Tectonics of the southern Asian Plate margin along the Karakoram Shear Zone: Constraints from field observations and U–Pb SHRIMP ages

New geological observations, recent published data and U–Pb SHRIMP zircon dating from the Karakoram Mountains along the Nubra and Shyok Rivers reveal that the initial subduction of the Tethyan oceanic lithosphere took place ~ 110 Ma beneath the Paleozoic–Mesozoic platform of the southern edge of the Asian Plate. This has produced the I-type plutons within the Karakoram Batholith Complex, well before the juxtaposition of the Asian Plate along the Karakoram Shear Zone. Within this shear zone, U–Pb zircon crystallisation ages of ~ 75 Ma from mylonitised granitoids and 68 Ma from undeformed Tirit granodiorite constrain the timing of suturing of the Karakoram terrain with the Trans-Himalaya between 75 and 68 Ma. Post-shearing leucogranite was episodically generated within frontal migmatised Karakoram Metamorphic Belt and emplaced between 20 and 13 Ma within the shear zone. Presence of a low resistivity zone as a possible indication of mid-crustal partial molten crust underneath the Higher Himalaya–Ladakh–Karakoram terrains manifests the impingement of the Indian Plate along the Main Himalayan Thrust at depth.

Physical continuity of the Baltoro granite belt into the Karakoram Batholith is established as well as the continuity of the Shyok suture as the Shiquanhe Suture Zone in western Tibet through the Chushul–Dungti sector. The Karakoram Shear Zone, therefore, displays a complex geological history of movements since ~ 75 Ma and plays a very significant role in the overall India–Asia convergence, rather than merely being a strike-slip fault for eastward extrusion of a segment of Asia in Tibet.     

鲁东地区侵入岩形成时代和期次划分——锆石SHRIMPU—Pb年龄的证据

鲁东地区前寒武纪侵入岩其侵入活动集中于新太古代和新元古代,均遭受不同程度的区域变质和韧性剪切带的改造,形成一套花岗质片麻岩类。新太古代早期TTG质花岗岩分布于胶北隆起区莱州一栖霞一带,经受了区域变质作用,形成一套灰色片麻岩,锆石内核SHRIMPU—Pb年龄2726—2707Ma基本代表岩浆结晶年龄,锆石变质边为2500Ma;古元古代侵入岩——莱州基性一超基性岩组合形成于1900～1850Ma左右,锆石SHRIMPU—Pb年龄（1852±9）Ma,（1868±11）Ma;新元古代侵入岩主要为花岗闪长质-二长花岗质片麻岩,出露于胶南-威海造山带,锆石U～Pb定年结果集中为892～605Ma,其中荣成超单元锆石SHRIMPU—Pb年龄720～780Ma。中生代侵入岩以花岗岩类为主,集中出露于半岛北部和东南沿海一带。燕山早期侵入岩文登超单元、垛崮山超单元、玲珑超单元锆石SHRIMPU—Pb同位素年龄值集中在167～150Ma;燕山晚期侵入岩大店超单元锆石SHRIMPU～Pb年龄120±4Ma,崂山超单元锆石SHRIMPU～Pb同位素年龄值为（120±2）～（114±2）Ma。     

The origin of variable-δ18O zircons in Jurassic and Cretaceous Mo-bearing granitoids in the eastern Xing–Meng Orogenic Belt,Northeast China

This study reports new zircon U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf isotope data, and oxygen isotope data for Mesozoic Mo-bearing granitoids in the eastern Xing–Meng Orogenic Belt (XMOB) of Northeast China, within the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Combining these new laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb ages with the results of previous research indicates that two stages of Mo-bearing granitoid magmatism occurred in the eastern XMOB, during the Early–Middle Jurassic (200–165 Ma) and the Early Cretaceous (ca. 111 Ma). The eastern XMOB also contains Mo-bearing granitoids with variable δ¹⁸O compositions that record variations in source oxygen isotopic compositions. Combining δ¹⁸O data with zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic data provides evidence of the origin of these granitoids. Three types of zircon have been identified within these granitoids. Type 1 zircons formed during the Mesozoic and having high δ¹⁸O values (5.71–7.05‰) that are consistent with the compositions of magmatic zircons from the Luming, Jiapigou, and Kanchuangou areas. These zircons suggest that the Mo-bearing granitoids were derived from a source containing supracrustal materials. The type 2 zircons have extremely low and heterogeneous δ¹⁸O values (4.64–4.89‰) that are consistent with the compositions of magmatic zircons from the Jidetun and Fuanpu areas. These magmas were generated by the remelting of juvenile crustal material that was previously significantly modified by interaction with fluids. Type 3 zircons generally have mantle-like δ¹⁸O values (5.42–5.57‰), with several zircons yielding higher δ¹⁸O values, suggesting that these intrusions formed from mantle-derived magmas that assimilated and were metasomatized by crustal material. Combining these geochemical data with the geology of this region indicates that the Mo-bearing granitoids were generated as a result of subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian continent.     

The “Upper Basalts” of the East Chukotka Segment of Okhotsk–Chukotka Belt: the Along Strike Migration of Volcanic Activity or the Overprint by Later Magmatic Event?

Doklady Earth Sciences - New U–Pb and 40Ar/39Ar isotopic dates on volcanic rocks of the East Chukotka segment of the Okhotsk–Chukotka Belt correspond to 76–71 Ma span, which is...     

Late Paleozoic alkaline magmatism in Western Transbaikalia,Russia:Implications for magma sources and tectonic settings

This paper presents the results of geochronological(~(40)Ar-~(39)Ar,U-Pb SHRIMP Ⅱ),petrological and geochemical studies of the Late Paleozoic complexes of alkaline rocks(Zimovechinsky,Tuchinsky and Koma) located within the Vitim Plateau(the western part of the Mongol-Okhotsk Orogenic Belt).The rocks were formed at 310-280 Ma.It is coeval with Late Paleozoic magmatism within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.The ε_(Nd)(T) values show large variations from-2.1 to +3.3 as well as the initial Sr(I) isotopic ratios from 0.7042 to 0.7138,that demonstrate strong isotopic heterogeneity of the magmatic source.The geochemical characteristics of the rocks show pronounced positive Pb and negative Ti,Zr-Hf anomalies that can be explained by involvement of the subducted component in primary melts.The rocks intruded in a setting of extension at the active continental margin of the Siberian Craton during subduction of Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic crust under the Siberian Craton.     

Attribution of the Langshan Tectonic Belt: Evidence from zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions

This study describes a previously unidentified Neoproterozoic mafic dyke emplaced in the northern flank of the Langshan Tectonic Belt. This dyke intruded into the micaquartz schist of the Zhaertaishan Group, and yielded an age of 908 ± 8 Ma. The youngest U-Pb ages of micaquartz schist from the Zhaertaishan Group in the Langshan area were 1118 ± 33 Ma,1187 ± 3 Ma and 1189 ± 39 Ma,suggesting that the depositional age of the protolith of the schist was between 908 ± 8 Ma and 1118 ± 33 Ma. In addition, 436 U-Pb age data and 155 Lu-Hf isotopic data from six samples in the Langshan Tectonic Belt and one Permian greywacke from the Wuhai area show distinct differences between the northern and southern flanks of the Main Langshan area. The U-Pb ages of the northern flank are primarily Meso-Neoproterozoic; similar ages have not been identified in the southern flank to date.Moreover, two-stage Hf model ages of the northern flank feature three age peaks at ～900 Ma,～1700 Ma and ～2600 Ma; this differs from Hf model ages of the southern flank, which feature one strong age peak at ～2700 Ma. These results suggest that the northern and southern flanks of the Main Langshan area have different geochronologic characteristics and should be divided further. Based on the U-Pb ages and Hf model ages, the northern and southern flanks of the Main Langshan area are named the North and South Langshan Tectonic Belts. Comparison of the U-Pb age and two-stage Hf model age distributions from the North Langshan Tectonic Belt, South Langshan Tectonic Belt, Alxa Block and the North China Craton(NCC) reveal that the North Langshan Tectonic Belt is similar to the Alxa Block and that the South Langshan Tectonic Belt is similar to the NCC. In addition, the zircon U-Pb age of 860 ±7 Ma commonly observed in the Alxa Block was detected in the Permian greywacke from the Wuhai area of the NCC, which suggests that the amalgamation of the North and South Langshan Tectonic belts(i.e.,the amalgamation of the Alxa Block and the NCC), occurred between Devonian and late Permian.     

SHRIMP U/Pb Zircon Dating of Neoproterozoic Granitic Magmatism and Collision in the Pelotas Batholith,Southernmost Brazil

The introduction of robust geochronological methods for age determinations of the southernmost segment of the Neoproterozoic terranes of Brazil, namely the Dom Feliciano Belt, provides important clues for unraveling the complex evolution of the Brasíliano/Pan-African orogeny in this southwestern portion of the Gondwana supercontinent. Except for associated small schist belts and post-orogenic foreland basins, the belt is represented in this region of southeastern South America by the Pelotas Batholith. Precise SHRIMP U/Pb zircon geochronological techniques based on the study of 95 individual spots on 74 zircon crystals (three samples) and on Nd-isotopic determinations (three samples) are used to assess the late Neoproterozoic history of the belt, especially the orthogneisses interleaved with the batholithic plutons. Three petrotectonic associations were selected for detailed isotopic investigations—the Pinheiro Machado syncollisional monzogranites, the widespread Piratini gneiss tonalitic xenoliths, and the Arroio dos Ratos (now Encantadas) gneiss. The results allow the establishment of the timing and ages of the metamorphic peak and early magmatism. We demonstrate that evolution of Neoproterozoic magmatism within the Pelotas Batholith occurred through a long-lived crustal recycling process from the Paleoproterozoic Rio de la Plata craton. Three major events are recognized, two corresponding to crustal granite generation by partial melting of Paleoproterozoic protoliths at ～780 and ～610 Ma, and one related to the high-grade syncollisional metamorphic peak at ～630 Ma. The data also yield precise criteria to distinguish between thrust-related granitoids of the Dom Feliciano belt and older orthogneisses, both previously interpreted as a unique, pre-collisional, Brasíliano Cycle magmatic-arc association.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of early Mesozoic magmatism in the northeastern North China Craton: Implications for tectonic evolution

This paper reports geochronological, geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Hf–O isotopic data of the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic intrusive rocks in the northeastern North China Craton (NCC), with the aim of reconstructing the tectonic evolution and constraining the spatial–temporal extent of multiple tectonic regimes during the early Mesozoic. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the early Mesozoic magmatism in the northeastern NCC can be subdivided into two stages: Late Triassic (221–219 Ma) and Early Jurassic (180–177 Ma). Late Triassic magmatism produced mainly granodiorite and monzogranite, which occur as a NE–SW-trending belt parallel to the Sulu–Jingji Belt. Geochemically, they are classified as high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous granitoids, and are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti, and P) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), indicating an affinity to adakite. Combined with their ε_Hf(t) values (−17.9 to −3.2) and two-stage model ages (2387–1459 Ma), we conclude that the Late Triassic granitoid magma in the northeastern NCC was derived from partial melting of the thickened lower crust of the NCC and was related to deep subduction and collision between the NCC and the Yangtze Craton (YC). The Early Jurassic magmatism is composed mainly of monzogranites, which are classified as metaluminous, high-K calc-alkaline, and I-type granite. Their ε_Hf(t) values and two-stage model ages are −16.7 to −4.2 and 2282–1491 Ma, respectively. Compared with the Late Triassic granitoids, the Early Jurassic granitoids have relatively high HREE contents, similar to calc-alkaline igneous rocks in an active continental margin setting. These Early Jurassic granitoids, together with the coeval calc-alkaline volcanic rocks and gabbro–diorite–granodiorite association in the northeastern (NE) Asian continental margin, comprise a NNE–SSW-trending belt parallel to the NE Asian continental margin, indicative of the onset of Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction beneath Eurasia.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Palaeozoic intrusive rocks in the Rockvale region,southern New England Orogen,New South Wales

Palaeozoic intrusive rocks of the New England Batholith from the Rockvale district in the southern New England Orogen form three distinct associations: (i) the Carboniferous Rockvale Adamellite, a member of the Hillgrove Suite of deformed S‐type granitoids; (ii) a small I‐type igneous complex on the northwestern margin of the Rockvale Adamellite: several members of this complex have similar chemical compositions to the most mafic members of the Moonbi Suite of New England Batholith I‐types; and (iii) a suite of dyke rocks ranging in composition from calc‐alkaline lamprophyre through hornblende and biotite porphyrite to aplite. Ion‐microprobe U‐Pb zircon analysis indicates intrusion of the Rockvale Adamellite at 303 ±3 Ma (weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age; 95% confidence limits). Preliminary investigation of zircon inheritance within the Rockvale Adamellite is consistent with chemical and isotopic indications of derivation of New England Batholith S‐type granitoids from a relatively juvenile protolith. Deformation of the Rockvale Adamellite occurred after complete crystallization of the pluton and prior to emplacement of dykes and I‐type intrusives. K‐Ar biotite and hornblende ages show broadly synchronous intrusion of I‐type magmas and lamprophyre dykes at ca 255 Ma, indicating that mantle magmatism associated with lamprophyres was contemporaneous with the crustal production of I‐type melts. Chemical similarities between the most mafic Moonbi Suite members and calc‐alkaline lamprophyres may also indicate a direct mantle contribution to some I‐type magmas.     

Provenances of the Mesozoic sediments in the Ordos Basin and implications for collision between the North China Craton (NCC) and the South China Craton (SCC)

To constrain the provenance of the Ordos Basin and the evolution history of the Qinling Orogen Belt from the Triassic to the Jurassic, 10 samples from the Dongsheng area and 28 samples from the Yan’an area were analyzed for U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd isotopic compositions. The results indicate that Middle Jurassic sediments in the Dongsheng area were derived from the Khondalite Belt, Langshan Mountain and the Yinshan Terrane. Mesozoic sediments in the Yan’an area consist of two parts. One part is derived from the North China Craton (NCC), which has U–Pb age groups of ∼1.8 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga, and Hf model ages of ∼2.8 Ga. The other part is derived from the Qilian–Qinling Orogenic Belt, which has U–Pb age groups of 600–1500 Ma and 100–500 Ma, and Nd and Hf isotopic model ages of less than 2.2 Ga. Combining the U–Pb ages with the Hf and Nd isotopic model ages, Mesozoic detrital zircons with U–Pb age groups of ∼1.8 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga in the Yan’an area are found to also be derived from the Khondalite Belt, Langshan Mountain and the Yinshan Terrane, not from the Trans-China Orogen Belt. From the late–Late Triassic sediments of the Yan’an area, the low average values of the Hf (2.03 Ga) and Nd (2.03 Ga) model ages and the characteristic age population of 600–1500 Ma reveal that the main collision or continental subduction between the NCC and the South China Craton (SCC) occurred in the late–Late Triassic. After the main collision or continental subduction, the proportion of sediments from the Qinling–Qilian Orogenic Belt began to decrease (recorded in the early Jurassic samples), which may be in response to the gradual slowing of the uplift speed of the Qinling Orogenic Belt. In the early-middle Jurassic, the sediments have a main U–Pb age population of 100–500 Ma, low detrital zircon Hf model ages (average value is 1.17 Ga) and low whole rock Nd model ages (average value is 1.13 Ga), which suggests that the Qilian–Qinling Orogenic Belt may have a fast uplift history in the early-middle Jurassic.     

The Stages of Formation of the Main Batholite Belt,Northeast Russia: U–Th–Pb SIMS and Ar–Ar Geochronological Data

Doklady Earth Sciences - The original and published geochronological data and the geological position of different granitoid complexes of the Main (Kolyma) Batholith Belt of Northeast Asia have...     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of early Palaeozoic igneous rocks of the western South Qilian Belt,central China

Early Palaeozoic granitoids in the South Qilian Belt, central China, record details of the tectonic evolution and crustal growth of the Qilian orogenic belt. Five representative granitoids from the western South Qilian Belt were sampled for zircon LA-ICPMS U–Pb dating, Lu–Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemical analyses. Zircon U–Pb dating of two porphyritic granodiorites and a porphyritic monzogranite yielded ages of 442.7 ± 3.5, 441.8 ± 4.3, and 435.4 ± 3.5 Ma, respectively. These granitoids exhibit a geochemical affinity to I-type granite, are metaluminous with a low aluminium saturation index (A/CNK = 0.75–1.15), have moderate Al₂O₃ and low MgO contents, high La/Yb and low Sr/Y ratios, and are depleted in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, which suggests a subduction zone magmatic arc affinity, with mixing between a primary mantle-derived magma with lesser continental crustal material. The syenogranite and monzogranite from the South Qilian Belt, which yield U–Pb zircon ages of 440.4 ± 9.0 and 442.3 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively, have pronounced S-type geochemical affinities, are peraluminous with A/CNK values of 1.07–1.16, have relatively high SiO₂, Al₂O₃, K₂O, and Rb contents, low Y and Yb, low Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, positive Th, U, and light Rare Earth Element (REE) anomalies, and depletions in Nb, Ta, Sr, and Ti. Their geochemical signature suggests derivation from partial melting of continental crust in a syn-collisional setting. The Hf isotopic data of zircons from the granitoids show a significant input of Paleoproterozoic crust in the crustal formation of the western South Qilian Belt in Palaeozoic. Compare the ε_Hf(t) value of S-type granite with that of I-type granite, the former may have a comparatively homogeneous source. Together with regional evidence, it is proposed that a collisional event occurred between the South Qilian Belt and the Central Qilian Belt at ca. 442–435 Ma.     

Magmatic‐Hydrothermal Mineralization Sequence in Xinlu Ore Field,Guangxi, South China: Constraints from Zircon U‐Pb,Molybdenite Re‐Os,and Muscovite Ar‐Ar Dating

The Xinlu Sn‐polymetallic ore field is located in the western Nanling Polymetallic Belt in northeastern Guangxi, South China, where a number of typical skarn‐, hydrothermal vein‐type tin deposits have developed. There are two types of Sn deposits: skarn‐type and sulfide‐quartz vein‐type. The tin mineralizations mainly occur on the south side of the Guposhan granitic complex pluton and within its outer contact zone. To constrain the Sn mineralization age and further understand its genetic links to the Guposhan granitic complex, a series of geochronological works has been conducted at the Liuheao deposit of the ore field using high‐precision zircon SHRIMP U‐Pb, molybdenite Re‐Os, and muscovite Ar‐Ar dating methods. The results show that the biotite‐monzogranite, which is part of the Xinlu intrusive unit of the Guposhan complex pluton, has a SHRIMP U‐Pb zircon age of 161.0 ± 1.5 Ma. The skarn‐type ore has a ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar muscovite plateau age of 160 ± 2 Ma (same as its isochron age), and the sulfide‐quartz vein‐type ore yields an Re‐Os molybdenite isochron age of 154.4 ± 3.5 Ma. The magmatic‐hydrothermal geochronological sequence demonstrated that the hydrothermal mineralization took place immediately following the emplacement of the monzogranite, with the skarn metasomatic mineralization stage predating the sulfide mineralization stage. Geochronologically, we have compared this ore field with 26 typical Sn deposits distributed along the Nanling Polymetallic Belt, leading to the suggestion of the magmatic‐metallogenic processes in the Xinlu ore field (ca. 161–154 Ma) as a component of the Early Yanshanian large‐scale Sn‐polymetallic mineralization event (peaked at 160–150 Ma) in the Nanling Range of South China. Petrogenesis of Sn‐producing granite and Sn‐polymetallic mineralization were probably caused by crust–mantle interaction as a result of significant lithospheric extension and thinning in South China in the Late Jurassic.     

Reconstructing the Cryogenian–Ediacaran evolution of the Porongos fold and thrust belt,Southern Brasiliano Orogen,based on Zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Neoproterozoic geotectonic triad of the Brasiliano Orogen is reconstructed in southern Brazil from studies focused on the Porongos fold and thrust belt. We integrate field geology with isotopic studies of zircon U–Pb SHRIMP and Lu–Hf–O laser determinations in seven metasedimentary and three metavolcanic rock samples. The results indicate that the Porongos palaeo-basin was derived from mixed sources (3200–550 Ma), with major contributions from Rhyacian (2170 Ma) and Ediacaran (608 Ma) sources. Minor contributions from Archaean to Tonian sources are also registered. The maximum depositional age of the Porongos palaeo-basin is established by the age range of 650–550 Ma with T_DM model ages between 2.5 and 1.3 Ga. The reworked signature (ε_Hf values = ?34 to ?4) and the characteristic crustal magma reservoirs (δ¹⁸O ≥5.3 ‰) indicate that these sediments are equivalent to Neoproterozoic granites of the Dom Feliciano Belt. The episodic depositional history started in the Cryogenian (650 Ma) and lasted until the Ediacaran (most likely 570 Ma). A magmatic event of Tonian age is recorded in rhyodacite samples interleaved with the metasedimentary rocks and dated at 773, 801, and 809 Ma. The crustal evolution of the Sul-Riograndense Shield included mountain building, folding and thrusting and flexural subsidence in the foreland. An orogenic triad is revealed as the Pelotas Batholith, the Porongos fold and thrust belt and the Camaquã Basin, all part of the Dom Feliciano Belt.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of the ~620 Ma gold-associated Batouri granitoids,Cameroon

The Batouri gold mining area in southeastern Cameroon is part of the Adamawa–Yadé Domain of the Central African Fold Belt (Pan-African). It is underlain by a variety of granitic rocks, including alkali-feldspar granite, syeno-monzogranite, granodiorite, and tonalite. Geochemical data suggest that these rocks formed by differentiation of I-type tonalitic magma under oxidizing conditions in a continental volcanic arc setting. U–Pb dating of zircons from gold-associated monzogranite-granodiorite at Kambélé gave concordant ages of 619 ± 2 and 624 ± 2 Ma, while Ar–Ar dating of alkali-feldspar granite yielded a non-plateau maximum age of 640–620 Ma. These ages imply that the Batouri granitoids were emplaced during the collision of the West African Craton and the Congo Craton.

The geochemical characteristics of the Batouri granitoids as well as their oxidized state (magnetite series) are typical of gold-associated felsic rocks in subduction settings elsewhere. The similarities in age, composition, and geochemical affinities of these granitoids with those reported from other localities in the Adamawa–Yadé Domain reinforce the earlier assumption that the granitic rocks of this domain represent parts of a regional-scale batholith, with commonly small-scale, high-grade auriferous quartz veins in structurally favourable sites. The spatial and temporal association of gold mineralization and the Batouri granitoids may suggest potential for regional-scale, high-tonnage, granite-related gold ore.     

The Palaeoproterozoic Kangerluluk gold–copper mineralization (southeast Greenland): Pb and Nd isotopic constraints on its timing and genesis

The Ketilidian Mobile Belt (KMB) in South Greenland is dominated by the Palaeoproterozoic Julianehåb Batholith (1,850–1,770?Ma) and is bordered by supracrustal sequences. The batholith is composed of granite, granodiorite, tonalite, diorite and subordinate gabbro and appinite and formed in a juvenile magmatic arc. The supracrustal rocks consist of psammites, pelites and subordinate, interstratified mafic volcanic rocks. A Rapakivi granite suite (1,755–1,735?Ma) intrudes them. Gold is an important metal in the KMB and occurs in various settings and element associations. Here, emphasis is placed on the Kangerluluk Cu–Au mineralization in the eastern part of the mobile belt. It is hosted within a remnant supracrustal succession dominated by redundant pillowed basalts. Structurally, a syn-volcanic association with gold can be distinguished from one that is clearly related to crosscutting quartz veins. In between, calc-silicate formation in the volcanic rocks occurred contemporaneously with a pervasive sericitization (bleaching) of leucocratic granitoids that are intrusive into the volcanic sequence. Bulk rock and mineral (sulfide) Pb isotope data are comparable in the Pb isotope space. The data define two groups of mineralization where one group is characterized by relatively higher ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb at given ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios than the other. Pb stepwise leaching (PbSL) dating experiments performed on garnet and epidote associated with both groups of mineralization confirm the offset in the Pb isotope data. With the geochronological information from PbSL, the results indicate: (1) the initial gold mineralization was genetically related to metalliferous fluids associated with the emplacement of late intrusive stages of the Julianehåb Batholith (1,800–1,770?Ma); and (2) local remobilization of the initial mineralization (1,700–1,750) involved a Pb isotopically evolved fluid, which tentatively can be correlated with the intrusion of the Rapakivi granites in the area. Radiogenic Pb was not only found in altered host rocks but also in various sulfides, suggesting that fluids may have percolated through and/or originated from uranium-bearing graphitic schists which are abundant in the sedimentary package of the KMB. Lead isotopic results suggest that the Rapakivi granites may have supplied heat for renewed circulation of fluids within the supracrustal rock pile.     

Geochronology and Significance of Granites Associated with Gold Deposits in the Jidong Area, China

The Jidong area is located on the north margin of the North China craton. It is a nucleus composed of the oldest rocks in China. Precambrian metamorphic rocks with various Phanerozoic granitoids invaded are widespread. Gold deposits here have close spatial relations to granitoids. Some deposits occur within them and others in the outer zone of the contact belt of the intrusion, extending thousands of metres. There have been controversial views in regard to the relations of the deposits to the intrusions although traditional techniques have been used to date the intrusions. In order to solve such a problem, the SHRIMP technique was adopted to date the U-Pb ages of zircon collected from the Yuerya intrusion which hosts the large-sized Yuerya Au deposit and Qingshankou intrusion 2 km away from the Jinchangyu (larger-sized) Au deposit. Analysis shows that the ages of 175±1 Ma and 174±3 Ma for Yuerya intrusion and the age of 199±2 Ma for Qingshankou granite indicate the Early Yanshanian stage of the Meso-     

Nature and significance of the late Mesozoic granitoids in the southern Great Xing’an range,eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT

Abundant late Mesozoic granitic rocks are widespread in the southern Great Xing’an Range (GXAR), which have attracted much attention due to its significance for the Mesozoic tectonic evolution in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, controversy has still surrounded the late Mesozoic geodynamic switching in the continental margin of east China, especially the spatial and temporal extent of the influence of the Mongol-Okhotsk and Palaeo-Pacific tectonic regimes. In order to better understand the Late Mesozoic evolutionary history of the southern GXAR, a number of geochemical, geochronological, and isotopic data of the granitoids in this region are collected. Magmatism in the southern GXAR can be divided into six phases: Late Carboniferous (325–303 Ma), Early-Middle Permian (287–260 Ma), Triassic (252–220 Ma), Early Jurassic (182–176 Ma), Late Jurassic (154–146 Ma), and Early Cretaceous (145–111 Ma). Mesozoic magmatic activities in the southern GXAR peaked during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, accompanied by large-scale mineralization. Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic evidence of these granitic rocks suggested they were likely originated from a mixed source composed of lower crust and newly underplated basaltic crust. Assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) or crustal contamination possibly occurred in the magma evolution, and a much more addition of juvenile component to the source of the Early Cretaceous granitoids than that of Late Jurassic. The closure of Mongol-Okhotsk ocean and the break-off of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic slab at depth in the Jurassic triggered extensive magmatism and related mineralization in this region. The Jurassic intrusive activities was affected by both the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate and the closure of Mongol-Okhotsk ocean. Less influence of the Mongol-Okhotsk tectonic regime on the Early Cretaceous magmatism, whereas, in contrast the Palaeo-Pacific tectonic regime possibly continued into the Cenozoic.     

U–Pb SHRIMP data constraints on calc-alkaline granitoids with 1.3–1.6 Ga Nd TDM model ages from the central domain of the Borborema province,NE Brazil

The Tabira, Itapetim and Timbaúba granitoids are intruded into metasedimentary sequences and Cariris Velhos (Tonian) orthogneisses from the Central Domain of the Borborema Province, NE Brazil. They have U–Pb SHRIMP ages of 593 ± 7 Ma; 615 ± 9 Ma and 616 ± 5 Ma respectively. The studied granitoids have zircon cores inherited from the protholith, with a large number of analyses showing ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages ranging from 950 to 1200 Ma. Oscillatory zoning typical of magmatic zircon is common, although it is faint in some inherited cores.The studied granitoids are calc-alkaline and show Nd T_DM model ages ranging from 1.30 to 1.56 Ga and ?Nd (600 Ma) ranging from ?2.40 to ?5.34. These values are similar to those recorded in the country rocks. The lowest values of ?Nd (600 Ma) were recorded in enclaves of dioritic composition. Nd and U–Pb SHRIMP data suggest a significant participation of the metasedimentary rocks in the protholith of these granitoids. The Mesoproterozoic Nd T_DM model ages recorded in the studied granitoids are interpreted as the result of a hybrid source involving melting of metagraywackes, metamafic rocks of Tonian ages and/or biotite – bearing orthogneisses (Cariris Velhos Orthogneisses). The resulted melting was modified by mingling with juvenile Brasiliano melts, diorite in composition.The Timbaúba granitoids intrusions are coeval with high-T metamorphism and flat-lying foliation forming event in an intracontinental setting, during the Brasiliano convergence and contractional deformation. The Itapetim Pluton was emplaced in the convergence - lateral escape setting and the Tabira granitoids were intruded after the flat-lying foliation event, representing sin transcurrent intrusions.Our data show that within the Central Domain of the Borborema Province, granitoids with similar petrographic and geochemical compositions can have distinct ages and be intruded in distinct tectonic regimes.     

Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb ages and geochemistry of Late Mesozoic granitoids in Western Zhejiang and Southern Anhui: constraints on the model of lithospheric thinning of Southeast China

ABSTRACT

We report geochemical data and zircon SHRIMP U-Pb ages for Late Mesozoic granitoids from the western Zhejiang province and southern Anhui province (the WZSA region) from southeast China. In combination with published geochronological and geochemical data, the granitoids in the region can be divided into three stages: 171–141 Ma, 140–121 Ma, and 120–95 Ma. The first stage of these granitoids is mainly composed of granite porphyry and granodiorite which are similar to I-type granitoids, including having weakly negative Eu anomalies with enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE), Rb, Th, and U. The second stage of granitoids consists of monzogranite, syenogranite, and granite with the characteristics of both A-type and I-type granitoids including strongly negative Eu anomalies; depletion of Ba, Sr, and Ti; and enrichment of K, Rb, and high field strength elements (HFSEs) (such as Th and U). The third stage of granitoids is mainly composed of granite, quartz monzonite, quartz diorite, and mafic rocks with weakly negative Eu anomalies and also enrichment in LREE, Rb, Th, U, and K. From our work, we propose a transition from compressional to extensional magmatism at ~141 Ma. Based on the geochemical characteristics of these granites and coeval mafic rocks, we propose that the formation of the A-type magmatism in the WZSA region formed as the result of lithospheric extension and asthenospheric upwelling during the Early Cretaceous.