Flat Heavy Rare Earth Element Patterns Research Articles

Insights from Dikes for Multistage Granitic Magmatism in the Huayangchuan Uranium Polymetallic Deposit, Qinling Orogen

The Huayangchuan U-polymetallic deposit in the Qinling Orogen is a newly verified carbonatite-hosted deposit on the southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) in Central China. Granitic magmatism is extensively developed in the Huayangchuan deposit area and is lacking analysis on the reasons for these situations; however, its ages, petrogenesis, and relationship with uranium mineralization are not well constrained. Zircon U–Pb ages for the hornblende-bearing granite porphyry and medium-fine-grained biotite granites in close proximity to carbonatite rocks are 229.8 ± 1.1 and 135.3 ± 0.6 Ma, respectively. High-K calc-alkaline series and weakly peraluminous Triassic hornblende-bearing granite porphyry are slightly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) with flat heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns, enriched in Ba and Sr, and depleted in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, i.e., geochemical characteristics similar to those of adakite-like rocks. The Early Cretaceous medium-fine-grained biotite granites are characterized by LREE enrichment and flat HREE patterns, which belong to high-K calc-alkaline series, and metaluminous belong to weakly peraluminous I-type granite, with U and large ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichment and high field strength element depletion. The high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and enriched Nd (εNd(t) = −10.7 to −9.5 and −19.9 to −18.9, respectively) and Hf (εHf(t) = −21.8 to −13.0 and −30.5 to −19.0, respectively) isotopes revealed that both granitic rocks from the Huayangchuan deposit mainly originated from lower crustal materials, generated by partial melting of the ancient basement materials of the Taihua Group. Triassic hornblende-bearing granite porphyry is significantly different from the mantle origin of the contemporaneous U-mineralization carbonatite. In combination with tectonic evolution, we argue that the Qinling Orogenic Belt was affected by the subduction of the North Mianlian Ocean during the Late Triassic. The ongoing northward subduction of the Yangtze Craton resulted in crustal thickening, forming large-scale Indosinian carbonatites, U-polymetallic mineralization, and contemporaneous intermediate-acid magmatism. Additionally, due to the tectonic system transformation caused by Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction, intracontinental lithosphere extension and lithospheric thinning occurred along the southern NCC margin in the Early Cretaceous. Intense magma underplating of the post-orogeny created a large number of magmatic rocks. The tremendous heat could have provided a thermal source and dynamic mechanism for the Yanshanian large-scale U-polymetallic mineralization events.

From divergent to convergent plate boundary: A ca. 200 Ma Wilson cycle recorded by ultrahigh-pressure eclogites in the Dora-Maira Massif, Western Alps

Sparse eclogite exposure in accretionary-to-collisional orogens cannot only reveal the sites of ancient subduction zones and plate boundaries, but also elucidate the multi-stage tectonic evolution in the Wilson cycle. The southern part of the Dora-Maira Massif in the Western Alps is well known for its ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) rocks and contains small occurrences of petrographically distinct types of eclogite. Due to the lack of detailed geochronological and geochemical data on these rocks, the nature of their protolith and related geodynamic setting has remained unknown. In the current study, 33 samples from 13 localities were studied by whole-rock major- and trace-element analysis, and a selection of the samples were studied using Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes, as well as high-resolution elemental mapping and U-Pb geochronology of zircon. According to macroscopic appearance, petrography, chemical composition, and principal-component analysis of multi-elements, two major types are distinguished. Light-colored eclogite is phengite-rich, commonly foliated, bears kyanite and quartz/coesite, shows relatively high MgO, K2O, SiO2, εNd(t) (−2.2 to +1.4), and εHf(t) (+3.5 to +7), with a protolith geochemically similar to an enriched-type mid-oceanic-ridge basalt (E-MORB). Dark eclogite generally is massive, rutile-rich, shows higher values of Ti, Fe, P, Nb, and Zr, εNd(t) values between −2.8 and −0.8, εHf(t) values between −6.1 and −3.2, with an oceanic island basalt (OIB)-type protolith composition. Magmatic zircon cores, which are characterized by steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns and negative Eu anomalies, yield consistent protolith ages of ca. 253−252 Ma in both eclogite types. Metamorphic zircon domains with flat HREE patterns and insignificant Eu anomalies yield a younger mean age of ca. 34 Ma, which is the age commonly assigned to eclogite-facies UHP metamorphism. Considering the various geochemical signatures of E-MORB- to OIB-like eclogites and the regional tectonic evolution, their protolith is best explained as rocks, which crystallized from rift-related basaltic magma, associated with the break-up of the Pangea Supercontinent that eventually resulted in the birth of the Piemonte-Liguria Ocean (Alpine Tethys Ocean) between the future Eurasia and Adria plates. Therefore, the UHP eclogites in the Dora-Maira Massif likely fingerprint a multi-stage tectonic evolution from divergent (continental extension, rifting) to convergent (subduction zone) plate boundary, corresponding to the beginning and end of a Wilson cycle. Incidentally, they reveal that mafic rocks in the Alpine basement units may not be polymetamorphic, but may actually consist of post-Variscan products that underwent only Alpine metamorphism.

Development of a back-arc basin from initial rifting to seafloor spreading: Constraints from Paleozoic basic rocks in the North Qinling accretionary orogen, central China

The progression from initial back-arc rifting to back-arc opening in ancient orogenic collages is important for reconstructing subduction histories, constraining tectonic switching, and understanding crustal growth and evolution. However, it is difficult to constrain this transition in ancient arcs. The Qinling-Dabie orogenic belt is one of the most important orogenic belts in eastern Asia, yet the history of Paleozoic accretionary processes in this belt remains equivocal, owing to a poor understanding of back-arc opening processes in the Erlangping unit. In this study, we present whole-rock geochemical analyses of mafic dikes in the Erlangping unit, along with U-Pb ages and Hf-O isotope compositions of zircon from these dikes. Zircon secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) dating of these mafic dikes yielded U-Pb ages of 453 ± 3 Ma. The mafic dikes are calc-alkaline and are characterized by high K2O contents (1.16−3.16 wt%). They have enriched ([La/Yb]N = 4.3−14.9) light rare earth elements (REEs) and relatively flat heavy REE ([Dy/Yb]N = 0.9−1.5) patterns, and they exhibit enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) but depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs), resembling arc-like magmatism. These mafic dikes are characterized by relatively enriched initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7049−0.7059), chondritic to slightly radiogenic εNd(t) (−0.36 to 1.33), and radiogenic whole-rock and zircon εHf(t) (+7.2−7.6 and +7.5−7.8, respectively). The zircons have δ18O values (5.0‰ ± 0.1‰) similar to those of normal mantle zircon. Accordingly, we interpret that the mafic dikes were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source metasomatized by subducted Proto-Tethys (Shangdan) ocean material. In contrast, previously reported ca. 440 Ma gabbros from the Erlangping unit are tholeiitic and have lower incompatible trace-element concentrations with less enrichment in LILEs and less depletion in HFSEs than the mafic dikes presented here. Whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions suggest that these Silurian gabbros were derived from partial melting of a more depleted mantle with the involvement of asthenosphere, and they have a close geochemical affinity with back-arc basin basalts. In addition, trace-element ratios and geochemical modeling suggest higher melting pressures for the mafic dikes than the gabbros. The geochemical differences show systematic variations from island-arc basalt into back-arc basin basalt types, which is consistent with the magma source evolution of the Mariana Trough. Thus, we interpret that the ca. 454 Ma mafic dikes were emplaced when the infant arc split, and they record initial back-arc rifting in the Erlangping unit, whereas the Silurian gabbros subsequently formed during the opening of the back-arc basin. Our study provides a paradigm for deciphering the evolution of back-arc basins through the study of spatiotemporal geological and geochemical variations of mafic intrusions in ancient accretionary orogens.

Exotic REE behaviors of zircon in the Koktokay No. 3 granitic pegmatite, Xinjiang, northwest China

Rare earth elements (REEs) can be incorporated into zircon at significant concentrations that are controlled by the temperature, pressure, and composition of their growth environment. However, the distribution of REEs between zircon and melt does not always conform to the currently available partitioning data. This study presents evidence of exotic REE behaviors in zircon from the marginal zone of the Koktokay No. 3 granitic pegmatite in Xinjiang, northwest China. The behavior of the Koktokay REEs represents by large negative Ce anomalies, flat heavy REE patterns, and lanthanide tetrad effects. Two generations of zircon (Zrn-I and Zrn-II) are identified, which were formed by dissolution and re-precipitation processes. Zrn-I represents relic zircon domains with dissolution textures that formed from pegmatite melt during the late stage of the magmatic–hydrothermal transition. Zrn-II occurs as overgrowths and infilling fractures around or within Zrn-I, which formed by hydrothermal re-precipitation. From Zrn-I to Zrn-II, the zircon exhibits increasingly negative Ce anomalies and greater enrichment in light REEs and other non-stochiometric elements (e.g., Ca, Al, Fe, and Mg). Given the lack of Ce depletion in the host granite, the negative Ce anomalies in zircon can be attributed to Ce being sequestered into hydrothermal minerals (i.e., cerianite and/or Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides) as tetravalent Ce. In addition, the flat heavy REE patterns of both Zrn-I and Zrn-II likely resulted from the crystallization of heavy REE-enriched minerals, such as zircon and garnet, and were further enhanced by hydrothermal alteration. The two generations of zircon display identical M-type lanthanide tetrad effects in REE patterns, with similar TE3 values. This ubiquitous M-type tetrad effect of the REEs in garnet, zircon, and the host granite can be attributed to the exsolution and subsequent interaction with magmatically derived fluids containing F–aquo-complexes. Therefore, we conclude that such anomalous REE incorporation into zircon from a hydrous pegmatitic melt is controlled by the evolution of the hydrous melt and dissolution–re-precipitation processes. Our results suggest that the reliability of zircon REE partitioning data should be revaluated, and that further experimental studies are needed to fully understand the behavior of REEs in hydrothermal systems.

Growth of the continental crust induced by slab rollback in subduction zones: Evidence from Middle Jurassic arc andesites in central Tibet

Andesitic rocks have similar compositions to average continental crust and have played a central role in improving our understanding of the formation and evolution of the continental crust. Here we present data for andesites from the Jiaqiong area of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ), Central Tibet. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages demonstrate that these andesites were generated during the Middle Jurassic (169–164 Ma). The Jiaqiong andesites have variable Mg# (molar 100 × Mg/[Mg + Fe] = 35–63) values, and Cr (3.02–175 ppm) and Ni (5.70–47.7 ppm) contents. These andesitic rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (REEs) ([La/Yb]N = 5.2–14.6) and yield relatively flat heavy REE patterns ([Gd/Yb]N = 1.4–2.1) with negative Ta, Nb, and Ti anomalies. They also have moderately high initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7077–0.7092) ratios and variable negative εNd(t) (−11.0 to − 3.3) and zircon εHf(t) (−13.7 to + 2.1) values. These geochemical characteristics suggest that the Jiaqiong andesites were most probably produced by partial melting of mélange rocks. Combining our data with the regional geology, particularly that of nearby ophiolites and Jurassic andesitic rocks, we conclude that the formation of these andesites was triggered by asthenospheric upwelling and hot corner flow caused by the rollback of the northward-subducting Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan oceanic lithospheric slab during the Middle Jurassic. The mélanges provided the material for the formation of andesites, and probably make a substantial contribution to the vertical growth of the continental crust in subduction zones.

Petrogenesis of the Early Jurassic Longtang and Menglong Peraluminous Granites in Tengchong Terrane, and their Tectonic Implication

AbstractA comprehensive study of zircon U‐Pb geochronology, in situ Hf isotopes, whole‐rock major and trace element geochemistry, and Nd isotopes was carried out for two Early Jurassic two‐mica granites (Longtang and Menglong) in the southern part of the Tengchong terrane, which is in the northern part of the larger Sibumasu terrane. We assess the origin of the granites and explore their possible genetic relationship to the Paleo‐Tethyan regime. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb dating shows that they were simultaneously emplaced in the Early Jurassic (ca. 199 Ma). They have SiO2 contents of 69.7–75.1 wt% and are mainly strongly peraluminous with alumina saturation index (ASI) values ranging from 1.06 to 1.46. They show similar Mg# (0.29–0.42) to experimental partial melts of metasedimentary rocks under continental pressure‐temperature (P‐T) conditions. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), with moderately negative Eu anomalies and flat HREEs patterns. They show negative εNd(t) values (–9.0 to –12.4) and εHf(t) values (–8.0 to –9.1). Elemental and isotopic data suggest that they most likely to formed by muscovite‐dehydration melting of a metapelitic source at lower temperatures in the range of 700°C to 750°C. The granites might represent a post‐collisional tectonic setting response to Paleo‐Tethyan regime.

Syn-orogenic tectonomagmatic evolution of the Qilian Orogen: Insights from the Lumanshan gabbro–granite association in the Qilian Block, Northwest China

Gabbro–granite associations provide critical geological clues for unraveling crust–mantle interactions, regional tectonics and geodynamic processes. Many Late Ordovician–Early Devonian granitoids occur in the Qilian Block, display high-K calc-alkaline affinities but have less well-constrained geodynamic mechanisms. Here, we report the newly discovered Late Ordovician-Early Devonian Lumanshan (LMS) gabbro–granite association in the Qilian Block that is composed mainly of syenogranites and alkali-feldspar granites, with minor gabbro. Zircon U Pb dating yields crystallization ages of ca. 440 Ma for the gabbros and ca. 450 Ma and 414 Ma for the syenogranite and alkali-feldspar granite, respectively. The gabbros are calc-alkaline series and display enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt ( E -MORB)-like rare earth element (REE) patterns; U, Cs, and Rb enrichments; Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf depletions; and depleted Sr–Nd–Hf isotope compositions. The results indicate that the gabbros were possibly derived from partial melting of an asthenospheric mantle wedge metasomatized by aqueous fluids. Two granite types within the LMS pluton are peraluminous and have a transitional geochemical affinity between S- and I-type, low Mg# values, and similarly evolved Sr Nd isotope compositions, which overlap with those of Neoproterozoic basement rocks exposed in the study area. The syenogranites show adakitic geochemical characteristics with high La/Yb and Nb/Ta ratios, whereas the alkali-feldspar granites are non-adakitic granites with flat heavy REE patterns and significant Ba, Sr, and Eu depletions, suggesting that they formed at lower and middle crustal levels, respectively. The LMS ca. 450–440 Ma gabbro and syenogranite were emplaced during a back-arc extensional regime associated with roll-back of the northward-subducting South Qilian Ocean slab. Synthesized data from this and previous studies suggest that the final closure of the South Qilian Ocean and continental collision between the Qilian and Qaidam blocks likely occurred at ca. 435 Ma, and the ca. 414 Ma LMS alkali-feldspar granites generated in syn -collisional setting related with exhumation of the subducted continental crust. The LMS alkali-feldspar granites also show decoupled Nd Hf isotopic systems, which should result from significant disequilibrium melting of metasedimentary materials with the apparent abundance of inherited zircons in their source due to a less intense thermal regime. • A gabbro–granite association in the Qilian Block formed in early–middle Paleozoic. • The ca. 472–435 Ma magmatism formed in an extensional setting related to slab roll-back. • The ca. 435–400 Ma magmatism occurred in syn-collisional setting.

Geochronology and geochemistry of the granitoids in the Diancangshan-Ailaoshan fold belt: Implications on the Neoproterozoic subduction and crustal melting along the southwestern Yangtze Block, South China

The Neoproterozoic magmatic and tectonic history of the South China Craton (SCC) is critical for the reconstruction of Rodinia break-up and subsequent Gondwana assembly. Nonetheless, the tectonic attribution of the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the southwestern Yangtze is contentious, and the mechanism for crustal anatexis remains unclear. Here, we report mineralogical, whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd isotope data, and zircon U-Pb-Hf-O isotope data from the newly found Neoproterozoic trondhjemites and granites in the Diancangshan-Ailaoshan (DCS-ALS) fold belt along the southwestern Yangtze. Both the trondhjemites (ca. 771–762 Ma) and granites (ca. 767 Ma) have high SiO2 and low MgO contents. The trondhjemites have relatively high CaO, Na2O and Sr contents, but low K2O contents and Rb/Sr ratios, and show positive to slightly negative Eu anomalies and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) depletions, resulting in high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios. In contrast, the granites have lower CaO, Na2O, and Sr contents, but higher K2O and Rb/Sr, and display negative Eu anomalies and flat HREEs patterns. The trondhjemites have negative εNd(t) (-4.12 to −3.85), positive to negative εHf(t) (-2.50 to + 5.28) and low δ18O (4.37 ‰–7.27 ‰) values. In comparison, the granites have positive εNd(t) (0.09 to 0.26), εHf(t) (+1.24 to + 9.86) and higher δ18O (6.50 ‰–7.24 ‰) values. The distinct elemental and isotopic compositions between the trondhjemite and granite samples reflect two different types of crustal anataxis within different crustal levels. The trondhjemites were formed by water-fluxed melting of the juvenile mafic lower continental arc crust (with addition of ancient Yangtze basement). The granites were derived from dehydration melting of juvenile felsic middle crust. Our results imply that the trondhjemites and granites were formed in a continental arc setting. The melting processes revealed here should be applicable to decipher the widespread Neoproterozoic crustal melting along the southwestern Yangtze, which was most likely fluid-controlled via subduction-induced asthenosphere upwelling. Combined with available regional geological data, we suggest that a long-lived Neoproterozoic (∼880–730 Ma) subduction zone may have extended from the Panxi-Hanna region in the northern/western Yangtze Block to the DCS-ALS fold belt in the southwestern Yangtze. Thus, the SCC may have located on the northwestern margin of Rodinia.

Formation of the Nephrite Deposit With Five Mineral Assemblage Zones in the Central Western Kunlun Mountains, China

Abstract The Saidikulam nephrite deposit, which is famous for its high-quality white nephrite no matter in history and nowadays, is located in the eastern part of the Western Kunlun Orogen, in the northwestern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, Yutian County, Xinjiang, China. Field investigations and petrographic observations revealed the presence of five mineral assemblage zones from granodiorite to dolomitic marble in the Saidikulam nephrite deposit: slightly epidote-altered granodiorite → epidote-altered diopsidite → nephrite → calcite tremolitite → calcite-bearing dolomitic marble. However, little is known about the relationships among these five zones or the formation age of the deposit. The slightly epidote-altered granodiorite consists of plagioclase, orthoclase, quartz, biotite, and epidote, with accessory apatite, zircon, and allanite. They exhibit slightly negative Eu anomalies (0.69–0.72), with declined light rare earth element (LREE) and flat heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns. They are also strongly enriched in Rb, Zr, U, and Sm and depleted in Hf, Ti, P, and Nb. The epidote-altered diopsidite close to the granodiorite intrusions is a relatively high-temperature metasomatic rock composed of Fe-rich diopside and actinolite, while the calcite tremolitite adjacent to the dolomitic marble is a relatively low-temperature rock composed of prismatic tremolite and calcite. The main mineral component of the nephrite is tremolite, with minor epidote, chlorite, apatite, calcite, graphite, and allanite. The nephrites have low ∑REE contents (4.38–18.53 ppm), with declined LREE and flat HREE patterns. All of the analyzed nephrite exhibits pronounced negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.20–0.82), and they are strongly enriched in Rb, U, and Ti and relatively depleted in Ba and HFSEs. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of zircons from the granodiorite yielded a Concordia age of 453.8 ± 3.7 Ma, which is interpreted as the upper limit of the Saidikulam nephrite formation age. The zircons in the epidotized syenite in the deposit yielded a SHRIMP Concordia U–Pb age of 489.2 ± 4.2 Ma. These two ages indicate that the dolomitic marble experienced at least two thermal events. The approximate ages of the nephrite deposits along the giant Kunlun-Altyn Tagh belt indicate that the closure of the Proto-Tethys may have been the predominant driving force for the formation of the whole nephrite deposits. The multistage metasomatism and the Fe absorption of epidote-altered diopsidite had a positive impact on the formation of high-quality nephrite.

Development of Open Transport of Aqueous Fluid from Pegmatite Revealed by Trace Elements in Garnet

We investigated the fluid flow and elemental transport from a granitic body to the middle crust by determining the trace element compositions of garnet in pegmatites related to a quartz diorite intrusion and metamorphic rocks on Kinkasan Island, northeast Japan. Garnet in the pegmatites and biotite schists is characterized by spessartine– (Sps–) almandine- (Alm-) rich compositions of Sps14–69Alm22–70Prp2–14Grs1–13 and Sps16–30Alm54–66Prp9–16Grs3–6, respectively. A garnetite pod in the metamorphic unit has grossular- (Grs-) rich compositions (Sps1–4Alm8–11Prp0.1–0.4Grs80–87Adr3–4). The peak temperature ( T ) and pressure ( P ) conditions of the biotite schist during contact metamorphism were 600–650°C and 0.27–0.41 GPa, respectively. The primary fluid inclusions in quartz crystals within the pegmatites hosted by the quartz diorite and hosted by the metamorphic rocks have a wide range of homogenization temperatures (200–380°C). These correspond to the trapping temperature of 500–700°C, assuming a salinity of 4 wt.% NaClequivalent at pressure of the crystallization of the quartz diorite. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of garnets in the pegmatites in the quartz diorite and metamorphic unit are generally characterized by enrichment of heavy REEs and negative Eu anomalies with the REE contents in the schists which are systematically lower than in the pegmatites. However, garnet in the biotite schists close to the pegmatites has similar REE contents to garnet in the adjacent pegmatites. These geochemical features suggest that garnet in the biotite schists grew in response to fluid infiltration from the pegmatites. Besides, the Grs-rich garnet in the garnetite pod and its host quartz schist have flat heavy REE patterns and no Eu anomalies, which probably reflect a metasomatic process related to plagioclase replacement that produced Ca-Al-rich fluids. Our results suggest that the infiltration of pegmatitic fluids enhances elemental transport and metamorphic reactions in the middle crust.

Petrogenesis of early–middle paleozoic granitoids in the qilianblock, northwest China: Insight into the transition from adakitic to non-adakitic magmatism in a post-collisional extensional setting

To better understand geodynamic implications for the transition from adakitic to non-adakitic magmatism in a continental collision setting, an integrated study including zircon U–Pb ages and whole-rock geochemistry was performed for the Gahai and Erhai granitoid intrusions within the Qilian Block. The ca. 450–428 Ma Gahai biotite granite and Erhai muscovite-bearing granite are peraluminous S-type granites with adakitic geochemical characteristics, and have low Mg# (41.2–31.7) and εNd(t) (−10.8 to −6.5) values with two–stage Nd model ages of 2.05–1.72 Ga, implying their derivation almost entirely from an ancient crustal source under a thickened lower crust condition. The geochemical characteristics of the granites indicate that the Gahai and Erhai S-type granites were derived from partial melting of meta-greywacke and meta-pelite sources, respectively. In comparison, the ca. 415 Ma Gahai granodiorite belongs to metaluminous I-type granitoid and has low Sr/Y ratios as well as high Y and heavy rare Earth element (REE) concentrations, with nearly flat heavy REE patterns, implying a shallow source region. The granodiorites were most likely generated by partial melting of a K-rich basaltic magma source, with some contributions from mantle-derived melts. Synthesized data from this and previous studies suggest that the ca. 450–415 Ma Gahai and Erhai granitoids within the Qilian Block were generated in a post-collisional extensional regime triggered by the break-off of the northward subducting South Qilian Ocean slab beneath the Qilian Block. The geochemical transition from adakitic to non-adakitic intermediate-acidic magmas indicated that the thickened continental crust of the Qilian Block had experienced significant extension and thinning after ca. 420 Ma.

Rift‐related multistage evolution of the Mangalwar Complex, Aravalli Craton (NW India): Evidence from elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic features of Proterozoic amphibolites

The Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC) of the Aravalli Craton (India) comprises Archean BGC‐I (3.3–2.5 Ga) and Proterozoic BGC‐II. The BGC‐II is a mosaic of amphibolite facies namely, (a) Mangalwar Gneissic Complex (MGC), (b) Mangalwar Metasedimentary Complex (MMC), and (c) granulite‐facies Sandmata Metamorphic Complex. Here we present field, petrography and geochemical study of the Proterozoic amphibolites from the MGC and MMC. Based on field and geochemical data, the amphibolites have been characterized into three types related to rift settings (G1, G2 and G3). The G1 type occurs as dykes in the MGC and bears ocean island basalt‐type rare earth element (REE) patterns along with negative Nb and Ti anomalies, negative to positive values of εNd(t) (−0.02 to +3.96) and slightly variable initial 87Sr/86Sr (ISr) ratios. They are derived from deep mantle sources and correspond to the pre‐rift magmatic phase. The G2 type occurs as isolated patches associated with chert and is characterized by light REE (LREE) depleted and almost flat heavy REE (HREE) patterns suggesting that they were emplaced in an oceanic setting and were derived from a shallower mantle bearing positive εNd(t) (+2.87 to +6.27) and ISr = 0.7002–0.7083. This phase corresponds to the opening of the Mangalwar sedimentary basin (MMC). The G3 type occurs intercalated with metasedimentary rocks of the MMC and marked by LREE‐enriched and HREE‐depleted to flat patterns that resemble Upper Continental Crust signature, their εNd(t) mostly negative values and variable ISr also corroborate this explanation. They are believed to be derived from heterogeneous sources and represent syn‐sedimentary volcanic phases. All these signatures indicate that the amphibolites distinctly represent three phases of magmatism that occurred during pre‐rift (1.72 Ga), opening of basin (1.62 Ga) and syn‐sedimentary volcanism (1.6–1.3 Ga) in the rift‐basin and they were formed during the Proterozoic. These rifting events might have been connected with the fragmentation of Columbia.

Petrogenesis of Miocene igneous rocks in the Tafresh area (central Urumieh‐Dokhtar magmatic arc, Iran): Insights into mantle sources and geodynamic processes

Cenozoic tectono‐magmatism in Iran is widely considered to be related to subduction of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean. We employed whole‐rock and mineral geochemistry and isotopic data of intrusive rocks from Tafresh, central Urumieh‐Dokhtar magmatic arc, to evaluate the role of the mantle in magmatism, to assess the timing of emplacement, and to interpret the tectonic setting. Rock compositions range from gabbro or gabbro‐diorite (plagioclase + pyroxene ± olivine), to diorite (plagioclase + amphibole ± pyroxene), to granodiorite (quartz + plagioclase + K‐feldspar + amphibole + biotite), exhibiting high‐alumina calc‐alkaline affinity. Major oxide and trace element variations vary systematically from less to more evolved rocks suggesting a major role for fractional crystallization processes. Zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb ages of major rock types are in the range of 24–19 Ma, whereas those of gabbroic dikes are ~17.5 Ma. ԐNd values range between −1.8 and 3.7, and (87Sr/86Sr)i is narrowly restricted to 0.705–0.706, suggesting a common mantle source. The enrichment in light rare earth element (REE) enrichment and flat heavy REE patterns couple depletion of Nb–Ta–Ti indicate that subducting oceanic crust had interacted with the overlying mantle wedge. High‐alumina, mid‐Mg# Tafresh plutonic rocks formed from hydrous melts from which Ca‐pyroxene and magnetite crystallized earlier than plagioclase, whereas late‐crystallizing zircon nucleated while magma traversed through lithospheric mantle and Cadomian crust. Modelling of isotope and incompatible‐element patterns suggests the contribution of no more than ~5% molten sediment or other crustal components in Tafresh magma, at a developmental stage before most plagioclase and amphibole had crystallized. The Miocene Tafresh plutons originated during the final stages of subduction, before the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates.

S-type like granites and felsic volcanic rocks in the Mahabad area, NW Iran: Late Neoproterozoic extensional tectonics follow collision on the northern boundary of Gondwana

The Late Neoproterozoic basement is exposed in the Mahabad area of northwest Iran, and it is classified into three main groups. The first is metamorphic rocks that include gneiss, schist, phyllite, and slate. The second is sedimentary rocks, which comprise shale, sandstone, and dolomite and the third is igneous rocks including granite, rhyolite, felsic tuff, and ignimbrite, which are the subject of this research. Zircon UPb ages for three igneous samples show that crystallization occurred at 558–552 Ma in the late Neoproterozoic (Ediacaran). The felsic magmatic rocks have SiO2 contents of 64.3 to 78.9 wt%, Al2O3 contents of 12.0 to 16.8 wt%, low TiO2 contents (0.08 to 0.69 wt%), and large variations in K2O (0.05 to 5.46 wt%) and Na2O (1.17 to 6.70 wt%). The felsic magmatic rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (REEs) such as La and Sm, have flat heavy REE patterns, and strong negative Eu anomalies. They are mainly weakly to strongly peraluminous and calc-alkalic to alkali-calcic rocks. A wide range of initial 87Sr/86Sr(556Ma) ratios (0.7056 to 0.7203) and negative εNd(t) values (−6.0 to −2.9) do not show clear trends of mixing/contamination among mantle, slab fluids, and/or altered oceanic crust. The Mahabad magmatic rocks were produced mainly by partial melting of graywacke, psammite, and shale at high temperatures (~800 °C), based on the zircon saturation index. S-type like granites usually form in syn- to post-collisional systems, but the Mahabad felsic rocks, which have almost the same ages as the associated sedimentary rocks, were generated in an extensional regime according to geochemical discrimination diagrams. This can be explained as follows: sediments were deeply buried during the late Neoproterozoic amalgamation of microcontinents at a subduction zone along the northern boundary of Gondwana, and then erosion of the roof and/or thinning owing to extension led to upwelling of the asthenosphere and intrusion of mafic magma, which was responsible for partially melting the buried metasedimentary rocks to generate S-type like granites and felsic volcanic rocks.

Magma evolution of the South China Sea basin from continental-margin rifting to oceanic crustal spreading: Constraints from In-situ trace elements and Sr isotope of minerals

The South China Sea (SCS) has undergone a complete Wilson cycle. We studied the volcanic rocks from IODP Sites U1502, U1500, U1431, U1433, and U1434 that record the exact mantle dynamics of the SCS basin from continental rifting to oceanic crustal spreading. We present in-situ major and trace element data for minerals (olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase) and melt inclusions; and in-situ Sr isotopic ratios for plagioclases from the volcanic samples. All SCS volcanic rocks belong to the tholeiite series. Most Site U1431 basalts are slightly depleted in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and similar to that of normal mid-oceanic ridge basalts (N-MORB). All clinopyroxenes and olivines, and the calculated equilibrium melts of clinopyroxene cores display depletion of LREEs and enrichment of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) similar to N-MORB-type primary magma. Thus, these volcanic rocks are likely formed by the extension decompression partial melting of shallow depleted magma. The Sites U1502, U1500, U1433, and U1434 bulk-rocks and melt inclusions show flat LREE and HREE patterns similar to that of enriched MORB (E-MORB), likely attributed to the partial melting of a depleted mantle source with different degrees of lower continental crustal contamination. The increase in 87Sr/86Sr ratios from core to rim in Site U1500 plagioclases further prove the crustal contamination during magmatism. Site U1431 clinopyroxene and Site U1500 plagioclase show normal zoning textures and slight enrichment of incompatible elements in their rims but depletion in their cores, likely indicating significant crystallization of late-stage differentiated melts. Although some clinopyroxene and plagioclase were likely crystallized in a relatively closed environment, the existence of melt inclusions and the large Sr isotopic variations between the plagioclase rim and groundmass suggest a dynamic and open magmatic system that likely experienced melt–rock interactions and magma mixing processes. Melt supply rate changes from low to high during the SCS evolution process from initial rifting (Site U1500) to later spreading (Sites U1431 and U1433) indicating that: (1) the number of high-An plagioclase-hosted melt inclusions has gradually decreased; and (2) the zoning textures of clinopyroxene and plagioclase have gradually changed from simple to complex. The influence of mantle plumes and the upwelling of fertile subduction-related asthenospheric magma were negligible during the continental-margin breakup and initial SCS spreading, but played an important role during the late SCS spreading period, as revealed by the variation in Sr isotopic compositions of high-An plagioclase cores, the different mantle potential temperatures and source lithologies.

Isotopic and geochemical constraints on the protolith, redox state and paleo-tectonic setting of the Malagarasi Supergroup of north-western Tanzania

We report detrital zircon U–Pb ages, radiogenic Sm–Nd isotopic compositions, major and trace element compositions of the intra-plate extensional rhomb-shaped Neoproterozoic Malagarasi Supergroup of north-western Tanzania in order to elucidate the paleo-tectonic setting, source rocks chemistry and paleo-oxygenation in the basin. Assuming that provenance trace element proxy ratios, including the rare earth elements (REE) contents, behave as closed systems during sedimentation and diagenesis, we suggest that the detritus for the Malagarasi Supergroup originated from more felsic rocks than those for upper crustal composites (i.e. Post-Archean Australian Shale; PAAS, Proterozoic Shale; PS). This observation is also supported by enriched chondrite-normalized light REE (La/SmCN = 2.36–7.84; mean = 3.85), overall negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.56–0.93; mean = 0.69) and flat heavy REE patterns (Gd/YbCN = 1.01–2.04; mean = 1.47). Paleo-weathering proxies using the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA ~59–78%) protocol indicate an overall moderate weathering intensity in the basin. V/Cr ratios (mean = 1.18; range = 0.48–1.69) coupled with intra-sample Ce anomalies reveal an overall oxidizing state during deposition. Mantle extraction ages (TDM = 1594–2394 Ma) suggest a diverse mixing of protolith terranes including Archean (Tanzania craton), Eburnian (Ubendian Belt) and possibly the nearby Mesoproterozoic Kibaran Belt. Radiogenic laser ablation detrital zircon U–Pb ages of between 1826 and 2656 Ma may preclude contribution from the Kibaran. Given that Nd systematics in sedimentary rocks provide mixing ages of different hinterland source rocks (1594–2394 Ma; in our study), we suggest relatively juvenile sources such as the local post-orogenic effusive bodies farther south of the basin in the realm of Rodinia Supercontinent. Thus, a northerly flow direction of the of the proto/paleo river system in the region is inferred.

Origin and Tectonic Implications of Post-Orogenic Lamprophyres in the Sulu Belt of China

Lamprophyre dykes that crosscut different types of ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks are widely distributed in the Triassic Sulu UHP orogenic belt. Although abundant studies have been performed on these dykes, their origin and petrogenesis remain topics of controversy. This study presents the results of a detailed field-based study of petrology, whole-rock geochemistry and zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopes on lamprophyre dykes exposed in the central Sulu UHP zone, aiming at shedding lights on their petrogenesis and providing clues on the geological evolution of eastern continental China during the Cretaceous. The lamprophyres are typically porphyritic, with phenocrysts dominantly composed of amphibole and clinopyroxene set in a lamprophyric matrix. The dykes have moderate SiO2 (47.70 wt.%–60.44 wt.%), variably high MgO (2.58 wt.%–8.28 wt.%) and Fe2O3T (4.88 wt.%–9.26 wt.%) contents with high Mg# of 49–66. Geochemically, they have enriched light rare earth element (REE) and flat heavy REE patterns ((La/Gd)N=5.14–10.56; (Dy/Yb)N=1.43–1.54) with negligible Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.83–1.10), and they show enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Ba and K) but depletion in high-field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ti and P). In-situ zircon U-Pb geochronology reveals that the lamprophyres have concordant ages of 120–115 Ma, demonstrating that the dykes emplaced in the Early Cretaceous. These zircons have eHf(t) values ranging from −26.0 to −11.0. Inherited zircons that occur in the dykes are dated to be Neoproterozoic, in line with the protolith ages of their host (i.e., the UHP rocks). An integration of these data allows us to propose that the lamprophyres were generated during the Cretaceous, by melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle-derived metasomatite with enriched chemical compositions underneath the North China Craton. The metasomatite was formed mainly by peridotite-fluid/melt reactions, with the fluids/melts mainly liberated from subducted Yangtze continental crust during the Triassic. Regional extension, lithospheric thinning and mantle upwelling caused by rollback of the subducted paleo-Pacific plate is considered to account for the generation of the lamprophyres as well as the extensive arc-like magmatic rocks in eastern continental China during the Early Cretaceous.

Possible imprints of late Paleoproterozoic orogeny in the Dunhuang terrane, NW China: Constraints from igneous and metapelitic rocks

The Dunhuang terrane is a NEE trending tectonic belt confined by the Tarim Craton, Beishan Orogen, Alxa Block and Altyn Tagh Fault. To constrain the late Paleoproterozoic geotectonic background of this terrane, a synthetic research on petrology, geochemistry, zircon and monazite geochronology, and zircon Lu-Hf and whole-rock Nd isotopes of late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.9–1.8 Ga) igneous rocks and metapelites was conducted. The Sanweishan-Dongshuigou Na-rich rhyolite and granite formed at ca. 1.84–1.82 Ga exhibit enriched light rare earth elements (LREEs), depleted heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and insignificant Eu anomalies, with low Y (3.44–6.39 ppm) and Yb (0.29–0.53 ppm) but relatively high Mg# (54.5–58.5) and Sr (368–643 ppm), and variable Cr (5.58–29.7 ppm) and Ni (2.82–15.6 ppm) contents, as well as negative to positive εHf(t) (−6.1 to +6.4) values, indicating subduction-related arc magmatism accompanied by crustal-mantle interaction. The Shuwozi granitic gneiss crystallized at ca. 1.81 Ga displays S-type granite affinity (A/CNK > 1.1) and has low Sr/Y (1.0–1.3) and (Gd/Yb)N (1.50–1.98) ratios, and negative εHf(t) (−20.3 to −5.1) and εNd(t) (−4.3) values, suggesting partial melting of crustal rocks at shallow crustal depth. The Hanxia amphibolite with protolith age of ca. 1.86–1.84 Ga is featured by depleted LREE and flat HREE patterns, insignificant Eu anomalies, low Nb/Ta (11.0–12.0), Ta/Yb (0.02–0.04), Th/Yb (0.01–0.04) and Th/Ta (0.7–1.3) but high Ti/V (22.9–26.7) ratios, and positive εNd(t) (2.7–4.0) values, resembling depleted mantle-derived N-MORB- or BABB (back-arc-basin basalt) geochemical affinities. The metapelite, characterized by mineral assemblage of garnet, biotite, sillimanite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, quartz and rutile, documented ca. 1.81 Ga upper amphibolite-facies metamorphism with peak metamorphic P-T conditions being restricted to 690–810 °C and 5.3–6.4 kbar based on conventional geothermobarometry. These magmatic and metamorphic rocks were variously altered and deformed during Paleozoic (ca. 430–360 Ma) tectonothermal event. Integrated with published data, it can be inferred that the Dunhuang terrane underwent ca. 1.89–1.81 Ga subduction-collisional orogeny related to late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.0–1.8 Ga) global assembly of the Columbia supercontinent, similar as those recorded in the northern Tarim Craton, Alxa Block and Quanji massif, and then overprinted Paleozoic (ca. 440–360 Ma) orogenic process, corresponding to the previously proposed composite orogeny in the Dunhuang terrane.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of alluvial sediments from the Kadey plain, eastern Cameroon: Implications for provenance, weathering, and tectonic setting

Mineralogical analyses by X-ray diffraction and geochemical analyses by X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were performed on the Kadey Plain clastic sediments in order to determine their provenance and weathering. The Kadey Plain has four types of clastic sediments, shales, wackes, litharenites, and Fe-sands. The shales and wackes consist of kaolinite, quartz, muscovite, gibbsite, illite, anatase, and goethite. In the litharenites, minerals found are quartz, illite, kaolinite, gibbsite, muscovite, and goethite. Fe-sands consist of quartz, muscovite, and kaolinite, whereas gibbsite, illite, iron oxyhydroxides and anatase occur as traces. The U/Th (0.11–0.37) and V/Cr (0.99–1.73) ratios indicate an oxidising deposition environment. The behavior of trace elements is the same in these sediments, except for U content which is depleted in Fe-sands. Rare earth elements (REE) normalized with chondrite for the studied clastic sediments, demonstrate a slightly light REE enrichment (3.74 < (La/Sm)n < 5.80) and comparatively flat heavy REE patterns (1.12 < (Gd/Yb)n < 1.78) associated to negative Eu anomaly (0.51 < Eu/Eu* < 0.67). These materials disclose less fractionation of REE [7.10 ≤ (La/Yb)n ≤ 18.41]. These ratios are higher than that of Post-Archean Australian Average Shale [(La/Yb)n = 9.15], except for wackes. Al2O3/TiO2 vs. (SiO2)adj diagram, Eu/Eu*, La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, and Th/Cr ratios suggest that the studied clastic sediments were derived from felsic sources. The REE patterns for sediments from the Kadey Plain disclosed closer resemblance to those of granites, quartzites, migmatites, and chlorite schists found relatively near to the study area. The tectonic discrimination diagrams indicate chiefly passive margin setting for these alluvial sediments.

Geochemistry of volcanic rocks from Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania: Implications for mantle source lithology

Oldoinyo Lengai is the only active carbonatite volcano within the East African Rift Valley in northern Tanzania. The volcano is dominated by peralkaline silicate rocks with natrocarbonatites. This study presents new mineralogical and geochemical data, including Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–Mg isotopic compositions, for volcanic rocks at Oldoinyo Lengai and lavas from the nearby Gregory Rift Valley. The samples analyzed in this study include olivine melilitite, melanephelinite, wollastonite nephelinite, and phonolite. The olivine melilitites and melanephelinites have highly fractionated rare-earth-element (REE) patterns with (La/Yb)N values of 26.4–64.9, suggesting that they formed from magmas generated by low-degree (up to ∼7%) of partial melting within the garnet stability field. The wollastonite nephelinites have much higher (La/Sm)N values but lower (Sm/Yb)N values relative to typical oceanic island basalts (OIB), with flat heavy REE patterns [(La/Yb)N = ∼22]. The phonolites have elevated REE abundances but with patterns intermediate between the other two sample groups [(La/Yb)N = ∼41]. All samples have primitive-mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns that are characterized by negative K and Rb anomalies but no significant Eu anomalies. They also have elevated Yb contents relative to the compositions of modeled garnet peridotite-derived melts, suggesting that they were derived from a sublithospheric source containing enriched HIMU-like recycled oceanic crustal material. However, the wollastonite nephelinites have significantly positive Ba, U, Sr, and Pb anomalies similar to those found within the Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatites. The wollastonite nephelinites might have been sourced from a region of sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) that was previously metasomatized by interaction with carbonatite melts. The phonolites in the study area have also weakly positive Pb and Sr anomalies indicative of some interaction with the SCLM. All samples have δ26Mg values (−0.39‰ ± 0.07‰) lighter than the composition of normal mantle material (−0.25‰ ± 0.04‰). In addition, a negative correlation between δ26Mg values and MgO concentrations suggests derivation from a source region containing recycled carbonate. The samples from the study area define a mixing array between HIMU- and EM1-type OIB in Sr–Nd and Pb–Pb isotopic correlation diagrams, and have pronounced Nd–Hf isotopic decoupling, plotting below the mantle regression line in Nd–Hf isotopic space. The negative deviation from the Nd–Hf isotopic mantle array and the presence of an EM1-type mantle component in the Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the Oldoinyo Lengai volcanic rocks can be generated by recycling of E-MORB-type oceanic crustal material with an age of 1.5–1.0 Ga.