Magmatic Complex Research Articles

Identification of Eocene-Oligocene magmatic pulses associated with flare-up in east Iran: Timing and sources

The Sangan Magmatic Complex (SMC), at the northeastern edge of the Lut block, includes a thick pile of extrusive and pyroclastic rocks, intruded by younger granitoid stocks. New zircon U–Pb ages show subaerial eruptions at ~42–44Ma, followed by emplacement of granitoids at ~41–40Ma. The granitoids have high K2O (~3.6–5.9wt%), with SiO2 (~63.1 and 71.9wt%) contents. They are metaluminous to peraluminous, calc alkaline and I-type in composition. The SMC magmatic rocks have typical high–K and shoshonitic signatures, and are characterized by enrichment in large–ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depletion in high–field–strength elements (HFSE). Zircon εHf(t) from the SMC magmatic rocks ranges from +0.45 to +3.5 for volcanic rocks, −1.6 to +2.5 for granitoids and −4.1 to −1.4 for ignimbrites. Zircon δ18O values for the SMC are variable from +6.1 to +8.1‰, significantly higher than those of mantle–derived melts. The whole–rock εNd(t) values range between −4.5 to −3.5 for granitoids, −4.6 to −3 for volcanic rocks and −5.3 to +0.7 for ignimbrites. The whole–rock Nd and zircon Hf crustal model ages (TDMC) for the SMC magmatic rocks range between 0.8 and 1.2Ga. All of the SMC magmatic rocks have quite similar trace element patterns, and slightly different whole–rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic composition. High 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb values for the SMC rocks indicate the involvement of the thick continental crust during the formation of these rocks. Modeling of zircon O–Hf, bulk–rock trace elements, and Sr–Nd isotopes suggest the magmas were generated by interaction of mantle–derived melts with thick continental crust through AFC processes. Compiled geochronological and geochemical data from east Iranian magmatic belt and Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt allow identification of Eocene-Oligocene flare-up associated with several magmatic pulses.

Intrusion-Related Gold Deposits: New insights from gravity and hydrothermal integrated 3D modeling applied to the Tighza gold mineralization (Central Morocco)

The Tighza (or Jebel Aouam) district is one of the most important polymetallic districts in Morocco. It belongs to the Variscan Belt of Central Meseta, and includes W-Au, Pb-Zn-Ag, and Sb-Ba mineralization types that are spatially related to late-Carboniferous granitic stocks. One of the proposed hypotheses suggests that these granitic stocks are connected to a large intrusive body lying beneath them and that W-Au mineralization is directly related to this magmatism during a 287-285 Ma time span. A more recent model argues for a disconnection between the older barren outcropping magmatic stocks and a younger hidden magmatic complex responsible for the W-Au mineralization. Independently of the magmatic scenario, the W-Au mineralization is consensually recognized as of intrusion-related gold deposit (IRGD) type, W-rich. In addition to discrepancies between magmatic sceneries, the IRGD model does not account for published older age corresponding to a high-temperature hydrothermal event at ca. 291 Ma. Our study is based on gravity data inversion and hydro-thermal modeling, and aims to test this model of IRGD and its related magmatic geometries, with respect to subsurface geometries, favorable physical conditions for deposition and time record of hydrothermal processes. Combined inversion of geology and gravity data suggests that an intrusive body is rooted mainly at the Tighza fault in the north and that it spreads horizontally toward the south during a trans-tensional event (D2). Based on the numerical results, two types of mineralization can be distinguished: 1) the “Pre-Main” type appears during the emplacement of the magmatic body, and 2) the “Main” type appears during magma crystallization and the cooling phase. The time-lag between the two mineralization types depends on the cooling rate of magma. Although our numerical model of thermally-driven fluid flow around the Tighza pluton is simplified, as it does not take into account the chemical and deformation contributions, it provides evidence for abandoning the time-lag as an argument for invalidating the existence of a genetic link between older mineralizations and/or hydrothermal events spatially related to younger parent plutons.

Magmatic Complexes of the Vetlovaya Marginal Sea Paleobasin (Kamchatka): Composition and Geodynamic Setting

This study presents new geochemical and isotope data on igneous rocks of the Vetlovaya marginal sea paleobasin (part of the Late Mesozoic–Cenozoic margin of the northwestern Pacific). The results show that the rock complexes of this marginal sea basin comprise igneous rocks with geochemical compositions similar to those of normal oceanic tholeiites, enriched transitional tholeiites, and ocean island and back-arc basin basalts. Island-arc tholeiitic basalts are present only rarely. The specific geochemical signatures of these rocks are interpreted as being related to mantle heterogeneity and the geodynamic conditions in the basin.

The origin of lead and sulphur in Tulare ore field, Lece magmatic complex, SE Serbia

Lece magmatic complex in SE Serbia, part of the Serbo-Macedonian Metallogenic Province, is one of the most promising zones for lead, zinc and precious metals for the country. This complex was formed as a result of the post-collisional magmatic activity that lasted from Oligocene to Miocene. This study brings new lead and sulphur isotope data with an aim to constrain the origin of mineralizing fluids and to estimate the temperature of their formation. Galena from the Bakrenjaca locality shows high 207Pb/204Pb values implying that the lead was dominantly derived from the upper continental crustal geochemical reservoir which was probably recycled within the mantle and erupted during Tertiary post-collisional magmatism. Sulfur isotope composition of galena, sphalerite and pyrite show overlapping ?34S values in the range between 0 and 3? indicating a mantle origin of sulphur. Sulfur isotopes were also used to estimate the temperature under which the minerals were deposited forming a complex of veins. The calculated temperature is around 350?C. Since this temperature is too high for epithermal deposits, it is probable that the associated minerals weren?t deposited in isotopic equilibrium and other methods should be conducted for more precise temperature evaluation.

Petrographic Studies of the Vihowa Formation, Sulaiman Range, Pakistan: Implications for Provenance

The Vihowa Formation of late to early Miocene is investigated for mineral composition and petrographic characteristics to understand the provenance, diagenesis and depositional environments. Ten representative sandstone samples were collected from various lithological units for petrographic studies. Petrographic results show that the quartz is a major constituent; while the accessory minerals are chlorite, chamosite, palagonite, sphalerite, staurolite, aragonite, hypersthene, glaucophane, monazite, kyanite, epidote, olivine, rutile, ilmenite, hematite, magnetite, zircon, tourmaline and garnet. The tourmaline and rutile showing an igneous source however, the presence of epidote, staurolite and garnet expresses a metamorphic source for studied sandstones. The sandstone is medium to coarse grained having grains dominantly from the meta-sedimentary rocks whereas minor amount of grains from igneous rocks is also observed. Monocrystalline quartz is present in sands derived either from gneiss or granitic rocks, but polycrystalline quartz are from slate and schist. The inclusion of mica and garnet within quartz is observed which indicates a metamorphic source. On the QFL triangular diagram the sandstone of Vihowa Formation is mainly sub-lithic arenite and partly quartz arenite. The Qm-P-K plots indicate that feldspar and quartz are from granitic rocks along with small amount from metamorphic and volcanic rocks. The provenance of sandstone indicates that sediments were mostly deposited by transitional recycled orogeny and mixed magmatic subduction complex.

Nature of the magma storage system beneath the Damavand volcano (N. Iran): An integrated study

Damavand intraplate stratovolcano constructed upon a moderately thick crust (58–67km) over the last 2Ma. The erupted products are dominantly trachyandesite-trachyte (TT) lavas and pyroclasts, with minor mafic magmas including tephrite-basanite-trachybasalt and alkali olivine basalts emplaced as cinder cones at the base of the stratovolcano. The TT products are characterized by a mineral assemblage of clinopyroxene (diopside-augite), orthopyroxene (clinoenstatite), feldspar (An2–58, Ab6–69, Or2–56), high Ti phlogopite, F-apatite, FeTi oxides, and minor amounts of olivine (Fo73–80), amphibole and zircon, whereas olivine (Fo78–88), high Mg# (80–89) diopside, feldspar, apatite and FeTi oxide occur in the mafic magmas. The presence of hydrous and anhydrous minerals, normal zonings, mafic cumulates, and the composition of magmatic inclusions in the TT products suggest evolutionary processes in polybaric conditions. In the same way, disequilibrium textures - including orthopyroxene mantled with clinopyroxene, reaction rim of phlogopite and amphibole, the coexistence of olivine and orthopyroxene, reverse, oscillatory and complex zonings of pyroxene and feldspar crystals - suggest magmatic evolutions in open systems with a varying temperature, oxygen fugacity, water as well as pressure and, to a lesser extent, melt chemistry. Mineral assemblages are used to model the physicochemical conditions and assess default parameters for the thermodynamic simulation of crystallization using MELTS software to track the P-T-H2O-ƒO2 evolution of the magma plumbing system. Thermobarometry and MELTS models estimated the initial nucleation depth at 16–17kb (56–60km) for olivine (Fo89) and high Al diopside crystals occurring in the mafic primary magma; it then stopped and underwent fractionation between 8 and 10kb (28–35km), corresponding with Moho depth, and continued to differentiate in the lower crust, in agreement with the geophysical models. The mafic rocks were formed by crystal fractionation from the reconstructed primary magma (13wt% MgO) with the minor role of recharge and crustal assimilation. Phenocrysts in TT lavas recorded a wide range of temperature and pressure of crystallization; at least three main levels of magma storage can be recognized according to the statistical analysis of the models, at 6–8kb (22–28km), 4–6kb (15–22km), and 0.6–3kb (2–11km), respectively. The temperature of crystallization ranged from 1430 to 1180°C for primary mafic magma to alkali olivine basalts and 1180–800°C for TT suite. According to the current geophysical models, the present structure of the magma storage system in the crust beneath the Damavand volcano consists of three major accumulation zones located at 20km, 6–8km and 3–4.5km depth. Our data enlarge this scenario, suggesting a more complex magma storage system strongly controlled by the transpressional tectonic regime. Multi-depth magma reservoirs may account for the local thickening of crust below the volcano. The polybaric fractionation model, using the MELTS algorithm, reproduces mineralogy and chemical variations of minerals and whole rock of the Damavand TT lavas. However, some discrepancies between major elements of models and trends of data can be ascribed to the recharge of more mafic magma, minor crustal assimilation, disaggregation of crystal-rich mushes and uptake of magmatic inclusions, as well as crystals from different crustal levels. The polybaric differentiation as the fractionation and/or accumulation of crystals was the probable mechanism for explaining the scarcity of mafic volcanic rocks at the Damavand volcano.

Age and geological position of the Okunyovo rare-metal ore magmatic complex (Western Sayan Mountains)

Geological, geochemical, and geochronological studies of rocks have been performed at the Okunyovo rare-metal ore magmatic complex (Western Sayan Mountains) composed of alkali granites and related F–Be mineralization. The geological data obtained and the features of the geochemical similarity of granite and ore mineralization identified are indicative of their genetic relation. Riebeckite from two granite samples has been subjected to 40Ar/39Ar analyses. The estimated age values of 481.5 ± 2.7 Ma and 486.5 ± 5.8 Ma are consistent within the limits of error and determine the age of Okunyovo alkali granite within 481–486 Ma ago. These data have made it possible to relate the studied rock and ore formation to the development of the Early Paleozoic ASFR controlled by the mantle plume. Along with the Okunyovo rare-metal granite massif, within the Sayan Region of the magmatic province, there are a number of Early Paleozoic alkali massifs related to the Aryskan, Raduga, and Kazyr rare-metal deposits. They are located in the conjugation area of the Western and Eastern Sayan ridges, in the Early Paleozoic Eastern Sayan rare-metal magmatism zone specialized in Be, W, Mo, Zr, Nb, and REEs.

Petrogenesis of Rabor-Lalehzar magmatic rocks (SE Iran): Constraints from whole rock chemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes

The Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA) of Central Iran has been formed during Neotethyan Ocean subduction underneath Eurasia. The Rabor-Lalehzar magmatic complex (RLMC), covers an area ∼1000 km2 in the Kerman magmatic belt (KMB), SE of UDMA. RLMC magmatic rocks include both granitoids and volcanic rocks with calc-alkaline and adakitic signatures but with different ages.Miocene adakitic rocks are characterd by relatively enrichmented in incompatible elements, high (Sr/Y)(N) (>40), and (La/Yb)(N) (>10) ratios with slightly negative Eu anomalies (EuN/Eu*≈ 0.9), depletion in HFSEs, and relatively non-radiogenic Sr isotope signatures (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7048–0.7049). In contrast, the Oligocene granitoids exhibit low Sr/Y (<20) and La/Yb (<9) ratios, negative Eu anomalies (EuN/Eu* ≈ 0.5), and enrichment in HFSEs and radiogenic Sr isotope signatures (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7050–0.7052), showing affinity to the island arc rocks. Eocene volcanic rocks which crusscut the younger granitoid rocks comprise andesites and dacites. Geochemically, lavas show calc-alkaline character without any Eu anomaly (EuN/Eu* ≈ 1.0). Based on the geochemical and isotopic data we propose that melt source for both calc-alkaline and adakitic rocks from the RLMC can be related to the melting of a sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Basaltic melts derived from a metasomatized mantle wedge might be emplaced at the mantle-crust boundary and formed the juvenile mafic lower crust. However, some melts fractionated in the shallow magma chambers and continued to rise forming the volcanic intermediate-mafic rocks at the surface. On the other hand, the assimilation and fractional crystallization in the shallow magma chambers of may have been responsible for the development of Oligocene granitoids with calc-alkaline affinity. In the mid-Late Miocene, following the collision between Afro-Arabia and Iranian block the juvenile mafic crust of UDMA underwent thickening and metamorphosed into garnet-amphibolites. Subsequent upwelling of a hot asthenosphere during Miocene was responsible for partial melting of thickened juvenile crust of the SE UDMA (RLM complex). The adakitic melts ascended to the shallow crust to form the adakitic rocks in the KMB.

Mesozoic to Cenozoic magmatic history of the Pamir

New geochronologic, geochemical, and isotopic data for Mesozoic to Cenozoic igneous rocks and detrital minerals from the Pamir Mountains help to distinguish major regional magmatic episodes and constrain the tectonic evolution of the Pamir orogenic system. After final accretion of the Central and South Pamir terranes during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, the Pamir was largely amagmatic until the emplacement of the intermediate (SiO2>60 wt.%), calc-alkaline, and isotopically evolved (−13 to −5 zircon εHf(t)) South Pamir batholith between 120–100 Ma, which is the most volumetrically significant magmatic complex in the Pamir and includes a high flux magmatic event at ∼105 Ma. The South Pamir batholith is interpreted as the northern (inboard) equivalent of the Cretaceous Karakoram batholith and the along-strike equivalent of an Early Cretaceous magmatic belt in the northern Lhasa terrane in Tibet. The northern Lhasa terrane is characterized by a similar high-flux event at ∼110 Ma. Migration of continental arc magmatism into the South Pamir terrane during the mid-Cretaceous is interpreted to reflect northward directed, low-angle to flat-slab subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere. Late Cretaceous magmatism (80–70 Ma) in the Pamir is scarce, but concentrated in the Central and northern South Pamir terranes where it is comparatively more mafic (SiO2<60 wt.%), alkaline, and isotopically juvenile (−2 to +2 zircon εHf(t)) than the South Pamir batholith. Late Cretaceous magmatism in the Pamir is interpreted here to be the result of extension associated with roll-back of the Neotethyan oceanic slab, which is consistent with similarly aged extension-related magmatism in the Karakoram terrane and Kohistan.There is an additional pulse of magmatism in the Pamir at 42–36 Ma that is geographically restricted (∼150 km diameter ellipsoidal area) and referred to as the Vanj magmatic complex. The Vanj complex comprises metaluminous, high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic monzonite, syenite, and granite that is adakitic (La/YbN = 13 to 57) with low Mg# (35–41). The Vanj complex displays a range of SiO2 (54–75 wt.%) and isotopic compositions (−7 to −3 εNd(i), 0.706 to 0.710 87Sr/86Sr(i), −3 to +1 zircon εHf(i), 6.0 to 7.6‰ zircon δ18OVSMOW), which reflects some juvenile mantle input and subsequent assimilation or mixing with the Central/South Pamir terrane lower crust. The Vanj complex is speculatively interpreted to be the consequence of a mantle drip or small delamination event that was induced by India–Asia collision. The age, geochemistry, outcrop pattern, and tectonic position of the Vanj magmatic complex suggest that it is part of a series of magmatic complexes that extend for >2500 km across the Pamir and northern Qiangtang terrane in Tibet. All of these complexes are located directly south of the Tanymas–Jinsha suture zone, an important lithospheric and rheological boundary that focused mantle lithosphere deformation after India–Asia collision. Miocene magmatism (20–10 Ma) in the Pamir includes: 1) isotopically evolved migmatite and leucogranite related to crustal anataxis and decompression melting within extensional gneiss domes, and; 2) localized intra-continental magmatism in the Dunkeldik/Taxkorgan complex.

Cambrian–Ordovician magmatism of the Ikh-Mongol Arc System exemplified by the Khantaishir Magmatic Complex (Lake Zone, south–central Mongolia)

The Khantaishir Magmatic Complex (KMC) (south–central Mongolia) exposes a section of a magmatic system consisting of deep crustal, ultramafic cumulates (coarse-grained Amp gabbros and hornblendites; c. 0.35–0.5GPa) to shallower crustal levels dominated by Amp–Bt tonalites (c. 0.1–0.2GPa). The magmatic rocks were emplaced during most of the Cambrian (c. 538–495Ma) and are mostly geochemically primitive (Mg#~50), Na-rich and metaluminous. The (normal-) calc-alkaline signature and characteristic trace-element enrichment in hydrous-fluid mobile large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) relative to high-field strength elements (HFSE) suggest an origin within a magmatic arc. Multiple intrusions of basic magma derived from a subduction-modified depleted mantle developed by fractional crystallization and/or accumulation of (Ol, Cpx) Amp+Bt, later joined by Pl. Magma mixing with, or without, exchange of xenocrysts between compositionally dissimilar melt batches was also important. Over time, partial melting of older, lower crustal metabasic rocks became increasingly significant, again with a strong subduction signature. The lack of zircon inheritance in the magmatic products and rather high zircon εHft values (all >+3, but for most samples>+8) as well as whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopic compositions imply that the arc was not founded on mature continental crust. It was probably located at the margin of the Baydrag microcontinent, dominated by accreted metabasic rocks of an older (early Tonian?) island arc covered by a thin layer of subordinate metasediments containing detrital zircons with Tonian and ill-defined Palaeoproterozoic ages. The KMC represents a small vestige of an extensive Cambrian–Ordovician subduction system (termed here the Ikh-Mongol Arc System), bordering the western margin of a chain of Precambrian microcontinents (Tuva-Mongolia, Zabkhan and Baydrag) that, together with accreted Neoproterozoic marginal basins (the Lake Zone), defines the external part of the Mongolian orocline.

Petrogenesis of the Large-volume Cardones Ignimbrite, Chile; Development and Destabilization of a Complex Magma–Mush System

Petrogenesis of the Large-volume Cardones Ignimbrite, Chile; Development and Destabilization of a Complex Magma–Mush System

Experimental and petrological constraints on long-term magma dynamics and post-climactic eruptions at the Cerro Galán caldera system, NW Argentina

Cerro Galán in NW Argentina records >3.5Myr of magmatic evolution of a major resurgent caldera complex. Beginning at 5.72Ma, nine rhyodacitic ignimbrites (68–71wt% SiO2) with a combined minimum volume of >1200km3 (Dense Rock Equivalent; DRE) have been erupted. The youngest of those ignimbrites is the eponymous, geochemically homogenous, caldera-forming 2.08±0.02Ma Cerro Galán Ignimbrite (CGI; >630km3 DRE). Following this climactic supereruption, structural and magmatic resurgence led to the formation of a resurgent dome and post-climactic lava domes and their associated pyroclastic deposits. A clear transition from amphibole to sanidine-bearing magmas occurred during the evolution of Cerro Galán and is inferred to represent a shallowing of the magma system. We test this hypothesis here using experimental phase equilibria.We conducted a series of phase equilibria experiments on the post-climactic dome lithologies under H2O-saturated conditions using cold seal Waspaloy pressure vessels with an intrinsic log fO2 of NNO+1±0.5 across a temperature-pressure range of 750–900°C and 50–200MPa (PH2O=Ptotal), respectively. Petrologic and geochemical analysis of the post-climactic lithologies shows that the natural phase assemblage (plagioclase+quartz+biotite+sanidine+Fe-Ti oxides±apatite±zircon) is stable at <50MPa (PH2O) and 805–815°C. Applying experimental results to the CGI pumice, which has the same phenocryst phase assemblage and modal abundance, whole rock and phenocryst chemistry, and overlapping temperature and fO2 as the post-climactic deposits, suggests that these pre-eruptive conditions (PH2O<50MPa) are relevant for the magmas that sourced the climactic CGI supereruption as well.Amphibole in the early Cerro Galán ignimbrites (Toconquis Group; 5.72–4.51Ma, and the Cueva Negra Ignimbrite, 3.77±0.08Ma) records crystallization across a range of pressures (500 to 200±60MPa). In the interval between the eruption of the Cueva Negra ignimbrite and the CGI (2.08±0.02Ma) the complex magma system shallowed and stalled at low pressures (<100MPa), resulting in a more simple magma reservoir configuration represented by a large-volume, geochemically homogenous magma body. The shallowing of the Cerro Galán magma system during this time explains the marked transition from amphibole to sanidine-bearing magmas and seems to characterize many large silicic caldera-forming magma systems that erupt over million year timescales to generate long-lived volcanic complexes.The post-climactic history of Cerro Galán is informed through a detailed investigation of the textural differences among the post-climactic dome lithologies, and a comparison of those textures with previously published decompression experiments. These suggest that the highly vesiculated, pumiceous clasts with rare microlites represent magma stored within the core of the lava dome that decompressed relatively rapidly (0.003–0.0003MPas−1) and evolved via closed system degassing. Resulting over-pressure of the dome may have triggered superficial explosion. In contrast, dense clasts with abundant crystalline silica precipitates represent more typical dome-forming magmas that decompressed more slowly (<0.00005MPas−1), evolved via open system degassing, and form the outer carapace of a lava dome. Integrating decompression histories with results from new phase equilibria experiments suggests that during post-climactic volcanic activity at Cerro Galán, remnant CGI dome-forming magmas ascended from the shallow magma reservoir (<4km) to motivate resurgent uplift and erupt as lava domes either explosively as vesiculated clasts or effusively as dense clasts that make up the outer structure of lava domes.

Uranium metallogenesis of the peraluminous leucogranite from the Pontivy-Rostrenen magmatic complex (French Armorican Variscan belt): the result of long-term oxidized hydrothermal alteration during strike-slip deformation

In the French Armorican Variscan belt, most of the economically significant hydrothermal U deposits are spatially associated with peraluminous leucogranites emplaced along the south Armorican shear zone (SASZ), a dextral lithospheric scale wrench fault that recorded ductile deformation from ca. 315 to 300 Ma. In the Pontivy-Rostrenen complex, a composite intrusion, the U mineralization is spatially associated with brittle structures related to deformation along the SASZ. In contrast to monzogranite and quartz monzodiorite (3 3), the leucogranite samples are characterized by highly variable U contents (~ 3 to 27 ppm) and Th/U ratios (~ 0.1 to 5) suggesting that the crystallization of magmatic uranium oxide in the more evolved facies was followed by uranium oxide leaching during hydrothermal alteration and/or surface weathering. U-Pb dating of uranium oxides from the deposits reveals that they mostly formed between ca. 300 and 270 Ma. In monzogranite and quartz monzodiorite, apatite grains display magmatic textures and provide U-Pb ages of ca. 315 Ma reflecting the time of emplacement of the intrusions. In contrast, apatite grains from the leucogranite display textural, geochemical, and geochronological evidences for interaction with U-rich oxidized hydrothermal fluids contemporaneously with U mineralizing events. From 300 to 270 Ma, infiltration of surface-derived oxidized fluids leached magmatic uranium oxide from fertile leucogranite and formed U deposits. This phenomenon was sustained by brittle deformation and by the persistence of thermal anomalies associated with U-rich granitic bodies.

A reworked Lake Zone margin: Chronological and geochemical constraints from the Ordovician arc-related basement of the Hovd Zone (western Mongolia)

The primary relationships and character of the boundaries between principal lithotectonic domains in the Mongolian tract of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) are still poorly constrained. This brings much uncertainty in understanding of the orogeny configuration and the complete accretionary history. The plutonic Khuurai Tsenkher Gol Complex and the mainly metasedimentary Bij Group represent associated medium- to high-grade basement complexes exposed in the Hovd Zone close to its boundary with the Lake Zone in western Mongolia. The Khuurai Tsenkher Gol Complex is composed of variously deformed acid to basic magmatic rocks intimately associated with the metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Bij Group.Results of our field work, new U–Pb zircon ages and whole-rock geochemical data suggest an existence of two separate magmatic events within the evolution of the Khuurai Tsenkher Gol Complex. Early to Mid-Ordovician (476±5Ma and 467±4Ma protoliths) normal- to high-K calc-alkaline orthogneisses, metadiorites and metagabbros predominate over Mid-Silurian (430±3Ma) tholeiitic–mildly alkaline quartz monzodiorites. Whereas the geochemical signature of the former suite unequivocally demonstrates its magmatic-arc origin, that of the latter quartz monzodiorite suggests an intra-plate setting. As shown by Sr–Nd isotopic data, the older arc-related magmas were derived from depleted mantle and/or were generated by partial melting of juvenile metabasic crust. Detrital zircon age populations of the metasedimentary rocks together with geochemical signatures of the associated amphibolites imply that the Bij Group was a volcano-sedimentary sequence, formed probably in the associated fore-arc wedge basin. Moreover, our data argue for an identical provenance of the Altai and Hovd domains, overall westward sediment transport during the Early Palaeozoic and the east-dipping subduction polarity. The obvious similarities of the Khuurai Tsenkher Gol Complex (Hovd Zone) with the neighbouring Togtokhinshil Complex (Lake Zone) suggest that both magmatic complexes originally belonged to the same magmatic arc, related to the Palaeo-Asian subduction system. The geodynamic cause of the later, within-plate magmatic pulse is unclear, but was probably still related to the effects of retreating subduction (slab window/ocean ridge subduction or back-arc lithosphere thinning). The Khuurai Tsenkher Gol Complex was subsequently separated from the western margin of the Lake Zone and imbricated into the Hovd Zone mélange. It is proposed that the Lake/Hovd zones boundary in the study area represents a younger deformation zone rather than a true terrane boundary/suture. This could be a general feature of the suture zones within this part of the CAOB.

Typomorphism and bedrock sources of placer-forming minerals of the Umyt’ya rare metal–titanium placer (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District)

The paper reports the results of study of the main placer-forming minerals (ilmenite and zircon) from the Umyt’ya coastal–marine placer in the western part of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Yugra. Microprobe study of 1450 zircon grains taken from the upper and lower ore bodies of the Umyt’ya placer (29 samples) and their comparison with zircon in magmatic rocks from the adjacent folded framing of the North and Nether-Polar Urals (40 analyses) allowed us to recognize five geochemical types of the mineral: Aurbakh (prevailing in the Umyt’ya placer), Severorudnichnyi, Tagil-Kytlym, Shemur, and unknown source. Crystallomorphological characteristics of the identified geochemical types of zircon are given. According to the microprobe data (300 analyses), ilmenite is subdivided into six groups. Comparison of these groups with the composition of ilmenite from magmatic complexes of the North and Nether-Polar Urals showed that they correspond to the same complexes as zircon. Based on peculiarities of the geological structure of the eastern slope of the North and Nether-Polar Urals, four separate areas were identified, each comprising spatially close magmatic complexes regarded as possible sources for ore minerals of the placers: Shchekur’ya–Khorasyur, Yalpigner–Chistop, Vizhai–Ivdel, and Denezhkin Kamen. Based on additional criteria, the Yalpigner–Chistop area was the main source for the Umyt’ya placer.

Neoproterozoic magmatic complexes of the Songino block (Mongolia): A problem of formation and correlation of Precambrian terranes in the Central-Asian Orogenic Belt

An important role of the early Neoproterozoic juvenile crustal growth in the formation of the Khangai group of Precambrian terranes in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt was demonstrated by the example of the Holbo Nur Zone of the Songin Block. Magmatic complexes of this zone correspond to different settings of the Early Neoproterozoic ocean: oceanic islands, mid-ocean ridges, intraoceanic island arcs, and turbidite basins. Obtained data on volcanic rocks and associated granitoids constrain a timing of the island-arc magmatic complexes, at least within the interval of 888–859 Ma. The comparison of structures of the Songino and Tarbagatai blocks of the Khangai group of terranes showed that they share many common features in their geology and evolution and may be united into the single Songino–Tarbagatai terrane. This terrane was formed owing to the Early Neoproterozoic (~800 Ma) accretion of the ocean island, spreading, island-arc, and turbidite complexes of the oceanic plate to a stable continental massif represented by the Early Neoproterozoic Ider Complex of the Tarbagatai Block. The involvement of the Dzabkhan terrane into a Khangai collage of terranes is constrained between the formation of the volcanic rocks of the Dzabkhan Formation (~770–755 Ma), which are unknown in the Songino–Tarbagatai terrane, and the Tsagaan-Olom carbonate cover (~630 Ma), overlying both the Dzabkhan and Songino–Tarbagatai terranes. It was proposed that the formation of the Precambrian terranes of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt began from the Early Neoproterozoic accretion to the Rodinia supercontinent. The fragmentation of the latter above a mantle superplume at the end of the Early Neoproterozoic spanned also the newly formed fold area. This led to the formation of terranes, which included both fragments of the Paleoproterozoic craton and Early Neoproterozoic structures. Subsequent amalgamation of these Precambrian crustal fragments into composite terranes possibly occurred at the end of the early Baikalian tectonic phase.

Late Paleozoic anorogenic magmatism in Southern Mongolia: Evolutionary stages and structural control

Geochronological studies of anorogenic magmatic complexes in the South Mongolian Hercinide have been carried out. Series of the massifs composed of alkaline and subalkaline granitoids with some monzonite formed during the interval of 318–316 Ma have been found. Taking into account previously obtained data, two groups of Late Paleozoic A-type granitoids different in age have been identified in the region: Late Carboniferous and Early Permian. These two occupy different structural positions. The location the early magmatic massifs is controlled by the extended Trans–Altai fault zone of northwest strike: the massifs cluster in areas of the fault intersection with boundaries of structural blocks formed by the pull-apart mechanism. The later Early Permian igneous complexes are associated with the Gobi–Tienshan rift zone of sublatitudinal strike.

Petrology and mineralogy of ophiolites in pull-apart structures of the Cayman Trough

New geological, mineralogical, and geochemical data on rocks dredged in the local spreading zone of the Cayman Trough (Caribbean Sea) make it possible to use this ophiolite complex as a reference one for pull-apart structures. The ophiolites form fault-bounded narrow elongated zones. Separate magmatic complexes within these zones can be of different ages, which decrease along the strike from the flanks to the central parts. The base of the ophiolite complex is mostly composed of lherzolites, while the gabbroid complex demonstrates clear magmatic layering formed through crystallization differentiation. At the same time, the crystalline and igneous rocks define a single geochemical series, which is characterized by the accumulation of lithophile and light rare-earth elements in more differentiated varieties. The REE distribution patterns are strongly correlated with the mineral composition of the rocks. The geochemical characteristics of the ophiolites indicate their affiliation to the plume type.

Origin and Evolution of Silicic Magmas in Oceanic Arcs; an in situ Study from St Lucia, Lesser Antilles

Processes linked with the genesis, evolution and emplacement of silicic complexes in arcs are still poorly constrained. Of particular interest are the depth of magma production, the relative contribution of crystal fractionation versus crustal partial melting and the timescales involved. The Soufriere Volcanic Complex (SVC) on St Lucia is one of the largest silicic centres in the Lesser Antilles arc. Here we present the results of a detailed mineralogical study, including in situ Sr isotopes in plagioclase and in situ δ18O in dated zircons, of both SVC and Pre-SVC volcanic rocks to place constraints on the processes intrinsic to the development and evolution of the silicic complex. These data suggest that the production of silicic magma in the SVC occurs in two stages. The first stage involves differentiation of mafic magma by crustal assimilation and mineral fractionation in the middle–lower crust of the arc to produce magmas with intermediate compositions. These intermediate magmas are water-rich (∼7 wt %) and have high 87Sr/86Sr, Ba, Sr and La/Sm (∼5) compared with Pre-SVC lavas. Near-constant trace element and isotopic compositions throughout the SVC lifespan indicate that the same process was persistent over the last 600 kyr. In the second stage, the intermediate magmas are transferred to a shallower and more differentiated chamber (∼6 km depth). During ascent, any crystals or xenocrysts residual from stage one in the deeper chamber become fully resorbed and the magma crystallizes calcic amphibole microphenocrysts, followed by anorthite-rich plagioclase close to or at the water saturation depth. During mixing upon recharge within the shallow chamber, anorthite-rich plagioclase from the recharging magma is partially resorbed; so are the crystals in equilibrium with the resident differentiated magma. The recharge event probably causes chamber-wide convection. Mixing is thought to trigger eruption of the silicic complex magmas.

Geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic characteristics of Upper Cretaceous (calc-alkaline) and Miocene (alkaline) volcanic rocks: Elazığ, Eastern Taurides, Turkey

The massive volcanic suite of Upper Cretaceous Elazığ Magmatic Complex, and Miocene basic volcanic rocks of crop out to the southern vicinity of Elazığ. The petrographical studies indicated that the massive volcanic suite of Upper Cretaceous are of basalt, spilitic basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite, trachite, dacite/ryolithe and dolerite in composition, and the Miocene volcanic rocks are basalt in composition. According to the geochemical data, which are conformable with the petrographical ones, Upper Cretaceous volcanic rocks are of low and medium-K contaning types and calc-alkalin in general, and enriched with respect to LILE and HREE contents. They also contain low Ti, have negative Nb and Ta anomaly and low 143Nd/147Nd and high 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Geochemical and isotopic data for the massive volcanic suite point out that these volcanic rocks were originated from an upper mantle source (lithospheric) which undergone fractional crystallisation and crustal contamination and enriched by these processes and metasomatized within a subduction zone. Miocene volcanic rocks are of high-K alkaline type, alkali basalt/basanite in composition and products of intraplate volcanism. These rocks are richer in some major oxide contents such as Na2O, K2O, MgO and trace element contents such as Nb, Sr, Zr compared to the massive volcanic rocks of Upper Cretaceous, and they are also enriched with respect to their LILE and HREE contents. The remarkable decrease from LREE towards HREE in the REE/Chondrite-normalized variation diagram indicates a magmatic differentiation process. The MgO and Ni ratios of Miocene volcanic rocks are not conformable with those of primitive basalt composition. However, all the chemical and isotopic (low 87Sr/86Sr ratio and positive (+) εNd values) data indicate that the source magma of these volcanic rocks was derived from a depleted garnet free magma (astenospheric mantle) and was modified once again by the post collosional geodynamical events and show interplate Zr and Th enrichment.