A non-arc tectonic setting for the evolution of Archean gabbro anorthosite Complexes: Evidence from the Singhbhum Craton, eastern India

Abstract

Understanding the petrogenetic evolution of Archean gabbroic cumulates provides a window to the mantle geodynamics operated in the early Earth. Gabbroic cumulates are associated with various tectonic settings including convergent plate boundaries, mantle plumes, mid-ocean ridges, anorogenic, post-orogenic, continental rift settings and oceanic plateaus. The exposures of preserved gabbroic suites in the Archean are limited. The Mesoarchean Mayurbhanj Gabbro Anorthosite Complex (GAC) is a well-preserved mafic body situated along the eastern margin of the craton along with concomitant anorogenic Mayurbhanj granite. These rocks are devoid of deformational structures and/or mineral recrystallization. Based on their mineralogical characteristics, GAC rocks are mainly grouped into gabbronorite, leucogabbronorite, leucogabbro and gabbro. The minimal abundance of magmatic amphibole and the variation in the anorthite content (An36-An84) rules out the role of a hydrous mantle source in the evolution of these rocks. The studied samples display tholeiitic trend transitioning to calc-alkaline field, major and trace element data indicates the fractional crystallization of olivine and pyroxene. The trace element systematics of the Mayurbhanj GAC show LILE enrichment over HFSE depletion, with negative Nb-Ta and mixed Zr-Hf and Ti anomalies. The geochemical signatures such as elevated Th/Yb, Nb/Yb, variable Dy/Yb and Dy/Dy* and varying Gd/YbCN ratios suggest that parental magmas of the Mayurbhanj GAC originated from a heterogeneous depleted mantle source. The studied rocks' Sr-Nd isotopic systematics reveal that their parental magma has undergone assimilation by a Paleoarchean felsic crust. We argue that the ‘arc-like’ geochemical signatures displayed by these rocks resulted from crustal contamination and may not be due to subduction origin. Consolidating the field, geochemical and isotopic evidence suggests that the Mesoarchean Mayurbhanj GAC possibly evolved from an anhydrous heterogeneous mantle source in a non-compressive tectonic regime.