Silurian Sedimentation in the South Qilian Belt: Arc-Continent Collision-related Deposition in the NE Tibet Plateau?

The South Qilian belt mainly comprises an early Paleozoic arc-ophiolite complex, accretionary prism, microcontinental block, and foreland basin. These elements represent accretion-collision during Cambrian to Silurian time in response to closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean in the NE of the present-day Tibet Plateau. Closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean between the Central Qilian block and the Oulongbuluke block and the associated collision took place from NE to SW in a zipper-like style. Sediment w...     

Yerranderie a Late Devonian Silver–Gold–Lead Intermediate Sulfidation Epithermal District, Eastern Lachlan Orogen, New South Wales, Australia

Felsic volcanic units of the Early Devonian Bindook Volcanic Complex host the Yerranderie epithermal silver–gold–lead district 94 km west–southwest of Sydney. Mineralization in the district forms part of a fault‐controlled, intermediate sulfidation, epithermal silver–gold–base metal vein system that has significant mineral and alteration zonation. Stage 1 of the mineral paragenesis in the veins developed quartz and carbonate with early pyrite, whereas stage 2 is a crustiform banded quartz–pyrite–arsenopyrite assemblage. Stage 3, the main stage of sulfide deposition, comprises early sphalerite, followed by a tetrahedrite–tennantite–gold assemblage, then a galena–chalcopyrite–native silver–pyrite assemblage, and finally a pyrargyrite–polybasite–pearceite assemblage. Stage 4 involves the deposition of quartz veins with minor (late) pyrite and stage 5 is characterized by siderite that infilled remaining voids. Mineral zonation occurs along the Yerranderie Fault, with bornite being restricted to the Colon Peaks–Silver Peak mine area, whereas arsenopyrite, which is present in both the Colon Peaks–Silver Peak and Wollondilly mine areas, is absent in other lodes along the Yerranderie Fault. The Yerranderie Fault, which hosts the major lodes, is surrounded by a zoned alteration system. With increasing proximity to the fault the intensity of alteration increases and the alteration assemblage changes from an outer quartz–muscovite–illite–(ankerite) assemblage to a quartz–illite–(pyrite–carbonate) assemblage within meters of the fault. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of muscovite from the alteration zone gave a 372.1 ± 1.9 Ma (Late Devonian) age, which is interpreted to be the timing of the quartz–sulfide vein formation. Sulfur isotope values for sulfides range from 0.1 to 6.2‰ with one outlier of ?5.6 δ³⁴S‰. The results indicate that the initial ore‐forming fluids were reduced, and that sulfur was probably sourced from a magmatic reservoir, either as a direct magmatic contribution or indirectly through dissolution and recycling of sulfur from the host volcanic sequence. The sulfur isotope data suggest the system is isotopically zoned.     

金平白马寨铜镍矿床综合信息成矿预测模型

系统研究哀牢山造山带金平白马寨铜镍矿床的地质、地球物理及地球化学特征。提出本矿床为含矿基性—超基性岩浆熔离—结晶分异和矿浆依次脉冲式贯入的铜镍硫化物矿床成矿模式，最终建立本区铜镍矿床的综合信息成矿预测模型。     

Complete metamorphic cycle and long-lived anatexis in the c. 2.1 Ga Mistinibi Complex,Canada

Secular changes in the architecture, thermal state, and metamorphic style of global orogens are thought to have occurred since the Archean; however, despite widespread research, the driving mechanisms for such changes remain unclear. The Paleoproterozoic may prove to be a key era for investigating secular changes in global orogens, as it marks the earliest stage of an eon that saw the onset of modern-style global tectonics. The 2.1 Ga granulite-facies Mistinibi-Raude Domain (MRD), located in the Southeastern Churchill Province, Canada, offers a rare exposure of Paleoproterozoic high metamorphic grade supracrustal sequences (Mistinibi Complex, MC). Rocks from this domain were subjected to petrochronological investigations to establish P–T–t–X evolutions and to provide first order thermal state, burial and exhumation rates, and metamorphic gradients for the transient Paleoproterozoic times. To obtain comprehensive insight into the P–T–t–X evolution of the MRD, we used multi-method geochronology—Lu–Hf on garnet and U–Pb on zircon and monazite—integrated with detailed petrography, trace element chemistry, and phase equilibria modelling. Despite the extensive use of zircon and monazite as geochronometers, their behaviour in anatectic conditions is complex, leading to substantial ambiguity in interpreting the timing of prograde metamorphism. Our results indicate a clockwise metamorphic path involving significant melt extraction from the metasedimentary rocks, followed by cooling from >815°C to ~770°C at ~0.8 GPa. The timing of prograde burial and cooling from supra- to subsolidus conditions is constrained through garnet, monazite, and zircon petrochronology at 2,150–2,120 Ma and at 2,070–2,080 Ma, respectively. These results highlight long-lived residence of the rocks at mid-crustal supra-solidus conditions (55–70 Ma), with preserved prograde and retrograde supra-solidus monazite and zircon. The rocks record extremely slow burial rates (0.25–0.30 km/Ma) along a high metamorphic gradient (900–1,000°C/GPa), which appears symptomatic of Paleoproterozoic orogens. The MC did not record any significant metamorphism after 2,067 Ma, despite having collided with terranes that record high-grade metamorphism during the major 1.9–1.8 Ga Trans-Hudson orogeny. The MC would therefore represent a remnant of a local early Paleoproterozoic metamorphic infrastructure, later preserved as superstructure in the large hot Trans-Hudson orogen.     

Regional metamorphism and the alteration response of selected Silurian to Devonian mineral systems in the Nymagee area,Central Lachlan Orogen,New South Wales: a HyLogger™ case study

The southern Cobar Superbasin includes the Mount Hope, Cobar and Rast troughs and adjacent Winduck, Mouramba and Kopyje shelves. These stratotectonic units host a range of mineral systems within deformed upper Silurian to Lower Devonian rocks. Despite the metallogenic importance of the terrane the regional metamorphic- and alteration-related mineral assemblages have not been systematically described until now. Here, we present a study using the HyLogger? spectral scanner to systematically map changes in both background and alteration-related mineralogy for 14 mineral systems across the Nymagee area. The study found that, with the exception of the late diagenetic zone assemblages associated with the Winduck Shelf, the mineral assemblages for zones away from mineralisation are consistent with uniform sub- to lowest-greenschist facies metamorphic conditions, with no evidence for a regional, thermal field gradient across the basin. By contrast, proximal to mineralisation, there are significant changes in alteration-related mineral abundances and species reflecting elevated fluid temperatures. For several zones, including Browns Reef, Great Central, Hera, May Day, Nymagee and Shuttleton, there is a systematic change in chlorite composition from Fe- and/or Fe–Mg-chlorites to more Mg-rich varieties towards mineralisation. In addition, talc was noted for May Day, Mineral Hill and Shuttleton. The change in chlorite composition suggests that these ore-forming fluids were undersaturated with respect to iron. Furthermore, although present in discrete zones, carbonate alteration is not a dominant alteration type. However, at Manuka and Blue Mountain, the mineralisation is associated with carbonate-rich (calcite, ankerite, dolomite) units that have been dolomitised (Mg alteration) but not all dolomite-rich zones are mineralised. For Mineral Hill, there are systematic changes to mineral species/chemistry with observed data consistent with Parkers Hill being proximal to the centre of a mineralising system. The G and H Lode area (Southern Ore Zone) is slightly more distal whereas the Pearse deposit may represent a zone more distal again.     

西南三江兰坪盆地金满铜矿床成因研究:来自铜和硫同位素的联合约束

三江地区兰坪盆地中-新生代砂岩和板岩中赋存有脉状铜矿床,其成因一直存在争议。本文选取金满矿床作为实例进行了详细的铜和硫同位素研究。解析了该矿床成矿物质来源及其富集机理。研究表明金满矿床具有多期性、成矿物质多来源性。硫同位素数据显示,大部分分布在-5.0‰~+3.4‰之间,个别富集硫的轻同位素,δ~(34)S值达-10.1‰、-11.4‰、-11.6‰,认为硫主要来源于盆地蒸发岩硫酸盐,通过有机质热分解作用还原成H_2S,同时有少量生物成因硫及深部来源硫。铜同位素研究表明,成矿早阶段铜同位素δ~(65)Cu值在零附近,铜主要来源于深部地壳或上地幔,晚阶段硫化物富集铜的轻同位素,δ~(65)Cu值达-1.10‰、-1.02‰,铜主要来自盆地内成矿流体流经的地层。结合研究区成矿物质来源、流体性质及地质背景,认为不同性质流体混合发生氧化还原作用促使金属硫化物沉淀是金满矿床主要形成机制。另外,成矿流体沿断裂上涌,外界条件突变,压力下降,气体逸出等过程对硫化物沉淀也起到一定作用。     

Carboniferous palaeomagnetism of the Rocky Creek Block,northern Tamworth Belt,and the New England pole path

Palaeomagnetic, rock magnetic and magnetic fabric results are presented for a Carboniferous (Visean to Westphalian) succession of felsic, mainly ignimbritic, volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks from the Rocky Creek Block of the northern Tamworth Belt, southern New England Orogen. Detailed thermal demagnetisation of 734 samples from 64 sites show three groups of magnetic components with low (<300°C), intermediate (300–600°C) and high (500–680°C) unblocking temperature ranges. Well‐defined primary magnetisations have been determined for 28 sites with evidence of four overprint phases. The overprints arise from a mid‐Tertiary weathering event (or possibly recent viscous origin), and from fluid movements associated with the Late Cretaceous opening of the Tasman Sea, thrusting during the Middle Triassic main phase of the Hunter‐Bowen Orogeny, and latest Carboniferous — Early Permian formation of the Bowen‐Gunnedah‐Sydney Basin system. Rock magnetic tests establish that the primary magnetisation carriers in the volcanic rocks are mainly magnetite (predominantly single domain, or pseudo‐single domain, and little or no multidomain) and hematite. Optimal magnetic cleaning is achieved at high to very high temperatures, with subtle, but systematic, directional and statistical differences between primary components derived from the mainly hematite fraction and pseudo‐components derived from the mainly magnetite fraction. The 28 primary magnetisation results are presented as six mean‐site results, summarised below and representing 25 sites, and three single‐site results. Fold tests could be applied to five mean‐site results. These are all positive, but one of these results may represent a secondary magnetisation. The primary magnetisation results define a Visean to Westphalian pole path. This long pole path indi cates extensive latitudinal and rotational movement for the Rocky Creek Block, and potentially for the New England Orogen, as follows: (i) Yuendoo Rhyolite Member (Caroda Formation, Visean) pole 235.8°E, 27.7°S, ED₉₅ = 9.0°, n = 3; (ii) Peri Rhyolite Member/Boomi Rhyolite Member (Clifden Formation, Namurian, 318.0 ± 3.4 Ma) pole 177.4°E, 63.4°S, ED₉₅ = 5.2°, n = 3; (iii) tuffaceous beds above Boomi Rhyolite Member (Clifden Formation?, Namurian) pole 162.2°E, 59.1°S, ED₉₅ = 10.2°, n = 3; ((iv) upper Clifden Formation/lower Rocky Creek Conglomerate (Namurian/Westphalian) pole 95.3°E, 49.6°S, ED₉₅ = 8.1°, n = 3 (possible overprint)); (v) Rocky Creek Conglomerate (Westphalian) pole 136.5°E, 57.6°S, ED₉₅ = 5.3°, n = 5; (vi) Lark Hill Formation (Westphalian) pole 127.0°E, 50.4°S, ED₉₅ = 4.8°, n = 8.     

Stratigraphy and correlation of Carboniferous ignimbrites,Rocky Creek region,Tamworth Belt,Southern New England Orogen,New South Wales

Carboniferous (Visean to Westphalian) pyroclastics and lava flows in the Rocky Creek region, used to redefine the base of the Kiaman reversal, are formally defined or redefined and the status of the main formations clarified. These units include the Caroda Formation, containing the Kooringal Dacite, Boomi Rhyolite and Barney Springs Andesite Members; the Clifden Formation with the Wanganui Andesite, Glen Idle Rhyolite, Appleogue Dacite, Bexley Rhyolite, Pine Cliffs Rhyolite and Downs Rhyodacite Members; Rocky Creek Conglomerate with the Hazelvale Rhyodacite, Mt Hook Rhyolite, Darthula Rhyodacite and Pound Rock Rhyodacite Members; and Lark Hill Formation with the Eulowrie Pyroclastic, Tycannah Rhyodacite and The Tops Rhyolite Members; a number of informal units are also described. The restriction of most volcanic units to one of the three thrust blocks (Boomi, Kathrose and Darthula blocks) of the Rocky Creek region, suggests their current relationships reflect either shortening due to overthrusting or an original distribution affected by depositional or erosional processes. A westerly increase in the proportion of ignimbrites indicates nearness to sources in that direction. Intermediate volcanism, largely confined to southern and central parts of the Boomi block in the east, began in the Visean and ended in the early Namurian. Acid volcanism also began in the Visean in the northern Boomi block but, with the exception of the Peri Rhyolite Member of the Clifden Formation, did not become widespread until later in the Namurian and Westphalian. In contrast, only acid volcanism took place during the early Namurian to Westphalian in the Kathrose and Darthula blocks. Correlations based on AS3 and SL13 SHRIMP dates illustrate a discordance of about 3% when compared with the most likely location for the base of the Kiaman reversal. The bases of both the Rocky Creek Conglomerate and Lark Hill Formation appear to be slightly diachronous.     

Chronology and evolution of the Middle Proterozoic Albany‐Fraser Orogen,Western Australia

Geochemical and Sm‐Nd isotopic data, and 19 ion‐microprobe U‐Pb zircon dates are reported for gneiss and granite from the eastern part of the Albany‐Fraser Orogen. The orogen is dominated by granitic rocks derived from sources containing both Late Archaean and mantle‐derived components. Four major plutonic episodes have been identified at ca 2630 Ma, 1700–1600 Ma, ca 1300 Ma and ca 1160 Ma. Orthogneiss, largely derived from ca 2630 Ma and 1700–1600 Ma granitic precursors, forms a belt along the southeastern margin of the Yilgarn Craton. These rocks, together with gabbro of the Fraser Complex, were intruded by granitic magmas and metamorphosed in the granulite facies at ca 1300 Ma. They were then rapidly uplifted and transported westward along low‐angle thrust faults over the southeastern margin of the Yilgarn Craton. Between ca 1190 and 1130 Ma, granitic magmas were intruded throughout the eastern part of the orogen. These new data are integrated into a review of the geological evolution of the Albany‐Fraser Orogen and adjacent margin of eastern Antarctica, and possibly related rocks in the Musgrave Complex and Gawler Craton.     

华北克拉通中部造山带早元古代盆地演化

华北克拉通中部造山带被认为是由东、西部陆块碰撞而产生的陆陆碰撞带。然而,关于两个陆块碰撞的时间以及方式还存在着争议。其中一个模式认为俯冲方向是向西的,两个陆块最终碰撞的时间是在2.5Ga左右,而另一个模式则认为俯冲方向是向东的,并且存在着2.1Ga和1.85Ga两期碰撞事件,第三个模式则认为俯冲方向是向东的,而最终的碰撞拼合发生在1.85Ga左右。近几年来,对于中部造山带中浅变质表壳岩系的研究取得了很大进展,为解决以上争议提供了进一步的资料。根据岩石组合和表壳岩中的不整合接触关系,位于中部造山带中段五台杂岩中的滹沱群和吕梁杂岩中的野鸡山群被分成了上下两个部分。其中,两个群的下部以及位于中部造山带南段中条杂岩中的绛县群和下中条群主要由类似于弧后盆地沉积的变质碎屑岩、碳酸盐岩和火山岩组成,而滹沱群和野鸡山群的上部以及上中条群和担山石群的岩石组合则是类似于山前磨拉石建造的变质砾岩和砂岩。来自于这些浅变质碎屑岩中碎屑锆石的年龄为我们提供了源区以及最大沉积年龄的信息。滹沱群和野鸡山群中的碎屑锆石具有两个峰值年龄,2.5Ga和2.15Ga,它们分别对应于中部造山带中段两期重要的岩浆事件。中条杂岩中的碎屑锆石年龄图谱则较为复杂,除了具有2.5Ga和2.15Ga这两个峰值,还具有2.7Ga这个较低和较老的峰值,这些较老的锆石可能来自中部造山带最南端太华杂岩中的古老岩石。弧后盆地沉积中最年轻的碎屑锆石年龄在2.1Ga左右,而山前磨拉石中最年轻的碎屑锆石在1.85Ga左右。结合前人的研究成果,我们给出了一个华北克拉通中部造山带早元古代沉积盆地的演化模式。从2.1Ga左右开始,一系列弧后盆地在"安第斯型"大陆边缘弧之后产生,在之后的东西陆块碰撞过程中他们成为了中部造山带的一部分。从1.85Ga左右开始,东西陆块沿着中部造山带碰撞,导致了陆壳加厚以及随后的快速抬升和剥蚀,从而形成了周缘前陆盆地中的山前磨拉石建造。发生在早元古代晚期的由弧后盆地向周缘前陆盆地的转化支持了华北的最终克拉通化发生在1.85Ga的构造演化模式。