Central Sanandaj Sirjan Zone Research Articles

O–Hf isotope ratios of Alvand S-type granite, western Iran, reveal crustal melting in an extensional regime

There are a few intrusive bodies in the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (C-SaSZ), which is parallel to the Zagros suture zone, in western Iran. The Alvand batholith in the Hamedan area is one of these bodies and consists of rock types with large variation, in particular, two-mica garnet-bearing granite with an S-type signature. Zircon UPb dating gives crystallization ages of 170–163 Ma for the S-type granite. The 176Hf/177Hf ratios in the zircon grains vary from 0.282001 to 0.282780 (rim), with low 176Lu/177Hf ratios (0.002 to 0.018). The εHf(t) values (rim) are clustered into two main groups: a negative εHf(t) group (−6.9 to 0.0, n = 39), with some highly negative εHf(t) values (−25.8 to −21.9, n = 3), and slightly positive εHf(t) values (+0.3 to +2.9, n = 14) of inherited grains. The δ18O values for the zircon grains are positive and range from +10.4‰ to +11.8‰. The high δ18O (positive) and mostly negative εHf(t) values are more consistent with continental crustal sources for these rocks, and the Hf model ages (TDM2) show a wide range from 2.7 to 0.8 Ga, suggesting the heterogeneity of the crustal components. The long incubation time (2089 to 544 Ma) indicates a long history of crustal residence and crustal reworking. The incubation age of the zircon grains, >300 Ma, confirms the recycling of crustal material by partial melting. The simultaneous occurrence of S-type granites with mafic bodies, such as gabbro and diorite members with tholeiitic signatures, suggests that the injection of mafic magma increased the geothermal gradient from the bottom and sides along the major faults, which was the trajectory for the injection of hot mafic melts to shallow depths. These processes abnormally increased the geothermal gradients locally, and the partial melting of crustal and supracrustal materials produced S-type granites and migmatization among the hot blade-shaped mafic bodies. Therefore, the partial melting of crustal material in an extensional tectonic regime and/or in a thin continental crust occurred in a continental rift and/or in the Neo-Tethys passive margin. The present work concludes that the passive margin can be suggested as the tectonic setting for the generation of S-type granites, without the collisional regime that has been widely considered for the sources of this type of granite in the world.

The Middle Jurassic Cheshmeh-Ghasaban High-Mg gabbro (Hamedan, NW Iran): A plume-influenced intracontinental rifting event?

The Jurassic mafic to felsic magmatism affecting the older Ediacaran-to-Cambrian basement of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone of Iran has been traditionally interpreted as the product of arc and/or back-arc magmatism related to the early stages of Neo-Tethys subduction beneath Iran in the early Jurassic. Recent works and new compositional and geochronological data have started challenging this commonly accepted model in favor of scenarios involving continental rifting, mantle plume activity, and/or passive margin formation. In the Hamedan area of the central sector of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, the Jurassic Cheshmeh-Ghasaban gabbro (ca. 165 Ma) is a key formation to better understand the tectono-magmatic framework of the whole area. Our new data, combined with the existing literature, suggest a transitional to alkaline OIB-like compositional character for this gabbro similar to the nearby but slightly younger (ca. 145 Ma) Panjeh and Ghalaylan basaltic complexes (in the Songhor-Ghorveh area). When integrated with the existing geochemical data of Jurassic mafic rocks from the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, our results point to a scenario of intracontinental rifting, possibly involving the upwelling old metasomatized (by Proto-Tethys subduction?) mantle or mantle-plume activity.

Zircon U–Pb and titanite U–Th–Pb ages of the Ghorveh mixed granitoid pluton: Implications for the Late Jurassic supra‐subduction extension of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, Iran

The Ghorveh batholith, located in the central part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ), Iran, preserves several sequences of Mesozoic plutonic and volcanic rocks. This study presents systematic analyses of the calc‐alkaline granites and monzodiorites from the southern part of the Ghorveh pluton. The granites are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous with A/CNK ratios of 0.97–1.02, indicating an A‐type granitic affinity. High Rb, Th, and K and low Sr, P, and Ti concentrations indicate an involvement of crustal materials. Whole‐rock negative εNd(t) values and relatively high TDM1 model ages support a continental crustal source. Thus, the granites are of fractionated A‐type in composition produced by partial melting of crustal materials. The monzodiorites have incompatible trace element patterns with enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) relative to heavy rare earth elements and high‐field strength elements. This combined with the high Mg# values and the positive εNd and εHf(t) values, indicate a mantle‐derived origin. Dating results show that the granites and monzodiorites have uniform crystallization ages of ~150 Ma. Previous results and our new data suggest that the Jurassic subduction of Neo‐Tethyan Oceanic crust under the Eurasian continent was followed by slab rollback that induced back‐arc extension. Heat transfer from arc magmas increased the degree of decompressional melting in the thinned lithosphere. Melting of the presumably homogeneous crust was concurrent with emplacement of the intermediate composition magmas. Consequently, we propose that the Ghorveh area of the central SSZ developed in a supra‐subduction extensional phase during the Late Jurassic.

Metamorphic stages in mountain belts during a Wilson cycle: A case study in the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (Zagros Mountains, Iran)

Polymetamorphic units are important constituents of continent–continent collisional orogens, and rift metamorphic assemblages are often overprinted by subsequent metamorphism during subduction and collision. This study reports the metamorphic conditions and evolution of the Dorud–Azna metamorphic units in the central part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (SSZ), Iran. Here, new geothermobarometry results are integrated with 40Ar/39Ar mineral and Th–U–Pb monazite and thorite ages to provide new insight of polyphase metamorphism in the two different basement units of the SSZ, the lower Galeh-Doz orthogneiss and higher Amphibolite-Metagabbro units. In the Amphibolite-Metagabbro unit, staurolite micaschist underwent a prograde P–T evolution from 640 ± 20 °C/6.2 ± 0.8 kbar in garnet cores (M1) to 680 ± 20 °C/7.2 ± 1.0 kbar in garnet rims (M2). Three Th–U–Pb monazite ages of 306 ± 5 Ma, 322 ± 28 Ma and 336 ± 39 Ma from the garnet-micaschists testify the Carboniferous age of M1 metamorphism. In the same unit, the metagabbro records P–T conditions of 4.0 ± 0.8 kbar and 580 ± 50 °C in the (magmatic) amphibole core (Late Carboniferous intrusion) to 7.5 ± 0.7 kbar and 700 ± 20 °C in the amphibole rim indicating a prograde P–T path during subsequent burial (M1). New 40Ar/39Ar dating of white mica from the staurolite micaschist yielded a staircase pattern ranging from 36 ± 12 Ma to 170 ± 2 Ma. This implies polymetamorphism with a minimum Late Jurassic cooling age through the Ar retention temperature of ca. 425 ± 25 °C after M2 metamorphism and a Paleogene low-grade metamorphic overprint (M3), while 40Ar/39Ar white mica dating of garnet micaschist yielded a plateau age of 137.84 ± 0.65 Ma. We therefore interpret the amphibolite-grade metamorphism M2 to have predated 170 Ma and is likely between 180 and 200 Ma. Furthermore, it is overprinted at about 36 Ma under retrogressive low-grade M3 metamorphism (at temperatures of ~350–240 °C) during final shortening and exhumation. In the underlying Galeh-Doz unit, the Panafrican granitic orthogneiss intruded at P–T conditions of 3.2 ± 4 kbar and 700 ± 20 °C, then it was metamorphosed and deformed at 600 ± 50 °C and 2.0 ± 0.8 kbar (metamorphic stage M1) prior to Late Carboniferous intrusion of mafic dikes. 40Ar/39Ar dating of amphibole from the Galeh-Doz orthogneiss gave plateau-like steps between 260 and 270 Ma, representing the age of cooling through ca. 500 °C after the M1 metamorphic event. Interestingly, the results of this study demonstrate polyphase metamorphic histories in both the Galeh-Doz orthogneiss and Amphibolite-Metagabbro units at different P–T conditions and final thick-skinned Paleogene emplacement of these units over the underlying low-grade metamorphic June Complex. Our findings suggest that both units are affected by high-T/low-P Late Carboniferous orogenic metamorphism along with the bimodal magmatism, as result of rifting. We propose that the Early Jurassic amphibolite-grade M2 metamorphism of the SSZ is correlated with the initial subduction of the Neotethyan Ocean. Eventually, the investigated units reflect various stages of a Wilson cycle, from rifting to initiation of the subduction in final plate collision.

Transpression in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (Zagros Orogen, Iran) during the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous: Evidence from the North Shahrekord Shear Zone

Deformation style associated with the early stage of subduction of the Neo-Tethys under Iranian microcontinent is poorly understood. Utilizing field observations, microscopic thin-section interpretation, and recently published 40Ar-39Ar ages, we conducted a structural analysis of the North Shahrekord Shear Zone. The study area is located in the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone in western Iran, in an area that includes high-grade eclogite-bearing and low-grade metamorphic units of the North Shahrekord Metamorphic Complex. Two generations of deformation were observed in the study area, including D1 and D2. D1 structures are rare and involve folds and axial-plane foliations (S1), which have been almost obliterated by D2. D2 is characterized by a dextral transpressional zone, where strain is partitioned into distinct simple shear and pure shear domains. The pure shear domain is observed mainly in low-grade zone and some high-grade metamorphic rocks, and is characterized by NW-striking close to isoclinal folds (F2) and axial-plane foliations (S2). Folds are mostly inclined and their vergence is towards the southwest and northeast in the northern and southern parts of the study area, respectively. In the central part of the area, F2 includes approximately upright folds. These mesoscopic folds are associated with map-scale folds. The simple shear domain is restricted to the high-grade metamorphic rocks of the North Shahrekord Shear Zone, defined by NW-striking steeply dipping mylonitic foliation with low-angle stretching lineation. Kinematic indicators, such as quartz sigmoids, feldspar porphyroclasts, mica fish, and C- and C′-type shear bands, reveal a dextral strike-slip movement with a minor reverse component along the North Shahrekord Shear Zone. Recrystallized phengite from mylonitic eclogite and metagranite have been recently dated (40Ar-39Ar) at 178–170 Ma and ~110 Ma, respectively, indicating that the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone was dominated by dextral transpression phases in the Early-Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. The transpressional phases are interpreted to have occurred in response to the oblique subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean under the Iranian microcontinent.

Zircon U-Pb ages, geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotope ratios for early cretaceous magmatic rocks, southern Saqqez, northwestern Iran

Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SaSZ) is one of the most dynamic structural zones of Iran, which is divided into three main parts: Northern, Central and Southern. The northern SaSZ has been affected by deformation due to fault activities near the Zagros suture zone, and mylonitic structures have overprinted these rocks and was affected by three episodes of magma injection during the Permian-Carboniferous, Early Cretaceous and Cenozoic. In this study, the rock units investigated that have been considered Precambrian-Paleozoic basement on geological maps. This paper considers zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock chemistry and Sr-Nd isotope ratios of Cretaceous magmatic rocks in the N-SaSZ to develop a new geodynamic model for the evolution of these magmatic rocks. The new zircon U-Pb ages obtained in this study show that the magmatic rocks crystallized at 115–107 Ma in the Early Cretaceous (Aptian-Albian) and are much younger than the supposed ages presented on geological maps. This complex classified into two main groups of basic-intermediate and acidic rocks based on SiO2 contents. The whole-rock chemistry of the basaltic and andesitic rocks, which are interbedded with marine shallow-water sedimentary deposits, shows their typical calc-alkaline affinity and subordinate tholeiitic series on an active margin. The positive εNd(t) of approximately +4 for some undifferentiated basalts with negative Ti and Nb anomalies shows the relation of these rocks to calc-alkaline magmatism and was generated by the partial melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Granitoid rocks with some affinity to the peraluminous group with a negative εNd(t) value (-3.2) mainly and negative Ti and Nb anomalies plot in an active margin tectonic setting. Simultaneous mafic calc-alkaline volcanism and the generation of granitic intrusions in the Early Cretaceous could have occurred on an active margin. Due to the absence of Jurassic arc related magmatic rocks in northern SaSZ and presence of Cretaceous calc alkaline magmatic activity, which are not observed in the central SaSZ, support the idea that the subduction of the Neotethys beneath the northern SaSZ started in the Early Cretaceous.

Reply to comment on “Jurassic igneous rocks of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (Iran) mark a propagating continental rift, not a magmatic arc (Azizi and Stern, Terra Nova, 31(5), 415–423, 2019)”

Reply to comment on “Jurassic igneous rocks of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (Iran) mark a propagating continental rift, not a magmatic arc (Azizi and Stern, Terra Nova, 31(5), 415–423, 2019)”

Comment on ‘Jurassic igneous rocks of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (Iran) mark a propagating continental rift, not a magmatic arc’ by Azizi and Stern (Terra Nova, 31(5), 415‐423, 2019)

Comment on ‘Jurassic igneous rocks of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (Iran) mark a propagating continental rift, not a magmatic arc’ by Azizi and Stern (Terra Nova, 31(5), 415‐423, 2019)

Genesis of early cretaceous leucogranites in the Central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone, Iran: Reworking of Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks in an active continental margin

New U–Pb ages and geochemical and isotopic data from leucogranites within the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (SSZ) of the Zagros orogen in Iran enable an evaluation of a migrating magmatic system in response to subduction of Neo-Tethyan lithosphere. The Esfajerd leucogranites, from the Golpaygan region of the Muteh–Golpaygan metamorphic complex, are composed mainly of tourmaline and two-mica leucogranites and are characterized by strongly peraluminous compositions. SIMS U–Pb zircon ages indicate that these rocks were emplaced over a 7 Myr period between 138 and 131 Ma. In multi-element variation diagrams, all samples display pronounced negative Eu anomalies, enrichment in light rare-earth elements and large-ion lithophile elements, and depletion in high-field-strength elements, Sr, and Ba. The tourmaline and two-mica leucogranites record positive zircon εHf values of 1.7–5.6 and 2.3–8.9, respectively, suggesting a predominantly Neoproterozoic crustal source. Zircon Hf–O isotopic compositions, together with the whole-rock geochemical data, show that both leucogranite types were produced by muscovite dehydration melting of metasedimentary sources under fluid-absent conditions, followed by fractional crystallization of the parental melt. The relatively high δ18O values (8.68–10.32‰) of the tourmaline leucogranites are consistent with their derivation from a psammite-dominated source, such as metagraywackes, whereas the wider range and higher maximum of the δ18O values (6.99–12.32‰) of the two-mica leucogranites correspond to mixed pelitic–psammitic sources, with little or no input of mantle-derived material. We suggest that the leucogranites were formed by melting of metasedimentary rocks during a stage of flat-slab subduction initiated by plate reorganization.

Early Cretaceous sedimentary provenance and structural evolution of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, Iran: implications for palaeogeographic reconstructions of the northern Neo-Tethyan margin

ABSTRACT The Early Cretaceous was an important epoch in the evolution of the Earth system in which major tectonic episodes occurred, especially along the Alpine–Himalayan belt. The paucity of reliable palaeogeographic data from the central segment of this geological puzzle, however, hampers the reconstruction of a panoramic view of its Early Cretaceous palaeogeography and geodynamic setting. Here we present multidisciplinary provenance data from Lower Cretaceous strata of the overriding plate of the Neo-Tethyan subduction zone (the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone; SSZ, of central Iran), including structural, basin-fill evolution, petrographic and geochemical analyses. Sandstone provenance analysis of Lower Cretaceous red beds suggests the occurrence of sub-mature litho-quartzose sandstones attributed to an active continental arc margin in convergent setting predominantly derived from plutonic, quartzose sedimentary and metamorphic rocks exposed in the central SSZ. Weathering indices indicate moderate chemical weathering in the source area which may be related to close source-to-sink relationships or arid climate. Our palaeogeographic reconstructions and original geological mapping indicate that the erosion of uplifted basement rocks exposed in horst blocks provided the sediment sources for the syn-extensional deposition of uppermost Jurassic–lowermost Cretaceous conglomerates and Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic red beds within a continental retro-arc basin during initiation of the ‘Neo-Tethys 2ʹ. The polyphase tectonic reactivation along the principal fault of the study area controlled the syn- and post-extensional tectonostratigraphic evolution that reflect the corresponding mechanical decoupling/coupling along the northern Neo-Tethyan plate margin.

A- and I-type metagranites from the North Shahrekord Metamorphic Complex, Iran: Evidence for Early Paleozoic post-collisional magmatism

The North Shahrekord Metamorphic Complex (NSMC) of the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SaSZ) consists of metagranitoid bodies, which were metamorphosed within high pressure-low temperature conditions. Whole rock chemistry shows relatively high amounts of SiO2 (65–77wt%) and Al2O3 (12–15wt%), low amounts of Nb, P, Sr, Ti, a high ratio of Ga/Al (4–9) and a negative Eu anomaly. The chemical compositions of metagranites are reasonably similar to A- and I-type granites. U–Pb zircon ages of three samples of metagranites indicate that crystallization of the granites occurred at 521.6±9.1 to 513.5±8.5Ma, Middle Cambrian. The initial 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios of samples vary from 0.7057–0.7239 and 0.511801–0.511890, respectively. High initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and low εNd(t) values (−3.39 to −1.07) associated with high ratios of 206Pb/204Pb(t)=17.8557–18.8045, 207Pb/204Pb(t)=15.6721–15.7220, and 208Pb/204Pb(t)=37.7490–38.4468 infer a significant contribution of continental crust in generating the source magma of the metagranite bodies. The results reveal that the metagranites were mainly produced through mixing of basaltic melts with components similar to metasedimentary sources. The new results show that crystallization of the metagranites occurred in Early Paleozoic times and much earlier than break-up and drifting of the SaSZ from the Arabian plate, suggesting that the metagranites were mainly produced in the western Iran after the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. This model is consistent with the previously suggested models for formation of an Early Paleozoic granitoid belt along the northern rim of Gondwana.

Tectonic significance of Triassic mafic rocks in the June Complex, Sanandaj\u2013Sirjan zone, Iran

This study concentrates on the petrological and geochemical investigation of mafic rocks embedded within the voluminous Triassic June Complex of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (Iran), which are crucial to reconstruct the geodynamics of the Neotethyan passive margin. The Triassic mafic rocks are alkaline to sub-alkaline basalts, containing 43.36–49.09 wt% SiO2, 5.19–20.61 wt% MgO and 0.66–4.59 wt% total alkalis. Based on MgO concentrations, the mafic rocks fall into two groups: cumulates (Mg# = 51.61–58.94) and isotropic basaltic liquids (Mg# = 24.54–42.66). In all samples, the chondrite-normalized REE patterns show enrichment of light REEs with variable (La/Yb)N ratios ranging from 2.48 to 9.00, which confirm their amalgamated OIB-like and E-MORB-like signatures. Enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE) relative to the primitive mantle further support this interpretation. No samples point to crustal contamination, all having undergone fractionation of olivine + clinopyroxene + plagioclase. Nevertheless, elemental data suggest that the substantial variations in (La/Sm)PM and Zr/Nb ratios can be explained by variable degrees of partial melting rather than fractional crystallization from a common parental magma. The high (Nb/Yb)PM ratio in the alkaline mafic rocks points to the mixing of magmas from enriched and depleted mantle sources. Abundant OIB alkaline basalts and rare E-MORB appear to be linked to the drifting stage on the northern passive margin of the Neotethys Ocean.

Geochemical and isotopic evidence for Carboniferous rifting: mafic dykes in the central Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (Dorud-Azna, West Iran)

Abstract In this paper, we present detailed field observations, chronological, geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic data and discuss the petrogenetic aspects of two types of mafic dykes, of alkaline to subalkaline nature. The alkaline mafic dykes exhibit a cumulate to foliated texture and strike NW–SE, parallel to the main trend of the region. The 40Ar/39Ar amphibole age of 321.32 ± 0.55 Ma from an alkaline mafic dyke is interpreted as an indication of Carboniferous cooling through ca. 550 °C after intrusion of the dyke into the granitic Galeh-Doz orthogneiss and Amphibolite-Metagabbro units, the latter with Early Carboniferous amphibolite facies grade metamorphism and containing the Dare-Hedavand metagabbro with a similar Carboniferous age. The alkaline and subalkaline mafic dykes can be geochemically categorized into those with light REE-enriched patterns [(La/Yb)N = 8.32–9.28] and others with a rather flat REE pattern [(La/Yb)N = 1.16] and with a negative Nb anomaly. Together, the mafic dykes show oceanic island basalt to MORB geochemical signature, respectively. This is consistent, as well, with the (Tb/Yb)PM ratios. The alkaline mafic dykes were formed within an enriched mantle source at depths of ˃ 90 km, generating a suite of alkaline basalts. In comparison, the subalkaline mafic dykes were formed within more depleted mantle source at depths of ˂ 90 km. The subalkaline mafic dyke is characterized by 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.706 and positive ɛNd(t) value of + 0.77, whereas 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.708 and ɛNd(t) value of + 1.65 of the alkaline mafic dyke, consistent with the derivation from an enriched mantle source. There is no evidence that the mafic dykes were affected by significant crustal contamination during emplacement. Because of the similar age, the generation of magmas of alkaline mafic dykes and of the Dare-Hedavand metagabbro are assumed to reflect the same process of lithospheric or asthenospheric melting. Carboniferous back-arc rifting is the likely geodynamic setting of mafic dyke generation and emplacement. In contrast, the subalkaline mafic sill is likely related to the emplacement of the Jurassic Darijune gabbro.

On the occurrence and implications of Jurassic primary continental boninite-like melts in the Zagros orogen

Ultramafic rocks, ranging from pyroxenites to hornblendites, are associated with granitoids of the Aligoodarz intrusive complex in the central Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, representing the Mesozoic continental arc segment of the Zagros orogen. As inferred from the ultramafic whole rock composition and the most primitive clinopyroxene composition in pyroxenites, the geochemical signature of primary melt is significantly different from that of the continental arc basalts. In particular, primary melt is characterized by extremely low concentrations of incompatible elements and high concentrations of Mg and refractory elements typical of boninites. Amphibole is a late crystallizing mineral in these rocks and is in textural and chemical disequilibrium with olivine+orthopyroxene+clinopyroxene. Amphibole crystallized from a liquid underwent differentiation through a process of melt-rock reaction. In particular, early differentiated boninitic cumulates reacted with later melts with a strong crustal signature similar to Aligoodarz granodiorite. UPb zircon geochronology from ultramafic rocks and surrounding quartz-diorite yield similar ages and indicate that they are coeval with Aligoodarz granitoids (ca. 165–170Ma). However, the occurrence of a marked negative Eu anomaly in zircon from the ultramafic rocks, which is absent in the boninitic primary melt, indicates that zircons crystallized from the infiltrating melt and in turn date the timing of melt infiltration. The interaction between ultramafic cumulates and infiltrated melt has generated a new liquid compositionally similar to high-Mg andesites and to the quartz-diorites hosting the ultramafic cumulates. The scenario that better account for the genesis of boninitic melts in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone is partial melting of a depleted mantle wedge in response to the onset of NeoTethys subduction. According to this hypothesis, middle Jurassic calc-alkaline magmatism in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone represents the mature stage of arc magmatism postdating boninite generation by about 10Ma.

Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb geochronology of Aligoodarz granitoid complex, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Iran

The Aligoodarz granitoid complex (AGC) is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ), western Iran and consists of quartz-diorites, granodiorites and subordinate granites. Whole rock major and trace element data mostly define linear trends on Harker diagrams suggesting a cogenetic origin of the different rock types. ( 87Sr/ 86Sr) i and εNd t ratios are in the ranges 0.7074–0.7110 and −3.56 to −5.50, respectively. The trace elements and Sr–Nd isotopic composition suggest that the granitoids from the AGC are similar to crustal derived I-type granitoids of continental arcs. The whole rock suite was produced by assimilation and fractional crystallization starting from a melt with intermediate composition likely possessing a mantle component. In situ zircon U–Pb data on the granites with LA-ICP-MS yield a crystallization age of ∼165 Ma. Inherited grains spanning in age from ∼180 Ma up to 2027 Ma were also found and confirm that assimilation of country rock has occurred. Chemical and chronological data on the AGC were compared with those available for other granitoid complexes of the central SSZ (e.g., Dehno, Boroujerd and Alvand). The comparison reveals that in spite of the different origins that have been proposed, all these granitoid complexes are likely genetically related. They share many chemical features and are derived from crustal melts with minor differences. Alvand granites have the most peculiar compositions most likely related to the presence of abundant pelitic component. All these intrusions are coeval and reveal the presence of an extensive magmatic activity in the central sector of the SSZ during middle Jurassic.

The application of geochemical pattern recognition to regional prospecting: A case study of the Sanandaj–Sirjan metallogenic zone, Iran

In regional exploration programs, the distribution of elements in known mineral deposits can be used as a guide for the classification of deposits, search for new prospects and modeling ore deposit patterns. The Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ) is a major metallogenic zone in Iran, containing lead and zinc, iron, gold, copper deposits. In the central part of the SSZ, lead and zinc mineralization is widespread and hitherto exploration has been based on geological criteria. In this study, we used clustering techniques applied to element distribution for classification lead and zinc deposits in the central part of the SSZ. The hierarchical clustering technique was used to characterize the elemental pattern. Elements associated with lead and zinc deposits were separated into four clusters, encompassing both ore elements and their host rock-forming elements. It is shown that lead and zinc deposits in the central SSZ belong to two genetic groups: a MVT type hosted by limestone and dolomites and a SEDEX type hosted by shale, volcanic rocks and sandstone. The results of elemental clustering were used for pattern recognition by the K-means method and the respective deposits were classified into four distinct categories. K-means clustering also reveals that the elemental associations and spatial distribution of the lead and zinc deposits exhibit zoning in the central part of the SSZ. The ratios of ore-forming elements (Sb, Cd, and Zn) vs. (Pb and Ag) show zoning along an E–W trend, while host rock-forming elements (Mn, Ca, and Mg) vs. (Ba and Sr) show a zoning along a SE–NW trend. Large and medium deposits occur mainly in the center of the studied area, which justify further exploration around occurrences and abandoned mines in this area. The application of a pattern recognition method based on geochemical data from known mineralization in the central SSZ, and the classification derived from it, uncover elemental zoning, identify key elemental associations for further geochemical exploration and the potential to discover possible target areas for large to medium size ore deposits. This methodology can be applied in a similar way to search for new ore deposits in a wide range of known metallogenic zones.

Marble-hosted sulfide ores in the Angouran Zn-(Pb–Ag) deposit, NW Iran: interaction of sedimentary brines with a metamorphic core complex

The Angouran Zn-(Pb–Ag) deposit, Zanjan Province, NW Iran, is located within the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone of the Zagros orogenic belt. The deposit has proven and estimated resources of 4.7 Mt of sulfide ore at 27.7% Zn, 2.4% Pb, and 110 g/t Ag, and 14.6 Mt of oxidized carbonate ores at 22% Zn and 4.6% Pb. It is hosted by a metamorphic core complex that is unconformably overlain by a Neogene volcanic and evaporite-bearing marine to continental sedimentary sequence. The sulfide orebody, precursor to the significant nonsulfide ores, is located at the crest of an open anticline at the contact between Neoproterozoic to Cambrian footwall micaschists and hanging wall marbles. 40Ar–39Ar data on muscovite from mineralized and unaltered footwall micaschists suggest a rapid Mid-Miocene exhumation of the metamorphic basement (∼20 Ma) and yield an upper age constraint for mineralization. The fine-grained sulfide ore is massive, replacive, often brecciated, clearly postmetamorphic and dominated by Fe-poor sphalerite, with minor galena, pyrite, anhydrite, quartz, muscovite, dolomite, and rare calcite. Sphalerite contains Na–Ca–Cl brine inclusions (23–25 mass% total dissolved solids) with homogenization temperatures of 180–70°C. Fluid inclusion chemistry (Na–K–Li–Ca–Mg–Cl–Br), ore geochemistry, S, and Pb isotope data suggest that the Angouran sulfide ore formed by the interaction of modified, strongly evaporated Miocene seawater and the lithotypes of an exhumed metamorphic core complex. Minor contributions of metals from Miocene igneous rocks cannot be excluded. Mineralization occurred in a collisional intra-arc setting with high heat flow, probably during the transition from an extensional to a compressional regime. The Angouran deposit may represent a new type of low-temperature carbonate-hosted Zn–Pb ore that is distinct from Mississippi Valley type and sedimentary-exhalative deposits.