Intra-oceanic Subduction Zone Research Articles

Paleolatitude of Mafic Dykes in the Xiugugabu ophiolite: Implications for the intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone and multistage India-Eurasia collision

An intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone has been identified in both the Kohistan-Ladakh arc and the West Burma Terrane. This has significant implications for the India-Eurasia collision. Concurrently, the dismembered ophiolites within the Yarlung-Tsangpo Suture Zone likely originated from the intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone or the Andean-type southern Eurasian continental margin. A paleomagnetic study was conducted on the Lower Cretaceous (∼120–130 Ma) mafic dykes in the Xiugugabu ophiolite to resolve the uncertainty of its origin. The characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) obtained through stepwise thermal demagnetization successfully passed consistency/fold and reversal tests. After tilt correction, the overall mean direction of the ChRM was D = 296.9°, I = −25.5°, k = 47.6, α95 = 4.5°, and N = 22, indicating a paleolatitude of 13.4°N/S and a paleopole at 15.0° N, 326.6°E with A95 = 3.8°. Compared with previous paleomagnetic data from the Trans-Tethyan subduction zone, our findings strongly support the involvement of the Xiugugabu ophiolite in the intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone. This finding reinforces the hypothesis that there were two distinct subduction zones in the Neotethyan Ocean during the Early Cretaceous. One subduction zone was situated on the southern margin of the Gangdese Arc. The second was the intraoceanic subduction zone, located approximately 3500 km from the southern margin of Eurasia, in the southern hemisphere. Our results also support a multistage India–Eurasia collision process involving continental plates, intraoceanic arcs, and terranes within the Neo-Tethyan Ocean.

An embryonic intra-oceanic subduction in the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys: insights from Late Jurassic Nd[sbnd]Hf isotopic decoupling adakitic granodiorites in the Dongco ophiolite of central Tibet

Subduction of the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys not only bred world-class Cu − Au polymetallic deposits in central Tibet but also created the initial elevation of the Tibetan Plateau during the Late Cretaceous following its final closure. Consequently, the Meso-Tethys carry critical codes for the evolution of Tethyan realm and the development of the Tibetan Plateau but some fundamental aspects still remain poorly explored. Here we proposed an embryonic intra-oceanic subduction event in the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys during the Late Jurassic based on investigations of adakitic granodiorites intruded within the Dongco ophiolite suite, central Tibet. These granodiorites were dated at 150–156 Ma by zircon UPb isotopes and geochemically display an affinity with high-silica adakite (Sr/Y = 24–47; La/Yb = 6–16), specifically marked by high SiO2, Al2O3 and Na2O contents but low MgO, CaO + Na2O contents as well as extremely low Yb and Y contents. They have (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios varying from 0.7061 to 0.7069, εNd(t) values of −0.83 to 0.50, and εHf(t) values of 3.3 to 8.9 (with one exception at −5.0), showing a distinct NdHf isotopic decoupling (ΔεHf(t) = 2.1–7.6; ΔεHf(t) = εHf(t)–1.55 × εNd(t)–1.21). Geochemical modeling indicates that they were derived from partial melting of subducted Meso-Tethyan oceanic crust and moderate amounts of sediments. Residual plagioclases in the source region likely resulted in relatively lower Sr and La contents than typical high-silica adakite. Combined with previous studies, we suggest that the Dongco granodiorites formed in the early stage of an intra-oceanic subduction zone in the Bangong−Nujiang Meso-Tethys where subsidence of colder lithosphere inductively commenced along an active transform fault bounded by younger lithosphere during the Late Jurassic. This embryonic intra-oceanic subduction possibly occurred locally and was very short-lived.

Arc building and maturation of the Lombok Island, East Sunda Arc

Intra-oceanic subduction zones are major sites of crust–mantle material exchange and crustal growth; however, the processes responsible for the magmatic evolution and transformation of nascent arcs into mature oceanic arcs with thicker crust are debated. We present mineral chemistry, zircon UPb age and Hf isotopic data, and whole-rock chemical and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb isotopic data for Cenozoic volcanic rocks on Lombok in the East Sunda Arc, Indonesia, to investigate their petrogenesis and arc maturation. SIMS zircon UPb analyses of lavas from southern Lombok yield an early Oligocene age of ∼30 Ma. The lavas can be divided into three groups based on their ages and geochemical characteristics: group I (late Eocene) and II (∼30 Ma) lavas from southern Lombok, and group III lavas (∼3–0 Ma) from northern Lombok. The lavas are characterized by a progressive enrichment in K2O and incompatible element contents, and NdHf isotopic compositions with time. Group I lavas are tholeiitic basalts with low K2O contents (0.15–0.17 wt%) and Indian-MORB like rare earth element (REE) patterns and NdHf isotopic compositions (εNd = +7.4; εHf = +14.5), enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, U, and K), and typical forearc basalt (FAB) geochemical characteristics. Group II lavas are low-K basaltic andesites to dacites that yield flat chondrite-normalized REE patterns [(La/Sm)N = 0.9–1.4], uniform initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7038–0.7042), and positive εNd(t) (+5.9 to +6.8) and εHf(t) (+13.9 to +14.4) values. Group III lavas are typically medium- to high-K calc-alkaline basalt to andesite and are enriched in light REEs [(La/Sm)N = 1.6–3.3] with uniform initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7038–0.7042) and slightly low εNd(t) (+3.9 to +5.4) and εHf(t) (+10.5 to +12.5) values. Progressive enrichment in incompatible element contents and NdHf isotopic compositions over time, from FAB to high-K calc-alkaline lavas, reflect the maturation of the East Sunda Arc. Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic mixing models, along with trace element ratios (e.g., Ba/Th, La/Yb, Th/Yb), suggest that increasing amounts of sediments were incorporated into the mantle sources of the magmas from group I (∼0%) to group II (<0.5%) and group III (0.5%–1.0%) lavas. Partial melting models show that the formation of group I and II lavas can be reproduced by high-degree (∼10%) partial melting of spinel peridotite, whereas the group III lavas were formed by low-degree (∼5%) partial melting of spinel peridotite. We propose that the evolution of Lombok arc magmas was controlled mainly by the fluxes of subducted slab material, along with decreasing degrees of partial melting as a result of crustal thickening over time.

Magmatic fingerprints of subduction initiation and mature subduction: numerical modelling and observations from the Izu-Bonin-Mariana system

Understanding the formation of new subduction zones is important because they have been proposed as the main driving mechanism for plate tectonics and they are crucial for geochemical cycles on Earth. However, the conditions needed to facilitate subduction zone initiation and the associated magmatic evolution are still poorly understood. Using a natural case study, we conducted a series of high-resolution 2D petrological-thermomechanical (i2VIS) subduction models assuming visco-plastic rheology. We aim to model the initiation and early stage of an intra-oceanic subduction zone connected to the gravitational collapse of a weak transform zone and compare it to the natural example of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone. We also analysed the influence of low convergence rates on magmatic evolution. We propose a viable transition from initiation to mature subduction zone divided into distinct stages that include initiation by gravitational collapse of the subducting slab, development of a near-trench spreading centre, gradual build-up of asthenospheric mantle return flow, and maturation of a volcanic arc. We further show that mantle flow variations and shear instabilities, producing thermal perturbations and depleted interlayers, influence the temporal and spatial distribution of asthenospheric mantle composition and fertility in the mantle wedge. Our modelling results are in good agreement with geological and geochemical observations of the early stages of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone.

Beyond zircon fingerprinting: Zircon and TiO2 polymorphs constrain genealogy and evolution of the New Caledonian ophiolite

Ophiolitic mantle rocks play a crucial role in understanding deep geochemical cycling and the transfer of components associated with slab-mantle interactions. Geochemical and geochronological and geochemical analysis of zircon and TiO2 polymorphs (e.g., rutile) present within mantle rocks of the Eocene New Caledonian ophiolite reveal discrete magmatic and xenocrystic populations amongst harzburgite from Me Maoya and chromitite from Tiébaghi massifs. Most mineral grains examined have a xenocrystic origin and are concentrated particularly in the harzburgite. Source tracking involved the use of UPb dating and trace element analysis. They are inferred to have been recycled from the northern end of the Norfolk Ridge that formed the leading edge of a thin continental slab of Gondwana affinity which had previously rifted from eastern Australia together with other elements of Zealandia. The slab was drawn into an intra-oceanic subduction zone beneath the proto-Loyalty arc immediately before the emplacement of the forearc ophiolite today represented by the New Caledonian Peridotite Nappe. Geochemical and geochronological data of these xenocrystic grains support a scenario in which these minerals were recycled into the mantle wedge at moderate mantle depths (above 60–80 km depth) within the subduction channel. In contrast, Eocene UPb ages of zircon and rutile grains, mostly found within the Tiébaghi chromitite, imply their formation through magmatic processes. These minerals' distinctive geochemical characteristics (e.g., HFSE enrichment in rutile) likely indicate an association with late-stage percolation of relatively enriched fluids and melt. Overlapping ages of the Eocene zircon and rutile grains, ArAr pargasite ages, and Zircon UPb ages of cross-cutting dikes in the Tiébaghi chromitite provide evidence that it cooled at ca. 47–46 Ma. This study demonstrates that mineral geochemistry of mantle rocks, when combined with data from geochronology, mineralogy, and petrology, is critical to enhance our comprehension of forearc mantle wedge evolution. It also highlights the potential for studying recycled solid mineral phases, tracing their thermal evolution, and characterizing potential subducted source terranes.

Origin and evolution of Neoproterozoic metaophiolitic mantle rocks from the eastern Desert of Egypt: Implications for tectonic and metamorphic events in the Arabian-Nubian Shield

The mantle rocks from Kadaboura and Madara areas represent sections of dismembered ophiolitic complexes developed during the Neoproterozoic in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, which is located in the northwestern corner of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. The Kadaboura mantle rocks comprise serpentinites and serpentinized dunites, whereas those of the Madara consist of serpentinites and serpentinized pyroxenites.Despite the serpentinization of the studied mantle rocks, few relicts of primary chromite, olivine and pyroxene are preserved. Chromite is partly altered having unaltered Al-rich chromite cores surrounded by Fe-rich chromite and Cr-rich magnetite rims. The unaltered Al-rich chromite cores show compositions equilibrated at temperatures mostly below ~500-600°C, which is a temperature comparable to that estimated for primary chromite in greenschist up to lower amphibolite facies rocks. The high Cr# [100×Cr/(Cr+Al)= 47-76] of the unaltered chromite cores and the Mg-rich nature of the olivine relicts (Fo91–94) indicate that the studied mantle rocks were produced from a highly depleted mantle that experienced high degrees of melt extraction (mostly ~30-40%). This range of melt extraction resembles that estimated for supra-subduction zone peridotites, but higher than that in abyssal and passive margin peridotites. Furthermore, the clinopyroxene relicts show compositions comparable to those from the Mariana forearc peridotites. Bulk-rock geochemistry also reflects derivation from an extremely depleted and a highly refractory mantle source. Modelling of rare-earth elements suggests that the studied mantle rocks were possibly formed by the interaction of their highly depleted harzburgitic mantle precursors with subduction-related melts/fluids during their evolution in a fore-arc basin of the supra-subduction zone.The proposed geodynamic model suggests that the oceanic lithosphere generated during the seafloor spreading of the Mozambique Ocean was emplaced in the upper plate of the intra-oceanic subduction zone, in which the formely depleted Neoproterozoic mantle of the Arabian-Nubian Shield experienced mature phases of hydrous melting, extreme depletion and enrichment.

Did the Western and the Eastern Vardar ophiolites originate through a single intra-oceanic subduction? Insight from numerical modelling

The ophiolites of the Balkan Peninsula are distinguished into the Western and the Eastern Vardar ophiolites and it is generally accepted that both of them resulted from the latest Jurassic/earliest Cretaceous closure of the Vardar branch of the Tethys Ocean (Vardar Tethys). This study is aimed at testing the possibility that the origin and emplacement of these two ophiolite belts can be explained in terms of a single NE-dipping intra-oceanic subduction, which commences in mid Jurassic and lasts until the lowermost Cretaceous, and then transitions into collision between the African and the European plate. The subduction is accompanied by creation of a new oceanic lithosphere in the back-arc. In order to test this hypothesis, we use 2D numerical thermomechanical modeling for investigating the nucleation of the East Vardar Ocean in the back-arc and intra-arc region. Our numerical results suggest that a single intra-oceanic subduction can indeed be simultaneously responsible for both the westward obduction of the Western Vardar ophiolites and for complex active margin processes along the western rim of the European plate. The simulations show that the single intra-oceanic subduction zone is able to produce a pronounced extension and oceanic spreading along the European margin, which can be associated with the formation of the Eastern Vardar ophiolites in this subduction related setting (SSZ and BAB). The comparison of the numerical modeling results with available natural data suggests that our models are capable to approximate the regional geodynamic evolution during and immediately after the closure of Vardar Tethys.

Tectonic evolution of the Meso-Tethys Ocean in the Jurassic: Birth, growth, and demise of a missing intra-oceanic arc

Reconstructing ophiolite ages and tectonic attributes can elucidate ancient ocean tectonic evolution. We present petrological, chronological, geochemical, and isotopic data for Ritu and Dongco ophiolites (Bangong–Nujiang suture zone, Tibetan Plateau). The ∼171 Ma Ritu and ∼169 Ma Dongco diabase are derived from high-temperature, highly depleted mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids; they are similar to fore-arc basalts. The ∼165 Ma Ritu andesites, from enriched mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids and a small proportion of subduction sediment melts, have affinity with the oceanic plateau. The ∼161 Ma Ritu dacites and Dongco granodiorites arose via interaction between subduction sediment melts and the mantle wedge, and ∼158 Ma Dongco granites were derived from subduction oceanic plate metasomatized by subduction sediment melts; they are all similar to arc magmatic rocks. Their high Na2O and low K2O and Th contents, and depleted zircon εHf(t) values, differ from those of southern Qiangtang terrane continental arc magmatic rocks, indicating intra-oceanic origin. The Middle Jurassic diabase and regional contemporaneous fore-arc basalts and boninites likely formed during intra-oceanic subduction initiation. The Middle–Late Jurassic dacites, granodiorites, granites, and regional contemporaneous high-Mg andesites likely formed in a mature intra-oceanic arc. Therefore, the Meso-Tethys Ocean may contain a ∼1000 km intra-oceanic subduction zone with Middle–Late Jurassic mature intra-oceanic arc. Subduction initiation of the intra-oceanic subduction zone likely arose via subduction transference caused by collage of the oceanic plateau and southern Qiangtang terrane at ∼182–177 Ma. At ∼171–155 Ma, the intra-oceanic arc gradually formed fore-arc basalts, boninites, high-Mg andesites, and tholeiitic/calc-alkaline arc rocks, indicating final maturity. The intra-oceanic arc west section potentially collided with the southern Qiangtang terrane ∼155–145 Ma, while the middle section potentially lasted until Early Cretaceous. Our study constrains Meso-Tethys Ocean evolution, providing an important basis for the study of intra-oceanic arcs in orogenic belts.

Cambrian ocean floor crust preserved in the Takaka Terrane, New Zealand

ABSTRACT Cambrian igneous rocks in the Takaka Terrane of New Zealand provide important constraints for geodynamic reconstructions of the Cambrian SE Gondwana margin. We provide field data and a comprehensive trace element and isotope dataset for such rocks from the upper Baton River area in northwest Nelson, New Zealand, including the first combined Hf-Nd isotope data for Takaka Terrane rocks. These submarine volcanic rocks, known as Mataki and Benson volcanics of the Devil River Volcanics Group, are both interbedded with Haupiri Group sediments, providing a previously not observed direct stratigraphic link between the two volcanic units. Incompatible element abundances of Mataki Volcanics display a full spectrum from subduction-modified back-arc-tholeiites to E-MORB type tholeiites. Initial Hf-Nd isotope compositions are coupled, spanning a range from MORB-like to OIB-like compositions. The MORB-like endmember (initial ϵNd +7 and ϵHf +13), taps moderately depleted asthenospheric mantle. If extrapolated to present-day composition, this depleted mantle endmember does not resemble modern Pacific-type mantle, suggesting formation in a back-arc basin separated from Pacific mantle by a continent-ward, intra-oceanic subduction zone. The enriched asthenospheric mantle endmember in the Mataki Volcanics may be an equivalent to the sources of Neoproterozic or middle Cambrian intra-continental flood basalts in central and SE-Australia.

Geochemical and radiometric data for mafic rocks from the Guleman Ophiolite (SE, Turkey): New insights on the geodynamic evolution of the southern Neo-Tethyan ocean

The Guleman Ophiolite is located in the southeast of Turkey and mainly consists of harzburgites and dunites hosting economically viable chromitite bodies, and lesser amounts of cumulate and isotropic gabbro, diabase dykes, pyroxenite and locally plagiogranite. This study reports the combined whole-rock geochemical and radiogenic isotope (Sr and Nd) data for gabbro and diabase dykes, and in-situ zircon U-Pb geochronological data for plagiogranite and gabbro from the Guleman Ophiolite. Two different geochemical groups were determined based on immobile minor and trace elements, and radiogenic isotope characteristics of gabbro and diabase dykes investigated here. The first group is represented by boninites and displays highly depleted elemental patterns compared to NMORB, and spoon-shaped rare earth element profiles. Contrarily, the second group resembles back-arc basin basalts and is characterized by NMORB-like rare earth element patterns associated with negative Nb anomalies. The boninitic samples are characterized by less radiogenic 143Nd/144Nd(i) (0.51229 to 0.51267; ƐNd = −4.8 to +2.7) and more radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.70549 to 0.70758) isotope compositions compared to the back-arc basin basalt-like samples (143Nd/144Nd(i) = 0.51289 to 0.51296; ƐNd = +7.0 to +8.4; 87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.70496 to 0.70629), indicating derivation from distinct and/or heterogeneous mantle source regions within a supra-subduction zone. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U-Pb analyses yielded concordant late Cretaceous ages for gabbro (82 ± 2.9 Ma) and plagiogranite (79.9 ± 0.8 Ma) samples. The overall geochemical, isotopic and geochronological data presented here suggest that the Guleman Ophiolite consists of forearc and initial back-arc spreading sections of oceanic crust, which may have been formed in an intra-oceanic subduction zone within the Berit Ocean (northern branch of the southern Neo-Tethyan ocean). Moreover, the generation of continental arc magmatism (i.e. Baskil and Esence Granitoids) was well-documented on the active margin of the Malatya-Keban Metamorphics to the north. Therefore the closure of this oceanic basin should have resulted in multiple coeval northward subduction events during the late Cretaceous.

Chalcophile element systematics of Mariana Trough basalts and implications for sulphide saturation evolution of intra-oceanic back-arc magmatic systems

ABSTRACT Magmatic sulphides largely control the behaviour of chalcophile elements in evolving magmas and also play critical roles in ore-forming processes at convergent plate margins. Magmas at the back-arc spreading centre of Mariana Trough are less affected by slab-derived fluids than Mariana arc basalts. However, whether the evolution of chalcophile elements in Mariana Trough magmas resembles or differs from those in arc magmas is poorly known. Based on the detailed petrological and geochemical studies, we present high-precision analyses of whole-rock chalcophile element (S, Cu, Ag, Re, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir) contents for a suit of basaltic lavas (n = 15) from the central Mariana Trough. The occurrence of sulphides in high-Mg olivine crystals (Fo80) indicates that at least one episode of sulphide saturation occurred during early-stage magmatic evolution. The sulphur contents of most basalts were not significantly affected by degassing processes due to low oxidation state and high hydrostatic pressures. Instead, progressive fractionation of liquid sulphide with magmatic evolution is the dominant process, as reflected by sulphide petrography, the decrease in Cu, Ag, Pd, and Pt contents, and concomitant increase in Cu/Pd ratios (22,500–708,500), as well as nearly constant Cu/Ag (mean of 3137 ± 848, 1s) with decreasing MgO. We attribute early sulphide saturation of Mariana Trough basalts to their generation and evolution under relatively reducing conditions, with the limited effect of slab components. Combined with data from other island arc and back-arc lavas, we further show that the extent of adding slab-derived components, regardless of specific arc and back-arc tectonic settings, are determinants of the sulphide evolution and chalcophile element behaviour in magmatic systems above intra-oceanic subduction zones. Early magmatic sulphide saturation at central Mariana Trough would result in barren magmatic systems that are not suitable for the large-scale Cu-Au mineralization at the seafloor.

IBM-type forearc magmatism in the Qilian Orogen records evolution from a continental to an intra-oceanic arc system in the Proto-Tethyan Ocean

Forearc magmatism in IBM-type intra-oceanic arc systems is crucial for understanding the processes of subduction initiation and subsequent evolution of the arc system. Here we report a forearc volcanic sequence exposed in the Danghe-Nanshan, at the westernmost end of the South Qilian Accretionary Belt of the Qilian Orogen, NW China. Based on petrography and bulk-rock composition, three types of volcanic rocks (boninite, high-Mg basaltic andesite and andesite) and arc-related felsic plutons are identified. These rocks show correlating trends of trace elements and isotopes. The high-Cr spinels and clustered Ti/V ratios indicate that the boninite and high-Mg basaltic andesite magmas were derived from highly refractory peridotite sources in a forearc setting, whereas the andesite and felsic plutons were formed by fractionation of clinopyroxene and plagioclase from primary magma. Notably, slab-derived components have limited involvement in magma generation. Variation of fluid mobile/immobile element contents and Sr-Nd isotopic mixing calculations suggest less than 1% incorporation of subducted slab-derived fluids into the boninite source, whereas ∼1–3% fluids and ∼3–7% partial melts from the slab contributed to the high-Mg basaltic andesite and andesite, respectively. Therefore, an abnormally high mantle potential temperature (>1429 °C) was required for boninite production because there were little aqueous fluids involved. Zircon U-Pb dating reveals these forearc magmas formed at ∼450 Ma. Combined with the regional tectonics and published data in this region, we suggest that these magmas record a tectonic process of arc system from active continental margin to newly formed intra-oceanic subduction zone during trench retreat of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.

Partial melting caused by subduction of young, hot oceanic crust in shallow high-temperature and low-pressure environments: Indications from Middle and Late Jurassic oceanic plagiogranite in Shiquanhe, Central Tibet

The oceanic plagiogranites that intruded into the ophiolite suite have received a great deal of attention from researchers. Some of these plagiogranites were controlled by mid-ocean ridge spreading and were formed via crystallization of basaltic magma or partial melting of the mafic gabbroic oceanic crust. The other plagiogranites were controlled by subducted oceanic crust slabs, and their formation mechanism is similar to that of the oceanic island arcs. The identification of different types of oceanic plagiogranites is of great significance for understanding the evolution of ancient ocean basins. In the Shiquanhe–Namtso mélange zone in central Tibet, scholars have recently identified many rock sequences related to intra-oceanic arcs, including MORB-like basalts, boninites, high-Mg andesites, and multiple series of granitic rocks. To further explore the formation mechanism of felsic rocks in oceanic island arcs and their role in the growth of continental crustal material, we sampled a series of Middle and Late Jurassic granitoids exposed in the ophiolitic mélange belt in the Shiquanhe area. Using zircon U-Pb dating, zircon Lu-Hf isotopic testing, whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic testing and whole-rock major and trace geochemical testing, we determined the magmatic genesis and tectonic history of these samples. According to the test results and our field survey, we divided our samples into three groups. The first group consists of low-K plagiogranites (LKGs). These samples have ages that fall between 163 and 162 Ma. With their low K2O/Na2O ratios, low La/Yb ratios, low Sr/Y ratios, low Gd/Yb ratios, weak negative Eu anomalies and their significantly depleted zircon isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = 10.0–12.5; εNd(t) = 0.64–1.10), we propose that these samples are the products of partial melting of oceanic gabbro and turbidite at shallow depths in low-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The second group consists of samples from dioritic enclaves within the LKGs. These samples, which are slightly older than the LKG samples (175–173 Ma), have isotopic characteristics that are similar to those of the LKG samples (εHf(t) = 10.4–13.5; εNd(t) = 0.51–0.83). The samples in the second group may be homologous captives that formed during the early crystallization of LKG homologous magmas. The third group consists of samples with compositions of high-K granodiorites (HKGs) and ages similar to those of the LKG group (~163 Ma). With high K2O/Na2O ratios, relatively high La/Yb ratios, low Sr/Y ratios, low Gd/Yb ratios, negative Eu anomalies, significantly enriched isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = −11.1 to −15.4; εNd(t) = −13.29 to −13.43). Considering the basement exposure and known magmatic characteristics in the Shiquanhe area, we propose that HKGs samples are the result of interaction between continental subduction sediment melts and heterogeneous mantle material in high-temperature and low-pressure conditions.By comparing the oceanic plagiogranites in the Shiquanhe–Namtso mélange zone with those developed in the young, hot intra-oceanic subduction zone, we determined that the oceanic plagiogranites in the Shiquanhe–Lhaguotso–Asa area are forearc granites developed in the forearc area. These plagiogranites were controlled by the young, hot subducting plate and were formed by partial melting of a multi-component source area in a high-temperature and low-pressure environment.

A Single Dras‐Kohistan‐Ladakh Arc Revealed by Volcaniclastic Records

AbstractTectonic interpretations of arc remnants in the Himalayan orogen remain uncertain, despite their important implications for the overall convergence history between India and Eurasia. Provenance results from deep‐water volcaniclastic rocks of the Indus Suture Zone in Ladakh provide new constraints on the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Dras and Kohistan‐Ladakh arcs. Detrital zircon (DZ) U‐Pb ages and whole‐rock geochemistry of the fault‐bounded Upper Cretaceous Nindam and Paleocene Jurutze formations present age patterns and compositions that are consistent with those of the Dras and Kohistan‐Ladakh arcs, respectively. The combination of DZs of the Nindam and Jurutze formations with the igneous zircons of the Dras and Kohistan‐Ladakh arcs shows similar age distributions that support a Late Jurassic to Paleocene tectonic connection between all these units. We argue that the secular trends in geochemical composition of DZs and volcaniclastic material are consistent with the magmatic evolution of one convergent margin, which shifted from a primitive to a mature stage during the Late Cretaceous. The recognition of a single Dras‐Kohistan‐Ladakh arc sets the stage for reevaluating competing scenarios of the Mesozoic evolution of the India–Eurasia convergent system. We find that the most likely scenario is that of a Jurassic arc formed above a south‐dipping intraoceanic subduction zone and accreted to Eurasia during the Early Cretaceous, after which it evolved above a north‐dipping subduction zone.

Boninitic blueschists record subduction initiation and subsequent accretion of an arc–forearc in the northeast Proto-Tethys Ocean

Abstract Subduction of oceanic lithosphere is a diagnostic characteristic of plate tectonics. However, the geodynamic processes from initiation to termination of subduction zones remain enigmatic mainly due to the scarcity of appropriate rock records. We report the first discovery of early Paleozoic boninitic blueschists and associated greenschists from the eastern Proto-Tethyan North Qilian orogenic belt, northeastern Tibet, which have geochemical affinities that are typical of forearc boninites and island arc basalts, respectively. The boninitic protoliths of the blueschists record intra-oceanic subduction initiation at ca. 492–488 Ma in the eastern North Qilian arc/forearc–backarc system, whereas peak blueschist facies metamorphism reflects subsequent subduction of the arc/forearc complex to high pressure at ca. 455 Ma. These relations therefore record the life circle of an intra-oceanic subduction zone within the northeastern Proto-Tethys Ocean. The geodynamic evolution provides an early Paleozoic analogue of the early development of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc and its later subduction beneath the extant Japanese arc margin. This finding highlights the important role of subduction of former upper plate island arc/forearcs in reducing the likelihood of preservation of initial subduction-related rock records in ancient orogenic belts.

Geochemistry and U-Pb ages from the Kösdağ Metavolcanics in the southern Central Pontides (Turkey): Complementary data for early Late Cretaceous island arc development in the Northern Neotethys

The Kosdag Metavolcanics (KMs) in the southern Central Pontides are exposed between the Izmir-Ankara-Erzincan Suture Belt in the south and the Sakarya Composite Terrane in the north. They comprise an approximately 40-km-long tectonic unit, bounded by the splays of the North Anatolian Transform Fault in the north and the Kizilca Thrust in the south. The basement of the unit mainly consists of metabasalts, metaandesites, and metarhyolites, with well-developed blastomylonitic textures, which are interlayered by recrystallized pelagic limestone and chert. Late Cretaceous pelagic limestones of the Dikmen Formation disconformably overlie the basement. Geochemically, the KMs exhibit enrichment in Th and La relative to Nb (and Ti), indicating subduction-related magmatic signatures. The KMs are subdivided into two main types, as Type 1 and Type 2, based on their relative Zr-Hf enrichment/depletion features. All of the members of the KMs have a subalkaline nature (Nb/Y - 0.08-0.19 for Type 1; Nb/Y = 0.05-0.13 for Type 2) and display a calc-alkaline affinity. The high Zr/Nb (38.1-52.9 for Type 1, 21.8-41.2 for Type 2), low Zr/Y (4.07-5.25 for Type 1, 1.58-2.44 for Type 2), and Nb/Y (0.08-0.14 for Type 1,0.05-0.10 for Type 2) signatures of the KMs indicate that they have derived from a depleted source, which has been modified by a subduction component. The laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb zircon ages of the metarhyolite samples ranged between 94.64 +/- 0.77 Ma and 113.2 +/- 2.3 Ma, suggesting the presence of an intraoceanic subduction zone during the early Late Cretaceous within the Izmir-Ankara-Erzincan branch of the Neotethys Ocean in the Central Pontides.

Neoproterozoic hybrid forearc – MOR ophiolite belts in the northern Arabian-Nubian Shield: no evidence for back-arc tectonic setting

ABSTRACT The Neoproterozoic Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) post-dates the Boring Billion (1.85−0.85 Ga), a transition dominated by extensive arc-magmatism, terrane accretion along active subduction zones. Understanding the nature of the oceanic crust fragments preserved in the ophiolite belts is essential in extrapolating the predominant style of plate tectonics during the Neoproterozoic Era. There are two ophiolite belts with controversial genetic models in the Central Eastern Desert (CED) of Egypt, namely Wadi Semna–Fawakhir–Um Gheig belt to the north, and Ghadir–Mubarak–Barramiya belt to the south. Geochemical database and magnetic data are herein integrated to envisage the tectonic setting of the dispersed ophiolite blocks within these two belts. The northern belt is dominated by NW obduction-related thrust faults and is intensely deformed by structures attributed to the Najd fault system (NFS). The southern belt is less affected by the Najd fault with NE obduction-related thrust faults. Based on various discrimination diagrams and REEs pattern, oceanic mafic-ultramafic rocks in these belts can be classified into three types, MOR, forearc and volcanic arc basalt, where the latter is MORB overprinted by arc affinity. Our proposed evolutionary model includes N-dipping subduction zones parallel to the ~ E-W Allaqi-Heiani suture with hybrid forearc-MOR affinities. The data synthesis presented here weighs with advancing accretionary orogeny along the intraoceanic subduction zones as the dominant tectonic style during the Neoproterozoic evolution of the CED rather than the retreating style of the modern western Pacific region.

Volcanic Rocks and Granitoids from Cape Svyatoy Nos (Eastern Arctic): Their Age, Composition, and Paleotectonic Reconstructions

For the first time, geochemical and geochronological (U–Pb SIMS, zircon) data are obtained for volcanic rocks and tuffs of the volcanic–sedimentary sequence and for granitoids intruding them in the Cape Svyatoy Nos area (eastern Arctic). The concordant U–Pb age of basalts is 146 ± 2. The ages of granitoids are 114 ± 1, 112 ± 1, and 114 ± 2 Ma. These ages correspond to the Late Jurassic (Tithonian) and the Aptian–Albian boundary. The section structure and the geochemical characteristics of the volcanic rocks and tuffs, as well as their similarities with the Mariana arc volcanics, indicate their formation in the settings of an intraoceanic subduction zone. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the volcanogenic–sedimentary rocks of Cape Svyatoy Nos represent a continuation of the Kul’pol’nei oceanic arc, which marked the northeastern convergent boundary between the Siberian continent and the South Anyui Basin in the Late Jurassic. In terms of their petrographic composition and petrogeochemical characteristics, the Aptian–Albian granitoids correspond to type I granites. The time of their intrusion coincides with the extension after the ending of the collision between the Siberian continent and the Chukotka–Arctic Alaska microplate as a result of the South Anyui Basin consumption.

Arc‐Type Magmatism Due to Continental‐Edge Plowing Through Ancient Subduction‐Enriched Mantle

AbstractThe puzzling &lt;7 Ma old “postsubduction” arc magmatism of New Guinea contains geochemical subduction‐type signatures yet did not occur above an active subduction zone. Here we show that these arc magmas formed at the North Australian continental lithospheric edge when it plowed northward through mantle above the detached Arafura slab remnant. This mantle preserved its subduction signature and the edge plowing process generated new melts that ascended via an active transform fault. Arafura slab subduction occurred at an intraoceanic subduction zone that ended ~30–25 Ma ago, when the Australian continental edge was still ~1,000 km to the south. Our absolute plate tectonic reconstruction of continental‐edge plowing suggests that ancient mantle wedges remain semistationary in the upper mantle and can preserve their geochemical signature for tens of Ma, explaining previously enigmatic “postsubduction” arc magmatism.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of the peridotites and high-Cr podiform chromitites from the Tangbale Ophiolite Complex, West Junggar (NW China): Implications for the origin and tectonic environment of formation

The Tangbale Ophiolite Complex is located in southwestern part of the West Junggar, NW China, which is a major component of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Tangbale Ophiolite Complex consists of voluminous dunites, harzburgites and high-Cr podiform chromitites. Harzburgite contains chromian spinel of low Cr# (100 × Cr/(Cr + Al) = 38–64) but high Mg# (100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) = 55–61), whereas dunite contains spinel of higher Cr# (56–82) and lower Mg# (41–55). Numerical modeling of heavy rare earth element (HREE) contents in harzburgites are consistent with derivation from ~15% to 20% partial melting of a fertile mantle source, and dunites with low concentrations of HREE are suggested to be generated by higher degrees (~20%–25%) melting of the same source. The peridotites have REE signatures with enrichments in LREE, indicating the involvement of metasomatism and interaction by subduction-related melts in their formation. The chromite in podiform chromitite displays the highest Cr# (80–84) and Mg# (65–76), as well as moderate TiO2 contents, suggesting crystallization from hydrous, high-Si and high-Mg melts in supra-subduction zones, which is consistent with the calculated compositions of parental melts for spinels in chromitites. The genesis of high-Cr chromitites is likely to be triggered by the metasomatism and interaction between high-Mg boninitic-like melts and mantle peridotites. The addition of SiO2 and chrome in boninitic-like melts via interaction with peridotites trigger high-Cr chromite to precipitate and separate from parental magma, and finally concentrate into chromitites with boninitic-like signature at SSZ zone. The calculated parental melts for spinels in peridotites show hybrid compositions between MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt) and arc melts, suggesting a two-stage formation in an evolving from MOR (mid-ocean ridge) to SSZ (supra-subduction zone) setting. The peridotites in the Tangbale body were most likely formed at a MOR setting and trapped above an intra-oceanic subduction zone as part of the mantle wedge, where the upper peridotites were metasomatized and partially re-melted under fluid-saturated and high temperature conditions to generate boninitic melts. The interaction between upward-migrating boninitic melts and/or rising asthenospheric mantle-derived melts with the peridotites beneath the Moho triggered the generation of high-Cr podiform chromitites and associated dunite envelopes.