Isochron Age Research Articles

Rb-Sr isochron method of sediment source fingerprinting reveals a fundamental shift in erosion in response to anthropogenic land use

Human alterations to landscapes can greatly influence watershed-scale sedimentary processes; therefore, in this study, we test the viability of a novel Rb-Sr isotope and elemental geochemical method for fingerprinting the impacts of human land use on sediment provenance. We analyzed a ∼1200-year sediment core record from Little Kennebago Lake, Maine, USA, that captures negligible anthropogenic activity pre-1900 CE, timber transport downstream during log drives (1900−1952 CE), and increased road construction and timber harvest (1952−2018 CE). 87Sr/86Sr data alone reveal several spikes, likely due to storm events, and variability but no systematic shift at the onset of logging. The pre-logging record Rb-Sr isotope data comprise an isochron corresponding to an age of 354 ± 16 Ma (two standard errors [2SE]; mean square of weighted deviates [MSWD] = 2.1, n = 33). None of the bedrock or glacial till sources that we analyzed fall along the pre-logging isochron, nor did any binary or ternary bulk rock mixtures. However, the linearity of all pre-logging samples and coincidence of the isochron age with Acadian metamorphism in the region suggests that sediment was derived from a single source in the undisturbed watershed, though that exact bedrock or glacial till source remains unclear. The onset of logging coincides with a shift toward generally lower sediment Rb-Sr isotope ratios that are offset from the pre-logging isochron. This logging data forms a scattered pseudo-isochron with an apparent Carboniferous age of 322 ± 32 Ma (2SE; MSWD = 4.5, n = 10). No rocks of this age exist in the region. Therefore, we interpret this age to have no geologic meaning and instead reflect the introduction of new sediment sources due to logging. Logging also coincides with subtle changes in elemental geochemistry. The Big Island Pond Pluton underlies most of the northern part of the watershed and is the only catchment lithology capable of producing each geochemical change; therefore, we conclude that it was the primary new source of sediment introduced by logging. We found little variation in sediment geochemistry between the period of early log drives and later road expansion, suggesting that sediment provenance was constant once altered by the initial onset of logging, which could reflect the same source being tapped by activities in each period. We established a framework for interpreting bulk sediment Rb-Sr isotope ratios and demonstrated their viability for identifying shifts in human impacts on geomorphic processes. Our findings suggest that relative changes in sediment Rb-Sr isotope ratios are a promising tool for investigating changes to sedimentary processes not identifiable by other commonly used fingerprints and that the method should be further tested in a range of other natural and anthropogenic settings globally.

Genetic relationship between W mineralization and granitic intrusion in Nanling Region, South China: Constraints from zircon and cassiterite u-pb age from new drill holes in Shangping deposit

The Nanling metallogenic belt is known for the widely development of typical quartz vein type W deposit. These quartz veins that contain wolframite are frequently located in close proximity to granitic intrusions. The genetic relationship between tungsten mineralization and the associated granitic rocks is still a subject of controversy. The Shangping deposit stands out as a historically significant W deposit with a quartz vein type in the region of Nanling. However, the specific time that W mineralization occurred remains enigmatic. Granitic intrusions are absent from the mine and only granite porphyry dike is exposed, so the link between tungsten mineralization and magmatic activity remains unclear. Fortunately, in recent years, a concealed granite intrusive has been exposed in drill holes in the southeastern of the Shangping W deposit. To comprehensively address the connection between granitic magma activity and W mineralization, it is vital to make up a relative deficiency of geochronological information on granite and ore mineral. Here, in order to get the first direct age constraints on the origin of the Shangping W deposit, we use a combination of different techniques, incorporating the Hf isotope geochemistry of zirconium and cassiterite U-Pb assessment using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Based on these robust data, we tentatively evaluated the connection between W mineralization and granitic intrusion.For the granite porphyry, the majority of representative U-Pb zircon assays establish a206Pb/238U age of 150.2 ± 0.5 Ma. An inferred emplacement age of ca. 151 Ma for the concealed granite in Kengweiwo is supported by a U-Pb isochron age from zircon. Combined with Hf isotopic characterization, it illuminates the mineralization potential of the Kengweiwo concealed granite. Cassiterite grains from hydrothermal quartz vein are subhedral to anhedral and have a lower intercept 206Pb/238U age of 153.9 ± 1.0 Ma. For the Shangping W deposit, all of these new geochronological dates provide well-constrained mineralization ages of 150–154 Ma. The dates of the concealed granite in the Kengweiwo area and the tungsten mineralization in the Shangping area are extremely concordant, indicating that they occurred roughly concurrently. The vein type tungsten mineralization in Shangping deposit may has a genetic link with crystallization of uncovered granite present at depth, which requires further investigation. These results emphasize the significance and potential of concealed granitic intrusion to host disseminated W mineralization in the deep part of Shangping deposit.

Composition and age constraints on a Hadean enriched mantle source revealed by the Paleoarchean São Tomé layered intrusion, NE Brazil

Evidence for Hadean depleted mantle reservoir(s) is well-established by mantle-derived rocks from multiple Archean complexes showing excesses in 142Nd compared to the modern mantle. Yet, the existence of an early enriched mantle source, which should have concomitantly formed during these Hadean silicate differentiation event(s), has only been recently confirmed by well-resolved 142Nd deficits measured in Paleoarchean mafic amphibolites from the São José do Campestre massif of the Borborema Province, NE Brazil. To investigate the nature and extent of this early-formed enriched reservoir, a series of samples from the Seridó belt, NE Brazil, have been investigated for their geochemical and coupled 147,146Sm-143,142Nd isotopic compositions, focusing on the Paleoarchean São Tomé layered intrusion. The São Tomé intrusion is composed of layers of metamorphosed mafic and ultramafic rocks with whole-rock trace element compositions and high olivine crystal Ni contents consistent with an incompatible trace element enriched pyroxenitic mantle source. Most analyzed samples from the Seridó belt yielded negative µ142Nd, as low as ∼ -20 (representing the lowest 142Nd/144Nd ratio ever measured in terrestrial rocks), with an average µ142Nd for the São Tomé intrusion of -9.6 ± 1.4. The São Tomé samples interpreted as the least isotopically disturbed yielded an 147Sm-143Nd isochron age of 3551 ± 368 Ma, consistent with previous zircon U-Pb ages, with an initial ε143Nd = -1.7 ± 1.2. Coupling the long-lived 147Sm-143Nd and the short-lived 146Sm-142Nd systems for the São Tomé rocks suggests a Hadean enriched mantle source formed at ∼4.44 Ga with a 147Sm/144Nd of ∼0.18, which may be complementary to the early depleted mantle recorded by Eoarchean rocks from the North Atlantic Craton, possibly formed during magma ocean crystallization. These results also imply that the record of this Hadean enriched mantle source is not restricted to the São José do Campestre massif but extends to a larger portion of the Borborema Province.

Genesis of the Ulaan silver-lead–zinc deposit in Northeast Mongolia: Constraints from S and Pb isotopes, together with U-Pb and Rb-Sr geochronology

The Ulaan silver-lead–zinc deposit (hereinafter referred to as the Ulaan deposit) is identified as the largest silver-lead–zinc polymetallic deposit in Mongolia, with proved reserves including 2,240 tons of silver (Ag; average grade: 49 g/t), 440,000 tons of lead (Pb; average grade: 1.13 %), and 810,000 tons of zinc (Zn; average grade: 2.07 %). However, the genesis of this deposit remains unclear. The Ag-Pb-Zn ore bodies in the deposit, occurring as cylinders in shape within the Middle-Late Jurassic rhyolites, are governed by a concealed breccia pipe. The ore minerals include galena, sphalerite, and pyrite, followed by chalcopyrite, hematite, stibnite, and siderite. The primary alterations of the surrounding rocks include silicification, chloritization, kaolinization, argillization, carbonatization, and skarnization. The Rb-Sr dating of sulfide minerals and associated vein minerals in the ores yielded isochron ages varying in a range of 146 ± 3 Ma (n = 6, MSWD=1.3), suggesting mineralization during the Late Jurassic. The δ34S values of sulfide minerals in the ores range from 1.6 ‰ to 4.3 ‰, suggesting that the sulfur originated primarily from magmas or deep sources. The isotopic compositions of coexisting sphalerite-galena minerals in the deposit revealed mineralization temperature estimates ranging between 331 °C and 449 °C, indicating a medium- to high-temperature ore-forming conditions. The sulfide minerals exhibit 208Pb/204Pb ratios ranging from 38.138 to 38.301, 207Pb/204Pb ratios from 15.543 to 15.594, and 206Pb/204Pb ratios from 18.318 to 18.354, suggesting that ore-forming metals, represented by Pb, also originated primarily from mantle source. The zircon U-Pb dating of rhyolites in the ore-hosting strata and ore-controlling breccia pipes yielded ages of 160.6 ± 1.7 Ma (n = 24, MSWD=0.68) and 161.6 ± 1.6 Ma (n = 30, MSWD=0.89), respectively, indicating volcanic eruptions during the early Late Jurassic. These ore-hosting rhyolites exhibit characteristics of A-type rhyolites, suggesting that they were formed in an intracontinental extensional environment. These rhyolites share similar rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns with fluorite formed in the main mineralization stage, suggesting a genetic link between the mineralization and magmatic processes. This study proposes that the Ulaan deposit was a hydrothermal deposit formed in an extensional environment following the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean, with ore-forming metals and hydrothermal fluids associated with volcanic rocks or magmatic-hydrothermal processes.

In situ Lu–Hf dating of allanite by LA-ICP-MS/MS: Implications for geochronology

Allanite is a common REE-rich accessory mineral found in various igneous and metamorphic rocks, and can record a variety of geological processes. Therefore, allanite geochronology has the potential to answer a range of important geological questions. Allanite U–Th–Pb geochronology is hampered by common open-system behavior in the system. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of in situ allanite Lu–Hf dating by LA–ICP–MS/MS. A total of nine allanite samples from different rock types (e.g., granite, pegmatite) were investigated. These allanite samples have ages ranging from ca. 2650 to ca.100 Ma, and Lu contents ranging from several to hundreds of μg g−1 levels and relatively high Lu/Hf ratios (> 30). At a mass shift of +82, the isobaric interferences 176Lu and 176Yb have extremely low reaction rates of ∼0.003 % and ∼ 0.0003 %, respectively, indicating the isobaric interference corrections are insignificant for the allanite samples (mean 175Lu/177Hf = ∼814; mean 172Yb/177Hf = ∼719). A two-step calibration strategy was proposed for the 176Lu/176Hf and 177Hf/176Hf ratio corrections using NIST SRM 610 (for instrument drift) and LE2808 (for matrix effect). The nine allanite samples contain common Hf contents (f176Hf) of ∼5 % to >90 %, and the data are plotted in inverse isochron diagrams. Unanchored inverse isochron ages exhibit a large deviation in accuracy (5–10 %), whilst anchored isochron ages have a better accuracy of <5 %. The uncertainty of anchor initial 176Hf/177Hf values was investigated and, in general, was insignificant (< 2.8 %) for samples with f176Hf < 80 %. Our results demonstrate that in situ allanite Lu–Hf dating by LA-ICP-MS/MS is feasible and can yield precise and accurate ages (< 5 %). Lu–Hf geochronometer captures the high-temperature process and may be more resistant during the late thermal event. Thus, it provides an alternative solution for those samples which are suffered by open-system behavior in U-Th-Pb system.

The Carboniferous Wuzunbulake orogenic gold deposit in South Tianshan Orogen (NW China): Sericite Rb[sbnd]Sr geochronology, pyrite geochemistry, and metallogeny

The Kumishi area is located in the eastern part of the South Tianshan Orogen, which hosts several gold deposits and has substantial gold discovery potential. The timing of gold mineralization at Kumishi, however, has been poorly constrained owing to the absence of suitable dating minerals. Hydrothermal activity at Wuzunbulake is divided into the pre-ore stage 1 pyrite-quartz, syn-ore stage 2 quartz(-sulfide) and post-ore stage 3 quartz-calcite alteration/mineralization. Three types of pyrite have been recognized, i.e., Py1 (stage 1), Py2 (stage 2), and PyWR (from wallrock). Our in-situ RbSr dating on stage 2 sericite yielded an isochron age of 351.0 ± 17.4 Ma, indicating Early Carboniferous gold mineralization. Py1 and Py2 have δ34SΣS = 8.28–15.97 ‰ (avg. 12.88 ‰) and 6.92–8.70 ‰ (avg. 7.67 ‰), respectively, indicating that the sulfur in Py1 was metamorphic fluid sourced, while that of Py2 may have a mixed metamorphic fluid and wallrock source (0.84–3.27 ‰; avg. 2.31 ‰). For Py1, its contents of Au, As, Ag, Bi, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl are the lowest. Py2 has significantly higher Au-As-Ag, slightly higher Co-Cu-Ni-Sb-Tl, but lower Bi-Mn-Pb contents than those in PyWR. Considering also the sulfur isotope features, we considered that Py1 was primarily originated from the initial ore-forming fluid, and Py2 was derived from both the ore fluid and PyWR, with the former being more important and represents the source of gold. Based on that Py2 was formed by metasomatism on the PyWR margin and the element spatial coupling characteristics shown in EPMA geochemical maps, we inferred that the Au enrichment and precipitation are associated with fluid-rock reactions. The initial ore fluid is likely featured by the enrichments in Au, As, Ag, Co, Cu, Ni, Sb, Tl, and depletions in Bi, Mn, and Pb. The Wuzunbulake is best classified as an orogenic gold deposit based on its tectonic background, wallrock alteration style, and the ore-fluid source and characteristics.

Two-episode mineralization in the Haerdaban Pb–Zn deposit, NW China: Insights from sulfide trace elements, in situ S–Pb isotopes, and Rb–Sr geochronology

The Haerdaban Pb–Zn deposit, located in the eastern West Tianshan Orogen, hosts stratiform and vein-type mineralization within Precambrian carbonate rocks. However, there has been limited research on the distinctions and relationships between these two mineralization styles. In this study, we compared trace element distributions, fluid conditions, material sources, and mineralization ages between stratiform and vein-type mineralization and reconstructed a detailed genetic model. Two episodes and four stages of mineralization were identified, including five generations of pyrite and two generations of sphalerite. The sedimentary exhalative episode represents stratiform mineralization including Stage I pyrite–pyrrhotite layers (Py-1, Py-2a, Py-2b, and Py-3) and Stage II sphalerite–galena layers (Sph-1). The magmatic–hydrothermal episode represents vein-type mineralization including Stage III pyrite–quartz–calcite veins (Py-4) and Stage IV sphalerite–galena–quartz–calcite veins (Sph-2). LA–ICP–MS analysis of Se–Co–Ni–As–Ag–Sb–Bi contents in pyrite suggests that Py-1 to Py-3 formed under relatively low temperatures (280 ± 8 °C) and high ƒO2 sedimentary conditions. Py-4 formed under relatively high temperatures (339 ± 18 °C) and low ƒO2 hydrothermal conditions. Variations in Fe–Mn–In–Ga–Ge–Cd–Cu contents in sphalerite indicate that Sph-1 formed under relatively low temperature (211 ± 7 °C), intermediate ƒS2 (logƒS2 = −11.1 ± 0.5), and moderate pH sedimentary exhalative conditions. Sph-2 formed under relatively high temperature (292 ± 5 °C), high ƒS2 (logƒS2 = −7.4 ± 0.2), and low pH hydrothermal conditions. In situ analysis of sulfide S–Pb suggests that ore-forming materials for stratiform mineralization were primarily derived from marine sediments, while those for vein-type mineralization primarily originated from magmatic sources. Sph-1 from stratiform mineralization yielded an Rb–Sr isochron age of 719 ± 16 Ma, while Sph-2 from vein-type mineralization exhibited an Rb–Sr isochron age of 380.3 ± 7.7 Ma. Random Forest classification of trace elements in pyrite and sphalerite predicted that stratiform mineralization is of sedimentary genesis, whereas vein-type mineralization is of magmatic–hydrothermal genesis. Based on our results, we identified a two-episode mineralization history for the Haerdaban Pb–Zn deposit: Neoproterozoic syngenetic sedimentary exhalative mineralization overprinted by Devonian epigenetic magmatic–hydrothermal mineralization. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering multiple geological events in ore-forming processes and will facilitate the exploration of similar deposits in the West Tianshan Orogen.

Polymetamorphic evolution of the Vestfold Block in East Antarctica and implications for the amalgamation of terranes

The Vestfold Block, a typical polymetamorphic Archean terrane in East Antarctica, is a key area to understand amalgamations of Rodinia and East Gondwana continents. However, multiphase overprinting makes it difficult to determine the timing and nature of each tectonothermal event. In this study, we present P–T estimates, zircon, monazite U(–Th)–Pb and biotite/K–feldspar Rb–Sr isochron ages of paragneisses from the SE Vestfold Block. One paragneiss sample, which is assigned to the Chelnok Paragneiss, has experienced a protracted metamorphism from the Neoarchean to the early Paleoproterozoic. Phase equilibria modeling constrained the peak P–T conditions to 7.2–9.6 kbar and 850–880 ℃, and the post–peak metamorphism to 4.2–5.6 kbar and 720–790 ℃, respectively. On the other hand, a paragneiss sample close to the ice sheet documented a high–grade metamorphic event at 918 ± 23 Ma, with peak P–T conditions of 6.0–8.0 kbar and 860–880 ℃. Biotite/K–feldspar Rb–Sr dating for these two samples yields isochron ages of 474 ± 12 and 442 ± 7 Ma, respectively, representing the cooling ages of the Pan–African reworking. Collectively, an integrated application of diverse chronometers, combined with published data, indicates that the Vestfold Block may have experienced at least three major thermal events with variable intensities and extents. Initially, the supracrustal rocks in this region pervasively underwent a protracted high–grade thermal event from the Neoarchean to the early Paleoproterozoic, which formed the backbone of the block. Thereafter, the southern Vestfold Block experienced a Grenvillian granulite facies metamorphism, indicating that the Vestfold Block has been locally involved in the Rayner orogeny (i.e. the late Mesoproterozoic/early Neoproterozoic collision between the Indian craton and East Antarctica). Ultimately, the whole Vestfold Block may have been reworked under relatively low temperatures during the Pan–African Prydz tectonic event.

KIBARAN GRANITOID MAGMATISM IN THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI: GEOLOGY, COMPOSITIONAL FEATURES, TIME AND GEODYNAMIC CONDITIONS OF OCCURRENCE

The paper examines the specific granitoid magmatism of the northern sector of the Kibaran orogenic belt in the general context of geodynamic typification of granitoids. It presents parameters and main features of the structure with an emphasis on the sectorial nature of the belt typical of intraplate settings and shows the geological features of the eastern and western blocks of the northern sector. The paper provides general information on S- and A-type granitoids and a description of the geological position and macrofeatures of "reference" massifs. The petrochemical characteristics of S- and A-granitoids are given using various diagrams. Analysis of geochronological database available to date (including Rb-Sr isochron age of rocks and SHRIMP U-Pb age of zircons) shows the multi-pulse nature of the manifestation of intraplate granite formation. Along with the main stages (~1375, ~1205, ~986 Ma), there are five others. Based on the total dataset, S-type granitoids in Burundi are characterized by the crust-mantle interaction signs which are somewhat contrary to the generally accepted opinion that they are purely crustal. At the same time, some varieties of A-type granitoids are characterized by corundonormativity which makes them more similar to the S-type. Thus, signs of convergence between S- and A-granites are characteristic of some intraplate environments such as "hot spots", primarily of those longlived and multi-pulse, with the relevant protolith represented by a complex of sediments with high exogenous differentiation. One of the version of the granite formation model is illustrated by the corresponding figure.

Revealing the chemical structure of the magellanic clouds with APOGEE. I. Calculating individual stellar ages of RGB stars in the large magellanic cloud

Abstract Stellar ages are critical for understanding the temporal evolution of a galaxy. We calculate the ages of over 6000 red giant branch stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) observed with SDSS-IV / APOGEE-S. Ages are derived using multi-band photometry, spectroscopic parameters ($\rm T_{eff}$, log g, [Fe/H], and [α/Fe]) and stellar isochrones and the assumption that the stars lie in a thin inclined plane to get accurate distances. The isochrone age and extinction are varied until a best match is found for the observed photometry. We perform validation using the APOKASC sample, which has asteroseismic masses and accurate ages, and find that our uncertainties are ∼20% and range from ∼1–3 Gyr for the calculated ages (most reliable below 10 Gyr). Here we present the LMC age map as well as the age-radius relation and an accurate age-metallicity relation (AMR). The age map and age-radius relation reveal that recent star formation in the galaxy was more centrally located and that there is a slight dichotomy between the north and south with the northern fields being slightly younger. The northern fields that cover a known spiral arm have median ages of ≳2 Gyr, which is the time when an interaction with the SMC is suggested to have happened. The AMR is mostly flat especially for older ages although recently (about 2.0–2.5 Gyr ago) there is an increase in the median [Fe/H]. Based on the time frame, this might also be attributed to the close interaction between the LMC and SMC.

53Mn-53Cr chronometry of ureilites: Implications for the timing of parent body accretion, differentiation and secondary reduction

Establishing the temporal evolution of the ureilite parent body(ies) is crucial for understanding the quantitative timescale of planetesimal formation and evolution in the protoplanetary disk. In order to establish a timeline for these early processes, age constraints on the accretion, differentiation and secondary reduction were obtained with the short-lived 53Mn-53Cr chronometer to whole-rock and sequentially digested fractions of main group ureilites. A whole-rock isochron dates the reservoir-scale Mn-Cr fractionation in the ureilite parent body(ies), associated with magmatic differentiation, to 2.89-0.51+0.56 Ma after CAI formation. This age implies that the ureilite parent body(ies) accreted no later than ∼1.5 Ma after CAI formation, at a time when the NC-CC dichotomy was already established. The 53Mn-53Cr systematics of fractions from chromite-bearing ureilites yield an age of 4.29-0.45+0.49 Ma after CAI formation for a secondary reduction event on the parent body. This event is commonly associated with the catastrophic disruption of the ureilite parent body while still hot. The chromite model ages are consistent with the isochron ages obtained from chromite-bearing ureilites. Collectively these ages indicate that chemical differentiation processes were underway on the ureilite parent body(ies) during the time interval when undifferentiated meteorite parent bodies were forming, and may have paused at the peak of planetesimal formation when planetary collisions were common.

LEAD-LEAD DATING REVEALS PERMIAN REMOBILIZATION OF NIOBIUM MINERALIZATION AT BAYAN OBO

Abstract The Bayan Obo deposit hosted by the H8 unit is a world-class rare earth element (REE) deposit with considerable niobium (Nb) and iron (Fe). Permian granites are widely exposed in the mining area and have a close spatial association with the Nb mineralization. Whether the granites contributed Nb or only remobilized existing mineralization is important for understanding the controls of ore formation. Previous studies have mostly focused on the REEs, whereas research on Nb has been limited. This is due mainly to the difficulty of accurately determining the age of the Nb mineralization because of the fine-grained and texturally complex nature of the Nb-bearing minerals and their exceptionally low U content. Although microbeam techniques show promise in tackling the aforementioned challenges, their application is hampered by matrix effects caused by the diverse composition of Nb-bearing minerals. Here we report the application of a high-precision secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) Pb-Pb isochron approach that enables young samples (i.e., &amp;lt;500 Ma) to be dated without matrix-matched reference materials. A variety of Nb-bearing minerals from eastern Bayan Obo were analyzed, yielding Pb-Pb isochron ages of 276 ± 10 Ma (pyrochlore, 394–6,864 ppm U in the rim and 6,563–19,858 ppm in the core), 277 ± 36 Ma (fersmite, 18–61 ppm U; fergusonite-Ce, 45–95 ppm U), and 257 ± 46 Ma (aeschynite, 342–1,006 ppm U). In combination with the deposit geology and petrographic observations, these ages link the Nb mineralization to ~270 Ma granites. As these granites are not particularly rich in Nb, skarn formation during granite emplacement is interpreted to have remobilized the existing Nb mineralization, which increased the grain size of the Nb-bearing minerals—a key factor facilitating their extraction. Our study shows that high-precision SIMS Pb-Pb analysis holds promise for directly dating mineralization without matrix-matched reference materials. It also emphasizes the need to consider the role of the Nb remobilization at Bayan Obo and elsewhere.

Garnet Pyroxenite Cumulates from Cretaceous Alkaline Intraplate Magmas Underplate the Zealandia Mantle Lithosphere

Abstract The elemental and isotopic properties of garnet pyroxenites can yield information on lithospheric mantle composition, thermal state, and evolution. The 34Ma Kakanui Mineral Breccia in New Zealand contains spectacular but little-studied mantle peridotite and pyroxenite xenoliths that yield new insights into the evolution of a portion of the underlying mantle lithosphere of a former Gondwana margin. The moderately depleted and metasomatized spinel peridotites, as judged from spinel and olivine compositions and bulk rock major and platinum group element abundances, give mineral equilibration temperatures &amp;lt;1020°C and are derived from the middle to shallow (~35 to 50 km) lithospheric mantle when projected onto a 70 mW∙m−2 geotherm. These residues have low Re/Os and Re-depletion 187Os/188Os model ages that range from Eocene (0.05 Ga) to Paleoproterozoic (1.9 Ga), consistent with extraction from a lithospheric mantle comprising fragments with complex depletion histories. Although the peridotites have restricted δ18O (olivine +5.2 to 6.2), evidence for an isotopically heterogeneous mantle column in addition to the 187Os/188Os is seen in clinopyroxene 87Sr/86Sr (0.70244 to 0.70292), εNd (+4.1 to 18.8), 206Pb/204Pb (17.8 to 20.3), and εHf (+10 to +101). Higher metamorphic equilibrium temperatures of the garnet pyroxenites (Fe–Mg exchange of &amp;gt;1150°C) compared to the peridotites indicate their Eocene extraction was from towards the base of this isotopically heterogeneous mantle lithosphere. Pyroxenite bulk compositions point to cumulate origins, and the mineral isotope ratios of 87Sr/86Sr (0.70282 to 0.70294), εNd (+5.5 to 8.0) and 206Pb/204Pb (18.1 to 19.3) match many of the Zealandia metasomatized mantle peridotite xenoliths as well as the primitive intraplate basalts but not the garnet pyroxenite host magmas. In contrast to many global pyroxenite studies, the garnet pyroxenite 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O (+5.2 to 5.8) data provide no evidence for subducted crustal material in the primary magma source region, and Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf isotope data yield mid-Cenozoic ages that are probably related to isotope closure during eruption. An exception is one sample that yields a Lu–Hf isochron age of 111.9 ± 9.1 Ma, which corresponds to the convergence of the Lu–Hf isotope evolution curves of three other samples. Liquids calculated to have been in equilibrium with these cumulates have trace element compositions comparable to primitive alkaline intraplate basalts like those found at the surface of Zealandia. The new data, therefore, indicate that a pulse of intraplate magmatism occurred during or directly after the cessation of long-lived subduction on the former Zealandia Early Cretaceous forearc Gondwana margin, despite any volcanic surface exposure having been long eroded away. The lower lithospheric mantle emplacement of the garnet pyroxenites suggests that the source of the alkaline parent magmas was probably the convecting mantle, which supports conclusions that intraplate magmas in Zealandia have asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle sources.

Garnet Reference Materials for In Situ Lu‐Hf Geochronology

In situ garnet Lu‐Hf geochronology has the potential to revolutionise the chronology of petrological and tectonic processes, yet there is a paucity of well‐characterised reference materials to account for laser‐induced matrix‐dependant elemental fractionation. Here, we characterise two reference garnets GWA‐1 (Lu ~ 7.0 μg g−1) and GWA‐2 (Lu ~ 8.5 μg g−1) for in situ garnet Lu‐Hf geochronology. Isochron ages from isotope dilution Lu‐Hf analyses yield crystallisation ages of 1267.0 ± 3.0 Ma with initial 176Hf/177Hfi of 0.281415 ± 0.000012 (GWA‐1), and 934.7 ± 1.4 Ma with 176Hf/177Hfi of 0.281386 ± 0.000013 (GWA‐2). In situ Lu‐Hf analyses yield inverse isochron ages up to 10% older than the known crystallisation age due to matrix effects between garnet and reference glass (NIST SRM 610) under different instrument tuning conditions. This apparent age offset is reproducible for both materials within the same session and can be readily corrected to obtain accurate ages. Our results demonstrate that GWA‐1 and GWA‐2 are robust reference materials that can be used to correct for matrix‐analytical effects and also to assess the accuracy of in situ Lu‐Hf garnet analyses across a range of commonly encountered garnet compositions.

Li Evolution among Stars of Low/Intermediate Mass: the Metal-deficient Open Cluster NGC 2204

We have analyzed high-dispersion spectra in the Li 6708 Å region for 167 stars within the anticenter cluster NGC 2204. From 105 probable members, abundance analysis of 45 evolved stars produces [Fe/H] = −0.40 ± 0.12, [Si/Fe] = 0.14 ± 0.12, [Ca/Fe] = 0.29 ± 0.07, and [Ni/Fe] = −0.12 ± 0.10, where quoted errors are standard deviations. With E(B − V) = 0.07 and (m − M)0 = 13.12, appropriate isochrones provide an excellent match from the main sequence through the tip of the giant branch for an age of 1.85 ± 0.05 Gyr. Li spectrum synthesis produces A(Li) below 1.4 at the base of the red giant branch to a detectable value of −0.4 at the tip. Six probable asymptotic giant branch stars and all but one red clump star have only Li upper limits. A rapidly rotating red giant is identified as a possible Li-rich giant, assuming it is a red clump star. Main-sequence turnoff stars have a well-defined A(Li) = 2.83 ± 0.03 (sem) down to the Li-dip wall at the predicted mass of 1.29 M ☉. Despite having the same isochronal age as the more metal-rich NGC 2506, the luminosity distribution of red giants reflects a younger morphology similar to NGC 7789, possibly indicating a deeper impact of metallicity on stellar structure and A(Li) than previously assumed. As in NGC 2506 and NGC 7789, the NGC 2204 turnoff exhibits a broad range of rotation speeds, making abundance estimation impossible for some stars. The place of the cluster within Galactic A(Li) evolution is discussed.

Solid bitumen Rhenium-Osmium (Re–Os) isotope geochronology and existing problems: Sampled of Sinian-Cambrian gas reservoir in Sichuan Basin, China

Understanding the key timings related to petroleum evolution is crucial for optimizing exploration targets and assessing oil/gas resources, attract petroleum geologists’ attention worldwide. Recently, hydrocarbon (oil and bitumen) Re–Os isotope dating has been innovatively applied to constrain the timing related to oil/gas generation, however, the resulting Re–Os isochron ages can be complex and challenging to interpret. This study utilizes various geochemical and geochronological data from Sinian to Cambrian natural gas reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin to reconstruct the hydrocarbon evolution process and discuss the significance of different bitumen Re–Os dating results. The gas accumulation in the Sinian-Cambrian reservoirs experienced four stages of evolution: (1) initial oil generation during the Ordovician to Silurian periods, (2) secondary oil generation during the Triassic period, (3) gas generation through thermal cracking of liquid oil from the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods, and (4) gas reservoir redistribution since the late Cretaceous. The Re–Os dates (ca. 485 Ma) of low maturity and biodegraded bitumen from the western Sichuan Basin record the oil generation during the Ordovician before the Caledonian tectonic event. The Re–Os dates (ca.184–128 Ma) of highly mature bitumen associated with MVT Pb–Zn deposits in northern Sichuan Basin provide insights into both liquid oil-cracking and thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) processes. The complex Re–Os dates (ca.414 Ma, ca.154 Ma) of highly mature bitumen from the central Sichuan Basin may represent different periods related to either oil or gas generation. Future studies should explore the genetic type, maturity, thermal cracking, or TSR degrees of bitumen to better understand the significance of Re–Os dates.

The daughter–parent plot: a tool for analyzing thermochronological data

Abstract. Data plots of daughter against parent concentration (D–P plots) are a potential tool for analyzing low-temperature thermochronology, similar to isochron plots in radioisotopic geochronology. Their purposes are to visualize the main term of the radiometric age equation – the daughter–parent ratio – and to inspect the daughter–parent relationship for anomalies indicating influences of geological processes or analytical bias. The main advantages of the D–P plot over other data analysis tools are (1) its ability to detect systematic offsets in D and P concentrations, (2) its unambiguous representation of radiation-damage-dependent daughter retention, and (3) the possibility to analyze potential age outliers. Despite these benefits, the D–P plot is currently not used for analyzing low-temperature thermochronology data, e.g., from fission-track, (U–Th) / He, or zircon Raman dating. We present a simple, decision-tree-based classification for daughter–parent relationships based on the D–P plot that places a dataset into one of seven classes: linear relationship with zero intercept, cluster, linear relationship with systematic offset, nonlinear relationship, several age populations, scattered data, and inverse relationship. Assigning a class to a dataset enables choosing further data analysis steps and how to report a sample age, e.g., as a pooled, central, or isochron age or a range of ages. This classification scheme aims at facilitating thermochronological data analysis and making decisions more transparent. We demonstrate the proposed procedure by analyzing published datasets from a variety of geological settings and thermochronometers and introduce Incaplot, which is graphical user interface software that we developed to facilitate D–P plotting of thermochronology data.

Omphacitite formation and fluid-rock interaction processes in an intra-slab eclogite-facies shear zone

We document the formation of omphacitites in the Monviso Lago Superiore Unit (W. Alps) where eclogite-facies, serpentinite-bearing shear zones host ample evidence for intense intra-slab fluid flow. In the first locality studied, a serpentinite-hosted jadeitite block is rimmed by strained omphacitite (with lawsonite pseudomorphs and minor phengite). U-Th-Pb zircon dating yields a protolith age of c.150 Ma, thus pointing to a burial-related replacement of a former Tethyan seafloor material, and revealed a lack of alpine rims. Multi-mineral Rb-Sr dating of the minerals forming this omphacitite rind yields an isochron age of 41.6 ± 0.7 Ma, corresponding to the early exhumation path still within the eclogite-facies. In this case, omphacitization led to the nearly complete replacement of the former prograde jadeitite through solution-precipitation and was followed by crystal-plastic deformation processes.In various Monviso localities, Fe-Ti metagabbro blocks (commonly exhibiting brecciated garnetite fragments) display evidence for intense fluid-rock interactions leading to the formation of decimeter-thick, weakly strained omphacite-dominated rinds (with minor amounts of lawsonite, clinochlore and talc) around the blocks at the contact with the surrounding serpentinite. Partly dissolved zircon crystals separated from omphacitite rimming an eclogitic Fe-Ti metagabbro block only yielded middle-Jurassic protolith ages. This indicates that omphacitite rinds did not overgrow the eclogite blocks but rather replaced metasomatically the garnet-rich eclogitic assemblage. The omphacitization overprint occurred independently of the nature of the protolith (namely, forming after a jadeitite or after an Fe-Ti eclogite) as a consequence of infiltration of externally-derived fluids and subsequent element sequestration from the incoming fluid phase. These observations highlight the extraordinary ability of eclogite-facies metasomatic fluids to nearly totally overprint rocks as resistant and impermeable as Monviso eclogite breccias or jadeitites.

Geochemical Study of the Osumi Granodiorite, Southwestern Japan

The Osumi Granodiorite, located on the Osumi Peninsula in southwest Japan, is an example of outer zone granites that were formed during a limited period (13–15 Ma) in response to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate. This event, which is linked to the separation of southwest Japan from continental Asia, resulted in unique igneous activity. The Osumi Granodiorite is the largest Miocene granite body in the region. It intrudes into the Mesozoic to Paleogene accretionary complex of the Shimanto Belt and affects contact metamorphism. Despite considerable research on the Osumi Granodiorite, limited geochemical studies, especially on trace and rare earth element (REE) analyses, have been conducted. Furthermore, there are insufficient data on the Rb–Sr isotopic system, leaving the formation process unclear. This study presents whole-rock geochemical and Rb-Sr isotopic data to investigate the petrogenesis of the Osumi Granodiorite. The results suggest a common magma origin for this pluton, as indicated by linear trends on the Harker diagrams and similar REE patterns. The presence of a relatively large Eu anomaly implies formation under a reducing environment. The AKF diagram indicates predominant contamination by pelitic rocks of the Shimanto Belt during magma formation. The Rb–Sr whole-rock isochron diagram and SrI–1000/Sr diagram suggest that the Osumi Granodiorite body was formed by heterogeneous assimilation of magma into the Shimanto Belt. Furthermore, the whole-rock isochron age is 64.3 Ma, which differs by approximately 50 My from the previously reported biotite K–Ar age (14–22 Ma). This age is considered to be a pseudo-isochron age, rather than the consolidation age. During the middle Miocene, the compressive stress field in the outer zone south of the Butsuzo Tectonic Line made it difficult for magma to rise. As a result, it reacted with the sedimentary rocks of the Shimanto Belt to various degrees. The Osumi Granodiorite underwent magma differentiation upon intrusion into the Shimanto Belt. It subsequently ascended, cooled, and interacted with pelitic rocks under stable geological conditions.

Elemental differentiation and isotopic fractionation during space weathering of Chang’E-5 lunar soil

To investigate the chemical variation during space weathering of young mare basalts, here we report elemental, radiogenic Sr-Nd and stable Fe-Mg-Ca isotopic data of Chang’E-5 sieved soils and breccias. From the coarse fraction to the fine one, the sieved soils display increasing Al2O3 (10.34 wt%–13.36 wt%) and Sr (248 ppm–307 ppm) but decreasing FeO (23.50 wt%–20.22 wt%), MgO (6.88 wt%–5.78 wt%), FeO/Al2O3 (2.27–1.51) and MgO/Al2O3 (0.67–0.43). The contents of rare earth elements (except Eu) and high field strength trace elements do not vary with particle size but correlate with P2O5 contents. Given the limited contribution from contamination by meteorites and exotic materials ejected far away from the landing site, these elemental variations can be explained by differential comminution and distribution behaviors of plagioclase and mesostasis phases. These sieved soils yield a Sm-Nd isochron age (1.84 ± 0.83 Ga) comparable to that of basaltic clasts obtained by U-Pb dating (∼2.0 Ga). However, their Rb-Sr isotopic system is disturbed as indicated by their relatively homogeneous 87Sr/86Sr (0.701425–0.701592) despite variable Rb/Sr (0.017–0.028). These results suggest the Sm-Nd isotopic system is more robust to impact disturbance during space weathering compared to the Rb-Sr isotopic system. Given that the bulk soil still plots on the 2.03 Ga Rb-Sr reference isochron from the pristine plagioclases in CE-5 basalts, this disturbance did not affect the Rb-Sr isotopic system on the bulk scale. The CE-5 bulk soil has higher Mg# (33.6), 87Rb/86Sr (0.06) and present-day 87Sr/86Sr (0.701542) than the mean composition of reported basaltic clasts (Mg#: ∼28; 87Rb/86Sr: ∼0.038; 87Sr/86Sr: ∼0.700941), possibly implying that the bedrocks in CE-5 landing site consist of multiple magma pulses. The δ56Fe (0.122 ± 0.002 ‰ to 0.199 ± 0.008 ‰) and δ26Mg (−0.204 ± 0.016 ‰ to −0.109 ± 0.006 ‰) of sieved CE-5 soils increase with decreasing particle sizes but their δ44/42Ca (0.38 ± 0.04 ‰ to 0.44 ± 0.02 ‰) are relatively homogeneous. Mass balance modelling indicates that differential comminution has limited influence on the Fe-Mg-Ca stable isotopic compositions. We further dismiss the role of solar-wind sputtering, as Ca and Mg are more susceptible to sputtering and thus would be expected to show larger isotope fractionations compared to Fe, which is inconsistent with the observations. Free evaporation may explain the elevated δ56Fe and δ26Mg in fine fractions at given very limited depletion in FeO and MgO. The observed positive correlation between δ56Fe and δ26Mg, however, is much steeper than the slope expected for free evaporation, indicating also other mechanisms (e.g., Fe-Mg inter-diffusion). Since the CE-5 soil has a unique composition compared with Apollo and Luna soils, the chemical differentiation identified in this study provides new insights for establishing a connection between the chemistry and reflectance spectral properties of lunar soil. Our combined Fe-Mg-Ca isotopic study also provides a paradigm to distinguish the role of solar-wind sputtering and impact evaporation, and shows that the inter-particle diffusion process may be an important mechanism for the isotope fractionation among lunar soil components.