Detrital zircon U–Pb ages of Late Triassic–Late Jurassic deposits in the western and northern Sichuan Basin margin: constraints on the foreland basin provenance and tectonic implications

Upper Triassic to Upper Jurassic strata in the western and northern Sichuan Basin were deposited in a synorogenic foreland basin. Ion–microprobe U–Pb analysis of 364 detrital zircon grains from five Late Triassic to Late Jurassic sandstone samples in the northern Sichuan Basin and several published Middle Triassic to Middle Jurassic samples in the eastern Songpan–Ganzi Complex and western and inner Sichuan Basin provide an initial framework for understanding the Late Triassic to Late Jurassic provenance of western and northern Sichuan Basin. For further understanding, the paleogeographic setting of these areas and neighboring hinterlands was constructed. Combined with analysis of depocenter migration, thermochronology and detrital zircon provenance, the western and northern Sichuan Basin is displayed as a transferred foreland basin from Late Triassic to Late Jurassic. The Upper Triassic Xujiahe depocenter was located at the front of the Longmen Shan belt, and sediments in the western Sichuan Basin shared the same provenances with the Middle–Upper Triassic in the Songpan–Ganzi Complex, whereas the South Qinling fed the northern Sichuan Basin. The synorogenic depocenter transferred to the front of Micang Shan during the early Middle Jurassic and at the front of the Daba Shan during the middle–late Middle Jurassic. Zircons of the Middle Jurassic were sourced from the North Qinling, South Qinling and northern Yangtze Craton. The depocenter returned to the front of the Micang Shan again during the Late Jurassic, and the South Qinling and northern Yangtze Craton was the main provenance. The detrital zircon U–Pb ages imply that the South and North China collision was probably not finished at the Late Jurassic.     

Detrital zircons U–Pb SHRIMP ages and provenance of La Modesta Formation,Patagonia Argentina

This paper summarizes the geology of the Paleozoic La Modesta Formation in Patagonia, Argentina, and presents new SHRIMP U–Pb dating of detrital zircons from muscovite-chlorite schist and tourmalinite. Also complementary geochemical and lead isotopic data are presented, indicating that the protoliths were formed from upper crustal rocks by the contribution of a large input from recycled (or felsic) sources. The maximum age of sedimentation of La Modesta Formation is about 446 ± 6 Ma. The basin closure (or eventually a paleocurrent shift) occurs at Lower Devonian before the exhumation of the Middle-Devonian granitoids of the Rio Deseado Complex (Deseado Massif). Many of the detrital zircons are igneous and record Ordovician ages, with a prominent Lower Ordovician-age peak at approximately 473 Ma. Most favourable candidates to provide the younger zircons in the basin would Ordovician granites of the Rio Deseado Complex (Deseado Massif) and Punta Sierra Plutonic Complex (Somun Cura Massif). Older zircons have peaks of different importance (including Brasiliano and Grenvillian ages) between 530 and 700, 750–1500, 1750–2000 and 2550–2700 Ma. La Modesta Formation is also a potential area of materials (detrital zircon) to the basin where the rocks of the Eastern Andean Metamorphic Complex and equivalent formations of the Andean region were generated.     

Petrogenesis of synorogenic high-temperature leucogranites (Damara orogen,Namibia): Constraints from U–Pb monazite ages and Nd,Sr and Pb isotopes

Two suites of leucogranites were emplaced at 508 ± 5.9 Ma in the Okombahe District of the Damara belt (Namibia) synchronous with the peak of regional high-temperature metamorphism. The Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_init: 0.707 to 0.711), Nd (εNd_init: − 4.5 to − 6.6), and Pb isotopic (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 18.51–19.13; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.63–15.69; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 38.08–38.66) compositions indicate that these peraluminous S-type granites were derived from mid- to lower-crustal rocks, which are slightly different to the metapelitic rocks into which they intruded. Since the leucogranites are unfractionated and show no evidence for assimilation or contamination, they constrain the temperature and pressure conditions of their formation. Calculated Zr and LREE saturation temperatures of ca. 850 °C indicate high-temperature crustal melts. High Rb/Sr and low Sr/Ba ratios are consistent with biotite dehydration melting of pelitic source rocks. Qz–Ab–Or systematics reveal that melting and segregation for the least fractionated samples occurred at ca. 7 kbar corresponding to a mid-crustal level of ca. 26 km. However, there is no evidence for a mantle component that could have served as a local heat source for crustal melting. Therefore, the hot felsic magmas that formed close to the time of peak metamorphism are the result of long-lasting high temperature regional metamorphic conditions and intra-crustal collision.     

Zircon U–Pb ages,geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Middle Triassic granodiorites from the Kaimuqi area,East Kunlun,Northwest China: implications for slab breakoff

The Qimantage area of Northwest China lies in the western part of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, and is dominated by late Permian to Late Triassic granitoids. Among these, the Middle Triassic granitoids are mainly distributed south of the North Kunlun Fault, and consist of two main granitic assemblages: the Kaimuqi assemblage in the east and the Mositu assemblage in the west. To better constrain the Indosinian tectonic evolution of this area, we present data on the geochronology, geochemistry, and petrology of ore-bearing granodiorites from the Kaimuqi area in eastern Qimantage. The granodiorite samples have porphyritic or fine-grained textures. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon dating yields emplacement ages of 238–242 Ma, interpreted here as the result of the Middle Triassic magmatism. The granodiorites are mostly of the high-K calc-alkaline series, and are enriched in light rare earth elements, depleted in heavy rare earth elements such as Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, and have weak negative Eu (Eu/Eu*) anomalies. The Kaimuqi granodiorites have lower SiO₂ and Sr contents, and higher Na₂O/K₂O ratios than the Mositu granodiorites. They also show initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.712151–0.715436, εNd(t) values of ?7.4 to ?6.3, and two-stage Nd model ages of 1.53–1.61 Ga. Together with their radiogenic Pb isotopic ratios for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (18.271–18.622), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (15.637–15.651), and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (38.452–37.870), these data indicate both mantle and crustal contributions to the source of the granodiorites. Field investigations show that Middle Triassic granitoids in both the Mositu and Kaimuqi assemblages contain large numbers of mafic microgranular enclaves, which supports an interpretation of mantle and crustal magmatic mixing. Based on a comparison of these results with data from coeval granites in the Mositu assemblage, we propose that the Middle Triassic granitoids in the Qimantage area were produced at ca. 240 Ma, as a result of the end of subduction and the initiation of collision during the Variscan–Indosinian orogeny. Magma mixing may be interpreted as the result of slab breakoff in a subduction zone environment, which led to fluid metasomatism and induced partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle, resulting in the formation of voluminous granitic magma.     

The U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons from Hainan Island,South China: implications for sediment provenance and the crustal evolution

In situ U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic of detrital zircons from beach sediments of Yalong Bay were analyzed to trace sedimentary provenance and reveal the crustal evolution of Hainan Island in South China. The grain size distribution of the sediments displays a clear single-peak feature, indicating the sediments were formed under the same condition of hydrodynamic force. The detrital zircons had Th/U ratios of greater than 0.1, and REE pattern displayed a positive Ce anomaly and a negative Eu anomaly, indicating that these zircons are predominantly of magmatic origin. The U–Pb spectrum of detrital zircons mainly peaked at the Yanshanian (96–185 Ma), Hercynian–Indosinian (222–345 Ma) and Caledonian (421–477 Ma). A portion of the detrital zircons were of Neoproterozoic origin (728–1,003 Ma), which revealed that the basement in the eastern region of Hainan Island was mainly of Neoproterozoic, with rare Archean materials. The positive ε _Hf(t) values (0 to +10.1) of the Neoproterozoic detrital zircons indicated that the juvenile crust grew in the southeastern Hainan Island mainly during the Neoproterozoic period. The Neoproterozoic orogeny in the southeastern part of the island (0.7–1.0 Ga) occurred later than in the northwestern region of the island (1.0–1.4 Ga). Importantly, the Grenvillian orogeny in the southeastern area of Hainan Island shared the same timing with that of the western Cathaysia Block; i.e., both areas concurrently underwent this orogenic event, thereby forming a part of the Rodinia supercontinent. Afterwards, the crust experienced remelting and reworking during the Caledonian Hercynian–Indosinianand Yanshanian accompanied by the growth of a small amount of juvenile crust.     

Geochemical,Sr–Nd–Pb isotope,and zircon U–Pb geochronological constraints on the origin of Early Permian mafic dikes,northern North China Craton

Dolerite dike swarms are widespread across the North China Craton (NCC) of Hebei Province (China) and Inner Mongolia. Here, we report new geochemical, Sr–Nd–Pb isotope, and U–Pb zircon ages for representative samples of these dikes. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb analysis yielded consistent Permian ages of 274.8 ± 2.9 and 275.0 ± 4.5 Ma for zircons extracted from two dikes. The dolerites have highly variable compositions (SiO₂ = 46.99–56.18 wt.%, TiO₂ = 1.27–2.39 wt.%, Al₂O₃ = 14.42–16.20 wt.%, MgO = 5.18–7.75 wt.%, Fe₂O₃ = 8.03–13.52 wt.%, CaO = 5.18–9.75 wt.%, Na₂O = 2.46–3.79 wt.%, K₂O = 0.26–2.35 wt.%, and P₂O₅ = 0.18–0.37 wt.%) and are light rare earth element (LREE) and large ion lithophile element (LILE, e.g. Rb, Ba, and K, and Pb in sample SXG1-9) enriched, and Th and high field strength element (HFSE, e.g. Nb and Ta in sample SXG1-9, and Ti) depleted. The mafic dikes have relatively uniform (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values from 0.7031 to 0.7048, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i from 17.77 to 17.976, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i from 15.50 to 15.52, (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i from 37.95 to 38.03, and positive ?_Nd(t) (3.6–7.3), and variable neodymium model ages (T_DM1 = 0.75–0.99 Ga, T_DM2 = 0.34–0.74 Ga). These data suggest that the dike magmas were derived from partial melting of a depleted region of the asthenospheric mantle, and that they fractionated olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase, K-feldspar, and Ti-bearing phases without undergoing significant crustal contamination. These mafic dikes within the NCC formed during a period of crustal thinning in response to extension after Permian collision between the NCC and the Siberian Block.     

The significance of U–Pb zircon ages in zoned plutons: the case of the Flamenco pluton,Coastal Range batholith,northern Chile

Compositionally zoned plutons, both layered and concentrically arranged, provide granitic exposures where the mechanisms and timing of the magmatic emplacement processes can be studied. The importance of in-situ geochemical differentiation and the magma replenishment rates are revealed by geochemistry and field relations, together with the increasingly accurate U–Pb geochronology, which has promoted the knowledge about the pluton incremental assembly theories.The Flamenco pluton, located in the Coastal Range of northern Chile, is part of the Upper Triassic to Early Cretaceous Andean intrusives formed in the western active margin of South America, and present a normal zoned structure with mafic magmatic facies (mostly gabbros and Qtz-diorites) close to the contacts with the host metasediments, and tonalites, granodiorites and granites in the inner areas. A combined study of the field relations, geochemistry and zircon geochronology of the magmatic facies was applied to determine the emplacement sequence of the Flamenco pluton, revealing three distinguishable domains separated by metasedimentary septa. The SW area is constituted by mostly homogeneous leucocratic granodiorites that yielded an age of 213 Ma as the best estimation for their emplacement age. Distinctive geochemical characteristics, such as the absence of an Eu anomaly, the depletion in HREE, or the highest Sr, Sr/Y and Ce/Yb values among the granodioritic facies of the pluton, involve lower T and/or higher P conditions at the magmatic source according to experimental studies. These conditions were established during an early stage of the Andean magmatic arc building that is firstly defined here as Upper Triassic. The NW and E domains of the pluton were sequentially emplaced between 194 Ma and 186 Ma and both the field relations and the detailed geochronological results suggest that the mafic facies intruded latter in the emplacement sequence. To the NW, Qtz-dioritic and gabbroic externally emplaced pulses gave a younger crystallization age of 186.3 ± 1.8 Ma, and promoted the granoblastic textures and metamorphic zircon overgrowths that characterize the granodiorites located in the contact with the intermediate and felsic inner magmas, which yielded a best estimation of their emplacement age of 192 ± 1.5 Ma. On the other hand, in the eastern domain, magma-magma relations are observed between gabbros and previously intruded tonalites and granodiorites. Both the mafic and intermediate facies show two main subgroups of ages that yielded 194.7 ± 1.5 Ma to 188.3 ± 2.1 Ma and 193.1 ± 2.2 Ma to 185.5 ± 1.4 Ma respectively. These differences are related to the variations in the magmatic addition rates, which may extend the super-solidus conditions in the eastern domain of the magmatic reservoir as is confirmed by the wider age ranges yielded by these magmatic facies. Zircon overgrowths in the host rocks yield similar ages (around 220 Ma and 205 Ma) than the oldest results obtained in the intrusive facies, indicating that metamorphism correlates with the initial stages of plutonic emplacement.Geochronological results differ between 9 Myr and 41 Myr in the eight studied samples for non-inherited ages and gave very close mean ages (within analytical uncertainty) for all the intrusive units. However, we examine other characteristics such as zircon morphology, internal structure, geochemistry and statistical data to assess if the scattering of the geochronological data may be related to the different processes involved in the construction of the Flamenco pluton. We concluded that this detailed study of U–Pb zircon ages, including individual and significative groups of analyses, is useful to determine accurately the emplacement sequence and the genetic relation between the intrusive units, together with the evidences depicted by the geochemistry and field relations.     

In situ U–Pb,Sr and Nd isotopic analysis of loparite by LA-(MC)-ICP-MS

This work describes the in situ analysis of loparite [(Na,REE)Ti₂O₆], a perovskite group mineral with extremely low Rb/Sr ratios and high rare earth contents, by LA-(MC)-ICP-MS for the determination of U–Pb ages together with Sr and Nd isotopic composition. The reliability of these data were validated by analysis of a loparite standard by TIMS solution methods. Data are given for loparite from the Lovozero and Khibiny peralkaline complexes of the Kola Alkaline Province (Russia). For Lovozero loparite the Tera–Wasserburg intercept age for 15 loparites analysed is 373 ± 11 Ma, and the weighted ²⁰⁷Pb corrected ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age is 373 ± 2 Ma. For Khibiny loparite, the intercept age for 5 loparites analysed is 375 ± 10 Ma, and the weighted ²⁰⁷Pb corrected ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age is 374 ± 3 Ma. The common Pb compositions for Lovozero and Khibiny loparites are identical i.e. ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb = 0.898 ± 0.009 and 0.898 ± 0.007, respectively. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios of Lovozero loparite range from 0.703552 to 0.703682 (av. 0.703611), and εNd (t₃₇₀) from + 3.8 to + 4.4 (av. + 4.0). The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios of Khibiny loparite range from 0.703560 to 0.703871, and εNd (t₇₃₀) from + 4.0 to + 4.8. Our data indicate that in situ LA-(MC)-ICP-MS analysis of loparite provides accurate and precise estimates of the intrusion ages and isotopic composition of peralkaline rocks.     

Recognition of early Carboniferous alkaline granite in the southern Altai orogen: post-orogenic processes constrained by U–Pb zircon ages, Nd isotopes, and geochemical data

The Altai orogen forms the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), the world’s largest accretionary orogen. However, its tectonic evolution, particularly during the late Paleozoic, is still not well understood. U–Pb zircon analyses for the Bulgen alkaline granite yield crystallization ages of 358?±?4?Ma (SHRIMP) and 354?±?4?Ma (LA-ICP-MS). These ages are significantly younger than published emplacement ages for subduction/collision-related syn-orogenic granitoids (460–375?Ma) in this region. The Bulgen granite has high SiO₂, total alkalis, rare earth elements, HFSE (Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ce), and low Ba, Sr with pronounced negative anomalies in Eu, Ba, Sr, P, and Ti, showing a clear A-type geochemical signature. The granite records high εNd(t) values of +6.3 to +6.4 and young model ages (T _DM) of ca. 600?Ma. The Bulgen alkaline granite is largely undeformed as opposed to the early-middle Paleozoic counterparts, which form elongated deformed bodies parallel to the prevailing tectonic fabric (NW direction). Available data suggest that magmatism in the southern Altai region evolved from early-middle Paleozoic I-type tholeiitic and calc-alkaline granitoids to late Paleozoic A-type alkaline granitoids. The high εNd(t) values of the Bulgen alkaline granite indicate a homogeneous juvenile mantle source, whereas the early-middle Paleozoic granitoids are characterized by lower and more variable εNd(t) values (?2.6 to +4.2). These differences provide an important insight into the late Paleozoic orogenic processes of the Chinese Altai and indicate a significant change of the tectonic regime from a syn-orogenic regional compression setting to a post-orogenic extensional one. Major tectonic movements in this region ceased after the early Carboniferous.     

Laser-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Niyasar plutonic complex,Iran: constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

We conducted geochemical and isotopic studies on the Oligocene–Miocene Niyasar plutonic suite in the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt, in order better to understand the magma sources and tectonic implications. The Niyasar plutonic suite comprises early Eocene microdiorite, early Oligocene dioritic sills, and middle Miocene tonalite + quartzdiorite and minor diorite assemblages. All samples show a medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous affinity and have similar geochemical features, including strong enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g. Rb, Ba, Sr), enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti, P). The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of microdiorite and dioritic sills are slightly fractionated [(La/Yb)_n = 1.1–4] and display weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–1.1). Isotopic data for these mafic mantle-derived rocks display I_Sr = 0.70604–0.70813, ?_Nd (microdiorite: 50 Ma and dioritic sills: 35 Ma, respectively) = +1.6 and ?0.4, TDM = 1.3 Ga, and lead isotopic ratios are (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.62–18.57, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.61–15.66, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.65–38.69. The middle Miocene granitoids (18 Ma) are also characterized by relatively high REE and minor Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.77–0.98) and have uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7065–0.7082), a range of initial Nd isotopic ratios [?Nd(T)] varying from ?2.3 to ?3.7, and Pb isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.67–18.94, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.63–15.71, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.73–39.01. Geochemical and isotopic evidence for these Eocene–Ologocene mafic rocks suggests that the magmas originated from lithospheric mantle with a large involvement of EMII component during subduction of the Neotethyan ocean slab beneath the Central Iranian plate, and were significantly affected by crustal contamination. Geochemical and isotopic data of the middle Miocene granitoids rule out a purely crustal-derived magma genesis, and suggest a mixed mantle–crustal [MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization)] origin in a post-collision extensional setting. Sr–Nd isotope modelling shows that the generation of these magmas involved ～60% to 70% of a lower crustal-derived melt and ～30% to 40% of subcontinental lithospheric mantle. All Niyasar plutons exhibit transitional geochemical features, indicating that involvement of an EMII component in the subcontinental mantle and also continental crust beneath the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt increased from early Eocene to middle Miocene time.     

Geochemistry,geochronology and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions of Middle to Late Jurassic syenite–granodiorites–dacite in South China: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data, major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are reported for coeval syenite–granodiorites–dacite association in South China. The shoshonitic syenites are characterized by high K₂O contents (5.9–6.1 wt.%) and K₂O/Na₂O ratios (1.1–1.2), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.65 to 0.77), enrichments of Rb, K, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf, but depletion of Sr, P and Ti. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry intrusions are characterized by high Al₂O₃ contents (15.0–16.8 wt.%), enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), strongly fractionated LREEs (light rare earth elements) to HREEs (heavy rare earth elements), high Sr (438–629 ppm), Sr/Y (29.2–53.6), and low Y (11.7–16.8 ppm) and HREE contents (e.g., Yb = 1.29–1.64 ppm). The calc-alkaline dacites are characterized by LREE enrichment, absence of negative Eu anomalies, and enrichment of LILEs such as Rb, Ba, Th, U and Pb, and depletion of HFSEs such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti.Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the syenites suggest that the shoshonitic magmas were differentiated from parental shoshonitic melts by fractional crystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and feldspar. The parent magmas may have originated from partial melting of the lithospheric mantle with small amount contribution from crustal materials. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry have Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions that are comparable to that of the mafic lower crust. They have low Mg# and MgO, Ni and Cr contents, abundant inherited zircons, low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values as well as old whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf model ages. These granodiorites were likely generated by partial melting of Triassic underplated mafic lower crust. The Hf isotopic compositions of the dacites are relatively more depleted than the Cathaysia enriched mantle, suggesting those magmas were derived from the partial melting of subduction-modified mantle sources. The coeval shoshonitic, high-K calc-alkaline and calc-alkaline rocks in Middle to Late Jurassic appear to be associated with an Andean-type subduction. This subduction could have resulted in the upwelling of the asthenosphere beneath the Cathaysia Block, which induced partial melting of the mantle as well as the mafic lower crust, and formed an arc regime in the coastal South China during Middle to Late Jurassic.     

Late Permian–Triassic siliciclastic provenance,palaeogeography, and crustal growth of the Songpan terrane,eastern Tibetan Plateau: evidence from U–Pb ages,trace elements,and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons

In order to constrain the detrital provenance of the siliciclastic rocks, palaeogeographic variations, and crustal growth history of central China, we carried out simultaneously in situ U–Pb dating and trace element and Hf isotope analyses on 368 detrital zircons obtained from upper Permian–Triassic sandstones of the Songpan terrane, eastern Tibetan Plateau. Two groups of detrital zircons, i.e. magmatic and metamorphic in origin, have been identified based on cathodoluminescence images, zircon Ti-temperatures, and Th/U ratios. Our data suggest that the derivation of siliciclastic rocks in the Songpan terrane was mainly from the Qinling, Qilian, and Kunlun orogens, whereas the Yangtze and North China Cratons served as minor source areas during late Permian–Triassic times. The detrital zircons from Middle–Late Triassic siliciclastic rocks exhibit wide age spectra with two dominant populations of 230–600 Ma and >1600 Ma, peaking at ~1.8–1.9 Ga and ~2.4–2.5 Ga, suggestive of a derivation from the Qinling, Qilian, and Kunlun orogens and the Yangtze Craton being the minor source area. The proportions of detrital zircon populations from the northern Qinling, Qilian, and Kunlun orogens distinctly decreased during Middle–Late Triassic time, demonstrating that the initial uplift of the western Qinling occurred then and it could have blocked most of the detritus from the Qilian–northern Qinling orogens and North China Cratons into the main Songpan–Ganzi depositional basin. The relatively detrital zircon proportions of the Yangtze Craton source decreased during Early-Middle Late Triassic time, indicating that the Longmenshan orogen was probably being elevated, since the early Late Triassic and gradually formed a barrier between the Yangtze Craton and the Songpan terrane. In addition, our Lu–Hf isotopic results also reveal that the Phanerozoic magmatic rocks in central China had been the primary products of crustal reworking with insignificant formation of a juvenile crust.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and O–Nd isotopic composition of basement rocks in the North Qinling Terrain, central China: evidence for provenance and evolution

The Qinling Group was previously interpreted as the oldest Precambrian basement unit of the North Qinling Terrain, recording its formation and early crustal evolution. The Qinling Group consists predominantly of gneisses, amphibolites, and marbles, which underwent multi-phase deformation and metamorphism. In order to better constrain the provenance and tectonic setting of this group and the evolution of the North Qinling orogenic belt, in situ U–Pb dating and oxygen isotopic analysis of zircons in combination with whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope analysis was performed on the two dominant rock types, amphibolite and felsic gneiss. Felsic gneisses exhibit enrichment of LREEs and LILEs (Rb, Ba, Th, K, Pb), negative Eu anomalies and depletion of HFSEs (Nb, Ta, P, Ti). The rocks have slightly elevated δ¹⁸O values (6.5–9.3 ‰) and initial ε _Nd values of ?4.6 corresponding to two-stage Nd model age of 1.99 Ga. Amphibolites are also enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in Nb and Ta and have homogeneous δ¹⁸O values (5.0–6.0 ‰), but higher initial ε _Nd values (2.8–3.3) and younger two-stage Nd model ages (1.29–1.24 Ga) compared to the gneisses. The zircon age record indicates that the gneisses and amphibolites were formed in a ~960 Ma volcanic arc environment rather than in a rift setting as previously suggested. A major metamorphic event took place during the Early Paleozoic. Based on the age spectrum of detrital zircons, the Qinling Group is interpreted as an autonomous geological unit, which was mainly derived mostly from 1,000 to 900 Ma old granitoid rocks. The North Qinling Terrain can be regarded as a remnant of the Grenville orogenic belt with an early Neoproterozoic evolution different from that of the North and South China blocks.     

U–Pb zircon,zircon Hf and whole-rock Sm–Nd isotopic constraints on the evolution of Paleoproterozoic rocks in the northern Gawler Craton

U–Pb zircon analyses from a series of orthogneisses sampled in drill core in the northern Gawler Craton provide crystallisation ages at ca 1775–1750 Ma, which is an uncommon age in the Gawler Craton. Metamorphic zircon and monazite give ages of ca 1730–1710 Ma indicating that the igneous protoliths underwent metamorphism during the craton-wide Kimban Orogeny. Isotopic Hf zircon data show that 1780–1750 Ma zircons are somewhat evolved with initial ε_Hf values –4 to +0.9, and model ages of ca 2.3 to 2.2 Ga. Isotopic whole rock Sm–Nd values from most samples have relatively evolved initial ε_Nd values of –3.7 to –1.4. In contrast, a mafic unit from drill hole Middle Bore 1 has a juvenile isotopic signature with initial ε_Hf zircon values of ca +5.2 to +8.2, and initial ε_Nd values of ～+3.5 to +3.8. The presence of 1775–1750 Ma zircon forming magmatic rocks in the northern Gawler Craton provides a possible source for similarly aged detrital zircons in Paleoproterozoic basin systems of the Gawler Craton and adjacent Curnamona Province. Previous provenance studies on these Paleoproterozoic basins have appealed to the Arunta Region of the North Australian Craton to provide 1780–1750 Ma detrital zircons, and isotopically and geochemically similar basin fill. The orthogneisses in the northern Gawler Craton also match the source criteria and display geochemical similarities between coeval magmatism in the Arunta Region of the North Australian Craton, providing further support for paleogeographic reconstructions that link the Gawler Craton and North Australian Craton during the Paleoproterozoic.     

Timing of the initiation of the Jurassic Yanshan movement on the North China Craton: evidence from sedimentary cycles,heavy minerals,geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb geochronology

A series of significant geological changes indicated by deformation, magmatic–metallogenic systems, and the climate and environment occurred in East Asia during Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time, but the timing and development of the ‘Yanshan movement’ on the north margin of the North China Craton has not been well-established. Based on the evidence of tectonic deformation and magmatic activity, previous studies resulted in two views of the beginning of the Yanshan movement: Early Jurassic vs. late Middle Jurassic. In this work, the timing of the initial Yanshan movement was investigated by examining the Jurassic Chenjiabangou section in the Ningwu–Jingle basin overlying the north-central part of the North China Craton. The timing of the initial Yanshan movement was constrained by restoration of stream flow directions, determination of boundaries of sedimentary cycles, identification of heavy mineral assemblages in clastic rocks, quantification of changes in chemical compositions, and zircon U–Pb isotope dating. The results indicate that the basal conglomerates of the Middle Jurassic Yungang Formation (Bathonian) mark the beginning of the Yanshan movements. Evidence supporting this conclusion includes the following. (1) The switch from transgressive lacustrine deposition to regressive lacustrine deposition in the Yungang Formation sedimentary succession indicates a change from extension to compression, possibly reflecting uplift. (2) Early-stage clastic rocks rich in quartz and feldspar are replaced by feldspar detritus in late-stage clastic rocks; the heavy mineral assemblage dominated by zircon at the early stages changed to garnet-dominated assemblage upsection. Moreover, the concentrations of CaO, MgO, CO_2, and Fe₂O₃ + FeO and the Fe₂O₃/FeO ratio changed abruptly near the basal conglomerates of the Middle Jurassic Yungang Formation, suggesting increased denudation. (3) Conglomerates at the bottom of the Middle Jurassic Yungang Formation were deposited approximately 168 million years ago, as inferred from the age of zircons in tuffaceous micrite (160.6 ± 0.55 Ma) at the bottom of the Upper Jurassic Tianchihe Formation (Oxfordian) and the age of zircons in pyroclastic rocks (179.2 ± 0.79 Ma) in the Lower Jurassic Yongdingzhuang Formation (Toarcian). These lines of evidence indicate that initial Jurassic Yanshan movement began 168 million years ago during Middle Jurassic time.     

Contrasting provenance of Late Archean metasedimentary rocks from the Wutai Complex, North China Craton: detrital zircon U–Pb, whole-rock Sm–Nd isotopic, and geochemical data

Detrital zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock Nd isotopic, and geochemical data of metasedimentary rocks from the Wutai Complex in the Central Zone, North China Craton, have been determined. Compositionally, these rocks are characterized by a narrow variation in SiO₂/Al₂O₃ (2.78–3.96, except sample 2007-1), variable Eu anomalies, spanning a range from significantly negative Eu anomalies to slightly positive anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.58–1.12), and positive ε _Nd (t) values (0.1–1.97). The 18 detrital zircons of one sample yielded age populations of 2.53 Ga, 2.60 Ga, and 2.70–2.85 Ga. Geochemical data reveal intermediate source weathering, varying degrees of K-metasomatism in the majority of these metasedimentary rocks, whereas other secondary disturbances seem to be negligible. Detailed analysis in detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock Nd isotope, and geochemistry shows that these metasedimentary rocks are derived from a mixed provenance. The predominant derivation is from the late Archean granitoids and metamorphic volcanics in the Wutai Complex, and there is also input of older continental remnants, except TTG gneisses, from the Hengshan and Fuping Complexes. The sediments were probably deposited in fore-arc or/and intra-arc basins within an arc system.     

Petrogenesis of the Bao'anzhai granite and associated Mo mineralization,western Dabie orogen,east-central China: Constraints from zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating,whole-rock geochemistry,and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes

Recently, many Mo deposits genetically related to emplacement of Early Cretaceous granites have been found in the Dabie–Qinling belt. A typical intrusion that combines magmatism and metallogenesis, the Bao'anzhai granite, yields a zircon ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb age of 123.2 ± 1.1 Ma and a molybdenite Re–Os isochron age of 122.5 ± 2.7 Ma. This granite is characterized by high silica and alkali, but low Mg, Fe, and Ca. It is enriched with light rare earth elements (REEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, Rb, K, Th, U) but depleted of heavy REEs, high field strength elements (HFSEs, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Y), and Sr. This high-K granite has medium initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.706518–0.707116) and low initial Pb isotopic ratios [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 16.423–16.699; (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 15.285–15.345; (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 37.335–37.633], and is characterized by low ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values (?14.92 to??14.22 and??21.67 to??19.19, respectively). These data indicate that this pluton is a high-K calc-alkaline fractionated I-type granitite. It was generated by partial melting of the Yangtze lower crust, which is probably similar to Neoproterozoic TTG-like magmatic rocks at the north Yangtze Block under a non-thickened lower crust environment (<35 km). The ores also have low radiogenic Pb isotopes (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 16.592–17.674; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.300–15.476; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 37.419–37.911) and low Re content in molybdenite (5.693–10.970 ppm), suggesting a crustal magmatic source for the metallogenic minerals in the Mo deposit.     

U–Pb ages,geochemistry, C–O–Nd–Sr–Hf isotopes and petrogenesis of the Catalão II carbonatitic complex (Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province,Brazil): implications for regional-scale heterogeneities in the Brazilian carbonatite associations

International Journal of Earth Sciences - The Catalão II carbonatitic complex is part of the Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province (APIP), central Brazil, close to the Catalão I complex....