Geochronology, geochemistry and Hf isotope of Late Triassic magmatic rocks of Qingchengzi district in Liaodong peninsula, Northeast China

Abstract

The initiation timing and mechanism of lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton (NCC) was still controversial. Late Triassic igneous rocks especially mantle derived mafic rocks would provide constrains on Early Mesozoic lithospheric mantle geodynamics and initiation of lithospheric thinning. This paper reports Late Triassic magmatic rocks, including lamprophyre, diorite dykes and biotite monzogranite cropped out in Qingchengzi district of Liaodong peninsula, northeastern NCC. LA–ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating yield ages of 210–227Ma and 224Ma for lamprophyres and biotite monzogranite respectively. Lamprophyre is ultrapotassic, strongly enriched in REE and LILEs, depleted in HFSEs, and negative Hf isotopes, which are discriminating signatures of crustal source, but distinguishingly high compatible element contents indicate the primary magma originated from mantle source—a fertile one. Lamprophyre derived from partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle, which was modified by slab-derived hydrous fluids/melts associated with deep subduction between the Yangtze Craton and the NCC. The diorite displays distinct features with relatively enriched Nb, Ta, HREE and depleted Th, U, which suggest it derived from a relatively depleted source. The depletion was caused by break-off of the Yangtze slab during deep subduction introducing asthenospheric mantle into the source. The biotite monzogranite shows adakitic affinity, and originated from partial melting of the thickened lower crust with addition of small proportion of mantle material. The recognition of Late Triassic magmatism implies extensional tectonic settings in Liaodong peninsula and suggests initiation of lithospheric thinning of North China Craton in eastern segment might begin early in Late Triassic.