Geochemical and isotopic studies of aeolian sediments in China

The Sr and Nd isotopic, rare earth element (REE) and major element compositions, together with mineral and grain‐size proportions, are reported for aeolian loess deposits and desert sands from several Chinese localities. The study was carried out in order to examine regional variations in the isotopic and geochemical features of these aeolian sediments, and to constrain the provenance of Chinese loess. Samples include loesses from the Tarim and Junggar basins and desert sands from the Taklimakan desert in north‐west China, loess from the Ordos area and desert sands from the Tengger and Mu‐us deserts in north‐central China, as well as loess and desert sands from the Naiman area, north‐east China. REE distributions show minimal variation among the Chinese loess deposits, whereas those for the desert sands show regional variations. New isotopic data document a latitudinal variation in Sr and Nd isotopic features for the loesses and desert sands. The Naiman and Junggar loesses have distinctly lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios and higher ε_Nd(0) values than the loesses from the Tarim Basin, the Ordos area and the Loess Plateau. Among the desert sands, the Naiman samples have higher ε_Nd(0) values than the Taklimakan, Tengger and Mu‐us samples. Isotopic data suggest that loesses of the Loess Plateau were supplied from the Tarim Basin loesses and Taklimakan Desert sand, and that the Naiman loesses were supplied from the Junggar Basin loesses. The latitudinal variation in the loesses and desert sands may be partly explained by isotopic variations reported previously for moraines from the Tianshan and west Kunlun Mountains, which are possible sources for the loesses and desert sands. These inferences on the provenance of the loesses and desert sands are consistent with the dust transport pattern over East Asia.     

Geochemical Characteristics of Eolian Deposits on the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau and Implications for Provenance

Eolian dust deposition is intimately related to atmospheric circulation and environmental setting of the source region, and therefore is an invaluable tool for studying the evolutionary history of atmospheric circulation patterns and paleoclimatic change. Identifying the provenance of any eolian deposit is crucial not only for reconstructing the paleoenvironmental history of the dust source region, but also for understanding the paleoclimatic significance of various indices. Loess and paleosol samples from the Garze region on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau(TP) were analyzed for their elemental(major and trace elements) and isotopic(Sm-Nd) geochemistry and compared with those of Northern Chinese(NC) loess formed at the same age. The results show that the geochemical compositions of the Garze loess and paleosol samples are similar to those eolian deposits on the Chinese Loess Plateau(CLP), and also resemble the average UCC. This indicates that the eolian deposits on the eastern margin of the TP were derived from well-mixed sedimentary protoliths that had undergone numerous upper crustal recycling processes, just as with the CLP loess deposits. However, compared with NC loess, the Garze samples have higher ∑REE, Li, Rb, Zr, Cs, Hf and Bi concentrations, higher TiO2/Al2O3, Hf/Nb, La/Nb, Th/Nb and lower K2O/TiO2, Zr/Hf, Ba/Rb ratios. From the Sm-Nd isotopic geochemistry, εNd(0) and 147Sm/144Nd values of Garze loess and paleosol samples are clearly lower than the NC loess. The higher Bi, Zr and Hf concentrations are relevant to the widely distributed acid-magmatic rocks in this region, whereas the higher contents of Li, Cs, Rb are attributed to the high background values of the TP. The geochemical characteristics of the Garze loess and paleosol samples further prove that the local glacial and other Quaternary detrital sediments are predominantly the contributors for the eolian deposits on the eastern margin of the TP. Stable element concentrations and their ratios in the Garze loess and paleosol samples formed at different times have relatively greater variation ranges in comparison with the NC loess, indicating that the source regions for eolian deposits have been unstable since the late Early Pleistocene. We attribute the instability of dust sources to variable earth surface conditions and the changeable TP winter monsoon in direction and intensity, which are in turn related to the uplift of the TP.     

Petrogenesis of mid-Carboniferous volcanics and granitic intrusions from western Junggar Basin boreholes: geodynamic implications for the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in Northwest China

The western Junggar Basin is located on the southeastern margin of the West Junggar terrane, Northwest China. Its sedimentary fill, magma petrogenesis, tectonic setting, and formation ages are important for understanding the Carboniferous tectonic evolution and continental growth of the Junggar terrane and the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. This paper documents a set of new zircon secondary ion mass spectrometry U–Pb geochronological and Hf isotopic data and whole-rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic analytical results for the Carboniferous strata and associated intrusions obtained from boreholes in the western Junggar Basin. The Carboniferous strata comprise basaltic andesite, andesite, and dacite with minor pyroclastic rocks, intruded by granitic intrusions with zircon secondary ion mass spectrometry U–Pb ages of 327–324 Ma. The volcanic rocks are calc-alkaline and show low high ε_Nd(t) values (5.3–5.6) and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.703561–0.703931), strong enrichment in LREEs, and some LILEs and depletion in Nb, Ta, and Ti. Furthermore, they also display high (La/Sm)_N (1.36–1.63), Zr/Nb, and La/Yb, variable Ba/La and Ba/Th and constant Th/Yb ratios. These geochemical data, together with low Sm/Yb (1.18–1.38) and La/Sm (2.11–2.53) ratios, suggest that these volcanic rocks were derived from a 5–8% partial melting of a mainly spinel Iherzolite-depleted mantle metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and melts of some sediments in an island-arc setting. In contrast, the granitic intrusions represent typical adakite geochemical features of high Sr and low Y and Yb contents, with no significant Eu anomalies, high Mg#, and depleted ε_Nd(t) (5.6–6.4) and ε_Hf(t) (13.7–16.2) isotopic compositions, suggesting their derivation from partial melting of hot subducted oceanic crust. In combination with the previous work, the West Junggar terrane and adjacent western Junggar Basin are interpreted as a Mariana-type arc system driven by northwestward subduction of the Junggar Ocean, possibly with a tectonic transition from normal to ridge subduction commencing ca. at 331–327 Ma.     

Mid-Proterozoic Plume-Related Thermal Event in Eastern Indian Craton: Evidence from Trace Elements,REE Geochemistry and Sr - Nd Isotope Systematics of Basic-Ultrabasic Intrusives from Dalma Volcanic Belt

Trace, REE, Sr and Nd isotopic studies have been carried out on gabbro-pyroxenite intrusives (Rb-Sr isochron age ∼ 1619±38 Ma; Sr_i ∼ 0.70552±0.00002) of the Dalma volcanic belt from eastern Indian craton. Primitive mantle-normalised trace element patterns show a general depletion of high field strength elements and LREE but more or less flat pattern in most compatible elements. Chondrite-normalised REE plots show depleted LREE-flat HREE patterns [(SLREE/SHREE)_N < 1, (Ce/Yb)_N < 1] strikingly similar to the komatiitic and tholeiitic lavas from this belt. Nd isotopic data with mean f_Sm/Nd ∼ +0.2704 and high e_Nd (mean +7.8) values indicate that the source of these rocks was depleted in LREE for considerably long time. When plotted on the global e_Nd evolution path for the upper mantle the Dalma intrusives fall exactly around the depleted MORB-type mantle at 1.6 Ga.Enrichment in some LILE like Rb, Ba, Th is found both in the tholeiitic lavas and the residues indicating them to be source characteristics. Positive DNb values of most of the mafic-ultramafic units (including komatiitic lavas) of this belt indicate that they originated from a mantle plume with thick envelope of hot upper mantle producing MORB-like depleted komatiites, tholeiites and intrusives. The mid-Proterozoic plume eventually rifted the continent above, forming a rapidly subsiding basin which was subsequently collapsed and compressed. The plume also caused widespread thermal events recorded in charnockitisation, migmatisation and granitisation around 1.6 Ga. This was possibly part of a global ∼1.6 Ga thermal anomaly which affected the pre-existing large landmass comprising atleast Antarctica, Australia and India (Mawson continent?).     

Neodymium isotopes in the Mediterranean Sea: comparison between seawater and sediment signals

Nine depth-profiles of dissolved Nd concentrations and isotopic ratios (ε_Nd) were obtained in the Levantine Basin, the Ionian, the Aegean, the Alboran Seas and the Strait of Gibraltar. Thirteen core-top sediments and Nile River particle samples were also analyzed (leached with 1 N HCl, acetic acid or hydroxylamine hydrochloride). The seawater ε_Nd values become more radiogenic during the eastward circulation in the Mediterranean Sea. The relationship between salinity and the seawater ε_Nd shows that the Nd isotopic signature is more conservative than salinity in the Mediterranean Sea. The water mass with the highest ε_Nd (−4.8) is found at about 200 m in the easternmost Levantine basin. The average ε_Nd value for deep waters is −7.0 in the eastern basin, 2.5 ε-units higher than in the western basin. By examining the sensitivity of seawater ε_Nd to Nd inputs from the Nile, we conclude that the most significant radiogenic Nd source is partially dissolved Nile River particles. The Nd flux from the Nile River water has a minor influence on the Mediterranean seawater ε_Nd. Except for the easternmost Levantine Basin, the leachate ε_Nd values are consistent with the seawater values. In the easternmost Levantine Basin, the leachate ε_Nd values obtained with HCl leaching are systematically higher than the seawater values. The relationship between leachate and residual ε_Nd values indicates that the HCl leaching partially dissolves lithogenic Nd, so the dissolution of Nile River particles is the cause of the observed shift. Some ε_Nd values obtained with hydroxylamine hydrochloride leaching are higher than those obtained with HCl leaching. Although the reason for this shift is not clear, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr successfully detects the presence of a nonmarine component in the leachate. Our results suggest that leaching performance may vary with the mineralogy of marine sediments, at least in the case of the Mediterranean Sea.     

Trace element and Nd isotope analyses of apatite in granitoids and metamorphosed granitoids from the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Implications for petrogenesis and post-magmatic alteration

We present in situ trace element and Nd isotopic data of apatites from metamorphosed and metasomatized (i.e., altered) and unaltered granitoids in the Songnen and Jiamusi massifs in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, with the aim of fingerprinting granitoid petrogenesis, including both the magmatic and post-magmatic evolution processes. Apatites from altered granitoids (AG) and unaltered granitoids (UG) are characterized by distinct textures and geochemical compositions. Apatites from AG have irregular rim overgrowths and complex internal textures, along with low contents of rare earth elements (REEs), suggesting the re-precipitation of apatite during epidote crystallization and/or leaching of REEs from apatite by metasomatic fluids. ε_Nd(t) values of the these apatites are decoupled from zircon ε_Hf(t) values for most samples, which can be attributed to the higher mobility of Nd as compared to Sm in certain fluids. Apatites from UG are of igneous origin based on their homogeneous or concentric zoned textures and coupled Nd-Hf isotopic compositions. Trace element variations in igneous apatite are controlled primarily by the geochemical composition of the parental melt, fractional crystallization of other REE-bearing minerals, and changes in partition coefficients. Sr contents and Eu/Eu* values of apatites from UG correlate with whole-rock Sr and SiO₂ contents, highlighting the effects of plagioclase fractionation during magma evolution. Apatites from UG can be subdivided into four groups based on REE contents. Group 1 apatites have REE patterns similar to the host granitoids, but are slightly enriched in middle REEs, reflecting the influence of the parental melt composition and REE partitioning. Group 2 apatites exhibit strong light REE depletions, whereas Group 3 apatites are depleted in middle and heavy REEs, indicative of the crystallization of epidote-group minerals and hornblende before and/or during apatite crystallization, respectively. Group 4 apatites are depleted in heavy REEs, but enriched in Sr, which are features of adakites. Some unusual geochemical features of the apatites, including the REE patterns, Sr contents, Eu anomalies, and Nd isotopic compositions, indicate that inherited apatites are likely to retain the geochemical features of their parental magmas, and thus provide a record of small-scale crustal assimilation during magma evolution that is not evident from the whole-rock geochemistry.     

Zircon U-Pb geochronology and geochemistry of Late Devonian–Carboniferous granitoids in NW Iran: implications for the opening of Paleo-Tethys

ABSTRACT

We present zircon U-Pb crystallization ages combined with bulk rock major and trace element geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb and zircon in-situ Hf isotopic compositions of the Amand and Moro granitoid intrusions in northwest Iran. The Amand and Moro plutons include granite and syeno-diorite with LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon ages of 367 ± 6.8 Ma and 351 ± 1.3 Ma, respectively, representative of Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous magmatic activity in NW Iran. Geochemical characteristics such as typical enrichments in alkalis, Nb, Zr, Ga and Y, depletion in P and Sr and fractionated REE patterns with high Ga/Al ratios and Eu negative anomalies are consistent with A-type magmatic signatures. The granitoids are classified as A₂-type and within-plate granitoids. The bulk rock geochemistry (enrichments in Th, Nb and, high Th/Yb, Zr/Y ratios) along with low variation of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) ratios and positive zircon εHf_(t) support the role of a mantle plume component for the evolution of the Amand and Moro A-type granitoids in an extensional tectonic environment. In fitting with wider regional knowledge, this magmatism occurred during Paleo-Tethys opening in northern Gondwana.     

Geochemical Records of Mantle Processes in Mantle Xenoliths from Three Cenozoic Basaltic Volcanoes in Eastern China

Rare earth element (REE) contents, and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions were measured for three suites of mantle xenoliths from the Kuandian, Hannuoba and Huinan volcanoes in the north of the Sino-Korean Platform. From the correlations of Yb contents with Al/Si and Ca/Si ratios, the peridotites are considered to be the residues of partial melting of the primitive mantle. The chondrite-normalized REE compositions are diverse, varying from strongly LREE-depleted to LREE-enriched, with various types of REE patterns. Metasomatic alteration by small-volume silicate melts, of mantle peridotites previously variably depleted due to fractional melting in the spinel peridotite field, can account for the diversity of REE patterns. The Sr/ Ba versus La/Ba correlation indicates that the metasomatic agent was enriched in Ba over Sr and La, suggestive of its volatile-rich signature and an origin by fluid-triggered melting in an ancient subduction zone. The Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of these xenoliths, even from     

Rare Earth Element Evidence for the Petrogenesis of the Banded Series of the Stillwater Complex, Montana, and its Anorthosites

A rare earth element (REE) study was made by isotope-dilutionmass spectrometry of plagioclase separates from a variety ofcumulates stratigraphically spanning the Banded series of theStillwater Complex, Montana. Evaluation of parent liquid REEpatterns, calculated on the basis of published plagioclase-liquidpartition coefficients, shows that the range of REE ratios istoo large to be attributable to fractionation of a single magmatype. At least two different parental melts were present throughoutthe Banded series. This finding supports hypotheses of previousworkers that the Stillwater Complex formed from two differentparent magma types, designated the anorthositic- or A-type liquidand the ultramafic- or U-type liquid. On the basis of our data,one melt has a REE pattern with a distinctive shallow slopeand is represented by samples from the thick, massive Anorthositezones I and II (AN I and AN II) of the Middle Banded series.Although samples from AN I and AN II are separated by as muchas 1400 m stratigraphically, they have remarkably similar calculatedparent liquid characteristics, with (Ce/Sm)n = 1.7–1.9,(Nd/Sm)n = 1.3–1.4 and (Ce/Yb)n = 2.9–4.6 (wheren denotes chondrite-normalized). These calculated liquids areprobably close to representing A-type magma. In addition, plagioclase-bronzitecumulates from Norite zones I and II (N I and N II), althoughthought to be U-type cumulates, contain plagioclase that hasA-type REE characteristics, implying that A-type magmas wereinjected into the magma chamber during formation of those zones.In contrast, calculated parent liquids of cumulus augite-bearingrocks have REE patterns that display distinctly steeper slopesthan the A-type REE pattern. The extreme is the calculated parentliquid of a plagioclase-bronzite-augite cumulated with (Ce/Sm)n= 2.9, (Nd/Sm)n = 1.7, and (Ce/Yb)n = 10.1. Analysis of published REE and Nd isotopic data for Stillwatercumulates reveals similarities between AN I, AN II, and otherthin plagioclase cumulate layers in the Lower and Upper Bandedseries, which supports the notion that they were all derivedfrom similar (A-type) parent melts. In contrast, plagioclaseseparates from cumulus augite-bearing rocks display light REEand Nd isotopic characteristics that are similar to U-type cumulatesfrom the Ultramafic series as described by previous studies.Thus far, the only cumulates from the Banded series that displayU-type REE and Nd isotopic characteristics are those that containcumulus augite. Therefore, cumulus augite appears to be an importantindicator of magmatic parentage. The REE and Nd isotopic ratios show erratic variation with stratigraphicposition, indicating that the magmas from which the Banded seriescrystallized were injected at various levels into the magmachamber. Different cumulate types crystallized from discreteliquids, as indicated by the correlation between REE signatureand cumulate type. Samples from Olivine-bearing zones III andIV (stratigraphically between AN I and AN II) display a rangein REE ratios; e.g., (Ce/Sm)n = 1.8–2.8 and (Ce/Yb)n =3.9–6.1, results that rule out the crystallization ofthe Middle Banded series from a single magma type. Furthermore,the possibility that AN I and AN II are directly related tothe underlying Ultramafic series, either as flotation cumulatesor as crystallization products of expelled liquids, is not substantiatedby the REE data because the calculated parent magma of AN Iand AN II was different from that of the Ultramafic series asdefined by previous studies. The REE data of this study further constrain interpretationsof published Pb isotopic data (Wooden et al., 1991) and indicatethat the magmas from which the Stillwater Complex formed werederived from two sources that had only small differences inPb isotopic composition. The REE and isotopic data, as wellas crystallization sequences of the two main parental magmas,indicate that the magmas were probably derived from two closelyrelated upper-mantle sources, one harzburgitic and the otherlherzolitic in composition, resulting in the U-type and A-typemagmas, from which orthopyroxene crystallized before and afterclinopyroxene, respectively. Both sources had been enrichedin large-ion lithophile elements, probably owing to mantle metasomatism.     

北京怀柔崎峰茶-得田沟金矿田稀土元素地球化学特征

崎峰茶-得田沟金矿田位于华北地块东北部,是华北地块北缘巨型EW向金矿带的组成部分。本文研究了该矿田各类岩石的稀土元素特征。通过与含金石英脉和金属硫化物的对比分析,探讨了它们与成矿的关系。结果显示,金属硫化物、含金石英脉及蚀变岩石的稀土元素特征很相似,它们与矿田内的燕山期正长斑岩脉和花岗岩(脉)具有很大相似性,从而确定了它们之间的成因联系,为找矿预测提供了依据。      

Exotic rifted passive margin of a back-arc basin off western Pangea: geochemical evidence from the Early Mesozoic Ayú Complex,southern Mexico

Recent detrital zircon studies of metamorphosed and polydeformed rocks of the early Mesozoic Ayú Complex in southern Mexico suggest an allochthonous origin along the western Pangean margin. Bulk-rock geochemistry of the ca. 170–200 Ma ortho-amphibolites suggests a composition ranging from alkalic and transitional basalts to normalized mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) tholeiites. Rare earth element (REE) patterns of alkaline basalts (Group I) are characterized by steep negative slopes, whereas transitional basalts (Group II) show moderate light REE (LREE) enrichment. Subalkalic Group III displays slight LREE enrichment and Group IV has relatively flat REE patterns with slight depletion in LREEs. Multiple trace element plots of Group III–IV amphibolites reveal strongly negative Nb–Ta anomalies caused by subduction zone contamination. Initial ?_Nd values (t = 190 Ma) of the amphibolites range from +9.01 to –2.16. Alkalic basalts have negative ?_Nd values, suggesting derivation from an older subcontinental mantle source (T _DM = 877 and 791 Ma). Group II–IV amphibolites have positive ?_Nd values ranging from +2.31 to +9.01, indicating a transition from an older to a relatively juvenile mantle source that is typical of a back-arc setting. The geochemistry of the metasedimentary rocks suggests derivation from an acid-arc source. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are characterized by enriched LREEs, flat HREE, and negative Eu anomalies. Sm–Nd systematics indicate that most samples were derived from cratonic basement and plot within the Oaxacan Complex envelope with ?_Nd values (t = 195 Ma) ranging from –5.53 to –7.65. We interpret two samples with higher ?_Nd values (–1.42 and +1.06) to reflect the additional influence of a more juvenile component. The amphibolites and metasedimentary rocks of the Ayú Complex document back-arc activity and are inferred to be correlative with various western Mexican Triassic–Jurassic mafic suites and the Potosí fan that formed along the western rifted margin of Pangea.     

Rb—Sr and Sm—Nd geochronology of lower Proterozoic granite—greenstone terrains in French Guiana,South America

Nine samples of metavolcanic rock from the lower parts of greenstone belts in central French Guiana (the Paramaca series) and 14 granitic samples from the intrusive gneisses (the Degrad Roche and Arawa gneisses) were selected for Sm—Nd and Rb—Sr analysis.The Sm—Nd results from the metavolcanic series (including two tholeiites, five peridotitic komatiites and two andesites) yield an isochron age of 2.11±0.09 (2 σ) Ga with an initial ${}^{143}\text{Nd}{}^{144}\text{Nd}$ ratio (I_Nd) of 0.51002±9 (2 σ), corresponding to ?_Nd(T) = + 2.1 ± 1.8. This isochron is interpreted as representing the age of initial volcanism of the Paramaca series. Acid intrusives were dated by the Rb—Sr method. A whole rock Rb—Sr isochron, including data points from both the Degrad Roche and Arawa gneisses, yields an age of 2.00±0.07 (2 σ) Ga with initial ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio (I_Sr value) of 0.7019±4 (2 σ). This result is considered to be the time of emplacement of the orthogneiss protoliths.The positive ε_Nd value (+ 2.1 ± 1.8) obtained from the metavolcanic rocks of French Guiana suggests that their mantle sources have evolved in reservoirs slightly depleted in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE). This result confirms the possible existence of ancient LREE-depleted reservoirs within the lower Proterozoic mantle. Moreover, the high ε_Nd(T) value for these rocks excludes any significant crustal contamination during magma genesis.The French Guianese orthogneisses yield a low I_Sr value (0.7019±4 (2 σ)) which, together with geochemical considerations, suggests that their granitic protoliths could have originated by partial melting of short-lived crustal precursors of basaltic to granodioritic composition.The present geochronological and isotopic study suggests that the Guiana Shield may represent a major continental accretion event during the lower Proterozoic.     

Nd/Nd and Sm/Nd stratigraphy of Upper Ordovician epeiric sea carbonates

Stratigraphic changes in the ε_Nd of epeiric sea carbonates from central North America track the submergence history of the interior craton during the Late Ordovician. Fluctuations in sea level changed the Nd isotope balance of the epeiric sea by modifying the flux of Nd weathered from the highlands of the Taconic Orogen (ε_Nd = −6 to −9) and from the low relief Precambrian basement (ε_Nd = −22 to −15) of the Transcontinental Arch and Canadian Shield. Transgressions over the Arch and Shield, which diminished the weathering flux of Nd from the Precambrian basement, are recorded as positive shifts in the ε_Nd profiles of carbonates. Negative ε_Nd shifts reflect regression and reexposure of the Precambrian basement to erosion. Correlation of Upper Ordovician carbonates by use of the ε_Nd profiles demonstrates the potential for Nd isotope stratigraphy. Comparison of stratigraphic variations in carbonate Sm/Nd ratios with sea level curves, conodont paleoecology, and the ε_Nd profiles suggest that our observed variations in Sm/Nd ratios are related to changes in depth. Increasing Sm/Nd ratios correlate with increasing depth, whereas decreasing Sm/Nd ratios correlate with decreasing depth. This relationship between Sm/Nd ratios and depth suggests Sm/Nd profiles have potentially wide applications in understanding the paleoceanography of ancient epeiric seas.     

Neodymium isotopes in seawater from the Barents Sea and Fram Strait Arctic-Atlantic gateways

The neodymium concentration, C_Nd, and isotopic composition, ε_Nd, in seawater have been determined in the water column at five sites in the Barents Sea-Fram Strait area where most of the water exchange between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic takes place. In the main Arctic Ocean inflow branch across the Barents Sea the concentration and isotopic composition (C_Nd = 15.5 pmol/kg and ε_Nd = −10.8) are similar to those reported for the northeastern Nordic Seas, which is consistent with this region being a source area for the Arctic inflow. Due to the addition of Nd from Svalbard shelf sediments, the C_Nd in the surface waters above 150 m, in the Fram Strait inflow branch is higher by a factor of 2 and the ε_Nd is shifted to lower values (−11.8).In the stratified Nansen Basin, where cold low salinity water overlies warmer Atlantic water the C_Nd and ε_Nd do not vary with the vertical temperature-salinity structure but are essentially constant and similar to those of the Atlantic inflow throughout the entire water column, down to 3700 m depth, which indicates that the Nd is to a large extent of Atlantic origin.Compared to the Atlantic inflow water, the Nd in the major Arctic Ocean outflow, the Fram Strait, show higher C_Nd in the surface waters above 150 m, and a higher ε_Nd (−9.8) throughout the entire water column down to 1300 m depth. Sources for the more radiogenic Nd isotopic composition in deep water of the Fram Strait outflow most likely involve boundary exchange with sediments on the shelf and slope as the water passes along the Canadian archipelago. River water is a possible source in the surface water but it also seems likely that Pacific water Nd, modified by interactions on the shelf, is an important component in the Fram Strait surface outflow. Changes in the relative proportions of inflow of river water and flow of Pacific water through the Arctic Ocean could thus influence the isotopic composition of Nd in the North Atlantic.     

The Late Neoproterozoic rift-related metarhyolite–basalt association of the Glushikha trough (Yenisei Ridge): petrogeochemical composition,age, and formation conditions

New data are presented on the petrogeochemical composition, age, and formation conditions of the Late Neoproterozoic metarhyolite–basalt association of the Glushikha trough (Yenisei Ridge). The association is localized within the subaerial and shallow-water terrigenous-carbonate sediments of the Orlovka Group, which overlies Proterozoic rocks with unconformity. The felsic volcanics are essentially potassic and enriched in Rb, U, Th, and Fe. They show a weakly fractionated REE pattern with a prominent negative Eu anomaly. The basalts and picrite basalts have higher contents of Ti, Fe, P, HFSE, REE, U, Th, Ba, and Sr, and their spidergrams show no Nb or Ta depletion with respect to Th and LREE. These rocks have the petrochemical parameters of intraplate magmatic associations in continental rift zones. New geochronological data (SHRIMP II) on single zircon grains from the felsite porphyry of the metarhyolite–basalt association (717 ± 15 Ma) indicate Late Neoproterozoic volcanism in the Yenisei part of the Central block of the Trans-Angara region. According to Sm–Nd isotopic data, the rhyolites originate from Paleoproterozoic crust (T_Nd(DM) = 1757 Ma; T_Nd(DM-2st) = 1651 Ma; ∑ _Nd(T) = ? 2.7). The Orlovka volcanosedimentary rocks are rift-related, as evidenced by the following facts: (1) localization of the volcanosedimentary rocks in a narrow fault-line trough; (2) bimodal rhyolite-basaltic composition of the volcanics; and (3) petrology and geochemistry of the picrite basalts and basalts, typical of intraplate environments. The studies show that Late Neoproterozoic rifting and intraplate plume magmatism took place not only in the Tatarka–Ishimba fault zone but also in the Yenisei fault zone of the Yenisei Ridge.     

武都黄土剖面稀土元素研究

武都剖面晚更新世以来黄土的稀土元素地球化学分析结果表明，轻重稀土元素具有比黄土高原其他地区较强烈的分异作用，而这种强烈的分异作用，与其较高的粘土矿物含量及其吸附作用相关；另一方面，武都稀土元素具有与其他地区黄土相似的稀土分布模式；反映沉积物来源的特征参数显示，武都黄土与黄土高原典型剖面十分一致，故具相同来源。     

Determination of Sm‐Nd Isotopic Compositions in Fifteen Geological Materials Using Laser Ablation MC‐ICP‐MS and Application to Monazite Geochronology of Metasedimentary Rock in the North China Craton

In this study, we report both ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd values in twelve minerals (apatite, titanite, monazite and eudialyte) based on analyses over 4 years using LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS. The positive correlation between the measured β_Sm and β_Nd (r² = 0.9981) over this time in our laboratory demonstrates the excellent long‐term stability of the method. Compared with the normal method, Sm and Nd signal intensities were improved by a factor of 2.9 with the use of X skimmer and Jet sample cones in combination with the addition of nitrogen at 3–6 ml min^?1 to the central gas flow. The enhancement of signal intensity benefits the accurate in situ determination of the Sm‐Nd isotopes of samples poor in these elements. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd values were also determined in two manganese nodules and GSMC Co‐rich crust with low mass fractions of Nd (94–293 μg g^?1). Generally, most of the obtained Sm‐Nd isotopic compositions in these geological materials are consistent with published values. ‘External reproducibility’ (2s) of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd was typically better than 0.06‰ and 2.5‰, respectively, demonstrating that the Durango, Otter Lake, NW‐1 and MAD apatites, the Khan, and OLT‐1 titanites, MGMH#117531 monazite and LV01 eudialyte are promising candidate reference materials for in situ Sm‐Nd isotopic determinations. The Trebilcock, Mae Klang and 44069 monazites are only suitable for in situ Nd isotopic determinations because of their heterogeneous Sm/Nd compositions. The heterogeneous Sm‐Nd composition of titanite BLR‐1 demonstrates that it is not a suitable reference material for in situ Sm‐Nd isotopic determinations. Deep‐sea samples (NOD‐A‐1 and NOD‐P‐1 manganese nodule, GSMC Co‐rich crust) with low mass fractions of Nd also show homogenous Nd isotopic compositions. Sm‐Nd isotopic ratios of a monazite (MQG‐22) from the North China Craton were measured as a case study and gave a ¹⁴⁷Sm‐¹⁴³Nd isochron age of 1792 ± 35 Ma (MSWD = 3.2) consistent with the published metamorphic age of the host metasedimentary rocks. The results for both candidate reference materials and geological samples demonstrate that the in situ LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS analytical protocol described is feasible and robust for research in geological evolution.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Hegenshan ophiolitic complex: Implications for late-stage tectonic evolution of the Inner Mongolia-Daxinganling Orogenic Belt, China

The Hegenshan ophiolite in the Inner Mongolian-Daxinganling Orogenic Belt (IMDOB), northern China, consists of several discontinuous blocks composed dominantly of serpentinized ultramafic rocks with subordinate cumulate gabbros, mafic lavas and dikes, intruded by younger granodiorite dikes. The ultramafic rocks are highly depleted, serpentinized harzburgites with minor dunite, characterized by relative enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE, e.g., Ba and Rb) and light rare earth elements (LREE). They are interpreted to be oceanic mantle that has undergone extensive melt extraction and variable degrees of metasomatism. The cumulate rocks consist mainly of gabbro and troctolite with LREE-depleted chondrite-normalized REE patterns showing significant positive Eu anomalies. They are enriched in LILE, depleted in Nb, and have high positive ε_Nd(t) (+8 to +11), suggesting derivation from a subduction-modified N-MORB-like source. The gabbros and mafic dikes have essentially the same age (295 ± 15 and 298 ± 9 Ma, respectively). The mafic dikes have flat to LREE-depleted, chondrite-normalized REE patterns, are depleted in Nb, enriched in LILE and have N-MORB-type Nd isotopic signatures (ε_Nd(t) = +8.1 to +10). The mafic lavas, erupted at 293 ± 1 Ma, can be divided into two groups; one composed of strongly deformed metabasalts similar in chemical and Nd–Sr isotopic compositions to the mafic dikes, and the other composed of undeformed and unmetamorphosed basalts with oceanic island basalt (OIB)-like trace element signatures and Nd isotopic compositions. The granodiorite dikes, which were intruded at 244 ± 4 Ma, have LREE-enriched, chondrite-normalized REE patterns with no Eu anomalies. Their abnormally high ε_Nd(t) values (+6.3 to +6.8) and low I_Sr (0.70412 to 0.70450) suggest formation from melts derived from thickened oceanic crust during or shortly after closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The structure, lithology and geochemistry of the Hegenshan ophiolite suggest that it is a Cordilleran-type body formed in a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) environment and amalgamated by collision of several fragments of Paleo-Asian lithosphere. Final emplacement and amalgamation occurred in the latest Permian or earliest Triassic.     

Nd isotopic composition of Late Devonian seawater in western Thailand: Geotectonic implications for the origin of the Sibumasu terrane

Conodonts collected from sections near the small towns of Thong Pha Phum and Mae Sariang in the westernmost part of Thailand are used to reconstruct the neodymium (Nd) isotopic composition of seawater during the Late Devonian. The study provides the first Devonian seawater signatures recognized within the Australian shelf of northeastern Gondwana and the adjacent Paleotethys Ocean. At Thong Pha Phum site, the seawater was characterized by very low ε_Nd values (from − 13.1 to − 18.2) and very high Sm/Nd ratios (between 0.36 and 0.66). In contrast, the seawater at the Mae Sariang site was characterized by much more radiogenic signatures (ε_Nd values from − 8.7 to − 11.1) and uniform, low Sm/Nd ratios (between 0.20 and 0.23). Extremely low ε_Nd values recognized at Thong Pha Phum attest to a passive margin continental setting and a paleogeographic position very close to a continental area where Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean rocks were eroded. Thus, the isotopic data provide strong evidence that during Late Devonian time the Sibumasu terrane was situated in the proximity to the Archean cratons of Western Australia, presumably adjacent to the Carnarvon intracratonic basin. Moreover, Sibumasu may not have been situated in an outboard position on the shelf, as previously suggested, but could have been directly attached to the Australian continental crust. By contrast, low and uniform Sm/Nd ratios of seawater at Mae Sariang resemble those of the Variscan and the present-day oceanic seawaters. Therefore, a pelagic setting within the Paleotethys Ocean is postulated for the Mae Sariang succession. This conclusion is also constrained by minor temporal changes in ε_Nd values and suggests that the Paleozoic of Mae Sariang is not part of the Sibumasu terrane but belongs to the Inthanon Zone.     

Source characteristics of the ∼2.5 Ga Wangjiazhuang Banded Iron Formation from the Wutai greenstone belt in the North China Craton: Evidence from neodymium isotopes

Here we first present samarium (Sm)–neodymium (Nd) isotopic data for the ∼2.5 Ga Wangjiazhuang BIF and associated lithologies from the Wutai greenstone belt (WGB) in the North China Craton. Previous geochemical data of the BIF indicate that there are three decoupled end members controlling REE compositions: high-T hydrothermal fluids, ambient seawater and terrigenous contaminants. Clastic meta-sediment samples were collected for major and trace elements studies in an attempt to well constrain the nature of detrital components of the BIF. Fractionated light rare earth elements patterns and mild negative Eu anomalies in the majority of these meta-sedimentary samples point toward felsic source rocks. Moreover, the relatively low Th/Sc ratios and positive ε_Nd(t) values are similar to those of the ∼2.5 Ga granitoids, TTG gneisses and felsic volcanics in the WGB, further indicating that they are derived from less differentiated terranes. Low Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) values and features in the A-CN-K diagrams for these meta-sediments imply a low degree of source weathering. Sm–Nd isotopes of the chemically pure BIF samples are characterized by negative ε_Nd(t) values, whereas Al-rich BIF samples possess consistently positive ε_Nd(t) features. Significantly, the associated supracrustal rocks in the study area have positive ε_Nd(t) values. Taken together, these isotopic data also point to three REE sources controlling the back-arc basin depositional environment of the BIF, the first being seafloor-vented hydrothermal fluids (ε_Nd(t) < −2.5) derived from interaction with the underlying old continental crust, the second being ambient seawater which reached its composition by erosion of parts of the depleted landmass (likely the arc) (ε_Nd(t) > 0), the third being syndepositional detritus that received their features by weathering of a nearby depleted source (likely the arc) (ε_Nd(t) > 0).