Early Stage in the Evolution of the Paleoasian Ccean at the Western Margin of the Siberian Craton: Geochemical and Geochronological Evidence

Abstract

The discovery of glaucophane relicts in the high-pressure tectonites of the Yenisei suture zone of the Yenisei Ridge suggests the manifestation of the “Chilean-type” convergent margin on the western Siberian Craton, which was controlled by subduction of oceanic crust beneath the continental margin. These rocks are restricted to the tectonic suture between the craton and the Isakovka ocean-island terrane and experienced two metamorphic stages. Petrogeochemical characteristics of the mafic tectonites indicate that their protoliths are N-MORB and E-MORB basalts. More primitive N-MORB basalts were formed at the initial spreading stages through melting of the upper depleted mantle. Higher Ti basalts were formed by melting of enriched mantle protolith at the later spreading stages. U–Pb zircon age of 701.6 ± 8.4 Ma of the metamorphosed analogues of normal basalts marks the initiation of oceanic crust in the region. Revealed sequence of spreading, subduction (640–620 Ma), and shear deformations (~600 Ma) records the early stages in the evolution of the Paleoasian ocean in its junction zone with the western margin of the Siberian craton: from formation of fragments of oceanic crust to the completion of accretionary–subduction events.