Possible early Neoproterozoic magmatism associated with slab window in the Pingshui segment of the Jiangshan-Shaoxing suture zone: Evidence from zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology and geochemistry

Abstract

We report here geochemical data, U-Pb zircon ages, and Hf isotopes for the high-Mg diorites (HMDs), Nb-enriched basaltic porphyrys (NEBPs) and plagiogranites (PLAGs) in the Pingshui segment of the Jiangshan-Shaoxing suture zone. The HMDs are characterized by high Mg# (>60), high Na and LREE contents, depletion of HREE and HFSE, and pronounced positive eNd(t) values of 7.0 to 7.7, similar to some adakitic high-Mg andesites. The NEBPs are relatively Na-rich (Na2O/K2O>6) and display high abundances of P2O5 (∼1.00%), TiO2 (∼3.08%) and HFSE (e.g., Nb=9.53–10.27 ppm). Their Nd isotopic compositions (eNd(t)=6.8–8.0) are comparable to those of the HMDs. The PLAGs are metaluminous (A/CNK=0.84–0.89) and sodic (Na2O/K2O>10). Their depletion in HFSE (e.g., Nb, Ta) is consistent with “SSZ-type” plagiogranite. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating yields an age of 932±7 Ma for the HMD, 916±6 Ma for the NEBP, and 902±5 Ma for the PLAG, respectively, indicating that they were products of early Neoproterozoic magmatism. The PLAGs exhibit relatively high zircon Hf isotopes and positive eHf(t) values of 11.0 to 16.2, consistent with their Nd isotopic data (eNd(t)=7.5–8.4). Such features are similar to those of oceanic plagiogranites in ophiolites and distinct from those of crust-derived granites. The PLAGs were most likely derived from partial melting of subducted oceanic crust in an active continental margin. Considering these results in the context of the regional geology, we suggest that a slab window in the subducting oceanic crust between the Yangtze Block and Cathaysia Block was possibly the principal cause for the unique arc magmatism in the area. The upwelling asthenosphere below the slab window may have provided significant thermodynamic conditions.