Zircon U-Pb geochronology and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf-O isotope signatures of Middle Eocene high-K plutons from the Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt, NE Turkey: implications for parental magma sources and magmatic processes

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt (EPOB) in northeastern Turkey is a well-preserved continental magmatic arc in the Alpine-Himalayan Orogenic Belt and contains many Eocene I-type high-K plutons. Employing LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon geochronology, the crystallization ages of the investigated Yaylalıköy and Taşbaşı plutons were established to be Lutetian (Middle Eocene), ranging from 47 Ma to 46 Ma. These plutons exhibit a compositional spectrum ranging from diorite to granodiorite, characterized by I-type, metaluminous, and high-K geochemical signatures. Notably, they are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), displaying pronounced negative Eu anomalies (EuN/Eu* = 0.58–0.96). Isotopic signatures reveal homogeneous and moderately low initial 87 Sr/86 Sr(i) ratios (0.704643–0.705034) and positive εNd(i) values (0.24 to 1.67) for the investigated plutons. These isotopic signatures are consistent with mantle origin, as evidenced by their position within the mantle array on isotope ratio diagrams. Lead isotope compositions exhibit limited variations, with initial ratios of 206 Pb/204 Pb(i) (18.55–18.64), 207 Pb/204 Pb(i) (15.61–15.64), and 208 Pb/204 Pb(i) (38.46–38.75). Zircon εHf(i) values are positive (2.32–6.20), plotting between the depleted mantle and chondritic evolution lines. Additionally, these rocks display low zircon δ18 O values (+4.54 to + 6.53‰), comparable to mantle composition. The petrographic characteristics of the investigated plutons suggest that fractional crystallization with minimal assimilation and/or magma mixing played a dominant role during their solidification. The integration of geochemical and isotopic data, alongside regional geological constraints, advocates for enriched lithospheric mantle as the source for the parental magmas of the studied plutons. These magmas subsequently underwent differentiation within a deep-seated magma chamber, followed by emplacement into the crust.