Formation stages of the Early Precambrian crust in the Sharyzhalgai basement uplift,southwestern Siberian craton: Synthesis of Sm-Nd and U-Pb data

Newly obtained U-Pb and Sm-Nd isotopic data on Early Precambrian metamorphic and granitoid complexes in the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton (Sharyzhalgai basement uplift) are synthe-sized in order to elucidate the crustal evolution starting at the Paleoarchean (∼3.6 Ga) to Late Paleoproterozoic (∼1.85 Ga), evaluate the lateral extent of the Paleo-Mesoarchean crust, and identify major stages in its growth and recycling. Two crustal growth stages were determined in the Onot and Bulun granite-greenstone terranes: at 3.6–3.3 and 2.8–2.9 Ga. The earliest recycling processes (at ∼3.4 and 3.2 Ga) involved partial melting, metamorphism, and migmatization and produced a stable continental crust. Crustal growth in the Mesoarchean (∼2.8–2.9 Ga) due to basaltoid magmatism was associated with the recycling of the Paleoarchean crust, which served as a source of felsic melts and of detrital material for terrigenous sediments. The Archean crust of the Irkut granulite-gneiss terrane was formed by two pulses of intermediate-felsic and basic volcanism at ∼3.6-3.4 and ∼2.7 Ga. In the terminal Archean (at ∼2.55 Ga), the preexisting crust was involved in metamorphic and magmatic processes. Traces of recycling of the Paleoproterozoic crust are identified in the isotopic parameters of the intermediate-felsic granulites. Two discrete stages in the influx of juvenile material are identified in the Paleoarchean: at ∼2.0 and 1.88–1.85 Ga, with the latter stage associated with the large-scale recycling of the Archean crust during the origin of granitoids.     

Isotope Lu–Hf composition of detrital zircon from paragneisses of the Sharyzhalgai uplift: evidence for the Paleoproterozoic crustal growth

We present results of study of the trace-element and Lu–Hf isotope compositions of zircons from Paleoproterozoic high-grade metasedimentary rocks (paragneisses) of the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton (Irkut terrane of the Sharyzhalgai uplift). Metamorphic zircons are represented by rims and multifaceted crystals dated at ~ 1.85 Ga. They are depleted in either LREE or HREE as a result of subsolidus recrystallization and/or synchronous formation with REE-concentrating garnet or monazite. In contrast to the metamorphic zircons, the detrital cores are enriched in HREE and have high (Lu/Gd)_n ratios, which is typical of igneous zircon. The weak positive correlation between ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf and ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf in the zircon cores evidences that their Hf isotope composition evolved through radioactive decay in Hf = the closed system. Therefore, the isotope parameters of these zircons can give an insight into the provenance of metasedimentary rocks. The Paleoproterozoic detrital zircon cores from paragneisses, dated at ~ 2.3–2.4 and 2.0–1.95 Ga, are characterized by a wide range of ε_Hf values (from + 9.8 to –3.3) and model age T ^C 2.8–2.0 Ga. The provenance of these detrital zircons included both rocks with juvenile isotope Hf parameters and rocks resulted from the recycling of the Archean crust with a varying contribution of juvenile material. Zircons with high positive ε_Hf values were derived from the juvenile Paleoproterozoic crustal sources, whereas the lower ε_Hf and higher T ^C values for zircons suggest the contribution of the Archean crustal source to the formation of their magmatic precursors. Thus, at the Paleoproterozoic stage of evolution of the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton, both crustal recycling and crustal growth through the contribution of juvenile material took place. On the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton, detrital zircons with ages of ~ 2.3–2.4 and 1.95–2.0 Ga are widespread in Paleoproterozoic paragneisses of the Irkut and Angara–Kan terranes and in terrigenous rocks of the Urik–Iya graben, which argues for their common and, most likely, proximal provenances. In the time of metamorphism (1.88–1.85 Ga), the age of Paleoproterozoic detrital zircons (2.4–2.0 Ga), and their Lu–Hf isotope composition (ε_Hf values ranging from positive to negative values) the paragneisses of the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton are similar to the metasedimentary rocks of the Paleoproterozoic orogenic belts of the North China Craton. In the above two regions, the sources of detrital zircons formed by both the reworking of the Archean crust and the contribution of juvenile material, which is evidence for the crustal growth in the period 2.4–2.0 Ga.     

Metaterrigenous rocks of the Irkut granulite-gneiss Block as indicators of the evolution of the Early Precambrian crust

Major, trace element, and Sm-Nd isotope data are presented for the garnet-biotite and cordierite-garnet-biotite gneisses from the Early Precambrian granulite complex of the Irkut Block (Sharyzhalgai Uplift, Siberian Craton). The garnet-biotite and cordierite-bearing gneisses of the Irkut Block were formed owing to the granulite metamorphism of metaterrigenous rocks. The chemical index of weathering and the content of clayey (pelitic) components in the normative mineral composition increase from the garnet-biotite gneisses to the cordierite-bearing gneisses, thus reflecting the maturation degree of initial sediments. Protoliths of the studied paragneisses correspond to a rock series ranging from the graywacke siltstones to clayey rocks. The trace and rare-earth element distribution indicates that the terrigenous material of the paragneisses was derived from felsic and mafic provenance. Increase in contents of Fe, Ti, Cr, Ni, and Sc and the Cr/Th ratio and decrease in the La/Sc ratio from the garnet-biotite to the cordierite-bearing gneisses reflect growth of the abundance of mafic rocks in the provenance. Potential sources of the detrital material were intermediate-felsic and mafic volcanic rocks (orthogneisses and basic crystalline schists) of the Irkut Block. The paragneisses show a distinct negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.38–0.85), which suggests the input of crustal melting products, such as the potassium granites. A wide range of model Nd age (T_Nd(DM) = 2.4–3.1 Ga) of the paragneisses indicates the Archean to Early Paleoproterozoic age of their protoliths. The complex of isotopic, geochemical, and geochronological data, as well as the character of association of metaterrigenous rocks (mature pelites and carbonate rocks included), implies that sedimentation was separated in time from volcanism. The sedimentation was preceded by metamorphism, granite formation, and tectonic stabilization of the Irkut Block crust.     

Monazite begets monazite: evidence for dissolution of detrital monazite and reprecipitation of syntectonic monazite during low-grade regional metamorphism

Back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging and X-ray element mapping of monazite in low-grade metasedimentary rocks from the Paleoproterozoic Stirling Range Formation, southwestern Australia, reveal the presence of distinct, high-Th cores surrounded by low-Th, inclusion-rich rims. Previous geochronology has shown that the monazite cores are older than 1.9 Ga and overlap with the ages of detrital zircon grains (∼3.5–2.0 Ga), consistent with a detrital origin. Many cores have scalloped and embayed surfaces indicating partial dissolution of former detrital grains. Textural evidence links the growth of the monazite rims (∼1.2 Ga) to deformation and regional metamorphism during the Mesoproterozoic Albany-Fraser orogeny. These results indicate that high-Th detrital monazite is unstable under low-grade metamorphic conditions (<400°C) and was partially or completely dissolved. Dissolution was followed by near-instantaneous reprecipitation and the formation of low-Th monazite and ThSiO₄. This reaction is likely to operate in other low-grade metasedimentary rocks, resulting in the progressive replacement of detrital monazite by metamorphic monazite during regional prograde metamorphism.     

Early Precambrian granite-gneiss complexes in the Central Aldan Shield

The central portion of the Aldan Shield hosts very widely spread Archean and Early Proterozoic granitoids, much of which are granite-gneisses. Geochemical lines of evidence, data on inclusions in minerals, and Sm-Nd isotopic geochemical data suggest that the protoliths of granite-gneisses in the central part of the Aldan Shield were granitoids that had various composition, age, and were derived from distinct sources and under different parameters and were then emplaced in different geodynamic environments. The granitoids belong to at least two types of different composition that occur within spatially separated areas. The protoliths of granite-gneisses in the western part of the Western Aldan Megablock and the junction zone of the Chara-Olekma and Aldan geoblocks (granite-gneisses of type I) had the same age and affiliated to the same associations as the within-plate granitoids of the Nelyukinskii Complex. Their parental melts were derived at 2.4–2.5 Ga by the melting of Archean tonalite-trondhjemite orthogneisses of the Olekma and Aldan complexes. The protolith of granite-gneisses in the eastern portion of the Western Aldan Megablock (granite-gneisses of type II) can be subdivided into two groups according to their composition: granitoids with geochemical characteristics of subduction- and collision-related rocks. The protoliths of the type-II granite-gneisses with geochemical characteristics of subduction granitoids were produced simultaneously with the development of the Fedorovskaya island arc (at 2003–2013 Ma), whereas the protoliths of the type-II granite-gneisses with geochemical characteristics of collision granitoids were formed in the course of accretion of the Fedorovskaya island arc and the Olekma-Aldan continental microplate at 1962–2003 Ma, via the melting of magmatic rocks of the Fedorovskaya unit and older continental crustal material.     

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

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

Geochemistry of the Paleoproterozoic metaterrigenous rocks of the Biryusa Block,southwestern Siberian Craton

Major and trace element compositions of the Paleoproterozoic metaterrigenous rocks (Neroi Group) formed in a large sedimentation basin in the southwestern Siberian Craton (Biryusa Block) were determined to reconstruct the protoliths of metasediments, degree of their recycling, and maturity of source rocks. Primary rocks from the lower part of the sequence (Alkhadyr Formation) are represented by both petrogenic (“first cycle”) and recycled sediments of the graywacke to siltstone and aluminous pelite series. Protoliths of the micaceous and carbonaceous schists from the upper part of the sequence (Tumanshet Formation) correspond to silty pelites and pelites. As the micaceous schists of the Alkhadyr Formation, these rocks have K₂O/Al₂O₃ < 0.3 and elevated Th concentrations, indicating the contribution of recycling in the formation of the fine-grained rocks. Distribution of trace and rare earth elements (REE) in metaterrigenous rocks of the Neroi Group testifies to the predominance of felsic rocks in the source area, while the prominent Eu minimum indicates the presence of granitoids—the products of crustal melting. Rocks of the Alkhadyr Formation also show elevated contents of Cr, Co, Ni, Sc, and Fe, indicating the development of mafic rocks in the source area. Comparison of the trace element contents and their ratios in rocks of the Neroi Group with those in the Archean (3.5–2.5 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (2.5–1.6 Ga) upper continental crust made it possible to establish that metasedimentary rocks of the Neroi Group were formed by the erosion of sufficiently mature (geochemically differentiated) protoliths, which are similar to the Paleoproterozic crust. Judging from the Sm-Nd isotope data, one of the components of source areas for the terrigenous rocks of the Neroi Group were Archean rocks similar to basement rocks of the Biryusa block with the Nd model ages within 2.8–2.6 Ga. The second component in the source area could be juvenile Paleoproterozoic crust (Nd model age ∼1.9 Ga), which was probably represented by the metavolcanic associations of grabens surrounding the Biryusa block. The minimum Nd model ages for metaterrigenous rocks of the Neroi Group define the lowermost sedimentation boundary at 1.9 Ga.     

冀西北怀安地体高级变质表壳岩的锆石年代学研究

位于华北克拉通中部造山带中北段的怀安地体与内蒙孔兹岩带相接,出露高压麻粒岩和退变榴辉岩等多种高级变质岩,是洞悉华北克拉通古元古代构造演化历史的重要窗口。研究区变质表壳岩包括夕线石榴长英质片麻岩、石榴长英质粒状岩石以及紫苏黑云二长片麻岩。阴极发光图像特征显示研究区样品的锆石主要包括碎屑锆石和变质锆石,其中碎屑锆石具有岩浆结晶环带,而变质锆石为单颗粒或围绕着继承性碎屑锆石边部生长,内部结构均匀,Th/U比值较低。锆石LAICP-MS U-Pb定年结果与前人研究结果综合表明该区变质表壳岩石的碎屑锆石的207Pb/206Pb年龄主要集中在~2040Ma,其原岩形成时代与孔兹岩带变泥质岩石相近,均为~2.0Ga。变质锆石记录其变质时代为1957~1804Ma,结合前人对怀安地区变泥质岩和变基性岩变质作用和年代学研究结果,推测得出1.95~1.92Ga代表了峰期(高压)麻粒岩相变质时代,1.90~1.85Ga代表峰后减压阶段变质时代,而1.85~1.80Ga代表退变质晚期的时代。怀安地区变质岩石可能卷入了阴山陆块、鄂尔多斯陆块以及东部陆块间的先后碰撞造山过程,并持续较长时间(1.95~1.80Ga),最终拼贴为统一的整体。     

Age of the Vishnyakovskoe deposit of rare-metal pegmatites (East Sayan): U-Pb geochronological study of manganotantalite

The U-Pb age of the manganotantalite from rare-metal pegmatites of the Vishnyakovskoe deposit (East Sayan Belt) has been assessed at 1838 ± 3 Ma. The acquired data indicate the pegmatites of this deposit and associated granites of the Sayan complex belong to the postcollision South Siberian igneous belt (1.88–1.84 Ga), which stretches along the southwestern frame of the Siberian Craton by more than 2500 km, from the Yenisei Ridge to the Aldan Shield. Formation of this igneous belt is related to joining (starting from about 1.9 Ga BP) of the series of continental microplates and island arcs to the Siberian Craton; this led to final stabilization of the craton at about 1.8 Ga BP.     

Protoliths of Paleoproterozoic calciphyres from the Irkut block (Sharyzhalgai uplift of the Siberian craton): composition and origin

The paper presents data on high-grade silicate–carbonate rocks (calciphyres) from the Irkut block (Sharyzhalgai uplift, southwestern Siberian craton). Their origin and age were determined from the rock characteristics, U–Pb dating, REE content, and Hf isotope composition of zircon. The calciphyres occur both as independent section fragments and as interbeds within Paleoproterozoic garnet-bearing and high-alumina (cordierite- and sillimanite-bearing) gneisses. They were produced by metamorphism of terrigenous-carbonate sediments. The terrigenous sediments range in maturity from arenites and wackes to argillaceous rocks; this is consistent with the reconstruction of the sedimentary protoliths of paragneisses, which are predominant in the metasedimentary rocks. The petrogeochemical features of the calciphyres, their LREE enrichment relative to “pure” carbonate rocks, and a distinct Eu anomaly were inherited from the terrigenous component of calc-silicate sediments. The Nd model age (2.4–2.7 Ga) of the calciphyres and the value T_Hf(DM-2st) = 2.5–3.0 Ga for zircon from these rocks indicate that carbonate accumulation was accompanied by the supply of terrigenous material, which formed during the erosion of Archean and Paleoproterozoic crust. Zircon from the calciphyres is similar to metamorphic zircon in REE patterns and Th/U ratios. It might have been of detrital origin and then recrystallized during high-temperature metamorphism. Terrigenous-silicate rocks were metamorphosed at ca. 1.87 Ga. This is close to the previous age estimates for the terrigenous rocks metamorphism (1.85–1.86 Ga) and the age of baddeleyite from apocarbonate metasomatic rocks (1.86 Ga).     

贺兰山孔兹岩系的变质时代及其对华北克拉通西部陆块演化的制约

贺兰山孔兹岩系作为华北克拉通西部孔兹岩带的重要组成部分,其变质时代问题一直悬而未决.利用SHRIMP锆石U-Pb定年技术,对贺兰山孔兹岩系中3个代表性富铝片麻岩(石榴堇青钾长片麻岩、石榴堇青二长片麻岩与石榴黑云斜长片麻岩)样品进行了精确定年.发现这3种岩石虽处不同层位,但其碎屑锆石年龄却非常集中,各测点207Pb/206Pb年龄总体变化在2.0～2.1Ga之间,加权平均年龄则在2017～2040Ma之间.这些碎屑锆石都具有岩浆结构特征,反映当时曾存在大规模花岗质岩浆活动,所成岩体为孔兹岩系沉积提供了充足物源.另有少量大于2.5Ga的碎屑锆石(2520～2949Ma),表明本区存在太古代岩浆活动记录.本区石榴堇青二长片麻岩中发育典型的变质增生锆石,其成因很可能与黑云母的脱水熔融反应有关.利用该锆石确定贺兰山孔兹岩系的变质时代为1950±8Ma.该时代与东部大青山、乌拉山孔兹岩系变质时代相同,表明华北克拉通西部的阴山地块与鄂尔多斯地块大体是以平行的方式正面拼贴到一起的,形成了目前的孔兹岩带.     

胶-辽-吉古元古代造山/活动带巨量变沉积岩系的研究进展

华北克拉通发育三条古元古代构造带,包括:东部陆块内部的胶-辽-吉带(Jiao-Liao-Ji belt)、西部陆块内部的孔兹岩带(Khondalite belt)以及两个陆块之间的中部造山带(Trans-North China Orogen)。通过二十多年的深入研究,在区域构造、变质地质、岩浆作用、地球化学、同位素年代学以及地球物理等方面积累了大量资料,并取得了一系列重要的科学进展。其中,胶-辽-吉带是华北克拉通最具代表性的一条古元古代造山/活动带,它不仅接受了古元古代巨量的陆壳物质沉积,而且经历了十分复杂的构造演化过程,并经受了多期岩浆-变质事件的改造。胶-辽-吉造山/活动带的物质组成最为丰富,以大面积分布的巨量(火山)沉积岩系为特征,在中国境内包括吉南地区的集安群和老岭群、辽东南地区的南辽河和北辽河群、胶北地区的荆山群和粉子山群,向南西则有可能穿越郯庐断裂延伸至徐州-蚌埠一带的五河群,总体呈NE向展布,延伸规模长约1000km。从巨量沉积岩系的岩石组合和空间分布特征来看,荆山群与南辽河群、集安群可以对比,而粉子山群则与北辽河群、老岭群相当。然而,由于多期/多阶段强烈构造变形作用的影响,原来各群、组中地层的上下层位及接触关系已完全破坏,目前均已呈规模不一的构造岩片形式叠置在一起,彼此之间呈断层或韧性剪切带接触。巨量变沉积岩系的源区物质主要来源于造山/活动带内古元古代花岗质岩石和两侧古老陆块的变质基底,原岩形成时代为1.95~2.15Ga左右。以往研究表明,胶-辽-吉造山/活动带变质作用的强度十分不均匀,(中-高压)麻粒岩相变质只局限于胶北的荆山群及相关岩石,而粉子山群以及辽东南的南、北辽河群和吉南的集安群、老岭群只经历了角闪岩相变质,局部甚至只达到绿片岩相变质。粉子山群、北辽河群和老岭群变质演化P-T-t轨迹具有顺时针型式,而荆山群、南辽河群和集安群的P-T-t轨迹则具有逆时针型式。本文最新研究发现,古元古代麻粒岩相变质作用并非只局限于胶北地区的荆山群及其邻区,而是贯穿于整个辽东南地区的南辽河群和吉南地区的集安群,其变质演化P-T-t轨迹与胶北地区荆山群泥质麻粒岩以及基性麻粒岩一样,均具有典型近等温减压(ITD)顺时针型式,整个胶-辽-吉造山/活动带的麻粒岩相峰期变质时代为1.9~1.95Ga左右。野外观察和室内岩相学研究表明,在麻粒岩相变质作用过程中,胶北的荆山群及相关岩石、辽东南的南辽河群以及吉南的集安群中的泥质麻粒岩均广泛发生了深熔作用,长英质脉体呈不规则细脉状、网脉状和透镜状分布于寄主岩石中,且与寄主岩石之间呈渐变过渡关系。深熔锆石U-Pb定年结果显示,区域性的深熔作用(或部分熔融)时代为1.84~1.86Ga之间,表明这期广泛的深熔事件应发生于胶-辽-吉造山/活动带整体构造折返的中-低压麻粒岩相退变质阶段。有关胶-辽-吉古元古代造山/活动带的空间展布、南北边界、延伸规律及其形成的大地构造背景一直存在着分歧和争议,最新研究表明,蚌埠-霍邱一带地表露头及其以西第四系覆盖区之下的花岗质岩石、基性麻粒岩和富Al片麻岩岩心,均记录了1.85~1.95Ga的麻粒岩相变质事件,暗示着胶-辽-吉造山/活动带更有可能穿越郯庐断裂,向鲁西南延伸至蚌埠-霍邱一带及其以西的第四系覆盖区之下的变质基底。而辽南地块和狼林地块大量1.85~1.95Ga变质热事件和1.8~1.9Ga、~2.1Ga两期岩浆事件的记录,则表明辽南地块和狼林地块(至少是一部分变质基底)曾卷入到胶-辽-吉古元古代构造演化事件之中。有关胶-辽-吉古元古代造山/活动带构造演化过程及其形成的大地构造背景,目前有三种构造模式,包括:裂谷开启-闭合模式、弧(陆)-陆碰撞模式和先裂谷-后碰撞造山演化模式,然而,带内异常复杂的巨量火山-沉积岩系的物质组成、多期/多阶段的岩浆作用事件、多种变质作用类型和十分复杂的变质演化P-T-t轨迹样式、多期/多阶段复杂的构造变形特征,难以采用上述任何一种构造演化模式来加以合理解释。由此可见,有关胶-辽-吉古元古代构造/活动带南侧边界需要进一步准确厘定,有关狼林地块和辽南地块的构造归属,特别是胶-辽-吉造山/活动带在古元古代构造演化的动力学过程及其形成的大地构造背景还有待进一步深入探讨。     

Precambrian sedimentation in the Urik-Iya Graben,southern Siberian Craton: Main stages and tectonic settings

The Paleoproterozoic sedimentary and volcanic-sedimentary sequences of the Urik-Iya Graben at southern flank of the Siberian Craton have been studied. Based on the isotopic U-Pb LA-ICP-MS dating of detrital zircons contained in the clastic fraction of the studied rocks, three main extension stages accompanied by sedimentation are recognized; each stage is characterized by certain types of sediments and conditions of their accumulation. The oldest rocks (Ingashi Formation) mark early extension events (～1.91?1.87 Ga), which were caused by collapse of the orogen that arose due to collision of the Biryusa and Sharyzhalgai blocks. The basin formed as a result of extension is regarded as an aulacogen. Granitoids of the Sayan Complex were emplaced in the cratonic lithosphere at the final stage of the first extension stage. The second stage of extension started ～1.75 Ga ago as a response to the effect of the inferred mantle plume on the lithosphere of the Siberian Craton. It was accompanied by deposition of the Daldarma Formation. Stress inversion took place at the final stage (～1.70 Ga), and an intracratonic fold zone arose at the place of the paleoaulacogen. The third extension stage (1.65?1.60 Ga) corresponds to the time of molasse accumulation in pull-apart basins (Yermosokha Formation). The final stage of rifting was marked by emplacement of granitoids (Chernaya Zima Complex, 1.53 Ga), which completed the active tectonic events in the region. Afterward, the Urik-Iya Graben transformed into a stable intracratonic domain. The available data allow us to revise the tectonic history of the Urik-Iya Graben. In light of new evidence, this structural unit may be interpreted as a long-evolving paleoaulacogen. The series of revealed sedimentation settings reflects the formation of a consolidated continental lithosphere at the southern flank of the Siberian Craton.     

华北克拉通北缘白云鄂博群和腮林忽洞群底部碎屑锆石U-Pb定年、Hf同位素分析及其地质意义

白云鄂博群位于华北克拉通北缘,由于赋存超大型REE-Nb-Fe矿而受到广泛关注。白云鄂博群形成时代有中元古代、古生代等不同认识。腮林忽洞群位于白云鄂博群的南部,与白云鄂博群的关系也有不同认识。本文报道了白云鄂博群和腮林忽洞群底部中-粗粒砂岩的碎屑锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄和LA-ICPMS Hf同位素组成。两个岩群碎屑沉积岩的碎屑锆石在形态和内部结构上类似,按结构特征可分为继承或捕获锆石、岩浆锆石、变质锆石和重结晶锆石等不同类型。年龄都主要分布在1.8~2.1Ga之间和2.4~2.7Ga之间,尽管年龄峰值存在一定区别。它们的Hf同位素组成也类似,εHf(t)和tDM2(Hf)变化范围分别主要在约-6.0~6.0之间和2550~2950Ma之间。结合前人研究,可得出如下结论:白云鄂博群和腮林忽洞群的物源区类似,主要由新太古代晚期和古元古代晚期岩浆岩组成,为新太古代早期陆壳物质再循环产物;部分岩石遭受新太古代晚期和古元古代晚期高级变质作用改造;碎屑物质都来自华北克拉通北缘早前寒武纪变质基底,与其形成时代相同的认识不矛盾。     

Zircon trace element characteristics and ages in granulite xenoliths: a key to understanding the age and origin of the lower crust,Arkhangelsk kimberlite province,Russia

Garnet granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths from the Grib kimberlite pipe (Arkhangelsk, NW Russia) represent the lower crust beneath Russian platform in close vicinity to the cratonic region of the north-eastern Baltic (Fennoscandian) Shield. Many of the xenoliths have experienced strong interaction with the kimberlite host, but in others some primary granulite-facies minerals are preserved. Calculated bulk compositions for the granulites suggest that their protoliths were basic to intermediate igneous rocks; pyroxenites were ultrabasic to basic cumulates. A few samples are probably metasedimentary in origin. Zircons are abundant in the xenoliths; they exhibit complex zoning in cathodoluminescence with relic cores and various metamorphic rims. Cores include oscillatory zircon crystallized in magmatic protoliths, and metamorphic and magmatic sector-zoned zircons. Recrystallization of older zircons led to the formation of bright homogeneous rims. In some samples, homogeneous shells are surrounded by darker convoluted overgrowths that were formed by subsolidus growth when a change in mineral association occurred. The source of Zr was a phase consumed during a reaction, which produced garnet. Late-generation zircons in all xenoliths show concordant U–Pb ages of 1.81–1.84 Ga (1,826 ± 11 Ma), interpreted as the age of last granulite-facies metamorphism. This event completely resets most zircon cores. An earlier metamorphic event at 1.96–1.94 Ga is recorded by some rare cores, and a few magmatic oscillatory zircons have retained a Neoarchaean age of 2,719 ± 14 Ma. The assemblage of metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks was probably formed before the event at 1.96 Ga. Inherited magmatic zircons indicate the existence of continental crust by the time of intrusion of magmatic protoliths in the Late Archaean. The U–Pb zircon ages correspond to major events recorded in upper crustal rocks of the region: collisional metamorphism and magmatism 2.7 Ga ago and reworking of Archaean rocks at around 1.95–1.75 Ga. However, formation of the granulitic paragenesis in lower crustal rocks occurred significantly later than the last granulite-facies event seen in the upper crust and correlates instead with retrograde metamorphism and small-volume magmatism in the upper crust.     

U-Pb provenance fingerprints of metavolcanic-sedimentary successions of the Mineiro belt: Proxies for the continuity of plate tectonics through the Paleoproterozoic

We document new U-Pb detrital zircon LA-MC-ICP-MS data for seven metavolcanic-sedimentary successions and metasedimentary sequences and reassess additional dates of five siliciclastic samples toward their tectonic significance in the context of the Mineiro belt, Southern São Francisco Craton. This belt represents a crustal segment of the 2.47–2.00 Ga Minas Orogen, classically known by its Siderian and Rhyacian juvenile rocks with important implications in the Earth's geodynamics. The new and compiled detrital provenance constraints unravel the long-lived magmatic and sedimentary history of the studied basins, lasting ca. 230–220 Myr. The maximum depositional dates around 2.1 Ga reflect the renewed sediment budget with the subsequent metamorphic episode ca. 2.0 Ga. Most of the unmixed relative probability diagrams are consistent with sourcing from the Siderian and Rhyacian arcs of the Mineiro belt, determining a detrital provenance change in time and space for the precursor basins. Alternative potential sources could be the youngest rocks of the Mantiqueira and Juiz de Fora terranes that constitute the other segments of the Minas Orogen, given the age match. The overall detrital fingerprints determine the study basins resumed mainly in Rhyacian fore-arc and/or back-arc settings, i.e., akin to a subduction-related system that evolved to a collisional (foreland) environment. Few samples show fingerprints of primary extensional settings, determined by major Archean detrital populations sourced from areas outside the Mineiro belt beside the Paleoproterozoic detritus. The working model considers the collage between the Mineiro belt and the ancient foreland around 2.10 Ga and eventual interaction with other crustal segments of the Minas Orogen, generating the ca. 2.0 Ga metamorphism over the metasedimentary samples. The more complete isotopic repository in detrital and igneous zircon grains for the studied supracrustal successions and the associated rocks allows new insights into the Rhyacian–Orosirian dynamics of the Minas orogeny. In a broader perspective, the juvenile nature of the Mineiro belt reinforces the paradigm of uninterrupted continental growth during the Paleoproterozoic Earth.     

Sarmatia-Volgo-Uralia junction zone: Isotopic-geochronologic characteristic of supracrustal rocks and granitoids

The geochronologic (U-Pb isotopic system of zircons) and isotopic-geochemical (Sm-Nd isotopic system of the bulk rock) studies were performed along the profile extending from the eastern Sarmatia (in the west) to the Middle Volga megablock of Volgo-Uralia (in the east), i.e., across the entire junction zone for dating the integration of Sarmatia and Volgo-Uralia, representing two segments of the East European Craton. It is established that the examined rocks are characterized by the Paleoproterozoic Nd isotopic model age, which varies from 2.1 and 2.4 Ga, except for some samples indicating a similar age of the crust through the entire Sarmatia-Volgo-Uralia junction zone. The highly metamorphosed complexes of the granulite and amphibolite facies constituting the southwestern margin of Volgo-Uralia are Paleoproterozoic, not Archean, in age, contrary to previous views. Two Early Paleoproterozoic lithotectonic complexes are defined in Volgo-Uralia: South Volga metasedimentary and Tersa metasedimentary-volcanogenic. The obtained data confirm the asynchronous integration of individual segments into the East European Craton: the integration of Sarmatia and Volgo-Uralia approximately 2100–2000 Ma ago was followed by the conjunction of this newly-formed continent with Fennoscandia ca. 1800 Ma ago.     

Monazite geochronology and geochemistry of meta-sediments in the Narryer Gneiss Complex, Western Australia: constraints on the tectonothermal history and provenance

Mt. Narryer and Jack Hills meta-sedimentary rocks in the Narryer Gneiss Complex of the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia are of particular importance because they yield Hadean detrital zircons. To better understand the tectonothermal history and provenance of these ancient sediments, we have integrated backscattered scanning electron images, in situ U–Pb isotopic and geochemical data for monazites from the meta-sediments. The data indicate multiple periods of metamorphic monazite growth in the Mt. Narryer meta-sediments during tectonothermal events, including metamorphism at ~3.3–3.2 and 2.7–2.6 Ga. These results set a new minimum age of 3.2 Ga for deposition of the Mt. Narryer sediments, previously constrained between 3.28 and ~2.7 Ga. Despite the significant metamorphic monazite growth, a relatively high proportion of detrital monazite survives in a Fe- and Mn-rich sample. This is likely because the high Fe and Mn bulk composition resulted in the efficient shielding of early formed monazite by garnet. In the Jack Hills meta-sediments, metamorphic monazite growth was minor, suggesting the absence of high-grade metamorphism in the sequence. The detrital monazites provide evidence for the derivation of Mt. Narryer sediments from ca. 3.6 and 3.3 Ga granites, likely corresponding to Meeberrie and Dugel granitic gneisses in the Narryer Gneiss Complex. No monazites older than 3.65 Ga have been identified, implying either that the source rocks of >3.65 Ga detrital zircons in the sediments contained little monazite, or that >3.65 Ga detrital minerals had experienced significant metamorphic events or prolonged sedimentary recycling, resulting in the complete dissolution or recrystallization of monazite.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987114000322

The Central Hebei Basin （CHB） is one of the largest sedimentary basins in the North China Craton, extending in a northeast-southwest direction with an area of 〉350 km2. We carried out SHRIMP zircon dating, Hf-in-zircon isotopic analysis and a whole-rock geochemical study on igneous and metasedi- mentary rocks recovered from drill holes that penetrated into the basement of the CHB, Two samples of gneissic granodiorite （XG1-1） and gneissic quartz diorite 048-1） have magmatic ages of 2500 and 2496 Ma, respectively. Their zircons also record metamorphic ages of 2.41-2.51 and ～2.5 Ga, respec- tively. Compared with the gneissic granodiorite, the gneissic quartz diorite has higher REE contents and lower Eu/Eu＊ and （La/Yb）n values. Two metasedimentary samples （MG1, H5） mainly contain ～2,5 Ga detrital zircons as well as late Paleoproterozoic metamorphic grains. The zircons of different origins have eHf （2.5 Ga） values and Hf crustal model ages ranging from 0 to 5 and 2.7 to 2,9 Ga, respectively, Therefore, ～2.5 Ga magmatic and Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks and late Neoarchean to early Paleoproterozoic and late Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal events have been identified in the basement beneath the CHB. Based on regional comparisons, we conclude that the early Precambrian basement beneath the CHB is part of the North China Craton.     

冀北单塔子群凤凰嘴杂岩的年代学研究

冀北地区基底的研究对理解华北克拉通早前寒武纪的演化具有重要意义。本文通过对冀北地区单塔子群凤凰嘴杂岩的锆石年代学工作探讨早前寒武纪华北克拉通北缘所经历的构造事件。单塔子群凤凰嘴杂岩主要由糜棱岩化的花岗质片麻岩和侵入其中的变质的基性岩墙组成。其中花岗质片麻岩的锆石呈明显的核边结构,岩浆核的谐和年龄为2.45Ga,变质边的年龄为1.95Ga。变质岩墙中的锆石未见明显的核边结构,阴极发光照片显示为变质锆石的特征,得到的年龄为1.9Ga。此年龄与花岗质片麻岩锆石的变质年龄相似,说明二者共同经历了古元古代的造山事件。此外,尽管没有得到岩墙的确切形成时代,但单塔子群内普遍发育的大规模岩墙说明在2.54～1.9Ga之间,该区经历了一次规模较大的伸展事件。