First U–Pb SHRIMP age of the Hauterivian stage, Neuquén Basin, Argentina

A high-resolution ion-microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb zircon age from a tuff layer intercalated in the ammonoid bearing sedimentary succession of the Neuquén Basin in Argentina provides a robust geochronologic date to add to the absolute ages and to improve the relative chronology of the Early Cretaceous Hauterivian stage. The tuff layer appears interbedded between shales of the upper member (Agua de la Mula) of the Agrio Formation within the Spitidiscus riccardii ammonoid zone (base of the Late Hauterivian) yielding a date of 132.5 ± 1.3 Ma. This date confirms and supports an accurate correlation between the ammonoid biostratigraphy of the Neuquén Basin with the Western Mediterranean Province of the Tethys during the Early Cretaceous and matches with the most recently published time scale. It also casts doubts on the validity of K–Ar ages on glauconite-grains recently reported from the Lower Cretaceous of the Vocontian Basin of France.     

Paleozoic tectonism on the East Gondwana margin: Evidence from SHRIMP U–Pb zircon geochronology of a migmatite–granite complex in West Antarctica

The Fosdick Mountains migmatite–granite complex in West Antarctica records episodes of crustal melting and plutonism in Devonian–Carboniferous time that acted to transform transitional crust, dominated by immature oceanic turbidites of the accretionary margin of East Gondwana, into stable continental crust. West Antarctica, New Zealand and Australia originated as contiguous parts of this margin, according to plate reconstructions, however, detailed correlations are uncertain due to a lack of isotopic and geochronological data. Our study of the mid-crustal exposures of the Fosdick range uses U–Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronology to examine the tectonic environment and timing for Paleozoic magmatism in West Antarctica, and to assess a correlation with the better known Lachlan Orogen of eastern Australia and Western Province of New Zealand.NNE–SSW to NE–SW contraction occurred in West Antarctica in early Paleozoic time, and is expressed by km-scale folds developed both in lower crustal metasedimentary migmatite gneisses of the Fosdick Mountains and in low greenschist-grade turbidite successions of the upper crust, present in neighboring ranges. The metasedimentary rocks and structures were intruded by calc-alkaline, I-type plutons attributed to arc magmatism along the convergent East Gondwana margin. Within the Fosdick Mountains, the intrusions form a layered plutonic complex at lower structural levels and discrete plutons at upper levels. Dilational structures that host anatectic granite overprint plutonic layering and migmatitic foliation. They exhibit systematic geometries indicative of NNE–SSW stretching, parallel to a first-generation mineral lineation. New U–Pb SHRIMP zircon ages for granodiorite and porphyritic monzogranite plutons, and for leucogranites that occupy shear bands and other mesoscopic-scale structural sites, define an interval of 370 to 355 Ma for plutonism and migmatization.Paleozoic plutonism in West Antarctica postdates magmatism in the western Lachlan Orogen of Australia, but it coincides with that in the central part of the Lachlan Orogen and with the rapid main phase of emplacement of the Karamea Batholith of the Western Province, New Zealand. Emplaced within a 15 to 20 million year interval, the Paleozoic granitoids of the Fosdick Mountains are a product of subduction-related plutonism associated with high temperature metamorphism and crustal melting. The presence of anatectic granites within extensional structures is a possible indication of alternating strain states (‘tectonic switching’) in a supra-subduction zone setting characterized by thin crust and high heat flow along the Devonian–Carboniferous accretionary margin of East Gondwana.     

Zircon U–Pb SHRIMP ages of weakly to unmetamorphosed granitoids of the Yangtze basement outcrop in Dabieshan, central China

The Qichun granitoids exposed in the Dabie Orogen of China are composed of two types of rocks: porphyritic monzogranite (with variable schistosity) and syenogranite (without schistosity). The two types show large differences in geochemical characteristics. The porphyritic monzogranite is characterized by high Al₂O₃ content (15.73%), relatively high CaO (2.46%) and Na₂O contents (Na₂O/K₂O=1.27), strong depletion in HREE and strong fractionation between LREE and HREE ((La/Yb)_N=46.8), similar to some high Al₂O₃ Archaean TTG gneisses. Conversely, the syenogranite is characterized by relatively low Al₂O₃ (14.05%) and CaO (0.82%) contents, and higher K₂O than Na₂O (Na₂O/K₂O=0.81). The degree of fractionation between LREE and HREE is minor. The U–Pb SHRIMP zircon age of the porphyritic monzogranite is 841±15 and 824±27 Ma for the syenogranite. These ages are similar to the protolith emplacement ages of granitic gneisses in the Dabie Orogenic Belt. The existence of weakly to unmetamorphosed granitoids in the Dabie Orogen shows that the granitoids were situated in the back part of the subducted plate during collision and subduction between the Yangtze and the North China cratons, and may represent outcrops of the Yangtze basement.     

U–Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronology and T–t–d history of the Kampa Dome, southern Tibet

Structural, petrographic and geochronologic studies of the Kampa Dome provide insights into the tectonothermal evolution of orogenic crust exposed in the North Himalayan gneiss domes of southern Tibet. U–Pb ion microprobe dating of zircons from granite gneiss exposed at the deepest levels within the dome yields concordia ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age populations of 506 ± 3 Ma and 527 ± 6 Ma, with no evidence of new zircon growth during Himalayan orogenesis. However, the granite contains penetrative deformation fabrics that are also preserved in the overlying Paleozoic strata, implying that the Kampa granite is a Cambrian pluton that was strongly deformed and metamorphosed during Himalayan orogenesis. Zircons from deformed leucogranite sills that cross-cut Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks yield concordant Cambrian ages from oscillatory zoned cores and discordant ages ranging from ca. 491–32 Ma in metamict grains. Since these leucogranites clearly post-date the metasedimentary rocks they intrude, the zircons are interpreted as xenocrysts that are probably derived from the Kampa granite. The Kampa Dome formed via a series of progressive orogenic events including regional ~ N–S contraction and related crustal thickening (D₁), predominately top-to-N ductile shearing and crustal extension (D₂), top-to-N brittle–ductile faulting and related folding on the north limb of the dome, localized top-to-S faulting on the southern limb of the dome, and crustal doming (D₃), and continued N–S contraction, E–W extension and doming (D₄). Structural and geochronologic variability amongst adjacent North Himalayan gneiss domes may reflect changes in the magnitude of crustal exhumation along the North Himalayan antiform, possibly relating to differences in the mid-crustal geometry of the exhuming fault systems.     

Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian transgressive–regressive cycles of the Central Iberian Zone (NE Jaén,Spain)

A thick Upper Ordovician shelf sequence was developed in the northern Gondwana margin (southernmost exposures of the Central Iberian Zone). Integrated sedimentologic and stratigraphic studies allow distinction between pedogenetic processes (Facies association C), shoreline deposits (Facies association S), proximal to distal shelf (Facies association L, H₁, H₂, H₃) and outer shelf zone or open marine environments (Facies association M, Mo). The vertical distribution of facies is characterized by the presence of regressive high frequency sequences (partial shelf progradational sequences), affected by the presence of catastrophic phenomena (storms). These sequences, in turn, can be classified into higher‐order transgressive (T)–regressive (R) cycles. Two second‐order T‐R megacycles (MC. Ord‐2 and MC. Sil‐1) limited by a major sequence boundary are identified. Traces of emersion (palaeokarsts and palaeosols) are detected along the sequence boundary, and these are related to the eustatic sea‐level fall that occurred during the Ashgillian. The MC. Ord‐2 and MC. Sil‐1 megacycles extend respectively from the Middle Arenig to the Ashgillian and from Late Ashgillian to the Late Llandovery. Major transgressive peaks occurred at the Llanvirn and at the Middle Llandovery (Aeronian). The vertical distribution of the facies delineates successive genetically related units in relation to relative sea‐level changes. Within the upper part of the first megacycle (MC. Ord‐2) six third‐order cycles are proposed (Lla‐1, Car‐1, Car‐2, Car‐3, Car‐4, Ash‐1), in which a transgressive and a regressive interval can be distinguished. Within the lower part of the second megacycle (MC. Sil‐1) two transgressive–regressive third‐order cycles are proposed (Lly‐1, Lly‐2). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

U–Pb geochronology of the southern Brasília belt (SE-Brazil): sedimentary provenance, Neoproterozoic orogeny and assembly of West Gondwana

The Brasília belt borders the western margin of the São Francisco Craton and records the history of ocean opening and closing related to the formation of West Gondwana. This study reports new U–Pb data from the southern sector of the belt in order to provide temporal limits for the deposition and ages of provenance of sediments accumulated in passive margin successions around the south and southwestern margins of the São Francisco Craton, and date the orogenic events leading to the amalgamation of West Gondwana.Ages of detrital zircons (by ID–TIMS and LA-MC-ICPMS) were obtained from metasedimentary units of the passive margin of the São Francisco Craton from the main tectonic domains of the belt: the internal allochthons (Araxá Group in the Áraxá and Passos Nappes), the external allochthons (Canastra Group, Serra da Boa Esperança Metasedimentary Sequence and Andrelândia Group) and the autochthonous or Cratonic Domain (Andrelândia Group). The patterns of provenance ages for these units are uniform and are characterised as follows: Archean–Paleoproterozoic ages (3.4–3.3, 3.1–2.7, and 2.5–2.4 Ga); Paleoproterozoic ages attributed to the Transamazonian event (2.3–1.9 Ga, with a peak at ca. 2.15 Ga) and to the ca. 1.75 Ga Espinhaço rifting of the São Francisco Craton; ages between 1.6 and 1.2 Ga, with a peak at 1.3 Ga, revealing an unexpected variety of Mesoproterozoic sources, still undetected in the São Francisco Craton; and ages between 0.9 and 1.0 Ga related to the rifting event that led to the individualisation of the São Francisco paleo-continent and formation of its passive margins. An amphibolite intercalation in the Araxá Group yields a rutile age of ca. 0.9 Ga and documents the occurrence of mafic magmatism coeval with sedimentation in the marginal basin.Detrital zircons from the autochthonous and parautochthonous Andrelândia Group, deposited on the southern margin of the São Francisco Craton, yielded a provenance pattern similar to that of the allochthonous units. This result implies that 1.6–1.2 Ga source rocks must be present in the São Francisco Craton. They could be located either in the cratonic area, which is mostly covered by the Neoproterozoic epicontinental deposits of the Bambuí Group, or in the outer paleo-continental margin, buried under the allochthonous units of the Brasília belt.Crustal melting and generation of syntectonic crustal granites and migmatisation at ca. 630 Ma mark the orogenic event that started with westward subduction of the São Francisco plate and ended with continental collision against the Paraná block (and Goiás terrane). Continuing collision led to the exhumation and cooling of the Araxá and Passos metamorphic nappes, as indicated by monazite ages of ca. 605 Ma and mark the final stages of tectonometamorphic activity in the southern Brasília belt.Whilst continent–continent collision was proceeding on the western margin of the São Francisco Craton along the southern Brasília belt, eastward subduction in the East was generating the 634–599 Ma Rio Negro magmatic arc which collided with the eastern São Francisco margin at 595–560 Ma, much later than in the Brasília belt. Thus, the tectonic effects of the Ribeira belt reached the southernmost sector of the Brasília belt creating a zone of superposition. The thermal front of this event affected the proximal Andrelândia Group at ca. 588 Ma, as indicated by monazite age.The participation of the Amazonian craton in the assembly of western Gondwana occurred at 545–500 Ma in the Paraguay belt and ca. 500 Ma in the Araguaia belt. This, together with the results presented in this work lead to the conclusion that the collision between the Paraná block and Goiás terrane with the São Francisco Craton along the Brasília belt preceded the accretion of the Amazonian craton by 50–100 million years.     

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of pyroclastic rocks in the Bansong Group, Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea and their implication for the Mesozoic tectonics

The Bansong Group (Daedong Supergroup) in the Korean peninsula has long been considered to be an important time marker for two well-known orogenies, in that it was deposited after the Songnim orogeny (Permian–Triassic collision of the North and South China blocks) but was deformed during the Early to Middle Jurassic Daebo tectonic event. Here we present a new interpretation on the origin of the Bansong Group and associated faults on the basis of structural and geochronological data. SHRIMP (Sensitive High-Resolution Ion MicroProbe) U–Pb zircon age determination of two felsic pyroclastic rocks from the Bansong Group formed in the foreland basin of the Gongsuweon thrust in the Taebaeksan Basin yielded ages of 186.3 ± 1.5 and 187.2 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, indicating the deposition of the Bansong Group during the late Early Jurassic. Inherited zircon component indicates ca. 1.9 Ga source material for the volcanic rocks, agreeing with known basement ages.The Bansong Group represents syntectonic sedimentation during the late Early Jurassic in a compressional regime. During the Daebo tectonic event, the northeast-trending regional folds and thrusts including the Deokpori (Gakdong) and Gongsuweon thrusts with a southeast vergence developed in the Taebaeksan Basin. This is ascribed to deformation in a continental-arc setting due to the northwesterly orthogonal convergence of the Izanagi plate on the Asiatic margin, which occurred immediately after the juxtaposition of the Taebaeksan Basin against the Okcheon Basin in the late stage of the Songnim orogeny. Thus, the Deokpori thrust is not a continental transform fault between the North and South China blocks, but an “intracontinental” thrust that developed after their juxtaposition.     

Evolution of the Yunkai Terrane, South China: Evidence from SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating, geochemistry and Nd isotope

The Yunkai Terrane is one of the most important pre-Devonian areas of metamorphosed supracrustal and granitic basement rocks in the Cathaysia Block of South China. The supracrustal rocks are mainly schist, slate and phyllite, with local paragneiss, granulite, amphibolite and marble, with metamorphic grades ranging from greenschist to granulite facies. Largely on the basis of metamorphic grade, they were previously divided into the Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic Gaozhou Complex, the early Neoproterozoic Yunkai ‘Group’ and early Palaeozoic sediments. Granitic rocks were considered to be Meso- and Neoproterozoic, or early Palaeozoic in age. In this study, four meta-sedimentary rock samples, two each from the Yunkai ‘Group’ and Gaozhou Complex, together with three granite samples, record metamorphic and magmatic zircon ages of 443–430 Ma (Silurian), with many inherited and detrital zircons with the ages mainly ranging from 1.1 to 0.8 Ga, although zircons with Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic ages have also been identified in several of the samples. A high-grade sillimanite–garnet–cordierite gneiss contains 242 Ma metamorphic zircons, as well as 440 Ma ones. Three of the meta-sedimentary rocks show large variations in major element compositions, but have similar REE patterns, and have t_DM model ages of 2.17–1.91 Ga and ε_Nd (440 Ma) values of −13.4 to −10.0. Granites range in composition from monzogranite to syenogranite and record t_DM model ages of 2.13–1.42 Ga and ε_Nd (440 Ma) values of −8.4 to −1.2. It is concluded that the Yunkai ‘Group’ and Gaozhou Complex formed coevally in the late Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic, probably at the same time as weakly to un-metamorphosed early Palaeozoic sediments in the area. Based on the detrital zircon population, the source area contained Meso- to Neoproterozoic rocks, with some Archaean material. Palaeozoic tectonothermal events and zircon growth in the Yunkai Terrane can be correlated with events of similar age and character known throughout the Cathaysia Block. The lack of evidence for Palaeo- and Mesoproterozoic rocks at Yunkai, as stated in earlier publications, means that revision of the basement geology of Cathaysia is necessary.     

Middle Carboniferous crustal melting in the Variscan Belt: New insights from U–Th–Pbtot. monazite and U–Pb zircon ages of the Montagne Noire Axial Zone (southern French Massif Central)

In France, the Devonian–Carboniferous Variscan orogeny developed at the expense of continental crust belonging to the northern margin of Gondwana. A Visean–Serpukhovian crustal melting has been recently documented in several massifs. However, in the Montagne Noire of the Variscan French Massif Central, which is the largest area involved in this partial melting episode, the age of migmatization was not clearly settled. Eleven U–Th–Pb_tot. ages on monazite and three U–Pb ages on associated zircon are reported from migmatites (La Salvetat, Ourtigas), anatectic granitoids (Laouzas, Montalet) and post-migmatitic granites (Anglès, Vialais, Soulié) from the Montagne Noire Axial Zone are presented here for the first time. Migmatization and emplacement of anatectic granitoids took place around 333–326 Ma (Visean) and late granitoids emplaced around 325–318 Ma (Serpukhovian). Inherited zircons and monazite date the orthogneiss source rock of the Late Visean melts between 560 Ma and 480 Ma. In migmatites and anatectic granites, inherited crystals dominate the zircon populations. The migmatitization is the middle crust expression of a pervasive Visean crustal melting event also represented by the “Tufs anthracifères” volcanism in the northern Massif Central. This crustal melting is widespread in the French Variscan belt, though it is restricted to the upper plate of the collision belt. A mantle input appears as a likely mechanism to release the heat necessary to trigger the melting of the Variscan middle crust at a continental scale.     

Early cretaceous granitoids and their implications for the collapse of the Dabie orogen, eastern China: SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating and geochemistry

Two stages of early Cretaceous post-orogenic granitoids are recognized in the Dabie orogen, eastern China, which recorded processes of extensional collapse of the orogen. The early stage granitoids ( 132 Ma) are foliated hornblende quartz monzonites and porphyritic monzogranites. They are of high-K calc-alkaline series and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, with high K₂O and low MgO contents (Mg^# values: 32.0–46.0), they contain high Sr, low Y and heavy rare earth elements (HREE), and have high Sr/Y and (La/Yb)_N ratios, without clear negative Eu, Sr and Ti anomalies. The early stage deformed granitoids have adakitic geochemical compositions and are equilibrated with residues rich in garnet and poor in anorthite-rich plagioclase, and thus indicate the existence of an over-thickened (> 50 km) crustal root beneath the orogen at  132 Ma. The later stage granitoids ( 128 Ma) are undeformed fine-grained monzogranites, fine-grained K-feldspar granites and coarse-grained K-feldspar granite-porphyry. They belong to a peraluminous and high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonite series, and display a flat HREE pattern and have strong negative Eu, Sr and Ti anomalies, with low Sr/Y and (La/Yb)_N ratios. The late stage granitoids are equilibrated with residues rich in anorthite-rich plagioclase, hornblende, ilmenite/titanite and poor in garnet, indicating that the crust of the Dabie orogen became thinner (< 35 km) at  128 Ma. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages and changing compositional trends for these two stages of granitoids indicate that the over-thickened crust formed by the Triassic continental subduction/collision under the Dabie orogen remained until the early Cretaceous, and collapsed quickly in a few million years during the early Cretaceous.     

Upper Oligocene–Miocene clinoforms of the foreland Austral Basin of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina: Stratigraphy, depositional sequences and architecture of the foredeep deposits

The Upper Oligocene–Miocene deposits of the foreland Austral Basin of Tierra del Fuego represent the youngest foredeep fill, developed in front of the adjacent fold and thrust belt. They consist of superbly exposed, sub-horizontal clastic successions of more than 600 m of sedimentary thickness. The study of 11 sections by means of facies analysis and sequence stratigraphic criteria enabled the identification of five depositional sequences (SI–SV), bounded by unconformities (dI-dV) involving hiatuses of different magnitudes. The basal sequence (SI) includes two members: A, mudstone dominated, deposited by cohesive flows; and B, glauconite-rich, sandstone dominated, deposited by episodic turbidity currents. The remaining sequences (SII–SV) are composed of complex arrangements of fine conglomerates, coarse- to fine-grained sandstones, and mudstones that were deposited mainly by hyperpycnal flows. The basal unconformities of the SI to SIV involve minor hiatuses, while that of the SV is a major order unconformity. Two types of clinofom geometries are recognized in the foredeep sequences. Type a clinoforms present a wedge shaped geometry and characterize the foredeep infill during the compressional tectonic regime. Regarding this clinoform type, SI is situated closer to the orogen and shows variations in the bedding dip with development of internal unconformities. SII to SIV are situated towards the foreland and are characterized by subhorizontal conformable beds of large lateral extension. Type b clinoforms, with sigmoidal geometry, show a clear northeast progradation related to a progressive foredeep fill under tectonic quiescence. This clinoform type characterizes the deposits in SV. The recognition of hyperpycnites and different types of clinoform geometries in these sequences incorporates new concepts in reservoir prospects, which are critical for the evaluation of the petroleum system in the Austral Basin.     

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon geochronology of Neoproterozoic crustal granitoids (Southern Brazil): A case for discrimination of emplacement and inherited ages

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon studies on two post-collisional granitic plutons and reassessment of the data previously reported for two anatectic gneissic granites are used to assess the late Neoproterozoic history of the Florianópolis Batholith, southern Brazil. The results, supported by SEM backscattered and cathodoluminescence imagery, identify inherited zircon populations and confirm the long-lived, crustal recycling processes responsible for the accretion of the batholith. The study casts new lights on the timing of the processes involved in the generation and modification of the internal structure of distinct zircon populations, and enables discrimination to be made between inherited cores and melt-precipitated overgrowths. New dating of two post-tectonic plutons (samples 1 and 2) revealed crystals showing magmatic-textured cores sharply bounded by melt-precipitated overgrowths. The U/Pb isotopic results from both samples spread along concordia by ca. 40 m.y. (sample 1) to 100 m.y. (sample 2), clustering in two closely spaced (bimodal), partially overlapping peaks. Melt-precipitated rims and homogeneous new grains, dated at ca. 600 Ma, furnish the crystallisation age of the plutons. The magmatic textured cores and xenocrysts dated at ca. 630–620 Ma are interpreted as inherited restitic material from supposedly short-lived (meta)granitic sources. The reassessment of previous SHRIMP data of two banded anatectic granitoids (samples 3 and 4) revealed more complex morphological patterns, in which the overgrown inherited cores are sharply bounded against large melt-precipitated rims, dated at ca. 600 Ma and 592±2 Ma, respectively. Major populations of magmatic-textured inherited cores dated at 2006±3 Ma and 2175±13 Ma characterise samples 3 and 4, respectively. The latter additionally shows metamorphic and magmatic inherited cores with a large range of ages (ca. 2900–620 Ma), suggesting partial melting of metasedimentary components. The main magmatic Paleoproterozoic core populations are interpreted as inherited restite from partial melting of the adjacent (meta)tonalitic gneiss and amphibolitic country-rock (paleosome). The recognition of the (melt-precipitated) Neoproterozoic overgrowths and new crystals, and the restite provenance of the cores, supplants a previous interpretation of Paleoproterozoic magmatism (cores) and Neoproterozoic (solid-state) metamorphic overprint. As a major consequence of the former interpretation, the unit was mistakenly considered part of major Paleoproterozoic gneissic remnant within the Neoproterozoic Florianópolis Batholith/arc.     

Further evidence for 1.85 Ga metamorphism in the Central Zone of the North China Craton: SHRIMP U–Pb dating of zircon from metamorphic rocks in the Lushan area, Henan Province

This paper reports SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating of Precambrian supracrustal and granitic rocks from the Lushan area, Henan Province, in the southern portion of the Central Zone (also referred to as the Trans-North China Orogen) of the North China Craton. A graphite–garnet–sillimanite gneiss (Sample TW0006/1) of the Shangtaihua ‘Group’ gives a range of inherited zircon ages from 2.73 to 2.26 Ga and a metamorphic zircon age of 1.84 ± 0.07 Ga. A garnet-bearing gneissic granitoid (Sample TWJ358/1), which is considered to intrude the Shangtaihua ‘Group’, gives a magmatic zircon age of 2.14 ± 0.02 Ga and a metamorphic zircon age of 1.87 Ga. The metamorphic zircon ages of 1.87–1.84 Ga obtained in this study indicate that an important tectonothermal event occurred at the end of the Paleoproterozoic in the Lushan area. This supports the southern continuation of a Central Zone in the North China Craton that workers have recently considered to result from continent–continent collision. It is also evident that the Shangtaihua ‘Group’ was formed during the Paleoproterozoic (between 2.26 and 2.14 Ga), and not during the Archean, as previously considered.     

Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb and in-situ Lu–Hf isotope analyses of a tuff from Western Beijing: Evidence for missing Late Paleozoic arc volcano eruptions at the northern margin of the North China block

Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb and in-situ Lu–Hf isotopic analyses via laser ablation microprobe-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LAM-ICPMS) of a tuff within the Upper Paleozoic from Western Beijing were carried out to give new constraints on volcano eruption ages and source area of the tuffs within the North China block (NCB). SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating of the tuff yielded a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted mean age of 296 ± 4 Ma (95% confidence, MSWD = 3.3), which is very similar to the emplacement age of the newly discovered Carboniferous calc-alkaline, I-type continental arc granitoid plutons in the Inner Mongolia Paleo-uplift (IMPU) on the northern margin of the NCB. In-situ Lu–Hf analysis results of most zircons from the tuff yielded initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios from 0.282142 to 0.282284 and ε_Hf(t) values from − 15.9 to − 10.7. These Lu–Hf isotopic compositions are very similar to those of the Late Carboniferous granitoids in the IMPU, but are very different to those of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Together with the sedimentary and tectonic analyses results, we inferred that the source area of the tuffs within the NCB is the IMPU instead of the CAOB. Therefore, some arc volcanoes once existed in the IMPU on northern margin of the NCB during the Late Carboniferous, but they were entirely eroded due to strong exhumation and erosion of the IMPU during the Late Carboniferous to Early Jurassic.     

U–Pb SHRIMP zircon dating of Grenvillian metamorphism in Western Sierras Pampeanas (Argentina): Correlation with the Arequipa-Antofalla craton and constraints on the extent of the Precordillera Terrane

Metamorphism of Grenvillian age (ca. 1.2 Ga; U–Pb zircon dating) is recognized for the first time in the Western Sierras Pampeanas (Sierra de Maz). Conditions reached granulite facies (ca. 780 °C and ca. 780 MPa). Comparing geochronological and petrological characteristics with other outcrops of Mesoproterozoic basement, particularly in the northern and central Arequipa-Antofalla craton, we suggest that these regions were part of a single continental crustal block from Mesoproterozoic times, and thus autochthonous or parautochthonous to Gondwana.     

Tracing the protolith, UHP metamorphism, and exhumation ages of orthogneiss from the SW Sulu terrane (eastern China): SHRIMP U–Pb dating of mineral inclusion-bearing zircons

Orthogneisses are the major country rocks hosting eclogites in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China. All of the analyzed orthogneiss cores from the main drilling hole of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Project (CCSD-MH) have similar major and trace element compositions and a granite protolith. These rocks have relatively high LREE/HREE ratios, strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.20–0.39), and negative Ba anomalies (Ba/Ba*=0.25–0.64). Coesite and coesite-bearing UHP mineral assemblages are common inclusions in zircons separated from orthogneiss, paragneiss, amphibolite, and (retrograded) eclogite of the CCSD-MH. This suggests that the eclogite, together with its country rocks, experienced in situ ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism. Laser Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) images show that zircons from the orthogneisses are zoned and that they have distinct mineral inclusions in the different zones. Most zircons retain early magmatic cores with abundant low-pressure mineral inclusions, which are mantled with metamorphic zircon-containing inclusions of coesite and other UHP minerals. The outermost rims on these grains contain low-pressure mineral inclusions, such as quartz and albite. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of the zoned zircons gives three discrete and meaningful groups of ages: Proterozoic ages for the protolith, 227±2 Ma for the coesite-bearing mantles, and 209±3 Ma for the amphibolite facies retrograde rims. The widespread occurrence of UHP mineral inclusions in zircons from the Sulu metamorphic belt dated at about 227 Ma suggests that voluminous continental crust experienced late Triassic subduction to depths of at least 120 km and perhaps more than 200 km. Eighteen million years later, the terrane was rapidly exhumed to midcrustal levels, and the UHP rocks were overprinted by amphibolite facies metamorphism. The exhumation rate deduced from the zircon age data and previously obtained metamorphic P–T data is estimated to be 5.6–11.0 km/Ma. Such rapid exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane may be due to the buoyancy forces produced by subduction of low-density continental material into the deep mantle.     

Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Plutonism in the Northern Part of the Precambrian North China Craton: SHRIMP Zircon U–Pb Dating of Diorites and Granites from the Yunmengshan Geopark, Beijing

The Yunmengshan Geopark in northern Beijing is located within the Yanshan range. It contains the Yunmengshan batholith, which is dominated by two plutons: the Yunmengshan gneissic granite and the Shicheng gneissic diorite. Four samples of the Yunmengshan gneissic granite give SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages from 145 to 141 Ma, whereas four samples of the Shicheng gneissic diorite have ages from 159 Ma to 151 Ma. Dikes that cut the Yunmengshan diorite record SHRIMP zircon U–Pb age of 162±2 and 156±4 Ma. The cumulative plots of zircons from the diorites show a peak age of 155 Ma, without inherited zircon cores, and the peak age of 142 Ma for granite is interpreted as the emplacement age of the Yunmengshan granitic pluton, whose igneous zircons contain inherited zircon cores. The data presented here show that there were two pulses of magmatism: early diorites, followed c13 Ma later by true granites, which incorporated material from an older continental crust.     

Zircon U–Pb Geochronology,Elemental Geochemistry and Geological Implications of the Andesite of the Yixian Formation in the Tiejiangyingzi Basin in Southeastern Chifeng,China

The Early Cretaceous andesite of the Yixian Formation is an ore‐host rock in the Tiejiangyingzi basin in southeastern Chifeng, China, and bears several meso‐epithermal Au deposits, such as the Nalingou and Yaogou Au deposits. The geochronology and elemental geochemistry of the Yixian Formation were investigated to reveal its metallogenic context, petrogenesis, and mineralization contribution. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of zircons reveals that the andesite formed at 125.5 ± 0.9 Ma. This rock belongs to calc‐alkali rock series according to its elemental geochemical analysis results (i.e., SiO₂ = 63.63%–67.27%, MgO = 1.17%–1.43%, K₂O = 4.07%–4.67%, Mg^# = 35–41, Al₂O₃ = 17.16%–18.63%, Na₂O = 3.35%–4.08%, Sr = (240.1–585.6) × 10^‐6, Yb = (1.83–2.22) × 10^‐6, Y = (13.9–23.36) × 10^‐6, Na₂O/K₂O = 0.7–0.9, Eu/Eu* = (0.75–0.79) × 10^‐6, Sr/Y = 13–27, La_N/Yb_N = 11–19 ). The chondrite‐normalized trace element plot shows that the andesite is enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and Yb. Thus, the residual phase of andesite volcanic rocks is a granulite suite that contains amphibole and little remaining garnet in the Tiejiangyingzi basin. It can be concluded that andesite volcanic rocks distributed in the Tiejiangyingzi basin were formed in an extensional tectonic environment during the Mesozoic orogen, and the lower crust had experienced extensive high‐temperature metamorphism and melting. This gold‐bearing lower crust is closely related to mineralization. Therefore, the conclusions of this research have an important implication for further prospecting in southeastern Chifeng, China.     

Neoarchaean magmatism and metamorphism of the western granulites in the central domain of the Mozambique belt, Tanzania: U–Pb shrimp geochronology and PT estimates

U–Pb sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) dating of zircons from charnockitic and garnet–biotite gneisses from the central portion of the Mozambique belt, central Tanzania indicate that the protolith granitoids were emplaced in a late Archaean, ca. 2.7 Ga, magmatic event. These ages are similar to other U–Pb and Pb–Pb ages obtained for other gneisses in this part of the belt. Zircon xenocrysts dated between 2.8 and 3.0 Ga indicate the presence of an older basement. Major and trace element geochemistry of these high-grade gneisses suggests that the granitoid protoliths may have formed in an active continental margin environment. Metamorphic zircon rims and multifaceted metamorphic zircons are dated at ca. 2.6 Ga indicating that these rocks were metamorphosed some 50–100 my after their emplacement. Pressure and temperature estimates on the charnockitic and garnet–biotite gneisses were obscured by post-peak metamorphic compositional homogenisation; however, these estimates combined with mineral textures suggest that these rocks underwent isobaric cooling to 800–850 °C at 12–14 kbar. It is considered likely that the granulite facies mineral assemblage developed during the ca. 2.6 Ga event, but it must be considered that it might instead represent a pervasive Neoproterozoic, Pan African, granulite facies overprint, similar to the ubiquitous eastern granulites further to the east.     

Geochronology and Genesis of the Tiegelongnan Porphyry Cu(Au) Deposit in Tibet: Evidence from U–Pb,Re–Os Dating and Hf,S, and H–O Isotopes

The Tiegelongnan Cu (Au) deposit is the largest copper deposit newly discovered in the Bangong–Nujiang metallogenic belt. The deposit has a clear alteration zoning consisting of, from core to margin, potassic to propylitic, superimposed by phyllic and advanced argillic alteration. The shallow part of the deposit consists of a high sulphidation‐state overprint, mainly comprising disseminated pyrite and Cu–S minerals such as bornite, covellite, digenite, and enargite. At depth porphyry‐type mineralization mainly comprises disseminated chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite, and a minor vein molybdenite. Mineralization is disseminated and associated with veins contained within the porphyry intrusions and their surrounding rocks. The zircon U–Pb ages of the mineralized diorite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry are 123.1 ± 1.7 Ma (2σ) and 121.5 ± 1.5 Ma (2σ), respectively. The molybdenite Re–Os age is 121.2 ± 1.2 Ma, suggesting that mineralization was closely associated with magmatism. Andesite lava (zircon U–Pb age of 111.7 ± 1.6 Ma, 2σ) overlies the ore‐bodies and is the product of post‐mineralization volcanic activity that played a critical role in preserving the ore‐bodies. Values of ?4.6 ‰ to + 0.8 ‰ δ³⁴S for the metal sulfides (mean ? 1.55 ‰) suggest that S mainly has a deep magmatic source. The H and O isotopic composition is (δD = ?87 ‰ to ?64 ‰; δ¹⁸O_H2O = 5.5 ‰ to 9.0 ‰), indicating that the ore‐forming fluids are mostly magmatic‐hydrothermal, possibly mixed with a small amount of meteoric water. The zircon ε_Hf(t) of the diorite porphyry is 3.7 to 8.3, and the granodiorite porphyry is 1.8 to 7.5. Molybdenite has a high Re from 382.2 × 10^?6 to 1600 × 10^?6. Re and Hf isotope composition show that Tiegelongnan has some mantle source, maybe the juvenile lower crust from crust–mantle mixed source. Metallogenesis of the Tiegelongnan giant porphyry system was associated with intermediate to acidic magma in the Early Cretaceous (~120 Ma). The magma provenance of the Tiegelongnan deposit has some mantle‐derived composition, possibly mixed with the crust‐derived materials.