The mafic–ultramafic complex of Aniyapuram,Cauvery Suture Zone,southern India: Petrological and geochemical constraints for Neoarchean suprasubduction zone tectonics

Several Precambrian mafic–ultramafic complexes occur along the Cauvery Suture Zone (CSZ) in Southern Granulite Terrain, India. Their origin, magmatic evolution and relationship with the associated high-grade rocks have not been resolved. The Aniyapuram Mafic–Ultramafic Complex (AMUC), the focus of the present study in southern part of the CSZ, is dominantly composed of peridotites, pyroxenites, gabbros, metagabbros/mafic granulites, hornblendites, amphibolites, plagiogranites, felsic granulites and ferruginous cherts. The rock types in the AMUC are structurally emplaced within hornblende gneiss (TTG) basement rocks and are highly deformed. The geochemical signature of the amphibolites indicates tholeiitic affinity for the protolith with magma generation in island arc-setting. N-MORB normalized pattern of the amphibolites show depletion in HFS-elements (P, Zr, Sm, Ti, and Y) and enrichment of LIL-elements (Rb, Ba, Th, Sr) with negative Nb anomalies suggesting involvement of subduction component in the depleted mantle source and formation in a supra-subduction zone tectonic setting. Our new results when correlated with the available age data suggest that the lithological association of AMUC represent the remnants of the Neoarchean oceanic lithosphere.     

Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Xing-Meng Orogenic Belt: Constraints from detrital zircon geochronology of western Erguna–Xing’an Block,North China

To better constrain the Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the western part of the Erguna–Xing’an Block, detrital zircon U–Pb dating was applied on the Ordovician to Devonian sedimentary strata along the southeast part of the China–Mongolia border. Most of the zircons from five sedimentary samples display fine-scale oscillatory growth zoning and Th/U ratios higher than 0.1, indicating a magmatic origin. All five Ordovician–Devonian samples display the similar age distribution patterns with age groups at ∼440 Ma, ∼510 Ma, ∼800 Ma, ∼950 Ma, and few Meso- to Paleo-Proterozoic and Neoarchean grains. This age distribution pattern is similar to those from adjacent blocks in the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Considering previous tectonic studies, we propose bidirectional provenances from the Erguna–Xing’an Block and Baolidao Arc.Consequently, a new model was proposed to highlight the Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the western Erguna–Xing’an Block, which constrains two main Early Paleozoic tectonic events of the Xing-Meng Orogenic Belt: (a) pre-Late Cambrian collision between Erguna–Kerulen Block and Arigin Sum-Xilinhot-Xing’an Block; (b) the Early Paleozoic subduction of Paleo-Asian Ocean and pre-Late Devonian collision between Erguna–Xing’an Block and Songliao-Hunshandake Block.     

Geochronology,geochemistry and Hf isotope of Late Triassic magmatic rocks of Qingchengzi district in Liaodong peninsula,Northeast China

The initiation timing and mechanism of lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton (NCC) was still controversial. Late Triassic igneous rocks especially mantle derived mafic rocks would provide constrains on Early Mesozoic lithospheric mantle geodynamics and initiation of lithospheric thinning. This paper reports Late Triassic magmatic rocks, including lamprophyre, diorite dykes and biotite monzogranite cropped out in Qingchengzi district of Liaodong peninsula, northeastern NCC. LA–ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating yield ages of 210–227 Ma and 224 Ma for lamprophyres and biotite monzogranite respectively. Lamprophyre is ultrapotassic, strongly enriched in REE and LILEs, depleted in HFSEs, and negative Hf isotopes, which are discriminating signatures of crustal source, but distinguishingly high compatible element contents indicate the primary magma originated from mantle source—a fertile one. Lamprophyre derived from partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle, which was modified by slab-derived hydrous fluids/melts associated with deep subduction between the Yangtze Craton and the NCC. The diorite displays distinct features with relatively enriched Nb, Ta, HREE and depleted Th, U, which suggest it derived from a relatively depleted source. The depletion was caused by break-off of the Yangtze slab during deep subduction introducing asthenospheric mantle into the source. The biotite monzogranite shows adakitic affinity, and originated from partial melting of the thickened lower crust with addition of small proportion of mantle material. The recognition of Late Triassic magmatism implies extensional tectonic settings in Liaodong peninsula and suggests initiation of lithospheric thinning of North China Craton in eastern segment might begin early in Late Triassic.     

Geochronology,geochemistry, and mineralization of the granodiorite porphyry hosting the Matou Cu–Mo (±W) deposit,Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt,eastern China

Porphyry and skarn Cu–Fe–Au–Mo deposits are widespread in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt (MLYMB), eastern China. The Matou deposit has long been regarded as a typical Cu–Mo porphyry deposit within Lower Yangtze part of the belt. Recently, we identified scheelite and wolframite in quartz veins in the Matou deposit, which is uncommon in other porphyry and skarn deposits in the MLYMB. We carried out detailed zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic studies of the granodiorite porphyry at Matou to define any differences from other ore-related granitoids. The porphyry shows a SiO₂ content ranging from 61.85 wt.% to 65.74 wt.%, K₂O from 1.99 wt.% to 3.74 wt.%, and MgO from 1.74 wt.% to 2.19 wt.% (Mg^# value ranging from 45 to 55). It is enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, but relatively depleted in Nb, Ta, Y, Yb and compatible trace elements (such as Cr, Ni, and V), with slight negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.88–0.98) and almost no negative Sr anomalies. Results of electron microprobe analysis of rock-forming silicate minerals indicate that the Matou porphyry has been altered by an oxidized fluid that is rich in Mg, Cl, and K. The samples show relatively low ε_Nd(t) values from −7.4 to −7.1, slightly high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values from 0.708223 to 0.709088, and low ε_Hf(t) values of zircon from −9.0 to −6.5, when compared with the other Cu–Mo porphyry deposits in the MLYMB. Zircon U–Pb dating suggests the Matou granodiorite porphyry was emplaced at 139.5 ± 1.5 Ma (MSWD = 1.8, n = 15), which is within the age range of the other porphyries in the MLYMB. Although geochemical characteristics of the Matou and other porphyries in the MLYMB are similar and all adakitic, the detrital zircons in the samples from Matou suggest that Archean lower crust (2543 ± 29 Ma, MSWD = 0.25, n = 5) was involved with the generation of Matou magma, which is different from the other porphyries in the belt. Our study suggests that the Matou granodiorite porphyry originated from partial melting of thickened lower crust that was delaminated into the mantle, similar to the other porphyries in the MLYMB, but it has a higher proportion of lower crustal material, including Archean rocks, which contributed to the formation of the porphyry and related W-rich magmatic-hydrothermal system.     

Cenozoic high-K alkaline magmatism and associated Cu–Mo–Au mineralization in the Jinping–Fan Si Pan region,southeastern Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone,southwestern China–northwestern Vietnam

The Jinping–Fan Si Pan (JFP) Cenozoic magmatic and Cu–Mo–Au metallogenic belt in the southeastern part of the Ailao Shan shear zone host the Tongchang, Chang′an, Habo, and Chinh Sang Cu–Mo–Au deposits. These deposits form an integrated epithermal-porphyry regional mineralization system associated with 40–32 Ma high-K alkaline magmatism. The magmatic rocks in the belt have relatively low TiO₂ (<0.73 wt%), P₂O₅ (<0.29 wt%), and FeO^* (<4.99 wt%), and high Na₂O (2.86–4.75 wt%) and K₂O (4.01–7.98 wt%). They also have high contents of incompatible trace elements, and are enriched in LILE (Rb, Ba, K, Sr) and LREE. They have marked Nb, Ta, Ti and P depletion in primitive mantle-normalized spidergrams, and plot close to the EMII mantle field in the Sr–Nd isotopic diagram. These characteristics are similar to those of the Eocene high-K alkaline rocks along the northern Ailao Shan belt, eastern Tibet plateau. The sulfur and lead isotope analyses of sulfide minerals from both the ores and related magmatic rocks confirm the involvement of a magmatic ore fluid. The Cenozoic alkaline intrusions and Cu–Mo–Au mineralization in the JFP were formed prior to the initiation of left-lateral shearing along the Ailao Shan shear zone. The magmas appear to have been derived from enriched mantle, possibly with mixing of materials from the buried Tethyan oceanic lithosphere, and/or crust.     

Restudy of conodont biostratigraphy of the Permian–Triassic boundary section in Zhongzhai,southwestern Guizhou Province,South China

New conodont samples have been systematically collected at high stratigraphic resolution from the upper part of the Longtan Formation through to the lower part of the Yelang Formation at the Zhongzhai section, southwestern Guizhou Province, South China, in an effort to verify the first local occurrence of Hindeodus parvus in relation to the Permian–Triassic boundary at this section. The resampled conodont fauna from the Permian–Triassic boundary interval comprises five identified species and two undetermined species in Hindeodus and Clarkina. Most importantly, the first local occurrence of Hindeodus parvus is found for the first time from the bottom of Bed 28a, 18 cm lower than the previously reported first local occurrence of this species at this section. Considering the previously accepted PTB at the Zhongzhai section, well calibrated by conodont biostratigraphy, geochronology and carbon isotope chemostratigraphy, this lower (earlier) occurrence of H. parvus suggests that this critical species could occur below the Permian–Triassic boundary. As such, this paper provides evidence that (1) the first local occurrences of H. parvus are diachronous in different sections with respect to the PTB defined by the First Appearance Datum (FAD) of this species at its GSSP section in Meishan, China and that (2) the lower stratigraphic range of H. parvus should now be extended to latest Permian.     

The Deccan Trap – Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary connection; new 40Ar/39Ar ages and critical assessment of existing argon data pertinent to this hypothesis

The Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary (KPgB) was dated by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar method herein from the western interior of North America at 65.48 ± 0.12 Ma (1σ), in good agreement with other recent published estimates. For the Deccan Traps, India, new argon ages as well as others available in the literature, are assessed for reliability based on (a) statistical reliability of plateau/isochron sections and (b) freshness of material dated utilizing the alteration index method. From tholeiitic lavas from the Composite Western Ghats Section (CWGS), only six ages are found to be reliable estimates of the time of crystallization. These ages along with the magnetic polarity of the lavas agree with the geomagnetic polarity time scale (GPTS) at ∼67–64 Ma. Alkaline rocks from the Anjar area of Kutch, provide three reliable ages that suggest a hiatus in lava extrusion around KPgB. For the Rajahmundry basalts, the upper flow’s age defines its formation during chron 29n; a single age from the lower reversed polarity flow appears somewhat dichotomous when plotted against the GPTS. The reliable lava ages indicate the most voluminous (reversed polarity) sections of the CWGS were extruded at a time statistically indistinguishable from that of the KPgB. The Deccan Trap – KPgB faunal extinction hypothesis remains plausible, but must compete with the latest report, favoring a very close temporal connection (∼0.03 m.y.) between the Chixculub (Impact) Crater and the KPgB.     

Cenozoic paleo-environmental evolution of the Pamir–Tien Shan convergence zone

The retreat of the Tethys Sea and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau play the critical roles in driving Asian climatic changes during the Cenozoic. In the Pamir–Tien Shan convergence zone, over 3000 m of Cenozoic successions, consisting of marine deposits in the lower, continental clay and fine sand in the middle, and molasse in the upper part, record the evolution of the Tethys Sea, the Asian aridification, and the deformation of the Pamir. In this work, the existing biostratigraphic subdivisions and new electronic spinning resonance dating results were used to assign ages to formations within the Ulugqat section. Sedimentary facies analysis and multi-proxy indices were used to reconstruct the paleo-environmental evolution. The results show: (1) the Pamir–Tien Shan convergence zone has undergone progressive environmental changes from shallow marine before ∼34 Ma to arid land at ∼23 Ma and finally to inter-mountain basin by ∼5.3 Ma; (2) the overall increase in mean size of grains, decrease in redness, in magnetic susceptibility, and in proportion of the ultrafine component of the sediments studied revealed a long-term strengthening in potential energy to transporting medium, cooling, and enhanced continental aridity, respectively; (3) the easternmost edge of the Tethys Sea prevailed in the western Tarim Basin from late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic, and finally retreated from this region around the Eocene–Oligocene transition, which in turn strengthened the Asian aridification; (4) accumulation of molasse with an upper age of ∼1 Ma suggests that the deformation front of the Pamir migrated to this area at or before that time.     

Geochemistry and Ar–Ar muscovite ages of the Daraban Leucogranite,Mawat Ophiolite,northeastern Iraq: Implications for Arabia–Eurasia continental collision

Daraban Leucogranite dykes intruded discordantly into the basal serpentinized harzburgite of the Mawat Ophiolite, Kurdistan region, NE Iraq. These coarse grained muscovite-tourmaline leucogranites are the first leucogranite dykes identified within the Mawat Ophiolite. They are mainly composed of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, tourmaline, muscovite, and secondary phologopite, while zircon, xenotime, corundum, mangano-ilemnite and cassiterite occur as accessories.The A/CNK value of the granite dyke samples varies from 1.10 to 1.22 indicating a strongly peraluminous composition. CaO/Na₂O ranges from 0.11 to 0.15 and Al₂O₃/TiO₂ from 264 to 463, similar to the strongly peraluminous (SP) granites exposed in ‘high-pressure’ collision zones such as the Himalayas.Ar–Ar muscovite step-heating dating yields 37.57 ± 0.25 and 38.02 ± 0.53 Ma plateau ages for two samples which are thought to reflect either their magmatic emplacement or resetting during collision-related metamorphism. Mineral chemistry shows evidence of both primary and secondary types of muscovite, with cores favouring the magmatic interpretation and slight effects of a late syn-serpentinization fluid seen at the rims.Geochemical features of Daraban Leucogranite dykes favour a syn-collisional tectonic setting. They probably formed in response to the continental collision between Eurasia and Arabia during the initial stage of the opening of the Gulf of Aden at 37 Ma. The muscovite ages and geochemical features of Daraban Leucogranite are strong evidence for the timing of the continental collision between northeastern Arabia and Eurasia in Kurdistan region of Iraq.     

Geochronology and fluid inclusion study of the Yinjiagou porphyry–skarn Mo–Cu–pyrite deposit in the East Qinling orogenic belt,China

The Yinjiagou Mo–Cu–pyrite deposit of Henan Province is located in the Huaxiong block on the southern margin of the North China craton. It differs from other Mo deposits in the East Qingling area because of its large pyrite resource and complex associated elements. The deposit’s mineralization process can be divided into skarn, sulfide, and supergene episodes with five stages, marking formation of magnetite in the skarn episode, quartz–molybdenite, quartz–calcite–pyrite–chalcopyrite–bornite–sphalerite, and calcite–galena–sphalerite in the sulfide episode, and chalcedony–limonite in the supergene episode. Re–Os and ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating indicates that both the skarn-type and porphyry-type orebodies of the Yinjiagou deposit formed approximately 143 Ma ago during the Early Cretaceous. Four types of fluid inclusions (FIs) have been distinguished in quartz phenocryst, various quartz veins, and calcite vein. Based on petrographic observations and microthermometric criteria the FIs include liquid-rich, gas-rich, H₂O–CO₂, and daughter mineral-bearing inclusions. The homogenization temperature of FIs in quartz phenocrysts of K-feldspar granite porphyry ranges from 341 °C to >550 °C, and the salinity is 0.4–44.0 wt% NaCl eqv. The homogenization temperature of FIs in quartz–molybdenite veins is 382–416 °C, and the salinity is 3.6–40.8 wt% NaCl eqv. The homogenization temperature of FIs in quartz–calcite–pyrite–chalcopyrite–bornite–sphalerite ranges from 318 °C to 436 °C, and the salinity is 5.6–42.4 wt% NaCl eqv. The homogenization temperature of FIs in quartz–molybdenite stockworks is in a range of 321–411 °C, and the salinity is 6.3–16.4 wt% NaCl eqv. The homogenization temperature of FIs in quartz–sericite–pyrite is in a range of 326–419 °C, and the salinity is 4.7–49.4 wt% NaCl eqv. The ore-forming fluids of the Yinjiagou deposit are mainly high-temperature, high-salinity fluids, generally with affinities to an H₂O–NaCl–KCl ± CO₂ system. The δ¹⁸O_H2O values of ore-forming hydrothermal fluids are 4.0–8.6‰, and the δD_V-SMOW values are between −64‰ and −52‰, indicating that the ore-forming fluids were primarily magmatic. The δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of sulfides range between −0.2‰ and 6.3‰ with a mean of 1.6‰, sharing similar features with deeply sourced sulfur, implying that the sulfur mainly came from the lower crust composed of poorly differentiated igneous materials, but part of the heavy sulfur came from the Guandaokou Group dolostone. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of sulfides are in the range of 17.331–18.043, 15.444–15.575, and 37.783–38.236, respectively, which is generally consistent with the Pb isotopic signature of the Yinjiagou intrusion, suggesting that the Pb chiefly originated from the felsic–intermediate intrusive rocks in the mine area, with a small amount of lead from strata. The Yinjiagou deposit is a porphyry–skarn deposit formed during the Mesozoic transition of a tectonic regime that is EW-trending to NNE-trending, and the multiepisode boiling of ore-forming fluids was the primary mechanism for mineral deposition.