Lower Crustal Rocks Research Articles

Tectono-sedimentary evolution of a fossil ocean-continent transition: Tasna nappe, central Alps (SE Switzerland)

AbstractMagma-poor ocean-continent transitions at distal rifted margins record complex stratigraphic interactions engendered by extreme crustal thinning and mantle exhumation. The Tasna ocean-continent transition, exposed in the Middle Penninic Tasna nappe in eastern Switzerland, is so far the only known example where the lateral transition from continental crust to exhumed serpentinized mantle lithosphere is exposed and not overprinted by later Alpine deformation. This paper presents sedimentological, structural, and petrographical observations and detrital zircon provenance data to document: (1) the processes controlling continental hyperextension and mantle exhumation; and (2) the facies, depositional systems, sediment sources, delivery pathways, and depositional stacking patterns associated with magma-poor ocean-continent transitions. Our results show that the basement units of the Tasna ocean-continent transition are composed of prerift upper and lower crust and subcontinental mantle rocks juxtaposed as part of the continental crustal thinning process. The absence of pervasive, synrift deformation in the lower-crustal rocks indicates that the thinning was likely achieved by deformation along localized shear zones before being exhumed at the seafloor by brittle, late extensional detachment faulting and not by any form of lower-crustal flow.The age of the first sediments deposited on the continental crust and exhumed mantle, the so-called Tonschiefer Formation, is considered to be Late Jurassic. A key observation is that the restored morpho-tectonic and sedimentary evolution of the Tasna ocean-continent transition shows the intercalation of downdip, transported platform-derived sediments and along-axis–derived siliciclastic sediments originating from the recycling of prerift sediments, local basement, and/or extra-Alpine sources.

Fracturing and crystal plastic behaviour of garnet under seismic stress in the dry lower continental crust (Musgrave Ranges, Central Australia)

Abstract. Garnet is a high-strength mineral compared to other common minerals such as quartz and feldspar in the felsic crust. In felsic mylonites, garnet typically occurs as porphyroclasts that mostly evade crystal plastic deformation, except under relatively high-temperature conditions. The microstructure of granulite facies garnet in felsic lower-crustal rocks of the Musgrave Ranges (Central Australia) records both fracturing and crystal plastic deformation. Granulite facies metamorphism at ∼1200 Ma generally dehydrated the rocks and produced millimetre-sized garnets in peraluminous gneisses. A later ∼550 Ma overprint under sub-eclogitic conditions (600–700 ∘C, 1.1–1.3 GPa) developed mylonitic shear zones and abundant pseudotachylyte, coeval with the neocrystallization of fine-grained, high-calcium garnet. In the mylonites, granulite facies garnet porphyroclasts are enriched in calcium along rims and fractures. However, these rims are locally narrower than otherwise comparable rims along original grain boundaries, indicating the contemporaneous diffusion and fracturing of garnet. The fractured garnets exhibit internal crystal plastic deformation, which coincides with areas of enhanced diffusion, usually along zones of crystal lattice distortion and dislocation walls associated with subgrain rotation recrystallization. The fracturing of garnet under dry lower-crustal conditions, in an otherwise viscously flowing matrix, requires transient high differential stress, most likely related to seismic rupture, consistent with the coeval development of abundant pseudotachylyte. Highlights. Garnet is deformed by fracturing and crystal plasticity under dry lower-crustal conditions. Ca diffusion profiles indicate multiple generations of fracturing. Diffusion is promoted along zones of higher dislocation density. Fracturing indicates transient high-stress (seismic) events in the lower continental crust.

Thermochronological insights into the intracontinental orogeny of the Chinese western Tianshan orogen

The Chinese western Tianshan orogen (CWTS) experienced multiple tectono-thermal events since the late Paleozoic. In order to better understand the intracontinental orogeny, we integrate new thermochronologic data to reconstruct the long-term cooling history of the CWTS. Our new data reveal that individual tectonic units within the Tianshan orogen show spatial/temporal disparities in their cooling histories. The CWTS experienced a rapid cooling episode during a late Paleozoic orogeny. The Cimmerian collisional orogeny (i.e., the Qiangtang-Kunlun and Lhasa-Qiangtang collision) and the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk ocean were not strictly coincident with the exhumation events in the CWTS, and thus these distal events were likely not the sole orogenic drivers. The thermal curves reflect that lower crustal rocks had exhumed to middle-upper crustal levels in the late Permian-Triassic, and a rapid cooling phase during this period records the collapse of the CWTS. Furthermore, magmatism related to the melting of subducted Paleozoic plates was probably a crucial factor in the Mesozoic thermal evolution. The age-elevation relationship produced here emphasizes the importance of faulting during intracontinental reactivation and implies that the CWTS has expanded from its central part to both the south and north sides since the late Mesozoic. Low exhumation rates and sedimentological analysis indicate that the relief gradually decreased in the Jurassic-early Cretaceous. The initial reactivation time of the CWTS could be as old as ~38 Ma based on a rapid exhumation event and sedimentary evidence. In the Cenozoic, the crust-mantle interaction, tectonic compression, and continuous northward pushing of the Indian plate rather than the India-Eurasia collision are interpreted as the driving forces that have rebuilt the CWTS. The variable tectono-thermal evolution of individual tectonic units ascribes to the discrepant thermal-rheological properties, complex tectonic boundaries, and the various components of the Tianshan orogen.

The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) in Morocco

AbstractThe Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) is a large igneous province (LIP) composed of basic dykes, sills, layered intrusions and lava flows emplaced before Pangea break-up and currently distributed on the four continents surrounding the Atlantic Ocean. One of the oldest, best preserved and most complete sub-provinces of the CAMP is located in Morocco. Geochemical, geochronologic, petrographic and magnetostratigraphic data obtained in previous studies allowed identification of four strato-chemical magmatic units, i.e. the Lower, Intermediate, Upper and Recurrent units. For this study, we completed a detailed sampling of the CAMP in Morocco, from the Anti Atlas in the south to the Meseta in the north. We provide a complete mineralogical, petrologic (major and trace elements on whole-rocks and minerals), geochronologic (40Ar/39Ar and U–Pb ages) and geochemical set of data (including Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotope systematics) for basaltic and basaltic–andesitic lava flow piles and for their presumed feeder dykes and sills. Combined with field observations, these data suggest a very rapid (<0·3 Ma) emplacement of over 95% of the preserved magmatic rocks. In particular, new and previously published data for the Lower to Upper unit samples yielded indistinguishable 40Ar/39Ar (mean age = 201·2 ± 0·8 Ma) and U–Pb ages (201·57 ± 0·04 Ma), suggesting emplacement coincident with the main phase of the end-Triassic biotic turnover (c.201·5 to 201·3 Ma). Eruptions are suggested to have been pulsed with rates in excess of 10 km3/year during five main volcanic pulses, each pulse possibly lasting only a few centuries. Such high eruption rates reinforce the likelihood that CAMP magmatism triggered the end-Triassic climate change and mass extinction. Only the Recurrent unit may have been younger but by no more than 1 Ma. Whole-rock and mineral geochemistry constrain the petrogenesis of the CAMP basalts. The Moroccan magmas evolved in mid-crustal reservoirs (7–20 km deep) where most of the differentiation occurred. However, a previous stage of crystallization probably occurred at even greater depths. The four units cannot be linked by closed-system fractional crystallization processes, but require distinct parental magmas and/or distinct crustal assimilation processes. EC-AFC modeling shows that limited crustal assimilation (maximum c.5–8% assimilation of e.g. Eburnean or Pan-African granites) could explain some, but not all the observed geochemical variations. Intermediate unit magmas are apparently the most contaminated and may have been derived from parental magmas similar to the Upper basalts (as attested by indistinguishable trace element contents in the augites analysed for these units). Chemical differences between Central High Atlas and Middle Atlas samples in the Intermediate unit could be explained by distinct crustal contaminants (lower crustal rocks or Pan-African granites for the former and Eburnean granites for the latter). The CAMP units in Morocco are likely derived from 5–10% melting of enriched peridotite sources. The differences observed in REE ratios for the four units are attributed to variations in both source mineralogy and melting degree. In particular, the Lower basalts require a garnet peridotite source, while the Upper basalts were probably formed from a shallower melting region straddling the garnet–spinel transition. Recurrent basalts instead are relatively shallow-level melts generated mainly from spinel peridotites. Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotopic ratios in the CAMP units from Morocco are similar to those of other CAMP sub-provinces and suggest a significant enrichment of the mantle-source regions by subducted crustal components. The enriched signature is attributed to involvement of about 5–10% recycled crustal materials introduced into an ambient depleted or PREMA-type mantle, while involvement of mantle-plume components like those sampled by present-day Central Atlantic Ocean Island Basalts (OIB, e.g. Cape Verde and Canary Islands) is not supported by the observed compositions. Only Recurrent basalts may possibly reflect a Central Atlantic plume-like signature similar to the Common or FOZO components.

Geochemical Modeling of Water-Rock Interaction in the Granulite Rocks of Lower Crust in the Serre Massif (Southern Calabria, Italy)

To simulate the evolution of groundwaters interacting with granulitic rocks of the lower crust exposed in the southern sector of the Calabrian region, reaction path modeling was performed by means of the EQ3/6 software package version 8.0a. Low-salinity waters issuing from granulite have Na–Cl to Na-HCO3 composition, about neutral pH (mean value of 6.7), outlet temperatures of 7.7 to 14.2°C, oxidant redox potentials from 100 to 182 mV, and electrical conductivity from 72.1 to 196.9 μS/cm. The mineral constituents of local granulite are plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, clinopyroxene, garnet, and orthopyroxene. Simulations were carried at constant temperature of 11.8°C (which reproduces the average temperature of local groundwaters) fixing the fugacity of CO2 at 10-2.4 bar (mean value), 10-2.0 bar (mean value +1 σ), and 10-2.8 bar (mean value -1 σ). The analytical contents of major elements in groundwaters were satisfactorily reproduced by modeling and are fully consistent with the secondary minerals produced by weathering processes affecting the same rocks.

Early Indosinian high-Mg# and high-Sr/Y ratio granodiorites in the Xiahe area, West Qinling, Central China: Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications

Indosinian granitic rocks are widespread in the West Qinling Orogen (WQO) in central China. Some of the early Indosinian granitoids have high Sr and low Y contents, and therefore high Sr/Y ratios, and they have been interpreted as adakitic rocks that formed by partial melting of thickened continental lower crust. However, several studies have revealed that granitoids with high Sr/Y ratios can be formed by various geological processes. Here, we report new zircon U-Pb ages, whole–rock geochemical data, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope data for the Ganjiagongma pluton in the Xiahe area of the WQO, and we discuss whether the WQO underwent crustal thickening during the early Indosinian. The zircon U-Pb dating results indicate that the Ganjiagongma granodiorite and its mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) crystallized at ca 242 Ma. The MMEs are characterized by low SiO2 contents and Sr/Y ratios, and high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, as well as high Mg# values, and they have evolved zircon Hf and whole–rock Sr-Nd isotopes, indicating they were produced by the partial melting of metasomatized continental lithospheric mantle. The granodiorite samples have some adakitic characteristics with SiO2 = 65.22 to 68.01 wt%, MgO = 1.07 to 1.71 wt%, Mg# = 59 to 62, Sr = 357 to 620 ppm, Y = 9.7 to 17.4 ppm, Sr/Y = 30.26 to 47.46, and no significant Eu anomalies. However, the granodiorites have relatively flat HREE patterns, indicating that amphibole, rather than garnet was the main residue in the source area, and this proposal is consistent with the relatively low but constant Nb/Ta values and varied Zr/Sm ratios. Simple two-end member modeling results indicate that the granodiorite could have been formed in normal or slightly thickened crust by mixing of 20%–30% mantle-derived melt with 70%–80% melt derived from the partial melting of basement rocks in the continental lower crust of the WQO. Taking into account other geological evidence, we propose that the formation of the Ganjiagongma pluton was related to the subduction of the A'nimaque-Mianlue oceanic crust, and that no significant thickening of the continental crust occurred in the WQO during the early Indosinian.

Radiogenic Ca isotopes confirm post-formation K depletion of lower crust

Heat flow studies suggest that the lower crust has low concentrations of heat-producing elements. This could be due to either (i) greater fractions of basaltic rock at depth or (ii) metamorphic depletion of radioactive elements from rocks with more evolved (andesitic to granodioritic) compositions. However, seismic data suggest that lower crust is not predominantly basaltic, and previous studies (using Pb and Sr isotopes) have shown that lower crustal rocks have experienced significant losses of U and Rb. This loss, however, is poorly constrained for K, which is inferred to be the most important source of radioactive heat in the earliest crust. Our high precision Ca isotope measurements on a suite of granulite facies rocks and minerals from several localities show that significant losses of K (~60 % to >95 %) are associated with high temperature metamorphism. These results support models whereby reduction of heat production from the lower crust, and consequent stabilisation of continental cratons in the Precambrian, are largely due to high temperature metamorphic processes. Relative changes in whole rock K/Ca suggest that 20-30 % minimum (granitic) melt removal can explain the K depletions.

Role of magma mixing in generating of the Gheshlagh–Aftabrow intrusions, SW Buin Zahra, Iran: Evidence for a juvenile origin from geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic data

In this paper, we investigate host granodiorites and associated mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs), including gabbroic to quartz diorite enclaves from the Middle Eocene Gheshlagh–Aftabrow granitoid, to assess magma mixing and crust–mantle interaction in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc. The host granodiorites yield zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 40 Ma. Geochemical and bulk rock Nd–Sr isotopic modelling, together with the widespread occurrence of mafic microgranular enclaves with ellipsoidal and spherical shapes and chilled margins, K‐feldspar and plagioclase megacrysts in the enclaves, and the presence of acicular apatite, ocellar quartz, plagioclase with oscillatory zoning and resorption surfaces, suggests that the mafic microgranular enclaves are globules of a more mafic magma derived from the mantle that was injected into and mixed/mingled with the magma derived from partial melting of a lower crust. Geochemically, the granitoid rocks are high‐K calc‐alkaline and metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.87–0.92) and belong to I‐type suite. These granitoid host rocks have much higher SiO2 (65.4–67.3 wt%) and relatively low Fe2O3 (1.8–2.1 wt%) and MgO (1–1.58 wt%), so compared with the host rocks, the mafic microgranular enclaves have much lower SiO2 contents (50.5–55 wt%), considerably higher Fe2O3 (3.4–4.2 wt%) and MgO (3.9–4.8 wt%). Both the host intrusion and enclaves are enriched in LREE relative to HREEs (LREE/HREE = 3.1–4.1; (La/Yb)N = 2.1–4.1) and show slightly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.75–0.90) and nearly flat HREE patterns ((Gd/Yb)N = 0.86–1.26). Analyses of Sr–Nd isotopes in the host granodiorites and associated enclaves show (87Sr/86Sr)i host = 0.705070–0.705174, εNd(t) host = 0.21–2.31, TDM1 host = 782–983 Ma, (87Sr/86Sr)i enclave = 0.704997–0.705170, εNd(t) enclave = 2.15–2.17, and TDM1 enclave = 874–980 Ma, indicating of juvenile nature for these granites. This characteristic together with similar trace‐element compositions indicates intense magma mixing and a high degree of geochemical equilibration between the host granodiorites and their enclaves.A binary mixing model based on Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the GAG indicates that rocks were mostly generated by mixing of 7–12% melts produced by partial melting of meta‐igneous old lower crust rocks with 88–93% contribution of mantle‐derived juvenile basaltic magmas.

The exhumation along the Kenyase and Ketesso shear zones in the Sefwi terrane, West African Craton: a numerical study

High-grade (amphibolite–granulite facies) tectono-metamorphic domains in the Sefwi terrane of Ghana are separated from adjacent lower-grade (greenschist facies) greenstone belts by two main shear zones. The high-grade rocks presumably exhumed along the sinistral shear zones during the D2 ENE-WSW transtension (~2073 Ma). To better understand the role boundary conditions and the spatial relationship of faults play in the exhumation of partially molten lower crust in the Sefwi terrane, ten 3D thermomechanical models have been constructed. The results show that the normal component of velocity boundary conditions mainly controls the exhumation (8–10 km) of the lower crust along pre-existing faults, while the exhumation in the relay zones between faults is controlled by the obliquity between the applied extensional velocity vector and the vertical wall on which it is applied. The strike of the exhumation belt made of partially molten lower crust rocks in the relay zone is sub-orthogonal to the horizontal maximum stretching axis. The isostatic compensation from low-density upper mantle to overlying crust (thinning) is higher under transtension than under extension. The lower crust exhumation influenced by inherited shear zones (ductile) can be used to better understand the loci of the high-grade rocks in the Sefwi terrane. We suggest that the Kukuom-Juaboso domain composed of amphibolite–migmatite facies rocks probably resulted from the concentration of partially molten rocks in the relay zone between the Ketesso and Kenyase shear zones during the D2 ENE-WSW transtension. The two shear zones probably underwent two main stages for growth and maturation from the D1 to D2 phases. The regional exhumation of the high-grade rocks in the Sefwi terrane probably occurred within < 5 Ma.

Integrated Zircon U-Pb-O-Hf and Whole-Rock Sm-Nd Studies of Paleozoic Amphibolites in the Chencai Area of the Cathaysia Block, South China

The present metamorphic crystalline basement of the South China Block was formed largely as a result of the early Paleozoic (∼460–410 Ma) orogeny, which affected large areas of this continental block. Paleozoic metamafic rocks (garnet amphibolites) with typical normal mid-ocean ridge basalt chemical compositions were recently identified from an uplifted lower-crustal rock assemblage in the Chencai area of the Cathaysia Block. This article focuses on the first integrated studies of secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) zircon U-Pb dating and zircon Lu-Hf-O and whole-rock Sm-Nd isotopic analyses on these metamafic rocks, for the purpose of better constraining the ancient geodynamic processes of this orogeny. The SIMS zircon U-Pb dating results show that these mafic rocks underwent high-grade metamorphism at ∼427 Ma, within the time span of Paleozoic orogeny. Most zircon Lu-Hf and O isotopic results display relatively uniform compositions, with δ18O values scattering around +9‰ and the calculated εHf(t) values of most metamorphic zircons ranging from +9.8 to +15.1. The 143Nd/144Nd and 147Sm/144Nd ratios of the three samples are 0.513075–0.513103 and 0.20508–0.205832, respectively. The εNd(t) values are high positive, ranging from +8.05 to +8.63. These ratios resemble those of basaltic rocks newly derived from a depleted-mantle source. Zircon Hf model ages are ∼540 Ma, older than the previous result of ∼496 Ma, suggesting that these newly formed crustal materials were likely extracted from the depleted-mantle source during the early Paleozoic. It is thus inferred from such isotopic characteristics, as well as previously published data of the metamafic rocks, that the previous notion—that a deep lithospheric fracture reaching asthenospheric mantle was absent from the Early Paleozoic South China Orogen—should be reconsidered.

Phase Equilibria Modeling and P-T Evolution of the Mafic Lower-Crustal Xenoliths from the Southeastern Margin of the North China Craton

The Precambrian lower crust rocks at the southeastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) are mainly exposed as granulite xenoliths hosted by Mesozoic dioritic porphyry and metamorphic terrains in the Xuzhou-Suzhou area. Garnet amphibolites and garnet granulites are two kinds of typical lower-crustal xenoliths and were selected to reconstruct different stages of the metamorphic process. In this study, in view of multistage metamorphic evolution and reworking, phase equilibria modeling was used for the first time to better constrain peak P-T conditions of the xenoliths. Some porphyroblastic garnets have a weak zonal structure in composition with homogeneous cores and were surrounded by thin rims with an increase in XMg and a decrease in XCa (or XMg). Clinopyroxene contain varying amounts of Na2O and Al2O3 as well as amphibole of TiO2, while plagioclases are different in calcium contents. Peak metamorphic P-T conditions are calculated by the smallest garnet x(g) (Fe2+/(Fe2++Mg)) contours and the smallest plagioclase ca(pl) (Ca/(Ca+Na)) contours in NCFMASHTO (Na2O-CaO-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O-TiO2-Fe2O3) system, which are consistent with those estimated by conventional geothermobarometry. The new results show that the peak and decompressional P-T conditions for the rocks are 850–900 °C/ 1.4–1.6 GPa and 820–850 °C/0.9–1.3 GPa, respectively, suggestive of high and middle-low pressure granulite-facies metamorphism. Combined with previous zircon U-Pb dating and conventional geothermobarometry data, it is indicated that the xenoliths experienced a clockwise P-T-t evolution with nearisothermal decompressional process, suggestive of the Paleoproterozoic subduction-collision setting. In this regard, the studied region together with Jiao-Liao-Ji belt is further documented to make up a Paleoproterozoic collisional orogen in the eastern block of the NCC.

U-Pb zircon dating, Sr-Nd isotope and petrogenesis of Sarduiyeh granitoid in SE of the UDMA, Iran: implication for the source origin and magmatic evolution

ABSTRACT The Sarduiyeh granitoid (SG) is intruded in the southeastern part of the Dehaj-Sarduiyeh volcano-sedimentary belt in the southeastern end of the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) in Iran. The medium-to-coarse-grained granitoid unit, with granular texture consists mainly of diorite, tonalite, granodiorite and monzogranitic rocks. Mineralogically, these rocks consist mainly of plagioclase, K-feldspar, quartz, biotite and hornblende. The whole rock geochemical analyses indicates that the SG is calc-alkaline, I-type, metaluminous, enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE; such as K, Cs, Pb) and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE; such as Ti, Nb, Ta, Zr). Chondrite normalized plot of SG rare earth elements (REE) show light rare earth element enrichments with (LaN/YbN = 2.44–8.68) and flat heavy rare earth element patterns with (GdN/YbN = 1.02–1.36). The rather high Y (av. 19.35 ppm), low Sr content (av. 293.76 ppm) and low Cr and Ni contents (av. 20.1 and 4.69 ppm, respectively) of the SG demonstrate its normal calc-alkaline and non-adakitic nature, the features of Jebal Barez-type granitoids. The geochemical characteristics and isotopic composition, low ISr (0.7046–0.7049) and positive ɛtNd (+3.4 to +4.03) values, of the SG suggest that its parental magma formed as a result of partial melting from metabasic rocks of lower crust in a subduction-related arc setting. Fractionation of an assemblage dominated by plagioclase, K-feldspar, amphibole and magnetite may have been responsible for the evolution of the SG magma. U-Pb zircon geochronology gives an age of 27.95 ± 0.27 Ma for the SG, suggesting that the final collision between the Arabian plate and Central Iranian microcontinent may have happened in the Late Oligocene.

Geochemistry of molybdenum in the continental crust

The use of molybdenum as a quantitative paleo-atmosphere redox sensor is predicated on the assumption that Mo is hosted in sulfides in the upper continental crust (UCC). This assumption is tested here by determining the mineralogical hosts of Mo in typical Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic upper crustal igneous rocks, spanning a compositional range from basalt to granite. Common igneous sulfides such as pyrite and chalcopyrite contain very little Mo (commonly below detection limits of around 10 ng/g) and are not a significant crustal Mo host. By contrast, volcanic glass and Ti-bearing phases such as titanite, ilmenite, magnetite, and rutile contain significantly higher Mo concentrations (e.g., up to 40 µg/g in titanite), and can account for the whole-rock Mo budget in most rocks. However, mass balance between whole-rock and mineral data is not achieved in 4 out of 10 granites analyzed with in-situ methods, where Mo may be hosted in undetected trace molybdenite. Significant Mo depletion (i.e., UCC-normalized Mo/Ce < 1) occurs in nearly every granitic rock analyzed here, but not in oceanic basalts or their differentiates (Greaney et al., 2017; Jenner and O’Neill, 2012). On average, granites are missing ∼60% of their expected Mo contents. There are two possible reasons for this: (1) Mo partitions into an aqueous magmatic vapor/fluid phase that is expelled from cooling plutons, and/or (2) Mo is partitioned into titaniferous phases during partial melting and fractional crystallization of an evolving magma. The first scenario is likely given the high solubility of oxidized Mo. However, correlations between Mo/Ce and Nb/La in several plutonic suites suggest fractionating phases such as rutile or Fe-Ti oxides may sequester Mo in lower crustal rocks or in subducting slabs in arc settings.

The role of mantle-hybridization and crustal contamination in the petrogenesis of lithospheric mantle-derived alkaline rocks: constraints from Os and Hf isotopes

The Rhon area as part of the Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP) hosts an unusual suite of Tertiary 24-Ma old hornblende-bearing alkaline basalts that provide insights into melting and fractionation processes within the lithospheric mantle. These chemically primitive to slightly evolved and isotopically (Sr, Nd, Pb) depleted basalts have slightly lower Hf isotopic compositions than respective other CEVP basalts and Os isotope compositions more radiogenic than commonly observed for continental intraplate alkaline basalts. These highly radiogenic initial 187Os/188Os ratios (0.268–0.892) together with their respective Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are unlikely to result from crustal contamination alone, although a lack of Os data for lower crustal rocks from the area and limited data for CEVP basalts or mantle xenoliths preclude a detailed evaluation. Similarly, melting of the same metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle as inferred for other CEVP basalts alone is also unlikely, based on only moderately radiogenic Os isotope compositions obtained for upper mantle xenoliths from elsewhere in the province. Another explanation for the combined Nd, Sr and Os isotope data is that the lavas gained their highly radiogenic Os isotope composition through a mantle “hybridization”, metasomatism process. This model involves a mafic lithospheric component, such as an intrusion of a sublithospheric primary alkaline melt or a melt derived from subducted oceanic material, sometime in the past into the lithospheric mantle where it metasomatized the ambient mantle. Later at 24 Ma, thermal perturbations during rifting forced the isotopically evolved parts of the mantle together with the peridotitic ambient mantle to melt. This yielded a package of melts with highly correlated Re/Os ratios and radiogenic Os isotope compositions. Subsequent movement through the crust may have further altered the Os isotope composition although this effect is probably minor for the majority of the samples based on radiogenic Nd and unradiogenic Sr isotope composition of the lavas. If the radiogenic Os isotope composition can be explained by a mantle-hybridization and metasomatism model, the isotopic compositions of the hornblende basalts can be satisfied by ca. 5–25% addition of the mafic lithospheric component to an asthenospheric alkaline magma. Although a lack of isotope data for all required endmembers make this model somewhat speculative, the results show that the Re–Os isotope system in continental basalts is able to distinguish between crustal contamination and derivation of continental alkaline lavas from isotopically evolved peridotitic lithosphere that was contaminated by mafic material in the past and later remelted during rifting. The Hf isotopic compositions are slightly less radiogenic than in other alkaline basalts from the province and indicate the derivation of the lavas from low Lu–Hf parts of the lithospheric mantle. The new Os and Hf isotope data constrain a new light of the nature of such metasomatizing agents, at least for these particular rocks, which represent within the particular volcanic complex the first product of the volcanism.

Origin of zircon-bearing mantle eclogites entrained in the V. Grib kimberlite (Arkhangelsk region, NW Russia): Evidence from mineral geochemistry and the U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope compositions of zircon

The concentrations of major and trace elements in minerals, reconstructed whole-rock compositions of zircon-bearing equigranular eclogites from the V. Grib kimberlite pipe located within the Arkhangelsk Diamondiferous Province (North-Western Russia), and results of the U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope analyses of zircon grains from eclogites and granulite xenoliths are reported. These data suggest that the equigranular eclogites could represent the fragments of mid-ocean-ridge basalt that were metamorphosed during Paleoproterozoic subduction at 1.7–1.9 Ga. The Hf isotope compositions of the eclogitic zircon display uniformity and indicate corresponding Hf-depleted mantle model ages of 2.2–2.3 Ga. The formation of zircon in eclogites could have resulted from interactions with metasomatic/subduction-related fluids just prior to, but associated with, Paleoproterozoic eclogite formation. A link between eclogitic zircon formation and continental lower-crustal rocks can be excluded based on differences in the Hf isotope compositions of eclogitic and granulitic zircon grains. The U-Pb upper intercept age of granulitic zircon of 2716 ± 61 Ma provides a new minimum age constraint for zircon crystallisation and granulite formation. The U-Pb ages obtained from granulitic zircon show two stages of Pb loss at 2.2–2.6 Ga and 1.7–2.0 Ga. The late Paleoproterozoic stage of Pb loss recorded in granulitic zircon is due to the intensive reworking of basement crustal rocks, which was caused by a tectonic process/subduction event associated with equigranular eclogite formation. Our data, along with evidence previously obtained from the V. Grib pipe coarse-granular eclogites, show at least two main subduction events in the lithospheric mantle of the Arkhangelsk region: the Archean (2.8 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (1.7–1.9 Ga) subductions, which correspond to major magmatic and metamorphic events in the Baltic Shield.

Role of pre-existing structures in controlling the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern Tibetan plateau: New insights from analogue experiments

Pre-existing weakness due to repeated tectonic, metamorphic, and magmatic events is a fundamental feature of the continental lithosphere on Earth. Because of this, continental deformation results from a combined effect of boundary conditions imposed by plate tectonic processes and heterogeneous and anisotropic mechanical strength inherited from protracted continental evolution. In this study, we assess how this interaction may have controlled the Cenozoic evolution of the eastern Tibetan plateau during the India–Asia collision. Specifically, we use analogue models to evaluate how the pre-Cenozoic structures may have controlled the location, orientation, and kinematics of the northwest-striking Xianshuihe and northeast-striking Longmen Shan fault zones, the two most dominant Cenozoic structures in eastern Tibet. Our best model indicates that the correct location, trend, and kinematics of the two fault systems can only be generated and maintained if the following conditions are met: (1) the northern part of the Songpan–Ganzi terrane in eastern Tibet has a strong basement whereas its southern part has a weak basement, (2) the northern strong basement consists of two pieces bounded by a crustal-scale weak zone that is expressed by the Triassic development of a northwest-trending antiform exposing middle and lower crustal rocks, and (3) the region was under persistent northeast–southwest compression since ∼35 Ma. Our model makes correct prediction on the sequence of deformation in eastern Tibet; the Longmen Shan right-slip transpressional zone was initiated first as an instantaneous response to the northeast–southwest compression, which is followed by the formation of the Xianshuihe fault about a half way after the exertion of northeast–southwest shortening in the model. The success of our model highlights the importance of pre-existing weakness, a key factor that has been largely neglected in the current geodynamic models of continental deformation.

Vein-type graphite deposits in Sri Lanka: The ultimate fate of granulite fluids

Hydrothermal graphite vein deposits hosted in granulite facies metamorphic rocks in Sri Lanka are unique because of their large size and high crystallinity. In this paper, we present a review of the structural-metamorphic setting of the graphite veins and of the graphite stable carbon isotope data, and we present fluid inclusion data from quartz in the graphite veins and in the host rocks from several graphite deposits in Sri Lanka. The studied host rocks show decompression rims of plagioclase and orthopyroxene after garnet. The quartz in these decompression rim textures comprise, in order of abundance, high-salinity brine, H2O-CO2, and low-salinity aqueous fluid inclusions. The brine fluid is responsible for metasomatic features observed in garnet decompression rims, including feldspar leaching and re-precipitation. Quartz cogenetic with vein graphite comprises, in order of abundance, low-salinity aqueous, CO2, high-salinity brine, and H2O-CO2 fluid inclusions. Published graphite carbon isotope data indicates a dominant mantle source, mixed with small amounts of carbon-bearing fluids of supracrustal origin. We propose that large quantities of mantle-derived CO2 fluid are temporarily stored in the lower crust during the final stage of Gondwana supercontinent amalgamation. The CO2 is subsequently released from the lower crustal rocks during decompression associated with fast uplift. The graphite veins in Sri Lanka were formed during this uplift stage and represent as such paleofluid channels. In this respect, they are comparable to the quartz‑carbonates mega-shear zones found in other granulite terranes. Depending on the redox conditions, mantle CO2 and brines may either result in the formation of graphite or quartz‑carbonate veins.

Role of Volcano-Sedimentary Basins in the Formation of Greenstone-Granitoid Belts in the West African Craton: A Numerical Model

Greenstone belts in the West African Craton (WAC) are separated by several generations of granitoids intruded at ca. 2.18–1.98 Ga. Simultaneous folding and exhumation play an important role in the formation of greenstone-granitoid belts. However, the overall tectonic regime and origin of granitoids remain controversial. In this study, we present the estimates of the mantle potential temperature (Tp) for the WAC, which yields values of about 1500–1600 °C, pressure estimates of initial and final melting yield values of about 3.7–5.2 GPa and 1–1.3 GPa, respectively. Subsequently, 2D thermo-mechanical models have been constructed to explore the width of volcano-sedimentary basin on spatial-temporal evolution of diapirs that emplaced in the lower-middle crust during compression. The models show that the width of the volcano-sediment layer plays an important role in the formation mechanisms of greenstone-granitoid belts. The lower crust beneath sedimentary sequences is deformed into a buckle fold during the first compressional stage, through which relief uplifts slowly. Subsequently, the buckle fold is further deformed into several individual folds. Diapirs made of lower crust rocks ascend and emplace in the middle-upper crust resulting from instability. Benefitting from the mantle temperature, the pressure estimates and the numerical modelling results, a new geodynamic model was constructed. This model indicates that a series of sheet-like granitoids possibly derived from either subducted mélanges, lower crust and/or mantle melting that are accumulated at depths of the subcontinental mantle would channel along diapirs before feeding the upper crust. When the granitoids arrive at the solidified lids of the diapirs, they would favour migrating horizontally and intrude into the upper crust through weakening zones between the diapirs. Our geodynamic model also suggests an asymmetry of structures between the upper and middle-lower crust, with the dome-like granitoids overlying high-grade sedimentary synforms and high-grade diapirs underlying low-grade greenstone belts.

Zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of granitic rocks and river sands in the Nyingchi region, Tibet: Constraints on evolution of the deep crust beneath the southeast Lhasa terrane

The Nyingchi region is the best location to investigate the nature and evolution of the deep crust beneath the Lhasa terrane, as the middle and lower crust rocks are well exposed due to the long-term uplift and erosion of the Namche Barwa syntaxis. A systematic study of whole rock geochemistry and zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope was conducted on granitic rocks exposed in the area. These data, combined with U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons from river sands, were utilized to reveal the nature of the deep crust. The granitic intrusions in the area can be divided into two main stages, i.e., the latest Cretaceous to Eocene (67–44Ma) and the Late Oligocene (28–23Ma). The earlier stage of granitic rocks has SiO2 contents of 67.65–75.22wt% and exhibits highly variable zircon εHf(t) values ranging from −15.5±1.3 to 9.2±0.8, suggesting that they were derived from a remarkably heterogeneous source. The late stage of granitic rocks, with SiO2 of 64.37–75.86wt%, has zircon εHf(t) values ranging from 1.6±1.3 to 3.9±0.8, indicating that they were derived from a relatively homogenous and slightly depleted source. In combination with literature data, it is proposed that the Late Oligocene magmatism may prevail in the Lhasa terrane and this extensive magmatic pulse can be attributed to coeval delamination of the subducted Indian continent.

Petrochemistry of Khunrang intrusive complex, southeast of Kerman, Iran: Implications for magmatic evolution of Sanandaj-Sirjan zone in the Mesozoic time

A noticeable characteristic of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (SSZ) of Iran is the presence of extensive mafic to felsic intrusive igneous rocks in the host metamorphic rocks of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic eras. A similar composition is evident in batholithic size Khunrang Instrusive Complex (KIC) of southern SSZ. The rocks that make the KIC complex are mostly leucocratic microdiorite, quartz diorite, tonalite, granodiorite, granite and subordinate mesocratic to melanocratic pyroxene hornblende-gabbro and microgabbro. Field evidence and geochemical data suggest that the felsic rocks are not the products of fractional crystallization from a mafic phase. Using various discrimination and normalized multi-element diagrams suggest that mafic rocks, of tholeiitic to calc-alkaline affinities, were formed in an island arc or continental arc setting, from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle, above the stability field of garnet in a subduction zone environment. The felsic rocks, calc-alkaline and metaluminous in nature, have I-type granite characteristics. Their relative enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) such as Ba, Cs and K and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) such as Nb, Ta and Ti, is a signature of their development in an arc related environment in an active continental margin, similar to KIC mafic rocks. Geochemical characteristics suggest that the KIC felsic rocks were formed by partial melting of metabasic rocks of lower crust in response to underplating of mantle-derived basaltic magmas in an active continental margin as a result of Neo-Tethys oceanic crust subduction beneath the Central Iranian microcontinent in Mesozoic time.