The Volch’etundrovsky Massif of the autonomous anorthosite complex of the Main Range, the Kola Peninsula: Geological, petrogeochemical, and isotope-geochronological studies

The Volch??etundrovsky Massif occupies the middle part of the autonomous anorthosite complex of the Main Range, has a sheet morphology and marks the tectonic suture between the Kola block and the Belomorian mobile belt. The massif is characterized by homogenous structure and consists of the volumetrically dominant Main Zone including leucogabbro, leucogabbronorites, and anorthosites, and Marginal Zone made up of leuconorites and gabbronorites with subordinate plagioclasites and orthopyroxenites. Chemically, the rocks of the Volch??etundrovsky Massif are ascribed to the normal (tholeiitic and calc-alkaline) petrochemical series with typomorphic high Al₂O₃ contents (11.71?C29.32 wt %). With Al₂O₃ increase in the leuconorite-anorthosite series, the SiO₂ and TiO₂ contents show weak variations, CaO and alkalis insignificantly increase, whereas the MgO and FeO contents sharply decrease. The rocks of the Volch??etundrovsky Massif reveal significant REE fractionation and increase in total REE content in the leuconorite-anorthosite series, most approximating the Paleoproterozoic (Sumian) anorthosites of the Kola region. The anorthosites and leucogabbro are characterized by flat HREE, while the leuconorites is strongly depleted in HREE due to garnet fractionation. All rocks of the massif have significant positive Eu anomalies caused by the plagioclase accumulation. Zircons are characterized by LREE depletion and enrichment in HREE. This defines the steep positive slope of the plots complicated by the negative Eu and positive Ce (in zircons from leucogabbro) anomalies, which is typical of the REE distribution patterns in the unaltered zircons from igneous rocks. In zircons from anorthosites, the Ce anomaly is weak to absent. The trace-element distribution in the rocks of the Volch??etundrovsky Massif show positive Ba, Ta, Pb, Sr, Sc, and V anomalies, being controlled by the mineral specifics of the massif and the presence of definite accessory minerals. New U-Pb zircon data on the rocks of the Volch??etundrovsky Massif indicate that the leuconorites from the Marginal Zone were formed 2473 ± 7 Ma and 2463 ± 2.4 Ma ago, and the leucogabbro from the Main Zone, 2467 ± 8 Ma. These rocks have negative ?_Nd(T) from -1.54 up to -3.10, which indicates their derivation from enriched mantle reservoir variably contaminated by crustal material. The anorthosites of the Main Zone define an U-Pb age of 2407 ± 3 Ma and ?_Nd(T) = ?3.78, which presumably reflect the timing of hydrothermal-metasomatic alterations in the upper part of the magmatic chamber accompanied by significant crustal contamination.     

Geochemistry and U–Pb age of zircons from the Vurechuaivench massif,Monchegorsk complex,Kola region

The paper presents data on the geochemical and geochronological characteristics of zircons from mafic rocks of part of the Monchegorsk layered complex represented by the Vurechuaivench massif. Ages of zircons (SHRIMP-II) from samples V-l-09 (anorthosite) and V-2-09 (gabbronorite) are dated back to 2508 ± 7 and 2504 ± 8 Ma, respectively. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns confirm the magmatic nature of zircons. The data unequivocally indicate that the U–Pb age of zircon from both gabbronorite and anorthosite corresponds to the age of melt crystallization in a magmatic chamber. The mantle origin of gabbroic rocks of the Vurechuaivench massif is confirmed by the REE patterns of three zircon generations with different crystallization sequences. The wide range of the Ce/Ce* ratio (9.96–105.24) established for zircons from gabbroic rocks of the Vurechuaivench massif indicates sharply oxidative conditions of zircon crystallization. For deepseated mantle rocks, these data can only be explained by significant contamination of the melt with country rock material.     

Sources and formation conditions of Early Proterozoic granitoids from the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton

Three stages of Early Proterozoic granitoid magmatism were distinguished in the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton: (1) syncollisional, including the formation of migmatites and granites in the border zone of the Tarak massif; (2) postorogenic, postcollisional, comprising numerous granitoid plutons of diverse composition; and (3) intraplate, corresponding to the development of potassic granitoids in the Podporog massif. Rocks of three petrological and geochemical types (S, I, and A) were found in the granitoid massifs. The S-type granites are characterized by the presence of aluminous minerals (garnet and cordierite), and their trace element distribution patterns and Nd isotopic parameters are similar to those of the country paragneisses and migmatites. Their formation was related to melting under varying H₂O activity of aluminous and garnet—biotite gneisses at P ≥ 5 kbar and T < 850°C with a variable degree of melt separation from the residual phases. The I-type tonalites and dioritoids show low relative iron content, high concentrations of CaO and Sr, fractionated REE distribution patterns with (La/Yb)_n = 11–42, and variable depletion of heavy REE. Their parental melts were derived at T ≥ 850°C and P > 10 and P < 10 kbar, respectively. According to isotopic data, their formation was related to melting of a Late Archean crustal (tonalite-diorite-gneiss) source with a contribution of juvenile material ranging from 25–55% (tonalites of the Podporog massif) to 50–70% (dioritoids of the Uda pluton). The most common A-type granitoids show high relative iron content; high concentration of high-field-strength elements, Th, and light and heavy REE; and a distinct negative Eu anomaly. Their primary melts were derived at low H₂O activity and T ≥ 950°C. The Nd isotopic composition of the granitoids suggests contributions to the magma formation processes from ancient (Early and Late Archean) crustal (tonalite-diorite-gneiss) sources and a juvenile mantle material. The contribution of the latter increases from 0–35% in the granites of the Podporog and Tarak massifs to 40–50% for the rocks of the Uda and Shumikha plutons. The main factors responsible for the diversity of petrological and geochemical types of granitoids in collisional environments are the existence of various fertile sources in the section of the thickened crust of the collisional orogen, variations in magma generation conditions $(\alpha _{H_2 O} , T, and P)$ during sequential stages of granite formation, and the varying fraction of juvenile mantle material in the source region of granitoid melts.     

Low-Sulfide PGE ores in paleoproterozoic Monchegorsk pluton and massifs of its southern framing,Kola Peninsula,Russia: Geological characteristic and isotopic geochronological evidence of polychronous ore–magmatic systems

New U–Pb and Sm–Nd isotopic geochronological data are reported for rocks of the Monchegorsk pluton and massifs of its southern framing, which contain low-sulfide PGE ores. U–Pb zircon ages have been determined for orthopyroxenite (2506 ± 3 Ma) and mineralized norite (2503 ± 8 Ma) from critical units of Monchepluton at the Nyud-II deposit, metaplagioclasite (2496 ± 4 Ma) from PGE-bearing reef at the Vurechuaivench deposit, and host metagabbronorite (2504.3 ± 2.2. Ma); the latter is the youngest in Monchepluton. In the southern framing of Monchepluton, the following new datings are now available: U–Pb zircon ages of mineralized metanorite from the lower marginal zone (2504 ± 1 Ma) and metagabbro from the upper zone (2478 ± 20 Ma) of the South Sopcha PGE deposit, as well as metanorite from the Lake Moroshkovoe massif (2463.1 ± 2.7 Ma). The Sm–Nd isochron (rock-forming minerals, sulfides, whole-rock samples) age of orthopyroxenite from the Nyud-II deposit (2497 ± 36 Ma) is close to results obtained using the U–Pb method. The age of harzburgite from PGE-bearing 330 horizon reef of the Sopcha massif related to Monchepluton is 2451 ± 64 Ma at initial ε_Nd =–6.0. The latter value agrees with geological data indicating that this reef was formed due to the injection of an additional portion of high-temperature ultramafic magma, which experienced significant crustal contamination. The results of Sm–Nd isotopic geochronological study of ore-bearing metaplagioclasite from PGE reef of the Vurechuaivench deposit (2410 ± 58 Ma at ε_Nd =–2.4) provide evidence for the appreciable effect of metamorphic and hydrothermal metasomatic alterations on PGE ore formation. The Sm–Nd age of mineralized norite from the Nyud-II deposit is 1940 ± 32 Ma at initial ε_Nd =–7.8. This estimate reflects the influence of the Svecofennian metamorphism on the Monchepluton ore–magmatic system, which resulted in the rearrangement of the Sm–Nd system and its incomplete closure. Thus, the new isotopic geochronological data record the polychronous development of the Monchegorsk ore–magmatic systems and the massifs in its southern framing.     

Geochemical specifics of ongonites in the Ary-Bulak Massif, eastern Transbaikalia

A genetic model for magmatic rocks of the Ary-Bulak Massif is discussed based on a detailed geological map of the massif (prepared by the authors) and on original data of the authors on the petrography of the massif, its compositional zoning, trace-element geochemistry, physicochemical parameters of its crystallization, and melt inclusions in its minerals. The Ary-Bulak Massif was determined to be zonal, with the predominance (approximately 70% by area) of porphyritic topaz ongonites (central facies), which grade toward contacts into weakly porphyritic ongonites bearing topaz and, occasionally, fluorite (margin facies). Aphyric rocks with fluorite (inner-contact facies) occur as a stripe 50–80 m wide at the southwestern inner contact of the massif. Analysis of petrographic and geochemical data indicates that subvolcanic rocks of the Ary-Bulak Massif differ from typical elvanes (as they occur in the Cornwall province) but are similar to classic ongonites in the central and marginal facies of the massif. Rocks in the southwestern inner-contact zone are unusual high-F and high-Ca varieties, whose analogues have never been found in any rare-metal provinces with ongonites and which provide evidence of a complicated evolutionary history of the Ary-Bulak Massif. The geochemical evolution of this massif was determined to be characterized by the enrichment of the older inner-contact facies rocks in CaO, K₂O, F, and Rb, Cs, B, Ba, Sr, Sn, and Ta, whose concentrations decrease in the ongonites of the central facies. The central-facies ongonites thereby have much higher Na₂O and Li concentrations than those in the inner-contact facies rocks. It is demonstrated that the intense heating and melting of crustal material in this region at the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary could have been induced by subalkaline basaltic magma. The chemical composition of the rocks, which is unusual for typical ongonites in, for example, high Ca and Sr concentrations, could be caused by the possible assimilation by the magma of limestones, which occur in the territory at a certain depth in the Ust’-Borzya Formation that hosts the Ary-Bulak Massif. The genesis of most rocks in the massif was controlled by the magmatic differentiation of crustal granitic magma, with the residual melts forming Li-F granites enriched in several trace elements (Li, Rb, Cs, B, Ba, Sr, etc.) and ongonites as their subvolcanic analogues.     

Paleoproterozoic Nb-enriched meta-gabbros in the Quanji Massif,NW China:Implications for assembly of the Columbia supercontinent

Diverse models have been proposed for the role of the Tarim Craton within the Paleoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent assembly. Here we report a suite of-1.71 Ga Nb-enriched meta-gabbro lenses in the eastern Quanji Massif, within the Tarim Craton in NW China. The meta-gabbroic rocks have Nb contents of 11.5-16.4 ppm with Nb/La ratios varying from 0.84 to 1.02((Nb/La)_N = 0.81-0.98) and Nb/U ratios from 38.0 to 47.2. They show low SiO_2(45.1-48.5 wt.%) and MgO(5.96-6.81 wt.%) and Mg#(Mg# = Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 43.5-47.7), high FeO~t(13.0-15.7 wt.%) and moderate Ti02(1.70-2.51 wt.%).with tholeiitic affinities. These rocks possess low fractionated REE patterns without obvious Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu~* = 0.87-1.02). Their primitive mantle-normalized elements patterns display significant Zr-Hf troughs, positive Nb anomalies, weak negative Ti and P anomalies, and high contents of Rb and Ba,resembling Nb-enriched basalts generated in arc-related tectonic settings. Their arc-like geochemical signatures together with whole rock εNd(t) values of 0.4-2.1 and corresponding old T_(DM)(2.22-2.37 Ga)as well as(~(143)Nd/~(144)Nd)_t and(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)t(t = 1712 Ma) values of 0.5104-0.5105 and 0.7030-0.7058,respectively, suggest that their precursor magma originated from mantle wedge peridotite metasomatised by subduction-derived melts. The results from our study reveal subduction along the eastern periphery of the Tarim Craton and marginal outgrowth continuing to ~1.7 Ga within the Columbia supercontinent.     

Inner structure,composition, and genesis of the Chineiskii anorthosite-gabbronorite massif,Northern Transbaikalia

The Chineiskii anorthosite-gabbronorite massif is the most typical layered intrusion in Russia, which is accompanied by large V and Cu deposits. This massif is first considered to be a component of the Proterozoic volcanic-plutonic system of the Kodar-Udokan district, whose largest massifs are Chineiskii and Lukturskii. This system also comprises numerous dikes (including the Main gabbronorite dike at the Udokan deposit, whose thickness reaches 200 m), which are likely the magmatic feeders of ancient volcanism. An intermediate position in the vertical section of the magmatic system is occupied by gabbroids, whose exposures occur in the peripheral part of the Lurbunskii granite massif. The intrusive rocks were proved to be genetically interrelated and show certain similar geochemical features: they bear elevated TiO₂ concentrations and have similar trace element patterns and (La/Sm)_N and (Gd/Yb)_N ratios (1.5–2.3 and 1.87–2.06, respectively). The Chineiskii Massif is thought to have been formed by the successive emplacement of genetically similar basic magmas, which produced four rock groups with fine and coarse layering and cyclicity of variable rank (microrhythms, rhythms, units, and series). The results of cluster analysis indicate that the rocks can be classified into 13 petrochemical types. The phase and chemical characteristics of the parental melts of these compositions were simulated with the use of the COMAGMAT-3.5 computer model, which was also applied to evaluate the composition of the most primitive initial magma of the whole Chineiskii Massif. Our results indicate that the primitive magma was heterogeneous (olivine + plagioclase ± titanomagnetite + melt) at a temperature of approximately 1130°C. The initial melt had a ferrobasaltic composition and was close to saturation with magnetite at ～NNO ± 0.5     

Geochemical features and geodynamic setting of formation of the Lukinda dunite–troctolite–gabbro massif (southeastern framing of the Siberian Platform)

The Lukinda dunite–troctolite–gabbro massif in the Selenga–Stanovoy superterrane on the southeastern framing of the Siberian Platform was earlier considered Precambrian. The performed ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of the massif plagioclase yielded an Early Permian age (285 ± 7.5 Ma). The main specific petrochemical features of the intrusion rocks during their crystallization differentiation are an increase in SiO₂ and CaO contents and a decrease in FeO_tot content, with TiO₂ content remaining low and showing minor variations. A specific geochemical feature of the Lukinda massif ultrabasite–basites is a slight domination of LREE over HREE, with (La/Yb)_N= 1.0–8.2. The depletion of the massif rocks in LILE (except for Sr and Ba), REE, and HFSE suggests that the massif formed on an active continental margin.     

Petrology and geochemistry of mafic and ultramafic cumulate rocks from the eastern part of the Sabzevar ophiolite (NE Iran): Implications for their petrogenesis and tectonic setting

The Late Cretaceous Sabzevar ophiolite represents one of the largest and most complete fragments of Tethyan oceanic lithosphere in the NE Iran. It is mainly composed of serpentinized mantle peridotites slices; nonetheless, minor tectonic slices of all crustal sequence constituents are observed in this ophiolite. The crustal sequence contains a well-developed ultramafic and mafic cumulates section, comprising plagioclase-bearing wehrlite, olivine clinopyroxenite, olivine gabbronorite, gabbronorite, amphibole gabbronorite and quartz gabbronorite with adcumulate, mesocumulate, heteradcumulate and orthocumulate textures. The crystallization order for these rocks is olivine ​± ​chromian spinel → clinopyroxene → plagioclase → orthopyroxene → amphibole. The presence of primary magmatic amphiboles in the cumulate rocks shows that the parent magma evolved under hydrous conditions. Geochemically, the studied rock units are characterized by low TiO₂ (0.18–0.57 ​wt.%), P₂O₅ (<0.05 ​wt.%), K₂O (0.01–0.51 ​wt.%) and total alkali contents (0.12–3.04 ​wt.%). They indicate fractionated trends in the chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) plots and multi-element diagrams (spider diagrams). The general trend of the spider diagrams exhibit slight enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) relative to high field strength elements (HFSEs) and positive anomalies in Sr, Pb and Eu and negative anomalies in Zr and Nb relative to the adjacent elements. The REE plots of these rocks display increasing trend from La to Sm, positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu1 ​= ​1.06–1.54) and an almost flat pattern from medium REE (MREE) to heavy REE (HREE) region [(Gd/Yb)_N ​= ​1–1.17]. Moreover, clinopyroxenes from the cumulate rocks have low REE contents and show marked depletion in light REE (LREE) compared to MREE and HREE [(La/Sm)_N ​= ​0.10–0.27 and (La/Yb)_N ​= ​0.08–0.22]. The composition of calculated melts in equilibrium with the clinopyroxenes from less evolved cumulate samples are closely similar to island arc tholeiitic (IAT) magmas. Modal mineralogy, geochemical features and REE modeling indicate that Sabzevar cumulate rocks were formed by crystal accumulation from a hydrous depleted basaltic melt with IAT affinity. This melt has been produced by moderate to high degree (~15%) of partial melting a depleted mantle source, which partially underwent metasomatic enrichment from subducted slab components in an intra-oceanic arc setting.     

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Neoarchean Metamorphic Mafic Rocks in the Wutai Complex

Neoarchean metamorphic mafic rocks in the lower and the middle Wutai Complex mainly comprise metamorphic gabbros, amphibolites and chlorite schists. They can be subdivided into three groups according to chondrite normalized REE patterns. Rocks in Group #1 are characterized by nearly flat REE patterns （Lan/Ybn=0.86-1.3）, the lowest total REEs （29-52 ppm）, and weak negative to positive Eu anomalies （Eun/Eun=0.84-1.02）, nearly flat primitive mantle normalized patterns and strong negative Zr（Hf） anomalies. Their geochemical characteristics in REEs and trace elements are similar to those of ocean plateau tholeiite, which imply that this group of rocks can represent remnants of Archean oceanic crust derived from a mantle plume. Rocks in Group #2 are characterized by moderate total REEs （34-116 ppm）, LREE-enriched （Lan/Ybn=1.76-4.34） chondrite normalized REE patterns with weak Eu anomalies （Eun/Eun=0.76-1.16）, and negative Nb, Ta, Zr（Hf）, Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle normalized spider diagram. The REE and trace element characteristics indicate that they represent arc magmas originating from a sub-arc mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. Rocks in Group #3 are characterized by the highest total REEs （61-192 ppm）, the strongest LREEs enrichment （Lan/Ybn=7.12-16） with slightly negative Eu anomalies （Eun/Eun=0.81-0.95） in the chondrite normalized diagram. In the primitive mantle normalized diagram, these rocks are characterized by large negative anomalies in Nb, Ta, Ti, negative to no Zr anomalies. They represent arc magmas originating from a sub-arc mantle wedge enriched in slab-derived melts. The three groups of rocks imply that the formation of the Neoarchean Wutai Complex is related to mantle plumes and island-arc interaction.     

Early–Middle Ordovician volcanism along the eastern margin of the Xing’an Massif,Northeast China: constraints on the suture location between the Xing’an and Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range massifs

We present new zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic as well as whole-rock geochemical data for volcanic rocks from the eastern margin of the Xing’an Massif, Northeast China, in order to further our understanding of the suture location between the Xing’an and Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range massifs. Zircon secondary ion mass spectrometry U–Pb dating indicates that the volcanic rocks formed during the Early–Middle Ordovician (473–463 Ma). Compared with the coeval Moguqi basalts (rare earth element [REE] = 171–183 ppm; εHf_(t) = +0.3 to +2.7; T_DM1 = 1074–977 Ma), the Duobaoshan andesites exhibit lower overall REE abundances (109–131 ppm) with relatively high heavy REE contents, stronger high-field-strength element depletion, higher εHf_(t) values (+13.0 to +14.8), and much younger T_DM1 ages (559–484 Ma). This suggests that the primary magma for the andesites was generated by the partial melting of a relatively depleted mantle wedge that was metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. The primary magma for the basalts in the Moguqi area was probably derived from the partial melting of a relatively enriched lithospheric mantle that was also modified by fluids sourced from a subducted slab. These interpretations suggest that the andesites in Duobaoshan formed in a newly accreted island arc setting, whereas the coeval basalts in Moguqi formed along an active continental margin. We therefore attribute the Early–Middle Ordovician volcanism along the eastern margin of the Xing’an Massif to the northwestward subduction of the Nenjiang–Heihe oceanic plate beneath the Xing’an Massif. Furthermore, considering coeval igneous activity in the southern parts of the Xing’an Massif, we suggest that a magmatic arc existed along the margin of the Xing’an Massif in the early Palaeozoic (490–420 Ma). We conclude that the location of the suture between the Xing’an and Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range massifs runs from Airgin Sum, via south of Xilinhot, to Ulanhot, Moguqi, Nenjiang, and finally Heihe.     

Mantle metasomatism—precursor to continental alkaline volcanism

REE distributions of an unusual suite of mantle-derived amphibole/apatite rich xenoliths have very steep, LREE-enriched chondrite-normalised patterns with no Eu anomalies. These are closely analogous to REE distributions of carbonatitic and kimberlitic rocks. A wide range in absolute abundances of REE reflects the varied mineral assemblages of this xenolith suite and, together with other trace element and volatile concentrations, supports an origin by fractionation of, or separation from, a volatile-charged LIL-enriched (possibly kimberlitic/carbonatitic) magma. Such a magma could be a medium for volatile transfer, addition of Ti, V, K and P, and LREE enrichment within the upper mantle. It is postulated that such metasomatism in the upper mantle is a necessary precursor to continental alkaline volcanism.Geochemical modelling based on REE suggests that a pyrolite source +0.35% apatite (total of 0.5% apatite), with amphibole accounting for all K₂O, can yield basanitic liquids with approximately 1–10% partial melting if the source is LREE-enriched (La about 20 times chondrite and Yb about 4.5–5 times chondrite).REE and trace element contents of the host rocks indicate that little exchange of these elements has occurred between xenolith and host magma during transport and emplacement.     

REE distribution in the resin-asphaltene fractions as a geochemical criterion for identification of sources of trace elements in oil

This paper reports REE data on resin-asphaltene components of oil from six oil-gas-bearing provinces and on bitumoids from inferred oil-source rocks (domanikites and bazhenites). It was shown that, regardless of geological-tectonic structure of the regions, oil composition, depth of reservoirs, and host lithologies, oil exhibits significant REE fractionation, and, unlike bitumoids, positive Eu anomaly. The (Eu/Sm)_n ratio increases from asphaltenes to resins and further to oils. Based on REE distribution in oil, source rocks, and bitumoids, it was concluded that deep-seated fluids were one of the possible sources that defined the trace element composition of oil.     

Triassic magmatism in the eastern part of the South China Block: Geochronological and petrogenetic constraints from Indosinian granites

The granitic dykes in the Badu Group,Zhejiang Province,South China provide important insights on tectonic setting and crustal evolution of the South China Block(SCB) and the Indochina Block during Triassic.Here we report LA-ICP-MS U-Pb data of granitic rocks from the Hucun and Kengkou which show early Triassic ages of 242 ± 2 and 232 ± 3 Ma,respectively,representing their timing of emplacement.The dyke rocks are enriched in K,Al,LREE,Rb,Th.U,and Pb.and are depleted in Nb,Ta,Sr,and Ti.The rocks are characterized by highly fractionated REE patterns with(La/Yb)N ratios of 28.46-38.07 with strong negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu* = 0.65-0.73).In situ Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from the Hucun granite yielded ε_(Hf)(t) values of-13.9 to-6.4 and two-stage depleted mantle Hf model ages of 1.68-2.15 Ga,which indicate that the magma was formed by partial melting of the Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary protoliths in the Cathaysia Block.The zircons from the Kengkou granite have ε_(Hf)(t) values ranging from 40.7 to 31.5 and yield two-stage depleted mantle Hf model ages of 0.99-2.49 Ga,indicating magma origin from a mixed source.The Hucun and Kengkou dykes,together with the Triassic A-type granites in SE China were probably generated during magmatism associated with crust-mantle decoupling along the convergent plate boundary between SCB and the Indochina Block.     

Late Mesozoic collisional granitoids of the upper Amur area: New geochemical data

Geochemical and isotopic data were used for a comparative analysis of Late Mesozoic (150–120 Ma) granitoids in various geological structures of the upper Amur area. The granitoids are metaluminous high-potassic I-type rocks of the magnetite series. They have variable alkalinity and consist of the monzonite-granite and granosyenite-granite associations. The monzonite-granite association consists of calc-alkaline granitoids of normal alkalinity belonging to the Umlekan-Ogodzhinskaya volcanic-plutonic zone and the Tynda-Bakaran Complex of the Stanovoy terrane. The rocks are characterized by negative anomalies of U, Ta, Nd, Hf, and Ti (in patterns normalized to the primitive mantle), with Eu anomalies pronounced weakly in the granodiorites and quartz and monzodiorites and more clearly in the granites: Eu/Eu* = 0.37–0.95, and (La/Yb)_n = 7–24, Tb_n/Yb_n = 1.4–3.2. The granosyenite-granite association comprises of moderately alkaline rocks, which are subdivided into three groups according to their geochemistry. The first group consists of phase-I granosyenites of the Uskalinskii Massif of the Umlekan-Ogodzhinskaya zone with the highest concentrations of Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Cs, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Yb, and Th; negative anomalies at Ba, Ta, Sr, and Hf; Eu/Eu* = 0.50–0.58, (La/Yb)_n = 15–16, and Tb_n/Yb_n = 1.8. The second group comprises of moderately alkaline granitoids of the Umlekan-Ogodzhinskaya zone and the Khaiktinskii Complex of the Baikal-Vitim superterrane. Geochemically, the granitoids of this group are generally similar to the monzodiorite-granite association and differ from it in having lower concentrations of REE and Y, Eu/Eu* = 6.2–1.0, (La/Yb)_n = 28–63, and Tb_n/Yb_n = 2.1–4.5. The third group consists of granitoids of the Chubachinskii Complex of the Stanovoi terrane, which typically show negative Cs, Rb, Th, U, Ta, Hf, and Ti anomalies; the lowest concentrations of V, Cr, Co, and Ni; and the highest contents of Sr. The granosyenites of the first phase display clearly pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.53–0.68), (La/Yb)_n = 7–24, and Tb_n/Yb_n = 0.8–2.0. The granitoids of the second phase have (La/Yb)_n = 51–84, no Eu anomalies, or very weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.97–1.23). The silica-oversaturated leucogranites of the third phase are characterized by elevated concentrations of REE, clearly pronounced Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.48), and flat REE patterns (Tb_n/Yb_n = 1.3). The diversity of the granitoids is demonstrated to have been caused largely by the composition of the Precambrian source, which was isotopically heterogeneous. The rocks of the monzodiorite-granite association and first-group granosyenites of the granosyenite-granite association of the Tynda-Bakaran Complex were supposedly derived from garnet-bearing biotite amphibolites. In contrast to these rocks, the source of the second-group granites of the granosyenite-granite association was of mixed amphibolite-metagraywacke composition. The third-group of granitoids were melted out of Early Proterozoic crustal feldspar-rich granulites of variable basicity, with minor amounts of Archean crustal material. The granitoids were emplaced in a collisional environment, perhaps, during the collision of the Amur superterrane and Siberian craton. This makes it possible to consider these rocks as components of a single continental volcanic-plutonic belt. Original Russian Text ? V.E. Strikha, 2006, published in Geokhimiya, 2006, No. 8, pp. 855–872.     

浙江省中生代火成岩的Nd-Sr同位素研究

本文报道了浙江省21个中生代火成岩的Nd-Sr同位素组成,其中火山岩的ε_Nd值为-12.6——4.9,I_Sr值为0.70613-0.71079,t_DM年龄为1945-1296Ma;花岗岩类的ε_Nd值为-12.9——5.8,I_Sr值为0.70533-0.71208,t_DM年龄为1900-1230Ma,表明两者具有相似的同位素组成。这种相似性在同一火山-侵入杂岩体中表现更为明显,意味着两者在时、空、源方面具有同一性。与扬子地块的相比,华夏地块的中生代火成岩具有较低的ε_Nd值,较高的I_Sr值和较古老的Nd模式年龄,这种差异可能主要同这两个区域内基底变质岩在形成时代和成分上的差异有关。通过Sm-Nd同位素组成的对比研究,笔者认为,浙江境内的中生代火成岩可能主要是由基底变质沉积岩衍生的。原始岩浆的形成可能同中、下地壳岩石的熔融有关。     

Polygenesis of mafic-ultramafic complexes: Isotope-geochronological and geochemical evidence from zircons of the Berezovka massif rocks (Sakhalin Island)

Results of comprehensive isotope-geochronological (U-Pb dating; SHRIMP II) and geochemical (LA-ICP-MS) studies of zircons from different rocks of the Berezovka polygenetic mafic-ultramafic massif of the East Sakhalin ophiolite association are presented. The massif includes three proximal but genetically autonomous structure-lithologic complexes of different ages: protrusion of ultramafic rocks of restite nature, gabbroid intrusion breaking through it, and contact reaction zone located along their boundaries. The isotopic age of zircons in the massif as a whole and in its individual rocks varies over a broad range of values. The zircons belong to several populations according to their age (Ma) and other features: relict and xenogenous (~ 3100-990, 70–410, and ~ 395-210) and syngenetic (~ 200-100, ~ 90-65, and ~ 30-20). They differ in grain size and morphology, optical and cathodoluminescence images, and trace-element patterns. By morphology, the grains are divided into short-prismatic crystals with well-developed faces and edges, long-prismatic crystals with well-developed faces and edges, prismatic crystals with slightly resorbed faces and edges, prismatic crystals with strongly resorbed faces and edges, and intensely resorbed grains totally or partly lacking faceting. The ages of zircons depend inversely on the contents of La, Ce, and Yb, total contents of REE, (Ce/Ce*)n, and (Eu/Eu*)n. Some grains are characterized by abnormal REE and trace-element patterns due to their epigenetic redistribution. The wide scatter of the intermediate ages of relict and xenogenous zircon grains, their resorption and disturbed optical and geochemical features are probably due to the nonuniform rejuvenation of their isotope systems and variations in other parameters, caused by the effect of younger mafic melt and its fluids, whose crystallization gave rise to a gabbroid intrusion dated at 170–150 Ma. The obtained data on the isotopic age and other properties of zircons from the rocks of the Berezovka massif agree with the geological model of its polygenesis.     

A Preliminary Study on the Evolutionary Characteristics of Rare Earth Elements （REE）in Granitoid Rocks and Their Formation Mechanisms in Xianghualing Region,Hunan Province,China

Recognized in the Xianghualing region,South Hunan are three major types of granitoids,i.e.,biotite granite,zinnwaldite-albite granite and xianghuagite,which evolved form the same granitic magma,but were formed at different stages.These granitoid rocks constitute a complete magmatic evolutionary series.With the evolution of magma,REE contents and negative Eu anomalies tend to decrease progressively,and LREE become more and more enriched relative to HREE .The facts mentioned above show that the tendency of REE evolution in granitoid rocks in the region studied is different from that in other regions.Evidence indicates that the granitic magma system became more and more depleted in Si(K Na),but richer and richer in Al,Li,F and H2O^ during the process of its evolution,re-sulting in relatively weak acidity and strong alkalinity .It may be the most important factor leading to a specific REE evolutionary trend for the granitoid rocks in this region.In addition,the changing oxidation-reduction environments at different evolutionary stages of this magma system may be anoth-er important factor which should be taken into consideration.     

Mineral chemistry and Ti in zircon thermometry: Insights into magmatic evolution of the Sangan igneous rocks,NE Iran

The Sangan Magmatic complex (SMC) is, a large I-type magmatic complex, located in the northeastern Iran. Zircons extracted from the intrusive and volcanic rocks within the SMC record a similar Hf compositions and REE patterns, indicating that these chemical signatures have likely been inherited from the same source and simple history of magmatic crystallization during the evolution of the orogeny. The zircon from volcanic rocks yield Ti-in-zircon crystallization temperatures of 667–1145?°C with average temperatures of 934?°C while those from granitoids indicate crystallization temperatures of 614–898?°C with an average of 812?°C. Ti-in-zircon, Ti in biotite thermometries also indicates that the crystallization temperatures of volcanic rocks are relatively higher than those of granitoids. The biotite chemistry studies reveal that this mineral crystallized at approximately 725°–800?°C and 758° to 816?°C for granitoid and volcanic rocks, respectively, which is similar to obtained temperatures by Zir-saturation of Eq. (1). T_zicsat and T_magma trend lines on the T-SiO₂ diagram cross at high silica contents of ～68?wt.%, at which temperature the magma becomes zircon-saturated and new zircons are crystallized. The zircon REE data including Ce/Ce*, Eu/Eu*, and Th/U ratios suggest that SMC igneous rocks are formed from oxidized magma. However, the zircon Th/U and Hf data suggest that the SMC became progressively more oxidized and also indicate lower temperatures from volcanic and plutonic rock with decreasing time.     

Mineralogy, whole-rock and Sr-Nd isotope geochemistry of mafic microgranular enclaves in Cretaceous Dagbasi granitoids, Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey: Evidence of magma mixing, mingling and chemical equilibration

Rocks of the Late Cretaceous Dagbasi Pluton (88-83 Ma), located in the eastern Pontides, include mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) ranging from a few centimetres to metres in size, and from ellipsoidal to ovoid in shape. The MMEs are composed of gabbroic diorite, diorite and tonalite, whereas the felsic host rocks comprise mainly tonalite, granodiorite and monzogranite based on both mineralogical and chemical compositions. MMEs are characterized by a fine-grained, equigranular and hypidiomorphic texture. The common texture of felsic host rocks is equigranular and also reveals some special types of microscopic textures, e.g., oscillatory-zoned plagioclase, poikilitic K-feldspar, small lath-shaped plagioclase in large plagioclase, blade-shaped biotite, acicular apatite, spike zones in plagioclase and spongy-cellular plagioclase textures and rounded plagioclase megacrysts in MMEs. Compositions of plagioclases (An₃₃-An₆₀), hornblendes (Mg#=0.77-1.0) and biotites (Mg#=0.61-0.63) of MMEs are slightly distinct or similar to those of host rocks (An_12-57; hbl Mg#=0.63-1.0; Bi Mg#=0.50-0.69), which suggest partial to complete equilibration during mafic-felsic magma interactions.The felsic host rocks have SiO₂ between 60 and 76 wt% and display low to slightly medium-K tholeiitic to calc-alkaline and peraluminous to slightly metaluminous characteristics. Chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) patterns are fractionated (La_cn/Lu_cn=1.5-7.3) with pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.46-1.1). Initial ε_Nd(i) values vary between −3.1 and 1.6, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values between 0.7056 and 0.7067.Compared with the host rocks, the MMEs are characterized by relatively high Mg-number of 22-52, low contents of SiO₂ (53-63 wt%), low ASI (0.7-1.1) and low to medium-K tholeiitic to calc-alkaline, metaluminous to peraluminous composition. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are relatively flat [(La/Yb)_cn=1.4-3.9; (Tb/Yb)_cn=0.9-1.5] and show small negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.63-1.01). Isotope signatures of these rocks (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i)=0.7054-0.7055; ε_Nd(i)=-1.0 to 1.9) are largely similar to the host rocks. Gabbroic diorite enclaves have relatively low contents of SiO₂, ASI; high Mg#, CaO, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, P₂O₅, Sr and Nb concentrations compared to dioritic and tonalitic enclaves.The geochemical and isotopic similarities between the MMEs and their host rocks indicate that the enclaves are of mixed origin and are most probably formed by the interaction between the lower crust- and mantle-derived magmas. All the geochemical data suggest that a basic magma derived from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle, interacted with a crustal melt that originated from dehydration melting of the mafic lower crust at deep crustal levels. The existence of compositional and textural disequilibrium and the nature of chemical and isotopic variation in these rock types indicate that magma mixing/mingling between an evolved mafic and a granitic magma was involved in their genesis. Microgranular enclaves are thus interpreted to be globules of a more mafic magma probably from an enriched lithospheric mantle source. Al-in-amphibole estimates the pluton emplacement at ca. 0.3-3.8 kbar, and therefore, magma mixing and mingling must have occurred at 3.8 kbar or below this level.