Evolution of Icelandic central volcanoes: evidence from the Austurhorn intrusion,southeastern Iceland

The Austurhorn intrusive complex in southeastern Iceland represents an exhumed Tertiary central volcano. The geometry of the intrusion and geochemistry of the mafic and felsic rocks indicate Austurhorn was a volcanic center analogous to Eyjafjallajökull and Torfajökull in Iceland's eastern neovolcanic zone (EVZ). Early transitional tholeiitic basalt magmatism at Austurhorn formed a shallow crustal chamber 5 km in diameter. Apparent rhythmic modal layering of, and intrusive contacts within, the gabbro indicate the mafic chamber was replenished frequently as it cooled and crystallized. Felsic activity postdated near-solidification of the gabbro; numerous granitic magmas intruded along gabbro margins and within the adjacent crust. Field relations indicate that infrequent felsic replenishment prevented convective mixing of the Austurhorn chamber during this time, although commingled mafic and felsic magmas are observed in an extensive net veined complex. Late stage mafic dikes intrude the entire complex, suggesting that magmatic heat was abundantly available throughout the evolution of the Austurhorn system. Plagioclase and clinopyroxene compositions in mafic through felsic rocks, including gabbros, support a model of progressive differentiation. Field relations constrain the felsic magmas to originate at P1 kbar, presumably by fractional crystallization. The structure and geochemistry of the Austurhorn intrusive complex suggest formation in an immature rift environment similar to the modern EVZ. The proposed rift segment was parallel to the western and eastern neovolcanic zones, and probably resulted from a reorganization of plate boundaries 7 Ma (Saemundsson 1979; Helgason 1985; Jancin et al. 1985) triggered by activity of the Iceland mantle plume.     

Minor intrusions towards the east of the Girnar hills

The basaltic lava flows towards the east of the Girnar Hills are traversed by a number of basic intrusions of both concordant and discordant types. The former is represented by a single sill, which runs in a roughly north-south direction coinciding with the long axis of an ellipsoidal olivine-gabbro mass of the Girnar plutonic igncous complex while the discordant bodies form radial dykes converging at a centre in Girnar. Petrographically, the intrusive rocks are olivine-dolerites exhibiting a little variation in grain size. They show remarkable similarity in mineral and chemical composition to the olivine-gabbro of the main plutonic body, suggesting their consanguinity. The basalts, into which the dolerites are intruded, show much alteration presumably due to the pneumatolytic effect of the solutions and vapours coming from the central volcano. Such alteration is entirely absent in the olivine dolerites indicating that the dykes are younger than the basalts. On the basis of the structural setting of the rocks, it is suggested that tensional fractures were formed in the lava flows due to the effect of laccolithic intrusion of gabbro, and subsequently the fractures have been filled by the same magma giving rise to olivine-dolerites.     

Metal-depleted root zones of the Troodos ore-forming hydrothermal systems, Cyprus

The cupriferous pyrite deposits of Cyprus were precipitated from hydrothermal solutions derived by interaction of contemporaneous seawater with hot mafic rock at the ancient Troodos spreading centre. Here we identify the zones in which this interaction took place. The zones occur in the lower part of the sheeted dyke complex, and within them 30–50% of the rock is made up of epidosite, an epidote-quartz rock, replacing the dykes as sheets and pipes. The epidosites contain abundant fluid inclusions, which give trapping temperatures of 350–400°C or even higher, and contain water normally near seawater in salinity. Zones of epidosite are elongate parallel to the strike of the sheeted dykes, and are up to 1 km wide. The rocks throughout these zones are strongly depleted in Cu and Zn, and the metals removed are sufficient to supply the ore deposits. In fact several large ore deposits lie along strike from zones of epidosite. All of these features support the identification of the epidosites as the hydrothermal reaction zones.The location of the epidosite zones immediately above the gabbros of the plutonic complex supports the hypothesis that the heat to drive the ore-forming systems came from the underlying magma, as is also likely for modern black smoker springs.     

On the origin of diamantiferous diatremes

Diamantiferous diatremes usually occur in the old platforms and shields where deep fractures are «blind»,i.e., these fractures do not come out to the earth surface. Alkaline-ultrabasic magma ascending along these fractures and encountering an impervious cap of sedimentary and/or volcanic rocks had formed, between the cap and the basemnet rocks, intermediate chambers in which the crystallization of diamonds took place. Under the influence of the increasing pressures in these chambers, the roofs were destroyed and diamantiferous diatremes, dykes and veins of kimberlite have been formed. These diatremes are filled with a typical eruptive breccia in which the fragmental material, formed by the destructive explosion of the magma chamber roof, is cemented by a porphyritic, alkaline-ultrabasic rock known under the name of kimberlite.     

Hydrothermal alteration and tectonic evolution of an intermediate- to fast-spreading back-arc oceanic crust: Late Ordovician Solund-Stavfjord ophiolite, western Norway

Abstract The Solund‐Stavfjord ophiolite complex (SSOC) in western Norway represents a remnant of the Late Ordovician oceanic lithosphere, which developed in an intermediate‐ to fast‐spreading Caledonian back‐arc basin. The internal architecture and magmatic features of its crustal component suggest that the SSOC has a complex, multistage sea floor spreading history in a supra‐subduction zone environment. The youngest crustal section associated with the propagating rift tectonics consists of a relatively complete ophiolite pseudostratigraphy, including basaltic volcanic rocks, a transition zone between the sheeted dyke complex and the extrusive sequence, sheeted dykes, and high‐level isotropic gabbros. Large‐scale variations in major and trace element distributions indicate significant remobilization far beyond that which would result from magmatic processes, as a result of the hydrothermal alteration of crustal rocks. Whereas K₂O is strongly enriched in volcanic rocks of the extrusive sequence, Cu and Zn show the largest enrichment in the dyke complex near the dyke–volcanic transition zone or within this transition zone. The δ¹⁸O values of the whole‐rock samples show a general depletion structurally downwards in the ophiolite, with the largest and smallest variations observed in volcanic rocks and the transition zone, respectively. δ¹⁸O values of epidote–quartz mineral pairs indicate 260–290°C for volcanic rocks, 420°C for the transition zone, 280–345°C for the sheeted dyke complex and 290–475°C for the gabbros. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratios show the widest range and highest values in the extrusive rocks (0.70316–0.70495), and generally the lowest values and the narrowest range in the sheeted dyke complex (0.70338–0.70377). The minimum water/rock ratios calculated show the largest variations in volcanic rocks and gabbros (approximately 0–14), and generally the lowest values and range in the sheeted dyke complex (approximately 1–3). The δD values of epidote (?1 to ?12‰), together with the δ¹⁸O calculated for Ordovician seawater, are similar to those of present‐day seawater. Volcanic rocks experienced both cold and warm water circulation, resulting in the observed K₂O‐enrichment and the largest scatter in the δ¹⁸O values. As a result of metal leaching in the hot reaction zone above a magma chamber, Zn is strongly depleted in the gabbros but enriched in the sheeted dyke complex because of precipitation from upwelling of discharged hydrothermal fluids. The present study demonstrates that the near intact effect of ocean floor hydrothermal activity is preserved in the upper part of the SSOC crust, despite the influence of regional lower greenschist facies metamorphism.     

Structure of the coastal dyke swarm and associated plutonic intrusions of East Greenland

The coastal dyke swarm and associated flexure, plutonic intrusions and volcanics are the products of a short episode of rifting between normal and thinned continental crust during initial opening of the Atlantic Ocean between Greenland and the Rockall Plateau 56–52 m.y. ago. They constitute a continental rift zone which provides deeply eroded onshore examples of phenomena which probably lie buried beneath the sea along major rifted continental margins.The dyke swarm occurs in a series of zones arranged en echelon, similar to dyke and fissure swarms in Iceland. Most dykes were intruded vertically before flexuring rather than as a fan during flexuring as postulated by Wager and Deer [1]. Layered gabbro plutons and basic cone sheets were emplaced during early stages of flexuring. Magma was tapped westwards along the upper limb of the developing flexure to form the Skaergaard and Kap Edvard Holm intrusions, but intrusions such as Imilik and Kap Gustav Holm in the steep limb show more complex histories of synplutonic tilting, slumping and deformation. Most flexuring occurred after consolidation of the gabbros and was followed by the intrusion of linear and radial swarms of intermediate dykes and ring dykes associated with the emplacement of syenite and granite plutons by cauldron subsidence.     

The gabbroic rocks of the Peninsular ranges batholith, Southern California: cumulate rocks associated with calc-alkalic basalts and andesites

Gabbroic rocks occur only in the west, and are the oldest intrusions in the Peninsular Ranges Cordilleran batholith. They comprise an olivine-pyroxene gabbronorite series and an amphibole gabbro series both of which contain abundant plagioclase and amphibole. They formed by crystal accumulation and in situ differentiation, in multiple intrusive complexes, and are not considered to be related by fractionation to the granitoid rocks of the batholith.Pure mineral separates of plagioclase, olivine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, and amphibole were obtained by magnetic and heavy-liquid methods from a representative suite of gabbroic rocks. Their major- and trace-element contents were determined by X-ray fluorescence, and the data used to test hypotheses on the genesis and fractionation of the gabbros.The plagioclases range from An₉₈ to An₆₅ in composition, olivines, Fo₇₉ to Fo₇₀, occur in rocks where An>₃₆. All clinopyroxenes are augite with Mg #'s varying from 81.1 to 64.7. Orthopyroxene occurs where An<₉₂, and is generally inverted pigeonite or bronzite, and has Mg #'s ranging from 77.9 to 52.1. The amphiboles include tschermakite, tschermakitic hornblende, pargasite, pargasitic hornblende, ferroan pargasite, magnesio-hornblende, and magnesio-taramite, Mg #'s range from 80.4 to 62.5. Systematic chemical and mineralogical changes confirm that differentiation, controlled by mineral assemblages of plagioclase, olivine, spinel, and clinopyroxene initially, and orthopyroxene, amphibole, and magnetite later, took place between intrusive episodes and in situ.The highly clacic plagioclase coexisting with olivine and amphibole suggests that the gabbros were formed from hydrous mafic magmas. The modal mineralogy of the gabbros, and the chemistry of the minerals is very similar to that of the cumulate blocks of the Lesser Antillean volcanoes. These features confirm that the gabbros were derived from a hydrous mafic magma, with high Al₂O₃ and low TiO₂ contents, typical of orogenic environments.Cumulate minerals from the gabbros show little or no zoning and are considered to have formed in equilibrium with the evolving melts. Selected trace-element contents and distribution coefficients are used to calculate the compositions of the melts. The calculations show that the melts in equilibrium with the olivine-pyroxene gabbronorite series contain approximately 100–200 ppm Ba, 200–400 ppm Sr, 30-10 ppm Ni, 20-10 ppm Co, and 300-100 ppm V. K/Rb ratios of the melts, derived from post-cumulus and prismatic amphiboles, are generally in the range 550-250. These values are typical of calc-alkalic basalts and andesites, and it is suggested that they may have erupted at the surface to form a coeval calc-alkalic volcanic sequence.     

A mathematical model for 2D heat transfer dynamics in fluid systems with localized sink of magmatic fluid into local fractured zones above the top of crystallizing intrusions

A model describing two-dimensional (2D) dynamics of heat transfer in the fluid systems with a localized sink of a magmatic fluid into local fractured zones above the roof of crystallizing crustal intrusions is suggested. Numerical modeling of the migration of the phase boundaries in 2D intrusive chambers under retrograde boiling of magma with relatively high initial water content in the melt shows that, depending on the character of heat dissipation from a magmatic fluid into the host rock, two types of fluid magmatic systems can arise. (1) At high heat losses, the zoning of fluidogenic ore formation is determined by the changes in temperature of the rocks within the contact aureole of the intrusive bodies. These temperature variations are controlled by the migration of the phase boundaries in the cooling melt towards the center of the magmatic bodies from their contacts. (2) In the case of a localized sink of the magmatic fluid in different parts of the top of the intrusive chambers, a specific characteristic scenario of cooling of the magmatic bodies is probably implemented. In 2D systems with a heat transfer coefficient ?? _k < 5 × 10⁴ W/m² K, an area with quasi-stationary phase boundaries develops close to the region of fluid drainage through the fractured zone in the intrusion. Therefore, as the phase boundaries contract to the sink zone of a fluid, specific thermal tubes arise, whose characteristics depend on the width of the fluid-conductive zone and the heat losses into the side rocks. (3) The time required for the intrusion to solidify varies depending on the particular position of the fluid conductor above the top of the magmatic body.     

Characteristic magnetic properties of titanomagnetites in continental igneous rocks

Curie temperatures, hysteresis, alternating field properties and anhysteretic and ordinary susceptibilities have been used to characterize the titanomagnetites in a large collection of continental granites, diorites, syenites, anorthosites, gabbros, diabases and basalts. Low-Curie-point titanomagnetites or titanomaghemites were found only in basalts. In all shallow and deep-seated intrusive rocks, the predominant magnetic phase was nearly-titanium-free titanomagnetite with a Curie point of 520–580°C. Most felsic plutonic rocks owed their magnetic properties to coarse, discrete titanomagnetites with truly multidomain properties. Many mafic plutonic rocks (anorthosites, gabbros, norites) displayed bimodal magnetic properties, strong-field properties being due to the discrete titanomagnetites and weak-field properties being due to fine magnetite inclusions in deuterically altered silicates. The Lowrie-Fuller test and the anhysteretic induction curve were the most diagnostic tests of this bimodal behaviour. Grain-size variation within a single diabase dike or sill had a strong expression in all magnetic properties, except H_R/H_c and the Lowrie-Fuller test. On the other hand, the Lowrie-Fuller test was a sensitive indicator of changes in “effective” grain size in basalts due to the subdivision of grains by ilmenite lamellae.     

A mathematical model for 2D heat transfer dynamics in fluid systems with localized sink of magmatic fluid into local fractured zones above the top of crystallizing intrusions

A model describing two-dimensional (2D) dynamics of heat transfer in the fluid systems with a localized sink of a magmatic fluid into local fractured zones above the roof of crystallizing crustal intrusions is suggested. Numerical modeling of the migration of the phase boundaries in 2D intrusive chambers under retrograde boiling of magma with relatively high initial water content in the melt shows that, depending on the character of heat dissipation from a magmatic fluid into the host rock, two types of fluid magmatic systems can arise. (1) At high heat losses, the zoning of fluidogenic ore formation is determined by the changes in temperature of the rocks within the contact aureole of the intrusive bodies. These temperature variations are controlled by the migration of the phase boundaries in the cooling melt towards the center of the magmatic bodies from their contacts. (2) In the case of a localized sink of the magmatic fluid in different parts of the top of the intrusive chambers, a specific characteristic scenario of cooling of the magmatic bodies is probably implemented. In 2D systems with a heat transfer coefficient α _k < 5 × 10⁴ W/m² K, an area with quasi-stationary phase boundaries develops close to the region of fluid drainage through the fractured zone in the intrusion. Therefore, as the phase boundaries contract to the sink zone of a fluid, specific thermal tubes arise, whose characteristics depend on the width of the fluid-conductive zone and the heat losses into the side rocks. (3) The time required for the intrusion to solidify varies depending on the particular position of the fluid conductor above the top of the magmatic body.

     

Gabbro — quartz diorite inclusions from Izu-Hakone Region,Japan

Gabbro — quartz diorite inclusions, angular to rounded and up to 20 cm in size, have been found as accidental fragments in a mud flow of the Okata basalt group, O-shima Island and in a tuff breccia, Hakone. New analyses are represented for seventeen inclusions and three pyroxenes. It is reasonable to conclude from petrographic and chemical features that the olivine gabbro inclusions were produced by crystal settling from a quartztholeiite magma at the early stage of fractionation within a magma reservior. On the other hand, gabbro and quartz gabbro inclusions are fragments of a small intrusive body within the Tertiary volcanic formation and consist of various amounts of cumulus phases and liquid. Quartz diorite inclusions are also fragments of a plutonic equivalent, but represents a strongly-differentiated liquid phase of the quartz-tholeiite magma.     

Heat source for Tongonan Geothermal Field

Abstract The primary mineral and whole-rock chemistry of 46 core samples from the host rocks of the Tongonan Geothermal Field (the Philippines) have been used to infer the likely composition of the heat source for the system. The host rocks consist of andesite lavas (with intercalated fossiliferous early to mid–Miocene shales and limestone), and a plutonic rock basement ranging in composition from gabbro to granite. The whole rock TiO₂, Fe₂O₃ (total iron), MgO, P₂O₅ and V data for volcanic and plutonic rocks are colinear on conventional Harker diagrams. This, along with similar hornblende chemistry, age and close spatial relationship suggests that the basement and cover rocks are cogenetic and evolved by low-pressure crystal fractionation. Crystal fractionation models indicate that separation of 60% plagioclase and 30% hornblende from original magma controlled the chemistry of the host rocks. The original Miocene magma chambers beneath the Tongonan field crystallized inwards from the walls at approximately 750°C and 1 kb pressure (3–4 km depth) thus forming a series of plutons or a batholith at drilled depths. A supercritical hydrothermal fluid trapped in the crystallizing, hornblende-granite-pegmatite core of a crystallized Miocene diorite batholith was gradually being released to shallower levels through antithetic cross fractures during creep and uplift along the main branches of the Philippine Fault from the Pliocene. This ascending fluid is now thought to be responsible for the present thermal activity of the field.     

Zircon sensitive high mass-resolution ion microprobe U–Pb and fission-track ages for gabbros and sheeted dykes of the Taitao ophiolite, Southern Chile, and their tectonic implications

Abstract   The Late Miocene–Pliocene Taitao ophiolite is composed of a complete sequence of classic oceanic lithosphere and is exposed approximately 50 km southeast of the Chile triple junction, where the Chile Ridge subducts beneath the South American Plate. Gabbros and ultramafic rocks are folded into a complex pattern, but only evidence for block rotation has been reported in the overriding sheeted dyke complex. In the present study, sensitive high mass-resolution ion microprobe U–Pb and fission-track dating methods were applied to zircon crystals separated from gabbros and sheeted dykes. Two sets of radiometric ages of gabbros range between 5.9 ± 0.4 and 5.6 ± 0.1 Ma. These ages coincide within their error ranges and imply rapid intrusion and cooling of gabbros. The U–Pb age of a dacite dyke intruded into the sheeted dyke complex was determined to be 5.2 ± 0.2 Ma. These data indicate that the magmas of the Taitao ophiolite were formed during the 6 Ma Chile Ridge collision event and emplaced in a shorter period than previously thought. A short segment of the Chile Mid-oceanic Ridge must have been emplaced during the 6 Ma event.     

Incipient magma chamber formation as a result of repetitive intrusions

An analytical solution for periodic magma intrusions in conduits was developed to study the onset of shallow magma chamber formation. The solution is based on determining when a repetitive series of intrusions can cause the wall rock of a conduit to reach its melt temperature. The results show that magma chamber formation in conduits is a strong function of the volume rate of intrusion and that magma chamber formation is likely when the intrusion rate exceeds 10^?3 km³/ yr. which agrees with observations by other investigators. Once this critical value of intrusion rate is reached, magma chambers are likely to begin forming after only a few intrusive pulses (less than ten). Results for both cylindrical conduits and dikes show cylindrical conduits are more favourable for the formation of shallow magma chambers.     

The role of magma chamber-fault interaction in caldera forming eruptions

This paper examines the role of the position and orientation of a regional fault in the roof of a magma chamber on stress distribution, mechanical failure, and dyking using 2D finite element numerical simulations. The study pertains to the magma chamber behavior in the relatively short time intervals of several hundreds to thousand of years. The magma chamber is represented as an elliptical inclusion (eccentricity, a/b = 0.12) at a relative depth, H/a, of 0.9. The fault has a 45° dip and is represented by a frictionless fracture. The temperature field in the host rock is calculated assuming a quasisteady-state thermal regime that develops through periodic episodes of magma supply. The rheology of the surrounding rocks is treated using viscoelasticity with temperature activated strain-rate dependent viscosity. Strain weakening of the rocks in the ductile zone is described within the frame of the Dynamic Power Law model . The magma pressure is coupled with the deformation of the rock mass hosting the chamber, including the fault. The variation of magma pressure in response to magma supply and chamber deformation is calculated in the elastic and viscoelastic regimes. The latter corresponds to slow filling, while the former represents a filling time much less than the viscous relaxation time scale. The resulting “equation of state” for the magma chamber couples the magma pressure with the chamber volume in the elastic regime, and with the filling rate for the viscoelastic regime. Analysis of stresses is used to predict dyke propagation conditions, and the mechanical failure of the chamber roof for different fault positions and magma overpressures. Results show that an outward dipping fault located on the periphery of the chamber roof hinders the propagation of dykes to the surface, causing magma to accumulate under the footwall of the fault. At high to moderate overpressures (30–40 MPa), the fault causes localized shear failure and chamber roof collapse that might lead to the first stage of a caldera-forming eruption.     

西昆仑库科西鲁克地区基性岩脉地球化学及构造意义

新疆库科西鲁克地区广泛发育基性岩脉,多呈岩墙、岩枝和小岩滴。基性岩脉岩石类型为辉长岩和辉绿岩。辉长岩属于碱性玄武岩,而辉绿岩属于过铝质碱性系列碱玄武岩与粗面玄武岩过渡型,其形成深度（浅成相）比辉长岩浅（中深成相）。区内基性岩脉形成于闭合边缘岛弧、活动陆缘造山带环境,是由幔源原生岩浆经过分异并同化混染地壳物质而形成,结晶分异是控制岩浆演化的主要因素。辉长岩中δEu具有弱的亏损。辉绿岩δEu为正异常,而C e均具弱亏损,成岩氧逸度较高,其成因与典型的I型花岗岩类相似,为壳幔混合型。辉长岩偏幔源,而辉绿岩偏壳源,可能为幔源岩浆上侵受围岩混染所致。辉长岩年龄（119 M a）要比辉绿岩年龄（46.1M a）老,辉长岩为冈底斯陆块向欧亚大陆板块碰撞拼贴过程中,逆冲挤压结束的标志,辉绿岩为大规模逆冲挤压剪切结束,青藏高原隆升初期拉张作用的产物。     

A zone of columnar joints beneath the roof of a granitic pluton: The Okueyama granite,southwestern Japan

Igneous rocks are fractured during cooling from magma to form cooling joints, which are typically columnar joints in volcanic rocks, while orthogonal joints are considered typical for plutonic rocks. We performed a 3D study of joint systems in a granitic batholith of the Okueyama granite in western Japan, which has its roof and its internal structures from the roof to 1000 m downward exposed. We used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to observe the joints in outcrops from various angles. Based on our study, we propose a schematic model for joint systems in a granitic pluton. A granitic pluton has zones of rock columns below the roof and next to the wall. The rock column zone below the roof is as thick as 300 m, and its higher portions form steep cliffs, probably because of increased resistance to weathering. The axes of the rock columns are nearly vertical below the roof and gently plunge next to the walls, with high intersection angles with the wall. The distribution of columnar joints near only the roof and walls suggests that the granite cooled more rapidly near the roof and walls than in the core of the pluton. When the granite was jointed by parallel joints during cooling, the rock slabs between the parallel joints near the roof and the walls are subdivided into columns with polygonal cross-sections. This suggests that the granite was fractured by parallel joints at a temperature immediately below the solidus, after which the rock slabs were subdivided into rock columns during further cooling.     

Injection and arrest of dykes: implications for volcanic hazards

Dykes are the principal channels through which magma reaches the surface in volcanic eruptions. For this reason dykes observed in the field are commonly assumed to be feeders to lava flows. The actual proportion of dykes reaching the surface is, however, poorly known. In order to develop models for the purpose of estimating volcanic hazard, this proportion must be known. This follows because such models should not only consider the probability of dykes being injected from magma chambers during periods of unrest in the associated volcanoes, but also the probability of the injected dykes being arrested. This paper presents field data on several thousand dykes from Iceland and Tenerife (Canary Islands) indicating that many, and probably most, dykes become arrested at various crustal levels and never reach the surface to feed eruptions. Using the results of analytical and numerical models, it is shown that, for common loading conditions, the stress field in the vicinity of a magma chamber may favour the injection and propagation of dykes while the stress field at a certain distance from the chamber favours dyke arrest. This means that many dykes that are injected from the chamber propagate only for a very limited distance from the chamber to the point where they become arrested. The implication is that during periods of unrest in volcanoes, the probability of volcanic eruption is only a small fraction of the probability of dyke injection from the source magma chamber.     

皖南新元古代双峰式岩墙群的年龄、地球化学特征及地质意义

皖南许村镇附近发育一套岩墙群,主要由辉长岩和花岗闪长斑岩组成,它们在时空上紧密伴生,成因上密切相关。岩石的SiO2含量集中分布在酸性和基性成分之间,缺乏中性及中酸性成分,构成一套双峰式侵入岩组合。对花岗闪长斑岩进行锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年代学研究,表明双峰式岩墙侵入时间为822．1＆#177;6．6Ma。辉长岩具有正εHf （t）值（2．1～4．4）、大离子亲石元素和LREE富集,显示大陆拉斑质玄武岩地球化学和同位素组成特征;花岗闪长斑岩富含Zr、Hf和稀土元素,较高的Ga/A1比值,较低Ba、Sr、P、Ti含量,总体上地球化学特征类似A2-型花岗岩,εHf （t ）值范围（1．8～4．6）与辉长岩基本相同。许村双峰式岩墙群的基性端员辉长岩是拉张环境下华南弱亏损岩石圈地幔部分熔融产生玄武质岩浆的产物,而酸性端员花岗闪长斑岩是玄武质岩浆在上升途中受地壳混染,并发生底侵作用和由玄武岩浆提供的热源导致地壳重熔的结果。     

Ophiolitic breccias associated with allochthonous oceanic crustal rocks in the East Ligurian Apennines,Italy — a comparison with observations from rifted oceanic ridges

In the East Ligurian segment of the North Apennines, eugeosynclinal sequences which contain ophiolitic rocks have been tectonically emplaced onto approximately coeval miogeosynclinal sediments. These allochthonous sequences represent the floor of a Mesozoic ocean which closed during the early Tertiary. The ophiolitic rocks consist of serpentinite, gabbro, pillowed and massive basalts, and breccias derived from these lithologies. They are overlain with depositional contacts by Upper Jurassic-Cretaceous pelagic cherts, limestones, and a shale/limestone sequence.The ophiolitic breccias attain thicknesses up to 100 m and strike lengths up to a few kilometres, and consist largely of unorganized accumulations of sand- to block-sized clasts. Compositions at specific horizons may range from oligomict breccias containing gabbro, basalt, or serpentinite fragments, to polymict breccias consisting of any mixture of these lithologies. Most of the breccias probably represent slow talus accumulations at the base of major submarine fault scarps which have exposed gabbro and serpentinite to submarine erosion. Direct exposure of gabbro and serpentinite on the ocean floor is also indicated by the occurrence of stratigraphically intact contacts between these lithologies and overlying pelagic sediments (generally cherts). The distribution and thickness of the breccias and volcanics, and the distribution of the gabbro and serpentinite, can vary greatly within distances of a few kilometres, thus producing complex heterogeneous sequences consisting of laterally impersistent lithological units.Recent observations and deep drilling of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and other rifted ridges have revealed occurrences of significant thicknesses of basaltic, serpentinitic, and gabbroic breccias upon and within the volcanic layer of the oceanic crust, as well as the direct submarine exposure of plutonic rocks. It is therefore likely that the East Ligurian sequences represent parts of rifted ridge-generated crust. If so, then the complexity of the East Ligurian sequences suggests that the upper part of rifted ridge-generated crust may in places possess large variations in its stratigraphy over small (<10 km²) areas.Smooth, non-rifted (fast-spreading) ridges, which have very reduced topography and lack major fault scarps, should form ophiolitic complexes deficient in breccias containing fragments of plutonic igneous rocks. Most large ophiolitic complexes do not contain plutonic rock-bearing breccias, and were therefore probably formed at smooth ridges. The apparently preferential preservation of this type of ophiolitic complex, as opposed to the rifted ridge-type crust in East Liguria, may be related to the less pervasive and less intense fracturing of smooth ridges. This resulted in greater “cohesion” and lateral continuity of smooth ridge-generated crust during later tectonic emplacement into allochthonous positions in orogenic belts.