Very fast exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks with excess Ar and inherited Sr, Betic Cordilleras, southern Spain

In order to attempt to further constrain the age of the early Alpine tectonic evolution of the Mulhacén Complex and to explore the influence of inherited isotopes, micas from a small number of well-characterised rocks from the Sierra de los Filábres, with a penetrative tectonic fabric related to the exhumation of eclogite-facies metamorphic rocks, were selected for ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and Rb–Sr dating.

A single phengite grain from an amphibolite yielded an ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar laser step heating plateau age of 86.9±1.2 Ma (2σ; 70% ³⁹Ar released) and an inverse isochron age of 86.2±2.4 Ma with an ³⁶Ar/⁴⁰Ar intercept within error of the atmospheric value. Induction furnace step heating of a biotite separate from a gabbro relic in an eclogite yielded a weighted mean age of 173.2±6.3 Ma (2σ; 95% ³⁹Ar released). These ages are diagnostic of excess argon (⁴⁰Ar_XS) incorporation, as they are older than independent age estimates for the timing of eclogite-facies metamorphism and intrusion of the gabbros. ⁴⁰Ar_XS incorporation probably resulted from restricted fluid mobility in the magmatic rocks during their metamorphic recrystallisation.

Rb–Sr whole-rock–phengite ages of graphite-bearing mica schists from Paleozoic rocks (Secano unit) show a dramatic variation (66.1±3.2, 40.6±2.6 and 14.1±2.2 Ma). An albite chlorite mica schist from the Mesozoic series of the Nevado–Lubrín unit has a whole-rock–mica–albite age of 17.2±1.9 Ma, which is within error of an ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau age published previously and of the youngest Rb–Sr age of the Paleozoic series obtained in this study. The significant spread in Rb–Sr ages implies that progressive partial resetting of an older isotopic system has occurred. The microstructure of the samples with pre-Miocene Rb–Sr ages reveals incomplete recrystallisation of white mica and inhibited grain growth due to the presence of graphite particles. This interpretation agrees with previously published, disturbed and slightly dome-shaped ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age spectra that may point similarly to the presence of an older isotope component. The progressively reset Rb–Sr system is a relic of Variscan metamorphism of the Paleozoic series of the Mulhacén Complex. In contrast, the origin of the ca. 17.2 Ma old sample from the Mesozoic series precludes any isotopic inheritance, in agreement with its pervasive tectono-metamorphic recrystallisation during the Miocene.

Exhumation of the eclogite-facies Mulhacén Complex occurred in two stages with contrasting rates of about 22.5 mm/year during the early phase and 9–10 mm/year during the late phase; the latter with a cooling rate in the order of 330 °C/Ma.     

Cretaceous isochron ages from K–Ar and Ar / Ar dating of eclogitic rocks in the Tso Morari Complex, western Himalaya, India

The Tso Morari Complex, which is thought to be originally the margin of the Indian continent, is composed of pelitic gneisses and schists including mafic rock lenses (eclogites and basic schists). Eclogites studied here have the mineral assemblage Grt + Omp + Ca-Amp + Zo + Phn + Pg + Qtz + Rt. They also have coesite pseudomorph in garnet and quartz rods in omphacite, suggesting a record of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. They occur only in the cores of meter-scale mafic rock lenses intercalated with the pelitic schists. Small mafic lenses and the rim parts of large lenses have been strongly deformed to form the foliation parallel to that of the pelitic schists and show the mineral assemblages of upper greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphism. The garnet–omphacite thermometry and the univariant reaction relations for jadeite formation give 13–21 kbar at 600 °C and 16–18 kbar at 750 °C for the eclogite formation using the jadeite content of clinopyroxene (X_Jd = 0.48).

Phengites in pelitic schists show variable Si / Al and Na / K ratios among grains as well as within single grains, and give K–Ar ages of 50–87 Ma. The pelitic schist with paragonite and phengite yielded K–Ar ages of 83.5 Ma (K = 4.9 wt.%) for paragonite–phengite mixture and 85.3 Ma (K = 7.8 wt.%) for phengite and an isochron age of 91 ± 13 Ma from the two dataset. The eclogite gives a plateau age of 132 Ma in Ar/Ar step-heating analyses using single phengite grain and an inverse isochron age of 130 ± 39 Ma with an initial ⁴⁰Ar / ³⁶Ar ratio of 434 ± 90 in Ar/Ar spot analyses of phengites and paragonites. The Cretaceous isochron ages are interpreted to represent the timing of early stage of exhumation of the eclogitic rocks assuming revised high closure temperature (500 °C) for phengite K–Ar system. The phengites in pelitic schists have experienced retrograde reaction which modified their chemistry during intense deformation associated with the exhumation of these rocks with the release of significant radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar from the crystals. The argon release took place in the schists that experienced the retrogression to upper greenschist facies metamorphisms from the eclogite facies conditions.     

Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Kovdor phoscorite–carbonatite complex, Kola Peninsula, NW Russia

The Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions for the Kovdor phoscorite–carbonatite complex (PCC), Kola Peninsula, NW Russia, have been determined to characterize the mantle sources involved and to evaluate the relative contributions of a plume and subcontinental lithospheric mantle in the formation of the complex. The Kovdor PCC is a part of the Kovdor ultramafic–alkaline–carbonatite massif, and consists of six intrusions. The initial isotopic ratios of the analyzed samples, calculated at 380 Ma, display limited variations: ε_Nd, + 2.0 to + 4.7; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, 0.70319 to 0.70361 (ε_Sr, − 12.2 to − 6.2); ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 18.38 to 18.74; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.45 to 15.50; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 37.98 to 39.28. The Nd and Sr isotope data of the Kovdor PCC generally fit the patterns of the other phoscorites and carbonatites from the Kola Alkaline Province (KAP), but some data are slightly shifted from the mixing line defined as the Kola Carbonatite Line, having more radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. However, the less radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions and negative Δ7/4 values of Pb isotopes of the analyzed samples exclude crustal contamination, but imply the involvement of a metasomatized lithospheric mantle source. Isotopic variations indicate mixing of at least three distinct mantle components: FOZO-like primitive plume component, EMI-like enriched component and DMM-like depleted component. The isotopic nature of the EMI- and DMM-like mantle component observed in the Kovdor samples is considered to be inherited from metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle. This supports the previous models invoking plume–lithosphere interaction to explain the origin of the Devonian alkaline carbonatite magmatism in the KAP.     

Age Constraints on the Tectonic Evolution and Provenance of the Pie de Palo Complex, Cuyania Composite Terrane, and the Famatinian Orogeny in the Sierra de Pie de Palo, San Juan, Argentina

New U-Pb age determinations confirm earlier interpretations that the strongly deformed and metamorphosed mafic and intermediate igneous rocks of the Pie de Palo Complex represent a Mesoproterozoic fragment of suprasubduction zone oceanic crust.

A gabbroic pegmatite, interpreted to have formed during arc rifting or subsequent back-arc spreading, yielded a U-Pb age of 1204 ^+5.3/_–4.7 Ma. Highly tectonized ultramafic-mafic cumulates, occurring at the structural base of the Pie de Palo Complex and previously interpreted to represent remnants of a primitive arc phase, prior to rifting and back-arc spreading, could not be dated, but should be older than 1204 Ma if these inferences are correct. Tabular, sill-like bodies of leucogabbro/diorite and calc-alkaline tonalite/granodiorite sills yielded ages of 1174±43 and 1169 ⁺⁸/_–7 Ma respectively. They may represent a younger, more evolved arc phase established after arc rifting or a younger, tectonically unrelated Mesoproterozoic arc. SHRIMP-analysis of metamorphic zircon rims with low Th/U ratios in VVL 110 gave a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 455±10 Ma, similar to lower intercept dates determined by discordia lines. Combined, these data indicate that the bulk of the amphibolite facies metamorphism present in the Pie de Palo Complex was generated during the Famatinian Orogeny.

Analysis of six single detrital zircon grains in a metasedimentary, quartzofeldspathic garnet-mica schist, tectonically interleaved with the igneous rocks of the Pie de Palo Complex, and tentatively correlated with the Difunta Correa metasedimentary sequence of other workers, yielded three age populations: 1150–1160 Ma; 1050–1080 Ma and 665 Ma, indicating that these sedimentary rocks were deposited during the late Neoproterozoic or Early Paleozoic. In addition, they confirm structural evidence that intercalation of rocks of the Pie de Palo Complex with isolated slivers of these sedimentary rocks is due to tectonic imbrications. These ages are also consistent with a Laurentian provenance, and earlier interpretations that these rocks once represented a sedimentary cover to the Pie de Palo Complex. The zircon population of 1050–1080 Ma could be derived from Grenville-age felsic plutons identified elsewhere in the Pie de Palo Complex by other workers. However, no evidence has been found in our samples for a Grenville-age orogenic event, invoked previously to explain accretion of the oceanic Pie de Palo Complex to Laurentia prior to the late Neoproterozoic/Early Cambrian rifting and drift of Cuyania.     

Zircon U–Pb age and trace element evidence for Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphism and Archean crustal rocks in the Dabie Orogen

Zircon U–Pb ages and trace elements were determined for granulites and gneiss at Huangtuling, which are hosted by ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Dabie Orogen, east-central China. CL images reveal core–rim structure for most zircons in the granulites. The cores show oscillatory zoning, relatively high Th/U ratios, and HREE enriched patterns, consistent with a magmatic origin. They gave a weighted mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 2766 ± 9 Ma, interpreted as dating magma emplacement of the protolith. The rims are characterized by sector or planar zoning, low Th/U ratios, negative Eu anomalies and flat HREE patterns, consistent with their formation under granulite-facies metamorphic conditions. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a weighted mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 2029 ± 13 Ma, which is interpreted to record a metamorphic event, possibly during assembly of the supercontinent Columbia. The gneiss has a protolith age of 1982 ± 14 Ma, which is younger than the zircon age of the granulite-facies metamorphism, suggesting a generally delay between HT metamorphism and the intrusion of post-collisional granites. A few inherited cores with igneous characteristics have ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 2.90, 3.28 and 3.53 Ga, suggesting the presence of Mesoarchean to Paleoarchean crustal remnants in the Yangtze Craton. A few Cretaceous metamorphic ages were also obtained, suggesting the influence of post-collisional collapse in response to Cretaceous extension of the Dabie Orogen. It is inferred that the recently discovered Archean basement of the Yangtze Craton occurs as far north as the Dabie Orogen.     

An Ar–Ar laser-probe study of pseudotachylites in charnockite gneisses from the Cauvery Shear Zone system, South India

The age of pseudotachylite formation in the crustal-scale Cauvery Shear Zone system of the Precambrian Southern Granulite Terrain (South India) has been analyzed by laser-probe ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating. Laser spot analyses from a pseudotachylite from the Salem–Attur shear zone have yielded ages ranging from 1214 to 904 Ma. Some evidence for the presence of excess Ar is indicated by the scatter of ages from this locality. The host gneiss preserves Palaeoproterozoic Rb–Sr whole rock–biotite ages (2350 ± 11 to 2241 ± 11 Ma). A mylonite in the Koorg shear, ca. 200 km to the north, yielded an age of 895 ± 17 Ma the consistency of the age distribution from spot analyses precludes the presence of significant excess Ar. Despite published evidence for the growth of high-grade minerals within some components of the Cauvery Shear Zone during the Pan-African event (700–550 Ma), the pseudotachylites in this study provide no evidence for Pan-African formation. Instead they document the first evidence for Mesoproterozoic tectonism in the Cauvery Shear Zone system, thus prompting a review of the correlation between the Cauvery Shear Zone system and the large-scale shear zones located elsewhere in eastern Gondwana.     

Alpine reworking of Ordovician protoliths in the Western Carpathians: Geochronological and geochemical data on the Muráñ Gneiss Complex, Slovakia

Magmatic protoliths of Ordovician age have been identified in the metamorphic rocks of the Muráñ Gneiss Complex, Veporic Unit (Central Western Carpathians). Vapor digestion single zircon U–Pb dating yields an intrusion age of 464 ± 35 Ma (upper intercept) for the granite protolith. A lower intercept age of 88 ± 40 Ma records amphibolite-facies metamorphic overprint in the Cretaceous, during the Alpine orogeny. Geochemical and isotopic data suggest crustal origin of the orthogneiss. Nd_initial are between − 2.6 and − 5.0 and T_DM^Nd between 1.3 and 1.5 Ga (two-step approach). ⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr_initial ratios vary between 0.7247 and 0.7120, and a steep REE pattern further constrains the crustal affinity of these rocks. Associated amphibolite bodies have Nd_initial values of 6.5, ⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr_initial ratio of 0.7017, and a flat REE pattern. They are interpreted as MORB derived metabasites. Whole-rock Pb isotope analyses define a linear array in a ²⁰⁶Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁷Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb diagram with an age of ca. 134 Ma, consistent with intense Alpine metamorphism and deformation.

These basement rocks of the Central Western Carpathians are interpreted as Ordovician magmatic rocks intruded at an active margin of Gondwana. They represent the eastern prolongation of Cambro–Ordovician units of the European Variscides, which were part of the peri-Gondwana superterrane and accreted to Laurussia during the Variscan orogeny. Variscan metamorphic overprint is not recorded by the isotopic data of the Muráñ Gneiss Complex. Alpine metamorphism is the most dominant overprint.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronology of gneissic rocks in the Yunkai massif and its implications on the Caledonian event in the South China Block

This paper presents new zircon U–Pb data and interpretations for the gneissic rocks in the Yunkai massif in order to constrain the timing and evolution of the Caledonian tectonothermal event in the South China Block (SCB). Magmatic and inherited zircons from the orthogneiss in the region, previously thought to be of Precambrian origin, yielded ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U apparent ages of 421–441 Ma and 513–1343 Ma, respectively. Also a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 236.0 ± 3.1 Ma was obtained, interpreted as the metamorphic resetting age during the Indosinian tectonic event. Our analyses show that the paragneiss in the region, previously regarded as Proterozoic sedimentary rocks, contains detrital zircons of the Archaean to Paleozoic origin, of which the youngest zircons yielded the U–Pb age of  423 Ma. These data indicate that (1) the Proterozoic and Archaean components may exist beneath the Yunkai massif; (2) most of the metaigneous rocks are actually the Caledonian anatectic granites possibly overprinted by Indosinian ( 236 Ma) reactivation; (3) some paragneiss might have originally deposited during the Devonian time; and (4) a subsequently rapid uplifting took place after the emplacement of the Caledonian granites, revealed by the observation that the Devonian clastic strata uncomfortably overlie the Caledonian granites. In combination with other geochronological data and geological observations throughout the SCB, we propose that the Caledonian tectonothermal event around Silurian ( 450–400 Ma) might be a result from an intracontinental collision between the Yangtze and Cathaysian blocks in response to the subduction/collision between the North China block and SCB.     

Pre-Cenozoic intra-plate magmatism along the Central Andes (17–34°S): Composition of the mantle at an active margin

Sr–Nd–Pb isotope ratios of alkaline mafic intra-plate magmatism constrain the isotopic compositions of the lithospheric mantle along what is now the eastern foreland or back arc of the Cenozoic Central Andes (17–34°S). Most small-volume basanite volcanic rocks and alkaline intrusive rocks of Cretaceous (and rare Miocene) age were derived from a depleted lithospheric mantle source with rather uniform initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ( 0.5127–0.5128) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ( 0.7032–0.7040). The initial ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are variable (18.5–19.7) at uniform ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (15.60 ± 0.05). A variety of the Cretaceous depleted mantle source of the magmatic rocks shows elevated Sr isotope ratios up to 0.707 at constant high Nd isotope ratios. The variable Sr and Pb isotope ratios are probably due to radiogenic growth in a metasomatized lithospheric mantle, which represents the former sub-arc mantle beneath the early Palaeozoic active continental margin. Sr–Nd–Pb isotope signatures of a second mantle type reflected in the composition of Cretaceous (one late Palaeozoic age) intra-plate magmatic rocks (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd  0.5123, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr  0.704, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb  17.5–18.5, and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb  15.45–15.50) are similar to the isotopic composition of old sub-continental lithospheric mantle of the Brazilian Shield.

Published Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of Mesozoic to Cenozoic arc-related magmatic rocks (18–40°S) represent the composition of the convective sub-arc mantle in the Central Andes and are similar to those of the Cretaceous (and rare Miocene) intra-plate magmatic rocks. The dominant convective and lithospheric mantle type beneath this old continental margin is depleted mantle, which is compositionally different from average MORB-type depleted mantle. The old sub-continental lithospheric mantle did not contribute to Mesozoic to Cenozoic arc magmatism.     

Ar–Ar age determinations of eclogitic clinopyroxene and garnet inclusions in diamonds from the Venetia and Orapa kimberlites

Ar–Ar age measurements are reported for selected eclogitic clinopyroxene and garnet inclusions in Orapa diamonds and clinopyroxene inclusions in Venetia diamonds. Laser drilling of encapsulated clinopyroxene inclusions within Venetia diamonds released a maximum of 3% of the total ⁴⁰Ar, indicating little diffusive transfer and storage of radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar at the diamond–inclusion boundary. Apparent ages obtained during stepped heating of three diamonds are consistent with diamond crystallisation occurring just prior to the kimberlite eruption 520 Ma ago. Stepped heating of three clinopyroxene-bearing Orapa diamonds gave ages of 906–1032 Ma, significantly above the eruption age, but consistent with previously determined isotopic ages. A few higher apparent ages hint at the presence an older generation of Orapa diamonds that formed >2500 Ma ago. Orapa garnets also contain measurable K contents, and record a range of ages between 1000 and 2500 Ma. The old apparent ages and lack of significant interface ⁴⁰Ar released by the laser probe, suggests that pre-eruption radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar and mantle-derived ⁴⁰Ar components are trapped in microinclusions within the pyroxene and garnet inclusions.     

New age constraints for a short pulse in Ross orogen deformation triggered by East–West Gondwana suturing

Constraints on the timing of deformation within the Antarctic Ross orogenic belt are important for understanding early Paleozoic tectonic activity accompanying the assembly of Gondwana. One of the best areas for constraining the tectonic evolution of the Ross orogenic belt is the Holyoake Range in the central Transantarctic Mountains where previous work shows an abrupt change in the stratigraphic succession of the Cambrian Byrd Group possibly related to the inception of tectonism within the orogen at  515 Ma. To further constrain deformational timing, we conducted ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar analyses on magmatic phases of the Holyoake Gabbro, which cross-cuts folded Lower Cambrian Shackleton Limestone of the Byrd Group. Our analyses yield average ages of 506.7 ± 3.6 Ma (2 sigma; MSWD = 0.9) and 504.1 ± 2.4 Ma (2 sigma; MSWD = 1.3) for hornblende from the early and late magmatic phases, respectively. Deformation of the Shackleton Limestone therefore occurred prior to 506.7 ± 3.6 Ma, which is  12 m.y. after the siliciclastic drowning of the carbonate platform inferred to record the start of Ross tectonism in the central Transantarctic Mountains. On a regional scale, the data are consistent with a short pulse of deformation, which was probably related to global plate motion changes following final suturing of East and West Gondwana.     

Lu–Hf and U–Pb isotope systematics of zircons from the Storgangen intrusion, Rogaland Intrusive Complex, SW Norway: implications for the composition and evolution of Precambrian lower crust in the Baltic Shield

The Storgangen orebody is a concordantly layered, sill-like body of ilmenite-rich norite, intruding anorthosites of the Rogaland Intrusive Complex (RIC), SW Norway. 17 zircon grains were separated from ca. 5 kg of sand-size flotation waste collected from the on-site repository from ilmenite mining. These zircons were analysed for major and trace elements by electron microprobe, and for U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes by laser ablation microprobe plasma source mass spectrometry. Eight of the zircons define a well-constrained (MSWD=0.37) concordant population with an age of 949±7 Ma, which is significantly older than the 920–930 Ma ages previously reported for zircon inclusions in orthopyroxene megacrysts from the RIC. The remaining zircons, interpreted as inherited grains, show a range of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages up to 1407±14 Ma, with an upper intercept age at ca. 1520 Ma. The concordant zircons have similar trace element patterns, and a mean initial Hf isotope composition of ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf_{949 Ma}=0.28223±5 (_Hf=+2±2). This is similar to the Hf-isotope composition of zircons in a range of post-tectonic Sveconorwegian granites from South Norway, and slightly more radiogenic than expected for mid-Proterozoic juvenile crust. The older, inherited zircons show Lu–Hf crustal residence ages in the range 1.85–2.04 Ga. One (undated) zircon plots well within the field of Hf isotope evolution of Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Baltic Shield. These findings indicate the presence of Paleoproterozoic components in the deep crust of the Rogaland area, but do not demonstrate that such rocks, or a Sveconorwegian mantle-derived component, contributed significantly to the petrogenesis of the RIC. If the parent magma was derived from a homogeneous, lower crustal mafic granulite source, the lower crustal protolith must be at least 1.5 Ga old, and it must have an elevated Rb/Sr ratio. This component would be indistinguishable in Sr, Nd and Hf isotopes from some intermediate mixtures between Sveconorwegian mantle and Paleoprotoerzoic felsic crust, but it cannot account for the initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd of the most primitive, late Sveconorwegian granite in the region, without the addition of mantle-derived material.     

A SHRIMP U–Pb and LA-ICP-MS trace element study of the petrogenesis of garnet–cordierite–orthoamphibole gneisses from the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt, South Africa

The Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt (South Africa) underwent high-grade metamorphism at 2.7–2.5 and 2.03 Ga. Quartz-rich, garnet-, cordierite-, biotite- and orthoamphibole-bearing, feldspar-free gneisses from the western Central Zone reached granulite-facies conditions (800 °C at 8–10 kbar) followed by decompression. Garnet from one such sample shows significant zonation in trace elements but little zonation in major elements. Zoning patterns suggest that the early prograde breakdown of REE-rich accessory phases contributed to the garnet trace element budget. Monazite from the sample yields a SHRIMP weighted mean ²⁰⁷Pb–²⁰⁶Pb age of 2028 ± 3 Ma, indistinguishable from a SHRIMP zircon age of 2022 ± 11 Ma previously measured on metamorphic overgrowths on 2.69 Ga igneous zircon cores. New zircon and monazite formed before, or at, the metamorphic peak, and occur as inclusions in garnet. Monazite appears to have formed through the breakdown of early allanite ± xenotime ± apatite. Trace element zoning patterns in garnet and the age of accessory phases are most consistent with a single tectonometamorphic event at 2.03 Ga.

The plagioclase and K-feldspar-free composition of the garnet–cordierite–orthoamphibole gneisses requires open system processes such as intense hydrothermal alteration of protoliths or advanced chemical weathering. In the studied sample, the 2.69 Ga igneous zircons show a prominent negative Eu anomaly, suggesting equilibrium with plagioclase, or plagioclase fractionation in the precursor magma. In contrast, the other minerals either show small negative (2.03 Ga monazite), no (2.02 Ga zircon and garnet) or positive Eu anomalies (orthoamphibole). This suggests that the unusual bulk compositions of these rocks were set in after 2.69 Ga but before the peak of the 2.03 Ga event, most probably while the protoliths resided at shallow or surficial crustal levels.     

The origin of basic rocks of the Korosten AMCG complex, Ukrainian shield: Implication of Nd and Sr isotope data

The Korosten complex is a Paleoproterozoic gabbro–anorthosite–rapakivi granite intrusion which was emplaced over a protracted time interval — 1800–1737 Ma. The complex occupies an area of about 12 000 km² in the north-western region of the Ukrainian shield. About 18% of this area is occupied by various mafic rocks (gabbro, leucogabbro, anorthosite) that comprise five rock suites: early anorthositic A₁ (1800–1780 Ma), main anorthositic A₂ (1760 Ma), early gabbroic G₃ (between 1760 and 1758 Ma), late gabbroic G₄ (1758 Ma), and a suite of dykes D₅ (before 1737 Ma). In order to examine the relationships between the various intrusions and to assess possible magmatic sources, Nd and Sr isotopic composition in mafic whole-rock samples were measured. New Sr and Nd isotope measurements combined with literature data for the mafic rocks of the Korosten complex are consistent and enable construction of Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isochronous regressions that yield the following ages: 1870 ± 310 Ma (Rb–Sr) and 1721 ± 90 Ma (Sm–Nd). These ages are in agreement with those obtained by the U–Pb method on zircons and indicate that both Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd systems have remained closed since the time of crystallisation. In detail, however, measurable differences in isotopic composition of the Korosten mafic rock depending on their suite affiliation were revealed. The oldest, A₁ rocks have lower Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 0.70233–0.70288) and higher Nd (εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 1.6–0.9) isotopic composition. The most widespread A₂ anorthosite and leucogabbro display higher Sr and lower Nd isotopic composition: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 0.70362, εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varies from 0.2 to − 0.7. The G₃ gabbro–norite has slightly lower εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varying from − 0.7 to − 0.9. Finally, G₄ gabbroic rocks show relatively high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70334–0.70336) and the lowest Nd isotopic composition (εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varies from − 0.8 to − 1.4) of any of the mafic rocks of the Korosten complex studied to date. On the basis of Sr and Nd isotopic composition we conclude that Korosten initial melts may have inherited their Nd and Sr isotopic characteristics from the lower crust created during the 2.05–1.95 Ga Osnitsk orogeny and 2.0 Ga continental flood basalt event. Indeed, εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ values in Osnitsk rocks vary from 0.0 to − 1.9 and from 0.2 to 3.4 in flood basalts. We suggest that these rocks being drawn into the upper mantle might melt and give rise to the Korosten initial melts. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ values also support this interpretation. We suggest that the Sr and Nd isotopic data currently available on mafic rocks of the Korosten complex are consistent with an origin of its primary melts by partial melting of lower crustal material due to downthrusting of the lower crust into upper mantle forced by Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of Sarmatia and Fennoscandia.     

Strain partitioning and preservation of Ar/Ar ages during Variscan exhumation of a subducted crust (Malpica–Tui complex, NW Spain)

The Malpica–Tui complex (NW Iberian Massif) consists of a Lower Continental Unit of variably deformed and recrystallized granitoids, metasediments and sparse metabasites, overridden by an upper unit with rocks of oceanic affinities. Metamorphic minerals dated by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar method record a coherent temporal history of progressive deformation during Variscan metamorphism and exhumation. The earliest stages of deformation (D1) under high-pressure conditions are recorded in phengitic white micas from eclogite-facies rocks at 365–370 Ma. Following this eclogite-facies peak-metamorphism, the continental slab became attached to the overriding plate at deep-crustal levels at ca. 340–350 Ma (D2). Exhumation was accompanied by pervasive deformation (D3) within the continental slab at ca. 330 Ma and major deformation (D4) in the underlying para-autochthon at 315–325 Ma. Final tectonothermal evolution included late folding, localized shearing and granitic intrusions at 280–310 Ma.

Dating of high-pressure rocks by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar method yields ages that are synchronous with published Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd ages obtained for both the Malpica–Tui complex and its correlative, the Champtoceaux complex in the French Armorican Massif. The results indicate that phengitic white mica retains its radiogenic argon despite been subjected to relatively high temperatures (500–600 °C) for a period of 20–30 My corresponding to the time-span from the static, eclogite-facies M1 peak-metamorphism through D1-M2 eclogite-facies deformation to amphibolite-facies D2-M3. Our study provides additional evidence that under certain geological conditions (i.e., strain partitioning, fluid deficiency) argon isotope mobility is limited at high temperatures, and that ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology can be a reliable method for dating high pressure metamorphism.     

Excess Ar-free phengite in ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks from the Lago di Cignana area, Western Alps

Ar/Ar analyses of phengites and paragonites from the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks (zoisite–clinozoisite schist, garnet–phengite schist and piemontite schist) in the Lago di Cignana area, Western Alps were carried out with a laser probe step-heating method using single crystals and a spot dating method on thin sections. Eight phengite and two paragonite crystals give the plateau ages of 37–42 Ma with 96–100% of ³⁹Ar released. Each rock type also contains mica crystals showing discordant age spectra with age fractions (20–35 Ma) significantly younger than the plateau ages. Phengite inclusions in garnet give ages of 43.2 ± 1.1 Ma and 44.4 ± 1.5 Ma, which are significantly older than the spot age (36.4 ± 1.4 Ma) from the matrix phengites, and the plateau ages from the step-heating analyses. Inclusion ages (43 and 44 Ma) are consistent with a zircon SHRIMP age (44 ± 1 Ma) in this area. These results suggest that the oceanic materials that underwent a simple subduction related UHPM, form excess ⁴⁰Ar-free phengite and that the peak metamorphism is ca. 44 Ma or little older. We suggest that matrix phengites experienced a retrogression reaction changing their chemistry contemporaneously with deformation related to the exhumation of rocks releasing significant radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar from the crystals. This has lead to the apparent ages of the matrix phengites that are significantly younger than the inclusion age.     

Stratigraphy and geochemical characterization of the Oligocene–Miocene Maikop series: Implications for the paleogeography of Eastern Azerbaijan

The Oligocene–Miocene Maikop Series is a world-class source rock responsible for much of the oil and gas found in the South Caspian Basin. It is composed of up to 3 km of marine mudstone, and contains a nearly continuous record of deposition during progressive tectonic closure of the basin as the Arabian Peninsula converged northward into Eurasia. Historically, the stratigraphy of this interval has been difficult to define due to the homogenous nature of the fine-grained, clay-dominated strata. Outcrop exposures in eastern Azerbaijan allow direct observation and detailed sampling of the interval, yielding a more comprehensive stratigraphic context and a more advanced understanding of syndepositional conditions in the eastern Paratethys Sea. Specifically, the present investigation reveals that coupling field-based stratigraphic characterization with geochemical analyses (e.g., bulk elemental geochemistry, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, bulk stable isotope geochemistry) yields a more robust understanding of internal variations within the Maikop Series. Samples from seven sections located within the Shemakha–Gobustan oil province reveal consistent stratigraphic and spatial geochemical trends. It is proposed that the Maikop Series be divided into three members based on these data along with lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data reported herein. When comparing Rupelian (Early Oligocene) and Chattian (Late Oligocene) strata, the Rupelian-age strata commonly possess higher TOC values, more negative δ¹⁵N_tot values, more positive δ¹³C_org values, and higher radioactivity relative to Chattian-age rocks. The trace metals Mo and V (normalized to Al) are positively correlated with TOC, with maximum values occurring at the Rupelian–Chattian boundary and overall higher average values in the Rupelian. Across the Oligocene–Miocene boundary, a slight drop in V/Al, Mo/Al ratios is observed, along with drops in %S and TOC. These results indicate that geochemical signatures of the Maikop Series are regional in nature, and furthermore that analogous fine-grained sections may be better characterized and subdivided using similar techniques. In general, geochemical indicators suggest that the basin was in limited communication with the Tethys Sea throughout the Oligocene–Early Miocene, with suboxic to anoxic conditions present during the Oligocene and to a lesser extent in the Miocene. This increased isolation was likely due to tectonic uplift to both the south and north of the study area, and greatly enhanced by global sea-level fluctuations. These data serve as the basis for a more detailed understanding of the tectonic evolution of the region, and support a standardized chemostratigraphic division of the important petroleum source interval.     

Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Eocene Dölek and Sariçiçek Plutons, Eastern Turkey: Implications for magma interaction in the genesis of high-K calc-alkaline granitoids in a post-collision extensional setting

The major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes of the host rocks and the mafic microgranular enclaves (MME) gathered from the Dölek and Sariçiçek plutons, Eastern Turkey, were studied to understand the underlying petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. The plutons were emplaced at  43 Ma at shallow depths ( 5 to 9 km) as estimated from Al-in hornblende geobarometry. The host rocks consist of a variety of rock types ranging from diorite to granite (SiO₂ = 56.98–72.67 wt.%; Mg# = 36.8–50.0) populated by MMEs of gabbroic diorite to monzodiorite in composition (SiO₂ = 53.21–60.94 wt.%; Mg# = 44.4–53.5). All the rocks show a high-K calc-alkaline differentiation trend. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are moderately fractionated and relatively flat [(La/Yb)_N = 5.11 to 8.51]. They display small negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 0.62 to 0.88), with enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE. Initial Nd–Sr isotopic compositions for the host rocks are ε_Nd(43 Ma) = − 0.6 to 0.8 and mostly I_Sr = 0.70482–0.70548. The Nd model ages (T_DM) vary from 0.84 to 0.99 Ga. The Pb isotopic ratios are (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.60–18.65, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.61–15.66 and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.69–38.85. Compared with the host rocks, the MMEs are relatively homogeneous in isotopic composition, with I_Sr ranging from 0.70485 to 0.70517, ε_Nd(43 Ma) − 0.1 to 0.8 and with Pb isotopic ratios of (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.58–18.64, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.60–15.66 and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.64–38.77. The MMEs have T_DM ranging from 0.86 to 1.36 Ga. The geochemical and isotopic similarities between the MMEs and their host rocks indicate that the enclaves are of mixed origin and are most probably formed by the interaction between the lower crust- and mantle-derived magmas. All the geochemical data, in conjunction with the geodynamic evidence, suggest that a basic magma derived from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle, probably triggered by the upwelling of the asthenophere, and interacted with a crustal melt that originated from the dehydration melting of the mafic lower crust at deep crustal levels. Modeling based on the Sr–Nd isotope data indicates that  77–83% of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle involved in the genesis. Consequently, the interaction process played an important role in the genesis of the hybrid granitoid bodies, which subsequently underwent a fractional crystallization process along with minor amounts of crustal assimilation, en route to the upper crustal levels generating a wide variety of rock types ranging from diorite to granite in an extensional regime.     

Sveconorwegian crustal underplating in southwestern Fennoscandia: LAM-ICPMS U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope evidence from granites and gneisses in Telemark, southern Norway

Laser ablation ICPMS U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope data on granitic-granodioritic gneisses of the Precambrian Vråvatn complex in central Telemark, southern Norway, indicate that the magmatic protoliths crystallized at 1201 ± 9 Ma to 1219 ± 8 Ma, from magmas with juvenile or near-juvenile Hf isotopic composition (¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf = 0.2823 ± 11, epsilon-Hf > + 6). These data provide supporting evidence for the depleted mantle Hf-isotope evolution curve in a time period where juvenile igneous rocks are scarce on a global scale. They also identify a hitherto unknown event of mafic underplating in the region, and provide new and important limits on the crustal evolution of the SW part of the Fennoscandian Shield. This juvenile geochemical component in the deep crust may have contributed to the 1.0–0.92 Ga anorogenic magmatism in the region, which includes both A-type granite and a large anorthosite–mangerite–charnockite–granite intrusive complex. The gneisses of the Vråvatn complex were intruded by a granitic pluton with mafic enclaves and hybrid facies (the Vrådal granite) in that period. LAM-ICPMS U–Pb data from zircons from granitic and hybrid facies of the pluton indicates an intrusive age of 966 ± 4 Ma, and give a hint of ca. 1.46 Ga inheritance. The initial Hf isotopic composition of this granite (¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf = 0.28219 ± 13, epsilon-Hf = − 5 to + 6) overlaps with mixtures of pre-1.7 Ga crustal rocks and juvenile Sveconorwegian crust, lithospheric mantle and/or global depleted mantle. Contributions from ca. 1.2 Ga crustal underplate must be considered when modelling the petrogenesis of late Sveconorwegian anorogenic magmatism in the region.     

The timing of sub-solidus hydrothermal alteration in the Central Zone, Limpopo Belt (South Africa): Constraints from titanite U–Pb geochronology and REE partitioning

In the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt (South Africa), Palaeoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphism was superimposed on an earlier Archaean orogenic history. Previously determined ages of  2030–2020 Ma obtained from high-temperature chronometers (zircon, garnet, monazite) are generally thought to provide the best estimate of the peak of Palaeoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphism in the Central Zone, whereas ages as young as  2006 Ma from late melt patches suggest that temperatures remained above the wet solidus for an extended period. We present a new MC-ICP-MS ²⁰⁷Pb–²⁰⁶Pb age of 2030.9 ± 1.5 Ma for titanite found in amphibolite- to greenschist-facies alteration zones developed adjacent to quartz vein systems and related pegmatites that cut a strongly deformed Central Zone metabasite. This age could potentially date cooling of rocks at this locality to temperatures below the wet solidus. Alternatively, the titanite could be inherited from the metabasite host, and the age determined from it date the peak of metamorphism. Integration of the geochronology with LA-ICP-MS trace element data for minerals from the metabasite, the hydrothermal vein systems and comparable rocks elsewhere shows that the titanite formed during the amphibolite-facies hydrothermal alteration, not at the metamorphic peak or during the greenschist-facies phase of veining. This suggests that high-grade rocks in the Central Zone have cooled differentially through the wet solidus, and provides timing constraints on when Palaeoproterozoic reworking in the Central Zone began. This study illustrates the potential of combined geochronological and high-resolution geochemical studies to accurately match mineral ages to distinct crustal processes.