterise their sources. The results (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.70271–0.70328;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd: 0.51325–0.51291;²⁰⁶pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 19.25–20.00) indicate that the Iblean lavas are mantle-derived anorogenic melts, involving DM+HIMU mantle components. Isotope and trace element data suggest that magmas formed from a heterogeneous mantle source that equilibrated in the spinel-peridotite field; the Iblean melts were thus formed within the subcontinental lithosphere. The mantle source region, was originally characterised by a depleted isotopic signature (DM), and was repeatedly and variably impregnated (refertilized) by metasomatic agents of sublithospheric origin characterised by a HIMU signature.

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Mantel-Quellen für den känozoischen Vulkanismus des Iblei-Plateaus (Südost-Sizilien, Italien): Sr-Nd-Pb Isotopen-Daten

Zusammenfassung Eine Vielfalt von relativ undifferenzierten Laven, die in ihrer Zusammensetzung von Quarz-Tholeiiten bis zu Ankaratriten reichen, wurden in dem Iblei-Gebiet (Südost-Sizilen) während des Oberen Miozäns — Unteren Pleistoziins eruptiert. Neue Sr-Nd-Pb Isotopenanalysen, die hier präsentiert werden, ermöglichen es, die Möglichkeiten petrogenetischer Deutung der Iblei-Magmen einzuschränken und ihre Quellen zu charakterisieren. Die Resultate (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.70271–0.70328;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd: 0.51325–0.51291;²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 19.25–20.00) zeigen, dass die Iblei-Laven anorogene Schmelzen aus dem Mantel sind, die DM+HIMU Komponenten umfassen. Die Isotopen- und Spurenelement-Daten zeigen, dass die Magmen aus einer heterogenen Mantelquelle stammen, die im Spinell-Peridotit-Feld equilibrierte. Die Iblei Magmen haben sich daher innerhalb der subkontinentalen Lithosphäre gebildet. Ihre Ursprungsregion im Mantel war durch eine abgereicherte Isotopensignatur (DM) charakterisiert und wurde wiederholt und in verschiedener Weise durch metasomatische Einflüsse sublithosphärischen Ursprunges imprägniert, die durch eine HIMU Signatur charakterisiert waren.

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With 4 Figures     

Sm–Nd isotope geochemistry of metamorphic volcano-sedimentary successions in the São Gabriel Block,southernmost Brazil: evidence for the existence of juvenile Neoproterozoic oceanic crust to the east of the Rio de la Plata craton

Juvenile Neoproterozoic dioritic, tonalitic, trondhjemitic and granodioritic gneisses in the São Gabriel block, southern Brazil, have been identified by geochronologic studies. Age proposals for associated (ultra-)mafic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks, however, range from Archean to Neoproterozoic. Whole rock Sm–Nd analyses presented here support a Neoproterozoic age for these rocks. TDM model ages of the (ultra-)mafic metavolcanic rocks range between 0.65 and 1.35 Ga with ɛNd(t) positive values between 3.16 and 6.87; TDM model ages of metasedimentary and metavolcanoclastic rocks vary between 0.77 and 1.19 Ga with ɛNd(t) values between 1.2 and 6.23; tonalitic calc-alkaline gneisses show ɛNd(t) values of 4.34 and 6.3 and TDM model ages of 0.89 and 0.72 Ga, respectively. A late-kinematic granite (Santa Zélia granite) display slightly negative ɛNd(t) values (−1.6) and a higher TDM model age of about 1.4 Ga. These data support the existence of Meso/Neoproterozoic juvenile oceanic crust and island arc rocks during the Brasiliano orogenic events. The main source rocks of the metasedimentary units are previously formed juvenile rocks. The data also indicate minor assimilation of older crustal material and/or contamination of the melts by radiogenic Nd released from older rocks on the subducting slab. Existence of widespread old sialic crust in the subduction zone environment, however, can be ruled out indicating important orogenic accretion between 0.9 and 0.7 Ga. A geotectonic model for the São Gabriel block and the eastern margin of the Rio de la Plata craton comprises eastward subduction and following accretion of an intra-oceanic island arc between 0.9 and 0.8 Ga and a subsequent westward subduction with formation of an active continental margin at the eastern margin of the Rio de la Plata craton between 0.8 and 0.7 Ga. We postulate that the juvenile rocks of São Gabriel block represent relics of a Neoproterozoic ocean between the Rio de la Plata craton and a continental block (Encantadas block) possibly derived from the Kalahari craton. Subduction and arc accretion began roughly coeval with the initial stages of the break-up of Rodinia (0.9 Ga) and indicate a peripheric Rio de la Plata craton in relation to the Rodinia supercontinent with evolution from a passive margin to an active margin in the beginning of the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano orogenic events.     

Lithium isotopic composition of Central American Volcanic Arc lavas: implications for modification of subarc mantle by slab-derived fluids

Li contents and isotopic compositions were determined for a suite of well-characterized basaltic lavas from the Central American Volcanic Arc (CAVA). Variable Li/Y (0.2–0.5), Li/Sc (0.1–0.4), and δ⁶Li values (+2.6 to −7.7‰) attest to significant compositional heterogeneity in the subarc mantle. Within specific arc segments, these parameters correlate strongly with each other and with a number of other constituents (e.g., K, Rb, Ba, B/La, ¹⁰Be/⁹Be, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, U/Ce, and ²³⁰Th/²³²Th, among others); these correlations are particularly strong for Nicaragua samples. Coupling of this particular set of constituents is best explained in terms of addition of ‘subduction components' to the subarc mantle. Moreover, their selective enrichment with respect to relatively fluid-immobile incompatible elements signifies the dominance of fluid vs. silicate melt transport of slab components to the subarc mantle. Several interesting nuances are revealed by the Li data. First, although Li and B are strongly correlated in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, there are systematic along-strike variations in Li/B that are consistent with these elements having different ‘fluid release patterns' from subducted slab segments. For example, Li/B is highest in Costa Rica where auxiliary evidence indicates higher subduction zone temperatures; apparently B is preferentially depleted and Li retained in the slab under warmer conditions. The same relations are reflected in Li/¹⁰Be and other subduction tracer systematics, all of which point to larger subduction contributions below Nicaragua. Yet, even Nicaragua lavas vary widely in levels of subduction enrichment. High-Ti basalts from Nejapa are the least enriched and have the highest δ⁶Li (1.4 to 2.6‰); these values are greater than in fresh MORB (ca. −4‰) and are not easily explained by additions of subducted Li because most oceanic crustal rocks and marine sediments have lower δ⁶Li than MORB (with typical values between −8 and −20‰). Thus, it appears the Nejapa data may be representative of isotopically light mantle domains. Relatively light δ⁶Li values in an undepleted spinel lherzolite (+11.3‰) from Zabargad Is. (Red Sea) and in primitive backarc basalts (−1.6 to −0.5‰) from Lau Basin support this conclusion. Considering representative fluid and mantle endmember compositions, the CAVA data are consistent with limited (up to a few percent) additions of slab-derived fluids to a heterogeneous mantle containing variably depleted and enriched domains to form the respective magma sources. In our view, the subarc mantle is heterogeneous on a small scale, but some arc sectors clearly received greater slab inputs than others.     

Sm–Nd isotopic investigation of Neoproterozoic and Cretaceous igneous rocks from southern Brazil: A study of magmatic processes

Nd-evolutionary paths for diversified igneous suites from southern Brazil are here re-evaluated using published results. We interpret the ε_Nd paths considering the secondary fractionation of ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd due to major petrogenetic processes. The inclusion of Nd isotopes and geochemical data for Precambrian and Mesozoic basic rocks allow improving the discussion on the subcontinental lithosphere beneath southern Brazil. Late Neoproterozoic rocks, mostly granitoids, are exposed in two regions of the southern Brazilian shield, an eastern collisional belt and a western foreland. The latter included two geotectonic domains amalgamated at this time, the São Gabriel Arc (900–700 Ma), and the Taquarembó cratonic block. Magma genesis mainly involved mixture of crustal and incompatible-element-enriched mantle components, both with a long residence time. Continental segments are the Neoarchaean–Paleoproterozoic lower crust (ca. 2.55 Ga) in the western foreland, and Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic recycled crust (2.1–0.8 Ga) in the collisional belt. Granitoids with a single crustal derivation are limited in the southern Brazilian Shield. Mixing processes are well-registered in the western foreland, where the re-enriched old mantle was probably mixed with a 900–700 Ma-old subducted lithosphere and a 2.55 Ga-old lower crust. The contribution of the latter increased from the early 605–580 Ma to the later 575–550 Ma Neoproterozoic events, which may be due either to crustal thickening or to delamination of the lithosphere. Magma sources were diversified in the 660–630 Ma collisional belt. Initially, they involved the mixing between two components with similar Nd isotopic ratios, a 2.1–0.8 Ga-old recycled crust and a subduction-processed old mantle. Regional heating and abundant production of granitic melts, with diversified contribution of enriched mantle components, mark the end of the collisional period, at 630–580 Ma. We can also attribute this to the delamination of the lithosphere, so that the same geodynamic process may explain the magmatism in the whole shield at the end of the Dom Feliciano Orogeny. Mesozoic rocks include flood basalts from the Cretaceous Paraná Province and sub-coeval alkalic suites. Multiple processes of metasomatism affected the lithospheric mantle, resulting in some complexity but they mainly register two enriched-mantle components, both generated during Neoarchaean–Paleoproterozoic events. One end-member has a more pronounced subduction signature. The other one probably resulted from the re-enrichment of the first component at the end of the Camboriú collisional orogeny (2.0 Ga).     

Juvenile contribution of the Neoproterozoic Rio Negro Magmatic Arc (Ribeira Belt,Brazil): Implications for Western Gondwana amalgamation

The ca. 790–600 Ma Rio Negro Complex (RNC) of the Ribeira belt (Brazil) consists of a plutonic portion of a magmatic arc built by the E-vergent subduction of the ESE border of the São Francisco paleoplate during the amalgamation of Western Gondwana.The plutonic series comprises low- to medium-K granitoids (ca. 790–620 Ma) and high-K granitoids and shoshonite rocks (ca. 610–605). The age span of 185 m.y. is suggestive of a long history of arc-related magmatism, continuously or not in time. The Nd isotopic signatures of the RNC consist of εNd(t) ratios from ? 3 to + 5 for the medium-K series shoshonite series and from ? 14 to ? 3 for the younger high-K group. This time-dependent trend of Nd isotopes is indicative of progressive maturity of the arc over time. The same evolution is indicated by Sr data, as the medium-K rocks have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios < 0.705 while the high-K rocks yield values between 0.705 and 0.710. The predominance of intermediate rocks over mafic ones suggests an initial intra-oceanic to transitional stage, possibly developed in a distal portion of a passive margin, such as the Japanese arc, evolving to a more developed, differentiated felsic rock associations.The role of transform fault zones, such as the Luanda shear zone, is emphasized in order to explain the consumption of a wide oceanic plate in the inner portion of Western Gondwana.     

Lead isotope constraints on the genesis of Pb–Zn deposits in the Neoproterozoic Vazante Group, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Neoproterozoic Vazante Group at the western border of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil, hosts the largest Zn–Pb district in South America. Several authors have classified this mineral district as Mississippi Valley-type (MVT), based on the intimate association with carbonates and the epigenetic character of most ore bodies. In this paper, we present 47 new lead isotope data from four deposits located along the 300 km N–S Vazante–Paracatu–Unai linear trend. Pb isotope ratios indicate sources with relatively high U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Considering the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios as indicative parameters for the source, we suggest an upper crustal source for the metals. The small variation on the Pb isotope ratios compared to those observed in the classical MVT deposits, and other geological, fluid inclusion and sulphur isotopic data indicates a metallogenic event of long duration. It was characterized by focused circulation of hydrothermal fluids carrying metals from the basement rocks and from the sedimentary pile. The data obtained are more compatible with an evolution model similar to that of IRISH-type deposits. The existence of three Pb isotopic populations could be the result of regional differences in composition of the source rocks and in the fluid–rock interaction since the mineralization is a long-term process.     

U---Pb SHRIMP and Sm---Nd age constraints on the timing and sources of the Pan-African Cape Granite Suite, South Africa

Geochemical and isotopic U---Pb SHRIMP and Sm---Nd studies in three granitic plutons from the Pan-African Neoproterozoic/Cambrian Saldania Mobile Belt, southwestern South Africa supports differences in the sources and timing of emplacement of the main plutons related to the Cape Granite Suite as established by previous researchers. The Phase I, early syn-tectonic Darling Batholith Granitoid reflects an overall peraluminous chemical signature compatible with derivation mainly from melts extracted from paraderived crustal sources (Sa1 association). The Phase II, late to post-tectonic Robertson Pluton, reflects affinities to the Australian l-type granites (1a association). Despite the good structural constraints on the syn- and post-tectonic origin, the U---Pb ages point to a broadly synchronous crystallisation episode at 547±6 Ma and 536±5 Ma, respectively. In addition to U---Pb, Nd isotopic studies were also carried out for both plutons, as well as for the Riviera Granite, another phase II (1a association) pluton. The initial ε_Nd (550 Ma) based on a depleted mantle model range from −3.5 (Darling), to −3.1 (Robertson) and to −2.6 (Riviera). The Nd mean crustal residence ages are 1559 Ma for Darling, 1626 Ma for Robertson and 1243 Ma for Riviera. Despite the small databank, a dominant Mesoproterozoic ( 1600 Ma) crust may be seen as the best candidate to explain the model T_DM ages obtained. All the data largely overlap with others recently obtained for other plutons within the Cape Granite Suite and cast doubts on the current correlation between Saldania and the southeastern Brazilian, Dom Feliciano Belts.     

塔里木地块晚新元古代古地理位置的古地磁新制约

塔里木地块新元古代的古地理位置一直都存在争议。本文对新疆阿克苏地区晚新元古代苏盖特布拉克组上亚组两个剖面286块古地磁样品进行了系统古地磁学研究,从151个样品中分离获得了三个剩磁组分。其中,中温组分未通过褶皱检验,为新生代的重磁化结果;高温特征剩磁组分HTC1和HTC2均通过了褶皱检验,且HTC1组分还在95%置信水平上通过了倒转检验。但HTC2组分对应古地磁极落在塔里木地块晚泥盆世—中石炭世古地磁极之间,而HTC1对应古地磁极,λp/φp=4. 5°S/93. 0°E（dp/dm=7. 6°/9. 9°）显著区别于塔里木显生宙以来的古地磁极。为此,我们将HTC1组分解释为岩石形成时期获得的原生剩磁;根据砂岩碎屑锆石测年结果,其年龄为~588 Ma。结合地质和地球化学资料以及邻近陆块的古地磁数据,我们认为塔里木地块在新元古代很可能位于Rodinia超大陆的外围,澳大利亚 东南极板块的西北缘;在Rodinia超大陆的裂解过程中,随着原特提斯洋的扩张不断向西北方向漂移,直到~580 Ma完全裂离于澳大利亚古陆。     

The Palaeoproterozoic Kangerluluk gold–copper mineralization (southeast Greenland): Pb and Nd isotopic constraints on its timing and genesis

The Ketilidian Mobile Belt (KMB) in South Greenland is dominated by the Palaeoproterozoic Julianehåb Batholith (1,850–1,770?Ma) and is bordered by supracrustal sequences. The batholith is composed of granite, granodiorite, tonalite, diorite and subordinate gabbro and appinite and formed in a juvenile magmatic arc. The supracrustal rocks consist of psammites, pelites and subordinate, interstratified mafic volcanic rocks. A Rapakivi granite suite (1,755–1,735?Ma) intrudes them. Gold is an important metal in the KMB and occurs in various settings and element associations. Here, emphasis is placed on the Kangerluluk Cu–Au mineralization in the eastern part of the mobile belt. It is hosted within a remnant supracrustal succession dominated by redundant pillowed basalts. Structurally, a syn-volcanic association with gold can be distinguished from one that is clearly related to crosscutting quartz veins. In between, calc-silicate formation in the volcanic rocks occurred contemporaneously with a pervasive sericitization (bleaching) of leucocratic granitoids that are intrusive into the volcanic sequence. Bulk rock and mineral (sulfide) Pb isotope data are comparable in the Pb isotope space. The data define two groups of mineralization where one group is characterized by relatively higher ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb at given ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios than the other. Pb stepwise leaching (PbSL) dating experiments performed on garnet and epidote associated with both groups of mineralization confirm the offset in the Pb isotope data. With the geochronological information from PbSL, the results indicate: (1) the initial gold mineralization was genetically related to metalliferous fluids associated with the emplacement of late intrusive stages of the Julianehåb Batholith (1,800–1,770?Ma); and (2) local remobilization of the initial mineralization (1,700–1,750) involved a Pb isotopically evolved fluid, which tentatively can be correlated with the intrusion of the Rapakivi granites in the area. Radiogenic Pb was not only found in altered host rocks but also in various sulfides, suggesting that fluids may have percolated through and/or originated from uranium-bearing graphitic schists which are abundant in the sedimentary package of the KMB. Lead isotopic results suggest that the Rapakivi granites may have supplied heat for renewed circulation of fluids within the supracrustal rock pile.