Zircon dating of North Bohemian granulites, Czech Republic: further evidence for the Lower Carboniferous high-pressure event in the Bohemian Massif

U-Pb zircon and rutile multigrain ages and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb zircon evaporation ages are reported from high-pressure felsic and metapelitic granulites from northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. The granulites, in contrast to those from other occurrences in the Bohemian Massif, do not show evidence of successive HT/MPLP overprints. Multigrain size fractions of nearly spherical, multifaceted, metamorphic zircons from three samples are slightly discordant and yield a U-Pb Concordia intercept age of 348 ± 10 Ma, whereas single zircon evaporation of two samples resulted in ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 339 ± 1.5 and 339 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. A rutile fraction from one sample has a U-Pb Concordia intercept age of 346 ± 14 Ma. All ages are identical, within error, and a mean age of 342 ± 5 Ma was adopted to reflect the peak of HP metamorphism. Because rutile has a lower closing temperature for the U-Pb isotopic system than zircon, the results and the P-T data imply rapid uplift and cooling after peak metamorphism. The above age is identical to ages for high-grade metamorphism reported from the southern Bohemian Massif and the Granulite Massif in Saxony. It can be speculated that all these granulites were part of the same lower crustal unit in early Carboniferous, being separated later due to crustal stacking and subsequent late Variscan orogenic collapse.     

U-Pb zircon and Sm-Nd model ages of high-grade Moldanubian metasediments,Bohemian Massif,Czechoslovakia

We report single grain U-Pb ion-microprobe as well as conventional bulk size fraction ages for zircons from 3 metasediment samples of the Moldanubian Complex, Bohemian Massif, one of the largest crystalline complexes of the Hercynian foldbelt in Europe. These are complemented by whole-rock Sm-Nd model ages. The metasediments are of upper amphibolite to granulite grade and come from the Bory Massif in Moravia, NW of Brno (sample AA-1) and from the Varied Group (AA-2) and Monotonous Group (AA-3) in the Ceske Budejovice region of SW Bohemia.Ion-microprobe data for detrital zircons yielded ²⁰⁷Pb/ ²⁰⁶Pb ages between ca. 1750 Ma and 2680 Ma and reflect chronologically heterogeneous source terrains. One grain in sample AA-1 of the Bory granulite massif may be as old as 2684±14 Ma, and this constitutes the oldest reported zircon age for the Hercynian belt of central Europe. The single grain data are much less discordant than previously published conventional U-Pb analyses from bulk zircon samples and suggest a significant early Proterozoic crust-formation event between 2 and 2.2 Ga ago. The size fraction data are compatible with the single grain ages and give a fairly precise definition of the Hercynian event between 347 and 367 Ma ago while their upper Concordia intercept ages between 1700 and 2050 Ma represent the mean of the respective grain populations and are probably geohronologically meaningless. The Nd whole-rock model ages between 1.7 and 3.0 Ga confirm mid-Proterozoic to Archaean source terrains for the dated metasediments.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of a dyke–host rock association and implications for the formation of the Bavarian Pfahl shear zone, Bohemian Massif

To place constraints on the formation and deformation history of the major Variscan shear zone in the Bavarian Forest, Bavarian Pfahl zone, SW Bohemian Massif, granitic dykes and their feldspar-phyric massive host rock (so-called palite), zircons were dated by the U–Pb isotope dilution and Pb-evaporation methods. The dated samples comprise two host rocks and four dykes from a K-rich calc-alkaline complex adjoining the SW part of the Bavarian Pfahl shear zone. The palites, which appear to be the oldest magmatic rocks emplaced in the shear zone, yield ages of 334±3, 334.5±1.1 Ma (average ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb-evaporation zircon ages) and 327–342 Ma (range of U/Pb zircon ages) suggesting a Lower Carboniferous age for the initiation of the Pfahl zone. Absence of inherited older cores in all investigated zircons indicates that incorporation of crustal zircon material has played virtually no role or that the melting temperature was very high. Determination of the dyke emplacement age is complicated by partial Pb-loss in most of the fractions analysed. This Pb-loss can be ascribed to higher U content of the dyke zircons compared to those from host rock. Upper discordia intercept ages of the different dykes range from 322±5 to 331±9 Ma. The dykes are pre- to synkinematic with respect to penetrative regional mylonitisation along the Pfahl zone, and the upper intercept ages provide a maximum age for this tectonic event.     

Pre-Variscan geological events in the Austrian part of the Bohemian Massif deduced from U–Pb zircon ages

In an attempt to elucidate the pre-Variscan evolution history of the various geological units in the Austrian part of the Bohemian Massif, we have analysed zircons from 12 rocks (mainly orthogneisses) by means of SHRIMP, conventional multi-grain and single-grain U–Pb isotope-dilution/mass-spectrometry. Two of the orthogneisses studied represent Cadomian metagranitoids that formed at ca. 610 Ma (Spitz gneiss) and ca. 580 Ma (Bittesch gneiss). A metagranite from the Thaya batholith also gave a Cadomian zircon age (567±5 Ma). Traces of Neoproterozoic zircon growth were also identified in several other samples, underlining the great importance of the Cadomian orogeny for the evolution of crust in the southern Bohemian Massif. However, important magmatic events also occurred in the Early Palaeozoic. A sample of the Gföhl gneiss was recognised as a 488±6 Ma-old granite. A tonalite gneiss from the realm of the South Bohemian batholith was dated at 456±3 Ma, and zircon cores in a Moldanubian metagranitic granulite gave similar ages of 440–450 Ma. This Ordovician phase of magmatism in the Moldanubian unit is tentatively interpreted as related to the rifting and drift of South Armorica from the African Gondwana margin. The oldest inherited zircons, in a migmatite from the South Bohemian batholith, yielded an age of ca. 2.6 Ga, and many zircon cores in both Moravian and Moldanubian meta-granitoid rocks gave ages around 2.0 Ga. However, rocks from the Moldanubian unit show a striking lack of zircon ages between 1.8 and 1.0 Ga, reflecting an ancestry from Armorica and the North African part of Gondwana, respectively, whereas the Moravian Bittesch gneiss contains many inherited zircons with Mesoproterozoic and Early Palaeoproterozoic ages of ca. 1.2, 1.5 and 1.65–1.8 Ga, indicating a derivation from the South American part of Gondwana.     

Sm–Nd and U–Pb dating of high-pressure granulites from the Złote and Rychleby Mts (Bohemian Massif, Poland and Czech Republic)

In the Orlica‐?nie?nik complex at the NE margin of the Bohemian Massif, high‐pressure granulites occur as isolated lenses within partially migmatized orthogneisses. Sm–Nd (different grain‐size fractions of garnet, clinopyroxene and/or whole rock) and U–Pb [isotope dilution‐thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID‐TIMS) single grain and sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP)] ages for granulites, collected in the surroundings of ?ervený D?l (Czech Republic) and at Stary Giera?tów (Poland), constrain the temporal evolution of these rocks during the Variscan orogeny. Most of the new ages cluster at c. 350–340 Ma and are consistent with results previously reported for similar occurrences throughout the Bohemian Massif. This interval is generally interpreted to constrain the time of high‐pressure metamorphism. A more complex evolution is recorded for a mafic granulite from Stary Giera?tów and concerns the unknown duration of metamorphism (single, short‐lived metamorphic cycle or different episodes that are significantly separated in time?). The central grain parts of zircon from this sample yielded a large spread in apparent ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U SHRIMP ages (c. 462–322 Ma) with a distinct cluster at c. 365 Ma. This spread is interpreted to be indicative for variable Pb‐loss that affected magmatic protolith zircon during high‐grade metamorphism. The initiating mechanism and the time of Pb‐loss has yet to be resolved. A connection to high‐pressure metamorphism at c. 350–340 Ma is a reasonable explanation, but this relationship is far from straightforward. An alternative interpretation suggests that resetting is related to a high‐temperature event (not necessarily in the granulite facies and/or at high pressures) around 370–360 Ma, that has previously gone unnoticed. This study indicates that caution is warranted in interpreting U–Pb zircon data of HT rocks, because isotopic rejuvenation may lead to erroneous conclusions.     

Devonian to Carboniferous collision in the Greenland Caledonides: U-Pb zircon and Sm-Nd ages of high-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism

A variety of eclogites from an east-west transect across the North-East Greenland eclogite province have been studied to establish the timing of high pressure (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism in this northern segment of the Laurentian margin. Garnet + omphacite ± amphibole + whole rock Sm-Nd isochrons from a quartz eclogite, a garnet + omphacite + rutile eclogite and a partially melted zoisite eclogite in the western HP belt are 401±2, 402±9 and 414±18 Ma, respectively. Corresponding sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of metamorphic zircon in the same samples are 401±7, 414±13, and 393 ±10 Ma. Metamorphic zircon domains were identified using morphology, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, U, Th, Th/U and trace element contents. Zircon from the quartz eclogite and the garnet + omphacite + rutile eclogite are typical of eclogite facies zircon with rounded to subhedral shapes, patchy to homogenous CL domains, low U, and very low Th and Th/U. The partially melted eclogite contains euhedral zircons with dark, sector-zoned, higher U, Th and Th/U inherited cores. Three cores give a Paleoproterozoic ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 1,962±27 Ma, interpreted as the age of the leucogabbroic protolith. CL images of the bright overgrowths show faint oscillatory zoning next to homogenous areas that indicate zircon growth in the presence of a HP melt and later recrystallization. Additional evidence that zircon grew during eclogite facies conditions is the lack of a Eu anomaly in the trace element data for all the samples. These results, combined with additional less precise Sm-Nd ages and our earlier work, point to a Devonian age of HP metamorphism in the western and central portions of the eclogite province. An UHP kyanite eclogite from the eastern part of the transect contains equant metamorphic zircon with homogeneous to patchy zoning in CL and HP inclusions of garnet, omphacite and kyanite. These zircons have slightly higher U, Th and Th/U values than the HP ones, no Eu anomaly, and are thus comparable to UHP zircons in the literature. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of these zircons is 360±5 Ma, much younger than the HP eclogites. The same sample gives a Sm-Nd age of 342±6 Ma. Unlike the HP eclogites, the Sm-Nd age of the UHP rock is ca. 20 Ma younger than the U-Pb zircon age and most likely records slow cooling through the closure temperature, since peak temperatures were in excess of 900°C. Widespread HP metamorphism of both the Laurentian and Baltica continental margins marks the culmination of this continent–continent collision in the Devonian. Carboniferous UHP conditions, though localized in the east, suggest a prolonged collisional history rather than a short-lived Scandian orogeny. The traditional Silurian Scandian orogeny should thus be extended through the Devonian.     

Evaluation of Duluth Complex anorthositic series (AS3) zircon as a U-Pb geochronological standard: new high-precision isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry results

U-Pb zircon geochronology is increasingly called upon to achieve the resolution of absolute time at the 0.1% to 1% level for rocks of Phanerozoic to Hadean age. Doing so requires accurate calibration of the several methods (conventional isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry [ID-TIMS], Pb evaporation, high-resolution ion microprobe [e.g. SHRIMP], and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry [LA-ICPMS]) currently in use, in numerous laboratories, for the analysis of U and Pb isotopes in accessory minerals. Toward this end, the geochronological community would benefit from the establishment, distribution and widespread analysis of one or more standard reference materials. Among the candidates is natural zircon from the Duluth Complex anorthositic series of the Midcontinent Rift system of North America. These zircons, first dated by conventional ID-TIMS at 1099.1 ± 0.5 Ma, have been subsequently adopted as a geochronological standard by a number of high resolution ion microprobe facilities. A new and independent analysis of the systematics of a large set of single zircons (n = 27) from the same mineral separate yields indistinguishable ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb, upper intercept, and U-Pb concordia dates for the AS3 zircons. The concordia date, based on a subset of 12 concordant and equivalent zircons, of 1099.1 ± 0.2 Ma (±1.2 Ma considering systematic uncertainties in Pb/U tracer calibration and U decay constants) is indistinguishable from previously published results. We further document the absence of inherited Pb in the AS3 zircons, and discuss strategies for avoiding certain domains within the AS3 zircons exhibiting small amounts of radiation-induced, surface and fracture-correlated, recent Pb loss. Although the AS3 zircons do not represent the ideal (and elusive) homogeneous closed U-Pb system, we conclude that these and similar zircons from the Duluth Complex anorthositic series can provide a suitable geochronological reference standard for numerous U-Pb zircon analytical methods, given appropriate preparation guided by the results of this study. Our high-precision data set also serves as a useful confirmatory test of the currently accepted U decay constants.     

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

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

Zircon response to high-grade metamorphism as revealed by U–Pb and cathodoluminescence studies

Correct interpretation of zircon ages from high-grade metamorphic terrains poses a major challenge because of the differential response of the U–Pb system to metamorphism, and many aspects like pressure–temperature conditions, metamorphic mineral transformations and textural properties of the zircon crystals have to be explored. A large (c. 450?km²) coherent migmatite complex was recently discovered in the Bohemian Massif, Central European Variscides. Rocks from this complex are characterized by granulite- and amphibolite-facies mineral assemblages and, based on compositional and isotopic trends, are identified as the remnants of a magma body derived from mixing between tonalite and supracrustal rocks. Zircon crystals from the migmatites are exclusively large (200–400?μm) and yield ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb evaporation ages between 342–328?Ma and single-grain zircon fractions analysed by U–Pb ID-TIMS method plot along the concordia curve between 342 and 325?Ma. High-resolution U–Pb SHRIMP analyses substantiate the existence of a resolvable age variability and yield older ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages (342–330?Ma, weighted mean age?=?333.6?±?3.1?Ma) for inner zone domains without relict cores and younger ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages (333–320?Ma, weighted mean age?=?326.0?±?2.8?Ma) for rim domains. Pre-metamorphic cores were identified only in one sample (²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages at 375.0?±?3.9, 420.3?±?4.4 and 426.2?±?4.4?Ma). Most zircon ages bracket the time span between granulite-facies metamorphism in the Bohemian Massif (~345?Ma) and the late-Variscan anatectic overprint (Bavarian phase, ~325?Ma). It is argued that pre-existing zircon was variously affected by these metamorphic events and that primary magmatic growth zones were replaced by secondary textures as a result of diffusion reaction processes and replacement of zircon by dissolution and recrystallization followed by new zircon rim growth. Collectively, the results show that the zircons equilibrated during high-grade metamorphism and record partial loss of radiogenic Pb during post-peak granulite events and new growth under subsequent anatectic conditions.     

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

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

Understanding the pre-Variscan and Variscan basement components of the central Tauern Window, Eastern Alps (Austria): constraints from single zircon U-Pb geochronology

New single-grain and within-grain U-Pb zircon ages from the central Tauern Window help sorting out the time dimension among the various Variscan and pre-Variscan basement components that were strongly overprinted by Alpine orogeny. Single-grain isotope dilution (ID-TIMS) U-Pb zircon geochronology of three Basisamphibolit samples yield protolith formation ages of 351±2, 349±1 and 343±1 Ma. Laser ablation ICP-MS and ID-TIMS U-Pb detrital zircon dating of the Biotitporphyroblastenschiefer constrained the maximum time of sedimentation to between 362±6 Ma and 368±17 Ma. Paragneisses from the Zwölferzug yield maximum sedimentation ages from 345±5 Ma (ion microprobe data) to 358±10 Ma. Zircons from gabbroic clasts and detrital zircons from a meta-agglomerate from the Habach Phyllite give an upper intercept age of 536±8 Ma and a near-concordant age of 506±9 Ma, respectively. Hence, apart from the Habach Phyllite, the maximum sedimentation ages of the metasediments investigated range from Upper Devonian to Lower Carboniferous. Consequently, the Basisamphibolit, the Biotitporphyroblastenschiefer, and the paragneisses of the Zwölferzug form parts of the Variscan basement series. The Basisamphibolit (351-343 Ma) is distinct both in space and time of formation from the Zwölferzug garnet amphibolite (c. 486 Ma), which forms part of the pre-Variscan basement.     

台湾东澳片岩锆石U-Pb年龄及地质意义

台湾东澳片岩位于台湾东部,属太鲁阁带的北东部分,由绿泥绿帘片岩、绿泥钠长片岩、云母石英片岩、石英片岩夹含石墨云母片岩组成。在野外地质调查的基础上,结合岩石学、岩石主微量元素分析研究结果表明,原岩为玄武岩、副长岩或碱性玄武岩及陆源碎屑岩,岩石主要为碱性系列,具低Ba、Sr和高Pb,稀土总量普遍较低,具有轻稀土富集、铕无亏损的稀土分布模式,与陆源裂陷的火山(岩浆)-沉积作用特征类似;锆石可分为自形晶或尖棱角状、次棱角状及圆状三类;LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄具多个峰值,其中206Pb/238U有4个,最小值为(95±3)Ma,为自形晶或尖棱角状锆石,代表了晚白垩世火山作用的时代;其余3个分别为(118±2)Ma(早白垩世)、(160±5)Ma(晚侏罗世)、(250±3)Ma(早三叠世),为次棱角状和少量自形晶锆石,代表了相应时代源岩的岩浆年龄;207Pb/206Pb表面年龄峰值2个,分别为(1838±41)Ma和(2404±27)Ma(古元古代),为磨圆状的变质锆石或岩浆锆石,代表了古元古代变质基底的年龄。东澳片岩形成时代为晚白垩世,属欧亚陆块边缘构造环境下火山-沉积作用的产物。     

SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages of eclogite and orthogneiss from Sulu ultrahigh-pressure zone in Yangkou area,eastern China

We report SHRIMP U–Pb age of zircons in four samples of eclogite and one sample of orthogneiss from Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) zone in Yangkou area, eastern China. UHP rocks are distributed along the Sulu orogenic belt suturing North China Block with South China Block. In Yangkou area, UHP unit is well exposed for about 200 m along Yangkou beach section and consists mainly of blocks or lenses of ultramafic rocks and eclogite together with para- and orthogneiss which are highly sheared partly. Zircon grains examined in this study from eclogite show oscillatory zoning and overgrowth texture in CL images, and most of the grains have high Th/U ratio ranging from 0.8 to 2.1 indicating an igneous origin. The weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of zircons from the four samples range from 690 to 734 Ma. These ages can be correlated to the magmatic stage of the protoliths. In rare cases, zircon grains possess a narrow rim with very low Th/U ratio (< 0.02). EPMA U–Th-total Pb dating of such rim yields younger ages that range from 240 to 405 Ma marking the metamorphic stage. On the other hand, zircons from the orthogneiss show irregular shape and zoning with inclusion-rich core and inclusion-free rim. These grains of zircon yield U–Pb discordia intercept ages of 226 ± 63 Ma and 714 ± 110 Ma (MSWD 0.78). Bulk of the areas of the rims rim of the zircons demonstrate younger ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages close to the upper intercept, with low Th/U ratio (< 0.20) indicating their metamorphic origin. In contrast, the cores show older ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages close to lower intercept and high Th/U ratio of (0.14–5.25) indicating their igneous origin. The upper intercept age is also commonly noted in zircons from eclogite. Our results suggest a bimodal igneous activity along this zone during the Neoproterozoic, probably related to the rifting of the Rodinia supercontinent.     

Age constraints on felsic intrusions, metamorphism and gold mineralisation in the Palaeoproterozoic Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt, NE Bahia State, Brazil

U–Pb sensitive high resolution ion microprobe mass spectrometer (SHRIMP) ages of zircon, monazite and xenotime crystals from felsic intrusive rocks from the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt show two development stages between 2,152 and 2,130 Ma, and between 2,130 and 2,080 Ma. The older intrusions yielded ages of 2,152±6 Ma in monazite crystals and 2,155±9 Ma in zircon crystals derived from the Trilhado granodiorite, and ages of 2,130±7 Ma and 2,128±8 Ma in zircon crystals derived from the Teofilândia tonalite. The emplacement age of the syntectonic Ambrósio dome as indicated by a 2,080±2-Ma xenotime age for a granite dyke probably marks the end of the felsic magmatism. This age shows good agreement with the Ar–Ar plateau age of 2,080±5 Ma obtained in hornblendes from an amphibolite and with a U–Pb SHRIMP age of 2,076±10 Ma in detrital zircon crystals from a quartzite, interpreted as the age of the peak of the metamorphism. The predominance of inherited zircons in the syntectonic Ambrósio dome suggests that the basement of the supracrustal rocks was composed of Archaean continental crust with components of 2,937±16, 3,111±13 and 3,162±13 Ma. Ar–Ar plateau ages of 2,050±4 Ma and 2,054±2 Ma on hydrothermal muscovite samples from the Fazenda Brasileiro gold deposit are interpreted as minimum ages for gold mineralisation and close to the true age of gold deposition. The Ar–Ar data indicate that the mineralisation must have occurred less than 30 million years after the peak of the metamorphism, or episodically between 2,080 Ma and 2,050 Ma, during uplift and exhumation of the orogen.Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material is available for this article at     

U-Pb age and genetic significance of heterogeneous zircon populations in rocks from the Favourable Lake area,Northwestern Ontario

The study evaluates the relationships between measured U-Pb ages and zircon characteristics of five morphologically, texturally, and isotopically complex zircon populations and compares the zircon development stages to the orogenic evolution of the Favourable Lake area. Two distinct zircon types from a hornblendite xenolith in a granitoid batholith of the Sachigo subprovince of the Superior Province yield U-Pb ages of 2729.0±6.8 Ma and 2714.8 _–6.4 ^+7.4 Ma, which date specific metamorphic phases coinciding with major plutonic pulses in the batholith. Zircons from a metamorphosed felsic dike, crosscutting the hornblendite, consist of an old zircon component with a minimum age of 2788 Ma possibly reflecting igneous crystallization 2950 Ma ago, and a younger component with an inferred age of 2725±15 Ma, probably reflecting metamorphism during batholith emplacement.In the Berens River subprovince to the south, granodiorite forms both a late tectonic phase in a large batholith and a post-tectonic pluton intruded into the batholith, yet zircons from these granodiorites have identical ages of 2697.3±1.7 Ma and 2696.2±1.2 Ma, respectively. The late tectonic granodiorite also contains inherited zircons with a minimum age of 2767 Ma which are indirect evidence for the presence of old sialic crust in this subprovince. Zircons from a sheared monzonite near the boundary fault between the two subprovinces yield an upper intercept age of 2769 _–26 ⁺⁶³ Ma, which we interpret as the intrusion age of the monzonite. This rock is older than most dated units in the surrounding batholiths and suggests that the boundary is a long-lived Archean structure.A lower intercept age of about 1750 Ma for zircons of the hornblendite is the result of chemical alteration of the zircons. This, and a similar lower intercept age shown by the sheared monzonite zircons, are thought to reflect increased fluid activity and possibly shearing during the Early Proterozoic Hudsonian orogeny which occurred in the Churchill Province to the northwest. A later Pb-loss mainly from near-surface domains of the zircons is indicated by lower intercept ages of about 500–100 Ma.Publication approved by the Director, Ontario Geological Survey     

U–Pb and Hf-isotope analysis of zircons in mafic xenoliths from Fuxian kimberlites: evolution of the lower crust beneath the North China craton

Mafic xenoliths from the Paleozoic Fuxian kimberlites in the North China craton include garnet granulite, and minor pyroxene amphibolite, metagabbro, anorthosite and pyroxenite. The formation conditions of the amphibolites are estimated at 745–820 °C and 7.6–8.8 Kb (25–30 km); the granulites probably are derived from greater depths in the lower crust. LAM-ICPMS U–Pb dating of zircons from four granulites reveals multiple age populations, recording episodes of magmatic intrusion and metamorphic recrystallisation. Concordant ages and upper intercept ages, interpreted as minimum estimates for the time of magmatic crystallisation, range from 2,620 to 2,430 Ma in three granulites, two amphibolites and two metagabbros. Lower intercept ages, represented by near-concordant zircons, are interpreted as reflecting metamorphic recrystallisation, and range from 1,927 to 1,852 Ma. One granulite contains two metamorphic zircon populations, dated at 1,927±55 Ma and 600–700 Ma. Separated minerals from one granulite and one amphibolite yield Sm–Nd isochron ages of 1,619±48 Ma (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)i=0.51078), and 1,716±120 Ma (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)i=0.51006), respectively. These ages are interpreted as recording cooling following metamorphic resetting; model ages for both samples are in the range 2.40–2.66 Ga. LAM-MC-ICPMS analyses of zircon show a range in ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf from 0.28116 to 0.28214, corresponding to a range of _Hf from –34 to +12. The relationships between ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age and _Hf show that: (1) the granulites, amphibolites and metagabbro were derived from a depleted mantle source at 2.6–2.75 Ga; (2) zircons in most samples underwent recrystallisation and Pb loss for 100–200 Ma after magmatic crystallisation, consistent with a residence in the lower crust; (3) metamorphic zircons in several samples represent new zircon growth, incorporating Hf liberated from breakdown of silicates with high Lu/Hf; (4) in other samples metamorphic and magmatic zircons have identical ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf, and the younger ages reflect complete resetting of U–Pb systems in older zircons. The Fuxian mafic xenoliths are interpreted as the products of basaltic underplating, derived from a depleted mantle source in Neoarchean time, an important period of continental growth in the North China craton. Paleoproterozoic metamorphic ages indicate an important tectonic thermal event in the lower crust at 1.8–1.9 Ga, corresponding to the timing of collision between the Eastern and Western Blocks that led to the final assembly of the North China craton. The growth of metamorphic zircon at 600–700 Ma may record an asthenospheric upwelling in Neoproterozoic time, related to uplift and a regional disconformity in the North China craton.     

Application of U-Pb-systems from detrital Zircons for palaeogeographic reconstructions a – case-study from the Rhenohercynian

Abstract

U-Pb. systematics of detrital zircons carry a mineral-specific information summarizing important geologic events during the preelastic slate of the minerals. Comparisons with U/Pb isotope rati of zircons from potential provenances reveal relationships between source areas of the zircons and their final location of deposition in a sedimentary basin. The Palaeozoic zircon detritus accumulated in sedimentary basins on the Rhenohercynian crustal segment is taken as an example to elucidate the plate-tectonical induced changes of the source areas by significant changes of the ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸ vs. ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵ratios in the zircons.

The U-Pb systematic of detrital zircon- from the Cambrian sediments deposited in the Brabant Massif and in the Ardennes indicale two source areas. Part of the detritus derived from an area. where strong Cadomian-Panafrican events influenced the U-Pb systems of the zircons. The oilier part reflects a source, in which the U-Pb systems were able to preserve their Arehaean to Early Proterozoic age information. Zircons of the latter source record the most ancient ages so far observed in detrital zircons of the later Rhenohercynian crustal seg ment. The similarities with the U/Pb isotope ratios of zircons from the Armorican Massif, the Bohemian Massif. and certain regions of the Mps indicate a geotectonic position of the sedimentar) basin during Cambrian times in the periphery of the Condwana mega-continent.

The detrital zircons accumulated in the Variscan Rhenish basin during the Lower Devonian show a completely different summarizing age information. The majority of the zircons reflect a Laurussian-type origin. which suggests a palaeogeographic position of the Variscan Rhenohercynian basin close to Laurussia. Euhedral zircons crystallized during Caledonian times document the erosion of Caledonian granitoids from structural highs in the Mid European Caledonides.

Zircons of the Lower Carboniferous flysch sediments of todays Eastern Rhenish Massif originate from two source areas characterised by very different geologic histories. Euhedral zircons represent a rather young component of about 410 Ma in the detritus, whereas. in contrast. the well rounded crystals show a summarizing age-information identical to that of the zircons found in the Cambrian sandstones. The low ages resemble intrusion ages as recorded from the Mid-German-Crystalline-Rise, the high age reflect a Gondwana-type input into the Rhenohercynian sedimentary basin during Lower Carboniferous times. The detritus thus documents the Variscan collision and a renewed coherence of the Rhenohercynian crustal segment to Cnndwana.

The zircon population from Upper Carboniferous molasse deposits is comprised of Condwana-tуpc material and of mate rial with similar U/Pb ratios as recorded in the Lower Devonian zircons. In parts the Variscan molasse must have been derived from sediments once deposited in a southern part of the Rhenohercynian basin and in the Saxothurìngian basin. U/Pb ratios of euhedral and round diamond-like lustrous zircons indicate a major geologic event at the Namurian/Westphalian boundary (310-315 Ma). These zircons thus reflect an influx of detritus into the molasse from other source rocks, probably synsedimentary volcanics.     

Clasts of Variscan high-grade rocks within Upper Viséan conglomerates – constraints on exhumation history from petrology and U-Pb chronology

In this paper, U‐Pb zircon, monazite and rutile data for crystalline rocks deposited as clasts in the Upper Viséan conglomerates at the eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif are reported. U‐Pb data of spherical zircon from three different granulite clasts yielded a mean age of 339.0 ± 0.7 Ma (±2σ), while oval and spherical grains of another granulite pebble define a slightly younger date of 337.1 ± 1.1 Ma. These ages are interpreted as dating granulite facies metamorphism. Thermochronology and the derived pressure–temperature (P–T) path of the granulite pebbles reflect two‐stage exhumation of the granulites. Near‐to‐isothermal decompression from at least 44 km to mid‐crustal depths of around 22 km was followed by a near‐isobaric cooling stage based on reaction textures and geothermobarometry. Minimum average exhumation rate corresponds to 2.8–4.3 mm year^?1. The extensive medium‐pressure/high‐temperature overprint on granulite assemblages is dated by U‐Pb in monazite at c. 333 Ma. This thermal event probably has a close link to generation and emplacement of voluminous Moldanubian granites, including the cordierite granite present in clasts. This granite was emplaced at mid‐crustal levels at 331 ± 3 Ma (U‐Pb monazite), whereas the U‐Pb zircon ages record only a previous magmatic event at c. 378 Ma. Eclogites and garnet peridotites normally associated with high‐pressure granulites are absent in the clasts but exotic subvolcanic and volcanic members of the ultrapotassic igneous rock series (durbachites) of the Bohemian Massif have been found in the clasts. It is therefore assumed that the clasts deposited in the Upper Viséan conglomerates sampled a structurally higher tectonic unit than the one that corresponds to the present denudation level of the Moldanubicum of the Bohemian Massif. The strong medium‐temperature overprint on granulites dated at c. 333 Ma is attributed to the relatively small size of the entirely eroded bodies compared with the presently exposed granulites.     

胶东海阳所斜长角闪岩的锆石 U-Pb 年龄——多期变质作用对锆石不一致线年龄影响的实例

胶东海阳所胶南群斜长角闪岩中的锆石有2类：（1）捕掳晶锆石，它给出2149Ma 的207Pb/206Pb 年龄，证明该区存在有早元古基底；（2）岩浆结晶锆石，它的不一致线上下交点年龄分别为1784±11Ma和448±13Ma。然而该锆石在晋宁期和印支期曾发生2次铅丢失事件，从而使其下交点年龄（448±13Ma）无地质意义。其上交点年龄指示了该锆石的最小结晶时代，它表明在18亿年时该地区曾有一次玄武质火山岩事件。     

Eoarchean–Paleoproterozoic zircon inheritance in Japanese Permo-Triassic granites (Unazuki area,Hida Metamorphic Complex): Unearthing more old crust and identifying source terrranes

U–Pb zircon geochronology of two Permo-Triassic granites (samples OT-52 and OT-272 with ages of 229 ± 8 Ma and 256 ± 2 Ma, respectively) in the Unazuki area, Hida Metamorphic Belt, southwest Japan, revealed the presence of Eoarchean to Paleoproterozoic inheritance. Inheritance is consistent with both samples showing low zircon saturation temperatures for their bulk compositions. In OT-52, dark in CL, low Th/U zircon domains have a mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 1940 ± 17 Ma, which is consistent with an age of 1937 ± 6 Ma for anatexis in the Precambrian Busan gneiss complex in Korea. Eoarchaean inherited zircons with ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages from ca. 3750 to 3550 Ma are common in OT-272 but are few in OT-52, suggesting a source from rocks with affinities to those in the Anshan area in the northeast China part of the North China Craton. On the other hand, a Hida Metamorphic Belt metasedimentary gneiss into which the granites were intruded contains ca. 1840, 1130, 580, 360, 285 and 250 Ma zircons (Sano et al., 2000). These ages suggest that the Unazuki Mesozoic granites did not originate from proximal Hida Metamorphic Complex rocks, but instead from unrelated rocks obscured at depth. The predominance of Eoarchean to Paleoproterozoic age components, and the marked lack of 900–700 Ma components suggest that the source was the (extended?) fringe of the North China Craton, rather than from Yangtze Craton crust. The Mesozoic evolution of Japan and its linkages to northeast Asia are discussed in the context of these results.