Crustal Depths Research Articles

Petrogenesis and Geochronology of Late Devonian Intrusive Rocks in Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, China: Subduction Constraints of the North Tianshan Ocean

We conducted a study on the petrology, geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb dating of Late Devonian intrusive rocks in the Tulargen area of the Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, China. These intrusive rocks primarily consist of gabbro (382 ± 5 Ma), tonalite (370.9 ± 2.7 Ma), and biotite monzogranite (362.8 ± 4.4 Ma). Gabbro belongs to the low-K calc-alkaline series of quasi-aluminous rocks, with a high Al2O3 content (16.46–20.34 wt.%) and Mg# value (64.55–67.73). Tonalite and biotite monzogranite, which belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series, are metaluminous or weakly peraluminous and also exhibit high Al2O3 contents (14.6–15.87 wt.%) and Mg# values (40.12–62.47). These rocks are enriched in light rare-earth and large-ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, and K) and depleted in heavy rare-earth and high-field-strength elements (e.g., Ta, Nb, and Ti), characteristics typical of island-arc magmatic rocks. Gabbro melts are primarily derived from the mantle and result from the partial melting of a depleted mantle that has undergone fluid metasomatism due to subducted plates. Tonalite exhibits high 176Hf/177Hf and εHf(t) values, with a younger two-stage model age (tDM2) derived from partial juvenile crust melting. The source magma of the biotite monzogranite originated from partial metabasalt melting at a medium crustal depth combined with a new lower crustal material. We concluded that the Late Devonian intrusive rocks in this area formed within the island-arc tectonic setting are associated with the subduction of the North Tianshan Ocean.

Magnetotelluric image of the Patagonian slab window: Constraints on upper mantle physical properties and sources of intraplate magmatism

The Patagonian slab window (PSW) is a region of the Southamerican subduction zone where the absence of subducted slabs is interpreted, due to the subduction of the Chile Mid-Ocean Ridge at the Chile Triple Junction. Here we report the results of a long-period magnetotelluric (MT) study conducted in two 300 km-long trench-parallel transects crossing the northern boundary of the PSW in the proximal backarc. We modeled the MT data using 3-D inversion, obtaining an electrical resistivity model of the continental crust and upper mantle up to a depth of ∼150 km. Our model shows a heterogeneous resistivity structure in the uppermost mantle, dominated by resistivities >300 Ωm below the array of sites even within the PSW, and some low-resistivity zones (LRZs, <10 Ωm) mainly at the edge of the array. Using petrophysical models, we estimated the mantle temperature, water content, melt fraction, and viscosity based on obtained resistivity values and a preexistent model of P-wave velocity (Vp) at 50 km and 100 km depth. These estimates suggest that the uppermost mantle within the PSW region is heterogeneous and dominated by high-viscosity blocks, compatible with the continental mantle lithosphere or even subducted slabs. Based on relatively hot and low-viscosity zones estimated in the periphery of LRZs, we interpret the presence of asthenospheric mantle in areas where LRZs coincide with relatively low Vp. According to this interpretation, asthenospheric upwelling in the study area at depths ≤150 km would be localized rather than ubiquitous over the interpreted extent for the PSW. Such localized asthenosphere upwelling processes in the past could explain the scattered distribution of Neogene basaltic lavas in the southern Patagonia backarc. The continental crust exhibits LRZs in the upper and lower crust. Remarkably, ensembles of LRZs at different crustal depths within the presumable area of the PSW were found below the General Carrera Lake, and towards the North Patagonian Icefield, likely indicating the presence of hidden intraplate magmatic and/or hydrothermal systems.

Genesis of the Mamuniyeh copper deposit in the central Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc, Iran: Constraints from geology, geochemistry, fluid inclusions, and H–O–S isotopes

The Mamuniyeh Cu deposit is located in the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA), 10 km south of the city of Mamuniyeh, Iran. Mineralization is controlled by faults with a NW-SE trend and hosted within an Eocene volcanic sequence and Oligo-Miocene hypabyssal calc-alkaline monzonitic and gabbroic bodies. Quartz + chalcopyrite veins are most abundant and high-grade ore containing up to 5 wt% Cu, although quartz + pyrite veins have the most abundant sulphide content. In addition, quartz + chalcopyrite + specular hematite ± pyrite veins/veinlets are another common mineralized assemblage in the Mamuniyeh copper deposit, with pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, and oxide minerals (specular hematite, titanomagnetite, and magnetite) typical of the hypogene stage. Chalcocite, covellite, and dignite also formed at the margins of primary sulphides in the supergene (paleoweathering) stage. The mineralized veins exhibit colloform, crustiform, open space-fillings, replacements, and dissemination textural characteristics associated with mineralizing assemblages with silicification, argillization, chloritization, and sericitization assemblages. The salinity for L > V fluid inclusions is between 1.74 to 11.7 wt% NaCl and for (V > L) inclusions between 1.7 to 11.4 wt% NaCl. The average homogenization temperature and salinity for quartz + chalcopyrite + pyrite veins is 186 °C and 4.9 wt% NaCl. In the quartz + chalcopyrite assemblage an average of 185 °C and 4.5 wt% NaCl and for quartz + chalcopyrite + specularite ± pyrite (QCSP) an average of 195 °C and 5.59 wt% NaCl was determined. In these three vein types, the fluid density has almost identical values ranging from 0.8 to 1.0 g/cm3. The mineralizing system evolved in two-stages; the first metal precipitation occurred at less than 1 km of crustal depths and second metal deposition stage at shallower crustal levels (less than 500 m). Although it appears that the boiling process occurred within the fluids of the area, the primary factor contributing to Cu mineralization was influenced by fluidmixing processes. The δ18O and δD values of ore fluids computed vary from + 6.08 to −0.50 ‰ and −92 to −71 ‰, respectively, indicative of the blending of oxidizing and cooler meteoric waters with primary magmatic fluids. Calculated values of δ34S of H2S in equilibrium with chalcopyrite ranges from −7.6 to −1.9 ‰ and H2S in equilibrium with pyrite ranges from −7.1 to −3.8 ‰, respectively; this is consistent with monzodiorite to gabbro as the magmatic sulphur source for copper mineralizing fluids. Furthermore, the QCSP vein data align more closely with primary magmatic water compared to other veins, suggesting that precipitation occurred mainly from magmatic fluids, which experienced depletion in δ18O due to mixing with meteoric waters (shallow oxygenated ground waters), which caused sulphide deposition. The geochemical features for these magmas show that contamination with crustal materials occurred during the ascent of the parent magma, as well as the role of suprasubduction fluids released from the subducting plate in mantle metasomatism. Based on all evidence, Cu mineralization in the Mamuniyeh deposit has been categorized as a low-sulphidation epithermal-type system, which formed during active magmatism in the central part of UDMA.

Seismotectonic Map of The Sinai Triple Junction

The geodynamic evolution of the Sinai Triple Junction, a highly deformed and seismically active area, is controlled by the Red Sea rift, Gulf of Suez and Aqaba-Dead Sea conjunctions. However, the driving forces for the focusing deformation at crustal depths beneath this area are still ambiguous. Here, we provide an updated seismotectonic map of the area relying on updated seismological and geodetic datasets. A homogenized earthquake catalog has been compiled from well-located earthquakes (> Mw 2.0) by the Egyptian Seismic Network and International Seismological Center in the period between 1990 and 2020.We calculated the average b-value along three seismogenic zones including Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea and Gulf of Suez that amount to 1.1, 0.99 and 0.97, respectively. Additionally, we complied and updated a comprehensive P-wave-based database for the fault plane solutions in the area for events with Mw> 3.5 till 2023. Furthermore, a unified velocity field for the region as well as slip-rate and locking-depth at the active fault segments were estimated from a consistent geodetic dataset from peer-reviewed GPS velocities between 1999 and 2018. Results indicate a dominant NNE left-lateral strike-slip fault with normal component along the Gulf of Aqaba. Pure NW-SE to WNW-ESE dip-slip normal faulting, associated with a strike-slip component in some cases, is dominating the northern and central parts of the Gulf of Suez, whereas pure normal dip-slip movement with an NNE–SSW extension in a horizontal direction is observed in the southern part of the gulf. The estimated slip-rate and locking-depths at the Aqaba fault segments falls between 4.8-4.9 mm/yr and 8-12 km, respectively.

Petrological Characteristics and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Dokhan Volcanics for Decorative Stones and Building Material Applications

Wide varieties of igneous rocks are extensively utilized as stones for decoration purposes and as a potential source for building. With the use of petrological (mineralogical and chemical) and physico-mechanical analyses, the current work accurately mapped the Dokhan Volcanics (DV) and utilized them as decorative stones and their prospective in building materials using Frattini’s test. Field observations indicate that metavolcanics, DV, and monzogranites are the principal rock units exposed in the studied area. The DV rocks are characterized by a dense series of stratified, rhyolitic to andesitic lava interspersed with a few pyroclastics. Andesite, andesite porphyry, dacite, and rhyolite are the primary representatives of the selected DV. The lack of infrequent appearance of mafic units in the current volcanic eruptions indicates that the primary magma is not mantle-derived. This is supported by their Mg# (17.86–33.57). Additionally, the examined DV rocks have Y/Nb ratios above 1.2, suggesting a crustal source. The role of fractionation is interpreted by their variation from andesite passing through dacite to rhyolite, which is indicated by gradual negative distribution groups between silica and TiO2, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Co, and Cu from andesite to rhyolitic lava. Additionally, a wide range of widely used DV rocks like Y/Nb, Rb/Zr, and Ba/Nb point to crustal contamination in the rhyolitic rocks. The partial melting of the lower crust can produce andesitic magma, which ascend to higher crustal levels and form lava of calc-alkaline. A portion of this lava may split, settle at shallow crustal depths, and undergo differentiation to create the DV rocks. Based on the results of physico-mechanical properties, the studied samples met the requirements for natural stone to be used as decorative stones, whether as interior or exterior installations. The pozzolanic assessment of the studied rocks revealed their usability as supplementary cementitious materials in the building sector.

A Review of the Mineral Chemistry and Crystallization Conditions of Ediacaran–Cambrian A-Type Granites in the Central Subprovince of the Borborema Province, Northeastern Brazil

Ediacaran–Cambrian magmatism in the Central Subprovince (Borborema Province, NE Brazil) generated abundant A-type granites. This study reviews published whole-rock and mineral chemistry data from thirteen Ediacaran–Cambrian A-type intrusions and a related dike swarm. It also presents new mineral chemistry and whole-rock data for one of these intrusions, along with zircon trace element data for five of the intrusions. Geochronological data from the literature indicate the formation of these A-type intrusions during a 55 Myr interval (580–525 Ma), succeeding the post-collisional high-K magmatism in the region at c. 590–580 Ma. The studied plutons intruded Paleoproterozoic basement gneisses or Neoproterozoic supracrustal rocks. They are ferroan, metaluminous to peraluminous and mostly alkalic–calcic. The crystallization parameters show pressure estimates mainly from 4 to 7 kbar, corresponding to crustal depths of 12 to 21 km, and temperatures ranging from 1160 to 650 °C in granitoids containing mafic enclaves, and from 990 to 680 °C in those lacking or containing only rare mafic enclaves. The presence of Fe-rich mineral assemblages including ilmenite indicates that the A-type granites crystallized under low ƒO2 conditions. Zircon trace element analyses suggest post-magmatic hydrothermal processes, interpreted to be associated with shear zone reactivation. Whole-rock geochemical characteristics, the chemistry of the Fe-rich mafic mineral assemblages, and zircon trace elements in the studied granitoids share important similarities with A2-type granites worldwide.

Cold-subduction biogeodynamics boosts deep energy delivery to the forearc

Metamorphic fluids in subduction zones carry C–H–N–O–P–S species, which are crucial for sustaining subsurface microbial life at shallower crustal depths in the forearc region. Upwards migration of deeply released fluids to shallower levels, where temperatures permit the persistence of microbial life, is recorded by metasomatic rocks formed along the plate interface. Variations in the redox state and component speciation of metamorphic fluids – from local to secular, and highly dependent on thermal gradients and redox state of subduction inputs – may strongly control microbial pathways or even the possibility for metamorphic fluids to sustain microbial communities in the subsurface biosphere at convergent plate margins. We show that metamorphic fluids containing reduced energy sources for microbial life – e.g., CH4, H2 – are common in Phanerozoic, high-pressure/low-temperature plate-interface metasomatic rocks such as jadeitites and albitites worldwide. Based on the stability fields of minerals hosting CH4, H2 and graphite inclusions, we pinpoint the protracted, probably episodic migration of energy sources in the mantle wedge via fluid circulation being mediated by jadeitites from > ca. 35 km depth, and by their retrogressed counterparts forming from between 35–15 km depth. These fluids can cross the so-called biotic fringe – whose limit is the depth corresponding to ca. 122–135 °C (as deep as ca. 13 km depth depending on geothermal gradients) – as suggested by previous documentation of slab-derived fluids reaching subsurface microbial communities. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that cool thermal gradients, possibly combined with increased inputs of organic matter-rich sediments into subduction, favor the abundance of reduced energy sources relative to more oxidized species (e.g., CO2), thus promoting the proliferation of subsurface microbial life at convergent margins.

The Petrogenesis and Geological Implications of the Sanggeda Gabbros, Southern Tibet: Insights from the Amphibole Crystal Population

Amphibole is an important mineral during the differentiation of arc magmas but rarely as a phenocryst in arc lavas or eruptive pyroclastic rocks. The Sanggeda complex, intruded into the ophiolite of the Indus–Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone (IYZSZ), Zedong, southern Tibet, mainly consists of amphibole-rich, fine-grained, and porphyritic gabbros. The complex provides an opportunity to study the differentiation of arc magmas through amphibole crystals. Four distinct amphibole crystal populations can be recognized according to petrographic observations, EMPA, and LA–ICP–MS analysis. The first ones (Type 1) are fined-grained and euhedral, are crystallized during ascent, and are the product of the shallow emplacement of host magma. The second ones (Type 2) are euhedral, with slight negative Eu and Sr anomalies, and crystallize from an evolved magma that previously experienced plagioclase fractionation. Type 3 amphiboles have similar morphological characteristics to Type 2 but are without Eu and Sr anomalies. Type 4 crystals are shown as pseudomorphs, formed by the reaction–replacement between the clinopyroxene and melt. Type 1 crystals are autocrysts. Other amphiboles within host magma, whether presented as phenocrysts or cumulate nodules, are antecrysts. Based on the amphibole crystal population developed in the complex, in this study, a trans-crustal magma plumbing system is proposed, containing at least three magma reservoirs located at different crust depths: the shallow emplaced crust (~4.8 km), the mid-crust (~12.9 km), and the lower crust (~21.8–24.9 km). Early amphibole crystallization is an effective process to generate silicic residual melts. Gravity could help in that sense. Precursor amphibole and clinopyroxene can efficiently delaminate back into the mantle and promote the generation of silicic continental crust.

Crustal 3‐D S‐Wave Velocity and Azimuthal Anisotropy in the Sanjiang Lateral Collision Zone in the SE Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

AbstractThe eastward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau materials has caused intricate tectonic deformations and frequent seismic activities in the Sanjiang lateral collision zone (SLCZ). To reveal crust structures and deformation mechanisms, we investigate high‐resolution structural features of crustal depth (≤40 km). A 3‐D S‐wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy model is constructed by the direct tomography method with Rayleigh phase velocity at periods of 2–40 s from multiple temporary seismic arrays and regional permanent network. In the middle‐to‐lower crust, an obvious low‐velocity zone is confined by the large‐scale fault systems of Jinhe‐Qinghe fault and Chenhai fault (CHF) to the northeast and east, Lancangjiang fault (LCJF) and Red River fault (RRF) to the west, with strong N‐S‐oriented anisotropy, which evident differs from the ENE‐WSW‐oriented weak anisotropy in the high‐velocity zone on the northeastern side. We consider that the weak material may be obstructed by large faults and the high‐velocity zone, resulting in complex crustal deformation and tectonic boundary. The crustal low‐velocity materials beneath the Tengchong volcano (TCV) are probably separated with those from the Tibetan Plateau. The low‐velocity beneath the Chuxiong basin (CXB) may be combinations of partial melts and fluid derived from shear deformation and deep material upwelling. The segmented anisotropy at the NW end of the RRF suggests complex deformation by crustal flow, emphasizing the important influence of faults on anisotropic pattern. The complex anisotropy in the fault intersection of the Lijiang‐Xiaojinhe fault and RRF also highlights the important role of these faults in shaping crustal deformation.

Late Mesozoic ductile deformation and exhumation along the Shangdan suture zone in the Qinling Orogenic Belt, China

The Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB) is a multi‐stage orogenic belt recording subduction and collision processes. The ductile shearing deformation with different properties and ages is developed on the boundary of the different litho‐tectonic units, which can be used to decipher the tectonic evolution of the QOB. Previous studies mainly concentrated on the pre‐Late Mesozoic shearing deformation, while the Late Mesozoic shearing deformation received less attention. It restricts the understanding of the Late Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the QOB. Hence, we conducted detailed field structural analysis and laboratory analysis of the Shagou shear zone (SGSZ) in the middle part of the Shangdan suture zone (SDSZ). The SGSZ, developed in the southern margin of the Baliping pluton, is an S–SSW‐dipping sinistral strike‐slip ductile shear zone with a top‐to‐the‐ESE shear sense. The mylonite protoliths are voluminous Late Triassic granites (200–215 Ma) and a small amount of Neoproterozoic granites (759 Ma) and Early Cretaceous granites (145 Ma). Microstructures and geothermobarometer results suggest that the ductile shearing deformation occurred under high greenschist–low amphibolite‐facies conditions (400–650°C) at middle crustal depths (13–21 km). Zircon U–Pb and amphibole‐biotite 40Ar/39Ar dating results constrain the timing of shearing deformation to 135–145 Ma and the rapid exhumation of the SGSZ to 115–135 Ma. Combining with the regional data, we consider that the sinistral strike‐slip shearing deformation in the SGSZ controls and accommodates the south‐eastward extrusion of the East SQB under the intracontinental compression. Subsequently, the intracontinental extension led to the rapid exhumation of the SGSZ.

A record of magmatic differentiation in plutonic xenoliths from Santorini (Greece)

Plutonic xenoliths from volcanic arcs provide unique insights into transcrustal magmatic systems in subduction zone settings. At Santorini volcano in the Central Aegean Volcanic Arc (Greece), plutonic xenoliths occur throughout a sequence of lavas and pyroclastic rocks erupted within the last ~360 ka. They are mineralogically variable, ranging from troctolites to olivine gabbros, gabbros, gabbronorites, and diorites. Thermobarometric calculations based on mineral and melt inclusion compositions indicate equilibration over a range of temperatures (1100 to 750 °C) at shallow to mid-crustal depths (P &lt;400 MPa), but there is no evidence for crystallisation at lower crustal depths. Oxygen isotope data of mineral separates and calculated δ18O melt values are in line with extensive closed-system fractional crystallisation at magmatic temperatures, without a requirement for extensive assimilation of the subvolcanic continental basement. The xenolith minerals compositionally overlap with phenocrysts from the volcanic rocks, but they also contain evidence for the presence of highly evolved melt compositions in the form of melt inclusions with extremely silica-rich compositions (up to 82 wt.% SiO2) and high enrichments of incompatible trace elements coupled with increasing negative Eu anomalies in clinopyroxenes. Since these characteristics correlate systematically with differentiation indices and rock type, they are interpreted to reflect melt evolution via fractional crystallisation as the dominant differentiation process with no significant role of reactive porous flow. These observations highlight that trapped melt fractions can influence mineral compositional variations in the plutonic xenoliths, and in turn the mineral compositions demonstrate a melt compositional variability not preserved in the volcanic rock record.

Middle to Late Ordovician flare‐up of granitoids, South Altyn Tagh: Reworking of exhumed continental crust

A flare‐up of granitoids occurred at 465–445 Ma in the South Altyn Tagh, synchronously with the exhumation of subducted continental crust. Nevertheless, it remains enigmatic whether a petrogenetic connection exists between them. Here, we report a 454–451 Ma monzogranite pluton, which is characterized by abundant inherited zircons, located in the northern margin of the South Altyn Tagh high‐pressure (HP)—ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane. U–Pb ages and Hf–O isotopic compositions of inherited and synmagmatic zircons are investigated to trace the source rocks and petrogenesis of this pluton. The inherited zircons (zircons that predate the magmatism) exhibit a wide range of ages from 2618 to 484 Ma, displaying three major peaks at 1800–1100 Ma, 1000–800 Ma and 500 Ma. By comparing these inheritance age patterns with zircon spectra of main (meta‐)sedimentary sequences and the widespread Early Neoproterozoic granites (presently as granitic gneisses) in South Altyn Tagh, along with zircon εHf(t) and whole‐rock Nd isotopic composition, we argue that the main source rocks of the studied monzogranite are Early Neoproterozoic granitic gneisses and Late Mesoproterozoic paragneisses from the South Altyn Tagh HP–UHP metamorphic terrane. The ca. 500 Ma inherited zircons have a metamorphic origin, which is simultaneous with the peak metamorphic ages of HP–UHP metamorphic rocks in the Altyn Tagh Complex. These observations indicate that the source rocks of the monzogranite pluton are the subducted continental crust, which underwent metamorphism at ca. 500 Ma and followed by partial melting at 454–451 Ma. In addition, synmagmatic zircons exhibit variable δ18O and εHf(t) values ranging from 5.4 to 11.7‰ and from −19 to +10.3, respectively, indicating a minor contribution of mantle‐derived melts in the formation of the monzogranite. Given the studied pluton and contemporaneous extensive granitoids (465–445 Ma), characterized by similar geochemistry and source rocks, are synchronous with the final exhumation of subducted South Altyn Tagh continental crust, we propose that the reworking of exhumed continental crust at middle to lower crustal depths is their main petrogenesis.

The Fagradalsfjall and Sundhnúkur Fires of 2021–2024: A single magma reservoir under the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland?

AbstractThe Reykjanes Peninsula (RP) hosts several volcanic lineaments that have been periodically active over the last 4000 years. Since 2021, following a ca. 800‐year quiescence, eight eruptions have occurred on the RP, with more expected in the future. To better understand the origins of this renewed volcanism and help forecast future eruptions, we examine (i) if the ongoing volcanism is fed from a single or multiple magma storage zone(s) or from several smaller reservoirs and; (ii) where the zone(s) are located (i.e. mantle or lower or upper crustal depths). Using major and trace element geochemistry, oxygen isotopes, and seismic tomography we rule out a single, RP‐scale, deep‐seated magma storage zone. Instead we propose the presence of a ca. 10‐km‐wide region of crustal‐level (9–12 km) magma accumulation beneath the Fagradalsfjall volcanic lineament that fed both the 2021–23 eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall Fires and the 2023–24 eruptions of the Sundhnúkur Fires.

Three-Dimensional Geologic Modeling of the Kiruna Mining District, Sweden: Insights into the Crustal Architecture and Structural Controls on Iron Oxide-Apatite Mineralization

Abstract To support economic decisions and exploration targeting, as well as to understand processes controlling the mineralization, three-dimensional structural and lithological boundary models of the Kiruna mining district have been built using surface (outcrop observations and measurements) and subsurface (drill hole data and mine wall mapping) data. Rule-based hybrid implicit-explicit modeling techniques were used to create district-scale models of areas with high disproportion in data resolution characterized by dense, clustered, and distant data spacing. Densely sampled areas were integrated with established conceptual studies using geologic conditions and the addition of synthetic data, leading to variably constrained surfaces that facilitate the visualization, interpretation, and further integration of the geologic models. This modeling approach proved to be efficient in integrating local, frequently sampled areas with district-scale, sparsely sampled regions. Dominantly S-plunging lineation on N-S–trending fracture planes, characteristic fracture mineral-fill, and weak rock mass at the ore contact indicated by poor core orientation quality and rock quality description suggest that ore-parallel fractures in the Kiirunavaara area were more commonly reactivated. Slight variation in the angular relationship of fracture sets situated in different fault-bound blocks suggests that strain accommodation across the orebodies was uneven. The location of brittle faults identified in drill core, deposit-scale structural analysis, and aeromagnetic geophysical maps indicate a close relationship between fault locations and the iron oxide-apatite mineralization, suggesting that uneven stress accommodation and proximity of conjugate fault sets played an important role in juxtaposing blocks from different crustal depths and controls the location of the iron oxide-apatite orebodies.

Depth‐Dependent Anisotropy Along Northwest Segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone: Evidence for Paleo‐Tectonic Structures Contributing to Overall Complexity

AbstractThe North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) is a prominent tectonic structure with a significant impact on the observed active deformation in Türkiye. Detailed knowledge of the seismic anisotropy in the crust and mantle along this nascent shear deformation zone provides insights into the kinematics associated with past and present tectonic events. We employed teleseismic earthquakes observed by the Dense Array North Anatolia seismic network to map 3‐ D variations in crustal and mantle anisotropy in/around the NW segment of the NAFZ. To achieve this, we first performed a harmonic decomposition analysis of P‐receiver functions. The results were then used as a priori information to conduct an anisotropic receiver function inversion with the Neighborhood Algorithm that enabled imaging of the actual orientation and geometry of anisotropic structures. SKS splitting measurements are further used to make a comparison between the anisotropic behavior of crustal and mantle structures. Crustal anisotropy parameters estimated in our analyses/models well identify the signature of deformation caused by accumulated strain in the earthquake cycle through the strike of shallow cutting faults in the brittle crust beneath the NAFZ. Diffuse intense anisotropic energy at lower crustal depths was attributed to lattice preferred orientation of crystals or partially molten lenses elongated along the shear direction. Strong harmonic energy variations beneath the northern part of the Istanbul Zone likely reflect imprints of LPO‐originated frozen fabric at shallow depths (0–20 km) associated with the palaeotectonic Odessa Shelf, Intra‐Pontide Suture Zones or remnants of the Tethys Ocean.

Assessing magmatic contributions to rift-related geothermal systems in collisional orogens: Insights from the Sangri-Cona rift, southern Tibetan Plateau

Fault-controlled geothermal systems in the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen could receive heat and material from deep-seated magmas due to crustal anatexis in orogenic settings. The near N-S trending rifts in southern Tibetan Plateau host abundant geothermal systems but potential role of residual magmas remains less constrained. Here, we evaluate magmatic contributions to geothermal systems in Sangri-Cona rift (SCR), the youngest rift in southern Tibetan Plateau, based on chemical and isotopic compositions of thermal waters from a south-to-north sampling profile. Our results show that the thermal springs in the central SCR have significant inputs from magmatic fluids, which account for high B concentrations and positive shift in δ18OH2O, while those in the southern and northern SCR are dominated by recharge of meteoric water. Water-rock interaction constrained by 87Sr/86Sr, hydrochemistry, and geothermometry results, suggests a hotter or deeper groundwater circulation path beneath central SCR than that of the southern and northern SCR. The identified magmatic fluid inputs, higher reservoir temperature, and higher degrees of water–rock interaction in the central SCR agree well with the presence of high conductivity anomalies at crustal depths of ∼ 10–30 km revealed by magnetotelluric surveys. Our findings provide geochemical evidence for the impact of lithospheric extension and associated geological and geophysical expressions (e.g., extension-induced exhumation of genesis domes that recorded crustal anatexis and upwelling of partially molten crustal channel flows) on modern geothermal systems in collisional orogens.

Geochemical and petrological diversity of a transcrustal magmatic system driven by mushy magma mixing: Insights from the Triassic dike swarms in East Kunlun orogen, northern Tibetan Plateau

Geochemical and petrological diversity within transcrustal magmatic systems usually reflects the magma properties and magmatic processes and thus is critical to understanding the origin of magmatic complexes and the evolution of continental crust. Herein, we present an integrated study on the petrology, mineralogy, geochronology, geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes of Triassic mafic-felsic dikes in the East Kunlun orogenic belt, northern Tibetan Plateau, to elucidate the nature and evolution of the transcrustal magmatic system. The studied dikes intruding into the granodiorite pluton (ca. 235−233 Ma) comprise coeval ca. 220−218 Ma gabbroic diorite porphyry, diorite porphyry, granodiorite porphyry, and alkali-feldspar granite, resembling composite dike swarms. The macrocrysts in these dikes show various zoning patterns, indicating episodic magma recharge and crystal resorption. The compositional gap between the intermediate-mafic dikes (SiO2 = 52.9−67.8 wt%) and the granitic dikes (SiO2 &amp;gt;75 wt%), as well as their homogeneous whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopes, with (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.708387−0.710995 and εNd(t) = −5.83 to −4.34, but variable zircon Lu-Hf isotopes, i.e., εHf(t) = −7.67 to −0.36, demonstrates that magma mixing rather than cogenetic fractional crystallization accounts for their origin. In combination with thermobarometric insights, these results suggest that the mafic and felsic parental magmas originating from an enriched lithospheric mantle and ancient continental crust, respectively, were ultimately emplaced and stagnated at varying crustal depths (∼22−30 km and 8−17 km). Subsequently, the felsic magma mush was replenished and rejuvenated by the underplated mafic magma, leading to varying degrees of crystal-melt and/or melt-melt mixing. This mush-facilitated crust-mantle magma mixing is an important mechanism accounting for the compositional diversity of the transcrustal magmatic system.

Ultrahigh-temperature crustal anatexis and final cratonization in Eastern Hebei, North China Craton: Insights from ca. 2.46 Ga Taipingzhai enderbites

Charnockitic rocks are a suite of granulite-facies plutonic rocks that include dominantly granitic−tonalitic and partly dioritic rocks. The Na-rich endmembers of the charnockite series, including dioritic to tonalitic rocks, are also termed enderbites. Charnockitic rocks are the main component of the cratonic-type lower continental crust in Precambrian cratons worldwide. These rocks are generally considered to be products of the anatexis of the lower crust under high- to ultrahigh-temperature conditions and play a key role in stratification between upper and lower crustal layers as well as the cratonic stabilization (cratonization) of Precambrian continents, although further study is required to gather detailed information about these rocks. In this study, a group of igneous enderbites (dioritic−tonalitic charnockites) from Eastern Hebei, North China Craton, is investigated. Zircon U-Pb dating reveals that the enderbites formed at ca. 2.46 Ga, which is coeval with the regional granulite-facies metamorphic overprinting. The enderbites are primarily composed of clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, and quartz, with minor amphibole, biotite, K-feldspar, and Fe-Ti oxides. The rocks are characterized by high Fe2O3T + MgO (9.80−15.9 wt%), Cr (71.0−292 ppm), and Ni (41.2−107 ppm) contents, as well as low Al2O3 (13.9−16.6 wt%) and K2O (1.07−2.43 wt%) contents, with high Na2O/K2O ratios (1.51−4.43) and low Sr/Y (24.5−49.5) ratios. Moreover, these rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), (La/Yb)N = 8.06−17.8, and yield weak Eu anomalies, (Eu/Eu* = 0.80−1.18), with negative Th, U, Ta, Nb, and Ti anomalies. Various mineral thermobarometers, oxybarometers, and hydrometers are used to constrain the crystallized P-T-ƒO2-H2O conditions of the enderbites. These rocks crystallized at high temperature (860−1000 °C), crystallization pressure (8.0 ± 1.0 kbar), and H2O-poor (1.5−2.4 wt%) conditions, with oxygen fugacities (ΔQFM) of 0.0−3.0, which suggests “hot” (high-temperature) and “dry” (water-poor) crystallization conditions. The enderbites also have heterogeneous in situ zircon Hf-O isotopic compositions: εHf(t) = 2.4−7.5; δ18O = 5.78‰−7.74‰. These new data, combined with trace element characteristics, suggest that the enderbites were derived from the partial melting of metabasites, and that assimilation and fractional crystallization controlled the compositional variation in the enderbites. Further thermodynamic and geochemical modeling suggests that the anatexis of Mg-Fe−rich metabasite under ultrahigh-temperature (&amp;gt;1000 °C) and H2O-poor (1.0−1.5 wt%) conditions at a low crustal depth (∼9.0 kbar) could yield a melt composition comparable to that of the observed enderbites. Postcollisional lithospheric extension and mafic magma underplating prompted the partial melting of lower crustal metabasite at ultrahigh temperatures and normal lower crustal depths, resulting in the formation of enderbites. This study demonstrates that the enderbites could be formed by ultrahigh-temperature anatexis of metabasite with amphibole dehydration melting (Pl + Amp → Opx + Cpx + melt) and offers robust evidence of the genetic links between the ultrahigh-temperature anatexis of basic rocks and the generation of enderbites. In addition, the occurrence of ca. 2.46 Ga enderbites may mark the final cratonization of the North China Craton, and the ca. 2.50−2.45 Ga tectono-thermal event was an ultrahigh-temperature metamorphic-anatexis process rather than simple regional granulite metamorphic overprinting. Therefore, the generation and emplacement of enderbites involved not only a magmatic process but also an element redistribution process in the lower crust, which has important implications for stabilization of the North China Craton at ca. 2.5 Ga.

Oligocene to Miocene magmatic and hydrothermal evolution in the Maricunga belt (Región de Copiapó, Chile): A new look to a long known metallogenic belt

The Maricunga metallogenic belt, herein defined to encompass the region from 25° S to 28° S along the Cordillera Frontal of northern Chile, is known for hosting a series of gold-copper and lesser copper-molybdenum porphyries and gold-silver epithermal systems that are hosted in a segment of the late Oligocene-Miocene Andean calc-alkaline magmatic arc. Based on an up-to-date geochronological database, four episodes of magmatism and related hydrothermal deposits are proposed to characterize intensity and style of volcanism and hypabyssal intrusive rocks over time. The late Oligocene episode (26-21 Ma) is characterized by stratovolcanoes, dome complexes, pyroclastic sequences, and hypabyssal intrusives of andesitic to dacitic composition that host gold-rich porphyry systems such as Caspiche, Maricunga, and La Pepa. The early Miocene episode (21–17 Ma) has similar rock types but is volumetrically reduced, hosting epithermal and porphyry deposits like La Coipa and Caserones, respectively. A reinvigoration of volcanism occurred during the third stage between 17 and 11 Ma, giving rise to large volcanic complexes and intra-to extra-caldera ignimbritic deposits that host several gold-rich porphyry deposits such as Lobo-Marte, Luciano, and Cerro Casale; as well as epithermal deposits such as Fenix. Some of the 17 to 11 Ma and younger igneous rock belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series, showing a higher alkali content compared to previous periods. The last magmatic episode, from 11 to 5 Ma, coincides with the shallowing of the subduction angle and is characterized by an eastward migration of volcanism, and more heterogeneous rocks including trachytic compositions. During this period mineralization was emplaced at the Salares Norte epithermal deposit and El Volcan porphyry Au–Cu deposit.Porphyry and epithermal systems formed throughout the evolution of the Maricunga belt. Overprint of advanced argillic alteration on porphyry style alteration is widespread albeit commonly devoid of significant addition of epithermal Au–Ag mineralization. The Au-rich nature of the majority of the porphyry systems is attributed to the shallow crustal depths of emplacement compared to Cu- and Mo-rich porphyry systems. Conversely, high-sulfidation epithermal Au–Ag deposits such as La Coipa and Nueva Esperanza are not known to be telescoped on coeval porphyry gold deposits.The location of the mineralized centers was favored by crustal weaknesses expressed by intersection of oblique- and parallel-to arc structures, the former inherited from the construction of the continent before to the formation of the Andean range. The arc oblique structures also segment the Maricunga belt into domains with unique magmatic and hydrothermal styles.

Abnormal enrichment of Th and U in melanosome of migmatite in Jivumdnubanda, Eastern Dharwar Craton, India: A unique occurrence in the world

The Neoarchaean (∼2.7Ga) migmatite melanosome of Jivumdnubanda area comprises anomalous radioactive elemental concentration. Significant amount of Th (68.54–290.85 ppm) and U (29.68–114.47 ppm) is observed within biotite-rich melanosome as inclusions. Radioelements are concentrated in certain accessory minerals e.g., allanite, apatite, xenotime and zircon. Leucosomal counterparts are devoid of such higher radioactive elemental concentration, which makes the study significant because the incompatible elements as well as the accessory minerals tend to go into the melt phases more preferentially. Each component of migmatite e.g., melanosome, leucosome and the diatexites are studied in detail from outcrops, under an optical microscope and by geochemical analysis. Structural deformation aspects are also taken care along with granite age determination to link the diatexite with anatexis timing. It is found that the migmatites formed around a pressure of ∼600 MPa correspond to a ∼20–22 km crustal depth when the hydrous mineral breakdown led to ∼50 % melting of evolved TTG protolith. Radiation-induced damage of the accessory minerals due to alpha decays destroyed the internal crystal structures at places. This metamictization and associated radiation damage of more or less refractory minerals along with deformation associated grain-scale fractures make easier to release mobile uranium during hydration and associated alteration at later stage. The presently observed radioactive elemental concentrations are the remnants left behind in the melanosome after leaching out of significant uranium.