Variation of illite/muscovite <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age spectra during progressive low-grade metamorphism: an example from the US Cordillera

⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar step-heating data were collected from micron to submicron grain-sizes of correlative illite- and muscovite-rich Cambrian pelitic rocks from the western United States that range in metamorphic grade from the shallow diagenetic zone (zeolite facies) to the epizone (greenschist facies). With increasing metamorphic grade, maximum ages from ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar release spectra decrease, as do total gas ages and retention ages. Previous studies have explained similar results as arising dominantly or entirely from the dissolution of detrital muscovite and precipitation/recrystallization of neo-formed illite. While recognizing the importance of these processes in evaluating our results, we suggest that the inverse correlation between apparent age and metamorphic grade is controlled, primarily, by thermally activated volume diffusion, analogous to the decrease in apparent ages with depth observed for many thermochronometers in borehole experiments. Our results suggest that complete resetting of the illite/muscovite Ar thermochronometer occurs between the high anchizone and epizone, or at roughly 300 °C. This empirical result is in agreement with previous calculations based on muscovite diffusion parameters, which indicate that muscovite grains with radii of 0.05–2 μm should have closure temperatures between 250 and 350 °C. At high anchizone conditions, we observe a reversal in the age/grain-size relationship (the finest grain-size produces the oldest apparent age), which may mark the stage in prograde subgreenschist facies metamorphism of pelitic rocks at which neo-formed illite/muscovite crystallites typically surpass the size of detrital muscovite grains. It is also approximately the stage at which neo-formed illite/muscovite crystallites develop sufficient Ar retentivity to produce geologically meaningful ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages. Results from our sampling transect of Cambrian strata establish a framework for interpreting illite/muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age spectra at different stages of low-grade metamorphism and also illuminate the transformation of illite to muscovite. At Frenchman Mtn., NV, where the Cambrian Bright Angel Formation is at zeolite facies conditions, illite/muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data suggest a detrital muscovite component with an apparent age ≥967 Ma. The correlative Carrara Fm. is at anchizone conditions in the Panamint and Resting Spring Ranges of eastern California, and in these locations, illite/muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data suggest an early Permian episode of subgreenschist facies metamorphism. The same type of data from equivalent strata at epizone conditions (greenschist facies) in the footwall of the Bullfrog/Fluorspar Canyon detachment in southern Nevada reveals a period of slow-to-moderate Late Cretaceous cooling.     

In-situ UV-laser <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar geochronology of a micaceous mylonite : an example of defect-enhanced argon loss

Muscovite and biotite from a crustal-scale mylonite zone (Pogallo Shear Zone, southern Alps) were investigated using furnace step-heating and in-situ UV-laser ablation ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology. Undeformed muscovite porphyroclasts yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages of 182.0ǃ.6 Ma, whereas in-situ UV-laser ablation ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating and furnace step-heating of strongly deformed muscovite and biotite grains display a range of apparent ages that are systematically younger. The range of ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages measured in the deformed muscovite and biotite is consistent with protracted cooling through argon closure in minerals that exhibit variably developed segmentation on the intra-grain scale. These microstructurally controlled segments are bound by either first-order lattice discontinuities, sub-microscopic structural defects and/or zones of high defect density, which create variable length-scales for intragranular argon diffusion. The observed deformational microstructures within muscovite and biotite acted as intra-grain fast diffusion pathways in the slowly cooled mylonitic rocks. Therefore, the high-spatial resolution ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data record the initial and final closure to argon diffusion over a time span of about 60 Ma.     

Interpreting high-pressure phengite <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar laserprobe ages: an example from Saih Hatat,NE Oman

New single grain fusion and core-rim ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar laserprobe phengite data from the Saih Hatat high-pressure terrane in NE Oman show that individual samples yield a range of apparent ages which is similar to that previously reported from across the entire terrane. The majority of the determined ages are older than the previously reported U-Pb zircon peak metamorphic age. Core to rim age variations within individual grains range from no discernible difference across the grain to grains with older cores, or, rarely, older rims; some samples manifest all three patterns. Numerical diffusion modelling shows that due to the peak temperature of ca. 550°C, the measured apparent ages cannot be explained by simple cooling or by partial retention of crystallisation or detrital ages in an open system. The age variability is better explained by spatially and temporally variable open or closed system behaviour at the mm-cm scale coupled with pervasive and heterogeneously distributed excess argon. Anomalously old eclogite phengite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages are due either to internally derived ⁴⁰Ar inherited from a K-bearing precursor, or externally derived ⁴⁰Ar distributed by grain boundary fluids. Mica-rich schists within the eclogite boudins yield younger phengite ages, suggesting excess argon was absent or diluted. Pelites hosting the eclogite appear to have been affected by later fluid ingress during deformation and greenschist-facies overprint and yield very variable ages commonly with apparently older rims on younger cores. The grain- and sample-scale age variations measured in Saih Hatat indicate that the grain boundary network in eclogite pods was not an efficient transfer pathway for argon transport, whereas the grain boundary network in the surrounding pelites acted as a more efficient pathway on the timescale of the metamorphic cycle.     

The performance of the Noblesse multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometer for <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar geochronology

Noblesse multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometer is specially designed for multi-collection of Ar isotopes with different beam sizes, especially for small ion beams, precisely, and hence is perfectly suitable for ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology. We have analyzed widely used sanidine, muscovite, and biotite standards with recommended ages of ~ 1.2–133 Ma, with the aim to assess the reliability of Noblesse for ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating. An ESI MIR10 30W CO₂ laser was used for total fusion or incremental heating samples. Extracted gases were routinely purified by four SAES NP10 getters (one at ~ 400 °C and others at room temperature). A GP50 getter and a metal cold finger cooled by liquid N (? 196 °C) were also attached for additional purification if necessary. The Ar isotopes were then measured by Noblesse using Faraday or multiplier according to the signal intensities. Over a period of 1.5 months 337 air calibrations produced a weighted mean ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar of 296.50 ± 0.08 (2σ, MSWD = 4.77). Fish Canyon sanidine is used to calculate J-values, which show good linear relationship with position in irradiation. The age of four mineral standards (Alder Creek sanidine, Brione muscovite, Yabachi sanidine, and Fangshan biotite) are within error of the accepted ages. Five Alder Creek sanidine aliquots yielded an age range of 1.174–1.181 ± 0.013 Ma (2σ) which broadly overlaps the established age of the standard and the uncertainty approaches those of the foremost Ar/Ar laboratories in the world. The weighted mean ages of four Brione muscovite aliquots (18.75 ± 0.16 Ma, 2σ), five Yabachi sanidine aliquots (29.50 ± 0.19 Ma, 2σ), and three Fangshan biotite aliquots (133.0 ± 0.76 Ma, 2σ) are consistent with the recommended values of these standards, and the uncertainties are typical of modern Ar/Ar laboratories world-wide.     

Tracing the exhumation of the Eclogite Zone (Tauern Window,Eastern Alps) by <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar dating of white mica in eclogites

New radiometric ages from the Subpenninic nappes (Eclogite Zone and Rote Wand – Modereck Nappe, Tauern Window) show that phengites formed under eclogite-facies metamorphic conditions retain their initial isotopic signature, even when associated lithologies were overprinted by greenschist- to amphibolite-facies metamorphism. Different stages of the eclogite-facies evolution can be dated provided ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating is combined with micro-structural analyses. An age of 39 Ma from the Rote Wand – Modereck Nappe is interpreted to be close to the burial age of this unit. Eclogite deformation within the Eclogite Zone started at the pressure peak along distinct shear zones, and prevailed along the exhumation path. An age of ca. 38 Ma is only observed for eclogites not affected by subsequent deformation and is interpreted as maximum age due to the possible influence of homogenously distributed excess argon. During exhumation deformation was localised along distinct mylonitic shear zones. This stage is mainly characterised by the formation of dynamically recrystallized omphacite2 and phengite. Deformation resulted in the resetting of the Ar isotopic system within the recrystallized white mica. Flat argon release spectra showing ages of 32 Ma within mylonites record the timing of cooling along the exhumation path, and the emplacement onto the Venediger Nappe. Ar-release patterns and ³⁶Ar/⁴⁰Ar vs.³⁹Ar/⁴⁰Ar isotope correlation analyses indicate no significant ⁴⁰Ar-loss after initial closure, and only a negligible incorporation of excess argon. From the pressure peak onwards, eclogitic conditions prevailed for almost 8–10 Ma.     

New <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age constraints on cooling and unroofing history of the metamorphic host rocks (and igneous intrusion associates) from the Bulfat Complex (Bulfat area), NE-Iraq

The Northern Zagros Suture Zone (NZSZ), formed as a result of the collision between Arabian and Sanandaj-Sirjan microplate, is considered as part of the Zagros orogenic belt. NZSZ is marked by two allochthonous thrust sheets in upward stacking order: lower and upper allochthon. The Bulfat complex is a part of the upper allochthon or “Ophiolite-bearing terrane” of Albian-Cenomenion age (97–105 Ma). Voluminous highly sheared serpentinites associated with ophiolites occur within this upper allochthon. In addition, the Gemo-Qandil Group is characterized by gabbroic to dioritic Bulfat intrusion with a crystallization age spanning from ~45 to ~?40 Ma, as well as extensive metapelites with contact to the Walash-Naupurdam metavolcanic rocks. Due to the deformation in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone along the eastern side of the Iraqi segment of NZSZ, the Gemo-Qandil Group was regionally metamorphosed during late Cretaceous (~?80 Ma). This tectono-compressional dynamics ultimately caused an oscillatory deformation against Arabian continental margin deposits as well. During these events, gabbro-diorite intrusion with high-grade contact metamorphic aureoles occurred near Bulfat. Thus, there is an overlap between regional and contact metamorphic conditions in the area. The earlier metamorphic characteristic can be seen only in places where the latter contact influence was insignificant. Generally, this can only observed at a distance of more than 2.5 km from the contact. According to petrographic details and field observations, the thermally metamorphosed metapelitic units of the metasediment have been completely assimilated, with only some streaks of biotite and relicts of initial foliation. They strongly resemble amphibolite-grade slices from the regional metamorphic rocks in the region. Metapelitic samples far from the intrusion give similar biotite cooling ages as the intrusive rocks. Thus, they may be affected by the same thermal event. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of biotite in metapelite rocks of Bulfat by step-wise heating with laser gave average weighted isotopic ages of 34.78?±?0.06 Ma. This is interpreted as crystallization/recrystallization age of biotite possibly representing the time of cooling and uplift history of the Bulfat intrusion. Cooling and exhumation rates for the Bulfat gabbro-diorite rocks were estimated as ~?400 °C/Ma and ~?3.3 mm/year respectively. According to petrographic details, field observations and Ar/Ar dating concerning the contact metamorphism near Bulfat due to the gabbro-diorite intrusion, no significant deformation is visible during exhumation processes after the Paleogene tectono-thermal event, indicating that isotopic ages of 34.78?±?0.06 Ma could mark the timing of termination of the island arc activity in the Ophiolite-bearing terrane (upper allochthon).     

Detailed <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar dating of geologic events associated with the Mantos Blancos copper deposit,northern Chile

The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronological method was applied to date magmatic and hydrothermal alteration events in the Mantos Blancos mining district in the Coastal Cordillera of northern Chile, allowing the distinction of two separate mineralization events. The Late Jurassic Mantos Blancos orebody, hosted in Jurassic volcanic rocks, is a magmatic-hydrothermal breccia-style Cu deposit. Two superimposed mineralization events have been recently proposed. The first event is accompanied by a phyllic hydrothermal alteration affecting a rhyolitic dome. The second mineralization event is related to the intrusion of bimodal stocks and sills inside the deposit. Because of the superposition of several magmatic and hydrothermal events, the obtained ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age data are complex; however, with a careful interpretation of the age spectra, it is possible to detect complex histories of successive emplacement, alteration, mineralization, and thermal resetting. The extrusion of Jurassic basic to intermediate volcanic rocks of the La Negra Formation is dated at 156.3 ± 1.4 Ma (2σ) using plagioclase from an andesitic lava flow. The first mineralization event and associated phyllic alteration affecting the rhyolitic dome occurred around 155–156 Ma. A younger bimodal intrusive event, supposed to be equivalent to the bimodal stock and sill system inside the deposit, is probably responsible for the second mineralization event dated at ca. 142 Ma. Other low-temperature alteration events have been dated on sericitized plagioclase at ca. 145–146, 125, and 101 Ma. This is the first time that two distinct mineralization events have been documented from radiometric data for a copper deposit in the metallogenic belt of the Coastal Cordillera of northern Chile. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

First <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age determinations on the Malkhan granite-pegmatite system: Geodynamic implications

The Malkhan granite-pegmatite system located in Central Transbaikalia, in the southwestern portion of the Malkhan-Yablonovy structure-formational zone of the Caledonian folding comprises two granite massifs (Bolsherechensk and Oreshny) and a miarolitic pegmatite field of the same name, which adjoins the Chikoi deep-seated fault and Lower Cretaceous Chikoi rift depression in the north. The first ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data were obtained on porphyritic biotite granites of the Oreshny massif and on K-feldspar, muscovite, and lepidolite from the Oktyabrskaya pegmatite vein. According to these data, the age of the granitepegmatite system is 123.8–127.6 Ma, which is consistent with the age of Lower Cretaceous rocks from the Chikoi depression. The intimate spatial relationship and isochronism between the Chikoi depression and the Malkhan granite-pegmatite system are strongly suggestive of a rift regime that affected its evolution, thus highlighting the need to regard the evolution of this system as being intimately related to depression development. Such a model can easily be realized within the framework of the concept of a metamorphic core complex, which was used to explain the nature of Transbaikal-type rift depressions and conjugate granite-gneiss swells.     

An <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar,Rb/Sr,and stable isotope study of micas in low-grade fold-and-thrust belt: an example from the Swiss Helvetic Alps

White micas in carbonate-rich tectonites and a few other rock types of large thrusts in the Swiss Helvetic fold-and-thrust belt have been analyzed by ⁴⁰Ar/ ³⁹Ar and Rb/Sr techniques to better constrain the timing of Alpine deformation for this region. Incremental ⁴⁰Ar/ ³⁹Ar heating experiments of 25 weakly metamorphosed (anchizone to low greenschist) samples yield plateau and staircase spectra. We interpret most of the staircase release spectra result from variable mixtures of syntectonic (neoformed) and detrital micas. The range in dates obtained within individual spectra depends primarily on the duration of mica nucleation and growth, and relative proportions of neoformed and detrital mica. Rb/Sr analyses of 12 samples yield dates of ca. 10–39 Ma (excluding one anomalously young sample). These dates are slightly younger than the ⁴⁰Ar/ ³⁹Ar total gas dates obtained for the same samples. The Rb/Sr dates were calculated using initial ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr ratios obtained from the carbonate-dominated host rocks, which are higher than normal Mesozoic carbonate values due to exchange with fluids of higher ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr ratios (and lower ¹⁸O/ ¹⁶O ratios). Model dates calculated using ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr values typical of Mesozoic marine carbonates more closely approximate the ⁴⁰Ar/ ³⁹Ar total gas dates for most of the samples. The similarities of Rb/Sr and ⁴⁰Ar/ ³⁹Ar total gas dates are consistent with limited amounts of detrital mica in the samples. The d ¹⁸O values range from 24–15‰ (VSMOW) for 2–6 µm micas and 27–16‰ for the carbonate host rocks. The carbonate values are significantly lower than their protolith values due to localized fluid-rock interaction and fluid flow along most thrust surfaces. Although most calcite-mica pairs are not in oxygen isotope equilibrium at temperatures of ca. 200–400 °C, their isotopic fractionations are indicative of either 1) partial exchange between the minerals and a common external fluid, or 2) growth or isotopic exchange of the mica with the carbonate after the carbonate had isotopically exchanged with an external fluid. The geological significance of these results is not easily or uniquely determined, and exemplifies the difficulties inherent in dating very fine-grained micas of highly deformed tectonites in low-grade metamorphic terranes. Two generalizations can be made regarding the dates obtained from the Helvetic thrusts: 1) samples from the two highest thrusts (Mt. Gond and Sublage) have all of their ⁴⁰Ar/ ³⁹Ar steps above 20 Ma, and 2) most samples from the deepest Helvetic thrusts have steps (often accounting for more than 80% of ³⁹Ar release) between 15 and 25 Ma. These dates are consistent with the order of thrusting in the foreland-imbricating system and increase proportions of neoformed to detrital mica in the more metamorphosed hinterland and deeply buried portions of the nappe pile. Individual thrusts accommodated the majority of their displacement during their initial incorporation into the foreland-imbricating system, and some thrusts remained active or were reactivated down to 15 Ma.     

40^Ar／39^Ar Ages of Auriferous Quartz Veins from the Fengyang and Zhangbaling Regions and Their Geological Significance

Geotectonically the Fengyang and Zhangbaling regions belong to the North China craton and the Dabie-Sulu oragene, respectively. Neo-Archean gneiss and amphibolite and metamor-phosed sea-facies sodic volcanic rocks axe the main outcrops in the two regions, respectively. The Zhangbaling terrane strike-skipped along the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone in Mesozoic and Cenozo-ic eras and got close to the Fengyang terrane. Mesozoic Yanshanian intrusions occur broadly in thetwo regions. Gold-beating quartz veins occur in the metamorphic rocks in the Fengyang region and in the granodiorite and metamorphosed sea-facies sodic volcanic rocks in the Zhanghaling region.Generally, the formation of the auriferous quartz veins involved three stages. At the first stage,gold-poor sulfide quartz veins were formed; at the second stage gold-rich quartz sulfide veins wereformed; and at the third stage gold-poor barite and/or carbonate veins were formed. The 40^Ar/29^Ar step-heating plateau ages of the first-stage and the second-stage quartz aggregates from the Zhuding, Maoshan and Shangeheng gold deposits range between 116.1 0.6 Ma and 118.3 0.5 Ma and are pretty close to their least apparent ages and isoehronal ages, respectively. All plat-eau, least apparent and isoehronal ages range between 113.4 0.4 Ma and 118.3 0.5 Ma,which are considered as the formation age range of the quartz. It is reasonable and reliable to takethe 40^Ar/39^Ar age range of the quartz as the formation age range of gold-bearing quartz veins onthe basis of spatial relationship between gold-bearing quartz veins and their country rocks. Thegold deposits in the two regions were formed in Aptian, Cretaceous, when the Tancheng-Lujiangfault zone moved as a normal fault with slightly right-lateral strike-skip, was extensional and expe-rienced very strong magnmtic process. It is shown that the magnmtic hydrothermal fluid is a veryimportant part of the gold ore-forming hydrothermal fluid in the Fengyang and Zhanghaling re-gions. The formation of the gold ore deposits in the Fengyang and Zhanghaling regions had genetic relations with the extensional movement of the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone and magmatic activities and took place under the extensional dynamic condition in Late Cretaceous. Therefore, the exten-sional movement of the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone presented the energy and space for magmatic and gold ore-forming processes.     

<Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age of the porphyry Ca(Au) mineralization of the Elna deposit and its relation to magmatism (northeastern part of the Argun superterrane)

The Elna Cu(Au)–porphyry deposit is one of the typical ore objects in the northeastern margin of the Argun superterrane facing the Mongolia–Okhotsk foldbelt. Mineralization includes zones of argillization with fine quartz veins in granodiorite of the Elna massif. The geochronological ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar studies of hydrothermal near-ore metasomatites and magmatic rocks of the deposit show that the age of host granitoids is 126 ± 2 Ma, which corresponds to the upper age boundary of granitoids from the Burinda Complex, whereas the age of overprinted hydrothermal processes is 122–117 Ma. The age of mineralization correlates well with the age of the thermal event in East Asia. An intense stage of magmatism including both volcanic and intrusive forms occurred in this period.     

The barents sea magmatic province: Geological-geophysical evidence and new <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar dates

Resulting from study of the geological structure of the Franz Josef Land and Svalbard archipelagoes, this work presents new 17 ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age datings for basalts taken during coastal expeditions in 2006–2010. Radiological age determination for intrusive units (sills) located in the western part of Nordensciold Land (Spitzbergen Island) has been made for the first time. In relation to use of the interpretation results of marine geological-geophysical data, the distribution peculiarities and time ranges for Jurassic-Cretaceous basic magmatism within the studied regions of the Barents Sea continental margin and within the Arctic as a whole are discussed.     

Argon retention properties of silicate glasses and implications for <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age and noble gas diffusion studies

Sized aggregates of glasses (47–84 wt% SiO₂) were fused from igneous-derived cohesive fault rock and igneous rock, and step-heated from ~400 to >1,200 °C to obtain their ³⁹Ar diffusion properties (average E=33,400 cal mol^?1; D _o=4.63×10^?3 cm² s^?1). At T<~1,000 °C, glasses containing <~69 wt% SiO₂ and abundant network-forming cations (Ca, Fe, Mg) reveal moderate to strong non-linear increases in D and E, reflecting structural modifications as the solid transitions to melt. Extrapolation of these Arrhenius properties down to typical geologic T-t conditions could result in a 1.5 log₁₀ unit underestimation in the diffusion rate of Ar in similar materials. Numerical simulations based upon the diffusion results caution that some common geologic glasses will likely yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar cooling ages rather than formation ages. However, if cooling rates are sufficiently high, ambient temperatures are sufficiently low (e.g., <65–175 °C), and coarse particles (e.g., radius (r) >~1 mm) are analyzed, glasses with compositions similar to ours may preserve their formation ages.     

Deep-seated pegmatites of the Emiytas mafic-ultramafic complex on Big Lyakhov Island,New Siberian Islands,and their age: <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar and SHRIMP data

Pegmatites of the Emiytas basic-ultrabasic metamorphic complex have a granodiorite-granite composition. Their genetic relations with the host amphibolites follow from the low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7028 and from the P-T conditions (650°C and 10 kbar), which are close to those of the host rocks. Amphibole, biotite, and muscovite megacrysts analyzed by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar method yielded plateau ages of 209.7 ± 0.9, 203.0 ± 0.9, and 178.5 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. The former two minerals contain excess Ar, whereas the K-Ar system of the muscovite is undisturbed. The cooling of the complex to the closure temperature of this system was likely controlled by its exhumation to a shallower depth level. Zircons from the Emiytas pegmatites occur as polyhedral equant crystals with weakly contrasting sectorial zoning, very low concentrations of U (4–8 ppm in the enriched domains), and low Th/U ratios (0.002–0.003), which suggest that the mineral crystallized at significant depth in the presence of fluid. Tentative SHRIMP II measurements (five analyses) yielded a zircon age of 202 ± 17 Ma. The applying a specialized approach to the analysis of young low-U zircons on an ion probe is discussed. In spite of the small number of analyses, new geochronologic data leave no doubt that the crystallization age of the pegmatites is Late Triassic-Early Jurassic and invalidate earlier ideas that the Emiytas complex is Precambrian-Early Paleozoic. This conclusion makes the Emiytas amphibolites to be one of the various oceanic and suprasubduction complexes related to the Mesozoic South Anyui suture, which is important for reconstructions of the tectonic evolution of the East Siberian Arctic shelf.     

Compositional controls on <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar ages of zoned mica from a rare-element pegmatite

A high spatial resolution Ar–Ar dating study of compositionally zoned micas using UV laser extraction has been used to investigate the effect of composition and compositional boundaries upon argon diffusion in mica. The crystals are characterised by muscovite cores and Li–F–Rb–Cs-rich lepidolite rims produced by the interaction of a residual melt-vapour phase with the original muscovite during the late stages of pegmatite crystallisation. Single crystals exhibit dramatic intra-grain age variations, with a maximum range of 2,880–2,117 Ma. Backscattered electron images combined with UV-laser analyses reveal that apparent ages younger than 2,600 Ma are directly associated with the compositionally distinct rims, suggesting that Ar diffusion was faster in the lepidolite than in muscovite. Although it is not possible to be fully quantitative using the present data, it seems that argon diffusion rates in lepidolite are similar to those in biotite. Major rearrangements of the crystal structure needed to accommodate high concentrations of lithium, fluorine and large interlayer cations (Rb⁺, Cs⁺) in muscovite account for lower argon retentivity of the crystal rims. In most cases the age profiles show no disturbance at the compositional boundary, despite the transition from a di-octahedral to tri-octahedral mica, indicating that in general the boundaries do not act as fast diffusion pathways. However, in some cases there is a clear drop in ages at the compositional boundary, which acts as an effective sub-grain boundary. The difference between the two types may be related to the internal structure of the compositional boundaries or their degree of contact with the grain boundary network of the rock.     

Timing and duration of supergene mineralization at the Xinrong manganese deposit,western Guangdong Province,South China: cryptomelane <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar dating

Supergene Mn-oxide deposits are widely distributed in Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, and Hunan Provinces, South China, accounting for 18% of the total Mn reserves in the country. Direct dating of supergene Mn enrichment, however, is lacking. In this paper, we present high-resolution ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of Mn oxides from the Xinrong Mn deposit, western Guangdong, to place numerical constraints on the timing and duration of supergene Mn enrichment. A total of ten cryptomelane samples, spanning a vertical extent of 67 m, were dated using the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar laser incremental heating technique, with seven samples yielding well-defined plateau or pseudo-plateau ages ranging from 23.48 ± 0.91 to 2.06 ± 0.05 Ma (2σ). One sample yields a staircase spectrum that does not reach a plateau; the spectrum, however, indicates the presence of two or more generations of Mn oxides in the sample, whose ages are best estimated at 22.34 ± 0.31 and 10.2 ± 0.86 Ma, respectively. The remaining two samples gave meaningless or uninterpretable results due to significant ³⁹Ar recoil and contamination by old phases. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data thus reveal a protracted history of weathering and supergene Mn enrichment that started at least in the end of the Oligocene or beginning of Miocene and extending into the latest Pliocene. Staircase-apparent age spectra, resulting from banded or botryoidal samples, yield an average growth rate of Mn oxides at 0.6–0.7 × 10⁻³ mm kyr⁻¹. The values indicate that a 1-mm grain of Mn oxides may host minerals precipitated during a time span of ca. 1.5 m.y., and accumulation of Mn oxides to form economic deposits under weathering environments may take millions of years. The distribution of weathering ages shows that the oldest Mn oxides occur on the top of the profile, whereas the youngest minerals are found at the bottom, suggesting downward propagation of weathering fronts. However, two samples located at the intermediate depths of the profile yield ages comparable with those occurring at the highest elevations. Such a complexity of age distribution is interpreted in terms of preferential penetration of Mn-rich weathering solutions along more permeable fault zones, or as a result of multi stages of dissolution and re-precipitation of Mn oxides. A synthesis of geochronological and geological data suggests that formation of the Xinrong deposit was a consequence of a combination of favorable lithological, climatic, and structural conditions. Because the climatic and structural conditions are similar among the provinces of South China during the Cenozoic, the geochronological results obtained at Xinrong may also have implications for the timing of supergene Mn enrichment throughout South China.     

Geodynamic interpretation of the <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar dating of ophiolitic and arc-related mafics and metamafics of the northern part of the Anadyr-Koryak region

Isotope datings of amphibole-bearing mafics and metamafics in the northern part of the Anadyr-Koryak region allow clarification of the time of magmatic and metamorphic processes, which are synchronous with certain stages of the geodynamic development of the northwest segment of the Pacific mobile belt in the Phanerozoic. To define the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of amphiboles, eight samples of amphibole gabbroids and metamafics were selected during field work from five massifs representing ophiolites and mafic plutons of the island arc. Rocks from terranes of three foldbelts: 1) Pekulnei (Chukotka region), 2) Ust-Belaya (West Koryak region), and 3) the Tamvatnei and El’gevayam subterranes of the Mainits terrane (Koryak-Kamchatka region), were studied. The isotope investigations enabled us to divide the studied amphiboles into two groups varying in rock petrographic features. The first was represented by gabbroids of the Svetlorechensk massif of the Pekulnei Range and by ophiolites of the Tamvatnei Mts.; their magmatic amphiboles show the distribution of argon isotopes in the form of clearly distinguished plateau with an age ranging within 120–129 Ma. The second group includes metamorphic amphiboles of metagabbroids and apogabbro amphibolites of the Ust-Belaya Mts., Pekulnei and Kenkeren ranges (El’gevayam subterranes). Their age spectra show loss of argon and do not provide well defined plateaus the datings obtained for them are interpreted as minimum ages. Dates of amphiboles from the metagabbro of the upper tectonic plate of the Ust-Belaya allochthon points to metamorphism in the suprasubduction environment in the fragment of Late Neoproterozoic oceanic lithosphere in Middle-Late Devonian time, long before the Uda-Murgal island arc system was formed. The amphibolite metamorphism in the dunite-clinopyroxenite-metagabbro Pekulnei sequence was dated to occur at the Permian-Triassic boundary. The age of amphiboles from gabbrodiorites of the Kenkeren Range was dated to be Early Jurassic that confirmed their assignment to the El’gevayam volcanic-plutonic assemblage. These data are consistent with geological concepts and make more precise the available age dates. Neocomian-Aptian ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of amphibolites from the Pekulnei and Tamvatnei gabbroids make evident that mafics of these terranes (varying in geodynamic formation settings and in petrogenesis) were generated in later stages of the development of the West Pekulnei and Mainits-Algan Middle-Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous island arc systems, presumably due to breakup of island arcs in the Neocomian.     

Comment on “Paleozoic ages and excess Ar in garnets from the Bixiling eclogite in Dabieshan, China: New insights from Ar/Ar dating by stepwise crushing” by Qiu and Wijbrans (2006)

Qiu and Wijbrans [Qiu H.-N. and Wijbrans J. R. (2006) Paleozoic ages and excess ⁴⁰Ar in garnets from the Bixiling eclogite in Dabieshan, China: new insights from ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating by stepwise crushing. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta70, 2354-2370] present three Ar-Ar age spectra for fluid inclusions in garnet from eclogite at Bixiling in the Dabie orogen, east-central China. These Paleozoic ages of 427 ± 20 to 444 ± 10 Ma are interpreted to represent the first formation of Dabie ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) eclogite and thus require subduction of Yangtze crust to have started much earlier than previously accepted. However, no petrographic evidence, such as mineral inclusions in the garnet relating to the particular metamorphic conditions, is presented to substantiate the proposed UHP metamorphic event. Because garnet growth is not uniquely responsible for UHP eclogite-facies metamorphism, a distinction between UHP and high-pressure (HP) metamorphic events must be made in the interpretation of geochronological results. Available data from mineral Sm-Nd and zircon U-Pb dating of eclogites from the same area have firmly established that the UHP eclogite-facies metamorphism took place at Triassic. Neither the age of UHP metamorphism nor the timing of continental collision is reliably constrained by their presented data; the fluid inclusions in garnet must contain inherited ⁴⁰Ar from UHP eclogite precursor, without considerable resetting of the Ar-Ar isotopic system during Triassic UHP metamorphism. Therefore, their data are either meaningless, or at best viewed as the age of garnet growth by low-T/HP blueschist/eclogite-facies metamorphism of the UHP eclogite precursor during arc-continent collision in the early Paleozoic. Furthermore, it is critical for metamorphic geochronology to substantiate the timing of UHP metamorphic event by means of zircon U-Pb in situ dating on coesite-bearing domains of metamorphically grown zircon.     

Metallogenic features of Miocene porphyry Cu and porphyry-related mineral deposits in Ecuador revealed by Re-Os, <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar,and U-Pb geochronology

Mineralization and alteration events at ten Miocene porphyry Cu and porphyry-related epithermal mineral deposits in southern, central, and northern Ecuador were dated by means of molybdenite Re-Os, biotite and alunite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar, and titanite U-Pb geochronology. Most of these hydrothermal events show a spatio-temporal correlation with porphyry intrusion emplacement as constrained by zircon U-Pb ages. The total age range for these events spans the 23.5–6.1 Ma period, without displaying systematic along- or across-arc age distribution trends. While epithermal deposits tend to be spatially associated with volcanic rocks of a similar age, porphyry Cu deposits in Ecuador are frequently spatially associated with deeper-seated basement units and batholith-scale precursor intrusive systems assembled over ≥5 m.y. time periods. In most cases, formation of the porphyry Cu deposits is related to the youngest magmatic (-hydrothermal) event in a given area, postdating batholith construction at a regional scale. The majority of Miocene deposits occurs in southern Ecuador where areally extensive, post-mineralization (late Miocene to recent) volcanic sequences with the potential to conceal mineralization at depth are lacking. Only few Miocene deposits occur in northern-central Ecuador, where they mainly crop out in the Western Cordillera, west of the productive present-day volcanic arc. The surface distribution of post-mineralization arc volcanism reflects along-arc variations in subducting slab geometry. Porphyry Cu and epithermal deposits in Ecuador define a Miocene metallogenic belt broadly continuous with its coeval counterpart in northern-central Peru. Although both belt segments were formed in an overall similar tectonomagmatic and metallogenic setting, their respective metal endowments differ significantly.     

New <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar/<Superscript>39</Superscript>Ar age constraints on the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the western Tianshan (Xinjiang,northwestern China), with emphasis on Permian fluid ingress

Laser-probe dating of mylonite whole-rock samples from the North Tianshan—Main Tianshan fault zone that cross-cuts the North Tianshan domain’s southern margin yielded ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar spectra with 255–285 Ma ages. Biotite from an undeformed, Early Carboniferous granite, which cuts the steep mylonitic foliation in the Proterozoic basement of the Yili arcs’s southern margin, gave a 263.4 ± 0.6 Ma plateau age (1σ). Pre-Carboniferous metasediments overlying this basement yielded plateau ages (1σ) of 253.3 ± 0.3 (muscovite) and 252.3 ± 0.3 (biotite) Ma. The Permian ages of mylonites date movement on these ductile, dextral strike-slip shear zones, whereas the mica ages are interpreted by recrystallisation as a result of fluid flow around such transcurrent faults. We propose that the Tianshan’s Permian syn-tectonic bimodal magmatism was created in a non-plume-related Yellowstone-like extensional–transtensional tectonic regime. Gold mineralisation, tracing aqueous flow in the crust, peaked in Permian time and continued locally into the Triassic. The picture is emerging that a convective fluid system partly driven by magmatic heat, existed in a strongly fractured and weakened crust with an elevated heat flow, leading to regional-scale isotope resetting. We suggest that surprisingly young isotopic ages in the literature for early orogenic (ultra)high-pressure metamorphism are similarly due to fluid-mediated recrystallisation.