Geochronological and geochemical study of mafic dykes from the northwest Chinese Altai: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

Fifteen zircons separated from a mafic dyke in the Chinese Altai give a concordant age population with a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 375.5 ± 4.8 Ma, suggesting a Devonian emplacement. On the basis of their mineralogical compositions and textures, the coeval dykes can be divided into gabbroic and doleritic types. They are both sub-alkaline, tholeiitic, characterized by similarly low SiO₂ contents (45.2–52.7 wt.%) and total alkaline (K₂O + Na₂O = 0.99–4.93 wt.%). Rare earth element patterns of the gabbroic dykes are similar to N-MORB (La/Yb_N = 0.86–1.1), together with their high ε_Nd(t) values (+ 7.6 to + 8.1), indicating that their precursor magma was mainly derived from a N-MORB-type depleted asthenospheric mantle. While the REE patterns of the doleritic dykes resemble that of E-MORB (La/Yb_N = 1.12–2.28), enriched in LILEs and strongly depleted in HFSEs, with relative low ε_Nd(t) values (+ 3.4 to + 5.4) and high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7057–0.7060). The zircon Hf isotopic analysis of the doleritic dykes give ε_Hf(t) values from + 10.7 to + 13.8. These signatures suggest that a depleted mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and/or melts was possibly involved in the generation of the doleritic magma. The refractory peridotite may have been melted with variable degrees caused by upwelling of the hot asthenosphere. The petrogenesis of the mafic dykes suggest a high heat flux as a result of upwelling of the hot asthenosphere and the contrast geochemical signatures can be interpreted by a ridge subduction, which could be an important tectonic control in the accretionary process of the Chinese Altai.     

Geochemistry and U–Pb zircon geochronology of the Alvand plutonic complex in Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (Iran): New evidence for Jurassic magmatism

This paper presents geochemical, Sr–Nd isotopic, and U–Pb zircon geochronological data on the Alvand plutonic complex in Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (SSZ), Western Iran. The gabbroic rocks show a trend of a calc-alkaline magma suite and are characterized by low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7023–0.7037) and positive εNd(t) values (2.9–3.3), which suggest derivation from a moderately depleted mantle source. Geochemical features of the granites illustrate a high-K calc-alkaline magma series, whereas the leucocratic granitoids form part of a low-K series. Granites have intermediate ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.707–0.719) and negative εNd_(t) values (−1.0 to −3.4), while leucocratic granitoids have higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (0.713–0.714) and more negative εNd_(t) values (−3.5 to −4.5). Potential basement source lithologies for the granites are Proterozoic granites and orthogneisses, and those for the leucocratic granites are plagioclase-rich sources such as meta-arkoses or tonalites. The U–Pb dating results demonstrate that all granitoids were exclusively emplaced during the Jurassic instead of being Cretaceous or younger in age as suggested previously. The pluton was assembled incrementally over c. 10 Ma. Gabbros formed at 166.5 ± 1.8 Ma, granites between 163.9 ± 0.9 Ma and 161.7 ± 0.6 Ma, and leucocratic granitoids between 154.4 ± 1.3 and 153.3 ± 2.7 Ma. Granites and leucocratic granitoids show some A-type affinity. It is concluded that the Alvand plutonic complex was generated in a continental-arc-related extensional regime during subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust beneath the SSZ. The U/Pb zircon age data, recently corroborated by similar results in the central and southern SSZ, indicate that Jurassic granitoids are more areally extensive in this belt than previously thought.     

Mineral chemistry and zircon geochronology of xenocrysts and altered mantle and crustal xenoliths from the Aries micaceous kimberlite: Constraints on the composition and age of the central Kimberley Craton,Western Australia

The Neoproterozoic (∼ 820 Ma) Aries micaceous kimberlite intrudes the central Kimberley Basin, northern Western Australia, and has yielded a suite of 27 serpentinised ultramafic xenoliths, including spinel-bearing and rare, metasomatised, phlogopite–biotite and rutile-bearing types, along with minor granite xenoliths. Proton-microprobe trace-element analysis of pyrope and chromian spinel grains derived from heavy mineral concentrates from the kimberlite has been used to define a ∼ 35–40 mW/m² Proterozoic geotherm for the central Kimberley Craton. Lherzolitic chromian pyrope highly depleted in Zr and Y, and Cr-rich magnesiochromite xenocrysts (class 1), probably were derived from depleted garnet peridotite mantle at ∼ 150 km depth. Sampling of shallower levels of the lithospheric mantle by kimberlite magmas in the north and north-extension lobes entrained high-Fe chromite xenocrysts (class 2), and aluminous spinel-bearing xenoliths, where both spinel compositions are anomalously Fe-rich for spinels from mantle xenoliths. This Fe-enrichment may have resulted from Fe–Mg exchange with olivine during slow cooling of the peridotite host rocks. Fine exsolution rods of aluminous spinel in diopside and zircon in rutile grains in spinel- and rutile-bearing serpentinised ultramafic xenoliths, respectively, suggest nearly isobaric cooling of host rocks in the lithospheric mantle, and indicate that at least some aluminous spinel in spinel-facies peridotites formed through exsolution from chromian diopside. Fe–Ti-rich metasomatism in the spinel-facies Kimberley mantle probably produced high-Ti phlogopite–biotite + rutile and Ti, V, Zn, Ni-enriched aluminous spinel ± ilmenite associations in several ultramafic xenoliths. U–Pb SHRIMP ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb zircon ages for one granite (1851 ± 10 Ma) and two serpentinised ultramafic xenoliths (1845 ± 30 Ma; 1861 ± 31 Ma) indicate that the granitic basement and lower crust beneath the central Kimberley Basin are at least Palaeoproterozoic in age. However, Hf-isotope analyses of the zircons in the ultramafic xenoliths suggest that the underlying lithospheric mantle is at least late Archean in age.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Mesozoic mafic–ultramafic complexes in the southern Liaoning and southern Jilin provinces,NE China: Constraints on the spatial extent of destruction of the North China Craton

LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data are presented for mafic–ultramafic complexes from the southern Liaoning–southern Jilin area with the aim of determining the nature of the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle and to further constrain the spatial extent of destruction of the North China Craton (NCC). The complexes consist of olivine-websterite, gabbro, dolerite, and gabbro-diorite. Zircons from the complexes show typical zoning absorption, are euhedral–subhedral in shape, and yield high Th/U ratios (1.23–2.87), indicating a magmatic origin. Zircon U–Pb age data indicate that they formed in the Early Cretaceous (129–137 Ma). Geochemically, they have SiO₂ = 44.3–49.8%, MgO = 6.8–26.5%, Cr = 102–3578 ppm, and Ni = 31–1308 ppm, and are characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), as well as a wide range of Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)i = 0.70557–0.71119; ε_Nd (t) = ?5.4 to ?20.1; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)i = 15.13–17.85; Δ7/4 = ?11.49 to 16.00; Δ8/4 = 102.64–203.48]. Compared with the southern Liaoning mafic–ultramafic rocks, the southern Jilin mafic–ultramafic rocks have high TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents, high ε_Nd (t) values, low (La/Yb)_N values, low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and low radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions. These findings indicate that the primary magmas of the southern Jilin complexes were derived from lithospheric mantle that was previously metasomatized by a melt derived from the delaminated ancient lower crust, whereas the primary magmas of the southern Liaoning complexes originated from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source that was previously modified by melt derived from the broken-off Yangtze slab. Therefore, the lateral extent of the NCC destruction should include the southern Liaoning–southern Jilin area.     

Petrogenesis of high-Ti mafic dykes from Southern Qiangtang,Tibet: Implications for a ca. 290 Ma large igneous province related to the early Permian rifting of Gondwana

The presence and/or generation mechanism of a mantle plume associated with early Permian rifting on the northern margin of Gondwana are topics of debate. Here we report LA–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon ages, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotope data for high-Ti mafic dykes from southern Qiangtang, Tibet, with the aim of assessing if a mantle plume formed in this region during the early Permian. Zircon U–Pb dating of diabase dykes yielded ages of 290.6 ± 3.5 Ma and 290.1 ± 1.5 Ma, indicating they were emplaced during the early Permian. Whole-rock geochemistry shows that these mafic dykes are alkaline (Nb/Y = 0.73–0.99), have high TiO2 (3.6%–4.8%), and have ocean-island basalt (OIB)-like trace element patterns with enrichments in Nb, Ta, and Ti. Whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope data show a relatively narrow range of εNd(t) (+ 2.29 to + 3.53), similar to basalts produced by a mantle plume (e.g., Emeishan continental flood basalts (ECFB)). Elemental and isotope data suggest that the dykes have undergone fractionation crystallization of mafic minerals and have experienced negligible crustal contamination. These mafic rocks show an affinity to OIB and may have been generated by partial melting of an OIB-type, garnet-bearing asthenospheric mantle source. On the basis of a similar emplacement age to the Panjal Traps basalts in the Himalayas, combined with a tectonic reconstruction of Gondwana in the early to middle Permian, our work suggests that the high-Ti mafic dykes in the Southern Qiangtang terrane and the coeval Panjal Traps basalts in the Himalayas together comprise a ca. 290 Ma large igneous province linked to a mantle plume, which probably played an active role in early Permian rifting on the northern margin of Gondwana and was related to circum-Pangea subduction.     

Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin,NW China: Implications for plume–lithosphere interaction

There are large areas of Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin (PBRT) in northwestern China. Precise Ar–Ar dating of these rocks revealed an eruption age span of 262 to 285 Ma. Most of the PBRT is composed of alkaline basaltic rocks with high TiO₂ (2.43%–4.59%, weight percent), high Fe₂O₃ + FeO (12.63%–17.83%) and P₂O₅ (0.32%–1.38%) contents. Trace elements of these rocks have affinities with oceanic island basalts (OIB), as shown in chondrite normalized rare earth elements (REE) diagrams and primitive mantle normalized incompatible elements diagrams. The rocks show complex Sr–Nd isotopic character based on which they can be subdivided into two distinct groups: group 1 has relatively small initial (t = 280 Ma)⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (∼ 0.7048) and positive εNd(t) (3.42–4.66) values. Group 2 has relatively large initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (0.7060–0.7083) and negative εNd(t) (from − 2.79 to − 2.16) values. Lead isotopes are even more complex with variations of (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t ranging from 17.9265 to 18.5778, 15.4789 to 15.6067 and 37.2922 to 38.1437, respectively. Moreover, these two groups have different trace elements ratios such as Nb/La, Ba/Nb, Zr/Nb, Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf, implying different magmatic processes. Based on the geochemistry of basaltic rocks and an evaluation of the tectonics, deformation, and the compositions of crust and lithospheric mantle in Tarim, we conclude that these basaltic rocks resulted from plume–lithosphere interaction. Permian mantle plume caused an upwelling of the Tarim lithosphere leading to melting of the asthenospheric mantle by decompression. The magma ascended rapidly to the base of lower crust, where different degrees of assimilation of OIB-like materials and fractionation occurred. Group 1 rocks formed where the upwelling is most pronounced and the assimilation was negligible. In other places, different degrees of assimilation and fractionation account for the geochemical traits of group 2.     

Early Permian East-Ujimqin mafic–ultramafic and granitic rocks from the Xing’an–Mongolian Orogenic Belt,North China: Origin,chronology, and tectonic implications

The East-Ujimqin complex, located north of the Erenhot–Hegenshan fault, North China, is composed of mafic–ultramafic and granitic rocks including peridotite, gabbro, alkali granite, and syenite. We investigated the tectonic setting, age, and anorogenic characteristics of the Xing’an–Mongolian Orogenic Belt (XMOB) through field investigation and microscopic and geochemical analyses of samples from the East-Ujimqin complex and LA-MC-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of gabbro and alkali granite. Petrographic and geochemical studies of the complex indicate that this multiphase plutonic suite developed through a combination of fractional crystallization, assimilation processes, and magma mixing. The mafic–ultramafic rocks are alkaline and have within-plate geochemical characteristics, indicating anorogenic magmatism in an extensional setting and derivation from a mantle source. The mafic–ultramafic magmas triggered partial melting of the crust and generated the granitic rocks. The granitic rocks are alkali and metaluminous and have high Fe/(Fe + Mg) characteristics, all of which are common features of within-plate plutons. Zircon U–Pb geochronological dating of two samples of gabbro and alkali granite yielded ages of 280.8 ± 1.5 and 276.4 ± 0.7 Ma, placing them within the Early Permian. The zircon Hf isotopic data give inhomogeneous ε_Hf(t) values of 8.2–14.7 for gabbroic zircons and extraordinary high ε_Hf(t) values (8.9–12.5) for the alkali granite in magmatic zircons. Thus, we consider the East-Ujimqin mafic–ultramafic and granitic rocks to have been formed in an extensional tectonic setting caused by asthenospheric upwelling and lithospheric thinning. The sources of mafic–ultramafic and granitic rocks could be depleted garnet lherzolite mantle and juvenile continental lower crust, respectively. All the above indicate that an anorogenic magma event may have occurred in part of the XMOB during 280–276 Ma.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of the volcanic rocks associated with the Dong'an adularia–sericite epithermal gold deposit,Lesser Hinggan Range,Heilongjiang province,NE China: Constraints on the metallogenesis

Late Mesozoic volcanism is widespread throughout NE China. On the basis of lithological associations and spatial relationships, the volcanic rocks in the Lesser Hinggan Range can be divided into two formations, i.e., felsic-dominant Fuminghe Formation and overlying mafic-dominant Ganhe Formation. The Dong'an gold deposit, a typical adularia–sericite epithermal system, is spatially closely associated with rhyolitic porphyry, which is a subvolcanic intrusion of the Fuminghe Formation. Total measured, indicated, and inferred resources for the Dong'an deposit are 70 tonnes (2.25 Moz) of gold with the grade of 5.04 g/t Au, making it one of the largest epithermal gold deposits in China.SHRIMP U–Pb zircon and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology applied to one rhyolitic porphyry sample and sericite separated from auriferous quartz veins of the main mineralization stage were carried out to constrain magmatic and hydrothermal events. The results suggest that the mineralization age of 107.2 ± 0.6 Ma overlaps with the age of the rhyolitic porphyry 108.1 ± 2.4 Ma. Our new age data indicate that there was a previously unrecognized mineralization event in NE China at 107–108 Ma.Systematic geochemical investigations on the volcanic rocks in the Lesser Hinggan Range show that both Fuminghe and Ganhe Formations are characterized by significant large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) enrichment coupled with high field strength elements (HFSE) depletion, but they have distinct Sr and Nd isotopic compositions. The Fuminghe Formation has relative high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.707253 to 0.707373, and negative ε_Nd(t) values of ?2.78 to ?3.05 (t = 108 Ma), whereas the Ganhe Formation displays slightly lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr range of 0.705434–0.705763 and positive ε_Nd(t) values of + 0.76 to +1.83. These geochemical data suggest that the rhyolitic magmas of the Fuminghe Formation probably represent the final differentiates of parental andesitic magmas, resulted from the partial melting of mafic lower crust, whereas the volcanic rocks of the Ganhe Formation were produced by fractionation of basaltic magmas generated from partial melting of a mixture of an incompatible element depleted anhydrous lherzolite asthenospheric mantle source and a hydrous enriched lithospheric mantle source in an extensional tectonic setting, in response to upwelling of asthenospheric mantle. The rhyolite porphyries of the Fuminghe Formation are inferred to have supplied heat that drove the convective hydrothermal system at Dong'an deposit, but also provided some of the fluid sources responsible for the development of the Dong'an epithermal system.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Wunugetushan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit in NE china,and their geological significance

The Wunugetushan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in the Manzhouli district of NE China, on the southern margin of the Mesozoic Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt. Concentric rings of hydrothermal alteration and Cu–Mo mineralization surround an Early–Middle Jurassic monzogranitic porphyry. The Cu–Mo mineralization is clearly related to the quartz–potassic and quartz–sericite alteration. Molybdenite Re–Os and groundmass ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar of the host porphyry dates indicate that the ore-formation and porphyry-emplacement occurred at 177.6 ± 4.5 Ma and 179.0 ± 1.9 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, the host porphyry of the deposit is characterized by strong LREE/HREE fractionation, enrichment in LILE, Ba, Rb, U, Th and Pb, and depletion of HFSE, Nb, Ta, Ti and HREE. The Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the porphyry display an varied initial (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratio, a positive ε_Nd(t) values and high ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_t, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_t and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_t ratios. These data indicate that the magmatic source of the host porphyry comprised two end-members: lithospheric mantle metasomatized by fluids derived from the subducted slab; and continental crust. We infer that the primitive magma of the host porphyry was derived from crust–mantle transition zone. Based on regional geology and geochemistry of the host porphyry, the Wunugetushan deposit is suggested to form in a continental collision environment after closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean.     

Ediacaran Águas Belas pluton,Northeastern Brazil: Evidence on age,emplacement and magma sources during Gondwana amalgamation

Ediacaran syenogranites from the Águas Belas pluton, Borborema Province, Northeastern Brazil were investigated in this work. The studied granitoids show high SiO₂, Fe# [FeO / (FeO + MgO)], total alkalis (K₂O + Na₂O) and BaO contents and medium Sr and low Nb contents. They show gentle fractionated rare earth patterns with discrete Eu negative anomalies. Major and trace element data point to chemical features of transitional high-K calc-alkaline to alkaline post-collisional magmatism. Structural data coupled with geochronological data suggest that NNE–SSW-trending sinistral movements at shear zones were initiated at ca. 590 Ma and have activated E–W pre-existing structures at the current crustal level. The synchronism of these shear zones allowed the dilation to generate the necessary space for the emplacement of the Águas Belas pluton.U–Pb SHRIMP zircon data show a cluster of ages around 588 ± 4 Ma which is interpreted as the crystallization age. Some zircon grain cores yielded ages within 2060–1860 Ma and 1670–1570 Ma intervals. Oxygen isotope compositions of zircon grains with distinct ages were measured using SHRIMP techniques. Twenty three analyses in the same zircon spots previously analyzed for U–Pb show δ¹⁸O values ranging from 5.79‰ to 10.30‰ SMOW. This large range of values results from variations both between grains and within grains (core–mantle/rim), and is interpreted as the result of mixing of components with distinct oxygen isotope compositions. The U–Pb zircon ages and the δ¹⁸O values associated with Paleoproterozoic Nd T_DM model ages suggest that the protolith of these granitoids involved a mantle component (Paleoproterozoic lithospheric mantle), Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks. Interactions with Mesoproterozoic or Neoproterozoic supracrustal rocks, may have occurred during the intrusion. The resulting magma evolved through biotite and K-feldspar fractionation.     

Postdated melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle by the Emeishan mantle plume: Evidence from the Anyi intrusion,Yunnan, SW China

The Anyi intrusion is located in the central zone of Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP), SW China. It outcrops in an area of about 0.65 km² and ~ 1 km thick and dips to the southwest. The Anyi intrusion consists of a lower clinopyroxenite zone, middle gabbro zone, and an upper monzonite–syenite zone. Up to 400 m thick stratiform disseminated Fe–Ti oxide layer with grades of 16–18 wt.% total Fe is hosted in the lower clinopyroxenite zone. Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb age (247 ± 3 Ma) indicates that the Anyi intrusion represents postdated mafic magmatism resulting from the ~ 260 Ma Emeishan mantle plume. Compared with the typical oxide-bearing intrusions (such as Panzhihua and Baima) formed at ~ 260 Ma in the ELIP, the Anyi intrusion is characterized by high alkaline contents and LREE/HREE ratios, extremely low εNd values (− 6.2 to − 7.6) and moderate high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values (0.7072 to 0.7086). These characteristics of the Anyi intrusion cannot be explained by fractional crystallization or crustal contamination, but may reflect a unique enriched continental lithospheric mantle source (a mantle source mixed between garnet pyroxenite and spinel peridotite). We propose that the postdated mafic magmatism associated with the formation of the Anyi intrusion and its Fe–Ti oxide ore may be the product of melting of a mantle source mixed between garnet pyroxenite and spinel peridotite in the shallow lithosphere caused by conductive heating combined with lithosphere thinning due to plume–lithosphere interaction.     

Geochemistry of lamprophyres at the Daping gold deposit,Yunnan Province,China: Constraints on the timing of gold mineralization and evidence for mantle convection in the eastern Tibetan Plateau

Cenozoic lamprophyre dykes occur widely along the Ailao-Shan-Red-River (ASRR) shear zone related to the Indian–Eurasian collision. Two generations of lamprophyres have been found at the Daping gold deposit in the southern part of the ASRR shear zone and have been investigated by using phlogopite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating and whole-rock major and trace element as well as Sr and Nd isotope geochemical analyses. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages of phlogopite from the two generations of lamprophyres bracket the emplacement of auriferous quartz veins in the Daping deposit between 36.8 ± 0.2 Ma and 29.6 ± 0.2 Ma, consistent with the timing of gold mineralization in other parts of the ASRR shear zone. Geochemical data suggest that these lamprophyres most likely originated from a subduction-modified mantle source consisting of phlogopite-bearing spinel lherzolite, which underwent partial melting with contributions from crust materials. In particular, the second generation lamprophyres are characterized by more primitive geochemical features than the first, suggesting that secular source evolution probably resulted from post-collisional slab break-off mantle convection and remelting from ascending asthenosphere after subducted lithosphere break-off. Widespread and episodic occurrences of lamprophyres and other potassic volcanism in the eastern Tibetan Plateau were probably related to the onset of transtensional tectonics along the ASRR shear zone during Oligocene. A genetic model involving transtensional tectonics has been proposed for lamprophyres and gold mineralization in the ASRR shear zone.     

Late Triassic alkaline complex in the Sulu UHP terrane: Implications for post-collisional magmatism and subsequent fractional crystallization

Continental subduction and its interaction with overlying mantle wedge are recognized as fundamental solid earth processes, yet the dynamics of this system remains ambiguous. In order to get an insight into crust–mantle interaction triggered by partial melting of subudcted continental crust during its exhumation, we carried out a combined study of the Shidao alkaline complex from the Sulu ultrahigh pressure (UHP) terrane. The alkaline complex is composed of shoshonitic to ultrapotassic (K₂O: 3.4–9.3 wt.%) gabbro, pyroxene syenite, amphibole syenite, quartz syenite, and granite. Field studies suggest that the mafic rocks are earlier than the felsic ones in sequence. LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating on them gives Late Triassic ages of 214 ± 2 to 200 ± 3 Ma from mafic to felsic rocks. These ages are slightly younger than the Late Triassic ages (225–210 Ma) of the felsic melts from partial melting of the Sulu UHP terrane during exhumation. The alkaline rocks have wide ranges of SiO₂ (49.7–76.7 wt.%), MgO (8.25–0.03 wt.%), Ni (126.0–0.07 ppm), and Cr (182.0–0.45 ppm) contents. The contents of MgO, total Fe₂O₃, CaO, TiO₂ and P₂O₅ decrease with increasing SiO₂ contents. The contents of Na₂O, K₂O, and Al₂O₃ increase from gabbro to amphibole syenite, and decrease from amphibole syenite to granite, respectively. The alkaline rocks have characteristics of an arc-like pattern in trace element distribution, e.g., enrichment of LREE, LILE (Rb and Ba), Th and U, depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta, P and Ti), and positive Pb anomalies. From the mafic rocks to the felsic rocks, the (La/Yb)_N ratios and the contents of the total REE, Sr and Ba decrease but the Rb contents increase. The alkaline rocks with high SiO₂ contents also display features of an A2-type granitoids, e.g., high contents of total alkalis, Zr and Nb and high ratios of Fe₂O₃^T/MgO, Ga/Al, Yb/Ta and Y/Nb, suggesting a post-collisional magmatism during exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane. The alkaline rocks have homogeneous initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7058–0.7093) and negative ε_Nd(t) values (− 18.6 to − 15.0) for whole-rock. The Sr–Nd isotopic data remain almost unchanged with varying SiO₂ and MgO contents, suggesting a fractional crystallization (FC) process from the same parental magma. Our studies suggest a crust–mantle interaction in continental subduction interface as follows: (1) hydrous felsic melts from partial melting of subducted continental crust during its exhumation metasomatized the overlying mantle wedge to form a K-rich and amphibole-bearing mantle; (2) partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle generated the Late Triassic alkaline complex under a post-collisional setting; and (3) the alkaline magma experienced subsequent fractionational crystallization mainly dominated by olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase and alkali feldspar.     

Petrology,geochemistry and geochronology of the magmatic suite from the Jianzha Complex,central China: Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications

The intermediate–mafic–ultramafic rocks in the Jianzha Complex (JZC) at the northern margin of the West Qinling Orogenic Belt have been interpreted to be a part of an ophiolite suite. In this study, we present new geochronological, petrological, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data and provide a different interpretation. The JZC is composed of dunite, wehrlite, olivine clinopyroxenite, olivine gabbro, gabbro, and pyroxene diorite. The suite shows characteristics of Alaskan-type complexes, including (1) the low CaO concentrations in olivine; (2) evidence of crystal accumulation; (3) high calcic composition of clinopyroxene; and (4) negative correlation between FeO^tot and Cr₂O₃ of spinels. Hornblende and phlogopite are ubiquitous in the wehrlites, but minor orthopyroxene is also present. Hornblende and biotite are abundant late crystallized phases in the gabbros and diorites. The two pyroxene-bearing diorite samples from JZC yield zircon U–Pb ages of 245.7 ± 1.3 Ma and 241.8 ± 1.3 Ma. The mafic and ultramafic rocks display slightly enriched LREE patterns. The wehrlites display moderate to weak negative Eu anomalies (0.74–0.94), whereas the olivine gabbros and gabbros have pronounced positive Eu anomalies. Diorites show slight LREE enrichment, with (La/Yb)_N ratios ranging from 4.42 to 7.79, and moderate to weak negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu¹ = 0.64–0.86). The mafic and ultramafic rocks from this suite are characterized by negative Nb–Ta–Zr anomalies as well as positive Pb anomalies. Diorites show pronounced negative Ba, Nb–Ta and Ti spikes, and typical Th–U, K and Pb peaks. Combined with petrographic observations and chemical variations, we suggest that the magmatism was dominantly controlled by fractional crystallization and crystal accumulation, with limited crustal contamination. The arc-affinity signature and weekly negative to moderately positive ε_Nd(t) values (−2.3 to 1.2) suggest that these rocks may have been generated by partial melting of the juvenile sub-continental lithospheric mantle that was metasomatized previously by slab-derived fluids. The lithologies in the JZC are related in space and time and originated from a common parental magma. Geochemical modeling suggests that their primitive parental magma had a basaltic composition. The ultramafic rocks were generated through olivine accumulation, and variable degrees of fractional crystallization with minor crustal contamination produced the diorites. The data presented here suggest that the subduction in West Qinling did not cease before the early stage of the Middle Triassic (∼242 Ma), a back-arc developed in the northern part of West Qinling during this period, and the JZC formed within the incipient back-arc.     

Origin of LateTriassic high-Mg adakitic granitoid rocks from the Dongjiangkou area,Qinling orogen,central China: Implications for subduction of continental crust

The origin of high-Mg adakitic granitoids in collisional orogens can provide important information about the nature of the lower crust and upper mantle during the orogenic process. Late-Triassic high-Mg adakitic granite and its mafic enclaves from the Dongjiangkou area, the Qinling orogenic belt, central China, were derived by partial melting of subducted continental crust and underwent interaction with the overlying mantle wedge peridotite. Adakitic affinity of the different facies of the Dongjiangkou granite body are: high Sr, Ba, high La/Yb and Sr/Y, low Y,Yb, Yb/Lu and Dy/Yb, and no significant Eu anomalies, suggesting amphibole + garnet and plagioclase-free restite in their source region. Evolved Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7050 to 0.7055,ε_Nd(t) = –6.6 to –3.3; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 17.599 to 17.799, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.507 to 15.526, (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 37.775 to 37.795] and high K₂O, Rb, together with a large variation in zircon Hf isotopic composition (ε_Hf(t) = ?9.8 to + 5.0), suggest that the granite was derived from reworking of the ancient lower continental crust. CaO, P₂O₅, K₂O/Na₂O, Cr, Ni, Nb/Ta, Rb/Sr and Y increase, and SiO₂, Sr/Y and Eu/Eu* decrease with increasing MgO, consistent with interaction of primitive adakitic melt and overlying mantle peridotite. Zircons separated from the host granites have U-Pb concordia ages of 214 ± 2 Ma to 222 ± 2 Ma, compatible with exhumation ages of Triassic UHP metamorphic rocks in the Dabie orogenic belt. Mafic microgranular enclaves and mafic dykes associated with the granite have identical zircon U-Pb ages of 220 Ma, and are characterized by lower SiO₂, high TiO₂, Mg# and similar evolved Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition. Zircons from mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and mafic dykes also show a large variation in Hf isotopic composition with ε_Hf(t) between ?11.3 and + 11.3. It is inferred that they were formed by partial melting of enriched mantle lithosphere and contaminated by the host adakitic granite magma.In combination with the regional geology, high-Mg# adakitic granitoid rocks in the Dongjiangkou area are considered to have resulted from interaction between subducted Yangtze continental crust and the overlying mantle wedge. Triassic continental collision caused detachment of the Yangtze continental lithosphere subducted beneath the North China Craton, at ca. 220 Ma causing asthenosphere upwelling and exhumation of the continental crust. Triassic clockwise rotation of the Yangtze Craton caused extension in the Dabie area which led to rapid exhumation of the subducted continental lithosphere, while compression in the Qinling area and high-P partial melting (amphibole ± garnet stability field) of the subducted continental crust produced adakitic granitic magma that reacted with peridotite to form Mg-rich hybrid magma.     

Neoproterozoic granitic activities in the Xingdi plutons at the Kuluketage block,NW China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb dating,geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic analyses

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks are widely distributed in the Kuluketage block along the northern margin of the Tarim Craton. However, the published literature mainly focuses on the ca. 800 Ma adakitic granitoids in the area, with the granites that intrude the 735–760 Ma mafic–ultramafic rocks poorly studied. Here we report the ages, petrography and geochemistry of two granites in the Xingdi mafic–ultramafic rocks, in order to construct a new view of the non-adakitic younger granites. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating provided weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 743.0 ± 2.5 Ma for the No.I granite (G1) and 739.0 ± 3.5 Ma for the No.II granite (G2). A clear core-rim texture of similar age and a high zircon saturation temperature of ca. 849 ± 14 °C were observed for the No.I granite; in contrast, G2 has no apparent core-rim texture but rather inherited older zircons and a lower zircon saturation temperature of ca. 763 ± 17 °C. Geochemical analysis revealed that G1 is an alkaline A-type granite and G2 is a high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite. Both granites share similar geochemical characteristics of arc-related magmatic rocks and enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes, likely due to their enriched sources or mixing with enriched magma. Whereas G1 and its host mafic rocks form typical bimodal intrusions of the same age and similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotope compositions, G2 is younger than its host mafic rocks and its Sr–Nd–Hf isotope composition indicates a lower crust origin. Although they exhibit arc-related geochemical features, the two granites likely formed in a rift setting, as inferred from thier petrology, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes and regional tectonic evolution.     

Formation of the Japan Sea basin: Reassessment from Ar–Ar ages and Nd–Sr isotopic data of basement basalts of the Japan Sea and adjacent regions

Many studies have examined the Japan Sea basalts recovered during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg127/128. Of these, the ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating undertaken is important in constraining the timing of the formation of the Japan Sea; however, the implications of their results do not appear to be fully appreciated by the geological community. In this paper, I reassess the ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar age data of the basalts with reference to Nd–Sr isotopic data. The ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating was performed on basalts somewhat enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and recovered from ODP Sites 794, 795 and the lower part of 797, yielding the plateau ages of 21.2–17.7 Ma. These basalts show the Nd–Sr isotopic signature of a moderately depleted mantle source (ε_Nd: 0.6–6.9). In contrast, the basalts from the upper part of Site 797 have yet to be dated due to their low K content, although their Nd isotopic compositions are similar to that of MORB (ε_Nd: 8.4–10.4). By analogy to the secular Nd–Sr isotopic trends reported for Sikhote-Alin and northeast Japan, the age of the upper basalts at Site 797 may be inferred to be younger than the lower basalts, probably around 16 Ma. The Nd–Sr isotopic compositions of the Japan Sea basalts have been interpreted in terms of eastward asthenospheric flow, as have the lavas of the Sikhote-Alin and northeastern Japan. The timing of volcanic activity in the Japan Sea region (i.e., from 21.2 to 14.86 Ma) is consistent with the timing of rotational crustal movements inferred from paleomagnetic studies of the Japanese Islands (i.e., 14.8–4.2 Ma for southwest Japan and 16.5–14.4 Ma for northeast Japan).     

Petrogenesis and tectonic settings of the Late Carboniferous Jiamantieliek and Baogutu ore-bearing porphyry intrusions in the southern West Junggar,NW China

Porphyry Cu deposits occurred in the southern West Junggar of Xinjiang, NW China and are represented by the Baogutu and newly-discovered Jiamantieliek porphyry Cu deposits. Petrographical and geochemical studies show that both Jiamantieliek and Baogutu ore-bearing intrusions comprise main-stage diorite stock and minor late-stage diorite porphyry dikes and are the calc-alkaline intermediate intrusions. Based on U–Pb zircon SHRIMP analyses, the Jiamantieliek intrusion formed in 313 ± 4 Ma and 310 ± 5 Ma, while, based on U–Pb zircon SIMS analyses, the Baogutu intrusion formed in 313 ± 2 Ma and 312 ± 2 Ma. Rocks in the Jiamantieliek intrusion are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE) with negative Nb anomaly. Their isotopic compositions (ε_Nd(t) = +1.6 to +3.4, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70369–0.70401, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.31–5.41) suggest a mixing origin from depleted to enriched mantle sources. In the Baogutu intrusion, the rocks are similar to those of the Jiamantieliek intrusion. Their Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition (ε_Nd(t) = +4.4 to +6.0, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70368–0.70385, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.34–5.42) shows a more depleted mantle source. These features suggest generation in an island arc. The Jiamantieliek and Baogutu intrusions have similar characteristics, indicating that a relatively uniform and integrated source region has existed in the southern West Junggar since the Palaeozoic. A larger contribution of calc-alkaline magma would be required to generate the Jiamantieliek intrusion, which may reflect the development of magma arc maturation towards the western section of the southern West Junggar.     

A porphyry-skarn metallogenic system in the Lesser Xing’an Range,NE China: Implications from U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of the Luming Mo and Xulaojiugou Pb–Zn deposits

The Luming porphyry Mo deposit and the Xulaojiugou skarn Pb–Zn deposit are located in the southeast Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China. They are about 15 km apart, and are both related to monzogranite. Mo orebodies in the Luming deposit are hosted within the medium- to fine-grained monzogranite, while Pb–Zn orebodies in the Xulaojiugou deposit are hosted by the contact zone between the medium-grained monzogranite and the marbles of the early Cambrian Qianshan Formation.LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the ore-related monzogranite in the Luming deposit yields crystallization age of 180.7 ± 1.6 Ma, and the medium-grained and porphyritic monzogranites from the Xulaojiugou deposit yield crystallization ages of 181.2 ± 1.1 Ma and 179.9 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. Analyses of seven molybdenite samples from the Luming deposit display Re–Os isochron age of 177.9 ± 2.6 Ma. These results indicate that the mineralization in the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits occurred at about 181–178 Ma. These two deposits are genetically linked and belong to a porphyry-skarn metallogenic system. Combined with the previously reported geochronological data for ore deposits in adjacent areas, we consider that the early Jurassic is an important epoch for Mo and Pb–Zn mineralization in the Lesser Xing’an Range.The monzogranites from the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits are enriched in and Rb, Th, U, Pb and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and are depleted in Ba, Nb, Ta, P, Ti and Eu. They have positive ε_Hf(t) values of 1.0–4.0 with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 868–1033 Ma. Whole-rock Sr and Nd isotopes show restricted ranges of initial compositions, with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i between 0.706346 and 0.707384 and ε_Nd(t) between −3.5 and −1.8. These data indicate that their primary magmas originated from the partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle which had been metasomatized by subducted slab-derived fluids/melts. The early Jurassic magmatic–metallogenic events in the Lesser Xing’an Range are interpreted as a response to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.     

Petrogenesis of post-collisional A-type granitoids from the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic assemblage,Southwestern Kerman,Iran: Constraints on the Arabian–Eurasian continental collision

Three plutons (Deh-Siahan, Bande-Bagh and Baghe-Khoshk Sharghi, collectively referred to as the DBB hereafter) in southwestern Kerman, in the southeastern part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic assemblage (UDMA) of the Zagros orogenic belt differ from the typical calc-alkaline metaluminous, I-type intrusions of the region. The DBB intrusions have a distinct lithological assemblage varying from diorite through monzogranite and monzonite to alkali feldspar syenite and alkali granite. The DBB granitoids are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, alkaline to shoshonitic in composition and have high total alkali contents with K₂O > Na₂O, high FeO_T/MgO values, and low CaO and MgO contents. They are enriched in some LILEs (such as Rb and Th) and HFSEs (such as Zr, Y and REEs except Eu) and depleted in Sr and Ba relative to primordial mantle, and have low concentrations of transitional metals. These features along with various geochemical discriminant diagrams suggest that the DBB granitoids are post-collisional A-type granitoids, which had not been recognized previously in the UDMA. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the DBB granitoids show slightly enriched light REEs [(La/Sm)_N = 2.26–4.13], negative Eu anomalies [(Eu/Eu*)_N = 0.19–0.74] and flat heavy REE patterns [(Gd/Yb)_N = 0.80–1.87]. The negative Eu anomaly indicates an important role for plagioclase and/or K-feldspar during fractional crystallization. Whole-rock Rb–Sr isotope analysis yields an isochron age of 33 ± 1 Ma with an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr value of 0.7049 ± 0.0001. Whole-rock Sm–Nd isotope analysis gives ε_Nd^t values from + 2.56 to + 3.62 at 33 Ma. The positive ε_Nd^t and low I_Sr values of the DBB granitoids together with their T_DM of 0.6–0.7 Ga suggest their formation from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source, modified by fluids or melts from earlier subduction processes. Melting of lithospheric mantle occurred via a dehydration melting process at pressures below the garnet stability field, as a consequence of lithospheric mantle delamination or break-off of a subducted slab and melting of the lithospheric mantle by upwelling of hot asthenosphere. On the basis of Rb/Sr age dating and the post-collisional geochemical signatures of the DBB granitoids, along with extensive pre-collisional volcanic eruptions in Middle Eocene, we suggest Late Eocene for the time of collision between the Arabian and Central Iranian plates. This also implies that the calc-alkaline I-type intrusions in the southwestern Kerman and in other parts of the UDMA may have formed in a post-collisional context.