Back-arc Basin Setting Research Articles

About this title - The Miocene Extensional Pannonian Superbasin, Volume 1: Regional Geology

The first Pannonian Superbasin volume is dedicated to the regional geology of various Neogene extensional basins surrounded by the Alps, Carpathians and Dinarides. All these subbasins developed on highly extended continental crust, providing the locus typicus for the general evolution of extensional basins developed in a back-arc basin setting.

A revised stratigraphic model for the ∼ 1910–1835 Ma Tanami Group, the Northern Territory, Australia: Implications for exploration targeting

The Paleoproterozoic Tanami Group of the Granites—Tanami Orogen hosts a known endowment of > 20 Moz of gold mineralization across numerous deposits. Throughout the region, host lithologies impart a first-order control on the style, grade and endowment of mineralization. However, the genetic relationship and regional distribution of three regionally correlative formations (the Dead Bullock, Mount Charles and Stubbins formations) remains enigmatic. Here, we combine lithostratigraphic analysis, lithogeochemistry, detrital zircon geochronology and geophysical observations to propose a new evolutionary model for the Tanami Group. We find that the Tanami Group was deposited in a continental back-arc basin setting and developed in four stages. Package A marked the onset of the rifting of the continental Archean basement. Sedimentary rocks within Package A are dominantly felsic in composition and display a unimodal detrital zircon age population at ∼ 2530 Ma. Package B marks the onset of mafic volcanism; consequently, volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks within Package B display a distinct mafic geochemical signature. Detritus shed from an Archean basement persisted throughout this period, and a unimodal detrital age component at ∼ 2530 Ma persists. Package C marked the waning stages of voluminous mafic volcanism across the Tanami Basin. Sedimentary volcaniclastic rocks within Package C display a mixed mafic and felsic composition. Detrital zircon age spectra record multiple peaks at ∼ 2500, 3000 and 3350 Ma, which may reflect erosion of older Archean basement domains or changes in paleo-drainage. Package D marked a significant change in the source of detritus entering the basin from dominantly Archean to Paleoproterozoic, with dominant detrital age peaks at ∼ 1860 Ma. Despite significant lithofacies variations, the presented model highlights multiple correlations between the Dead Bullock and Mount Charles formations. The Mount Charles Formation likely represents a volcanic source-proximal, high-energy depocenter. In contrast, the Dead Bullock Formation was deposited in a lower energy setting, distal to volcanic centers. These observations are important to mineral exploration. Notably, the Mount Charles Formation is distributed over a significantly greater area than previously thought, and the under-represented Hangingwall and Footwall sequences of this formation are interpreted to host significant gold mineralization at the Oberon and Groundrush deposits.

The Ordovician Arc–Basin System in the Northern Great Xing’an Range (Northeast China): Constraints from Provenance Analysis of the Luohe Formation

The Northeast China Block is a major component of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and its tectonic evolution has attracted much research attention. Ordovician strata are important in reconstructing the tectonic evolution of the Northeast China Block. This paper presents the results of sedimentological, zircon U–Pb, and geochemical analyses of sandstones of the Luohe Formation in the Wunuer area, Northern Great Xing’an Range, Northeast China. Lithological data, sedimentary structures, and grain-size analysis indicate that the Luohe Formation was deposited in a shallow marine environment. Detrital zircon U–Pb dating yields age peaks of 463, 504, 783, 826, 973, and 1882 Ma for sandstones from the Luohe Formation. The youngest zircon grain age of 451 ± 6 Ma represents the maximum depositional age of the Luohe Formation. The peak age at 463 Ma is consistent with the timing of post-collisional magmatism and the formation of the Duobaoshan island arc, while the peak at 504 Ma is consistent with the timing of magmatic activity related to the collision between the Erguna and Xing’an blocks. The peaks at 788, 826, 973, and 1882 Ma correspond to magmatism in the Erguna block, these ages indicate that the sandstones of the Luohe Formation were derived mainly from the Erguna block. Sandstone modal compositional analysis indicates that the provenance of the Luohe Formation was mainly a magmatic arc. The geochemical compositions of the sandstones suggest that the source rocks have continental island arc signatures. Based on the depositional age, sedimentary environment, provenance, and regional geology, it is concluded that the Luohe Formation was deposited in a back-arc basin setting during the formation of the Duobaoshan island arc–basin system in response to subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate.

Implications of high-grade metamorphism on detrital zircon data sets: A case study from the Fraser Zone, Western Australia

Detrital zircon grains provide a useful tool to determine the maximum age of sedimentary strata and can elucidate tectonic setting and basin evolution. However, high-grade metamorphism can overprint the mineral chemistry of the detrital cargo and reset both primary age and compositional information. Incomplete resetting of the U–Pb isotopic system, fluid alteration, and complex internal structures due to granulite-facies metamorphism makes dating and interpretation of the obtained zircon ages challenging. Here, we use trace element chemistry, U–Pb geochronology (LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP), textural observations, and inclusion characterization from detrital zircon crystals in the Snowys Dam Formation (Albany–Fraser Orogen; AFO) to deconvolve its strongly overprinted sedimentary history, and to evaluate the likely geodynamic setting for basin genesis. Detrital zircons that survived metamorphic overprinting show that the main detrital load was sourced from Paleoproterozoic lithologies from neighbouring regions, with rare Archean Yilgarn crystals. The youngest detrital grains correlate with the age of plagiogranites in the Madura Province to the east of the AFO and imply a maximum depositional age of c. 1390 Ma, indicating that the Fraser Zone temporally correlates to an oceanic arc and thus best fits a back-arc basin setting. High-grade metamorphism during Stage I of the orogeny (c. 1330–1260 Ma) promoted recrystallization of pre-existing detrital zircons together with neoblastic growth of metamorphic zircon rims. At c. 1245 Ma, during early Stage II of the AFO, anatexis of the metasedimentary rocks produced rare neocrystallized magmatic zircon. Late-stage fluids are indicated by elevated LREE for these grains, which also contain a hydrous inclusion assemblage. High volume sampling techniques such as LA-ICP-MS often drilled through multiple age domains that can hinder geological interpretation. Thus, a lower volume sampling technique (e.g., SHRIMP) and verification with mineral chemistry is highly instructive in accurately resolving primary age groups in high-grade terrains.

Recycled crustal components in the depleted mantle source: Evidence from Early Cretaceous mafic rocks in the southern margin of the North China Craton

Abundant subducted materials are recycled into the deep mantle during the plate subduction process and are further reflected in the postcollision mafic rocks. The Early Cretaceous Mid-Oceanic-Ridge-Basalt (MORB)-like mafic rocks in the southern margin of the North China Craton (SNCC) preserve significant information on recycled materials. These rocks provide a window for discussing the crust-mantle interaction and tracing the history of subduction. The studied rocks comprise the Jingwan metadiabase, Putaozhuang, Nianpanzhuang, and Niujiaowan metahornblende gabbro, with Early Cretaceous ages (140–129 Ma). They show large ion lithophile element enrichment in both the Enriched-MORB and Normal-MORB rare earth element patterns. They are characterized by slightly depleted isotopic compositions, high MgO, Cr, Ni and Mg# values as well as the low SiO2, suggesting a depleted mantle source affinity. The enriched NdHf (εNd(t) = −14.50 to −13.47; εHf(t) = −9.27 to −8.82) and unradiogenic Pb isotopes imply that Jingwan samples originated from a depleted mantle source metasomatized by lower continental crustal materials. Their relatively enriched zircon εHf(t) values (−15.8 to −1.6) and δ18O values (4.82‰–8.77‰) along with their Paleoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic inherited zircons also argue for the contribution of low continental crustal materials from the North China Craton. In contrast, Putaozhuang, Nianpanzhuang, and Niujiaowan samples have positive whole-rock εNd(t) values (4.08–5.20) and εHf(t) values (3.23–5.62). Combined with the existence of Paleozoic zircons, high zircon εHf(t) values, and high Nb/U ratios, these materials suggest that they originated from a depleted mantle source metasomatized by juvenile crust and terrigenous sediments. This is corroborated by variable zircon δ18O values (5.57‰–9.63‰) and mantle-like δ18O values (5.08‰–5.60‰) of Paleozoic inherited zircons from Niujiaowan samples. The distinct geochemical characteristics of Early Cretaceous mafic rocks are induced by the incorporation of different components from subducted crust and sediments into the depleted mantle source. Paleo-Pacific Plate far-field effects controlled the intense lithospheric extension and thinning of the Early Cretaceous MORB-like rocks in the SNCC, which were placed in an immature back-arc basin setting.

Early Paleozoic back-arc basin in the East Kunlun Orogen, northern Tibetan Plateau: Insight from the Wutumeiren ophiolitic mélange

The Early Paleozoic tectonic architecture of East Kunlun Orogen in the northern Tibetan Plateau is crucial to deciphering the tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethys ocean. The Wutumeiren ophiolitic mélange located in the Qimantagh-Xiangride suture between the North Qimantagh and Central Kunlun belts represents essential records of the Proto-Tethyan tectonic domain. It comprises serpentinite, dolerite, basalt and black chert with minor siltstone. The serpentinites possess high MgO, low SiO2 and ΣREE contents, and are characterized by slight depletion of mid-REE, showing ophiolitic ultramafic affinities. Both dolerites and basalts exhibit tholeiitic compositions with high Mg# numbers, low (Na2O + K2O)/SiO2 ratios and ΣREE contents. In comparison, the dolerites show flat patterns of REE, while the basalts display slight enrichment of LREE. All these features suggest they were generated from an E-MORB-type mantle source by different degrees of partial melting. The cherts exhibit distinctive high SiO2 and low ΣREE contents, and show depletion of LREE with negative Ce anomalies and high Y/Ho rations, indicating they are typical abyssal cherts. Together with the comparable basements on both sides of the suture, a back-arc basin setting is suggested for these ophiolitic components. The SHRIMP zircon U–Pb age of 416 ± 34 Ma for the basalt, and the youngest age of 490.6 ± 6.6 Ma for the black siltstones interbedded with cherts signal the back-arc basin from ca. 490–416 Ma. We thus infer a west-Pacific-type active continental margin in the East Kunlun Orogen associated with the northward subduction of the Proto-Tethys oceanic crust in the Early Paleozoic.

Geochronology, provenance, and tectonic setting of the meta-sedimentary rocks from the North Shahrekord metamorphic Complex, Iran

ABSTRACT The meta-sedimentary rocks from the North Shahrekord metamorphic Complex (NSMC) comprise micaschists, paragneisses, quartz-feldspathic schists, and marbles. Detrital zircons from the paragneisses yield ages of ca. 2811–507 Ma with most of the dated grains belonging to the Late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian, suggesting a maximum depositional age of the sedimentary protolith during the Late Ediacaran to the Early Cambrian times (543 ± 12 Ma). In contrast, detrital zircons from the quartz-feldspathic schists are mostly dominantly 692–577 Ma and a few at ca. 2369–703 Ma, suggesting that the maximum depositional age of 577 ± 9 Ma, Late Neoproterozoic. The age distribution of detrital zircons suggests that their main provenance was located within the Arabian-Nubian Shield and adjacent terranes. Rutiles from a paragneiss give a U-Pb lower-intercept age of 181 ± 3 Ma, indicating the occurrence of a high-pressure metamorphic event during the Early Jurassic. The trace element contents of the two rock units show enrichment in LREE relative to HREE and negative Eu anomalies, indicating upper continental crustal sources. The geochemical evidence (e.g. low to moderate Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Plagioclase Index of Alteration, high Index of Compositional Variability (PIA), and low Th/U) suggests that the quartz-feldspathic schists and paragneisses originated from an immature, and immature to less mature, respectively, intermediate-felsic igneous source and their protolith experienced a simple sedimentary recycling history with relatively weak to moderate chemical weathering. Geochemical and petrographic data also suggest that the precursor to the quartz-feldspathic schists and paragneisses were deposited in a continental island arc and a back-arc basin setting, respectively. Our new data, including depositional age, provenance, and geochemical evidence, provide perspectives on palaeogeographic affinities (provenance of sediments with different weathering and recycling materials), and paleotectonic reconstructions (from arc to back-arc) of the Iranian basement, exposed in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, during Ediacaran.

Monazite and titanite U[sbnd]Pb ages of granitoids from the North Qinling Terrane: Implications for the subduction of the Shangdan Ocean and accretionary processes

The early Paleozoic granitoids of the North Qinling Terrane have been widely viewed as the products of an Andean-type margin related to the long-lasting subduction of the Proto-Tethys (Shangdan) ocean. However, the spatial and temporal distributions of the arc granitoids coupled with subduction-accretion processes are still a subject of debate. Here, we report LA-ICP-MS UPb monazite and titanite ages and trace element concentrations for granites and a paragneiss from the North Qinling Terrane. The results, together with data in the literatures, are used to reconstruct the magmatic evolution related to the subduction of the Shangdan ocean during the early Paleozoic. As revealed by UPb geochronology, subduction-related magmatism in the southern belt of the North Qinling magmatic arc (NQMA) was most active between 423 and 404 Ma, and therefore younger and shorter than previously speculated. The ages are in agreement with a metamorphic monazite UPb age (415 Ma) obtained from the paragneiss, suggesting that crustal anatexis of the NQMA was contemporaneous with the magmatism. Overall, magmatism in the NQMA moved progressively from north to south. This southward propagation is consistent with roll-back of the Shangdan oceanic slab and transition from an oceanic arc into a back-arc basin setting. The timing of magmatism and migmatization as well as high-temperature granulite metamorphism in the NQMA signifies that the Shangdan ocean retreated to the North Qinling Unit before c. 423 Ma. Monazites from NQMA generally show HREE depletion and negative Eu anomalies, and some display the REE tetrad effect. These geochemical features indicated that the NQMA granites were highly fractionated. In addition, the abrupt changes in REE compositions displayed by titanites probably record a mixing event with a mafic magma along the Shangdan suture zone.

Multi-episodes of pre-Cenozoic bimodal magmatism in the Himalaya in response to arc-back-arc settings

The Himalayan orogen preserves multi-episodes of pre-Cenozoic magmatic history, but remains a subject of debate for their tectonic settings, limiting a better understanding of the Himalaya litho-tectonic structure. This study demonstrates the protolith nature of granitic gneisses and garnet amphibolites collected from three areas (Kangmar, Cona, and Arun Valley) in the east-central Himalaya. Then we investigated the bulk-rock major and trace elements, Sr-Nd isotopes, zircon U-Pb ages, and Hf isotopes. The garnet amphibolites are classified into sub-alkaline basalt and show tholeiite affinity. Garnet amphibolites from the Kangmar and Cona areas show Paleozoic (512–450 Ma) and Neoproterozoic (803 ± 8 Ma) protolith ages, respectively. Geochemically, they display similar MORB-like trace element features and enrich in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs: Rb, Th, U, Sr, Pb) and Ta, Ti, and mantle-like Sr-Nd isotopes with initial 87Sr/86Sr of 0.667787–0.705088 and εNd(t) of 2.9–5.0. The high Th/Yb and Ba/Th ratios and varied εHf(t) (−22.3–11.0) indicate subduction-related material contributions. The geochemical affinity to MORB and slab contributions is associated with a back-arc basin setting. Besides, garnet amphibolites from Arun Valley yield a protolith age of 1869 ± 10 Ma and are divided into two groups. Group I exhibits enriched LREE patterns [(La/Yb)N = 5.99–6.44] and shows wide εNd(t) of −1.3 to 7.1, variable Th/Ta and Nb/La, and high Zr/Y ratios. These features suggest the protolith of Group I might be continental flood basalts. In comparison, Group II exhibits MORB-like REE patterns, enrichments of LILEs, and depletions of high field strength elements (HFSEs) similar to island arc basalt. Thus, the geochemical affinity to MORB and arc-like features indicates they are metamorphosed from back-arc basalts. As for the granitic gneisses, the Kangmar and Cona samples give a Paleozoic age range of 552–438 Ma, due to a protracted (∼110 Myr) magmatism. The Kangmar granitic gneisses were metamorphosed from arc-related I-type granites, by contrast, the Cona granitic gneisses belong to A-type granites formed in a back-arc setting. These Paleozoic granitic gneisses show similar εHf(t) of −7.1–−2.5 and TDM2 of 1229–1923 Ma, indicating they were derived from partial melting of Meso- to Paleoproterozoic crust. Furthermore, the Arun Valley granitic gneisses give an 1819 ± 6 Ma protolith age and show arc features with enriched LILEs and depleted HFSEs. The wide εHf(t) of −5.3–13.2 indicates the varying degree of mantle contributions resulting from slab break-off or roll-back. Therefore, the Himalaya witnessed bimodal magmatism during Paleoproterozoic, Neoproterozoic, and Paleozoic related to Andean-type orogeny. The multi-episodes of Andean-type magmatism contribute to the formation of the Cenozoic Himalayan architecture.

Remote sensing and geochemical investigations of sulfide-bearing metavolcanic and gabbroic rocks (Egypt): Constraints on host-rock petrogenesis and sulfide genesis

Field geology, geochemical analyses and multi-sensor remotely sensed data of Landsat-8, ASTER and Sentinel-2 were used to detect various types of hydrothermal alteration and sulfide-gold mineralization in Neoproterozoic metavolcanic and gabbroic rocks from Darhib and El-Beida areas in the South Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt. We also used RADAR data of Sentinel-1 using PCI Geomatica software to decipher the structural lineaments that control this mineralization. Different styles of disseminated to massive sulfide deposits include: 1) undeformed magmatic disseminated ores in Darhib gabbros, metavolcanic rocks and metabasic dykes; 2) deformed (remobilized) massive ores mostly of a magmatic-hydrothermal origin in Darhib tremolite talc rocks along E-W shear zones; 3) hydrothermal sulfide ores along El-Beida NW–SE shear zones. Cu-Zn massive ores represent the main sulfides in the Darhib silicified tremolite-talc rocks and meta-andesites, and occur as bands, veins and patches along Darhib E-W shear zones. Discontinuous occurrences of sulfide ores-bearing tremolite-talc rocks indicate that major shear zones act as structural controls on mineralization. Sulfide ores consist chiefly of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrite and galena as well as minor covellite and bornite. These ores are highly concentrated along E-W striking Darhib shear zones and resulted from granite-derived hydrothermal fluids that form/and or accumulate sulfide minerals from the sulfide-bearing metavolcanic rocks around shear zones. Two stages of hydrothermal alterations are recorded in the Darhib talc mine including pre- (talcification, amphibolitization and carbonatization) and syn- (silicification and chloritization) sulfide ore alterations. Disseminated sulfide mineralization hosted in Darhib gabbros, metavolcanic rocks and metabasic dykes is of a magmatic origin, similar to Cu-Ni sulfide deposits hosted in gabbroic varieties in worldwide mafic–ultramafic intrusions. On the other hand, El-Beida gold-sulfide-bearing quartz and quartz carbonate veins are hosted in ferruginated and silicified metavolcanics/ metavolcaniclastic rocks along NW–SE shear zones (Najd Fault System trend). These are spatially associated with regional convergent structures (high-angle convergent wrench structures), suggesting orogenic gold type mineralization. The E-W with minor WNW-ESE shear zones in Darhib and NW-SE trending shear zones in El- Beida structurally controlled sulfides and gold mineralization in the SED of Egypt. El-Beida sulfide mineralization occurs as disseminated ores that consist mainly of pyrite, chalcopyrite, covelite and chalcocite with occasional occurrence of gold. The spatial occurrence of native gold in ferrigenous alteration zones indicates the role of iron in gold precipitation through buffering of gold-bearing complexes. Mineralogical and geochemical data of Darhib and El-Beida sulfide-bearing rocks indicate that they crystallized from depleted mantle sources in a back-arc basin setting, starting with the generation of arc-like volcanic rocks in a nascent BAB stage followed by the emplacement of plutonic equivalent of MORB/OIB-like rocks such as gabbroic intrusions in a mature BAB.

Geochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology and Hf isotope composition of the Heishan’gou iron deposit in the Bikou Terrane, central China: Implication for the genesis of the Yudongzi banded iron formations

The Yudongzi banded iron formations (BIFs) are widely spread in the Neoarchean Yudongzi Group of the Bikou Terrane, Central China. Their sedimentary and metamorphic ages, however, remain controversial, either their forming or reworking processes. In this contribution, we conducted an integrated study of zircon U-Pb-Hf isotope geochemistry, as well as mineral and bulk-rock geochemistry on the Heishan’gou iron deposit, the largest iron deposit of the Yudongzi BIFs, to constrain their formation and metamorphism ages, source of ore-forming material and tectonic setting. Mineral chemistry analysis indicates that the amphibolite, host-rock of the Heishan’gou deposit suffered amphibolite facies metamorphism. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircon grains from orthometamorphic host-rocks suggests that the Heishan’gou deposit was formed at the early Neoarchean (2781 ± 43 Ma for amphibolite and 2776 ± 43 Ma for plagioclase-hornblende schist), and metamorphosed at ca. 2480 ± 26 Ma and 1818 ± 44 Ma, respectively. The low contents of aluminum, titanium and high field strength elements in BIFs suggest that they are detritus-free marine chemical precipitates. The rare earth elements (REE) and Y patterns of BIFs display seawater-like signatures with light REE depletion, and positive La and Y anomalies. Meanwhile, their positive Eu anomalies suggest that submarine hydrothermal fluid might also be involved in the precipitation of BIFs. Combined with zircon Hf isotope data and geochemical compositions of amphibolites, it is proposed that the Yudongzi BIFs should be formed at back-arc basin setting. Compared with the representative Archean continent nucleus of the Yangtze Block (Kongling Complex), the Yudongzi Complex experienced distinct crustal evolutionary history. It indicates that the Yudongzi Complex might represent the accretionary block combined to the Yangtze continental nucleus later than the Paleoproterozoic.

Superimposed mineralization in the Tongbai composite orogen, central China: Revealed from geological and geochronological data of the Yindongpo gold deposit

Multi-period mineralizations commonly form superimposed deposits in the orogenic belt, resulting in some disputes about the ore geneses and metallogenic background. Here, we present a comprehensive geological and geochronological study on the Yindongpo super-large gold deposit in the Tongbai composite orogen, central China, to reveal the ages of multi-period gold mineralizations and their links to the complex tectonic evolution framework of the Tongbai orogen. The Yindongpo gold deposit is located in the Weishancheng ore field in the northern segment of the Tongbai orogen and is mainly hosted in the carbonaceous schist of the Waitoushan Formation. Zircon U-Pb dating of leptynite (445 ± 3 Ma) from the Waitoushan Formation shows that it was deposited in the Ordovician, in an island arc or back-arc basin setting during the accretionary orogeny. Orebodies at Yindongpo are strictly controlled by the Zhuzhuang anticline and related fault systems, and are mainly distributed in the turning end, the collapsed part of the dipping end, and the conjugate thrust shear zone of the limbs. Based on field and petrographic observations, two periods of mineralization and four paragenetic stages (stage I to IV) are recognized: the early period consists of the laminated quartz-molybdenite-pyrite stage (I) and laminated-disseminated pyrite stage (II), whereas the late period consists of the quartz-pyrite vein stage (III) and the quartz-polymetallic sulfide vein stage (IV). Molybdenite from stage I has a Re-Os model age of 409 ± 6 Ma, which broadly matches the U-Pb age of intergrown rutile grains (396 ± 4 Ma). These two ages, in combination with the mineralization characteristics, indicate that the early-period gold mineralization was generated by the metamorphism of the accreted terranes during the Early Devonian northward subduction of the oceanic plate. The timing of the late-period mineralization is constrained by the U-Pb age of monazite (127 ± 2 Ma) intergrown with gold-bearing pyrite from stage III and the 40Ar/39Ar ages of ore-related sericite (131 ± 1 Ma) from stage IV and altered sericite (133 ± 1 Ma) from the carbonaceous schist. Combined with the extensive development of coeval granitoids and porphyry Mo deposits in the region, the late-period gold mineralization at Yindongpo belongs to a unified large-scale metallogenic event related to the Early Cretaceous intensive granitic magmatism in an extensional tectonic setting. The results presented here thus reveal two discrete mineralization processes at Yindongpo related to the Tongbai composite orogeny: the early mineralization of Devonian accretionary orogeny and the later mineralization of Cretaceous intracontinental orogeny. Our study contributes to the knowledge of superimposed metallogenesis in composite orogen, and also highlights the decisive role of multi-mineral isotopic dating in revealing the metallogenic epoch of superimposed deposits.

Tonian and Cryogenian – Early Cambrian sedimentation in NW India: Implications on the transition from Rodinia to Gondwana

The Tonian Punagarh-Sindreth and Cryogenian – early Cambrian Marwar sequences in NW India encompass a geological record that could provide vital information for working out the tectonic evolution of this region and a better understanding of the Rodinia to Gondwana transition. The Tonian Punagarh and Sindreth sub-basins received a dominantly felsic detritus with negligible sorting of heavy minerals and mild to weak chemical weathering conditions. The clastic compositions and geochemical characteristics of the Punagarh and Sindreth groups suggest a back-arc basin setting and the detritus sourced from a volcanic arc and cratonic interior region. The Punagarh basin was proximal to the craton while the Sindreth basin was close to an arc system. In contrast, the Cryogenian – early Cambrian Marwar Supergroup clastic sequence contains mature quartz arenite whose high CIA (77.8–94.8) and low ICV (0.18–1.00) values suggest a strong chemical weathering in the source region and noteworthy physical sorting during transportation and sedimentation. An abundance of quartz grains (87–94%), enrichment of Zr, and detritus predominantly derived from the cratonic basement indicate deposition of Marwar sediments in a tectonically stable basin, temporally coinciding with the Gondwana assembly. Collectively, the ∼ 760 Ma active continental margin in NW India, documented by the provenance and tectonic setting of the Punagarh and Sindreth basins, is in agreement with the subduction of the peripherical Rodinia supercontinent during its breakup. On the other hand, the passive continental margin sedimentation in Marwar Supergroup points toward an open sea between NW India and western Gondwana during the Gondwana assembly.

Early Paleozoic arc-back-arc system evolution in the junction of the Qinling and Qilian Orogens: Geochemical constraints from ca. 445–430 Ma magmatic rocks in the Tianshui area

ABSTRACT The Tianshui area is located at the junction of the Qinling and Qilian Orogens, the evolution of which is crucial in understanding the Early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Central China Orogenic System. We present here geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd isotopic data for four representative Silurian magmatic rocks, termed the Dangchuan, Huamiao, Yanjiadian, and Hongtupu, along a cross section across the main rock units of the Tianhui area. The 432 Ma Dangchuan syenogranites are peraluminous with negative εNd(t) values, high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and low Rb/Sr and high CaO/Na2O ratios. We interpret the syenogranites to be generated by partial melting of metagreywackes during a Silurian orogenic event. The 436 Ma Huamiao diorites are high-Mg diorites with high MgO contents and Mg# (63–65) and enriched Sr-Nd isotopic compositions. The 445 Ma Yanjiadian diorites are high-Mg adakitic rocks with high Sr and Mg# and low Y and Yb contents. They were both generated by the interaction between sediment/slab-derived fluids/melts and mantle peridotite in the subduction-related setting. The 445 Ma Hongtupu basalts include E-MORB and IAB with depleted Sr-Nd isotopic compositions. They were derived from enriched mantle and sediment-modified mantle, respectively, and formed in a back-arc basin setting. Synthesizing our new and published data, we propose a tectonic model involving generation of Baihua-Huluhe arc-back-arc system, subduction of the Huluhe back-arc oceanic basin, and collision between the North Qinling arc terrane and North China Block, which is closely associated with the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.

Early mesozoic arc–back-arc system in the leading edge of the Tibetan Plateau

The southern Lhasa subterrane is the leading edge of the Tibetan Plateau and preserves important records of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic subduction and India–Asia collision. However, the early tectonic evolutionary history of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic subduction remains unclear. Here we present results from a systematic study on the early Mesozoic (Middle Triassic–Late Jurassic) magmatic and sedimentary rocks in the southern Lhasa subterrane. These rocks are distributed zonally along the southern and northern parts of the subterrane, and have been classified into the north and south belts. The magmatic rocks in the north belt show a back-arc basin affinity, with accreted bimodal volcanic sequence and sediments from central and southern Lhasa subterranes, whereas the magmatic rocks in the south belt reveal typical magmatic arc characteristics. The sediments were derived from southern Lhasa subterrane, without the input of clastic components from the central Lhasa subterrane. Based on geochronological, geochemical, and sedimentary records from both belts, we conclude that the early Mesozoic magmatism was triggered by the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab, and its initial subduction likely occurred before the Middle Triassic (ca. 240 Ma). During the Early–Middle Jurassic (ca. 193–165 Ma), a short-lived episode of back-arc extension, we attribute to roll-back of the subducting Neo-Tethyan slab, resulted in the single magmatic arc that existed during the early stages (ca. 240–194 Ma) and evolved gradually into an arc–back-arc system. The north belt represents a back-arc basin setting associated with a continental arc, whereas an intra-oceanic and continental (island) arc simultaneously developed in the south belt, and both these belts were possibly generated under the same subduction system.

The Central-Sudetic ophiolites – Remnants of the SSZ-type Devonian oceanic lithosphere in the European part of the Variscan Orogen

The Variscan Central-Sudetic Ophiolites (CSO) are located in the Sudetes,the NE segment of the Bohemian Massif. The Devonian CSO display highly depleted, harzburgite mantle sections containing gabbroic dykes and local occurrences of mostly isotropic, large gabbroic bodies as well as volcanic rocks. The ultramafic rocks locally show melt percolation-derived clinopyroxene-olivine aggregates and chromitites. The low REE composition and depletion in LREE relative to HREE of the clinopyroxene as well as the chromite Cr# and Mg# values are typical for phases formed from refractory melts occurring in the supra-subduction zone environment. The gabbroic bodies consist of differently evolved, mostly cumulate rocks, while the volcanic rocks form a relatively monotonous basalt sequence. The trace element compositions of both the plutonic and volcanic rocks display depleted N-MORB affinities, their derivation from a refractory mantle source is further reflected by previously published depleted mantle-like Sr-Nd isotopic compositions. The ultramafic and mafic members of the CSO show greenschist- to lower amphibolite-facies metamorphic overprints.The occurrence ofdepleted harzburgites and isotropic gabbros forming the mantle and the crustal sections of the CSO, respectively, indicate intermediate- to slow-spreading conditions and aheterogeneous structureof the oceanic lithosphere, untypical for layered ophiolites. The geochemical characteristics of the melt-percolation phases of the ultramafic rocks, the bulk-rock compositions of the mafic rocks and the homogeneous volcanic sequences suggest a formation of the CSO in a mature back-arc basin setting, lacking subduction-derived contamination. Spreading rate conditions and geochemical affinities of the CSO are similar to those of other Devonian ophiolites localized along the Variscan Belt, for instance the Upper Ophiolitic Units in the NW Iberian Massif (Spain), thereby confirming the general absence of N-MORB type lithosphere in the European Variscan Orogen.

Insights into characterization and genesis of the Tieshanmiao banded iron formation deposit, China: Evidence from zircon U–Pb dating and geochemistry

The Tieshanmiao hosted by the metamorphosed Paleoproterozoic Upper Taihua Group, is a large-scale BIF–hosted Fe deposit in the southern margin of the North China Craton. The formation age, BIF type, depositional condition as well as the genesis of pyroxene–rich BIF is under heated debate. In this study, we present petrology, whole–rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotope analyses on the Tieshanmiao Fe deposit. The Fe ore of the deposit can be divided into two sub-types, including banded pyroxene–magnetite quartzite (BMQ) and disseminated magnetite pyroxenite (DMP). The hanging wall rock pyroxene biotite gneiss yields an upper intercept age of 2406 ± 24 Ma, interpreted as the lower limited age for BIF deposition. The foot wall rock garnet–bearing biotite plagioclase gneiss yields a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 2739 ± 12 Ma, interpreted as its maximal depositional age. Lu-Hf isotope systematics indicates that pyroxene biotite gneiss is derived from the Paleoproterozoic mantle contaminated by the crust, and the provenance of garnet–bearing biotite plagioclase gneiss is derived from a Mesoarchean crust.The primary mineral assemblages of the pyroxene–rich Tieshanmiao Fe deposit are Fe–silicate, Ca/Mg–carbonate, ferrihydrite, and minor quartz. The BMQs have high and variable Y/Ho ratios (40–80), recording periodic alkaline hydrothermal injection that is progressively diluted by seawater, while the DMPs have low and constrained Y/Ho ratios, archiving well–supplied alkaline hydrothermal injection. We propose a REY (lanthanide elements and Y) modelling of multi–Fe sources for the Tieshanmiao BIF deposit. The BMQs are sourced from seawater and high–T hydrothermal fluid, while the DMPs are sourced from seawater, high–T hydrothermal fluids and one or several additional Fe fluxes (e.g. high-Fe dissolved riverine fluxes, low–T hydrothermal fluids or benthic Fe shuttles driven by dissimilatory iron reduction).The basic gneisses as metabasalts associated with the Tieshanmiao Fe deposit are characterized by high–Fe assay, variable LREE enrichment, relatively depletion in Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti, Y, and Th. The geochemistry of the basic gneisses shows affinities to both MORBs and volcanic–arc basalts, indicating a back–arc basin setting of the BIF deposition. It is most likely a Superior–type BIF–hosted Fe deposit, which is formed in a back–arc basin along the craton–side continental shelf.

Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Age Constraints on the Axinite-Bearing Gukjeon Pb–Zn Skarn Deposit in the Miryang Area, South Korea

The axinite-bearing Gukjeon Pb–Zn deposit is hosted by the limestone, a member of the Jeonggaksan Formation, which, in turn, forms the part of the Jusasan subgroup of the Yucheon Group in the Gyeongsang Basin in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. In this study, we attempted to interpret the spatial and temporal relationships among geologic events, including the mineralization of this deposit. We constructed a new 3D orebody model and suggested a relationship between skarn alteration and related mineralization. Mineralization timing was constrained using SHRIMP zircon age dating results combined with boron geochemistry on coeval intrusive rocks. Skarn alterations are restrictively found in several horizons of the limestone formation. The major skarn minerals are garnet (grossular), pyroxene (hedenbergite), amphibole (actinolite and ferro-actinolite), axinite (tizenite and ferro-axinite), and epidote (clinozoisite and epidote). The three stages of pre-skarn, syn-skarn, and post-skarn alteration are recognized within the deposit. The syn-skarn alteration is characterized by prograde metasomatic pyroxene and garnet, and the retrograde metasomatic amphibole, axinite, and epidote. Major skarn sulfide minerals are sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, and pyrite, which were predominantly precipitated during the retrograde stage and formed amphibole and axinite skarns. The skarn orebodies seem to be disc- or flat-shaped with a convex form at the central part of the orebodies. The vertical ascending and horizontal infiltration of boron-rich hydrothermal fluid probably controlled the geometry of the orebodies. Considering the whole-rock major, trace, and boron geochemical and geochronological results, the timing of Pb–Zn mineralization can be tightly constrained between the emplacement of boron-poor intrusion (fine-grained granodiorite, 82.8 Ma) and boron-rich intrusion (porphyritic andesite in Beomdori andesitic rocks, 83.8 Ma) in a back-arc basin setting. The boron for mineralization was sourced from late Cretaceous (Campanian), subduction-related magmatic rocks along the margin of the Pacific plate.

Localized Backarc Extension in an Overall Compressional Setting During the Assembly of Nuna: Geochemical and Isotopic Evidence From Orosirian (1883–1848 Ma) Mafic Magmatism of the Aillik Group, Labrador, Canada

AbstractBimodal volcanism occurs in a range of extensional environments that are characterized by distinctive but overlapping, lithogeochemical and isotopic signatures and lithological assemblages. Where basaltic magmatism is associated with ferroan (A‐type) rhyolites, it is typically the lithogeochemistry and isotopic systematics of the basaltic rocks that are the most beneficial in constraining the tectonic evolution. This study presents geochemical and isotopic data from mafic volcanic rocks of the bimodal Aillik Group, that formed during the assembly of the Paleoproterozoic supercontinent Nuna. Lithogeochemical signatures define two suites. Suite 1 samples have N‐MORB (Normal‐Mid‐Ocean Ridge Basalt) chemical affinities such as flat HREE, and smooth but flat LREE and have εNd(t = 1860 Ma) values between +2.8 and +4.8. Suite 2 samples typically have compositions between N‐MORB and IAT (Island Arc Tholeiites) basalts, with variable REE patterns ranging from IAT to OIB (Ocean Island Basalt). The basalts display moderately developed subduction zone signatures, such as negative Nb and Ti, and have εNd(t = 1860 Ma) ranging from −3.4 to +2.2. Geochemical variability within the Aillik Group mafic rocks is explained by processes active in arc settings and involves mixing between depleted mantle components with variable contributions from crustal and subducted‐slab sources. Coupled with field evidence, the geochemical and isotopic data support emplacement of the basalt in an extensional, backarc basin setting. This backarc basin formed due to localized extension during Nuna assembly. The Makkovik Province preserves a complex orogen characterized by multiple diachronous, compressional, and extensional events along a long‐lived active margin of the Archean North Atlantic Craton.

Geochronology and geochemistry of an early Silurian plagiogranite from Xiarihamu area, East Kunlun, northwest China: implications for Proto-Tethyan evolution

Oceanic plagiogranites are directly or indirectly related to ophiolites. A small plagiogranite vein has been discovered in the No. III mafic–ultramafic complex of the Xiarihamu ophiolite from the eastern margin of Qiman Tagh, East Kunlun Orogen, northwest China. This plagiogranite yielded a weighted mean zircon U–Pb age of 435.7 ± 4.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.073) and is characterized by high SiO2 (73.08–76.24 wt.%) and Na2O (6.42–8.34 wt.%) contents and high Na2O/K2O ratios (3.06–12.36) with metaluminous and calc-alkaline affinity. It is enriched in Th and U, depleted in Nb, Sr, Ti, and Ba, and has low ΣREE contents (7.64–11.35 ppm), negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.31–0.71), and light REE enrichment. These features are typical of oceanic plagiogranites. Whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopic data for the plagiogranite show obvious EMII mantle characteristics. The petrographic, geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics suggest the plagiogranite is part of an ophiolite formed by partial melting of oceanic crust in the presence of hydrothermal fluids. Given this, other parts of the Xiarihamu ophiolite and other ophiolites in Qiman Tagh area, we propose the plagiogranite formed in a back-arc basin setting in the early Silurian, probably the youngest known intrusion related to the Proto-Tethys Ocean.