A geotraverse across two paleo-subduction zones in Tien Shan,Tajikistan

We present first LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages as well as geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data for 14 magmatic rocks collected along ca. 400 km profile across the Chatkal-Kurama terrane in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges and the Gissar Segment of the Tien Shan orogen in Tajikistan. These new data from supra-subduction and post-collisional magmatic rocks of two Late Paleozoic active margins constrain a tectonic model for terrane motions across two paleo-subduction zones: (1) The 425 Ma old Muzbulak granite of the Mogol-Tau range formed in a supra-subduction setting at the northern margin of the Turkestan Ocean. The north-dipping plate was subducted from the Early Silurian to the earliest Middle Devonian. Thereafter the northern side of the Turkestan Ocean remained a passive margin until the Early Carboniferous. (2) In the Early Carboniferous, subduction under the northern margin of the Turkestan Ocean resumed and the 315 to 305 Ma old Kara-Kiya, Muzbek, and Karamazar intrusions formed in a supra-subduction setting in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges. (3) At the same time, in the Early Carboniferous, rifting of the southern passive margin of the Turkestan Ocean formed the short-lived Gissar Basin, separated from the Turkestan Ocean by the Gissar micro-continent. North-dipping subduction in the Gissar Basin is documented by the 315 Ma Kharangon plagiogranite and the voluminous ca. 321–312 Ma Andean-type supra-subduction Gissar batholith. The Kharangon and Khanaka gabbro-plagiogranite intrusions of the southern Gissar range have geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7047–0.7056, εNd of + 1.5 to + 2.3) compatible with mantle-derived origin typical for plagiogranites associated with ophiolites. The supra-subduction rocks from the Gissar batholith and from the Mogol-Tau Kurama ranges have variably mixed Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic signatures (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7057–0.7064, εNd of − 2.1 to − 5.0) typical for continental arcs where mantle-derived magmas interact with continental crust. (4) In the latest Carboniferous, the Turkestan Ocean and the Gissar Basin were closed. The Early Permian Chinorsay (288 Ma) and Dara-i-pioz (267 Ma) post-collisional intrusions, emplaced in the northern part of the Gissar micro-continent after a long period of amagmatic evolution, have intraplate geochemical affinities and isotopic Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) 0.7074–0.7086, εNd of − 5.5 to − 7.4) indicating derivation from Precambrian continental crust which is supported by old Nd model ages (1.5 and 1.7 Ga), and by the presence of inherited zircon grains with ages 850–500 Ma in the Chinorsay granodiorite. The post-collisional intrusions in the southern Gissar and in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges (297–286 Ma), emplaced directly after supra-subduction magmatic series, have geochemical and isotopic signatures of arc-related magmas. The distinct shoshonitic affinities of post-collisional intrusions in the Mogol-Tau and Kurama ranges are explained by the interaction of hot asthenospheric material with subduction-enriched wedge of lithospheric mantle due to slab break-off at post-collisional stage. Despite origination from different tectonic environments, all magmatic rocks have relatively old Nd model ages (1.7–1.0 Ga) indicating a significant proportion of Paleoproterozoic or older crustal material in their sources and their model ages are similar to those of post-collisional intrusions from the Alai and Kokshaal Segments of the South Tien Shan.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the eastern Junggar terrane,NW China: Implication for a tectonic transition

The Carboniferous tectonic setting of the Junggar terrane, northern Xinjiang, NW China, has long been a matter of debate. Voluminous Carboniferous volcanic rocks are widely distributed in the Karamaili area, the southern part of the eastern Junggar terrane. Early Carboniferous rocks comprise basalts and basaltic andesites, with enrichment of LREE and LILE and depletion of HFSE, and uniformly high ε_Nd(t) (+ 3.7 to + 4.0). Late Carboniferous rocks consist of basalts, basaltic andesites, rhyolites and minor dacites, and can be subdivided into basic and felsic groups. The basic rocks are depleted in HFSE, and show variable high ε_Nd(t) (+ 4.8 to + 6.9). They have higher Cr and Ni and lower Na₂O, U and Th contents than early Carboniferous basic rocks. The felsic rocks show A-type affinity, with typical enrichment of alkalis, LREE and HFSE and strong depletion in Ba, Sr, Eu and Ti. They have high values of ε_Nd(t) and zircon ε_Hf(t) (+ 11.6 to + 17.9). New LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb analyses constrain their emplacement to late Carboniferous time (306.5–314.3 Ma).The Carboniferous basic rocks show negative Zr-Hf anomalies and low Th/Ce (< 0.07) and Th/La (0.06–0.16), excluding significant crustal contamination during magma evolution. They have low La/Ba (0.03–0.12), Ce/Y (< 3) and (Tb/Yb)_N (< 2) and variable Ba/Th (28–318) and Ba/La (3.1–34), suggesting that they were derived from a main spinel with minor garnet lherzolite mantle source metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. The late Carboniferous felsic rocks were produced when upwelling asthenosphere triggered partial melting of juvenile lower crust. The early Carboniferous volcanism occurred in an island-arc setting related to the southward subduction of the Paleo-Junggar Ocean plate, whereas the late Carboniferous rocks erupted in a post-collisional extensional setting. Thus, a rapid tectonic transition from arc to post-collisional extension may have occurred between early and late Carboniferous, and probably resulted from slab break-off or lithospheric delamination.     

Petrogenesis of Carboniferous adakites and Nb-enriched arc basalts in the Alataw area,northern Tianshan Range (western China): Implications for Phanerozoic crustal growth in the Central Asia orogenic belt

Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the Alataw area, Northern Tianshan Range (Xinjiang), consist of early Carboniferous (ca. 320 Ma) adakites and Nb-enriched arc basalts and basaltic andesites (NEBs), and late Carboniferous (ca. 306–310 Ma) mainly high-K calc-alkaline andesites, dacites and rhyolites. The adakites are calc-alkaline, and characterized by high Na₂O/K₂O (1.52–3.32) ratios, negligible to positive Eu anomalies, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements (e.g., Yb = 0.74–1.47 ppm) and Y (6.7–14.9 ppm), positive Sr and Ba but negative Nb and Ti anomalies, and relatively constant ε_Nd(T) values (+ 3.4–+ 6.6) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7035–0.7042). Some andesitic and dacitic adakite samples exhibit high MgO contents similar to magnesian andesites. The NEBs are sodium-rich (Na₂O/K₂O = 2.03–8.06), and differ from the vast majority of arc basalts in their higher Nb, Zr, TiO₂ and P₂O₅ contents and Nb/Th, Nb/La and Nb/U ratios, and minor negative to positive anomalies in Ba, Nb, Sr, Zr and Ti. They have the highest ε_Nd(T) values (+ 6.4–+ 11.6) but varying (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7007–0.7063). The high-K calc-alkaline suite is similar to typical ‘normal’ arc volcanic rocks in terms of moderately fractionated rare earth abundance and distinctly negative Eu, Nb, Sr and Ti anomalies. They have ε_Nd(T) values (+ 1.2–+ 6.4) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7018–0.7059). Geochemically, they are similar to coeval I-type granitoids in the Alataw area. Given the presence of early Carboniferous ophiolites in the Northern Tianshan Range, and the isotopically inappropriate compositions of Proterozoic metamorphic basement in the Alataw area, we argue that the Alataw adakites were most probably related to the melting of young subducted crust of the Northern Tianshan Ocean. The NEBs likely originated from mantle wedge peridotites metasomatized by adakites and minor slab-derived fluids. The later high-K calc alkaline suite was generated by AFC processes that acted on melts derived from a mantle wedge metasomatized by hydrous fluids. The larger range of isotopic compositions exhibited by both the NEB and high-K suite, relative to the adakites, suggests that the mantle wedge was heterogeneous prior to slab- or fluid-mediated metasomatism.Continental crustal growth of the Central Asian orogenic belt was dominated by contributions of the juvenile materials from the depleted mantle prior to 270 Ma and possibly afterwards. The results of this study suggest that other Carboniferous Nb-enriched basalts in the Tianshan Range were generated by subduction processes rather than by intraplate tectonics as previously proposed.     

U–Pb (zircon) and geochemical constraints on the age,origin, and evolution of Paleozoic arc magmas in the Oyu Tolgoi porphyry Cu–Au district,southern Mongolia

Uranium–Pb (zircon) ages are linked with geochemical data for porphyry intrusions associated with giant porphyry Cu–Au systems at Oyu Tolgoi to place those rocks within the petrochemical framework of Devonian and Carboniferous rocks of southern Mongolia. In this part of the Gurvansayhan terrane within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, the transition from Devonian tholeiitic marine rocks to unconformably overlying Carboniferous calc-alkaline subaerial to shallow marine volcanic rocks reflects volcanic arc thickening and maturation. Radiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions (ε_Nd(t) range from + 3.1 to + 7.5 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values for feldspars range from 17.97 to 18.72), as well as low high-field strength element (HFSE) contents of most rocks (mafic rocks typically have < 1.5% TiO₂) are consistent with magma derivation from depleted mantle in an intra-oceanic volcanic arc. The Late Devonian and Carboniferous felsic rocks are dominantly medium- to high-K calc-alkaline and characterized by a decrease in Sr/Y ratios through time, with the Carboniferous rocks being more felsic than those of Devonian age. Porphyry Cu–Au related intrusions were emplaced in the Late Devonian during the transition from tholeiitic to calc-alkaline arc magmatism. Uranium–Pb (zircon) geochronology indicates that the Late Devonian pre- to syn-mineral quartz monzodiorite intrusions associated with the porphyry Cu–Au deposits are ~ 372 Ma, whereas granodiorite intrusions that post-date major shortening and are associated with less well-developed porphyry Cu–Au mineralization are ~ 366 Ma. Trace element geochemistry of zircons in the Late Devonian intrusions associated with the porphyry Cu–Au systems contain distinct Th/U and Yb/Gd ratios, as well as Hf and Y concentrations that reflect mixing of magma of distinct compositions. These characteristics are missing in the unmineralized Carboniferous intrusions. High Sr/Y and evidence for magma mixing in syn- to late-mineral intrusions distinguish the Late Devonian rocks associated with giant Cu–Au deposits from younger magmatic suites in the district.     

Early cretaceous subduction-related adakite-like rocks of the Gangdese Belt,southern Tibet: Products of slab melting and subsequent melt–peridotite interaction?

The limited geochronology and geochemistry data available for the Early Cretaceous igneous rocks of the southern Gangdese Belt, southern Tibet, has resulted in the proposal of conflicting geodynamic models for the generation of the widespread Cretaceous igneous rocks in the middle and northern parts of the belt. To explore this issue, we present SHRIMP U–Pb zircon data and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic data for the Mamen andesites from the southern margin of the Gangdese Belt. The Mamen andesites, emplaced at 136.5 Ma, are sodic (Na₂O/K₂O = 1.2–2.3) and have geochemical characteristics typical of adakites (i.e., high Al₂O₃, high La/Yb ratios and Sr contents, low Y and HREE contents, and positive Eu anomalies), except for high Cr, Ni, and MgO contents. The andesites have initial (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_t ratios of 0.70413–0.70513, positive εNd(t) values of 3.7–5.8, and (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.37–18.51, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 15.59–15.65, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 38.43–38.72. In situ Hf isotopic analyses of zircons that had previously been dated by SHRIMP yielded positive initial εHf(t) values ranging from +11.0 to +15.5. A model calculation using trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data indicates that several percent of subducted sediment is required to generate the Mamen andesites, which were derived via the partial melting of subducted Neo-Tethyan slab (MORB + sediment + fluid) and subsequently hybridized by peridotite in the mantle wedge. Our data indicate that the Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust was subducted northward beneath the Gangdese Belt during the Early Cretaceous at a high angle. Our results are inconsistent with a tectonic model that advocates the low-angle or flat-slab subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust in generating the widespread Cretaceous magmatism recorded in the Gangdese Belt.     

Petrogenesis of ore-forming and pre/post-ore granitoids from the Kounrad,Borly and Sayak porphyry/skarn Cu deposits,Central Kazakhstan

Ore-forming porphyries and barren granitoids from porphyry Cu deposits differ in many ways, particularly with respect to their adakitic affinity and calc-alkaline characteristics. In this study, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating, whole rock geochemistry, whole rock Sr–Nd–Pb and zircon O–Hf isotopic analyses were carried out on the ore-forming granitoids from the Kounrad, Borly and Sayak deposits, and also on pre-ore and post-ore granitoids in adjacent regions of Central Kazakhstan. Geochronology results indicate that pre-ore magmatism occurred in the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (361.3–339.4 Ma), followed by large scale Cu mineralization (325.0–327.3 Ma at Kounrad, 311.4–315.2 Ma at Borly and 309.5–311.4 Ma at Sayak), and finally, emplacement of the Late Carboniferous post-ore barren granitoids (305.0 Ma). The geochemistry of these rocks is consistent with calc-alkaline arc magmatism characterized by strong depletions in Nb, Ta and Ti and enrichments in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, suggesting a supra-subduction zone setting. However, the ore-forming rocks at Kounrad and Sayak show adakitic characteristics with high Sr (517.5–785.3 ppm), Sr/Y (50.60–79.26), (La/Yb)_N (9.37–19.62) but low Y (6.94–11.54 ppm) and Yb (0.57–1.07 ppm), whereas ore-forming rocks at Borly and barren rocks from northwest of Borly and Sayak have normal arc magma geochemical features. The Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions show three different signatures: (1) Sayak granitoids have very young juvenile lower crust-derived compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70384 to 0.70451, ɛ_Nd (t) = + 4.9 to + 6.0; T_DM2 (Nd) = 580 to 670 Ma, ɛ_Hf (t) = + 11.3 to + 15.5; T_DM^C (Hf) = 330 to 600 Ma, δ¹⁸O = 6.0 to 8.1‰), and were probably generated from depleted mantle-derived magma with 5–15% sediment melt addition in the magma source; (2) the Kt-1 granite from northwest of Sayak shows extremely enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.71050, ɛ_Nd (t) = − 7.8, T_DM2 (Nd) = 1700 Ma), likely derived from partial melting of ancient continental crust; (3) other granitoids have transitional Sr–Nd compositions between the Sayak and Kt-1 samples, indicating a juvenile lower crust source with the addition of 10–30% of ancient crustal material. The pre-ore magmatism was probably related to partial melting of juvenile lower crust due to northward subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean, whereas the ore-forming adakitic rocks at Aktogai, Kounrad and Sayak formed by partial melting of thickened lower crust which subsequently delaminated. The ore-forming rocks at Borly, and the later post-ore barren granites, formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust with normal thickness. This tectonic setting supports the existence of an Andean-type magmatic arc in the Devonian to the Late Carboniferous, resulting from the subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash oceanic plate. The link between whole rock geochemistry and scale of mineralization suggests a higher metallogenic potential for adakitic rocks than for normal arc magmatism.     

Carboniferous magmatism and mineralization in the area of the Fuxing Cu deposit,Eastern Tianshan,China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb ages,petrogeochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions

The newly discovered Fuxing porphyry Cu deposit is located in the Dananhu–Tousuquan arc, adjacent to the Tuwu–Yandong Cu deposits of Eastern Tianshan, in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Fuxing deposit is hosted by volcanic rocks (basalt and dacite) in the Early Carboniferous Qi'eshan Group and Carboniferous felsic intrusions (plagiogranite porphyry, monzogranite, and quartz diorite). New SIMS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the plagiogranite porphyry and monzogranite emplaced at 332.1 ± 2.2 Ma and 328.4 ± 3.4 Ma, respectively. The basalts are characterized by low SiO₂ contents (47.47–54.90 wt.%), a lack of Eu anomalies, strong depletion of Na, Ta, and Ti elements but positive Sr, U, and Pb anomalies, high Y (20.8–28.2 ppm) and HREE concentrations (Yb = 2.23–3.06 ppm), and relatively low (La/Yb)_N (2.20–3.92) values; the dacite samples have high SiO₂ contents (66.13–76.93 wt.%), clearly negative Eu anomalies, high Mg^# values (36–51), and high Y (41.8–54.9 ppm) and Yb (5.76–8.98 ppm) concentrations. The basalts and dacites exhibit similar signatures as normal arc rocks, and were considered to be derived from partial melting of mantle-wedge peridotite that was previously metasomatized by slab melts. In contrast, the plagiogranite porphyry, monzogranite, and quartz diorite show the same geochemical affinity with modern adakites, which are characterized by high SiO₂ contents (67.55–79.00 wt.%), minor negative to positive Eu anomalies, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements (Yb = 0.17–1.19 ppm) and Y (1.86–10.1 ppm), positive K, Rb, Sr, and Ba but negative Nb, Ta, Th, and Ti anomalies, and high (La/Yb)_N ratios and Mg^# values. Moreover, these adakitic felsic intrusions display relatively high positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (+ 11.4 to + 18.3), low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.706080–0.711239), high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512692–0.512922) ratios, and consistent zircon δ¹⁸O values (4.41‰–5.48‰), suggesting that their parental magma were most likely derived from partial melting of the subducted oceanic crust followed by mantle peridotite interaction. Based on the whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic data, as well as detailed petrographic analyses, we further suggest that the Fuxing igneous rocks and associated porphyry Cu mineralization were generated by the northward subduction of the paleo-Tianshan oceanic plate beneath the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc during the Early Carboniferous.     

Triassic volcanism in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces,NE China: Chronology,geochemistry, and tectonic implications

With the aim of constraining the Early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), we undertook zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analyses (major and trace elements, Sr–Nd isotopes) of volcanic rocks of the Luoquanzhan Formation and Daxinggou Group in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, China. The analyzed rocks consist mainly of dacite and rhyolite, with SiO₂ contents of 68.52–76.65 wt%. Three samples from the Luoquanzhan Formation and one from the Daxinggou Group were analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb zircon techniques. Three zircons with well-defined oscillatory zoning yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 217 ± 1, 214 ± 2, and 208 ± 1 Ma, and one zircon with oscillatory zoning yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 201 ± 1 Ma. These ages are interpreted to represent the timing of eruption of the volcanic rocks. The Triassic volcanic rocks are characterized by high SiO₂ and low MgO concentrations, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7040–0.7050 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 0.7163–0.7381 (Daxinggou Group), and ε_Nd (t) = 1.89–3.94 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 3.42–3.68 (Daxinggou Group). These geochemical features indicate an origin involving the partial melting of juvenile lower crust (Nd model ages (T_DM2) of 651–821 Ma) and that compositional variation among the volcanic rocks arose from mineral fractionation and minor assimilation. These volcanic rocks formed within an extensional environment following collision of the NCC and Jiamusi-Khanka Massif during the Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic.     

The volcanic succession of Baoligaomiao,central Inner Mongolia: Evidence for Carboniferous continental arc in the central Asian orogenic belt

The Baoligaomiao Formation, within the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex is an important segment to understand the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), world's largest Phanerozoic orogenic belt. In this study, we present an integrated study of zircon U-Pb isotopic ages, whole rock major-trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data from the volcanic succession in the Baoligaomiao Formation. The volcanic succession can be divided into the lower sequence with zircon U-Pb ages in the range of 326.3 Ma–307.4 Ma and the upper sequence of 305.3 Ma. The succession belongs to two suites: calc-alkaline volcanics and high-Si rhyolites. The calc-alkaline volcanic rocks include basaltic andesite through andesite and dacite to rhyolite and their pyroclastic equivalents. These rocks exhibit a well-defined compositional trend from basaltic to rhyolitic magma, reflecting continuous fractional crystallization. These rocks show obvious enrichment in LILEs and LREEs and relative depletion of HFSEs, typical of subduction-related magma. The calc-alkaline rocks have low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7023–0.7052), positive ɛNd(t) values (2.75–4.80), and their initial Pb isotopic compositions are 17.875–18.485 of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.481–15.520 of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and 37.467–37.764 of ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, respectively. Geochemical and isotopic results suggest that the volcanic succession represents Carboniferous subduction-related, mature, continental arc volcanism. The outcrops of high-Si rhyolites are restricted to the northern edge of the continental arc, marking a transition zone between volcanic arc and back-arc basin, where they are interbedded with the calc-alkaline rocks in the lower sequence, and the upper sequence is composed only of high-Si rhyolites. The high-Si rhyolites have high SiO₂ (71.12–81.76 wt%) and varied total alkali contents (K₂O + Na₂O = 5.46–10.58 wt%), low TiO₂ (0.06–0.27 wt%), MgO (0.09–0.89 wt%) and CaO (0.08–0.72 wt%). Based on the presence of mafic alkali phenocrysts, such as arfvedsonite and siderophyllite, high Zr/Nb ratios (> 10) and peralkalinity index (PI) near unity, the high-Si rhyolites can be classified as peralkaline comendites. The high-Si rhyolites are characterized by unusually low Sr and Ba, and high abundance of Zr, Th, Nb, HREEs and Y. They show geochemical characteristics similar to those of typical A₂-type granites including their high K₂O + Na₂O, Nb, Zr and Y, and high ratios of FeO^T/MgO, Ga/Al and Y/Nb. Our study suggests that the high-Si rhyolites were derived from discrete trachytic parent magma with fractional crystallization within shallow magma reservoirs. Their Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics are similar to those of the calc-alkaline arc rocks and are compatible with partial melting of pre-existing juvenile continental arc crust. We observe that the widespread eruptions of A₂-rhyolitic magmas (305.3 Ma–303.4 Ma) following a short period of magmatic quiescence was temporally and spatially associated with voluminous intrusion of the bimodal magmas (304.3 Ma–299.3 Ma) in the pre-existing arc volcanic-plutonic belt (329 Ma–307 Ma). We envisage northward subduction and slab breakoff process resulting in an obvious change of the regional stress field to extensional setting within the Carboniferous continental arc running E-W for thousands of kilometers. Therefore, we propose the existence of an east-west-trending Carboniferous continental arc in the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc-accretion complex, with the slab breakoff event suggesting that the age of the upper sequence (305.3 ± 5.5 Ma) likely indicates the maximum age for the cessation of the northward subduction of the Hegenshan oceanic lithosphere.     

Geodynamic setting of the Zijinshan porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au–Mo–Ag ore system,SW Fujian Province,China: Constrains from the geochronology and geochemistry of the igneous rocks

Zijinshan is a large porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au–Mo–Ag ore system located in the Zijinshan mineral field (ZMF) of southwestern Fujian Province, China. Although it is commonly accepted that the early Cretaceous magmatism and the metallogenesis of the mineral field are closely related, the tectonic setting for the ore-forming event(s) has been controversial and regarded as either extensional or subduction-related. New U–Pb zircon geochronology, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic systematics, and geochemical data presented here from granites and volcanic rocks in the mineral field help to clarify this uncertainty.LA–MC–ICP-MS U–Pb zircon analyses yield weighted mean ages of between ca. 165 and 157 for the monzogranite, ca. 112 Ma for granodiorite, and between ca. 111 and 102 Ma for nine samples of volcanic units in the study area. These dates, integrated with previous geochronological data, indicate that there were two magmatic events in the area during the Middle to Late Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous. Major and trace element geochemistry indicates that these rocks are high-K, calc-alkaline granites, are enriched in LREE and Th, U, Ta, Nd, Sm and Yb, and depleted in Ba, K, Sr, P, Ti and Y. These features are characteristic of volcanic-arc granites or active-continental margin granites. The Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons in the region have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7096 to 0.7173, εNd_T values of − 10.1 to − 7.6, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 18.51–18.86, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 15.64–15.73, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 38.76–39.18. The Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks are distinctly different with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7055–0.7116, εNd_T values of − 8 to 0.5, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios ranging between 18.49 and 19.77, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 15.63–15.71, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 38.71–40.62. These characteristics suggest that the source for the Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons is a partially melted Mesoproterozoic substrate, with a minor component from Paleozoic material, whereas the Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks may represent mixing of crustal and mantle-derived melts. It is therefore suggested that the Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons, and the Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks in the ZMF are the result of an active continental-margin setting related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian continent. Given that the mineralization and the early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks in the area are genetically related, the Zijinshan porphyry–epithermal ore system formed in the subduction-related tectonic setting.     

Petrogenesis of gold-mineralized magmatic rocks of the Taerbieke area,northwestern Tianshan (western China): Constraints from geochronology,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions

Many Late Paleozoic Cu–Au–Mo deposits occur in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, their tectonic settings and associated geodynamic processes have been disputed. This study provides age, petrologic and geochemical data for andesites and granitic porphyries of the Taerbieke gold deposit from the Tulasu Basin, in the northwestern Tianshan Orogenic Belt (western China). LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the granitic porphyries have an Early Carboniferous crystallization age (349 ± 2 Ma) that is broadly contemporaneous with the eruption age (347 ± 2 Ma) of the andesites. The andesites have a restricted range of SiO₂ (58.94–63.85 wt.%) contents, but relatively high Al₂O₃ (15.39–16.65 wt.%) and MgO (2.51–6.59 wt.%) contents, coupled with high Mg^# (57–69) values. Geochemically, they are comparable to Cenozoic sanukites in the Setouchi Volcanic Belt, SW Japan. Compared with the andesites, the granitic porphyries have relatively high SiO₂ (72.68–75.32 wt.%) contents, but lower Al₂O₃ (12.94–13.84 wt.%) and MgO (0.10–0.33 wt.%) contents, coupled with lower Mg^# (9–21) values. The andesites and granitic porphyries are enriched in both large ion lithophile and light rare earth elements, but depleted in high field strength elements, similar to those of typical arc magmatic rocks. They also have similar Nd–Hf–Pb isotope compositions: ε_Nd(t) (+0.48 to +4.06 and −0.27 to +2.97) and zircons ε_Hf(t) (+3.4 to +8.0 and −1.7 to +8.2) values and high (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i (18.066–18.158 and 17.998–18.055). We suggest that the Taerbieke high-Mg andesitic magmas were generated by the interaction between mantle wedge peridotites and subducted oceanic sediment-derived melts with minor basaltic oceanic crust-derived melts, and that the magmas then fractionated to produce the more felsic members (i.e., the Taerbieke granitic porphyries) during late-stage evolution. Taking into account the Carboniferous magmatic record from the western Tianshan Orogenic Belt, we suggest that the formation of the Early Carboniferous andesites and granitic porphyries in the Taerbieke area were related to the Paleo-Junggar Oceanic plate southward subduction under the Yili–Central Tianshan plate. The close association of the Early Carboniferous magmatic rocks and Au mineralization in the Taerbieke area suggests that the arc magmatic rocks in the Tulasu basin may have a high potential for Au mineralization.     

Geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition of the Harrat Al-Madinah Volcanic Field,Saudi Arabia

Whole-rock geochemical and Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data are presented for the Harrat Al-Madinah volcanic field, in the north western part of the Arabian plate, aiming to understand their origin and the composition of their mantle source. This area is an active volcanic field characterized by the occurrence of two historic eruptions approximately in 641 and 1256 A.D. Field investigation of the main volcanic landforms indicates dominantly monogenetic strombolian eruptions, in addition to local phreatomagmatic eruption style. The lavas consist mainly of alkali olivine basalt, olivine transitional basalt, and hawaiite with ocean island basalt (OIB)-like characteristics. Evolved rocks, represented by mugearites, benmoreites, and trachytes, occur mainly as domes, tuff cones and occasionally as lava flows. Chemical variations in the evolved rocks indicated their evolution by low pressure crystal fractionation of olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and Fe–Ti oxides from the relatively primitive basalts. The isotopic compositions of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512954–0.512995), ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.702899 to–0.702977) and Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.5515–18.7446, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.5120–15.5222, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.1347–38.4468), show restricted variations suggesting only minor crustal contamination. They defined an array consistent with mixing of two geochemically distinct components of depleted MORB-mantle (DMM) and high ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb ratio (HIMU). The variations in Tb/Yb, La/Yb and Sm/Yb ratios in the relatively primitive basalts (MgO > 6 wt.%) indicated garnet peridotite source. However, the positive Nb, Sr, Ba and Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns and the significant variation between Zr/Nb vs. Ce/Y and La/Yb vs. Yb suggest contribution of an amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite source. Moreover, the negative correlations between SiO₂ vs. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Th vs. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd are interpreted as an indication of mixing melts derived from two end-members; one is garnet bearing asthenospheric source with OIB characteristic and the other is amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite. The Harrat Al-Madinah volcanic field occurs near the Red Sea Rift System and its origin reflects a strong lithospheric control on the loci of partial melting. The dominantly NNW alignment patterns of the volcanoes, which is similar to the regional Red Sea trend, may suggest that the magmas were produced by decompression partial melting triggered by lithospheric extension related to the Red Rift.     

Zircon U–Pb age,Hf isotopic compositions and geochemistry of the Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granite Pluton and Taoyuan mafic–felsic Complex at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block

This work presents an integrated study of zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope along with whole-rock geochemistry on Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granites and Taoyuan mafic–felsic intrusive Complex located at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block, filling in a gap in understanding of Paleozoic I-type granites and mafic-intermediate igneous rocks in the eastern South China Craton (SCC). The Fengdingshan granite and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro are dated at 436 ± 5 Ma and 409 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The Fengdingshan granites display characteristics of calc-alkaline I-type granite with high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7093–0.7127, low εNd(t) values ranging from −5.6 to −5.4 and corresponding Nd model ages (T_2DM) of 1.6 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from −2.7 to 2.6 and model ages of 951–1164 Ma. The Taoyuan mafic rocks exhibit typical arc-like geochemistry, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta. They have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7053–0.7058, εNd(t) values of 0.2–1.6 and corresponding T_2DM of 1.0–1.1 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from 3.2 to 6.1 and model ages of 774–911 Ma. Diorite and granodiorite from the Taoyuan Complex have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7065–0.7117, εNd(t) values from −5.7 to −1.9 and Nd model ages of 1.3–1.6 Ga. The petrographic and geochemical characteristics indicate that the Fengdingshan granites probably formed by reworking of Neoproterozoic basalts with very little of juvenile mantle-derived magma. The Taoyuan Complex formed by magma mixing and mingling, in which the mafic member originated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Both the Fengdingshan and Taoyuan Plutons formed in a post-orogenic collapse stage in an intracontinental tectonic regime. Besides the Paleozoic Fengdingshan granites and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro, other Neoproterozoic and Indosinian igneous rocks located along the southeastern and western margin of the Yangtze Block also exhibit decoupled Nd–Hf isotopic systemics, which may be a fingerprint of a previous late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic oceanic subduction.     

Evolution of K-rich magmas derived from a net veined lithospheric mantle in an ongoing extensional setting: Geochronology and geochemistry of Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks from Eastern Pontides (Turkey)

The Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks between the cities of Trabzon and Giresun in the Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey) erupted as mildly and moderately alkaline magmas ranging from silica-saturated to silica-undersaturated types. ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar dating and petrochemical data reveal that the studied volcanic rocks are discriminated in two: Lutetian (Middle Eocene) mildly alkaline, (basaltic rocks: 45.31 ± 0.18 to 43.86 ± 0.19 Ma; trachytic rocks: 44.87 ± 0.22 to 41.32 ± 0.12 Ma), and Messinian (Late Miocene) moderately alkaline volcanic rocks (tephrytic rocks: 6.05 ± 0.06 and 5.65 ± 0.06 Ma). The trace and the rare earth element systematic, characterised by moderate light earth element (LREE)/heavy rare earth element (HREE) ratios in the Eocene basaltic and trachytic rocks, high LREE/HREE ratios in the Miocene tephrytic rocks, and different degrees of depletion in Nb, Ta, Ti coupled with high Th/Yb ratios, show that the parental magmas of the volcanic rocks were derived from mantle sources previously enriched by slab-derived fluids and subducted sediments. The Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic composition of the Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks support the presence of subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle. During the magma ascent in the crust, parental magmas of both the Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks were mostly affected by fractional crystallisation rather than assimilation coupled with fractional crystallisation and mixing. The silica-undersaturated character of the Miocene tephrytic rocks could be attributed to assimilation of carbonate rocks within shallow-level magma chambers. The parental magmas of the Eocene volcanic rocks resulted from a relatively high melting degree of a net veined mantle and surrounding peridotites in the spinel stability field due to an increase in temperature, resulting from asthenospheric upwelling related to the extension of lithosphere subsequent to delamination. The parental magmas for the Miocene volcanic rocks resulted from a relatively low melting degree of a net veined mantle domain previously modified by metasomatic melts derived from a garnet peridotite source after decompression due to extensional tectonics, combined with strike-slip movement at a regional scale related to ongoing delamination.     

Late Paleozoic–Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Trans-Altai and South Gobi Zones in southern Mongolia based on structural and geochronological data

The Trans-Altai Zone in southern Mongolia is characterized by thrusting of greenschist-facies Silurian oceanic rocks over Devonian and Lower Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary sequences, by E–W directed folding affecting the early Carboniferous volcanic rocks, and by the development of N–S trending magmatic fabrics in the Devonian–Carboniferous arc plutons. This structural pattern is interpreted as the result of early Carboniferous thick-skinned E–W directed nappe stacking of oceanic crust associated with syn-compressional emplacement of a magmatic arc. The southernmost South Gobi Zone represents a Proterozoic continental domain affected by shallow crustal greenschist-facies detachments of Ordovician and Devonian cover sequences from the Proterozoic substratum, whereas supracrustal Carboniferous volcanic rocks and Permian sediments were folded into N–S upright folds. This structural pattern implies E–W directed thin-skinned tectonics operating from the late Carboniferous to the Permian, as demonstrated by K–Ar ages ranging from ~ 320 Ma to 257 Ma for clay fractions separated from a variety of rock types. Moreover, the geographical distribution of granitoids combined with their geochemistry and SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages form distinct groups of Carboniferous and Permian age that record typical processes of magma generation and increase in crustal thickness. The field observations combined with clay ages, the geochemical characteristics of the granitoids and their ages imply that the E–W trending zone affected by tectonism migrated southwards, leaving the Trans Altai Zone inactive during the late Carboniferous and Permian, suggesting that the two units were tectonically amalgamated along a major E–W trending strike slip fault zone. This event was related to late Carboniferous subduction that was responsible for the vast volume of granitoid magma emplaced at 300–305 Ma in the South Gobi and at 307–308 Ma in the Trans-Altai Zones. The formation and growth of the crust was initially due only to subduction and accretion processes. During the post-collisional period from 305 to 290 Ma the addition of heat to the crust led to the generation of (per-) alkaline melts. Once amalgamated, these two different crustal domains were affected by N–S compression during the Triassic and early Jurassic (185–173 Ma), resulting in E–W refolding of early thrusts and folds and major shortening of both tectonic zones.     

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.     

An Early Devonian to Early Carboniferous volcanic arc in North Tianshan,NW China: Geochronological and geochemical evidence from volcanic rocks

The Late Paleozoic volcanic and sedimentary rocks are widespread in the North Tianshan along the north margin of the Yili block. They consist of basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite, trachyandesite, dacite, rhyolite, tuff, and tuffaceous sandstone. According to zircon sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) dating, the age of the Late Paleozoic volcanic rocks in Tulasu basin in western part of North Tianshan is constrained to be Early Devonian to Early Carboniferous (417–356 Ma), rather than Early Carboniferous as accepted previously. Geochemical characteristics of the Early Devonian to Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks are similar to those of arc volcanic rocks, which suggest that these volcanic rocks could be the major constituents of a continental arc formed by the southward subduction of North Tianshan Oceanic lithosphere. Geochemical studies indicate that the magma source of the volcanic rocks might be the mantle wedge mixed with subduction fluid, which is geochemically enriched than primitive mantle but depleted than E-MORB. The calculation shows that the basalt could be formed by ∼10% partial melting of subduction fluid modified mantle wedge. Andesites with high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7094–0.7104) and negative εNd(t) (−4.45 to −4.79) values reveal the contribution of continental crust to its source. The calculation of assimilation–fractional crystallization (AFC) shows that the fractional crystallization process of the basaltic magma, which was accompanied with assimilation by different degree of continental crust, produced andesite (7–9%), dacite (∼12%) and rhyolite (>20%).     

Weak compositional zonation in a silicic magmatic system: Incesu ignimbrite,Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (Kayseri – Turkey)

The Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP), one of four major volcanic provinces in Turkey, plays a significant role in the interpretation of the tectonic evolution of Central Anatolia. The CAVP developed within a complex collisional system involving the African, Arabian and Eurasian plates during the Miocene. The volcanism exhibits complicated variations in mineralogical, petrological and geochemical compositions resulting from post-collisional lithospheric dynamics. The Incesu ignimbrite has 5–20 m thick and covers an area of ～7800 km². It is composed of three stratigraphic levels. The lower level (LL) shows blackish brown and glassy welded structure. The middle level (ML) is a well-welded, reddish pink in color and has large amounts of fiamme. The upper level (UL) is grayish pink, weakly welded and has rock fragments of different compositions. The Incesu ignimbrite is composed of plagioclase (oligoclase, andesine) + pyroxene (augite, clinoenstatite) + opaque minerals and low amount of amphibole, biotite and quartz. Eutaxitic texture is dominant in ML and LL samples; these levels are more strongly and contain more flattened pumice fragments and volcanic glass shards than in the UL. A sharp color contrast defines the contact between LL and ML.Major, trace and rare earth element of the Incesu ignimbrite, characterized by their rhyolite, rhyodacite–dacite composition, medium–high K, calcalkaline and peraluminous nature, show fractional crystallization primarily controlled by plagioclase, clinopyroxene, magnetite, ilmenite and titanomagnetite. Sr and Nd isotopic ratios of Incesu ignimbrite display isotopic variations between the ignimbrite levels; they exhibit a limited range in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7043–0.7049) and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512716–0.512760). The Sr–Nd isotopic ratio of Incesu ignimbrite reveals an age of 3 Ma. The ignimbrite evolved through fractional crystallization and crystal contamination of the parent magma derived from Ocean Island Basalt (OIB) like magma. This suggestion is supported by the AFC modeling based on the trace elements and Sr isotope data.Variation of several major oxide concentrations (Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, CaO and K₂O), trace element concetrations (V, Sr, Cs and Rb) and trace element ratios (Ba/Rb, Sr/, K/Sr, K/Nb, Rb/Sr, Rb/Y and Rb/Nb) versus SiO₂ concentration show the magma chamber that generated the Incesu ignimbrite was compositionally zoned. All geochemical and Sr–Nd isotpic datas can be interepreted to be the result of a subduction related source.     

Constraints of C–O–S–Pb isotope compositions and Rb–Sr isotopic age on the origin of the Tianqiao carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposit,SW China

The Tianqiao Pb–Zn deposit in the western Yangtze Block, southwest China, is part of the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou (SYG) Pb–Zn metallogenic province. Ore bodies are hosted in Devonian and Carboniferous carbonate rocks, structurally controlled by a thrust fault and anticline, and carried about 0.38 million tons Pb and Zn metals grading > 15% Pb + Zn. Both massive and disseminated Pb–Zn ores occur either as veinlets or disseminations in dolomitic rocks. They are composed of ore minerals, pyrite, sphalerite and galena, and gangue minerals, calcite and dolomite. δ³⁴S values of sulfide minerals range from + 8.4 to + 14.4‰ and display a decreasing trend from pyrite, sphalerite to galena (δ³⁴S_pyrite > δ³⁴S_sphalerite > δ³⁴S_galena). We interpret that reduced sulfur derived from sedimentary sulfate (gypsum and barite) of the host Devonian to Carboniferous carbonate rocks by thermal–chemical sulfate reduction (TSR). δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of hydrothermal calcite range from –5.3 to –3.4‰ and + 14.9 to + 19.6‰, respectively, and fall in the field between mantle and marine carbonate rocks. They display a negative correlation, suggesting that CO₂ in the hydrothermal fluid was a mixture origin of mantle, marine carbonate rocks and sedimentary organic matter. Sulfide minerals have homogeneous and low radiogenic Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.378 to 18.601, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.519 to 15.811 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.666 to 39.571) that are plotted in the upper crust Pb evolution curve and overlap with that of Devonian to Carboniferous carbonate rocks and Proterozoic basement rocks in the SYG province. Pb isotope compositions suggest derivation of Pb metal from mixed sources. Sulfide minerals have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.7125 to 0.7167, higher than Sinian to Permian sedimentary rocks and Permian Emeishan flood basalts, but lower than basement rocks. Again, Sr isotope compositions are supportive of a mixture origin of Sr. They have an Rb–Sr isotopic age of 191.9 ± 6.9Ma, possibly reflecting the timing of Pb–Zn mineralization. C–O–S–Pb–Sr isotope compositions of the Tianqiao Pb–Zn deposit indicate a mixed origin of ore-forming fluids, which have Pb–Sr isotope homogenized before the mineralization. The Permian flood basalts acted as an impermeable layer for the Pb–Zn mineralization hosted in the Devonian–Carboniferous carbonate rocks.     

Petrology,geochemistry, and geochronology of Paleoproterozoic volcanic and granitic rocks (1.89–1.88 Ga) of the Pitinga Province,Amazonian Craton,Brazil

This paper presents geochemical, petrographic, and geochronological data on the Uatumã magmatism in the Pitinga Province, where it is represented by volcanic rocks from the Iricoumé Group and granitic rocks from the Mapuera Suite. The Iricoumé Group (1.89–1.88 Ga) is constituted of the Divisor Formation (intermediate volcanic rocks), Ouro Preto Formation (acid effusive rocks), and Paraiso Formation (acid crystal-rich ignimbrites, surge deposits, and basic rocks). The volcanic sequence is intruded by granitoids from the Mapuera Suite (1.88 Ga), mainly represented by monzogranites and syenogranites. Structural and field relations suggest that caldera complex collapse controlled the emplacement of volcanics and granitoids of the Mapuera Suite. Subsequent structure reactivations allowed the younger Madeira Suite (1.82–1.81 Ga) to be emplaced in the central portion of the caldera complex. The felsic Iricoumé magmatism is mainly composed of rhyolites, trachydacites and latites, with SiO₂ contents between 64 wt% and 80 wt%. The plutonic rocks from the Mapuera Suite present SiO₂ between 65 wt% and 77 wt%. Volcanic and granitic rocks present identical geochemical characteristics and that is attributed to their co-magmatic character. The felsic volcanic rocks and granites are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous and show affinity with silica-saturated alkaline series or with A-type magmas. They have Na₂O + K₂O between 6.6% and 10.4%, FeO^t/(FeO^t + MgO) varying between 0.76 and 0.99, Ga/Al ratios between 1.5 and 4.9, like typical A-type rocks; and plot in the within-plate or post-collisional fields in the (Nb + Y) vs. Rb diagram. The Nb/Y ratios indicate that these rocks are comparable to A2-type granites. This magmatism can be related to the (i) potassic alkaline series, with low Sr content in the felsic rocks explained by plagioclase fractionation at low pressure and high temperature or, alternatively, (ii) a bimodal association where magma had high crustal influence. The similarity of the Iricoumé felsic magmatism with A2-type granitoids and their high ETRL/Nb ratios suggest its relation with mantle sources previously modified by subduction, probably in a post-collision environment. Alternatively, this can be interpreted as bimodal within-plate magmatism with contamination by crustal melts. In this context, the extreme F, Nb and Zr enrichment of Madeira Suite could be explained by the presence of a thin crust which favored the presence and continuity of convective systems in the upper mantle.