Ferroan Granites Research Articles

Early Devonian Ferroan Granites Document Tectonic Switching from Advancing to Retreating Accretionary Orogen, southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Early Devonian Ferroan Granites Document Tectonic Switching from Advancing to Retreating Accretionary Orogen, southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Geochemical evidence for evolving Proterozoic crustal thickness and orogenic styles in southwestern Laurentia

It has long been challenging for researchers to track the crustal thickness and mode(s) of crustal modification in ancient convergent margins, limiting evaluation of the tectonic styles and processes that modify continental crust during orogenesis. We present trace element igneous geochemical crustal thickness proxies that quantitatively track the crustal thickness evolution of the long-lived Proterozoic active margin in the southwestern U.S.A. We integrate these results with geobarometric data to constrain the mode of crustal modification. The data indicate a complex record of crustal thickness change in space and time and evolving orogenic styles. Geochemical proxies at 1.84–1.72 Ga are consistent with 20–40 km thick magmatic arcs that were locally thickened to ∼50 km during ∼1.75 Ga tectonism. During the Yavapai orogeny, 1.72–1.69 Ga, a ∼200-km-wide belt of 50-60 km thick crust extended from southern California to northern Colorado and was rapidly thinned and exhumed by ∼1.68 Ga. Crustal thickening and thinning during the Yavapai orogeny largely occurred by shortening and exhumation, respectively, in the upper 25 km of the crust. Subsequent 1.68–1.60 Ga tectonism involved crustal growth, local crustal thickening, and low-P, high-T metamorphism, consistent with extensional accretionary orogenesis. The 1.47–1.37 Ga Picuris orogeny was associated with 50–60 km thick crust across much of the Southwest and involved crustal shortening with ∼10 km of magmatic underplating. Advective heat from the emplacement of ferroan granites in the mid-crust likely contributed to elevated geothermal gradients and rheologically weakened the crust. Our results suggest evolving orogenic styles in the Southwest from 1.75–1.69 Ga short-lived crustal thickening associated with terrane accretion to 1.69–1.60 Ga largely extensional accretionary orogenesis, and regional, long-lived crustal thickening at 1.47–1.37 Ga involving extensive basaltic underplating. Contrasting with some recent hypotheses, our data document a complex middle Proterozoic record for the Southwest that was not orogenically quiescent or tectonically stagnant but involved complex mountain building styles.

Geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics of ferroan-magnesian metaluminous granites of the NW Sanandaj–Sirjan zone, Iran: granite formation in a compressional–extensional setting during Late Jurassic time

AbstractThe Almogholagh–Dehgolan region is in the North Sanandaj–Sirjan zone of NW Iran. The granites of the region are metaluminous and display geochemical and textural characteristics of transitional granites between ferroan (A-type) and I-type granites. In geotectonic discrimination diagrams, the Almogholagh–Dehgolan granites plot mainly in the fields of within-plate granites and volcanic arc granites. With the exception of the Qalaylan granites, parts of other granites resemble A2-type granites. Granites of the Qalaylan intrusive body have petrographic and geochemical features close to I-type granites and are not A-type. Primary mantle and chondrite-normalized spider diagrams show enrichments in light rare earth elements relative to heavy rare earth elements. For an age of 150 Ma, the initial87Sr/86Sr and143Nd/144Nd ratios vary from 0.702769 to 0.706545 and from 0.512431 to 0.512558, respectively. Epsilon Nd values vary in a relatively limited range between −0.3 and +2.2, which corresponds to a mixed mantle–crustal source. On the basis of new geochemical and isotopic data, we suggest a geodynamic model involving partial melting of lower crustal rocks with the contribution of mantle magmas in a weakly extensional tectonic setting for the generation of the A-type granites of the region. The occurrence of ferroan (A-type) granites in this region of the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone indicates the existence of a partly extensional tectonic environment in a mainly compressional subduction-related regime in Late Jurassic time.

Pre- to post-collisional Ediacaran magmatism in the western portion of the Borborema Province (NE Brazil): Petrogenesis and insights for the crustal evolution during the Brasiliano Orogeny

The Central subprovince of the Borborema Province (NE Brazil) is characterized by a voluminous and diversified late-Neoproterozoic magmatism (ca. 640 to 540 Ma) that resulted in plutons with significant correlations among their U-Pb ages, TDM Nd model ages, εNd(t) values, geochemical signatures, and petrology, evidencing the importance of their study to the understanding of the Brasiliano/ Pan-African evolution in the region. The Jardim Mirim Suite (630 Ma) comprises magmatic-epidote bearing calc-alkaline to slightly high-K calc-alkaline tonalitic and granodioritic rocks characterized by εNd(t) values ranging from −3.0 to 0.8 and Mesoproterozoic TDM Nd model ages (1.4 to 1.1 Ga). The Colina do Horto Pluton (594 Ma) is composed of shoshonitic monzodiorites, monzonites, and granites that exhibit, in general, strongly negative εNd(t) values (−18.2 to −16.5) and Paleoproterozoic TDM Nd model ages (1.9 to 2.1 Ga). The Cana Brava (572 Ma) and Poço plutons consist of alkaline ferroan granites composed of Fe-rich mafic minerals and characterized by strongly negative εNd(t) values (−15.3 to −14.8, respectively), Paleoproterozoic TDM Nd model ages (2.0 Ga), and geochemical signatures similar to high Ba-Sr granites. The study of these plutonic bodies indicates three main magmatic events, developed in pre-collisional (probably associated with the closure of a narrow oceanic basin) to post-collisional (associated with lithospheric delamination process) settings. The contrasting features of the studied rocks reflects changes in magmatic sources in the region. Whereas the origin of pre-collisional magmas is associated with the mixing of juvenile Brasiliano source with Cariris Velhos rocks (ca. 1000–870 Tonian crustal rocks from the Borborema Province), post-collisional rocks were generated by underplating-driven partial melting of a mafic to felsic Paleoproterozoic crust.

Effect of source heterogeneity, melt extraction and crystal separation on the composition of a suite of ferroan (A-type) granites from parts of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex (CGGC), India

Ferroan granitoids constitute a considerable proportion of the upper continental crust formed during the Proterozoic eon and their origin is usually linked to high-temperature processes (fractionation or anatexis) occurring at shallow crustal depths. However, the relative role of mantle melts vs. crustal rocks as the source of these granitoids has been largely debated. In the Chotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex (CGGC), located in the East Indian shield, a suite of Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1450–1350 Ma) ferroan granites has intruded the Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1700–1630 Ma) arc granites and currently occurs either as migmatitic gneisses or as biotite gneisses in different parts of the terrane . Previous studies postulated that these Mesoproterozoic extensional granites were sourced from older crustal rocks with limited mantle input. In the current study, the geochemistry of the biotite gneisses is combined with that of the migmatitic gneisses and coeval ferroan granites from northern and western parts of the CGGC to comprehend the wide spatial and compositional variation observed. With the help of phase equilibrium modelling, the current study quantifies the role of the heterogeneity of the crustal source and path-dependent melting in shaping the composition of the ferroan granites. The study demonstrates that the composition of the modelled melt derived from the older (late Paleoproterozoic) granites under low-pressure high-temperature conditions (750-1000 °C; 4–8 kbar) closely resembles the compositions observed in the younger (Mesoproterozoic) ferroan granites. Compositional variation of the melt is further accentuated by high-temperature progressive melting and extraction of melt in small batches during anatexis . Phase equilibrium studies further delineate the significant role of crystal fractionation in shaping the chemical variations observed in the studied granites. • Mesoproterozoic ferroan granites of CGGC formed via anatexis of older arc granites. • Source heterogeneity produces variable composition of the granites. • Melt extraction in small batches produces chemical variation in ferroan granites. • Post-emplacement crystal separation accentuates the compositional variations.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the alkaline ferroan granites from Ropp complex, north‐central Nigeria: Clues from zircon chemistry, U–Pb dating, and Lu–Hf isotope

Zircon holds crucial information for deciphering the origin of granitic rocks, enabling robust scrutiny of their magmatic evolution. Herein, we report an integrated whole‐rock and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope chemistry of Ropp alkaline granites in north‐central Nigeria. The rock units include riebeckite‐biotite granite porphyries (161.1 ± 1.7 Ma), aegirine‐biotite granites (162.4 ± 1.6 Ma), biotite granites (162.3 ± 5.1 Ma), and albite riebeckite granites. They show diagnostic characteristics of ferroan alkaline granites such as high FeOt/(FeOt + MgO), low Y/Nb (<1.2), and high Nb/Y (>1.0). Their zircon Hf isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = −8.08 to −4.38; 176Hf/177Hf = 0.282492–0.282543), major and trace element compositions such as high SiO2 >70% and incompatible trace elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, and La), low ratios of whole rock Th/U, Hf/Ta. Ni/Co and Th/Ta = 2.82, and zircon U/Yb, Gd/Yb, and Th/Yb ratios as well as oxygen fugacity (logfO2 = −26.09 to −12.32) reflect protracted fractional crystallization of a highly reduced mantle‐derived oceanic island basalt (OIB) magma from EM2 with considerable crustal involvement. Magma evolution was fuelled by fractionation of calcic‐pyroxene, calcic‐amphibole, Mg‐olivines, feldspars, titanite, and apatite, as corroborated by the marked depletions of CaO, MgO, TiO2, and P2O5. Intense crustal assimilation, particularly in the biotite granite masked their enriched mantle (EM) ancestry. This is attested by the presence of inherited Pan‐African (ca. 582 Ma) zircon, elevated crustal‐like zircon U/Yb, low zircon Gd/Yb, and Th/Yb ratios as well as high whole‐rock Rb/Nb ratios and relatively low estimated temperatures, which mimic crustal‐derived granites. Reactivation of pre‐existing megashear zones of weaknesses and opening of related transcurrent faults following periodic plate movements generated intense stress field which invoked the release of pressure and hot metasomatic fluids that partially melted the lower EM, giving rise to the Ropp OIB magmas.

Ridge subduction and episodes of crustal growth in accretionary belts: Evidence from late Paleozoic felsic igneous rocks in the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is one of the largest accretionary orogens on Earth and preserves evidence that more than 50% of this orogen represents juvenile crustal growth over an extended period of some 750 million years from ca. 1000 Ma to ca. 250 Ma. However, the mechanism of crustal growth is controversial, as implied by a variety of proposed models ranging from contributions of mantle-derived basaltic underplating in a post-collisional extensional setting to subduction-related processes in an island arc setting. To distinguish among these models, we report petrological, geochemical, whole-rock Sr-Nd isotope and zircon U-Pb and Hf isotope analyses of late Paleozoic felsic igneous rocks from the northern Inner Mongolia region, southeastern CAOB. New zircon U-Pb analyses of three plutonic and extrusive magmatic suites yield Late Carboniferous to Early Permian ages of 319–279 Ma. The Xi Ujimqin granodiorites have low-K tholeiitic to calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous compositions, and are magnesian I-type granitoids. These granitoids are also characterized by relatively high MgO and Sr contents, high Mg# values, mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like Nd-Hf isotope compositions and young Nd-Hf model ages of 600–298 Ma. These features indicate that the parental magmas of the Xi Ujimqin I-type granitoids originated from a depleted lithospheric mantle that had been metasomatized by fluids released from a subducting slab. By contrast, the Xilinhot alkali-feldspar granites and Dashizhai rhyolites display geochemical signatures of ferroan granites. These, together with their moderately depleted Nd-Hf isotope compositions and young Nd-Hf model ages of 809–277 Ma, suggest that they were produced by re-melting of juvenile lower crust via underplating of mantle-derived magmas. The coexistence of an association of boninite-adakite-high-Mg andesite-Nb-enriched basalt, and MORB to ocean island basalt-type mafic rocks in the northern Inner Mongolia region implies a dramatic change in composition from fluid-related calc-alkaline arc magmatism to melt-related and mantle-derived magmatism initiated by upwelling asthenosphere. We infer that ridge subduction may have occurred in this region during Late Carboniferous to Early Permian. Combined with previous studies, there are two ridge subduction events during the early and late Paleozoic in Inner Mongolia within the southeastern CAOB, which coincide with two large-volume magmatic flare-ups (300 ± 20 and 450 ± 20 Ma). Furthermore, our model calculations suggest that most of the juvenile crust in the southeastern CAOB was generated in a relatively short interval (~20–40 m.y.) during each long-lived tectonic cycle (>140 m.y. spanning oceanic rifting, subduction, and collision) of magmatic activity. Ridge subduction may have played a significant role in the rhythmic growth of juvenile crust in the CAOB during the Phanerozoic. Repeated cycles of punctuated, rapid growth of juvenile crust associated with long-lived subduction systems represent a pattern that may be generalized to other Phanerozoic accretionary belts on Earth.

Magnetic petrology of the Neoarchean granitoids in the Vila Jussara Suite, Carajás Province, Amazonian Craton

The Vila Jussara Suite (VJS) is formed by Neoarchean (~ 2.75 Ga) granites that are located in the Sapucaia Domain of the Carajás Province (CP), Amazonian Craton. Four petrographic varieties were identified in the VJS: biotite-hornblende monzogranite (BHMzG); biotite-hornblende tonalite (BHTnl); biotite monzogranite (BMzG); and hornblende-biotite granodiorite (HBGd). In terms of magnetic signature, BHMzG has two subgroups: the first subgroup has low magnetic susceptibility (MS) values (0.16 × 10-3 to 0.81 × 10-3) and more commonly contains ilmenite with titanite rims; the second subgroup shows moderate to high MS (1.91 × 10-3 to 6.02 × 10-3) and magnetite dominant over ilmenite. BHTnl has moderate MS (0.85 × 10-3 to 1.36 × 10-3) and dominance of pyrite followed by magnetite. BMzG and HBGd have comparatively high MS (3.35 × 10-3 to 19.3 × 10-3 and 2.14 × 10-3 to 25.0 × 10-3, respectively), with magnetite dominant over pyrite. The granite varieties of the VJS were formed under different oxygen fugacity (fO2) conditions, varying from reducing (< fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ)) to oxidizing conditions (nickel-nickel oxide (NNO) to NNO+1). In addition, biotite-hornblende syenogranite occurs subordinately and shows high MS values and extremely high FeOt/(FeOt + MgO) ratios, both in whole-rock and amphibole and biotite. The granites of the VJS are similar to other Neoarchean granites of the Carajás province. The reduced VJS granites are akin to the ferroan granites of Planalto suite, Estrela Complex and Vila União area and the magnesian granites of VJS approach the magnesian granites of Vila União area.

Campanian transformation from post-collisional to intraplate tectonic regime: Evidence from ferroan granites in the Southern Qiangtang, central Tibet

Ferroan granitoids are typically generated in the extensional tectonic settings, and thus record important geodynamic processes related to crustal and mantle evolution. However, their petrogenesis remains controversial. In this study, we investigated newly identified ferroan granites in the Lake Cona region of the southern Qiangtang subterrane (SQT), central Tibet. We present zircon U–Pb age and Hf–O isotope, whole-rock major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotope, and mineral major element data for these rocks. The Lake Cona granites consist of biotite monzogranite and granite porphyry. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates these rocks were generated in the late Late Cretaceous (ca. 75 Ma). The biotite monzogranites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, and characterized by relatively high SiO2 (67.1–68.6 wt%), total alkali (10.4–10.8 wt%), Th (31–46 ppm), light rare earth element (LREE), and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (421–730 ppm) contents, and high Fe-numbers (0.83–0.91; FeOt/[FeOt + MgO]). These rocks can be classified as alkalic ferroan granites. However, compared with the typical ferroan granitoids generated under relatively anhydrous conditions, the biotite monzogranites have higher Al2O3 (15.9–17.0 wt%) contents, lower 10000 × Ga/Al (2.1–2.5) ratios, and small negative Eu anomalies, suggesting that they were generated by brine-assisted (a fluid with low water activity) crustal anatexis. The biotite monzogranites have (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7065–0.7069, εNd(t) = −2.3 to −1.9, δ18O = 6.0–6.6‰, and εHf(t) = +2.1 to +9.3, indicative of a magma source that was a mixture of juvenile and ancient crustal components. The granite porphyries also have high contents of total alkalis (9.9–10.2 wt%) and Fe-numbers (0.87–0.90), and similar Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions as the biotite monzogranites, but have higher SiO2 and lower TiO2, MgO, TFe2O3, P2O5, CaO, and REE contents, and larger negative Eu anomalies. These features suggest that the granite porphyries represent the highly evolved biotite monzogranitic magmas that underwent differentiation in the shallow crust. The Lake Cona ferroan granites formed in a post-collisional extensional setting that had additional heat input from the deep mantle. Unlike the early Late Cretaceous that was dominated by calc-alkaline magmatism in the SQT, the occurrence of alkali ferroan granites in the late Late Cretaceous may record the transformation from a post-collisional to an intraplate tectonic regime in the central Tibet.

Cryogenian crustal evolution in western Nigeria shield: whole-rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic evidence from Bakoshi-Gadanya granites

ABSTRACT The Bakoshi-Gadanya area, with widespread Neoproterozoic granites, is located within the Pan-African Trans-Sahara Belt, sandwiched between the West African and the Sahara metacraton. The whole-rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotope systematics and LA-(MC)-ICP-MS U-Pb-Hf isotopes of zircon were analysed to shed light on the age and genesis of the Bakoshi-Gadanya granites in the Precambrian basement of the northern western Nigeria shield. The granites are silicic (SiO2: 72.8–77.2 wt.%), ferroan, high-K, calc-alkalic to alkali-calcic in composition, with A-type granite affinities. The ferroan calc-alkalic types range in age from 706.6 ± 1 Ma to 638.4 ± 1 Ma, and the alkali-calcic type is dated at 710 ± 1 Ma. Whole-rock Sr-Nd and zircon Hf isotope systematics have constrained the ferroan calc-alkalic granites to an enriched mantle lithospheric magma source, contaminated by Archaean-Palaeoproterozoic crustal components. On the other hand, the magma that crystallized the alkali-calcic Gadanya granite originated from an enriched mantle source, triggered by reactivation of the lithosphere-scale Kalangai fault during the post 750 Ma major collision between West African Craton and the Saharan metacraton. Both alkali-calcic and calc-alkalic ferroan granites were formed contemporaneously with the last major Pan-African syn-metamorphic deformation in northern western Nigerian shield; thus, they are syn-kinematic granites. Neoproterozoic magmatism at Bakoshi-Gadanya area is related to easterly dipping subduction at the margin of microcontinental blocks in northern western Nigeria shield. Zircon U-Pb-Hf data envisaged both early Neoproterozoic and Cryogenian juvenile magmatic additions in this part of western Nigeria shield.

Multiple sources and multi-stage emplacement of the Esperança Granitic Complex and its relationship with the Patos – Campina Grande shear zone system, Borborema Province - NE Brazil

Expressive granitic magmatism and a complex system of transcurrent shear zones are the main features associated with the Ediacaran evolution of the Borborema Province (northeastern Brazil). Their petrogenesis and relationships with tectonic structures can provide important insights into lithospheric processes during the collisional to post-collisional stages of the Brasiliano Orogeny. The Esperança Complex is a NE-trending elongated granitic batholith with ca. 650 km2 comprising five plutons emplaced between the Patos and Campina Grande dextral shear zones in the central–eastern part of the Borborema Province. An integrated study of the complex was carried out using UPb zircon SHRIMP and LA-ICPMS geochronology, mineral and whole-rock geochemistry, and NdHf isotope geochemistry (whole-rock and zircon). The plutons are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous with geochemical and isotopic signature reflecting different sources. The Remigio and Areial plutons have Paleoproterozoic to Neoarchean Nd and Hf TDM model ages and strong negative εNd(t) (−15.29 to −16.71) and εHf (−12.20 to −21.03) values. Their geochemistry is compatible with derivation through partial melting of mafic to intermediate metaigneous sources like the Paleoproterozoic basement (Areial pluton) and metasedimentary sources (Remígio pluton). The Puxinanã, Serrote da Cobra and Pocinhos plutons show higher ɛNd (−5.90 to −7.35) and ɛHf (−2.83 to −6.91) values, and Statherian to Calymmian Nd and Hf TDM model ages, ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 Ga and from 1.6 to 1.8 Ga, respectively. They have geochemical affinity with A-type ferroan granites. The geochemical and isotopic signature are similar to those of Tonian orthogneiss that constitute part of the plutons' host rocks, suggesting derivation from Tonian crustal sources. Evidence of magma mixing and the presence of inherited zircon grains with ages like those of metasedimentary host rocks suggest contribution of the lithospheric mantle and sedimentary sources in different proportions in their petrogenesis. The reported data are compatible with building of the Esperança Complex by multiple intrusive events. The Pocinhos and Serrote da Cobra plutons are the oldest (~600 Ma) and their genesis is probably associated with heat input resulting from crustal thickening at the end of a long contractional period (ca. 630–600 Ma). The genesis of the Puxinanã and Areial plutons (~585 to 565 Ma) involved interactions of crustal and mantle mafic melts, with magma transport and emplacement controlled by the Campina Grande shear zone at the beginning of the transcurrent regime. The Remígio pluton is the youngest intrusion (~565 Ma) and its genesis can be related to a high geothermal gradient resulting from emplacement of the older plutons, possibly enhanced by strain heating related to displacement along the Patos shear zone.

Early Mesoproterozoic evolution of midcontinental Laurentia: Defining the geon 14 Baraboo orogeny

New geochronologic data from midcontinental Laurentia demonstrate that emplacement of the 1476–1470 Ma Wolf River granitic batholith was not an isolated igneous event, but was accompanied by regional metamorphism, deformation, and sedimentation. Evidence for such metamorphism and deformation is best seen in siliciclastic sedimentary rocks of the Baraboo Interval, which were deposited closely following the 1.65–1.63 Ga Mazatzal orogeny. In Baraboo Interval strata, muscovite parallel to slatey cleavage, in hydrothermal veins, in quartzite breccia, and in metamorphosed paleosol yielded 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of 1493–1465 Ma. In addition, U–Th–total Pb dating of neoblastic overgrowths on detrital monazite gave an age of 1488 ± 20 Ma, and recrystallized hematite in folded metapelite gave a mean U/Th–He age of 1411 ± 39 Ma. Post-Baraboo, arkosic polymictic conglomerate, which contains detrital zircon with a minimum peak age of 1493 Ma, was intruded by a 1470 Ma granite porphyry at the northeastern margin of the Wolf River batholith. This episode of magmatism, regional deformation and metamorphism, and sedimentation, which is designated herein as the Baraboo orogeny, provides a midcontinental link between the Picuris orogeny to the southwest and the Pinware orogeny to the northeast, completing the extent of early Mesoproterozoic (Calymmian) orogenesis for 5000 km along the southern margin of Laurentia. This transcontinental orogen is unique among Precambrian orogenies for its great width (~1600 km), the predominance of ferroan granites derived from partial melting of lower continental crust, and the prevalence of regional high T-P metamorphism related to advective heating by granitic magmas emplaced in the middle to upper crust.

Geochemical and thermodynamic modeling of the petrogenesis of A1-type granites and associated intermediate rocks: A case study from the central Fennoscandian Shield

The origin of ferroan A-type granites in anorogenic tectonic settings remains a long-standing petrological puzzle. The proposed models range from extreme fractional crystallization of mantle-derived magmas to partial melting of crustal rocks, or involve combination of both. In this study, we apply whole-rock chemical and Sm-Nd isotopic compositions and thermodynamically constrained modeling (Magma Chamber Simulator, MCS) to decipher the genesis of a suite of A1-type peralkaline to peraluminous granites and associated intermediate rocks (monzodiorite-monzonite, syenite) from the southwestern margin of the Archean Karelia craton, central Finland, Fennoscandian Shield. These plutonic rocks were emplaced at ca. 2.05 Ga during an early stage of the break-up of the Karelia craton along its western margin and show trace element affinities to ocean island basalt-type magmas. The intermediate rocks show positive εNd(2050 Ma) values (+1.3 to +2.6), which are only slightly lower than the estimated contemporaneous depleted mantle value (+3.4), but much higher than average εNd(2050 Ma) of Archean TTGs (–10) in the surrounding bedrock, indicating that these rocks were essentially derived from a mantle source. The εNd(2050 Ma) values of the peralkaline and peraluminous granite samples overlap (–0.9 to +0.6 and –3.2 to +0.9, respectively) and are somewhat lower than those in the intermediate rocks, suggesting that the mafic magmas parental to granite must have assimilated some amount of older Archean continental crust during their fractionation, which is consistent with the continental crust-like trace element signatures of the granite members. The MCS modeling indicates that fractional crystallization of mantle-derived magmas can explain the major element characteristics of the intermediate rocks. The generation of the granites requires further fractional crystallization of these magmas coupled with assimilation of Archean crust. These processes took place in the middle to upper crust (∼2–4 kbar, ∼7–15 km) and involved crystallization of large amounts of clinopyroxene, plagioclase and olivine. Our results highlight the importance of coupled FC-AFC processes in the petrogenesis of A-type magmas and support the general perception that magmas of A-type ferroan granites become more peraluminous by assimilation of crust. They further suggest that variable fractionation paths of the magmas upon the onset of assimilation may explain the broad variety of A-type felsic and intermediate igneous rocks that is often observed emplaced closely in time and space within the same igneous complex.

Tracking decratonization process along a cratonic edge through late Permian to late Triassic magmatic flare-up in northwestern Liaoning, North China Craton

Resolving magmatic tempos of multiple scales along convergent plate margins presents a pivotal task in any regional tectonic and supercontinental reconstructions, as is of paramount importance for the northern North China Craton (NCC) that converged with the Central Asian Orogenic belt (CAOB) during the Paleozoic to early Mesozoic. This study applies the integrated zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical tracing to late Permian to late Triassic intrusive flare-up in northwestern Liaoning, with three episodes of granitic suites deciphered. Their contrasting elemental and isotopic features called for three distinct crustal end-members involved in their formation: ancient amphibolitic protolith, Paleozoic-accreted mafic meta-igneous ingredients and relaminated juvenile intermediate arc plutons. Sequential crustal anatexis of these multiply juxtaposed protoliths in a felsic hot zone tends to yield successive parental magmas for forming three granite suites. While the late Permian (260–250 Ma) granites, with their felsic adakitic affinity and variably evolved isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70637 to 0.70659, εNd(t) = −16.7 to −10.2, zircon εHf(t) = −18.1 to +1.1), are consistent with partial melts of major ancient crustal materials and minor newly-underplated mafic ingredients, the middle Triassic (242–240 Ma) granites show a more juvenile isotope signature (εNd(t) = −11.8 to −4.7, zircon εHf(t) = −14.7 to +4.1) and attest to distinctively higher input from newly-underplated mafic lower crust in their formation. By contrast, the late Triassic (227–223 Ma) granites exhibit an A-type magmatic affinity. Their radiogenic whole-rock Nd (εNd(t) = −3.7 to +1.1) and zircon Hf (εHf(t) = +0.7 to +12.0) isotopic values suggest magma derivation from high-temperature fusion of dominantly relaminated juvenile charnockitic protolith. What follows is one phase of shoshonitic mafic dykes that fingerprint a slab-melt metasomatized asthenosphere source with depleted isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70374 to 0.70388, εNd(t) = +3.5 to +4.1). Synthesizing these events with the previously recognized ones leads to a first-order duration of ca. 260–218 Ma for the flare-up and its further differentiation into three secondary pulses including ca. 260–250 Ma appinite and granite, ca. 242–238 Ma ferroan granites and ca. 227–218 Ma A-type granites and mafic dykes. While such primary duration is typical of post- collisional/orogenic magmatic tempos of convergent continental margins, three secondary pulses encapsulate successive geodynamic processes from crustal thickening through orogenic collapse to lithospheric dripping in the aftermath of the Paleo-Asian oceanic closure. Featuring a coupled scenario of lithospheric thinning and crustal growth, the northwestern Liaoning case of cratonic-edge destruction serves as a prelude but also a contrast to the late Mesozoic large-scale decratonization across the eastern NCC possibly due to oceanic subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate.

Deformation characteristics, kinematic analysis, and formation ages of gneissose Palala granite in the Palala Shear Zone, southern boundary of the Central Zone, Limpopo Belt, South Africa

The Palala Shear Zone (PSZ) is a c. 13 km wide part of a vertical, crustal-scale lineament that forms the southern boundary of the polymetamorphic high grade Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt in Southern Africa. We have studied a set of strongly sheared samples of Palala granite, taken at the southern edge of the shear zone at the Palala River transect, in order to determine the deformation patterns and evolution history of the PSZ as well as the age and petrogenesis of the granite. We studied the characteristics of macro- and microscopic deformations, analyzed the finite strain and quartz electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) fabrics, and estimated the rheological parameters of these mylonitic gneisses. We also carried out zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analysis. The former yielded a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 2053.5 ± 9.9 Ma which is within error identical to the age of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). The Palala granite is an alkaline A-type ferroan granite very similar in major- and trace element chemistry to the voluminous and well-studied Nebo Granite, considered to be a final differentiation product of the BIC magma. The deformed samples have uniform subhorizontal lineation and exhibit steady-state microstructures. The quartz CPO's in a non-coaxial deformation regime are promoted by pervasive dynamic recrystallization with a dominant prismatic <a> slip and rhomb <a> slip system. The main high-grade dextral shearing along the PSZ in the study area is associated with this high-medium temperature deformation at 500–600 °C. The strain measurement indicates that the strain types of all these SL-type and L = S-type tectonites were a flattening strain within a steady-state simple shear-dominant ductile deformation. Rheological parameter estimations suggest differential stress within the range of 15.67–17.50 MPa with the paleo-strain rate in a relatively high range of 3.97 × 10−12 to 1.06 × 10−13 S−1. Together with published research, these data impose a constraint on the initiating of the transpression stage of a Paleoproterozoic intracontinental orogenic event of the Limpopo Belt. The main ductile deformation was the product of an NNW-SSE directed shortening that produced flattening strain and horizontal lineations along dextral sense shear zones, and resulted from NNW-SSE compression of the area between the Zimbabwe and Kaapvaal cratons. This high-level ductile deformation and mylonitization occurred after the emplacement of the Palala Granite at 2.05 Ga, and is thought to have taken place at medium crustal levels under upper greenschist to low amphibolite facies conditions. A late low-temperature deformation phase might be related to low-temperature basal <a> slip which is identified by our EBSD analysis.

A Grenvillian magmatic almandine garnet-bearing ferroan granite intrusion in the Chhotanagpur Gneissic complex, Eastern India: Petrology, petrochemistry, petrogenesis and geodynamic implications

We report for the first time magmatic Ca-rich (CaO = 7–11.3 wt%) almandine garnet-bearing ferroan granites. The almandine (Alm66.6Grs24.2Pyr4.9Spes3.9Uvr0.1) garnet-bearing Tilaboni granite pluton was emplaced in a major regional shear zone of Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, Eastern India. Garnets show partial dissolution, corona, and symplectitic textures. Petrography and composition of minerals suggest the garnets are magmatic. Mineral chemistry of these garnets differs from those of calc-alkaline I-type, S-type, A-type, mantle-type, and metamorphic garnets. Geochemically, the host granites show high 10,000Ga/Al ratios (average 3.2), high K2O (average 4.91 wt%), high total alkalis (average 7.5 wt%), high Ta + Yb (average 10.2 ppm), high Ce + Nb + Zr + Y (average 668 ppm), high Ce/Yb (average 27.3) and strong negative Eu-anomalies (average 0.3). These granites are classified as ferroan, calc-alkalic to alkalic, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, and highly fractionated I-type. Early crystallization of magnesian amphiboles/biotites enriched the FeO in the derivative melts. The granite magma had high liquidus temperature (800–950 °C), low oxygen fugacity (ΔQFM = +1 to −1.6), and solidified at around 5 to 6 kb pressure (Al-in hornblende barometers). Pseudosection modelling shows that the garnets crystallized from a hydrous melt (H2O = 6–9 wt%) at around 760 °C temperature, 6 kb pressure, and fO2–15 log unit (bar). The pluton emplaced in a post-collisional tectonic setting. Low Mg# (average 0.24), low Nb/U (average 9.8), and Ce/Pb (average 7.1) ratios but high Th/U (average 9.8) ratios of the Tilaboni granites strongly suggest their crustal source. The granite magma was derived by the 20–40% partial melting of an old high-K high alumina shoshonitic hornblende granulite protolith at around 7 kb. The shear zone facilitated the fast upward movement of the magma and incomplete dissolution of the garnets before solidification at lower pressure.

Using airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and geochemistry to characterize the late Neoproterozoic ferroan magmatism in the Transversal subprovince of the Borborema Province, NE-Brazil

Abstract Ferroan granites (585-530 Ma) in the Transversal subprovince of the Borborema Province (BP) comprise two groups: G1) slightly peraluminous to metaluminous, alkali-calcic rocks (Aroeiras Complex and Serra Branca - Coxixola dike swarms (SBCDS)); G2) metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, alkalic to alkali-calcic rocks (Queimadas and Prata intrusions). G1 are transitional from collision to transcurrence (ca. 585 Ma), or transcurrence to transtension (ca. 545 Ma). G2 represents the granitoids intruded during post-collisional crustal thinning (ca. 550 Ma), or coeval with deposition of intracratonic basins (ca. 530 Ma). The large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) and high field strength elements (HFSE) enriched geochemical signature of these granitoids are recognizable in gamma spectrometric maps of regional scale, highest values of K(%), eTh(ppm), and eU(ppm) contrast significantly with country rocks and magnesian granites. This study shows that gamma-ray spectrometric regional maps reflect the geochemical characteristics of the ferroan intrusions. Moreover, in the local maps for each intrusion, it is possible to identify internal heterogeneities in these plutons, which correlate to geological processes, geochemistry, and petrography. Diorites and gabbros show low to medium values of K (1-3%), eTh (5-20 ppm) and eU (0.2-2 ppm), contrasting with the high values of regions with a dominance of ferroan granitoids (K, 3-6%; eTh, 15-60 ppm; eU, 2-4 ppm).

Petrografia e química do Granito Aripuanã, sul do Cráton Amazônico

O termo Granito Aripuanã refere-se a um conjunto de corpos graníticos circunscritos não deformados, intrusivos em rochas da sequência metavulcanossedimentar do Grupo Roosevelt, reconhecidos na porção sul do Cráton Amazônico. O corpo granítico principal constitui um batólito ovalado com diâmetro menor que 15 km, que ocorre a norte da cidade de Aripuanã, no noroeste do estado do Mato Grosso. É constituído de hornblenda-biotita sieno a monzogranitos porfiríticos grossos, de coloração cinza ou vermelha e localmente com texturas rapakivi. Nas áreas marginais é observada uma redução de granulação das feições porfiríticas com predomínio da fácies equigranular fina, associada a resfriamento rápido. As fácies tardias comuns são constituídas de diques equigranulares de cor cinza, aplitos róseos e cinza e veios pegmatíticos. Ocorrem veios pós-magmáticos de quartzo, fluorita, muscovita em zonas de deformação rúptil, em que as rochas mostram intensa alteração hidrotermal. Esse hidrotermalismo afeta de forma heterogênea as rochas encaixantes e as rochas magmáticas, facilitando a circulação de fluidos e favorecendo a concentração de sulfetos de zinco disseminados, sempre relacionados ao fraturamento. Os granitos hospedam xenólitos de rochas paraderivadas encaixantes, de granodioritos, quartzo dioritos e rochas micáceas. Nas bordas, ocorrem veios e apófises graníticas, além de metamorfismo de contato nas rochas encaixantes. Os monzogranitos são peraluminosos e pertencem à série de alto potássio a shoshonítica, similares a granitos “ferroan”, apresentando assinatura de granito tipo A, pós-colisionais a anorogênicos e associado à evolução do Arco Magmático Jamari.

Geocronologia U-Pb, classificação e aspectos evolutivos do Granito Marajoara, Província Carajás

O Granito Marajoara (GrMj) é um stock intrusivo em granitoides mesoarqueanos do Domínio Rio Maria (DRM) da Província Carajás (PC). É formado por rochas leucocráticas: biotita monzogranito equigranular (BMzE) e heterogranular (BMzH). Textura rapakivi e enclaves de granito porfirítico (EGp) e microgranulares (EMg) são restritos à fácies BMzH. Os valores de susceptibilidade magnética (SM) e a presença de magnetita aproximam a fácies BMzH dos granitos da série magnetita, enquanto a variedade BMzE mostra afinidade com aqueles da série ilmenita por apresentar baixos valores de SM e opacos. São granitos peraluminosos similares aos ferroan. Mostram, ainda, afinidades com os granitos tipo-A oxidados (BMzH e EGp) e reduzidos (BMzE), como aquelas dos plútons das suítes Jamon e Velho Guilherme, respectivamente. Os EMg mostram afinidade com os granitos magnesianos e da série calcioalcalina, e os EGp são originados a partir da interação entre os líquidos EMg e BMzH. Os gaps composicionais entre as diversas variedades sugerem que seus magmas não são cogenéticos. Os EMg são representantes de um magmatismo básico oriundo do manto litosférico enriquecido e que teriam sido injetados na câmara magmática por underplating. As análises U-Pb em zircão (SHRIMP) fornecem idade de cristalização (1885 ± 6 Ma). O GrMj foi colocado em epizona em um ambiente de tectônica extensional. A zonalidade concêntrica do GrMj e a influência reduzida dos esforços regionais indicam que o transporte do magma se deu por diques. Dessa forma, a edificação do GrMj é resultante de ascensão vertical de magmas por meio de fraturas e acomodação ao longo dos planos da foliação regional E-W, seguida de uma mudança do fluxo vertical por um espalhamento lateral do magma.

Petrogenesis of the Late Mesozoic Magnesian and Ferroan Granites in Northwest Zhejiang, Southeast China, and Their Implications

AbstractNorthwest Zhejiang Province (NWZJ) is located in the southeastern Lower Yangtze River Belt, southeastern China. Here we document the occurrence of both magnesian (149–131 Ma) and ferroan (1...