Genesis and open-system evolution of Quaternary magmas beneath southeastern margin of Tibet: Constraints from Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope systematics

Abstract

Post-collisional volcanic rocks on the Tibetan Plateau and its margins contain valuable information about the geodynamic processes associated with this Cenozoic continent-continent collision. The Quaternary Tengchong volcanic field at the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau formed high-potassium calc-alkaline volcanic rocks. Herein, we present comprehensive Nd-Sr-Pb-Hf isotopic and elemental data for trachybasalts, basaltic trachyandesites, and trachyandesites from four Quaternary Tengchong volcanoes (Maanshan, Dayingshan, Heikongshan, and Laoguipo) in order to understand their magma genesis and evolution as well as tectonic significance. Good correlations between SiO2 content and the ratios 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, 206Pb/204Pb, and 177Hf/176Hf for these Quaternary volcanics strongly suggest that the combined assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) was an important process in the origin of basaltic trachyandesites and trachyandesites. High Y and Yb contents and low Sr/Y ratios of these basaltic trachyandesites and trachyandesites are uncharacteristic of adakites that formed by partial melting of eclogitic lower crust or partial melting of basaltic oceanic crust with eclogite as a restite. A combined assimilation-fractional crystallization model is proposed for these basaltic trachyandesites and trachyandesites. Nd-Sr-Pb-Hf isotopes for the uncontaminated Tengchong magma (trachybasalts with SiO2<52.5wt.% and MgO>5.5%wt.%) reflect a heterogeneous enriched mantle source. High Th/U, Th/Ta, and Rb/Nb ratios and Nd-Sr-Pb-Hf isotope characteristics of the uncontaminated magmas suggest that the enriched mantle beneath Tengchong formed as a result of subduction of clay-rich sediments, which probably came from the Indian continental plate. Partial melting of the enriched mantle was generated by deep continental subduction coupled with recent regional extension in the Tengchong area.