High-grade Metamorphism Research Articles

Micro-textures and chemical compositions of metamorphic magnetite and ilmenite: Insights from the Mianhuadi mafic complex in SW China

The compositions of (titano)magnetite in magmatic and hydrothermal ore deposits have shown the potential to discriminate mineral deposit types. However, primary Fe-Ti oxides were sometimes overprinted by metamorphic event(s) over the long geologic history. To what extent the Fe-Ti oxide aggregates in mafic rocks can be modified, either by re-equilibration or interaction with the silicates, during high-grade metamorphism has not been systematically studied so far. The Mianhuadi mafic complex intruded at ∼260 Ma as a layered intrusion in the Emeishan large igneous province, SW China has undergone granulite-facies metamorphism in Eocene during the development of the Ailao Shan-Red River shear zone. The primary igneous titanomagnetite underwent oxyexsolution and reacted with the silicates to form magnetite, ilmenite and pleonaste, resulting in an increased volume proportion of ilmenite and pleonaste. A retrograde chlorite + carbonate assemblage was found to replace the magnetite whereas AlO(OH) sometimes replaced pleonaste. Redistribution of elements associated with the oxyexsolution occurred that trace elements with larger partition coefficients in magnetite (e.g. Al, Ga, V and Cr) than in ilmenite are more enriched in magnetite after metamorphism and vice versa. Iron-Ti oxide equilibrium calculations indicate that the increased oxygen fugacity is mainly responsible for the oxyexsolution of ilmenite and therefore the geochemical variation of magnetite. Metamorphic magnetite from the Mianhuadi mafic complex can be clearly distinguished from its magmatic precursor by high Ga/Zr and V/Ti ratios. We further propose that V versus Fe/Ti diagram can be used to discriminate between magmatic, metamorphic, and metasomatised (titano)magnetite.

Crustal structure and magmatic evolution in the Pearl River Delta of the Cathaysia Block: New constraints from receiver function modeling

We utilized receiver functions to study the crustal structure beneath the Pearl River Delta in the southwestern part of the Cathaysia Block, which was characterized by widespread tectono-magmatism during the late Mesozoic. Combination of waveform modeling and H-k stacking was used to derive crustal thickness, Vp/Vs ratio and average P-wave velocity. The results show that the crustal thickness ranges from 26 km in the center of the Pearl River Delta to 32 km in the periphery; the Vp/Vs ratio is between ~1.70 and 1.74. The average P-wave velocity ranges from 6.4 to 6.8 km/s and shows higher value beneath the islands along the Lianhuashan Fault zone. A weakly positive correlation between the crustal thickness and Vp/Vs ratio is observed in southwestern Pearl River Delta, indicating depth-dependent extension of the continental crust, that is, ductile lower crust was stretched to a much higher degree in comparison with the brittle felsic upper crust. The crust in the northeastern Pearl River Delta may be more basaltic owing to underplating caused by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate, and thus a relatively high Vp/Vs ratio is observed there. The overall low crustal Vp/Vs ratio and the relatively higher crustal P-wave velocities beneath the Lianhuashan Fault zone may imply a felsic-intermediate composition and high metamorphic grade of the crust along the fault. The Lianhuashan Fault zone may provide a pathway for rapid magmatic transportation from the underplating beneath the crust to the surface.

Complete metamorphic cycle and long‐lived anatexis in the c. 2.1 Ga Mistinibi Complex, Canada

AbstractSecular changes in the architecture, thermal state, and metamorphic style of global orogens are thought to have occurred since the Archean; however, despite widespread research, the driving mechanisms for such changes remain unclear. The Paleoproterozoic may prove to be a key era for investigating secular changes in global orogens, as it marks the earliest stage of an eon that saw the onset of modern‐style global tectonics. The 2.1 Ga granulite‐facies Mistinibi‐Raude Domain (MRD), located in the Southeastern Churchill Province, Canada, offers a rare exposure of Paleoproterozoic high metamorphic grade supracrustal sequences (Mistinibi Complex, MC). Rocks from this domain were subjected to petrochronological investigations to establish P–T–t–X evolutions and to provide first order thermal state, burial and exhumation rates, and metamorphic gradients for the transient Paleoproterozoic times. To obtain comprehensive insight into the P–T–t–X evolution of the MRD, we used multi‐method geochronology—Lu–Hf on garnet and U–Pb on zircon and monazite—integrated with detailed petrography, trace element chemistry, and phase equilibria modelling. Despite the extensive use of zircon and monazite as geochronometers, their behaviour in anatectic conditions is complex, leading to substantial ambiguity in interpreting the timing of prograde metamorphism. Our results indicate a clockwise metamorphic path involving significant melt extraction from the metasedimentary rocks, followed by cooling from >815°C to ~770°C at ~0.8 GPa. The timing of prograde burial and cooling from supra‐ to subsolidus conditions is constrained through garnet, monazite, and zircon petrochronology at 2,150–2,120 Ma and at 2,070–2,080 Ma, respectively. These results highlight long‐lived residence of the rocks at mid‐crustal supra‐solidus conditions (55–70 Ma), with preserved prograde and retrograde supra‐solidus monazite and zircon. The rocks record extremely slow burial rates (0.25–0.30 km/Ma) along a high metamorphic gradient (900–1,000°C/GPa), which appears symptomatic of Paleoproterozoic orogens. The MC did not record any significant metamorphism after 2,067 Ma, despite having collided with terranes that record high‐grade metamorphism during the major 1.9–1.8 Ga Trans‐Hudson orogeny. The MC would therefore represent a remnant of a local early Paleoproterozoic metamorphic infrastructure, later preserved as superstructure in the large hot Trans‐Hudson orogen.

Grenville-age continental arc magmatism and crustal evolution in central Dronning Maud Land (East Antarctica): Zircon geochronological and Hf–O isotopic evidence

This study focusses on the Grenville-age Maud Belt in Dronning Maud Land (DML), East Antarctica, which was located at the margin of the Proto-Kalahari Craton during the assembly of Rodinia. We present new U–Pb zircon ages and Hf–O isotope analyses of mafic and granitic gneisses exposed in the Orvin-Wohlthat Mountains and Gjelsvikfjella, central DML (cDML). The geochronological data indicate continuous magmatic activity from 1160 to 1070 Ma which culminated at 1110–1090 Ma, followed by high-grade metamorphism between 1080 and 1030 Ma. The majority of zircons from the Orvin-Wohlthat Mountains exhibit radiogenic Hf isotopic compositions corresponding to suprachondritic εHf (t) values and Mesoproterozoic model ages, indicating crystallization from predominantly juvenile magmas. However, the involvement of ancient sedimentary material, which were most likely derived from the adjacent Proto-Kalahari Craton, is revealed by a few samples with negative to neutral εHf (t) and significantly elevated δ18O values (8–10‰). Samples from further west, in Gjelsvikfjella have more mantle-like zircon O isotopic compositions and late Paleoproterozoic Hf model ages, indicating the incorporation of ancient, previously mantle-derived continental crust. The rocks in cDML, thus define part of an extensive Mesoproterozoic magmatic arc with subduction under the Proto-Kalahari margin. This involved significant growth of new continental crust, possibly related to slab retreat, accompanied by subordinate recycling of older crustal components. The Maud Belt has previously been correlated with the 1250–1030 Ma Natal Belt in southern Africa, which lay to the west in the context of Gondwana, although this assertion has recently been questioned. Our study supports the latter view in demonstrating that the continental arc magmatism in the Maud Belt appears to be temporally and tectonically unconnected to the accretion of (slightly older) juvenile oceanic islands in the Natal Belt, which, in contrast to the Maud Belt, show subduction polarity away from the craton. We thus speculate that the Namaqua-Natal to Maud Belt contact (exposed in the Heimefront Shear Zone) may represent a changed tectonic environment from arc/continent-continent collision to slightly younger continental margin orogenesis at the westernmost termination of this part of the global Grenville Orogen. The Maud Belt marks the beginning of a major, long-lived accretionary Andean-type tectonic regime on the eastern margin of Proto-Kalahari in the Meso-Neoproterozoic during Rodinia assembly and break-up until the formation of Gondwana.

Prolonged high-grade metamorphism of supracrustal gneisses from Mühlig-Hofmannfjella, central Dronning Maud Land (East Antarctica)

The bedrock of Mühlig-Hofmannfjella, central Dronning Maud Land in eastern Antarctica, is part of the high-grade Maud Belt and comprises a deep-seated metamorphic-plutonic complex. The P-T-t evolution of anatectic supracrustal gneisses has been recovered through a study of mineral assemblages, textural relationships and U-Pb ID TIMS geochronology on zircon and monazite followed by pseudosection modelling. Peak conditions reached granulite facies conditions (T ≥ 810–820 °C) at moderate crustal depths (P = ca. 8 kbar) and resulted in partial melting. Peak-pressure conditions were followed by isothermal decompression at elevated temperatures. After exhumation to crustal levels of about 4–5 kbar, the area underwent a final near-isobaric cooling, which is documented by a secondary growth of garnet. Zircons indicate a period of growth at 570–566 Ma, whereas monazite ages range from 610 to 525 Ma. A likely heat source for the granulite facies metamorphism is decay of radioactive heat-producing elements in the core of the orogen. The combined geochronology and metamorphic data indicate a prolonged, clockwise P-T path, which reflects collision and formation of a long-lived orogenic plateau.

Age of metamorphism and deformation in the Montagne Noire dome (French Massif Central): Tapping into the memory of fine-grained gneisses using monazite U-Th-Pb geochronology

Recent work has revealed that the Montagne Noire dome, located in the foreland of the Variscan belt (French Massif Central), contains a record of nearly coeval, late Variscan eclogitization and migmatization. Given these new results, it is important to understand the chronology of events that produced high-grade metamorphism and exhumation. Using U-Th-Pb dating of monazite, this study confirms ages of ~315–300 Ma for high-T metamorphism in the augen gneiss that makes up a large fraction of the Montagne Noire dome, and documents for the first time ~295 Ma monazite ages in compositionally varied fine-grained gneisses that form folded continuous layers within the core of the dome. The fine-grained gneiss layers are intensely sheared and are interpreted to have localized late, high-T deformation in the core of the dome. These sheared fine-grained gneisses form a network of shear zones that were kinematically linked to the extensional and strike-slip deformation zones that exhumed the Montagne Noire dome in a pull-apart (s.l.) domain. Continued deformation-recrystallization and fluid flow within these shear zones likely drove rejuvenation of monazite for ~5 million years after much of the melt had crystallized in the Montagne Noire dome.

Chapter 5 Paleoproterozoic (1.9–1.8 Ga), syn-orogenic magmatism and sedimentation in the Ljusdal lithotectonic unit, Svecokarelian orogen

Abstract Ductile shear zones with dextral transpressive deformation separate the Ljusdal lithotectonic unit from the neighbouring units (Bothnia–Skellefteå and Bergslagen) in the 2.0–1.8 Ga Svecokarelian orogen. Sedimentation steered by regional crustal extension at c. 1.86–1.83 Ga was sandwiched between two separate phases of ductile strain with crustal shortening and predominantly high-grade metamorphism with plutonic activity. Metamorphism occurred under low-pressure, medium- to high-temperature conditions that locally reached granulite facies. The earlier shortening event resulted in the accretion of outboard sedimentary and c. 1.89 Ga volcanic rocks (formed in back- or inter-arc basin and volcanic arc settings, respectively) to a continental margin. Fabric development (D 1 ), the earlier phase of low-pressure and variable temperature metamorphism (M 1 ) and the intrusion of a predominantly granitic to granodioritic batholith with rather high ε Nd values (the Ljusdal batholith) occurred along this active margin at 1.87–1.84 Ga. Thrusting with westerly vergence, regional folding and ductile shearing (D 2–3 ), the later phase of low-pressure and variable temperature metamorphism (M 2 ), and the subsequent minor shear-related intrusion of granite, again with relatively high ε Nd values, prevailed at 1.83–1.80 Ga. Mineral deposits include epithermal Au–Cu deposits hosted by supracrustal rocks, V–Fe–Ti mineralization in subordinate gabbro and norite bodies inside the Ljusdal batholith, and graphite in metasedimentary rocks.

Chapter 7 Småland lithotectonic unit dominated by Paleoproterozoic (1.8 Ga) syn-orogenic magmatism, Svecokarelian orogen

Abstract The Småland lithotectonic unit in the 2.0−1.8 Ga Svecokarelian orogen, southeastern Sweden, is dominated by a c. 1.81−1.77 Ga alkali–calcic magmatic suite (the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt or TIB-1). At least in its central part, the TIB-1 suite was deposited on, or emplaced into, c. 1.83–1.82 Ga calc-alkaline magmatic rocks with base metal sulphide mineralization and siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (the Oskarshamn–Jönköping Belt). Ductile deformation and metamorphism under low- to medium-grade conditions affected the Oskarshamn–Jönköping Belt prior to c. 1.81 Ga. Both suites were subsequently affected by low-grade ductile deformation, mainly along steeply dipping, east–west to NW–SE shear zones with dip-slip and dextral strike-slip displacement. Sinistral strike-slip NE–SW zones are also present. In the northern part of the lithotectonic unit, 1.9 Ga magmatic rocks, c. 1.87–1.81 Ga siliciclastic sedimentary rocks and basalt, and c. 1.86–1.85 Ga granite show fabric development, folding along steep NW–SE axial surfaces and medium- or high-grade metamorphism prior to c. 1.81 Ga and, at least partly, at c. 1.86–1.85 Ga; base metal sulphide, Fe oxide and U or U–REE mineralizations also occur. Magmatism and siliciclastic sedimentation along an active continental margin associated with subduction-related, accretionary tectonic processes is inferred over about 100 million years.

Evolution of the Western Ethiopian Shield revealed through U-Pb geochronology, petrogenesis, and geochemistry of syn- and post-tectonic intrusive rocks

Ethiopian basement formed between 850 and 450 Ma during the East African Orogen and represents the junction of the two distinct basement types found in Africa and Saudi Arabia: the low-grade Arabian-Nubian Shield and the high-grade Mozambique Belt. While many other localities along the East African Orogenic belt are well studied and despite the huge potential insight it could grant to the orogen’s evolution, Ethiopian Basement is poorly understood. This study aims to understand the tectonic evolution of the East African Orogen in Ethiopia through the examination of the age, origin, and evolution of previously unmapped syn- and post-tectonic plutons intruded into the Western Ethiopian Shield’s eastern edge. Dabana granite pluton crystallization ages were determined through U-Pb geochronological dating, and structural history was revealed through field mapping and thin section petrographic analysis. Whole rock elemental composition was determined through XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) methods to investigate petrogenesis and chemical evolution of the plutonic rocks. Results indicate this pluton formed during three intrusive periods under distinct tectonic domains that represent an evolving convergent margin. The oldest granite dates to 797.6 Ma and is associated with hydrous melting during volcanic arc subduction, followed by post-subduction related anhydrous magmatism at 774.6 Ma. The youngest granites date to 635–639 Ma and are evidence of late-stage crustal thickening in the final stage of collision. Two metamorphic episodes are recorded in the structure and petrography, which formed gneiss during high-grade metamorphism at 775.22 Ma and low-grade deformation around 630 Ma. This study presents the first geochronological and geochemical data from plutonic rocks in the study area, and grants valuable insight into the dynamics and evolution of the East African Orogen in Ethiopia.

Persistence of melt-bearing Archean lower crust for >200 m.y.—An example from the Lewisian Complex, northwest Scotland

Abstract Geochronological data from zircon in Archean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneisses are commonly difficult to interpret. A notable example is the TTG gneisses from the Lewisian Gneiss Complex, northwest Scotland, which have metamorphic zircon ages that define a more-or-less continuous spread through the Neoarchean, with no clear relationship to zircon textures. These data are generally interpreted to record discrete high-grade events at ca. 2.7 Ga and ca. 2.5 Ga, with intermediate ages reflecting variable Pb loss. Although ancient diffusion of Pb is commonly invoked to explain such protracted age spreads, trace-element data in zircon may permit identification of otherwise cryptic magmatic and metamorphic episodes. Although zircons from the TTG gneiss analyzed here show a characteristic spread of Neoarchean ages, they exhibit subtle but key step changes in trace-element compositions that are difficult to ascribe to diffusive resetting, but that are consistent with emplacement of regionally extensive bodies of mafic magma. These data suggest suprasolidus metamorphic temperatures persisted for 200 m.y. or more during the Neoarchean. Such long-lived high-grade metamorphism is supported by data from zircon grains from a nearby monzogranite sheet. These preserve distinctive trace-element compositions consistent with derivation from a mafic source, and they define a well-constrained U-Pb zircon age of ca. 2.6 Ga that is intermediate between the two previously proposed discrete metamorphic episodes. The persistence of melt-bearing lower crust for hundreds of millions of years was probably the norm during the Archean.

Survival of graphitized petrogenic organic carbon through multiple erosional cycles

Graphite forms the endpoint for organic carbon metamorphism; it is extremely resilient to physical, biological and chemical degradation. Carbonaceous materials (CM) contained within sediments, collected across Taiwan and from the Gaoping submarine canyon, were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy to determine the crystallinity. This allowed the erosional and orogenic movements of petrogenic organic carbon (OCpetro) during the Taiwanese orogeny to be deduced. After automatically fitting and classifying spectra, the distribution of four groups of CM within the sediments provides evidence that many forms of OCpetro have survived at least one previous cycle of erosion, transport and burial before forming rocks in the Western Foothills of the island. There is extensive detrital graphite present in rocks that have not experienced high-grade metamorphism, and graphite flakes are also found in recently deposited marine sediments off Taiwan. The tectonic and geological history of the island shows that these graphite flakes must have survived at least three episodes of recycling. Therefore, transformation to graphite during burial and orogeny is a mechanism for stabilizing organic carbon over geological time, removing biospheric carbon from the active carbon cycle and protecting it from oxidation during future erosion events.

Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution and exhumation history of transpressional shear zones in the East African orogen: implications from kinematic analysis of Meatiq area, Central Eastern Desert of Egypt

The origin, structural history, and tectonic evolution of core complexes and associated shear zones in the East African orogen are fundamental issues in the recent geological studies. Meatiq dome is one of the best exposed complexes in the Arabian–Nubian shield. The dome is occupied by metamorphic rocks with amphibolite-facies grade, tectonites, and deformed granites which are structurally overlaid by low-grade metamorphosed ophiolitic and island-arc rock assemblage. This tectonic pile is intruded by several granite intrusions through their evolution history. Microstructural, strain, and vorticity data from deformed tectonites were used to investigate the kinematics of rock flow in the Meatiq and Atalla shear zones and to reconstruct their deformation and exhumation history. The strain and vorticity analyses of Atalla shear zone (ASZ) indicate that this zone experienced general shear transpression with a monoclinic symmetry. The mean vorticity number (Wm) estimated with the porphyroclast-based methods ranges from 0.65 to 0.72 which indicate a high pure shear contribution in the shear zone. The numerical estimates allow the kinematic modelling of ASZ which introduces valuable implication about the tectonic framework of the Central Eastern Desert during the collision of East and West Gondwana. The results of satellite image interpretation and structural analysis of Meatiq area reveal a poly-deformational structural history including five stages of deformation during the successive convergence and collision of East and West Gondwana continents at around 600 Ma. The first stage is represented by compressional structures and high-grade metamorphism in the amphibolite enclaves preserved in Um Baanib granite. The reconstructed structural history of the shear zones started with the second structural stage. It involves the initiation of Meatiq shear zone and associated ductile structures and fabrics. The third stage was related to the final oblique convergence and collision of East and West Gondwana and represented by the NW–SE thrust faults, NW–SE folds, and the initiation of Atalla shear zone. The fourth and fifth stages were evolved after the crustal thickening. They involve the initiation of the strike-slip faults and the NW–SE extensional structures. The tectonic and regional implications of the structural and kinematic analysis were discussed.

Petrological, geochemical and isotopic data of Neoproterozoic rock units from Uruguay and South Africa: Correlation of basement terranes across the South Atlantic

Felsic to intermediate igneous rocks from the Cuchilla Dionisio (or Punta del Este) Terrane (CDT) in Uruguay and the Várzea do Capivarita Complex (VCC) in southern Brazil were emplaced in the Tonian and experienced high-grade metamorphism towards the end of the Cryogenian. Geological and geochemical data indicate an S-type origin and formation in a continental within-plate setting by recycling of lower crustal material that was initially extracted from the mantle in the Palaeoproterozoic. Similar felsic igneous rocks of Tonian age occur in the Richtersveld Igneous Complex and the Vredefontein and Rosh Pinah formations in westernmost South Africa and southern Namibia and have been correlated with their supposed equivalents in Uruguay and Brazil. Geochemical and isotope data of the largely unmetamorphosed felsic igneous rocks in southwestern Africa imply a within-plate origin and formation by partial melting or fractional crystallization of mafic rocks that were extracted from the mantle in the Proterozoic. The parental melts of all of these Tonian igneous rocks from South America and southwestern Africa formed in an anorogenic continental setting at the western margin of the Kalahari Craton and were emplaced in, and/or contaminated by, Namaqua Province-type basement after separation from their source region. However, the source regions and the time of extractions thereof are different and, moreover, occurred at different palaeogeographical latitudes.New petrological data of CDT high-grade gneiss indicate a geothermal gradient of c. 20–25 °C/km, implying continental collisional tectonics following subduction and ocean basin closure at an active continental margin at the eastern edge of present-day South America in the late Cryogenian to early Ediacaran. The associated suture may be traced by the high-grade gneiss and amphibolite-facies mafic rocks in the CDT and probably continues northwards to the Arroio Grande Complex and the VCC in southern Brazil.

Calibration of oxygen isotope fractionation and calcite‐corundum thermometry in emery at Naxos, Greece

AbstractCorundum (Crn), including sapphire, occurs in emery pods surrounded by marble on the island of Naxos, Greece. The emery formed from bauxite deposited in karst that was metamorphosed to 400–700°C at 20–15 Ma. Many of these rocks initially appeared well suited for refractory accessory mineral (RAM) thermometry, which uses oxygen isotope fractionation between a RAM – corundum – and a modally dominant phase with faster diffusion of oxygen – calcite (Cc) – to determine peak metamorphic temperatures. However, previous attempts at oxygen isotope thermometry were confounded by highly variable fractionations (Δ18O) measured at mm‐scale and the uncertain calibration of Δ18O(Cc‐Crn) versus temperature. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) permits in situ analysis of δ18O in corundum and calcite at the 10‐μm scale in adjacent grains where textures suggest peak metamorphic equilibrium was attained. SIMS analyses of adjacent mineral pairs in eight rocks yield values of Δ(Cc‐Crn) that systematically decrease from 7.2 to 2.9‰ at higher metamorphic grade. Pairing these data with independent temperature estimates from mineral isograds yields an empirical calibration of 1,000 lnα(Cc‐Crn) = 2.72 ± 0.3 × 106/T2 (T in K). The new fractionations (2.7‰ at 1,000 K) are significantly smaller than those calculated from the modified increment method (6.5‰ at 1,000 K; Zheng, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1991, 55:2299–2307; Zheng, Mineral Mag, 1994, 58A:1000–1001), which yield unreasonably high temperatures of 630 to 1,140°C when applied to the new Naxos data. The new calibration of Δ(Cc‐Crn) can be combined with published fractionations to calculate A‐factors for corundum versus a range of 14 other minerals. These new fractionation factors can be used for thermometry or to constrain the genesis of corundum. A compilation of gem corundum δ18O values shows that many igneous sapphires, including important deposits of basalt‐associated sapphire, are mildly elevated in δ18O relative to the calculated range in equilibrium with mantle values (4.4–5.7‰) and formed from evolved magmas.

Geochronology and Geochemistry of Archean TTG and Tremolite Schist Xenoliths in Yemadong Complex: Evidence for ≥3.0 Ga Archean Continental Crust in Kongling High-Grade Metamorphic Terrane, Yangtze Craton, China

The origin and significance of the tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) units and the familiar metabasite xenoliths they host in the Yangtze Craton, China, remain controversial, and resolving these issues is important if we are to understand the evolution of the early Yangtze Craton. We focused on biotite–tremolite schist xenoliths in the Archean TTG units of the Kongling high-grade metamorphic terrane, and U–Pb dating of their zircons yielded 207Pb/206Pb ages of ca. 3.00 Ga, which provides a minimum age for the formation of the pre-metamorphic basic igneous rock. The host TTGs and late intrusive granitic dikes yield three groups of upper intercept ages at 2.87–2.88, 2.91–2.94, and 3.07 Ga, and a concordant age at 2.94 Ga, which suggest that the Yangtze continental nucleus underwent three important metamorphic–magmatic events in the Mesoarchean at ca. 3.00, 2.94, and 2.87 Ga. The biotite–tremolite schists have high ratios of K2O/Na2O and high contents of CaO, Cr, and Ni, thus showing the characteristics of high-K calc-alkaline island-arc volcanic rocks (basalt–andesite) that form by the partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The data also provide further proof that a Mesoarchean metamorphic basement exists in the Yangtze Plate. Derivation of the magmatic protoliths of the biotite–tremolite schist enclaves from an oceanic crust during slab subduction, and the presence of these xenoliths within the TTG suite, indicate the existence of the initiation of plate tectonics during the Mesoarchean (≤2.94 Ga).

Timing of high-grade metamorphism in the Kontum Massif, Vietnam: Constraints from zircon–monazite multi-geochronology and trace elements geochemistry of zircon–monazite–garnet

Metamorphic rocks in the Kontum Massif, including the Kannak, Ngoc Linh and Kham Duc Complexes are characterized by amphibolite- to granulite-facies metamorphism and their mono- versus poly-metamorphic evolution is a matter of debate. In this study, we constrained on the timing of high-grade metamorphism in this massif by combining laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon and electron microprobe chemical U–Th–Pb monazite ages with geochemical relation of trace elements between zircon–monazite–garnet. The results indicated that the analyzed pelitic and mafic granulites in the western Kannak Complex experienced the high temperature metamorphism at ca. 250 Ma with subsequent decompression. However, in the western Ngoc Linh Complex two high-grade metamorphic events were recorded in one of analyzed pelitic gneisses. The first high temperature metamorphism began at ca. 440–450 Ma with the attainment of the peak condition at ca. 430 Ma, overprinted by the second one at ca. 240–250 Ma with following decompression and exhumation stage at ca. 230 Ma. The other pelitic gneiss and mafic granulite detected only younger single event. Pelitic gneisses in the Kham Duc Complex recorded medium pressure metamorphism occurred at ca. 240 Ma without any traces of early metamorphic event.

Survived Seamount Reveals an in situ Origin for the Central Qiangtang Metamorphic Belt in the Tibetan Plateau

The origin of the central Qiangtang metamorphic belt (CQMB) has long been in debate, which is not clear whether this belt is the exhumed Jinsha oceanic plate that had been subducted and underthrusted beneath the Qiangtang Block, or the in situ Longmu Co-Shuanghu suture that separated the south and north Qiangtang blocks. Here we report field observations, zircon U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotopes, as well as whole rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes of the Late Triassic volcanic rocks near the Chabo Co within the southern margin of the CQMB. The ca. 229 Ma Chabo Co volcanic rocks and limestones possess characteristic lithologies of a seamount. Their geochemical and isotopic compositions are similar to OIB-type lavas. Unlike other metabasalts (eclogites and blueschists) in the CQMB, the Chabo Co volcanic rocks are OIB-type lavas that did not experience high-grade metamorphism; this is likely because that the Chabo Co seamount was detached from the subducting Longmu Co-Shuanghu oceanic slab. This work provides new solid evidences for an in situ origin of the CQMB.

Timing of magmatism and ultrahigh- to high-grade metamorphism in the Kannak Complex, Kon Tum Massif, Vietnam: Magmatic activity and its tectonic implications

Detailed geochronological and petrological investigations of metamorphic and igneous rocks can significantly improve our understanding of the tectonic processes that occur in orogenic belts. The Kon Tum Massif, central Vietnam, includes various types of magmatic and metamorphic rocks, the latter including ultrahigh- to high-temperature units. The Late Permian–Early Triassic metamorphic rocks in the massif correspond to the metamorphic characteristics of a collision between the Indochina and South China blocks in terms of their metamorphic evolution and timescales of deformation. U–Pb geochronological analyses of zircon obtained from two samples of garnet granite in the massif yielded magmatic ages of 239.6 ± 3.9 Ma and 243.5 ± 3.4 Ma. This permitted the reevaluation of previous Th–U–Pb electron microprobe analyses of monazite from the garnet granite and garnet-orthopyroxene gneiss and previously published U–Pb dating. These data reveal the metamorphic and magmatic history of the western part of the massif. The metamorphic rocks show a thermal evolution from 260 Ma to 240 Ma. Magmatic activity started at 260 Ma and ceased at 240 Ma. Considering this in terms of the regional-scale igneous activities in the Kon Tum Massif, the base of the massif, already thickened by the collision, was situated above underplating plume-related magma. Such magmatic activity resulted in high- to ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism and crustal melting during the Late Permian to Early Triassic, between 260 and 240 Ma.

Evidence for ca. 2046 Ma high-grade metamorphism in Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the northern Borborema Province, NE Brazil: constraints from U-Pb (LA-ICP-MS) zircon ages

This study presents LA-ICP-MS U-Pb detrital zircon ages on a migmatitic paragneiss of the Jaguaretama Complex, northern Borborema Province, NE-Brazil. This metasedimentary rock comprises a stromatic migmatite with alternating layers of metapelite, metapsammite, and garnet-tourmaline-bearing leucosome. The paleosome displays a well-developed schistosity, with fine to medium-grained textures, and locally garnet porphyroblasts. Backscattered electron images show that many of the zircon grains display metamorphic overgrowths (recrystallization) and cores with igneous oscillatory zoning. The detrital zircon grains show 207Pb/206Pb ages clustering from 2.51 to 2.12 Ga (with 90% conc.), evidencing that the igneous sources were generated mostly during the Transamazonian/Eburnean orogeny. The age of 2137±9 Ma of the youngest and most concordant detrital zircon (core) is interpreted as the maximum depositional age of the protolith. The youngest and most concordant (conc. 99%) 207Pb/206Pb apparent age obtained in a metamorphic zircon overgrowth was 2046±6 Ma, which is interpreted as the age of high-grade metamorphism. This age of metamorphism is similar to other records of Paleoproterozoic high-grade metamorphic events in the Borborema Province and other cratonic domains (e.g. Sao Francisco and West Africa cratons). This age also represents the minimum depositional age of the protolith. Therefore, the depositional age of the studied supracrustal rock may be bracketed between ca. 2.14 and 2.05 Ga.

Qinling gneiss domes and implications for tectonic evolution of the Early Paleozoic Orogen in Central China

The Qinling arc terrane (QAT) at the southern margin of the North Qinling Early Paleozoic orogen, Central China, is composed of gneiss domes overridden by cold allochthon nappes. The gneiss domes are characterized by migmatitic and plutonic cores of granite or gabbro and overlying upper amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphic sequences with pervasive injection of leucogranitic veins. The gneiss domes display a high temperature domal foliation dipping radially away the core and a down-dipping stretching lineation. Cascading folds occur in the mantling metamorphic rocks. The new data of zircon/monazite U-Pb dating suggest that the gabbroic and granitic plutons formed at 514–476 Ma and 495–441 Ma, respectively, whereas the high-grade metamorphism of the mantling rocks took place at 469–412 Ma, and the leucogranitic veins formed at two main episodes (472–440 Ma and 416–413 Ma). Mica 40Ar/39Ar dating yields 402–328 Ma for the cooling ages of the leucogranitic veins and gneissic rocks. The basaltic magma underplated into the QAT lower crust resulted in partial melting, producing granitic magma at the Late Cambrian to Middle Ordovician during northward subduction of the Shangdan Proto-Tethyan oceanic slab. Buoyant upwelling of the migmatitic and plutonic core was promoted by constriction in the lower crust and decompression-extension in the upper crust during the Silurian. Since the closure of the Shangdan Ocean and the collision between the North China Block and South China Block (～400 Ma), the Qinling gneiss domes experienced rapid uplift, and were finally overthrust by the upper allochthon transported from the North Qinling.