Geochronology and geochemistry of Cretaceous–Eocene granites,Tengchong Block (SW China): Petrogenesis and implications for Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonic evolution of Eastern Tethys

The Early Cretaceous–Early Eocene granitoids in the Tengchong Block record the evolutionary history of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectono-magmatic evolution of Eastern Tethys. (a) The Early Cretaceous granitoids with relatively low (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios of 0.7090–0.7169 and ε_Nd(t) values of ?9.8 to ?7.8 display metaluminous, calc-alkaline dominated by I-type granite affinity and hybrid mantle–crust geochemical signatures. They may have been derived from melting of the subducted Meso-Tethyan Bangong-Nujiang oceanic crust with terrigenous sediments in an arc-continent collisional setting. (b) The Late Cretaceous–Paleocene granitoids with relatively high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios of 0.7109–0.7627, and ε_Nd(t) values of ?12.1 to ?7.9 exhibit metaluminous to peraluminous, calc-alkaline dominated by S-type granite affinity and hybrid Lower–Upper crust geochemical signatures, which may be originated from partial melting of the Meso-Proterozoic continental crust in the collision setting between the Tengchong Block and Baoshan Block. (c) The Early Eocene granitoids have metaluminous, calc-alkaline I-type and S-type granites dual affinity, with relatively high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios of 0.711–0.736, ε_Nd(t) values of ?9.4 to ?4.7, showing crust-mantle mixing geochemical signatures. They may have been originated from partial melting of the late Meso-Proterozoic upper crustal components mixed with some upper mantle material during the ascent process of mantle magma caused by the subduction of the Neo-Tethyan Putao–Myitkyian oceanic crust, and collision between the Western Burma Block and the Tengchong Block. It is these multi-stage subductions and collisions that caused the spatial and temporal distribution of the granitic rocks in the Tengchong Block.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Niujuanzi ophiolitic mélange,Gansu Province,NW China: implications for tectonic evolution of the Beishan Orogenic Collage

International Journal of Earth Sciences - The Niujuanzi ophiolitic mélange (NOM), located in the Beishan Orogenic Collage, marks the termination between the Huaniushan arc and Mingshui-Hanshan...     

Geochronology,geochemistry and tectonic implications of a new ophiolitic mélange in the northern West Junggar,NW China

The West Junggar, located in the southernmost part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is a key region for understanding the Paleozoic evolution of the CAOB. Issues of the timing of initial subduction and tectonic unit connections in northern West Junggar still remain controversial. In this study, we report a new ophiolitic mélange named the E'min ophiolitic mélange in northern West Junggar. The tectonic blocks in the E'min ophiolitic mélange are mainly composed of serpentinized peridotite, serpentinite, gabbros, pillow basalts, and cherts, with a matrix consisting of highly deformed serpentinites. A gabbro exhibits a zircon SHRIMP U-Pb age of 476 ± 2 Ma, and the zircon grains have δ¹⁸O values similar to those of mantle zircons. Those basalt samples display depletions of light rare earth element (REE) relative to heavy REEs. They exhibit weak enrichment of Ba and Th, and moderate depletion of Nb and Ta. The basalts display similar geochemical characteristics to that of fore–arc basalts in the present-day fore–arc setting. The gabbros exhibit high MgO and compatible element contents, but low TiO₂, total REE and high field strength element (HFSE) contents. They exhibit light REE depletion, enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements, and depletion of HFSEs. The boninite-like geochemical patterns of the gabbros indicate that they were formed in a subduction-related environment, and were derived from an extremely depleted mantle source infiltrated by subduction-derived fluids and/or melts. The E'min ophiolitic mélange has a geochemical make-up similar to those of suprasubduction-zone (SSZ)-type ophiolites formed in a forearc setting. Hence, we propose that the E'min ophiolitic mélange formed in a forearc setting and may represent the initial subduction in northern West Junggar. Based on geochronological data, we propose that the E'min ophiolite, together with the Kujibai, Hoboksar and Hongguleleng ophiolites, formed during a similar period and comprise a huge E–W trending ophiolitic belt.     

Redefinition of Early Mesoproterozoic (1800–1600 Ma) stratigraphy in the northern Kongling area,China: The nucleus of Yangtze Craton and its tectonic significance

The Wujiatai Formation, which is well exposed in Huangjiatai-Xichahe region of the northern Kongling area of central Yangtze Craton, is a suite of epimetamorphic conglomerates to pebbly sandstones to fine sandstone-dolostones deposited in littoral-carbonate platform facies. The formation has angular unconformity contacts with both the overlying Neoproterozoic Nantuo Formation and the underlying Paleoproterozoic Huanglianghe Formation complex. Detrital zircons from metafine sandstones of the lower Wujiatai Formation have ages ranging from 3377–1828 Ma, with the youngest zircons dating to about 1828 Ma. In addition, whole-rock Pb-Pb isochron ages from dolostones in the upper Wujiatai Formation yield an age of 1718±230 Ma. These dates constrain the depositional age of the Wujiatai Formation between 1800 Ma and 1600 Ma. These are the earliest Mesoproterozoic sedimentary records reported in the Kongling region, and fill the gaps in Early Mesoproterozoic stratigraphy in Yangtze Craton. Histograms of detrital zircon ages for the Wujiatai Formation reveal four major peaks at 2039 Ma, 2691 Ma, 2966 Ma and 3377 Ma, which is consistent with the ages of the basement rocks that underlie the center of Yangtze Craton, indicating that sediment provenance is mainly from the Kongling complex. The lower Wujiatai Formation mainly consists of clastic rocks, whereas the upper Wujiatai Formation consists of dolostones. This stratigraphic change implies a deepening sequence in an expanding basin with an initial cratonic rifting tectonic setting, corresponding to the initial breakup of the Columbia supercontinent in Yangtze Craton.© 2019 China Geology Editorial Office.     

Geochronology,geochemistry, and petrogenesis of the Maçka subvolcanic intrusions: implications for the Late Cretaceous magmatic and geodynamic evolution of the eastern part of the Sakarya Zone,northeastern Turkey

The Maçka subvolcanic intrusions (MSIs) in the eastern part of the Sakarya zone, northeastern Turkey, play a critical role in understanding the petrogenetic and geodynamic processes that took place during the growth of Late Cretaceous arc crust of this region. U–Pb zircon (79.97 ± 0.97 Ma) and two ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar amphibole ages (average 81.37 ± 0.5 Ma) indicate that the MSIs were emplaced in Late Cretaceous (Campanian) time into the coeval volcanic rocks. A slightly younger zircon fission track (FT) age (73 ± 9 Ma) points to a rapid exhumation and cooling after crystallization. The intrusions are observed in areas less than 1 km² in the field and contain abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs). The host rocks (HRs) are entirely composed of tonalite (SiO₂ = 63–65 wt.%, Mg# = 43–52), and the MMEs are gabbro-diorite in composition (SiO₂ = 53–57 wt.%, Mg# = 45–48). Both the HRs and the MMEs are I-type, high-K calc-alkaline in composition and display a metaluminous character. They are characterized by geochemical features typical for magmas of subduction-related environments. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are moderately fractionated [(La/Yb)_N = 6–11] and display slightly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.7–0.9), with weak concave-upward REE patterns, suggesting that amphibole fractionation played a role during their evolution. The MMEs have slightly different I_Sr (0.7081–0.7085) and ε_Nd (?5.0 to ?5.4) values compared with those of their HRs (I_Sr = 0.7084–0.7087 and ε_Nd = ?5.7 to ?6.9), indicating that variable amounts of crustal and mantle components were involved in the generation of parental magma to these rocks. All of these data, combined with those of previous regional studies, suggest that the MSIs are hybrid in origin, produced by the mixing of enriched lithospheric mantle- and lower crust-derived melts in an extensional arc setting that was caused by slab rollback.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Cretaceous Nanshanping alkaline rocks from the Zijinshan district in Fujian Province,South China: Implications for crust–mantle interaction and lithospheric extension

In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data, major and trace elements, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are reported for Nanshanping alkaline rocks from the Zijingshan district in southwestern Fujian Province (the Interior or Western Cathaysia Block) of South China. The Nanshanping alkaline rocks, which consist of porphyritic quartz monzonite, porphyritic syenite, and syenite, revealed a Late Cretaceous age of 100–93 Ma. All of the rocks show high SiO₂, K₂O + Na₂O, and LREE but low CaO, Fe₂O₃^T, MgO, and HFSE (Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) concentrations. These rocks also exhibit uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7078 to 0.7087 and ε_Nd(t) values of −4.1 to −7.2, thus falling within the compositional field of Cretaceous basalts and mafic dikes occurring in the Cathaysia Block. Additionally, these rocks display initial Pb isotopic compositions with a ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i ratio of 18.25 to 18.45, a ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i ratio of 15.63 to 15.67, and a ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i ratio of 38.45 to 38.88. Combined with the zircon Hf isotopic compositions (ε_Hf(t) = −11.7 to −3.2), which are different from those of the basement rocks, we suggest that Nanshanping alkaline rocks were primarily derived from a subduction-related enriched mantle source. High Rb/Sr (0.29–0.65) and Zr/Hf (37.5–49.2) but relatively low Ba/Rb (4.4–8.1) ratios suggest that the parental magmas of these rocks were most likely formed via partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing mantle source with carbonate metasomatism. The relatively high SiO₂ (62.35–70.79 wt.%) and low Nb/Ta (10.0–15.3) ratios, positive correlation between SiO₂ and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_I, and negative correlation between SiO₂ and ε_Nd(t) of these rocks suggest that the crustal materials were also involved in formation of the Nanshanping alkaline rocks. Combined with geochemical and isotopic features, we infer magmatic processes similar to AFC (assimilation and fractional crystallization) involving early fractionation of clinopyroxene and olivine and subsequent fractionation of biotite-dominated assemblages coupled with a lesser amount of crustal contamination, thereby forming the Nanshanping alkaline rocks. The Nanshanping alkaline rocks appear to be associated with an extensional environment in the Cathaysia Block. This extensional regime could have resulted in the slab break-off and rollback of the subducting paleo-Pacific plate and the upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle, which induced partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle in the Cretaceous.     

U–Pb zircon chronology,geochemistry and isotopes of the Changyi banded iron formation in the eastern Shandong Province: Constraints on BIF genesis and implications for Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the North China Craton

The Changyi banded iron formation (BIF) in the eastern North China Craton (NCC) occurs within the Paleoproterozoic Fenzishan Group. The BIF shows alternating quartz-rich light and magnetite-rich dark bands with magnetite (15–65 vol.%), quartz (25–65 vol.%) and amphibole (15–30 vol.%) constituting the major minerals. Minor garnet, epidote, chlorite, calcite, biotite and pyrite occur locally. The BIF bands are interlayered with amphibolite, hornblende gneiss, biotite quartz schist, garnet biotite schist, biotite gneiss and leptynite, and are intruded by granites. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating on zircons separated from the BIF bands and the wallrocks constrains the depositional age as 2240–2193 Ma and metamorphic age as ~ 1864 Ma. The dominant composition of SiO₂ + Fe₂O₃^T (average value of 92.3 wt.%) of the BIF bands suggests their formation mainly through chemical precipitation. However, the widely varying contents of major elements such as Al₂O₃ (0.58–6.99 wt.%), MgO (1.00–3.86 wt.%), CaO (0.22–4.19 wt.%) and trace elements such as Rb (2.06–40.4 ppm), Sr (9.36–42.5 ppm), Zr (0.91–23.6 ppm), Hf (0.04–0.75 ppm), Cr (89.1–341 ppm), Co (2.94–30.4 ppm), and Ni (1.43–52.0 ppm) clearly indicate the incorporation of clastics, especially continental felsic clastics, as also confirmed by the presence of ancient detrital zircons in the BIF bands. When normalized against Post Archean Average Shale (PAAS), the seawater-like signatures of REE distribution patterns, such as LREE depletion, positive La and Y anomalies, and superchondritic Y/Ho ratios (average value of 36.3), support the deposition in seawater. Strong positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*_PAAS = 1.14–2.86) also suggest the participation of hydrothermal fluids. In addition, the sympathetic correlation between Cr, Co and Ni as well as the Co + Ni + Cu vs. ∑ REE and the Al₂O₃ vs. SiO₂ relations further indicates that the iron and silica mainly originated from hydrothermal fluids. Combined with regional geological investigation and protolith restoration of the wallrocks, a continental rift environment is suggested for the Changyi BIF deposition. The appearance of negative Ce_PAAS anomalies might suggest the influence of the Great Oxidation Event at the time of deposition. The Changyi BIF witnessed the major Paleoproterozoic rifting–collision events in the NCC and their unique distribution in the NCC contrasts with other examples elsewhere in the world.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry of the post-collisional volcanic rocks in eastern Xinjiang Province,NW China: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Junggar terrane

We report zircon U–Pb geochronologic and geochemical data for the post-collisional volcanic rocks from the Batamayineishan (BS) Formation in the Shuangjingzi area, northwestern China. The zircon U–Pb ages of seven volcanic samples from the BS Formation show that the magmatic activity in the study area occurred during 342–304 Ma in the Carboniferous. The ages also indicate that the Palaeo-Karamaili Ocean had already closed by 342 Ma. Moreover, the volcanic rocks also contained 10 inherited zircons with ages ranging from 565 to 2626 Ma, indicating that Precambrian continental crust or microcontinents with accretionary arcs are two possible interpretations for the basement underlying the East Junggar terrane. The sampled mafic-intermediate rocks belong to the medium-K to high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic series, and the formation of these rocks involved fractional crystallization with little crustal contamination. These Carboniferous mafic-intermediate rocks show depletions in Nb and Ta and enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Ba, U, and Th) and light rare earth elements. The low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.7034–0.7042) and positive ε_Nd(t) values (+2.63 to +6.46) of these rocks suggest that they formed from depleted mantle material. The mafic-intermediate rocks were most likely generated by 5–10% partial melting of a mantle source composed primarily of spinel lherzolite with minor garnet lherzolite that had been metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and minor slab melts. In contrast, the felsic rocks in the BS Formation are A-type rhyolites with positive ε_Nd(t) values and young model ages. These rocks are interpreted to be derived from the partial melting of juvenile basaltic lower crustal material. Taken together, the mafic-intermediate rocks formed in a post-collisional extensional setting generated by slap breakoff in the early Carboniferous (342–330 Ma) and the A-type rhyolites formed in a post-collisional extensional setting triggered by the upwelling asthenosphere in the late Carboniferous (330–304 Ma).     

Geochronology,geochemistry, and mineralization of the granodiorite porphyry hosting the Matou Cu–Mo (±W) deposit,Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt,eastern China

Porphyry and skarn Cu–Fe–Au–Mo deposits are widespread in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt (MLYMB), eastern China. The Matou deposit has long been regarded as a typical Cu–Mo porphyry deposit within Lower Yangtze part of the belt. Recently, we identified scheelite and wolframite in quartz veins in the Matou deposit, which is uncommon in other porphyry and skarn deposits in the MLYMB. We carried out detailed zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic studies of the granodiorite porphyry at Matou to define any differences from other ore-related granitoids. The porphyry shows a SiO₂ content ranging from 61.85 wt.% to 65.74 wt.%, K₂O from 1.99 wt.% to 3.74 wt.%, and MgO from 1.74 wt.% to 2.19 wt.% (Mg^# value ranging from 45 to 55). It is enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, but relatively depleted in Nb, Ta, Y, Yb and compatible trace elements (such as Cr, Ni, and V), with slight negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.88–0.98) and almost no negative Sr anomalies. Results of electron microprobe analysis of rock-forming silicate minerals indicate that the Matou porphyry has been altered by an oxidized fluid that is rich in Mg, Cl, and K. The samples show relatively low ε_Nd(t) values from −7.4 to −7.1, slightly high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values from 0.708223 to 0.709088, and low ε_Hf(t) values of zircon from −9.0 to −6.5, when compared with the other Cu–Mo porphyry deposits in the MLYMB. Zircon U–Pb dating suggests the Matou granodiorite porphyry was emplaced at 139.5 ± 1.5 Ma (MSWD = 1.8, n = 15), which is within the age range of the other porphyries in the MLYMB. Although geochemical characteristics of the Matou and other porphyries in the MLYMB are similar and all adakitic, the detrital zircons in the samples from Matou suggest that Archean lower crust (2543 ± 29 Ma, MSWD = 0.25, n = 5) was involved with the generation of Matou magma, which is different from the other porphyries in the belt. Our study suggests that the Matou granodiorite porphyry originated from partial melting of thickened lower crust that was delaminated into the mantle, similar to the other porphyries in the MLYMB, but it has a higher proportion of lower crustal material, including Archean rocks, which contributed to the formation of the porphyry and related W-rich magmatic-hydrothermal system.     

Geochronology,Nd isotopes and reconnaissance geochemistry of volcanic and metavolcanic rocks of the São Luís Craton,northern Brazil: Implications for tectonic setting and crustal evolution

New field work, in addition to zircon geochronology, Nd isotopes and reconnaissance geochemical data allow the recognition of Paleoproterozoic volcanic and metavolcanic sequences in the São Luís Craton of northern Brazil. These sequences record at least five volcanic pulses occurring probably in three distinct epochs and in different tectonic settings. (1) The Pirocaua Formation of the Aurizona Group comprises early arc-related calc-alkaline metapyroclastic rocks of 2240 ± 5 Ma formed from juvenile protoliths in addition to minor older crustal components. (2) The Matará Formation of the Aurizona Group holds mafic tholeiitic and ultramafic metavolcanic rocks of back arc and/or island arc setting, which are likely coeval to the Pirocaua Formation. (3) The Serra do Jacaré volcanic unit is composed of tholeiitic basalts and predominantly metaluminous, normal- to high-K calc-alkaline andesites of 2164 ± 3 Ma formed in mature arc or active continental margin from juvenile protoliths along with subordinate older (Paleoproterozoic) materials and associated to the main calc-alkaline orogenic stage. (4) The Rio Diamante Formation consists of late-orogenic metaluminous, medium-K, calc-alkaline rhyolite to dacite and tuffs of 2160 ± 8 Ma formed in continental margin setting from reworked Paleoproterozoic crust (island arc) with incipient Archean contribution. (5) The Rosilha volcanic unit is composed of weakly peraluminous, medium-K, calc-alkaline dacite and tuff formed probably at about 2068 Ma from reworked crustal protoliths. As a whole the volcanic and metavolcanic rocks record and characterized better the previously proposed orogenic evolution of the São Luís Craton.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Late Triassic bimodal igneous rocks at the eastern margin of the Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range Massif,Northeast China: petrogenesis and tectonic implications

Abstract

New zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectroscopy U–Pb ages, and Hf isotope and whole-rock geochemical data are reported for Mesozoic igneous rocks from the eastern margin of the Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range Massif, Northeast China, in order to document the petrogenesis of the igneous rocks and reconstruct the early Mesozoic tectonic setting of the region. Zircons from five representative igneous rocks are euhedral–subhedral and display oscillatory growth zoning or striped absorption in cathodoluminescence images, suggesting a magmatic origin. The dating results indicate that granite, gabbro, and rhyolite from the eastern Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range Massif formed during Late Triassic (204–211 Ma). The Late Triassic granitoids and rhyolites have an affinity to A-type granites or rhyolites. Their zircon ε_Hf(t) values and Hf two-stage model ages range from –3.8 to +3.8 and from 999 to 1485 Ma, respectively, indicating that their primary melts were derived from the partial melting of the Meso-Proterozoic crust. The geochemistry of coeval gabbros, which reflects primary magma composition, shows a significant large ion lithophile element (e.g. Ba and Sr) enrichment and high field strength element (i.e. Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, and Ti) depletion. Based on zircon ε_Hf(t) values (–4.2 to +2.8) and Hf single-stage model ages (746–1031 Ma), we conclude that the mafic magma is the product of partial melting of lithospheric mantle that was metasomatically enriched by fluids derived from the subducted oceanic crust. The Late Triassic magmatism along the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent has bimodal magma compositions, indicating an extensional setting after the final closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean rather than being related to subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian continent. The occurrence of Late Triassic igneous rocks on the eastern side of the Mudanjiang Fault suggests that this fault does not represent the suture zone between the Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range and Jiamusi massifs.     

Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.7 Ga) magmatism in Chifeng,Inner Mongolia: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen

The Meilin porphyritic biotite granite is located along the northern margin of the North China Craton and the northern central orogenic belt. The Meilin granite is complex but is dominated by a porphyritic biotite granite. Isotopic dating using zircon U-Pb LA-ICP-MS analyses indicates that the porphyritic biotite granite was emplaced at 1715.6 ± 9.6 Ma during the Late Paleoproterozoic, rather than during the Permian as previously thought. The Meilin granite is an A-type, and all samples from this granite are characterized by relatively high contents of silica (SiO₂ = 69.86–71.70%), alkalis ((Na₂O + K₂O) = 8.69–9.40%), alumina (Al₂O₃ = 13.71–14.59%), high ratios of FeOt/MgO, low contents of calcium (CaO = 0.26–0.39%), and a negative Eu anomaly (Eu = 0.47–0.57). Additionally, all samples display strong enrichment in Th, K, La, Ce, and P and depletion in U, Ti, Ta, and Nb. These characteristics indicate that the granite formed in a rift environment, where rifting caused mantle decompression and the formation of basic magma. Underplating of the basic magma provided a heat source, leading to the partial melting of the lower crust. Sr isotopes of the Meilin porphyritic biotite granite suggest that the magma source was the remelting of the metamorphic basement. The granite was therefore emplaced in a non-orogenic extensional tectonic setting, which may have been related to the initial breakup of the Columbia supercontinent during the Late Paleoproterozoic.     

Petrology,geochemistry and metamorphic evolution of Lancang Group in the Changning-Menglian complex belt and its implications on the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-TethysEI北大核心CSCD

Lancang Group within the Changning-Menglian complex belt in the Sanjiang area, Yunnan Province involves many kinds of meta-sediments, including staurolite-kyanite-bearing garnet-mica schist, garnet-mica schist, chloritoid-white mica schist and chlorite-glaucophane-albite schist. Detailed petrographic observation, mineral chemistry analysis and phase equilibrium modelling have shown that these meta-sediments preserve distinctly metamorphic evolutions. The staurolite-kyanite-bearing garnet-mica schist records the decompression and cooling histories related to retrograded metamorphic processes from middle-temperature eclogite facies to amphibolite facies with a peak mineral assemblage of garnet + kyanite + phengite + jadeite formed at the P-T condition of about 19 similar to 30kbar and 600 similar to 750 degrees C. For the garnet-mica schist, the peak metamorphic mineral association constrained by X-Prp and X-Grs in garnet, and Si content in phengite includes garnet + phengite + omphacite + lawsonite + paragonite and the related P-T condition is around 17 similar to 19. 5kbar and 430 similar to 475 degrees C . The chloritoid-white mica schist is characterized by the mineral assemblage of chloritoid + phengite + paragonite + chlorite whereas the peak mineral assemblage includes phengite + paragonite + carpholite. The peak P-T condition defined by Si content in phengite is limited in the range of 17 similar to 19kbar and 300 similar to 330 degrees C. Both garnet-mica schist and chloritoid-white mica schist consistently record heating and decompression processes from lawsonite-blueschist facies to epidote-blueschist facies. Metamorphic reactions and mineralogy of chlorite-glaucophane-albite schist roughly give the P-T condition of 9 similar to 11kbar and 430 similar to 520 degrees C. Studies on the geochemistry of Lancang Group reveal that these meta-sediments show the geochemistry affinity to the continental arc, active continental margin and upper crust sediments. The protoliths are mainly mud rock and sandstone with low maturity and a little of mafic-intermediate volcanic rock. The sediment sources are predominantly intermediate-acid magmatic rocks with old sedimentary contamination to different degree. Tectonic discrimination diagrams show that meta-sediments in the Lancang Group are mainly derived from the continental island arc or active continental margin tectonic setting. Combined with the metamorphism and geochemistry characteristics of these rocks in the Changning-Menglian complex belt, it is therefore inferred that the meta-sediments of Lancang Group display various metamorphic evolutions. Lancang Group are considered to have experienced multi-phase/stage and complex tectonic evolution histories.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Shilu Cu–Mo deposit in the Yunkai area,Guangdong Province,South China and its implication

Shilu is a large porphyry–skarn deposit in the Yunkai district in Guangdong Province, South China. The Shilu granitic intrusion in the mine area is a granodiorite which is genetically related to Cu mineralization. Plagioclase in the granodiorite has a zoned texture and is mainly andesine with minor amounts of labradorite, whereas the K-feldspars exhibit Carlsbad twins and some are also characterized by a zonal texture. K-feldspars from the granodiorite show high contents of Or (87–92 wt.%) with minor Ab (8–13 wt.%) and negligible An value of 0–0.3 wt.%. Biotite can be classified as magnesio-biotite, and is characterized by Mg-rich [Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.54–0.60] and Al^VI-low (average values = 0.11). Hornblende is chiefly magnesiohornblende and tschermakite. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb age of the Shilu granodiorite is 107 ± 0.7 Ma, which is consistent with molybdenites Re–Os age of 104.1 ± 1.3 Ma. Geochemical data indicate that the Shilu granodiorite is silica-rich (SiO₂ = 63.43–65.03 wt.%) and alkali-rich (K₂O + Na₂O = 5.45–6.05 wt.%), as well as calcium-rich (CaO = 4.76–5.1 wt.%). Trace element geochemistry results show enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, K, and Ba) and depletions in some high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, P, Ta, and Ti). The total rare earth element (REE) content of the granodioritic rocks is low (∑ REE < 200 ppm), and is characterized by light REE enrichment [(La/Yb)_N > 9] and moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.83–0.90). These mineralogical, geochronological, and geochemical results suggest that the Shilu granodiorite has a mixed crust–mantle source with a geochemical affinity to I-type granitoids. Hornblende thermobarometry yielded magmatic crystallization temperatures of 686–785 °C and crystallization pressures between 1.0 and 2.34 kbar, which is converted to depths in a range of 3.31 to 7.71 km. Biotite thermobarometry yielded similar temperatures and lower pressures of 680–780 °C and 0.8–2 kbar (depth 2.64–6.6 km), respectively. The parent magma had a high oxygen fugacity. The Shilu granodiorite has a relatively low ε_Nd/t–t value and high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i value, and Nd isotopes yield two-stage depleted mantle Nd model ages of 969–1590 Ma. Our new data, combined with previous studies, imply that the granodiorite and the associated Shilu Cu–Mo deposit was formed in an extensional environment, closely related to remelting of residual subducted slab fragments in the Jurassic.     

Petrology and P–T history of the Wutai amphibolites: implications for tectonic evolution of the Wutai Complex,China

The Wutai Complex represents the best preserved granite-greenstone terrane in the North China Craton. The complex comprises a sequence of metamorphosed ultramafic to felsic volcanic rocks, variably deformed granitoid rocks, along with lesser amounts of siliciclastic and carbonate rocks and banded iron formations. Petrological evidence from the Wutai amphibolites indicates four metamorphic evolutionary stages. The M₁ assemblage is composed of plagioclase+quartz+actinolite+chlorite+epidote+biotite+rutile, preserved as mineral inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts. The metamorphic conditions for this assemblage cannot be quantitatively estimated. The M₂ stage is represented by garnet porphyroblasts in a matrix of quartz, plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, rutile and ilmenite. P–T conditions for this assemblage have been estimated using the program Tweequ at 10–12 kbar and 600–650°C. The M₃ assemblage is shown by amphibole+plagioclase±ilmenite symplectic coronas around embayed garnets and yields P–T conditions of 6.0–7.0 kbar and 600–650°C. M₄ is represented by chlorite and epidote rimming garnet, chlorite rimming amphibole and epidote replacing plagioclase under greenschist-facies conditions of 400–500°C and relatively lower pressures. Taken together, the qualitative P–T estimates from M₁ and M₄ and the quantitative P–T estimates from M₂ and M₃ define a clockwise P–T path for the Wutai amphibolites.The estimated P–T path from the four stages suggests that the Wutai Complex underwent initial burial and crustal thickening (M₁+M₂), subsequent isothermal exhumation (M₃), and finally cooling and retrogression (M₄). This tectonothermal path, along with those of the Fuping and Hengshan complexes, which bound the southeast and northwest margins, respectively, of the Wutai Complex, is considered to record the early Paleoproterozoic collision between the eastern and western segments of the North China craton.     

Age and geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic granitoids in the the Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range Massif, NE China: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

<正>1 Introduction The Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range Massif(SZRM)crops out over an extensive part of NE China and was thought to contain Precambrian crystalline basement material,as evidenced by the presence of what appears to bePaleoproterozoicbasementmaterialwithin exploration drillholes(Pei et al.,2007).An alternative view is that the basement within the SZRM is     

Reprint of “Depositional environment and tectonic implications of the Paleoproterozoic BIF in Changyi area,eastern North China Craton: Evidence from geochronology and geochemistry of the metamorphic wallrocks”

The Changyi banded iron formation (BIF) in the eastern North China Craton (NCC) occurs within the Paleoproterozoic Fenzishan Group. Three types of metamorphic wallrocks interbedded with the BIF bands are identified, including plagioclase gneisses and leptynites, garnet-bearing gneisses and amphibolites. Protolith reconstruction suggests that the protoliths of the plagioclase gneisses and leptynites are mainly graywackes with minor contribution of pelitic materials, the garnet-bearing gneisses are Fe-rich pelites contaminated by clastics, and the amphibolites are tholeiitic rocks. Trace elements of La, Th, Sc and Zr of the plagioclase gneisses and leptynites and the garnet-bearing gneisses support that these meta-sedimentary rocks were probably derived from recycling of Archean rocks with felsic and mafic materials differentiated into different rock types. ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of detrital zircons from the meta-sedimentary rocks concentrate at 2.7–3.0 Ga, confirming their derivation from the Archean rocks. The presence of several Paleoproterozoic detrital zircons (2240 to 2246 Ma), however, also suggests minor involvement of Paleoproterozoic materials. The Archean detrital zircons have ε_Hf(t) values varying from − 0.7 to 7.6, which mainly fall between the 3.0 Ga and 3.3 Ga average crustal evolution lines on the age vs. ε_Hf(t) diagram, further illustrating that the rocks providing materials for the meta-sedimentary rocks mainly originated from partial melting of a Mesoarchean crust. This is strongly supported by their crust-like trace element distribution patterns (such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti depletion) and ancient Nd depleted mantle model ages (T_DM = 2.9–3.4 Ga). In addition, the remarkably high ε_Hf(t) values (7.5 to 9.3) of the Paleoproterozoic detrital zircons constrain the Paleoproterozoic materials to originate from a depleted mantle. The amphibolites show low SiO₂ (46.5 to 52.8 wt.%) and high MgO (5.68 to 10.9 wt.%) contents, crust-like trace element features and low ε_Nd(t) values (− 4.5 to − 0.3), suggesting that these ortho-metamorphic rocks were mainly derived from subcontinental lithospheric mantle with some contamination by Archean crustal materials. Since an intra-continental environment was required for the formation of the above metamorphic rocks, these rocks not only confine the depositional environment of the Changyi BIF to be an intra-continental rift, but also support the rifting processes of the eastern NCC during Paleoproterozoic.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Ordovician plutons in the Erguna Block (NE China): further insights into the tectonic evolution of the Xing’an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT

The Ordovician plutons in the Erguna Block, NE China, can be classified into two groups: Early Ordovician diorites with zircon U–Pb ages ranging from 486 to 485 Ma and Middle Ordovician gabbros and granites with zircon U–Pb ages ranging from 466 to 463 Ma. The diorites are calc-alkaline in nature and are characterized by weak to moderate enrichments of large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to high field strength elements (HFSE) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE). The gabbros and granites have high total alkali contents, and all samples are enriched in LREE and LILE and depleted in HFSE such as Nb, Ta, and Ti. Isotopically, Early Ordovician diorites display values that are less radiogenic [ε_Hf(t) = + 9.9–+16.8] compared to those of Middle Ordovician gabbros [ε_Hf(t) = ? 3.0–+5.0]. Middle Ordovician granites have positive ε_Hf(t) values of +1.4 to +4.3 and two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 1167 to 1356 Ma. These data indicate that the diorites may have been generated by the partial melting of a recently metasomatized mantle source, whereas the gabbros and granites may have been formed by the partial melting of enriched lithospheric mantle and Mesoproterozoic crust, respectively. Our results, combined with other regional results, suggest that Early Ordovician magmatism was likely associated with the northward subduction of the Heihe–Xilinhot oceanic plate beneath the Erguna–Xing’an Block, whereas the Middle Ordovician gabbros and granites were most likely formed in an extensional setting controlled by the rollback of this subducted oceanic plate.     

Geology,geochronology and geochemistry of large Duobaoshan Cu-Mo-Au orefield in NE China: Magma genesis and regional tectonic implications

Duobaoshan is the largest porphyry-related Cu-Mo-Au orefield in northeastern(NE)Asia,and hosts a number of large-medium porphyry Cu(PCDs),epithermal Au and Fe-Cu skarn deposits.Formation ages of these deposits,from the oldest(Ordovician)to youngest(Jurassic),have spanned across over 300 Ma.No similar orefields of such size and geological complexity are found in NE Asia,which reflects its metallogenic uniqueness in forming and preserving porphyry-related deposits.In this study,we explore the actual number and timing of magmatic/mineralization phases,their respective magma genesis,fertility,and regional tectonic connection,together with the preservation of PCDs.We present new data on the magmatic/mineralization ages(LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb,pyrite and molybdenite Re-Os dating),whole-rock geochemistry,and zircon trace element compositions on four representative deposits in the Duobaoshan orefield,i.e.,Duobaoshan PCD,Tongshan PCD,Sankuanggou Fe-Cu skarn,and Zhengguang epithermal Au deposits,and compiled published ones from these and other mineral occurrences in the orefield.In terms of geochronology,we have newly summarized seven magmatic phases in the orefield:(1)Middle-Late Cambrian(506-491 Ma),(2)Early and Middle Ordovician(485-471 Ma and~462 Ma),(3)Late Ordovician(450-447 Ma),(4)Early Carboniferous and Late-Carboniferous to Early Permian(351-345 and 323-291 Ma),(5)Middle-Late Triassic(244-223 Ma),(6)Early-Middle and Late Jurassic(178-168 Ma and~150 Ma),and(7)Early Cretaceous(~112 Ma).Three of these seven major magmatic phases were coeval with ore formation,including(1)Early Ordovician(485-473 Ma)porphyry-type Cu-Mo-(Au),(2)Early-Middle Triassic(246-229 Ma)porphyry-related epithermal Au-(Cu-Mo),and(3)Early Jurassic(177-173 Ma)Fe-Cu skarn mineralization.Some deposits in the orefield,notably Tongshan and Zhengguang,were likely formed by more than one mineralization events.In terms of geochemistry,ore-causative granitoids in the orefield exhibit adakite-like or adakite-normal arc transitional signatures,but those forming the porphyry-/epithermal-type Cu-Mo-Au mineralization are largely confined to the former.The varying but high Sr/Y,Sm/Yb and La/Yb ratios suggest that the ore-forming magmas were mainly crustal sourced and formed at different depths(clinopyroxene-/amphibole-/garnet-stability fields).The adakite-like suites may have formed by partial melting of the thickened lower crust at 35-40 km(for the Early Ordovician arc)and>40 km(for the Middle-Late Triassic arc)depths.The Early Jurassic Fe-Cu skarn orecausative granitoids show an adakitic-normal arc transitional geochemical affinity.These granitoids were likely formed by partial melting of the juvenile lower crust(35-40 km depth),and subsequently modified by assimilation and fractional crystallization(AFC)processes.In light of the geological,geochronological and geochemical information,we proposed the following tectonometallogenic model for the Duobaoshan orefield.The Ordovician Duobaoshan may have been in a continental arc setting during the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean,and formed the porphyry-related deposits at Duobaoshan,Tongshan and Zhengguang.Subduction may have ceased in the latest Ordovician,and the regional tectonics passed into long subsidence and extension till the latest Carboniferous.This extensional tectonic regime and the Silurian terrestrial-shallow marine sedimentation had likely buried and preserved the Ordovician Duobaoshan magmatic-hydrothermal system.The south-dipping Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean subduction from north of the orefield had generated the Middle-Late Triassic continental arc magmatism and the associated Tongshan PCD and Zhengguang epithermal Au mineralization(which superimposed on the Ordovician PCD system).The Middle Jurassic closure of Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean in the northwestern Amuria block(Erguna terrane),and the accompanying Siberia-Amuria collision,may have placed the Paleo-Pacific subduction system in NE China(including the orefield)under compression,and formed the granodiorite-tonalite and Fe-Cu skarn deposits at Sankuanggou and Xiaoduobaoshan.From the Middle Jurassic,the consecutive accretion of Paleo-Pacific arc terranes(e.g.,Sikhote-Alin and Nadanhada)onto the NE Asian continental margin may have gradually distant the Duobaoshan orefield from the subduction front,and consequently arc-type magmatism and the related mineralization faded.The minor Late Jurassic and Cretaceous unmineralized magmatism in the orefield may have triggered mainly by the far-field extension led by the post-collisional(Siberia-Amuria)gravitational collapse and/or Paleo-Pacific backarc-basin opening.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Mesozoic mafic–ultramafic complexes in the southern Liaoning and southern Jilin provinces,NE China: Constraints on the spatial extent of destruction of the North China Craton

LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data are presented for mafic–ultramafic complexes from the southern Liaoning–southern Jilin area with the aim of determining the nature of the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle and to further constrain the spatial extent of destruction of the North China Craton (NCC). The complexes consist of olivine-websterite, gabbro, dolerite, and gabbro-diorite. Zircons from the complexes show typical zoning absorption, are euhedral–subhedral in shape, and yield high Th/U ratios (1.23–2.87), indicating a magmatic origin. Zircon U–Pb age data indicate that they formed in the Early Cretaceous (129–137 Ma). Geochemically, they have SiO₂ = 44.3–49.8%, MgO = 6.8–26.5%, Cr = 102–3578 ppm, and Ni = 31–1308 ppm, and are characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), as well as a wide range of Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)i = 0.70557–0.71119; ε_Nd (t) = ?5.4 to ?20.1; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)i = 15.13–17.85; Δ7/4 = ?11.49 to 16.00; Δ8/4 = 102.64–203.48]. Compared with the southern Liaoning mafic–ultramafic rocks, the southern Jilin mafic–ultramafic rocks have high TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents, high ε_Nd (t) values, low (La/Yb)_N values, low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and low radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions. These findings indicate that the primary magmas of the southern Jilin complexes were derived from lithospheric mantle that was previously metasomatized by a melt derived from the delaminated ancient lower crust, whereas the primary magmas of the southern Liaoning complexes originated from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source that was previously modified by melt derived from the broken-off Yangtze slab. Therefore, the lateral extent of the NCC destruction should include the southern Liaoning–southern Jilin area.