Biostratigraphy versus isotope geochronology: Testing the Urals island arc model

Formation of the Urals volcanic-hosted massive sulphide(VHMS) deposits is considered to be related with the intra-oceanic stage of island arc(s) development in the Upper Ordoviciane Middle Devonian based on the biostratigraphic record of ore-hosting sedimentary rocks. However, the direct Re-Os dating of four known VHMS systems in the Urals gives significantly younger Re-Os isochron ages ranging from355 ± 15 Ma up to 366 ± 2 Ma. To address this discrepancy, we performed SHRIMP U-Pb dating on zircons extracted from rhyodacites(Eifelian biostratigraphic age of 393 -388 Ma) from the footwall of the Alexandrinka VHMS deposit which has a Re-Os isochron age of sulphides of 355 ± 15 Ma.New ²⁰⁶ Pb/²³⁸ U mean age of 374 ± 3 Ma(MSWD ? 1.4 and probability ? 0.11) is considered to be the crystallisation age of the host volcanic rock. This age is ca. 15 Ma younger than the Eifelian(393 -388 Ma)biostratigraphic age and overlaps the Frasniane Famennian boundary(372 ± 2 Ma), characterised by the final stages of Magnitogorsk Arc e East European continent collision. Such an inconsistency with geochronological age may be due to a reburial of conodonts during resedimentation as a result of erosion of older rocks in younger sedimentary sequences.     

Neoproterozoic bimodal volcanic rocks and granites in the western Dabie area,northern margin of Yangtze block,China: implications for extension during the break-up of Rodinia

ABSTRACT

To better understand the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution along the northern margin of Yangtze Block, we have determined the geochronological and geochemical compositions of newly recognized bimodal volcanic suite and coeval granites from the western Dabie terrain. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating reveals that the felsic and mafic volcanics from the Hong’an unit have crystallization ages of 730 ± 4Ma and 735 ± 5Ma, respectively, indicating that the bimodal suite was erupted during the Neoproterozoic. The Xuantan, Xiaoluoshan, and Wuchenhe granites yield U-Pb ages of 742 ± 4 Ma, 738 ± 4 Ma, and 736 ± 4 Ma, respectively. The felsic volcanic rocks show peraluminous characteristics, and have a close affinity to S-type granite. The mafic volcanic rocks are basalt in compositions, and are likely generated from a depleted mantle source. The granites belong to high-K calc-alkaline and calc-alkaline series, display metaluminous to peraluminous, and are mainly highly fractionated I-type and A-type granite. The granites and felsic volcanics have zircon εHf(t) values of ?16.4 to + 5.6 and two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 1.28 to 2.40 Ga, suggesting that they were partial melting of varying Mesoproterozoic–early-Neoproterozoic crust. The granites have εNd_(t) of -14.7 to -1.5, and the two-stage Nd model ages (T_DM2) values of 1.54 to 2.61 Ga, also implying the Yangtze crustal contribution. These Neoproterozoic bimodal suite and coeval granites were most likely generated in a rifting extensional setting, triggered by the mantle upwelling, associated with crust–mantle interaction. Intensive magmatic rocks are widespread throughout the South Qingling, Suizhao, western Dabie and eastern Dabie areas during 810–720 Ma, and show peak ages at ~ 740 Ma. Combining regional geology, we support a continental rifting extensional setting for the north margin of the Yangtze Block during the break-up of the supercontinent Rodinia.     

Petrology and geochemistry of Early Permian volcanic rocks in South Tian Shan,NW China: implications for the tectonic evolution and Phanerozoic continental growth

Situated in the southwest of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), the South Tian Shan (STS) Block is a key area for understanding the final accretion of the CAOB. A suite of volcanic rocks interbedded with continental sediments from the Xiaotikanlike Formation lies along the southwestern edge of the Tian Shan orogen. Laser-ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer U–Pb dating provided a crystallization age of 295.0 ± 2.8 Ma (MSWD = 1.3), suggesting an Early Permian magmatic event. The volcanic rocks show a variable composition, with dominant rhyolites and dacites, subordinate basaltic andesites and few basalts. The felsic rocks are enriched in K and exhibit remarkably negative anomalies in Ba, Sr, Eu, P and Ti. These anomalies associated with their high negative ε _Nd(t) values and old Nd model ages suggest that they are most likely sourced from ancient lower crustal rocks. The mafic rocks are characterized by high Mg#, Cr, Ni contents, negative Nb, Ta anomalies and pronounced enrichment in light rare earth elements as well as mild enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements. The mafic rocks are thus inferred to derive from enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. The petrographic and geochemical characteristics of the Xiaotikanlike Formation volcanic rocks indicate that they were generated under a post-collisional regime. Therefore, the final collision between the Tarim Craton and the Kazakhstan–Yili terrane took place before Early Permian, most probably at Late Carboniferous. Differing from other tectonic units of the CAOB, the recycling of ancient lithospheric crust played a significant role in the continental growth of the STS Block.     

扬子地块西缘河口群的时代:来自火山岩锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年龄的证据

扬子地块西缘的河口群长期以来被认为是早元古代的火山—沉积地层,这种认识缺乏高精度同位素年龄的支持。为精确标定河口群的时代,采用激光剥蚀等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)对川西南拉拉铜矿区河口群中的石英角斑岩进行锆石U-Pb定年。结果表明所有锆石均为岩浆锆石,单点分析结果均为谐和年龄,锆石207Pb/206Pb加权平均年龄为1722±25Ma(2σ,MSWD=0.5,n=11)。由此认为河口群浅变质火山—沉积岩系的精确沉积时代为1722±25Ma,为早元古代晚期的火山—沉积地层。     

The transition between the two major Permian tectono-stratigraphic cycles in the central Southern Alps: results from facies analysis and U/Pb geochronology

The Val Daone Conglomerate (VDC) is a continental clastic unit that crops out eastwards of the central Southern Alps, from the NE sector of the Collio Basin to the W as far as the Tione Basin to the E. This significant but as yet relatively unknown formation lies just above the regional unconformity that marks the boundary between the two Permian major tectono-sedimentary cycles (TSU1 and TSU2) and grades upwards paraconformably (?) to the fluvial red beds of Verrucano Lombardo/Val Gardena Sandstone, generally associated with Late Permian times. Recent palynological investigations on the VDC suggested a Guadalupian age (late Roadian–early Wordian), owing to the remarkable presence of diversified pollen associations; therefore, this sedimentary unit is to date the first one ascribed, on a palaeontological basis, to the Middle Permian in the entire Southern Alps domain. A detailed facies analysis of VDC shows deposition in amalgamated alluvial fan-braided and fluvial environments with wide channels and longitudinal bars. In its type area and Val Rendena, the VDC rests unconformably above the last volcanic episode of the TSU1. LA ICP-MS U–Pb dating on zircon from two samples of such topmost Lower Permian volcanic rocks, known as Ponte Murandin dacitic lava and Malga Plan rhyodacitic Ignimbrites (Tione Basin), provided Concordia ages of 278 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.01) and 279 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.16), respectively. As well as allowing us to better define the duration of the time gap between the two Permian megacycles in the central Southern Alps in almost 10 Ma, these radiometric age determinations are also significant because they enable us to regionally link the coeval volcanic bodies which crop out in the Collio Basin to the SW and in the “Athesian Volcanic Group” to the NE, respectively.     

滇中易门地区新元古代澄江组凝灰岩锆石U-Pb年龄及其地质意义

扬子西缘广泛出露的新元古代澄江组是一套与晋宁运动密切相关的沉积岩夹火山岩系,其形成时限对华南新元古代区域地层格架、地层划分对比及古大陆再造具有重要意义。出露于滇中易门地区的新元古代澄江组底部发育有厚数米的凝灰岩夹层,本次采集凝灰岩进行LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年研究,结果表明,锆石206Pb/238U年龄加权平均值为812±5. 5Ma(n=17,MSWD=0.46),可以代表滇中澄江组的底界年龄,从而进一步确定澄江组底界年龄为812Ma左右。此外,凝灰岩中捕获的锆石年龄信息指示扬子西缘可能存在2. 5Ga、1. 8～1. 6Ga、1. 5Ga、1. 3Ga及1.0Ga等数期重要的区域构造-热事件。     

Late Palaeozoic tectonic setting of the southern Alxa Block,NW China: constrained by age and composition of diabase

The ages of diabase outcropping on the southern Alxa Block and in related tectonic setting are not well constrained, but are important for exploring the tectonic evolution of the southern Alxa Block. The ages of the zircons from the diabase intruding the Middle–Late Cambrian Xiangshan Group were measured using sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe II (SHRIMPII) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and the weighted mean ages of 276.8 ± 7.9 Ma and 276.2 ± 9.7 Ma were obtained, respectively. The major elements in the diabase indicate that it may belong to the tholeiitic series. With specific features of the rare earth elements (REEs) and trace elements, potentially affected by the continental crust based on the observed strong positive Pb anomaly, the diabase was produced in an intra-plate extension environment. Similar diabase/basalts were also found along the southern margin of the Alxa Block. Combined with sedimentary, palaeo-current, mafic, and felsic rocks in the southern Alxa Block, a back-arc extension environment potentially occurred in the southern Alxa Block during the Early–Middle Permian that resulted from the convergence between the North China Block (NCB) and the Yangtze Block.     

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages and whole-rock geochemistry for the Şapçı volcanic rocks,Biga Peninsula,Northwest Turkey: implications for pre-eruption crystallization conditions and source characteristics

Palaeogene and Neogene volcanic rocks are widespread on the Biga Peninsula of Northwest Turkey. These rocks were formed during the Eocene, Oligocene–Miocene, and late Miocene, and the early Miocene ?apç? volcanic rocks in the Bal?kesir area consist of andesitic lava flows and associated pyroclastics. Temperatures, pressures, and oxygen fugacities calculated for the hornblendes in these andesitic rocks are 903–930°C, 3.3–4.8 kbar, and –9.91 to –11.88, respectively, and for the biotites they are 755–788°C, 1.30–1.74 kbar, and –14.88 to –13.98, respectively. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of zircons from three andesite samples gave ages of 22.72 ± 0.19, 22.97 ± 0.23, and 18.72 ± 0.17 Ma (early Miocene), and these are regarded as crystallization ages. Geochemical analyses show that the volcanic rocks are mainly high-K and calc-alkaline, and have high contents of large-ion lithophile elements and low contents of high-field strength elements, revealing that they evolved from parental magmas that were derived from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle source. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns of the rocks are concave upwards with La_CN/Lu_CN = 11.9–21.2 and Eu_CN/Eu* = 0.84–0.92, implying significant fractional crystallization of hornblende during their evolution. According to the petrological data with regional geology, Neogene magmatic activity on the Biga Peninsula has a post-collisional feature, and was closely related to slab break-off geodynamic model after collision of Tauride–Anatolide Block and Sakarya continent.     

Important role of hornblende fractionation in generating the adakitic magmas in Tongling,Eastern China: evidence from amphibole megacryst and cumulate xenoliths and host gabbros

ABSTRACT

Tongling, in eastern China, is an area well-known for intra-plate adakites. Here, we present the mineral chemistry and zircon U–Pb ages for amphibole cumulate xenoliths, the mineral chemistry of amphibole megacrysts, and the whole–rock chemistry, zircon U–Pb age and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of host gabbros from Tongling. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a crystallization age of 120.6 ± 1.2 Ma (MSWD = 4.2) for the host gabbros, which are characteristically depleted in high field strength elements (Nb, Ta, and Ti) and enriched in large ion lithophile elements (Ba and Sr), with εNd (t) of ?3.00 to ?4.52 and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7068–0.7072, suggesting an enriched mantle source. Parental melts, as estimated from average amphibole megacryst and cumulate compositions, have Mg# values of 26–33, are enriched in Ba, Th, U, and Nd, and depleted in Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ti, similar to 136 Ma mafic magmas in Tongling. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a crystallization age of 135.4 ± 1.0 Ma (MSWD = 1.6) for the amphibole cumulates. It is concluded that the Tongling adakitic rocks were formed by polybaric crystallization involving early high-pressure intracrustal fractional crystallization of cumulates comprising hornblende and clinopyroxene, and late low-pressure fractional crystallization of hornblende and plagioclase phenocrysts. The flat subduction of Pacific plate and its subsequent foundering during the Cretaceous may have triggered the generation of extensive adakitic magmas and lithospheric thinning in the Lower Yangtze Region.     

Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes of the 780 Ma I-type granites in the western Yangtze Block: petrogenesis and crustal evolution

ABSTRACT

Neoproterozoic I-type granites could provide vital insights into the crust–mantle interaction and the crustal evolution along the western Yangtze Block, South China. This paper presents new zircon U–Pb ages, bulk-rock geochemistry, and in situ zircon Lu–Hf isotope on the Dalu I-type granites from the southwestern Yangtze Block. Zircon U–Pb dating show the crystallization ages of 781.1 ± 2.8 Ma for granodiorites and 779.8 ± 2.0 Ma for granites, respectively. The Dalu granodiorites are Na-rich, calc-alkaline, metaluminous to slightly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.94–1.08). Zircons from granodiorite have positive εHf(t) values (+2.16 to +7.39) with crustal model ages of 1.21–1.54 Ga, indicating juvenile mafic lower crust source. The Dalu granites are high-K calc-alkaline, peraluminous rocks. They have variable zircon εHf(t) values (?4.65 to +5.80) with crustal model ages of 1.31–1.97 Ga, suggesting that they were derived from the mature metasediment-derived melts by the mixing of newly formed mafic lower crust-derived melts. The geochemical variations in Dalu pluton is dominated not only by the different source rocks but also by the different melting temperatures. Combining with the geochemistry and isotopic compositions of I-type granitoids and tectonic setting in the western Yangtze Block, we propose that the Dalu I-type granodiorites–granites associations are the magmatic response from different crustal levels, which were induced by the heat anomaly due to the asthenosphere upwelling in the subduction-related setting.     

Neoproterozoic alkaline intrusive complex in the northwestern Yangtze Block,Micang Mountains region,South China: petrogenesis and tectonic significance

Voluminous Neoproterozoic mafic–ultramafic, felsic, and alkaline intrusions are found in the northern Yangtze Block, South China. Here, we present whole-rock major and trace element, and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, together with zircon U–Pb ages, for syenite and gabbro samples from the Shuimo–Zhongziyuan alkaline intrusive complex in the Micang Mountains region at the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Block. Zircon U–Pb dating yields crystallization ages for the Na- and K-rich Shuimo syenites of 869 ± 4 (MSWD = 0.85, 2σ) and 860 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.47, 2σ), respectively, and for the Zhongziyuan gabbros of 753 ± 4 Ma (MSWD = 0.23, 2σ), indicating that the syenites and gabbros represent different stages of magmatism. The syenites include both Na- and K-rich types and have high values of the Rittman index (σ), and high SiO₂ and Na₂O + K₂O contents. These syenites are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE), with high (La/Yb)_N values and small negative and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.74–1.17). In contrast, the gabbros have lower SiO₂ and Na₂O + K₂O contents, are only slightly enriched in LREEs, are enriched in LILE but depleted in HFSEs, and have small negative and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.86–1.37). The syenites have low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.703340) and ?_Nd(t) values (+1.9 to +7.7). The gabbros have relatively high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.703562–0.704933) and positive ?_Nd(t) values (+1.6 to +4.5). These data suggest that the syenites and gabbros are isotopically similar and were largely derived from melts of depleted mantle. The syenites underwent significant fractional crystallization and small amounts of crustal contamination during magma evolution. In contrast, the gabbros were formed by partial melting (>15%) of a garnet lherzolite source and might also have experienced crustal assimilation. Taking into account the geochemical signatures and magmatic events, we propose that the Shuimo syenites formed in an intra-arc rifting setting, however, the Zhongziyuan gabbros were most likely produced in a subduction-related, continental margin arc setting during the Neoproterozoic, thus suggesting that the alkaline intrusive complex were formed by the arc-related magmatism in the Micang Mountains.     

Geochronology of fluid-induced eclogite and amphibolite facies metamorphic reactions in a subduction–collision system,Bergen Arcs,Norway

Rb–Sr multimineral isochron data for metamorphic veins allow to date separate increments of the mineral reaction history of polymetamorphic terranes. Granulite facies rocks of the Lindås nappe, Bergen Arcs, Norway, were subducted and exhumed during the Caledonian orogeny. The rocks show petrographic evidence for two distinct events of local fluid infiltration and vein formation, along fractures and shear zones. The first occurred at eclogite facies (15–21 kbar, 650–750°C) and a later one at amphibolite facies conditions (8–10 kbar, 600°C). The presence of fluids enabled local metamorphic equilibration only near fluid pathways. In fluid-absent domains, preexisting assemblages were metastably preserved. This resulted in a heterogeneity of metamorphic signatures on meter to μm-scales. Well-preserved granulite facies rocks preserve their Proterozoic Rb–Sr mineral ages, as does the U–Pb system of zircon in most lithologies. Six Rb/Sr multimineral isochron ages for eclogite facies veins and their immediate wallrocks date the fluid-induced eclogitization at 429.9 ± 3.5 Ma (2σ, weighted average, MSWD = 0.39). An eclogite facies vein has yielded metamorphic zircon with concordant U–Pb ages of 429 ± 3 Ma, identical to the U–Pb age of 427.4 ± 0.9 Ma for zircon xenocrysts in an amphibolite facies vein. Seven Rb/Sr mineral isochron ages date amphibolite-facies fluid infiltration at 414.2 ± 2.8 Ma (MSWD = 1.5), an age value testifying to residence of the rocks in the deep orogenic crust at temperatures >600°C for nearly 15 Ma. The new data show that Rb–Sr mineral isochron ages effectively date fluid-induced (re)crystallization events rather than stages of cooling. The direct link between isotopic ages and distinct petrographic equilibrium assemblages aids to constrain the evolution of rocks in the P–T-reaction-time space, which is essential for understanding exhumation histories and the internal dynamics of orogens in general.     

Age relationships in supracrustal sequences of the northern part of the Murchison Terrane,Archaean Yilgarn Craton,Western Australia: A combined field and zircon U–Pb study

Mapping carried out in the northern Murchison Terrane of the Archaean Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia, shows that correlation of units between isolated greenstone belts is very difficult and an informal stratigraphic subdivision is proposed where the greenstone sequences have been divided into a number of assemblages. The assemblages may not necessarily be time equivalent throughout the region. The lower units (Assemblages 1–3) consist of ultramafic, mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks deposited without significant breaks in volcanism. Felsic volcanic packages (Assemblage 4) are conformable with underlying units, but are spatially restricted. Discordant units of graphitic sedimentary rocks are developed along major crustal structures (Assemblage 5). SHRIMP and conventional U–Pb study of zircons reveal that felsic volcanic rocks of Assemblage 4 in the Dalgaranga Greenstone Belt were emplaced at 2747 ± 5 Ma, whereas those in the adjacent Meekatharra — Mt Magnet Greenstone Belt range in age from 2762 ± 6 to 2716 ± 4 Ma. The age of emplacement of a differentiated gabbro sill in the Dalgaranga Greenstone Belt at 2719 ± 6 Ma places a maximum age on major folding in the belt. The presence of 2.9–3.0 Ga inherited zircons in some of the felsic volcanic rocks indicates contamination with, or reworking of, underlying 3 Ga sialic crust. This distinguishes the Murchison Terrane from the central parts of the Eastern Goldfields terranes to the south, where there is no evidence for a 3 Ga imprint in zircons from volcanic or granitic rocks, and also from the Narryer Gneiss Terrane to the north and west, which is composed of older gneisses and granitoids. The ca 2.76–2.71 Ga felsic volcanism in the Murchison Terrane is significantly older than 2.71–2.67 Ga felsic volcanism in the Eastern Goldfields lending support to models advocating assemblage of the craton by terrane accretion.     

Nd isotopic stratigraphy of Paleoproterozoic to late Paleozoic sedimentary strata of the southwestern Yangtze Block and implications for its tectonic evolution

ABSTRACT

A systematic Sm-Nd isotopic study is reported for Paleoproterozoic to Late Paleozoic strata from the Dongchuan area in the southwestern Yangtze Block. The results, combined with the available detrital zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotope data, constrain the provenances of these sedimentary rocks and further identify three important tectono-magmatic activities. Most of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic samples (Dongchuan Group) display a wide T_DM2 range of 1.92–2.52 Ga with corresponding ε_Nd(t) values of +4.0 to ?3.5, suggesting Paleoproterozoic-dominated provenances mixed with mantle-derived materials. This corresponds to the ~1.7–1.5 Ga mafic magmatic activities commonly occurred in the southwestern Yangtze Block, which are related to the early breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. The obvious vale of T_DM2 and apex of ε_Nd(t) occurred in the Neoproterozoic strata (~0.8 Ga) of the southwestern margin over the whole Yangtze Block. This is consistent with the widely recognized mantle-derived magmatism around the Yangtze Block related to the breakup of Rodinia. However, the decreases in Nd model ages are different among various regions, indicating that the Neoproterozoic mantle inputs are more profound in the southwestern and central Yangtze Block than the southeastern Yangtze and the Jiangnan orogenic belt. The late Ediacaran to early Cambrian strata from the southwestern Yangtze exhibit a decrease in T_DM2 (from 2.00 to 1.67 Ga) and increase in ε_Nd(t) (from ?9.0 to ?5.2). This is in accordance with the coeval juvenile crustal materials discovered in the northwestern Yangtze, which were probably derived from the assembly of the Gondwana continent. Thus, a Gondwanan affinity is suggested for the southwestern Yangtze Block. Overall, the Nd isotopic studies of the Paleoproterozoic to Late Paleozoic sedimentary strata from the southwestern Yangtze Block identified three major episodes of magmatic activities, late Paleoproterozoic (~1.7 Ga), Neoproterozoic (~0.8 Ga) and late Neoproterozoic-early Cambrian (~0.55 Ga) in the context of Columbia, Rodinia and the subsequent Gondwana supercontinents.     

赣东北婺源-德兴地区新元古代浅变质火山岩的地球化学和锆石U-Pb年龄

赣东北婺源-德兴地区新元古代地层中浅变质火山岩主要由变质玄武岩、英安岩和流纹岩组成.全岩地球化学分析表明浅变质玄武岩具有拉斑玄武岩的地球化学特征,起源于尖晶石辉橄岩低度部分熔融,英安岩岩浆起源于壳源杂砂岩部分熔融,流纹岩可能为英安质岩浆结晶分异的产物.LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb同位素定年揭示婺源浅变质英安岩形成于861±8Ma,德兴张村西浅变质流纹岩形成于860±3Ma,铜厂铜矿矿区凝灰质板岩形成于860±6Ma,均为早新元古代Tonian期.同时这些定年样品中保存了2.8 ～2.5Ga、2.0～1.7Ga和～1.0Ga的继承或捕获锆石记录.结合浅变质玄武岩和英安质火山岩的地球化学特征和成因,这套岩石最有可能形成于新元古代早期安第斯型活动大陆边缘弧后盆地构造背景.     

Age and tectonomagmatic setting of the Eocene Çöpler–Kabataş magmatic complex and porphyry-epithermal Au deposit, East Central Anatolia, Turkey

The Çöpler epithermal Au deposit and related subeconomic porphyry Cu–Au deposit is hosted by the middle Eocene Çöpler–Kabata? magmatic complex in central eastern Anatolia. The intrusive rocks of the complex were emplaced into Late Paleozoic–Mesozoic metamorphosed sedimentary basement rocks near the northeastern margin of the Tauride-Anatolide Block. Igneous biotite from two samples of the magmatic complex yielded ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages of 43.75?±?0.26 Ma and 44.19?±?0.23, whereas igneous hornblende from a third sample yielded a plateau age of 44.13?±?0.38. These ages closely overlap with ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of hydrothermal sericite (44.44?±?0.28 Ma) and biotite (43.84?±?0.26 Ma), and Re–Os ages from two molybdenite samples (44.6?±?0.2 and 43.9?±?0.2 Ma) suggesting a short-lived (<1 my) magmatic and hydrothermal history at Çöpler. No suitable minerals were found that could be used to date the epithermal system, but it is inferred to be close in age to the precursor porphyry system. The Çöpler–Kabata? intrusive rocks show I-type calc-alkaline affinities. Their normalized trace element patterns show enrichments in large ion lithophile and light rare earth elements and relative depletions in middle and heavy rare earth elements, resembling magmas generated in convergent margins. However, given its distance from the coeval Eocene Maden–Helete volcanic arc, the complex is interpreted to be formed in a back-arc setting, in response to Paleocene slab roll-back and upper-plate extension. The tectonomagmatic environment of porphyry-epithermal mineralization at Çöpler is comparable to some other isolated back-arc porphyry systems such as Bajo de la Alumbrera (Argentina) or Bingham Canyon (USA).     

内蒙古苏尼特右旗白乃庙地区徐尼乌苏组的形成时代及其地质意义

本文对白乃庙地区徐尼乌苏组沉积特征、原岩建造、变质火山岩及变质碎屑岩的年代学和地球化学进行了研究,探讨了白乃庙地区早古生代构造演化。本次研究采集了徐尼乌苏组中具有代表性的变质含砾粗粒杂砂岩、变质英安质晶屑凝灰岩和变质长石石英细砂岩样品,进行了锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年代学和岩石地球化学分析。结果显示,2个变质英安质晶屑凝灰岩锆石的加权平均年龄分别为440.9±1.8Ma(MSWD=0.10)和440.9±1.7Ma(MSWD=0.15),锆石Th/U比值为0.46~1.59,自形程度较好,发育有典型的岩浆锆石振荡环带结构,显示为岩浆成因锆石的特点,表明徐尼乌苏组的形成时代为早志留世。变质含砾粗粒杂砂岩的碎屑锆石年龄在452.0±1.3Ma~535.0±1.0Ma之间,最高峰值年龄为490Ma左右;变质长石石英细砂岩碎屑锆石年龄则在440.1±5.7Ma~3268.9±57.7Ma之间,最小谐和年龄为440.1±5.7Ma,峰值年龄为490Ma左右,另有1.0Ga、1.6Ga、1.8Ga和2.5Ga四个明显的峰值年龄。根据研究区徐尼乌苏组岩性组合与结构构造,可将该组划分为3个不同的沉积旋回。结合白乃庙地区徐尼乌苏组测年结果、岩石地球化学特征、原岩建造及区域岩浆岩资料,白乃庙弧后盆地沉积可划分为三个演化阶段:早期快速堆积阶段(452.3~440.9Ma),形成了一套成熟度较低的粗碎屑岩建造,物源主要来源于白乃庙岩浆弧中的岩浆岩;中期火山喷发阶段(440.9~440.1Ma),以火山沉积作用为主,为火山碎屑岩建造夹有碳酸盐建造和少量碎屑岩建造,碎屑物质主要来源于该时期的火山活动;晚期稳定沉积阶段(440.1Ma),形成一套细碎屑岩建造和碳酸盐建造,为浅海相稳定沉积,此时物源广泛,分别来源于华北克拉通基底、兴蒙造山带和白乃庙早古生代火山弧。根据徐尼乌苏组的沉积建造和火山建造特征,结合白乃庙火山弧岩浆活动特征,认为徐尼乌苏组形成于早古生代弧后盆地中,此时华北板块北缘属于安第斯型活动大陆边缘。     

Dating magmatic and hydrothermal processes using andradite-rich garnet U–Pb geochronometry

Andradite-rich garnet is a common U-bearing mineral in a variety of alkalic igneous rocks and skarn deposits, but has been largely neglected as a U–Pb chronometer. In situ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb dates of andradite-rich garnet from a syenite pluton and two iron skarn deposits in the North China craton demonstrate the suitability and reliability of the mineral in accurately dating magmatic and hydrothermal processes. Two hydrothermal garnets from the iron skarn deposits have homogenous cores and zoned rims (Ad₈₆Gr₁₁ to Ad₉₈Gr₁) with 22–118 ppm U, whereas one magmatic garnet from the syenite is texturally and compositionally homogenous (Ad₇₀Gr₂₂ to Ad₇₇Gr₁₄) and has 0.1–20 ppm U. All three garnets have flat time-resolved signals obtained from depth profile analyses for U, indicating structurally bound U. Uranium is correlated with REE in both magmatic and hydrothermal garnets, indicating that the incorporation of U into the garnet is largely controlled by substitution mechanisms. Two hydrothermal garnets yielded U–Pb dates of 129 ± 2 (2σ; MSWD = 0.7) and 130 ± 1 Ma (2σ; MSWD = 0.5), indistinguishable from zircon U–Pb dates of 131 ± 1 and 129 ± 1 Ma for their respective ore-related intrusions. The magmatic garnet has a U–Pb age of 389 ± 3 Ma (2σ; MSWD = 0.6), consistent with a U–Pb zircon date of 388 ± 2 Ma for the syenite. The consistency between the garnet and zircon U–Pb dates confirms the reliability and accuracy of garnet U–Pb dating. Given the occurrence of andradite-rich garnet in alkaline and ultramafic magmatic rocks and hydrothermal ore deposits, our results highlight the potential utilization of garnet as a powerful U–Pb geochronometer for dating magmatism and skarn-related mineralization.     

海南公爱地区抱板群花岗片麻岩的年代学、地球化学及其构造意义

海南岛地处华南陆块南缘,紧邻印支陆块,大地构造位置独特,其地质特征一直备受关注。厘定该地区中元古代岩石的成因对恢复华南中元古代构造演化具有重要意义。海南岛西部公爱地区花岗质岩石与围岩抱板群变沉积岩呈侵入接触关系,绝大部分岩石片麻状构造发育、韧性剪切标志明显。这些岩石高SiO_2、K_2O、Al_2O_3、Rb、U,贫CaO、MgO、FeO~T、TiO_2,铝饱和指数A/CNK1.1,具S型花岗岩特点,稀土元素配分模式类似于抱板群变沉积岩,全岩ε_(Nd)(t)=-2.02~-2.38,Nd同位素二阶段亏损模式年龄(t_(DM2)~(Nd))为2.2~2.3 Ga,锆石Hf同位素ε_(Hf)(t)=-5.4~4.0,Hf同位素二阶段亏损模式年龄t_(DM2)~(Hf)=1.71~2.53 Ga。对四个代表性花岗片麻岩样品进行LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年,其~(207)Pb/~(206)Pb加权平均年龄为1444±15 Ma、1439±19 Ma、1433±31 Ma和1450±23 Ma,属中元古代。综合区域研究资料认为,海南岛西部公爱地区中元古代花岗质岩石的熔融源区为类似抱板群变沉积岩组分,推测其产出于大陆边缘构造背景,是哥伦比亚超大陆边缘的增生产物。     

扬子陆块西南缘3.8 Ga碎屑锆石及其地质意义

古老锆石和岩石的发现,是探索地球早期地质演化的关键.为进一步揭示扬子陆块基底物质组成和早期地壳形成演化,采用LA-ICP-MS锆石微区U-Pb测年,对扬子陆块西南缘禄丰地区东川群变质砂岩进行了年代学研究,发现3 822±21 Ma的古老碎屑锆石.这是目前在扬子陆块获得的第2颗>3.8 Ga的古老锆石,也是目前在该地区发现的最老锆石.变质砂岩碎屑物质主要包括4个峰值年龄（~2 320 Ma、~2 162 Ma、~2 036 Ma和~1 915 Ma）,2颗最年轻的锆石年龄基本限定了东川群早期最大沉积时限,与区域上火山岩时代相吻合.另外还包含少量中-晚太古代（2.6~2.9 Ga）和始太古代（3.7~3.8 Ga）的碎屑物质.Hf同位素组成显示这些碎屑锆石具有不同成因,其中2 674~3 822 Ma的碎屑锆石总体具有正的ε_Hf（t）值和2.9~3.9 Ga的两阶段模式年龄,暗示扬子陆块在冥古宙-古太古代时期就有一定规模的新生陆壳分布.古元古代（1.9~2.4 Ga）的岩浆活动除有少量古元古代（2.3~2.4 Ga）新生地壳组分熔融外,大多为太古宙（2.5~3.7 Ga）古老地壳部分熔融.中元古代更多表现为古老地壳的熔融和物质再循环.研究结果为深化扬子陆块早前寒武纪地质演化认识提供了新资料.