Granitoid Intrusions Research Articles

Multi-stage magmatic activity in the Neotethyan ophiolite of Penjween: Reply on comments on “Generation and exhumation of granitoid intrusions in the Penjween ophiolite complex, NW Zagros of the Kurdistan region of Iraq: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone” by Mohammad et al.

Multi-stage magmatic activity in the Neotethyan ophiolite of Penjween: Reply on comments on “Generation and exhumation of granitoid intrusions in the Penjween ophiolite complex, NW Zagros of the Kurdistan region of Iraq: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone” by Mohammad et al.

Zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotope systematics of the Araguaia Belt basement Rocks: Evidence of links with the southeastern Amazonian Craton, Brazil

Archean and Paleoproterozoic basement rocks are exposed in the Araguaia Belt, a Neoproterozoic orogen bordering the eastern portion of the Amazonian Craton. Zircon LA-MC-ICPMS U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic systematics allowed a more accurate dating of the basement rocks and investigating the evolution of this large Archean/Paleoproterozoic crustal segment and discuss the relationship with the southeastern Amazonian Craton. Archean TTG orthogneisses (2.93 to 2.87 Ga) prevail in the northern belt while distinct magmatic events generated their protoliths in approximately 60 Ma. Zircon Hf model ages (~3.0 to 3.4 Ga) and ƐHf(2.87-2.93) from −4.3 to +5.3 suggest crustal reworking of Mesoarchean juvenile sources, with the subordinated contribution of older crust. A Mesoarchean source is also indicated by the Hf model ages (2.93–3.25 Ga) and ƐHf(−1.86 Ga) from −4.8 to −1.6 of a 1.86 Ga granitic gneiss intrusive in the Archean TTG. An orthogneiss and an intrusive granitoid from southern segment of the belt were dated 2.06 Ga and 1.87 Ga, respectively. The Hf model ages (2.65–2.86 Ga) determined for these rocks, the ƐHf(-2.06 Ga) (−4.8 to −1.6) for the orthogneiss and the ƐHf(1.87 Ga) (−15.8 to −9.7) found for the granitoid reveal a dominant crustal source for the southern basement rocks. The Archean and Paleoproterozoic basement constituted a single crustal segment by the Orosirian, since both segments present intrusive granites of this geological period. The Archean orthogneisses of the Araguaia Belt and the granitoids of the Carajás Province Mesoarchean domains in southeastern Amazonian Craton share some similarities, such as the TTG affinity magmatism formed in a relatively similar time interval, the Orosirian intrusive granites, and the Mesoarchean juvenile source. Therefore, the basement rocks cropping out in the northern segment of the Araguaia Belt may represent portions of the adjacent Amazonian Craton.

Early–Middle Jurassic magmatic rocks along the coastal region of southeastern China: Petrogenesis and implications for Paleo-Pacific plate subduction

• The 200–160 Ma arc magmatic belt is identified along the coastal region of SE China. • This study firstly reports the ancient basement-derived granitoids in SE China. • The Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction underneath southeast China started at ca. 200 Ma. This study presents new zircon U–Pb ages and whole-rock geochemical data for the Fanyindong (FYD) and Jincheng (JC) granitoid intrusions in coastal Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces, respectively, southeast China, to investigate their petrogenesis and provide new constraints on the regional tectonic evolution and crustal growth. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the FYD and JC intrusions were emplaced at c. 170 Ma and 193 Ma, respectively. Both granitoids belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series, and display arc-like trace element patterns, with enrichment of large ion lithophile elements and Nb-Ta depletion. The FYD granitoids show adakitic geochemical characteristics, with high radiogenic Sr isotope ratios, and the most enriched bulk-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions (crustal Nd–Hf model ages = ca. 2.35–2.75 Ga) ever reported in the Mesozoic granitoids within southeast China. Geochemical characteristics suggest that the FYD granitoids were generated by partial melting of mostly Paleoproterozoic basement rocks in a thickened lower crust. However, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopes of the JC granites show depleted source signatures. Geochemical signatures suggest the JC granites originated from the partial melting of a mixed source, consisting of the pre-existing, ancient, lower crust and juvenile, mantle-derived, basaltic rocks. The data from this study, in conjunction with previously published data, indicates that there exists a NE-trending, Early–Middle Jurassic, arc-related, magmatic rock belt along the southeast coast of China, and the Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction most likely started at c. 200 Ma. The early stage subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate and the induced reactivation and extension of pre-existing E–W striking faults in the Nanling region of southeastern China gave rise to the generation of the JC granites. Ongoing subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate resulted in a thickening of the continental margin, and subsequent crustal anatexis of basement materials produced the FYD granitoids.

Upper crustal velocity structure of the Ailaoshan-Red River shear zone and its implication for Cenozoic tectonic-magmatic activity: Evidence from ambient noise tomography using short-period dense seismic array

The southern part of the Ailaoshan-Red River shear zone (ARRSZ) in southern Yunnan, is an important gold-bearing polymetallic metallogenic belt of China. To better understand the metallogenic tectonic setting and the magmatic activity in the area, we deployed a 240-km-long quasi-linear seismic array with numerous short-period stations spaced about 500 m across the ARRSZ. The shear-velocity structure of the upper crust along the survey profile is determined by ambient noise tomography using continuously recorded waveform data. The results show: (1) An upper crust characterized by a laterally varying S-velocity pattern and two high velocity bodies: one located mainly below the Ailaoshan metallogenic belt and the other further east below the Pingbian area, which are separated by a low velocity zone beneath the Red River Fault. (2) The upper crust model provides valuable information on Cenozoic magmatism. The high-velocity body below the Ailaoshan metallogenic zone likely corresponds to buried granitoid intrusions caused by early-stage Cenozoic magmatism, which might have been altered and mineralized. The high-velocity body near Pingbian could be the trace of basalt-generating late-stage Cenozoic magmatism, which is most likely the intrusive phase of the younger basalts. (3) Major regional faults are identified as ascending channels and/or emplacement/precipitation sites for magma and mineralized fluids, meaning that such faults play an ore-controlling function within the magmatic fluid ore-formation system.

ІНТРУЗИВНО-МАГМАТИЧНІ УТВОРЕННЯ АРХІПЕЛАГУ ВІЛЬГЕЛЬМА ЗАХІДНОЇ АНТАРКТИКИ (ЧАСТИНА 1 – ІНТРУЗИВИ ГАБРОЇДІВ, ДІОРИТІВ ТА ГРАНІТОЇДІВ)

The Wilhelm Archipelago and the adjacent coast of Graham Land are typical areas of calc-alkaline magmatism associated with the protracted evolution of the Antarctic Peninsula igneous belt. The authors studied intrusive complexes of the Wilhelm Archipelago (WA) in order to characterize their geographical distribution, geological occurrence and age, mineralogical and petrographical features. Geological surveys revealed that gabbro, diorite, and granitoid intrusions are widespread on the WA. Due to the processes of tectonic uplift and exhumation, both apical and bottom parts of individual intrusive bodies can be exposed on the modern erosion level. Recent geological observations have shown that plutons of different ages intersect each other in a complex sequence. This made it possible to determine their relative geological age and reconstruct the general direction of the deep magmatic development from the Early Cretaceous to the Early Paleogene, inclusive. It has been proved that the oldest massifs of gabbroids are parts of much larger intrusive bodies. They were formed in the period between the Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous periods. Crystallization differentiation of basaltic magmas gave them various scale layering. In the bottom parts of gabroid intrusions there were conditions for the formation of Fe-Ti-V and Cu-Ni-EPG mineralization. Diorite and granitoid intrusions occupy much larger areas compared to gabbroids. The formation of diorite intrusions took place in the period between the Early Cretaceous and the Paleocene. Although the oldest gabbroids were formed much earlier than diorites, the phenomena of magmatic mingling in the latter indicate that magmas of basic and intermediate composition could also synchronously intrude in common magmatic chambers. Granitoid magmatism on the WA covers the Late Cretaceous and the Paleogene periods. Most granitoid intrusions formed in the Paleocene after the main phase of tectonic deformations. Cu-Mo mineralization may be associated with these intrusions.

ОТКРЫТИЕ, ОСВОЕНИЕ И ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ КИРОВСКОГО ЗОЛОТОРУДНОГО МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЯ ПРИАМУРСКОЙ ПРОВИНЦИИ (АМУРСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ, РОССИЯ)

The history of the discovery, development and study of the Kirovskyi gold ore deposit in the Priamur gold-bearing province is considered. The deposit is attributed to the gold-bismuth type of vein deposits of the gold-sulfide-quartz formation. Gold mineralization is genetically related to the formation of the Dzhalinda intrusion of Early Cretaceous granitoids or a series of later dikes of «variegated» composition. The isotopic age of gold mineralization, determined by the Rb-Sr method, is in the fork 131-126 Ma. Further prospects of the deposit are associated with the search for large-volume deposits with stockwork type ore bodies.

New data concerning the age and composition of intrusion complexes of the northern part of Balygychan-Sugoi rift depression (North-Eastern Russia)

The Balagychan-Sugoi (Omsukchan) riftogeneous depression is described by different authors both as a part of Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanic belt (OCVB) and as a separate structure. The unique Dukat gold and silver deposit and a lot of others ore deposits including rare-metal, such as Arylah, Lunnoe, Askold, Mechta, Tidid, Krasin, are associated with this structure. All mentioned objects are located in the south part of the depression and from this point of view are connected with OCVB structure. Evolution of the Balygychan-Sugoi depression is closely related to the stages of magmatic evolution of the region. In the article, these stages are characterized based on the data form intrusion bodies located in the northern part (Naygain depression). This part is the most outlying from the OCVB and less investigated. For the first time, the U-Pb zircon and baddeleyite dating and the description of petrographic and geochemical composition have been carried out for Mandychan gabbro-diorite and Nayahan gabbro leucogranite intrusion complexes from the northern part of the depression and for Omsukchan leucogranite complex. The Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous intrusions of the Mandychansk complex dated as 143-139 Ma mark the beginning of the rift depression formation. Intrusion of granitoids of the Nayahan and Omsukchan complexes dated as 84-85 Ma and 81-82 Ma correspondently is related with new stage of magmatic activity, synchronous to OCVB formation. The petrographic and geochemical compositions of these granitoids indicate their belonging to the I-type granites, which are typical for extension environments, whereas leucogranites of the Omsukchan complex have some features corresponding to the A-type granites.

Late Neoarchean magmatic – metamorphic event and crustal stabilization in the North China Craton

The ca. 2.5 Ga as the time boundary between the Archean and the Proterozoic eons is a landmark, indicating the most important continental crust evolving stage of the Earth, that is, the global cratonization or the formation of supercraton(s) that was unseen before and is unrepeated in the following history of the Earth9s formation and evolution. The North China Craton (NCC) is one of the best recorders of the ca. 2.5 Ga event, and therefore studies in the thorough understanding of early Precambrian continental evolution are continuous. The period from 2.8 to 2.6 Ga is the major crustal growth period of the NCC and formed seven micro-blocks. All the micro-blocks in the NCC were surrounded by 2.6 to 2.54 Ga greenstone belts. The clear geological presentations are as follows: (1) Archaic basement rocks in North China (various micro-blocks) experienced strong partial melting and migmatization. The granitoid rocks derived from crustal partial melting include potassium, TTG and monzonitic granitoids, which come, respectively, from continental crust (sedimentary rocks with TTG gneisses), juvenile crust (mafic rocks with TTG gneisses) or mixed crust; (2) the BIF-bearing supracrustal rocks are mainly distribute in greenstone belts. The lithologic associations in the greenstone belts within the NCC are broadly similar, belonging to volcano-sedimentary sequences, with common bimodal volcanic rocks (basalt and dacite) interlayered with minor amounts of komatiites in the lower part, and calc-alkalic volcanic rocks (basalt, andesite and felsic rocks) in the upper part; (3) nearly all old rocks of >2.5 Ga underwent ∼2.52 to 2.5 Ga metamorphism of amphibolite–granulite facies. Most metamorphosed rocks show high-temperature-ultra-high-temperature (HT–UHT) characteristics and record anticlockwise P–T paths, albeit a small number of granulites seemingly underwent high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism and record clockwise P–T paths; (4) ∼2.5 Ga mafic dikes (amphibolites), granitic dikes (veins) and syenitic–ultramafic dikes developed across these archaic basements and were strongly deformed or un-deformed; (5) the extensive 2.52 to 2.48 Ga low-grade metamorphic supracrustal covers has been recognized in eastern, northern and central parts of the NCC, which are commonly composed of bi-modal volcanic rocks and sedimentary rocks. The above mentioned ∼2.5 Ga geological rocks and their characters imply that the seven micro-blocks have been united through amalgamation to form the NCC. The metamorphosed late Neoarchean greenstone belts, as syn-formed mobile belts, welded the micro-blocks at the end of the Neoarchean. However, the metamorphic thermal grades of the greenstone belts are lower than those of the high-grade terranes within the micro-blocks, suggesting that the latter might have developed under a higher geothermal gradient than the former. Besides, the greenstone belts surround the various micro-blocks in the late Neoarchean when both the old continental crust and the oceanic crust were hotter. The subduction during the amalgamation, if it happened, must have been much smaller in scale as compared to those in the Phanerozoic plate tectonic regime, and all stages occurred at crust-scale instead of lithosphere-scale or mantle-scale. This is why most rocks record HT-UHT and anti-clockwise metamorphism, while only a few samples record high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism with clockwise P–T paths. The micro-block amalgamation was accompanied by extensive crust partial melting and granitization, which finally gave rise to the stabilization of the NCC. Except for the vast granitoid intrusions, mafic-syenitic dike swarms and sedimentary covers are also landmarks of cratonization. The ca. 2.5 Ga cratonization is a global epoch-making geological event, although the accomplishment of cratonization in various cratons is somewhat different in time. Cratonization declared the formation and stabilization of global-scale supercratons or cratonic groups coupling with lithosphere, which was followed by a “silent period” with rare tectonic-thermal action lasting 150 to 200 Ma (from 2.5 Ga – 2.3 or 2.35 Ga), and then followed by the Great Oxidation Event (GOE).

Dual mixing for the formation of Neoproterozoic granitic intrusions within the composite Jiuling batholith, South China

Granite batholiths record the processes that occur during the formation and differentiation of the continental crust. The ~ 4000 km2 composite Neoproterozoic Jiuling batholith is one of the largest batholiths in southern China and consists of four peraluminous granitoid intrusions that were emplaced at ca. 828–810 Ma. These granitoids define a trend that moves from the terrestrial towards the seawater Nd–Hf isotope array, indicating the source of these magmas incorporated increasing amounts of marine sedimentary material over time. Our new geochronological and geochemical data suggest that the composite Neoproterozoic Jiuling batholith formed incrementally via the intrusion of multiple batches of crustally derived melts. The intrusions within the batholith are characterized by decreasing Rb/Sr ratios and increasing Na/K ratios and eHf(t) values, suggesting variations in source composition over time. These inter-intrusion variations can be well explained by three-component mixing in magma sources (mature, immature sediments and felsic arc-related granitoids) prior to partial melting, with inter-sample variations within individual intrusions occurring as a result of the subsequent mixing of different melt batches. The first stage of mixing within the source of these magmas involves a significant variation in source compositions and cannot reflect the simple melting of a heterogeneous metasedimentary source region. The second stage of mixing occurred during magma ascent and storage, and is recorded by variations in mineral compositions (e.g., zircon). These inter-intrusion and inter-sample geochemical variations provide evidence that the peraluminous Jiuling batholith formed as a result of two mixing processes, namely mixing within the magma source region and mixing of multiple batches of granitic melts. This dual mixing could explain the significant geochemical diversity present within peraluminous granitoid rocks worldwide.

Mesozoic Paleo-Pacific Subduction Beneath SW Borneo: U-Pb Geochronology of the Schwaner Granitoids and the Pinoh Metamorphic Group

The Schwaner Mountains in southwestern Borneo form a large igneous province with a complex magmatic history and poorly known tectonic history. Previously it was known that Cretaceous granitoids intruded metamorphic rocks of the Pinoh Metamorphic Group assumed to be of Paleozoic age. Jurassic granitoids had been reported from the southern Schwaner Mountains. Most ages were based on K-Ar dating. We present new geochemistry, zircon U-Pb and40Ar/39Ar age data from igneous and metamorphic rocks from the Schwaner Mountains to investigate their tectono-magmatic histories. We subdivide the Schwaner Mountains into three different zones which record rifting, subduction-related and post-collisional magmatism. The Northwest Schwaner Zone (NWSZ) is part of the West Borneo Block which in the Triassic was within the Sundaland margin. It records Triassic to Jurassic magmatism during early Paleo-Pacific subduction. In contrast, the North Schwaner Zone (NSZ) and South Schwaner Zone (SSZ) are part of the SW Borneo (Banda) Block that separated from NW Australia in the Jurassic. Jurassic granitoids in the SSZ are within-plate (A-type) granites interpreted to have formed during rifting. The SW Borneo (Banda) Block collided with eastern Sundaland at c. 135 Ma. Following this, large I-type granitoid plutons and arc volcanics formed in the NWSZ and NSZ between c. 90 and 132 Ma, associated with Cretaceous Paleo-Pacific subduction. The largest intrusion is the c. 110 to 120 Ma Sepauk Tonalite. After collision of the East Java-West Sulawesi (Argo) Block, subduction ceased and post-collisional magmatism produced the c. 78 to 85 Ma Sukadana Granite and the A-type 72 Ma Sangiyang Granite in the SSZ. Rocks of the Pinoh Metamorphic Group mainly exposed in the NSZ, previously assumed to represent Paleozoic basement, contain abundant Early Cretaceous (110 to 135 Ma) zircons. They are interpreted as volcaniclastic sediments that formed contemporaneously with subduction-related volcanic rocks of the NSZ subsequently metamorphosed during intrusion of Cretaceous granitoids. There are no igneous rocks older than Cretaceous in the NSZ and older than Jurassic in the SSZ and there is no evidence for a continuation of a Triassic volcanic arc crossing Borneo from Sundaland to the east.

Comment on “Generation and exhumation of granitoid intrusions in the Penjween ophiolite complex, NW Zagros of the Kurdistan region of Iraq: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Arabia- Eurasia collision zone” by Ismail et al., 2020, V.376–377, 105714

Comment on “Generation and exhumation of granitoid intrusions in the Penjween ophiolite complex, NW Zagros of the Kurdistan region of Iraq: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Arabia- Eurasia collision zone” by Ismail et al., 2020, V.376–377, 105714

Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Granitoid Intrusions in the Feidong District, Southern Tan–Lu Fault Zone, China

AbstractThe Feidong district is located in the southern segment of the Tan–Lu fault zone that separates the South China Block (NCB) from the North China Craton (NCC). We report zircon U‐Pb geochronology and Hf isotope data, as well as whole‐rock geochemistry for Xishanyi granodiorite and Jianshan granite in the Feidong district. Zircon U‐Pb dating results show that the emplacement ages of the Xishanyi and Jianshan intrusions are 124 ± 3 Ma and 130 ± 1 Ma respectively, coeval with magmatic events linked to large‐scale lithospheric thinning in eastern China. The whole‐rock geochemistry of the Xishanyi and Jianshan intrusions demonstrate that they are peraluminous, high potassium calc‐alkaline I‐type granites with adakitic characteristics. Both intrusions underwent weak crustal assimilation during emplacement. The in situ zircon ∊Hf(t) values of the Xishanyi granodiorites range from –26.4 to –21.8, with TDM2 model ages of 2552 to 2841 Ma. The in situ zircon ∊Hf(t) values of the Jianshan granite are from –27.5 to –23.0 with TDM2 model ages of 2632 to 2904 Ma. The peak age of inherited zircon grains from the Xishanyi granodiorite and the Jianshan granite were ∼2.07 Ga and ∼1.94 Ga, respectively. After compared with the regional magmatism, we suggest that both the Xishanyi and Jianshan granitoid intrusions were derived from partial melting of the NCC lower crust.

Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block: Constraints from geochemistry and geochronology of granitoids in Hunan Province

The Early Paleozoic Wuyi–Yunkai orogeny in the South China Block (SCB) remains enigmatic. A geochemical and geochronological investigation was carried out for the four poorly-studied granitoid intrusions (i.e., Hongxiaqiao, Xuehuading, Baimashan and Wanyangshan granitoids) in Hunan Province, and within the SCB, to determine their petrogenesis and give enlightening insights into the tectonic evolution of the Wuyi–Yunkai Orogen. The Hongxiaqiao, Xuehuading and Baimashan granitoids have lower SiO2 contents, and total alkali (Na2O + K2O) and A/CNK values, but higher Fe2O3T, MgO and TiO2 contents, compared with those of the Wanyangshan granitoid. All the studied granitoids are strongly depleted in Ba, Nb, Zr, Ti, and HREEs, but are enriched in Rb, Th, U, K, and LREEs, with significant negative Eu anomalies, particularly in the Wanyangshan granitoid. Bulk-rock geochemical compositions indicate that the Hongxiaqiao, Xuehuading and Baimashan granitoids are metaluminous–weakly peraluminous I-type granitoids, whereas the Wanyangshan granitoid is peraluminous and moderately fractionated S-type granitoid. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating results indicate that the Hongxiaqiao, Xuehuading, Baimashan and Wanyangshan granitoids were intruded at 451 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 1.8), 412 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 2.4), 415 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 3.0) and 445 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 3.9), respectively. The I-type granitoids have variable initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.71160–0.72362, high εNd(t) values (−6.5 to −8.1), and young T2DM ages of 1717–1894 Ma. In contrast, the S-type granitoid has consistent initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.71448–0.71887, slightly lower εNd(t) values (−9.8 to −10.3), and older T2DM ages (1977–2015 Ma), which suggests that they were derived from partial melting of different Paleoproterozoic basement rocks, without significant crustal contamination. The older Hongxiaqiao and Wanyangshan granitoids were formed in a compressional setting, whereas the younger Xuehuading and Baimashan granitoids were generated in a post-orogenic extensional setting. Integrated with geological evidence, we proposed that the Early Paleozoic Wuyi–Yunkai orogeny in the SCB resulted from intraplate orogenesis triggered by far-field tectonic response to the assembly of the northern East Gondwana, rather than from oceanic subduction–collision.

Genesis of the Late Archean granitoids of the northern part of the Dharwar foreland (Dharwar Craton), south India – Insights from field, crystal size distribution, thermobarometry, microgeochemical and bulk-rock geochemical studies

An intrusive granitoid pluton into TTG-Dharwar Supergroup greenstone sequence is being reported for the first time from the Dharwar Foreland region. Based on field and petrographic characteristics, these granitoids are classified as - quartz-monzodiorites and granites. Occasional mafic bodies of dioritic-granodioritic composition with size ranging from small microgranular magmatic enclaves to bodies of several centimeters are common in these granitoids.The granitoids are devoid of any crystal-plastic fabric as well as high-strain characteristics. The textural (CSD) studies indicate that the quartz-monzodiorites are derived from magma mixing whereas the granites are derived from equilibrium crystallization of the magma derived from the reworking of quartz-monzodiorites. The P-T estimates indicate that the quartz-monzodiorites were crystallized at higher temperature (>950 °C) and pressure (3.09–4.36 kbar) conditions in a reducing environment at mid-crustal levels. However, the granites indicate lower temperature (<750 °C) and pressure (0.89–1.88 kbar) conditions of crystallization in an oxidizing environment at shallow-crustal levels. The bulk rock chemical characteristics indicate that the quartz-monzodiorites were derived from the melt generated by the mixing of two melts - a melt derived from the differentiation of sanukitoids senso lato (s.l.) and a melt derived from the partial melting of TTG. On the other hand, reworking of the hot crystallizing quartz-monzodiorite due to its rapid upliftment to shallow crustal levels resulted in a decompression melting which gave rise to granitic melts.The relative age of the Dharwad granitoids is estimated to be ∼2580–2560 Ma and unlike the other older granitoids (> 2.61 Ga) reported from the northern part of the Shimoga greenstone belt, the studied granitoids marks the final stage of cratonization in the Foreland region.

Silurian-Devonian granites and associated intermediate-mafic rocks along the eastern Kunlun Orogen, western China: Evidence for a prolonged post-collisional lithospheric extension

The eastern Kunlun Orogen hosts numerous granitoid intrusions and associated intermediate-mafic bodies, that bear significant information on the tectonic evolution of this orogenic belt and the genesis of many ore deposits (e.g., Xiarihamu NiCo sulfide deposit), but the timing and petrogenesis of these rocks remain not well understood. In this contribution, the petrogenesis of representative Silurian-Devonian granites and associated intermediate-mafic rocks at Wulonggou, Xiarihamu and Kayakedengtage has been investigated. Zircon UPb dating results reveal that these intrusions were emplaced over a period of ~50 million years (m.y.) from 427 Ma to 382 Ma. Syenogranites at Wulonggou and Xiarihamu as well as quartz monzonites and porphyritic monzogranites at Kayakedengtage have characters of metaluminous A2-type granites. Whole-rock SrNd isotope data indicate that Syenogranites at Wulonggou (427–414 Ma) and Xiarihamu (396–391 Ma) were probably derived from earlier calc-alkaline I-type diorite-granodiorite, whereas quartz monzonites (ca. 424 Ma) and porphyritic monzogranites (ca. 421 Ma) at Kayakedengtage were most likely produced by partial melting of Early Paleozoic granulites. Monzogranites (394 Ma) and granodiorites (397 Ma) at Kayakedengtage and dolerites (426 Ma) from Wulonggou are characterized by positive εNd(t) values, indicative of a depleted mantle origin. The formation of voluminous A2-type granites with mafic rocks from the asthenosphere since 427 Ma occurred immediately after the subduction, supporting a post-collisional setting and a slab break-off model. The extensive magmatism coupled with asthenospheric upwelling and rapid orogenic uplift suggests two large-scale extension events at 427–414 Ma and 403–380 Ma in the orogen. The 411–406 Ma Xiarihamu NiCo sulfide deposit formed during relatively weak lithospheric extension and asthenospheric upwelling between these two extensional events. These results together with 373–357 Ma metaluminous A2-type syenogranites and I-type granodiorites at Qimantagh suggest a prolonged (~70 m.y.) and episodic post-collisional extension in the orogen, which was controlled by cyclic asthenospheric upwelling.

Geochemistry and mineral chemistry of quartz mica schists within Iseyin-Oyan Schist Belt, Southwestern Nigeria

Background/Objectives: The Iseyin-Oyan schist belt is made up metasedimentary rocks, gneisses, granites and pegmatite intrusions. The study was aimed at identifying the schist within this belt and assess their metamorphism, geochemical characteristics and tectonic origin. Methods: Detailed geologic field mapping was undertaken where rocks were located, studied in-situ and identified. Samples of the schist were prepared for petrographic studies. Mineralogical contents were determined using X-Ray Diffraction technique. Polished sections were studied for mineral chemistry using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Rock samples were analysed using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometry. Geochemical data were elucidated using diverse geochemical discrimination diagrams. Findings: The schists are quartz mica schists and occur in close association with amphibolites, intrusive granitoids and pegmatites. The Mineral assemblage indicates upper (at the western part) to lower (at the central part) amphibolite facies grade metamorphism in the area. Pyrope-almandine garnets occur in quartz mica schist at the western parts reinforcing higher pressure-temperature metamorphic conditions. The concentration (in %) of SiO2 ranged from 56.4-71.6; Al2O3, 13.7-21.1; Fe2O3, 2-8; MgO, 0.7-2.4; and K2O, 2.1-5.5 supporting the evidence for differential degrees of metamorphism. Large iron lithophile and high field strength elements are similar to the average upper continental crust. Pronounced negative Europium anomaly pointed to the major roles played by feldspars during the geological processes. Plagioclase ranged from albite-oligoclase and oligoclase- andesine. The precursors of the quartz mica schist are possibly arkosic and greywacke sands deposited within the active continental margins. Evidence of uplift and overturning suggested for the differential metamorphism may be due to these events usually associated with active continental margins. Applications: This study has identified the once named undifferentiated schist in the study area to be quartz mica schist with details in their grades of metamorphism elucidated. Keywords: Quartz mica schist; geochemistry; mineral chemistry; Iseyin-Oyan schist belt; precambrian basement complex

Early Paleozoic structural and metamorphic evolution of the Transpatagonian Orogen related to Gondwana assembly

The temporal and spatial relationships between polyphase folding and faulting, regional metamorphism, and granitoids intrusions are discussed for the low-grade basement rocks of the El Jaguelito Formation from the eastern North Patagonian Massif, Argentina, at the inferred western Gondwana margin. As a result of the tectonometamorphic and magmatic events, a late Cambrian-early Ordovician orogenic belt is revealed in northern Patagonia and shall be named the Transpatagonian orogen. It is an NW–SE-trending belt traced from the extra-Andean North Patagonian Cordillera region via the eastern North Patagonian Massif up to the Atlantic coast in the east. The early Paleozoic Transpatagonian orogen is the result of compressional tectonics, also showing a significant dextral shearing, and regional metamorphism leading to the development of a fold-and-thrust belt with an anticlockwise P–T–D-time path. The double-sided orogen is divided into three tectonometamorphic zones bounded by NW–SE trending major faults. Regional comparisons of our results in the present contribution together with available geological data, allow characterizing the orogen as part of a paired metamorphic belt system, with an outboard low-P/high-T belt (northern Patagonia terrane) and a parallel, inboard medium-P/T belt of Barrowian type (Famatinian Orogen on Gondwana margin), respectively. They are juxtaposed tectonically along with the contact of the suture Huincul Fault Zone. The Transpatagonian orogen was implanted along the southernmost Gondwana margin during the final stages of the supercontinent assembly in the early Paleozoic. The tectonism of the Permian Gondwanide orogeny reworked the Transpatagonian orogen.

Petrogenesis of Ordovician granitoids in Western Kunlun, NW Tibetan Plateau: Insights into the evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean

Abstract Granitoid rocks are universal in continental crust and are of special significance in understanding tectonic settings. This paper presents detailed zircon U-Pb dating, Hf isotope, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope analyses, and mineralogy of two Ordovician granitoid intrusions and one quartz diorite intrusion in Western Kunlun, NW Tibetan Plateau. The Yutian Complex is composed of diverse rock suites, including monzogabbros, quartz monzodiorites, monzogranites, and monzodioritic enclaves. These suites have similar rock formation ages (447–440 Ma) and minerals, e.g., amphibole grains from different suites belonging to pargasite. Moreover, they exhibit geochemical similarities, such as broadly parallel trace-element patterns characterized by enrichments in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, and depletions in high field strength elements, which are typical features of arc rocks. Furthermore, the studied samples display homogeneous zircon Hf values, e.g., εHf(t) = −1 to −3, and whole-rock isotopic compositions, e.g., εNd(t) = −4 to −6. Thus, they were most likely derived from a mantle wedge enriched by subducted sediments and fluids, which then evolved into different suites through fractional crystallization of hornblende and plagioclase. The ca. 440 Ma North Yutian quartz diorite intrusion, with an average of εHf(t) value of −6, was a product of the partial melting of mafic lower crust through slightly fractional crystallization of hornblende. In contrast, the ca. 470 Ma Aqiang granodiorite intrusion has εHf(t) values varying from −5 and −2, but it has heterogeneous petrological and geochemical features. It is considered to be a product of the partial melting of the overriding mantle wedge modified by fluids derived from the subducted Proto-Tethys slab and some mixed crustal materials. The Aqiang samples belong to the slightly fractionated I-type series, but they have variable alumina saturation index (ASI = molar Al2O3/[CaO – 3.33 × P2O5 + Na2O + K2O]) values (0.74–1.03) due to variable peraluminous biotite contents. The different suites in the Yutian Complex display low ASI values (&amp;lt;1) controlled by sources and fractional crystallization. The Yutian Complex and the North Yutian intrusion were emplaced during the southward subduction of the Proto-Tethys oceanic lithosphere, and the Aqiang intrusion was emplaced in response to the northward subduction.

Paleoproterozoic sources for Cordilleran-type Neoproterozoic granitoids from the Araçuaí orogen (SE Brazil): Constraints from Hf isotope zircon composition

The Araçuaí orogen of SE Brazil exposes numerous amounts of magnesian, metaluminous, calc-alkaline, and medium- to high-K granitoid batholiths that were emplaced during early convergence between the São Francisco and Congo cratons during West Gondwana assembly in the late Neoproterozoic. Previously proposed sources for these pre-collisional granitoids include the Paleoproterozoic basement and mantle-derived magma based on isotopic signatures, abundant microgranular enclaves and contemporaneous mafic intrusions. Zircons from migmatitic basement gneiss, a noritic intrusion and five granitoid intrusions were analysed for U–Pb–Hf isotopes to evaluate their magma source. Paleoproterozoic migmatites represent addition of juvenile crust in an accretionary orogenic setting at ca. 2.2–2.0 Ga evidenced by their positive zircon εHf values. The Hf isotopic composition of zircon from pre-collisional granitoids has a large range of negative εHf values between −28.8 and −1.7 indicating crustal protoliths. This range of unradiogenic Hf isotopic compositions is explained by inefficient mixing of magmas derived from felsic and mafic Paleoproterozoic sources that hybridised during incremental growth of the plutons. Zircon grains of contemporaneous mafic intrusions display slightly higher, yet enriched, Hf isotopic compositions consistent with crustal contamination of mantle magmas. The new Hf isotope data, integrated with other chemical and isotopic evidence, suggest derivation of the pre-collisional granitoids from lower crustal sources of the Paleoproterozoic basement, with only minor contributions from mantle-derived magmas. Thus, magmatism of the Araçuaí orogen related to the assembly of West Gondwana was dominantly a crustal-reworking event.

New radiometric data from the South Maradi Pan-African formations, southern Niger

Abstract The Pan-African Province (PAP) of South Maradi (Niger) corresponds to the northeastern part of the Benin–Nigerian Shield. In this framework, schist belts outcrop in NE–SW bands of mylonitic gneiss, associated with granitoid intrusions. This study focuses on geochronological dating of the South Maradi PAP formations. Four samples were dated by K–Ar on a MI-1201 IG mass spectrometer and two of them were re-dated by U–Pb on a inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The Dan Issa porphyritic gneiss indicated two weighted average U–Pb zircon ages: 638.3 ± 3.0 Ma (MSWD = 5.4) and 589.6 ± 1.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.39). Dating of the Maraka schist using the U–Pb on zircon method gave a weighted average age of 617.9 ± 2.8 Ma (MSWD = 2.3), while the same sample recorded a K–Ar age (whole rock) of 505 ± 15 Ma. The Rourouka porphyroid granite gave a K–Ar (whole-rock) age of 508 ± 10 Ma. The Fiawa-Garin Wali mylonitic gneiss indicated ages of 491 ± 10 Ma (K–Ar on feldspar) and 475 ± 10 Ma (K–Ar on whole rock). These preliminary radiometric data reveal the polycyclic character of the Pan-African remobilization which ranges from the Neoproterozoic to the early Paleozoic.