Geochronology,petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the Jurassic Namco–Renco ophiolites,Tibet

The nature of the Namco–Renco ophiolites in the northern Lhasa subterrane is widely disputed. To investigate their formation age, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting, the harzburgites, basalts, and metagabbros of the Namco ophiolite and the harzburgites, lherzolites, gabbros, and diabasic dikes of the Renco ophiolite were selected for whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb dating and in situ Lu-Hf isotopic analyses. The geochemical and geochronological data indicate that the Namco metagabbros were generated at 178.0 ± 2.9 Ma, along with the Namco–Renco peridotites formed in the initial stage of a continental margin basin; whereas the Renco gabbros were developed at 149.7 ± 1.6 Ma, along with the Renco diabasic dikes and Namco basalts formed later in a mature back-arc basin. The Namco–Renco ophiolites were derived from a depleted mantle source with involvement of minor older crustal materials. Combined with the regional geological background, the Namco–Renco ophiolites were likely formed mainly associated with the southward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere beneath the Lhasa terrane. This study provides new constraints on the formation ages of the Namco–Renco ophiolites and the tectonic evolution of the Namco–Renco Ocean.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Dabure basalts,central Qiangtang,Tibet: evidence for ~550 Ma rifting of Gondwana

Newly discovered basalts in the Dabure area (central Qiangtang block, northern Tibet) were subjected to laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb zircon dating, geochemical analyses, and zircon Hf isotope analyses. Dating of magmatic zircons from three basalt samples indicates that the Dabure basalts formed during the late Ediacaran (~550 Ma). Xenocrystic zircons yield ages of 700–1150 Ma, providing evidence of the Cryogenian crust in the Tibet block. The Dabure basalts are alkaline, rich in Ti and Fe, and are strongly enriched in light rare earth elements without Eu anomalies. The basalts are geochemically similar to within-plate basalts but are relatively depleted in Nb and Ta. Although the analysed zircons show differences in their Hf isotope compositions, the geochemical data suggest that the Dabure basalts were derived from enriched mantle and that the source magmas were contaminated by the continental crust. The basalts may have erupted during rifting at ~550 Ma (from the dating of magmatic zircons), and may have been a product of the initial breakup of Gondwanaland.     

The Longmala and Mengya’a skarn Pb–Zn deposits,Gangdese region,Tibet: evidence from U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology for formation during early India–Asia collision

The Longmala and Mengya’a deposits are two representative skarn Pb–Zn deposits of the Nyainqêntanglha Pb–Zn–(Cu–Mo–Ag) polymetallic belt in the Gangdese region, Tibet, China. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb dating of the mineralization-related biotite monzogranite from the Longmala deposit yielded a weighted mean age of 55.7 Ma, which can be interpreted as the emplacement age of the pluton. Re–Os dating of three molybdenite samples from the Longmala deposit yielded model ages of 51.8–54.3 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 53.3 Ma, which is interpreted as the mineralization age of the deposit and overlaps the age of the causative intrusion. The Re–Os dating of four molybdenite samples from the Mengya’a deposit yielded model ages of 60.4–65.8 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 63.6 Ma, which represents the mineralization age of this deposit. Our new precise age data for these two deposits are consistent with the existing ages of ca. 65–51 Ma for other skarn polymetallic deposits in the Nyainqêntanglha metallogenic belt. In addition, these new age data, combined with existing information on the geological evolution history of the Lhasa terrane, indicate that the belt of skarn deposits is closely related to initial collision between India and the Asian continents.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis of Early Triassic granites in the Wulonggou area of the Eastern Kunlun Orogen,Northwest China

Widespread granitic intrusions in the northeast part of the Wulonggou area were previously thought to be emplaced into the Palaeoproterozoic Jinshuikou Group during the Neoproterozoic. This contribution presents detailed LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology, major and trace element geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotope systematic on the Wulonggou Granodiorite and Xiaoyakou Granite from the Wulonggou area. Three granodiorite samples yielded U–Pb zircon ages of 247 ± 2, 248 ± 1, and 249 ± 1 Ma, and one granite sample yielded U–Pb zircon age of 246 ± 3 Ma. The granodiorite samples are metaluminous with an alumina saturation index of 0.90–0.96, as well as intermediate- to high-alkali contents of 5.49–6.14 wt.%, and low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y contents, and low Fe₂O_3T/MgO ratios, which suggest an I-type classical island arc magmatic source. The granite samples are peraluminous with an alumina saturation index of 1.02–1.03, Sr content of 305.00–374.00 ppm, Sr/Y ratios of between 17.68 and 28.77, (La/Yb)_N values of 16.98–25.07, low HREEs (Yb = 1.10–2.00 ppm), and low Y (13.00–21.10 ppm), which suggest adakite-like rocks. All granodiorite samples have zircons ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?2.9 to +3.9, and granite samples have zircon ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?7.8 to +3.2. These Hf isotopic data suggest that the Early Triassic granites were derived from the partial melting of a mafic Mesoproterozoic lower crust, although the degree of ancient crustal assimilation may be higher for the Xiaoyakou Granite. It is suggested here that the ca. 246–248 Ma magma was generated during the northward subduction of the Palaeo-Tethys oceanic plate.     

Late Permian–Triassic siliciclastic provenance,palaeogeography, and crustal growth of the Songpan terrane,eastern Tibetan Plateau: evidence from U–Pb ages,trace elements,and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons

In order to constrain the detrital provenance of the siliciclastic rocks, palaeogeographic variations, and crustal growth history of central China, we carried out simultaneously in situ U–Pb dating and trace element and Hf isotope analyses on 368 detrital zircons obtained from upper Permian–Triassic sandstones of the Songpan terrane, eastern Tibetan Plateau. Two groups of detrital zircons, i.e. magmatic and metamorphic in origin, have been identified based on cathodoluminescence images, zircon Ti-temperatures, and Th/U ratios. Our data suggest that the derivation of siliciclastic rocks in the Songpan terrane was mainly from the Qinling, Qilian, and Kunlun orogens, whereas the Yangtze and North China Cratons served as minor source areas during late Permian–Triassic times. The detrital zircons from Middle–Late Triassic siliciclastic rocks exhibit wide age spectra with two dominant populations of 230–600 Ma and >1600 Ma, peaking at ~1.8–1.9 Ga and ~2.4–2.5 Ga, suggestive of a derivation from the Qinling, Qilian, and Kunlun orogens and the Yangtze Craton being the minor source area. The proportions of detrital zircon populations from the northern Qinling, Qilian, and Kunlun orogens distinctly decreased during Middle–Late Triassic time, demonstrating that the initial uplift of the western Qinling occurred then and it could have blocked most of the detritus from the Qilian–northern Qinling orogens and North China Cratons into the main Songpan–Ganzi depositional basin. The relatively detrital zircon proportions of the Yangtze Craton source decreased during Early-Middle Late Triassic time, indicating that the Longmenshan orogen was probably being elevated, since the early Late Triassic and gradually formed a barrier between the Yangtze Craton and the Songpan terrane. In addition, our Lu–Hf isotopic results also reveal that the Phanerozoic magmatic rocks in central China had been the primary products of crustal reworking with insignificant formation of a juvenile crust.     

Zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology,Hf isotope analyses,and whole-rock geochemistry of the Donggebi Mo deposit,eastern Tianshan,Northwest China,and their geological significance

The geodynamic setting of Mesozoic magmatic rocks and associated mineralization in eastern Tianshan, Northwest China, are attracting increasing attention. The newly discovered giant Donggebi molybdenum deposit (0.508 Mt at 0.115% Mo) is located in the central part of eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang. The molybdenum mineralization was genetically associated with the Donggebi stock, comprised of porphyritic granite and granite porphyry. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) zircon U–Pb dating constrains that the porphyritic granite and granite porphyry emplacement occurred at 233.8 ± 2.5 Ma and 231.7 ± 2.6 Ma, respectively. The Re–Os model ages of six molybdenite samples range from 235.2 to 237.0 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 236.1 ± 1.4 Ma, which is roughly consistent within errors with the zircon U–Pb ages, suggesting a Middle Triassic magmatic–mineralization event at Donggebi. Geochemically, the Donggebi granitoids are characterized by high SiO₂ and K₂O contents, with low MgO contents, belonging to high-K calc-alkaline granites. These rocks show pronounced enrichment in K, Rb, U, and Pb, and depletion in Sr, Ba, P, and Ti, with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.20–0.38). In situ Hf isotopic analyses of zircon from the porphyritic granite and granite porphyry yielded ε_Hf(t) values ranging from +6.6 to +10.5, and from +5.5 to +10.1, respectively. The geochemical and isotopic data imply that the primary magmas of the Donggebi granitoids could have originated by partial melting of a juvenile lower crust that involved some mantle components. Combined with the regional geological history, geochemistry of the Donggebi granitoids, and new isotopic age data, we thus propose that the Donggebi molybdenum deposit was formed in the Middle Triassic, and occurred in an intracontinental extension setting in eastern Tianshan.     

Petrology and geochronology of ultrahigh-pressure granitic gneiss from South Dulan,North Qaidam belt,NW China

abstract

An integrated study including petrography, mineral chemistry, metamorphic P–T path modelling, and zircon U–Pb dating was conducted on a granitic gneiss and enclosed eclogite from South Dulan, North Qaidam UHP (ultrahigh-pressure) belt. The result shows that the granitic gneiss underwent a clockwise P–T path with a peak-P stage at 655–745°C, 30–34 kbar, and a subsequent peak-T stage at 815–870°C, 14–18 kbar, which is similar to the P–T estimates reported for coesite-bearing continental-type eclogites in this region. The enclosed eclogite resembles an olivine–pyroxene-rich cumulate in Qaidam block. It has a similar prograde P–T path with the country gneiss and experienced a peak-P stage of 682–748°C at 27–34 kbar. Zircon U–Pb dating yields an eclogite-facies metamorphic age of 447 ± 2 Ma for the granitic gneiss and 445 ± 6 Ma for the enclosed eclogite. These ages agree with metamorphic ages obtained from paragneisses (427–439 Ma), coesite-bearing continental-type eclogites (430–451 Ma), and UHPM (ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic) oceanic crust–mantle sequence (440–445 Ma) from South Dulan, as well as UHP eclogites, garnet peridotite, and gneisses from other units (460–420 Ma) within this belt reported by others. Similar metamorphic ages as well as P–T evolution documented in gneisses and intercalated eclogites imply that both rocks experienced a coeval UHP event. Summarizing all the published geochronology data, we argue that the North Qaidam UHP belt was mainly formed by continental deep subduction at ~460 to ~420 Ma. The UHPM oceanic crust-mantle sequence in South Dulan may represent oceanic lithosphere in the transition zone between oceanic and continental crust, which was dragged upward by the exhumed continental rocks after break-off of the dense oceanic crust.     

Depositional environment and provenance of the upper Permian–Lower Triassic Tianquanshan Formation,northern Tibet: implications for the Palaeozoic evolution of the Southern Qiangtang,Lhasa, and Himalayan terranes in the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

This article reports the depositional environment and provenance for the Tianquanshan Formation in the Longmuco–Shuanghu–Lancangjiang suture zone, and uses these to better understand the tectonic evolution of this region. Zircons in the andesite of the Tianquanshan Formation yielded concordia ages of 246, 247, and 254 Ma, indicating that the Tianquanshan Formation formed during the late Permian–Early Triassic. The Tianquanshan Formation consists of flysch and ocean island rock assemblages, indicating that the Longmuco–Shuanghu–Lancangjiang Palaeo-Tethys Ocean continued to exist as a mature ocean in the late Permian–Early Triassic. The detrital zircons in the greywackes of the Tianquanshan Formation yielded peak ages of 470–620, 710–830, 910–1080, 1450–1660, and 2400–2650 Ma, indicating the provenance of the Tianquanshan Formation was either Indian Gondwana or terranes that have an affinity with Indian Gondwana in the Tibetan Plateau (i.e. the Southern Qiangtang, Lhasa, and Himalayan terranes). The Ordovician quartzites, Carboniferous sandstones, Carboniferous–Permian diamictites, and the Upper Permian–Lower Triassic greywackes in the Southern Qiangtang, Lhasa, and Himalayan terranes all contain detrital zircons with youngest ages of ca. 470 Ma, indicating their source areas have been in a stable tectonic environment since the Ordovician, and this inference is supported by the continuous deposition in a littoral–neritic passive margin in these regions from the Ordovician to the lower Permian. Combining the present results with regional geological data, we infer that the Southern Qiangtang, Lhasa, and Himalayan terranes were all in a stable passive continental margin along the northern part of Indian Gondwana during the long period from the Ordovician to the early Permian. At early Permian, because of the opening of the Neo-Tethys Ocean, the tectonic framework of this region underwent a marked change to a rifting and active environment.     

Palaeoproterozoic Chibaisong mafic intrusion and mineralization (Northeast China), the oldest Cu–Ni sulphide deposit in China: evidence from Re–Os dating of pyrrhotite

The Chibaisong magmatic Cu–Ni sulphide deposit is located in Tonghua City, Jilin Province, in the eastern part of the northern margin of the North China Craton. The geological characteristics of the deposit have been investigated, and pyrrhotite Re–Os isotope dating has been utilized to constrain the age. Five pyrrhotite samples separated from the Chibaisong Cu–Ni sulphide deposit yielded a Re–Os isotopic isochron age of 2237 ± 62 Ma (mean squared weighted deviation = 1.13, n = 5), indicating that the only Palaeoproterozoic magmatic Cu–Ni sulphide deposit in China is the Chibaisong Cu–Ni sulphide deposit. The geodynamic setting during ore formation was related to the Liaoning–Jilin Palaeoproterozoic rift split. The Re–Os isotope analyses showed an initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratio of 0.778 ± 0.033, and (¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os)_i and γOs(t) values ranged from 0.7531 to 0.8013 (average 0.7734) and from 574 to 617 (average 592), respectively, indicating that abundant crustal material (5–10%) was mixed with the Cu–Ni sulphide ore system during magma ascent and ore formation.     

Late Jurassic terrane collision in the northwestern margin of Gondwana (Cajamarca Complex,eastern flank of the Central Cordillera,Colombia)

Medium-grade metabasites and metapelites from the Cajamarca Complex (Central Cordillera of Colombia) are in fault contact with the Jurassic Ibague batholith and show a penetrative foliation, locally mylonitic, suggesting intense dynamic–thermal metamorphism. The amphibolites are composed of calcic amphibole + epidote + plagioclase + quartz plus rutile + titanite + apatite + carbonate as accessory phases. Chlorite and albite appear as retrograde replacements. The metapelites are mainly composed of phengite + quartz + garnet + chlorite, plus epidote + albite + apatite + titanite + haematite as accessory phases. Bulk geochemistry of the amphibolites indicates basaltic protoliths with a mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) signature, although enrichment in the mobile large-ion lithophile elements compared to MORB suggests pre- and/or syn-metamorphic alteration by fluids. Peak pressure–temperature determinations for both types of rocks are similar, ranging 550–580°C and 8 kbar (approximately 26 km depth and an apparent geothermal gradient of 22°C/km). ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar dating of amphibole from two amphibolite samples and one phengitic mica from a pelitic schist yielded plateau ages of 146.5 ± 1.1 Ma and 157.8 ± 0.6 Ma, and 157.5 ± 0.4 Ma, respectively. These Late Jurassic ages contrast with previously published (Permian)Triassic ages of metamorphism in the Cajamarca Complex. Taken together, our data indicate tectonic-driven burial of oceanic supracrustal sequences down to mid-crustal depths during Late Jurassic times and are best explained as the result of terrane collision-related metamorphism and deformation in a fore-arc/volcanic-arc environment of the active western margin of Gondwana rather than as a result of Jurassic thermal–metamorphic resetting of a (Permian)Triassic metamorphic sequence during intrusion of the Jurassic Ibague batholith. Our results represent the first report of Jurassic terrane collision tectonics involving supracrustal oceanic rocks in the northwestern margin of Gondwana in Colombia.