Response of detrital zircon and monazite,and their U–Pb isotopic systems,to regional metamorphism and host‐rock partial melting,Cooma Complex,southeastern Australia

Progressive Early Silurian low‐pressure greenschist to granulite facies regional metamorphism of Ordovician flysch at Cooma, southeastern Australia, had different effects on detrital zircon and monazite and their U–Pb isotopic systems. Monazite began to dissolve at lower amphibolite facies, virtually disappearing by upper amphibolite facies, above which it began to regrow, becoming most coarsely grained in migmatite leucosome and the anatectic Cooma Granodiorite. Detrital monazite U–Pb ages survived through mid‐amphibolite facies, but not to higher grade. Monazite in the migmatite and granodiorite records only metamorphism and granite genesis at 432.8 ± 3.5 Ma. Detrital zircon was unaffected by metamorphism until the inception of partial melting, when platelets of new zircon precipitated in preferred orientations on the surface of the grains. These amalgamated to wholly enclose the grains in new growth, characterised by the development of {211} crystal faces, in the migmatite and granodiorite. New growth, although maximum in the leucosome, was best dated in the granodiorite at 435.2 ± 6.3 Ma. The combined best estimate for the age of metamorphism and granite genesis is 433.4 ± 3.1 Ma. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages were preserved unmodified throughout metamorphism and magma genesis and indicate derivation of the Cooma Granodiorite from Lower Palaeozoic source rocks with the same protolith as the Ordovician sediments, not Precambrian basement. Cooling of the metamorphic complex was relatively slow (average ～12°C/10⁶y from ～730 to ～170°C), more consistent with the unroofing of a regional thermal high than cooling of an igneous intrusion. The ages of detrital zircon and monazite from the Ordovician flysch (dominantly composite populations 600–500 Ma and 1.2–0.9 Ga old) indicate its derivation from a source remote from the Australian craton.     

New zircon U-Pb ages of the pre-Sturtian rift successions from the western Yangtze Block,South China and their geological significance

ABSTRACT

The Neoproterozoic Kaijianqiao Formation is one of the most important pre-Sturtian rift successions in South China and there has long been a lack of reliable geochronological constraints for its minimum depositional age. In this study, new zircon U-Pb ages of volcaniclastic rocks from the topmost Kaijianqiao Formation are presented. The youngest SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS zircon ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted mean ages of the tuff sample are 715.0 ± 9.8 and 718.8 ± 9.4 Ma, respectively. The youngest LA-ICP-MS zircon ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted mean age of the tuffaceous siltstone sample is 720.8 ± 7.4 Ma and represents the maximum depositional age of the topmost Kaijianqiao Formation. The results show that the minimum depositional age of the Kaijianqiao Formation in the western Yangtze Block should be ca. 715 Ma, consistent with other pre-Sturtian rift successions in South China, such as the Banxi Group, Chengjiang, and Liantuo formations. Together with the published zircon U-Pb ages, it is demonstrated that the Sturtian glaciation in South China (Jiangkou glaciation) most likely initiated around 715 Ma. In other Rodinia blocks, like Laurentia and Arabia, the Sturtian glaciation probably started between 712 and 717 Ma, thus our new results further support that the Sturtian glaciation was a rapid and globally synchronous event. Other ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon ages display five distinct peaks at ca. 751, 780, 799, 819, and 848 Ma, which corresponded to the tectonic-magmatic events related to the break-up of Rodinia.     

Provenance of zircon xenocrysts in the Neoproterozoic Brauna Kimberlite Field,São Francisco Craton,Brazil: Evidence for a thick Palaeoproterozoic lithosphere beneath the Serrinha block

The 642 Ma-old Brauna Kimberlite Field is located on the northeastern sector of the São Francisco Craton (Serrinha block) and is one of the rare Neoproterozoic kimberlitic events in South America. Zircon xenocrysts from the volumetric most important kimberlite pipes Brauna 03, Brauna 07 and Brauna 04 were used as a tool to identify different components of the lithosphere beneath the northeast region of the São Francisco craton. A composite kimberlite sample of eight representative and different drill holes and three samples of the host rocks (Nordestina granodiorite) were sampled for SHRIMP geochronology. The results were compared with precise U–Pb age data for the regional rocks, i.e. the Archaean basement and the Palaeoproterozoic Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt. Samples from the Nordestina granodiorite gave three different ages: 2155 Ma in the western part of the batholith, 2139 Ma in its central part, and 2132 Ma in its eastern part. Zircon ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of the Brauna kimberlite zircon grains spread over the timespan 2107–2223 Ma and indicate four age groups at 2105 ± 3 Ma, 2138 ± 7 Ma, 2166 ± 5 Ma, and 2198 ± 4 Ma. Source rocks for the three former age groups can be found in the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt, including zircon xenocrysts from the Nordestina granodiorite, whereas the latter age group has not yet been reported in the Serrinha block. The new zircon ages show that only rocks of the Palaeoproterozoic Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt and of a hidden 2.17–2.20 Ga crust were sampled by the kimberlite magma during its ascent through the lithosphere. It is proposed that there is none or a few Archaean crust beneath the kimberlite emplacement area, hence implying a thick Palaeoproterozoic lithosphere for this portion of the São Francisco craton.     

New LA-ICPMS U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from the Highland Complex: insights into late Cryogenian to early Cambrian (ca. 665–535 Ma) linkage between Sri Lanka and India

ABSTRACT

Here we report new LA-ICPMS U–Pb zircon geochronology of ultrahigh temperature (UHT) metasedimentary rocks and associated crystallized melt patches, from the central Highland Complex (HC), Sri Lanka. The detrital zircon ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age spectra range between 2834 ± 12 and 722 ± 14 Ma, evidencing new and younger depositional ages of sedimentary protoliths than those known so far in the HC. The overgrowth domains of zircons in these UHT granulites yield weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age clusters from 665.5 ± 5.9 to 534 ± 10 Ma, identified as new metamorphic ages of the metasediments in the HC. The zircon ages of crystallized in situ melt patches associated with UHT granulites yield tight clusters of weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages from 558 ± 1.6 to 534 ± 2.4 Ma. Thus, using our results coupled with recently published geochronological data, we suggest a new geochronological framework for the evolutionary history of the metasedimentary package of the HC. The Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic ages of detrital zircons indicate that the metasedimentary package of the HC has derived from ancient multiple age provenances and deposited during the Neoproterozoic Era. Hence, previously reported upper intercept ages of ca. 2000–1800 Ma from metaigneous rocks should be considered as geochronological evidence for existence of a Palaeoproterozoic igneous basement which possibly served as a platform for the deposition of younger supracrustal rocks, rather than timing of magmatic intrusions into the already deposited ancient sediments, as has been conventionally interpreted. The intense reworking of entire Palaeoproterozoic basement rocks in the Gondwana Supercontinent assembly may have caused sediments of multiple ages and provenances to incorporate within supra-crustal sequences of the HC. Further, our data supports a convincing geochronological correlation between the HC of Sri Lanka and the Trivandrum Block of Southern India, disclosing the Gondwanian linkage between the HC of Sri Lanka and Southern Granulite Terrain of India.     

内蒙古莲花山铜矿区花岗闪长斑岩LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄

为了精确厘定莲花山铜矿的成矿时代,在前人研究的基础上,开展了与成矿关系密切的花岗闪长斑岩锆石U-Pb定年测定。实验结果共获得4组年龄数据,第1组有1个锆石,206Pb/238U年龄为343Ma±2Ma;第2组1个锆石,206Pb/238U年龄为264Ma±2Ma;第3组有1个锆石,206Pb/238U年龄为256Ma±2Ma;第4组有17个锆石,206Pb/238U年龄在240~249Ma之间,206Pb/238U年龄加权平均值为246.4Ma±1.2Ma(N=17)。结合所测锆石的CL图像特征,确定花岗闪长斑岩就位发生在晚二叠世—早三叠世。     

Zircon U–Pb and Hf evidence for coupled subduction of oceanic and continental crust during the Carboniferous in the Huwan shear zone,western Dabie orogen,central China

Both oceanic and continental HP rocks are juxtaposed in the Huwan shear zone in the western Dabie orogen, and thus provide a window for testing the buoyancy‐driven exhumation of dense oceanic HP rocks. The HP metamorphic age of the continental rocks in this zone has not been well constrained, and hence it is not known if they are of the same age as the exhumation of the HP oceanic rocks. In situ laser ablation (multiple collector) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐(MC‐)ICP‐MS), U–Pb, trace element and Hf isotope analyses were made on zircon in a granitic gneiss and two eclogites from the Huwan shear zone. U–Pb age and trace element analysis of residual magmatic zircon in an eclogite constrain its protolith formation at 411 ± 4 Ma. The zircon in this sample displays ε_Hf (t) values of +6.1 to +14.4. The positive ε_Hf (t) values up to +14.4 suggest that the protolith was derived from a relatively depleted mantle source, most likely Palaeotethyan oceanic crust. A granitic gneiss and the other eclogite yield protolith U–Pb ages of 738 ± 6 and 700 ± 14 Ma, respectively, which are both the Neoproterozoic basement rocks of the Yangtze Block. The zircon in the granitic gneiss has low ε_Hf (t) values of ?14.2 to ?10.5 and old T_DM2 ages of 2528–2298 Ma, suggesting reworking of Palaeoproterozoic crust during the Neoproterozoic. The zircon in the eclogite has ε_Hf (t) values of ?1.0 to +7.4 and T_DM1 ages of 1294–966 Ma, implying prompt reworking of juvenile crust during its protolith formation. Metamorphic zircon in both eclogite samples displays low Th/U ratios, trace element concentrations, relatively flat heavy rare earth element patterns, weak negative Eu anomalies and low ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios. All these features suggest that the metamorphic zircon formed in the presence of garnet but in the absence of feldspar, and thus under eclogite facies conditions. The metamorphic zircon yields U–Pb ages of 310 ± 3 and 306 ± 7 Ma. Therefore, both the oceanic‐ and continental‐type eclogites share the same episode of Carboniferous eclogite facies metamorphism. This suggests that high‐pressure continental‐type metamorphic rocks might have played a key role in the exhumation and preservation of oceanic‐type eclogites through buoyancy‐driven uplift.     

Late Mesozoic Ore‐forming Events in the Ningwu Ore District,Middle‐Lower Yangtze River Polymetallic Ore Belt,East China: Evidence from Zircon U‐Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopic Compositions of the Granodioritic Stocks

Late Mesozoic volcanic-subvolcanic rocks and related iron deposits, known as porphyry iron deposits in China, are widespread in the Ningwu ore district (Cretaceous basin) of the middle–lower Yangtze River polymetallic ore belt, East China. Two types of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks are exposed: one is dioritic rocks closely related to iron mineralization as the hosted rock, and the other one is granodioritic (-granitic) rocks that cut the ore bodies. To understand the age of the iron mineralization and the ore-forming event, detailed zircon U-Pb dating and Hf isotope measurement were performed on granodioritic stocks in the Washan, Gaocun-Nanshan, Dongshan and Heshangqiao iron deposits in the basin. Four emplacement and crystallization (typically for zircons) ages of granodioritic rocks were measured as 126.1±0.5 Ma, 126.8±0.5 Ma, 127.3±0.5 Ma and 126.3±0.4 Ma, respectively in these four deposits, with the LA-MC-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb method. Based on the above results combined with previous dating, it is inferred that the iron deposits in the Ningwu Cretaceous basin occurred in a very short period of 131–127 Ma. In situ zircon Hf compositions of εHf(t) of the granodiorite are mainly from ?3 to ?8 and their corresponding 176Hf/177Hf ratio are from 0.28245 to 0.28265, indicating similar characteristics of dioritic rocks in the basin. We infer that granodioritic rocks occurring in the Ningwu ore district have an original relationship with dioritic rocks. These new results provide significant evidence for further study of this ore district so as to understand the ore-forming event in the study area.     

阿尔泰小土尔根铜矿区岩体LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年及地质意义

小土尔根是近年来阿尔泰诺尔特盆地发现的首例斑岩铜矿床,其成岩成矿年代学的研究可以对矿床模型构建、区域成矿规律的总结提供制约。矿区侵入岩发育,矿化受花岗闪长斑岩控制,少部分赋存在地层中。文章利用LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年法对矿区岩体进行了成岩年代学研究。含矿花岗闪长斑岩、黑云二长花岗岩和花岗斑岩中锆石的206Pb/238U年龄的加权平均值分别为(401.0±2.9)Ma、(398.1±2.2)Ma和(400.5±2.0)Ma,为早泥盆世同一岩浆侵入活动形成的不同侵入岩。侵入岩年龄结合凝灰岩年龄,将矿区地层划归早泥盆世诺尔特组。含矿花岗闪长斑岩锆石U-Pb年龄限定小土尔根斑岩铜矿床成矿时代略晚于401 Ma,即矿床形成于早泥盆世。     

Geochronological data from TTG-type rock associations of the Arroio dos Ratos Complex and implications for crustal evolution of southernmost Brazil in Paleoproterozoic times

U–Pb isotope analyses by LA-MC-ICPMS (Laser Ablation – Multi Collector – Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) in zircon crystals from metatonalites, tonalites and granodiorite gneiss from the Arroio dos Ratos Complex (ARC) early magmatism in southernmost Brazil are presented. The ARC is located in the eastern portion of the Sul-rio-grandense Shield, occurring as septa and roof pendants on granitoids emplaced along the Southern Brazilian Shear Belt (SBSB). The SBSB corresponds to a translithospheric structure composed of several anastomosed shear zones of dominantly transcurrent kinematics whose syntectonic magmatism, of Neoproterozoic age, is characteristic of post-collisional environments. The studied rocks comprise TTG-type associations with coeval mafic magmatism, deformed and metamorphosed within a ductile shear zone. Zircon crystals obtained from six samples are interpreted as igneous given that the crystals are subhedral to euhedral, bipyramidal, with concentric zonation, have ratios Th/U between 0.13 and 0.81 and have restricted evidence of overgrowth. The oldest Association 1 (A1) has structures compatible with recrystallization under conditions of high temperature and an igneous age of 2148 ± 33 Ma, obtained in a metatonalite. The rocks of Association 2 (A2) have similar compositions, although with a more significant coeval mafic fraction. They are intrusive into A1 and also show high-temperature recrystallization features. However, they are less deformed and partly preserve their primary, igneous fabric. The igneous ages obtained from two A2 tonalites are 2150 ± 28 Ma and 2136 ± 27 Ma. Association 3 (A3) is represented by tonalitic to granodioritic gneisses whose structure, composition and metamorphic features are similar to those of A1 rocks, except for the absence of coeval mafic magmas in the former. Local features resulting from partial melting are present in A3 rocks. Three samples from A3 were dated. A tonalitic gneiss gives igneous age of 2099 ± 10 Ma and two granodioritic gneisses give igneous ages of 2081 ± 7 Ma and 2077 ± 13 Ma. Restricted to A1, inheritance is represented by one subhedral, zoned, gently rounded zircon crystal interpreted as igneous, of 2732 ± 40 Ma (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age), with discordance of 9% and ²³²Th/²³⁸U ratio of 1.17. A single Neoproteozoic metamorphic date value was obtained from the rim of a zircon crystal of Paleoproterozoic core. The age of 635 ± 6 Ma (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age), with Th/U ratio < 0.1 and 1% discordance, is interpreted as compatible with adjacent SBSB magmatism. The three associations are interpreted to represent the record of successive magmatic pulses that mark the evolution of a Paleoproterozoic continental magmatic arc. In the study area, these magmatic arc associations represent relict areas partly reworked and relatively well-preserved from Neoproterozoic tectono-magmatic post-collisional events during the construction of the Southern Brazilian Shear Belt.     

Formation Age and Evolution Time Span of the Koktokay No. 3 Pegmatite,Altai, NW China: Evidence from U–Pb Zircon and 40Ar–39Ar Muscovite Ages

The Koktokay No. 3 pegmatite is the largest Li–Be–Nb–Ta–Cs pegmatitic rare‐metal deposit of the Chinese Altai orogenic belt, and is famous for its concentric ring zonation pattern (nine internal zones). However, the formation age and evolution time span have been controversial. Here, we present the results of LA‐ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating and muscovite ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating. Four groups of zircon U–Pb ages (～210 Ma, ～193–198 Ma, ～186–187 Ma and ～172 Ma) for Zones II, V, VI, VII, and VIII, and a weighed mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 965 ± 11 Ma for Zone IV are identified. Also, Zones II, IV, and VI have muscovite ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar plateau ages of 179.7 ± 1.1 Ma, 182.1 ± 1.0 Ma, and 181.8 ± 1.1 Ma, respectively. Considering previous U–Pb age studies (Zones I, V, and VII), the ages of emplacement, Li mineralization peak, hydrothermal stage of the No. 3 pegmatite are in ranges of 193–198 Ma, 184–187 Ma and 172–175 Ma, with weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb–²³⁸U ages of 194.8 ± 2.3 Ma, 186.6 ± 1.3 Ma and 173.1 ± 3.9 Ma, respectively. The No. 3 pegmatite formed in the early Jurassic. The results of xenocrysts suggest that there is another pegmatite forming event of around 210 Ma in the mining district and the old zircon U–Pb ages imply that Neoproterozoic crustal rocks pertain to sources of the No. 3 pegmatite. Including the previous muscovite ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar age studies (Zones I and V), a cooling age range of 177–182 Ma is considered as the time of hydrothermal stage and end of formation. The evolution process of the No. 3 pegmatite lasted 16 Ma. Therein, the magmatic stage continued for 9–11 Myr and the magmatic–hydrothermal transition and hydrothermal stages were sustained at 5–7 Ma. These time spans are long because of huge scale, cupola shape, large formation depth, and complex internal zoning patterns and formation processes. Considering some pegmatite dikes in the Chinese Altai, there is an early Jurassic pegmatite forming event.     

Ordovician high-grade metamorphism of a newly recognised late Neoproterozoic terrane in the northern Harts Range,central Australia

Granulite facies rocks from the northernmost Harts Range Complex (Arunta Inlier, central Australia) have previously been interpreted as recording a single clockwise cycle of presumed Palaeoproterozoic metamorphism (800–875 °C and >9–10 kbar) and subsequent decompression in a kilometre‐scale, E‐W striking zone of noncoaxial, high‐grade (c. 700–735 °C and 5.8–6.4 kbar) deformation. However, new SHRIMP U‐Pb age determinations of zircon, monazite and titanite from partially melted metabasites and metapelites indicate that granulite facies metamorphism occurred not in the Proterozoic, but in the Ordovician (c. 470 Ma). The youngest metamorphic zircon overgrowths from two metabasites (probably meta‐volcaniclastics) yield ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 478±4 Ma and 471±7 Ma, whereas those from two metapelites yield ages of 463±5 Ma and 461±4 Ma. Monazite from the two metapelites gave ages equal within error to those from metamorphic zircon rims in the same rock (457±5 Ma and 462±5 Ma, respectively). Zircon, and possibly monazite ages are interpreted as dating precipitation of these minerals from crystallizing melt within leucosomes. In contrast, titanite from the two metabasites yield ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages that are much younger (411±5 Ma & 417±7 Ma, respectively) than those of coexisting zircon, which might indicate that the terrane cooled slowly following final melt crystallization. One metabasite has a second titanite population with an age of 384±7 Ma, which reflects titanite growth and/or recrystallization during the 400–300 Ma Alice Springs Orogeny. The c. 380 Ma titanite age is indistinguishable from the age of magmatic zircon from a small, late and weakly deformed plug of biotite granite that intruded the granulites at 387±4 Ma. These data suggest that the northern Harts Range has been subject to at least two periods of reworking (475–460 Ma & 400–300 Ma) during the Palaeozoic. Detrital zircon from the metapelites and metabasites, and inherited zircon from the granite, yield similar ranges of Proterozoic ages, with distinct age clusters at c. 1300–1000 and c. 650 Ma. These data imply that the deposition ages of the protoliths to the Harts Range Complex are late Neoproterozoic or early Palaeozoic, not Palaeoproterozoic as previously assumed.     

Geology,Geochemistry, and Geochronology of the Fenghuangshan Skarn‐type Copper Deposit in the Tongling Ore Cluster,Anhui Province,East China

The Fenghuangshan skarn-type Cu deposit, Tongling Ore Cluster, Anhui Province, is an important component in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River ore-forming belt. To better understand magmatism and its relationship to mineralization, we investigated geochemical features, ore-forming fluids, and geochronology of the Xinwuli intrusion and the related Fenghuangshan Cu deposit. Lithogeochemical characteristics show that the Xinwuli quartz monzodiorite is formed by mixing magma derived from upper mantle alkaline basalt that has been contaminated by crust materials. C, H and O isotopes indicate that ore-forming fluids mainly come from the magma, with minor amounts of meteoric fluids involved at the late stage. S and Pb isotopic components indicate that ore-forming materials are derived from the mantle. Molybdenite Re–Os isotopic dating yields Re–Os model ages ranging from 139.1±2.4 Ma to 142.0±2.2 Ma, with an isochronal age of 141.1±1.4 Ma, which is consistent with sensitive, high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon U–Pb ages of quartz monzodiorite and granodiorite in the mining area. Dating analysis yields ages from 136.0±2.0 Ma to 143.0±2.4 Ma for the quartz monzodiorite (a weighted average of 139.4±1.2 Ma) and ages from 136.7±2.0 Ma to 145.3±2.4 Ma for granodiorite (a weighted average of 141.0±1.1 Ma).     

Zircon response to high-grade metamorphism as revealed by U–Pb and cathodoluminescence studies

Correct interpretation of zircon ages from high-grade metamorphic terrains poses a major challenge because of the differential response of the U–Pb system to metamorphism, and many aspects like pressure–temperature conditions, metamorphic mineral transformations and textural properties of the zircon crystals have to be explored. A large (c. 450?km²) coherent migmatite complex was recently discovered in the Bohemian Massif, Central European Variscides. Rocks from this complex are characterized by granulite- and amphibolite-facies mineral assemblages and, based on compositional and isotopic trends, are identified as the remnants of a magma body derived from mixing between tonalite and supracrustal rocks. Zircon crystals from the migmatites are exclusively large (200–400?μm) and yield ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb evaporation ages between 342–328?Ma and single-grain zircon fractions analysed by U–Pb ID-TIMS method plot along the concordia curve between 342 and 325?Ma. High-resolution U–Pb SHRIMP analyses substantiate the existence of a resolvable age variability and yield older ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages (342–330?Ma, weighted mean age?=?333.6?±?3.1?Ma) for inner zone domains without relict cores and younger ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages (333–320?Ma, weighted mean age?=?326.0?±?2.8?Ma) for rim domains. Pre-metamorphic cores were identified only in one sample (²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages at 375.0?±?3.9, 420.3?±?4.4 and 426.2?±?4.4?Ma). Most zircon ages bracket the time span between granulite-facies metamorphism in the Bohemian Massif (~345?Ma) and the late-Variscan anatectic overprint (Bavarian phase, ~325?Ma). It is argued that pre-existing zircon was variously affected by these metamorphic events and that primary magmatic growth zones were replaced by secondary textures as a result of diffusion reaction processes and replacement of zircon by dissolution and recrystallization followed by new zircon rim growth. Collectively, the results show that the zircons equilibrated during high-grade metamorphism and record partial loss of radiogenic Pb during post-peak granulite events and new growth under subsequent anatectic conditions.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of the ~620 Ma gold-associated Batouri granitoids,Cameroon

The Batouri gold mining area in southeastern Cameroon is part of the Adamawa–Yadé Domain of the Central African Fold Belt (Pan-African). It is underlain by a variety of granitic rocks, including alkali-feldspar granite, syeno-monzogranite, granodiorite, and tonalite. Geochemical data suggest that these rocks formed by differentiation of I-type tonalitic magma under oxidizing conditions in a continental volcanic arc setting. U–Pb dating of zircons from gold-associated monzogranite-granodiorite at Kambélé gave concordant ages of 619 ± 2 and 624 ± 2 Ma, while Ar–Ar dating of alkali-feldspar granite yielded a non-plateau maximum age of 640–620 Ma. These ages imply that the Batouri granitoids were emplaced during the collision of the West African Craton and the Congo Craton.

The geochemical characteristics of the Batouri granitoids as well as their oxidized state (magnetite series) are typical of gold-associated felsic rocks in subduction settings elsewhere. The similarities in age, composition, and geochemical affinities of these granitoids with those reported from other localities in the Adamawa–Yadé Domain reinforce the earlier assumption that the granitic rocks of this domain represent parts of a regional-scale batholith, with commonly small-scale, high-grade auriferous quartz veins in structurally favourable sites. The spatial and temporal association of gold mineralization and the Batouri granitoids may suggest potential for regional-scale, high-tonnage, granite-related gold ore.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Donglufang porphyry-skarn Mo-Cu deposit in the southern Yidun Terrane and their geological significances

The newly-discovered Donglufang Moe Cu porphyry-skarn deposit is located in the southern Yidun Terrane, southeast Tibet, with more than 80 million tonnes(Mt) of reserves(grading 0.15 wt.% Mo and0.48 wt.% Cu) hosted in Triassic strata and Late Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry. Ree Os dating of molybdenum ore yielded a weighted mean age of 84.9 ± 1.0 Ma and an isochron age of 85.2 ± 0.6 Ma.LA-ICP-MS Ue Pb dating of zircons from the granodiorite porphyry yielded206 Pb/238 U ages ranging from 87.4 Ma to 84.2 Ma with a weighted mean206 Pb/238 U age of 85.1 ±0.5 Ma, indicating a temporal linkage between granitic magmatism and Moe Cu mineralization. Geochemical analyses show that the granodiorite porphyries are I-type granites with Si O_2 contents of 64.3 -66.7 wt.%. These rocks are typically metaluminous with high K_2 O/Na_2 O ratios, low Mg O(1.32 -1.56 wt.%), Cr(5.6 -12.9 ppm), Ni(3.79 -10.81 ppm), Mg#(43 -52) values, and high Sr(304 -844 ppm), Sr/Y(21.2 -50.8) and La/Yb ratios(37.0 -60.1). They are enriched in light rare-earth elements(LREE) relative to heavy rare-earth elements(HREE), with slightly negative Eu anomalies, and are enriched in Th, U and large ion lithophile elements(LILE, e.g., K and Rb), and depleted in high field strength elements(HFSE, e.g., Nb, Ta, P and Ti). They also show negative zircon εHf(t) values(-6.7 to -2.3) and negative whole rock εNd(t) values(à5.2 to-4.3), as well as old Hfe Nd model ages, indicating the magmas were derived from a thickened ancient lower crust within the garneteamphibolite facies. Considering the tectonic evolution of the Yidun Terrane, geochemical characteristics of granodiorite porphyry, and the ages of mineralization obtained in this study. We suggest that the Donglufang deposit was formed in a post-collisional setting, which has a genetic relationship with the emplacement of the granodiorite porphyry. The present study provide key information for the exploration of the Late Cretaceous metallogeny in the Yidun Terrane.     

豫西崤山早元古代中酸性侵入岩锆石/斜锆石U-Pb测年及其对熊耳火山岩系时限的约束

熊耳火山岩系是华北克拉通早元古代晚期重要的岩浆记录,其火山作用时限的厘定对于揭示华北该时期的构造格局与演化历史有重要意义。对侵入到熊耳火山岩系顶层马家河组的石英闪长岩体中的斜锆石与锆石和花岗斑岩体中的锆石进行了高精度SIMSU-Pb定年。三个样品共58个测点,石英闪长岩体中的斜锆石207Pb/206Pb平均年龄为1789±4Ma,锆石207Pb/206Pb平均年龄1778±12Ma,花岗斑岩体中的锆石207Pb/206Pb平均年龄为1786±8Ma。这些年龄数据表明石英闪长岩体从生成到侵位是一个短暂而连续的过程,这一岩体与花岗斑岩岩体基本同期。同时,由于这两个岩体侵入到了熊耳火山岩系最顶部的马家河组,因此可以限定熊耳火山岩系的上限。结合前人的年代学数据,我们提出熊耳火山岩系的岩浆作用时限在1770～1800Ma之间,峰期为1780Ma。这一研究结果从年代学上支持熊耳火山岩系形成于快速拉张的裂谷环境。     

Riftogenic magmatism of western part of the Early Mesozoic Mongolian–Transbaikalian igneous province: Results of geochronological studies

Geochronological studies of rocks from a bimodal high-alkali volcanic–plutonic complex collected in the area of Kharkhorin zone of the Early Mesozoic Mongolian–Transbaikalian igneous province (MTIP) are made. The age of alkali granites from Olziit sum is 211 ± 1 Ma (U–Pb ID-TIMS on zircon) to 209 ± 2 and 217 ± 4 Ma (⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar on alkali amphibole); the age of alkali granite-porphyries from the area of Sant sum is 206 ± 1 Ma (U–Pb ID-TIMS on zircon). These rock series formed syncronously to the analogous magmatism episode in the Northern Gobi and Western Transbaikalian rift zones of the MTIP. The similarity of the age and composition of igneous associations of the MTIP suggests a common mechanism of its formation related to the effect of a mantle plume on the continental lithosphere at the base of the entire igneous zone having a zonal structure.     

Partial melting of subducted Southern Qiangtang crust in northern Tibet: evidence from the geochemistry and geochronology of the Riwanchaka granodiorite porphyry in Central Qiangtang

ABSTRACT

This article presents new zircon U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopic, and whole-rock major- and trace-element geochemical data that provide insights into the petrogenesis and tectonic history of the Riwanchaka granodiorite porphyries of Central Qiangtang, Tibet. Zircon U–Pb ages of 236–230 Ma indicate an early Late Triassic age of emplacement of the porphyries, and zircon Hf isotopic data yield εHf(t) values of – 7.0 to – 1.5 and ancient zircon Hf crustal model ages (T_DM^C) of 1524–1220 Ma. The granodiorite porphyries are characterized by low K₂O contents, high Mg# values, and relatively high Cr and Ni contents. They are classified as I-type calc-alkaline granite and are considered to have formed through the anatexis of ancient mafic crustal rocks with contributions from mantle-derived components. The geochemistry and isotopic compositions of all samples are similar to those of magmatic rocks that originated in the South Qiangtang crust. However, field observations indicate that the pluton intrudes the North Qiangtang crust, and we propose that the granodiorite porphyries were derived by partial melting of subducted continental crust of the South Qiangtang terrane. These new data have been integrated with data from previous studies to construct a new model of slab rollback during northward subduction of the Southern Qiangtang continental crust at ca. 245–226 Ma, thereby improving our understanding of magmatic processes involved in continental subduction in collision settings.     

Igneous and metamorphic geochronologic evolution of granitoids in the central Eastern Segment,southern Sweden

The Eastern Segment abutting the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt (TIB) mostly consists of rocks with overlapping igneous ages. In the Eastern Segment west of Lake Vättern, granitoids of clear TIB affinity exhibit strong deformational fabrics. This article presents U–Pb zircon ages from 21 samples spanning the border zone between these deformed TIB rocks in the east, and more thoroughly reworked rocks in the west. Magmatic ages fall in the range 1710–1660 million years, irrespective of the degree of deformation, confirming the overlapping crystallization ages between deformed TIB rocks and orthogneisses of the Eastern Segment. A common history is further supported by leucocratic rocks of similar ages. Prolonged orogenic (magmatic) activity is suggested by continued growth of zircon at 1.66–1.60 Ga. Six of the weakly gneissic rocks show zircons with cathodoluminescence-dark patches and embayments, possibly partly replacing metamict parts of older magmatic crystals, with ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages dominantly between 1460 and 1400 million years, whereas three of the gneisses have zircon rims with calculated ages of 1440–1430 million years. Leucosome formation took place at 1443 ± 9 and 1437 ± 6 Ma. The minimum age of SE–NW folds was determined by an undeformed 1383 ± 4 million years crosscutting aplitic dike. Sveconorwegian zircon growth was not found in any of the samples from the studied area. To our knowledge, 1.46–1.40 Ga metamorphism affecting the U–Pb zircon system has not previously been reported this far northeast in the Eastern Segment. We suggest that the E–W- to SE–NW-trending deformation fabrics in our field area were produced during the Hallandian–Danopolonian orogeny and escaped later, penetrative Sveconorwegian reworking.     

扬子地块西南缘大红山群老厂河组变质火山岩的锆石U-Pb定年及其地质意义

大红山群是扬子地台西缘相对较老的地层单元,普遍经历了绿片岩相-低角闪岩相变质作用。其中部的曼岗河组、红山组已获得古元古代晚期～1.68Ga的成岩年龄,其底部的老厂河组却未有相关年龄的报道。大红山群的变质时代目前也无精确的年龄结果。本文以老厂河组厚层变质沉积岩中的薄层变质火山岩样品为研究对象,在岩相学研究的基础上,运用LA-ICP-MS方法对变质火山岩锆石进行原位U-Pb同位素定年及相关的微量、稀土元素测试,获得变质火山岩的原岩年龄和变质年龄:(1)老厂河组变质中酸性岩和变质基性岩中岩浆锆石微区的207Pb/206Pb加权平均年龄分别为1711±4Ma和1686±4Ma,限定老厂河组的形成年龄范围为1711～1686Ma;(2)变质基性岩(石榴斜长角闪岩)中变质锆石的206Pb/238U年龄为849±12Ma。本文结果表明,大红山群的形成时代可提早至1711±4Ma,又一次证明了扬子地台西缘古老结晶基底的存在;大红山群在～850Ma经历了一期新元古代变质事件,这期变质可能是与扬子地台西缘新元古代岩浆事件有关的区域变质事件。