TTG magmatism in the Congo craton; a view from major and trace element geochemistry, Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd systematics: case of the Sangmelima region, Ntem complex, southern Cameroon

Abstract

TTG rocks of the Sangmelima region (Ntem complex, Congo craton) in southern Cameroon range in modal composition from rocks of the charnockitic suite, tonalites to granodiorites. They display a wide spectrum of SiO 2 composition (54–76 wt%), including metaluminous intermediate rocks (0.56 < A/CNK < 1) and rocks that are slightly peraluminous (1 < A/CNK < 1.08). Charnockites and tonalites define a trondhjemitic suite while granodiorites portray a slight potassic calc-alkaline affinity. The primordial mantle-normalized spidergrams are characterized by negative Nb–Ta anomalies, suggesting a subduction related signature or melting of crustal rocks that were formed along subduction zones. More siliceous members of the rock suites are enriched in LILE. REE fractionation is shown by 2 < La N/Yb N < 28 in the charnockitic suite while higher ratios of 12 < La N/Yb N < 114 in the tonalitic suite and 18 < La N/Yb N < 99 in granodiorites indicate melting of source rocks with garnet as a restite phase. Samples with overall lowest abundance in REE show a positive Eu anomaly and represent small amounts of magmas derived from a source with much feldspar contribution to the melt. Sr and Nd systematics coupled with Mg#–SiO 2 compositions are consistent with derivation by partial melting in a subduction setting or merely from a thickened Archaean crust of eclogite facies basaltic proto-crust with mantle material input. From Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd whole-rock data, intrusion timing is defined around 2900 Ma for rocks of the charnockitic suite. The Rb–Sr system in biotite portrays post-emplacement reheating during the Eburnean orogeny. TTG intrusions in the Sangmelima region represent a major Archaean accretion event in the Congo craton.