Geochemical and Geochronological Constraints on the Origin of the Meta-basic Volcanic Rocks in the Tengtiaohe Zone,Southeast Yunnan

The meta-basic volcanic rocks in the Tengtiaohe Zone yield zircon U–Pb ages of 258.8±2.5 Ma and 259.2±1.8 Ma, respectively which agree with the ages of flood basalts of ELIP and are similar to the basaltic rocks and komatiites from the Song Da Zone in northern Vietnam. The results suggest that the age of meta-basic volcanic rocks is Late Permian, rather than the Early Permian or Early Carboniferous ages as previously inferred. Most meta-basic volcanic rocks are strongly enriched in LREEs relative to HREEs and display trace element patterns similar to the ELIP high-Ti basalts, and are enriched in LILEs with negative Sr anomalies. Their initial ~(87)Sr/~(86) Sr ratios range from 0.705974 to 0.706188 and εNd(t) from-0.82 to-2.11. Their magmas were derived from an enriched and deep mantle source without significant crustal contamination. These meta-basic volcanic rocks formed in ELIP. Therefore, the Tengtiaohe Zone is not an ophiolite zone and can link to the Song Da Zone in northern Vietnam.     

Babu (SW China)‐Cao Bang (NE Vietnam) Ophiolite Complex: Implications for Tectonic Evolution between South China and the Indochina Block

The convergence process between South China and the Indochina Block is still controversial. A large number of igneous rocks scattered along the current China‐Vietnam border provide a good opportunity to investigate the tectonic evolution. Babu ophiolites, cropping out in the southeastern Yunnan province (SW China), consist primarily of metaperidotite, serpentinite, pillow basalt (metabasalt), gabbro, metadiabase. Most of them are fault contacted and strongly sheared, especially between metaperidotite/serpentinite and metabasalt. U‐Pb zircon analyses yield an Early Permian formation age of ～278 Ma. Basalts and metagabbros show light rare earth elements (LREEs)‐depleted and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs)‐flat REE patterns, and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs)‐depleted primitive‐normalized spider diagrams without Nb‐Ta anomalies, which is similar to N‐MORB. Metaperidotites have low initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os (0.122‐0.126) and γOs values, and indicate that they were derived from a depleted mantle source. Relative low (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)i and high εNd(t) values of basalts and metagabbros also support their DMM origin. The petrological, geochemical and isotope characteristics suggest that Babu ophiolites were N‐MORB‐type and represent remnants of an Early Permian oceanic crust. Mafic‐ultramafic rocks exposed in Cao Bang area (NE Vietnam) have recently been considered as dismembered Paleotethyan ophiolites instead of were genetically linked to the Emeishan Large Igneous Province. U‐Pb zircon analyses suggest an Early‐Middle Permian age (274 ±18 Ma) for the formation of ultramafic rocks. Both whole rock geochemistry and Cr‐spinel mineral chemistry show MORB‐like characteristics. Field observations suggest that Babu and Cao Bang ophiolite complex structurally overlie Middle‐Triassic deposits, and form a tectonic mélange zone. It developed from the subduction of a Paleotethyan subsidiary ocean basin between the South China and Indochina blocks until their collision..     

Geochemistry, U-Pb Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes of the Early Cretaceous Volcanic Rocks in the Northern Da Hinggan Mountains

Whole-rock geochemical, zircon U-Pb geochronological and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data are presented for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the northern Da Hinggan Mountains. The volcanic rocks generally display high SiO2(73.19–77.68 wt%) and Na2O+K2O(6.53–8.98 wt%) contents, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U, Pb and LREE, and depletion in Nb, Ta, P and Ti. Three rhyolite samples, one rhyolite porphyry sample, and one volcanic breccia sample yield weighted mean 206Pb/238 U ages of 135.1±1.2 Ma, 116.5±1.1 Ma, 121.9±1.0 Ma, 118.1±0.9 Ma and 116.9±1.4 Ma, respectively. All these rocks have moderate(87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704912 to 0.705896, slightly negative εNd(t) values of –1.4 to –0.1, and positive εHf(t) values of 3.7 to 8. Their zircon Hf and whole-rock Nd isotopic model ages range from 594 to 1024 Ma. These results suggest that the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks were originated from melting of subducted oceanic crust and associated sediments during the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean.     

Late Permian to Early Triassic crustal evolution of the Kontum massif,central Vietnam: zircon U–Pb ages and geochemical and Nd–Hf isotopic composition of the Hai Van granitoid complex

The Hai Van granitoid complex constitutes an important part of the Indosinian batholith of the northern Kontum massif in central Vietnam. The Kontum massif is a key region for understanding the palaeo-Tethyan accretionary history and the crustal evolution of the Indochina terrane. In this study, zircon U–Pb ages and geochemical data on the Hai Van complex are reported to shed more light on these geological processes. Zircon U–Pb isotopic analyses of six representative samples by the LA-ICP-MS technique show that granitoids from this complex crystallized between 242 and 224 Ma, indicating a prolonged period of magmatism in a late orogenic stage. Rocks from the Hai Van complex have S-type geochemical characteristics with high SiO₂, Na₂O + K₂O, and Zr contents as well as typical S-type minerals such as cordierite and muscovite. Trace elements of the samples are depleted in Ba, Nb, P, Sr, and Ti and enriched in Rb, K, Th, U, and Pb. Negative Eu-anomalies indicate feldspar fractionation during magma crystallization. The Hai Van granitoids exhibit Nd–Hf isotopic features similar to Proterozoic rocks exposed in South China, with low initial ?_Hf and initial ?_Nd values and two-stage Hf model ages of 1.9–1.7 Ga. It is suggested that during the palaeo-Tethyan orogeny, central Vietnam experienced strong early Mesozoic magmatism that originated from partial melting of crustal material similar in composition to the basement of the South China block.     

Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic systematics of the Daping plutonic rocks: Implications for the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the northeastern margin of the Indochina block, Southwest China

The Daping Neoproterozoic plutonic rocks at the northeastern margin of Indochina block in southwest China provide an ideal opportunity for studying the tectonic setting and relationship between the Indochina and Yangtze Blocks. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating on the zircon cores and rims of a hornblende-gabbro yield ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted means ages of 873 ± 9.1 Ma and 769 ± 7 Ma, respectively, and that for cores, mantles and rims of a granodiorite yield ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted means ages of 981-987 Ma, 829 ± 10 Ma and 761 ± 11 Ma, respectively. The zircon cores and mantles are interpreted as inherited from their source region. The zircon rims are magmatic, their ages represent the emplacement timing. The zircon cores and rims from the hornblende-gabbro have ε_Hf^(t) values ranging from − 5.0 to − 5.8 and + 0.6 to + 6.4. Corresponding single-stage model ages range from 1626 to 1662 Ma and 1094 to 1311 Ma, respectively. For the granodiorite, the inherited mantles (including cores) show two groups: (1) ε_Hf^(t) values of + 3.3 to + 12.3 with single-stage Hf model ages of 897 to 1235 Ma; and (2) ε_Hf^(t) values of − 1.9 to − 7.8 with single stage model ages of 1470-1667 Ma. The zircon rims are characterized by positive ε_Hf^(t) values (+ 5.4 to + 8.2) with single-stage model ages ranging from 977 to 1108 Ma. Whole-rock geochemical data for the hornblende-gabbro, such as enrichment of LILE and LREE, negative anomaly of Nb and Ta, and high Mg^# (52.1-65.4), suggest magma generation in a subduction-related setting. An island-arc affinity is strongly supported by the features of high-alumina basalt and abundant hornblende in a large hornblende-gabbro sill. The granodiorites are characterized by high Sr contents and Sr/Y ratios, strong enrichment of LILE and LREE, and negative anomaly of Nb, Ta, P and Ti, comparable with the features of subduction-related plutonic rocks. These data show that the hornblende-gabbro was generated by the partial melting of a metasomatized mantle wedge peridotite with contribution from aqueous fluids derived from a subducted slab. The granodiorite magma is a product of the mixing of mafic magma produced by partial melting of a slab-fluid-enriched metasomatized mantle wedge peridotite and felsic magma formed by the partial melting of crustal materials. The emplacement ages and geochemical features of subduction-related Daping plutonic rocks are the same as those reported from the western margin of the Yangtze block, suggesting the presence of an oceanic crust in between, with subduction to either side generating island-arc magmatism in the Neoproterozoic.     

越南西北部Posen花岗岩锆石U-Pb年龄和Hf同位素组成特征

本文报道出露于越南西北部的Posen花岗岩岩体锆石U-Pb年龄和Hf同位素组成特征,讨论岩石成因和该地区新元古代岩浆作用的大地构造意义.分析3个花岗岩样品获得723Ma至760Ma的锆石U-Pb年龄,表明花岗岩形成于新元古代.该花岗岩的锆石Hf同位素组成有较大的变化范围,ε_(Hf)(t)值变化范围为-16.1至+3.4,单阶段Hf模式年龄为1186～1945Ma,暗示Posen花岗岩有着复杂的源区物源组成.在误差范围内,锆石两阶段Hf同位素模式年龄值主要集中在2.0～2.1Ga,与两阶段Nd同位素模式年龄值2.1～2.2Ga一致,说明花岗岩体主要由古元古代地壳物质部分熔融形成的.部分锆石颗粒具有正ε_(Hf)(t)值,可能指示花岗岩岩浆形成过程中存在壳-幔混合相互作用.在越南西北部发育新元古代岩浆作用可能与扬子板块广泛发育的、伴随Rodinia超大陆裂解过程的岩浆活动存在成因的联系,也揭示越南西北部地体可能与扬子板块具有亲缘关系,因此,可以推断马江断裂带应该代表印支板块和华南板块之间的古特提斯缝合带在越南西北部的延伸.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the genesis of the Tieshan complex in the Edong district,Eastern China with implications for Fe and Cu skarn mineralization

Fe and Cu skarn deposits constitute the most important skarn type worldwide, whereas the controlling factors that lead to the difference in metal associations remain not well known. The Fe- and Cu-hosting Tieshan complex in the Edong district provides a good opportunity for comparative study on the genetic differences between Fe and Cu skarn deposits. In this study, integrated studies of geochronology, geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions were conducted on the complex. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results show that the Tieshan complex was emplaced in the time interval of 135 ± 3 to 144 ± 1 Ma. Multiphase rocks from the complex can be broadly subdivided into two suites. The Fe-Cu-related suite, which consists of diopside diorite, quartz diorite, quartz diorite porphyrite and porphyritic granodiorite, possesses low SiO₂ (53.5–67.1 wt.%), K₂O (2.44–3.53 wt.%) and Rb (45−83 ppm) contents, but high Sr (1132−2684 ppm), Ba (1073−1656 ppm) contents and negligible Eu anomalies, with very high Sr/Y (>90) ratios, similar to typical high Ba-Sr granitoids. The rock suite has initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of 0.70648 to 0.70737, ε_Nd(t) values of −12.3 to −8.2 and ε_Hf(t) values of −16 to −7, comparable to values of the Early Cretaceous mafic rocks in the Edong district and adjacent areas, indicating that it might be largely derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source, along with minor involvement of lower-crustal components. By contrast, the Fe-related suite, which is composed of quartz diorite, quartz diorite porphyrite and granodiorite porphyry, is characterized by relatively high SiO₂ (63.0–71.0 wt.%) and K₂O contents (3.36–5.53 wt.%), and a wide range of Sr (158−1135 ppm), Ba (762−1366 ppm) contents and Sr/Y (11–99) ratios. In combination with the presence of abundant inherited zircon grains, the lower ε_Nd(t) (−12.4 to −9.3) and ε_Hf(t) (−25 to −15) values indicate a greater degree of lower-crustal contribution for the Fe-related suite. In addition, the calculated zircon Ce (Ce/Ce* and Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺) and Eu (Eu/Eu*) anomalies suggest that the Fe-Cu-related suite has much higher oxygen fugacity (fO₂) than the Fe-related suite. This study highlights fO₂ and fractionation degree of magma as useful indicators for differentiating Fe and Cu skarn mineralization.     

云南个旧杂岩体年代学与地球化学:岩石成因和幔源岩浆对锡成矿贡献

锡矿往往与长英质岩浆岩伴生,然而锡矿形成的热能源区尚不清楚,其可能与地幔物质相关。我国云南锡矿带中出露的中-酸性岩石及碱性岩杂岩体为研究锡矿及其周围岩浆成因提供了良好的物质条件。本文报道了云南个旧地区代表性的花岗岩、辉长-闪长岩和碱性岩类新的全岩地球化学、锆石U-Pb年代学和Hf同位素数据。LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年表明上述岩石分别形成于81.43±0.46Ma(82.89±0.58M)、81.35±0.22Ma和80.35±0.72Ma,指示它们为晚白垩世近同期岩浆活动的产物。其中闪长岩、碱性岩和花岗岩中锆石的Hf同位素组成不均一,ε_(Hf)(t)分别为-4.2~+0.8、-7.5~-1.9和-8.4~+0.4。尽管这些岩体的侵入时代一致,但它们的地球化学特征和同位素特征存在差异,表明这三类火成岩来自不同的岩浆源区,三者不是同一母岩浆相互演化的关系。个旧杂岩体中花岗岩为弱过铝质岩石,SiO_2与P_2O_5含量呈负相关的关系,排除S型花岗岩的可能。亏损Zr、Nb、Sr、Eu等大离子亲石元素的特征可能为锆石、磷灰石、长石类造岩矿物分离结晶作用的结果;Zr、Nb、Ce和Y总量较低,低的FeOT/MgO比值和低的锆石饱和温度表明,指示出个旧地区的花岗岩应为高分异I型花岗质岩石而非A型花岗岩。个旧地区形成于晚白垩世时期的中基性、碱性岩石可能为不同的幔源岩浆近同时侵入的产物,底侵的幔源熔体带来热量诱发中、下地壳岩石发生部分熔融形成含矿的花岗岩,幔源岩浆对于成矿至少在能量也可能在成矿物质上有重要的贡献。     

Generation of Nb-enriched mafic rocks and associated adakitic rocks from the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Evidence of crust-mantle interaction

Melting of subducting oceanic lithosphere and associated melt-mantle interactions in convergent plate margins require specific geodynamic environment that allows the oceanic slab to be abnormally heated. Here we focus on the Early Mesozoic mafic rocks and granite porphyry, which provide insights into slab melting processes associated with final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The granite porphyry samples are calc-alkaline and distinguished by high Sr contents, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements, resulting in high (La/Yb)_N and Sr/Y ratios, and negligible Eu anomalies. Based on their high Na₂O and MgO, low K₂O contents, positive ε_Hf(t) and ε_Nd(t) and low (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values, we propose that the granite porphyry was likely derived from partial melting of subducting Paleo-Asian oceanic crust. The Nb-enriched mafic rocks are enriched in Rb, Th, U, Pb and K, and depleted in Nb, Ta, Ba, P and Ti, corroborating a subduction-related origin. Their heterogeneous Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotopic compositions and other geochemical features suggest that they were likely derived from partial melting of peridotitic mantle wedge interacted with oceanic slab-derived adakitic melts. Trace element and isotope modeling results and elevated zircon δ¹⁸O values suggest variable subducting sediments input into the mantle wedge, dominated by terrigenous sediments. Synthesizing the widely-developed bimodal rock associations, conjugated dikes, thermal metamorphism, tectonic characteristics, paleomagnetic constraints, and paleogeographical evidence along the Solonke-Changchun suture zone, we identify a slab window triggered by slab break-off, which accounts for slab melting and formation of the Nb-enriched mafic rocks and associated adakitic granite porphyry in southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt.     

Geochemistry of Permian Mafic Igneous Rocks from the Napo‐Qinzhou Tectonic Belt in Southwest Guangxi,Southwest China: Implications for Arc‐Back Arc Basin Magmatic Evolution

The Napo-Qinzhou Tectonic Belt (NQTB) lies at the junction of the Yangtze, Cathaysia and Indochina (North Vietnam) Blocks, which is composed of five major lithotectonic subunits: the Qinzhou-Fangcheng Suture Zone (QFSZ), the Shiwandashan Basin (SB), the Pingxiang-Nanning Suture Zone (PNSZ), the Damingshan Block (DB) and the Babu-Lingma Suture Zone (BLSZ). On the basis of geochemical compositions, the Permian mafic igneous rocks can be divided into three distinct groups: (1) mafic igneous rocks (Group 1) from the Longjing region in the PNSZ and Hurun region in the BLSZ, which are characterized by intermediate Ti, P and Zr with low Ni and Cr contents; (2) mafic igneous rocks (Group 2) from the Naxiao and Chongzuo region in the DB, characterized by low-intermediate Ti, P and Zr with high Ni and Cr concentrations; and (3) mafic igneous rocks (Group 3) from the Siming region in the Jingxi carbonate platform of the northwestern margin of the NQTB, with intermediate-high Ti, P and Zr and low Ni and Cr contents. The Group 1 rocks yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 250.5±2.8 Ma and are geochemically similar to basalts occurring in back-arc basin settings. The Group 2 rocks exhibit geochemical features to those basalts in island arcs, whereas the Group 3 rocks show geochemical similarity to that of ocean island basalts. All three groups are characterized by relatively low εNd(t) values (–2.61 to +1.10) and high initial 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios (0.705309–0.707434), indicating that they were derived from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle and experienced assimilation, fractional crystallization, and crustal contamination or mixing during magmatic evolution. Accordingly, we propose the existence of an arc-back arc basin system that developed along the NQTB at the border of SW Guangxi Province (SW China) and northern Vietnam, and it was formed by continued northwestward subduction of the Cathaysian (or Yunkai) Block under the Yangtze Block, and northeastward subduction of the Indochina Block beneath the Yangtze Block during Permian time.     

The Early Triassic Indosinian orogeny in Vietnam (Truong Son Belt and Kontum Massif); implications for the geodynamic evolution of Indochina

New structural field data at various scale and ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar geochronological results, from the basement rocks in the Truong Son belt and Kontum Massif of Vietnam, confirm that ductile deformation and high-temperature metamorphism were caused by the Early Triassic event of the Indosinian Orogeny in the range of 250–240 Ma. A compilation of isotopic data obtained in other countries along the Sibumasu–Indochina boundary broadly indicates same interval of ages. This tectonothermal event is interpreted as the result of a synchronous oblique collision of Indochina with both Sibumasu and South China, inducing dextral and sinistral shearing along E–W to NW–SE and N–S fault zones, respectively. The collision along Song Ma follows the northwards subduction of Indochina beneath South China and the subsequent development of the Song Da zone which in turn was affected by the Late Triassic Indosinian phase of shortening. Within the Indochina plate, internal collisions occurred coevally in the Early Triassic, as along the Poko suture, at the western border of the Kontum Massif.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions from the Sin Quyen Formation: the Precambrian crustal evolution of northwest Vietnam

The location of the suture zone between the South China and Indochina blocks in northwest Vietnam has been under debate for decades. Generally, the boundary between these blocks has been placed along (1) the Ailaoshan–Red River zone or (2) the Song Ma zone. The Sin Quyen Formation, lying between these zones, was previously regarded as a Palaeo- and Mesoproterozoic sequence. It comprises its provenance and tectonic affinity. We analysed detrital zircons from two paragneisses and one migmatite of the Sin Quyen Formation employing laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb dating techniques. U–Pb ages of these zircons show three main periods of zircon formation: ～2.7–3.0, ～2.2–2.5, and ～1.8 Ga, suggesting that Sin Quyen rocks were mainly derived from Palaeoproterozoic and Archaean basement units. Inasmuch as the South China basement comprises rocks of similar ages, we conclude that the Sin Quyen Formation belongs to that block. Our new data strengthen the view that the suture between the South China and Indochina blocks is located within the Song Ma zone. In addition, zircons with U–Pb ages >3.0 thousand million years represent the oldest minerals reported in northwest Vietnam so far, indicating the existence of Mesoarchaean crustal remnants in this region.     

Subduction of Indian continent beneath southern Tibet in the latest Eocene (~ 35 Ma): Insights from the Quguosha gabbros in southern Lhasa block

Geophysical data illustrate that the Indian continental lithosphere has northward subducted beneath the Tibet Plateau, reaching the Bangong–Nujiang suture in central Tibet. However, when the Indian continental lithosphere started to subduct, and whether the Indian continental crust has injected into the mantle beneath southern Lhasa block, are not clear. Here we report new results from the Quguosha gabbros of southern Lhasa block, southern Tibet. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of two samples gives a ca. 35 Ma formation age (i.e., the latest Eocene) for the Quguosha gabbros. The Quguosha gabbro samples are geochemically characterized by variable SiO₂ and MgO contents, strongly negative Nb–Ta–Ti and slightly negative Eu anomalies, and uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7056–0.7058) and ε_Nd(t) (− 2.2 to − 3.6). They exhibit Sr–Nd isotopic compositions different from those of the Jurassic–Eocene magmatic rocks with depleted Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics, but somewhat similar to those of Oligocene–Miocene K-rich magmatic rocks with enriched Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics. We therefore propose that an enriched Indian crustal component was added into the lithospheric mantle beneath southern Lhasa by continental subduction at least prior to the latest Eocene (ca. 35 Ma). We interpret the Quguosha mafic magmas to have been generated by partial melting of lithospheric mantle metasomatized by subducted continental sediments, which entered continental subduction channel(s) and then probably accreted or underplated into the overlying mantle during the northward subduction of the Indian continent. Continental subduction likely played a key role in the formation of the Tibetan plateau at an earlier date than previously thought.     

Trace-element and Sr–Nd isotopic evidence for the origin of the Sardinian fluorite mineralization (Italy)

The fluorite-bearing hydrothermal mineralization in Sardinia mainly occurs within Paleozoic volcanic and metasedimentary rocks. Only 3 occurrences are located in volcanic and siliciclastic Cenozoic rocks. Most Sardinian fluorites exhibit relatively high rare earth and Y (REY) contents, strong positive Y anomalies, slightly negative Ce and generally positive Eu anomalies. These features indicate that the REY were mobilized mainly from non-carbonate rocks. Neither Sr nor Nd isotopes can be used to date radiometrically the Sardinian fluorites. However, the measured Sr-isotope ratios of the fluorites hosted by Paleozoic rocks fit mixing lines in the 1000/Sr versus ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr plot once recalculated at 280 Ma, suggesting that the age inferred for the correction probably represents that of the formation of the fluorite mineralization. Mixing likely occurred between diluted surficial waters and brines circulating mainly through the Lower Paleozoic metasedimentary basement. The Cenozoic fluorites exhibit chemical and isotopic features similar to those of the Paleozoic fluorites, except the Nuraghe Onigu fluorite displaying a possible contribution of Sr from Cenozoic magmatic rocks. The initial ε_Nd values of the Paleozoic fluorites fit the age proposed for the formation of the deposits. Moreover, the values suggest that radiogenic Nd was provided to the fluids from the Ordovician siliciclastic basement, except for 3 deposits where the potential source rocks of Nd were mainly Ordovician acidic magmatic rocks. The initial ε_Nd values of the Cenozoic fluorites suggest a provenance of Nd essentially from the leaching of Variscan granitoids.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Late Triassic Longtan pluton in South China: termination of the crustal melting and Indosinian orogenesis

The Indosinian orogeny is recorded by Triassic angular unconformities in Vietnam and South China and by widely occurring granitoids in the Yunkai-Nanling and the Xuefengshan belts of South China. The Longtan pluton in the northwestern part of the Xuefengshan belt is a typical high-K, calc-alkaline, I-type granitoid, which can shed light on the relationship between the Indosinian tectonic and magmatic activity in the region. Three precise zircon U–Pb ages yielded a mean of 218 ± 0.8 Ma, which is taken as the age of crystallization. The pluton consists of both granodiorite (64.59–68.01 % SiO₂ and 3.25–4.22 % K₂O) and granite (70.49–71.80 % SiO₂ and 4.07–4.70 % K₂O). The granodiorites are characterized by relatively high Mg# (54–57), low contents of Na₂O (3.2–4.3 wt%), low abundances of incompatible elements (LILE, Nb and P), high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7175–0.7184) and negative ε_Nd(t) (?9.98 to ?9.72). REE patterns show moderate fractionation ((La/Yb)_cn = 8.07–18.80) with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.62–0.86). Compared with the granodiorite, the granite has a wider range of Mg# (49–59), lower contents of Na₂O (2.8–4.2 wt%), higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7232–0.7243) and more negative ε_Nd(t) (?12.07 to ?11.24) values. REE patterns are relatively flat ((La/Yb)_cn = 14.73–29.37) with smaller negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.48–0.63). The granodiorite has lower K₂O/Na₂O and Al₂O₃/(MgO + FeO_Tot) values than the granite. Based on major and trace element geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes, we interpret the Longtan granodioritic magma to have been derived by partial melting of interlayered Proterozoic metabasaltic to metatonalitic source rocks, whereas the granite was probably derived from a mixture of Proterozoic metagraywackes and metaigneous rocks. Field, petrographic and geochemical evidence indicate that partial melting and fractional crystallization were the dominant mechanism in the evolution of the pluton. The Longtan granodiorites and granites are petrologically and geochemically similar to typical Indosinian varieties and are considered to have been produced in a similar manner. The Indosinian granitoids in the region show a magmatic peak age of ~238 Ma from the Yunkai-Nanling belt in the southeast and a magmatic peak age of ~218 Ma of the Xuefengshan belt to the northwest. These early and late magmatic episodes of the Indosinian granitoids also display slight variations of regular compositions, ε_Nd(t) values and T _DM ages. Thus, we propose a syncollisional extension model that Indosinian granitoids were generated by decompressional partial melting of crustal materials triggered by two extensions during collision of the Indochina and South China blocks. The Longtan pluton in the northwesternmost part of the orogenic belt marks the termination of the Indosinian magmatism and orogenesis.     

Recognition of Early Paleozoic Magmatisms in the Supposed Proterozoic Basements of Zhalantun, Great Xing’an Range, NE China

The Zhalantun terrane from the Xing'an massif, northeast China, was used to be considered as Proterozoic basements. However, amounts of detrital zircon ages from the meta-sedimentary rocks deny the existence of Precambrian basements recently. Notably, magmatic rocks were barely reported to limit the exact ages of the Zhalantun basements. In this study, we collected rhyolite, gabbro and quartz diorite for zircon in-situ U-Pb isotopic dating, which yield crystallization ages of ～505 Ma, ～447 Ma and ～125 Ma, respectively. Muscovite schist and siltstone define maximum depositional ages of ～499 Ma and ～489 Ma, respectively. Additionally, these dated supracrustal rocks and plutons also yield ancient detrital/xenocryst zircon ages of ～600–1000 Ma, ～1600–2220 Ma, ～2400 Ma, ～2600–2860 Ma. Based on the whole-rock major and trace element compositions, the ～505 Ma rhyolites display high SiO_2 and alkaline contents, low Fe_2O_3T, TiO_2 and Al_2O_3, and relatively high Mg O and Mg#, which exhibit calc-alkaline characteristics. These rhyolites yield fractionated REE patterns and negative Nb, Ta, Ti, Sr, P and Eu anomalies and positive Zr anomalies. The geochemistry, petrology and Lu-Hf isotopes imply that rhyolites were derived from the partial melting of continental basalt induced by upwelling of sub-arc mantle magmas, and then experienced fractional crystallization of plagioclase, which points to a continental arc regime. The ～447 Ma gabbros exhibit low Si O2 and alkaline contents, high Fe2 O3 T, Ti O2, Mg O and Mg#. They show minor depletions of La and Ce, flat MREE and HREE patterns, and negative Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf anomalies. Both sub-arc mantle and N-MORB-like mantle were involved in the formation of the gabbros, indicative of a probable back-arc basin tectonic setting. Given that, the previously believed Proterozoic supracrustal rocks and several plutons from the Zhalantun Precambrian basements were proved to be Paleozoic to Mesozoic rocks, among which these Paleozoic magmatic rocks were generally related to subduction regime. So far, none Proterozoic rocks have been identified from the Zhalantun Precambrian basement, though some ～600–3210 Ma ancient detrital/xenocryst zircons were reported. Combined with ancient zircon ages and newly reported ～2.5 Ga and ～1.8 Ga granites from the south of the Zhalantun, therefore, the Precambrian rocks probably once exposed in the Zhalantun while they were re-worked and consumed during later long tectonic evolutionary history, resulting in absence of Precambrian rocks in the Zhalantun.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the intermediate-acid volcanic rocks along the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak igneous zone in NW Thailand and their tectonic implications

Volcanic rocks preserved in the Lampang–Den Chai area in NW Thailand are important components of the giant Paleotethyan igneous belt. Constraining their age and petrogenesis is critical for better understanding their temporal-spatial relationship with the Lancangjiang igneous zone and the Paleotethyan tectonic evolution in SE Asia. The volcanic suite is constituted by intermediate to acid rocks with zircon U–Pb ages of 240.4 ± 1.7 Ma and 240.6 ± 1.9 Ma for the representative andesitic and rhyolitic samples, respectively. Volcanic sequence is dominated by calc-alkaline andesites, dacites and rhyolites. The andesitic and dacitic samples are characterized by high Mg# (37–57) and TiO₂ (0.91–1.59 wt%), and can be classified as high-Mg series. They are enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in HFSEs. Representative andesitic samples have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (i) ratios of 0.70398–0.70567, ε_Nd (t) values of +3.6–+3.9, zircon ε_Hf (t) values of +2.8–+8.0 and δ¹⁸O values of 7.01–8.11‰, respectively. The rhyolitic samples are characterized by high Mg# (38–70) and low TiO₂ (0.25–0.61 wt%). They are enriched in LILEs and LREEs, along with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (i) = 0.70468–0.70645, ε_Nd (t) = +2.0–+4.3 and zircon ε_Hf (t) = +5.7–+13.6. Geochemical signatures suggest that the andesitic and dacitic samples might originate from a newly modified mantle source by slab-derived fluids and recycled sediments, and rhyolitic samples were derived from juvenile mafic crust. It is proposed that the Middle Triassic high-Mg volcanic rocks in the Lampang–Den Chai area formed in response to slab roll-back during transition of tectonic regime from subduction to continental collision between the Sibumasu and Indochina blocks. These rocks constitute part of the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak igneous zone, and can northerly link with the Lancangjiang igneous zone and southerly extend to the Chanthaburi, Malaysia and Singapore areas.     

Early to mid-Paleozoic magmatic and sedimentary records in the Bainaimiao Arc: An advancing subduction-induced terrane accretion along the northern margin of the North China Craton

The early to mid-Paleozoic subduction-induced terrane accretion along the northern margin of the North China Craton is not well understood. To address this issue, we investigate the magmatic and sedimentary records, including both new and previously published geochemical, Sr–Nd isotopic, and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic data from the Bainaimiao Arc. The collected gabbro–diorites and granitoids have been dated to 431–453 Ma. The gabbro–diorites have high Mg/(Mg + Fe) molar ratios (44.41–73.39); depleted Nb, Ta and Ti; and negative ε_Nd(t) values (-9.43–-6.80). They were derived from a mantle wedge metasomatized by subduction-derived fluids with crustal contamination. The granitoids are characterized by high silica, low to high K, low Fe and Mg contents, strong fractionation of rare earth elements, and positive ε_Hf(t) values (+1.42–+8.19). They were derived from crustal melts with juvenile additions. The clastic rocks from the Baoerhantu Group and Xibiehe Formation are dominated by early Paleozoic zircons, whereas those from the Bainaimiao Group are dominated by early Paleozoic and Precambrian zircons. Detrital zircon geochronology and field geology confirm their deposition in early to mid-Paleozoic. The U–Pb ages and petrographic and geochemical analyses indicate that the clastic rocks were deposited in arc-related basins with felsic sources from the Bainaimiao Arc. The xenocrystic and detrital zircons in the magmatic and clastic rocks, respectively, imply a Precambrian basement for the Bainaimiao Arc. The early Paleozoic magmatic rocks of the Bainaimiao Arc show secular changes with decreasing age: increasing K₂O contents and Sr/Y ratios and decreasing Fe₂O₃^T + MgO contents and ε_Hf(t) and ε_Nd(t) values. This is likely in response to advancing subduction and related crustal thickening. Accordingly, the following tectono-paleogeographic model was proposed for the Bainaimiao Arc: (a) ∼500–455 Ma initial subduction and juvenile arc development, (b) ∼455–415 Ma continuous subduction with mature arc development, and (c) ∼415–400 Ma accretion to the North China Craton.     

Paleoproterozoic A-type granite from the southwestern margin of the North China block: high temperature melting of tonalitic crust in extensional setting

ABSTRACT

Proterozoic igneous rocks in the southern margin of the North China Craton can place constraints on its crustal evolution. This paper reports geochemistry, zircon U-Pb ages, Sr-Nd isotopes and Lu-Hf isotopes for the Proterozoic Angou granite from the southwestern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). The Angou granite has zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb age of 1819 ± 14Ma (MSWD = 1.3, n = 37), which is synchronous with the Proterozoic Xiong’er Group in the southeastern margin of the NCC. The granite has A-type granite affinity: (1) high SiO₂ (67.12% to 73.16%) and alkali (Na₂O+K₂O = 7.18% to 8.75%) contents, with K₂O/Na₂O ratios of 1.04 to 4.78; (2) high FeO_T/MgO values (4 to 36); (3) significantly negative Eu anomalies (Eu*/Eu = 0.33 to 0.53) and negative Sr anomalies (38.1 to 102ppm); (4) high 10⁴× Ga/Al (2.55 to 4.75, with an average of 3.43) values and Zr+Ce+Nb+Y (634 to 1022ppm) contents; (5) high zircon saturation temperatures (871 to 957°C). In combination with its slightly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.02 to 1.26) nature, the Angou granite can be classified as slightly peraluminous A-type granite. It displays negative ?_Nd(t) values of ?2.0 to ?3.9, variable ε_Hf(t) values (?8.81 to +1.98) with Hf model ages of 2194 to 2721Ma, combined with its high Rb/Sr (1.05 to 3.26) and low Rb/Ba (0.08 to 0.18) ratios, suggesting that the Angou granite was derived from high temperature melting of tonalite in middle-lower crust. The formation of Angou A-type granite is consistent with the mafic dyke swarms and Xiong’er bimodal volcanic rocks in NCC, indicating a Paleoprotozoic extensional setting in the southwestern margin of the NCC.     

Early Paleozoic magmatism and metallogeny related to Proto-Tethys subduction: Insights from volcanic rocks in the northeastern Altyn Mountains,NW China

Remnants of the Proto-Tethys are mainly preserved in the region between south of the North China-Tarim Block and north of Qiangtang-Sibumasu/Baoshan Blocks. Magmatic-metallogenic events related to the Proto-Tethyan subductions were rarely reported, and the subduction history and polarity of the Proto-Tethyan are still under debate. Here, we presented new data of zircon UPb ages, whole-rock Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, major and trace elements and zircon Hf isotopes for the volcanic rocks in the northeastern Altyn Mountains. Information of over 14 volcanic-hosted deposits/prospects in the region has been compiled. These volcanic ore hosts consist mainly of basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite and rhyolite rocks. The andesite and rhyolite rocks are newly zircon UPb dated to be Late Cambrian-Early Ordovician (andesite: 490.5 ± 5.2 Ma; rhyolite: 492.6 ± 2.9 Ma and 491.6 ± 5.6 Ma), representing the timing of volcanism and VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide) mineralization. All the volcanic rocks belong to the high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonite series: the andesite rocks from the Kaladawan area in north of the region display arc geochemical affinities and contain (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.7082–0.7083) and ε_Nd(t) (−9.7 to −7.6), indicating that they were likely formed by partial melting of the mantle wedge with subducted sediment inputs. The rhyolite rocks from the Kaladaban area in south of the region are characterized by high SiO₂ (64.46–78.55 wt%), low alkali (Na₂O + K₂O, 3.46–7.17 wt%), and contain (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.7063–0.7095), ε_Nd(t) (−6.6 to −1.5), and zircon ε_Hf(t) (−5.5 to 5.4), indicating that they were likely derived from partial melting of the lower crust with depleted mantle inputs. Rock assemblage and geochemistry suggest that volcanic rocks in the northeastern Altyn Mountains may have formed in a continental arc setting. Their spatial distributions with respect to the ophiolites in the region suggest that the subduction was likely south-dipping. This subduction-related arc magmatism may have formed the many important VMS and porphyry–skarn deposits in the region.