Adakitic Granodiorite Research Articles

An embryonic intra-oceanic subduction in the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys: insights from Late Jurassic Nd[sbnd]Hf isotopic decoupling adakitic granodiorites in the Dongco ophiolite of central Tibet

Subduction of the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys not only bred world-class Cu − Au polymetallic deposits in central Tibet but also created the initial elevation of the Tibetan Plateau during the Late Cretaceous following its final closure. Consequently, the Meso-Tethys carry critical codes for the evolution of Tethyan realm and the development of the Tibetan Plateau but some fundamental aspects still remain poorly explored. Here we proposed an embryonic intra-oceanic subduction event in the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys during the Late Jurassic based on investigations of adakitic granodiorites intruded within the Dongco ophiolite suite, central Tibet. These granodiorites were dated at 150–156 Ma by zircon UPb isotopes and geochemically display an affinity with high-silica adakite (Sr/Y = 24–47; La/Yb = 6–16), specifically marked by high SiO2, Al2O3 and Na2O contents but low MgO, CaO + Na2O contents as well as extremely low Yb and Y contents. They have (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios varying from 0.7061 to 0.7069, εNd(t) values of −0.83 to 0.50, and εHf(t) values of 3.3 to 8.9 (with one exception at −5.0), showing a distinct NdHf isotopic decoupling (ΔεHf(t) = 2.1–7.6; ΔεHf(t) = εHf(t)–1.55 × εNd(t)–1.21). Geochemical modeling indicates that they were derived from partial melting of subducted Meso-Tethyan oceanic crust and moderate amounts of sediments. Residual plagioclases in the source region likely resulted in relatively lower Sr and La contents than typical high-silica adakite. Combined with previous studies, we suggest that the Dongco granodiorites formed in the early stage of an intra-oceanic subduction zone in the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys where subsidence of colder lithosphere inductively commenced along an active transform fault bounded by younger lithosphere during the Late Jurassic. This embryonic intra-oceanic subduction possibly occurred locally and was very short-lived.

Neoproterozoic tectonic shift along the western margin of the Yangtze block, South China craton: Implications for its paleogeographic position during the Rodinia−Gondwana transition

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the Panxi region from the western margin of the Yangtze block, South China craton, record major changes in tectonic evolution and crustal thickness, and provide important constraints on the paleogeographic position and climate changes of the block in Rodinia and Gondwana reconstructions. Our new dating results show that the Pengguan complex from the Panxi region comprises ca. 743 Ma adakitic granodiorites and ca. 741 Ma A-type granites. The former is plagioclase-rich and has relatively low SiO2 content (65.22−67.36 wt%), high Mg# values (44.40−52.33), Sr/Y (23.22−61.94) and (La/Yb)N ratios (normalized to chondritic values; 13.41−24.00), with positive whole-rock εNd(t) values (+1.17 to +5.15), and high zircon εHf(t) (+5.53 to +8.83) and low zircon δ18O (4.21‰ to 5.51‰) values, indicating derivation from the partial melting of thickened juvenile mafic lower crust. By contrast, the granites are rich in K-feldspar and have high SiO2 contents (78.71−84.62 wt%), 10,000 × Ga/Al ratios (>2.6), and Fe/Mg ratios, with negative εNd(t) values (−1.47 to −0.02), high zircon εHf(t) (+2.94 to +9.77), and high saturation temperatures (828−920 °C). These features indicate fractional crystallization and partial melting of continental crust in a low-pressure, high-temperature, extensional environment. Integrated with the zircon Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*) data and Hf-O isotopic data on pre-740 Ma magmatism in the Panxi region, we find that a rapid increase of crustal thickening (820−740 Ma) was synchronous with a gradual decrease of zircon δ18O and an increase of zircon εHf(t) values. These variations indicate an increase in the degree of hybridization between mantle sources and subducting slab-derived materials, thus generating a great number of low-δ18O melts, and continuous crustal thickening through the underplating of juvenile magmas. In addition, thinning of the crust since ca. 740 Ma, along with the gradual increase in zircon δ18O and εHf(t), suggests a shift from regional compression to extension. This documented shift, together with regional data from along the western margin of the Yangtze block, indicates a change from the well-developed and long-established Panxi convergent plate margin arc system (at least ca. 870−750 Ma) to passive-margin development and Cryogenian (720−635 Ma) glaciation. The long-lived subduction zone requires a peripheral location of South China that was linked to northern India during the Rodinia breakup. The subsequent and contemporaneous passive-margin development of the Yangtze block and India, along with the similar tectonic affinities of the Cathaysia block with India, indicate that South China lay outboard of the northern Gondwana margin during the assembly of this supercontinent.

Neoproterozoic slab window in the western Yangtze Block, South China: Evidence from adakitic granodiorites, gabbro-diorites and high-K granites in the Panxi arc belt

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks are widespread along the margins of the Yangtze Block and record key information on the tectonic evolution of the South China Craton. In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes on the Neoproterozoic granodiorites, gabbro-diorites, and high-K granites in the western Yangtze Block. The granodiorites, gabbro-diorites and high-K granites were dated at 848 ± 5.3 Ma, 824 ± 5.1 Ma and 819 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. The granodiorites have high Sr (567 ∼ 607 ppm) contents and Sr/Y (84.4 ∼ 88.0) ratios and low alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 4.3 ∼ 4.9 wt%) and Y (6.6 ∼ 7.1 ppm) and Yb (0.7 ∼ 0.9 ppm) contents, similar to typical adakitic rocks. They show low MgO (0.9 ∼ 1.3 wt%), Cr (15.2 ∼ 26.7 ppm) and Ni (3.6 ∼ 4.4 ppm) contents and positive εNd(t) (+1.7 to + 4.2) and εHf(t) (+3.0 to + 8.2) values. The parental magmas for granodiorites were generated by partial melting of thickened juvenile mafic lower crust. The gabbro-diorites are characterized by the enrichment in LREEs, significantly negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, and positive εNd(t) (+2.2 to + 4.2) and εHf(t) (+5.8 to + 10.4) values. They are inferred to be derived from partial melting of lithospheric mantle modified by subduction-related fluids. The high-K granites display high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (208 ∼ 366 ppm) and alkali (Na2O + K2O = 7.6 ∼ 8.4 wt%) contents, high 10000*Ga/Al (2.31 ∼ 2.64) ratios and zircon saturation temperatures, similar to A-type granites. We suggest that these granites were formed by the partial melting of felsic crustal materials under low pressure and high temperature conditions. The association of granodiorites, gabbro-diorites and high-K granites indicates Neoproterozoic oceanic slab subduction in the western Yangtze Block. We suggest that a subducting oceanic slab window can account for Neoproterozoic magmatism in the western Yangtze Block.

Coupled alkaline high-Nb mafic rocks and adakitic granodiorites: Products of Neoproterozoic back-arc extension at the western margin of the Yangtze Block, South China

The newly identified Neoproterozoic Yuanmou high-Nb mafic and adakitic rocks at the western margin of the Yangtze Block in South China are investigated for petrogenesis and geodynamic implications. Zircon U-Pb ages show the adakitic granodiorite host and mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) were synchronously emplaced at 811−806 Ma, and were cut by an 802 ± 11.5 Ma mafic dike. The medium-grained granodiorites consist mainly of plagioclase, quartz, K-felspar, biotite, and amphibole. High SiO2 (62.8−67.5 wt%), Al2O3 (13.1−16.8 wt%) contents, high Sr/Y (17.4−49.0), and (La/Yb)N (16.3−52.6) but low Y (6.83−16.1 ppm) and Yb (0.74−1.82 ppm) concentrations of the granodiorites point toward their calc-alkaline and adakitic nature. Further, their high Dy/Yb (1.52−2.31) and Gd/Y (2.35−4.43) and low K2O/Na2O (0.22−0.48) and Th/La (0.14−0.20) ratios, constant bulk rock εNd(t) (−0.5 to −1.5) and zircon εHf(t) (0.0 to +2.3) values, suggest that the granodiorites were derived from partial melting of a mafic lower crustal source. The MMEs in the granodiorites and mafic dike intrusions are composed of amphibole, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and olivine, and have similar chemical compositions, such as high Nb (15.7−41.9 ppm) and TiO2 (2.13−3.39 wt%) contents and high Nb/U (18.7−30.9) values, akin to alkaline high-Nb basalts (HNB). Their variable Ba/Nb (7.68−79.2), Nb/Zr (0.09−0.16), high Nb/Th (5.47−6.68), and low Th/Zr (0.01−0.03) and La/Nb (1.03−1.37) ratios indicate a mantle source modified by melts derived from subducted oceanic crust and sediments. The Yuanmou HNB with high εNd(t) (+4.8 to +6.9) were probably generated during back-arc extension by decompression melting of a mantle source metasomatized by adakitic slab melts formed during earlier stages of the subduction. This implies that the location of the back-arc was far from the subducted oceanic slab, possibly due to a slab rollback process. In this scenario, HNB intrusions provided the heat for partial melting and adakitic melt formation in the mafic lower crust. The model suggests that the Yuanmou and other similar associations of HNBs and adakitic rocks emplaced along the western margin of the Yangtze Block are products of a widespread Neoproterozoic back-arc extension.

Late Cretaceous and Early Palaeocene intermediate‐felsic intrusions from the Maizhokunggar region, southern Lhasa, Tibet: Implications for the geodynamic transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision

The tectonic transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision is a fundamental process during orogenesis, yet the nature of such transition and associated deep geodynamic processes for the Tibetan Plateau are still controversial. The long‐lived magmatism of the Gangdese Belt of southern Tibet provides an excellent opportunity to study the tectonic transition from subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic lithosphere to the continental collision between Indian and Asian plates. We present zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes, whole‐rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotopes for the intrusions from Maizhokunggar, southern Lhasa Terrane. The zircon U–Pb dating indicates that two episodes of magmatism occurred in the Maizhokunggar region, ca. 70 Ma diorites and ca. 60 Ma granitoids. The ca. 70 Ma diorites are medium‐K calc‐alkaline and characterized by pronounced high‐field‐strength element depletion and light rare earth element enrichment, similar to arc‐type rocks. They have homogeneous (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.70378–0.70424) and εNd(t) values (+2.6 to +3.4), and εHf(t) (+5.9 to +13.0) with relatively young depleted mantle model ages (307–762 Ma), suggesting that they were generated from the juvenile mafic lower crust induced by the underplating of basaltic magmas from depleted mantle wedge. The ca. 60 Ma granitoids, Kajiacun (KJC) granodiorites, and Qulongxue (QLX) and Bangdacun (BDC) monzogranites are high‐K series and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous. The KJC granodiorites with high Sr/Y ratios (25–43) are adakitic and were likely derived from partial melting of a thickened lower crust. The BDC monzogranites have more evolved Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes and older Nd–Hf model ages than the QLX monzogranites. These geochemical variations were mainly controlled by the fractionation crystallization with assimilation of ancient crustal materials. We propose that at ca. 70 Ma, the subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic slab triggered the partial melting of the juvenile lower crust and formed the diorites with arc affinity, and then the initial collision (>60 Ma) between the Indian and Asian plates caused locally thickened lower crust, resulting in adakitic granodiorites. Our study sheds light on the lithospheric scale magma evolution from the deep mantle to the shallow crust during the critical geodynamic transition to collision, and early uplift.

The effects of the source composition on the origin of orthopyroxene-bearing adakitic granitoid in West Qinling, Central China

Orthopyroxene-bearing granodiorite (sometimes referred to as ‘charnockite’) with an adakitic affinity is a rare type of granitoid. It is generally accepted that the stabilization of orthopyroxene in igneous charnockites essentially requires low aH2O and/or high temperatures in a closed system. However, orthopyroxene can be an antecryst in a trans-crustal magmatic system. In this regard, orthopyroxene-bearing granitoids are somewhat analogous to pseudo-charnockites, where the orthopyroxene stems from a mafic reservoir. On the other hand, the source compositions of continental adakites can vary, which is often ignored in the interpretation of their contribution to the adakitic geochemical signature. In this study, we have investigated a rare orthopyroxene-bearing felsic pluton from the Zhuyuan area of West Qinling, Central China. The Zhuyuan pluton was emplaced in the Middle–Late Triassic (222 Ma–217 Ma) and is mainly composed of metaluminous to weakly peraluminous granodiorites belonging to the high-K calc-alkaline series. Moreover, they are characterized by high Mg# values (49.7–60.9) and Sr contents (471–697 ppm), low Y (12.2–15.4 ppm) and Yb (1.03–1.24 ppm) contents, high Sr/Y (33.2–46.2) and (La/Yb)N (15.3–21.4) ratios, and weakly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.78–0.89). The Zhuyuan adakitic granodiorites exhibit fairly limited Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios and variable zircon initial Hf isotopes, indicating a major contribution from the Neoproterozoic basement of the Qinling Orogenic Belt. There is no evidence of any formation through high-pressure magmatic processes, and we propose that the adakitic signature of the Zhuyuan pluton could have been inherited from its source rocks (i.e., from the Neoproterozoic basement). The orthopyroxenes in the Zhuyuan granodiorites display poikilitic textures with high MgO, NiO and Cr2O3 contents, indicating that they have an antecrystic origin. Studies of regional tectonic evolution have shown that the Zhuyuan granodiorites formed during the tearing stage of the A'nimaque–Mianlue oceanic subduction slab. Therefore, this study emphasizes the effect of source inheritance on the formation of pseudo-charnockite with an adakitic signature.

Petrogenesis of early cretaceous intermediate to felsic rocks in Shanghai, South China: Magmatic response to Paleo-Pacific plate subduction

Voluminous magmatism and extensional deformation are the prominent late Mesozoic tectonic features in East Asia, which recorded the evolutionary history of the continental marginal lithosphere. Due to the thick covering of Quaternary and Pliocene sediments in the region, the Early Cretaceous magmatism in northeastern South China is not well constrained. In this study, we collected samples from the boreholes in Shanghai, East China and provided geochronological, elemental and isotopic analyses of andesite and granodiorite. Zircon UPb age results indicate that andesites and granodiorites were formed at ca. 135 to 102 Ma. The andesites exhibit moderate MgO contents, slightly radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr(t) = 0.706149 to 0.706170) and variable unradiogenic Nd and Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = −5.32 to −5.12; εHf(t) = −10.8 to −0.6). The granodiorites exhibit arc-like trace-element patterns with high Sr/Y ratios, as well as slightly radiogenic initial Sr (87Sr/86Sr(t) = 0.706754 to 0.706790) and moderately unradiogenic Nd and Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = −6.54 to −6.27; εHf(t) = − 4.0 to −6.7). Both andesites and granodiorites exhibit similar initial Pb isotopic compositions (andesites: 206Pb/204Pb = 18.232–18.259, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.547–15.548, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.338–38.350; granodiorites: 206Pb/204Pb = 17.930–17.946, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.542–15.543, and 208Pb/204Pb (38.256–38.293). The results recommend that the ca.130 Ma andesites were produced by the partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle, which was previously metasomatized with sediments in the source region in a continental arc setting of the Paleo-Pacific subduction. The ca.102 Ma adakitic granodiorites probably originated from partial melting of the lower crust with the addition of mantle-derived magmas. With the consolidation of previous studies, we argue that the flat slab subduction of the paleo-Pacific Plate led to the formation of these intermediate to felsic magmatism.

Early Permian magmatism above a slab window in Inner Mongolia, North China: Implications for the Paleo-Asian Ocean subduction processes and accretionary crustal growth

Identifying magmatic rock associations in a subduction zone is substantial for understanding the related geodynamic evolution. The final closure time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and the exact subduction processes have continuously been controversial, hindering our recognition of the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Here we investigated the Early Permian gabbros-granodiorites from Xi Ujimqin in the northern Inner Mongolian region. The gabbros have slightly depleted light rare-earth elements [(La/Yb)N = 0.8] and flat heavy rare earth elements (HREE) [(Gd/Yb)N = 1.1] that are comparable to those of N-MORB. They show depletion in Nb and Ta, positive whole-rock εNd(t) values of +7.7 to +8.7 and zircon εHf(t) values of +8.7 to +10.6. These mafic rocks are interpreted to be products of partial melting of depleted mantle that had been metasomatized by slab-derived fluids, with subsequent fractional crystallization and minor crustal contamination. These granodiorites chemically resemble typical adakites and have MORB-like whole-rock SrNd isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.7028–0.7029; εNd(t) = +8.2–+8.5) and positive zircon εHf(t) (+13.4–+15.9) values, suggesting that they originated from the subducted slab-melts and reacted with mantle wedge peridotite. UPb zircon dating shows emplacement of N-MORB-type gabbros and adakitic granodiorites at ∼297 Ma and ∼290 Ma, respectively. Our new data indicate the presence coeval slab-derived adakites and slab fluid-metasomatized asthenosphere-derived N-MORB-type rocks, indicating that subduction lasted until at least the Early Permian. Such an association along with the extension-related magmatism in northern Mongolia recorded the northward ridge subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean during the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian. This model is consistent with the spatial distribution and the ages of magmatic activity with positive εNd(t)–εHf(t) values from this region. Ridge subduction and induced slab windows probably played a key role in Paleozoic crustal growth of CAOB, and by inference in the other accretionary orogens throughout Earth history.

Crustal thickening of the western Tibetan Plateau during the Early Cretaceous: Evidence from adakitic granodiorites, leucogranites, and monzogranites in the Songxi area, western Qiangtang Terrane

Felsic igneous rocks in the Songxi area are a key part of the Qiangtang Terrane and India–Asia collision zone, and can constrain the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. This paper presents new geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data for Early Cretaceous granodiorites (119 Ma), leucogranites (111 Ma), and monzogranites (107–102 Ma) from the Songxi area in the western Qiangtang Terrane. The granodiorites are characterized by enriched Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70721–0.70925, εNd(t) = −7.6 to −5.6, 206Pb/204Pbi = 18.907–18.964, 207Pb/204Pbi = 15.782–15.825, and εHf(t) = −24.0 to −2.0) and are adakitic with low Mg# values (39–44) and high K2O contents (2.6–3.9 wt%). The leucogranites have low Sr concentrations (80–100 ppm), high Rb/Sr (2.83–3.53) and low CaO/Na2O (0.19–0.22) ratios, high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71653–0.71721), and low εNd(t) (−12.4 to −11.8) and εHf(t) (−18.8 to −6.8) values. The monzogranites are I-type granitoids and have enriched Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70956–0.70966, εNd(t) = −8.5 to −8.3, 206Pb/204Pbi = 18.740–18.749, 207Pb/204Pbi = 15.759–15.778, and εHf(t) = −16.9 to −1.4). Our data suggest that these three types of granitoids were likely generated by partial melting of a thickened lower crust, metapelite-dominated source by fluid-absent muscovite melting, and normal lower crust, respectively. Integration of our new and existing data allows us to conclude that the Songxi granitoids formed in a continental margin arc setting. This further suggests that some sediment-derived leucogranites form in a continental arc setting, and are unrelated to continental collision. Tectonic compression and crustal thickening of the western Tibetan Plateau during the Early Cretaceous occurred when the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere was subducted northward at a low angle beneath the western Qiangtang Terrane before ca. 119 Ma.

Late Miocene to Pliocene crustal extension and lithospheric delamination revealed from the ~5 Ma Palopo granodioritic intrusion in Western Sulawesi, Indonesia

Recent studies have revealed that following collision between the Western Sulawesi and Sula Spur microcontinents during the early to middle Miocene, the Western Sulawesi microcontinent subsequently underwent extension. However, the geodynamic process that resulted in extension is unknown. The petrogenesis of late Miocene to Pliocene granitoids in the region provides insights to the mechanism of extension. To achieve this goal, we studied the Palopo granodioritic intrusion, a well-exposed representative pluton that crops out along the Palu–Koro Fault. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates a 4.8–4.7 ± 0.1 Ma crystallization age for the pluton. Compared with arc igneous rocks, the pluton has high Sr contents and low Y and Yb contents, with relatively high Sr/Y and LaN/YbN ratios. These geochemical signatures are similar to those of typical adakites. The samples exhibit high MgO (1.60–2.54 wt%), Cr (46–65 ppm), and Ni (14.1–19.0 ppm) contents relative to adakitic rocks derived from thickened lower crust. In addition, negative εHf(t) (−9.7 to −5.5) and εNd(t) (−8.5 to −11.1) values, together with relatively low 143Nd/144Nd and high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios, reflect an origin through recycling of ancient crustal materials, which is clearly different from adakites derived from melting of a subducting slab. The most plausible mechanism for generation of the late Miocene–Pliocene adakitic granodiorites in the Western Sulawesi microcontinent is partial melting of delaminated lower crust that interacted with the mantle. We propose that the late Miocene to Pliocene crustal extension in the Western Sulawesi microcontinent was triggered by delamination of pre-existing thickened lithosphere.

Geochronological, Geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopic Studies of the A-type Granites and Adakitic Granodiorites in Western Junggar: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

Late Carboniferous magmatism in the Western Junggar region of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) provides a critical geological record of regional tectonic and geodynamic history. In this study, we determined the zircon U-Pb isotopic compositions, bulk-rock Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, and major and trace element geochemistry of two granitic bodies in the Western Junggar, with the aim of constraining their emplacement ages, magmatic origin, and geodynamic significance. Radiometric ages indicate that the plutons were emplaced during the Late Carboniferous (322–307 Ma). Plutons in the North Karamay region are characterized by high Sr content (347–362 ppm) and low Y content (15.3–16.7 ppm), yielding relatively high Sr/Y ratios (20.8–23.7). They show consistent Yb (1.68–1.85 ppm), Cr (16–19 ppm), Co (7.5–8.1 ppm) and Ni (5.9–6.6 ppm) content, similar to that of modern adakites. The Hongshan plutons are characterized by high SiO2 (69.95–74.66 wt%), Na2O (3.26–3.64 wt%), and K2O (4.84–5.16 wt%) content, low Al2O3 (12.02–12.84 wt%;) and MgO (0.13–0 18 wt%) content, and low Mg# values (0.16–0.22). This group shows a clear geochemical affinity with A-type granites. All of the studied granitoids have positive εNd(t) (+4.89 to +7.21) and εHf(t) (+7.70 to +13.00) values, with young TDM(Nd) 806–526 Ma) and TDM(Hf) (656–383 Ma) ages, indicating a substantial addition of juvenile material. The adakitic granodiorites in the North Karamay region were likely generated via partial melting of thickened lower crust, while the A-type granites in the Hongshan area may have been derived from the melting of lower-middle crust in an intra-oceanic arc, which consists mainly of oceanic crust. The emplacement of these granitoids represents a regional magmatic “flare up”, which can be explained by the rollback of a subducting slab.

Mesozoic Northward Subduction Along the SE Asian Continental Margin Inferred from Magmatic Records in the South China Sea

During the Mesozoic, Southeast (SE) Asia (including South China and the South China Sea (SCS)) was located in a transitional area between the Tethyan and Pacific geotectonic regimes. However, it is unclear whether geodynamic processes in the SE Asian continental margin were controlled by Tethyan or paleo-Pacific Ocean subduction. Herein, we report ~124 Ma adakitic granodiorites and Nb-enriched basalts from the Xiaozhenzhu Seamount of the SCS. Granodiorites have relatively high Sr/Y (34.7–37.0) and (La/Yb)N (13.8–15.7) ratios, as well as low Y (9.67–9.90 μg/g) and Yb (0.93–0.94 μg/g) concentrations, typical of adakites. Their Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N values coupled with their relatively low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70541–0.70551), relatively high K2O contents (3.31–3.38 wt%), high Th/La ratios (0.33–0.40), negative εNd(t) values (−3.62 to −3.52), and their variable zircon εHf(t) values (−3.8 to +5.2) indicate that these rocks were formed by melting of subducted oceanic crust and sediments. The Nb-enriched basalts show enrichment in high field strength elements (HFSE) and have εNd(t) values of +2.90 to +2.93, as well as relatively low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70341–0.70343, demonstrating that they were derived from a depleted-mantle (DM) source metasomatized by silicate magmas originating from melting of a subducted oceanic lithospheric slab. By combining our findings with data from other Late Mesozoic arc-related magmatic rocks and adakites from the broader study area, we propose a geotectonic model involving subduction of young oceanic lithosphere during the Late Jurassic and northward subduction of the proto-South China Sea (PSCS) along the SE Asian continental margin during the Early Cretaceous. This conceptual model better explains the two-period Mesozoic magmatism, commonly reported for the SE Asian continental margin.

Origins and tectonic implications of Late Cretaceous adakite and primitive high-Mg andesite in the Songdo area, southern Lhasa subterrane, Tibet

Late Cretaceous igneous rocks in the southern Lhasa subterrane, Tibet, include primitive high-Mg andesites and adakites, which provide important constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. Here, we present detailed zircon UPb and Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data for granodioritic and dioritic porphyry samples from the Songdo area in the southern Lhasa subterrane. Zircon UPb dating indicates that the granodiorite crystallized at 88 Ma, whereas the diorite yields ages of 68 and 66 Ma. The granodiorite has adakite-like geochemical characteristics, including high Sr (801–1005 ppm) and low Y (6.8–15.2 ppm) and Yb (0.6–1.3 ppm) concentrations, and high Sr/Y (62–145) and La/Yb (39–93) ratios. We infer that the adakitic granodiorites formed through partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The dioritic porphyry has intermediate moderate SiO2 (53–58 wt%) and high MgO (5.6–8.2 wt%) contents, and high Mg# (66.4–69.5) values, and is therefore classified as a primitive high-Mg andesite that was derived from interaction between subducted sediment and mantle. The presence of coeval adakite and charnockite, as well as high-temperature granulite-facies metamorphism, indicates that mid-ocean ridge subduction occurred at 100–80 Ma, followed by a 10 Myr hiatus in magmatism and subsequent rollback of the Neo-Tethys slab at 68 Ma. These processes resulted in significant crustal growth within the Lhasa terrane.

Final Closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and Onset of Subduction of Paleo‐Pacific Ocean: Constraints From Early Mesozoic Magmatism in Central Southern Jilin Province, NE China

AbstractWhen the Paleo‐Asian Ocean closed and the Paleo‐Pacific subduction started in NE China remains controversial. To constrain these key issues, we carried out zircon U‐Pb‐Hf isotopic and whole‐rock geochemical studies of Early Mesozoic igneous rocks in central southern Jilin Province, NE China. Early Mesozoic igneous rocks in region were formed at three stages: the middle Triassic (246 Ma), the late Triassic (219–220 Ma), and the early Jurassic (172–194 Ma). Middle Triassic trachyandesites in southern Jilin Province were solely generated through partial melting of ancient lower crust of the North China Craton (NCC), implying ongoing southward subduction of Paleo‐Asian Ocean Plate beneath the NCC at this time. Late Triassic trachyandesites in southern Jilin Province were derived from the magma mixing/mingling of the NCC lithospheric mantle and juvenile eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt crustal sources. Late Triassic hornblende gabbros in central Jilin Province were derived from depleted lithospheric mantle previously metasomatized by subduction‐related fluids. Coeval adakitic granodiorites were likely produced through the partial melting of thickened juvenile lower crust. Spatially, these rocks occurred on both sides of the Solonker‐Xra‐Moron‐Changchun Suture Zone and record N–S directed extension accompanied by the final closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. Early Jurassic andesites were produced through mixing/mingling between partial melts derived from eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt lithospheric mantle and ancient NCC crust. In contrast, Early Jurassic felsic rocks, including A‐type granites, were derived from the partial melting of Neoproterozoic accreted lower crust, jointly implying an extensional setting as the result of the initial subduction from Paleo‐Pacific Plate at this time.

The discovery of Neoproterozoic Chencai high-SiO<sub>2</sub> adakitic granodiorite in eastern Jiangnan Orogen and its tectonic implications

The discovery of Neoproterozoic Chencai high-SiO<sub>2</sub> adakitic granodiorite in eastern Jiangnan Orogen and its tectonic implications

Syn-convergence extension in the southern Lhasa terrane: Evidence from late Cretaceous adakitic granodiorite and coeval gabbroic-dioritic dykes

Late Cretaceous (∼100-80Ma) magmatism in the Gangdese magmatic belt plays a pivotal role in understanding the evolutionary history and tectonic regime of the southern Lhasa terrane. The geodynamic process for the formation of the early Late Cretaceous magmatism has long been an issue of hot debates. Here, petrology, geochronology and geochemistry of early Late Cretaceous granodiorite and coeval gabbroic-dioritic dykes in the Caina region, southern Lhasa, were investigated in an effort to ascertain their petrogenesis, age of intrusion, magma mixing and tectonic setting. Zircon U-Pb dating of granodiorite yields 206Pb/238U ages of 85.8±1.7 and 86.4±1.1Ma, whilst that of the E-W trending dykes yields ages of 82.7±2.6 and 83.5±3.5Ma. Within error, the crystallization ages of the dykes and the granodiorite are indistinguishable. Field observations and mineralogical microstructures are suggestive of a magma mixing process during the formation of the dykes and the granodiorite. The granodiorite exhibits geochemical features that are in agreement with those of subduction-related high-SiO2 adakites. The granodiorite and dykes have relatively constant εNd(t) values of +2.2 to +4.9 and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7045–0.7047). These similar characteristics are herein interpreted as an evolutionary series from the dykes to granodiorite, consistent with magma mixing process. Ti-in-zircon thermometer and Al-in-hornblende barometer indicate that the granodiorite and the dioritic dyke crystallized at temperatures of ca. 750 and 800°C, depths of ca. 6–10 and 5–9km, respectively. Taking into account the synchronous magmatic rocks in the Gangdese Belt and the coeval rifted basin within the Lhasa terrane, the granodiorite and dykes reveal an early Late Cretaceous syn-convergence extensional regime in the southern Lhasa terrane, triggered by slab rollback of the Neotethyan oceanic lithosphere.

Petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous adakitic granodiorite: Implication for a crust thickening event within the Cathaysia Block, South China

Adakitic rocks in continental settings are commonly considered to be formed by partial melting of thickened or delaminated lower crust. Investigations on this kind of rocks can provide important information about crustal evolution complementary to information from other rocks. This paper reports adakitic granodiorite of the Lingxi pluton in the interior of the Cathayisa Block. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating shows that it was formed in the late Early Cretaceous (100±1 Ma). The granodiorite has geochemical features of adakitic rocks derived from partial melting of the thickened lower crust, e.g., high SiO2 (mainly ranging from 64.4 to 68.9 wt.%) and Sr (624–894 ppm) contents, Sr/Y (49.9–60.8) and La/Yb (23.4–42.8) values, low Y (10.3–17.1 ppm), Ni (5.62–11.8 ppm) and MgO (mostly from 0.86 wt.% to 1.57 wt.%) contents and weak Eu anomaly. It has initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7086–0.7091, e Nd(t) values of −6.2 to −5.9 and zircon e Hf(t) values mostly of −10.1 to −7.6. Based on the geochemical characteristics and simple modelling, it is suggested that the most likely generation mechanism of the Lingxi granodiorite is partial melting of a thickened Proterozoic lower continental crust at a pressure ≥12 kbar (or crust thickness ≥40 km), leaving a garnet-bearing amphibolite residue. Combining our results and previous studies of the tectonic evolution of the Cathaysia Block, we propose that the crust was thickened to over 40 km by a compressive event occurring during the late Early Cretaceous, which is supported by the observation that there is an angular unconformity between the Upper Cretaceous Series and the early Lower Cretaceous or the Jurassic rocks. After this event, the Cathaysia Block experienced a lithospheric extension and thinning probably driven by the high-angle paleo-Pacific subduction. With the attenuation of lithosphere, the lower crust was heated to partial melting by upwelling asthenospheric materials, resulting in generation of the Lingxi granodiorite and other coeval granitoids in the Cathaysia Block. This study provides new information on the crustal evolution of the Cathaysia Block during the Early Cretaceous.

Late Mesozoic magmatism and metallogeny in NE China: The Sandaowanzi–Beidagou example

ABSTRACTThe Sandaowanzi (>22t Au) and Beidagou (>5t Au) tellurium–gold deposits are located in the northeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (Heilongjiang Province, NE China). The ore-hosting volcanic rocks unconformably overly monzogranite and were intruded by adakitic granodiorite. In this study, we report new-age, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data to elucidate the genetic link between the igneous rocks and the Te–Au mineralization. New-age data indicate that local magmatism occurred in the Early Jurassic (ca. 177.2 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (ca. 118.7 − 122.0 Ma). Geochemically, the igneous rocks are enriched in LREEs, Pb, K, and U, and depleted in Nb, P, and Ti, showing calc-alkaline affinity. The Early Jurassic monzogranite rocks are featured by 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7111−0.7118; εNd(t) = −4.6 to −4.7; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.098−18.102, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.558−15.580, and 208Pb/204Pb = 37.781−37.928, whereas the Early Cretaceous adakitic granodiorite contains: 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7071−0.7073; εNd(t) = − 3.4 to −3.2; 206Pb/204Pb = 17.991−18.080, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.483−15.508, and 208Pb/204Pb = 37.938−37.985. Initial isotopic ratios for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks: 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7061−0.7087; εNd(t) = − 3.6 to −2.9; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.136−18.199, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.512−15.628, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.064−38.155. The pyrite, chalcopyrite, and telluride grains yielded δ34S of −6.52 ‰ to 2.13 ‰ (mean = − 0.82 ‰) and δ13CPDB of the calcite samples are in the range of −6.64 ‰ to −5.24 ‰, implying the ore materials were derived from mantle. The geochemical and isotopic results indicate that primary melts of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks have features by partial melting of the continental crust. The adakitic rocks may have been the products of the thickened lower crustal delamination and the subsequent asthenospheric upwelling during the intra-continental extension in NE China. Regionally, intrusive activity and molybdenum mineralization during the Jurassic was affected by subduction setting, whereas gold mineralization was controlled by the Early Cretaceous tectonothermal events associated with a superposition extension.

Late Jurassic adakitic granodiorite in the Dong Co area, northern Tibet: Implications for subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere and related accretion of the Southern Qiangtang terrane

In this paper we present new major and trace element chemical data, zircon U–Pb age data, and zircon Hf isotopic compositions for the Dong Co granodiorites (DGs) that were emplaced directly in the Dong Co ophiolites (DOs) in the middle segment of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ), northern Tibet. We use these new data to discuss the genesis of the DGs and implications for the evolution of the region. The DGs have high contents of SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, and Sr, high values of Mg#, low contents of Yb and Y, and markedly high Sr/Y ratios, indicating an adakitic affinity, and we show that they were derived from the partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The DGs contain large numbers of inherited zircons that have similar shapes and peak ages to the detrital zircons in the accretionary wedge graywackes that surround the DGs, suggesting that many of these sediments were assimilated during the formation of the DGs. Five DG samples yield the youngest zircon U–Pb ages of 155–160Ma, indicating that the DGs formed during the Late Jurassic. Based on the present results and regional geological data, we infer that the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere was subducted northwards beneath the Southern Qiangtang terrane during the formation of a continental arc system during the Late Jurassic. The Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere retreated rapidly after its initial subduction, and the Southern Qiangtang terrane to the north of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean acquired a massive amount of new oceanic material in the form of an accretionary wedge. This wedge, which included the DOs and the Mugagangri Group, became sufficiently large (both in size and width) for arc-type magmas (DGs) to develop within it during the Late Jurassic.

Late Ordovician adakitic rocks in the Central Tianshan block, NW China: Partial melting of lower continental arc crust during back-arc basin opening

Late Ordovician (ca. 451 Ma) calc-alkaline adakitic granodiorite and granite, associated with coeval S-type granites, were discovered in the Central Tianshan block, NW China. They are characterized by high Sr (526−620 ppm), but low Y (6.8−8.6 ppm) and heavy rare earth element (HREE) contents (e.g., Yb = 0.7−0.8 ppm), and thus have high Sr/Y (66−86) ratios. The granodiorite has SiO 2 of 69.3 wt%, MgO of 1.4 wt%, and Mg# of 48, exhibiting light (L) REE−enriched patterns ([La/Yb] N = 15.82, [Dy/Yb] N = 1.25) with strong positive Eu (δEu = 1.65) but weak negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. Its low Cr (9.0 ppm) and Ni (6.2 ppm) concentrations, low negative e Hf ( t ) and e Nd ( t ) values (−11.3 to −5.0 and −4.8, respectively), old one-stage Nd model age (ca. 1.4 Ga), and high initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio (0.7129) are characteristics of derivation from the partial melting of thickened ancient lower crust, most likely in the eclogite facies. The adakitic granite samples contain slightly higher SiO 2 (72.4−73.0 wt%), but lower MgO (0.6−0.7 wt%) and Mg# (37−40), with low Cr (7.9−12.1 ppm) and Ni (5.6−7.4 ppm), displaying concave-upward REE patterns ([La/Yb] N = 19.25−30.01, [Dy/Yb] N = 0.85−1.01) with negligible Eu (δEu = 0.87−1.03) and pronounced negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. Their positive e Hf ( t ) (+4.3 to +7.1) and e Nd ( t ) (+1.6 to +3.2) values, young one-stage Nd model ages (0.9−0.8 Ga), and low initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios (0.7055−0.7060) indicate generation by the partial melting of relatively juvenile lower crust, probably in the garnet-bearing amphibolite facies. Combined with previous investigations, we suggest that the Central Tianshan developed as a continental arc along northern Tarim, facing the southward subduction of the Junggar Ocean during Ordovician time. Lower-crustal melting was likely induced by asthenosphere upwelling in response to rollback of the Junggar oceanic slab, accompanied by crustal extension and incipient opening of the South Tianshan back-arc basin along northern Tarim and separation of the Central Tianshan as a microcontinent. The heat brought by the ascending adakitic magmas possibly caused anatexis of the basement rocks, forming the coeval pelite-derived S-type granites. The eastern segment of the South Tianshan Ocean was most probably closed prior to ca. 380 Ma. This study provides ample evidence that adakitic rocks can be produced by partial melting of (thickened) lower crust during incipient opening of a back-arc basin.