Geochemistry,geochronology and Hf isotope of granitoids in the northern Alxa region:Implications for the Late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The tectonic setting of the northern Alxa region during the Late Paleozoic is highly controversial.The key to resolve this controversy is to recognize the Late Paleozoic magmatic processes in the northern Alxa.In this paper,we present new zircon U-Pb ages,Hf-isotopic compositions and whole-rock geochemical data of four granitoids along the Zhusileng-Hangwula Tectonic Belt in the northern Alxa region that could provide critical information about the tectonic evolution of this region.The zircon U-Pb data could be grouped as two phases:Late Devonian granite and diorite(ca.373-360 Ma),and Late Carboniferous granodiorite(ca.318 Ma).The Late Devonian granites and diorites are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous,with A/CNK and A/NK ratios of 0.90-1.11 and0.95-2.19,respectively.The Late Devonian diorites are characterized by high MgO,Cr and Ni contents and MgO#values,together with variable ε_(Hf)(t) values from-1.0 to+1.3 and old T_(DM2) ages varied from 1283 Ma to 1426 Ma,indicating the primary magma was potentially derived from magma mixing of depleted mantle with Mesoproterozoic continental crust.Even though the Late Devonian granites yielded most positive and minor negative e_(Hf)(t) values between-1.1 to+5.7(three grains are negative) with two-stage model ages(T_(DM2)) of 1003-1438 Ma,they display low MgO,Cr and Ni contents and MgO#values,suggesting that they were mainly derived from juvenile crustal materials,mixed with a small amount of ancient crust.The Late Carboniferous granitoids are metaluminous and medium-K calc-alkaline series,with A/CNK and A/NK ratios ranging from 0.88 to 0.95 and1.75 to 1.90,respectively.These rocks were potentially derived from juvenile crustal materials mixed with depleted mantle,as evidenced by their high ε_(Hf)(t) values(+11.6 to+14.1) and young TDM2 ages(427 Ma to 586 Ma),as well as high Mg#values,and MgO,Ni and Cr contents.Our data,along with available sedimentary evidence and previous researches,indicate that the Late Devonian and Late Carboniferous rocks are arc-related granitoids under the subduction setting.The identification of arc-related granitoids in the northern Alxa region not only reveals the Late Paleozoic magmatic process in response to the subduction of Paleo Asian Ocean,but also provide significant constrains to the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.     

The giant tin polymetallic mineralization in southwest China:Integrated geochemical and isotopic constraints and implications for Cretaceous tectonomagmatic event

The Gejiu-Bozushan-Laojunshan W-Sn polymetallic metallogenic belt(GBLB) in southeast Yunnan Province is an important part of the southwestern Yangtze Block in South China.Tin polymetallic mineralization in this belt includes the Niusipo,Malage,Songshujiao,Laochang and Kafang ore fields in the Gejiu area which are spatially and temporally associated with the Kafang-Laochang and Songshujiao granite plutons.These granites are characterized by variable A/CNK values(mostly 1.1,except for two samples with 1.09),high contents of SiO_2(74.38-76.84 wt.%) and Al_2 O_3(12.46-14.05 wt.%) and variable CaO/Na_2 O ratios(0.2-0.65) as well as high zircon δ~(18)O values(7.74‰-9.86‰),indicative of S-type affinities.These rocks are depleted in Rb,Th,U,Ti,LREE[(La/Yb)N=1.4-20.51],Ba,Nb,Sr,and Ti and display strong negative Eu and Ba anomalies.The rocks possess high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios,relatively low initial ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios(0.6917-0.7101),and less radiogenic εNd(t)values(-8.0 to-9.1).The zircon grains from these rocks show negative ε_(Hf)(t) values in the range of-3.7 to-9.9 with mean T_(DM2)(Nd) and T_(DM2)(Hf) values of 1.57 Ga and 1.55 Ga.They show initial ~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb ranging from15.69 to 15.71 and ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb from 18.36 to 18.70.Monazite from Songshujiao granites exhibits higher U and lower Th/U ratios,lower δ~(18)O values and higher ε_(Hf)(t) values than those of the zircon grains in the KafangLaochang granites.The geochemical and isotopic features indicate that the Laochang-Kafang granites originated by partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crustal components including biotite-rich metapelite and metagraywacke,whereas the Songshujiao granites were derived from Mesoproterozoic muscovite-rich metapelite crustal source.Most zircon grains from the Songshujiao,Laochang and Kafang granites have high-U concentrations and their SIMS U-Pb ages show age scatter from 81.6 Ma to 88.6 Ma,80.7 Ma to 86.1 Ma and 82.3 Ma to 87.0 Ma,suggesting formation earlier than the monazite and cassiterite.Monazite SIMS U-Pb ages and Th-Pb ages of three same granite samples are consistent and show yielded 206 Pb/~(238)U ages of 83.7 ± 0.6 Ma,83.7±0.6 Ma,and 83.4±0.6 Ma,and ~(208)Pb/~(232)Th ages of 83.2 ± 0.5 Ma,83.8 ± 0.4 Ma,and 83.5±0.9 Ma,which are within the range of the SIMS zircon U-Pb ages from these rocks.The data constrain the crystallization of the granites at ca.83 Ma.In situ U-Pb dating of two cassiterite samples from the cassiterite-sulfide ore in the Songshujiao ore field and Kafang ore field,and two from the cassiterite-oxide+cassiterite bearing dolomite in the Laochang ore field yielded weighted mean 206 Pb/~(238)U ages of 83.5±0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.6),83.5 ± 0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.5),83.6 ±0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.6) and 83.2 ±0.7 Ma(MSWD=0.6),respectively.Combined with geological characteristics,the new geochronological data indicate that the formation of the granites and Sn polymetallic deposits are coeval.We correlate the magmatic and metallogenic event with lithospheric thinning and asthenosphere upwelling in continental extension setting in relation to the eastward subduction of the Neo-Tethys beneath the Sanjiang tectonic domain during Late Cretaceous.     

Detrital zircon constraints on late Paleozoic tectonism of the Bogda region(NW China) in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Chinese North Tianshan(CNTS) in the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB) has undergone multistage accretion-collision processes during Paleozoic time,which remain controversial.This study addresses this issue by tracing the provenance of Late Paleozoic sedimentary successions from the Bogda Mountain in the eastern CNTS through U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopic analyses of detrital zircons.New detrital zircon U-Pb ages(N=519) from seven samples range from 261±4 Ma to 2827±32 Ma.The most prominent age peak is at 313 Ma and subordinate ages vary from 441 Ma to 601 Ma,with some Precambrian detrital zircon ages(～7%) lasting from 694 Ma to 1024 Ma.The youngest age components in each sample yielded weighted mean ages ranging from 272±9 Ma to 288±5 Ma,representing the maximum depositional ages.These and literature data indicate that some previously-assumed "Carboniferous"strata in the Bogda area were deposited in the Early Permian,including the Qijiaojing,Julideneng,Shaleisaierke,Yangbulake,Shamaershayi,Liushugou,Qijiagou,and Aoertu formations.The low maturity of the sandstones,zircon morphology and provenance analyses indicate a proximal sedimentation probably sourced from the East Junggar Arc and the Harlik-Dananhu Arc in the CNTS.The minor Precambrian detrital zircons are interpreted as recycled materials from the older strata in the Harlik-Dananhu Arc.Zircon E_(Hf)(t) values have increased since ～408 Ma,probably reflecting a tectonic transition from regional compression to extension.This event might correspond to the opening of the Bogda intraarc/back arc rift basin,possibly resulting from a slab rollback during the northward subduction of the North Tianshan Ocean.A decrease of zircon ε_(Hf)(t) values at ～300 Ma was likely caused by the cessation of oceanic subduction and subsequent collision,which implies that the North Tianshan Ocean closed at the end of the Late Carboniferous.     

Paleoproterozoic juvenile magmatism within the northeastern sector of the São Francisco paleocontinent: Insights from the shoshonitic high Ba–Sr Montezuma granitoids

New,integrated petrographic,mineral chemistry,whole rock geochemical,zircon and titanite UPb geochronology,and zircon Hf isotopic data from the Montezuma granitoids,as well as new geochemical results for its host rocks represented by the Corrego Tingui Complex,provides new insights into the late-to post-collisional evolution of the northeastern Sao Francisco paleocontinent.U-Pb zircon dates from the Montezuma granitoids spread along the Concordia between ca.2.2 Ga to 1.8 Ga and comprise distinct groups.Group I have crystallization ages between ca.2.15 Ga and 2.05 Ga and are interpreted as inherited grains.Group II zircon dates vary from 2.04 Ga to1.9 Ga and corresponds to the crystallization of the Montezuma granitoids,which were constrained at ca.2.03 Ga by the titanite U-Pb age.Inverse age zoning is common within the ca.1.8 Ga Group III zircon ages,being related to fluid isotopic re-setting during the Espinhaco rifiting event.Zircon ε_(Hf)(t) analysis show dominantly positive values for both Group I(-4 to+9) and Ⅱ(-3 to+8) zircons and T_(DM2) model ages of 2.7-2.1 Ga and 2.5-1.95 Ga,respectively.Geochemically,the Montezuma granitoids are weakly peraluminous to metaluminous magnesian granitoids,enriched in LILES and LREE,with high to moderate Mg#and depleted in some of the HFSE.Their lithochemical signature,added to the juvenile signature of both inherited and crystallized zircons,allowed its classification as a shoshonitic high Ba-Sr granitoid related to a late-to post-collisional lithosphere delamination followed by asthenospheric upwelling.In this scenario,the partial melting of the lithospheric mantle interacted with the roots of an accreted juvenile intra-oceanic arc,being these hybrid magma interpreted as the source of the Montezuma granitoids.The Corrego Tingui Complex host rocks are akin to a syn-to late-collisional volcanic arc granitoids originated from the partial melting of ancient crustal rocks.The results presented in this study have revealed the occurrence of juvenile rocks,probably related to an island arc environment,that are exotic in relation to the Paleo-to Neoarchean crust from the Sao Francisco paleocontinent's core.     

Magmatic history during late Carboniferous to early Permian in the North of the central Xing’an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt: a case study of the Houtoumiao pluton,Inner Mongolia

We undertake zircon U–Pb dating, Hf isotopes, and geochemical analyses of the Houtoumiao pluton in the Xilinhot microcontinent (XLMC) in the central Inner Mongolia with an aim of determining their ages, petrogenesis, and sources, which are important for understanding the late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Xing’an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt. The Houtoumiao pluton consists of medium-grained granodiorite, coarse- and medium-grained syenogranite. Mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) are common in the Houtoumiao pluton. Zircon U–Pb dating has yielded ages of 303 ± 2 and 301 ± 2 Ma for the granodiorite, 295 ± 2 Ma for the syenogranite, and 292 ± 1 Ma for the MMEs. The granodiorite and syenogranite have features of high-K high silica content, rich in Rb, U, and Th, but low content of HFSE, belong to calc-alkaline series. The P₂O₅ concentration decreases with the increasing SiO₂ content, suggesting I-type affinity. The MMEs, which are characterized by low SiO₂, relatively high and variable TiO₂, Al₂O₃, FeO^T, MgO, CaO, Ni, and Cr contents, also have much higher total rare earth element concentrations that the REE patterns are subparallel to those of the host rocks. Zircons from the host rocks have ε_Hf(t) values from +3.91 to +7.73 and T_DM2 values of 820–1067 Ma, suggesting that the granitoids were probably dominated by remelting of juvenile crust materials. The MMEs are of ε_Hf(t) value ranging from +6.23 to +11.04 and T_DM1 values from 490 to 693 Ma, suggesting that the primary magma probably was derived from partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle, the mafic mineral fractional crystallization and crustal contamination occurred during the magma evolution. Combined with previous studies on the contemporaneous magma-tectonic activities in the Uliastai Continental Margin and XLMC, we suggest that the Houtoumiao pluton formed in a post-orogenic setting.     

High-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Borborema Province,Northeast Brazil: Reworking of Archean oceanic crust during proterozoic orogenies

We present the first evidence of Archean oceanic crust submitted to Proterozoic high-pressure (HP) metamorphism in the South American Platform. Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf isotopic data combined with U–Pb geochronological data from the Campo Grande area, Rio Grande do Norte domain, in the Northern Borborema Province, reflect a complex Archean (2.9 ​Ga and 2.6 ​Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (2.0 ​Ga) evolution, culminating in the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano/Pan-African orogeny (ca. 600 Ma). The preserved mafic rocks contain massive poikiloblastic garnet and granoblastic amphibole with variable proportions of plagioclase ​+ ​diopside in symplectitic texture, typical of high-pressure rocks. These clinopyroxene-garnet amphibolites and the more common garnet amphibolites from the Campo Grande area are exposed as rare lenses within an Archean migmatite complex. The amphibolite lenses represent 2.65 ​Ga juvenile tholeiitic magmatism derived from depleted mantle sources (positive ε_Hf(t) values of +3.81 to +30.66) later enriched by mantle metasomatism (negative ε_Nd(t) values of –7.97). Chondrite and Primitive Mantle-normalized REE of analyzed samples and discriminant diagrams define two different oceanic affinities, with E-MORB and OIB signature. Negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu1 ​= ​0.75–0.95) indicate depletion of plagioclase in the source. Inherited zircon cores of 3.0–2.9 ​Ga in analyzed samples indicate that the Neoarchean tholeiitic magmatism was emplaced into 2923 ​± ​14 ​Ma old Mesoarchean crust (ε_Nd(t) ​= ​–2.58 and Nd T_DM ​= ​3.2 ​Ga) of the Rio Grande do Norte domain. The age of retro-eclogite facies metamorphism is not yet completely understood. We suggest that two high-grade metamorphic events are recognized in the mafic rocks: the first at 2.0 ​Ga, recorded in some samples, and the second, at ca. 600 Ma, stronger and more pervasive and recorded in several of the mafic rock samples. The Neoproterozoic zircon grains are found in symplectite texture as inclusions in the garnet grains and represent the age of HP conditions in the area. These zircon grains show a younger cluster of concordant analyses between 623 ​± ​3 ​Ma and 592 ​± ​5 ​Ma with ε_Hf(t) values of +0.74 to –65.88. Thus, the Campo Grande rock assemblage is composed of Archean units that were amalgamated to West Gondwana during Neoproterozoic Brasiliano orogeny continent-continent collision and crustal reworking.     

Early Paleozoic geodynamic evolution of the Eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Insights from granitoids in the Xing’an and Songnen blocks

The early Paleozoic tectonic framework and evolutionary history of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is poorly understood. Here we present zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope data of the early Paleozoic granitoids in eastern CAOB to investigate the petrogenesis and geodynamic implications.The early Paleozoic granitoids from the Songnen Block yield zircon U–Pb ages of 523–490 ​Ma, negative ε_Nd(t) values of –6.7 to –0.8, and ε_Hf(t) values of –8.6 to 7.1, indicating they were generated by partial melting of ancient crustal materials with various degrees of mantle contribution. They generally show affinities to A-type granites, implying their generation from an extensional environment after the collision between the Songnen and Jiamusi blocks. In comparison, the early Paleozoic granitoids from the Xing’an Block have zircon U–Pb ages of 480–465 ​Ma, ε_Nd(t) values of –5.4 to 5.4, and ε_Hf(t) values of –2.2 to 12.9, indicating a dominated juvenile crustal source with some input of ancient crustal components. They belong to I-type granites and were likely related to subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The statistics of T_DM2 Hf model ages of the granitoids indicate that the Erguna and Jiamusi blocks contain a significant proportion of Mesoproterozoic crystalline basement, while the Xing’an Block is dominated by a Neoproterozoic basement.Based on these observations, the early Paleozoic evolutionary history of eastern CAOB can be divided into four stages: (1) before 540 ​Ma, the Erguna, Xing’an, Songnen, and Jiamusi blocks were discrete microcontinents separated by different branches of the Paleo-Asian Ocean; (2) 540–523 ​Ma, the Jiamusi Block collided with the Songnen Block along the Mudanjiang suture; (3) ca. 500 Ma, the Erguna Block accreted onto the Xing’an Block along the Xinlin–Xiguitu suture; (4) ca. 480 Ma, the Paleo-Asian Ocean started a double-side subduction beneath the united Erguna–Xing’an and Songnen–Jiamusi blocks.     

Metamorphism and geochronology of garnet amphibolite from the Beishan Orogen,southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt:Constraints from P-T path and zircon U-Pb dating

Numerous lenses of garnet amphibolite occur in the garnet-bearing biotite-plagioclase gneiss belt in the Baishan area of the Beishan Orogen,which connects the Tianshan Orogen to the west and the Mongolia-Xing'anling Orogen to the east.The study of metamorphism in Beishan area is of great significance to explain the tectonic evolution of Beishan orogen.According to the microstructures,mineral relationships,and geothermobarometry,we identified four stages of mineral assemblages from the garnet amphibolite sample:(1) a pre-peak stage,which is recorded by the cores of garnet together with core-inclusions of plagioclase(Pl_1);(2) a peak stage,which is recorded by the mantles of garnet together with mantle-inclusions of plagioclase(Pl_2)+amphibole(Amp_1)+Ilmenite(Ilm_1)+biotite(Bt_1),developed at temperature-pressure(P-T) conditions of 818.9-836.5℃ and7.3-9.2 kbar;(3) a retrograde stage,which is recorded by garnet rims + plagioclase(Pl_3)+amphibole(Amp_2)+orthopyroxene(Opx_1)+biotite(Bt_2)+Ilmenite(Ilm_2),developed at P-T conditions of 796.1-836.9℃ and5.6-7.5 kbar;(4) a symplectitic stage,which is recorded by plagioclase(Pl_4)+orthopyroxene(Opx_2)+amphibole(Amp_3)+biotite(Bt_3) symplectites,developed at P-T conditions of 732 ±59.6℃ and 6.1 ±0.6 kbar.Moreover,the U-Pb dating of the Beishan garnet amphibolite indicates an age of 301.9 ±4.7 Ma for the protolith and 281.4±8.5 Ma for the peak metamorphic age.Therefore,the mineral assemblage,P-T conditions,and zircon U-Pb ages of the Beishan garnet amphibolite define a near-isothermal decompression of a clockwise P-T-t(Pressure-Temperature-time) path,indicating the presence of over thickened continental crust in the Huaniushan arc until the Early Permian,then the southern Beishan area underwent a process of thinning of the continental crust.     

Magma mixing revealed from in situ zircon U–Pb–Hf isotope analysis of the Muhuguan granitoid pluton, eastern Qinling Orogen, China: implications for late Mesozoic tectonic evolution

In this paper, we present zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotope data to document the significance of magma mixing in the formation of Late Jurassic granitoid intrusions in the eastern Qinling Orogen, China. The Muhuguan granitoid pluton from this orogen consists of monzogranite and lesser biotite granite and granodiorite, all containing abundant hornblende-rich cumulates, dioritic xenoliths, and mafic magmatic enclaves (MMEs). The monzogranite and granodiorite are intruded by a number of lamprophyre dykes. Both a cumulate and a dioritic xenolith samples have concordant zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 161 ± 1 Ma, but possess contrasting Hf isotopic compositions. The cumulate has more radiogenic zircon Hf isotopes with negative ε _Hf(t) values (?7.9 to ?2.5) and T _DM1 ages of 0.9–1.1 Ga, indicating its derivation likely from basaltic rocks of the Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic Kuanping Group in the area. The dioritic xenolith has much lower zircon ε _Hf(t) values of ?19.5 to ?8.8 and T _DM2 ages of 2.4–1.7 Ga, consistent with a juvenile Paleoproterozoic crust source presumably represented by the metabasic rocks of the Qinling Group in the area. Individual samples of the monzogranite, MME, and a lamprophyre dyke have U–Pb ages of 150 ± 1, 152 ± 1, and 152 ± 1 Ma, respectively, demonstrating coeval mafic and felsic magmatism in the Late Jurassic. The lamprophyre dyke has homogeneous, highly negative zircon ε _Hf(t) values (?29.8 to ?24.8) and Archean T _DM2 ages (3.0–2.7 Ga), and its genesis is interpreted as partial melting of an ancient enriched subcontinental mantle source. Zircons from the fine-grained MME show a large range of ε _Hf(t) between ?29.1 and ?9.8, overlapping values of the monzogranite and lamprophyre dyke samples. Zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopes of the MMEs are consistent with their formation by mixing of crustal- and enriched mantle-derived magmas. The main group of zircons from the monzogranite has ε _Hf(t) values (?17.9 to ?9.3) and T _DM2 ages (2.3–1.8 Ga) that are compatible with the dioritic xenoliths, indicating that the former was produced by partial melting of Paleoproterozoic crustal source with involvement of mantle-derived magmas. Mafic magmatism revealed from the Muhuguan pluton indicates that the eastern Qinling Orogen was dominated by lithospheric extension during the Late Jurassic. Compilation of existing geological and geochronological data suggests that this extensional event started in Late Jurassic (ca. 160 Ma) and persisted into the Early Cretaceous until ca. 110 Ma. The Jura-Cretaceous extension may have resulted from the late Mesozoic westward subduction of the Pacific plate beneath the East Asian continental margin.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of early Paleozoic granitoids in East Kunlun belt: Evidences from geochronology,geochemistry and isotopes

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt(EKOB) provides an important link to reconstruct the evolution of the Proto-Tethys and Paleo-Tethys realm. The EKOB is marked by widespread Early Paleozoic magmatism.Here we report the petrology, bulk geochemistry, zircon Ue Pb dating and, Lue Hf and SreN d isotopic data of the Early Paleozoic granitic rocks in Zhiyu area of the southern EKOB. Based on the zircon U-Pb dating, these granitoids, consisting of diorite, granodiorite and monzogranite, were formed during 450 -430 Ma the Late Ordovician to Middle Silurian. The diorite and granodiorite are high Sr/Y ratio as adakitic affinities, and the monzogranite belongs to highly fractionated I-type. Their(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)ivalues range from 0.7059 to 0.7085, εNd(t) values from -1.6 to -6.0 and the zircon εHf(t) values show large variations from +9.1 to -8.6 with Hf model ages(T_(DM2)) about 848 Ma and 1970 Ma. The large variations of whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopes demonstrate strong isotopic heterogeneity of the source regions which probably resulted from multi-phase underplating of mantle-derived magmas. Geochemical and isotopic studies proved that the diorite and granodiorite had been derived from partial melting of heterogeneous crustal source with variable contributions from ancient continental crust and juvenile components, and the monzogranites were representing fractional crystallization and crustal contamination for arc magma. The Early Paleozoic adakitic rocks and high-K calc-alkaline granitoids in the southern EKOB were likely emplaced in a continental marginal arc setting possibly linked to the southwards subduction of the Paleo Kunlun Ocean and the magma generation is linked to partial melting of thickened continental crust induced by underplating of mantle-derived magmas.     

Constructing the latest Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic multiple crust-mantle interactions in western Bainaimiao arc terrane,southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Identifying the crust-mantle interactions in association with the evolution of the Precambrian microcontinents provides critical constraints on the accretionary evolution in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB).The Bainaimiao arc terrane(BAT) is one of the most important Precambrian microcontinents in southeastern CAOB,however,few studies have paid attention to the types and the evolving processes of the crust-mantle interactions that occurred before its final accretion onto the northern North China Craton.This study presents an integrated study of geochronology,zircon Hf isotope and whole-rock geochemistry on the latest Neoproterozoic diabases and the Early Paleozoic arc intrusions in the western BAT.The latest Neoproterozoic(ca.546 Ma) diabases display low SiO_2(46.52-49.24 wt.%) with high MgO(8.23-14.41 wt.%),Cr(66-542 ppm) and Ni(50-129 ppm),consisting with mantle origin.Their highly negative zircon ε_(Hf)(t)(-12.0 to-24.7) and high Fe/Mn ratios(62.1-81.7)further indicate a significantly enriched mantle source.Considering that the BAT maybe initially separated from the Tarim Craton with a thickened crustal root,we propose that these diabases were generated through partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle source that had been hybridized by lower-crustal eclogites during foundering of the BAT lower crust.The Early Paleozoic(ca.475-417 Ma) arc intrusions in western BAT can be divided into Periods Ⅰ and Ⅱ at approximately 450 Ma.The Period Ⅰ(450 Ma) intrusions contain abundant mafic minerals like hornblende and pyroxene,and show positive zircon ε_(Hf)(t)(+1.5 to+10.9).They are predominantly medium-K calc-alkaline with broad correlations of SiO2 versus various major and trace elements,which correlate well with the experimental melts produced by the fractional crystallization of primitive hydrous arc magmas at 7 kbar.We assume they were formed through mid-crustal differentiation of the mantle wedge-derived hydrous basaltic melts.By contrast,the Period Ⅱ(≤450 Ma) intrusions are characterized by variable zircon e_(Hf)(t)(-15.0 to+11.5) with irregular variations in most major and trace elements,which are more akin to the arc magmas generated in an open system.The general occurrence of elder inherited zircons,along with the relatively high Mg#(45) of some samples,call upon a derivation from the reworking of the previously subduction-modified BAT lower crust with the input of mantle-derived mafic components.In combination with the Early Paleozoic tectonic melanges flanking western BAT,we infer that the compositional transition from Period Ⅰ to Ⅱ can be attributed to the tectonic transition from south-dipping subduction of Solonker ocean to north-dipping subduction of South Bainaimiao ocean in southeastern CAOB.The above results shed light not only on the latest Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic multiple crust-mantle interactions in western BAT,but also on the associated crustal construction processes before the final arc-continent accretion.     

Late Mesozoic magmatism in the East Qinling Orogen,China and its tectonic implications

The Qinling Orogen in Central China records the history of a complex geological evolution and tectonic transition from compression to extension during the Late Mesozoic,with concomitant voluminous granitoids formation.In this study,we present results from petrological,geochemical,zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic studies on the Lengshui felsic dykes from Luanchuan region in the East Qinling Orogen.We also compile published geochronological,geochemical,and Hf isotopic data from Luanchuan region and present zircon Hf isotopic contour maps.The newly obtained age data yield two group of ages at～145 Ma and 140 Ma for two granite porphyries from the Lengshui felsic dykes,with the ～145 Ma interpreted as response to the peak of magmatism in the region,and the ～140 Ma as the timing of formation of the felsic dykes.The corresponding Hf isotopic data of the granite porphyries display negativeeHit)values of-16.67 to-4.61,and Hf crustal model ages(T_(DM~C_)of 2255-1490 Ma,indicating magma sourced from the melting of Paleo-to Mesoproterozoic crustal materials.The compiled age data display two major magmatic pulses at 160-130 Ma and 111-108 Ma with magmatic quiescence in between,and the zircon Hf isotopic data display/ε_(Hf)(t)values ranging from-41.9 to 2.1 and T_(DM)~c values of3387-1033 Ma,suggesting mixed crustal and mantle-derived components in the magma source,and correspond to multiple tectonic events during the Late Mesozoic.The Luanchuan granitoids are identified as 1-type granites and most of these are highly fractionated granites,involving magma mixing and mingling and crystal fractionation.The tectonic setting in the region transformed from the Late Jurassic syn-collision setting to Early Cretaceous within-plate setting,with E-W extension in the Early Cretaceous.This extension is correlated with the N-S trending post-collisional extension between the North China Craton and Yangtze Craton as well as the E-W trending back-arc extension triggered by the westward Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction,eventually leading to lithospheric thinning,asthenospheric upwelling,mafic magma underplating,and crustal melting in the East Qinling Orogen.     

Petrogenesis of the Late Triassic shoshonitic Shadegai pluton from the northern North China Craton: Implications for crust-mantle interaction and post-collisional extension

Latest Permian to Triassic plutons are widespread in the northern North China Craton(NCC); most of them show calc-alkaline, high-K calc-alkaline, or alkaline geochemical features. The Shadegai pluton in the Wulashan area has shoshonitic affinity and I-type character, and is composed of syenogranites containing abundant mafic microgranular enclaves(MMEs). LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb data yield weighted mean 206 Pb/238 U ages of 222 ± 1 Ma and 221 ± 1 Ma for the syenogranites and MMEs, respectively, suggesting their coeval formation during the Late Triassic. The syenogranites have high SiO_2(70.42-72.30 wt%),K_2O(4.58-5.22 wt.%) and Na_2O(4.19-4.43 wt.%) contents but lower concentrations of P_2O_5(0.073-0.096 wt.%) and TiO_2(0.27-0.37 wt.%), and are categorized as I-type granites, rather than A-type granites, as previously thought. These syenogranites exhibit lower(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)i ratios(0.70532-0.70547) and strongly negative whole-rock εNd(t) values(-12.54 to-11.86) and zircon εHf(t) values(-17.81 to-10.77),as well as old Nd(1962-2017 Ma) and Hf(2023-2092 Ma) model ages, indicating that they were derived from the lower crust.Field and petrological observations reveal that the MMEs within the pluton probably represent magmatic globules commingled with their host magmas. Geochemically, these MMEs have low SiO_2(53.46-55.91 wt.%)but high FeOt(7.27-8.79 wt.%) contents. They are enriched in light rare earth elements(LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements(LILEs), and are depleted in heavy rare earth elements(HREEs) and high field strength elements(HFSEs). They have whole-rock(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)i ratios varying from 0.70551 to 0.70564, εNd(t) values of -10.63 to -9.82, and zircon εHf(t) values of -9.89 to 0.19. Their geochemical and isotopic features indicate that they were derived from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle mainly metasomatized by slab-derived fluids, with minor involvement of melts generated from the ascending asthenospheric mantle. Petrology integrated with elemental and isotopic geochemistry suggest that the Shadegai pluton was produced by crust-mantle interactions, i.e., partial melting of the lower continental crust induced by underplating of mantle-derived mafic magmas(including the subcontinental lithospheric mantle and asthenospheric mantle), and subsequent mixing of the mantle-and crust-derived magmas. In combination with existing geological data, it is inferred that the Shadegai pluton formed in a post-collisional extensional regime related to lithospheric delamination following the collision between the NCC and Mongolia arc terranes.     

Petrogenesis of the microcrystalline-dioritic enclaves from Jiuling granitoids in the eastern segment of Jiangnan Orogen and constraints on magma source materials

Numerous dark enclaves with different shapes are found in Jiuling Neoproterozoic granitoids. Precise LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating was conducted on zircons extracted from two microcrystalline enclave samples, yielding crystallization ages of 822.6±5.8 Ma and 822.2±6.2 Ma, respectively. The consistent ages within analytical errors with the host granitoids suggested that they were the products of the same magmatism. The microcrystalline-dioritic enclaves commonly show plastic forms and contain similar plagioclase megacrysts to the host rocks, and both of the enclaves and host granitoids showed a complex composition and structural imbalance in plagioclases. Furthermore, the apatites with a euhedral acicular shape occurred widely in the microcrystalline-dioritic enclaves. All of these petrographic features above imply magma mixing is involved in their diagenesis. The enclaves and host granitoids show a marked zircon trace element difference and Hf isotopic signatures without correlation in zircon trace element pairs but form their own system between enclaves and host granitoids. Additionally, most of the zircons show extremely high ε_Hf (t) with ε_Hf (t) =3.54–11.94 from the southern samples, and ε_Hf (t) =1.0–9.09 from the central region. Some zircons with the higher ε_Hf (t) are similar to the zircons from the juvenile island arc in the eastern segment of Jiangnan Orogen. Integrated geological and Hf isotopic characteristics suggest microcrystalline-dioritic enclaves were derived from the partial melting process of the Mesoproterozoic crust which enriched juvenile island arc materials and mixed with the granitic magma that remelted from the Mesoproterozoic continental crust which relatively enriched ancient sediments and mixed with the host granitoid in diagenesis.     

Petrogenesis of Late Triassic mafic enclaves and host granodiorite in the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt,China: Implications for the reworking of juvenile crust by delamination-induced asthenosphere upwelling

Late Triassic granitoids containing abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) occur widely in the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB). In this work, we present mineral chemistry, zircon U-Pb ages and L-Hf isotopes, whole-rock chemistry and S-Nd isotope compositions of the MMEs and host granodiorite from the Huda pluton in the Elashan area within the easternmost domain of the EKOB. These rocks contain inherited (Meso- to Neoproterozoic) and xenocrystic (ca. 240 Ma) zircon grains that yield apparent older ages, whereas the magmatic zircons from MMEs and granodiorite yield similar weighted mean ages around 224 Ma, which are interpreted as their crystallization ages. The MMEs have low SiO₂ but high TiO₂, TFe₂O₃, CaO, MgO and MnO concentrations with relatively high Mg^# values (48–54) and 100MnO/(MnO + MgO + TFe₂O₃) ratios (1.2–1.6). They display identical Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions to the host granite. Combined with petrological evidence, we suggest that the MMEs are cognate cumulates that formed by pressure quenching during the late stage of magma evolution from the same parental magma of the host granodiorite, rather than a magma mixing origin. The granodiorite is calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous I-type granite. They show relatively low SiO₂ and MnO, but high MgO, Al₂O₃, CaO and TFe₂O₃ contents with Mg^# values of 45–50. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), such as Rb, Th, K and Pb, and are depleted in P and high field strength elements (HFSE) including Nb, Ta and Ti. These rocks display slightly negative Eu anomalies and low Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios. Together with the rim-ward chemically evolved nature of some phenocrysts, the comparatively high initial Sr isotope (0.70888–0.70912), low whole-rock ε_Nd(t) (−5.6 to −6.0) and zircon ε_Hf(t) (−3.3 to −0.1) values, and low Nb/Th (0.11–0.26) and Ta/U (0.53–0.68) ratios, we suggest that the granodiorite magma was sourced from the lower crust. Considering their comparatively young two-stage Nd and Hf model ages (1.42–1.49 Ga and 1.13–1.42 Ga, respectively) and same trace element character with the juvenile crust beneath the EKOB, we interpret the juvenile lower crust as the dominant source rocks for the granodiorite. Based on our data and regional geological evidence, we suggest that the partial melting of juvenile crust resulted from delamination-related asthenosphere mantle upwelling. The latter process resulted in extensive melting of the lower crust, producing a major Late Triassic magmatic flare-up event in the EKOB.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Permian granitoids in the northwestern margin of the North China Craton: insights from the Dongshengmiao pluton,Inner Mongolia

Permian granitoid emplacement represents one of the most important tectonothermal events in the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). In this study, we collected geochronological and geochemical data of the regional Permian granitoid in the northwestern margin of the NCC, and investigated the Dongshengmiao pluton, using it as an example to constrain the regional granitoid petrogenesis and its geodynamic settings. The Dongshengmiao pluton contains porphyritic granite and quartz diorite. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results have constrained the granitoid emplacement to be ca. 287?275 Ma. The Dongshengmiao granitoids have a SiO₂ range of 58.4?76.5%, moderate to high alkali content (Na₂O + K₂O = 5.16–7.94%), and are rich in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Rb, Ba) and depleted in high-field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti). The zircons in quartz diorite have ε_Hf(t) values of ?15.6 to ?11.1 with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 1997–2281 Ma, suggesting that the magma was derived from partial melting of old continental materials. In contrast, porphyritic granite shows variable Hf isotopic composition with ε_Hf(t) values of ?13.7 to ?2.6 and T_DM2 of 1471–2167 Ma, indicating a heterogeneous magma source. Besides the Dongshengmiao pluton, all the Permian granitoids in the northwestern margin of the NCC exhibit similar geochemical characteristics, including enrichment in LILEs, depletion in Nb and Ta, and enriched Hf isotopic signatures. The comprehensive geochemical data indicate that these Permian granitoids are derived from magma mixing between dominant partial melting of ancient felsic crustal materials and minor juvenile basaltic magma. Tectonically, the Dongshengmiao and other granitoids in the northwestern margin of the NCC may have been formed in a post-collisional extensional setting.     

Petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Neoproterozoic and Late Paleozoic magmatism in the Manzhouli–Erguna area of Inner Mongolia,China: Geochronological,geochemical and Hf isotopic evidence

U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from various granitoids, combined with major and trace element analyses, were undertaken to determine the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Neoproterozoic and Late Paleozoic magmatism in the Manzhouli–Erguna area of Inner Mongolia, China. The Neoproterozoic granitoids are mainly biotite monzogranites with zircon U–Pb ages of 894 ± 13 Ma and 880 ± 10 Ma, and they are characterised by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, Ba, K) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The Late Devonian granitoids are dominantly syenogranites and mylonitised syenogranites with zircon U–Pb ages of 360 ± 4 Ma, and they form a bimodal magmatic association with subordinate gabbroic rocks of the same age. The Late Devonian syenogranites have A-type characteristics including high total alkalis, Zr, Nb, Ce and Y contents, and high FeOt/MgO, Ga/Al and Rb/Sr ratios. The Carboniferous granitoids are mainly tonalites, granodiorites and monzogranites with U–Pb ages varying from 319 to 306 Ma, and they show very strong adakitic characteristics such as high La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios but low Y and Yb contents. The Late Permian granitoids are dominated by monzogranites and syenogranites with zircon U–Pb ages ranging between 257 and 251 Ma. Isotopically, the ε_Hf(t) values of the Neoproterozoic granitoids range from +4.3 to +8.3, and the two-stage model ages (T_DM2) from 1.2 to 1.5 Ga. The Late Devonian granitoids are less radiogenic [ε_Hf(t) from +12.0 to +12.8 and T_DM2 from 545 to 598 Ma] than the Carboniferous [ε_Hf(t) from +6.8 to +9.5 and T_DM2 from 722 to 894 Ma] and Late Permian granitoids [ε_Hf(t) from +6.1 to +9.4 and T_DM2 in the range of 680–895 Ma]. These data indicate (1) the Neoproterozoic granitoids may have been generated by melting of a juvenile crust extracted from the mantle during the Mesoproterozoic, probably during or following the final stages of assembly of Rodinia as a result of the collision and amalgamation of Australia and the Tarim Craton; (2) the Late Devonian granitoids may have formed by partial melting of a new mantle-derived juvenile crust in a post-orogenic extensional setting; (3) the Carboniferous granitoids appear to have been produced by melting of garnet-bearing amphibolites within a thickened continental crust during and following the collision of the Songnen and Erguna–Xing’an terranes; and (4) the Late Permian granitoids may have been generated by melting of garnet-free amphibolites within the Neoproterozoic juvenile continental crust, probably in the post-collisional tectonic setting that followed the collision of the North China and Siberian cratons.     

Geochemistry,geochronology and Hf isotope of granitoids in the Chinese Altai: Implications for Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Chinese Altai in northwestern Xinjiang has numerous outcrops of granitoids which provide critical information on accretionary orogenic processes and crustal growth of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.Zircon U-Pb ages, Hf-isotopic compositions and whole-rock geochemistry of monzogranite and granodiorites in the Qinghe County are employed to elucidate Paleozoic tectonics of the Chinese Altai. Granodiorites have crystallization ages of 424.6 ± 3.1 Ma(MSWD = 0.23) and 404.0 ± 3.4 Ma(MSWD = 0.18);monzogranite was emplaced in the early Permian with a crystallization age of 293.7 ± 4.6 Ma(MSWD = 1.06). Both granodiorites and monzogranite are I-type granites with A/CNK ratios of 0.92 -0.97 and 1.03 -1.06, respectively. They also show similar geochemical features of high HREE and Y contents, low Sr contents and Sr/Y ratios, as well as enrichment of Cs, Rb, Th and U, and depletion of Nb, Ta, P and Ti.These geochemical features indicate that the monzogranite and granodiorites were formed in an arc setting related to subduction. The gneissic monzogranites display high SiO_2 and K_2 O contents, and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series. In the chondrite normalized REE distribution pattern, the monzogranite samples exhibit enrichment of LREE with strong negative Eu anomalies(σE u =0.44 -0.53), zircon εHf(t) values from +7.24 to +12.63 and two-stage Hf model ages of 463 -740 Ma. This suggests that the monzogranite was generated from the mixing of pelitic and mantle material. The granodiorite samples are calc-alkaline granites with lower contents of Si O_2 and Na_2 O + K_2 O, higher contents of TiO_2, Fe_2O_3~t, MgO and CaO compared to the monzogranite samples. They also show enrichment of LREE and moderate negative Eu anomalies(σE u= 0.54 =0.81), as well as slightly higher differentiation of LREE than that of HREE. The425 Ma granodiorite has zircon εHf(t) values from -0.51 to +1.98 and two-stage Hf model ages of 1133 -1240 Ma, whereas the 404 Ma granodiorite displays those of +2.52 to +7.50 and 816 -1071 Ma.Geochemistry and zircon Hf isotopic compositions indicate that granodiorites were formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust. Together with regional geology and previous data, the geochemical and geochronological data of the monzogranite and granodiorites from this study suggest long-lived subduction and accretion along the Altai Orogen during ca. 425 -294 Ma.     

P-T path of metamorphism and U-Pb monazite and zircon age of the Kitoy terrane: Implication for Neoarchean collision in SW Siberian Craton

The first data on P-T metamorphic conditions coupled with U-Pb monazite and zircon age obtained for the Neoarchean Kitoy granulite-gneiss terrane (SW Siberian Craton). Alumina gneisses of the Kitoy terrane indicate two-staged metamorphic evolution. The first stage of regional metamorphism (M1) occurred at high-amphibolite facies conditions at T ​= ​780–800 ​°C and P ​= ​8–9 ​kbar. The second stage (M2) belongs to MT-HT/LP type of metamorphism with the wide temperature interval 600–750 ​°C and pressure 2–4 ​kbar. Two age peaks were established on the basis of U-Pb monazite and zircon dating in garnet-anthophyllite gneisses. Both of them correspond to the Neoarchean age: the age of M1 falls into the interval of ca. 2489–2496 ​Ma, the age of M2 – ca. 2446–2456 ​Ma. The high-temperature metamorphism of the Kitoy block and nearly coeval granitoid magmatism can be an evidence for the Neoarchean collision in SW Siberian craton.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of ultrapotassic microgranitoid enclaves in Late Triassic arc granitoids,Qinling orogen,central China

The origin of microgranitoid enclaves in granitic plutons has long been debated (hybrid magma blobs vs. refractory restites or cognate fragments). This article presents detailed petrography, SHRIMP zircon U–Pb chronology, bulk-rock major and trace element analyses, and Sr–Nd isotope and in situ zircon Hf isotopic geochemistry for microgranitoid enclaves within two Late Triassic granitic plutons in the Qinling orogen. Zircon U–Pb dating shows that the enclaves formed during the Carnian (222.5 ± 2.1 to 220.7 ± 1.9 Ma) coeval with their host granitoids (220.0 ± 2.0 to 218.7 ± 2.4 Ma). Field and petrological observations (e.g. double enclaves, xenocrysts, acicular apatite, and poikilitic K-feldspar or quartz) suggest that the enclaves are globules of a mantle-derived more mafic magma that was injected into and mingled with the host magma. The enclaves are mainly ultrapotassic, distinct from the host granitoids that have high-K calc-alkaline bulk-rock compositions. Although the enclaves have closely similar bulk-rock Sr–Nd isotope [initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr?=?0.7046–0.7056, ?_Nd (T)?=?–0.3 to –5.0] and in situ zircon Hf isotope [?_Hf (T)?=?–1.5 to?+2.9] ratios as the granitoids [initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr?=?0.7042–0.7059, ?_Nd (T)?=?–0.6 to –6.3, ?_Hf (T)?=?–2.2 to?+1.6], chemical relationships including very different bulk-rock compositions at a given SiO₂ content lead us to interpret the isotopic similarities as reflecting similar but separate isotopic source rocks. Detailed elemental and isotopic data suggest that the enclaves and the host granitoids were emplaced in a continental arc environment coupled with northward subduction of the Palaeo-Tethyan oceanic crust. Partial melting of subducted sediments triggered by dehydration of the underlying igneous oceanic crust, with melts interacting with the overlying mantle wedge, formed high-K calc-alkaline granitic magmas, whereas partial melting of diapiric phlogopite-pyroxenites, solidified products of the same subducting sediment-derived melts, generated ultrapotassic magmas of the microgranitoid enclaves. Our new data further confirm that in the Late Triassic time the Qinling terrane was an active continental margin rather than a post-collisional regime, giving new insights into the tectonic evolution of this orogen.