Crustal Evolution Research Articles

Multistage magmatic-hydrothermal processes formed world-class granite-related lithium mineralization at Yifeng-Fengxin, South China: Evidence from zircon mineralogy

Interpreting the origin and magmatic-hydrothermal processes of highly fractionated granites can provide important information about crustal evolution and lithium (Li) mineralization. Our study focuses on the Yifeng-Fengxin deposit of South China, a newly discovered world-class Li deposit with >11 Mt of Li2O resources. We present zircon ages from different granite phases hosting the deposit and define three types of zircons characterizing the main stages of magmatic-hydrothermal activity, which spanned 153 Ma to 102 Ma. Dating of paragenetically well-constrained zircons shows that Li mineralization mainly occurred during three periods: 144‒139 Ma, 133‒131 Ma, and 105‒102 Ma. Based on the analysis of Nd-Hf isotopic compositions from multiphase granites, the ore-related Ganfang granitic complex in the Yifeng-Fengxin district derived from the Proterozoic crust and juvenile crustal materials with the input of minor mantle-derived magmas. The formation of these granites could have resulted from multiple episodes of high-temperature (>600 °C) magma recharge from a deep reservoir. The enrichment of siderophile elements (Sc and Ti) in zircons may have resulted from the recharge of mantle-derived magmas and remelting of mafic−ultramafic rocks. The residual magmas evolved to low states of oxygen fugacity (ΔFMQ < 1). Trace element distributions, especially rare earth element (REE) + Y with P, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) mapping, indicate that zircon grains in the highly fractionated magmatic system have complex charge balances. The charge balances may be provided by Li, U, Ca, Sc, P, Y, and REEs from Li-rich melts. These data support an Li preenrichment process in early granitic melts, and hydrothermal overprinting and redistribution in the late stage. We propose that hydrothermal remobilization plays a crucial role in the formation of economic Li deposits. Zircon can be used as a microfingerprint to reveal the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of highly fractionated granites and associated rare metal deposits.

Mantle Exhumation and Post‐Rift Magmatism at an Oblique Magma‐Poor Continental Margin

AbstractContinental breakup is a fundamental tectonic process, which leads to seafloor spreading and the generation of oceanic crust. However, the current understanding of continental margins, based largely on 2‐D seismic transects, is inadequate to capture the spatial complexity of crustal evolution. Here we present a 3‐D seismic velocity model through a young, magma‐poor margin at the north‐eastern Gulf of Aden. Our results highlight the 45° obliquity between the strike of crustal thinning and extension direction, which is accommodated by two transfer zones during the formation of the Continent‐Ocean Transition (COT). This obliquity causes the margin to be segmented, which predates seafloor spreading. Along strike, we find a progressive eastward crustal thinning from 13 to 5 km, corresponding to a V‐shaped COT. This eastward variation is characterized by (a) an eastward increase of mantle exhumation due to detachment faulting, and (b) post‐rift magmatism emplaced onto serpentinized mantle in the west.

Corrigendum to “Crustal evolution and architecture of the Wawa Subprovince, Superior Province: Insights from zircon U-Pb-Hf-O isotopes and geochemistry” [Precambrian Res. 418 (2025) 107705

Corrigendum to “Crustal evolution and architecture of the Wawa Subprovince, Superior Province: Insights from zircon U-Pb-Hf-O isotopes and geochemistry” [Precambrian Res. 418 (2025) 107705

Petrogenesis of Jurassic granitoids from the Yanshan orogenic belt: Implications for crustal evolution in the northern North China Craton

Petrogenesis of Jurassic granitoids from the Yanshan orogenic belt: Implications for crustal evolution in the northern North China Craton

Petrology and major oxide geochemistry of mafic dykes from Mysore district, Western Dharwar Craton, Karnataka, India

Determining the petrogenetic origins, source characteristics, and geodynamic implications of the Palaeoproterozoic mafic dykes from the WDC is largely dependent on their geochemical composition. Understanding Proterozoic dykes has been the subject of numerous investigations due to their crucial role in the history of crustal evolution. As dykes have great significance in exemplifying the crustal evolution history, their geochemical and geophysical properties have gained attention among geoscientists. An attempt is made here to understand such WDC mafic dykes from Mysore district, through its petrographical and major oxide geochemical studies. Mafic dykes from the study area exhibit N-S and NNW-SSE trending intrusion within in the PGC. Dolerite, gabbro, and meta-dolerites are the three types of dyke rocks that were collected from the research region based on their mineralogical, textural, and geochemical properties. The collected dyke samples have a doleritic composition with prominent lath-shaped plagioclase and Cpx minerals. A few dolerite dykes have sulfide mineralization, such as pyrite, also magnetite and chalcopyrite crystals. The mafic properties of the gathered dyke samples are validated by geochemical plots. The dyke rocks display a tholeiite nature and have ferro-magnesium enrichment. Based on the TAS plot, the composition of dolerites can be interpreted as basaltic to basaltic andesitic. There is a positive association between the MgO and compatible elements . All of these observations support the mafic nature of these rocks and distinguish them as gabbro, dolerite, and meta-dolerite dyke bodies. Strong OIB and E-MORB affinity is reflected in the tectonic setting diagram, most likely as a result of the emplacement of these mafic dykes in an island arc setting. This study has brought out the basic classification, mineralogy and tectonic setting of these dykes found in Mysore district.

A New Approach to Constrain Crustal Vp/Vs From Rayleigh Wave Phase Velocity and Local Amplification: Application to the Western US

AbstractThe ratio of compressional‐ and shear‐wave velocities, Vp/Vs, in the continental crust is a useful proxy for silica abundance and partial melt. However, constraining crustal Vp/Vs remains challenging. Rayleigh wave site amplification is a valuable complement to phase velocity and can constrain crustal Vp. We develop a two‐step approach to jointly invert phase velocity and amplification for Vp/Vs in the crust and Vsv in the crust and uppermost mantle. We apply this joint inversion to construct new crustal Vp/Vs models for the western US from three different amplification data sets. The models contain Vp/Vs values in the range 1.6–1.85 and variations that are consistent between the three models and with previous results, including a westward increase of Vp/Vs across the Central Basin and Range. Crustal Vp/Vs across three regions of the Basin and Range are explored to gain insight into crustal composition and enhance understanding of crustal evolution.

A geochemical and isotopic outline on the Alto Moxotó Terrane: a record of the best-preserved Paleoproterozoic crust in the central Borborema province, NE Brazil

The Alto Moxotó Terrane is one of the best-preserved Paleoproterozoic crustal segments of the Borborema Province and shows a close correlation with basement domains of the Central African Fold Belt. Here, we review geochemical and isotopic data for Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic rocks within the terrane and their implications for the crustal evolution of western Gondwana. The lithospheric framework of the terrane consists of three main tectonomagmatic stages: (1) Neoarchean ( c. 2.6 Ga) crustal accretion with tonalite, trondhjemite and granodiorite juvenile injections, consisting of calcic, magnesian and meta- to peraluminous magmas derived from a basaltic oceanic crust that probably experienced high-pressure conditions; (2) Rhyacian–Orosirian ( c. 2.1–1.9 Ga) tholeiitic mafic–ultramafic and calc-alkaline series Cordilleran-related granitic and gneissic rocks; (3) Statherian–Calymmian within-plate magmatism ( c. 1.6 Ga), with granitic rocks that correspond to A-type ferroan magmas, generated via partial melting of a continental source. The presence of older events within the Alto Moxotó Terrane allows correlation with basement domains within the Borborema Province and other Neoproterozoic orogens of Gondwana. These correlations strengthen the role of the province's Paleoproterozoic domains in palaeogeographical reconstructions of the Nuna–Columbia supercontinents.

A Mechanistic Look at the Amphibolitization of Mafic Crust: Insights From the Kråkeneset Gabbro Body, Western Gneiss Region, Norway

ABSTRACTFluid–rock interactions play a key role in the formation, evolution and recycling of the Earth's crust. For fluids to infiltrate rocks and enable and sustain fluid‐mediated mineral transformations, fluid pathways are required. In this study, we examined the potential mechanisms of formation of such pathways via detailed mineralogical, petrophysical and thermodynamic analysis of a dry, essentially ‘non‐porous’ gabbro that was hydrated and transformed into an amphibolite under amphibolite‐facies conditions. During a previous regional HP eclogite‐facies metamorphism, the gabbro did not equilibrate and preserved almost entirely its igneous textures and magmatic minerals. Rock transformation during amphibolitization was triggered by fluid infiltration through a newly opened N–S striking fracture network. An equally spaced fracture network formed by mode I opening related to the formation of an E–W striking shear zone at the northern and southern borders of the gabbro body. The amphibolitization process allowed the fluid to pervasively infiltrate the rock from the fracture into the pristine gabbro. The essentially fully amphibolitized sample exhibits some unaffected gabbroic mineral relicts. Even though the amphibolitization process led to the formation of ~70 vol.% hydrous phases, it was accompanied by densification and related porosity formation. The modes and compositions of minerals within partly amphibolitized rocks indicate that besides the uptake of H2O, no significant mass exchanges were necessary for this transformation, at least on the thin section scale. Thermodynamic modelling and petrological data show that the transition from gabbro to amphibolite favours porosity formation. In the model, the reaction front proceeded as soon as the gabbro at the reactive interfaces of the affected minerals was sufficiently transformed. At this point, fluid was not consumed further but remained as a free fluid phase, which progressed through the newly formed pore space and advanced amphibolitization. Once the gabbro was almost entirely amphibolitized, its mineral content and mineral chemistry no longer changed, so the progress of amphibolitization progress was controlled by fluid availability. This case study shows that fluid–rock interaction leading to hydration of a rock can be efficiently maintained in almost non‐permeable, dry and mafic crust and, therefore, strongly affects the petrophysical properties of the Earth's crust.

Progress and Prospects of Research on Physical Soil Crust

Physical soil crust (PSC) is a dense structural layer formed on the surface of bare or very low-cover land due to raindrop splashes or runoff. The formation of crust changes the properties of the soil and strongly affects water infiltration and runoff and sediment production processes on slopes. The irrational use of soil and water resources and frequent human production activity under the influence of urbanization increase the possibility of inducing erosion. Studying the formation and structural characteristics of PSC to predict terrestrial hydrological processes and improve models for predicting erosion is very important. Many studies of PSC have been carried out in China and abroad, but they are mainly unilateral discussions of the basic properties and characteristics of crust and its effects on runoff and sediment yield on slopes. Studies systematically analyzing and synthesizing the progress of crust research, however, are lacking. By reading the literature and analyzing the developmental history of PSC, we provide a comprehensive review of the following: (1) the meaning, main types, and classification of PSC, (2) the mechanism of formation and the characteristics and dynamic development of crust, (3) the factors affecting the formation of crust, including natural and anthropogenic factors and comprehensive effects, and (4) the development and formation of crust in the soil environment, i.e., hydrological processes and erosion. We also summarize the potential directions for future research on PSC: (1) studying the dynamics of soil structure during the development of crust, (2) developing an objective and standardized quantitative method for studying crust formation, (3) using models of erosion influenced by crust development, (4) improving the scale of the degree of crust development and structural characteristics, and (5) rationalizing the management of crust to optimize land structure and increase crop yield.

From Source to Sink: U-Pb Geochronology and Lithochemistry Unraveling the Missing Link Between Mesoarchean Anatexis and Magmatism in the Carajás Province, Brazil

The connection between crustal anatexis and magmatism is key to understanding the mechanisms that drive the evolution of the continental crust. Isotope geology and lithochemistry are important tools for reconstructing links between these processes, as field evidence of their connection is often obliterated by deformation in high-grade terrains. Thus, this study proposes new insights into the connection between the Mesoarchean regional metamorphism, crustal anatexis, and plutonism in the northern sector of the Carajás Province (i.e., Carajás Domain), in the Amazonian Craton, around 2.89 to 2.83 Ga. The widespread crustal anatexis in the Carajás Domain involved the water-fluxed melting of banded orthogneisses of the Xingu Complex and Xicrim-Cateté Orthogranulite (crystallization age at ca. 3.06–2.93 Ga), producing metatexites and diatexites with stromatic, net, schollen, and schlieren morphologies and coeval syntectonic leucosomes with composition similar to tonalites, trondhjemites, and granites. These leucosomes yielded crystallization ages of 2853 ± 5 Ma (MSWD: 0.61), 2862 ± 13 Ma (MSWD: 0.1), and 2867 ± 7 Ma (MSWD: 1.3). Their lithochemical data are similar to those of several diachronous Mesoarchean granitoids of the Carajás Domain in terms of major, minor, and trace elements and magmatic affinity. In addition, binary log–log vector diagrams (e.g., La vs. Yb; Rb vs. Yb), Sr/Y vs. Y, and Eu/Eu* vs. Yb plots indicate that plagioclase fractionation preceded melt extraction, establishing evolving source-to-sink trends between leucosomes and granites. These results show that the interplay between high-grade metamorphism, crustal anatexis, and magmatism may have shaped the evolution of the Mesoarchean continental crust in the Carajás Province, developing a petrotectonic assemblage associated with collisional orogens. The Mesoarchean geodynamic setting played a critical role in the development of coeval ca. 2.89 Ga magmatic–hydrothermal copper deposits in the Carajás Province, as well as Neoarchean world-class iron oxide–copper–gold deposits linked to post-orogenic extensional rebound.

Crustal evolution and architecture of the Wawa Subprovince, Superior Province: Insights from zircon U-Pb-Hf-O isotopes and geochemistry

Crustal evolution and architecture of the Wawa Subprovince, Superior Province: Insights from zircon U-Pb-Hf-O isotopes and geochemistry

Amphibole Compositions Record Cold Post‐Emplacement Reequilibration in Plutons

AbstractThe mechanisms that govern the storage and assembly of magmatic systems are fundamental to understanding the evolution of the continental crust and volcanic hazards. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms differentiating volcanic and plutonic magmatism remain unresolved, particularly regarding discrepancies between mineral compositions and whole‐rock geochemistry. Here, we consider thermodynamic modeling and statistical geothermometry of a global dataset of amphibole‐bulk rock pairs from arc‐derived igneous rocks. Our analysis reveals that arc plutonic amphibole records systematically colder conditions and more felsic equilibrium melts than their volcanic equivalents, for a given whole‐rock composition. We find that these discrepancies cannot be explained by melt extraction alone, and instead reflect low‐temperature reequilibration during protracted residence at near‐solidus temperatures after emplacement. The absence of such reequilibration in volcanic rocks, despite increasing evidence for pre‐eruptive cold storage in volcanic systems, emphasizes the fundamental differences between volcanism and plutonism.

Petrogenesis of gneisses and granitoids from Southern Bastar Craton, India: A geochemical insight to crustal evolution

Petrogenesis of gneisses and granitoids from Southern Bastar Craton, India: A geochemical insight to crustal evolution

The origin of Neoarchean granitoid diversity in the Yinshan Block and its implications for the crustal evolution of the North China Craton

The origin of Neoarchean granitoid diversity in the Yinshan Block and its implications for the crustal evolution of the North China Craton

Provenance of a Stenian succession in the eastern Jiangnan (Sibao) Orogen, South China: Implications on tectonic affinity and pre-Neoproterozoic crustal evolution

Provenance of a Stenian succession in the eastern Jiangnan (Sibao) Orogen, South China: Implications on tectonic affinity and pre-Neoproterozoic crustal evolution

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Neoarchean mafic and felsic rocks in western Liaoning: Constraints on the crustal evolution of the northeastern North China Craton

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Neoarchean mafic and felsic rocks in western Liaoning: Constraints on the crustal evolution of the northeastern North China Craton

Deciphering the origin of early continental crust: insights from newly identified ~3.8 Ga granitoids in the Anshan area, North China Craton

ABSTRACT Numerous questions regarding the formation and evolution of Earth’s early continental crust remain unresolved. Ancient rocks are essential to understanding these early geological processes. This study provides new geochronology, geochemistry, and zircon Hf-O isotope data from recently discovered Eoarchean granitoids in the Anshan area of the North China Craton (NCC). Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that these granitoids formed at ca. 3.8 Ga and include both trondhjemitic and monzogranitic gneisses. The trondhjemitic gneisses are characterized by high SiO2 and Na2O contents, low magnesium number (Mg#), low Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios, and slightly negative Eu anomalies. These rocks exhibit enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) with flat heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns. Their zircon εHf(t) values range from −3.34 to + 1.09, with two-stage model ages (TDM 2) between 4.43 and 3.99 Ga. The magmatic zircons show δ18O values of + 5.33‰ – +6.98‰. These geochemical and Hf-O isotope features suggest that the trondhjemitic gneisses, classified as low-pressure type, likely formed through the partial melting of Hadean to early Eoarchean mafic proto-crust under upper-amphibolite facies conditions. In comparison, the monzogranitic gneisses display higher SiO2 and K2O levels, lower Sr/Y, (La/Yb)N, and (Gd/Yb)N ratios, and more pronounced negative Eu anomalies. These monzogranitic gneisses are enriched in Rb, Th, and U and depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, P and Ti. Such geochemical traits classify them as highly differentiated granites. Zircon Hf isotope data reveal radiogenic values, with TDM 2 ages between 4.23 and 4.01 Ga and εHf(t) values ranging from −1.60 to + 0.85. These evidences suggest that the monzogranitic gneisses were derived from the partial melting of ancient felsic source and underwent fractional crystallization during the late stages of magma evolution. The diversity of the ca. 3.8 Ga granitoids indicates the presence of a highly evolved continental crust in the NCC during the early Eoarchean. Hf isotope data show that the earliest crust grew primarily through the partial melting of juvenile crust derived from a depleted mantle, accompanied by certain reworking or recycling of pre-existing continental material. The ca. 3.8 Ga trondhjemitic and monzogranitic gneisses likely formed in an extension environment, such as intraplate rifting setting. Continental crust evolution in the NCC during early Eoarchean was primarily driven by magma underplating associated with asthenospheric mantle upwelling, potentially linked to mantle plume activity.

Cadomian Magmatism in the Muteh–Golpaygan Area, Iran: Insights into Crustal Growth and Tectono-Magmatic Evolution

The Muteh–Golpaygan metamorphic complex, situated within the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone of Iran, represents a pivotal site for investigating the late Neoproterozoic Cadomian orogeny and its implications for crustal evolution along the northern margin of Gondwana. This study integrates geochemical, isotopic, and geochronological data to elucidate the petrogenesis, magma sources, and geodynamic significance of granitic (ortho-) gneisses from this region. The granitic gneisses are predominantly peraluminous and calc-alkaline, with A/CNK [molar Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O + K₂O)] values ranging from 1.05 to 1.43. They exhibit enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), flat heavy REE (HREE) patterns, and pronounced negative Eu anomalies, suggesting that the magma was derived from subduction-related melts that interacted with metasedimentary materials in the upper crust. Zircon U-Pb geochronology reveals crystallization ages of ~570–560 Ma, with inherited zircons dating back to the Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic. Isotopic signatures, including εHf(t) values (−7.2 to +6.2) and δ18O values (+7.07‰ to +9.88‰), indicate a complex interplay between juvenile mantle-derived components and reworked crustal materials. Geodynamically, the magmatic characteristics align with an active continental margin setting driven by the subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Comparisons with coeval magmatism in the Arabian–Nubian Shield and Anatolia indicate a unified tectonic framework along the northern margin of Gondwana. This study provides critical insights into the tectono-magmatic processes of the Cadomian orogeny, emphasizing the roles of subduction dynamics, crustal recycling, and juvenile contributions in shaping the early continental lithosphere.

Late Palaeozoic Tectonics and Crustal Growth in the Eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Insights From Newly Discovered Volcanic Rocks on the Northern Margin of the North China Block

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the Late Palaeozoic accretionary processes responsible for the formation of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is crucial for unravelling continental growth mechanisms in this region. This study systematically investigates newly identified volcanic rocks in the northern margin of the North China Block (NCB) and Bainaimiao Arc Belt (BAB), aiming to elucidate their petrogenesis, tectonic setting and implications for the evolution of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean (PAO). Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that these volcanic rocks were emplaced between 278 and 260 Ma. The intermediate‐mafic volcanic rocks exhibit typical subduction‐related geochemical signatures, including low TiO₂ contents, enrichment in Rb, Ba, U, K, Pb and Sr., and depletion in Nb and Ta, reflecting derivation from a subduction‐modified lithospheric mantle. The acidic volcanic rocks, characterised by high SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents and pronounced negative Eu anomalies, are interpreted as products of partial melting of the lower continental crust with fractional crystallisation. The εHf(t) values range from highly positive in the BAB region to lower values in the NCB, highlighting the incorporation of juvenile crustal material in the north and ancient crustal components in the south. Geochemical and isotopic evidence suggests that the volcanic rocks formed in an Andean‐type continental arc during the southward subduction of the PAO beneath the northern margin of the NCB. After 260 Ma, the tectonic setting transitioned to an extensional environment, as reflected in the geochemistry of younger intraplate granites. These findings suggest that the PAO continued subduction until the Late Permian, followed by slab break‐off and post‐collisional extension. The crustal thickening (40–66 km) and widespread magmatism indicate significant juvenile crustal growth during the Middle to Late Permian. Combined with regional tectonic data, this study provides critical insights into the geodynamic processes driving crustal evolution in the eastern CAOB.

Key accessory minerals for understanding igneous petrogenesis and crustal evolution: A celebration of the contributions by Fernando Bea

Key accessory minerals for understanding igneous petrogenesis and crustal evolution: A celebration of the contributions by Fernando Bea