Enriched Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle Research Articles

Relative contributions of crust and mantle to generation of Campanian high-K calc-alkaline I-type granitoids in a subduction setting, with special reference to the Harşit Pluton, Eastern Turkey

We present elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for the magmatic suite (~79 Ma) of the Harşit pluton, from the Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey), with the aim of determining its magma source and geodynamic evolution. The pluton comprises granite, granodiorite, tonalite and minor diorite (SiO2 = 59.43–76.95 wt%), with only minor gabbroic diorite mafic microgranular enclaves in composition (SiO2 = 54.95–56.32 wt%), and exhibits low Mg# (<46). All samples show a high-K calc-alkaline differentiation trend and I-type features. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns are fractionated [(La/Yb) n = 2.40–12.44] and display weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.30–0.76). The rocks are characterized by enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE. The Harşit host rocks have weak concave-upward REE patterns, suggesting that amphibole and garnet played a significant role in their generation during magma segregation. The host rocks and their enclaves are isotopically indistinguishable. Sr–Nd isotopic data for all of the samples display I Sr = 0.70676–0.70708, ε Nd(79 Ma) = −4.4 to −3.3, with T DM = 1.09–1.36 Ga. The lead isotopic ratios are (206Pb/204Pb) = 18.79–18.87, (207Pb/204Pb) = 15.59–15.61 and (208Pb/204Pb) = 38.71–38.83. These geochemical data rule out pure crustal-derived magma genesis in a post-collision extensional stage and suggest mixed-origin magma generation in a subduction setting. The melting that generated these high-K granitoidic rocks may have resulted from the upper Cretaceous subduction of the Izmir–Ankara–Erzincan oceanic slab beneath the Eurasian block in the region. The back-arc extensional events would have caused melting of the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle and formed mafic magma. The underplating of the lower crust by mafic magmas would have played a significant role in the generation of high-K magma. Thus, a thermal anomaly induced by underplated basic magma into a hot crust would have caused partial melting in the lower part of the crust. In this scenario, the lithospheric mantle-derived basaltic melt first mixed with granitic magma of crustal origin at depth. Then, the melts, which subsequently underwent a fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation processes, could ascend to shallower crustal levels to generate a variety of rock types ranging from diorite to granite. Sr–Nd isotope modeling shows that the generation of these magmas involved ~65–75% of the lower crustal-derived melt and ~25–35% of subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Further, geochemical data and the Ar–Ar plateau age on hornblende, combined with regional studies, imply that the Harşit pluton formed in a subduction setting and that the back-arc extensional period started by least ~79 Ma in the Eastern Pontides.

The Lewisian Complex: insights into deep crustal evolution

AbstractThe Lewisian Complex is an Archaean/Proterozoic craton fragment found in NW Scotland and throughout the Outer Hebrides. The 1907 memoir recognized, simply from field relationships and petrographic observation, key features of Lewisian evolution. The bulk of the Lewisian is an old, deformed complex consisting mainly of acid igneous rocks, with some basics, ultrabasics and metasediments. In the Central District of the mainland these are pyroxene bearing (now recognized as granulite facies). The Lewisian Complex was intruded by a suite of basic and ultrabasic dykes which show variable states of later deformation, the intensity of strain being correlated with the development of hornblende schist in the dykes and amphibolite facies assemblages in the country rocks. In the Northern and Southern Districts, this deformation is pervasive and the dykes become concordant hornblende schist sheets. The new foliation with transposed dykes and metasediment sheets is then folded around NW–SE axes. Today there is no single agreed model for the evolution of the complex but an outline is as follows. In the pre-dyke (Scourian) history, subduction led to melting of oceanic crust which provided vast volumes of tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite in the period 3100–2700 Ma. Ages show geographic variations but it is not proven whether that implies large displacements between pieces of crust or whether it represents intrusions into other intrusions. The subcontinental lithospheric mantle dates from c. 3000 Ma. K, U and other large ion lithophile elements are depleted in the Central District of the mainland; this is due to depletion in the downgoing oceanic slab which in turn is a result of dehydration prior to melting. Other areas are not depleted in such elements, so various tectonic settings were involved. Remnants of metabasic material in the Lewisian may be relics of oceanic crust. Granulite facies metamorphism with, in places, P&gt;10 kb and T&gt;1000 °C occurred a considerable time after intrusion so is not necessarily linked to igneous events. This ‘Badcallian’ episode affected mainly the Central District and a part of the southern Outer Hebrides; other areas show only amphibolite facies. Zircon dating indicates two high-grade events at 2500 and 2700 Ma. During the ‘Inverian’ episode a series of wide amphibolite-facies shear zones affected the granulite-facies Scourian gneiss prior to the intrusion of the Scourie dykes. The Scourie dykes were intruded from 2400–2000 Ma and are largely quartz tholeiites derived from enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle; there are some picrites which yield the oldest ages but are also seen to crosscut basic dykes. The dykes trend NW–SE and are steep where not affected by later deformation except where they intrude along, and are controlled by, Inverian fabrics. Post-dyke (Laxfordian) history involves the development of calc-alkaline igneous rocks in the Outer Hebrides and mainland (c. 1900 Ma). Volcanics associated with sediments younger than 2000 Ma comprise an accretionary complex formed in a subduction setting; they are now intercalated between slabs of Archaean basement indicating that the complex was involved in collision with continental crust. Huge strains transposing dykes and country rocks affected almost all of the Outer Hebrides and the mainland except for the Central District. The NW–SE trending lineation indicates the collision direction; the metasediments on the mainland and the South Harris Igneous Complex may mark a folded suture between two continents. Metamorphism was amphibolite facies almost everywhere; in South Harris it was granulite facies at c. 1880 Ma. At 1750–1675 Ma, a distinct event, called late Laxfordian but much younger than earlier Laxfordian metamorphism and with a distinct tectonic setting, caused folding of the previous structures along NW–SE axes, migmatization and renewed amphibolite facies metamorphism.

From emplacement to unroofing: thermal history of the Jiazishan gabbro, Sulu UHP terrane, China

On the eastern extremity of the Jiaodong penin- sula, China, shoshonitic magmas have been injected into the supracrustal rocks of the Sulu ultra-high pressure (UHP) terrane during the crustal exhumation phase. These gran- itoids (collectively termed the Shidao igneous complex or Jiazishan alkaline complex) show geochemical and isotopic signatures of an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle and intruded soon after the subducted Yangtze crust had reached peak metamorphic pressure conditions (240- 220 Ma). We have applied various geochronometers to an alkali-gabbro sample from the Jiazishan pluton and the results allow reconstruction of the Triassic-to-present thermal history. Initial rapid cooling of the gabbro at crustal depths is indicated by the close agreement between the Sm- Nd mineral isochron age (228±36 Ma) and the Rb-Sr

Mineralogy, whole-rock and Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry of mafic microgranular enclaves in Cretaceous Dagbasi granitoids, Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey: Evidence of magma mixing, mingling and chemical equilibration

Rocks of the Late Cretaceous Dagbasi Pluton (88–83 Ma), located in the eastern Pontides, include mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) ranging from a few centimetres to metres in size, and from ellipsoidal to ovoid in shape. The MMEs are composed of gabbroic diorite, diorite and tonalite, whereas the felsic host rocks comprise mainly tonalite, granodiorite and monzogranite based on both mineralogical and chemical compositions. MMEs are characterized by a fine-grained, equigranular and hypidiomorphic texture. The common texture of felsic host rocks is equigranular and also reveals some special types of microscopic textures, e.g., oscillatory-zoned plagioclase, poikilitic K-feldspar, small lath-shaped plagioclase in large plagioclase, blade-shaped biotite, acicular apatite, spike zones in plagioclase and spongy-cellular plagioclase textures and rounded plagioclase megacrysts in MMEs. Compositions of plagioclases (An 33–An 60), hornblendes (Mg#=0.77–1.0) and biotites (Mg#=0.61–0.63) of MMEs are slightly distinct or similar to those of host rocks (An 12–57; hbl Mg#=0.63–1.0; Bi Mg#=0.50–0.69), which suggest partial to complete equilibration during mafic–felsic magma interactions. The felsic host rocks have SiO 2 between 60 and 76 wt% and display low to slightly medium-K tholeiitic to calc-alkaline and peraluminous to slightly metaluminous characteristics. Chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) patterns are fractionated (La cn/Lu cn=1.5–7.3) with pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.46–1.1). Initial ε Nd(i) values vary between −3.1 and 1.6, initial 87Sr/ 86Sr values between 0.7056 and 0.7067. Compared with the host rocks, the MMEs are characterized by relatively high Mg-number of 22–52, low contents of SiO 2 (53–63 wt%), low ASI (0.7–1.1) and low to medium-K tholeiitic to calc-alkaline, metaluminous to peraluminous composition. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are relatively flat [(La/Yb) cn=1.4–3.9; (Tb/Yb) cn=0.9–1.5] and show small negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.63–1.01). Isotope signatures of these rocks ( 87Sr/ 86Sr (i)=0.7054–0.7055; ε Nd(i)=–1.0 to 1.9) are largely similar to the host rocks. Gabbroic diorite enclaves have relatively low contents of SiO 2, ASI; high Mg#, CaO, Al 2O 3, TiO 2, P 2O 5, Sr and Nb concentrations compared to dioritic and tonalitic enclaves. The geochemical and isotopic similarities between the MMEs and their host rocks indicate that the enclaves are of mixed origin and are most probably formed by the interaction between the lower crust- and mantle-derived magmas. All the geochemical data suggest that a basic magma derived from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle, interacted with a crustal melt that originated from dehydration melting of the mafic lower crust at deep crustal levels. The existence of compositional and textural disequilibrium and the nature of chemical and isotopic variation in these rock types indicate that magma mixing/mingling between an evolved mafic and a granitic magma was involved in their genesis. Microgranular enclaves are thus interpreted to be globules of a more mafic magma probably from an enriched lithospheric mantle source. Al-in-amphibole estimates the pluton emplacement at ca. 0.3–3.8 kbar, and therefore, magma mixing and mingling must have occurred at 3.8 kbar or below this level.

Magma evolution in the Pliocene–Pleistocene succession of Kos, South Aegean arc (Greece)

This study investigates the petrogenesis of Pliocene−Quaternary andesites, dacites and rhyolites of the island of Kos. These volcanic rocks differ from other volcanic centres in the South Aegean arc in the narrow range of Pliocene volcanic products, the abundance of high-silica rhyolite, the lower ε Nd for a given Sr isotope composition, and greater depth to the subducting slab. Pliocene and early Pleistocene dacite stocks and rhyolite domes are succeeded by younger tuffs, notably the 0.16 Ma Kos Plateau Tuff derived from a super-eruption of an andesite stratocone now subsided beneath the sea south of Kos. Volcanic products in tuffs have been sampled from lithic clasts. Andesite, dacite and rhyolite all have ε Nd ∼+ 1.5 to −1.5 and 86Sr/ 87Sr ∼ 0.7042; this unusual composition is argued to be the result of subduction of sediments derived from the River Nile. All rock types show structures indicative of widespread magma mixing, including complexly zoned plagioclase, clinopyroxene and amphibole containing glass inclusions of trachyte and rhyolite compositions. The observed rocks result from fractionation and mixing of three principal magma types: (a) calc-alkaline high-Al basalt that fractionated to andesite at the base of crust; (b) partially melted metabasaltic amphibolite underplated at the base of crust, that fractionated to produce high-SiO 2 rhyolite; and (c) a minor component of trachytic magma from partial melting of enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. The complexly zoned phenocrysts with glass inclusions provide specific evidence for mixing of these three components. Specifically, it was the emplacement of the andesite into a voluminous rhyolite magma in a mid-crustal magma chamber that led to the explosive Kos Plateau Tuff super-eruption.

Neoproterozoic–Early Devonian magmatism in the Antigonish Highlands, Avalon terrane, Nova Scotia: Tracking the evolution of the mantle and crustal sources during the evolution of the Rheic Ocean

The Antigonish Highlands lies in the Avalon terrane (Avalonia) in the Canadian Appalachians and records four episodes of continental rift-related bimodal magmatism ranging in age from Late Neoproterozoic to Middle Devonian. The oldest episode (ca. 615 Ma Clydesdale Formation) was emplaced in a local rift setting in an Andean-style arc when Avalonia resided along the northern Gondwanan margin. Early Cambrian magmatism (Arbuckle Brook Formation) occurred in a local transtensional setting after arc magmatism had given way to a San Andreas-type transform environment. Middle Ordovician (Dunn Point and Bears Brook formations) magmatism occurred in a local rift in an ensialic island arc setting, analogous to the modern Taupo Volcanic Zone in northern New Zealand, after Avalonia had separated from Gondwana. Middle Devonian (McArras Brook Formation and correlatives) occurred after Avalonia had collided with Laurentia. In each episode, mafic rocks are characterized by high FeO t, FeO t/MgO, TiO 2, Zr/Y and Ti/Y typical of differentiated within-plate mafic magmas. Multi-element spider-diagrams indicate that all four episodes were generated in an enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle. LIL, HFS and REE patterns indicate that the Clydesdale, Dunn Point/Bears Brook and McArras Brook formations were sourced in the shallow (spinel lherzolite) mantle, and that the Arbuckle Brook Formation was generated in the deeper (garnet lherzolite) mantle. In each episode, coeval felsic rocks were generated by crustal anatexis. Taken together, the Sm–Nd isotopic data for the mafic rocks form an envelope that defines the evolution of the mantle source beneath the Antigonish Highlands that was enriched between 0.8 and 1.1 Ga and has an average Sm/Nd ratio of ca. 0.24 (a value that is typical of an enriched mantle source). Sm–Nd isotopic data for the felsic rocks are characterized by a recurrence of T DM ages between 0.95 and 1.0 Ga, interpreted to reflect repeated melting of the lower crust that was itself derived from a depleted-mantle source between 0.95 and 1.1 Ga. The remarkable geochemical and isotopic similarity of the Neoproterozoic, to Middle Devonian mafic and felsic magmas indicate that the crust and sub-continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Antigonish Highlands were coupled during the rift and drift of Avalonia from the Gondwanan margin during the formation of the Rheic Ocean in the Ordovician, its accretion to Baltica and to Laurentia in the Silurian, and post-accretionary strike-slip movement of Avalon along the Laurentian margin. Although the Sm–Nd isotopic data suggest that Avalonian basement and lithospheric mantle formed over the same time interval (0.8 to 1.1 Ga), the divergence of their respective envelopes with time reflects their differing ε Nd values and Sm/Nd ratios. We suggest that Avalonian crustal basement and its enriched mantle were both formed between 0.8 and 1.1 Ga in a Panthalassa-type ocean that surrounded the supercontinent Rodinia and were accreted to the northern Gondwanan margin at about 650 Ma, prior to the oldest magmatic event in the Antigonish Highlands.

Petrogenesis of the Neogene alkaline volcanics with implications for post-collisional lithospheric thinning of the Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey

Whole-rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes and K–Ar data are reported for alkaline samples collected from the Neogene alkaline volcanics (NAVs) in the Eastern Pontides, northeastern Turkey, in order to investigate their source and petrogenesis and geodynamic evaluation of the region. The NAVs were made of three groups that comprise of basanite–tephrite (feldspar-free; Group A), tephrite–tephriphonolite (feldspar and feldspathoid-bearing; Group B) and alkaline basalt–rhyolite (feldspathoid-free; Group C) series. These rocks cover a broad compositional range from silica-undersaturated to silica-oversaturated types, almost all of which are potassic in character. They show enrichment of LREE and LILE and depletion of HFSE, without a Eu anomaly in most of the mafic samples. Textural features and calculated pressures based on the Cpx-barometer in each series indicate that the alkaline magma equilibrated at shallow crustal depths under a pressure of about 3–4.5 kbar and approximating a crystallization depth of 9–14 km. The NAVs are slightly depleted in isotopic composition, with respect to 87Sr/ 86Sr (ranging from 0.705018 to 0.705643) and 143Nd/ 144Nd (ranging from 0.512662 to 0.512714) that indicate young Nd model ages (0.51–059 Ga). This may indicate that the parent melts tapped a homogeneous and young lithospheric mantle source which was metasomatized by subduction-derived sediments during the Late Mesozoic. Pb isotopic compositions ( 206Pb/ 204Pb = 18.85–18.95; 207Pb/ 204Pb = 15.60–15.74; 208Pb/ 204Pb = 38.82–39.25) may also be consistent with a model for an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle source. Lithospheric thinning and resultant upwelling of asthenosphere induced by lithospheric delamination may have favoured partial melting of chemically enriched, young lithospheric mantle beneath the Eastern Pontides. Then, the melt subsequently underwent a fractional crystallization process along with or without minor amounts of crustal assimilation, generating a wide variety of rock types in a post-collision extensional regime in the Eastern Pontides during the Neogene.

Geochemistry of a new enriched mantle type locality in the northern hemisphere: Implications for the origin of the EM-I source

Late Cretaceous (66.2 ± 0.5 Ma amphibole and 66.7 ± 0.2 Ma phlogopite 40Ar/ 39Ar ages) nephelinitic volcanic rocks from Godzilla Seamount in the eastern North Atlantic (34°N latitude) have trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf-isotope compositions similar to the Enriched Mantle I (EM-I) endmember, except for their low 207Pb/ 204Pb relative to 206Pb/ 204Pb ratios ( 206Pb/ 204Pb in = 17.7, 207Pb/ 204Pb in = 15.34) plotting below the Northern Hemisphere Reference Line on the uranogenic Pb isotope diagram. O isotope data on amphibole separates are mantle-like ( δ 18O = 5.6–5.8‰). Age and location of the isolated Godzilla Seamount, however, preclude it from being derived from the Madeira or Canary hotspots, making a lower-mantle origin unlikely. Therefore we propose derivation from a shallow (lithospheric/asthenospheric) melting anomaly. As observed in mid-ocean-ridge and ocean-island basalts, there is a systematic decrease of 207Pb/ 204Pb ratios (and Δ7/4) in the individual EM-I endmember type localities towards northern latitudes with Godzilla lying on the extension of this trend. This trend is mirrored in ultra-potassic volcanic rocks such as lamproites and kimberlites, which reflect the composition of enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Therefore, a global pattern in 207Pb/ 204Pb ratios and Δ7/4 is suggested. The geochemical composition of EM-I endmember type localities, including Godzilla lavas, and the enriched (DUPAL) anomaly in the southern hemisphere could reflect derivation from ancient, metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle. We propose a two-stage model to explain the trace element and isotopic composition of the EM-I mantle endmember localities worldwide: 1) during the early history of the Earth, subcontinental lithosphere was metasomatized by melts from subducted slabs along convergent margins generating high μ ( 238U/ 204Pb) sources, and 2) as the Earth cooled, hydrous fluids replaced hydrous melts as the main slab component metasomatizing the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (generating EM-I sources with lower μ). In accordance with this model, the global variations in 207Pb/ 204Pb ratios and Δ7/4 could reflect geographic differences in μ and/or the age at which the transition from stages 1 to 2 took place in the Archaean lithosphere. The model would require a re-definition of the EM-I endmember to low 206Pb/ 204Pb, high 208Pb/ 204Pb (positive Δ8/4) but variable 207Pb/ 204Pb (positive and negative Δ7/4).

Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb ages and in-situ Hf isotopic analysis for the Mesozoic intrusions in South Taihang, North China craton: Evidence for hybridization between mantle-derived magmas and crustal components

The North China craton (NCC) was stabilized in Paleo-Proterozoic times, and the eastern part of it was remobilized in the Mesozoic, as is indicated by the presence of voluminous Mesozoic magmas in eastern NCC. In particular, the lithospheric mantle beneath eastern NCC was significantly thinned during the intense Mesozoic tectono-magmatic activity, which makes the NCC different from most other ancient cratons. The Mesozoic magmas may thus provide crucial evidence regarding the processes that transformed the NCC from craton to a tectonically active region. The South Taihang magmatic complex lies in the western part of the Mesozoic magmatic zone in the NCC. The complex falls into three main plutonic rocks: the Hongshan syenite, the Xishu gabbroic diorite–monzonite and the Wu'an monzonitic rocks. Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the three plutonic rocks were emplaced contemporaneously at ∼ 132 Ma. In-situ Hf isotopic analyses for the dated zircons indicate that the Hongshan syenites show homogeneous ɛ Hf( t) values (− 10 to − 13) which are slightly lower than those (− 9.0) for the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), as revealed by zircons from mafic rocks that originated from melting of SCLM. This suggests that the parental magma to the syenites was likely derived from melting of the enriched SCLM and contaminated slightly by old lower continental crustal material during ascent. The Xishu and Wu'an gabbroic diorites to monzonitic rocks, however, show significantly varied Hf isotopic compositions, with ɛ Hf( t) = – 9.2 to – 16 and – 15.5 to − 24, respectively. The wide range of ɛ Hf( t) values for a single sample suggests that the Xishu and Wu'an plutons formed through a process of hybridization between enriched mantle-derived mafic magma and crustal components in variable proportions. This is supported by the textural and compositional disequilibrium of plagioclase phenocrysts from the two plutons. The Wu'an monzonitic rocks show lower ɛ Hf( t) values than the Xishu gabbroic diorite–monzonite, suggesting more incorporation of crustal components in the source. The sudden surge of magmatic activity in the South Taihang orogen took place as a result of lithospheric extension that caused partial fusion of the enriched portions of SCLM generating voluminous mafic magmas. Underplating of the mafic magmas in the lower crust consequently caused partial melting of the old basement rocks to produce granitic melts, which was followed by mixing between the mafic and granitic magmas.

Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Eocene Dölek and Sariçiçek Plutons, Eastern Turkey: Implications for magma interaction in the genesis of high-K calc-alkaline granitoids in a post-collision extensional setting

The major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes of the host rocks and the mafic microgranular enclaves (MME) gathered from the Dölek and Sariçiçek plutons, Eastern Turkey, were studied to understand the underlying petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. The plutons were emplaced at ∼ 43 Ma at shallow depths (∼ 5 to 9 km) as estimated from Al-in hornblende geobarometry. The host rocks consist of a variety of rock types ranging from diorite to granite (SiO 2 = 56.98–72.67 wt.%; Mg# = 36.8–50.0) populated by MMEs of gabbroic diorite to monzodiorite in composition (SiO 2 = 53.21–60.94 wt.%; Mg# = 44.4–53.5). All the rocks show a high-K calc-alkaline differentiation trend. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are moderately fractionated and relatively flat [(La/Yb) N = 5.11 to 8.51]. They display small negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu ⁎ = 0.62 to 0.88), with enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE. Initial Nd–Sr isotopic compositions for the host rocks are ε Nd(43 Ma) = − 0.6 to 0.8 and mostly I Sr = 0.70482–0.70548. The Nd model ages ( T DM) vary from 0.84 to 0.99 Ga. The Pb isotopic ratios are ( 206Pb/ 204Pb) = 18.60–18.65, ( 207Pb/ 204Pb) = 15.61–15.66 and ( 208Pb/ 204Pb) = 38.69–38.85. Compared with the host rocks, the MMEs are relatively homogeneous in isotopic composition, with I Sr ranging from 0.70485 to 0.70517, ε Nd(43 Ma) − 0.1 to 0.8 and with Pb isotopic ratios of ( 206Pb/ 204Pb) = 18.58–18.64, ( 207Pb/ 204Pb) = 15.60–15.66 and ( 208Pb/ 204Pb) = 38.64–38.77. The MMEs have T DM ranging from 0.86 to 1.36 Ga. The geochemical and isotopic similarities between the MMEs and their host rocks indicate that the enclaves are of mixed origin and are most probably formed by the interaction between the lower crust- and mantle-derived magmas. All the geochemical data, in conjunction with the geodynamic evidence, suggest that a basic magma derived from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle, probably triggered by the upwelling of the asthenophere, and interacted with a crustal melt that originated from the dehydration melting of the mafic lower crust at deep crustal levels. Modeling based on the Sr–Nd isotope data indicates that ∼ 77–83% of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle involved in the genesis. Consequently, the interaction process played an important role in the genesis of the hybrid granitoid bodies, which subsequently underwent a fractional crystallization process along with minor amounts of crustal assimilation, en route to the upper crustal levels generating a wide variety of rock types ranging from diorite to granite in an extensional regime.

The Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group—Protracted hotspot activity or back-arc magmatism?: Constraints from U–Pb baddeleyite geochronology and Hf isotopic data

The Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group (CSDG) occurs in five separate complexes in central Sweden and SW Finland. U–Pb baddeleyite ages of dolerite dikes and sills fall into three age intervals: 1264–1271 (the Dalarna complex), 1256–1259 (the Västerbotten-Ulvö-Satakunta complexes) and ∼1247 Ma (the Jämtland complex). Timing and spatial distribution of CSDG are unlike expressions of the voluminous and short-lived magmatism which characterises plume-associated large igneous provinces (LIPs). Protracted mafic magmatism in association with mantle plume tail (hotspot) activity beneath the Fennoscandian lithosphere or discrete events of extension behind an active margin (subduction) are considered more plausible tectonic settings. Both settings are consistent with timing, relative magma volumes between complexes and vertical ascent of individual magma pulses through the crust, as inferred from seismic sections [Korja, A., Heikkinen, P., Aaro, S., 2001. Crustal structure of the northern Baltic Sea palaeorift. Teconophysics 331, 341–358]. In the hotspot model, the lack of a linear track of intrusions can be explained by an almost stationary position of Fennoscandia relative to the hotspot, in agreement with palaeomagnetic data [Elming, S.-Å., Mattsson, H., 2001. Post Jotnian basic intrusion in the Fennoscandian Shield, and the break up of Baltica from Laurentia: a palaeomagnetic and AMS study. Precambrian Res. 108, 215–236]). Together with geological evidence, dolerite sill complexes and dike swarms in Labrador (Canada), S Greenland and central Scandinavia in the range 1234–1284 Ma are best explained by long-lived subduction along a continuous Laurentia-Baltica margin preceding Rodinia formation. There is no support for the hypothesis that CSDG was fed by magma derived from a distal mantle plume located between Baltica and Greenland and, hence, for rifting between the cratons at ∼1.26 Ga. The epsilon-Hf in various members of the CSDG varies between 4.7 and 10.3, which are overall higher than both older and younger Mesoproterozoic mafic intrusions in central Fennoscandia. Magma generated from a hotspot mantle source that was mixed to highly variable degrees with an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle could account for the wide range in Hf isotope composition. In the course of Hf isotope development work during this project we have analysed four fragments of the Geostandard 91500 reference zircon and after evaluating the existing ICPMS and TIMS data we calculate a mean 176Hf/ 177Hf value of 0.282303 ± 0.000003 (2 σ).

Discussions on the Neoproterozoic diorites in central Tarim basin: A comment on “Geochronology and geochemistry of deep-drill-core samples from the basement of the central Tarim basin” by Guo et al. (Journal of Asia Earth Sciences, 2005, vol. 25, 45–56)

The Kawuliuke Fe-P-Ti oxide-rich intrusive complex is one of the largest layered mafic–ultramafic complexes associated with Fe-P-(Ti) oxide deposits in the Kuluketage Block, northeastern Tarim Craton, NW China. Here, based on new field observations, whole-rock trace element, radiometric dating analyses as well as Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes we propose a non-cogenetic origin of the parental magmas of the mafic–ultramafic rocks and syenite in the Kawuliuke intrusive complex (KIC), both of which formed synchronously at circa 808 Ma.Geochemical characteristics and Sr-Nd-Hf-S isotopes ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70437–0.70560; εNd(t) = -2.60 to −7.15; εHf(t) = -1.3 to −10.0; δ34S = -2.98 ‰ to + 2.36 ‰), in combination with minerals composition and previous research, strongly indicate that the mafic–ultramafic rocks of the KIC formed via extensive crystal fractionation/cumulation of a tholeiitic magma, possibly derived from partial melting of an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle previously modified by slab-released fluids in a continental rift setting. The Kawuliuke syenite, meanwhile, is interpreted as generated by the emplacement of syenitic melts from the differentiation of newly coeval underplating basaltic magmas at depth based on lines of evidence from petrography, geochemical signatures and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes. Our newly presented enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic signatures, together with previous research, suggest that the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle could be metasomatized by asthenosphere mantle melts in different degrees. We further show the Kawuliuke clinopyroxenite-related apatite-rich oxide ores were the products of normal fractional crystallization/cumulation of H2O-Fe-P-Ti enriched residual magma in high oxygen fugacity condition, which experienced high differentiation. The tempo-spatial relationships of the KIC and other regional coeval mafic rocks jointly suggest that the KIC was most likely formed in response to the proposed mid-Neoproterozoic mantle plume in Tarim Craton, which likely induced partial malting of, and likely mixed with, the metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle, to form the KIC with clinopyroxenite-related Fe-P-Ti oxide mineralization.

Petrography and geochemistry of the Ngaoundéré Pan-African granitoids in Central North Cameroon: Implications for their sources and geological setting

The Nagoundéré Pan-African granitoids in Central North Cameroon belong to a regional-scale massif, which is referred to as the Adamawa-Yade batholith. The granites were emplaced into a ca. 2.1 Ga remobilised basement composed of metasedimentary and meta-igneous rocks that later underwent medium- to high-grade Pan-African metamorphism. The granitoids comprise three groups: the hornblende–biotite granitoids (HBGs), the biotite ± muscovite granitoids (BMGs), and the biotite granitoids (BGs). New Th–U–Pb monazite data on the BMGs and BGs confirm their late Neoproterozoic emplacement age (ca. 615 ± 27 Ma for the BMGs and ca. 575 Ma for the BGs) during the time interval of the regional tectono-metamorphic event in North Cameroon. The BMGs also show the presence of ca. 926 Ma inheritances, suggesting an early Neoproterozoic component in their protolith. The HBGs are characterized by high Ba–Sr, and low K 2O/Na 2O ratios. They show fairly fractionated REE patterns (La N/Yb N 6–22) with no Eu anomalies. The BMGs are characterized by higher K 2O/Na 2O and Rb/Sr ratios. They are more REE-fractionated (La N/Yb N = 17–168) with strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu ∗ = 0.2–0.5). The BGs are characterized by high SiO 2 with K 2O/Na 2O > 1. They show moderated fractionated REE patterns (La N/Yb N = 11–37) with strong Eu negative anomalies (Eu/Eu ∗ = 0.2–0.8) and flat HREE features (Gd N/Yb N = 1.5–2.2). In Primitive Mantle-normalized multi-element diagrams, the patterns of all rocks show enrichment in LILE relative to HFSE and display negative Nb–Ta and Ti anomalies. All the granitoids belong to high-K calc-alkaline suites and have an I-type signature. Major and trace element data of the HBGs are consistent with differentiation of a mafic magma from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle, with possible crustal assimilation. In contrast, the high Th content, the LREE-enrichment, and the presence of inherited monazite suggest that the BGs and BMGs were derived from melting of the middle continental crust. Structural and petrochemical data indicate that these granitoids were emplaced in both syn- to post-collision tectonic settings.

Late Pan-African granitoids from the Grove Mountains, East Antarctica: Age, origin and tectonic implications

The Grove Mountains of East Antarctica are an inland continuation of the Pan-African Prydz Belt. The area is made up of high-grade metamorphic complex and numerous intrusive granitoid bodies including foliated charnockite, sheeted granite and charnockitic and granitic dykes. U–Pb zircon dating reveals that the charnockite, charnockitic dyke, granite and granitic dyke were emplaced in succession during the period from 550 to 500 Ma. Trace element abundances indicate that all the granitoids are of A-type affinity, characterized by enrichment in REE, Y, Ba, Sr, Ga and HFS elements (Zr, Nb, Th). Sr–Nd isotopic analyses yielded high initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios (0.7095–0.7156) and low ɛ Nd( T) values (−9.2 to −13.4). Depleted mantle-based Nd model ages range from 2.0 to 2.3 Ga. These geochemical and isotopic signatures point to their ultimate derivation from a long-term enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. The charnockites of the Grove Mountains have low SiO 2 contents and high abundances of K and Ti; they are likely produced by partial melting of an alkaline basaltic protolith at elevated temperatures (980–1050 °C) at deep crust. The protolith could represent underplated magma derived from metasomatized Paleoproterozoic mantle during the late stage of the orogeny. The associated charnockitic dykes have somewhat higher SiO 2 and more distinct negative Eu, Nb, Sr, P and Ti anomalies in spidergrams, suggesting that the dykes have undergone a greater degree of fractional crystallization. Granites were emplaced later than charnockites by 20–40 Ma. However, these two rocks have rather similar trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics, indicating that they share the same enriched basaltic source. For the granitic rocks alone, two types with different REE patterns and emplacement ages could be identified, suggesting two-stage partial melting for their derivation. Relative to charnockites, the dominant intrusive granites have slightly higher ɛ Nd( T) values, which could be compared with most metamorphic rocks from the Grove Mountains, hence a crustal contamination is implied in their petrogenesis. Granitic dykes are less silicic than granites; they were probably generated by a higher degree of melting of the same source. Geothermobarometry of the granitoids (charnockites and granites) and associated metamorphic rocks demonstrates that the Grove Mountains underwent an earlier near-isothermal decompression of an overthickened crust, followed by a near-isobaric cooling accompanying deep emplacement (≥15 km) of granitoids during the time interval of 550–500 Ma. Implicitly, the Prydz Belt must represent a Pan-African orogen formed by collision between the Indo-Antarctic and Australo-Antarctic continental blocks.

Miocene to Late Quaternary Patagonian basalts (46–47°S): Geochronometric and geochemical evidence for slab tearing due to active spreading ridge subduction

Miocene to Quaternary large basaltic plateaus occur in the back-arc domain of the Andean chain in Patagonia. They are thought to result from the ascent of subslab asthenospheric magmas through slab windows generated from subducted segments of the South Chile Ridge (SCR). We have investigated three volcanic centres from the Lago General Carrera–Buenos Aires area (46–47°S) located above the inferred position of the slab window corresponding to a segment subducted 6 Ma ago. (1) The Quaternary Río Murta transitional basalts display major, trace elements, and Sr and Nd isotopic features similar to those of oceanic basalts from the SCR and from the Chile Triple Junction near Taitao Peninsula (e.g., ( 87Sr/ 86Sr) o = 0.70396–0.70346 and εNd = + 5.5 − + 3.0). We consider them as derived from the melting of a Chile Ridge asthenospheric mantle source containing a weak subduction component. (2) The Plio-Quaternary (< 3.3 Ma) post-plateau basanites from Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires (MLBA), Argentina, likely derive from small degrees of melting of OIB-type mantle sources involving the subslab asthenosphere and the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. (3) The main plateau basaltic volcanism in this region is represented by the 12.4–3.3-Ma-old MLBA basalts and the 8.2–4.4-Ma-old basalts from Meseta Chile Chico (MCC), Chile. Two groups can be distinguished among these main plateau basalts. The first group includes alkali basalts and trachybasalts displaying typical OIB signatures and thought to derive from predominantly asthenospheric mantle sources similar to those of the post-plateau MLBA basalts, but through slightly larger degrees of melting. The second one, although still dominantly alkalic, displays incompatible element signatures intermediate between those of OIB and arc magmas (e.g., La/Nb > 1 and TiO 2 < 2 wt.%). These intermediate basalts differ from their strictly alkalic equivalents by having lower High Field Strength Element (HFSE) and higher εNd (up to + 5.4). These features are consistent with their derivation from an enriched mantle source contaminated by ca. 10% rutile-bearing restite of altered oceanic crust. The petrogenesis of the studied Mio-Pliocene basalts from MLBA and MCC is consistent with contributions of the subslab asthenosphere, the South American subcontinental lithospheric mantle and the subducted Pacific oceanic crust to their sources. However, their chronology of emplacement is not consistent with an ascent through an asthenospheric window opened as a consequence of the subduction of segment SCR-1, which entered the trench at 6 Ma. Indeed, magmatic activity was already important between 12 and 8 Ma in MLBA and MCC as well as in southernmost plateaus, i.e., 6 Ma before the subduction of the SCR-1 segment. We propose a geodynamic model in which OIB and intermediate magmas derived from deep subslab asthenospheric mantle did uprise through a tear-in-the-slab, which formed when the southernmost segments of the SCR collided with the Chile Trench around 15 Ma. During their ascent, they interacted with the Patagonian supraslab mantle and, locally, with slivers of subducted Pacific oceanic crust that contributed to the geochemical signature of the intermediate basalts.

Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics of the Mesozoic magmatism in the Taihang–Yanshan orogen, North China craton, and implications for Archaean lithosphere thinning

Voluminous felsic rocks (mainly monzonitic) and coeval mafic rocks (mainly monzogabbro–diorites) were emplaced in the Taihang–Yanshan orogen of eastern North China craton in Mesozoic time. The monzogabbro–diorites have high Sr (mostly &gt;1300 ppm) and low ε Nd (t) values (−9.5 to −15), indicating a long-term incompatible element enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle source for their genesis. The monzonitic rocks show elemental geochemistry (e.g. high Sr, and REE patterns) and isotopic compositions similar to the monzogabbro–diorites, which leaves little doubt that the two rock suites share a similar origin. These mafic and felsic rocks thus represent a significant addition of juvenile continental crust from an enriched lithospheric mantle source in the Mesozoic, and their generation via melting of enriched portions of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle is probably an important mechanism responsible for the lithosphere thinning beneath eastern North China craton.

Carbonatites and lamprophyres of the Gardar Province – a ‘window’ to the sub-Gardar mantle?

AbstractCarbonatite magmas are considered to be ultimately derived from mantle sources, which may include lithospheric and asthenospheric reservoirs. Isotopic studies of carbonatite magmatism around the globe have typically suggested that more than one source needs to be invoked for generation of the parental melts to carbonatites, often involving the interaction of asthenosphere and lithosphere.In the rift-related, Proterozoic Gardar Igneous Province of SW Greenland, carbonatite occurs as dykes within the Igaliko Nepheline Syenite Complex, as eruptive rocks and diatremes at Qassiarsuk, as a late plug associated with nepheline syenite at Grønnedal-Íka, and as small bodies associated with ultramafic lamprophyre dykes. The well-known cryolite deposit at Ivittuut was also rich in magmatic carbonate. The carbonatites are derived from the mantle with relatively little crustal contamination, and therefore should provide important information about the mantle sources of Gardar magmas. In particular, they are found intruded both into Archaean and Proterozoic crust, and hence provide a test for the involvement of lithospheric mantle.A synthesis of new and previously published major and trace element, Sr, Nd, C and O isotope data for carbonatites and associated lamprophyres from the Gardar Province is presented. The majority of Gardar carbonatites and lamprophyres have consistent geochemical and isotopic signatures that are similar to those typically found in ocean island basalts. The geochemical characteristics of the two suites of magmas are similar enough to suggest that they were derived from the same mantle source. C and O isotope data are also consistent with a mantle derivation for the carbonatite magmas, and support the theory of a cogenetic origin for the carbonatites and the lamprophyres. The differences between the carbonatites and lamprophyres are considered to represent differing degrees of partial melting of a similar source.We suggest that the ultimate source of these magmas is the asthenospheric mantle, since there is no geochemical or isotopic evidence for their having been derived directly from ancient, enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle. However, it is likely that the magmas actually formed through a two-stage process, with small-degree volatile-rich partial melts rising from the asthenospheric mantle and being ‘frozen in’ as metasomites, which were then rapidly remobilized during Gardar rifting.

U-Pb isotopic geochemistry of the post-collisional mafic-ultramafic rocks from the Dabie Mountains

The U-Pb isotope geochemical study of the pyroxenite-gabbro intrusion in the Dabie Mountains shows that the post-collisional mafic-ultramafic rocks of the Dabie Mountains are characterized by relative high Pb contents, low U contents and low U/Pb ratios. These characters may be results of interaction between lithosphere or depleted asthenospheric mantle (DMM) and lower crust, but have nothing to do with mantle plume and subducted continental crust. It was first observed that some samples with lower 206 Pb/ 204 Pb and higher 207 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios show typical characters of the LOMU component. The Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic tracing shows that three components are needed in the source of the Zhujiapu pyroxenite-gabbro intrusion. They could be old enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle (LOMU component), lower crust and depleted asthenospheric mantle. The crust-mantle interaction process producing primitive magma of post-collisional mafic-ultramafic rocks in the Dabie Mountains could be described by a lithospheric delamination and magma underplating model. After continent-continent collision, delamination of the thickened lithosphere induced the upwelling of depleted asthenospheric mantle, which caused partial melting of asthenospheric mantle and residual sub-continental lithospheric mantle. The basaltic magma produced in this process underplated in the boundary between the crust and mantle and interacted with lower crust resulting in the geochemical characters of both enriched lithospheric mantle and lower crust.

Geochemistry of late Mesozoic lamprophyre dykes from the Taihang Mountains, north China, and implications for the sub-continental lithospheric mantle

Many late Mesozoic lamprophyre dykes occur in the Taihang Mountains (north China). These lamprophyres are rich in large ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Sr, Ba and K) and light REE, and have highly differentiated REE patterns. They show large but regular variations in chemical and Nd–Sr isotopic compositions. All these suggest that the lamprophyres were produced from differentiation of a parental magma, coupled with contamination by lower crust. The parental magma was derived from melting of a long-term enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle source as is indicated by the highly enriched isotopic signatures of the lamprophyres. Mantle enrichment in the area was probably produced by interaction of volatile-rich melts released from the asthenosphere with the above lithosphere in middle Proterozoic times.

Paleoproterozoic Rift-Related Volcanism of the Xiong'er Group, North China Craton: Implications for the Breakup of Columbia

The Paleoproterozoic Xiong'er Group in the North China craton is composed of mafic to felsic volcanic rocks and minor sedimentary rocks (4.3%), and crops out over an area of 60,000 km2. The volcanic and sedimentary strata, which vary from 3 km to 7 km in thickness, unconformably overlie an Archean and Paleoproterozoic crystalline basement, and are unconformably overlain by Meso-Neoproterozoic terrigenous clastic rocks and carbonates. Xiong'er volcanic rocks include basaltic andesite + andesite and dacite + rhyolite dated at 1760 Ma. The andesitic rocks contain clinopyroxene and plagioclase with minor olivine and orthopyroxene, but lack amphibole and biotite, suggesting crystallization from an anhydrous magma. All analyzed volcanic rocks are enriched in large-ionlithophile elements (LILE; e.g., K, Rb, Ba) and light rare-earth elements (LREE), and are depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). They have high LILE/HFSE ratios and low Ti/Zr (40 to 8) and Sr/Y (16 to 2) ratios and 147Sm/144Nd (0.09792 to 0.1332), 143Nd/144Nd (0.511082 to 0.511480), εNd(t = 1.76 Ga) (-3.8 to -9), and TDM (2.45 to 3.07 Ga). The geochemical and isotopic compositions indicate derivation from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle previously contaminated by a subducted slab. The magmas exhibit the effects of low-pressure assimilation and fractional crystallization. The Xiong'er Group is contemporaneous with 1760 Ma mafic dike swarms, massif-type anorthosites, and rapakivi granites in the northern part of the North China craton. It formed in a continental-rift environment, marking the initiation of the breakup of the surpercontinent, Columbia.