Gabbroic Cumulates Research Articles

Zinc isotopic composition of oceanic crust: Insights from oceanic gabbro cumulates and MORBs

Subducting oceanic crust is a critical driver of chemical and lithological heterogeneity within the deep mantle. Zinc isotopes (δ66ZnJMC-Lyon) have been widely utilized to trace recycled oceanic crust and surficial materials. However, the lower oceanic crust rocks are not well studied given limited sampling, making it unclear if the δ66Zn estimated from mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) is valid to represent that of the bulk oceanic crust. In this study, we report δ66Zn data for a series of gabbro cumulates (n = 37) from the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge, alongside MORBs (n = 12) from the fast-spreading East Pacific Rise and the slow-spreading South Mid-Atlantic Ridge. MORBs across various spreading rates exhibit homogeneous δ66Zn values (0.27 ± 0.05 ‰, 2sd), in agreement with previous studies. In contrast, the gabbros with several magma episodes exhibit a significant variation of δ66Zn from 0.11 ‰ to 0.34 ‰, with an average of 0.22 ± 0.11 ‰ (2sd). Magma differentiation to form oceanic crust can partly explain such variation (∼ 0.10 ‰), and post-cumulus modification further extends this range. Given the voluminous lower oceanic crust, the weighted δ66Zn estimated for the bulk oceanic crust (0.23 ± 0.03 ‰) is lower than the MORB-based value, which reconciles with the predictions from mantle partial melting. Therefore, recycled oceanic crust with significantly varied Zn isotopic compositions would lead to heterogeneous δ66Zn of the metasomatized mantle. The overall lower δ66Zn value underscores the importance of surficial materials other than oceanic crust, such as carbonates, to explain high δ66Zn of many mantle-derived magmas.

Compositional signatures of clinopyroxenes from the mafic rocks of the Nagaland ophiolite (NE India): Inferences for melting of diverse source regions in a transitional arc-type setting

The Nagaland-Manipur ophiolite belt (NMOB) represents remnants of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean that evolved during the accretion of the Indian and Myanmar lithospheric plates. We studied clinopyroxenes of cumulate gabbro and basalt rocks from the northern section of the belt to decode the mechanism that controlled their petrogenesis and geotectonic setting. Clinopyroxenes (augite-diopside) exhibit compositional zoning and significant variations in their major and trace element contents. Zoned clinopyroxene from a single volcanic rock sample (2d-3-6-11) show higher concentrations of TiO2 (1.44 to 5.13 wt%) and Al (0.128–0.359 apfu) and lower Si (1.658–1.889 apfu) compared to clinopyroxenes from the other mafic rocks. The mg# [100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)] values of clinopyroxenes range between 60.1 and 85.7. The trace element contents and the chondrite-normalised REE patterns of clinopyroxenes imply diverse geochemical affinities of both depleted mantle typical of tholeiite rocks and a less depleted LREE-enriched melt for the Nagaland mafic rocks. Pressure and temperature of crystallisation were estimated using single clinopyroxene geothermobarometry and were found to vary between 1–8 kbar and 840–1179 °C, respectively. In discrimination diagrams, the zoned clinopyroxenes show an alkaline composition consistent with a within-plate environment. On the other hand, clinopyroxenes from the rest of the mafic samples show a sub-alkaline composition typical of magmas produced in arc-related settings. Our study indicates the existence of diverse magma sources in an island arc-to-back arc setting during the formation of magmatic rocks in the NMOB.

Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Evolution of the Archean Shawmere Anorthosite Complex and Associated Gneisses, Kapuskasing Uplift, Superior Province, Canada

Abstract In this study, we integrated extensive field, petrographic, whole-rock major and trace element, and Nd–Pb–Sr–O isotope, and zircon U–Pb ages, trace element and Lu–Hf isotope data from the Neoarchean Shawmere Anorthosite Complex and surrounding gneisses to unravel their petrogenetic origin and tectonic history. The ~2765 Ma Shawmere Anorthosite Complex is interpreted to have been emplaced into a sequence of interlayered greywacke and basalt deposited in an intra-continental arc rift system above a north-dipping subduction zone. The complex consists mainly of anorthosite, leucogabbro, gabbro, and hornblendite that were emplaced as several batches of magmas and crystal mushes originating from sub-arc mantle sources. In contrast to the previous studies, our field and petrographic data suggest an igneous origin for the most hornblende in the complex, implying hydrous parental magmas. A hydrous magma origin is also consistent with the high-anorthite content (mostly 70–90%) of the plagioclase in the complex. Percolation of hydrous basaltic melts through gabbroic cumulates in crustal magma chambers led to extensive (>50%) replacement of igneous clinopyroxene by igneous hornblende. Continued subduction resulted in the closure of the intra-arc rift system and the intrusion of the complex by tonalite, granodiorite and diorite between 2765 and 2680 Ma in an Andean-type margin. The complex and surrounding gneisses underwent hornblende granulite-facies metamorphism mainly between 2680 and 2620 Ma, overlapping with mid-crustal east-west extension between 2660 and 2640 Ma. The granulite-facies metamorphism is recorded by the replacement of hornblende, plagioclase and clinopyroxene by garnet and the development of a garnet-orthopyroxene-plagioclase metamorphic assemblage with a granoblastic texture. Tectonic rebounding of mid-crustal rocks to upper crustal levels after 2620 Ma led to the formation of an extensive network of extensional fractures and retrograde metamorphism. Migration of CO2-rich hydrous fluids along the extensional fractures and grain boundaries resulted in the precipitation of many metasomatic minerals mainly at the expense of hornblende and plagioclase, including epidote, clinozoisite, tremolite, actinolite, paragonite, margarite, titanite, quartz, calcite, sillimanite, dolomite, and chlorite. Prevalent replacement of hornblende by garnet during prograde metamorphism and metasomatic replacement of hornblende and plagioclase by retrograde mineral assemblages disturbed the Sm–Nd, U–Th–Pb, and Rb–Sr isotope systems.

Mineral Recource Prospecting and Evaluation of Dry Stream Sediments of Wadi Umm Gheig – Umm Naggat Area, Eastern Desert, Egypt

The area of Wadi Umm Gheig-Umm Naggat is located at the central part of the Eastern desert, Egypt, 50km south to El-Quseir city at the Red Sea coast. The area is dominated by metavolcanics, Older Granites, Dokhan Volcanics, intrusive cumulate gabbro and Younger Granites. This works focuses on heavy minerals distributed in dry stream sediments of Wadi Umm Gheig and Gabal Umm Nagat. The study has followed up the traditional methods for sample collection from the stream sediments and the plane study for investigation and prospecting, as well as evaluation of heavy mineral deposits. The studied bed rocks are represented mainly by monzogranite, alkali feldspar granite, syenogranite and alkali granite. The investigated heavy minerals dominating the stream sediments are given by magnetite, ilmenite, rutile, leucoxene, zircon, fluorite and apatite which are arranged in decreasing order as percentages of abundances. Few trace minerals are detected in some samples like thorite and monazite, and xenotime as well. The evaluation of heavy minerals concentration reveals higher concentration of magnetite, ilmenite and zircon at the western sector, while fluorite show random distributions within the stream sediments area.

Chemical constraints and tectonic setting of the Ginebra ophiolite complex

The occurrence and types of ophiolites in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes have not been identified in terms of their tectonic settings and geochemical features. Therefore, the study of the tectonic setting and subduction zones in the ophiolites’ magmatic evolution becomes a significant issue. The Ginebra Ophiolitic Complex (GOC) is located on the western flank of the Central Cordillera in the Valle del Cauca Department, southwest of Colombia, assigned to the Lower Cretaceous period, as indicated by the contact of the GOC with the Buga Batholith. The GOC is formed by three main lithologies: amphibolite, gabbro, and ultramafic rocks (pyroxenite and peridotite), according to Ossa (2007). The rocks in the Puente Piedra section, located in the northeast of Ginebra municipality, are part of the gabbroic cumulates within the ophiolitic sequence. This sequence comprises interspersed layers of gabbroic cumulates, gabbrodiorites, and diorites; interpreted as a result of crystal accumulation and fractional crystallization processes. The mafic rocks of the GOC are sub-alkaline and correspond to the low potassium (K2O wt% 0.03-0.06) tholeiitic series. Geochemically, they have SiO2 wt% ranging from 49 to 61 and an aluminum oxide saturation index of approximately ~0.4 and ~0.8, indicating a metaluminous type. The geochemistry of the studied rocks from Puente Piedra section indicates that the GOC formed through fractional crystallization and accumulation processes from a single magma source. Cluster analysis, used to compare the geochemistry of GOC rocks and the Amaime Complex basalts, suggests a similar magma source, possibly linked to multiple recharge events that underwent fractional crystallization, melt extraction, and accumulation processes. The geochemical parameters are indicative of a suprasubduction zone ophiolite, characterized by a low potassium tholeiitic series affinity, TiO2 values typically <1.2 wt%, Th enrichment typical of subduction zones, high Pb content, and low values of Ti, Y, Yb, Ta, Nb, Zr, and Hf.

Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Rebangco ophiolite, Tibet: Constraints on the Meso-Tethys Ocean tectonic evolution

Ophiolites are widely distributed within the Shiquanhe-Namco-Jiali Ophiolite (SNJO) belt, central Tibet. Further studies on these ophiolites are important for understanding of the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Meso-Tethys Ocean. This study presents petrological, chronological, and geochemical data on the ophiolite in the Rebangco area, located at the northern margin of the SNJO belt. Cumulate gabbros of the Rebangco ophiolite contain zircon grains with an age of 152 and they are intruded by diabase with a zircon U-Pb age of 122 Ma. Both diabases and basalts of the ophiolite have geochemical affinity of both island arc and mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). Primary magmas were derived from a depleted mantle with contributions from subducted sediments. The source of sandstone surrounding the Rebangco ophiolite originated from a continental magmatic arc in the North Lhasa Terrane. Our study, combined with the previous work, suggest that the ophiolites in the SNJO belt were formed in an oceanic back-arc basin and this belt is an autochthonous mélange zone. This study discusses the tectonic attributes of the SNJO belt and reconstructs the subduction process of the Meso-Tethys Ocean during the Jurassic-Cretaceous. These findings are important for a better understanding of the convergence and closure processes in the Meso-Tethys Ocean.

Self-Organisation in Gabbroic Cumulates: a New Patterning Mechanism Driven by Differential Migration of Immiscible Liquids in a Crystal Mush?

Abstract Self-organisation in plutonic igneous rocks has been suggested to form by a variety of mechanisms including oscillatory nucleation and growth, competitive particle growth (CPG), and preferential dissolution and reprecipitation during fluid infiltration enhanced by compaction, with driving forces including reduction of the interfacial energy budget by either Ostwald ripening or because the energy of boundaries between two grains of the same mineral is less than that between two grains of different minerals. An investigation of the Stillwater inch-scale layering shows that the CPG patterning mechanism leaves a characteristic microstructural signature preserving evidence for a highly interconnected melt in textural equilibrium and slow super- and sub-solidus cooling; such a signature is also preserved in chromite-bearing fine-scale layers in the Bushveld intrusion. The cm-scale (centimetre-scale) micro-rhythmic layering of the Skaergaard intrusion, superimposed on single modally graded layers, does not have these microstructural features. Furthermore, the energy of all relevant interphase grain boundaries in the Skaergaard gabbros is less than that of grain boundaries involving only one mineral, viscous compaction was not a significant process in the Skaergaard intrusion, and patterning by oscillatory nucleation and growth is precluded by the fact that the micro-rhythmic layering is superimposed on modally graded layers formed by sedimentation. A new patterning mechanism is proposed, operational only in intrusions in which the interstitial liquid of the crystal mush intersects a binode and splits into two immiscible conjugates. Cm-scale separation of the immiscible conjugate liquids in a compositionally graded mush, due to both gravity and capillary forces, leads to layering due to differences in their wetting properties. The positive feedback required for pattern formation is due to the two immiscible conjugates predominantly crystallising the minerals which they preferentially wet.

An Iapetus origin for a layered eclogite complex in the northern Western Gneiss Region, Scandinavian Caledonides

AbstractThe Western Gneiss Region (WGR) is a Precambrian basement domain in the Scandinavian Caledonides and one of the world's largest high‐ and ultrahigh‐pressure terranes. The south–central WGR underwent regional eclogite facies metamorphism 415–400 Ma ago when Baltica subducted beneath Laurentia, during the Scandian orogeny. Eclogites in the WGR group into two traditional types: (1) Precambrian mafic intrusions metamorphosed in situ during Scandian continental subduction and (2) eclogites, garnet peridotites and garnet pyroxenites within ultramafic complexes derived from the subcontinental mantle beneath Laurentia. We document, using field relations, petrography, whole‐rock geochemistry and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) zircon geochronology, a hitherto unrecognized third type of eclogite in the WGR that places new constraints on its tectonic architecture: an eclogitized fragment of oceanic crust from the Iapetus Ocean. The Kråkfjord eclogite complex is a km2‐sized body with an interior consisting of kyanite eclogite (meta‐troctolite) and subordinate layers and lenses of garnet peridotite, garnet websterite and kyanite–garnet leucotonalite. This interior is capped by Fe–Ti‐rich eclogite, which locally contains subordinate pockets of migmatitic aluminous gneiss. The elemental abundances and isotopic compositions of the Fe–Ti‐rich eclogites resemble those of mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB). In contrast, the interior kyanite eclogites, peridotites and pyroxenites have compositions similar to the gabbroic cumulates in the lower oceanic crust of slow‐spreading ridges. U–Pb SIMS dating of igneous zircon cores from a leucotonalite pod in the interior of the Kråkfjord complex yields Cambro‐Ordovician igneous ages of 500–440 Ma, with the ~500 Ma age interpreted as the isotopically undisturbed age. This age matches those of Iapetan oceanic rocks exposed elsewhere in the mountain belt. Metamorphic zircon from an Fe–Ti‐rich eclogite in the carapace of the Kråkfjord complex dates the eclogite facies metamorphism at 421.9 ± 2.2 Ma, synchronous with the continental collision. Zircon from a leucosome in Fe–Ti‐rich retro‐eclogite indicates an age of 408.5 ± 2 Ma for the crystallization of partial melt following the decompression. Detrital zircon core ages from a pocket of aluminous migmatitic gneiss in the carapace indicate derivation of sediment from the Baltic crust. Collectively, the data show that the eclogite complex (1) originated at an Iapetus spreading centre near the continent Baltica, (2) subducted to eclogite conditions during Scandian continental collision and (3) was tectonically intercalated with the Precambrian Baltica basement of the WGR.

Contrasting Cu isotopes in mid-ocean ridge basalts and lower oceanic crust: Insights into the oceanic crustal magma plumbing systems

Magma plumbing systems exert strong controls on the formation and evolution of the oceanic crust during crust accretion. However, plumbing system dynamics based largely on mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) are extremely difficult to constrain because the MORBs are aggregated melts and original information may have been blurred. Copper isotopic compositions of lower crustal gabbroic cumulates effectively archive early-stage histories because sulfides constitute the dominant Cu budget of gabbroic cumulates and are largely isolated from subsequent magma filtering processes. Here, we present Cu isotopes of a suite of gabbroic cumulates from the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (Hole U1473A), and MORBs from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge and East Pacific Rise. The δ65Cu of the MORBs from this study (+0.04 ‰ to +0.19 ‰) match those of previous MORB analyses, indicating uniform δ65Cu at various spreading rates. In contrast, the δ65Cu of gabbroic rocks vary significantly (−1.14 ‰ to 0.87 ‰), exceeding by far the range known for peridotites. The Cu budget of these gabbroic rocks is hosted in sulfides and the mantle-like S isotopic compositions of sulfides indicate their origin of igneous processes. These results thus suggest that magma accumulation and sulfide segregation would lead to notable Cu isotopic fractionation in the lower oceanic crust. We propose that repeated recharging of primitive melts and efficient mixing of melts within the plumbing system can buffer the removal of early 63Cu-rich sulfides from sulfide-saturated MORBs. The discrepancy in δ65Cu between lower oceanic crust and MORBs is a natural consequence of continuous replenishment that occurs concurrently with melt-rock interaction, mixing, crystallization and extraction, irrespective of the oceanic settings. The consistent δ65Cu in MORBs (0.09 ± 0.08 ‰) and komatiites (0.06 ± 0.06 ‰) further indicates that their Cu isotopes reflect the mean mantle source composition, providing a robust δ65Cu for bulk silicate Earth (BSE) of 0.08 ± 0.08 ‰ (2sd). Accordingly, we propose that in open sub-ridge plumbing systems, other incompatible element isotopes and ratios of elements with similar incompatibility in MORBs as Cu isotopes suggest, could also represent mean mantle source compositions.

Zirconium stable isotope fractionation during intra-crustal magmatic differentiation in an active continental arc

Zirconium (Zr) stable isotope variations occur among co-existing Zr-rich accessory phases as well as at the bulk-rock scale, but the petrologic mechanism(s) responsible for Zr isotope fractionation during magmatic differentiation remain unclear. Juvenile magma generation and intra-crustal differentiation in convergent continental margins may play a crucial role in developing Zr isotope variations, and the Northern Volcanic Zone of the Andes is an ideal setting to test this hypothesis. To investigate the influence of these processes on Zr stable isotope compositions, we report δ94/90ZrNIST of whole rock samples from: 1) juvenile arc basalts from the Quaternary Granatifera Tuff, Colombia; 2) lower crust-derived garnet pyroxenites (i.e., arclogites), hornblendites, and gabbroic cumulates found in the same unit; and 3) felsic volcanic products from the Doña Juana Volcanic Complex, a dacitic composite volcano in close proximity to and partially covering the Granatifera Tuff. The basalts have δ94/90ZrNIST values ranging from −0.025 ± 0.018 ‰ to +0.003 ± 0.015 ‰ (n = 8), within the range of mid-ocean ridge basalts. The dacites have δ94/90ZrNIST values ranging from +0.008 ± 0.013 ‰ to +0.043 ± 0.015 ‰ (n = 14), slightly positive relative to the Granatifera and mid-ocean ridge basalts. In contrast, the (ultra)mafic cumulates have highly variable, predominantly positive δ94/90ZrNIST values, ranging from −0.134 ± 0.012 ‰ to +0.428 ± 0.012 ‰ (n = 15). Individual grains and mineral fractions of major rock-forming phases, including garnet (n = 21), amphibole (n = 9), and clinopyroxene (n = 18), were analyzed from 8 (ultra)mafic cumulates. The mineral fractions record highly variable Zr isotopic compositions, with inter-mineral fractionation (Δ94/90Zrgarnet-amphibole) up to 2.067 ‰. Recent ab initio calculations of Zr–O bond force constants in rock-forming phases predict limited inter-mineral Zr isotope fractionation in high-temperature environments, suggesting that the large fractionations we observe are not the product of vibrational equilibrium processes. Instead, we propose a scenario in which large Zr isotopic fractionations develop kinetically, induced by sub-solidus Zr diffusion between coexisting phases via changes in Zr distribution coefficients that arise from changes in temperature. Altogether, Zr isotope variability in this calc-alkaline continental arc setting exhibits no correlation with indices of magmatic differentiation (e.g., Mg#, SiO2), and is not a simple function of fractional crystallization. Furthermore, the garnet clinopyroxenite cumulates studied here represent density-unstable lower arc crust material; consequently, material with isotopically variable δ94/90Zr can be recycled into the mantle as a consequence of lower crustal foundering.

Wet calc-alkaline magmatic fractionation in the middle−upper crustal sections of the continental arc: Insights from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex, western Yangtze Block, South China

Elucidating the petrological and geochemical characteristics of continental arc crustal fragments can provide unique insights into the magmatic evolutional path and physicochemical conditions (e.g., P−T−H2O) of continental magmatic arcs. This contribution provides a comprehensive set of petrological, mineralogical, geochronological, and geochemical data for the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China, which features well-exposed middle−upper crustal sections of the Neoproterozoic continental magmatic arc, to evaluate their magmatic source and fractionation process. The Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex, composed of cumulate gabbros, hornblende gabbros, gabbro-diorites, diorites, granodiorites, K-feldspar granites, and monzogranites, was emplaced at ca. 796−790 Ma. The different lithologies of the Nanba intrusive complex display relatively homogeneous Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes, which indicates a cogenetic evolutional process. The predominantly depleted isotopic characteristics, together with high values of Ba, Rb/Y, and Ba/La, demonstrate that these rocks mainly originated from a subduction fluid−metasomatized mantle source. Petrological and geochemical characteristics, as well as hornblende thermobarometric data, collectively support that the ca. 796−790 Ma Nanba intrusive complex, following the calc-alkaline trend, was dominated by the wet cogenetic fractionation of hornblende accompanied by plagioclase and accessory minerals beneath the middle−upper crustal levels (2.4−4.7 kbar). The cumulate gabbros represent the residue of accumulated hornblende + plagioclase + Fe-Ti oxides from fractionated basaltic melts. The high-SiO2 K-feldspar granites and monzogranites display complementary trace elements, which represent residual silicic cumulates and extracted interstitial liquids in the shallower crystal mush reservoir, respectively. In combination with previous studies, we propose that the middle−upper crustal sections of the Neoproterozoic continental arc of the western Yangtze Block underwent hornblende-dominated fractionation that was followed by significant crystal-liquid separation, which led to the genesis of high-SiO2 melts at the shallower crustal level. The cogenetic evolution played a significant role in molding the petrological and geochemical diversity of Neoproterozoic igneous rocks and the differentiation process of continental arc crust in the western Yangtze Block.

Basaltic thermal and material inputs in rhyolite petrogenesis: the Chhapariyali rhyolite dyke, Saurashtra, Deccan Traps

The Saurashtra peninsula in the northwestern Deccan Traps continental flood basalt province, India, contains notable concentrations of rhyolitic rocks. The Chhapariyali rhyolite dyke, part of the compositionally diverse Southeastern Saurashtra dyke swarm, intrudes basaltic lava flows. It shows vitrophyric portions, basaltic magma enclaves, gabbroic mineral assemblages (plagioclase + clinopyroxene ± Fe-Ti oxide aggregates), spectacular quench textures, and intense spherulitisation. Thermobarometric calculations on equilibrium mineral–whole-rock (or glass) pairs indicate clinopyroxene crystallisation at 1120–890 °C overlapping with plagioclase crystallisation at 948–932 °C, and a pressure range of 3.6–0.1 kbar, indicating crystallisation during magma storage or ascent in the upper crust. Petrographic, mineral chemical, and whole-rock geochemical (including Sr-Nd isotopic) data suggest advanced fractional crystallisation of a mafic magma with considerable assimilation of ancient granitic crust, or anatexis of such crust, due to heating by a basaltic magma chamber. In either scenario, abundant gabbroic cumulates were left by the crystallising basaltic magmas. A new basalt magma recharging the chamber entrained the gabbroic crystal mush and formed enclaves by mingling with the rhyolite magma stored above. Continued basaltic recharge pushed the enclave-bearing, gabbroic cargo-laden rhyolite magma out of the chamber and into the basaltic lava flows via a dyke. Strong supercooling within cold basaltic rock, possibly aided by meteoric water ingress, led to the development of spectacular quench textures in the crystallising rhyolite, whereas extensive low-temperature alteration produced intense spherulitisation. This case study of the Chhapariyali dyke underscores significant thermal and material inputs from basalt in rhyolite petrogenesis.

Cretaceous radiolarians from the Siquisique Ophiolite (northern Venezuela)

The Siquisique Ophiolite is one of the few remnants of the proto-Caribbean Seaway. Located in northern Venezuela, in the border between Lara and Falcón states. At Los Algodones, the type locality, the ophiolite is composed of cumulate gabbros, basalts, and stratigraphically overlying dark cherts. Mafic complexes identical to Siquisique have been identified in three other localities of northern Venezuela: the extended outcrop of Chorrerones-Macure, and the reduced outcrops of Llanaditas and Limon. A previous study reported Bajocian–Bathonian ammonites in inter-pillow sediment of basalt blocks from Las Petacas Creek in Los Algodones area. These ammonites were associated with the Siquisique Ophiolite, hence considered as a remnant of the Jurassic proto-Caribbean seaway. However, recent detailed geological mapping has shown that these ammonites are associated with basaltic blocks of unknown origin embedded in a Paleogene-Eocene turbidites (Matatere Formation). Radiolarians recovered in a black chert sample obtained from the Middle Jurassic ammonite locality yields a Bajocian-Bathonian age. Thus, the Middle Jurassic age given by ammonites and radiolarians could reflect the presence of older deposits that are not part of the Siquisique Ophiolite.Aditionally, poorly preserved radiolarians were recovered in a green to black laminated ribbon bedded cherts of the Guaparo creek area (Chorrerones-Macuere), in stratigraphic contact with basaltic breccias. The determined assemblage includes Parvimitrella communis (Squinabol), Dictyomitra sp. cf. D. multicostata, Dictyomitra sp. cf. D. communis, Dictyomitra sp., Diacanthocapsa sp., Praeconocaryomma sp., Archaeodictyomitra sp., Rhopalosyringium sp. aff. R. fossile, indicating a Cretaceous (Albian–Coniacian) deposit.

Late Tonian (ca. 785 Ma) subduction-related mafic-ultramafic cumulates in the West Cathaysia terrane, South China

The Neoproterozoic tectonic setting of the West Cathaysia terrane and its relationship with the Yangtze Block are critical to understanding the formation and tectonic evolution of South China. A detailed study of late Tonian mafic-ultramafic cumulate slivers embedded in the Shenshan tectonic mélange along the northwest margin of West Cathaysia is presented here with the aim of elucidating its Neoproterozoic tectonic history. These partly-altered mafic-ultramafic rocks include olivine-bearing cumulates (olivine pyroxene hornblendite or olivine hornblende pyroxenite), pyroxene hornblendite, and gabbroic cumulates. The early crystallization of clinopyroxene and the abundance of hornblende indicate that they formed from hydrous magmas. The rocks have similar geochemical distribution patterns and show variable initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.702679 to 0.709742 and positive εNd(t) values of +2.10 to +4.52. The mineral compositions of the clinopyroxene and hornblende and their whole-rock extended normalized trace element patterns show features (e.g., negative Nb anomalies, LILE enrichment) typical of rocks with an arc affinity. The high calculated Mg# values (58–77, average 71) of the equilibrium magmas are close to those of primary mantle-derived basalts. We conclude that these mafic and ultramafic cumulates were derived from a subduction-related, hydrous, magnesian basalt in a subduction setting. The estimated crystallization temperature and pressure, based on the composition of the amphiboles, suggest that the minerals accumulated in magma chambers at middle to lower crustal depths. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircon from the gabbroic cumulate indicates crystallization at ca. 785 Ma. A previous interpretation for West Cathaysia at this time involved a continental rift basin (the Nanhua basin) that straddled the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block and the northwestern margin of West Cathaysia. In contrast, our results suggest that West Cathaysia was an arc at ca. 785 Ma, which supports the interpretation that the amalgamation between Yangtze and West Cathaysia did not occur in the Tonian, but more likely in the early Paleozoic.

Ion-probe (SIMS) U-Pb geochronology and geochemistry of the Upper Cretaceous Kızıldağ (Hatay) ophiolite: Implications for supra-subduction zone spreading in the Southern Neotethys

The Kızıldağ (Hatay) ophiolite in southern Turkey represents a complete, although fault-dissected, remnant of oceanic lithosphere that formed within the South Tethyan ocean during the late Cretaceous. The Kızıldağ forms part of the Upper Cretaceous belt which includes the Troodos (Cyprus), Baer-Bassit (Syria), Amanos (S Tukey), S Iran and Semail (Oman) ophiolites. Ion-probe (SIMS) dating of seven samples of crustal rocks (cumulate gabbro, isotropic gabbro and isolated dykes in mantle tectonite), and a plagiogranite intrusion provides important clues concerning the temporal development of the emplaced oceanic crust. Single grain 206Pb/238U dates that overlap within analytical uncertainty for four samples, including the plagiogranite (93.83 ± 0.46 Ma), the isotropic gabbro (92.9 ± 0.52 Ma) and the isolated dykes (92.54 ± 0.44 Ma to 93.6 ± 0.75 Ma), are interpreted as magmatic crystallisation ages, and suggest that the Kızıldağ ophiolite formed within 1-2 Ma. Three other samples with single grain 206Pb/238U dates that are outside the range of analytical uncertainty yielded nearly identical lower intercept ages of 94.2 ± 2.5 Ma to 94.4 ± 0.97 Ma for two cumulate gabbros and 90.0 ± 6.4 Ma for an isotropic gabbro. Comparison of the new and published radiometric ages of the Kızıldağ suggest that this ophiolite is ∼1.5 Ma older than previously believed, and is similar to the crystallisation ages of plagiogranites from the Troodos (Cyprus) and the Semail (Oman) ophiolites. The new age data emphasise the value of dating a range of ophiolitic rocks. Geochemically, the crustal rocks of the Kızıldağ ophiolite formed from boninitic magmas (cumulate gabbros and isolated dykes) and from island arc tholeiitic magmas (isotropic gabbro). The new whole-rock chemical data support a subduction-initiation (fore-arc) setting for the Kızıldağ ophiolite, in common with the Troodos, Semail, Baër-Bassit and other Upper Cretaceous ophiolites of the South-Tethyan region.

Gabbroic eclogites formed during rapid and cold subduction of the Paleo‐Tethys oceanic lithosphere in the Changning–Menglian orogenic belt, southeastern Tibetan plateau

AbstractThe Changning–Menglian orogenic belt (CMOB) in the southeastern Tibetan plateau separates Gondwana‐ from Eurasia‐derived continental blocks and marks the main suture of the Paleo‐Tethys, as evidenced by a variety of oceanic basalt‐derived eclogites. However, it is uncertain whether the belt contains high‐pressure rocks derived from gabbro, which is a key component of oceanic ophiolite. Here, we present a study of newly discovered gabbroic eclogites from the CMOB. These eclogites preserve relic gabbroic crystals (diopside, bytownite/anorthite and ilmenite) that survived metamorphism and occur in the form of inclusions within porphyroblasts. The eclogites have positive εNd(t) values of +1 to +8 and have an affinity to N‐MORB, with positive Eu anomalies and no depletions in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf). Cumulate gabbros generated in a mid‐ocean ridge setting are possible protoliths for the studied samples. The eclogite facies mineralogy is defined by the assemblage of garnet + omphacite + kyanite + talc + phengite + rutile, which was followed by the post‐kinematic crystallization of winchite and clinozoisite, and a later symplectite assemblage (diopside + sodic plagioclase + calcic amphibole + clinozoisite). Phase equilibrium modelling, average P–T thermobarometry and conventional mineral geothermobarometry constrain the P–T conditions for the peak‐stage and initial post‐peak‐stage metamorphism and symplectite formation to 25.6–27.1 kbar/595–637°C, 15.3–17.9 kbar/563–605°C and 5.5–7.3 kbar/470–500°C, respectively, consistent with a subduction depth of 75–85 km. Metamorphic zircons yielded a Triassic mean U–Pb age of 223.7 ± 2.9 Ma, which is interpreted to record the early‐stage decompressive overprinting. The similar paragenetic sequences, mineral evolution, peak P–T conditions and P–T–t paths for the gabbro‐ and basalt‐derived eclogites in the CMOB indicate that these rocks formed in the Paleo‐Tethys subduction regime. The lack of deformation, and the cold and rapid subduction history, contributed to the local preservation of gabbroic minerals and igneous textures under high‐pressure conditions in the studied rocks. The gabbroic eclogites provide insights into the detailed metamorphic evolution during the burial–exhumation cycle of ophiolites in the Paleo‐Tethyan regime.

A Late Cambrian Continental Convergent Margin in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt, Northwestern China: Geochemical and Geochronological Evidence from Hongtugou Mafic Rocks

The tectonic setting and subduction polarity of the early Paleozoic North Qilian Orogenic Belt (NQOB) in northwestern China is poorly constrained due to complex tectonic deformation. Mafic and ultramafic rocks in the South Ophiolite Belt of the NQOB are interpreted to be middle ocean ridge ophiolite or suprasubdcution zone ophiolite. To address this, we have conducted geochemical and geochronological investigations of the mafic rock sequence (cumulate gabbros, diabases, isotropic gabbros, and basalts) in Hongtugou in the South Ophiolite Belt. Trace element characteristics of the pillow basalts and the isotropic gabbros with enrichment of Th and La relative to Nb on the N-MORB normalized multi-element diagram are consistent with a suprasubduction setting, where similarities with the Panamanian proto-arc rocks suggest they formed shortly after subduction initiation. Major element modelling for cumulate gabbros and basalts indicates the hydrous condition of crystallization which further supports a suprasubduction setting. The Proterozoic zircon crystals captured in a cumulate gabbro and a diabase suggest this suprasubduction zone is a continental convergent margin. A weighted mean zircon SHRIMP age of 507 ± 6 Ma from an isotropic gabbro is consistent with crystallization ages of other mafic rocks in this belt. This suggests the North Qilian oceanic lithosphere subducted beneath the continent in the late Cambrian. Mafic rocks in this study along with the serpentinized peridotite do not fall into the category of ophiolite, despite displaying an ophiolite sequence.

The formation of three-grain junctions during solidification. Part I: observations

The thermodynamic equilibrium dihedral angle at grain junctions in crystalline rocks is set by the grain boundary interfacial surface energies, but the long times required to attain equilibrium mean that the observed dihedral angles in igneous rocks are generally set by the kinetics of crystallisation. We distinguish three types of augite–plagioclase–plagioclase dihedral angle in mafic igneous rocks. In the first, augite grows in the pores of a pre-existing plagioclase framework accompanied by little to no inwards-growth of the plagioclase pore walls. In the second, the plagioclase pore walls grow inwards simultaneously with the augite, and the dihedral angle is generally larger than the original angle at which the two plagioclase grains impinged except when the impingement angle itself is large. The first type is seen in rapidly crystallised rocks, whereas the second is observed in slowly cooled rocks. The third type is highly asymmetric and resembles (and so we call) an eagle’s beak: it is only seen in slowly cooled rocks. It is common in gabbroic cumulates, and is also present in strongly orthocumulate troctolites. Using the mode of interstitial phases to calculate the amount of interstitial liquid present in a series of mafic cumulates from the Rum and Skaergaard layered intrusions, we show that the asymmetry of three-grain junctions in troctolites increases as the rocks progress from adcumulate to orthocumulate (i.e. as the olivine–plagioclase crystal mush becomes more liquid-rich), with eagles’ beaks becoming the dominant three-grain junction geometry for troctolitic mushes containing ∼ 12 vol.% interstitial material (corresponding to ∼ 30 vol.% liquid in the mush). The geometry of three-grain junctions in mafic rocks is thus a function not only of cooling rate, but also of the progression along the liquid line of descent during fractionation. The first two types of junction are formed in relatively primitive liquids, during which the crystal mushes on the margins of the solidifying magma body are formed predominantly of plagioclase and olivine, whereas the eagle’s beak geometry occurs once augite forms an important component of the crystal framework in the accumulating mush, either because it is a framework-forming primocryst phase or because it grows from highly abundant interstitial liquid.

Experimental Crystallization of the Lunar Magma Ocean, Initial Selenotherm and Density Stratification, and Implications for Crust Formation, Overturn and the Bulk Silicate Moon Composition

AbstractEleven isobaric experimental series simulate the fractional crystallization of 1,150 km deep lunar magma ocean. Crystallization begins at 1,850°C with olivine (to 32 per cent solidified, pcs), followed at 1,600°C by olivine + opx ± Cr‐spinel (to 62 pcs), at 1,210°C cpx + plagioclase ± olivine ± Ti‐spinel (to 97 pcs) and at 1,060°C quartz + cpx + plagioclase + Ti‐spinel, leaving 1.8 wt% residual magma that crystallizes minor K‐feldspar and apatite in addition. Melt compositions remain near 45 wt% SiO2, while FeO increases from 11 to 26 wt%, TiO2 peaks at 4 wt% at Ti‐spinel saturation. The available experimental liquid lines of descent yield an overall fractional crystallization sequence of olivine→opx→cpx + plagioclase→quartz→FeTi‐oxide. Plagioclase appears concomitantly with cpx, a result of the low magma ocean floor pressures (≤1 GPa) after 66%–76% of olivine + opx‐fractionation. A few wt% of FeTi‐oxides form mostly once the quartz + plagioclase + cpx‐cotectic is reached, cumulate densities remain ≤3,740 kg/m3. Scaled to a full magma ocean, plagioclase appears at 210–120 km depth, mainly as a function of bulk Al2O3. As buoyancy driven plagioclase‐cpx separation is likely limited, these depths may correspond to the primordial lunar crustal thickness. Allowing for complete plagioclase flotation to the quartz + plagioclase + cpx + FeTi‐oxide ± olivine cotectic yields 95–70 km primordial crust of anorthosite and quartz‐gabbro, far in excess of the 35–50 km observed. This supports an overturn of primordial layers, remelting of dense gabbroic cumulates in the harzburgitic cumulate mantle leading to further mixing and differentiation. We posit that such complex density induced convection led to a lunar marble cake mantle with primitive and fairly evolved reprocessed cumulates next to each other.

Newly discovered Early Carboniferous and Late Permian magmatic rocks in eastern Myanmar: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Paleo-Tethys

Eastern Myanmar is located at the junction of the Changning-Menglian and Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai zone and is a crucial region for constraining the evolution of the eastern Paleo-Tethys. This study presents new zircon U-Pb geochronological, mineral and whole-rock geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotopic data for magmatic rocks from the Sukhothai arc in eastern Myanmar. The rock suites analyzed include 360–355 Ma basaltic rocks and trondhjemitic dikes, and 257–254 Ma volcanic rocks and gabbroic cumulates. The basaltic rocks were derived from partial melting of mélange pair with peridotite and experienced assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC). The trondhjemitic dikes were formed by partial melting of the basaltic rocks and experienced fractional crystallization at shallow depth. We suggest that andesite and dacite were derived from partial melting of depleted mantle wedge and underwent AFC process. The gabbroic cumulates are a crystallizing phase associated with the melts that produced the coeval volcanic rocks. We propose that eastern Myanmar, Central Tibet, SW Yunnan and Southeast Asia share a similar three-staged magmatic history, forming a ∼ 4000 km long magmatic belt. Stage I records the magmatic events related to subduction of the eastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean during the Early Carboniferous. A back-arc basin was opened during the Late Carboniferous, and extensive subduction-related magmatism was followed since the Permian. Stage II records the igneous rocks formed during the final amalgamation between the Indochina and Sibumasu Blocks during the Late Permian to Middle Triassic. Stage III is defined by the post-collisional magmatism distributed across the suture zone during the Late Triassic.