Intermediate-felsic Volcanic Rocks Research Articles

Transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision: Insights from volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks of the Tannuola terrane (northern Central Asian Orogenic Belt)

Magmatism associated with oceanic subduction plays a dominant role in crustal growth during the Earth’s evolution. The Tannuola terrane, situated in the northern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is a key area to understanding oceanic subduction and initial collision processes in the northern CAOB. In order to investigate the switch from subduction to collision settings, detailed field mapping, zircon SHRIMP U-Pb geochronological and whole-rock geochemical studies of volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks from the Tannuola terrane were carried out. Zircon U-Pb ages indicate multi-stage volcanism lasted at least 30 Ma from ∼540 to ∼510 Ma, that can be divided into three events: the late Ediacaran (before ∼540 Ma), the early Cambrian (∼520 Ma) and the middle Cambrian (∼510 Ma). These ages are interpreted to the initial, main and final stages of oceanic subduction during the late Proterozoic – early Paleozoic. During the late Ediacaran, tholeiitic basalts with high εNd(t) values (from +7.4 to +8.5) were emplaced. Likely forming by the 10 %–30 % partial melting of spinel – garnet mantle source during slab subduction. During the early Cambrian, transitional from tholeiitic to calc-alkaline basaltic rocks with εNd(t) value (+5.6) and coeval intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks with similar εNd(t) values (+5.9 and +6.5) formed. The early Cambrian basaltic rocks are interpreted to be derived by 10 %–30 % partial melting of a depleted mantle source metasomatized by slab-derived fluids released from the subducting oceanic slab. The middle Cambrian calc-alkaline basaltic rocks with εNd(t) value of +6.2 might be emplaced as a result of low (5 %–10 %) degree partial melting of a metasomatized mantle followed by fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene and plagioclase. Associated intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks with εNd(t) values from +6.0 to +6.8 were formed through fractionation of the juvenile Neoproterozoic sources. The middle Cambrian volcanism is interpreted to be triggered by the slab break-off during the transition to a collisional setting.

Geochemical Composition Variations and Tectonic Implications of the Baoligaomiao Formation Volcanic Rocks from the Uliastai Continental Margin, Southeast Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Abstract The Permo-Carboniferous tectonic evolution in the Uliastai continental margin (UCM), north of the southeast central Asian Orogenic Belt, remains controversial. This work examined the geochemical composition of the felsic volcanic rocks from the lower and upper part of the Baoligaomiao Formation in the UCM. Zircon U-Pb ages reveal that the Baoligaomiao Formation has a long-lived eruption duration, from ca. 285 to 328 Ma. The lower part (ca. 328–310 Ma) of the Baoligaomiao Formation is dominated by clastic and pyroclastic rocks with subordinate intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks, whereas the upper part (ca. 307–285 Ma) mainly consists of felsic volcanic rocks and pyroclastic rocks. Calculations reveal that the felsic volcanic rocks from the lower part have low zircon saturation temperatures (TZr = 747℃–795℃), whereas those from the upper part exhibit high TZr (ca. 793℃–930℃). Zircons from the lower part exhibit high εHf(t) values and 176Lu/177Hf ratios, in contrast to the low εHf(t) values and 176Lu/177Hf ratios of zircons from the upper part. Those petrogeological and geochemical shifts might support the tectonic switch model in the UCM at the end of the Carboniferous, providing new constraints on the Late Carboniferous closure of the Hegenshan Ocean.

Geochemistry and organic petrography of the Middle Permian Lucaogou alkaline lacustrine oil shale in the southern Junggar Basin, China: Implications for formation conditions and organic matter accumulation

Organic matter (OM) accumulation in terrestrial sediments shows not only a significant carbon sink in the Earth's carbon cycle but an important origin of fossil fuels, which is closely associated with the complex and diverse depositional environments and climate conditions. The Junggar Basin developed the most laterally extensive and thickest alkaline lacustrine sediments as well as the richest hydrocarbon source rock/oil shale interval of all the world during the deposition of the Lucaogou Formation and equivalent units. In this study, the sedimentary succession of 564 m with a mudstone and dolomite matrix of the Lucaogou oil shale from the Qi 1 well located in the southern Junggar Basin was investigated, which can be divided into two members based on lithology. This paper is a synthetic use of major element oxides, trace, and rare-earth elements as well as organic petrography data as proxies to evaluate the provenance, paleotectonic setting, paleoclimate and weathering conditions, paleoenvironment, and paleoproductivity as well as origin and accumulation of OM of the Lucaogou sediments.It is suggested that no recycling sediments in all the studied samples, based on parameters including the Th/Sc vs. Zr/Sc plot, the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) being linearly dependent on Weathering Index of Parker (WIP), and the high Index of Compositional Variability. The provenance mainly from intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks (e.g., granodiorite, andesite and dacite) is supported by the bivariate plots of Euanom vs. Th/Sc, La/Th vs. Hf, La/Sc vs. Co/Th, Cr/Th vs. Sc/Th, Y/Ni vs. Cr/V, and Nb/Y vs. Zr/TiO2 as well as triangular diagrams of mafic–felsic–weathering, M+–4Si–R2+ and Rb/V–Zr/Zn–Sc/Nb. The continental island arc is inferred from paleotectonic setting discrimination diagrams (i.e., the La–Th–Sc, Th–Co–Zr/10 and Th–Sc–Zr/10 ternary as well as Ti/Zr vs. La/Sc binary diagrams). The chemical weathering indices (i.e., the CIA, WIP, weathering index (W), Weathering Intensity Scale, Sodium Depletion Index, and Ga/Rb vs. K2O/Al2O3 binary diagram) indicate the paleoclimate conditions were cold/arid with weak chemical weathering in a warming and/or enhanced continental weathering episode. Besides, the Sr/Ba ratios and gallium concentrations indicate the paleosalinity was brackish to hypersaline and was higher in the lower member in relation to that in the upper member. However, the suboxic environment of the benthic water (inferred from the MoEF vs. UEF co-variations and Corg/P ratios as well as large sizes of framboidal pyrites) and the moderate paleoproductivity (evaluated via the Sibio, Babio, and Pbio values, as well as Ni/Al and Cu/Al ratios) caused by predominate algae and bacteria (inferred from the organic petrography) kept stable in the paleolake during this period. The OM accumulation was mainly controlled by the preservation conditions rather than the paleoproductivity and limited detrital inputs/low deposition rates, which was indicated by the plot of Co × Mn values vs. Cd/Mo ratios and the total organic carbon contents being negatively related to stable carbon isotope compositions of OM.

Provenance changes for mineral matter in the latest Permian coals from western Guizhou, southwestern China, relative to tectonic and volcanic activity in the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and Paleo-Tethys region

Recent studies have found that the provenance for water-transported sediments in some coal seams in the Late Permian and Early Triassic sequences from SW China have changed from mafic rocks of Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP) to intermediate-felsic and alkaline igneous rocks from the ELIP and Paleo-Tethys convergent margins. However, the mechanism of provenance changes for mineral matter in the late Permian coals from SW China remains unclear. This paper uses the detailed mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the latest Permian coal-bearing strata from the Huopu coal deposit in SW China to identify the potential detrital provenances of mineral matter.The mineralogy of the Huopu coals is dominated by kaolinite, quartz, and calcite. Fracture-filling kaolinite, calcite, quartz, anatase, as well as closely coexisting fracture-filling kaolinite, quartz, and chamosite, were possibly formed by multiple-stage solution injections. The Al2O3/TiO2 values, REY distribution patterns (REY, rare earth elements and Y), as well as Nb/Yb vs. Al2O3/TiO2 and Zr/TiO2 vs. Al2O3/TiO2 diagrams all indicate that the roof and floor sediments of the coal seam were sourced mostly from the ELIP high-Ti basalts. In contrast, the inorganic matter of the coals was derived from the Kangdian tops exposing (1) the Proterozoic meta-granitic complex; (2) the ELIP’s volcanic complex including, in addition to basalts, alkaline and intermediate-felsic lavas and small intrusions; and (3) volcanic ashes from the Paleo-Tethys convergent margins. The latest Permian sedimentation in the Huopu coal deposit is suggested to have been controlled by tectonic activity along the Xiaojiang Fault that separates the inner ELIP from the Western Yangtze Cratonic Basin (WYCB). This activity is characterized by repeated uplifts of the inner ELIP associated with some downward movements in the WYCB and vice versa. The ELIP uplift and WYCB subsidence may have led to intensive erosion of the ELIP basalts and marine transgression producing the clastic sediments, while the ELIP’s downward movement associated with some WYCB uplift may have promoted peat deposition and erosion of the Kangdian tops exposing both the ELIP intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks and the older meta-granitic complexes. Both sedimentation regimes were evidently accompanied by volcanic activity on the Paleo-Tethys convergent margins, but preservation of the volcanic ash layers was possible only during more quiescent peat-accumulation periods. The reduced detrital supply in these periods would result in a higher proportion of the intermediate-felsic pyroclastic debris disseminated in the coals.

Petrogenesis, tectonic setting, and metallogenic significance of the Middle Permian volcanic rock system of the Miaoling Formation, Yanbian area, NE China: Constraints from geochronology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes

The volcanic rock system of the Miaoling Formation contains the main ore-bearing rocks of two volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS)-type deposits in the Yanbian area of NE China. Investigation of the VRSMF is needed to better understand the formation of these VMS-type deposits and the tectonic evolution of the Yanbian area. To determine the petrogenesis, material sources, and formation age of the VRSMF, and elucidate its late Paleozoic tectonic evolution and metallogenic significance, this paper presents new petrological, geochronological, geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and in situ zircon Hf isotopic data for the VRSMF. The VRSMF is composed of marine carbonate, intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks (andesite–trachyandesite–dacite) and pyroclastic rocks. Laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating gives an eruption age of ca. 265 Ma for the pyroclastic rocks in the VRSMF. These rocks are classified as low- to medium-K calc-alkaline series. They are characterized by enrichments in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., K, Rb, and Ba) and light rare earth elements, and depletions in high field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) and heavy rare earth elements, showing affinity to igneous rocks formed in arc-related tectonic settings. These features, together with homogeneous zircon εHf(t) values of 10.9–15.7 and depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions [εNd(t) values of 2.4–5.0], suggest that the parental magma was derived from the partial melting of depleted mantle that had been metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. These results, along with findings of regional geological investigations, suggest that the formation of the VRSMF was related to subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate during the middle Permian. The VMS-type mineralization in the Hongtaiping and Dongfengnanshan deposits is interpreted to have formed in a bimodal–felsic setting in a back-arc extensional tectonic environment.

Miocene adakitic volcanism in eastern Lhasa Terrane, Tibet: perspective from zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes

ABSTRACT The Riduo intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks are located in the eastern Lhasa terrane in southern Tibet. Zircon U–Pb dating, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope analyses were carried out to constrain the age, petrogenesis and magma source of the Riduo magma suite, including andesite, dacitic tuff, and quartz diorite. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded Early Miocene ages of 19.5 ± 0.5 Ma (andesite), 17.6 ± 0.3 Ma (dacitic tuff), and 15.6 ± 0.5 Ma (quartz diorite). Geochemically, this early Miocene suite is adakitic with high SiO2 (55.76–69.46 wt.%), Al2O3 (15.21–16.61 wt.%), Na2O (3.82–4.83 wt.%), Sr (427–1033 ppm), and Sr/Y (24.5–145), but low Y (< 17.8 ppm) and Yb (< 1.82 ppm). The rocks also have low to high K2O (0.44–3.82 wt.%). They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), large ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g. K, Rb, Th and U), but depleted in high-field strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), and have weakly negative to positive Eu anomalies. Isotope analyses reveal that most samples have high whole-rock initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.705611–0.708807), low εNd(t) (−2.25 to −1.15), and positive zircon εHf (t) (+1.29 to +6.49). We suggest that the early Miocene magmas in the eastern Lhasa terrane were likely sourced from post-collisional partial melting of the juvenile lower crust with minor mantle input. The magmas may have been crustal-contaminated during their ascent to the upper crust along the N-S-trending Cona-Riduo rift.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the Triassic rhyolites in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, northern Tibetan Plateau

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), which is in the northern part of the Greater Tibetan Plateau, contains voluminous Late Triassic intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks. In the east end of the EKOB, we identified highly differentiated peralkaline-like Xiangride rhyolites (~209 Ma) that differ from the widespread andesitic-rhyolitic Elashan volcanics (~232–225 Ma) in terms of their field occurrences and mineral assemblages. The older, more common calc-alkaline felsic Elashan volcanics may have originated from partial melting of the underthrust Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust under amphibolite facies conditions associated with continental collision. The felsic Elashan volcanics and syn-collisional granitoids of the EKOB are different products of the same magmatic event related to continental collision. The Xiangride rhyolites are characterized by elevated abundances of high field strength elements, especially the very high Nb and Ta contents, the very low Ba, Sr, Eu, P, and Ti contents; and the variably high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (up to 0.96), exhibiting remarkable similarities to the characteristic peralkaline rhyolites. The primitive magmas parental to the Xiangride rhyolites were most likely alkali basaltic magmas that underwent protracted fractional crystallization with continental crust contamination. The rock associations from the early granitoids and calc-alkaline volcanic rocks to the late alkaline basaltic dikes and peralkaline-like rhyolites in the Triassic provide important information about the tectonic evolution of the EKOB from syn-collisional to post-collisional. We infer that the transition from collisional compression to post-collisional extension occurred at about 220 Ma.

Evolution of deep crustal hot zones constrained by the diversity of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks in SE China

The formation of widespread Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks (dominantly felsic rocks) in SE China needs a physical and chemical balance between crustal and mantle melting, which could be reconciled by complicated transcrustal magmatic systems in deep crustal hot zones with time. After the relative magmatic quiescence at ca. 210–180 Ma, magmatic activities were mainly developed in the interior of SE China with an areal distribution and subsequently concentrated in the present coastal area with an overall linear pattern after ca. 140 Ma except the Lower Yangtze region. The spatiotemporal change requires a unique crust-mantle geodynamic coupling with the evolution of deep crustal hot zones from intracontinental to continent marginal setting. Correspondingly, the magmatic rocks show a compositional change from bimodal distribution in Early and Middle Jurassic to unimodal and weakly bimodal pattern in Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. In general, most of the Late Mesozoic intermediate to felsic magmatic rocks show higher Mg# than typical rifting-related rocks at given SiO2, which requires the addition of water and possible mass transfer and mixing of underplated hydrous basaltic magma in the deep crustal hot zones. The occurrence of high-Sr/Y and La/Yb rocks and possibly thickened crust (ca. 40 km) before ca. 140 Ma, combined with the current thin crust thickness (ca. 31-33 km) as revealed by seismic data, indicates a widespread crustal thinning after ca. 140 Ma. The relatively thickened crust before ca. 140 Ma is beneficial for melting of underlying old crust that is composed of dominantly Neoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic components, the formation of porphyritic Cu deposits, the subsequent magmatic differentiation and associated giant W, Sn, Nb, Ta and Li ore deposits. In contrast, the deep crustal hot zones progressively migrated to the present coastal area after ca. 140 Ma, driving the increasing amounts of intermediate rocks and intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks. In general, the diversity and compositional change of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks and associated ore deposits in SE China may be controlled by the evolution of deep crustal hot zones in different tectonic settings in response to the subduction of Paleo-Pacific Plate.

Early Cretaceous crust–mantle interaction linked to rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific flat-subducting slab: constraints from the intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks of the northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China

AbstractLate Mesozoic igneous rocks are important for deciphering the Mesozoic tectonic setting of NE China. In this paper, we present whole-rock geochemical data, zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope data for Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the Tulihe area of the northern Great Xing’an Range (GXR), with the aim of evaluating the petrogenesis and genetic relationships of these rocks, inferring crust–mantle interactions and better constraining extension-related geodynamic processes in the GXR. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the rhyolites and trachytic volcanic rocks formed during late Early Cretaceous time (c. 130–126 Ma). Geochemically, the highly fractionated I-type rhyolites exhibit high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous characteristics. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), with their magmatic zircons ϵHf(t) values ranging from +4.1 to +9.0. These features suggest that the rhyolites were derived from the partial melting of a dominantly juvenile, K-rich basaltic lower crust. The trachytic volcanic rocks are high-K calc-alkaline series and exhibit metaluminous characteristics. They have a wide range of zircon ϵHf(t) values (−17.8 to +12.9), indicating that these trachytic volcanic rocks originated from a dominantly lithospheric-mantle source with the involvement of asthenospheric mantle materials, and subsequently underwent extensive assimilation and fractional crystallization processes. Combining our results and the spatiotemporal migration of the late Early Cretaceous magmatic events, we propose that intense Early Cretaceous crust–mantle interaction took place within the northern GXR, and possibly the whole of NE China, and that it was related to the upwelling of asthenospheric mantle induced by rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific flat-subducting slab.

Subduction to post-collisional volcanism in the Northern Arabian-Nubian Shield: Genesis of Cryogenian/Ediacaran intermediate-felsic magmas and the lifespan of a Neoproterozoic mature island arc

The Neoproterozoic intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks in the Wadi Ambagy area, Eastern Desert of Egypt, comprise three units: Dokhan intermediate-felsic volcanics, post-Dokhan felsic volcanics and felsites. The Dokhan lavas are generally porphyritic and composed of andesite and dacite with subordinate basalt, whereas the post-Dokhan felsic volcanics are represented by phyric and aphyric rhyolites. The medium-K calc-alkaline nature, LILE enrichment, Ta-Nb anomalies and LREE-enriched patterns of the Dokhan volcanic rocks are consistent with development in a subduction setting. Arc crustal thickness estimation using average (La/Yb)n is ~ 32 km, indicating that these rocks were generated in a Neoproterozoic island arc with thick crust. The subduction magmas were generated by hydrous mantle melting and they evolved by fractional crystallization. In contrast, the post-Dokhan felsic volcanics and felsites have medium- to high-K and shoshonitic affinities, respectively. They are highly silicic with weak to absent Ta-Nb anomalies and significant Nb, Zr, Hf and REE enrichment, which increases from the post-Dokhan felsic volcanics to the felsites. These geochemical features suggest generation in a post-collisional to within-plate tectonic setting by partial melting of mafic or intermediate arc crustal sources. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating indicates a crystallization age of ~ 660 Ma for the subduction-related Dokhan andesite and dacite, reflecting a magmatic arc lifespan longer than previously considered. The change of setting from subduction to post-collisional was accompanied by an increased role of crustal sources in the generation of the felsic magmas, resulting in differentiation of the accreted arc crust.

Early Cretaceous arc-related volcanic rocks in the northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China: records of Paleo-Pacific ocean subduction

There are widespread Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Great Xing’an Range, Northeast China. However, the precise age data and tectonic evolution are still controversial. In this paper, a suite of intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks and mafic volcanic rocks have been recognized in the Daheishan of the northern Great Xing’an Range. Zircon U–Pb dating constrains two groups of the crystallization ages at 129 Ma (dacite) and 124–127 Ma (rhyolite, rhyodacite and andesite), respectively. They all have magmatic zircon geochemical characteristics, including systematic positive Ce anomalies, weak negative Eu anomalies, and high Th/U ratios (average 0.84). The intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks show crustal signatures with high K2O (1.91–7.57 wt% and low MgO (0.19–2.78 wt%) contents. The zircon eHf(t) values mostly range from + 4.7 to + 10.2, with dominant two-stage model ages (TDM2) of 530–878 Ma. Therefore, combined with previous data, the mantle-derived mafic melts may have triggered partial melting of the juvenile lower crust to produce intermediate-felsic magmas, and the source rock is considered to be an amphibolite. In addition, the trace element data of the volcanic rocks display arc-like signatures. The published and our geochronological data indicate that these Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Great Xing’an Range were mainly formed in the Early Cretaceous with a peak range of 124–133 Ma. The large-scale Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks in the Great Xing’an Range were formed in an active continental margin setting related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean.

Petrogenesis of volcanic rocks of the Devonian – Carboniferous Dahalajunshan Formation, Western Tianshan: Implications for crustal growth in an accretionary orogen

Magmatism associated with plate subduction and collision plays an important role in crustal growth during the evolution of the Earth, but the detailed mechanisms regarding how magmatism contributes to the vertical growth of the crust remain unclear, in part due to controversies on the petrogenesis of intermediate-felsic rocks. In the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), although it has been recognized that both pre-existing crustal component and juvenile mantle-derived melt played a role in the crustal evolution of the orogens, the mechanics of how they contributed to vertical crustal growth remain uncertain. This study presents new geochronological, major and trace element geochemical, and Nd–Hf isotopic data for the Late Paleozoic intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks of the northern Yili terrane, Western Tianshan Orogen, with the aims to constrain the petrogenesis of the andesitic magma and to offer new insights into the deep interaction processes between crustal- and mantle-derived magmas. According to zircon U–Pb dating, trace element and isotopic compositional data, these volcanic rocks can be divided into two groups. Group 1 rocks (365–375 Ma) have relatively low whole-rock εNd(t) values (−4.2 – −1.6) and display high contents of Th (11.8–20.4 ppm), U (2.7–5.1 ppm), Nb (14.1–36.7 ppm) and Ta (1.1–3.1 ppm) that suggest they were derived from the partial melting of pre-existing crust. Group 2 rocks (346–349 Ma) show REE and trace elemental patterns typical of subduction-related calc-alkaline volcanic rocks with relatively high whole-rock εNd(t) values (−1.89 – +2.4), and with variable zircon Hf isotopic values (εHf(t) = +1.9 – +13.5) that can be attributed a juvenile crust with variable input of mantle material. Hf–Nd isotopic decoupling of the group 2 rocks suggests a replenishment by more mafic magmas. Samples from the entire Yili terrane show an increasing trend in εNd(t) values with younger ages that suggest an increasing involvement of melted juvenile crustal rocks. Overall, these results suggest a crustal evolutionary scenario in which: 1) pre-existing crustal components were melted and ascended to the upper crust (group 1) during the southward subduction of the Junggar-North Tianshan ocean in the early stage; and, 2) a later stage in which newly input mantle material solidified to form new arc crust that was also melted by basaltic underplating and that was probably associated with the rollback of the Junggar oceanic slab. This two-stage crustal growth model seems to be an efficient process for vertical crustal growth during the formation of an accretionary orogen.

Geochronology, geochemistry and zircon Hf isotope constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic setting of Early Permian volcanic rocks from Sonid Youqi area, Solonker Zone

ABSTRACT The mineral composition, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd isotopes, and in situ zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes for mafic and intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks in the Sonid Youqi area were determined to unravel their petrogenesis and the Early Permian tectonic setting of the Solonker Zone, Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Zircon U–Pb ages suggested that these rocks formed in the Early Permian. The mafic volcanic rocks were depleted in Ba, Th, and Nb, enriched in Rb, U, and Sr, and had variable zircon εHf(t) values, with constant Th/Yb and variable Ba/La ratios, indicating that the mafic magma originated from the fluid-metasomatized mantle. The intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks were depleted in Ba, Th, Nb, Ta, and Ti and enriched in Sr, Zr, and Hf. Geochemical modelling and mineralogical observations suggested that magma mixing dominated the magmatic process. These features, along with variable SiO2 and MgO contents and zircon εHf(t) values of +9.40 to +13.47, suggested that these rocks originated from the mixing of melts from the mantle and juvenile crust. Early Permian volcanic rocks from the Solonker Zone had depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, similar to those from the Japan Sea back-arc basin basalts. Their geochemical characteristics differed from those rocks formed during the initial subduction. In combination with previous studies, we suggest that the generation of these Early Permian rocks from the Solonker Zone occurred in an extensional tectonic setting that induced by the slab break-off of Hegenshan Ocean.

Late Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the southern Great Xing'an Range, NE China: Evidence from whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon U[sbnd]Pb ages and Hf isotopes from volcanic rocks

The large-scaled Mesozoic volcanic activities in the Great Xing'an Range, northeastern (NE) China, have received extensive attention recently. However, the details of the tectonic setting and geodynamic processes of the Late Mesozoic time are still controversial. In this paper, we examined the geochronology and geochemistry of the Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks collected from the southern Great Xing'an Range, in order to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Great Xing'an Range in the Late Mesozoic time. The compiled data show that the Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks can be divided into three stages: Middle-Late Jurassic felsic volcanic rocks (174–148 Ma), Early Cretaceous intermediate and intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks (142–125 Ma, peak at 138 Ma) and Early Cretaceous felsic volcanic rocks (140–120 Ma, peak at 125 Ma). The Middle-Late Jurassic felsic volcanic rocks in the southern Great Xing'an Range are geochemically similar to A-type granite or highly fractionated granite, which have εHf(t) values of (−0.7 to +12.1) and Hf two-stage model (TDM2; 549–1714 Ma), indicating they are derived from the magma generated by partial melting of thickened juvenile lower crust and formed in a post-collisional extensional setting related to subduction of the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate. The Early Cretaceous intermediate and intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks have the characteristics of active continental margin arc, which have εHf(t) values of −11.6 to +13.0 and TDM2 ages of 449–2670 Ma, suggesting that these rocks are the product of partial melting of lithospheric mantle. They are metasomatized by subduction-derived fluids or melts and related to the flat-slab subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic plate beneath the Great Xing'an Range after the rapid closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean. The Early Cretaceous felsic volcanic rocks in the study are dominated by A-type rhyolite, which are associated with coeval A-type granites, metamorphic core complexes and rift basins, suggesting they formed in an extensional environment related to either the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate beneath the Eurasian continent or the massive upwelling of the asthenosphere following the collapse of the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate.

Geochemical Characteristics and Geological Significance of Meta-Volcanic Rocks of the Bainaimiao Group, Sonid Right Banner, Inner Mongolia, China

The Bainaimiao Group, which crops out in the Sonid Right Banner area of Inner Mongolia, China, comprises mainly metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary rocks. This group can be divided into two formations: a lower formation characterized by intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks, and an upper formation of intermediate-mafic volcanic rocks. Zircon dating indicates that biotite leptynite from the lower formation and chlorite-sericite schist from the upper formation crystallized at 499±2 and 478±2 Ma, respectively, corresponding to different volcanic events. Meta-volcanic rocks of the Bainaimiao Group belong to the calcalkaline series, and the SiO 2 concentrations suggest that their protoliths were mainly basalts and rhyolites. Greenschist rocks of the group are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), with (La/Yb)N ratios of 3.08–10.9. In addition, they are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements, including Rb, Ba and K, and depleted in the high-field-strength elements Nb, Ta and Ti. The felsic meta-volcanic rocks also exhibit relative enrichments in LREEs compared with HREEs, with high (La/Yb)N ratios of 2.92–9.89, and are enriched in Rb, Ba, Zr and Hf, and depleted in Sr, Nb and Ta. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the meta-basic volcanic rocks were originated from partial melting of sub-arc mantle wedge that had been previously metasomatized by subducted-slab-derived fluids, whereas the meta-felsic volcanic rocks were generated by partial melting of continental crust. These results suggest that the meta-volcanic rocks of the Bainaimiao Group are the products of oceanic plate subduction magmatism along an active continental margin, which can be attributed to Early Paleozoic subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean plate beneath the northern margin of the North China Craton.

Early Cretaceous volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks in the Erlian Basin and adjacent areas, Northeast China: new geochemistry, geochronology and zircon Hf isotope constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic setting

ABSTRACTEarly Cretaceous volcanic rocks are widely distributed in northeast China and being extensively observed recently. However, petrogenesis and tectonic setting of these volcanic rocks are still on debate. We present zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and zircon Hf isotope for these volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks surrounding the Erlian Basin including basic-intermediate volcanic rocks, intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks, and dacites and trachyandesite from dikes. The zircon U–Pb dating results indicate that these rocks formed in the Early Cretaceous (146–129 Ma). The basic-intermediate volcanic rocks mainly consist of basaltic andesite, which are featured by low SiO2 concentrations (49.96–58.34 wt. %), high Mg# values (54–37) and Co contents (17.85–25.98 ppm), and positive εHf(t) values (+7.11 to +13.87). Moreover, they show high La/Nb (1.79–2.87) and low La/Ba (0.02–0.08) ratios. Such features indicate that they were derived from partial melting of lithospheric mantle that had been modified by fluids. The intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks consist of trachydacite and andesite, which show medium SiO2 concentrations (58.31–66.44 wt. %), a wide range of Mg# values (28–53) and with A1-type granites affinities. These features, along with slightly positive to negative εHf(t) values (+0.53 to −17.71), indicate that they originated from mixed magma of melted lower crust and mantle substances. Dacites from dikes are distinguished by high SiO2 concentrations (65.72–67.2 wt. %), negative εHf(t) values (−2.55 to −6.72) and old zircon Hf TDM2 ages (1453–1653 Ma), suggesting they were generated by melting of Mesoproterozoic and Palaeoproterozoic crustal material. All of the investigated volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks exhibit geochemical signatures of extension setting. In combination with previous studies, we suggest the Early Cretaceous extension in northeast China is related to the collapse of thickened lithosphere after closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean and to the slab break off of the Mudanjiang Ocean.

Modes of occurrence and origin of mineral matter in the Palaeogene coal (No. 19-2) from the Hunchun Coalfield, Jilin Province, China

Previous investigations on minerals and elements in coals from northeastern China are very scarce. This paper investigates the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Palaeogene No. 19-2 Coal, parting, and host rocks (roof and floor strata) in the Baliancheng mine, Hunchun Coalfield, Jilin Province, northeastern China. Samples collected from this coalfield were analyzed using low-temperature ashing plus X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The investigated coal is of subbituminous A to high volatile bituminous rank (0.50–0.56% Ro,ran) and has a low sulfur content (0.25% on average). The mineral assemblage of the coal is dominated by kaolinite, illite and expandable clays, and quartz, with a trace of albite. In comparison with low-rank coals worldwide, the No. 19-2 Coal is enriched in Cs, V, and Mo.The minerals and elements in the coal and its roof and floor strata were mainly derived from the Mesozoic (Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous) intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks surrounding the coal basin. The parting within the coal seam is identified as a tonstein (bed of altered volcanic ash) based on its mineral composition, dominantly of vermicular and book-like kaolinite (plus smectite, high-temperature quartz, sanidine, apatite, and ilmenite), and its persistent distribution throughout the coal deposit. Based on these features and its chemical composition, this tonstein is deduced to have been derived from a Paleogene intermediate-felsic volcanic ash, which is characterized by some adakitic signatures of trace elements, and terrigenous materials. Normalized to the upper continental crust, the investigated samples (particularly the tonstein layer) show positive Eu anomalies inherited from the source rocks. This is in contrast to the coals, host rocks, and tonsteins with intermediate-felsic compositions in many other coal deposits, which are generally characterized by negative Eu anomalies. Geochemical and mineralogical features also indicate that the sedimentary materials of the tonstein, and, to a lesser extent, the floor horizon, were of aeolian origin, but those of most coal plies and roof strata were the result of aqueous deposition.

Genesis of the giant Zijinshan epithermal Cu-Au and Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in the Zijinshan ore district, Fujian Province, SE China: A multi-isotope and trace element investigation

The Zijinshan ore district occurs as one of the largest porphyry-epithermal Cu–Au–Mo ore systems in South China, including the giant Zijinshan epithermal Cu–Au deposit and the large Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposit. The mineralization is intimately related to Late Mesozoic large-scale tectono-magmatic and hydrothermal events. The Cu–Au–Mo mineralization occurs around intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks and hypabyssal porphyry intrusions. In this study, we summarize previously available Re–Os isotopes, zircon U–Pb age and trace elements, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data, and present new Pb–S and Re–Os isotope data and zircon trace elements data for ore-related granitoids from the Zijinshan high-sulfidation epithermal Cu–Au deposit and the Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposit, in an attempt to explore the relationship between the two ore systems for a better understanding of their geneses. The ore-bearing porphyritic dacite from the Zijinshan deposit shows a zircon U-Pb age of 108–106Ma and has higher zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios (92–1568, average 609) but lower Ti-in-zircon temperatures (588–753°C, average 666°C) when compared with the barren intrusions in the Zijinshan ore district. Relative to the Zijinshan porphyritic dacite, the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry from the Luoboling deposit show a slightly younger zircon U–Pb age of 103Ma, but has similar or even higher zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios (213–2621, average 786) and similar Ti-in-zircon temperatures (595–752°C, average 675°C). These data suggest that the ore-bearing magmatic rocks crystallized from relatively oxidized and hydrous magmas. Combined with the high rhenium contents (78.6–451ppm) of molybdenites, the Pb and S isotopic compositions of magmatic feldspars and sulfides suggest that the porphyry and ore-forming materials in the Luoboling Cu–Mo deposit mainly originated from an enriched mantle source. In contrast, the ore-bearing porphyritic dacite in the Zijinshan Cu–Au deposit might be derived from crustal materials mixing with the Cathaysia enriched mantle. The fact that the Zijinshan Cu–Au deposit and the Luoboling Cu–Mo deposit show different origin of ore-forming materials and slightly different metallogenic timing indicates that these two deposits may have been formed from two separate magmatic-hydrothermal systems. Crustal materials might provide the dominant Cu and Au in the Zijinshan epithermal deposit. Cu and Au show vertical zoning and different fertility because the gold transports at low oxygen fugacity and precipitates during the decreasing of temperature, pressure and changing of pH conditions. It is suggested that there is a large Cu–Mo potential for the deeper part of the Zijinshan epithermal Cu–Au deposit, where further deep drilling and exploration are encouraged.

Petrogenesis of Late Paleozoic volcanics from the Zhaheba depression, East Junggar: Insights into collisional event in an accretionary orogen of Central Asia

The Carboniferous to Permian period marks an important transition from accretion to collision in the East Junggar terrane, NW China. Field and Well Fuqian-1 well core data from the Zhaheba depression provide a better window for understanding the magmatic process during this period and its implications for the continental growth of Central Asia. Field investigations reveal structural features characterized by NE–SW compression, with lithology composed of basic and intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks and pyroclastic rocks. The core samples from Well Fuqian-1 show dominantly basalt, basaltic andesite, dacite and minor pyroclastic rocks. We report zircon SHRIMP U–Pb ages of 276.0–279.8Ma from rhyolites and zircon LA–ICP-MS U–Pb ages of 315.4–317.4Ma from dacite and basaltic andesite. Our data suggest that the volcanic rocks from surface exposures and the well cores of Well Fuqian-1 formed in the Early Permian and the Late Carboniferous, respectively. The Late Carboniferous mafic rocks have geochemical characteristics similar to the intercalated Early Permian felsic rocks. The mafic rocks show low initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.703162–0.703783) and high εNd(t) (5.5–7.5), enrichment in LREE and some LILEs (such as Rb and Th) as well as HFSEs (such as Zr, Y), and depletion in Nb, Ta and Ti. Furthermore, they also display lower Sm/Th (1.6–8.4) and higher Th/Y (0.03–0.12) ratios than those of MORB, and variable Th/Zr (0.004–0.016), Ba/Th (61–839), Ba/La (6.13–48.77) and Ba/Nb (10–101) ratios. The geochemical data suggest that these rocks were derived dominantly from a 5–10% partial melting of a mainly garnet-rich with minor spinel-bearing Iherzolite mantle source metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. The felsic rocks are rich in silica (SiO2=57.43–78.07%) and alkalis (K2O+Na2O=5.33–9.28%) and possess high TFe2O3 (0.70–6.95%) contents and Ga/Al ratios, and low CaO (0.18–5.11%) and MgO (0.13–2.02%) contents. They represent typical high–medium-K calc-alkaline A-type rhyolite with enrichment of LREE and HFSE (Zr, Hf) and depletion of Ba, Sr, Eu, Nb and Ta. These rocks display high εNd(t) (6.9–7.3) and εHf(t) (10.3–14.6) values and young crustal model ages (348–557Ma). Integrating regional geological data from the East Junggar terrane and the available data from the proximal ophiolite belt, we propose that an arc–arc or arc–continent post-collisional setting in the Zhaheba area commenced at ca. 317Ma. The Late Carboniferous–Early Permian felsic and mafic magmas were derived from the partial melting of the juvenile mafic lower crust and subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by pre-Carboniferous subduction-related fluids through asthenospheric upwelling. This post-collisional event suggests that vertical accretion played an important role not only in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian continental growth of the East Junggar, but also in the final evolutionary phase of the accretionary orogen.