燕山造山带后石湖山碱性环状杂岩体的成因与形成过程

后石湖山杂岩体是与垮塌破火山口有关的碱性环状杂岩体, 主要由呈环形分布的碱性火山岩、环状岩墙(斑状石英正长岩)、嵌套的中心复式岩株(晶洞碱长花岗岩和斑状碱长花岗岩)和锥状岩席(石英正长斑岩和花岗斑岩)组成.LA-ICPMS锆石U-Pb年代学分析表明, 斑状石英正长岩环状岩墙、石英正长斑岩和花岗斑岩锥状岩席的侵位年龄分别为119±3Ma、121±2Ma和121±2Ma.该环状杂岩体火山岩与侵入岩的形成年龄相近, 体现了它作为火山-侵入杂岩体的特征.斑状石英正长岩富碱(Na₂O+K₂O=10.0%~10.5%), K₂O含量较高(5.21%~5.42%), 具正的Eu异常(Eu/Eu*=1.05~1.40).碱长花岗岩和斑岩均具有富碱、高FeOtot/MgO、Ga/Al、Zr、Nb和REE值(Eu除外), 以及低Al₂O₃、CaO、MgO、Ba、Sr和Eu含量的特征, 都属于A型花岗岩质岩石.其中斑岩为铝质A型花岗岩, 具有高的初始岩浆温度(880~901℃).所有A型花岗质岩石均具有较富集的Nd同位素组成, ε_Nd(t)值变化于-13.9~-12.2之间.斑状石英正长岩是下地壳中-基性麻粒岩和片麻岩部分熔融产生的熔体与幔源玄武质岩浆混合, 后又发生单斜辉石分离结晶的产物; 碱长花岗岩源于上地壳长英质岩石部分熔融产生的熔体与幔源玄武质岩浆混合, 随后经历长石的分离结晶作用而成; 斑岩是受幔源岩浆底侵加热的上地壳长英质岩石的部分熔融产生的熔体, 并经历了长石的分离结晶作用而产生.该环状杂岩体的形成过程可以概括为: (1)火山爆炸性喷发形成大量的碱性火山熔岩和火山碎屑岩; (2)地下岩浆房空虚导致压力下降, 其顶板围岩失稳而沿火山口周围近直立的环状断裂垮塌, 形成塌陷的破火山口.与此同时, 下覆岩浆房的岩浆被动挤入环状断裂而形成斑状石英正长岩环状岩墙; (3)浅部地壳的长英质岩浆房过压, 促使其高温过碱质A型花岗质岩浆上升侵位形成了中心的斑状碱长花岗岩岩株, 这些岩浆的上涌导致上覆围岩产生倾角中-陡的、内倾的锥状裂隙, 为石英正长斑岩锥状岩席侵位提供了空间; (4)浅部岩浆房复活, 高温过碱质A型花岗质岩浆再度上升侵位形成被嵌套的晶洞碱长花岗岩岩株.同样, 这种岩浆的再度上侵导致上覆围岩产生了倾角较陡而内倾的锥状裂隙, 为花岗斑岩锥状岩席提供了侵位空间.后石湖山碱性环状杂岩体的形成是华北东部早白垩世与克拉通破坏相关的伸展构造体制下的产物, 这种构造体制可能与古太平洋板块的俯冲作用有关.      

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Two ring‐structures, one a ring‐dyke complex, the other a solitary ring‐dyke, have intruded gently‐dipping Mesozoic sedimentary rocks at Mt. Alford, S.S.W. of Brisbane.

In the ring‐dyke complex, a central stock of porphyritic microdiorite with closely associated granophyre has dragged up the surrounding sandstones and tilted them to a vertical position around its northern margin. Narrow, steeply‐dipping ring‐dykes of rhyolite and trachyte have intruded the upturned sediments and andesite has invaded the stock, probably as a result of cauldron subsidence. Further dyke intrusions of rhyolite and trachyte and explosive activity were followed by a basaltic dyke swarm.

The complex is adjoined on the south and east by stocks of rhyolite, a neck of bedded breccia with centroclinal dips and a ring‐dyke of alkaline rhyolite.

It is suggested that the alternation of acid and basic magma is due to tapping of a magma reservoir which rises and falls in the crust, deriving acid magma from the sial.

The present highest point in the complex is thought to be below the original surface at the time of intrusion (probably early Tertiary).     

U-Pb (SIMS SHRIMP-II) age of volcanic rocks from the Tulukuev caldera (Streltsov Uranium-Ore Cluster,Eastern Transbaikalia)

The precision dating (U-Pb local by zircons, SHRIMP-II) of volcanic rocks in the unique uranium-bearing structure of Transbaikalia is performed for the first time. The basic conclusions are as follows. The volcanic activity in the Tulukuev caldera covers the period of not less than 30–35 mln years, within the period from (not later than) 162 to 128 mln years. Two stages of caldera evolution are established: the early (trachydacite-basalt) stage up to 154 mln years and the late (trachybasalt-rhyolite) stage from 142 to 128 mln years, with a 10 mln year break, which caused the deep erosion of the lower layer. Three phases of rhyolite magmatism are substantiated. The first one, 142 mln years, is the ejection of ignimbrites (microfelsitic rhyolites); the second one, 137–135 mln years, is the outflow of lavas of sanidine-morion rhyolites and subvolcanic and ring dyke intrusions. The third phase, 128 mln years, is connected with the occurrence of cesium-bearing perlites in the southwestern part of the caldera. The age of the granite-porphyries of the Krasnokamensk stock almost coincides with the precision data of the age of the uranium ores [4]. It is found that zircons from the granite-porphyries within the ore field of the Argunsk deposit have an anomalously high content of uranium. This fact can additionally testify to the time-and-spatial closeness of magmatism and processes of ore formation.     

Mafic pyroclastic flows at Santa Maria (Gaua) Volcano, Vanuatu: the caldera formation problem in mainly mafic island arc volcanoes

At Santa Maria Volcano (New Hebrides island arc), extensive ash and scoria flow deposits overlie the mainly effusive, pre-caldera cone. Hydromagmatic features characterize these deposits, the composition of juvenile clasts ranges from basalt to acid andesite/dacite (SiO₂= 51–63.6%) with a dominant basaltic composition. The stratigraphic position of this pyroclastic series and its spatial distribution around a 8.5 km × 6 km wide caldera provide evidence of a relationship between this series and the caldera formation. In addition, these pyroclastic deposits are co-genetic to parasitic cones and lava flows developed along faults concentric to the caldera. Both series result from a compositionally layered magma reservoir, the subordinate differentiated magmas being the result of fractional crystallization from the basalts. A model of caldera formation which implies a large hydromagmatic eruption at the central vent and minor magma withdrawal by flank eruptions is proposed. This model emphasizes the importance of mafic hydroclastic eruptions in the caldera forming event and contradicts a model implying only quiet subsidence, a process often proposed for the formation of calderas in island are volcanoes of mainly mafic composition.     

The Alnö complex: tectonics of dyke emplacement

The model of dyke emplacement proposed by v. Eckermann could not be confirmed by the present study. A new model is suggested, involving up-doming of the wall-rock due to the intrusion of magma (accompanied by the formation of radial dykes and two sets of cone sheets), followed by subsidence (formation of sövite ring dykes and two other sets of cone sheets).     

Evolution of the middle Proterozoic Chandabooka Caldera,Gawler range acid volcano‐plutonic province,South Australia

Volcanism associated with the middle Proterozoic Gawler Range acid volcano‐plutonic province was initiated in the Kokatha area by the construction on Archaean basement of a large stratovolcano composed mainly of tholeiitic basalt and potassic basaltic‐andesite erupted possibly from a mantle‐derived ultramafic diapir.

Crustal melting above the diapir generated acid magma, rich in silica and potassium, which rose by major block‐stoping to form a subvolcanic magma chamber. Leakage from this chamber during the premonitory caldera phase gave rise to small explosive and effusive eruptions around an incipient ring‐fracture zone. In the caldera phase, the eruption of voluminous rhyodacite to dacite ignimbrite from the subvolcanic magma chamber resulted in collapse of the roof partway through the eruption to form the Chandabooka caldera, 15 x 10 km across: the ignimbrite comprises a thick compound cooling unit, the Chandabooka Dacite, of which both the caldera and outflow facies are preserved. Resurgent doming and subsequent uplift of the caldera block by 1 km followed in the post‐caldera phase, accompanied by minor acidic volcanism. Flat‐roofed stocks of the primitive S‐type Hiltaba Granite and a major dyke swarm intruded the volcanic pile to complete the volcano‐plutonic episode.     

Caldera-related volcanic rocks in the Shammar Group, northern Arabian Shield

Volcanic formations of the ca 630-620 Ma old Shammar Group in the Tuluhah area in the northern Arabian Shield occupy an oval area some 8×12 km. They overlie sedimentary rift-fill of the Kuara Formation and are interpreted as related to the formation of a caldera, here named the Awad Caldera. The earliest of the volcanic formations, the Dabsah Tuff, is more than 450 m thick in the south and wedges out in the north. It is composed of silicic, medial to proximal pyroclastic flow rocks that record an eruption during which an initial caldera is interpreted to have formed by probably trapdoor-style collapse. The Nijab Basalt, more than 200 m thick and present as flows overlying the Kuara Formation to the north of the caldera, is presumed to have originated outside the study area during an interval between periods of silicic volcanic activity, and to have flowed onto the Dabsah Tuff in the first-stage caldera. The succeeding Mindassa Megabreccia contains large rafts of the older Shammar rocks, mainly Nijab Basalt, in a tuff matrix, and is regarded as probably a caldera collapse and fallback megabreccia formed during a silicic eruption that led to the second stage of caldera development. The megabreccia is overlain by the post-collapse Sutayih Tuff, more than 450 m thick, composed of proximal pyroclastic flow units.     

The petrology of the layered gabbro intrusion, eastern gabbro, Coldwell alkaline complex, Northwestern Ontario, Canada: evidence for multiple phases of intrusion in a ring dyke

The Coldwell alkaline complex is a large (> 350 km²) gabbro and syenite intrusion on the north shore of Lake Superior. It was emplaced at 1108 Ma during early magmatic activity associated with the formation of the Mid-Continent Rift of North America. The eastern gabbro forms a partial ring dyke on the outer margin of the complex and consists of at least three discrete intrusions. The largest of these is the layered gabbro that comprises a 300 m thick fine- to medium-grained basal unit overlain by up to 1100 m of variably massive to layered gabbroic cumulates which vary from olivine gabbro to anorthosite. Several xenoliths of Archaean metamorphic rocks that range in size from 10's to 100's of meters are present in the central part of the intrusion. Within discrete horizons in the layered gabbro are many centimeter- to meter-scale, gabbroic xenoliths. The main cumulus minerals, in order of crystallization, are plagioclase, olivine and clinopyroxene ± Fe-Ti oxides. Biotite and Fe-Ti-oxide are the dominant intercumulus phases. Orthopyroxene occurs not as a cumulus phase but as peritectic overgrowths on cumulus olivine. A detailed petrographic and mineral chemical study of samples from two stratigraphically controlled traverses through the layered gabbro indicates that the stratigraphy cannot be correlated along the 33 km strike of the ring dyke. Mineral compositions show both normal and reversed fractionation trends. These patterns are interpreted to record at least three separate intrusions of magma into restricted dilatant zones within the ring dyke possibly associated with ongoing caldera collapse. Calculations of parental melt composition using mineral — melt equilibria show that even the most primitive gabbros crystallized from an evolved magma with mg# of 0.42-0.49. The presence of orthopyroxene overgrowths on cumulus olivine suggests rising silica activity in the melt during crystallization and implies a subalkaline parentage for the layered gabbro.     

The regional geology of the Poços de Caldas alkaline complex: mineralogy and geochemistry of selected nepheline syenites and phonolites

The Mesozoic Poços de Caldas alkaline complex, the largest known in South America, is circular-shaped with a mean diameter of about 33 km, and developed during continental break-up and drift. It comprises a suite of alkaline volcanic and plutonic rocks (mainly phonolites and nepheline syenites) with average amounts of U, Th and rare-earth elements (REEs). The evolutionary history began with major early volcanism involving ankaratrites, phonolite lavas and volcanoclastics, followed by caldera subsidence and nepheline syenite intrusions forming minor ring dykes, various intrusive bodies and circular structures. Finally, the addition or concentration of strongly incompatible elements led to the formation of eudialyte nepheline syenites and phonolites.Magmatic evolution included deuteric processes indicating a volatile-rich parent magma of upper mantle origin, without appreciable crustal contamination. These processes extended over a large temperature range and resulted in the formation of pegmatitic veins and comprised mineral assemblages including rare metal silicates such as giannettite, incipient alkali exchange reactions of feldspars, various zeolites, fluorite and hematite. Geochemically, the resulting rocks are enriched in potassium when compared to global nepheline syenites and phonolites. Mobilization and concentration of U, Th and REEs did not apparently occur at this stage.At one place (Morro do Ferro) the intermediate nephelinic suite was affected by a possible carbonatite intrusion and the formation of a stockwork of magnetite veins.Very intensive hydrothermal K- and S-rich alteration, associated with contemporaneous volcanic breccias, occurred locally. These processes led to the formation of several important radioactive and REE-rich anomalies. Two of these, the Th-REE occurrence of Morro do Ferro and the U-Zr-REE-Th occurrence of the Osamu Utsumi uranium mine, comprise the study sites of the Poços de Caldas Analogue Project.Later major stages in the evolution of the Poços de Caldas complex involved the emplacement of mafic-ultramafic dyke rocks and the onset of lateritic and allitic weathering, resulting (at the uranium mine) in supergene geochemical redistribution and the formation of redox fronts sometimes related to uranium enrichments. The end of the magmatic and hydrothermal-mineralizing events is likely fixed by the Ar-Ar dating of a lamprophyre dyke at the uranium mine (76 Ma).This study was focused towards the major rock types of the regional nephelinic suite relative to those experiencing more local hydrothermal and final weathering-related alteration. In the studied intrusive, subvolcanic and volcanic nepheline syenites and phonolites, very little variation was observed. This lack of differentiation may be seen as an argument for a short emplacement history of these rock bodies. Present radiometric age measurements suggest a time span of about 10 Ma for igneous activity at the caldera.     

The form of the intrusive complex at mount dromedary,New South Wales

In the past the Mount Dromedary igneous complex has been regarded as a differentiated laccolith, with the more felsic banatite at the summit of the mountain, monzonite on the lower slopes and pyroxenite at sea‐level.

Evidence is put forward to show that this is not the case and that the form is that of a stock or ring‐dyke with very steep contacts.

The monzonite has been emplaced by forceful injection and the banatite by permissive emplacement along a vertical, cylindrical fracture in the monzonite. The pyroxenite may form a separate dyke or stock.     

白云鄂博群的酸性火山岩

近年来,报道了内蒙白云鄂博群中一些新认识的岩石类型(徐志平等,1980;李继亮与胡辅佑,1981;李继亮,1981)。这些岩石的深入研究,无疑将对内蒙地区元古代地质发展史和白云鄂博群的成矿作用提供有益的证据。1980年,我们考查了白云鄂博镇西面元古界白云鄂博群的酸性火山岩,并进行了初步的室内分析,这里作一简要报道。     

The Lilloise Intrusion, East Greenland: Fractionation of a Hydrous Alkali Picritic Magma

The Lilloise is an 8 km4 km layered mafic intrusion which cutsthe plateau basalts of the East Greenland Tertiary province.Lilloise was intruded at 50 Ma, 4–5 Ma after cessationof the voluminous tholeiitic magmatism which accompanied riftingof the East Greenland continental margin. Lilloise is unusualamong layered intrusions in the province because it had a hydrousalkali picrite parent magma and generated a late-stage effluxof magmatic water from the intrusion into the aureole rocks.The three major subdivisions of the layered rocks are: olivine-clinopyroxene,olivine-clinopyroxene-plagioclase and plagioclase-amphibolecumulates. Massive subsidence of the intrusion before completesolidification resulted in deformation of the internal layeringand downturn of the bedding in the surrounding basalts. A strikingfeature of the intrusion is the injection of the layered rocksby a plexus of magmatic sheets which formed at the time of subsidence.The composition of these sheets is representative of the fractionationtrend of the intrusion and ranges from hawaiite to mildly saturatedquartz trachyte. The fractionation trend is successfully explainedby extraction of cumulus minerals of the layered rocks froma parent magma represented by alkali picrite dykes of a contemporaneousregional dyke swarm. Saturated to mildly over-saturated syenitesare a major component of the East Greenland province and theLilloise intrusion is illustrative of an important magmatictrend towards such compositions at this stage in the openingof the North Atlantic. KEY WORDS: Lilloise intrusion; East Greenland; alkali picrite magma; layered intrusion; magmatic differentiation ^*Corraponding author     

Petrology of the prehistoric lavas and dyke of the Barren Island,Andaman Sea,Indian Ocean

Although Barren Island (Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean) witnessed several volcanic eruptions during historic times, the eruptions that led to the formation of this volcanic island occurred mainly during prehistoric times. It is still active and currently in the fumarolic stage. Its volcanic evolution appears to be characterized by a constructive phase with the piling up of lava flows and scoria deposits and Strombolian activities, followed by a sudden collapse of the main cone. Deposits of a possible caldera-forming eruption were not recognized earlier. After a period of peri-calderic hydromagmatic activity, whose deposits presently mantle inner and outer caldera walls, a new phase of intracalderic Vulcanian activities took place. A prominent dyke in the SE inner side of the caldera wall was recognized. Petrographically the lava flows and dyke are similar but they differ in their chemical composition (viz., SiO₂, MgO, Ni, Cr) significantly. Similarity in major, minor and trace element composition (viz., K/La, K/Nb, K/Rb, K/Ti ratios) of these rocks together with Chondrite normalized trace element (Rb, Ba, Sr, P, Zr, Ti and Nb) and REE (La, Ce, Nd and Y) patterns of the Barren Island prehistoric lava flows and dyke and low-K lavas of Sunda Arc indicates that Barren Island must have evolved from a source similar to that of Sunda Arc lavas during the Quaternary Period.     

Is Efate (Vanuatu, SW Pacific) a result of subaerial or submarine eruption? An alternative model for the 1 Ma Efate Pumice Formation

The Efate Pumice Formation (EPF) is a trachydacitic volcaniclastic succession widespread in the central part of Efate Island and also present on Hat and Lelepa islands to the north. The volcanic succession has been inferred to result from a major, entirely subaqueous explosive event north of Efate Island. The accumulated pumice-rich units were previously interpreted to be subaqueous pyroclastic density current deposits on the basis of their bedding, componentry and stratigraphic characteristics. Here we suggest an alternative eruptive scenario for this widespread succession. The major part of the EPF is distributed in central Efate, where pumiceous pyroclastic rock units several hundred meters thick are found within fault scarp cliffs elevated about 800 m above sea level. The basal 200 m of the pumiceous succession is composed of massive to weakly bedded pumiceous lapilli units, each 2-3 m thick. This succession is interbedded with wavy, undulatory and dune bedded pumiceous ash and fine lapilli units with characteristics of co-ignimbrite surges and ground surges. The presence of the surge beds implies that the intervening units comprise a subaerial ignimbrite-dominated succession. There are no sedimentary indicators in the basal units examined that are consistent with water-supported transportation and/or deposition. The subaerial ignimbrite sequence of the EPF is overlain by a shallow marine volcaniclastic Rentanbau Tuffs. The EPF is topped by reef limestone, which presumably preserved the underlying EPF from erosion. We here propose that the EPF was formed by a combination of initial subaerial ignimbrite-forming eruptions, followed by caldera subsidence. The upper volcaniclastic successions in our model represent intra-caldera pumiceous volcaniclastic deposits accumulated in a shallow marine environment in the resultant caldera. The present day elevated position of the succession is a result of a combination of possible caldera resurgence and ongoing arc-related uplift in the region.     

Ben Nevis—remnant of a lost volcanic landscape

The summit region of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, consists of late Silurian to Early Devonian age volcanic rocks originally interpreted as a thick sequence (> 600 m) of andesite lavas and agglomerates that were down‐faulted during caldera subsidence. New digital field mapping of the Ben Nevis area, including both the steep north and south faces of the mountain, has revealed that the volcanic rocks consist largely of volcaniclastic debris flows, and extensive block and ash flow deposits with minor air‐fall tuff units. There is no evidence of any andesite lava flows or a volcanic vent. The volcanic detritus was derived from a volcanic centre situated to the NW of Ben Nevis, perhaps several tens of kilometres away. The rocks forming the summit region of the mountain have been re‐interpreted as a large roof pendant or keel of the former late Silurian to Early Devonian volcanic land surface that once covered much of the SW Highlands of Scotland.     

Ring complexes in the Peninsular Ranges Batholith, Mexico and the USA: magma plumbing systems in the middle and upper crust

Subvolcanic ring complexes are unusual in that they preserve a rapidly frozen record of intrusive events. This sequential history is generally lost or complicated in plutons owing to mixing and mingling in a dynamic state. Thus, subvolcanic ring complexes are more like erupted rocks in their preservation of instantaneous events, but the self-contained nature of the complexes allows detailed structural and chemical work to be conducted in environments where the relative timing between individual magmatic events is commonly well preserved.

We suggest that development of subvolcanic ring complexes in the western Peninsular Ranges Batholith (PRB) involved the following three-stage generalized sequence: (1) fracturing of the roof above a buoyant or overpressured magma chamber, which resulted in moderately inward-dipping conical fractures that locally hosted cone sheets; (2) subsequent loss of magma from the chamber, combined with degassing of the melt, which facilitated collapse of the roof along near-vertical ring faults that locally hosted ring dikes; and (3) resurgence of the chamber, and/or intrusion of a broadly cogenetic nested pluton, which locally destroyed evidence for the earlier history of the system. This sequence has been repeated twice in one of the ring complexes that we have identified, which resulted in nested intrusive centers.

Calderas, subvolcanic ring complexes and plutons may represent progressively deeper sections through linked magma plumbing systems, and the systematic occurrences of these features in the western PRB are consistent with progressively deeper along-strike exposures of the batholith from south to north over a distance greater than 250 km.

In addition to subvolcanic complexes in the western PRB, deeper crustal levels exposed in the transition zone between eastern and western parts of the batholith preserve ring complexes emplaced at depths of up to 18 km. Occurrence of these deeper-level complexes suggests either that caldera subsidence can extend to mid-crustal levels or that other processes can produce ring complexes.     

Isotopic Ages of the Carbonatitic Volcanic Rocks in the Kunyang Rift Zone in Central Yunnan, China

The Mesoproterozoic Kunyang rift, which is located on the western margin of the Yangtze platform and the southern section of the Kangdian axis, is a rare massive Precambrian iron-copper polymetallic mineralization zone in China. The Mesoproterozoic Wulu (Wuding-Lufeng) basin in the middle of the rift is an elliptic basin controlled by a ring fracture system. Moreover, volcanic activities in the basin display zonation of an outer ring, a middle ring and an inner ring with carbonatitic volcanic rocks and sub-volcanic dykes discovered in the outer and middle rings. The Sm-Nd isochron ages have been determined for the outer-ring carbonatitic lavas (1685 Ma) and basaltic porphyrite of the radiating dyke swarm (1645 Ma) and the Rb-Sr isochron ages for the out-ring carbonatitic lavas (893 Ma) and the middle-ring dykes (1048 Ma). In combination of the U-Pb concordant ages of zircon (1743 Ma) in trachy-andesite of the corresponding period and stratum (1569 Ma) of the Etouchang Formation, as well as the Rb-Sr iso     

Fenitized Wall Rock Geochemistry of the First Carbonatite Dyke at Bayan Obo,Inner Mongolia,China

The first carbonatite dyke at Bayan Obo is well exposed on the surface for a length and width of approximately 60 m and 1.1–1.5 m, respectively. Along its strike, the fenitized H1(Qs) and H2(Cs) quartzite is replaced by Na-amphiboles, aegirines, and alkali-feldspars, intermittently stretching as far away as 800 m in length. Based on petrographical characteristics, the dyke's fenitized wall rocks are divisible into different zones:(1) outer,(2) middle, and(3) inner. The outer zone is 5–17 m from the NW margin of the dyke. The middle zone is located at 3.5–5 m from the NW margin of the dyke. The inner contact zone is located between direct contact with the dyke and 3.5 m from the dyke. In the outer zone, upon visual examination, no evidence of outcrop fenitization was found and the major elemental rock composition is nearly identical to the unaltered H1 and H2 lithologies. In the thin sections, however, small amounts of Na-amphibole and phlogopite are present. Despite relatively poor development throughout the 5 m of fenitization, the wall rocks have retained at least a small geochemical signature comparable to the original sedimentary protolith. The fenites occurring in the inner zone exhibit distinct variations, not only for the sharp contact at the outcrop scale, but also for variations in major, rare earth elements(REE), and trace elements and Sm-Nd isotope composition. The wall rocks within 3.5 m have undergone strong fenitization, inheriting the geochemical signature derived from the carbonatite dyke. Fenitization in the middle zone was not as strong, at least compared to the inner zone, but was stronger than the outer zone. Compared to some trace elements and REEs, the major elements are relatively immobile during fenitization. The Sm-Nd isotope data for the carbonatite dyke and the adjacent fenitized wall rocks, where the Sm and Nd originate solely from the dyke, plots as a six-point isochron with an age of 1308±56 Ma. This age is identical to that of ore-bearing dolomite carbonatite and the related ore-forming events, indicating that there may be a petrogenetic link between the two. Based on Sr and Nd isotope compositional data, the first carbonatite dyke may be derived from an enriched mantle.     

Physical character of archean felsic volcanism in the vicinity of the Helen iron Mine,Wawa, Ontario,Canada

Archean felsic volcanic rocks form a 2000 m thick succession stratigraphically below the Helen Iron Formation in the vicinity of the Helen Mine, Wawa, Ontario. Based on relict textures and structures, lateral and vertical facies changes, and fragment type, size and distribution, the felsic volcanic rocks have been subdivided into (a) lava flows and domes (b) hyalotuffs, (c) bedded pyroclastic flows, (d) massive pyroclastic flows, and (e) block and ash flows.Lava flows and domes are flow-banded, massive, and/or brecciated and occur throughout the stratigraphic succession. Dome/flow complexes are believed to mark the end of explosive eruptive cycles. Deposits interpreted as hyalotuffs are finely bedded and composed dominantly of ash-size material and accretionary lapilli. These deposits are interlayered with bedded pyroclastic flow deposits and probably formed from phreatomagmatic eruptions in a shallow subaqueous environment. Such eruptions led to the formation of tuff cones or rings. If these structures emerged they may have restricted the access of seawater to the eruptive vent(s), thus causing a change in eruptive style from short, explosive pulses to the establishment of an eruption column. Collapse of this column would lead to the accumulation of pyroclastic material within and on the flanks of the cone/ring structure, and to flows which move down the structure and into the sea. Bedded pyroclastic deposits in the Wawa area are thought to have formed in this manner, and are now composed of a thicker, more massive basal unit which is overlain by one or more finely bedded ash units. Based on bed thickness, fragment and crystal size, type and abundance, these deposits are further subdivided into central, proximal and distal facies.Central facies units consist of poorly graded, thick (30–80 m) basal beds composed of 23–60% lithic and 1–8% juvenile fragments. These are overlain by 1–4 thinner ash beds (2–25 cm). Proximal facies basal beds range from 2–35 m in thickness and are composed of 15–35% lithic and 4–16% juvenile fragments. Typically, lithic components are normally graded, whereas juvenile fragments are inversely graded. These basal beds are overlain by ash beds (2–14 in number) which range from 12 cm to 6 m in thickness. Distal basal beds, where present, are thin (1–2 m), and composed of 2–8% lithic and 6–21% juvenile fragments. Overlying ash beds range up to 40 in number.The climax of pyroclastic activity is represented by a thick (1000 m) sequence of massive, poorly sorted, pyroclastic flow deposits which are composed of 5–15% lithic fragments and abundant pumice. These deposits are similar to subaerial ash flows and appear to mark the rapid eruption of large volumes of material. They are overlain by felsic lavas and/or domes. Periodic collapse of the growing domes produced abundant coarse volcanic breccia. The overall volcanic environment is suggestive of caldera formation and late stage dome extrusion.     

A note on the petrochemistry of the Konthainhundi pluton,District Mysore,Karnataka

The Konthainhundi suite represents a syn to post orogenic calc-alkalic to alkalicalcic series. The rocks were a result of the collapse of a shallow level magma chamber aided by caldera subsidence.