Initial Sr Isotopic Ratios Research Articles

Geology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Wainaulo Cu-Au Porphyry Deposit, Namosi District, Fiji

The late Miocene, calc-alkalic, Wainaulo Cu-Au porphyry deposit of the Namosi district, Fiji, hosts distinct styles of alteration and mineralization that overlapped to produce a substantial porphyry Cu-Au resource. The early stages produced medium-grade Cu, low-grade Au and concentric calc-potassic to propylitic alteration that is zoned around the early-stage diorite intrusions. Discrete zones of high-grade Cu and Au and calc-sodic alteration were then superimposed during the intrusion of the main-stage quartz diorites and the formation of quartz-sulfide and epidote-sulfide veins. As the magmatic-hydrothermal system waned, lower Cu and Au grades, with a weaker intensity of calc-sodic alteration and lower density of veins, were produced coincident with emplacement of subsequent quartz diorite intrusions. Late-stage anhydrite-pyrite veins and chlorite-illite alteration overprinted the quartz diorite intrusive complex. The final hydrothermal event consisted of argillic alteration that was concentrated in and around steeply dipping, ENE-trending shears. These structures appear to have controlled the emplacement of the quartz diorite complex and distribution of high-grade Cu-Au mineralization, suggesting they were active during the pre- and synmineralization stages. Stable and radiogenic isotopic data provide evidence for direct seawater contributions to the magmatichydrothermal system. Measured δ34Ssulfide (–5.0 to 3.8‰) and δ34Ssulfate (9.0–16.8‰) values are consistent with a predominantly magmatic source, whereas an elevated bulk sulfur composition (6.7‰) suggests mixing with an isotopically heavy fluid (e.g., seawater). Estimates of δDfluid derived from epidote (–9.1 to 11.3‰) and δ18Ofluid from epidote and anhydrite (–0.2 to 4.7‰) approach that of Vienna standard mean ocean water, and the initial Sr isotope ratios of epidote (0.70364–0.70378) suggest a component of seawater Sr ranging from 3.2 to 5.8%. These results are consistent with the inferred submarine paleogeographic setting and may explain the abundance of albite- and epidote-rich alteration assemblages at Wainaulo.

Generation of post-collisional normal calc-alkaline and adakitic granites in the Tongbai orogen, central China

Post-collisional granites are generally generated by partial melting of continental crust during orogenic extension. The occurrence of normal calc-alkaline granites following adakitic granites in a collisional orogen is frequently supposed as a sign of tectonic regime transition from compression to extension, which has been debated yet. In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of zircon U–Pb ages, Hf–O isotopes, as well as whole-rock major and trace elements and Sr–Nd isotopes, for Tongbai and Jigongshan post-collisional granitic plutons in the Tongbai orogen. Zircon U–Pb dating yields intrusion ages of ca. 140 and 135Ma for the Tongbai and Jigongshan plutons, respectively, suggesting they are post-collisional granites. These granites are high-K calc-alkaline series, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous with A/CNK ratios of 0.85–1.08. The Tongbai gneissic granites are normal calc-alkaline granite, having variable SiO2 (61.93–76.74wt%) and Sr/Y (2.9–38.9) and (La/Yb)N (1.7–30.1) ratios with variably negative Eu anomalies (0.41–0.92). They have relatively high initial Sr isotope ratios of 0.707571 to 0.710317, and low εNd(t) (−15.74 to −11.09) and εHf(t) (−17.6 to −16.9) values. Their Nd and Hf model ages range from 2.2 to 1.8Ga and 2.3 to 2.2Ga. On the contrary, the Jigongshan granites show higher SiO2 (66.56–72.11wt%) and Sr/Y (30.1–182.0) and (La/Yb)N (27.4–91.4) ratios with insignificant Eu anomalies (0.73–1.00), belonging to adakitic granite. They have Isr=0.707843–0.708366, εNd(t)=−19.83 to −17.59, and εHf(t)=−26.0 to −23.5. Their Nd and Hf model ages vary from ca. 2.5 to 2.4Ga and ca. 2.8 to 2.6Ga. The Tongbai and Jigongshan granites are characterized by mantle-like zircon δ18O values (5.17–5.46‰). These geochemical features suggest that the Tongbai and Jigongshan granites were derived from partial melting of Paleoproterozoic and Archean continental crust, respectively. Fractional crystallization affected the geochemical compositions of the Tongbai gneissic granites, while the compositions of the Jigongshan granites were mainly controlled by partial melting. The adakitic signatures of the Jigongshan granites were either inherited from their source or ascribed to more garnet in their residues. The voluminous post-collisional granites might form by the collapse of the thickened Tongbai orogenic root. The normal Tongbai gneissic granites occurred slightly earlier than the Jigongshan adakitic granites in the Tongbai orogen, suggesting that it is not a mandate to sign the tectonic transition from adakitic to normal calc-alkaline granites in post-collisional settings. Therefore, this study provides another example supporting the burst of voluminous post-collisional granites with different compositions as a consequence of the collapse of the thickened orogenic roots of collisional orogens.

Petrogenesis and origin of the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous magmatism in Central High Atlas (Morocco): Major, trace element and isotopic (Sr-Nd) constraints

During an uplift phase, which lasted ca. 40 Ma, from the Late Jurassic (165 Ma) to the Early Cretaceous (125 Ma), transitional to moderately alkaline magmatic series were emplaced in the Central High Atlas. The corresponding magmatic products include basaltic lava flows erupted within wide synclines and intrusive complexes composed of layered mafic intrusions and monzonitic to syenitic dykes emplaced along narrow anticlinal ridges. The igneous rock sequence within the intrusive complexes is composed of troctolites, olivine-gabbros, oxide-gabbros, monzonites and syenites. The chemical compositions of the various intrusive rocks can be accounted for by crystal accumulation, fractional crystallization and post-magmatic remobilization. The evolution from the troctolites to the syenites was mainly controlled by a fractional crystallization process marked by early fractionation of olivine, plagioclase and clinopyroxene, followed by separation of biotite, amphibole, apatite, and Ti-magnetite. Hydrothermal activity associated with emplacement of the intrusions within the Jurassic limestones modified the elemental and the Sr isotopic composition of the hydrothermally altered rocks In particular the monzonitic to syenitic dykes underwent an alkali metasomatism marked by depletion in K and Rb and enrichment in Na and Sr. As a result, their Sr isotopic composition was shifted towards higher initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7067–0.7075) with respect to the associated gabbros (0.7036–0.7046). On the contrary, the Nd isotopic compositions were preserved from isotope exchange with the limestones and vary in a similar range to those of the gabbros (+1.6 < εNdi < +4.1). The isotopic and the trace element ratios of the uncontaminated samples were used to constrain the source characteristics of this magmatism. The Sr-Nd isotopic data and the incompatible element ratios (e.g. La/Nb, Zr/Nb, Th/U, Ce/Pb) are consistent with generation from an enriched upper mantle similar to an ocean island basalt source. Melting of the subcontinental metasomatized lithosphere is tentatively related to small-scale shallow mantle upwelling and asthenospheric uprise at the triple junction between the western High Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the eastern High Atlas domains during a period of relative tectonic quiescence.

Petrochemical evolution of the White Mfolozi Granite pluton: Evidence for a late Palaeoarchaean A-type granite from the SE Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa

One of the major limitations in understanding the geochemical evolution of the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa, is the scarcity of whole rock trace element data of the granitoid and other rocks compared to the vastness of this cratonic block. Here we present new XRF major oxide and ICP-MS trace element analyses of the White Mfolozi Granitoid (WMG) pluton, SE Kaapvaal Craton, which suggest that the ~3.25Ga (U–Pb zircon age) old WMG pluton is a peraluminous A-type granite and could be equivalent to the intrusive potassic granite phase of the Anhalt Granitoid suite, occurring to the North of the WMG pluton. The pluton was generated by batch partial melting of a pre-existing TTG source in two major phases under relatively anhydrous conditions, and the heat of partial melting could have been provided by a voluminous mantle-derived mafic magma, which intruded into mid-crustal levels (c. 17km), perhaps during a period of crustal extension. The estimated pressure and temperature of generation of the WMG parent magma with average molar [or/(or+ab)] ~0.48 could be ~500MPa and close to 1000°C, respectively, when compared with the results of experimental petrology. Interstitial occurrence of relatively iron-rich biotite [Mg/(Mg+Fe) ~0.41–0.45] suggests that the final temperature of crystallization of the pluton was close to 800°C. An important magmatic event following the main phase of partial melting was limited mixing between the intrusive mafic magma and co-existing newly generated granitic melt. This magma mixing resulted in distinct variations in SiO2 and a low initial Sr isotopic ratio (0.7013) of the WMG pluton. Although both the models of partial melting of quartzo-feldspathic sources and fractional crystallization of basaltic magmas with or without crustal assimilation have been proposed for the origin of A-type granites, the model of magmatic evolution of the WMG pluton presented here can also be an alternative model for the generation of A-type granites. In this model, post-partial melting magma mixing is perhaps critical in explaining the Daly gap in composition and extreme variations in chemical (e.g., SiO2) and isotopic compositions observed in many bimodal A-type granite suites. The emplacement of the oldest known A-type granitoid suite in the Kaapvaal Craton, the WMG pluton, marks a period of stabilization of the craton before erosion and deposition of the overlying volcano-sedimentary succession of the Pongola Supergroup.

Crustal basement controls granitoid magmatism, and implications for generation of continental crust in subduction zones: A Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic study from the Paleozoic Tongbai orogen, central China

Ascertaining the petrogenesis of granitoid rocks in subduction zones holds the key for understanding the processes of how continental crust is produced. The synchronous Taoyuan and Huanggang plutons occur in two different geological units of the Paleozoic Tongbai orogen of central China. They provide an optimal opportunity for a study to address the role of the crustal basement in generating voluminous granitoid magmatism in subduction zones. The Taoyuan and Huanggang plutons have identical U–Pb zircon crystallization ages of 440–444Ma, which are temporally related to northward subduction of the Paleotethyan Ocean. The Taoyuan samples show high SiO2 (73.36–79.16%) and low Al2O3 (12.00–13.45%) contents, Mg numbers (20.6–38.2), and Sr/Y (2.04–10.1) and (La/Yb)N (2.34–7.32) ratios with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.33–0.93). They yielded positive εNd(t) (+3.0 to +6.7) and εHf(t) (+11.8 to +13.2) values, elevated initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7040–0.7057) and relatively low zircon δ18O values of 4.62–5.39‰. These suggest that they were produced through partial melting of hydrothermally altered lower crust of the accreted Erlangping oceanic arc. In contrast, the Huanggang samples exhibit variable whole-rock geochemical and isotopic compositions with SiO2 contents of 57.01–64.42wt.%, initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7065–0.7078, and εNd(t) values of −5.7 to −9.4. Additionally, they have high zircon δ18O values of 7.57–8.45‰ and strongly negative zircon εHf(t) values of −14.4 to −10.5. They were suggested to have been mainly derived from ancient continental crust of the Kuanping crustal unit with the addition of 20–40% juvenile, mantle-derived material. Accordingly, the granitoids in both oceanic and continental arcs are likely to be mainly derived from intracrustal melting of their crustal basement. It is revealed by the Huanggang pluton that little net continental crust growth occurs in continental arcs, and addition of new volume of continental crust may be balanced by the loss of old mafic lower continental crust. Continental growth was likely achieved through the accretion and subsequent differentiation of oceanic arcs, as manifested by the Taoyuan pluton.

Subduction between the Jiamusi and Songliao blocks: Geological, geochronological and geochemical constraints from the Heilongjiang Complex

In Northeast China, oceanic subduction between the Jiamusi and Songliao blocks remains topic of hot debate. The Heilongjiang Complex has been regarded as an accretionary belt resulting from the subduction of an intervening ocean between the two blocks. In this study, we carry out extensive geological, geochemical and geochronological investigations on the sedimentary rocks, amphibolites and blueschists from the Heilongjiang Complex. The detrital zircons from meta-sedimentary rocks yield U-Pb age spams ranging from 268 to 780Ma. Whereas the interlayered amphibolites show negative Nb-Ta-Ti and positive Pb anomalies and have a protolithic age of 188.2±1.0Ma, suggesting a subduction zone or magmatic arc origin in the Jurassic. The elevated initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.708–0.711) and negative εNd(t) values (−4.3 to −1.3) provide further evidence of the modification by upper continental crust during the magma ascending. LREE/HREE and MREE/HREE ratios suggest that the magma was likely derived from the mixing of lithospheric and asthenospheric melts. The presence of low Th/Ce (0.04–0.12) and Hf/Sm (0.35–0.55), but high Zr/Hf (35.4–43.4) and Pb/Ce (0.25–0.49) ratios strongly implies a contribution from subducted sediments. The identification of active continental margin type magmas of Early Jurassic age suggests that the subduction of the oceanic plate between the Jiamusi and Songliao blocks may have started around Early Jurassic time. In addition, the blueschists have a protolithic age of 186±1.1Ma and display geochemical affinities of oceanic island basalts, suggesting that the ocean between the Jiamusi and Songliao blocks closed sometime after 186Ma. Mineral 40Ar/39Ar dating results from the Heilongjiang Complex further indicate that blueschist- to greenschist-facies metamorphism occurred in the Middle to Late Jurassic (158–175Ma), marking the onset of termination of the oceanic subduction.

Permian copper–polymetallic mineralization in the southern Great Xing’an Range, Northeast China: the Daolundaba copper–polymetallic deposit example

ABSTRACTThe Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit is a newly discovered Cu–W–Sn deposit on the western slopes of the southern Great Xing’an Range, and its mineralization was related to an early Permian coarse-grained biotite granite. However, there is little information on the age of formation of the deposit. In this article, we present the results of our investigation into the age of the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit, which involved the selection of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite samples for Rb–Sr isochron dating. A Rb–Sr isochron defined by the chalcopyrite samples yielded a Rb–Sr isochron age of 290.0 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 1.2) with an initial Sr isotopic composition (ISr) of 0.71446. The pyrrhotite samples yielded a Rb–Sr isochron age of 283.0 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.16) with an initial Sr isotopic composition (ISr) of 0.71447. The Rb–Sr isochron age determined from the chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite is 282.7 ± 1.7 Ma (MSWD = 1.13). These results indicate that the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit formed during the early Permian (282.7–290.0 Ma). The Rb and Sr contents of the chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite range from ~0.1325 to ~3.6810 ppm and from ~0.1219 to ~9.5740 ppm, respectively, and the initial Sr isotope ratios (ISr) range from 0.71047 to 0.71869, with an average of 0.714723. These isotopic characteristics indicate the ore-forming minerals of the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit originated mainly from the crust, but with small amounts of mantle material involved. The copper was derived from the associated magma whereas the W and Sn was derived from the surrounding strata. The Permian mineralization of the Xing’an–Mongolia region occurred in an active continental margin setting during subduction of the Palaeo-Asian oceanic plate beneath the Siberian Plate.

Paleoproterozoic plume-related basaltic rocks in the Mana gold district in western Burkina Faso, West Africa: Implications for exploration and the source of gold in orogenic deposits

Birimian volcanic rocks of the Mana District are located in the an important gold-mineralized segment of the Paleoproterozoic Houndé greenstone belt, western Burkina Faso, which contains cumulative resources of ∼11 Moz. Five orogenic gold deposits (∼8 Moz) are hosted in or close to basaltic rocks. Theses rocks were studied to investigate their possible role as a gold source in younger orogenic gold deposits. They are Fe-rich tholeiitic basalts with flat REE patterns, with (La/Yb)N = 0.96–1.3 and without negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.92–1.26). The basalts also have low initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.693612–0.702190) and positive εNd values (+2.25 to +3.14). Using a Ce/Nb vs. Th/Nb diagram and various plume-related basalts worldwide for comparison, the Mana basalts are shown to be plume-related. In addition, using Zr/Nb vs. Nb/Th and Nb/Y vs. Zr/Y binary diagrams and reference fields, the Mana basaltic rocks appear to have formed directly above the plume head. Because plume-related basalts tend to be enriched in gold relative to MORB, we propose that the gold endowment of the Mana district is mostly related to the occurrence of plume-related basaltic rocks, which may have served as an important metal stock during subsequent remobilization for forming the orogenic gold deposits. We also propose that for gold exploration, two simple geochemical diagrams involving Zr, Y, Nb and Th could be used at an early stage to test the origin of the basaltic rocks and hence indirectly establish the fertility of a specific belt for hosting orogenic gold deposits.

Early Cretaceous bimodal volcanism in the Duolong Cu mining district, western Tibet: Record of slab breakoff that triggered ca. 108–113 Ma magmatism in the western Qiangtang terrane

We report new zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions, and whole-rock major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotope data for the Meiriqiecuo Formation (MF) bimodal volcanic rocks collected from the Duolong Cu mining district (DCMD) in the western Qiangtang terrane (QT), western Tibet. These data provide important constraints on the petrogenetic evolution and geodynamic setting of Early Cretaceous magmatism in the DCMD. The MF bimodal volcanic rocks are mainly basaltic andesite and andesite, with subordinate rhyolite. Four mafic samples yielded zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 108.2–113.0Ma, and one silicic sample has an age of 109.3±2.2Ma, indicating that the mafic and silicic eruptions were contemporaneous. The MF bimodal volcanic rocks belong to the medium-K calc-alkaline to shoshonite series. The rocks show arc-type affinities characterized by significant enrichment in light rare earth (LaN/YbN=7.74–12.60) and large-ion lithophile elements (Rb, Cs, K, and Pb), but depletions in the high-field-strength elements (Nb, Ta, and Ti), which geochemically resemble Andean arc basalts. Therefore, the MF bimodal volcanic rocks were likely emplaced at an Andean-type active continental margin and represent an Early Cretaceous magmatic arc that was located at the western QT margin. Moreover, the mafic volcanic rocks have high initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.705269–0.705413) and negative εNd(t) values of −1.5 to −0.6 compared with the silicic volcanic rocks ((87Sr/86Sr)i=0.704770–0.704903; εNd(t)=+1.2 to +1.3). Zircons from silicic samples have significantly higher εHf(t) values (+11.6 to +15.5) and predominantly lower Paleoproterozoic Hf crustal model ages (TDMC=180–428Ma) than the mafic samples, which have variable εHf(t) values of +3.4 to +13.0 and TDMC ages of 346–952Ma. These results indicate that the mafic and silicic end-members of the MF bimodal suite were generated from mantle and crustal sources, respectively. The basaltic andesite and andesite may have been derived from mantle enriched by the metasomatism of subducted fluids, whereas the rhyolite could have been derived by partial melting of mafic juvenile crust that originated from an older and more depleted mantle. In light of the geochemical characteristics and field relationships, we propose that breakoff of the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere was responsible for the generation and emplacement of the MF bimodal volcanic rocks. The fact that the MF bimodal volcanic arc magmatism was active at ca. 108–113Ma indicates that it was associated with closure of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean via an arc-arc “soft” collision during the Early Cretaceous.

Sedimentary Environment of Ediacaran Sequences of South China: Trace Element and Sr-Nd Isotope Constraints

Post-Marinoan sedimentary rocks from the Yangtze block in South China were investigated to seek constraints on their provenance, genetic relationship with paleoclimate, depositional environment, and changes. Sedimentary rocks from the Doushantuo Formation in the Jiulongwan section of the Yangtze block were collected for whole-rock trace elements and Sr-Nd isotopic analyses. Flat-to-slightly middle rare earth element (REE)–enriched REE-plus-yttrium patterns, negative-to-positive Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* of 0.86–1.40), positive La anomalies (La/La* of 1.02–1.42), and suprachondritic Y/Ho ratios (36.8–49.5) obtained for the Doushantuo cap carbonates indicate their deposition in a fluctuating inner-shelf setting where freshwater and seawater mixed together and the influence of hydrothermal fluid from the seafloor is absent. All Doushantuo carbonates and shales have variable Sr isotopic compositions, with initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.704030–0.712720) that support significant river-water contribution during the deposition of the Doushantuo Formation. Samples of the Doushantuo Formation collected across sedimentary profiles show distinct variations in Nd isotopic compositions and diagnostic trace elemental ratios (Th/Sc). The cap carbonates received significant input from a broad continental area undergoing extensive weathering immediately after the cease of the glaciation era. In contrast, the upper Doushantuo Formation sediments received more mature detritus from the nearby Archean Kongling complex, reflecting receding sea levels. In contrast to the negative Ce anomalies observed in lower Doushantuo rocks, negligible Ce anomalies in upper Doushantuo rocks suggest an anoxic setting, in agreement with the growth of phosphatic concretions and the presence of framboids of pyrite and a higher concentration of organic matter.

Precise U-Pb zircon ages and geochemistry of Jurassic granites, Ellsworth-Whitmore terrane, central Antarctica

The Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountain terrane of central Antarctica was part of the early Paleozoic amalgamation of Gondwana, including a 13,000 m section of Cambrian−Permian sediments in the Ellsworth Mountains deposited on Grenville-age crust. The Jurassic breakup of Gondwana involved a regional, bimodal magmatic event during which the Ellsworth-Whitmore terrane was intruded by intraplate granites before translation of the terrane to its present location in central Antarctica. Five widely separated granitic plutons in the Ellsworth-Whitmore terrane were analyzed for their whole-rock geochemistry (X-ray fluorescence), Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions, and U-Pb zircon ages to investigate the origins of the terrane magmas and their relationships to mafic magmatism of the 183 Ma Karoo-Ferrar large igneous province (LIP). We report high-precision (±0.1 m.y.) isotope dilution−thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) U-Pb zircon ages from granitic rocks from the Whitmore Mountains (208.0 Ma), Nash Hills (177.4−177.3 Ma), Linck Nunatak (175.3 Ma), Pagano Nunatak (174.8 Ma), and the Pirrit Hills (174.3−173.9 Ma), and U-Pb sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) ages from the Whitmore Mountains (200 ± 5 Ma), Linck Nunatak (180 ± 4 Ma), Pagano Nunatak (174 ± 4 Ma), and the Pirrit Hills (168 ± 4 Ma). We then compared these results with existing K-Ar ages and Nd model ages, and used initial Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope ratios, combined with xenocrystic zircon U-Pb inheritance, to infer characteristics of the source(s) of the parent magmas. We conclude that the Jurassic plutons were not derived exclusively from crustal melts, but rather they are hybridized magmas composed of convecting mantle, subcontinental lithospheric mantle, and lower continental crustal contributions. The mantle contributions to the granites share isotopic similarities to the sources of other Jurassic LIP mafic magmas, including radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr (0.706−0.708), unradiogenic 143Nd/144Nd (eNd < −5), and Pb isotopes consistent with a low-µ source (where μ = 238U/204Pb). Isotopes and zircon xenocrysts point toward a crustal end member of predominantly Proterozoic provenance (0.5−1.0 Ga; Grenville crust), extending the trends illustrated by Ferrar mafic intrusive rocks, but contrasting with the inferred Archean crustal and/or lithospheric mantle contributions to some basalts of the Karoo sector of the LIP. The Ellsworth-Whitmore terrane granites are the result of mafic rocks underplating the hydrous crust, causing crustal melting, hybridization, and fractionation to produce granitic magmas that were eventually emplaced as post-Ferrar, within-plate melts at higher crustal levels as the Ellsworth-Whitmore terrane rifted off Gondwana (47°S) before migrating to its current position (82°S) in central Antarctica.

Zircon U–Pb geochronology, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic composition and geological significance of the Late Triassic Baijiazhuang and Lvjing granitic plutons in West Qinling Orogen

The Qinling Orogen was a consequence of continental collision of the South China Craton with the North China Craton in the Triassic and caused widespread granitoid magmatism. However, the petrogenesis of these granitoids remains controversial. In this paper, we choose the Baijiazhuang (BJZ) and Lvjing (LJ) plutons in the West Qinling Orogen for a combined study of the zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock major and trace element compositions and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic characteristics. We obtained zircon crystallization ages of ~216Ma and ~212Ma for the BJZ and the LJ plutons, respectively. The granitoid samples from both plutons have high K2O metaluminous to peraluminous compositions. They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depleted in high field-strength elements (HFSEs) with significant negative Eu anomalies. The BJZ samples have initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7032 to 0.7078, εNd(t) of −10.99 to −8.54 and εHf (t) of −10.22 to −6.41. The LJ granitoids have initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7070 to 0.7080, εNd(t) of −5.37 to −4.58 and εHf(t) of −3.64 to −1.78. The enriched isotopic characteristics of the two plutons are consistent with their source being dominated by ancient continental crust. However, two BJZ samples show depleted Sr isotope compositions, which may infer possible involvement of mantle materials. Mantle-derived melt, which formed from partial melting of mantle wedge peridotite facilitated by dehydration of the subducted/subducting Mianlue ocean crust, provide the required heat for the crustal melting while also contributing to the compositions of these granitoids. That is, the two granitic plutons are magmatic responses to the closure of the Mianlue ocean basin and the continental collision between the Yangtze and South Qinling crustal terranes.

Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic insight into the low-Ti basalts from southern Paraná Igneous Province, Brazil: the role of crustal contamination

ABSTRACTThe south hinge of the Torres Syncline in southernmost Brazil hosts a volcanic succession of pahoehoe and rubbly Gramado-type lavas belonging to the ~132 Ma Paraná–Etendeka Igneous Province. We evaluate the geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic variations using local-scale stratigraphy in order to discuss the petrogenesis of lava flows in a single magma type and to estimate the role of crustal contamination and the potential contaminants involved. The geochemical and isotopic variations along the lava pile are not systematic, implying that the magma chamber could have undergone successive replenishments of basaltic magma. The process of crustal assimilation explains the high and widespread initial Sr isotopic ratios at 0.707798–0.715751 and the very low εNd at −8.36 to −5.41, with associated Pb isotopic variations (18.42 < 206Pb/204Pb < 18.86; 15.65 < 207Pb/204Pb < 15.71; 38.62 < 208Pb/204Pb < 39.37). The magmatic evolution of the SCSH and LJ lava flows begins with the storage of mafic liquids during a short period in the shallow-level magma chamber, which allowed the magma ascent with composition of olivine basalts. The continuous fractional crystallization within the magma chamber coupled with variable assimilation degrees of distinct contaminants with Palaeoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic ages, in addition to significant contribution of magma recharge, led to magma ascent with basaltic andesite composition that displays at surface a simple pahoehoe morphology. The continuous magma recharge in the magma chamber coupled with higher assimilation degree allowed the formation of basaltic andesite lavas with more contaminated isotopic signatures that exhibit rubbly morphology at the surface. Differentiation process of liquids coupled with the highest assimilation degrees of distinct contaminants during longer time in a shallow-level magma chamber, which is distinct from that where SCSH and LJ magmas have been stored, led to the formation of andesites of the Morro da Cruz section that exhibit the most contaminated isotopic signatures.

The calc-alkaline and adakitic volcanism of the Sabzevar structural zone (NE Iran): Implications for the Eocene magmatic flare-up in Central Iran

A major magmatic flare-up is documented along the Bitlis–Zagros suture zone in Eocene–Oligocene times. The Cenozoic magmatism of intraplate Central Iran is an integrant part of this tectono-magmatic scenario. The Cenozoic magmatism of the Sabzevar structural zone consists of mostly intermediate to felsic intrusions and volcanic products. These igneous rocks have calc-alkaline and adakitic geochemical signatures, with nearly coincident zircon U–Pb and mica Ar–Ar ages of ca. 45Ma. Adakitic rocks have quite low HREE and high Sr/Y ratio, but share most of their geochemical features with the calc-alkaline rocks. The Sabzevar volcanic rocks have similar initial Sr, Nd and Pb isotope ratios, showing their cogenetic nature. Nd model ages cluster tightly around ~0.2–0.3Ga. The geochemistry of the Sabzevar volcanic rocks, along with their isotopic signatures, might strangle that an upper mantle source, metasomatized by slab-derived melts was involved in generating the Sabzevar calc-alkaline rocks. A bulk rock trace element modeling suggests that amphibole–plagioclase–titanite-dominated replenishment-fractional crystallization (RFC) is further responsible for the formation of the middle Eocene Sabzevar adakitic rocks. Extensional tectonics accompanied by lithospheric delamination, possibly assisted by slab break-off and melting at depth was responsible for the Eocene formation of the Sabzevar magmatic rocks and, more in general, for the magmatic “flare-up” in Iran.

The petrology of Paleogene volcanism in the Central Sakarya, Nallıhan Region: Implications for the initiation and evolution of post-collisional, slab break-off-related magmatic activity

Zircon ages, mineral chemistry, whole-rock major and trace element compositions, as well as Sr–Nd isotopic ratios of basaltic (basanite, basalt, and hawaiite with MgO=3.90–10.06 and SiO2=43.18–48.16) to andesitic (SiO2=50.86–61.27) and rhyolitic (SiO2=71.11–71.13) volcanic rocks (E-W emplaced Nallıhan volcanics) in the Lower Eocene terrestrial sedimentary units in the Central Sakarya Zone were studied and compared with those of the northerly located E-W-trending Eocene volcanic rocks (the Kızderbent Volcanics with 52.7–38.1Ma radiometric ages) that are thought to be related to slab break-off process following the continental collision in the NW Anatolia. Zircon U–Pb ages of the Nallıhan volcanics vary from 51.7±4.7 to 47.8±2.4Ma.Clinopyroxene from the basaltic and andesitic rocks record crystallization conditions from ~7–8kbars (~23km) and ~1210°C, to 4.5–1.5 kbars (~14–1.5km) and 1110–1010°C crystallization conditions, respectively. The olivine-bearing, high-MgO (up to 10wt%) basaltic rocks of the Nallıhan volcanics have nepheline-normative and Na-alkaline compositions, while the andesitic to rhyolitic rocks show calc-alkaline affinity with mainly sodic character. This is the first time this type of volcanic rock has been described in this region. The initial Sr isotopic ratios of both basaltic and andesitic–rhyolitic samples from the Nallıhan volcanics are similar (~0.7040–0.7045), indicating that fractional crystallization processes were not accompanied by crustal contamination and that the magma chambers were likely stored within ophiolitic units. Trace element ratios suggest that the Nallıhan volcanics were derived from E-MORB- or OIB-like enriched mantle sources, while the Kızderbent volcanics had N-MORB-like depleted mantle sources. Both volcanic units were produced by partial melting of spinel-bearing (shallow) mantle sources that had undergone subduction-related enrichment processes, with the degree of enrichment having been greater for the Kızderbent volcanics.The geochemical features of both the Nallıhan and Kızderbent volcanics are best explained as the result of slab break-off, in which the Nallıhan volcanics (located closer to the original subduction front) were produced mainly by the melting of upwelling asthenospheric mantle. Further back from the subduction front, the upwelling interacted with more highly metasomatized sub-arc mantle that underwent partial melting to produce the Kızderbent volcanics. This geodynamic scenario can be used for understanding other post-collisional slab break-off-related magmatic activities.

Petrology, 40Ar/39Ar age, Sr-Nd isotope systematics, and geodynamic significance of an ultrapotassic (lamproitic) dyke with affinities to kamafugite from the easternmost margin of the Bastar Craton, India

We report the mineralogy, bulk-rock geochemistry, 40Ar/39Ar (whole-rock) age and radiogenic (Sr and Nd) isotope composition of an ultrapotassic dyke from Sakri (Nuapada lamproite field) located at the tectonic contact between the easternmost margin of the Bastar craton and Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India. The Sakri dyke has a mineralogy which strongly resembles a lamproite sensu stricto (viz.,Ti-rich phlogopite, Na-poor diopside, Fe-rich sanidine, ulvospinel trend and Sr-rich apatite). However, its bulk-rock major element geochemical characteristics (viz., extreme silica-undersaturated nature) resemble sensu lato kamafugite from Toro Ankole, Uganda, East African Rift, and Alto Paranaiba Province, Brazil. The Sakri dyke also displays certain compositional peculiarities (viz., high degree of evolution of mica composition from phlogopite to biotite, elevated titanium and aluminum in clinopyroxene and significantly lower bulk Mg#) when compared to the ultrapotassic rocks from various Indian cratons. 40Ar/39Ar dating gave a plateau age of 1045 ± 9 Ma which is broadly similar to that of other Mesoproterozoic (i) lamproites from the Bastar and Bundelkhand cratons, and (ii) kimberlites from the Eastern Dharwar craton. Initial bulk-rock Sr (0.705865–0.709024) and Nd (0.511063–0.511154) isotopic ratios reveal involvement of an ‘enriched’ source region with long-term incompatible element enrichment and a depleted mantle (TDM) Nd model age of 2.56 Ga straddling the Archaean-Proterozoic chronostratigraphic boundary. The bulk-rock incompatible trace element ratios (Ta/Yb, Th/Yb, Rb/Ba and Ce/Y) of the Sakri ultrapotassic dyke negate any significant influence of crustal contamination. Small-degree melting (1 to 1.5 %) of a mixed garnet-facies and spinel-facies phlogopite lherzolite can account for its observed REE concentrations. Whereas the emplacement of the Sakri ultrapotassic dyke is related to the amalgamation of the supercontinent of Rodinia, its overlapping geochemical characteristics of lamproite and kamafugite (also displayed by two other lamproites of the Nuapada field at Amlidadar and Parkom) are linked to the emplacement in a unique geological setting at the craton-mobile belt contact and hence of geodynamic significance.

Geochemical characteristics and tectonic setting of the Middle Permian Tiaohu Formation mafic-ultramafic rocks of Santanghu area, Xinjiang, Northwest China

Santanghu area in northeastern Xinjiang region of Northwest China is an important component of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), in which the dynamic mechanism of Permian magmatism is controversial. In Santanghu area is exposed a thick succession of the Middle Permian basalts, including a small amount of picritic basalts and andesites, known as the Tiaohu Formation. The picritic basalts contain cumulate olivine, and have whole-rock Mg# up to 0.68–0.77; the basalts exhibit porphyritic or doleritic textures, and have relatively low Mg# of 0.41–0.54, typical of evolved magmas. The mafic-ultramafic rocks of the Tiaohu Formation are slightly enriched in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs), and exhibit negative Nb and Ti anomalies. They also have high TiO2 content, and Nb/Y and Zr/Yb ratios greater than those of island arc volcanic rocks. Relatively low initial Sr isotopic ratios and high positive ɛ Nd(t) and ɛ Hf(t) values argue against contamination by ancient continental crust, and suggest formation of the Tiaohu Formation by partial melting of relatively refractory depleted lithospheric mantle that underwent metasomatism and extraction by fluid from the subducted slab. In addition, up to 38% olivine in picritic basalts indicates high-degree partial melting of lithospheric mantle, and the underlying Lucaogou Formation contains fragments of ultra-alkaline magmatic rocks that originated in the deep mantle. These observations imply wide-spread underplating in Santanghu area, which may have been associated with a mantle plume.

Evolution of magmatic-hydrothermal system of the Kalaxiange’er porphyry copper belt and implications for ore formation (Xinjiang, China)

The Kalaxiange’er porphyry copper ore belt is situated in the eastern part of the southern Altai of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and forms part of a broad zone of Cu porphyry mineralization in southern Mongolia, which includes the Oyu Tolgoi ore district and other copper–gold deposits. The copper ore bodies are spatially associated with porphyry intrusions of granodiorite, quartz diorite, quartz syenite, and quartz monzonite and have a polygenetic (polychromous) origin (magmatic porphyry, hydrothermal, and supergene). The mineralized porphyries are characterized by almost identical REE and trace element patterns. The Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios are similar to those of normal granite produced through the evolution of mantle magma. The low initial Sr isotope ratio ISr, varying within a narrow range of values (0.703790–0.704218), corresponds to that of primitive mantle, whereas the εNd(T) value of porphyry varies from 5.8 to 8.4 and is similar to that of MORB. These data testify to the upper-mantle genesis of the parental magmas of ore-bearing porphyry, which were then contaminated with crustal material in an island-arc environment. The isotopic composition of sulfur (unimodal distribution of δ34S with peak values of −2 to −4‰) evidences its deep magmatic origin; the few lower negative δ34S values suggest that part of S was extracted from volcanic deposits later. The isotopic characteristics of Pb testify to its mixed crust–upper-mantle origin. According to SHRIMP U–Pb geochronological data for zircon from granite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry, mineralization at the Xiletekehalasu porphyry Cu deposit formed in two stages: (1) Hercynian “porphyry” stage (375.2 ± 8.7 Ma), expressed as the formation of porphyry with disseminated and vein–disseminated mineralization, and (2) Indosinian stage (217.9 ± 4.2 Ma), expressed as superposed hydrothermal mineralization. The Re–Os isotope data on molybdenite (376.9 ± 2.2 Ma) are the most consistent with the age of primary mineralization at the Xiletekehalasu porphyry Cu deposit, whereas the Ar–Ar isotopic age (230 ± 5 Ma) of K-feldspar–quartz vein corresponds to the stage of hydrothermal mineralization. The results show that mineralization at the Xiletekehalasu porphyry Cu deposit was a multistage process which resulted in the superposition of the Indosinian hydrothermal mineralization on the Hercynian porphyry Cu mineralization.

Petrogenesis of Cretaceous igneous rocks from the Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit, central Tibet: evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology, petrochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope characteristics

The Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit (5.4 Mt at 0.72% Cu, 41 t at 0.23 g/t Au) was recently discovered in the southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet. Here, new whole‐rock elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope and zircon Hf isotopic data of syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks and barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries are presented for a reconstruction of magmas associated with Cu–Au mineralization. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating yields mean ages of 117.0 ± 2.0 and 120.9 ± 1.7 Ma for ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyry and 105.2 ± 1.3 Ma for post‐ore basaltic andesite. All the samples show high‐K calc‐alkaline compositions, with enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE: Cs and Rb) and depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE: Nb and Ti), consistent with the geochemical characteristics of arc‐type magmas. Syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks show initial Sr ratios of 0.7045–0.7055, εNd(t) values of −0.8 to 3.6, (206Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 18.408–18.642, (207Pb/204Pb)t of 15.584–15.672 and positive zircon εHf(t) values of 1.3–10.5, likely suggesting they dominantly were derived from metasomatized mantle wedge and contaminated by southern Qiangtang crust. Compared to mafic volcanic rocks, barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries have relatively high initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7054–0.7072), low εNd(t) values (−1.7 to −4.0), similar Pb and enriched zircon Hf isotopic compositions [εHf(t) of 1.5–9.7], possibly suggesting more contribution from southern Qiangtang crust. Duolong volcanic rocks and granodiorite porphyries likely formed in a continental arc setting during northward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang ocean and evolved at the base of the lower crust by MASH (melting, assimilation, storage and homogenization) processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Geochronology and geochemistry of Grenville-aged (1063 ± 16 Ma) metabasalts in the Shennongjia district, Yangtze block: implications for tectonic evolution of the South China Craton

To better understand the evolution of the South China Craton (SCC), we have determined the geochronological and geochemical compositions of newly recognized Grenville-aged metabasalts in the Shennongjia region of the northern Yangtze block. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircons indicates that the metabasalts formed at 1063 ± 16 Ma. The rocks are calc-alkaline, are characterized by SiO2 contents (50.50 to 55.62 wt.%), and have moderate-to-high MgO contents (7.25–9.60 wt.%). They display light rare earth element enrichment ((La/Yb)N = 7.0–9.8) with slightly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.82–0.90) and have pronounced depletion in high-field strength elements as well as positive Pb anomalies in the primitive mantle-normalized trace element pattern. They possess high initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7092–0.7107, large negative εNd(t) values of −12.1 to −11.0, and a relatively narrow range of initial Pb isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb = 16.503–17.019, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.259–15.452, and 208Pb/204Pb = 36.169–36.994). These isotopic characteristics are typical of basalts derived from an EM2 source region and suggest a subcontinental lithospheric mantle source that was metasomatized by subducted components (fluids and melts). Integrating our new data with documented igneous and metamorphic events during late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic time in the region and western segments of the Yangtze block, we suggest that the Shennongjia area might be a microcontinent that was independent of the continental nucleus of the Yangtze block and was accreted to the Yangtze block at the end of Mesoproterozoic time. This study thus argues against the traditional view that the SCC was formed simply by Yangtze–Cathaysia collision and supports a hypothesis in which the Yangtze block was a collage of microcontinents accreted during the Grenvillian period accompanying the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent.