Late Mesozoic high-K calc-alkaline magmatism in Southeast China: the Tongling example

ABSTRACT

We report new zircon U–Pb ages, Hf isotopic and geochemical results for the Tongling granitic plutons of Southeast China. SHRIMP U–Pb ages for the Miaojia quartz monzodiorite porphyrite,the Tianebaodan and Tongguanshan quartz monzodiorites, the Xinqiaotou granodiorite porphyry, and the Shatanjiao and Nanhongchong granodiorite are 143 ± 2, 141 ± 1 and 142 ± 1, 147 ± 1, and 145 ± 1 and 139 ± 1 Ma, respectively. Combined with previous geochronological data, our results indicate that the porphyritic rocks are older than rocks of the same type lacking porphyritic texture. Geochemically, these high-K calc-alkaline intrusive rocks are characterized by arc-like trace element distribution patterns, with significant enrichment in LILE and LREE but depletion in HFSE. Lu–Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from the high-K calc-alkaline (HKCA) rocks have ε_Hf(t) values of magmatic 139–147 Ma zircons from ?8.1 to ?25.6, with two-stage model ages (t_DM2) of 1.71–2.67 Ga, whereas ε_Hf(t) values of inherited 582–844 Ma zircons range from 5.4 to ?9.5, with t_DM2 of 1.39–2.22 Ma, younger than t_DM2 values of igneous zircon, indicating that newly formed mantle material was added to the continental crust of the Yangtze Block. Moreover, ε_Hf(t) values of inherited zircon cores older than 1000 Ma are from ?7.8 to ?26, similar to magmatic zircons, and the t_DM2 values are all greater than 3.0 Ga (3.16–3.75 Ga), reflecting partial melting of ancient sialic material. We conclude that the plutonic melts were derived from both the enriched mantle and the ancient crust. The HKCA Tongling intrusions coincide temporally with the J₃–K₁ magmatic event that was widespread in Southeast China. This igneous activity may have accompanied sinistral slip along the Tan-Lu fault due to oblique subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate.     

Geochronology and Petrogenesis for the Protolith of Biotite Plagioclase Gneiss at Lianghe, Western Yunnan

In this paper,we report an integrated study of U-Pb age and Hf isotope compositions of zircons from biotite plagioclase gneiss at Lianghe in western Yunnan.The zircons preserved inherited core and rim texture.Igneous zircon grains and rims yielded a weighted mean ~(206)Pb/~(238)U age of 120.4±1.7 Ma,theirε_(Hf)(120 Ma)values were mainly negative ranging from-13.9 to-10.7,with Hf model ages between 1.9 Ga and 2.0 Ga,some zircons had positiveε_(Hf)(120 Ma)values ranging from 0.2 to 2.1.The inherited cores ...     

胶北太古宙早期锆石U-Pb定年及Hf同位素研究：华北克拉通古老陆壳增生及再循环的证据

古老陆壳物质的发现与鉴别是探索地球早期陆壳形成与演化历史的重要内容之一,锆石U-Pb年龄结合Hf同位素研究是该研究的重要手段。本文通过对胶北地体内一个长英质副片麻岩中的锆石开展系统的原位U-Pb定年和微量、稀土元素分析,获得了多个太古宙早期的锆石。根据这些锆石的阴极发光图像、Th/U比值及稀土元素球粒陨石标准化配分模式,它们具有典型岩浆锆石的特征,其中2个分析点给出了3413Ma和3400Ma(~3.4Ga)的锆石U-Pb年龄,7个分析点给出3547±19Ma(MSWD=1.16)的锆石U-Pb年龄,指示太古宙早期的陆壳岩浆事件;结合华北克拉通其它地区的类似研究结果,暗示华北克拉通可能曾经存在比现今出露面积更大的太古宙早期的古老陆壳。这些古老锆石的Hf同位素分析显示,它们的εHf(t)值在-6.19~0.95之间,平均为-2.54,两阶段Hf模式年龄在3737~4353Ma之间,平均值为~4.1Ga,远大于锆石的U-Pb年龄,指示华北克拉通存在~4.1Ga的地壳增生作用及古老陆壳(3.55Ga)的再循环。     

U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope systematics of detrital zircons from the Songpan–Ganzi Triassic flysch,NE Tibetan Plateau: implications for provenance and crustal growth

We conducted in situ U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope analyses of 401 detrital zircons collected from the Songpan–Ganzi Triassic turbidite complex in an attempt to understand the provenance variations of the siliciclastic rocks and the crustal growth history of central China. These detrital zircons exhibit a wide age spectrum with three major peaks at 1.7–2.0 Ga, 750–1050 Ma, and 210–500 Ma. They are dominated by negative ?_Hf(t) values with a large range. Synthesis of the zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data indicate that the Triassic Songpan–Ganzi turbiditic succession could have been derived dominantly from the Tibetan terrains + the Kunlun and Qinling orogens. Our samples are characterized by a common, prominent group of Hf crust formation model ages at 0.8–4.1 Ga with a peak at 2.7–3.4 Ga. This fact indicates that (1) Phanerozoic magmatism in central China could have been predominantly products of crustal reworking with insignificant formation of juvenile crust and (2) the Neoarchaean was an important period of continental growth in central China. In addition, our data set also reveal that three widespread tectonothermal events could have occurred in the region during the late Mesoproterzoic, Palaeozoic, and early Mesozoic, respectively.     

Late Cretaceous granitoids in Karakorum,northwest Tibet: petrogenesis and tectonic implications

New zircon LA-ICP-MS U–Pb age, zircon Hf isotope, and whole-rock major and trace elemental data of the Late Cretaceous Ageledaban complex in the Karakorum Terrane (KKT), northwest Tibet, provide new constraints on the tectonic processes of the collision and thickening of the terrane between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes. The granitoids from the Ageledaban complex have a variable SiO₂ content, from 62.83 to 73.35 wt.% and A/CNK<1.1 (except for YM61-2). They have rare earth element and trace element patterns that are enriched in light rare earth elements, Rb, Pb, Th, and U, and are depleted in Ba, P, Sr, Ti, and Nb, indicative of weakly peraluminous-metaluminous I-type affinity. Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the Ageledaban complex was emplaced at ca. 80 Ma. Zircons from the monzogranite and monzonite samples with concordant ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages about 80 Ma have a zircon ε_Hf(t) of ?6.6 to ?1.1, corresponding to the Mesoproterozoic Hf crustal model ages (T_DM^C = 1.2–1.6 Ga); the remaining inherited zircons from the monzonite with concordant ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of about 108.1 Ma have ε_Hf(t) values that range from ?8.3 to ?5.0, corresponding to the Mesoproterozoic Hf crustal model ages with an average of 1.6 Ga. These signatures indicate that the Ageledaban granitoids may have been derived from the partial melting of a mixed mantle-crust source. Together with the age and geochemical data in the literature, we propose that the collisional event in the KKT in northwestern Tibet would postdate the northern Lhasa–southern Qiangtang collision, which occurred first in the Amdo in the east and later in the Shiquanhe in central Tibet. Our results support the previous view that the collision of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ) may be diachronous.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of two types of supracrustal rocks in the Northeastern Sulu UHP terrane: constraints on the surface boundary between South China and North China

ABSTRACT

There are voluminous ultrahigh pressure-related orthogneisses and minor metamorphic supracrustal rocks in the northeastern Sulu UHP terrane (NSL), East China. The tectonic affinities of the supracrustal rocks are crucial for unravelling the deep continental subduction processes and locating the tectonic suture between the South China (SCB) and North China (NCB) blocks. In this contribution, we report new zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data for the supracrustal rocks and metagabbros in the Zeku region of the NSL. In the Zeku region, the supracrustal rocks are spatially associated with granitic gneisses, metagabbros, and eclogites. Detrital zircon U–Pb analyses yield ages between 3.39 and 0.65 Ga that cluster as three major age populations including (1) 2.15–1.68 Ga with two subpeaks at ~1.83 Ga and~1.97 Ga, (2) 2.45–2.15 Ga with a peak at ~2.37 Ga, and (3) 0.79–0.65 Ga. In addition, there is a small age population between 3.39 and 2.61 Ga. The youngest age population of 0.79–0.65 Ga indicates that the Zeku supracrustal rocks must have been deposited after 650 Ma rather than during the Palaeoproterozoic as previously thought. The 210–190 Ma metamorphic ages suggest that the Zeku rocks were affected by Triassic collision–subduction and exhumation. Most of the Archaean-Palaeoproterozoic zircons have negative ε_Hf(t) values and two-stage Hf model ages concentrating at 2.4–3.4 Ga (peak at ~2.9 Ga), indicating that source rocks of these zircons were mainly derived from recycling of ancient crustal material. These ages, together with the Hf isotopic compositions and rock assemblages, indicate that the Zeku supracrustal rocks were mainly derived from the Precambrian basement rocks of the northern Yangzte Block and have a tectonic affinity to the SCB, rather than the NCB. Our results, together with previously published data, suggest that there are two types of supracrustal rocks with different zircon U–Pb ages and tectonic affinities in the NSL. On the basis of new data, we suggest that the surface boundary between the SCB and NCB in the Jiaodong Peninsula is a complicated tectonic mélange zone rather than a single fault.     

Early Cretaceous magmatism and associated polymetallic mineralization in South China: the Tiantang example

ABSTRACT

The Tiantang Cu–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit in western Guangdong, South China, is hosted in the contact zone between the monzogranite porphyry and limestone of the Devonian Tianziling Formation. Orebodies occur in the skarn and skarnized marble as bedded, lenses, and irregular shapes. In this study, we performed LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating, zircon trace elements, and Hf isotopic analyses on the Tiantang monzogranite porphyry closely related to Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization. Twenty-two zircons from the sample yield excellent concordia results with a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 104.5 ± 0.7 Ma, which shows that the emplacement of the monzogranite porphyry in the Tiantang deposit occurred in the Early Cretaceous. The zircon U–Pb age is largely consistent with the sulphide Rb–Sr isochron ages, indicating that both the intrusion and Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization were formed during the Early Cretaceous in South China. The ε_Hf(t) values of three inherited zircons from the monzogranite porphyry are 13.1, 11.9, and 12.9, respectively, and the two-stage Hf model ages are 1096 Ma, 1087 Ma, and 1055 Ma, respectively. Except for the three inherited zircons, all ε_Hf(t) values of zircons are negative and have a range of ?7.6 to ?3.4, with the two-stage model ages (T_DM2) of 1380–1643 Ma, which indicates the rock-forming materials were mainly derived from the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic crust rocks, and probably included some Neoproterozoic arc-related volcanic-sedimentary materials. In this study, the monzogranite porphyry from the Tiantang deposit has calculated Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ ratios of zircon ranging from 91 to 359, indicative of a more oxidized signature and significant prospecting potential for ore-related magmatism. Based on ore deposit geology, isotope geochemistry, and geochronology of the Tiantang Cu–Pb–Zn deposit and regional geodynamic evolution, the formation of Early Cretaceous magmatism and associated polymetallic mineralization in South China is believed to be related to large-scale continental extension and subsequent upwelling of the asthenosphere.     

U–Pb zircon,zircon Hf and whole-rock Sm–Nd isotopic constraints on the evolution of Paleoproterozoic rocks in the northern Gawler Craton

U–Pb zircon analyses from a series of orthogneisses sampled in drill core in the northern Gawler Craton provide crystallisation ages at ca 1775–1750 Ma, which is an uncommon age in the Gawler Craton. Metamorphic zircon and monazite give ages of ca 1730–1710 Ma indicating that the igneous protoliths underwent metamorphism during the craton-wide Kimban Orogeny. Isotopic Hf zircon data show that 1780–1750 Ma zircons are somewhat evolved with initial ε_Hf values –4 to +0.9, and model ages of ca 2.3 to 2.2 Ga. Isotopic whole rock Sm–Nd values from most samples have relatively evolved initial ε_Nd values of –3.7 to –1.4. In contrast, a mafic unit from drill hole Middle Bore 1 has a juvenile isotopic signature with initial ε_Hf zircon values of ca +5.2 to +8.2, and initial ε_Nd values of ～+3.5 to +3.8. The presence of 1775–1750 Ma zircon forming magmatic rocks in the northern Gawler Craton provides a possible source for similarly aged detrital zircons in Paleoproterozoic basin systems of the Gawler Craton and adjacent Curnamona Province. Previous provenance studies on these Paleoproterozoic basins have appealed to the Arunta Region of the North Australian Craton to provide 1780–1750 Ma detrital zircons, and isotopically and geochemically similar basin fill. The orthogneisses in the northern Gawler Craton also match the source criteria and display geochemical similarities between coeval magmatism in the Arunta Region of the North Australian Craton, providing further support for paleogeographic reconstructions that link the Gawler Craton and North Australian Craton during the Paleoproterozoic.     

Petrogenesis of Late Carboniferous granitoids in the Chihu area of Eastern Tianshan,Northwest China,and tectonic implications: geochronological,geochemical, and zircon Hf–O isotopic constraints

ABSTRACT

This contribution presents new SIMS zircon U–Pb geochronology, major and trace element geochemistry, and zircon Hf–O isotope systematic on an example of Late Carboniferous granodiorite and porphyritic granodiorite intrusions from the Chihu area of Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang. SIMS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the Chihu granodiorite and porphyritic granodiorite formed at 320.2 ± 2.4 Ma and 314.5 ± 2.5 Ma, respectively. These rocks are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous with an A/CNK value of 0.92–1.58, as well as low 10000 Ga/Al, Zr + Nb + Y + Ce, and Fe₂O₃^T/MgO values, which suggest an I-type normal island arc magmatic suite. The porphyritic granodiorite has a slightly higher Sr/Y ratio (28–37) and lower Y (6.9–11.7 ppm) and Yb (0.98–1.49 ppm) contents, suggesting mild adakite affinities. In situ Hf–O isotopic analyses using LA-ICP-MS-MC and SIMS indicate that the ε_Hf(t) and δ¹⁸O values of granodiorite zircons vary from +11.5 to +14.9 and 4.80 to 5.85 ‰, respectively, similar to values for porphyritic granodiorite zircons, which vary from +11.9 to +17.2 and 3.78 to 4.71 ‰, respectively. The geochemical and isotopic data imply that the Chihu granodiorite and porphyritic granodiorite share a common origin, most likely derived from partial melts of the subduction-modified mantle. Based on the regional geological history, geochemistry of the Chihu intrusions, and new isotopic studies, we suggest that the Late Carboniferous magma was generated during the period of the northward subduction of the Palaeo-Tianshan ocean plate beneath the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc.     

Origin of the Yinshan epithermal-porphyry Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,southeastern China: insights from geochemistry,Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Yinshan deposit is a large epithermal-porphyry polymetallic deposit, and the timing and petrogenesis of ore-hosting porphyries have been hotly debated. We present new results from geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic investigations. Zircon U–Pb data demonstrate that the quartz porphyry, dacitic porphyry, and quartz dioritic porphyry formed at ?172.2 ± 0.4 Ma, ?171.7 ± 0.5 Ma, and ?170.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Inherited zircon cores show significant age spreads from ?730 to ?1390 Ma. Geochemically, they are high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonitic rocks with arc-like trace element patterns. They have similar whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions, yet an increasing trend in ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values typifies the suite. Older (inherited) zircons of the three porphyries display Hf compositions comparable to those of the Jiangnan Orogen basement rocks. In situ zircon oxygen isotopic analyses reveal that they have similar oxygen isotopic compositions, which are close to those of mantle zircons. Moreover, a decreasing trend of δ¹⁸O values is present. We propose that the ore-related porphyries of the Yinshan deposit were emplaced contemporaneously and derived from partial melting of Neoproterozoic arc-derived mafic (or ultra-mafic) rocks. Modelling suggests that the quartz porphyries, dacitic porphyries, and quartz dioritic porphyries experienced ?25%, ?10%, and ?10% crustal contaminations by Shuangqiaoshan rocks. Our study provides important constraints on mantle–crust interaction in the genesis of polymetallic mineralization associated with Mesozoic magmatism in southeastern China.     

Tracking deep ancient crustal components by xenocrystic/inherited zircons of Palaeozoic felsic igneous rocks from the Altai–East Junggar terrane and adjacent regions,western Central Asian Orogenic Belt and its tectonic significance

The deep crustal continental components and architecture of the western Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) have long been a matter of debate. This article presents an integrated study of published geochronological and Hf-in-zircon isotopic data for inherited zircons from the Palaeozoic granitoid rocks and associated felsic volcanic rocks of the Chinese Altai, East Junggar, and nearby regions. The aim is to trace the age spatial distribution of deep old crustal components. Our data set comprises 463 published age data obtained by SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS from felsic igneous rocks in these areas. Among these samples, zircon xenocrysts were observed in 69 granitic rocks and 15 felsic volcanic rocks from the Chinese Altai and 30 granitoid rocks and five felsic volcanic rocks in the East Junggar, respectively.

Three major zircon xenocrysts provinces are defined based on the distribution of these inherited zircon ages, combined with Hf-in-zircon isotopes. Province I, mainly situated in the eastern part of the central Chinese Altai, is characterized by the abundant inherited zircons with Meso-Proterozoic and Palaeo-Proterozoic ages (1000–1600 and 1600–2500 Ma, respectively), and variable ε_Hf(_t) values ranging from ?15 to +7 with ancient Hf crustal model ages (T_DMC) ranging from 1.5 to 2.9 Ga. A few scattered parts of province I are scattered situated in the East Junggar (individual areas, e.g. Taheir and Shuangchagou). Province II, situated mostly in the central Chinese Altai, is characterized by abundant xenocrystic zircons with Neo-Proterozoic ages (542–1000 Ma), ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?6.8 to +8.1, and corresponding Hf crustal model ages of ~1.0–1.3 Ga. Province III contains abundant Phanerozoic (<541 Ma) xenocrystic zircons that show highly positive ε_Hf(t) values ranging from +5 to +16 and the youngest Hf crustal model ages (0.4–0.95 Ga). The main part of Province III occupies most areas of the East Junggar and the southernmost and northern parts of the Chinese Altai. Identification of the ancient (pre-Neoproterozoic) Hf crustal model ages in the eastern part of the central Chinese Altai (Province I) supports the suggestions that ancient concealed crustal components exist in the Chinese Altai. In contrast, Province III in the East Junggar predominantly displays young model ages, which indicates that it is mainly composed of juvenile components and likely a typical accretionary belt. Besides, a few small areas with ancient model ages are recognized in the East Junggar, providing evidence for the local existence of Precambrian crust or micro-blocks within the accretionary belt. The zircon xenocrysts provinces are consisted with the Nd isotopic province and provide further evidence for the ancient and juvenile compositions in deep. In addition, the tectonic division of the region is discussed based on the distribution of deep crustal components. The Erqis fault zone can be regarded as the boundary between the Chinese Altai and East Junggar regions and its western extension is constrained to be closer to the Altai–Qinghe Fault than previously considered. The central Chinese Altai can be subdivided into two distinct tectonic units.     

First discovery of a Palaeoproterozoic A-type granite in southern Wuyishan terrane,Cathaysia Block: evidence from geochronology,geochemistry, and Nd–Hf–O isotopes

In this study, a combined study of zircon U–Pb and Hf–O isotopes, as well as whole-rock major and trace elements and Nd isotopes has been conducted for Yangjia gneissic granite from the southern Wuyishan terrane, Southeast China, to constrain its petrogenesis and provide a new window for investigating the tectonic evolution of the Cathaysia basement. U–Pb dating for magmatic zircons yields a ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of ca. 1.80 Ga, interpreted as the emplacement age of the Yangjia granite. The granites have relatively high K₂O, Rb, Ga, Zr, Nb, Y, and Ce contents and show low Al₂O₃, CaO, and Ba concentrations. Their 10,000*Ga/Al ratios range between 2.8 and 3.2. Zircons from the granite have ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?13.2 to ?7.2, corresponding to T^Hf_DM2 model ages of 2.99 Ga to 2.72 Ga. The zircon δ¹⁸O values range between 6.7‰ and 9.1‰ with an average of 7.7‰. In addition, the whole-rock ε_Nd(t) values of the granites range from ?6.5 to ?5.4 and the T^Nd_DM2 model ages from 2.73 Ga to 2.82 Ga. All these geochemical and Nd–Hf–O isotopic signatures suggest an A-type affinity for the Yangjia granites, and they were likely generated by partial melting of Palaeoproterozoic parametamorphic rocks of the Wuyishan terrane in a post-collisional extensional setting. When our data is combined with existing geochronological data, it provides further evidence for the Palaeoproterozoic basement in the southern Wuyishan terrane, which records a rapid tectonic transition from post-collision to intraplate extension (1.80–1.77 Ga) related to the break-up of the supercontinent Columbia.     

Triassic magmatism in the eastern part of the South China Block: Geochronological and petrogenetic constraints from Indosinian granites

The granitic dykes in the Badu Group,Zhejiang Province,South China provide important insights on tectonic setting and crustal evolution of the South China Block(SCB) and the Indochina Block during Triassic.Here we report LA-ICP-MS U-Pb data of granitic rocks from the Hucun and Kengkou which show early Triassic ages of 242 ± 2 and 232 ± 3 Ma,respectively,representing their timing of emplacement.The dyke rocks are enriched in K,Al,LREE,Rb,Th.U,and Pb.and are depleted in Nb,Ta,Sr,and Ti.The rocks are characterized by highly fractionated REE patterns with(La/Yb)N ratios of 28.46-38.07 with strong negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu* = 0.65-0.73).In situ Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from the Hucun granite yielded ε_(Hf)(t) values of-13.9 to-6.4 and two-stage depleted mantle Hf model ages of 1.68-2.15 Ga,which indicate that the magma was formed by partial melting of the Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary protoliths in the Cathaysia Block.The zircons from the Kengkou granite have ε_(Hf)(t) values ranging from 40.7 to 31.5 and yield two-stage depleted mantle Hf model ages of 0.99-2.49 Ga,indicating magma origin from a mixed source.The Hucun and Kengkou dykes,together with the Triassic A-type granites in SE China were probably generated during magmatism associated with crust-mantle decoupling along the convergent plate boundary between SCB and the Indochina Block.     

Triassic magmatism and Mo mineralization in Northeast China: geochronological and isotopic constraints from the Laojiagou porphyry Mo deposit

The Laojiagou Mo deposit is a newly discovered porphyry Mo deposit located in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt, Northeast China. Mo mineralization mainly occurred within the monzogranite and monzogranite porphyry. Re–Os isochron dating of molybdenites indicate a mineralization age of 234.9 ± 3.1 Ma. Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb analysis for monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite yield ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 238.6 ± 1.8 and 241.3 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, indicating that Laojiagou Mo mineralization is related to Middle Triassic magmatism. Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from both monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite are characterized by positive ε_Hf(t) values [ε_Hf(t) = 2.9–7.3 and 1.5–7.9, respectively] and young T_DM2 model ages, which implies that the magma was derived from juvenile crust created during accretion of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Identification of the Laojiagou Mo deposit adds another important example of Triassic Mo mineralization in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt where most Triassic Mo deposits in northeast China cluster around the northern margin of North China Craton. Based on the regional geological setting and geochronological and Hf isotope characteristics, we propose that Triassic Mo deposits and related magmatic rocks in northeast China formed during the last stages of evolution of the CAOB. These deposits formed during post-collisional extension after the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean and amalgamation of the North China–Mongolian Block with the Siberian Craton.     

Decoding Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic tectonothermal events in the Rangnim Massif,North Korea: regional correlation and broader implications

Any knowledge about Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic events in North Korea has the potential to make a significant difference to our understanding of the early tectonic configuration and evolution of East Asia. This zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic study documents multiple Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic tectonothermal events from the meta-igneous complex in the Machollyong ‘Group’ of the Rangnim Massif. Two tonalitic-trondjemitic gneiss samples record a crystallization age of meta-igneous protoliths at ca. 2.56 Ga and multiple migmatization and metamorphism from 2.52 to 1.85 Ga. A meta-dolerite sample yields a magmatic emplacement age of ca. 1.83 Ga. In situ zircon Hf isotopic data indicate that most zircons from the gneiss samples have ε_Hf(t) values from –16.9 to + 3.1 and crustal model ages from 2.84 to 3.73 Ga, whereas magmatic zircons from the meta-dolerite dike record ε_Hf(t) values from –5.2 to + 5.2 and model ages of 2.05–2.44 Ga. The first-recognized Neoarchaean tonalitic-trondjemitic migmatite complex in the Rangnim Massif, together with previously identified tonalitic-trondhjemitic-granodioritic (TTG) rocks in the Rimjingang Belt and the coeval counterparts in western Gyeonggi massif, represents the oldest crustal nuclei in the Korean Peninsula. The multiple tectonothermal events in this study present reliable evidence not only for attesting to consanguinity of the basement between the Korean Peninsula and the North China Craton but also for defining the influence scope of the late Palaeoproterozoic orogeny in the Korean Peninsula.     

Petrogenesis of the Late Jurassic Laomengshan rhyodacite (Southeast China): constraints from zircon U–Pb dating,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes

Extensive magmatism occurred in southeast China during Late Jurassic time, forming large-scale granitic and volcanic rocks associated with non-ferrous, rare earth and rare, radioactive metal deposits. The Shuikoushan Pb–Zn–Au orefield is a typical example located in Hunan Province. This study reports LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock chemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, and in situ Hf isotopic geochemistry of zircons from the Laomengshan rhyodacite in the Shuikoushan Pb–Zn–Au orefield. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a weighted average age of 156.7 ± 1.6 Ma for the intrusion of the rhyodacite. The rhyodacite samples are mainly shoshonitic series, having metaluminous to weakly peraluminous A/CNK values ranging from 0.96 to 1.09, with moderately high magnesium content (Mg# = 42.4–47.5). Samples display high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values (0.71165–0.71176), low ε_Nd(T) values (?10.7 to ?10.3), old Nd model ages (T_DM = 1.73–1.86 Ga), and relatively homogeneous Pb isotopic compositions [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 18.365–18.412, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.663–15.680, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 38.625–38.666]. The zircons exhibit enriched ε_Hf(T) values (?16.22 to ?9.86) and old two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2 = 1.82–2.22 Ga). All the above data indicate that the Laomengshan rhyodacite originated from melting Palaeoproterozoic basement, perhaps contaminated by subordinate mantle melts. Intense extension and thinning of the continental lithosphere during Late Jurassic time resulted in melting of upwelling asthenosphere, and mafic mantle melts interacted with and melted Palaeoproterozoic lower crust, thus forming the Laomengshan rhyodacite.     

Magma mixing revealed from in situ zircon U–Pb–Hf isotope analysis of the Muhuguan granitoid pluton, eastern Qinling Orogen, China: implications for late Mesozoic tectonic evolution

In this paper, we present zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotope data to document the significance of magma mixing in the formation of Late Jurassic granitoid intrusions in the eastern Qinling Orogen, China. The Muhuguan granitoid pluton from this orogen consists of monzogranite and lesser biotite granite and granodiorite, all containing abundant hornblende-rich cumulates, dioritic xenoliths, and mafic magmatic enclaves (MMEs). The monzogranite and granodiorite are intruded by a number of lamprophyre dykes. Both a cumulate and a dioritic xenolith samples have concordant zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 161 ± 1 Ma, but possess contrasting Hf isotopic compositions. The cumulate has more radiogenic zircon Hf isotopes with negative ε _Hf(t) values (?7.9 to ?2.5) and T _DM1 ages of 0.9–1.1 Ga, indicating its derivation likely from basaltic rocks of the Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic Kuanping Group in the area. The dioritic xenolith has much lower zircon ε _Hf(t) values of ?19.5 to ?8.8 and T _DM2 ages of 2.4–1.7 Ga, consistent with a juvenile Paleoproterozoic crust source presumably represented by the metabasic rocks of the Qinling Group in the area. Individual samples of the monzogranite, MME, and a lamprophyre dyke have U–Pb ages of 150 ± 1, 152 ± 1, and 152 ± 1 Ma, respectively, demonstrating coeval mafic and felsic magmatism in the Late Jurassic. The lamprophyre dyke has homogeneous, highly negative zircon ε _Hf(t) values (?29.8 to ?24.8) and Archean T _DM2 ages (3.0–2.7 Ga), and its genesis is interpreted as partial melting of an ancient enriched subcontinental mantle source. Zircons from the fine-grained MME show a large range of ε _Hf(t) between ?29.1 and ?9.8, overlapping values of the monzogranite and lamprophyre dyke samples. Zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopes of the MMEs are consistent with their formation by mixing of crustal- and enriched mantle-derived magmas. The main group of zircons from the monzogranite has ε _Hf(t) values (?17.9 to ?9.3) and T _DM2 ages (2.3–1.8 Ga) that are compatible with the dioritic xenoliths, indicating that the former was produced by partial melting of Paleoproterozoic crustal source with involvement of mantle-derived magmas. Mafic magmatism revealed from the Muhuguan pluton indicates that the eastern Qinling Orogen was dominated by lithospheric extension during the Late Jurassic. Compilation of existing geological and geochronological data suggests that this extensional event started in Late Jurassic (ca. 160 Ma) and persisted into the Early Cretaceous until ca. 110 Ma. The Jura-Cretaceous extension may have resulted from the late Mesozoic westward subduction of the Pacific plate beneath the East Asian continental margin.     

Early Precambrian tectono-thermal events: coupled U–Pb–Hf of detrital zircons from Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt,North China Craton

The Dashiqiao Formation on the Liaodong Peninsula constitutes an important component within the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, North China Craton. It is composed dominantly of dolomitic marbles intercalated with minor carbonaceous slates and mica schists, hosting one of the largest magnesite deposits on Earth. This study presents zircon cathodoluminescence (CL) images and U–Pb–Hf isotope data, as well as single-mineral geochemical data for the staurolite–garnet–mica schist from the Dashiqiao Formation, in order to constrain its protolith age and provenance, and further to discuss the early Precambrian tectono-thermal events of the North China Craton. U–Pb isotopic dating using the LA–ICP–MS method on detrital zircons from the schist preserves at least three age populations ranging in age from 2.99 to 2.02 Ga, and grains as old as ca 4087 Ma. The dominant Neoarchean detrital zircons were most probably sourced from the basement within the Longgang and Nangrim blocks, while the minor Mesoarchean zircons were only sourced from the Longgang Block. The subordinate middle Paleoproterozoic zircons are consistent with ages of the regionally distributed coeval Liaoji granites and volcanics within the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a metamorphic age of 1930 Ma for the sample, interpreted to represent the peak stage of epidote amphibolite facies metamorphism. Thus, the depositional age for the protolith of the schist was proposed in the period between 2.01 and 1.93 Ga. LA–MC–ICP–MS Lu–Hf isotopic data show that all Archean (2.45–2.55) detrital zircons possess positive ε_Hf(t) values from +?0.7 to +?7.5 with juvenile depleted mantle model ages, suggesting a significant crustal growth event during the Neoarchean in the North China Craton. The Paleoproterozoic detrital zircons possess variable ε_Hf(t) values (??5.5–+?8.3) and depleted mantle model ages from Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic. The zircons with negative ε_Hf(t) values implies the Mesoarchean to Neoarchean crust undergoing a recycling event in the period 2.40–2.01 Ga, while those with positive ε_Hf(t) value suggest some indication of juvenile addition to the crust during the Paleoproterozoic. Using regional geological and new detrital zricon U–Pb–Hf isotopic data, the early Precambrian tectono-thermal events can be subdivided into the following episodes: Mesoarchean, late Neoarchean, middle Paleoproterozoic, and late Paleoproterozoic times.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis of the Late Silurian Shidonggou granite from the Wulonggou area in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen,Northwest China

ABSTRACT

The Wulonggou area in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen (EKO) in Northwest China is characterized by extensive granitic magmatism, ductile faulting, and orogenic gold mineralizations. The Shidonggou granite is located in the central part of the Wulonggou area. This study investigated the major as well as trace-element compositions, zircon U–Pb dates, and zircon Hf isotopic compositions of the Shidonggou granite. Three Shidonggou granite samples yielded an average U–Pb zircon age of 416 Ma (Late Silurian). The Late Silurian Shidonggou granite is peraluminous, with high alkali contents, high Ga/Al ratios, high (K₂O + Na₂O)/CaO ratios, and high Fe₂O₃^T/MgO ratios, suggesting an A-type granite. The Shidonggou granite samples have zircon ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?7.1 to +4.4. The Hf isotopic data suggest that the Late Silurian granite was derived from the partial melting of Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic juvenile mantle-derived mafic lower crust. Detailed geochronological and geochemical data suggest that the Late Silurian granite was emplaced in a post-collisional environment following the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Combining data of other A-type granitic rocks with ages of Late Early Silurian to Middle Devonian, such post-collisional setting related to the Proto-Tethys Ocean commenced at least as early as ~430 Ma (Late Early Silurian), and sustained up to ~389 Ma (Middle Devonian) in the EKO.     

The U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons from Hainan Island,South China: implications for sediment provenance and the crustal evolution

In situ U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic of detrital zircons from beach sediments of Yalong Bay were analyzed to trace sedimentary provenance and reveal the crustal evolution of Hainan Island in South China. The grain size distribution of the sediments displays a clear single-peak feature, indicating the sediments were formed under the same condition of hydrodynamic force. The detrital zircons had Th/U ratios of greater than 0.1, and REE pattern displayed a positive Ce anomaly and a negative Eu anomaly, indicating that these zircons are predominantly of magmatic origin. The U–Pb spectrum of detrital zircons mainly peaked at the Yanshanian (96–185 Ma), Hercynian–Indosinian (222–345 Ma) and Caledonian (421–477 Ma). A portion of the detrital zircons were of Neoproterozoic origin (728–1,003 Ma), which revealed that the basement in the eastern region of Hainan Island was mainly of Neoproterozoic, with rare Archean materials. The positive ε _Hf(t) values (0 to +10.1) of the Neoproterozoic detrital zircons indicated that the juvenile crust grew in the southeastern Hainan Island mainly during the Neoproterozoic period. The Neoproterozoic orogeny in the southeastern part of the island (0.7–1.0 Ga) occurred later than in the northwestern region of the island (1.0–1.4 Ga). Importantly, the Grenvillian orogeny in the southeastern area of Hainan Island shared the same timing with that of the western Cathaysia Block; i.e., both areas concurrently underwent this orogenic event, thereby forming a part of the Rodinia supercontinent. Afterwards, the crust experienced remelting and reworking during the Caledonian Hercynian–Indosinianand Yanshanian accompanied by the growth of a small amount of juvenile crust.