Ma Rocks Research Articles

Molybdenum isotopic evidence for the initiation of a big mantle wedge beneath eastern Asia

The subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate and the formation of a big mantle wedge have influenced the tectonic-magmatic evolution of eastern Asia. However, the timing and mechanism of big mantle wedge formation remain obscure. Here we report molybdenum (Mo) isotope compositions of Mesozoic-Cenozoic mafic rocks in eastern China, which provide constraints on the geodynamics of Paleo-Pacific subduction. The >125 Ma rocks have high δ98Mo values of −0.27‰ to 0.17‰ and arc-like features, whereas the <125 Ma rocks have low δ98Mo values of −0.67‰ to −0.04‰ and ocean-island basalt (OIB)-like features. The mantle sources of these two types of rocks contain subducted Paleo-Pacific slab components at sub-arc and mantle transition zone depths, respectively. Therefore, the Paleo-Pacific subduction involves shallow subduction yielding a small mantle wedge in the early stage and deep subduction yielding a big mantle wedge in the late stage. The dramatic change in Mo isotopes reveals that the big mantle wedge beneath eastern Asia was initiated at ∼125 Ma.

One Million Years of Climate-Driven Rock Uplift Rate Variation on the Wasatch Fault Revealed by Fluvial Topography

Displacement along the Wasatch Fault, Utah, has created the Wasatch Range. Owing to its topographic prominence, location on the eastern boundary of the Basin and Range, presently active fault slip, and proximity to Utah’s largest cities, the range and fault have garnered much attention. On the 102–103 year timescale, the behavior, displacement and seismic history of the Wasatch Fault has been well categorized in order to assess seismic hazard. On the 107 year timescale, the rock uplift rate history of the Wasatch range has also been resolved using thermochronometric data, owing to its importance in inferring the history of extension in the western US. However, little data exists that bridges the gap between these two timescales. Here, we infer an approximately 1 Ma rock uplift rate history from analysis of three river networks located in the center of the range. Our recovered rock uplift rate histories evidence periodic changes to rock uplift on the Wasatch Fault, that coincide with climate driven filling and unfilling of lakes in the Bonnneville Basin. To ensure our rock uplift rate histories are robust, we use field data and previously published cosmogenic 10Be erosion rate data to tightly constrain the erodibility parameter, and investigate an appropriate value for the slope exponent of the stream power model, n. We use our river network inversion to reconcile estimates of erodibility from a number of methodologies and show that the contrast between bedrock and bedload strength is an important factor that determines erodibility.

Crustal thickness of the Jiaodong Peninsula in the Mesozoic: Implications for the destruction of the North China Craton

The North China Craton underwent extensive and widespread crustal reworking (or decratonization) during the Mesozoic. However, how the decratonization operated is not well understood. Zircon compositions are widely used by the scientific community to reconstruct crustal thicknesses. In this study, we sampled 13 magmatic rocks in the Jiaodong Peninsula and used zircon Eu/Eu* to constrain the crustal thickness of the Jiaodong area and reveal decratonization processes in the Mesozoic time. The reconstructed crustal thickness using zircon Eu/Eu* is approximately 70 km in the Jurassic, and this value is 89 km at around 130 Ma, after which the crustal thickness drops to 30–40 km at ca. 110 Ma. These results are generally compatible with or slightly higher than the calculation results using a whole-rock La/Yb proxy for the Jurassic and ∼130 Ma rocks. Crustal thickness estimated using a whole-rock La/Yb proxy for the ∼110 Ma rocks is thicker than 70 km, which is not consistent with the geological facts and the result given by zircon proxy. The whole-rock proxy failed in estimating crustal thickness because of amphibole fractionation for the ∼110 Ma rocks. The crustal thickening from Jurassic to ∼130 Ma was probably related to the westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific slab. The thinning of the crust from 130 to 110 Ma is not a rapid process but occurs more slowly than expected, which might be explained by the chemical erosion process rather than a mechanical delamination model. The chemical erosion was most likely induced by a rollback of the subducting slab and an upwelling of the asthenosphere.

Post-5 Ma rock deformation on Alonnisos (Greece) constrains the propagation of the North Anatolian Fault

The localization of the North Anatolian Fault in the northern Aegean Sea (North Aegean Trough) is an intriguing example of continental transform fault propagation. Understanding this process critically depends on the quantification of strike-slip displacement and the superposition of normal and strike-slip faulting in the region, which is the aim of this study. In particular, we unravel and quantify normal and dextral faulting along the Alonnisos fault system, at the south-western margin of the North Aegean Trough (Sporades Basin). We present detailed structural data collected from Messinian strata of Alonnisos to infer the amount of post-5 Ma tilting and shortening on the island, and relate them to normal and dextral faulting along the Alonnisos fault system through simple analytical half-space models of dislocations. The Messinian rocks of Alonnisos record significant (13.5°) tilting and gentle folding close to the termination zone of the main fault segment. The tilting of the Messinian rocks was related to footwall uplift during normal faulting (in the order of 6–7 km vertical displacement) along the Alonnisos fault system, which implies that the deepening of the Sporades Basin occurred post-5 Ma. The post-Messinian folding accommodated ∼1 km shortening along the footwall termination zone of the Alonnisos fault and was related to 3–4 km dextral slip, possibly during the last 100–200 kyr. This is the first clear indication of major dextral displacement along the Alonnisos fault system. Our results support interpretations of currently distributed dextral strain in the North Aegean in response to the propagation of the North Anatolian Fault. However, similarities with the evolution of the Sea of Marmara might suggest that dextral shear could yet become fully localized in the NAT.

(U-Th)/He ages of Proterozoic-Paleozoic basement rocks from northern Chile (18-19°S) and implications on the Neogene uplift history of the Western Cordillera

In the Western Cordillera of northern Chile, the Proterozoic-Paleozoic Belén Metamorphic Complex is covered by late Oligocene-early Miocene (25-18 Ma) rocks, and both units are involved in west-vergent contractional deformation, which results in exhumation. A Miocene age (18 to 6 Ma) for deformation has been previously constrained by stratigraphy and cross-cutting relationships. To understand the youngest exhumation event and reverse faulting, we obtained 21 (U-Th)/He ages from two samples of the metamorphic rocks and the associate inverse thermal modeling. Five zircon (U-Th)/He ages from one sample are 113 to 226 Ma, very scattered, while five zircon ages from the other, are 20 to 49 Ma. The high dispersion of zircon (U-Th)/He data prevents the geological interpretation of results. Apatite grains from both samples yielded 11 (U-Th)/He ages between 10.4 and 18.7 Ma, with 9 values from 12.0 to 15.5 Ma. A slight positive correlation between apatite single-grain dates and effective uranium for 4 crystals of one sample suggests relatively slow cooling. The T-t model including these 4 apatite ages shows continuous cooling from 15 to 0 Ma with a relatively more marked cooling period at 11-7 Ma. The middle-late Miocene thermal signal agrees with the geologic evolution of the region and would permit to date the last activity of the Chapiquiña-Belén reverse fault, which uplifted and exhumed the metamorphic rocks. This signal is relatively similar to that the eastern Altiplano, but differs considerably from that the forearc.

Geochronology, geochemistry and Sr-Nd, Hf-O isotope systematics of the Linte massif, Adamawa - Yade domain, Cameroon: Implications on the evolution of the Central African Fold Belt

The Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) holds a key position in understanding the process and implications of the Pan-African orogeny in central Africa. However, it has not been fully understood as geological information on some vital domains is not yet available. The Linte massif in the Adamawa-Yade, one of the unrepresented terranes, was investigated and its whole rock geochemical, zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf-O isotope characteristics and whole rock Sr-Nd data are presented and discussed here. The Linte massif is largely constituted of syenite and subordinate monzonite. The zircon U - Pb dating reveals three major ages at 660, 630 and 600 Ma, indicating a protracted magmatism which lasted at least 60 Ma, during the Neoproterozoic. The rocks are shoshonites, I-type and metaluminous. They have high LILEs (Cs, Rb, Ba and Sr), HFSEs (Th and U) and LREE contents. Their Nb/U, Ta/U, Ce/Pb, Th/La and Th/U ratios, δ18Ozrn (5.3–7.6‰) and zircon εHf(t) (−14.7 to +3.2), point toward predominantly crustal with or without a mantle component in the sources. The negative εNd(t) values (−8.1 to −10.0), Paleoproterozoic Nd-TDM model ages (ca. 1700–1900 Ma), Hf-TDM2 ages of ca. 1300–2400 Ma of zircon grains in Neoproterozoic rocks underline their derivation from Mesoproterozoic to Paleoproterozoic basement rocks.The lithospheric mantle-generated heat facilitated partial melting in the sources region, as inferred from the shoshonitic affinity and the subduction-related geochemical features (Nb, Ta and Ti depletion). A mainly crustal source with a minor mantle component is inferred for the 660 Ma magmatism and for the 630 Ma rocks emplaced during crustal thickening. On the other hand, the 600 Ma (youngest) magmatic rocks were derived from a crustal source. We infer a subduction-collision setting for the Linte massif during the 660–600 Ma interval. The 630–600 Ma interval of the culmination of collision is consistent with the timing of the main convergence of the Brasiliano Orogeny recorded in South America (∼630–600 Ma), suggesting continuation of tectonic features into the western Gondwana.

Early depositional and magmatic history of the Beardmore-Geraldton Belt: Formation of a transitional accretionary belt along the Wabigoon-Quetico Subprovince boundary in the Archean Superior Craton, Canada

The Beardmore-Geraldton Belt (BGB) is a major gold camp along the boundary between the granite-greenstone eastern Wabigoon subprovince and the metasedimentary Quetico subprovince of the Archean Superior Province, Canada. New detrital zircon geochronology suggests that the metasedimentary rocks of the BGB and northern Quetico subprovince were derived from the erosion of the eastern Wabigoon subprovince that is dominated by ca. 2900–2680 Ma rocks but also comprises crust as old as > 3200 Ma. Uplift of the eastern Wabigoon subprovince as a result of convergence and compression along its southern margin exposed those rocks to erosion and shed sediments in the Quetico basin to the south. Sedimentation in the Quetico basin is bracketed between ca. 2700 Ma, the age of the youngest detrital zircon population, and 2694.0 ± 1.0 Ma, the crystallization age of cross-cutting feldspar-quartz porphyries (FQP). Continued convergence facilitated the thrust-imbrication of the metavolcanic rocks of the eastern Wabigoon subprovince with the metasedimentary rocks of the Quetico basin resulting in the assembly of the BGB. This resulted in crustal thickening, the introduction of hydrated mafic rocks at the base of the crust, and partial melting of these rocks to form TTG suite melts at depths >50 km, as suggested by the geochemical characteristics of the FQP intrusions. Imbrication and thrusting ended with the emplacement of the stitching, 2690 ± 1 Ma Croll Lake Stock, which has a high transition elements and ferromagnesian oxides signature of sanukitoid suite rocks. It formed during delamination of the lower crust or slab break-off from magmas generated by mixing of hot, mantle material with TTG suite melts at depths > 50 km. The early geological evolution of the Geraldton gold camp is broadly similar to that of other major Archean gold camps associated with major faults and/or terrane boundaries, where deposition of fluvial conglomerate and turbiditic sandstones in fault-bounded basins overlying older volcanic rocks is accompanied by magmatic activity and the upward migration of gold-bearing hydrothermal fluids, while differences between the Geraldton and other camps may be explained by craton-scale variations in geodynamic processes.

Cleaning up the record – revised U-Pb zircon ages and new Hf isotope data from southern Sweden

ABSTRACT Ten samples of felsic plutonic rocks from the Eastern Segment of the Sveconorwegian Orogen in southern Sweden, previously dated by ID-TIMS on zircon, have been dated anew using SIMS spot analysis of individual zircon grains, leading to more reliable and in most cases also more precise revised magmatic crystallization ages. A gneissic monzonite within the Protogine Zone in Småland yields a revised U-Pb age of ca. 1725 Ma, four samples of orthogneiss from Skåne all yield revised ages between 1700 and 1690 Ma, while two samples of coarse-grained granitic gneiss in the same region yield ages between 1690 and 1680 Ma. These revised ages are between 15 and 250 m.y. older than previously obtained TIMS ages. Two samples of the Gumlösa-Glimåkra granite along the Protogine Zone in northern Skåne and one sample of related syenite yield ages around 1220 Ma, similar but more precise compared to the previous ages. The U-Pb zircon data have been complemented by Hf isotope analysis by LA-ICP-MS on the same grains, and previously obtained initial Sr and Nd whole-rock isotope data have been recalculated to the revised crystallization ages. The Sr isotope data scatter, while the revised initial εNd values fall between +1 and +2 for the older rocks, and close to 0 for the younger intrusives along the Protogine Zone. Initial εHf in magmatic undisturbed zircons shows relatively little spread within each sample, between 2 and 4 Epsilon units, disregarding a few outliers, with average values for the 1725 to 1680 Ma rocks between +3 and +5.5 and for the 1220 Ma rocks at ca. +1.5. Covariation between initial εNd and initial εHf in the older rocks suggests either mixing between two isotopically distinct magma sources or one magma source which was isotopically heterogeneous. The isotopic signatures of the 1220 Ma intrusive rocks along the Protogine Zone are indicative of juvenile mantle input to their magmas, rather than pure crustal melting.

Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic granitoids in the Khangay-Khentey basin, Central Mongolia: Implication for the tectonic evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean margin

The Mongol-Okhotsk Belt is the youngest segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, which is the venue of the massive juvenile crust emplacement, and its formation and evolutions are still pending problems. This paper presents the first up-to-date U–Pb zircon ages, Hf-in-zircon isotope, geochemical and whole-rock Nd isotope data from igneous rocks of the Khangay-Khentey basin, Central Mongolia. The U–Pb zircon ages indicate three groups of magmatism at ~296 Ma, ~280 Ma, and ~230 Ma. The ~296 Ma magmatic rocks are characterized by negative εHf(t) and εNd(t) values and old Hf and Nd model ages suggesting their derivation by the melting of the crustal source. The ~280 Ma rocks are A2-type monzonites, granitoids, and rhyolites show positive εHf(t) and εNd(t) values and Neoproterozoic Hf and Nd model ages. The geochemical and isotope data suggest that ~280 Ma magmatism derived by the melting of a crustal source, induced by mantle upwelling. The ~230 Ma rock assemblage includes granitoids and volcanic rocks. The I-type calc-alkaline granitoids are enriched in K, Rb, U, and Th. The geochemical characteristics suggest that they have formed by the melting of a hornblende-bearing crustal source with the participation of fluids separated from the subducting slab. The positive εHf(t) and εNd(t) ~230 Ma rocks suggest partial melting of a depleted lower crustal material with the contribution of ancient crustal material. The ~296 Ma granitoids possess coherent/coupled Nd–Hf isotopic compositions supporting their origin from the ancient crust. Although the number of ~296 Ma samples are small, we suggest that they were probably emplaced at an active continental setting, ~280 Ma samples could have formed in a setting of local extension environment, ~230 Ma granitoids were also formed at an active continental margin. These magmatic rocks formed during the subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic plate beneath the Central Mongolia-Erguna Block.

The onset of deep recycling of supracrustal materials at the Paleo-Mesoarchean boundary.

The recycling of supracrustal materials, and in particular hydrated rocks, has a profound impact on mantle composition and thus on the formation of continental crust, because water modifies the physical properties of lithological systems and the mechanisms of partial melting and fractional fractionation. On the modern Earth, plate tectonics offers an efficient mechanism for mass transport from the Earth's surface to its interior, but how far this mechanism dates back in the Earth's history is still uncertain. Here, we use zircon oxygen (O) isotopes to track recycling of supracrustal materials into the magma sources of early Archean igneous suites from the Kaapvaal Craton, southern Africa. The mean δ18O values of zircon from TTG (tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite) rocks abruptly increase at the Paleo-Mesoarchean boundary (ca. 3230 million years ago; Ma), from mantle zircon values of 5‰–6‰ to approaching 7.1‰, and this increase occurs in ≤3230 Ma rocks with elevated Dy/Yb ratios. The 18O enrichment is a unique signature of low-temperature water–rock interaction on the Earth's surface. Because the later phase was emplaced into the same crustal level as the older one and TTG magmas would derive from melting processes in the garnet stability field (>40 km depth), we suggest that this evident shift in TTG zircon O isotopic compositions records the onset of recycling of the mafic oceanic crust that underwent seawater hydrothermal alteration at low temperature. The onset of the enhanced recycling of supracrustal materials may also have developed elsewhere in other Archean cratons and reflects a significant change in the tectonic realm during craton formation and stabilization, which may be important processes for the operation of plate tectonics on early Earth.

Geodynamic environment of the ca. 3800 Ma Outer Arc Group, Isua (Greenland)

The arcuate, 35 km long Isua supracrustal belt (ISB, southern West Greenland) contains the world9s largest remnants of Eoarchean volcanic and sedimentary sequences. The ISB is broadly divided into: (i) the northern <i>Inner Arc Group</i> of 3720 to 3690 Ma rocks, and (ii) the southern <i>Outer Arc Group</i> of <i>ca.</i> 3800 Ma rocks which is bounded on its northern side by the highly tectonized <i>ca.</i> 3750 Ma <i>Dividing Sedimentary Unit</i>. The boundary between the two groups is a mylonite formed between 3685 and 3660 Ma. Despite the generally high strain, amphibolite facies metamorphism and layer-parallel dislocations that can thin or altogether excise some units, domains of lower deformation comprising ≪1% (qualitative assessment) of the Outer Arc Group contain relict sedimentary and igneous structures. Combined with zircon U-Pb geochronology and whole rock geochemistry, this enables the Outer Arc Group lithological sequence and geodynamic setting to be reconstructed. The lower part of the Outer Arc Group is dominated by metabasaltic amphibolites of the <i>Mafic Volcanic formation</i> in which rarely-preserved pillow structures indicate both their predominantly subaqueous eruption and also their stratigraphic facing. They erupted &gt;3800 Ma, because they were first intruded by subconcordant sheets of fine-grained hypabyssal tonalite dated at 3803±3 Ma (Crowley, 2003) and then by coarser-grained 3795 to 3791 Ma tonalite-granodiorite, which forms a large deformed pluton along the south side of the ISB. This formation is succeeded by the <i>Sedimentary formation</i> whose base consists of discontinuous rare, thin fuchsitic quartzites with 3890 to 3805 Ma detrital zircons. Overlying is a diverse package of dolostones, marls and siliceous rocks. Although they are extensively modified by metamorphism and metasomatism, producing widespread growth of talc or tremolite, relict graded sedimentary layering, chemical and isotopic signatures indicate originally sedimentary protoliths. Detrital zircons in these rocks range in age from <i>ca.</i> 3820 to 3805 Ma. This unit shows an upwards transition from ‘pure9 chemical sedimentary rocks with distinct seawater-like trace element signatures into lithologies increasingly contaminated by felsic material that is locally preserved as graded layers, which are interpreted as an increasing volcanogenic input. Succeeding the sedimentary rocks is the <i>Felsic Volcanic formation</i>, an extensive unit of mostly schistose 3807 to 3802 Ma felsic potassic-altered rocks with carbonate-rich interludes and veins. Locally-preserved andesitic units with graded layering, massive vesicular lavas, polymict breccias, resorbed quartz phenocrysts and fiammé, attest to volcanic and volcano-sedimentary protoliths. Whole rock geochemistry and oxygen isotope analyses on these rocks and their zircons indicate predominantly felsic volcanic protoliths that experienced massive alteration in a surficial environment, probably following subaerial eruption. Massive volcanic rocks are commonest in the west of the ISB, suggesting this part of the belt was proximal to a volcanic center. Using these stratigraphic data, we conclude that the ISB volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed in a mobile geodynamic regime resembling plate tectonics, and not within a stagnant lid regime.

Green River overlook, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, southeastern Utah

The stream is still quiet, and we guide along through a strange, weird, grand region. The landscape everywhere, away from the river, is of rock—cliffs of rock, tables of rock, plateaus of rock, terraces of rock, crags of rock—ten thousand strangely carved forms; rocks everywhere, and no vegetation, no soil, no sand. In long, gentle curves the river winds about these rocks.&#x0D; These are the words Major John Wesley Powell used to describe what is called Stillwater Canyon along the Green River on July 17, 1869, on his way to the Grand Canyon during his famous journey exploring the canyons of the Colorado River and its tributaries (Powell, 1895). This same region is spectacularly displayedfrom the Green River Overlook in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. The exposed rocks consist of Early Permian- (299 million years ago [Ma]) through Early Jurassic-age (176 Ma) rock layers that were uplifted and subjected to massive erosion. Changes in the color, thickness, and composition ofthe rock layers and erosive work of running water and gravity (i.e., mass wasting) created the magnificent landscape seen at the overlook today. The primitive and remote Maze District of Canyonlands National Park is the area west of the Green River. Prominent features viewed in the Maze District from the Green River Overlook include Ekker Butte, Turks Head, Elaterite Butte, and the Orange Cliffs (figure 2). On a clear day, the 11,000-foot (3350 m), Henry&#x0D; Mountains, which are cored by volcanic remnants (laccoliths) can be seen to the southwest. The Green River Overlook is one of Utah’s most iconic views, often appearing on book covers, scenic calendars, and postcards, and therefore it is fitting as a geosite for its beauty and the exposures of rocks that so much impressed John Wesley Powell over 150 years ago.

Widespread poly-metamorphosed Archean granitoid gneisses and supracrustal enclaves of the southern Inukjuak Domain, Québec (Canada)

The ~12,000 km2 Inukjuak Domain in northern Québec is part of the Archean Minto Block in the northwestern Superior Province of Canada. Eoarchean (ca. >3800–3780 Ma) rocks of the Nuvvuagittuq supracrustal belt (NSB) are the best known occurrence of otherwise abundant <1 m to km-scale supracrustal enclaves dispersed throughout the Innuksuac Complex. The supracrustals are dominantly amphibolites, with subordinate intermediate-, mafic- and ultramafic schists, quartzo-feldspathic (trondhjemitic and granodioritic) sills, dikes and sheets, banded iron-formations and quartz-pyroxene±magnetite rocks, and (detrital) fuchsitic quartzites. Supracrustal assemblages are in turn hosted by variably deformed granite-granitoid gneisses metamorphosed to amphibolite facies. Locally, retrogression is expressed as pervasive chloritization and development of jaspilite box veinings. This metamorphic history precludes preservation of original fragile microfossil shapes. Despite its importance as one of the few terranes to host Eoarchean supracrustal assemblages, limited geochronology was previously available for rocks beyond the ~8 km2 NSB. Here, we report new major-, minor-, and trace-element geochemistry and metamorphic petrology coupled with UPb zircon geochronology, from rocks within and surrounding the NSB. These include the little-studied but volumetrically significant Voizel suite gneisses. Results show that intra-NSB fold belt rocks of the Central Tonalitic Gneiss (CTG) preserve mainly ca. 3650 Ma zircons. Beyond the NSB, the Voizel gneisses – previously considered contemporaneous with the CTG – are instead about 100 Myr younger (~3550 Ma). Tonalitic (ortho)gneisses at the margin of the NSB were previously assigned a ca. 3650 Ma age, and the surrounding Boizard suite gneisses may be about 2700 Ma. We find the Boizard rocks contain inherited zircon cores up to ca. 3700 Ma, with younger overgrowths dated at ca. 2700 Ma. A tonalitic gneiss that transects another highly deformed supracrustal enclave north of the NSB – dubbed the Ukaliq Supracrustal Belt – yields maximum concordant zircon ages of 3653 ± 16 Ma (2σ). Detrital zircons from Ukaliq and Nuvvuagittuq quartzites and quartz-biotite schists define a maximum age of ca. 3780 Ma. No indication of UPb zircon ages older than about 3800 Ma exist in this terrane from our geochronological surveys. New reconnaissance sampling of gneisses to the west of the NSB fold belt yielded more zircon-bearing rocks with ages of ca. 3760 Ma. This discovery of more pre-3700 Ma rocks beyond the NSB outcrops calls attention to the existence of hitherto unidentified but widespread scattered occurrences of Eoarchean and Paleoarchean rocks throughout the region.

Detrital zircon and monazite track the source of Mesozoic sediments in Kutch to rocks of Late Neoproterozoic and Early Palaeozoic orogenies in northern India

Detrital zircon and monazite dating of clastic rocks in the Mesozoic Kutch Basin at the western continental margin of India reveals predominant sediment derivation from rocks of Neoproterozoic Pan-African orogeny, followed by those of Cambro-Ordovician Bhimphedian (or Kurgiakh) orogeny and 850–1000 Ma rocks, with subordinate input from rocks of 700–800 Ma, 1500–1600 Ma, 2400–2500 Ma and 2800–3300 Ma. This finding refutes the existing idea regarding the predominant Mesoproterozoic source inferred for this basin. The dominance of southwesterly palaeocurrent data of Mesozoic rocks in Kutch Basin rules out sediment supply from south or west. Th/U ratios of detrital zircon grains indicate predominantly magmatic and subordinately metamorphic source rock. Petrographic data, particularly the QFR plot supports this interpretation of source rock. Rocks belonging to the Pan-African orogeny are poorly exposed in northwestern India while isolated outcrops of peralkaline granites in the Himalayan region bear testimony of the Bhimphedian orogeny. While the paucity of records of the Pan-African orogeny in western India possibly relates to either burial under the Deccan Flood Basalts or extensive erosion during Mesozoic greenhouse climate, the dearth of rocks of Bhimphedian orogeny results from its occurrence along the present-day Himalayan thrust belt. The absence of detrital zircon grains younger than 458 Ma indicates that post-Ordovician tectono-thermal events skipped the source area. The large gap between youngest detrital zircon and the depositional age of the Mesozoic sediments, suggests long-distance sediment transport as well as sediment recycling. This study, therefore, indicates the existence of widespread younger magmatic rocks to the north during the deposition of Mesozoic of Kutch.

Wandering continents of the Indian Ocean

Wandering continents of the Indian Ocean

Archean Boninite-like Rocks of the Northwestern Youanmi Terrane, Yilgarn Craton: Geochemistry and Genesis

Abstract Rocks with chemical compositions similar to Cenozoic boninites occur in many Archean cratons (boninite-like rocks), but they are rarely well-preserved, well-sampled, or presented within chrono- and chemo-stratigraphic context. This study provides a detailed description of the most extensive and well-preserved Archean boninite-like rocks reported to date. Within the 2820 to 2740 Ma magmatic suites of the northwest Youanmi Terrane, Yilgarn Craton, boninite-like rocks occur as two distinct units. The first boninite-like unit is thinner (several 10 s of m thick), occurs close to the base of the 2820–2800 Ma Norie Group and includes both volcanic flows and subvolcanic intrusions. The second boninite-like unit is thicker (locally several 100 s m), occurs near the base of the 2800–2740 Ma Polelle Group and consists of mainly fine-grained volcanic flows with local cumulate units. On average, major and trace element compositions for Youanmi Terrane boninite-like rocks are marginal between basalt, picrite and boninite and they have asymmetrically concave REE patterns, and Th–, Zr–Hf enrichments, similar to many Phanerozoic low-Si boninite suites, but at generally higher MREE–HREE contents. We report over 300 new whole-rock geochemical analyses, and 16 new Sm–Nd isotopic analyses, and associated petrographic evidence, including representative mineral compositions, which we support with published geochemical analyses and several decades of fieldwork in our study area. Comparison between Archean boninite-like rocks and Cenozoic boninites shows that most Archean examples had less depleted sources. We consider two possible petrogenetic models for the Youanmi Terrain examples: (1) they reflect variably contaminated komatiites, or (2) they reflect melts of metasomatised refractory mantle, analogous to Phanerozoic boninites. Trace element modelling indicates that crustal contamination could potentially produce rocks with boninite-like compositions, but requires an Al-enriched komatiitic parent liquid, for which there is no field evidence in our study area. Initial εNdT values in pre-2800 Ma rocks (εNdT -0·4 to +1·2) are on average slightly higher than those in 2800–2733 Ma examples (εNdT -3·2 to +1·2), compatible with increasing mantle metasomatism involving recycling of ≥ 2950 Ma crust. Integration of trace element and Nd isotopic data demonstrates that significant direct crustal assimilation was restricted to felsic magmas. The Th–Nb and Ba–Th systematics of mafic-intermediate rocks reflect fluid- and sediment-derived processes in the mantle, with boninite-like examples being linked primarily to fluid metasomatism. We compare the well-preserved igneous textures and mineralogy of Youanmi Terrane boninite-like rocks with those of their Phanerozoic counterparts, and based on studies of the latter, suggest that former had similarly hot, H2O-rich parent magmas. The association of boninite-like rocks in the Norie and Polelle Groups with coeval high-Mg andesites, sanukitoids and hydrous mafic intrusions of the Narndee Igneous Complex strongly suggests a metasomatised mantle source and subduction operating in the Yilgarn between 2820 and 2730 Ma.

Carboniferous-Triassic felsic igneous rocks and typical mineral deposits in the Truong Son orogenic belt, SE Asia: Implications for Paleo-Tethyan tectonic evolution and metallogeny

The Truong Son orogenic belt (TSOB) is part of the eastern Tethyan mineral deposit domain, and preserves a near-complete record of Paleo-Tethyan orogeny-related magmatism and mineralization. By compiling and evaluating the data of plutonic and (sub)volcanic rocks and associated deposits on a regional scale, and combining with new data of typical igneous rocks and mineral deposits, we establish a unified Paleo-Tethyan evolutionary model to help understanding the metallogeny in the TSOB. The geochronological data reveal the felsic magmatism and associated mineralization occurred in Carboniferous–Triassic (ca. 317–202 Ma) with a magmatic lull at ca. 270–263 Ma. Before the lull, most igneous rocks are high-Mg#, sodic, metaluminous I-type granitoids (or volcanic equivalents) with depleted Hf isotopes, which were derived from a juvenile crustal source with significant mantle contribution. After the lull, the igneous rocks (ca. 262–235 Ma) consist of metaluminous I-type granitoids and abundant S-type granitoids with geochemical features of low-Mg#, potassic, peraluminous and enriched Hf isotopes, suggesting their derivation from ancient continental crust without obvious mantle contribution. This magmatic lull corresponds to the tectonic transition from subduction to initial collision, which reasonably accounts for the changing of petrogenetic types and magma sources of the associated igneous rocks in the TSOB. The slightly depleted Hf isotopes of the ca. 234–202 Ma rocks possibly suggest another episode of tectonic transition in Late Triassic. The distinct mineralization styles and S isotopes of ore deposits of each episode indicate that mineralization was related to the tectonic evolution and magmatism in each stage. Here, we propose an evolutionary model for the Paleo-Tethys orogeny in the TSOB, as follows: (1) low-angle subduction beneath the TSOB during Late Carboniferous-Late Permian, favored the formation of juvenile crust-derived adakitic rocks and high-Mg# I-type felsic rocks as well as associated porphyry Cu ± Au, skarn Fe ± Cu ± Au and epithermal Au–Ag mineralization; (2) subsequent collision during Late Permian-Middle Triassic not only accounted for the generation of Precambrian crust-derived I-type granitoids and intrusion-related Au ± Ag deposits, but also resulted in the formation of low-Mg# S-type rocks, minor volcanic rocks and associated porphyry and/or skarn Sn ± Zn ± Pb deposits; (3) possible post-collisional extension during Late Triassic may be favorable for the formation of metaluminous, high-K (±high Mg#) I-type granitoids and volcanic rocks, and Carlin Au, porphyry and/or skarn mineralization.

Geochronology of the southern margin of the Bighorn Batholith, Wyoming

The Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming reveal one of the largest exposures of 2800 Ma to 3000 Ma rocks in Laurentia. The northern part of the crystalline core is composed of the composite Bighorn batholith, whereas the central and southern areas of the range expose older gneiss complexes as well as minor supracrustal rocks. We provide new high-resolution LA-ICPMS U-Pb data on zircons sampled from eleven samples of tonalite, granodiorite, mylonite, and migmatite from the southern margin of the Bighorn batholith in the headwaters of the north fork of Paint Rock Creek. These rocks range from strongly foliated to massive and are difficult to subdivide into mappable units in the field because of their lithologic and structural similarities. Several cross-cutting mylonite zones (&lt;10-meter-wide) that trend ~N70°E-N80E and dip steeply are present in the study area. Three distinct age populations are evident: ~2930-2940 Ma, 2905-2915 Ma, and 2880-2890 Ma. Several samples contain xenocrystic zircons &gt;3000 Ma, ranging to 3500 Ma, which indicates assimilation of older crust. Each of the three age populations reported here are older than the previously reported age of ~2850 Ma age for the northern Bighorn Batholith but within the 2890 Ma, 2940 Ma, and 2950 Ma age groupings previously reported for the southern gneiss terrane. Three conclusions can be drawn from these data. First, the Bighorn batholith, at least along the southern margin, contains phases at least 80 million years older than the northern phase of the body, and emplacement was protracted and occurred over a ~100 Ma period. Second, episodes of both intrusion and shearing took place in this area as the various phases of the Bighorn batholith were emplaced. Finally, the existence of inherited zircons within the Bighorn batholith in the age range of ~3.0 Ga to 3.5 Ga indicates that the Bighorn batholith intruded through older crust. This older crust is perhaps a northern extension of Sacawee block in the northern Granite Mountains of central Wyoming, which may underlie the Bighorn Mountains.

Correlative Microscopy of Diverse Filamentous Microfossils from 850 Ma Rocks

Correlative Microscopy of Diverse Filamentous Microfossils from 850 Ma Rocks

Along-arc variations in isotope and trace element compositions of Paleogene gabbroic rocks in the Gangdese batholith, southern Tibet

Gabbroic rocks in continental arcs constrain the composition of sub-arc mantle and the roles played by mafic magmas in the generation and differentiation of continental crust. Here, we report whole-rock elemental and isotope (Sr and Nd) compositions of ~50 Ma and ~30 Ma gabbroic rocks from the central and eastern Gangdese (CG and EG) batholith, southern Tibet. A key observation is the along-arc isotopic and geochemical variations of ~50 Ma gabbros and dykes: EG rock samples show enriched SrNd isotope compositions, with initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7053–0.7077 and εNd(t) = −4.3 to +1.1 (average −3.0), and have higher abundance of heavy rare-earth elements (HREEs), high field strength elements, and melt-mobile elements compared with CG samples, which yield initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7038–0.7043 and εNd(t) = +3.4 to +6.9. Geochemical evidence suggests that the SrNd isotope differences reflect those in the mantle sources and are not due to crustal interactions, indicating that the sub-Gangdese batholithic mantle exhibited different degrees of enrichment at least ~50 Myr ago.These observations, combined with previous data, suggest that the sub-Gangdese batholithic mantle exhibited along-arc segmentation at 92°E–93°E at 50 Ma. This segmentation occurred probably between 90 and 47 Ma and was a result of the different characteristics and variable additions of the enriching agents into the asthenospheric mantle. CG gabbroic rocks were derived from depleted asthenospheric mantle enriched by variable amounts of aqueous fluids from the Neo-Tethyan slab, whereas EG rocks were generated from asthenospheric mantle enriched by hydrous melts from Indian continental crust. This interpretation implies that Indian continental crust was subducted beneath the southern Lhasa subterrane prior to 47 Ma. Compared with ~50 Ma rocks, EG ~30 Ma dykes exhibit higher melt-mobile element abundance and stronger REE fractionations, and were generated from deeper, melt-enriched mantle, signifying that a lithospheric thickening event occurred between 50 and 30 Ma in the EG batholith.