Central-East Iranian Microcontinent Research Articles

The long‐term evolution of the Doruneh Fault region (Central Iran): A key to understanding the spatio‐temporal tectonic evolution in the hinterland of the Zagros convergence zone

A better understanding of intraplate deformation requires the knowledge of the space–time scales involved in its development and to decipher possible links with the dynamic evolution of the plate boundaries. Central Iran provides an ideal test site to approach this scientific issue, since it is characterised by a prolonged history of Mesozoic–Cenozoic intraplate deformation that has been interfering with the spatio‐temporal re‐organization of the Zagros convergence zone along the Eurasia plate boundary. This study focus on the Doruneh Fault (DF) region that is considered as the northern mechanical boundary of the Central East Iranian Microcontinent. By combining field investigations with apatite low‐temperature thermochronology, we present a revised tectono‐stratigraphic scenario for the DF region, typified by a punctuated history of fault‐related exhumation, burial and cooling history back to the Upper Cretaceous. When framed at regional scale, these results attest that the Zagros convergence zone, and its hinterland domain were fully mechanically coupled since ca. 40–35 Ma, a time lapse that is here referred as to the onset of continental collision along the Arabia–Eurasia plate boundary. In this scenario, the DF region operated throughout the Cenozoic as a major zone of residual stress accommodation and transfer in the hinterland domain of the Zagros convergence zone. Results of this study also suggest that the tectonic evolution along the Arabia–Eurasia plate boundary was modulated by the plate‐boundary dynamics and by the modes of tectonic reactivation of the intracontinental weak zones of Central Iran and at its tectonic boundaries.

Evidence from detrital chrome spinel chemistry for a Paleo-Tethyan intra-oceanic island-arc provenance recorded in Triassic sandstones of the Nakhlak Group, Central Iran

Detrital chrome spinel (Cr-spinel) is for the first time described from the Nakhlak Group, which is a distinctive Triassic (Late Olenekian‒?Early Carnian) sedimentary succession in Central Iran. Previously published data from the Nakhlak Group suggest deposition along an active margin during the Triassic and Eurasian affinity. Presently, the Nakhlak Group is located in the northwestern region of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent, a major segment of the Cimmerian block. The Nakhlak region is believed to have been dislocated from its prior position at the Turan Plate from the southern Eurasian active margin after deposition in Triassic time. Almost all of the analyzed detrital Cr-spinels have high Cr-numbers (0.6–0.85), variable Mg-numbers (0.33–0.78), and low Fe3+ (<0.25), Al2O3 (<20 wt%) and TiO2 (<0.4 wt%) contents, suggesting a magmatic source for the Cr-spinels formed both within oceanic (mainly harzburgitic) mantle and in a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) tectonic setting. The data suggest that mafic‒ultramafic rock assemblages with SSZ signatures were generated in the Paleo-Tethyan realm before their obduction as an ophiolite. By comparing data from the present study with results from previous work on the Triassic in Central Iran it is evident that Paleo-Tethyan ophiolites of intra-oceanic island-arc (IOIA) origin supplied detrital material to the Nakhlak Group at the southern margin of Eurasia during pre-to syn-Eocimmerian tectonics in the Triassic.

کانه زایی مس- نقره سولفید توده ای آتشفشان زاد نوع بشی در توالی آتشفشانی- رسوبی کرتاسه پسین: مثال موردی کانسار گرماب پایین، جنوب شرق شاهرود

کانسار مس- نقره گرماب پایین در توالی آتشفشانی- رسوبی کرتاسه پسین زیر پهنه سبزوار واقع ‌شده است. کانه زایی به شکل هندسی چینه‌سان و چینه‌کران در افق چینه‌ای خاص به همراه نهشته‌های برون‌دمی رخ‌داده است. سنگ میزبان کانه زایی را سنگ‌های آتشفشانی آندزیتی- داسیتی و آذرآواری‌های وابسته تشکیل می‌دهند. کانه زایی از کمرپایین به سمت کمربالا در چهار رخساره رگه- رگه‌چه ای، توده‌ای- نیمه توده‌ای، لایه‌ای و رسوبات برون‌دمی رخ‌داده است. کانی‌شناسی ماده معدنی شامل کانی‌های اولیه نظیر پیریت، مگنتیت و کالکوپیریت و کانی‌های ثانویه نظیر مس طبیعی، مالاکیت، کوپریت، کولیت و اکسیدهای آهن- منگنز است. دگرسانی سنگ دیواره، به‌طور عمده از نوع کلریتی و به مقدار کمتر شامل سیلیسی، آرژیلیتی و زئولیتی است. حداکثر عیار طلا و نقره در کانسار به ترتیب 1 و 19 گرم در تن است. به نظر می‌رسد که بروز فعالیت آتشفشانی زیردریایی در یک حوضه پشت‌کمانی در کرتاسه پسین، به تشکیل این کانسار سولفید توده‌ای نوع بشی منجر شده است.

Mantle hornblendites of Naein ophiolite (Central Iran): Evidence of deep high temperature hydrothermal metasomatism in an upper mantle section

The Naein ophiolite is the most complete ophiolitic exposure in Cental Iran and considered as a remnant of the Mesozoic Central East Iranian microcontinent (CEIM) confining oceanic crust. In the northeastern part of this ophiolite (Darreh Deh area) within the mantle peridotites, a few hundred meters below the top of the Moho transition zone (MTZ), the hornblendites are present as dykes (former cracks and joints) from a few millimeters to nearly 50 cm wide. They have sharp boundaries with the surrounding mantle harzburgites and dunites. These hornblendites are pale green and coarse-grained in hand specimen and composed of magnesio-hornblende (Mg# = 0.93), chlorite (penninite and clinochlore, Mg# = 0.95), Cr-spinel (chromite, Cr# = 0.67 and Mg# = 0.55), tremolite, calcite and dolomite. Tremolites were formed by retrograde metamorphism of hornblendes. Calcite and dolomite occur as late-stage veins. Very high amount of primary hydrous phases (~94 vol % hornblende and chlorite), as well as peculiar mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the Naein ophiolite mantle hornblendites, do not match a magmatic origin. They are possibly products of the reaction between mantle peridotites and seawater-originated supercritical fluids, rich in silicate components. The presence of primary hydrous phases (hornblende and chlorite) may reveal high activity of H2O in the involved solution. The chemical composition of chromite in the hornblendites is near to the average chromite composition from the surrounding harzburgite and dunite. This suggests that the main source of Cr should be chromites of nearby peridotites, which were totally or partly dissolved by hydrothermal fluids. The positive anomaly of Eu in the chondrite-normalized REE patterns of hornblendes, high modal abundance of Ca-rich hornblende, as well as presence of calcite and dolomite, point to seawater ingression through the gabbros in to the uppermost mantle peridotites. The higher value of MgO than CaO, presence of high-Cr chromite and Cr-enrichment of hornblendes and chlorites indicate a higher contribution of peridotites rather than gabbros to the chemical characteristics of the involved fluids. This study shows that circulation of possibly seawater-derived high temperature hydrous fluids in the upper mantle can leach and provide necessary elements to form hornblendite in joints and cracks of the uppermost mantle.

Late Cretaceous dacitic dykes swarm from Central Iran, a trace for amphibolite melting in a subduction zone

Late Cretaceous Bayazeh dyke swarm is situated in the western part of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM). These dykes with a dominant northeast-southwest trend occur in the Eastern margin of the Yazd block. They cross cut the Lower Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. The length of the Bayazeh dykes occasionally reaches up to the 2 km. Rock forming minerals of these dykes are plagioclase (andesine and oligoclase), amphibole (magnesio-hastingsitic hornblende, magnesio-hornblende and tschermakitic hornblende), quartz, K-feldspar (orthoclase), zircon and apatite. Secondary minerals are chlorite (pycnochlorite), albite, magnetite and calcite. The main textures are porphyritic, glomeroporphyritic and poikilitic. The felsic character of the Bayazeh dacitic dykes is shown by their high SiO2 (62.70 to 64.60 wt %) and low [Fe2O3* + MgO + MnO + TiO2] (average 4.64 wt %) contents. These dykes represent the peraluminous to metaluminous nature and their Na2O and K2O values are 5.20–7.14 and 1.51–2.59 wt %, respectively, which reveal their sodic chemistry. The trace element characteristics are the LREE enrichment relative to HREE, [La/Yb]CN = 13.27–22.99, and slightly negative or positive Eu anomaly. These geochemical characteristics associated with low Nb/La (0.16–0.25), Yb/Nd (0.04–0.05) and high Zr/Sm (37.60–58.25) ratios indicate that the melting of a metamorphosed subducted oceanic crust is occurred where the residual mineral assemblage is dominated by garnet amphibolite. The chemical compositions of the Bayazeh dykes resemble those of slab-derived tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) series. They were formed by subduction of Mesozoic Neo-Tethys -related Nain and Ashin oceanic crusts.

Amphibole–bearing listwaenites from the Paleozoic Bayazeh ophiolite (Central Iran)

The Paleozoic Bayazeh ophiolite is situated in the western part of the Central-East Iranian microcontinent (CEIM). This ophiolite consists of serpentinised peridotites, metagabbros, metamorphosed ultrabasic dykes, metapicrites, serpentinites and metamorphosed listwaenites which are covered by Late Paleozoic schists and marbles. The unique petrological characteristic of this ophiolite is due to regional metamorphism, which produced listwaenites by carbonation of serpentinites. The mineral association of the Bayazeh metamorphosed listwaenites is represented by amphiboles (tremolite and actinolite), carbonates (dolomite and calcite), quartz, serpentine (antigorite), chromian spinel, ferritchromite and chlorite (pycnochlorite). The main textures are nematoblastic and granoblastic. Rockforming minerals and the association of the outcrops with serpentinites indicate that the amphibole-bearing listwaenites were generated by regional metamorphism of serpentinites. The mineral assemblage of these rocks and the chemical composition of chromian spinels and amphiboles reveal that these minerals were metamorphosed under upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies P-T conditions. Relicts of well-preserved chromian spinel cores in the studied rocks were used as a petrogenetic indicator. The high Cr and Mg values, together with the low Fe3+ and Ti contents of the serpentinite chromian spinels confirm their magmatic nature. The chemical characteristics of the investigated chromian spinels suggest that the protolith should have been a harzburgite belonging to a suprasubduction zone geotectonic setting.

Biofacies, taphonomy, and paleobiogeography of the Kamar-e-Mehdi Formation of east-central Iran, a Middle to Upper Jurassic shelf lagoon deposit

The Callovian–Lower Kimmeridgian Kamar-e-Mehdi Formation of the western Tabas Block, part of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent, represents the fill of an extensive carbonate shelf lagoon situated between a barrier carbonate platform in the east and the uplifted Yazd Block in the west. In the course of its development, the shelf lagoon experienced increasing isolation which, together with a climatic change to more arid conditions, led to deposition of evaporites and severe restriction of the benthic fauna. Sedimentation in the predominantly low-energy lagoon was controlled by an influx of fine-grained carbonate from the neighboring platform, biogenic carbonate production within the lagoon and episodic influx of siliciclastic material by high-density currents from the uplifted western margin. Much of the succession is composed of meter-scale asymmetric cycles that record decreasing terrigenous input as well as increasing shelliness and substrate firmness due to a decreasing sedimentation rate. They are interpreted as small-scale climatic cycles recording changes in humidity. Larger-scale cycles, comprising 250–400 m in thickness, document changes in terrigenous influx and may also be climate-controlled, although a tectonic origin cannot be excluded. The shelf lagoon was populated by several level-bottom communities and small patch reefs. The latter are of low diversity, composed of calcareous sponges, corals, or oysters, and are usually associated with thick microbial crusts. The level-bottom assemblages are dominated by bivalves, and rarely also by gastropods or brachiopods. Fossils occur scattered or concentrated in pavements and beds. Shell concentrations are autochthonous to allochthonous, most commonly parautochthonous. Concentrating agents were storm-induced flows and low sedimentation rates, less commonly also storm-waves. Within the small-scale cycles, infaunal assemblages prevail but are replaced by epifaunal assemblages at their top. The latter are commonly dominated by the bivalves Pseudopecten tipperi and Camptonectes (Grandinectes) teres, the two most characteristic faunal elements of the shelf lagoon. Diversity values of the benthic fauna were low to moderate. Environmental stress was mainly produced by elevated salinity values, at times possibly intensified by lowered oxygen values and soft substrate conditions. Paleobiogeographically, the benthic macrofauna exhibits a close relationship to that of European shelf seas but contains some immigrants from the southern shores of the Tethys and the northwestern Pacific. The degree of endemism was low (two taxa).

Mid-Cretaceous radiolarian faunas from the Ashin Ophiolite (western Central-East Iranian Microcontinent)

The Ashin ophiolitic mélange crops out in the west of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM). Accurate dating the deep-water radiolarian chert deposits associated with this ophiolite provide valuable data to constrain the stratigraphic and paleotectonic evolution this Neo-Tethyan oceanic basin. Chert nodules within Upper Cretaceous limestones and chert layers overlying pillow lavas of this ophiolite were collected and examined in detail for the first time. Radiolarians indicate that the cherts accumulated in the mid-Cretaceous in a deep marine setting within the eastern branch of the Tethyan Ocean in Iran. Two distinct radiolarian faunas, one mid-Albian (∼107 Ma) the other Turonian (∼94 Ma) were recovered. The radiolarian microfossil ages are consistent with radiometric ages previously obtained from associated plagiogranites and quartz keratophyre. This study indicates that mid-Cretaceous radiolarian assemblages from the western CEIM are similar to other radiolarian faunas reported from Cretaceous ophiolites in Greece, Turkey, Iran (Outer Zagros Ophiolitic Belt in Iran, e.g. Khoy, Kermanshah, Neyriz, and Soulabest), and southern Tibet in China.

Quartz c-axis fabric development associated with shear deformation along an extensional detachment shear zone: Chapedony Metamorphic Core Complex, Central-East Iranian Microcontinent

Lattice preferred orientations (LPOs) of quartz were used to establish differences in deformation geometry, finite strain and temperature across an extensional detachment shear zone within the Chapedony Metamorphic Core Complex in the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent along the northern flank of Gondwana. Quartz c-axis data show a continuous evolution across the core complex from asymmetric Type I crossed girdles at the southwest margin, to broken, asymmetric Type I crossed girdle and single girdle with a large concentration of axes plotted in the center of the stereoplot at the central parts of the core complex and small circle girdle pattern at the northeast margin. These variations in quartz c-axis patterns imply change in strain geometry during deformation from plane strain to general flattening and pure flattening. Integrating analyses of quartz c-axis opening angles, quartz c-axis patterns and recrystalization regimes of quartz and feldspar suggests deformation temperatures range between less than 400 °C and 650 °C, which yield greenschist to amphibolite facies conditions. Mean kinematic vorticity number (Wm) measured in the mylonite samples ranges between 0.67 and 0.71, which indicates that exhumation of the metamorphic rocks of the CMCC was facilitated by a significant component of pure shear strain within a general shear regime.

Eocene continental dyke swarm from Central Iran (Khur area)

The Eocene dyke swarm with east-west general trend intrudes the Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in ∼25 km north of the Khur city (Central Iran). Some of the studied dykes can be followed for over 7 km, but the majority of exposures in the area are less than 5 km long. The dykes commonly exhibit a chilled contact with the wall rocks. These dykes are trachybasalt and basalt in composition. The trachybasalt dykes are much more abundant. The basaltic dykes cross cut the trachybasalt dykes in some locations, indicating that trachybasalt dykes are older than the basaltic ones. Primary igneous minerals of the basaltic dykes are olivine (chrysolite), clinopyroxene (diopside, augite), plagioclase (labradorite), sanidine, magnetite, orthopyroxene (enstatite), spinel and phlogopite, and secondary minerals are zeolite (natrolite and mesolite), chlorite (diabantite), calcite and serpentine. The trachybasalt dykes are composed of clinopyroxene (diopside), plagioclase (labradorite), sanidine, mica (biotite and phlogopite), amphibole (magnesio-hastingsite) and magnetite as primary minerals, and chlorite and calcite as secondary ones. Whole rocks geochemical data of the studied dykes indicate their basic and calc-alkaline nature and suggest that these two set of dykes were derived from the same parental magma. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns and the primitive mantle-normalized multi-elemental diagram of the Khur dykes show enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREE), and negative anomalies of high field strength elements (HFSE) (e.g. Ti, Nb and Ta). These rocks show enrichment of the large ion lithophile elements (LILE) (e.g. Cs, Ba, Th and U) and depletion of the HREE and Y relative to MREE, Zr and Hf. In the chondrite-normalized REE diagram, the basalts show elevated REE abundances relative to the trachybasalt samples. Geochemical analyses of the studied samples suggest a spinel lherzolite from the mantle as the source rock and confirm the role of subduction in their generation. The chemical characteristics of the Khur dykes resemble those of continental arc rocks, and they were possibly formed by subduction of the Central-East Iranian microcontinent (CEIM) confining oceanic crust and decompression melting of a lithospheric subcontinental mantle spinel lherzolite enriched by subduction.

Post-Cimmerian (Jurassic–Cenozoic) paleogeography and vertical axis tectonic rotations of Central Iran and the Alborz Mountains

According to previous paleomagnetic analyses, the northward latitudinal drift of Iran related to the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean resulted in the Late Triassic collision of Iran with the Eurasian plate and Cimmerian orogeny. The post-Cimmerian paleogeographic and tectonic evolution of Iran is instead less well known. Here we present new paleomagnetic data from the Upper Jurassic Bidou Formation of Central Iran, which we used in conjunction with published paleomagnetic data to reconstruct the history of paleomagnetic rotations and latitudinal drift of Iran during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Paleomagnetic inclination values indicate that, during the Late Jurassic, the Central-East-Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM), consisting of the Yazd, Tabas, and Lut continental blocks, was located at low latitudes close to the Eurasian margin, in agreement with the position expected from apparent polar wander paths (APWP) incorporating the so-called Jurassic massive polar shift, a major event of plate motion occurring in the Late Jurassic from 160Ma to 145–140Ma. At these times, the CEIM was oriented WSW–ENE, with the Lut Block bordered to the south by the Neo-Tethys Ocean and to the southeast by the Neo-Sistan oceanic seaway. Subsequently, the CEIM underwent significant counter-clockwise (CCW) rotation during the Early Cretaceous. This rotation may have resulted from the northward propagation of the Sistan rifting-spreading axis during Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, or to the subsequent (late Early Cretaceous?) eastward subduction and closure of the Sistan oceanic seaway underneath the continental margin of the Afghan Block. No rotations of, or within, the CEIM occurred during the Late Cretaceous–Oligocene, whereas a second phase of CCW rotation occurred after the Middle-Late Miocene. Both the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous and post Miocene CCW rotations are confined to the CEIM and do not seem to extend to other tectonic regions of Iran. Finally, an oroclinal bending mechanism is proposed for the origin of the curved Alborz Mountains, which acquired most of its curvature in the last 8Myr.

An overview of the Cretaceous stratigraphy and facies development of the Yazd Block, western Central Iran

The Cretaceous successions of the Yazd Block, the western of three structural blocks of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM), have been studied using an integrated approach of litho-, bio- and sequence stratigraphy associated with litho-, bio- and microfacies analyses. The Cretaceous System of that area is in excess of 5km thick and a generalized relative sea-level curve can be inferred from the facies and thickness development. This curve can be subdivided into two transgressive–regressive megacycles (TRMs), separated by a major tectonic unconformity in the Upper Turonian. TRM 1 comprises the Early Cretaceous to Middle Turonian, TRM 2 the Coniacian to Maastrichtian. TRM 1 starts with up to 1500-m-thick conglomerates and sandstones covering Palaeozoic–Triassic basement rocks, metasediments, or Upper Jurassic–lowermost Cretaceous granites. The basal tectonic unconformity, related to the Late Cimmerian event (Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary interval), shows a pronounced palaeo-relief that is levelled by the basal siliciclastic formations. Sparse biostratigraphic data from calcareous intercalations in the upper part of these strata indicate a Hauterivian to Barremian age. The Aptian facies development is marked by the onlap of thick-bedded, micritic carbonates with abundant orbitolinid foraminifera and rudists representing a large-scale shallow-marine carbonate platform system that fringed the Yazd Block in the north and west. These platforms are up to 1000m thick and drowned during the middle to Late Aptian, followed by up to 1500-m-thick basinal marly sediments of Late Aptian to mid-Late Albian ages, representing the maximum relative sea-level during TRM 1. During the latest Albian–Middle Turonian, a gradual shallowing is indicated by progradation of shallow-water skeletal limestones separated by marl tongues, representing a carbonate ramp system. Strata of TRM 2 overlie older units along a regional angular unconformity and indicate tectonic stability and lowered subsidence rates as shown by widespread uniform Coniacian–Maastrichtian facies and thickness development. Above a thick basal conglomerate, the Coniacian–Campanian facies is characterized by shallow-water limestones of a large-scale epeiric platform. Relative sea-level peaked in the Late Campanian, followed by Maastrichtian infilling. The Cretaceous succession is truncated along a tectonic unconformity at the base of the Palaeocene. The major tectonic unconformities recognized at the base of the succession (Late Cimmerian Event), in the Late Turonian, and in the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary interval are evidence of significant tectonic activity of the Yazd Block. Their formation is probably related to plate tectonic processes in response to the opening and closure of ocean basins surrounding the CEIM.

Oligocene crustal xenolith-bearing alkaline basalt from Jandaq area (Central Iran): implications for magma genesis and crustal nature

The Oligocene alkaline basalts of Toveireh area (southwest of Jandaq, Central Iran) exhibit northwest–southeast to west–east exposure in northwest of the central-east Iranian microcontinent (CEIM). These basalts are composed of olivine (Fo70–90), clinopyroxene (diopside, augite), plagioclase (labradorite), spinel, and titanomagnetite as primary minerals and serpentine and zeolite as secondary ones. They are enriched in alkalis, TiO2 and light rare earth elements (La/Yb = 9.64–12.68) and are characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Rb, Ba) and high field strength elements (Nb, Ta). The geochemical features of the rocks suggest that the Toveireh alkaline basalts are derived from a moderate degree partial melting (10–20%) of a previously enriched garnet lherzolite of asthenospheric mantle. Subduction of the CEIM confining oceanic crust from the Triassic to Eocene is the reason of mantle enrichment. The studied basalts contain mafic-ultramafic and aluminous granulitic xenoliths. The rock-forming minerals of the mafic-ultramafic xenoliths are Cr-free/poor spinel, olivine, Al-rich pyroxene, and feldspar. The aluminous granulitic xenoliths consist of an assemblage of hercynitic spinel + plagioclase (andesine–labradorite) ± corundum ± sillimanite. They show interstitial texture, which is consistent with granulite facies. They are enriched in high field strength elements (Ti, Nb and Ta), light rare earth elements (La/Yb = 37–193) and exhibit a positive Eu anomaly. These granulitic xenoliths may be Al-saturated but Si-undersaturated feldspar bearing restitic materials of the lower crust. The Oligocene Toveireh basaltic magma passed and entrained these xenoliths from the lower crust to the surface.

Paleozoic to Triassic ocean opening and closure preserved in Central Iran: Constraints from the geochemistry of meta-igneous rocks of the Anarak area

The Anarak area belongs to an ophiolitic belt along the northern border of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent, and is thought to contain fragments of the former Paleotethys and Neotethys oceans. A wide range of meta-igneous rocks from the Late Paleozoic to Triassic Anarak Metamorphic Complex (AMC) and nearby Meraji area have been studied to constrain the origins and modes of emplacement of oceanic remnants in Central Iran. Our samples occur as layers and lenses embedded in extensive sequences of deformed meta-sediments and smaller bodies of serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Petrographical and geochemical data combined with field and satellite observations allow recognition of seven types of meta-igneous rocks preserved from low grade to blueschist facies conditions. Their origins based on relative abundances of immobile trace elements include subduction zone, mid-ocean ridge, ocean intraplate, and continental rift settings. These data and existing geochronological constraints show the AMC formed an accretionary complex formed/exhumed incrementally during the Carboniferous, Permo-triassic and Triassic. Igneous rocks from Meraji formed in the Early Devonian due to opening of the Paleotethys, and belong to a rift sequence extending over 300km along the edge of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent. The AMC and nearby rock associations record the evolution of the Paleotethys during a complete Wilson Cycle between ca. 450 and 225Ma, with implications for: (1) continental rifting; (2) ocean opening; (3) subduction initiation; (4) ocean intraplate and continued mid-ocean volcanism; (5) ridge subduction; and (6) final closure of the ocean during continent–continent collision. Alternate interpretations of the Anarak metabasites are possible, but require radical departures from the widely accepted model for tectonic evolution of the Paleotethys, with the existence of Paleotethyan backarc basin(s) and Permian or earlier collision of continental blocks in Central Iran. In any case, our results show accretionary complexes preserved along suture zones contain an important record of the evolution of oceanic crust from ancient ocean basins.

Petrographic, mineralogy, and geochemistry of coals of Pabedana, Kerman Province, Central Iran

This paper discusses the result of the detailed investigations carried out on the coal characteristics, including coal petrography and its geochemistry of the Pabedana region. A total of 16 samples were collected from four coal seams d2, d4, d5, and d6 of the Pabedana underground mine which is located in the central part of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent. These samples were reduced to four samples through composite sampling of each seam and were analyzed for their petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical compositions. Proximate analysis data of the Pabedana coals indicate no major variations in the moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon contents in the coals of different seams. Based on sulfur content, the Pabedana coals may be classified as low-sulfur coals. The low-sulfur contents in the Pabedana coal and relatively low proportion of pyritic sulfur suggest a possible fresh water environment during the deposition of the peat of the Pabedana coal. X-ray diffraction and petrographic analyses indicate the presence of pyrite in coal samples. The Pabedana coals have been classified as a high volatile, bituminous coal in accordance with the vitrinite reflectance values (58.75–74.32 %) and other rank parameters (carbon, calorific value, and volatile matter content). The maceral analysis and reflectance study suggest that the coals in all the four seams are of good quality with low maceral matter association. Mineralogical investigations indicate that the inorganic fraction in the Pabedana coal samples is dominated by carbonates; thus, constituting the major inorganic fraction of the coal samples. Illite, kaolinite, muscovite, quartz, feldspar, apatite, and hematite occur as minor or trace phases. The variation in major elements content is relatively narrow between different coal seams. Elements Sc,, Zr, Ga, Ge, La, As, W, Ce, Sb, Nb, Th, Pb, Se, Tl, Bi, Hg, Re, Li, Zn, Mo, and Ba show varying negative correlation with ash yield. These elements possibly have an organic affinity and may be present as primary biological concentrations either with tissues in living condition and/or through sorption and formation of organometallic compounds.

Alkaline basalt from the Central Iran, a mark of previously subducted Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust

In western part of the CEIM (Central-East Iranian Microcontinent) (Bayazeh area, Isfahan province, Iran), a series of Paleozoic basaltic rocks, occur. Major minerals of these basalts are olivine, clinopyroxene (diopside, augite), plagioclase (albite), sanidine, amphibole (kaersutite), phlogopite, ilmenite and magnetite. Secondary minerals include epidote, pumpellyite, albite, calcite and chlorite. Olivine and clinopyroxene are as phenocryst, while feldspars are restricted to groundmass. Chemical composition of clinopyroxenes indicates crystallization during ascending of magma. Geochemical analysis of whole rock samples shows that these rocks are characterized by low SiO2 (43.21–48.45 wt %), high TiO2 (1.81–3.00 wt %) and P2O5 (0.18–0.34 wt %). Petrography, chemistry of clinopyroxenes and whole rock analyses reveal an alkaline nature of these basalts. They are enriched in alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 4.1–7.7 wt %), LILE, HFSE and LREE. The Bayazeh alkali-basalts present strong enrichment in LREE relative to HREE (La/Lu ratio = 77.6–119.6) and were dominantly derived from partial melting of a metasomatized asthenospheric garnet-amphibole lherzolite. Field relationships reveal that junction of faults in west of the Bayazeh prepared a suitable path for ascending of magma from deep regions to surface and intra-plate continental magmatism. The Paleo-Tethys subduction from lower to upper Paleozoic is too enough for mantle enrichment in volatiles and basaltic alkaline magmatisrn in upper Paleozoic of Bayazeh area.

Middle Eocene volcanic shoshonites from western margin of Central-East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM), a mark of previously subducted CEIM-confining oceanic crust

In western margin of the CEIM (Ashin area), Middle Eocene volcanic shoshonites present very good exposures. This shoshonitic association comprises of all shoshonite group members from basic to acidic. Major minerals of basic members (absarokite and shoshonite) are olivine, clinopyroxene (augite), plagioclase (labradorite), K-feldspar (sanidine and anorthoclase), analcime, calcite, apatite, ilmenite and magnetite. Secondary minerals include chlorite, calcite, epidote and zeolite (mesolite). The Ashin shoshonitic rocks consist of SiO2 undersaturated (absarokite or phonotephrite) to SiO2 oversaturated (toscanite or rhyolite) units. The studied rocks are characterized by wide range of SiO2 (48 to 70 wt %), low content of TiO2 (0.35 to 1.17 wt %), and high values of Alkalis [(Na2O + K2O) = 7.03 to 11.4 wt %]. Other main geochemical characteristics of Ashin shoshonites are potassic to ultra-potassic nature (K2O/Na2O = 1.04 to 5.06), high ratios of LREE/HREE (e.g. La/Yb up to 19.16), and enrichment in LILEs. Primitive mantle normalized spidergram of the studied rocks shows positive anomalies of Cs, U, K, Pb, Hf and negative spikes of Nb, Ta, Sm, Ti and Y. All analyzed samples display markedly negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies, typical features of orogenic magmas. These geochemical signatures point out to the subduction—related nature of Ashin shoshonites and their similarity to potassic volcanic rocks of continental arcs or convergent margins. The parental magma of these shoshonites is an alkalibasalt (absarokite) which produced by low-degree of partial melting of a metasomatized enriched mantle source. Petrographical evidences together with geochemical characteristics (e.g., high values of Pb and U) of the studied rocks conclude crustal contamination of magma during ascending throughout the continental crust. The former subduction of CEIM confining ocean from Triassic to Eocene is too enough for volatile enrichment of the mantle and shoshonitic magmatism in middle Eocene of Ashin area.

Alkaline lamprophyric province of Central Iran

AbstractPaleozoic lamprophyres exhibit good exposures in the western part of the Central–East Iranian microcontinent. These rocks crop out as volcanoes, dykes, and plugs. The constituent minerals are amphibole, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, K‐feldspar, olivine, Cr‐spinel, titanite, biotite, and ilmenite. The main textures in volcanic lamprophyres are porphyritic, trachytic, microlithic, and variolitic, whereas in dykes and plugs, intergranular texture is common. These lamprophyres are regionally metamorphosed in some areas. Petrographical and geochemical characteristics of the studied rocks suggest that they are classified as alkaline lamprophyres and camptonites. They are enriched in alkalis (Na2O + K2O), large ion lithophile elements, and light rare earth elements, and the features of trace element concentrations are similar to those of within‐plate basalts. This study suggests that the lamprophyres were derived from different degrees of partial melting of metasomatized amphibole‐bearing spinel lherzolite. Subduction of Paleo‐Tethys oceanic crust from the Early to late Paleozoic resulted in enrichment in fluids in the mantle, and lamprophyric magmatism occurred along the minor and major faults. This limited but typical lamprophyric magmatism in a broad area of Central Iran suggests that, in spite of the long length of the Paleozoic (∼250 my), it was a relatively calm era from the viewpoint of magmatism in Central Iran.

Early Oligocene alkaline lamprophyric dykes from the Jandaq area (Isfahan Province, Central Iran): Evidence of Central–East Iranian microcontinent confining oceanic crust subduction

AbstractThe Jandaq lamprophyres occur as eight mostly parallel dykes, which cross‐cut Eocene volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Pis‐Kuh Formation in dominant north to south direction. These lamprophyres are mainly composed of kaersutite, clinopyroxene, olivine, feldspar, ilmenite, and spinel as primary minerals. The rocks studied here are enriched in alkalis, TiO2, large ion lithophile elements, and light rare‐earth elements (LREE), with SiO2 content between 41.7 and 46.2 wt%, and are classified as camptonite and alkaline lamprophyre according to the mineralogical and chemical characteristics. These rocks exhibit positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 1.08–1.39) and are characterized by strong enrichment in LREE relative to heavy REEs, and also by varied Zr/Hf ratios. The geochemical features of the rocks suggest that the lamprophyre magmas were derived from low‐degree melting of an amphibole garnet lherzolite that experienced strong metasomatism by carbonate‐rich fluids in response to dehydration melting from the subducted slab. The Jandaq lamprophyric magmatism has been attributed to the former subduction of the Central–East Iranian microcontinent confining oceanic crust from the Triassic to Eocene, and decompression melting induced by the extensional basin of the Jandaq area in the early Oligocene.

The Anarak, Jandaq and Posht-e-Badam metamorphic complexes in central Iran: New geological data, relationships and tectonic implications

The Anarak, Jandaq and Posht-e-Badam metamorphic complexes occupy the NW part of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent and are juxtaposed with the Great Kavir block and Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. Our recent findings redefine the origin of these complexes, so far attributed to the Precambrian–Early Paleozoic orogenic episodes, and now directly related to the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. This tectonic evolution was initiated by Late Ordovician–Early Devonian rifting events and terminated in the Triassic by the Eocimmerian collision event due to the docking of the Cimmerian blocks with the Asiatic Turan block. The “Variscan accretionary complex” is a new name we proposed for the most widely distributed metamorphic rocks connected to the Anarak and Jandaq complexes. This accretionary complex exposed from SW of Jandaq to the Anarak and Kabudan areas is a thick and fine grain siliciclastic sequence accompanied by marginal-sea ophiolitic remnants, including gabbro-basalts with a supra-subduction-geochemical signature. New 40Ar/ 39Ar ages are obtained as 333–320 Ma for the metamorphism of this sequence under greenschist to amphibolite facies. Moreover, the limy intercalations in the volcano-sedimentary part of this complex in Godar-e-Siah yielded Upper Devonian–Tournaisian conodonts. The northeastern part of this complex in the Jandaq area was intruded by 215 ± 15 Ma arc to collisional granite and pegmatites dated by ID-TIMS and its metamorphic rocks are characterized by some 40Ar/ 39Ar radiometric ages of 163–156 Ma. The “Variscan” accretionary complex was northwardly accreted to the Airekan granitic terrane dated at 549 ± 15 Ma. Later, from the Late Carboniferous to Triassic, huge amounts of oceanic material were accreted to its southern side and penetrated by several seamounts such as the Anarak and Kabudan. This new period of accretion is supported by the 280–230 Ma 40Ar/ 39Ar ages for the Anarak mild high-pressure metamorphic rocks and a 262 Ma U–Pb age for the trondhjemite–rhyolite association of that area. The Triassic Bayazeh flysch filled the foreland basin during the final closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and was partly deposited and/or thrusted onto the Cimmerian Yazd block. The Paleo-Tethys magmatic arc products have been well-preserved in the Late Devonian–Carboniferous Godar-e-Siah intra-arc deposits and the Triassic Nakhlak fore-arc succession. On the passive margin of the Cimmerian block, in the Yazd region, the nearly continuous Upper Paleozoic platform-type deposition was totally interrupted during the Middle to Late Triassic. Local erosion, down to Lower Paleozoic levels, may be related to flexural bulge erosion. The platform was finally unconformably covered by Liassic continental molassic deposits of the Shemshak. One of the extensional periods related to Neo-Tethyan back-arc rifting in Late Cretaceous time finally separated parts of the Eocimmerian collisional domain from the Eurasian Turan domain. The opening and closing of this new ocean, characterized by the Nain and Sabzevar ophiolitic mélanges, finally transported the Anarak–Jandaq composite terrane to Central Iran, accompanied by large scale rotation of the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM). Due to many similarities between the Posht-e-Badam metamorphic complex and the Anarak–Jandaq composite terrane, the former could be part of the latter, if it was transported further south during Tertiary time.