Isotopic Compositions Of Rocks Research Articles

Investigating the Influence of Crustal Contamination on the Stillwater Complex, Montana Using Sr, Nd, and Pb Isotopes

Abstract The presence of pegmatoid bodies in the Stillwater Complex is poorly understood, but they have been suggested to have resulted from the presence of fluids in the complex. To better understand the origin of the pegmatoids and to trace the possible influence of country-rock-derived fluid in the Stillwater Complex, bulk rock Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Pb-Pb isotopes for samples from the Archean Stillwater Complex and its metamorphic aureole are reported. Pegmatoid bodies are compared to spatially associated host rock and the underlying hornfels facies country rocks. Evidence of resetting of radiogenic isotopes during regional metamorphism at 1700 Ma is not observed, and the initial radiogenic isotopic ratios in Stillwater Complex rocks overlap those of the underlying hornfels. Despite the isotopic similarity of the country rock to the Stillwater Complex, the intrusion is modestly isotopically heterogeneous. In Stillwater samples, the average εNd,2710Ma = −1.1 ± 6.9, 206Pb/204Pb2710 Ma = 15.24 ± 2.26, and 87Sr/86Sr2710Ma = 0.703043 ± 0.002747 (1σ). The similarity between country rock and intrusive rock isotopic compositions at Stillwater contrasts with the data reported for the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, where the country rock is isotopically distinct from the intrusion. The variability in radiogenic isotope signatures in Stillwater rocks show a noisy but decreasing influence of country rock up through the Lower Banded series interpreted to reflect variable crustal contamination, in part from <1.0 wt % country rock fluids released during intrusion of the Stillwater Complex. The influence of crustal fluid contamination as compared to more traditional crustal assimilation models or simple magmatic heterogeneity suggests that hydrothermal fluids modified the isotopic compositions of more fluid-mobile elements and can explain aspects of isotopic heterogeneity in layered intrusions.

Fluid metasomatism of subducted continental crust: Insights from Si isotope compositions of metasomatic rocks from the Western and Eastern Alps

Serpentinite-derived fluids play a crucial role in mass exchange between the Earth's crust and mantle. However, there is currently a limited understanding of how serpentinite-derived fluids influence the Si isotope composition of mantle and subducted crustal materials. Whiteschists in the Dora-Maira Massif of the Western Alps and leucophyllites in Austria of the Eastern Alps were formed through serpentinite-derived fluid metasomatism of metagranite protoliths. Thus, they can provide valuable insights into the geochemical diversity of such rocks resulting from fluid–rock interactions. A special focus is on Si isotope compositions, which were analyzed in whiteschists, leucophyllites, and their corresponding country rocks. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of serpentinite-derived metasomatic fluids on the Si isotope compositions of subducted continental crust. With the exception of one whiteschist sample, which contains high amounts of pyrope, and one pyrope megablast, all other whiteschists and leucophyllites exhibit Si isotope compositions similar to those of their country rocks. This observation suggests that the Si isotopes of whiteschists and leucophyllites were inherited from their respective country rocks; fluid metasomatism did not significantly modify the Si isotope compositions of whiteschists and leucophyllites. Because pyrope has much lower δ30Si values than quartz and phengite as further major mineral constituents of the studied whiteschists, the samples with high pyrope contents reveal lighter Si isotopes than those containing lower amounts of pyrope. Interestingly, the metagranites and the majority of whiteschists and leucophyllites exhibit Si isotope compositions below the igneous array, implying that their protoliths are S-type granites. These granites commonly contain sedimentary components derived from their sources. Our results document that Si behaves immobile during serpentinite-derived fluid metasomatism of the subducted continental crust. Combined with previous results, we were able to show that slab derived fluids, including serpentinite-derived fluids, produce only a minimal influence on the Si isotope composition of the overlying mantle wedge and its derived magmas. Thus, the Si isotope compositions of rocks, even if highly affected by metasomatizing fluids, can be used as significant fingerprints that refer to their unaltered precursors.

Uranium in Source Rocks: Role of Redox Conditions and Correlation with Productivity in the Example of the Bazhenov Formation

The paper reports comprehensive analysis of different factors affecting uranium content in oil source rocks and the relationship between uranium content and productivity of source rocks. The analysis of data for 13 wells of the Bazhenov Formation (Western Siberia, Russia) was carried out. The uranium content of the rocks was measured by gamma-ray spectrometry on core samples. In order to analyze factors affecting uranium accumulation in source rocks, we studied content and characteristics of organic matter (Rock-Eval pyrolysis), and also mineral, element, and isotope composition of rocks. We have shown that redox conditions at the sedimentation stage have the most pronounced impact on the uranium accumulation in the rocks of the Bazhenov Formation. It was also shown that productive intervals, containing increased amounts of mobile hydrocarbons, are characterized by low (<20 ppm) concentration of uranium. However, the intervals, containing phosphorite minerals may show better reservoir properties and oil saturation at higher concentration of uranium. The analysis of correlations and relationships between uranium content and Rock-Eval pyrolysis indexes (oil saturation index and productivity index) enabled formulation of criteria for selection of oil-saturated intervals using the spectral gamma and pulsed neutron spectroscopy log data.

Intrusive Complexes of the Late Neoproterozoic Island Arc Structure of the Lake Zone (Mongolia): Isotope Systematics and Sources of Melts

Abstract –We present data on the geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope compositions of rocks and on the Lu–Hf isotope composition of magmatic and xenogenic zircons from granitoids and gabbroids of the late Neoproterozoic island arc structure of the Lake Zone. Plagiogranitoids, gabbroids, and quartz diorites (559–542 Ma) formed at the late Neoproterozoic subduction stage of magmatism, and two-feldspathic granites (~483 Ma) mark Cambrian–Ordovician accretion–collision processes. We have established that the volcanic rocks of the late Neoproterozoic island arc and/or its oceanic base, which formed from the depleted mantle, were the mafic source of plagiogranitoids. This is proved by the overlapping positive εNd values of plagiogranitoids and the host volcanic rocks and by the commensurate εHf values of magmatic zircons from the plagiogranitoids and depleted mantle. The lower εNd values of gabbro and quartz diorites from the Tavan Hayrhan and Shuthuyn plutons, the lower εHf values of zircons from these rocks, and the high (87Sr/86Sr)0 ratios and K2O, Rb, and Th contents point to the generation of these rocks from a less depleted mantle source, namely, mantle wedge peridotites. The isotope composition of the latter changed at the previous subduction stage under the impact of fluids and with the contribution of subducted sediments. The least radiogenic Hf isotope composition of magmatic and xenogenic zircons from Ordovician accretion–collisional two-feldspathic granites of the Ih Zamiin pluton suggests their formation through the melting of the late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian island arc crust with the contribution of more differentiated crustal sources enriched in Th, Nb, and LREE and characterized by low εNd values. The age of xenogenic zircons (≤716 Ma) in the studied granitoids and gabbroids and their similarity in Hf isotope composition to magmatic zircons from the same rocks confirm the formation of the late Neoproterozoic island arc of the Lake Zone in an intraoceanic setting far from ancient continental sources similar to the Dzavhan microcontinent.

ВУЛКАН БОЛЬШОЙ ПАЯЛПАН (СРЕДИННЫЙ ХРЕБЕТ, КАМЧАТКА). К ПРОБЛЕМЕ КОНВЕРГЕНТНОСТИ «ОСТРОВОДУЖНЫХ» И «ВНУТРИПЛИТНЫХ» ПЕТРОЛОГО-ГЕОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПРИЗНАКОВ В МАГМАТИЧЕСКОЙ СИСТЕМЕ

The paper presents the data on age, mineralogy, geochemistry, and isotope composition of rocks from the Bolshoi Payalpan Volcano (Sredinny Range, Kamchatka). We compared these data with those on the Nosichan and Belogolovsky volcanoes, located within the Belogolovsky volcanic center. The basalts of the neck and the upper lava complex of Bolshoi Payalpan are compositionally similar to the intraplate-type trachybasalts of the Belogolovsky Volcano, and the basaltic andesites of the lower lava and the cone complex are similar to the island arc rocks of the Nosichan Volcano. Analysis of the data obtained evidences that spatial and temporal manifestations of intraplate and island-arc volcanism at the Bolshoi Payalpan Volcano are not accidental, but may be a consequence of a change in the degree and depth of melting of the same deep source with the involvement of a mantle diapir. The Belogolovsky volcanic center formed in a setting of the Late Miocene-Early Pliocene rifting. Its evolution, right up to its extinction, proceeded in the same geodynamic setting with an increase in depth of the mantle source and a decrease in the degree of its melting. Rock compositions of the Lower-Middle Pliocene Nosichan Volcano remain of the island-arc type under conditions of rifting, since they are associated with the mantle reservoir located at a shallower depth, which has experienced a higher degree of melting. There is good reason for considering large volcanic centers as spontaneously-developing geological entities. As the endogenous activity dies down, the degree of melting decreases and the depth of melting increases with the replacement of island-arc volcanism by intraplate volcanism. The volcanic center becomes extinct.

Iron Isotope Composition of Adakitic Rocks: The Shangcheng Pluton, Western Dabie Orogen, Central China

There has been little research on the metal isotopic composition of adakitic rock. The main objective of our investigation was to obtain more knowledge on the iron isotopic composition of adakitic rocks and provide new evidence for the genesis of Shangcheng pluton from an iron isotope perspective. The Dabie orogen is divided into eastern and western areas by the Shangcheng-Macheng fault, and the Shangcheng pluton is located in the western Dabie orogen area. The iron isotopic composition of these rocks ranges from 0.08‰ to 0.20‰ (2SD, n = 3). The δ56Fe values of two rocks from the SGD (Sigudun) unit are relatively low (0.11 ± 0.03‰ and 0.08 ± 0.04‰), while the δ56Fe values of the other samples are basically consistent (0.18–0.2‰). Evidence from elemental geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis defines the Shangcheng pluton as adakitic rocks. Our investigation on the elemental and isotopic compositions hints that the enrichment of heavy iron isotopes cannot be explained by weathering/alteration and fluid exsolution. Fractional crystallization of magnetite may account for the enrichment of light iron isotopes in two rocks from the SGD unit, while the fractional iron isotope trend in the other five samples can be explained by Δ56Fecrystal-melt = ~0.035‰. Two investigated rocks from SGD units may have been derived from the partial melting of amphibolite, while the other five samples may have been derived from the partial melting of eclogite containing 10–15% garnet.

The Ludicovian of the Raahe–Ladoga Zone of the Fennoscandian Shield (Isotope-Geochemical Composition and Geodynamic Nature)

Abstract —In the northern Ladoga area, the age of the Sortavala Group rocks in the southeast of the Raahe–Ladoga zone of junction of the epi-Archean Fenno-Karelian Craton and the Paleoproterozoic Svecofennian province, their relationship with dome granitoids, the age of the provenances, and the time of metamorphic processes were estimated. The study was focused on the Nd isotope composition of rocks, the geochemical and isotope-geochronological parameters of zircon from the granite-gneisses of the Kirjavalakhti dome, the basal graywackes of the lower unit and the trachytes of the middle unit of the Sortavala Group, and the plagio- and diorite-porphyry dikes cutting the volcanosedimentary units of this group. The new isotope-geochemical data show a Neoarchean age of the granitoids of the Kirjavalakhti dome (2695 ± 13 Ma) and their juvenile nature (εNd(T) = +1.5). The granitoids underwent tectonometamorphic transformations (rheomorphism) in the Paleoproterozoic (Sumian) (2.50–2.45 Ga), which are recorded in the U–Th–Pb isotope system of the rims of the ancient cores of zircon crystals. The volcanosedimentary complex of the Sortavala Group formed on the heterogeneous polychronous (3.10–2.46 Ga) continental crust of the epi-Archean Fenno-Karelian Craton. With regard to the errors in determination of the age of clastic zircon, the minimum concordant U–Th–Pb ages of 1940–1990 Ma of detrital zircon from volcanomictic graywackes of the Pitkyaranta Formation can be taken as the upper age bound of terrigenous rocks, which agrees with the maximum age of the Sortavala Group rocks estimated from the U–Th–Pb (SIMS) age of 1922 ± 11 Ma of the Tervaoya diorites (Matrenichev et al., 2006). According to the proposed new tectonic model, the accumulation of the volcanosedimentary complex of the Sortavala Group, its metamorphism, erosion, and overlapping by the Ladoga Group turbidites had already occurred in the pericratonic part of the epi-Archean Fenno-Karelian Craton by the time of the Svecofennian continent–island arc collision, subduction, and formation of bimodal volcanoplutonic complexes of the young Pyhäsalmi island arcs and felsic volcanics of the Savo schist belt (1920–1890 Ma).

Geodynamic Nature of Magmatic Sources in the Northwest Pacific: An Interpretation of Data on the Sr and Nd Isotope Composition of Rocks Dredged at the Stalemate Ridge, Ingenstrem Depression, and Shirshov Rise

The paper presents the first data on the Sr and Nd isotope composition of rocks from a unique collection of magmatic rocks of all petrographic types (basalts, gabbro, and peridotites) belonging to the lithosphere at the convergent plate boundary in the Aleutian Arc area. The rock samples were collected over large areas in the Northwest Pacific and Bering Sea. The results of this study provide reliable information on the geodynamic nature of the central segment of the Shirshov Rise, which is made up of magmatic rocks whose isotopic–geochemical features indicate that they were produced by magmatic melts that evolved within the crust and were derived by the partial melting of MORB parental source, which may have belonged to a mantle wedge. The isotopic–geochemical characteristics of the rocks at the Shirshov Rise suggest that the mafic–ultramafic rocks association may have been produced at a backarc spreading center. Petrological and isotopic–geochemical traits of rocks dredged at the northwestern flank of the Stalemate Ridge indicate that the sources of the parental melts were heterogeneous. Data on the rocks suggest that magmatism in this part of the Northwest Pacific may have involved a source responsible for the origin of the oldest seamounts in the Hawaiian–Emperor Volcanic Chain. Ultramafic rocks in the northwestern segment of the Stalemate Ridge show similarities with plutonic rocks found as xenoliths in volcanics of the Aleutian Island Arc. With regard for the scarcity of information on the structure of the lithosphere in this part of the Pacific, it can be cautiously suggested that the oceanic slope of the Aleutian Trench and adjacent segment of the Stalemate Ridge involve fragments of the basement of the Aleutian Island Arc.

Disturbances in the Sm–Nd isotope system of the Acasta Gneiss Complex—Implications for the Nd isotope record of the early Earth

The whole rock 143Nd isotope record of the Acasta Gneiss Complex (AGC) has been used to argue for the development of both depleted mantle and enriched crustal reservoirs during the Hadean. The 147Sm–143Nd isotope compositions of rocks from AGC, however, fall on an array with an errorchron date of ∼3.3 Ga, despite the majority of samples yielding substantially older zircon U–Pb ages. This has led to the suggestion of a major Sm–Nd “resetting” event at this time in the AGC. To better understand the Sm–Nd bulk-rock systematics of the AGC, we investigate the U–Pb age and Sm–Nd isotope compositions of apatite and titanite from the AGC, using the laser ablation split stream (LASS) method. Apatite from all samples yield broadly similar U–Pb dates of ∼1.89 to 1.83 Ga, in agreement with resetting during the 1.9 Ga Wopmay orogen. The Sm–Nd isotope compositions of the apatite, however, lie off the WR errorchron and show a high degree of initial Nd isotope heterogeneity. Conversely, titanite Sm–Nd systematics are consistent with the ∼3.3 Ga whole rock errorchron further supporting Sm–Nd modification at ∼3.3 Ga. Taken together, these show that the oldest rocks in the AGC underwent at least two post-crystallization events (at 3.3 and 1.9 Ga) that modified the Sm–Nd isotope system. These results also demonstrate the relative mobility of the Sm–Nd isotope system during orogenic events, which may compromise the ability to determine robust bulk-rock 143Nd isotope signatures.

Behavior of the 238U, 235U, and 234U isotopes at weathering of volcanic rocks with u mineralization: a case study at the Tulukuevskoe deposit, Eastern Transbaikalia

The trend fractionation of the 238U and 235U isotopes and the extent of this process at the oxidative weathering of uranium minerals were evaluated by studying the variations in the U isotope composition of rocks, minerals, and fracture waters sampled in the quarry of the broadly known Tulukuevskoe uranium deposit in the Streltsovskoe ore field, eastern Transbaikalia. In the rock block in question, fine uranium minerals disseminated in the rocks were weathered under the effect of oxidizing fracture waters. Uranium isotope composition was measured in 22 water samples, eleven samples of the mineralized rocks, and eight uranium minerals. High-precision (±0.07‰, 2SD) measurements of the 238U/235U were carried out by MC-ICP-MS, using a 233U–236U double spike. The results involve the 238U/235U and 234U/238U ratios and the overall range of the δ238U variations determined in the rocks and waters (from –0.13 to –1.0‰ and from –0.22 to –0.59‰, respectively). Interaction between the waters and rocks induces U(IV) → U(VI) oxidation, U(VI) transfer into the aqueous phase, and 0.15–0.28‰ enrichment of U dissolved in the water in the 235U isotope. When the pitchblende is replaced by U(VI) minerals, the 238U and 235U isotopes also fractionate with ~0.3‰ enrichment of the younger U(VI) mineral phases in the light 235U isotope. The 238U/235U and 234U/238U ratios are proved to correlate, and hence, the fractionation of the 238U and 235U isotopes and the enrichment of the aqueous phase in the light 235U isotope proceed simultaneously with the well known shift in equilibrium the 238U–234U system with the accumulation of excess amounts of the 234U in the aqueous phase. Uranium leaching from uranium minerals, which is associated with the enrichment of the aqueous phase in excess amounts of the 234U isotope, can be viewed as a process that controls isotope fractionation in the 238U–235U system. This should be taken into account in describing the fractionation mechanism of the 238U and 235U isotopes at U(IV) → U(VI) oxidation. The fractionation of the 238U and 235U isotopes, which results in the isotopic "lightening" of U in the aqueous phase, largely controlled the complicated distribution pattern of the 238U/235U ratio in the quarry. In addition to isotope fractionation, this distribution was likely also affected by isotope exchange between uranium dissolved in the water and uranium in the finely dispersed minerals. The isotopically light uranium of the water could participate in forming U(VI) minerals at lower levels of the quarry.

Behavior of the 238U, 235U, and 234U Isotopes at Weathering of Volcanic Rocks with U Mineralization: A Case Study at the Tulukuevskoe Deposit, Eastern Transbaikalia

The trend fractionation of the 238U and 235U isotopes and the extent of this process at the oxidative weathering of uranium minerals were evaluated by studying the variations in the U isotope composition of rocks, minerals, and fracture waters sampled in the quarry of the broadly known Tulukuevskoe uranium deposit in the Streltsovskoe ore field, eastern Transbaikalia. In the rock block in question, fine uranium minerals disseminated in the rocks were weathered under the effect of oxidizing fracture waters. Uranium isotope composition was measured in 22 water samples, eleven samples of the mineralized rocks, and eight uranium minerals. High-precision (±0.07‰, 2SD) measurements of the 238U/235U were carried out by MC-ICP-MS, using a 233U–236U double spike. The results involve the 238U/235U and 234U/238U ratios and the overall range of the δ238U variations determined in the rocks and waters (from –0.13 to –1.0‰ and from –0.22 to –0.59‰, respectively). Interaction between the waters and rocks induces U(IV) → U(VI) oxidation, U(VI) transfer into the aqueous phase, and 0.15–0.28‰ enrichment of U dissolved in the water in the 235U isotope. When the pitchblende is replaced by U(VI) minerals, the 238U and 235U isotopes also fractionate with ~0.3‰ enrichment of the younger U(VI) mineral phases in the light 235U isotope. The 238U/235U and 234U/238U ratios are proved to correlate, and hence, the fractionation of the 238U and 235U isotopes and the enrichment of the aqueous phase in the light 235U isotope proceed simultaneously with the well known shift in equilibrium the 238U–234U system with the accumulation of excess amounts of the 234U in the aqueous phase. Uranium leaching from uranium minerals, which is associated with the enrichment of the aqueous phase in excess amounts of the 234U isotope, can be viewed as a process that controls isotope fractionation in the 238U–235U system. This should be taken into account in describing the fractionation mechanism of the 238U and 235U isotopes at U(IV) → U(VI) oxidation. The fractionation of the 238U and 235U isotopes, which results in the isotopic “lightening” of U in the aqueous phase, largely controlled the complicated distribution pattern of the 238U/235U ratio in the quarry. In addition to isotope fractionation, this distribution was likely also affected by isotope exchange between uranium dissolved in the water and uranium in the finely dispersed minerals. The isotopically light uranium of the water could participate in forming U(VI) minerals at lower levels of the quarry.

Modern Geothermochronological and Paleomagnetic Potential for Solving Mineral Exploration Problems

The paper considers in brief modern paleomagnetic and geochronological methods based on the study of the magnetic properties and isotope composition of rocks and successfully used in international practice in solving urgent applied and fundamental problems in geology, geophysics, and related sciences. The paleomagnetic method is widely used for spatially orienting borehole cores, allows intra- and interbasin correlations of paleontologically barren sedimentary cross sections, and is applied for the age correlation of ore-bearing intrusions and lava strata. Knowledge of the rock magnetic characteristics of rocks makes it possible to create 3D models of the poroperm characteristics of reservoirs of caustobioliths and reconstruct hydrocarbon migration paths. Thermochronological methods are generally used to reconstruct the thermal evolution of sedimentary basins: they make it possible to estimate the temperature and duration of heating of sedimentary and crystalline rock complexes; calculate the value of the geothermal gradient in the past, which is especially important for evaluating the conditions of hydrocarbon generation; reconstruct the tectonic history of sedimentary basins; calculate the thicknesses of eroded deposits; and identify the burial and uplift phases of crustal blocks. It is noted that the integrated use of modern methods and advanced equipment makes it possible to obtain comparable results at the world level. As an example, the results of multidisciplinary research on the Kola Peninsula are presented; they are used as a basis for creating a unique model of the tectonothermal evolution of northeastern Fennoscandia and the Barents Sea shelf. The article presents the resource base and the basic characteristics of the equipment used for the implementation of these methods at Russia’s leading scientific centers, such as Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan Federal University, and St. Petersburg State University. The developed apparatus makes it possible to carry out the whole set of studies considered in this work for the needs of Russia’s mining and energy complexes.

Sr, Nd, and Hf Isotope Composition of Rocks of the Reft Gabbro–Diorite–Tonalite Complex (Eastern Slope of the Middle Urals): Petrological and Geological Implications

This paper reports Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotope data on the gabbro–diorite–tonalite rock association of the Reft massif (eastern margin of the Middle Urals) and Lu–Hf isotope data on zircon populations from these rocks. In terms of Nd and Hf isotope composition, the rocks of the studied association are subdivided into two distinctly different groups. The first group consists of gabbros and diorites, as well as plagioclase granites from thin dikes and veins cutting across the gabbros. In terms of 43Nd/144Nd i = 0.512518–0.512573 (eNd(T) = +8.6...+9.7) and 176Hf/177Hf i = 0.282961–0.283019 (eHf(T) = +15.9...+17.9), these rocks are practically identical to depleted mantle. Their Nd and Hf model ages show wide variations, but in general are close to their crystallization time. The second group is represented by tonalites and quartz diorites, which compose a large body occupying over half of the massif area. These rocks are characterized by the lower values of 143Nd/144Nd i = 0.512265–0.512388 (eNd(T) = +3.7...+6.0) and 176Hf/177Hf i = 0.282826–0.282870 (eHf(T) = +11.1...+12.7). The TDM values of the second group are much (two–three times) higher than their geological age (crystallization time), which indicates sufficiently long crustal residence time of their source. The initial 87Sr/86Sr in the rocks of both the groups varies from 0.70348 to 0.70495. This is likely explained by the different saturation of melts with fluid enriched in radiogenic Sr. The source of this fluid could be seawater that was buried in a subduction zone with oceanic sediments and released during slab dehydration. Obtained data make it possible to conclude that the formation of the studied gabbro–diorite–tonalite association is a result of spatially and temporally close magma formation processes in the crust and mantle, with insignificant contribution of differentiation of mantle basite magma.

Constraints on lithosphere-asthenosphere melt mixing in basaltic intraplate volcanism from olivine melt inclusions from southern Payenia, Argentina

We present major and trace element compositions of melt inclusions from three alkali basalts from the Río Colorado volcanic field in the Payenia backarc province, Argentina. Modeling of diffusion profiles around the inclusions showed that most inclusions equilibrated <14 days after formation, indicating a short crustal residence time for the magmas and nearly direct ascent through the crust. Despite overlapping host rock isotopic compositions, the inclusions show a large variation in their degree of enrichment, and display trends that we interpret as mixing between asthenospheric OIB-type low K2O-high Nb/U melts and enriched high K2O-low Nb/U lithospheric mantle melts similar in composition to alkaline lamprophyres. The low Nb/U magmas are excessively enriched in the elements Cs, Rb, Ba, Th, U, K, Pb and Cl relative to Nb, Ta and REEs. The enriched low Nb/U components are interpreted to have formed by percolative fractional crystallization of asthenospheric high Nb/U melts in the lithospheric mantle involving crystallization of clinopyroxene, apatite and rutile. The residual fluid-rich melts either mixed directly with new batches of high Nb/U melts or metasomatized and veined the lithospheric mantle which later re-melted during continued volcanism. The major element compositions of the high K2O-low Nb/U components are distinct for the whole rocks and melt inclusions, and most enriched inclusions have lower SiO2 and higher TiO2 contents indicating derivation by melting of amphibole-bearing veins. In contrast, most whole rock low Nb/U basalts have higher SiO2 and lower TiO2 and were most likely formed by melting of pyroxenitic veins or peridotitic metasomatized lithospheric mantle.

Chlorine isotope composition of volcanic rocks and gases at Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy): Inferences on magmatic degassing prior to 2014 eruption

Among the magmatic volatiles, chlorine (Cl) is degassed at shallow depths offering the opportunity to investigate the behavior of magmatic degassing close to the surface, and the possible occurrence of chemical and isotopic fractionation related to gas/melt partitioning. However, it is still unclear if the isotopic composition of Cl (δ37Cl) can be used as a proxy of magmatic degassing. In this work, we investigate the concentrations of chlorine and sulfur, and the Cl isotope composition of rocks and plume gases collected at Stromboli volcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy. This volcano was chosen because it is characterized by persistent eruptive activity (i.e., Strombolian explosions) and by the presence of magma at very shallow levels in the conduits. Rocks belonging to the different magmatic series erupted throughout the formation of the volcano have δ37Cl values ranging between −1.0 and +0.7‰. The isotopic composition seems independent of the Cl concentration of the rocks, but shows a negative correlation with SiO2 content. Plume gases have a greater isotopic compositional variability than the rocks (−2.2‰≤δ37Cl≤+1.5‰) and the composition seems related to the level of volcanic activity at Stromboli. Gases collected in 2011–2013 during days of ordinary eruptive activity are characterized by δ37Cl values ranging from +0.3 to +1.5‰ and S/Cl molar ratios between 1.4 and 2.2, similar to previous S/Cl measurements performed at Stromboli with other techniques. Plume gases collected in July 2014, in days of high-level eruptive activity preceding the onset of the 2014 effusive eruption, have negative δ37Cl values (−2.2‰≤δ37Cl≤−0.1‰) and S/Cl between 0.9 and 1.2, which are among the lowest S/Cl values measured at this volcano. The amplitude of the volcanic tremor and the variation in the inclination of very long period (VLP) seismic signal polarization clearly indicate that in July 2014 the intensity and frequency of Strombolian explosions, as well as the level of magma in the conduits, were higher than normal. This suggests that when magmatic degassing occurs at very shallow depths (magma residing at few tens of meters below the craters), isotopic fractionation between gaseous and dissolved chlorine (lnαgas-melt>0) can occur, resulting in a depletion of 37Cl in the melt. Finally, we argue that the range of δ37Cl values measured in rocks and gases at Stromboli overlaps most of the known mantle reservoirs (i.e., DMM, HIMU and EM-EM1), indicating that the transfer of chlorine from the mantle to the surface occurs without significant isotopic fractionation. This work opens new perspectives for better constraining the isotope signature of chlorine of different magmatic systems and mantle reservoirs on the Earth.

Shoshonite-latite series of the Eastern Transbaikalia: 40Ar/39Ar age, geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotope composition of rocks from the Akatui volcano-plutonic association of the Aleksandrovskii Zavod depression

The paper presents new data on age, geochemistry, and Sr and Nd isotope composition of rocks from the Akatui massif and comagmatic rocks from the lower unit of the Kailas Formation (Akatui volcano-plutonic association), localized within the Aleksandrovskii Zavod depression. The amphibole 40Ar/39Ar age date the monzogabbro of the early phase of the Akatui massif at 154.8 ± 4.4 Ma; the monzonite of the main phase yields a 40Ar/39Ar age of 160.7 ± 3.9 Ma, and the shoshonite basalt of the lower unit of the Kailas Formation yields a 40Ar/39Ar age of 161.5 ± 1.7 Ma. The leading petrogenetic mechanism for the Akatui volcano-plutonic association is crystal fractional differentiation of melts with minor crustal contamination, which can be suggested from the mineralogical and petrographic features and geochemical and isotope characteristics of rocks. The geochemical data for the Akatui volcano-plutonic association show LILE, LREE, U, Th, and Pb enrichment with a characteristic depletion in high-field strength elements (HFSE), such as Nb and Ti. They are also depleted in P. Sr-Nd isotope data (87Sr/86Sr(160 Ma) = 0.70642-0.70688 and £Nd(160 Ma) = −0.6 to −2.2) suggest an EMII-type mantle source and could also indicate a negligible degree of crustal contamination in the evolved melts.

Mineral types of hydrothermal alteration zones in the Dukat ore field and their relationships to leucogranite and epithermal gold-silver ore, northeastern Russia

The paper considers the localization of potassic and propylitic hydrothermal alteration zones in the domal volcanic-plutonic structure controlling the position of the Dukat ore field with the eponymous unique epithermal Au-Ag deposit. Comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical data on rocks and minerals in hydrothermal alteration zones and associated intrusions have shown that quartz-jarosite-sericite, quartz-pyrite-sericite, and quartz-adularia-chlorite alterations were formed with the participation of fluid flows related to a fingerlike projection of a high-K leucogranite porphyry intrusion with large phenocrysts. These hydrothermal alterations developed in the rifted graben under conditions of divergent plate boundaries, whereas quartz-clinozoisite-calcite, epidote-chlorite, and garnet-calcite-chlorite alterations were linked to K-Na leucogranite intrusive bodies and developed under conditions of convergent plate boundaries reactivated as a result of formation of the marginal Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanic belt. Phase separation and coagulation of specific portions of ascending fluids resulted in the formation and stabilization of small-sized particles of native silver and other ore components, which enabled involvement in flows of secondary geothermal solutions and ore-forming fluids. The Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions of rocks and minerals from the hydrothermal alteration zones, associated intrusions, and economic orebodies at the Dukat deposit indicate that their components have been derived from the juvenile continental crust, which was altered in pre-Cretaceous periods of endogenic activity. The components of gangue minerals of potassic and propylitic hydrothertmal alterations and associated intrusions have been taken from deep sources differing in 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd at similar U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Chalcophile lead in products of hydrothermal activity and melanocratic inclusions in leucogranite has been taken from regions with elevated U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios.

The origin and geochemical evolution of the Woodlark Rift of Papua New Guinea

Geochemical, isotopic, and geochronologic data for exhumed rocks in the Woodlark Rift of Papua New Guinea (PNG) allow a tectonic link to be established with the Late Cretaceous Whitsunday Volcanic Province (WVP) of northeastern Australia. Most of the metamorphic rocks in the Woodlark Rift have Nd isotopic compositions (εNd=+1.7 to +6.2) similar to the Nd isotopic compositions of rocks in the WVP (εNd=+1.3 to +6.6; Ewart et al., 1992), and contain inherited zircons with 90 to 100Ma U–Pb ages that overlap the timing of magmatism in the WVP. None of the metamorphic rocks in the Woodlark Rift have the highly evolved Hf and Nd isotopic compositions expected of ancient continental crust. Magmas were erupted in the WVP during the middle Cretaceous as eastern Gondwana was rifted apart. The protoliths of felsic and intermediate metamorphic rocks in the Woodlark Rift are interpreted to be related to the magmatic products produced during this Cretaceous rifting event. Some mafic metamorphic rocks exposed in the western Woodlark Rift (eclogites and amphibolites) are not related to the WVP and instead could have originated as basaltic lavas crystallized from mantle melts at (U)HP depths in the Late Cenozoic, or as fragments of Mesozoic aged oceanic lithosphere.Isotopic and elemental comparisons between basement gneisses and Quaternary felsic volcanic rocks demonstrate that felsic lavas in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands did not form solely from partial melting of metamorphic rocks during exhumation. Instead, the isotopic compositions and geochemistry of Quaternary felsic volcanic rocks indicate a significant contribution from the partial melting of the mantle in this region. When combined with geophysical data for the western Woodlark Rift, this suggests that future seafloor spreading will commence south of Fergusson Island, and west of the present-day active seafloor spreading rift tip.

청주 화강암의 SHRIMP 저어콘 U-Pb 연대, 지구화학 및 Sr-Nd 동위원소 연구

The emplacement ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of granitoid rocks from Cheongju area, South Korea, were investigated for delineating their petrogenetic link to the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks. Zircon crystals were collected from the diorite, biotite granite and acidic dyke samples in a single outcrop. Cross-cutting relationships show that the emplacement of diorite was postdated by the intrusion of biotite granite. Both rocks have been subsequently intruded by acidic dyke. The U-Pb isotopic compositions of zircon from the diorite, biotite granite, and acidic dyke were measured using a SHRIMP-II ion microprobe, yielding the crystallization ages of , , and , respectively, with 95% confidence limits (). The emplacement ages are consistent with those determined from the above relative ages. The major and trace element patterns of the rocks are consistent with those of the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks, possibly suggesting a subduction-related I-type granite. The geochemical signature is, however, betrayed by the Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of these rocks. The isotopic signatures suggest that the rocks were produced either by the partial melting of lower-crust or by the mantle-derived magma contaminated by the basement rocks during its ascent and/or emplacement. In addition, the inherited ages of zircons of the rocks (ca. 2.1, 1.8, 0.8 and 0.4 Ga) suggest a possible assimilation with crustal rocks from the Gyeonggi massif and Ogcheon metamorphic belt.

Parental melt of the Nadezhdinsky Formation: Geochemistry, petrology and connection with Cu-Ni deposits (Noril'sk area, Russia)

The paper addresses genetic relationship between volcanic rocks and ore-bearing intrusions of the Noril'sk area, Siberian Trap Province. Mg-rich rocks were found inside layered the Mikchangdinsky and Ikensky flows at the highest level of the vertical section of a tuff-lava pile in the Nadezhdinsky Formation in the eastern part of the Noril'sk area. The high La/Sm, Th/U ratios, depletion in Cu, highly radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd isotope compositions suggest their affiliation with the Lower Nadezhdinsky Formation and distinguish them from the Sunduksky layered flow, which has similar internal structure but belongs to the Tuklonsky Formation. The composition of layered Mg-rich basalt flow (the Mikchangdinsky flow) indicates that these rocks likely represent previously unknown parental melt of Nadezhdinsky lavas which are thought to play a crucial role in the genesis of ore mineralisation. Compositionally this melt was significantly different from the parental melt, which formed lavas of the Tuklonsky Formation and this precludes their direct genetic relationship. Olivine composition of the Mikchangdinsky flow indicates rapid depletion of melt by Ni and Cu suggesting early precipitation and fractionation of sulphide melt. Chemical composition and Sr and Nd isotope compositions of rocks from the Mikchangdinsky flow are similar to the Low Talnakh intrusion, while composition of olivine and coexisting spinels manifest significant differences. The compositional differences between the olivine (contents Mn and V) and coexisting spinel (Fe2+/Fe3+ ratios) from the picrite gabbro-dolerites of the Low Talnakh intrusion and picrite of the Mikchangdinsky flow suggest that they may have crystallised from magma of similar composition but at different oxygen fugacity (intrusions being unusually oxidised). The substantial differences in contents of Ca, HREE and Y in olivines from these objects, however, leave open the question of genetic relationship between Nadezhdinsky parental melt and the Low Talnakh intrusion. Although some rocks of the Nadezhdinsky Formation contain unusually low concentrations of chalcophile elements, their role in the ore-forming processes of the Noril'sk district still remains largely uncertain.