U–Pb Zircon Age Constraining the Source and Provenance of Gem‐Bearing Late Cenozoic Detrital Deposits,Mamfe Basin,SW Cameroon

Zircons and other heavy minerals (corundum, rutile, ilmenite, magnetite, sillimanite) are identified in the Nsanaragati gem corundum placer deposit, in the western part of the Mamfe sedimentary basin, SW Cameroon. These alluvial minerals have different morphological characteristics and zircons, in particular, vary mostly in colour and shape. They are reddish, brownish, yellowish, pink or colourless. These minerals form rounded and sub‐rounded alluvial grains, prismatic, pyramidal or dipyramidal crystals. Reddish zircons retain their original crystallographic shape. Trace element and U–Pb isotopic geochemical analyses of these reddish zircons, using the LA‐ICP‐MS method give significant Hf (4576–6334 ppm), Th (46–1565 ppm) and U (66–687 ppm) contents, with Th/U ratio ranging from 0.6 to 3.0. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U corrected mean age gave 12.39 ± 0.55 Ma, which characterizes an Upper Cenozoic (Serravallian) magmatic event. The zircons are probably sourced from a magmatic field in the South eastern boundary of the Cross River Formation. The Cameroon Volcanic Line of basaltic and alkaline lavas and intrusions which lie east of the Mamfe Basin mostly range in age from 37 Ma to <1 Ma. The zircons may also relate to the Mount Bambouto plateau lavas which lie northeast of the Mamfe sedimentary basin and have an eruptive age range of 21–14 Ma. The oldest Nsanaragati reddish zircon ages overlap within error with the end stages of the Bambouto eruptions. This eruptive or a related episode provides a potential source for megacrystic reddish zircons within the Nsanagarati placer deposit.     

羌塘盆地变质岩锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄及其地质意义

笔者在位于北羌塘的玛尔果茶卡发现了具有区域变质特点的副变质岩组合,岩性为含蓝晶石矽线石长英质片麻岩、含蓝晶石夕线石绢云母石英片岩。1：25万区域地质调查将这套岩石命名为前奥陶纪齐陇乌如岩组,呈断续出露的小型穹隆分布在中央隆起带北缘附近。笔者对片麻岩中的锆石进行了SHRIMP年龄分析,获得锆石年龄347～2827Ma。本文对不同年龄段所反映的构造热事件及其地质意义进行讨论。     

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating of the host rocks of the Cannington Ag–Pb–Zn deposit,southeastern Mt Isa Block,Australia

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages are reported from a paragneiss, a pegmatite, a metasomatised metasediment and an amphibolite taken from the upper amphibolite facies host sequence of the Cannington Ag–Pb–Zn deposit at the southeastern margin of the Proterozoic Mt Isa Block. Also reported are ages from a middle amphibolite‐facies metasediment from the Soldiers Cap Group approximately 90 km north of Cannington. The predominantly metasedimentary host rocks of the Cannington deposit were eroded from a terrane containing latest Archaean to earliest Palaeoproterozoic (ca 2600–2300 Ma) and Palaeoproterozoic (ca 1750–1700 Ma) zircon. The ca 1750–1700 Ma group of zircons are consistent with sedimentary provenance from rocks of Cover Sequence 2 age that are now exposed to the north and west of the Cannington deposit. The metasedimentary samples also include a group of zircon grains at ca 1675 Ma, which we interpret as the maximum depositional age of the sedimentary protolith. This is comparable to the maximum depositional age of the metasediment from the Maronan area (ca 1665 Ma) and to previously published data from the Soldiers Cap Group. Metamorphic zircon rims and new zircon grains grew at 1600–1580 Ma during upper amphibolite‐facies metamorphism in metasedimentary and mafic magmatic rocks. Zircon inheritance patterns suggest that sheet‐like pegmatitic intrusions were most likely derived from partial melting of the surrounding metasediments during this period of metamorphism. Some zircon grains from the amphibolite have a morphology consistent with partially recrystallised igneous grains and have apparent ages close to the metamorphic age, although it is not clear whether these represent metamorphic resetting or crystallisation of the magmatic protolith. Pb‐loss during syn‐ to post‐metamorphic metasomatism resulted in partial resetting of zircons from the metasomatised metasediment.     

Emplacement age of the Songshugou ultramafic massif in the Qinling orogenic belt,and geologic implications

The Songshugou ultramafic massif is located to the north of the Shang‐Dan fault, the Palaeozoic suture between the North and South China blocks. It is the largest Apline‐type ultramafic body in the Qinling orogenic belt of central China, consisting mainly of dunite with a small amount of harzburgite and minor pyroxenite. We present new LA‐ICP‐MS U?Pb dating and trace element results for zircon from two garnet amphibolite samples in the contact metamorphic zone surrounding the massif. One was sampled ～1 m from the massif, the other ～5 m away. The studied zircon grains are small, anhedral, and display typical metamorphic characteristics of low Th/U values (<0.1). The U and Th concentrations of zircon range from several hundred ppm to less than 10 ppm. Cathodoluminescence images show two apparent generations of zircon, with lighter cores and darker rims. Core and rim ages however, are identical within error. These two samples yield identical concordant ages of 506±7 and 510±7 Ma, suggesting that the Songshugou ultramafic massif was emplaced at ～510 Ma. Low HREE concentrations and the absence of Eu anomalies in most analysed zircons suggest that the studied grains most likely formed during garnet amphibolite metamorphism induced by emplacement of the ultramafic massif.

To better understand the cooling history of the massif, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of amphibole from three garnet amphibolite specimens in the contact metamorphic zone and one amphobolite sample about 20 m away from the massif were determined. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages increase from 372±15 Ma (JSM‐01) near the massif to disturbed, unreliable ‘plateau’ ages of 474±8 Ma (JSM‐03) and 781±146 Ma (JSM‐04) with increasing distance from the ultramafic massif, showing limited heating during exhumation of the massif, followed by slow cooling. Therefore, the Songshugou ultramafic massif does not reflect the Jining orogeny at ～1 Ga. Instead, it was emplaced into the Proterozoic, Qinling Group during the Palaeozoic, probably due to the subduction along the Shang‐Dan fault.     

Isotopic and geochemical features of newly formed zircon rims as a criterion for identification of feeding sources of Ti-Zr placers

Zircons were studied from the Ti-Zr placers of the Murray Basin (Mindarie and WIM-150 deposits) and metamorphic rocks of the adjacent Kanmantoo Belt and the Ballarat Trough in Southeast Australia, and from Russian basins with Ti-Zr placers: the Cenomanian-Turonian and Poltavian basins in the East European Platform and the Sarmatian basin in the northern Caucasus, Stavropolye, and Kalmykia. The study of the primary source → weathering mantle → intermediate reservoir rock → economic placer system includes (1) morphostructural and paleofacies reconstructions of the studied territories; (2) quantitative analysis of ore mineral distribution in each element of this system; and (3) study of zircon typomorphism from the feeding source to the basin, where Ti-Zr placers have been deposited. In all elements of the system studied, zircons were examined using optical and cathodoluminescence microscopy, an electron microprobe, mass spectrometry (laser ablation and SHRIMP II), including U-Pb dating, Lu and Hf isotopes, distribution of trace elements (REE, Y, P), and comparative analysis of indicative ratios: Th/U, HfO₂/ZrO₂, Y₂O₃/(Y₂O₃ + REE₂O₃), (La + Sm)/(Gd + Yb), etc. Newly formed rims replacing detrital zircon grains and marking the time of late geological events were identified. The rims differ from the cores in distribution of trace elements. Genetic typification of diverse newly formed rims is based on discrimination of them by internal structure, isotopic and geochemical characteristics, which are used as a criterion of relationships between Ti-Zr placers and their inferred feeding sources. Based on these data, a prospecting model of the buried Ti-Zr placers with estimation of their resource potential has been produced.     

Evidence of multiple intrusion,possible resetting of U-Pb ages,and new crystallization of zircons in the post-tectonic intrusions (‘Rapakivi granites’) and gneisses from South Greenland

U-Pb data for zircons from post-tectonic monzonite, syenite and norite, and country rock gneiss and migmatite from the Kap Farvel-Prins Christian Sund area of South Greenland indicate two distinct intrusive episodes at ～1740 m.y. and ～1755 m.y. The norites have the same age as the older granitic rocks. Similar intrusions further north along the southeast coast have the same age (～1755 m.y.) and geochemical character as those of the Kap Farvel-Prins Christian Sund area. Our U-Pb ages are about 100 m.y. older than previously determined K-Ar ages.The youngest peak of regional Ketilidian metamorphism in this area is placed at about 1800 m.y. based on a linear array of seven magnetic and size fractions from a syntectonic granitic part of a migmatite. This age is distinctly different from the post-tectonic intrusions and, along with other data, precludes the possibility of in situ formation of the intrusions by remelting of the country rocks.In one hypersthene migmatite sample collected near a post-tectonic intrusion, clear overgrowths and separate clear grains with low uranium concentrations were identified. The clear grains of zircon have the same age as the intrusion, indicative of new zircon growth during the granulite facies recrystallization of the gneiss. In contrast, rounded red zircons from an early subconcordant granitic sheet have clear uranium-rich overgrowths which probably formed during regional metamorphism. If the deep-red zircons observed in one of the post-tectonic intrusions were derived from the surrounding metamorphic rocks, they have had their U-Pb systems reset to the time of intrusion.In accord with observations (Krogh, 1971) on non-magnetic zircon fractions from volcanics, the Greenland zircons contain very low amounts of common lead ranging from <0.01 ppm in the least magnetic fractions in the post-tectonic intrusions, to 6.5 ppm in the most magnetic fractions of the gneisses. These two rock groups can be differentiated on the basis of their common lead content.     

苏南晚二叠世末期双峰次火山岩的发现和单颗粒锆石U－Pb年代学意义

苏南晚二叠世末期双峰次火山岩的发现和单颗粒锆石Ｕ－Ｐｂ年代学意义方中，李惠民，夏邦栋，楚雪君，刘寿和，王学锋（南京大学地球科学系，江苏南京，２１０００８；天津地质矿产研究所，天津，３００１７０）关键词晚二叠世，双峰火山岩，同生锆石，捕虏晶锆石，Ｕ－Ｐ...     

U-Pb ages and morphologies of zircon in microgranitoid enclaves and peraluminous host granite: evidence for magma mingling

 Granites of the S-type Wilson's Promontory Batholith (Lachlan Fold Belt, Australia) contain zircons which are euhedral and relatively large; their age is 395 Ma, which can be considered as the best available estimate of the crystallysation age of the granites. Contrary to their dominance in other S-type granites of the Lachlan Fold Belt, very few zircon cores give inherited ages, varying between 500 and 1700 Ma. Microgranitoid enclaves contained within the granites contain a zircon population that is dominated by relatively small, anhedral or elongated crystals. These give ages that are indistinguishable from the crystallisation age of the granite. Some enclaves, which are characterised by the presence of megacrysts, contain a proportion of larger, euhedral zircons. These zircons give inherited ages similar to the zircons from the granitic host rocks. The data are in agreement with a magma mingling origin for the microgranitoid enclaves. The large euhedral zircons are interpreted to have been introduced into the “enclave magma” during a hybridisation event which also introduced quartz and plagioclase megacrysts into the magma. The relatively high proportion of inherited cores within the “large” zircon population of the enclaves is related to the timing of mixing between “enclave” and host magma. This mixing event took place before the majority of the magmatic zircons crystallised in the granitic magma. The small, anhedral zircons within the enclaves crystallised during quenching of the globules of enclave magma against the cooler granitic magma. Received: 21 August 1995 / Accepted: 9 October 1995     

阿尔泰递增变质带中夹层石英岩的LA-ICP-MS碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄:对沉积时限及物源的限定

阿尔泰造山带广泛分布各种变质沉积岩并发育典型递增变质带,变质沉积岩变质之前的沉积时代与物源特征对于限定成岩历史以及造山带演化具有重要意义。文章对采自阿勒泰组变质带中石英岩夹层样品进行了岩相学分析并采用LA-ICP-MS方法对其碎屑锆石进行了U-Pb年代学分析。共获得100个谐和或近于谐和的碎屑锆石年龄,表面年龄分布范围为(443±5)Ma至(2682±19)Ma。碎屑锆石年龄主要集中在寒武纪(486~540 Ma)并具有527~535 Ma的年龄峰值,可能源于区域内同时代的岩浆活动。新元古代年龄约占1/4,少量锆石具有古中元古代甚至太古宙年龄。结合年轻碎屑锆石年龄以及直接侵入该变质带中的英云闪长岩年龄可确定石英岩原岩的沉积时限为早志留世—早泥盆世,其后发生变质作用。古老碎屑锆石在该地区缺乏对应的岩石,可能源于区内隐伏的古老基底岩石或邻区古老陆块。     

浙东晚中生代玄武岩的锆石SHRIMP U-Pb 年代学及其地质意义

对浙江东部晚中生代分属上下岩系的8个火山-沉积岩地层的玄武岩样品中的锆石进行了内部结构研究,并用 SHRIMP方法测定了U-Pb年龄。结果显示,下岩系玄武岩中多数锆石给出206Pb/238U年龄为 （120±1） Ma,Th/U比值为 0.65~2.44; 上岩系玄武岩中最年轻锆石的206Pb/238U 年龄为（103±2） Ma,Th/U 范围是0.57~3.03。上下岩系的形成时代的结 果与前人研究的相应地层年代一致,但也存在有明显差别。在测定过程中发现,下岩系玄武岩中锆石年龄分布相对集中, 仅有少量的古老锆石残留,表明在玄武岩形成过程中,只有少量地壳成分混染。上岩系中与玄武岩同时形成的锆石含量较少, 多数是捕获锆石,且年龄分布范围较大,几乎覆盖了华南地块所有岩浆活动时代,这表明在玄武岩形成过程中捕获了陆壳 物质,这种陆壳物质很可能是含有不同时期锆石的碎屑沉积岩/物。     

Inferring protoliths of high-grade metamorphic gneisses of the Erzgebirge using zirconology,geochemistry and comparison with lower-grade rocks from Lusatia (Saxothuringia,Germany)

Protoliths of highly metamorphosed gneisses from the Erzgebirge are deduced from the morphology, age and chemistry of zircons as well as from whole rock geochemistry and are compared with lower-grade rocks of Lusatia. Gneisses with similar structural appearance and/or geochemical pattern may have quite different protoliths. The oldest rocks in the Erzgebirge are paragneisses representing meta-greywackes and meta-conglomerates. The youngest group of zircon of meta-greywackes that did not undergo Pb loss represents the youngest igneous component for source rocks (about 575 Ma). Similar ages and zircon morphology reflect the subordinate formation of new zircon grains or only zircon rims in the augengneiss from Bärenstein and Wolkenstein, which probably represent metamorphic equivalents to Lower Cambrian two-mica granodiorites from Lusatia. Bulk rock chemistry, intense fracturing and high U and Th concentrations of zircons suggest deformation-induced and fluid-enhanced recrystallisation of zircon grains. Temperatures during tectonic overprinting—too low to reset zircon ages—indicate mid- or upper crustal levels for shearing recorded in these augengneisses. Lower Cambrian (~540 Ma) granodiorites are widespread in Lusatia but are exclusively represented by the Freiberg gneiss dome in the Eastern Erzgebirge. Ordovician protolith ages were recorded by zircons from the augengneisses of the Reitzenhain–Catherine dome and the Schwarzenberg dome (Western Erzgebirge) documenting significant regional differences between the eastern and the western Erzgebirge (~540 vs. ~490 Ma). In the Western Erzgebirge, most meta-volcanic rocks (muscovite gneisses) and meta-granites (mainly red augengneisses) yield Ordovician zircon ages, whereas in the Eastern part, similar rocks mainly recorded Lower Cambrian protolith ages. Zircon overprinting was highest within discrete tectonic zones where the combination of fluid infiltration and deformation induced variable degrees of recrystallisation and formation of a new augengneiss structure. Variable degrees of Pb loss caused age shifts that do not correspond to changes in zircon morphology but may be associated with U and Th enrichments. Major changes in bulk rock composition appear to be restricted to discrete zones and to (U)HP nappes, whereas gneisses with a MP–MT metamorphic overprint basically show no geochemical modifications.     

超高压变质岩的放射性同位素体系及年代学方法

深刻理解同位素在超高压变质及退变质过程中的地球化学行为对获得超高压变质岩准确并有明确意义的年龄值是非常重要的。对 Sm-Nd,Rb-Sr 同位素体系,只有变质矿物同位素体系达到平衡才能给出精确有意义的等时线年龄。研究表明,与副变质岩互层的细粒榴辉岩的高压变质矿物之间,或者强退变质岩石的退变质矿物之间,其 Nd,Sr 同位素可以达到平衡;然而高压变质矿物与退变质矿物之间 Nd,Sr 同位素不平衡。由于全岩样品总是含有数量不等的退变质矿物,因此石榴石 全岩 Sm-Nd 法或多硅白云母 全岩 Rh-Sr 法将有可能给出无地质意义的年龄。通常低温榴辉岩的高压变质矿物之间存在Nd 同位素不平衡。超高压变质岩多硅白云母所含过剩 Ar 主要源于榴辉岩原岩中角闪石在变质分解时释放出来的放射成因 Ar。因此,不含榴辉岩的花岗片麻岩多硅白云母基本不含过剩 Ar。对变质锆石成因的准确判断是正确理解锆石 U-Ph 年龄意义的关键。本文对不同成因锆石的判别标志及年龄意义做了总结,并指出将阴极发光图形,锆石痕量元素组成及矿物包裹体鉴定相结合是进行锆石成因鉴定的有效方法。高压变质或退变质增生锆石组成单一,是理想变质定年对象。然而变质重结晶锆石域常是重结晶锆石和继承晶质锆石的混合区,因而给出混合年龄。只有完全变质重结晶锆石才能给出准确变质时代。     

Detrital zircon U?Pb ages,Hf isotopes and tectonic implications for Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks from the Xing‐Meng orogenic belt,middle‐east part of inner Mongolia,China

The Xing‐Meng Orogenic Belt is the eastern extension of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt that marks the boundary between the North China Block and the Siberian Block. Studies of zircon U Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions show that four clastic sedimentary rock samples from different parts of the regional stratigraphic sequence were deposited at different ages, none earlier than Mid‐ or Early Silurian. Two sedimentary rocks were deposited during or after the Early Permian. Almost all zircons are of igneous origin. In Silurian and Devonian sediments, zircons show several modal age peaks, and in Permian sediments, zircons show a unimodal age peak. Based on the zircon age distribution of sedimentary rocks versus known ages from exposed rocks of the potential source regions, most of the zircons were derived from the Xing‐Meng Orogen itself. A few came from the South Mongolian microcontinent or the Siberia Block, but none came from the North China Block. The zircons of a biotite‐plagioclase paragneiss in Xilinhot have similar provenance to the sediments and were deposited during or after the Middle Devonian. Similarities between zircon age spectra and events in underlying rocks of sedimentary origin show that the sediments lie at their deposition site north of the Solonker suture zone because north‐dipping subduction and elevation blocked deposition of material from farther afield. Hf isotope compositions show the crustal accretion stages of the provenance areas during the Meso‐ to Neoarchaean, Palaeoproterozoic and Early and Late Palaeozoic. A two‐component mixing calculation based on Hf isotopes shows the large scale of the crustal accretion event of the region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

胶东地区蓬莱群沉积岩碎屑锆石年龄和物源

分布于鲁东胶北地区蓬莱群为一套浅变质沉积岩，角度不整合覆盖在太古宙胶东群、元古宙粉子山群上。关于蓬莱群的沉积时代尚存较大的争议，认为是震旦纪或古生代沉积形成的。蓬莱群和五莲杂岩、北淮阳变质岩带都是位于大别-苏鲁超高压变质造山带北部的重要岩石构造单元。本文报道蓬莱群沉积岩碎屑锆石年龄和始同位素分析资料，并探讨其可能的物质来源。 在栖霞地区采集了14个蓬莱群样品，主要岩石为石英岩、千枚岩、片岩、页岩，从其中4个挑出了锆石样品。分选出的碎屑锆石均为浅棕色，浑圆状，反映锆石经历了搬运作用。CL图像显示绝大多数锆石颗粒具有清晰的韵律环带内部结构，具有岩浆成因特征。在中国科学院地质与地球物理所固体同位素地球化学实验室IsoProbe-T质谱计上，采用即蒸即测方法，测得锆石207Pb/206Pb比值，其对应的年龄值主要分布在1000~1800 Ma,峰值为1200 Ma和1600 Ma左右（图1)。应用中国科学院地质与地球物理所多通道等离子质谱计Neptune MC-ICP-MS测定碎屑锆石 同位素组成。根据所获得的同位素组成，计算得到比同位素模式年龄TDM(Hf）分布在1300~3200 Ma之间，峰值为1700 Ma左右；对应的初始εHf(1200 Ma）和εHf (1600 Ma）平均值分别为-5.8和2.9（图2)。 碎屑锆石1350~1800 Ma年龄段，特别是峰期的1600 Ma，可能对应全球广泛分布的非造山事件，可能和Columbia超大陆的裂解有一定的联系。大部分锆石初始εHf (1600 Ma）值大于0，可以说明岩浆来源为幔源。而1050~1300 Ma的锆石则可能与Rodinia超大陆的汇聚形成阶段或Grenville造山事件有较密切的联系。华北克拉通大量地出露太古宙末期（2500 Ma左右）和早元古代末期(1800 Ma左右）的岩石，但在所分析的蓬莱群沉积岩几乎没有显示，可能可以排除华北克拉通为主要的沉积物源。所获得的碎屑锆石年龄虽在扬子板块有一定的出露，但缺少与Rodinia裂解有关的晚元古代700~800 Ma的岩浆锆石信息。上述资料可能暗示沉积时代为1000~800 Ma之间，但与目前的古生物证据不吻合。因此，这些碎屑锆石年龄和铅同位素数据尚不能肯定蓬莱群变质沉积岩是来源于扬子陆块，还是游离于华北、扬子的一个微陆块。如果是一个微陆块，该微陆块与Columbia裂解作用和Grenville造山作用有关，但可能未遭受到Rodinia超大陆裂解事件的影响。     

U-Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions of detrital zircons from the sandstone in the early cretaceous Wawukuang formation in the Jiaolai Basin,Shandong Province and its tectonic implicationsEI北大核心CSCD

LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating and in situ Hf isotope analysis were carried out for the detrital zircons to constrain the depositional age and provenance of the Wawukuang Formation, which is believed as the earliest unit of the Laiyang Group in the Jiaolai Basin, and its implications. Most of these detrital zircons from the feldspar quartz sandstone in the Wawukuang Formation are magmatic in origin, which are euhedral-subhedral and display oscillatory zoning in CL images; whereas few Late Triassic detrital zircons are metamorphic in origin and structureless in CL images. U-Pb isotopic dating of 82 zircon grains yields age populations at ca. 129 Ma, 158 Ma, 224 Ma, 253 Ma, 461 Ma, 724 Ma, 1851 Ma and 2456 Ma. U-Pb dating and Hf isotopic results indicate that: 1) the Wawukuang Formation deposited during the Early Cretaceous (129-106 Ma); 2) the detrital zircons with the ages of 1851 Ma and 2456 Ma mainly sourced from the Precambrian basement rocks of the North China Craton; the Neoproterozoic (729-721 Ma) magmatic zircons and the Late Triassic (226-216 Ma) metamorphic zircons sourced from the Su-Lu terrane; The Late Paleozoic detrital zircons could source from the Late Paleozoic igneous rocks in the northern margin of the North China Craton; the Late Triassic (231-223 Ma) magmatic zircons and the 158-129 Ma zircons sourced from the coeval igneous rocks in the Jiaobei and Jiaodong; 3) the deposition age and provenance of the Jiaolai Basin are different from those of the Hefei Basin; 4) the recognition of clastic sediments from the Su-Lu terrane in the Wawukuang Formation suggests that the Su-Lu terrane was under denudation in the Early Cretaceous. ©, 2015, Science Press. All right reserved.     

U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotope ratios of magmatic zircons from the Iberian Pyrite Belt

A geochronology and Hf isotope study, using laser ablation-ICP-MS analysis of zircon grains, has been conducted to date felsic volcanic rocks from the Portuguese sector of the Iberian Pyrite Belt and to establish possible sources for these rocks. The ages obtained range from the Famennian to the Tournaisian, with the oldest ages reported in the Belt so far being identified in its southwestern part (Cercal area). Results also indicate that within each area, volcanism may have extended for significant periods of time. This suggests that caution is needed in interpreting possible migration trends for the volcanism, as the exact stratigraphic position of the sampled rocks is not always clear. Despite of this, the new data, coupled with previously reported information, suggests that volcanism migrated within the basin from the southwest to the northeast (present day coordinates). Projection from initial zircon ?Hf values towards the depleted mantle evolution curve, via an intermediate reservoir, allows the calculation of Hf protolith model ages that are predominantly Meso-Proterozoic. This is compatible with acid magmas resulting from the fusion of Phyllite–Quartzite (PQ) Formation metasedimentary rocks, which are beneath the volcanic rocks. This is because zircon grains from one PQ Formation sample provided Late Neo-Proterozoic ages and Paleo-Proterozoic to Late Archean U–Pb ages, and the Hf isotope signatures of these zircons can be expected to mix during fusion and result in protolith model ages that would be intermediate between the two U–Pb age populations, as recorded. Further supporting this source for the magmas, the distribution of U–Pb ages of (pre-Variscan) inherited zircon grains in the volcanic rocks is very similar to that shown by the detrital zircon grains from a PQ sample.     

鄂尔多斯盆地周缘地壳形成与演化历史:来自锆石U-Pb年龄与Hf同位素组成的证据

锆石U-Pb定年及Hf同位素测定结果表明,鄂尔多斯盆地周缘的华北板块北缘、兴蒙造山系及扬子板块-秦岭-大别-苏鲁造山带等构造单元系统具有明显不同的形成与演化历史。华北板块北缘锆石年龄平均值为1 837 Ma,最强烈的岩浆活动出现于2 200~1 800 Ma,该期锆石约占全部的40%;次为强烈的岩浆活动在2 800~2 200 Ma,其众数在全部锆石中约占30%;1 500~1 200 Ma、500~100 Ma这两个阶段形成的锆石在全区所占比例各约为15%。华北板块北缘最突出的特征是基本不含1 000~700 Ma期间形成的锆石,>3 000 Ma的锆石在全区分布极为有限。锆石Hf同位素亏损地幔模式年龄表明华北板块北缘平均值为2.55 Ga,较U-Pb平均年龄老,说明2 200~1 800 Ma期间形成的锆石含有较多的古老地壳再循环组分。Hf亏损地幔模式年龄最强峰值约为2.8 Ga,与全岩Nd亏损地幔模式年龄的峰值相一致,Hf模式年龄为3.0~2.25 Ga的颗粒占全部的近95%,证明华北板块北缘的地壳增生主要在太古宙至古元古代期间。Hf同位素亏损地幔模式年龄>3.0 Ga的锆石颗粒所占比例不到0.1%,另外近5%锆石的模式年龄分布于中元古代。晚古生代-中生代所形成的锆石均是先存地壳组分,尤其是中元古代增生地壳的熔融作用形成。兴蒙造山系中锆石U-Pb年龄平均值为497 Ma,最强峰分布于石炭纪(约320 Ma),石炭纪-二叠纪末(350~250 Ma)形成的锆石所占比例达30%以上。新元古代至早古生代(600~440 Ma)形成的锆石占全部锆石的55%以上,而中元古代末-新元古代期间(1 200~600 Ma)形成的锆石在全区仅占4%。中元古代以前形成的锆石非常有限,说明该区最早形成的地壳组分在兴蒙造山系的形成过程中较充分地参与到后期的岩浆作用过程中。兴蒙造山系中锆石相应的Hf同位素亏损地幔模式年龄平均为1.13 Ga,明显较相应的U-Pb年龄老,最强峰值出现于约0.6 Ga。Hf亏损地幔模式年龄为0.7~0.28 Ga的颗粒在兴蒙造山系所占比例达57%,证明该区最强烈的地壳增生发生于新元古代至古生代期间。Hf同位素亏损地幔模式年龄分布于1.5~0.7 Ga的锆石在全区约占38%,说明此期间也是该区地壳较强烈的增生期。Hf亏损地幔模式年龄大于1.5 Ga的锆石所占比例不到5%,古生代以后兴蒙造山系也基本没有明显的地壳增生。扬子与秦岭-大别-苏鲁造山带构造单元中的锆石U-Pb年龄平均为799 Ma,年龄为1 300~750 Ma的锆石在全部锆石中约占70%。晚古生代-燕山期形成的锆石约占20%。年龄在3 500~2 650 Ma、2 118~1 680 Ma的锆石在该区各约占5%。结合扬子与秦岭-大别-苏鲁造山带平均为1.56 Ga的Nd亏损地幔模式年龄特征,说明1 300~750 Ma期间该区较强烈的岩浆作用事件中有较多的古老地壳组分加入其中。锆石U-Pb年龄及Hf同位素组成均说明鄂尔多斯盆地周缘各构造单元具有不同的形成演化历史。地壳是幕式增长的,但各构造单元每幕发生的时间、强度存在明显差别。因此,由盆地中不同时代地层中碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄及Hf同位素组成及全岩Nd同位素特征的系统研究可反演盆地物源供给与周围构造单元之间的关系。     

U–Pb zircon geochronology of silicic tuffs from the Timber Mountain/Oasis Valley caldera complex, Nevada: rapid generation of large volume magmas by shallow-level remelting

Large volumes of silicic magma were produced on a very short timescale in the nested caldera complex of the SW Nevada volcanic field (SWNVF). Voluminous ash flows erupted in two paired events: Topopah Spring (TS, >1,200 km³, 12.8 Ma)–Tiva Canyon (TC, 1,000 km³, 12.7 Ma) and Rainier Mesa (RM, 1,200 km³, 11.6 Ma)–Ammonia Tanks (AT, 900 km³, 11.45 Ma; all cited ages are previously published ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar sanidine ages). Within each pair, eruptions are separated by only 0.1–0.15 My and produced tuffs with contrasting isotopic values. These events represent nearly complete evacuation of sheet-like magma chambers formed in the extensional Basin and Range environment. We present ion microprobe ages from zircons in the zoned ash-flow sheets of TS, TC, RM, and AT in conjunction with δ¹⁸O values of zircons and other phenocrysts, which differ dramatically among subsequently erupted units. Bulk zircons in the low-δ¹⁸O AT cycle were earlier determined to exhibit ∼1.5‰ core-to-rim oxygen isotope zoning; and high-spatial resolution zircon analyses by ion microprobe reveal the presence of older grains that are zoned by 0.5–2.5‰. The following U–Pb isochron ages were calculated after correcting for the initial U–Pb disequilibria: AT (zircon rims: 11.7 ± 0.2 Ma; cores: 12.0 ± 0.1 Ma); pre-AT rhyolite lava: (12.0 ± 0.3 Ma); RM: 12.4 ± 0.3); TC: (13.2 ± 0.15 Ma); TS: (13.5 ± 0.2). Average zircon crystallization ages calculated from weighted regression or cumulative averaging are older than the Ar–Ar stratigraphy, but preserve the comparably short time gaps within each of two major eruption cycles (TS/TC, RM/AT). Notably, every sample yields average zircon ages that are 0.70–0.35 Ma older than the respective Ar–Ar eruption ages. The Th/U ratio of SWNVF zircons are 0.4–4.7, higher than typically found in igneous zircons, which correlates with elevated Th/U of the whole rocks (5–16). High Th/U could be explained if uranium was preferentially removed by hydrothermal solutions or is retained in the protolith during partial melting. For low-δ¹⁸O AT-cycle magmas, rim ages from unpolished zircons overlap within analytical uncertainties with the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar eruption age compared to core ages that are on average ∼0.2–0.3 My older than even the age of the preceding caldera forming eruption of RM tuff. This age difference, the core-to-rim oxygen isotope zoning in AT zircons, and disequilibrium quartz–zircon and melt-zircon isotopic fractionations suggest that AT magma recycled older zircons derived from the RM and older eruptive cycles. These results suggest that the low-δ¹⁸O AT magmas were generated by melting a hydrothermally-altered protolith from the same nested complex that erupted high-δ¹⁸O magmas of the RM cycle only 0.15 My prior to the eruption of the AT, the largest volume low-δ¹⁸O magma presently known.Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

The first results of U/Pb dating and isotope geochemical studies of detrital zircons from the neoproterozoic sandstones of the Southern Timan (Djejim-Parma Hill)

This report presents the first results of U/Pb dating, isotope-geochemical, and geochemical studies of detrital zircons from the Neoproterozoic clastic rocks of the Southern Timan. Sixty-one zircon grains were treated, including 51 from red-colored sandstones and 10 grains from aleurosandstones of the Djejim Formation of the southern Chetlas-Djejim zone (Djejim-Parma Hill). It was found that the U/Pb-ages of zircons from the rocks of the Djejim Formation, varied from ∼2.97 to ∼1.20 Ga. The studies of microelement composition in 47 grains (of 61 U/Pb isotope ages obtained), on the basis of several empirical regularities found formerly, show that the detrital zircons had originated from “granites” (22 grains), “diorites” (12 grains), or their volcanic analogues, or more rarely, from “syenites” and “basites” (5 and 8 grains, respectively). The Lu/Hf isotope system of zircons allows one to estimate the model ages (T _DM^C) of the substrate magmatic rocks being parental to the zircons considered. In particular, Archean zircons are characterized by ∼2.84–3.36 Ga model ages of magmaforming rocks. For some of the grains, their model ages (∼2.84 Ga) are close to those of zircons as such (∼2.7–2.8 Ga), which points to the juvenile character of the substrate from which the parent magma of the zircons treated was fused. For Proterozoic (to Middle Riphean) zircons, the Lu/Hf isotope system allows one to estimate the model age of the substrate of their parental rocks within ∼2.00–3.36 Ga, which shows that these rocks were formed under the recycling of the Archean and Early-Proterozoic crust. The ages obtained for detrital zircons, as well as model ages of the substrate of the corresponding parental magmatic rocks, are quite comparable to the age of crystalline complexes of the ancient framework of the East European Platform (EEP), formed in the course of the Archean, Early-Proterozoic, and Early-Middle Riphean tectonomagmatic events. This permits us to conclude that the Neoproterozoic detrital complexes of the Timan were formed owing to the erosion of earlier Neoproterozoic and Early Precambrian complexes constituting the Neoproterozoic Baltica continent, presenting complexes of the passive margin of this continent. A variety of ages of detrital zircons from sandstones and aleurosandstones from the Djejim Formation of Djejim-Parma Hill, and of the estimates of magmatic rocks parental to these zircons, may be characterized as a Baltic Provenance signal.     

LA-MC-ICPMS and SHRIMP U-Pb dating of complex zircons from Quaternary tephras from the French Massif Central: Magma residence time and geochemical implications

Analyses of zircon grains from the Queureuilh Quaternary tephras (pumice) provide new information about their pre-eruptive history. U-Pb dating was performed in situ using two methods: SHRIMP and LA-MC-ICPMS equipped with a multi-ion counting system. Both methods provided reliable ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ratios as well as U and Th abundances required for U-Pb Concordia intercept age determination, after initial ²³⁰Th disequilibrium correction. The new LA-MC-ICPMS method was validated by dating a reference zircon (61.308B) and zircons from a phonolitic lava dated independently with the two techniques. A time resolution of about 20 kyr for 1 Ma zircon crystals was achieved for both methods.The clear euhedral zircon population from Queureuilh tephras is quite complex from several points of view: (1) some grains are reddish or yellowish while others are colorless; (2) the U and Th composition changes by more than an order of magnitude and Th/U is generally high (∼1-2); (3) there are three discrete ages recorded at 2.35 ± 0.04, 1.017 ± 0.008 and 0.640 ± 0.010 Ma.From the previously determined ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age at 0.571 ± 0.060 Ma [Duffell H. (1999) Contribution géochronologique à la stratigraphie volcanique du Massif des Monts Dore par la méthode ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar. D.E.A. Univ. Clermont-Ferrand, 56 p.], the discontinuous zircon age populations, the color of the grains and their composition, we favor the following model as explanation: The oldest, less numerous group of reddish zircons represents xenocrystic grains resulting from assimilation of the local material during magma ascent. A primitive magma chamber, perhaps deep in crustal level, was formed at 1.0 Ma. The related magma, previously characterized by high Th/U ratio (2.2 ± 1.1), underwent rejuvenation during ascent to a new chamber at shallow depth and/or during injection of more mafic magmas. During this stage, at 0.64 Ma, the colorless zircon grains of lower Th/U ratio (1.3 ± 0.5) crystallized. This last stage defined the magma residence time of 70 kyr prior to eruption dated by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar method. However, if the primitive magma is considered, the magma residence time as a whole from this first stage reached 446 kyr.In the light of the complex history of such magmas, which commonly involves recycling of zircon grains that precipitated tens to hundreds of kyr earlier than eruptions, the use of Zr concentration in geochemical modeling of whole rock compositional data can be problematic.