The Puesto Piris Formation: Evidence of basin-development in the North Patagonian Massif during crustal extension associated with Gondwana breakup

The Marifil Volcanic Complex, exposed in the eastern North Patagonian Massif, Argentina, includes up to 550 m of red conglomerates, sandstones, black siltstones, limestones, and reworked tuff of the Puesto Piris Formation. The basal part of this unit, which was deposited in high-gradient topographic relief, is composed of conglomerates and sandstones with thin layers of reworked tuffs. The lithofacies associations of the basal part indicate that the depositional mechanisms were mantled and gravitational flows.The middle part of the unit consists of fine sandstones, limestones, and black siltstones that were deposited in low-energy fluvial and lacustrine environments. The outcrops are located along the NEe SW direction and the major thickest units represented by limestones and siltstones, occur near the southeastern border of this NEeS W depocenter. Since the rhyolitic and trachytic lava flows and tuffs of the Marifil Volcanic Complex are interbedded with the sedimentary sequences of the Puesto Piris Formation,both units are coeval. Zircon Ue Pb age was obtained for a trachytic lava flow(193.4 ±3.1 Ma) suggesting that sedimentation and volcanism are Sinemurian. This extensional episode was recorded in the eastern,western, and southwestern sectors of the North Patagonian Massif, and is possibly associated with the Gondwana supercontinent breakup.     

Early Cambrian alkaline volcanism on the southern margin of Laurentia: evidence in the volcaniclastic units from the Puerto Blanco Formation in the Caborca block,NW Mexico

ABSTRACT

Volcaniclastic units are exposed at the base of the Puerto Blanco Formation in the Caborca region, northwestern Mexico. The lower unit reveals the presence of Early Cambrian mafic volcanism in this region. It consists of a volcano-sedimentary sequence represented by tuffaceous conglomerates, agglomerates, lapillistones, tuffs, and altered mafic volcanic flows. Petrographic analysis classified the volcanic clasts as albite-sphene-calcite-actinolite granofels, with a moderate to intense hydrothermal alteration, precisely characterized by EPMA analysis. Albite-actinolite geothermometry indicates temperatures from 400 to 500°C, suggesting metamorphic conditions in the upper temperature greenschist facies. Geochemistry analysis shows a high TiO₂ basic–ultrabasic volcanism that originated the volcanic clasts. Rock protoliths were studied using immobile trace elements, which classified them as OIB-type alkaline basalts with the characteristic spider hump-shaped pattern, situated in an anorogenic intracontinental tectonic setting with enriched mantle signatures. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology shows metamorphic ages of 52.58 ± 2.0 and 91.67 ± 0.55 Ma, consistent with the emplacement of Laramidic granitoids identified in the region. Possible correlations of this alkaline volcanism include the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen and the late stages of the rifting of north western Laurentia represented in western United States.     

Quaternary bimodal volcanism in the Niğde Volcanic Complex (Cappadocia,central Anatolia,Turkey): age,petrogenesis and geodynamic implications

The late Neogene to Quaternary Cappadocian Volcanic Province (CVP) in central Anatolia is one of the most impressive volcanic fields of Turkey because of its extent and spectacular erosionally sculptured landscape. The late Neogene evolution of the CVP started with the eruption of extensive andesitic-dacitic lavas and ignimbrites with minor basaltic lavas. This stage was followed by Quaternary bimodal volcanism. Here, we present geochemical, isotopic (Sr–Nd–Pb and δ¹⁸O isotopes) and geochronological (U–Pb zircon and Ar–Ar amphibole and whole-rock ages) data for bimodal volcanic rocks of the Ni?de Volcanic Complex (NVC) in the western part of the CVP to determine mantle melting dynamics and magmatic processes within the overlying continental crust during the Quaternary. Geochronological data suggest that the bimodal volcanic activity in the study area occurred between ca. 1.1 and ca. 0.2 Ma (Pleistocene) and comprises (1) mafic lavas consisting of basalts, trachybasalts, basaltic andesites and scoria lapilli fallout deposits with mainly basaltic composition, (2) felsic lavas consisting of mostly rhyolites and pumice lapilli fall-out and surge deposits with dacitic to rhyolitic composition. The most mafic sample is basalt from a monogenetic cone, which is characterized by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7038, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5128, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.80, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.68, suggesting a moderately depleted signature of the mantle source. Felsic volcanic rocks define a narrow range of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratios (0.5126–0.5128) and are homogeneous in Pb isotope composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.84–18.87, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.64–15.67 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.93–38.99). ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotopic compositions of mafic (0.7038–0.7053) and felsic (0.7040–0.7052) samples are similar, reflecting a common mantle source. The felsic rocks have relatively low zircon δ¹⁸O values (5.6 ± 0.6 ‰) overlapping mantle values (5.3 ± 0.3 %), consistent with an origin by fractional crystallization from a mafic melt with very minor continental crustal contamination. The geochronological and geochemical data suggest that mafic and felsic volcanic rocks of the NVC are genetically closely related to each other. Mafic rocks show a positive trend between ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Th, suggesting simultaneous assimilation and fractional crystallization, whereas the felsic rocks are characterized by a flat or slightly negative variation. High ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr gneisses are a potential crustal contaminant of the mafic magmas, but the comparatively low and invariant ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the felsic volcanics suggests that these evolved dominantly by fractional crystallization. Mantle-derived basaltic melts, which experienced low degree of crustal assimilation, are proposed to be the parent melt of the felsic volcanics. Geochronological and geochemical results combined with regional geological and geophysical data suggest that bimodal volcanism of the NVC and the CVP, in general, developed in a post-collisional extensional tectonic regime that is caused by ascending asthenosphere, which played a key role during magma genesis.     

Origin of silicic volcanism in the Panamanian arc: evidence for a two-stage fractionation process at El Valle volcano

In the Central American Volcanic Arc, adakite-like volcanism has often been described as volumetrically insignificant. However, extensive silicic adakitic volcanism does occur in the Panamanian arc and provides an opportunity to evaluate the origin of this magma-type as well as to contrast its origin with other Central American silicic magmas. The Quaternary volcanic deposits of El Valle volcano are characterized by pronounced depletions in the heavy rare earth elements, low Y, high Sr, high Sr/Y, relatively high MgO, and low K₂O/Na₂O, when compared with other Quaternary Central American volcanics at similar SiO₂. These chemical features are also diagnostic of adakitic signatures. Our new ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of lava flows and ash flows that compose the volcanic edifice of El Valle volcano illustrate that the eruptive volume of adakitic-like volcanism is substantial during the Quaternary (~120 km³). Adakitic-like magmas dominate the stratigraphic record. Common to all models for the origin of an adakite geochemical signature is the involvement of garnet, as a residual or fractionating phase. The stability of garnet in hydrous magmas has been recently reevaluated with important consequences; garnet is a stable primary igneous phase at pressure and temperature conditions expected for magma differentiation at the roots of a mature island arc. Moreover, adakite-like volcanism erupted at El Valle volcano displays the middle rare earth element depletion observed in other Panamanian volcanic centers that has been attributed to significant amphibole fractionation. Extensive amphibole fractionation may have occurred in two stages. The first stage of fractionation, garnet + amphibole fractionation, occurs from hydrous basaltic–andesitic parental magmas that have ponded at the base of an overthickened crust. The second stage occurs at mid-lower crustal levels where abundant amphibole + plagioclase and minor sphene crystallized from water-rich magmas. These two stages combined may have resulted in an amphibole-rich cumulate layer. This amphibole layer is likely the source of the abundant amphibole-rich cumulate enclaves and blobs found in volcanic products across the Panamanian arc. Stalling of water-rich magmas during this two-stage fractionation process could drive the interstitial liquids to the evolved compositions typical of continental crust, while leaving behind amphibole-rich cumulate rocks that may eventually be returned to the asthenosphere. Differentiation of H₂O-rich magmas under the conditions appropriate for the roots of island arcs may therefore be a key process in developing a better understanding of the generation of continental crust in island arc environments.     

Geochemical and geochronological constraints on Late Jurassic volcanic rocks at Tuen Mun,Hong Kong,with implications for the Palaeo-Pacific subduction

Widespread Mesozoic igneous rocks in Hong Kong form part of the giant Mesozoic igneous province in Southeastern China. The Tuen Mun Formation in the Northwestern New Territories is the oldest volcanic unit known in Hong Kong. This formation contains a lower unit composed of dominantly volcanic breccia, minor dacite, rhyolite, and tuff, and an upper unit of basaltic andesitic to andesitic lava. The volcanic rocks from the lower unit contain zircon grains with a mean U–Pb age of 163.4 ± 0.9 Ma, synchronous with the adjacent Tsuen Wan Volcanic Group in the region. Good inter-correlations between different elements in the Harker diagrams indicate that the volcanic rocks with high SiO₂ (e.g. >65 wt.%) are essentially physical mixtures of intermediate magmas and various xenoliths of country rocks, characterizing the palaeo-volcanic plug facies. Preservation of large amounts of xenoliths of sandstone and marble in the volcanic rocks, which is revealed both in field and under microscopic observation, further supports this hypothesis. The original andesitic magma, represented by the intermediate volcanic rocks with SiO₂ <65 wt.%, exhibit enrichments of LILEs and LREEs compared with N-MORB, but have negative Nb–Ta–Ti anomalies in the primitive-mantle normalized diagram, similar to those derived from metasomatized mantle wedge in an arc environment. Large ranges of SiO₂, MgO, and CaO contents, and negative Eu and Ce anomalies are consistent with significant fractional crystallization of likely olivine/pyroxene and plagioclase. We propose that during the Late Jurassic subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate underneath the coastal continental arc in Southeast China generated prolonged and cyclic volcanism in the northern part of Hong Kong.     

High-K volcanism in the Afyon region, western Turkey: from Si-oversaturated to Si-undersaturated volcanism

Volcanic rocks of the Afyon province (eastern part of western Anatolia) make up a multistage potassic and ultrapotassic alkaline series dated from 14 to 12 Ma. The early-stage Si-oversaturated volcanic rocks around the Afyon city and further southward are trachyandesitic volcanic activity (14.23 ± 0.09 Ma). Late-stage Si-undersaturated volcanism in the southernmost part of the Afyon volcanic province took place in three episodes inferred from their stratigraphic relationships and ages. Melilite–leucitites (11.50 ± 0.03 Ma), spotted trachyandesites, tephryphonolites and lamproites (11.91 ± 0.13 Ma) formed in the first episode; trachyandesites in the second episode and finally phonotephrites, phonolite, basaltic trachyandesites and nosean-bearing trachyandesites during the last episode. The parameter Q [normative q-(ne + lc + kls + ol)] of western Anatolia volcanism clearly decreased southward with time becoming zero in the time interval 10–15 Ma. The magmatism experienced a sudden change in the extent of Si saturation after 14 Ma, during late-stage volcanic activity of Afyon volcanic province at around 12 Ma, though there was some coexistence of Si-oversaturated and Si-undersaturated magmas during the whole life of Afyon volcanic province.     

Lower Pliensbachian caldera volcanism in high-obliquity rift systems in the western North Patagonian Massif,Argentina

In the Cerro Carro Quebrado and Cerro Catri Cura area, located at the border between the Neuquén Basin and the North Patagonian Massif, the Garamilla Formation is composed of four volcanic stages: 1) andesitic lava-flows related to the beginning of the volcanic system; 2) basal massive lithic breccias that represent the caldera collapse; 3) voluminous, coarse-crystal rich massive lava-like ignimbrites related to multiple, steady eruptions that represent the principal infill of the system; and, finally 4) domes, dykes, lava flows, and lava domes of rhyolitic composition indicative of a post-collapse stage.The analysis of the regional and local structures, as well as, the architectures of the volcanic facies, indicates the existence of a highly oblique rift, with its principal extensional strain in an NNE–SSW direction (∼N10°).The analyzed rocks are mainly high-potassium dacites and rhyolites with trace and RE elements contents of an intraplate signature. The age of these rocks (189 ± 0.76 Ma) agree well with other volcanic sequences of the western North Patagonian Massif, as well as, the Neuquén Basin, indicating that Pliensbachian magmatism was widespread in both regions. The age is also coincident with phase 1 of volcanism of the eastern North Patagonia Massif (188–178 Ma) represented by ignimbrites, domes, and pyroclastic rocks of the Marifil Complex, related to intraplate magmatism.     

U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry of late Palaeozoic volcanism in Sardinia (southern Variscides)

The latest Carboniferous to lower Permian volcanism of the southern Variscides in Sardinia developed in a regional continental transpressive and subsequent transtensile tectonic regime.Volcanism produced a wide range of intermediate-silicic magmas including medium-to high-K calc-alkaline andesites,dacites,and rhyolites.A thick late Palaeozoic succession is well exposed in the four most representative Sardinian continental basins(Nurra,Perdasdefogu,Escalaplano,and Seui-Seulo),and contains substantial stratigraphic,geochemical,and geochronological evidence of the area's complex geological evolution from the latest Carboniferous to the beginning of the Triassic.Based on major and trace element data and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating,it is possible to reconstruct the timing of postVariscan volcanism.This volcanism records active tectonism between the latest Carboniferous and Permian,and post-dates the unroofing and erosion of nappes in this segment of the southern Variscides.In particular,igneous zircon grains from calc-alkaline silicic volcanic rocks yielded ages between299±1 and 288±3 Ma,thereby constraining the development of continental strike-slip faulting from south(Escalaplano Basin)to north(Nurra Basin).Notably,andesites emplaced in medium-grade metamorphic basement(Mt.Cobingius,Ogliastra)show a cluster of older ages at 332±12 Ma.Despite the large uncertainty,this age constrains the onset of igneous activity in the mid-crust.These new radiometric ages constitute:(1)a consistent dataset for different volcanic events;(2)a precise chronostratigraphic constraint which fits well with the biostratigraphic data and(3)insights into the plate reorganization between Laurussia and Gondwana during the late Palaeozoic evolution of the Variscan chain.     

Provenance of Lower Cretaceous Wölong Volcaniclastics in the Tibetan Tethyan Himalaya: Implications for the final breakup of Eastern Gondwana

Lower Cretaceous volcanic lithic arenites, widely distributed in the Tethyan Himalaya, provide insights into the continental breakup of Eastern Gondwana. In southern Tibet they are represented by the Wölong Volcaniclastics. The volcanic rocks that contributed clastic material to the lower parts of this unit were predominantly alkali basalts, whereas rhyolitic/dacitic volcanism becomes the predominant source of the upper strata. Geochemical analyses of basaltic grains and of detrital Cr-spinels from the Wölong Volcaniclastics demonstrate the alkaline character of the volcanism and suggest “within-plate” tectonic setting for the volcanism. Zircon U–Pb ages confirm that this volcanism continued from ～ 140 Ma to ～ 119 Ma. Hf-isotope data on these Early Cretaceous zircons indicate that their parental magmas were mantle-derived, but in the later stage of magmatic activity mantle-derived magmas were mixed with partial melts derived from the continental crust.The Lower Cretaceous volcaniclastics occur along a broad belt paralleling the northern margin of Greater India. The onset of volcaniclastic deposition in the Himalayas appears to become progressively younger toward the west, but it ended synchronously during the Late Albian (～ 102 Ma). The low volume of volcanic rocks and their intra-plate tectonic setting suggest that they are the result of decompressional melting along extensional deep-seated fractures cross-cutting the continental crust, and reflect changes in regional intra-plate tectonic stresses when Greater India began to separate from the Australia–Antarctica supercontinent.     

Recognition and characterisation of high-grade ignimbrites from the Neoproterozoic rhyolitic volcanism in southernmost Brazil

Neoproterozoic magmatism in southern Brazil is associated with translithospheric shear belts and strike-slip basins in a post-collisional setting related to the last stages of the Brasilian-Pan African Orogenic Cycle. It evolved from an association of high-K calc-alkaline, leucocratic-peraluminous and continental tholeiitic magmas, to an association with shoshonitic magmas and, eventually, to an association with magmas of the sodic mildly alkaline series. This magmatism varies from metaluminous to peralkaline and exhibits alkaline sodic affinity. A large volcanism is related to this alkaline sodic magmatism and is named the Acampamento Velho Formation. This unit was coeval with subaerial siliciclastic sedimentation in post-collisional basins preserved in the region. The Acampamento Velho Formation consists of pyroclastic and effusive volcanic deposits, which are mainly silicic, emplaced under subaerial conditions. The best exposures of this volcanism occur on the Ramada and Taquarembó plateaus, located southwest of Rio Grande do Sul in southernmost Brazil. The pyroclastic flow deposits are composed mainly of juvenile fragments such as pumices, shards and crystal fragments. Welding is very effective in these units. High-grade ignimbrites occur at the base and intermediate portions of the deposits and rheoignimbrites are observed at the top. The pre-eruptive temperature calculations, which were obtained at the saturation of zircon, revealed values between 870 °C and 978 °C for Taquarembó Plateau and 850 °C–946 °C for Ramada Plateau. The calculated viscosity values vary from 6.946 to 8.453 log η (Pas) for the rheoignimbrites and 7.818 to 10.588 log η (Pas) for the ignimbrites. Zr contents increase toward the top of the pyroclastic sequence, which indicates an increase in peralkalinity and determines the reduction in viscosity for clasts at the upper portions of the flows. The patterns of the structures of the ignimbrites and rheoignimbrites in the Taquarembó and Ramada plateaus accords well with successive pyroclastic flows that halts en masse. In this model the entire pyroclastic flow halts en masse, so complex vertical changes in grain size and composition are interpreted as recording deposition from successive discrete pyroclastic flows. The stratification observed in intermediate units in Taquarembó Plateau might reflect in this case variation in eruptive dynamics and short pauses.     

Meso–Neoarchaean crustal evolution of the Bundelkhand Craton,Indian Shield: new data from greenstone belts

ABSTRACT

The Mauranipur and Babina greenstone belts of the Bundelkhand Craton are formed of the Central Bundelkhand greenstone complex (CBGC). This complex represents tectonic collage which has not been previously studied in depth. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the main features of the Archaean crustal evolution of the Bundelkhand Craton. The CBGC consists of two assemblages: (1) the early assemblage, which is composed of basic-ultramafic, rhyolitic–dacitic, and banded iron formation units, and (2) the late assemblage, which is a felsic volcanic unit. The units and assemblages are tectonically unified with epidote–quartz–plagioclase metasomatic rocks formed locally in these tectonic zones.

The early assemblage of the Mauranipur greenstone belt is estimated at 2810 ± 13 Ma, from the U–Pb dating (SHRIMP, zircon) of the felsic volcanics. Also, there are inherited 3242 ± 65 Ma zircons in this rock. It is deduced that this assemblage is related to early felsic subduction volcanism during the Mesoarchaean that occurred in the Bundelkhand Craton.

Zircons extracted from metasomatic rocks in the early assemblage’s high-Mg basalts show a concordant age of 2687 ± 11 Ma. This age is interpreted as a time of metamorphism that occurred simultaneously with an early accretion stage in the evolution of the Mauranipur greenstone belt.

The felsic volcanism, appearing as subvolcanic bodies in the late assemblage of the Mauranipur greenstone belt, is estimated to be 2557 ± 33 Ma from the U–Pb dating (SHRIMP, zircon) of the felsic volcanic rocks. This rock also contains inherited 2864 ± 46 Ma zircons. The late assemblage of the Mauranipur greenstone belt corresponds with a geodynamic setting of active subduction along the continental margin during Neoarchaean.

The late assemblage Neoarchaean felsic volcanic rocks from the Mauranipur and Babina greenstone belts are comparable in age and geochemical characteristics. The Neoarchaean rocks are more enriched in Sr and Ba and are more depleted in Cr and Ni than the Mesoarchaean felsic volcanic rocks of the early assemblage.

Through isotopic dating and the geochemical analysis of the volcanic and metasomatic rocks of the CBGC, this study has revealed two subduction–accretion events, the Meso–Neoarchaean (2.81–2.7 Ga) and Neoarchaean (2.56–2.53 Ga), during the crustal evolution of the Bundelkhand Craton (Indian Shield).     

Geochronology,petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of Mesozoic volcanic rocks,southern Manzhouli area,Inner Mongolia

We have undertaken major and trace element analyses of volcanic rocks in Northeast China, as well as U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic analysis of their zircons, in order to determine the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the volcanics. Mesozoic volcanism in the southern Manzhouli area occurred in two stages: Middle to Late Jurassic (164–147 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (142–123 Ma). The first stage is represented by the Tamulangou, Jixiangfeng, and Qiyimuchang formations. The Jixiangfeng Formation (162–156 Ma) is a rhyolite–trachyte dominated unit that lies between two basalt units, namely the underlying Tamulangou (164–160 Ma) and overlying Qiyimuchang (151–147 Ma) formations. The second igneous stage is dominated by rhyolitic lavas and tuffs of the Shangkuli Formation and basaltic rocks of the Yiliekede Formation, and they yield zircon U–Pb ages of 142–125 and 135–123 Ma, respectively. Basaltic rocks of the Tamulangou and Yiliekede formations have a wide range of MgO contents (1.64–9.59 wt%), but are consistently depleted of Nb and Ta and enriched with incompatible trace elements such as large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs). Trachytes and rhyolites of the Jixiangfeng and Shangkuli formations are characterized by enrichment in LILEs and LREEs relative to HFSEs and HREEs, and with negative Nb, Ta, P, and Ti anomalies and positive ? _Hf(t) values (3.49–9.98). These data suggest that basaltic volcanic rocks in southern Manzhouli were generated by fractional crystallization of a common parental magma, which was derived by partial melting of metasomatized (enriched) lithospheric mantle, whereas the trachytic and rhyolitic magmas were produced by the melting of lower crustal mafic and felsic granulites, respectively. Geochronological data indicate that Mesozoic volcanism in southern Manzhouli was initiated in the Middle to Late Jurassic and continued into the Early Cretaceous. It was mainly induced by lithospheric extension after the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean.     

Intra-continental back-arc basin inversion and Late Carboniferous magmatism in Eastern Tianshan,NW China: Constraints from the Shaquanzi magmatic suite

The Yamansu belt,an important tectonic component of Eastern Tianshan Mountains,of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt,NW China hosts many Fe-(Cu)deposit.In this study,we present new zircon U-Pb geochronology and geochemical data of the volcanic rocks of Shaquanzi Formation and diorite intrusions in the Yamansu belt.The Shaquanzi Formation comprises mainly basalt,andesite/andesitic tuff,rhyolite and sub-volcanic diabase with local diorite intrusions.The volcanic rocks and diorites contain ca.315-305 Ma and ca.298 Ma zircons respectively.These rocks show calc-alkaline affinity with enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements(LILEs),light rare-earth elements(LREEs),and depletion in high field strength elements(HFSEs)in primitive mantle normalized multi-element diagrams,which resemble typical back-arc basin rocks.They show depleted mantle signature with ε_(Nd)(t)ranging from+3.1 to +5.6 for basalt;+2.1 to+4.7 for andesite;-0.2 to+1.5 for rhyolite and the ε_(Hf)(t)ranges from-0.1 to +13.0 for andesites;+5.8 to +10.7 for andesitic tuffs.We suggest that the Shaquanzi Formation basalt might have originated from a depleted,metasomatized lithospheric mantle source mixed with minor(3-5%)subduction-derived materials,whereas the andesite and rhyolite could be fractional crystallization products of the basaltic magma.The Shaquanzi Formation volcanic rocks could have formed in an intracontinental back-arc basin setting,probably via the southward subduction of the Kangguer Ocean beneath the Middle Tianshan Massif.The Yamansu mineralization belt might have undergone a continental arc to back-arc basin transition during the Late Carboniferous and the intra-continental back-arc basin might have closed in the Early Permian,marked by the emplacement of dioritic magma in the Shaquanzi belt.     

西准噶尔萨吾尔地区二叠纪火山活动规律

西准噶尔萨吾尔地区位于新疆阿勒泰的吉木乃县及塔城地区和丰县。区内泥盆纪—二叠纪均有火山活动,其中二叠纪火山作用尤为强烈。二叠纪火山岩地层包括哈尔加乌组和卡拉岗组,哈尔加乌组为一套陆相中基性-中性火山岩及火山碎屑岩,卡拉岗组为一套陆相中基性-中酸性火山岩及火山碎屑岩。哈尔加乌—卡拉岗旋回火山岩主要岩性包括橄榄玄武岩、玄武岩、粗玄岩、安山岩、粗安岩、流纹岩、火山碎屑岩等。根据火山岩地层综合剖面以及火山岩的岩石学、岩相学特征,萨吾尔地区二叠纪火山活动由早至晚可分为5个阶段:中性喷发阶段、间歇性基性喷发阶段、酸性爆发及喷溢阶段、小规模中性间歇性爆发及喷溢阶段、基性喷发阶段;火山岩为陆相火山岩,具有双峰式特征,形成于伸展的构造背景下。     

Mantle and crustal processes in the magmatism of the Campania region: inferences from mineralogy, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–O isotopes of young hybrid volcanics of the Ischia island (South Italy)

Ischia, one active volcano of the Phlegraean Volcanic District, prone to very high risk, is dominated by a caldera formed 55 ka BP, followed by resurgence of the collapsed area. Over the past 3 ka, the activity extruded evolved potassic magmas; only a few low-energy explosive events were fed by less evolved magmas. A geochemical and Sr–Nd–O isotope investigation has been performed on minerals and glass from products of three of such eruptions, Molara, Vateliero, and Cava Nocelle (<2.6 ka BP). Data document strong mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic heterogeneities likely resulting from mingling/mixing processes among mafic and felsic magmas that already fed the Ischia volcanism in the past. Detailed study on the most mafic magma has permitted to investigate its origin. The mantle sector below Ischia underwent subduction processes that modified its pristine chemical, isotopic, and redox conditions by addition of ≤1 % of sediment fluids/melts. Similar processes occurred from Southeast to Northwest along the Apennine compressive margin, with addition of up to 2.5 % of sediment-derived material. This is shown by volcanics with poorly variable, typical δ¹⁸O mantle values, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr progressively increasing toward typical continental crust values. Multiple partial melting of this modified mantle generated distinct primary magmas that occasionally assimilated continental crust, acquiring more ¹⁸O than ⁸⁷Sr. At Ischia, 7 % of Hercynian granodiorite assimilation produced isotopically distinct, K-basaltic to latitic magmas. A SW–NE regional tectonic structure gave these magmas coming from large depth the opportunity to mingle/mix with felsic magmas stagnating in shallower reservoirs, eventually triggering explosive eruptions.     

Possible correlation of Oligocene climate changes with Ethiopian Oligocene ignimbrite eruptions

The Oligocene Ethiopian continental flood basalt province (ca. 29–31 Ma) contains significant silicic pyroclastic rocks (>60,000 km³ constituting up to 20% of the volcanic stratigraphy). Rhyolitic tephras, synchronous with the Ethiopian silicic pyroclastic rocks, are found in Indian Ocean ODP holes 711A. They are geochemically akin to the Ethiopian silicic pyroclastic rocks. This suggests that the Indian Ocean tephras originated from Ethiopian silicic eruptions and represents more distal fallout of this volcanism. The temporal coincidence of the Ethiopian flood volcanism with the Oligocene global cooling event (Oi2?～?30.3 Ma) and the emplacement of the Ethiopian silicic pyroclastic eruptions on a near-global scale strongly suggest that the Ethiopian continental flood basalt province may have contributed or at least accelerated the climate change that was already underway.     

藏南喜马拉雅北坡色龙地区二叠系基性火山岩的发现及其构造意义

藏南喜马拉雅北坡二叠系基性火山岩位于聂拉木县色龙东山。岩石地球化学特征表明,无论是基龙组火山岩还是色龙群火山岩,都具有大陆拉伸-大陆裂谷环境火山岩系的主、微量元素地球化学特征。据此,判断两套基性火山岩的性质和喷发构造环境相同。该区二叠纪大陆拉伸-裂谷火山活动标志着冈瓦纳超级古大陆开始裂离、解体。     

Miocene Basalts of the Blue Mountains Province in Oregon. I: Compositional Types and their Geological Settings

Miocene volcanism in the Blue Mountains province of centralOregon produced diverse basaltic rocks. One set of these, thePicture Gorge Formation of the Columbia River Basalt Group,is well known. Others (Bowman Dam, Bear Creek, and Slide Creekflows) are relatively poorly known. Only the Picture Gorge flowsin the center of the province are typical continental floodbasalts. Basaltic rocks with calc-alkaline affinities (evolvedBear Creek flows, Slide Creek basalts) are found to the westand east. Basal Bear Creek flows closely resemble MORB and islandarc tholeiites, despite having erupted on a continental plate.Bowman Dam (formerly ‘Prineville’) basalts are richin K₂O, P₂O₅, and Ba, and poor in Ni, Co, and Cr. Some of thesefeatures may reflect mantle metasomatism or crustal contamination.Thus, several currently debated theories of basalt petrogenesiscan be tested by studying flows erupted during Miocene timesin this relatively small area. Very few, if any, of these basaltic rocks represent primarymantle-derived magmas. Inferred depths of the pre-eruption magmareservoirs in which they were fractionated are shallow in thecenter of the province, deeper to the east and west. The E-W axis of Miocene calc-alkaline rocks in the Blue Mountainsprovince existed simultaneously with a N-S axis of calc-alkalineactivity in the Cascades that paralleled an offshore subductionzone. Current ideas of relationships among tectonic settingsand the compositions of volcanic rocks cannot easily be madeto conform with these facts.     

Continental flood basalts of the Huashan Group,northern margin of the Yangtze block – implications for the breakup of Rodinia

It is generally accepted that Neoproterozoic extension and dispersal of the supercontinent Rodinia was associated with mantle plume or superplume activities. However, plume-generated contemporaneous continental flood basalts (CFBs) have rarely been identified. In this study, we present geochronological and geochemical evidence for the basalts from the Liufangzui Formation of the Huashan Group in the Dahongshan region of east-central China. A representative sample yields a SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age of 824 ± 9 Ma, interpreted as the crystallization age of the rocks. Geochemically, these basalts belong to the subalkaline tholeiite series and display slight enrichments in light rare earth elements (LREE) and varying degrees of deficiency of high field strength elements (HFSE) such as Nb, Ta, and Ti. This pattern is very similar to that of CFBs from the Bikou Group and Tiechuanshan Formation in the northwestern Yangtze block in China and Siberia in Russia. The basaltic magmas underwent partially-fractional crystallization during ascent, but were not intensely influenced by crustal contamination. The characteristic element ratios and negative Hf isotopic analyses (?_Hf(t) = ?6.6–2.6) in zircons indicate that the parental magmas of the basalts might have been derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle rather than from the depleted mantle such as normal mid-ocean ridge basalts (N-MORBs). The geochemical signatures and regional geological characteristics show that these basalts were formed along intraplate continental rifts rather than in island arcs or ocean basins. Considering the coeval basic volcanic rocks in South China, we propose that these Huashan Group basalts represent the remnants of plume-generated CFBs and have close spatiotemporal ties with a coeval basic igneous province in Australia. Our results support the Neoproterozoic location of the South China block adjacent to southeastern Australia in the reconstruction model of the supercontinent Rodinia.     

澜沧江南带三叠纪火山岩岩石学、地球化学特征、Ar-Ar年代学研究及其构造意义

滇西三江地区澜沧江南带广泛发育三叠纪火山岩。在北部云县一带,中晚三叠世火山岩出露齐全,自下而上可划分为中三叠统忙怀组(T₂m),上三叠统小定西组(T₃x)和上三叠统芒汇河组(T₃mh)。忙怀组以酸性火山岩为主,为一套流纹岩夹火山碎屑岩组合;小定西组发育为中基性火山熔岩夹火山碎屑岩;芒汇河组具有流纹质火山碎屑岩与玄武岩共存的"双峰式"火山岩特征。地球化学特征表明,南澜沧江带三叠纪火山岩具有弧火山岩与大陆板内火山岩的双重属性,推测其形成环境为过渡型的大陆边缘造山带环境。对南澜沧江带南部景洪附近采集到的石英安山岩样品进行Ar-Ar年龄测试,得到的坪年龄为236.7±2.2Ma,为中三叠世。结合火山岩年代学结果,推测澜沧江洋主碰撞期为早三叠世,中三叠世与晚三叠世早期分别为碰撞后的应力松弛阶段与洋盆继续俯冲期,到晚三叠世末期,俯冲作用结束,澜沧江洋关闭。