A mafic intrusion of “arc affinity” in a post-orogenic extensional setting: A case study from Ganluogou gabbro in the northern Yidun Arc Belt,eastern Tibetan Plateau

Generally, arc-related or subduction-related mafic magmas are formed during or slightly postdate subduction, and characterized by depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) relative to the large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare-earth elements (LREEs). Combining with mineral chemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes, these geochemical characteristics were usually used to define an arc setting, especially for some ancient arcs that had been strongly modified by later tectonic activities. However, we report an exceptional case from the northern part of the Triassic Yidun Arc Belt, eastern Tibetan Plateau. The Ganluogou gabbro (∼152 Ma) occurs as several intrusive bodies. Its mineral assemblage is olivine (chrysolite), plagioclase (anorthite), clinopyroxene (diopside), amphibole (edenite and pargasite) and phlogopite. Whole rock geochemistry shows low SiO₂ (42.87–46.99 wt.%), total rear earth elements (ΣREE = 22.8–28.4 ppm), Na₂O + K₂O (0.92–1.34 wt.%), and high Al₂O₃, MgO and FeO contents. It has small variations of initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7053–0.7055) and ε_Nd(t) values (−4.8 to −1.8). All the samples exhibit enrichment in LILEs including Th and U, but strongly depleted in HFSEs, including Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf. For the mineral chemistry, there are two type amphiboles. Amp(I) show higher V, Sc, Cr, Sr, Nb and Zr contents, but lower Th and U contents than those of Amp(II). Their REE patterns range from convex shape without Eu anomaly to LREE-enriched pattern with weak positive Eu anomaly. We suggest that Amp(I) was crystallized from a liquid that was mainly buffered by olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase, while Amp(II) crystallized from later melt that was mainly buffered by olivine. Based on clinopyroxene chemistry, compositions of coexisting olivine and plagioclase, and whole rock Sr–Nd isotopes, the parental magma of the Ganluogou gabbro is interpreted as a tholeiitic arc-affinity magma, which might be derived from an N-MORB mantle that had been metasomatised by slab-derived melts in the late Triassic (237–206 Ma). Thus, the Ganluogou gabbro provides an example that magmas exhibiting arc-affinity could in fact be formed in a post-orogenic extensional setting.     

Geochemistry,geochronology and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions of Middle to Late Jurassic syenite–granodiorites–dacite in South China: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data, major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are reported for coeval syenite–granodiorites–dacite association in South China. The shoshonitic syenites are characterized by high K₂O contents (5.9–6.1 wt.%) and K₂O/Na₂O ratios (1.1–1.2), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.65 to 0.77), enrichments of Rb, K, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf, but depletion of Sr, P and Ti. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry intrusions are characterized by high Al₂O₃ contents (15.0–16.8 wt.%), enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), strongly fractionated LREEs (light rare earth elements) to HREEs (heavy rare earth elements), high Sr (438–629 ppm), Sr/Y (29.2–53.6), and low Y (11.7–16.8 ppm) and HREE contents (e.g., Yb = 1.29–1.64 ppm). The calc-alkaline dacites are characterized by LREE enrichment, absence of negative Eu anomalies, and enrichment of LILEs such as Rb, Ba, Th, U and Pb, and depletion of HFSEs such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti.Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the syenites suggest that the shoshonitic magmas were differentiated from parental shoshonitic melts by fractional crystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and feldspar. The parent magmas may have originated from partial melting of the lithospheric mantle with small amount contribution from crustal materials. The adakitic granodiorite and granodiorite porphyry have Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions that are comparable to that of the mafic lower crust. They have low Mg# and MgO, Ni and Cr contents, abundant inherited zircons, low ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values as well as old whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf model ages. These granodiorites were likely generated by partial melting of Triassic underplated mafic lower crust. The Hf isotopic compositions of the dacites are relatively more depleted than the Cathaysia enriched mantle, suggesting those magmas were derived from the partial melting of subduction-modified mantle sources. The coeval shoshonitic, high-K calc-alkaline and calc-alkaline rocks in Middle to Late Jurassic appear to be associated with an Andean-type subduction. This subduction could have resulted in the upwelling of the asthenosphere beneath the Cathaysia Block, which induced partial melting of the mantle as well as the mafic lower crust, and formed an arc regime in the coastal South China during Middle to Late Jurassic.     

Triassic volcanism in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces,NE China: Chronology,geochemistry, and tectonic implications

With the aim of constraining the Early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), we undertook zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analyses (major and trace elements, Sr–Nd isotopes) of volcanic rocks of the Luoquanzhan Formation and Daxinggou Group in eastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, China. The analyzed rocks consist mainly of dacite and rhyolite, with SiO₂ contents of 68.52–76.65 wt%. Three samples from the Luoquanzhan Formation and one from the Daxinggou Group were analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb zircon techniques. Three zircons with well-defined oscillatory zoning yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 217 ± 1, 214 ± 2, and 208 ± 1 Ma, and one zircon with oscillatory zoning yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 201 ± 1 Ma. These ages are interpreted to represent the timing of eruption of the volcanic rocks. The Triassic volcanic rocks are characterized by high SiO₂ and low MgO concentrations, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7040–0.7050 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 0.7163–0.7381 (Daxinggou Group), and ε_Nd (t) = 1.89–3.94 (Luoquanzhan Formation) and 3.42–3.68 (Daxinggou Group). These geochemical features indicate an origin involving the partial melting of juvenile lower crust (Nd model ages (T_DM2) of 651–821 Ma) and that compositional variation among the volcanic rocks arose from mineral fractionation and minor assimilation. These volcanic rocks formed within an extensional environment following collision of the NCC and Jiamusi-Khanka Massif during the Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic.     

Geochronological and geochemical studies of mafic and intermediate dykes from the Khao Khwang Fold–Thrust Belt: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

Zircon U–Pb, mica 40Ar/39Ar ages and geochemistry of the Permo-Triassic mafic to intermediate dyke swarms at the south-western margin of the Indochina Terrane, central Thailand, are reported here and used to decipher the timing of the Sukhothai-Indochina & Sibumasu-Indochina collisions during the Permo-Triassic stages of the Indosinian Orogeny. The mafic dyke swarms in the folded layers of the Khao Khwang Fold–Thrust Belt (KKFTB) were emplaced between the Late Permian and the Late Triassic. The volcanic rocks range from slightly tholeiitic to mostly calc-alkalic, but can be subdivided into three different volcanic groups on the basis of trace and incompatible element abundances such as Ni, Cr, P, Co, and Th. However, all the groups present similar chemical footprints and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) (Rb, Ba, Sr, Pb) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depleted in HFSE such as Nb, and Ti highlighting the volcanic arc nature of the system. Isotopically, the three groups are characterized by subtle differences in εNd(t) values (from + 3.2 to + 5.2) and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (from 0.7056 to 0.7067). The KKFTB mafic dykes share a few geochemical characteristics of the mafic dykes from the Chiang Khong volcanic suite in the Sukhothai terrane, and from the Loei volcanic belt in northern Indochina. These geochemical features suggest that the KKFTB mafic dykes, and the volcanic rocks in central-northern Thailand, were likely emplaced in a similar orogenic setting. The rocks of Group III are interpreted to have intruded from the Early Triassic (255 ± 6 Ma) to the Late Triassic (207 ± 2 Ma), and were probably sourced from a more crustally contaminated magma.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of alkaline ultramafic dykes from southwest Guizhou Province,SW China

Geochronological, geochemical and whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopic analyses have been completed on a suite of alkaline ultramafic dykes from southwest (SW) Guizhou Province, China with the aim of characterising their petrogenesis. The Baiceng ultramafic dykes have a LA-ICP-MS zircon ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 88.1 ± 1.1 Ma (n = 8), whereas two phlogopites studied by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating methods give emplacement ages of 85.25 ± 0.57 Ma and 87.51 ± 0.45 Ma for ultramafic dykes from Yinhe and Lurong, respectively. In terms of composition, these Late Mesozoic ultramafic dykes belong to the alkaline magma series due to their high K₂O (3.31–5.04 wt.%) contents. The dykes are characterised by enrichment of light rare earth element (LREE) and large-ion lithosphile elements (LILEs) (Rb and Ba), negative anomalies in high field strength elements (HFSEs), such as, Nb, Ta and Ti relative to primitive mantle, low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7060–0.7063) and positive ε_Nd(t) values (0.3–0.4). Such features suggest derivation from low degree (< 1%) partial melting of depleted asthenospheric mantle (garnet-lherzolite), and contamination to various degrees (～ 10%) by interaction with upper crustal materials.     

Geochemistry of Neoproterozoic mafic intrusions in the Panzhihua district (Sichuan Province,SW China): Implications for subduction-related metasomatism in the upper mantle

Metasomatism above subduction zones is an important process that produces heterogeneous mantle and thus a diversity of igneous rocks. In the Panzhihua district, on the western margin of the Yangtze Block (SW China), two Neoproterozoic mafic intrusions, one olivine gabbro and one hornblende gabbro, have identical ages of 746 ± 10 and 738 ± 23 Ma. Both of the gabbros are tholeiitic in composition and have arc-like geochemical compositions. The hornblende gabbros have K₂O concentrations ranging from 0.70 to 1.69 wt.% and show enrichment of Rb, Ba, U, Th and Pb and depletion of Nb,Ta and Ti. They have variable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7045–0.7070) with constant ɛNd(t) values (−0.12 to −0.93). The olivine gabbros have relatively low K₂O (0.19–0.43 wt.%), are depleted in Rb and Th relative to Ba and U, and have obvious negative Nb–Ta and Zr–Hf anomalies on primitive mantle-normalized trace element diagrams. Their ɛNd(t) values range from −0.64 to −1.73 and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from 0.7070 to 0.7075. Both types of gabbro experienced fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole and minor Fe–Ti oxide. The parental magmas of the olivine and hornblende gabbros were formed by about 20% partial melting of garnet–spinel lherzolite and spinel lherzolite, respectively. According to trace elemental ratios, the hornblende gabbros were probably derived from a source strongly modified by subducted slab fluids, whereas the olivine gabbros came from a mantle source modified by subducted slab melts. The close association of the olivine gabbros and hornblende gabbros suggests that a steep subduction zone existed along the western margin of the Yangtze Block during Neoproterozoic time. Thus, the giant Neoproterozoic magmatic event in South China was subduction-related.     

Petrogenesis of post-collisional A-type granitoids from the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic assemblage,Southwestern Kerman,Iran: Constraints on the Arabian–Eurasian continental collision

Three plutons (Deh-Siahan, Bande-Bagh and Baghe-Khoshk Sharghi, collectively referred to as the DBB hereafter) in southwestern Kerman, in the southeastern part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic assemblage (UDMA) of the Zagros orogenic belt differ from the typical calc-alkaline metaluminous, I-type intrusions of the region. The DBB intrusions have a distinct lithological assemblage varying from diorite through monzogranite and monzonite to alkali feldspar syenite and alkali granite. The DBB granitoids are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, alkaline to shoshonitic in composition and have high total alkali contents with K₂O > Na₂O, high FeO_T/MgO values, and low CaO and MgO contents. They are enriched in some LILEs (such as Rb and Th) and HFSEs (such as Zr, Y and REEs except Eu) and depleted in Sr and Ba relative to primordial mantle, and have low concentrations of transitional metals. These features along with various geochemical discriminant diagrams suggest that the DBB granitoids are post-collisional A-type granitoids, which had not been recognized previously in the UDMA. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the DBB granitoids show slightly enriched light REEs [(La/Sm)_N = 2.26–4.13], negative Eu anomalies [(Eu/Eu*)_N = 0.19–0.74] and flat heavy REE patterns [(Gd/Yb)_N = 0.80–1.87]. The negative Eu anomaly indicates an important role for plagioclase and/or K-feldspar during fractional crystallization. Whole-rock Rb–Sr isotope analysis yields an isochron age of 33 ± 1 Ma with an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr value of 0.7049 ± 0.0001. Whole-rock Sm–Nd isotope analysis gives ε_Nd^t values from + 2.56 to + 3.62 at 33 Ma. The positive ε_Nd^t and low I_Sr values of the DBB granitoids together with their T_DM of 0.6–0.7 Ga suggest their formation from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source, modified by fluids or melts from earlier subduction processes. Melting of lithospheric mantle occurred via a dehydration melting process at pressures below the garnet stability field, as a consequence of lithospheric mantle delamination or break-off of a subducted slab and melting of the lithospheric mantle by upwelling of hot asthenosphere. On the basis of Rb/Sr age dating and the post-collisional geochemical signatures of the DBB granitoids, along with extensive pre-collisional volcanic eruptions in Middle Eocene, we suggest Late Eocene for the time of collision between the Arabian and Central Iranian plates. This also implies that the calc-alkaline I-type intrusions in the southwestern Kerman and in other parts of the UDMA may have formed in a post-collisional context.     

Petrogenesis of Carboniferous adakites and Nb-enriched arc basalts in the Alataw area,northern Tianshan Range (western China): Implications for Phanerozoic crustal growth in the Central Asia orogenic belt

Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the Alataw area, Northern Tianshan Range (Xinjiang), consist of early Carboniferous (ca. 320 Ma) adakites and Nb-enriched arc basalts and basaltic andesites (NEBs), and late Carboniferous (ca. 306–310 Ma) mainly high-K calc-alkaline andesites, dacites and rhyolites. The adakites are calc-alkaline, and characterized by high Na₂O/K₂O (1.52–3.32) ratios, negligible to positive Eu anomalies, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements (e.g., Yb = 0.74–1.47 ppm) and Y (6.7–14.9 ppm), positive Sr and Ba but negative Nb and Ti anomalies, and relatively constant ε_Nd(T) values (+ 3.4–+ 6.6) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7035–0.7042). Some andesitic and dacitic adakite samples exhibit high MgO contents similar to magnesian andesites. The NEBs are sodium-rich (Na₂O/K₂O = 2.03–8.06), and differ from the vast majority of arc basalts in their higher Nb, Zr, TiO₂ and P₂O₅ contents and Nb/Th, Nb/La and Nb/U ratios, and minor negative to positive anomalies in Ba, Nb, Sr, Zr and Ti. They have the highest ε_Nd(T) values (+ 6.4–+ 11.6) but varying (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7007–0.7063). The high-K calc-alkaline suite is similar to typical ‘normal’ arc volcanic rocks in terms of moderately fractionated rare earth abundance and distinctly negative Eu, Nb, Sr and Ti anomalies. They have ε_Nd(T) values (+ 1.2–+ 6.4) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7018–0.7059). Geochemically, they are similar to coeval I-type granitoids in the Alataw area. Given the presence of early Carboniferous ophiolites in the Northern Tianshan Range, and the isotopically inappropriate compositions of Proterozoic metamorphic basement in the Alataw area, we argue that the Alataw adakites were most probably related to the melting of young subducted crust of the Northern Tianshan Ocean. The NEBs likely originated from mantle wedge peridotites metasomatized by adakites and minor slab-derived fluids. The later high-K calc alkaline suite was generated by AFC processes that acted on melts derived from a mantle wedge metasomatized by hydrous fluids. The larger range of isotopic compositions exhibited by both the NEB and high-K suite, relative to the adakites, suggests that the mantle wedge was heterogeneous prior to slab- or fluid-mediated metasomatism.Continental crustal growth of the Central Asian orogenic belt was dominated by contributions of the juvenile materials from the depleted mantle prior to 270 Ma and possibly afterwards. The results of this study suggest that other Carboniferous Nb-enriched basalts in the Tianshan Range were generated by subduction processes rather than by intraplate tectonics as previously proposed.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the intermediate-acid volcanic rocks along the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak igneous zone in NW Thailand and their tectonic implications

Volcanic rocks preserved in the Lampang–Den Chai area in NW Thailand are important components of the giant Paleotethyan igneous belt. Constraining their age and petrogenesis is critical for better understanding their temporal-spatial relationship with the Lancangjiang igneous zone and the Paleotethyan tectonic evolution in SE Asia. The volcanic suite is constituted by intermediate to acid rocks with zircon U–Pb ages of 240.4 ± 1.7 Ma and 240.6 ± 1.9 Ma for the representative andesitic and rhyolitic samples, respectively. Volcanic sequence is dominated by calc-alkaline andesites, dacites and rhyolites. The andesitic and dacitic samples are characterized by high Mg# (37–57) and TiO₂ (0.91–1.59 wt%), and can be classified as high-Mg series. They are enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in HFSEs. Representative andesitic samples have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (i) ratios of 0.70398–0.70567, ε_Nd (t) values of +3.6–+3.9, zircon ε_Hf (t) values of +2.8–+8.0 and δ¹⁸O values of 7.01–8.11‰, respectively. The rhyolitic samples are characterized by high Mg# (38–70) and low TiO₂ (0.25–0.61 wt%). They are enriched in LILEs and LREEs, along with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (i) = 0.70468–0.70645, ε_Nd (t) = +2.0–+4.3 and zircon ε_Hf (t) = +5.7–+13.6. Geochemical signatures suggest that the andesitic and dacitic samples might originate from a newly modified mantle source by slab-derived fluids and recycled sediments, and rhyolitic samples were derived from juvenile mafic crust. It is proposed that the Middle Triassic high-Mg volcanic rocks in the Lampang–Den Chai area formed in response to slab roll-back during transition of tectonic regime from subduction to continental collision between the Sibumasu and Indochina blocks. These rocks constitute part of the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak igneous zone, and can northerly link with the Lancangjiang igneous zone and southerly extend to the Chanthaburi, Malaysia and Singapore areas.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Mesozoic mafic–ultramafic complexes in the southern Liaoning and southern Jilin provinces,NE China: Constraints on the spatial extent of destruction of the North China Craton

LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data are presented for mafic–ultramafic complexes from the southern Liaoning–southern Jilin area with the aim of determining the nature of the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle and to further constrain the spatial extent of destruction of the North China Craton (NCC). The complexes consist of olivine-websterite, gabbro, dolerite, and gabbro-diorite. Zircons from the complexes show typical zoning absorption, are euhedral–subhedral in shape, and yield high Th/U ratios (1.23–2.87), indicating a magmatic origin. Zircon U–Pb age data indicate that they formed in the Early Cretaceous (129–137 Ma). Geochemically, they have SiO₂ = 44.3–49.8%, MgO = 6.8–26.5%, Cr = 102–3578 ppm, and Ni = 31–1308 ppm, and are characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), as well as a wide range of Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)i = 0.70557–0.71119; ε_Nd (t) = ?5.4 to ?20.1; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)i = 15.13–17.85; Δ7/4 = ?11.49 to 16.00; Δ8/4 = 102.64–203.48]. Compared with the southern Liaoning mafic–ultramafic rocks, the southern Jilin mafic–ultramafic rocks have high TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents, high ε_Nd (t) values, low (La/Yb)_N values, low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and low radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions. These findings indicate that the primary magmas of the southern Jilin complexes were derived from lithospheric mantle that was previously metasomatized by a melt derived from the delaminated ancient lower crust, whereas the primary magmas of the southern Liaoning complexes originated from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source that was previously modified by melt derived from the broken-off Yangtze slab. Therefore, the lateral extent of the NCC destruction should include the southern Liaoning–southern Jilin area.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and O–Nd isotopic composition of basement rocks in the North Qinling Terrain, central China: evidence for provenance and evolution

The Qinling Group was previously interpreted as the oldest Precambrian basement unit of the North Qinling Terrain, recording its formation and early crustal evolution. The Qinling Group consists predominantly of gneisses, amphibolites, and marbles, which underwent multi-phase deformation and metamorphism. In order to better constrain the provenance and tectonic setting of this group and the evolution of the North Qinling orogenic belt, in situ U–Pb dating and oxygen isotopic analysis of zircons in combination with whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope analysis was performed on the two dominant rock types, amphibolite and felsic gneiss. Felsic gneisses exhibit enrichment of LREEs and LILEs (Rb, Ba, Th, K, Pb), negative Eu anomalies and depletion of HFSEs (Nb, Ta, P, Ti). The rocks have slightly elevated δ¹⁸O values (6.5–9.3 ‰) and initial ε _Nd values of ?4.6 corresponding to two-stage Nd model age of 1.99 Ga. Amphibolites are also enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in Nb and Ta and have homogeneous δ¹⁸O values (5.0–6.0 ‰), but higher initial ε _Nd values (2.8–3.3) and younger two-stage Nd model ages (1.29–1.24 Ga) compared to the gneisses. The zircon age record indicates that the gneisses and amphibolites were formed in a ~960 Ma volcanic arc environment rather than in a rift setting as previously suggested. A major metamorphic event took place during the Early Paleozoic. Based on the age spectrum of detrital zircons, the Qinling Group is interpreted as an autonomous geological unit, which was mainly derived mostly from 1,000 to 900 Ma old granitoid rocks. The North Qinling Terrain can be regarded as a remnant of the Grenville orogenic belt with an early Neoproterozoic evolution different from that of the North and South China blocks.     

Backarc mafic–ultramafic magmatism in Northeastern Vietnam and its regional tectonic significance

The geology of Northern Vietnam offers critical clues on the convergence history between the South China and Indochina blocks. We constrain the tectonic evolution of the South China and Indochina blocks using geochemical, mineral chemical and geochronological data collected from mafic–ultramafic rocks exposed in the Cao Bang area, Northeastern Vietnam. These rocks show significant enrichment in large ionic lithophile elements (LILEs) such as Cs, Rb, Ba, Th, U, and Pb and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) such as Nb, Ta, Zr, and Ti showing [Nb/La]_N between 0.28–0.41, [La/Yb]_N = 3.94–10.00 and Zr/Y = 2.0–4.4. These geochemical features as well as the petrology and mineral chemistry of the Cao Bang mafic–ultramafic magmas are comparable to those of magmatic complexes formed in a back-arc environment. The basalts yield Rb–Sr whole rock ages of 263 ± 15 Ma, that are consistent with the zircon U–Pb and K–Ar ages reported in previous studies from the same area. The spatial and temporal distribution of the arc magmas within the Indochina block and along the southern margin of the South China block suggest that the Permo-Triassic mafic–ultramafic magmas formed during a tectonic event that is different from the subduction and collision event between the Indochina and South China blocks.     

Geology,geochemistry and petrogenesis of post-collisional adakitic intrusions and related dikes in the Khoynarood area,NW Iran

The Khoynarood area is located in the northwest of Iran, lying at the northwestern end of the Urumieh–Dokhtar volcano-plutonic belt and being part of the Qaradagh–South Armenia domain. The main intrusive rocks outcropped in the area have compositions ranging from monzonite–quartz monzonite, through granodiorite, to diorite–hornblende diorite, accompanied by several dikes of diorite–quartz diorite and hornblende diorite compositions, which were geochemically studied in order to provide further data and evidence for the geodynamic setting of the region. The SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and MgO contents of these rocks are about 58.32–68.12%, 14.13–18.65% and 0.68–4.27%, respectively. They are characterized by the K₂O/Na₂O ratio of 0.26–0.58, Fe₂O₃ + MnO + MgO + TiO₂ content about 4.27–13.13%, low Y (8–17 ppm) and HREE (e.g., 1–2 ppm Yb) and high Sr contents (750–1330 ppm), as well as high ratios of Ba/La (13.51–50.96), (La/Yb)_N (7–22), Sr/Y (57.56–166.25), Rb/La (1.13–2.96) and La/Yb (10–33.63), which may testify to the adakitic nature of these intrusions. Their chemical composition corresponds to high-silica adakites, displaying enrichments of LREEs and LILEs and preferential depletion of HFSEs, (e.g., Ti, Ta and Nb). The REE differentiation pattern and the low HREE and Y contents might be resulted from the presence of garnet and amphibole in the solid residue of the source rock, while the high Sr content and the negative anomalies of Ti, Ta and Nb may indicate the absence of plagioclase and presence of Fe and Ti oxides in it. As a general scenario, it may be concluded that the adakitic rocks in the Khoynarood were most likely resulted from detachment of the subducting Neo-Tethyan eclogitic slab after subduction cessation between Arabian and Central Iranian plates during the upper Cretaceous–early Cenozoic and partial melting of the detached slab, followed by interactions with metasomatized mantle wedge peridotite and contamination with continental crust.     

A porphyry-skarn metallogenic system in the Lesser Xing’an Range,NE China: Implications from U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of the Luming Mo and Xulaojiugou Pb–Zn deposits

The Luming porphyry Mo deposit and the Xulaojiugou skarn Pb–Zn deposit are located in the southeast Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China. They are about 15 km apart, and are both related to monzogranite. Mo orebodies in the Luming deposit are hosted within the medium- to fine-grained monzogranite, while Pb–Zn orebodies in the Xulaojiugou deposit are hosted by the contact zone between the medium-grained monzogranite and the marbles of the early Cambrian Qianshan Formation.LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the ore-related monzogranite in the Luming deposit yields crystallization age of 180.7 ± 1.6 Ma, and the medium-grained and porphyritic monzogranites from the Xulaojiugou deposit yield crystallization ages of 181.2 ± 1.1 Ma and 179.9 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. Analyses of seven molybdenite samples from the Luming deposit display Re–Os isochron age of 177.9 ± 2.6 Ma. These results indicate that the mineralization in the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits occurred at about 181–178 Ma. These two deposits are genetically linked and belong to a porphyry-skarn metallogenic system. Combined with the previously reported geochronological data for ore deposits in adjacent areas, we consider that the early Jurassic is an important epoch for Mo and Pb–Zn mineralization in the Lesser Xing’an Range.The monzogranites from the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits are enriched in and Rb, Th, U, Pb and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and are depleted in Ba, Nb, Ta, P, Ti and Eu. They have positive ε_Hf(t) values of 1.0–4.0 with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 868–1033 Ma. Whole-rock Sr and Nd isotopes show restricted ranges of initial compositions, with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i between 0.706346 and 0.707384 and ε_Nd(t) between −3.5 and −1.8. These data indicate that their primary magmas originated from the partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle which had been metasomatized by subducted slab-derived fluids/melts. The early Jurassic magmatic–metallogenic events in the Lesser Xing’an Range are interpreted as a response to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.     

Delineation of the ca. 2.7 Ga TTG gneisses in the Zanhuang Complex,North China Craton and its geological implications

Through detailed studies we have delineated a suite of banded TTG gneisses from the Zanhuang Complex. The protolith of the gneisses, predominantly tonalite, has undergone intensive metamorphism, deformation and anatexis and in a banded structure is intimately associated with melanocratic dioritic gneiss and leucocratic trondhjemitic veins. SHRIMP Zircon U–Pb data show that the tonalite was formed ca. 2692 ± 12 Ma ago. The tonalitic gneiss has the features of high SiO₂ (67.76–73.31%), high Al₂O₃ (14.38–15.83%), rich in Na₂O (4.48–5.07%) and poor in K₂O (0.77–1.93%). The gneiss is strongly fractioned in REE ((La/Yb)_N = 12.02–24.65) and shows a weak positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu^* = 1.05–1.64). It has high contents of Ba (199–588 ppm) and Sr (200–408 ppm), low contents of Yb (0.32–1.00 ppm) and Y (3.41–10.3 ppm) with high Sr/Y ratios (21.77–96.77) and depletion in HFSE Nb, Ta and Ti. These characteristics are similar to those of the high-Si adakitic rocks. The melanocratic dioritic gneiss has low SiO₂ (59.81%), high MgO (6.34%), high Al₂O₃ (14.02%) contents, rich in Na₂O (3.7%) and poor in K₂O (1.79%), with high Mg index (Mg^# = 67). REE and trace elements are on the whole similar to that of the tonalitic gneiss, but compatible element abundances V (116 ppm), Cr (249 ppm), Co (37 ppm) and Ni (179 ppm) are higher. The leucocratic felsic bands (approximating trondhjemite in composition) have major oxides similar to that of the TTG gneisses but the REE and compatible elements are extremely low, which are indicative of the products of anatexis. The tonalitic gneiss has positive ε_Nd(t) (2.37–3.29) and low initial Sr (0.69719–0.70068) values with depleted mantle Nd model age of ca. 2.8 Ga, suggesting its generation from partial melting of mantle-derived juvenile crust. The dioritic gneiss was also derived from subduction environment, but has undergone significant metasomatism of mantle wedge. The delineation of the ca. 2.7 Ga TTG gneisses in the Zanhuang Complex further proves that the North China Craton experienced large-scale continental crustal accretion in early Neoarchean, and gives new constraints on the subdivision of the early blocks and greenstone belts of the craton.     

Geochemistry of pillow basalts from Bompoka,Andaman–Nicobar islands,Bay of Bengal,India

Pillow lavas in Bompoka island of the Andaman–Nicobar islands, forming a part of Sunda–Burmese forearc, are composed of plagioclase and clinopyroxene microphenocrysts in a fine-grained ferruginous groundmass along with glass. They are also characterized by several quench plagioclase and clinopyroxene morphologies. Zr/TiO₂ versus Nb/Y relationship of these pillow lavas show that these are tholeiitic basalts in composition. These basalts have low MgO (5.19–6.12 wt%), Ni (84–118 ppm), and Cr (144–175 ppm) abundance and high FeO^(T)/MgO (1.71–1.92) ratios, reflecting their fractionated nature. In Th/Yb versus Nb/Yb and Ti/Yb versus Nb/Yb binary diagrams, they show N-MORB affinity. However, La/Nb–Y and Ce/Nb–Th/Nb relationships along with a slight LREE depleted (La_N/Yb_N = 0.75–0.82) pattern and high Ba/Zr (0.28–0.40) ratios and LILE (K, Rb, Ba, Sr and Th) enrichment relative to N-MORB, suggest their back-arc basin basalt affinity. It is inferred that these pillow basalts have been derived from a metasomatised N-MORB-like mantle source in a trench-distal (wider) back-arc basin, probably near the leading edge of the Eurasian continent during Early to Late Cretaceous times, prior to the currently active Andaman–Java subduction system.     

Molybdenite Re–Os and U–Pb zircon dating and genesis of the Dayana W-Mo deposit in eastern Ujumchin,Inner Mongolia

The Dayana W-Mo deposit in eastern Ujumchin of Inner Mongolia is a quartz-vein type deposit in the mid-western part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Biotite monzogranite, quartz porphyry and hornfels host W-Mo in quartz veins. Based on spatial relationships, molybdenite was deposited first followed by wolframite. This contribution presents precise laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb zircon dating and geochemical analysis of the biotite monzogranite. The U–Pb dating shows that the monzogranite is 134 ± 1 Ma. Major and trace element geochemistry shows that the monzogranite is characterized by high SiO₂ and K₂O contents, a “Right-inclined” shape of the chondrite normalized REE patterns, enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), and depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs) such as Nb, P, Ba. The monzogranite is high-K calc-alkaline, has a strong negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.04–0.45), low P₂O₅ content, high A/CNK of > 1.2, enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; such as Rb, Th, U, Nd, and Hf), and notably depleted in Ba, Sr, P, Ti, and Nb. These characteristics define the Dayana monzogranite as a highly fractionated peraluminous granite. Re–Os isotopic analysis of seven molybdenite samples from the deposit yield an isochron age of 133 ± 3 Ma (MSWD = 2.2), which indicates that the monzogranite and ore have the same age within error, are probably genetically related, and related to a major Early Cretaceous mineralizing event in China known as the Yanshanian.     

The petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the granitoid gneisses from Xingxingxia in the eastern segment of Central Tianshan

As part of Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), the Central Tianshan zone plays a crucial role in the reconstruction of the tectonic evolution of the CAOB. Furthermore, it is bordered by the Tarim Craton to the south, and the comparable evolutionary history between them enables the Central Tianshan zone to provide essential information on the crustal evolution of the Tarim Craton. The eastern segment of the Central Tianshan tectonic zone is characterized by the presence of numerous Precambrian metamorphic rocks, among which the Xingxingxia Group is the most representative one. The granitoids gneisses, intruded into the Xingxingxia Group, consist of two major lithological assemblages: (1) biotite-monzonitic gneisses and (2) biotite-plagioclase gneisses. These metamorphosed granitoid rocks are characterized by enrichment in SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and K₂O and depletion in MgO and FeO_T. The Rittmann index (σ) spreads between 1.44 and 2.21 and ACNK (Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O + K₂O)) ranges from 1.03 to 1.08, indicating that these granitoid gneisses are high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous. Trace element data indicate that the studied samples are enriched in LREE with moderate REE fractionated patterns ((La/Yb)_N = 10.5–75.3). The concentrations of HREE of the garnet-bearing gneisses are significantly higher than those of garnet-free gneisses. The former show pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.32–0.57), while the latter are characterized by negligible negative Eu anomalies to moderate positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.80–1.35). In addition, the enrichment of LILE (Rb, Th, K, Pb) and depletion of HFSE (Ta, Nb, P, Ti) of the examined granitoid gneisses are similar to typical volcanic-arc granites. Zircons U–Pb dating on the biotite monzonitic gneiss yields a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 942.4 ± 5.1 Ma, suggesting their protoliths were formed in the early Neoproterozoic, which is compatible with the time of the assembly of supercontinent Rodinia. The zircons have a large ε_Hf(t) variation from −5.6 to +3.2, suggesting that both old crust-derived magmas and mantle-derived juvenile materials contributed to the formation of their protoliths. Based on field observation, and petrological, geochemical and geochronological investigations, we infer that the granitoid gneisses from Xingxingxia were probably formed on a continental arc that resulted from the interaction of Australia and the Tarim Craton during the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent, and that the Central Tianshan zone was a part of the Tarim Craton during that time. Besides, the Grenvillian orogenic events may have developed better in the Tarim Craton than previously expected.     

Petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Neoproterozoic and Late Paleozoic magmatism in the Manzhouli–Erguna area of Inner Mongolia,China: Geochronological,geochemical and Hf isotopic evidence

U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from various granitoids, combined with major and trace element analyses, were undertaken to determine the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Neoproterozoic and Late Paleozoic magmatism in the Manzhouli–Erguna area of Inner Mongolia, China. The Neoproterozoic granitoids are mainly biotite monzogranites with zircon U–Pb ages of 894 ± 13 Ma and 880 ± 10 Ma, and they are characterised by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, Ba, K) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The Late Devonian granitoids are dominantly syenogranites and mylonitised syenogranites with zircon U–Pb ages of 360 ± 4 Ma, and they form a bimodal magmatic association with subordinate gabbroic rocks of the same age. The Late Devonian syenogranites have A-type characteristics including high total alkalis, Zr, Nb, Ce and Y contents, and high FeOt/MgO, Ga/Al and Rb/Sr ratios. The Carboniferous granitoids are mainly tonalites, granodiorites and monzogranites with U–Pb ages varying from 319 to 306 Ma, and they show very strong adakitic characteristics such as high La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios but low Y and Yb contents. The Late Permian granitoids are dominated by monzogranites and syenogranites with zircon U–Pb ages ranging between 257 and 251 Ma. Isotopically, the ε_Hf(t) values of the Neoproterozoic granitoids range from +4.3 to +8.3, and the two-stage model ages (T_DM2) from 1.2 to 1.5 Ga. The Late Devonian granitoids are less radiogenic [ε_Hf(t) from +12.0 to +12.8 and T_DM2 from 545 to 598 Ma] than the Carboniferous [ε_Hf(t) from +6.8 to +9.5 and T_DM2 from 722 to 894 Ma] and Late Permian granitoids [ε_Hf(t) from +6.1 to +9.4 and T_DM2 in the range of 680–895 Ma]. These data indicate (1) the Neoproterozoic granitoids may have been generated by melting of a juvenile crust extracted from the mantle during the Mesoproterozoic, probably during or following the final stages of assembly of Rodinia as a result of the collision and amalgamation of Australia and the Tarim Craton; (2) the Late Devonian granitoids may have formed by partial melting of a new mantle-derived juvenile crust in a post-orogenic extensional setting; (3) the Carboniferous granitoids appear to have been produced by melting of garnet-bearing amphibolites within a thickened continental crust during and following the collision of the Songnen and Erguna–Xing’an terranes; and (4) the Late Permian granitoids may have been generated by melting of garnet-free amphibolites within the Neoproterozoic juvenile continental crust, probably in the post-collisional tectonic setting that followed the collision of the North China and Siberian cratons.     

Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin,NW China: Implications for plume–lithosphere interaction

There are large areas of Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin (PBRT) in northwestern China. Precise Ar–Ar dating of these rocks revealed an eruption age span of 262 to 285 Ma. Most of the PBRT is composed of alkaline basaltic rocks with high TiO₂ (2.43%–4.59%, weight percent), high Fe₂O₃ + FeO (12.63%–17.83%) and P₂O₅ (0.32%–1.38%) contents. Trace elements of these rocks have affinities with oceanic island basalts (OIB), as shown in chondrite normalized rare earth elements (REE) diagrams and primitive mantle normalized incompatible elements diagrams. The rocks show complex Sr–Nd isotopic character based on which they can be subdivided into two distinct groups: group 1 has relatively small initial (t = 280 Ma)⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (∼ 0.7048) and positive εNd(t) (3.42–4.66) values. Group 2 has relatively large initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (0.7060–0.7083) and negative εNd(t) (from − 2.79 to − 2.16) values. Lead isotopes are even more complex with variations of (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t ranging from 17.9265 to 18.5778, 15.4789 to 15.6067 and 37.2922 to 38.1437, respectively. Moreover, these two groups have different trace elements ratios such as Nb/La, Ba/Nb, Zr/Nb, Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf, implying different magmatic processes. Based on the geochemistry of basaltic rocks and an evaluation of the tectonics, deformation, and the compositions of crust and lithospheric mantle in Tarim, we conclude that these basaltic rocks resulted from plume–lithosphere interaction. Permian mantle plume caused an upwelling of the Tarim lithosphere leading to melting of the asthenospheric mantle by decompression. The magma ascended rapidly to the base of lower crust, where different degrees of assimilation of OIB-like materials and fractionation occurred. Group 1 rocks formed where the upwelling is most pronounced and the assimilation was negligible. In other places, different degrees of assimilation and fractionation account for the geochemical traits of group 2.