Reconstructing the Cryogenian–Ediacaran evolution of the Porongos fold and thrust belt,Southern Brasiliano Orogen,based on Zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Neoproterozoic geotectonic triad of the Brasiliano Orogen is reconstructed in southern Brazil from studies focused on the Porongos fold and thrust belt. We integrate field geology with isotopic studies of zircon U–Pb SHRIMP and Lu–Hf–O laser determinations in seven metasedimentary and three metavolcanic rock samples. The results indicate that the Porongos palaeo-basin was derived from mixed sources (3200–550 Ma), with major contributions from Rhyacian (2170 Ma) and Ediacaran (608 Ma) sources. Minor contributions from Archaean to Tonian sources are also registered. The maximum depositional age of the Porongos palaeo-basin is established by the age range of 650–550 Ma with T_DM model ages between 2.5 and 1.3 Ga. The reworked signature (ε_Hf values = ?34 to ?4) and the characteristic crustal magma reservoirs (δ¹⁸O ≥5.3 ‰) indicate that these sediments are equivalent to Neoproterozoic granites of the Dom Feliciano Belt. The episodic depositional history started in the Cryogenian (650 Ma) and lasted until the Ediacaran (most likely 570 Ma). A magmatic event of Tonian age is recorded in rhyodacite samples interleaved with the metasedimentary rocks and dated at 773, 801, and 809 Ma. The crustal evolution of the Sul-Riograndense Shield included mountain building, folding and thrusting and flexural subsidence in the foreland. An orogenic triad is revealed as the Pelotas Batholith, the Porongos fold and thrust belt and the Camaquã Basin, all part of the Dom Feliciano Belt.     

Contrasting crustal evolution processes in the Dharwar craton: Insights from detrital zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopes

New in situ U–Pb-Hf analyses of detrital zircons from across the Archaean Dharwar craton indicate significant juvenile crustal extraction events at ~ 3.3 and 2.7 Ga, and continuous extraction from 3.7 to 3.3 Ga. Reworking in the older western block at ~ 3.0 Ga marks the onset of cratonisation, most likely due to ‘modern’ plate tectonic processes, whilst reworking in both the western and younger eastern block at 2.55–2.50 Ga indicates accretion of the two terranes and final cratonisation much later than in most other Archaean terranes (~ 2.7 Ga). Different patterns of disturbance to the zircon U–Pb systematics reflect variations in both the U content of parent rocks and later metamorphic conditions. Tectonic links are observed between the Kaapvaal and western Dharwar cratons, and between the north China and eastern Dharwar cratons, though none of these links necessarily requires a consanguineous origin.     

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.     

Metamorphic growth and recrystallization of zircon: Distinction by simultaneous in-situ analyses of trace elements,U–Th–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from eclogite-facies rocks in the Sulu orogen

Simultaneous in-situ analyses of trace elements, U–Th–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes were carried out on distinct domains of zircons in ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) eclogite-facies metamorphic rocks from the main hole of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling (CCSD) in the Sulu orogen. For the first time, trace elements are directly linked to Lu–Hf isotopes in metamorphic zircons with reference to their U–Pb dates. This enables methodological integration to distinguish four types of metamorphic zircon: solid-state, replacement and dissolution recrystallizations of protolith zircons, and new growth from the aqueous fluid. Metamorphically grown zircons are characterized by concordant U–Pb ages for the metamorphism, flat HREE patterns typical of the garnet effect, low contents of REE (especially HREE), Y, Nb + Ta and Th + U, high contents of Hf, low (Lu/Gd)_N, Lu/Hf and Th/U (< 0.1) ratios, and elevated ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios relative to solid-state recrystallized zircons. This suggests the effects of both garnet and fluid on the growth of metamorphic zircons. In contrast, metamorphic recrystallization has reset the U–Th–Pb isotope system of protolith zircons to different extents, depending on the extents of fluid action during metamorphism. Solid-state recrystallized zircons exhibit the lowest degrees of resetting and thus almost inherit all geochemical features from the protolith zircons, which are characterized by discordant U–Pb ages close to or below the protolith age, steep MREE–HREE patterns typical of magmatic origin, high contents of trace elements and their ratios, and low ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios. On the other hand, dissolution recrystallized zircons show the highest degrees of reworking and thus have concordant or nearly concordant U–Pb ages for the metamorphism, steep MREE–HREE patterns, lowered contents of trace elements such as REE, Th, U, Y, Nb, Ta and Ti relative to the protolith zircons, and almost unchanged Hf isotope ratios. Replacement recrystallized zircons display intermediate degrees of reworking and thus have their many features of elements and isotopes in between. While the metamorphic growth in the presence of both garnet and fluid is characterized by both depletion of HREE with flat pattern and the low contents of trace elements, the metamorphic recrystallization in the presence of aqueous fluid is indicated by gradual decreases of MREE to HREE without the flat HREE pattern. Therefore, the simultaneous in-situ analyses of metamorphic zircons have the advantage over single-term analyses in making distinction between the new growth and the different types of recrystallization.     

Magma mixing and the generation of isotopically juvenile silicic magma at Yellowstone caldera inferred from coupling 238U–230Th ages with trace elements and Hf and O isotopes in zircon and Pb isotopes in sanidine

The nature of compositional heterogeneity within large silicic magma bodies has important implications for how silicic reservoirs are assembled and evolve through time. We examine compositional heterogeneity in the youngest (~170 to 70 ka) post-caldera volcanism at Yellowstone caldera, the Central Plateau Member (CPM) rhyolites, as a case study. We compare ²³⁸U–²³⁰Th age, trace-element, and Hf isotopic data from zircons, and major-element, Ba, and Pb isotopic data from sanidines hosted in two CPM rhyolites (Hayden Valley and Solfatara Plateau flows) and one extracaldera rhyolite (Gibbon River flow), all of which erupted near the caldera margin ca. 100 ka. The Hayden Valley flow hosts two zircon populations and one sanidine population that are consistent with residence in the CPM reservoir. The Gibbon River flow hosts one zircon population that is compositionally distinct from Hayden Valley flow zircons. The Solfatara Plateau flow contains multiple sanidine populations and all three zircon populations found in the Hayden Valley and Gibbon River flows, demonstrating that the Solfatara Plateau flow formed by mixing extracaldera magma with the margin of the CPM reservoir. This process highlights the dynamic nature of magmatic interactions at the margins of large silicic reservoirs. More generally, Hf isotopic data from the CPM zircons provide the first direct evidence for isotopically juvenile magmas contributing mass to the youngest post-caldera magmatic system and demonstrate that the sources contributing magma to the CPM reservoir were heterogeneous in ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf at ca. 100 ka. Thus, the limited compositional variability of CPM glasses reflects homogenization occurring within the CPM reservoir, not a homogeneous source.     

U–Pb zircon age of the base of the Ediacaran System at the southern margin of the Qinling Orogen

Global abrupt climate change from Marinoan snowball Earth to greenhouse Earth, recorded as cap carbonate overlain on diamictite, had shed the first light on Cambrian bio-radiation. The most documented cap carbonate sections are typical with comprehensive δ¹³C negative values and ubiquitous sedimentary structures, such as tepee-like, sheet-crack etc., which are associated with successive glacial eustatic variation caused by isostatic rebound in shallow-water facies. Here we report a deep-water basinal cap carbonate section with strong negative δ¹³C values in the southern margin of the Qinling Orogen, Heyu, Chengkou County, Chongqing in China, which consists of massive dolostone with abundant carbonaceous laminae. However, it lacks the sedimentary structure as mentioned above and is overlain by thin-bedded silicious shales and cherts. A K-bentonite bed was discovered within the base of cap carbonates, about 0.7 m above the top of the Marinoan diamictite. Magmatic zircons that were separated from the K-bentonite bed yield a SIMS concordia U–Pb age of 634.1 ± 1.9 Ma (1σ, MSWD_CE = 0.31, Probability_CE = 1.000, n = 20). The age is in good agreement with previously reported TIMS U–Pb ages for the termination of Marinoan glaciation and provides a geochronological constraint for the Ediacaran successions in the Qinling Orogen.     

Paleoproterozoic crustal evolution of the Tarim Craton: Constrained by zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopes of meta-igneous rocks from Korla and Dunhuang

The Tarim Craton is one of three large cratons in China. Presently, there is only scant information concerning its crustal evolutionary history because most of the existing geochronological studies have lacked a combined isotopic analysis, especially an in situ Lu–Hf isotope analysis of zircon. In this study, Precambrian basement rocks from the Kuluketage and Dunhuang Blocks in the northeastern portion of the Tarim Craton have been analyzed for combined in situ laser ablation ICP-(MC)-MS zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses, as well as whole rock elements, to constrain their protoliths, forming ages and magma sources. Two magmatic events from the Kuluketage Block at ∼2.4 Ga and ∼1.85 Ga are revealed, and three stages of magmatic events are detected in the Dunhuang Block, i.e., ∼2.0 Ga, ∼1.85 Ga and ∼1.75 Ga. The ∼1.85 Ga magmatic rocks from both areas were derived from an isotopically similar crustal source under the same tectonic settings, suggesting that the Kuluketage and Dunhuang Blocks are part of the uniform Precambrian basement of the Tarim Craton. Zircon Hf model ages of the ∼2.4 Ga magmatism indicate that the crust of the Tarim Craton may have been formed as early as the Paleoarchean period. The ∼2.0 Ga mafic rock from the Dunhuang Block was formed in an active continental margin setting, representing an important crustal growth event of the Tarim Craton in the mid-Paleoproterozoic that coincides with the global episode of crust formation during the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent. The ∼1.85 Ga event in the Kuluketage and Dunhuang Blocks primarily involved the reworking of the old crust and most likely related to the collisional event associated with the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent, while the ∼1.75 Ga magmatism in the Dunhuang Block resulted from a mixture of the reworked Archean crust with juvenile magmas and was most likely related to a post-collisional episode.     

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.     

Re–Os molybdenite ages and zircon Hf isotopes of the Gangjiang porphyry Cu–Mo deposit in the Tibetan Orogen

The Miocene porphyry Cu–(Mo) deposits in the Gangdese orogenic belt in southern Tibet were formed in a post-subduction collisional setting. They are closely related to the Miocene adakite-like porphyries which were probably derived from a thickened basaltic lower crust. Furthermore, mantle components have been considered to have played a crucial role in formation of these porphyry deposits (Hou et al. Ore Geol Rev 36: 25–51, 2009; Miner Deposita doi:10.1007/s00126-012-0415-6, 2012). In this study, we present zircon Hf isotopes and molybdenite Re–Os ages on the newly discovered Gangjiang porphyry Cu–Mo deposit in southern Tibet to constrain the magma source of the intrusions and the timing of mineralization. The Gangjiang porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in the Nimu ore field in the central Gangdese porphyry deposits belt, southern Tibet. The copper and molybdenum mineralization occur mainly as disseminations and veins in the overlapped part of the potassic and phyllic alteration zones, and are predominantly hosted in the quartz monzonite stock and in contact with the rhyodacite porphyry stock. SIMS zircon U–Pb dating of the pre-mineral quartz monzonite stock and late intra-mineral rhyodacite porphyry yielded ages of 14.73?±?0.13 Ma (2σ) and 12.01?±?0.29 Ma (2σ), respectively. These results indicate that the magmatism could have lasted as long as about 2.7 Ma for the Gangjiang deposit. The newly obtained Re–Os model ages vary from 12.51?±?0.19 Ma (2σ) to 12.85?±?0.18 Ma (2σ) for four molybdenite samples. These Re–Os ages are roughly coincident with the rhyodacite porphyry U–Pb zircon age, and indicate a relatively short-lived episode of ore deposition (ca. 0.3 Ma). In situ Hf isotopic analyses on zircons by using LA-MC-ICP-MS indicate that the ε _Hf(t) values of zircons from a quartz monzonite sample vary from +2.25 to +4.57 with an average of +3.33, while zircons from a rhyodacite porphyry sample vary from +5.53 to +7.81 with an average of +6.64. The Hf data indicate that mantle components could be partly involved in the deposit formation, and that mantle contributions might have increased over time from ca. 14.7 to 12.0 Ma. Combined with previous works, it is proposed that the Gangjiang deposit could have resulted from the convective thinning of the lithospheric root, and the input of upper mantle components into the magma could have played a key role in the formation of the porphyry deposits in the Miocene Gangdese porphyry copper belt in the Tibetan Orogen.     

Simultaneous determinations of U–Pb age,Hf isotopes and trace element compositions of zircon by excimer laser-ablation quadrupole and multiple-collector ICP-MS

We describe an in situ method for simultaneous measurement of U–Pb–Hf isotopes and trace element compositions of zircons using a quadrupole and multiple-collector inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometer (Q-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS, respectively) connected to a single excimer laser-ablation system. A laser-generated zircon aerosol was split behind the ablation cell into two transport tubes via a Y-shaped connector and simultaneously introduced into the two mass spectrometers. Hafnium isotopes were measured on the MC-ICP-MS instrument, while U–Pb ages and trace element compositions were determined using the Q-ICP-MS. The precision and accuracy of this method was evaluated using six well-known and widely used zircon standards (91500, Temora-2, GJ-1, Mud Tank, BR266 and Monastery). Analyses were carried out using spot sizes of 32, 44 and 60 μm. For the 44 and 60 μm spot, the resulting U–Pb ages, Hf isotopic and rare earth element (REE) compositions of these six zircons agree with recommended/reported values within 2σ error. The difference in relative standard deviations (RSD) of ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages between split-flow measurements and those obtained separately on the Q-ICP-MS is within ～ 20% for 91500, Temora-2 and GJ-1, and ～ 60% for Mud Tank (due to its lower U and Pb concentrations). Our method provides a precise approach for determining the U–Pb age and the Hf isotopic and trace element compositions of zircon within a single ablation event. This is in particular important for analysis of zircons that are small or contain complicated zoning patterns. Finally, the REE composition of zircon BR266 is more homogeneous than other zircons and could be a suitable standard by which to benchmark new standards for microprobe analyses of zircons.     

U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotopes of detrital zircons from the southern Qinling Orogen: Implications for Precambrian to Phanerozoic tectonics in central China

The Qinling Orogen, central China, was constructed during the Mesozoic collision between the North China and Yangtze continental plates. The orogen includes four tectonic units, from north to south, the Huaxiong Block (reactivated southern margin of the North China Craton), North Qinling Accretion Belt, South Qinling Fold Belt (or block) and Songpan Fold Belt, evolved from the northernmost Paleo-Tethys Ocean separating the Gondwana and Laurentia supercontinents. Here we employ detrital zircons from the Early Cretaceous alluvial sediments within the Qinling Orogen to trace the tectonic evolution of the orogen. The U–Pb ages of the detrital zircon grains from the Early Cretaceous Donghe Group sediments in the South Qinling Fold Belt cluster around 2600–2300 Ma, 2050–1800 Ma, 1200–700 Ma, 650–400 Ma and 350–200 Ma, corresponding to the global Kenorland, Columbia, Rodinia, Gondwana and Pangaea supercontinent events, respectively. The distributions of ages and εHf(t) values of zircon grains show that the Donghe Group sediments have a complex source comprising components mainly recycled from the North Qinling Accretion Belt and the North China Craton, suggesting that the South Qinling Fold Belt was a part of the united Qinling–North China continental plate, rather than an isolated microcontinent, during the Devonian–Triassic. The youngest age peak of 350–200 Ma reflects the magmatic event related to subduction and termination of the Mian-Lue oceanic plate, followed by the collision between the Yangtze Craton and the united Qinling–North China continent that came into existence at the Triassic–Jurassic transition. The interval of 208–145 Ma between the sedimentation of the Early Cretaceous Donghe Group and the youngest age of detrital zircons was coeval with the post-subduction collision between the Yangtze and the North China continental plates in Jurassic.     

Crustal and thermal structure of the Thomson Orogen: constraints from the geochemistry,zircon U–Pb age,and Hf and O isotopes of subsurface granitic rocks

Abstract

The origin of elevated geothermal gradients in the subsurface Thomson Orogen and the nature of the crustal basement beneath it, whether oceanic or continental, remain enigmatic. Previous studies have demonstrated that a higher crustal radiogenic input is required to explain these anomalous thermal gradients. In this study, we have investigated the nature and age of this crustal input by undertaking geochemical, geochronological and Hf and O isotope analyses of buried granitic rocks as well as evaluating the heat-producing potential of metasedimentary rocks. The mineralogy, composition and Neoproterozoic/Cambrian to Devonian age of the low to moderate heat-producing I- and S-type granitic rocks strongly contrast with the Carboniferous A-type high-heat-producing granites of the Big Lake Suite, which have been suggested to be an important contributor to the elevated geothermal gradients, near the southwest corner of the Thomson Orogen. These differences suggest the Big Lake Suite rocks do not extend into the Queensland part of the temperature anomaly. Heat production of the metasedimentary rocks is also low to moderate. Based on Hf isotope compositions of zircons characterised by mantle-like oxygen signature (?_Hf(t) = –12 to +2), we propose the temperature anomaly results from the occurrence of Mesoproterozoic and/or Paleoproterozoic high-heat-producing rocks beneath the Thomson Orogen. Precambrian crust, therefore, lies well east of the Tasman line. The results do not support a Neoproterozoic to Cambrian oceanic crust, as previously suggested, but instead point to a continental substrate for the Thomson Orogen. Hf isotopes indicate an overall trend towards more isotopically juvenile compositions with a progressive reduction in the contribution of older crustal sources to granitic magmas towards the present time. Different Hf isotopic signatures for the Lachlan (?_Hf(t) = –13 to +15), Thomson (?_Hf(t) = –14 to +5) and Delamerian (?_Hf(t) = –7 to +4) orogens highlight lateral variations in the age structures of crustal basement beneath these orogens.     

U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in detrital zircon from Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the northern Yangtze Block: Implications for Precambrian crustal evolution

A combined study of Lu–Hf isotopes and U–Pb ages for detrital zircons from sedimentary rocks can provide information on the crustal evolution of sedimentary provenances, and comparisons with potential source regions can constrain interpretations of paleogeographic settings. Detailed isotopic data on detrital zircons from Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the northern part of the Yangtze Block suggest that these rocks have the maximum depositional ages of ~ 750 Ma, and share a similar provenance. In their source area, units of late Archean (2.45 to 2.55 Ga) to Paleoproterozoic (1.9 to 2.0 Ga) U–Pb ages made up the basement, and were overlain or intruded by magmatic rocks of Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages (740 to 900 Ma). Hf isotopic signatures of the detrital zircons indicate that a little juvenile crust formed in the Neoarchean; reworking of old crust dominates the magmatic activity during the Archean to Paleoproterozoic, while the most significant juvenile addition to the crust occurred in the Neoproterozoic. Only the Neoproterozoic zircon U–Pb ages can be matched with known magmatism in the northern Yangtze Block, while other age peaks cannot be correlated with known provenance areas. Similar zircon U–Pb ages have been obtained previously from sediments along the southeastern and western margins of the Yangtze Block. Thus, it is suggested that an unexposed old basement is widespread beneath the Yangtze Block and was the major contributor to the Neoproterozoic sediments. This basement had a magmatic activity at ~ 2.5 Ga, similar to that in North China; but zircon Hf isotopes suggest significant differences in the overall evolutionary histories between the Yangtze and North China.     

Tectonic evolution of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Evidence from zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes and geochemistry of early Paleozoic rocks in Yanbian region,NE China

We present the first evidence of an early Paleozoic terrane in the southern Yanbian region, NE China. We used LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope techniques to analyze one plagioclase gneiss and two garnet-bearing two-mica quartz schists from the early Paleozoic Jiangyu Group, as well as two tonalites that intruded the Jiangyu Group. The tonalites yield weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon crystallization ages of 423 and 422 Ma. Zircons from the Jiangyu Group gneiss and two schist samples yield maximum depositional ages of 439 ± 4, 443 ± 2, and 443 ± 5 Ma, respectively. These constraints, together with the age of the tonalite intrusion, indicate that the Jiangyu Group was deposited between 443 and 423 Ma (i.e., Silurian). In addition, detrital zircon age spectra of the three Jiangyu Group samples exhibit prominent age peaks at 442, 473, 513, 565, 600, 635, 671, 740, 1000, and 1162 Ma, as well as secondary peaks between 1344 and 3329 Ma. The occurrence of the prominent Meso- and Neoproterozoic detrital zircon age populations for the Jiangyu Group, combined with the corresponding zircon Hf isotopic data, reveals that the Jiangyu Terrane has a tectonic affinity with northeastern Gondwana. The early Paleozoic magmatism, as suggested by the medium-K calc-alkaline I-type tonalite intrusion and Jiangyu Group detrital zircon age spectra, corresponds to coeval subduction–accretion events along the southern margin of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Accordingly, we propose that the Jiangyu Group is part of an exotic terrane that rifted from northeastern Gondwana, drifted northward, and ultimately became involved in the early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the southern margin of the eastern CAOB after the Early Cambrian.     

Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb geochronology constrains late cretaceous plagiogranite intrusions in Mersin ophiolite complex (southern Turkey).

In this study, LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating were used to determine the age of the newly discovered plagiogranite suite intruding gabbro and volcanic units of Mersin ophiolites from the Inner Tauride Belt. Obtained U–Pb zircon ages from the plagiogranite yielded crystallization ages of 93.0?±?1.5 to 94.2?±?2.4 Ma (Turonian–Cenomanian) supporting the idea of Late Cretaceous active subduction factory in the Tauride Suture Zone. The plagiogranites are mainly granodioritic, and tonalitic in composition, and contain mafic microgranular enclaves (MME) ranging from 10 to 45 cm in size. The plagiogranites are geochemically defined by low K₂O (0.02–1.03 wt%) and TiO₂ (0.17–1.88 wt%) and comparatively high Na₂O (2.3–10.2 wt%) and SiO₂ (70–78 wt%) compositions together with depletion in Ti, Ta, and Nb. The tectonomagmatic discrimination diagrams, trace, and REE-normalized multi-element patterns indicate that the plagiogranites are distinctive calc-alkaline, I-type volcanic arc granites. Plagiogranites are furthermore characterized by the diffuse presence of isotropic pseudomorphic growth of secondary calcic-amphibole (edenite and actinolite) over a pristine not preserved Ca-inosilicate. Inverse geothermobarometry models indicate a secondary amphibole genesis at ca. 600 °C and 1.5–1.7 kbar, suggesting HT-metasomatism affecting the already intruded plagiogranites. While it is already accepted that Mersin ophiolite complex is generated in a supra-subduction zone, this study represents a new contribution on the evolution of the Mersin ophiolite during the Late Cretaceous Neotethys subduction and could shed light on the genesis of plagiogranites in arc-environments.     

Origin of the Alxa Block,western China: New evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of the Longshoushan Complex

The NW–SE trending Longshoushan is in the southwestern margin of the Alxa Block, which was traditionally considered the westernmost part of the North China Craton (NCC). Precambrian crystalline basement exposed in the Longshoushan area was termed the “Longshoushan Complex”. This complex's formation and metamorphism are significant to understand the geotectonics and early Precambrian crustal evolution of the western NCC. In this study, field geology, petrology, and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes of representative orthogneisses and paragneisses in the Longshoushan Complex were investigated. U–Pb datings reveal three Paleoproterozoic magmatic episodes (ca. 2.33, ca. 2.17 and ca. 2.04 Ga) and two subsequent regional metamorphic events (ca. 1.95–1.90 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga) for metamorphic granitic rocks in the Longshoushan Complex. U–Pb dating of the detrital magmatic zircons from two paragneisses yields concordant ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages between 2.2 Ga and 2.0 Ga, and a small number of metamorphic zircon rims provide a ca. 1.95 Ga metamorphic age, suggesting that the depositional time of the protolith was between 2.0 and 1.95 Ga and that the sedimentary detritus was most likely derived from the granitic rocks in the Longshoushan Complex itself. Zircon Lu–Hf isotopic analyses indicate that nearly all magmatic zircons from ca. 2.0 Ga to ca. 2.17 Ga orthogneisses have positive εHf(t) values with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DMC) ranging from 2.45 to 2.65 Ga (peak at ca. 2.5 Ga), indicating that these Paleoproterozoic granitic rocks were derived from the reworking of the latest Neoarchean–early Paleoproterozoic juvenile crust. Detrital magmatic zircons from two paragneisses yield scattered ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, εHf(t) and T_DMC values, further indicating that the sedimentary detritus was not only derived from these plutonic rocks but also from other unreported or denuded Paleoproterozoic igneous rocks. The ca. 2.15 Ga detrital magmatic zircons from one paragneiss have negative εHf(t) values with T_DMC ranging from 2.76 to 3.04 Ga, indicating another important crustal growth period in the Longshoushan region. These data indicate that the Longshoushan Complex experienced Neoarchean–Early Paleoproterozoic crustal growth, approximately ca. 2.3–2.0 Ga experienced multiphase magmatic events, and approximately ca. 1.95–1.90 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga experienced high-grade metamorphic events. The sequence of tectonothermal events is notably similar to that of the main NCC. Together with the datasets from an adjacent area, we suggest that the western Alxa Block was most likely an integrated component of the NCC from the Neoarchean to the Paleoproterozoic.     

The origin and response of zircon in eclogite to metamorphism during the multi-stage evolution of the Huwan Shear Zone,China: Insights from Lu–Hf and U–Pb isotopic and trace element geochemistry

The Huwan Shear Zone (HSZ) is an eclogite bearing transpressive wrench zone located along the Shangdan Suture that juxtaposes the Paleozoic Qinling and Mesozoic Hong'an–Dabie orogenic terrains. The region preserves a complex history that bridges the gap between adjacent orogenic terrains. Simultaneous in-situ trace element, U–Th–Pb and Lu–Hf‐isotope analysis of zircon grains from samples of the Xiongdian and Sujiahe eclogite identify a late Carboniferous to early Permian period of high pressure metamorphism, ca. 283 to 306 Ma. Zircon grains are observed to respond to metamorphic overprint via a two stage process: (1) An initial prograde stage of fluid catalyzed interface coupled dissolution–reprecipitation, involving exsolution of a non-ideal solid solution thorite (ThSiO₄) end member and loss of highly incompatible components (LREE and Pb), (2) A second stage of coupled zircon dissolution, coarsening, and new rim growth in equilibrium with garnet at high pressure conditions.We identify Proterozoic whole rock Sm–Nd and zircon grain Lu–Hf isotopic evidence which challenges the traditional interpretation that the Xiongdian and Sujiahe eclogite formed in response to early Paleozoic mantle melting and oceanic crust generation. We argue the Huwan Shear Zone contains no conclusive evidence of early/middle Paleozoic oceanic crust, but rather Proterozoic crustal components analogous to those found in the Northern Qinling Terrain and associated with formation of the Shangdan Suture. We present a simpler geodynamic model involving continuous convergence and accretion of terrains onto the southern margin of the North China Block during the Paleozoic Qinling and Mesozoic Dabie orogenies.     

Provenance of Permian–Triassic Gondwana Sequence units accreted to the Banda Arc in the Timor region: Constraints from zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopes

Analysis of zircons from Australian affinity Permian–Triassic units of the Timor region yield age distributions with large age peaks at 230–400 Ma and 1750–1900 Ma, which are similar to zircon age spectra found in rocks from NE Australia and crustal fragments now found in Tibet and SE Asia. It is likely that these terranes, which are now widely separated, were once part of the northern edge of Gondwana near what is now the northern margin of Australia. The Cimmerian Block rifted from Gondwana in the Early Permian during the initial formation of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. The zircon age spectra of the Gondwana Sequence of NE Australia and in the Timor region are most similar to the terranes of northern Tibet and Malaysia, further substantiating a similar tectonic affinity. A large 1750–1900 Ma zircon peak is also very common in other terranes in SE Asia.Hf analysis of zircon from the Aileu Complex in Timor and Kisar Islands shows a bimodal distribution (both radiogenically enriched and depleted) in the Gondwana Sequence at ~ 300 Ma. The magmatic event from which these zircons were derived was likely bimodal (i.e. mafic and felsic). This is substantiated by the presence of Permian mafic and felsic rocks interlayered with the sandstone used in this study. Similar rock types and isotopic signatures are also found in Permian–Triassic igneous units throughout the Cimmerian continental block.The Permian–Triassic rocks of the Timor region fill syn-rift intra-cratonic basins that successfully rifted in the Jurassic to form the NW margin of Australia. This passive continental margin first entered the Sunda Trench in the Timor region at around 7–8 Ma causing the Permo-Triassic rocks to accrete to the edge of the Asian Plate and emerge as a series of mountainous islands in the young Banda collision zone. Eventually, the Australian continental margin will collide with the southern edge of the Asian plate and these Gondwanan terranes will rejoin.     

Geochemistry,zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of Jurassic-Cretaceous granites in the Tengchong terrane,SW China: implications for the Mesozoic tectono-magmatic evolution of the Eastern Tethyan Tectonic Domain

ABSTRACT

Recently identified Early Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, and Late Cretaceous granites of the Tengchong terrane, SW China, help to refine our understanding of the Mesozoic tectonic-magmatic evolutionary history of the region. We present new zircon U–Pb geochronological, Lu–Hf isotopic and geochemical data on these rocks. The zircon LA-ICP-MS U–Pb ages of the Mangzhangxiang, Laochangpo, and Guyong granites, and Guyong granodioritic microgranular enclaves are 185.6, 120.7, 72.9, and 72.7 Ma, respectively. Geochemical and Hf isotopic characteristics suggest the Mangzhangxiang and Laochangpo S-type granites were derived from partial melting of felsic crust and that the Guyong I-type granite and associated MMEs were generated through magma mixing/mingling. Mesozoic magmatism in the Tengchong terrane can be divided into three episodes: (1) the Triassic syn- and post-collisional magmatic event was related to the closure of the Palaeo-Tethyan Ocean, as represented by the Changning-Menglian suture zone; (2) the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous magmatism was related to the subduction of the Meso-Tethyan oceanic crust, as represented by the Myitkyina ophiolite belt; and (3) the Late Cretaceous magmatism was related to the subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust, as represented by the Kalaymyo ophiolite belt.