Mantle-derived Basaltic Magma Research Articles

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Evolution of Huashigou Granitoids in the South Qilian Orogen, NW China: Constraints from Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf–O Isotopes

The origin of granitic rocks from the South Qilian orogenic belt is of great significance for understanding the continental tectonic framework of Western China. Currently, scholars have different opinions on the tectonic evolution of the South Qilian. Huashigou granite, which exhibits multiple intrusive episodes, is a suitable example for studying the tectonic evolution of the South Qilian. New zircon U–Pb ages and the whole-rock elemental and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions of Huashigou granitic rocks are presented here to investigate their petrogenesis and discuss the tectonic implications for the evolution of the South Qilian orogenic belt. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded crystallization ages of 368.7 ± 3.5 Ma, 261.5 ± 0.63 Ma, and 262.2 ± 1.4 Ma for granodiorites from the Hua1 pluton, quartz diorites from the Hua2 pluton, and porphyritic tonalites from the Hua4 pluton, respectively. Late Devonian granodiorites from the Hua1 pluton belonged to the metaluminous calc-alkaline series and were characterized by an enrichment in LREEs, a depletion in HREEs, negative Eu anomalies, and Sr/Y ratios of 9.17 to 11.67. They showed (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.712356 to 0.71195, εNd(t) values of −6.56 to −6.14, and an εHf(t) value of −2.06. Middle Permian granitic rocks mainly consisted of quartz diorites and porphyritic tonalites, which are part of the metaluminous tholeiitic series and weakly peraluminous tholeiitic series, respectively. Quartz diorites from the Hua2 pluton were characterized by an enrichment in LREEs, depletions in HREEs and HESEs, weak negative Eu anomalies, and Sr/Y ratios of 13.25 to 14.79. They showed (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.705905 to 0.705971, εNd(t) values of +0.78 to +0.82, and a δ18OV-SMOW value of 12.4‰. Porphyritic tonalites of the Hua4 pluton were characterized by an enrichment in LREEs, depletions in HREEs and HESEs, weak negative Eu anomalies, and Sr/Y ratios of 9.22 to 12.74. They showed (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.719528, εNd(t) values of −8.57, and a δ18OV-SMOW value of 11.8‰. We can conclude that Late Devonian granodiorites were derived from the partial melting of enriched and shallow-depth crustal materials, whereas Middle Permian granitic rocks were formed by the delamination of a thickened lower crust after the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, which caused the underplating of mantle-derived basaltic magma, inducing the partial melting of the lower crust at different depths. Our results show that there were at least two important stages of compressional and extensional tectonic switches in the South Qilian orogenic belt during the Late Paleozoic Era, and the evolution of Altyn Tagh–Qilian–North Qaidam had evident stages.

A Tentative Model for the Origin of A-Type Granitoids

A-type granites are typically formed in stable intra-plate, back-arc or postcollisional settings and are characterized by highly ferroan and potassic major element compositions, and by strong enrichment in incompatible trace elements. Unlike I-, S- and M-type granites, where the letters denote the dominant source material (igneous, sedimentary or mantle derived), there is no consensus on the source and processes giving rise to A-type magmas. In this contribution, a conceptual model for the origin of A-type granitoids, using the Bornholm A-type granitoid complex in southern Fennoscandia as an example, is presented. In this model, underplated mantle-derived basaltic magma may develop into intermediate and siliceous A-type magma, which is ferroan, potassic and highly enriched in incompatible trace elements, through a combination of fractional crystallization leading to cumulate formation, and partial melting and crustal assimilation, in a process akin to zone refining in metallurgy. The key factor is a relatively stable tectonic environment (postcollisional, anorogenic, or extensional), where there is little or no replenishment of more primitive basaltic magma to the system, allowing it to attain more evolved, enriched and extreme compositions. The A-type granitoids may then be viewed as a more evolved counterpart of subduction-related I-type granitoids.

Petrogenesis of the quartz diorite from the Lietinggang-Leqingla Pb-Zn-Fe-Cu-(Mo) deposit in southern Tibet: Implications for the genesis of a skarn-type polymetallic deposit in the Tibetan-Himalayan collisional orogen

The Lietinggang-Leqingla deposit is a representative skarn-type polymetallic deposit in the eastern of the central Lhasa subterrane. It comprises Pb-Zn and Fe-Cu-(Mo) mineralization that are part of the same metallogenic system. Garnet-skarn hosting Fe-Cu-(Mo) mineralization distributed in the contact zone between the Jubuzhari complex intrusions and carbonate strata of the Mengla Formation. The Pb-Zn mineralization is hosted in distal garnet-pyroxene and pyroxene-actinolite skarns, which formed in the strata of Mengla Formation. Here, we investigate quartz diorites (61.06 ± 0.93 Ma) that are related to Fe-Cu mineralization in the northern part of the mining area. The quartz diorites are characterized by low SiO2 (61.57–65.88 wt%), low K2O (2.53–3.07 wt%), and high total alkali (Na2O + K2O) contents (5.69–6.35 wt%). They are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, but depleted in high field strength elements and heavy rare earth elements. The quartz diorites yield variably low (La/Yb)N ratios (4.29–7.07, the average value is 6.36) with moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.49–0.72). Furthermore, they exhibit a narrow range in (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.706355–0.706807) and weakly negative εNd (t) (−2.08 to −1.57), and positive εHf (t) (+0.14 to +3.46) values. Based on the geochemical characteristics presented in this study and previously published data, we propose that the ore-forming rocks related to Fe-Cu and Pb-Zn mineralization were formed at the same time. The intermediate intrusions associated with Fe-Cu mineralization were derived from partial melting of lithospheric mantle mixed with the rejuvenated lower crustal melts, after which the mixed magma underwent minor fractional crystallization during upwelling. The felsic intrusions associated with Pb-Zn mineralization were formed by melting of mantle-derived basaltic magmas with old lower crust component contributions and which underwent extensive fractional crystallization.

Time scales of open-system processes in a complex and heterogeneous mush-dominated plumbing system

Abstract The architecture of a mush-dominated plumbing system in active volcanic areas conditions the magma pathways feeding eruptions. Open-system processes along these pathways and the associated time scales are directly related to monitoring data and eruptive behavior. Despite crystal mush–dominated systems being common in active volcanoes, previous studies have not focused on the integration of data from the mush sectors feeding different eruptions, supplying a partial view of the pre-eruptive magmatic processes and hindering the interpretation of the monitoring signals during unrest periods. We focus on the Marsili seamount (Tyrrhenian Sea), where the mineral data document processes within a magmatic system vertically extended throughout the local oceanic crust and made of a mush framework spotted with eruptible melt- and crystal-rich pockets. We undertook a study of Marsili olivine crystals that constrains the time scales of three pre-eruptive scenarios, dominated by open-system processes: (1) disaggregation of the deep Marsili volcano mush zone that occurred over a time scale of years prior to the eruption; (2) rapid ascent (days) of mantle-derived basaltic magma that, in some cases, intercepts shallow plagioclase-rich pockets; and (3) multiple mixing events between melt- and crystal-rich mush zones occurring approximately 1–2 mo and 0.5–3 yr before the eruption. Our results highlight the importance of contemporaneously studying eruptions in different locations on a volcano edifice for a better comprehension on how mush-dominated plumbing systems work as a whole and how this must be considered during the interpretation of monitoring data.

Tin enrichment in a highly fractionated A-type granite: Origin and mineralization potential of the Dayishan granite batholith in the Shi–Hang magmatic zone, South China

A-type granite intrusions in the southern Shi–Hang magmatic zone, South China, contain several world-class W–Sn deposits. The Dayishan granite batholith is located in the north of the southern Shi–Hang magmatic zone, and contains potential Sn mineralization. The batholith contains three intrusive phases, which are the Guankou, Tangshipu, and Nibantian phases. The Guankou phase consists mainly of biotite–K-feldspar granite (G1). The Tangshipu phase consists of three secondary units, which are coarse-grained biotite monzogranite (G2) that cut monzogranite (G3) and fine-grained two-mica monzogranite (G4). The Nibantian phase consists of coarse-grained two-mica monzogranite (G5). Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the G1 to G4 granites were emplaced at ca. 160 Ma and the G5 granites formed at ca. 144 Ma. All the granites are silica-rich (SiO2 = 69.24–77.02 wt%) A2 sub-type granites, among which G1 granites are metaluminous and G2 to G5 granites are peraluminous. High εNd(t) (−6.9 to − 5.2) and zircon εHf(t) (−6.2 to − 1.9) values suggest that the parental magma was probably derived by partial melting of lower crust, which was induced by input of mantle-derived basaltic magmas. Oxygen fugacity determinations show that the G2 to G5 granitic magmas were reduced, but the G1 granitic magmas were relatively oxidized.From the G1 to G4 granites, Ba, Th, Nd, Zr, Hf, and rare earth element contents decrease, while Rb and Ta contents increase, indicative of extensive fractional crystallization of K-feldspar, plagioclase, and accessory minerals. This suggests that the G1 granites represent the least fractionated magmas, while the G2 to G4 granites are the highly fractionated products of the G1 granitic magma, with the G4 granites being the most fractionated. The G5 granites were formed during a later magmatic activity, though they show similar geochemical features with the G2 and G3 granites.Due to this continuous fractionation process, Sn was efficiently and progressively enriched in the G2 to G4 granites, as indicated by the good correlations between Sn contents and TiO2 contents, Eu/Eu*, Rb/Sr, Rb/Ba, K/Rb, Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, and Y/Ho ratios, and TE1,3 values. Furthermore, the G2 to G4 granites crystallized at the magmatic–hydrothermal transition. These data indicate that the G2 to G4 granites underwent Sn mineralization, but the G4 granites are the best target for exploration. The G5 granites might also have Sn mineralization potential considering the similar geochemical features with G2 and G3 granites. Given the reduced nature of the magmas, the potential economic mineralization types are greisen and skarn.

Variation of crustal thickness in central west Junggar orogenic belt: insight into its Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution

ABSTRACT The variation of crustal thickness of an orogenic belt through time will provide critical insights into the switch of tectonic setting. The geochemistry of subduction and collision-related magmatism is indicative of the crustal thickness. Late Palaeozoic magmatic products are prevalent in central west Junggar orogenic belt (C-WJOB), and can be employed to determine the temporal changes in crustal thickness as well as the tectonic evolution. Here, we constrain the crustal thickness and discuss the tectonic evolution of C-WJOB through by integrating Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of the Late Palaeozoic igneous rocks. Our results show that the crust of C-WJOB was much thinner (20–25 km) than normal continental crust (average at 33 km) in the Early Carboniferous, and began to thicken from 350 Ma to 330 Ma at a slow rate. Crustal thickening was caused by the addition of subduction-related magma sourced from depleted-mantle but with contributions of subducted sediments. The crust started to thicken significantly at ~330 Ma and reached to a maximum thickness of ~40 km between 322 Ma and 310 Ma. The timing of maximum thickness corresponded with the emplacement of calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline I-type dioritic magmas as well as adakitic magma. These magmas were generated by melting of both depleted mantle and juvenile lower crust, which was probably triggered by underplated mantle-derived basaltic magma. Lastly, crustal thinning happened between 310 Ma and 295 Ma due to regional post-collisional extension, although voluminous granitic magmatism occurred. The granitic magmas were formed by remelting of the juvenile lower crust, with a few contribution of mantle material. This study on the variation of crustal thickness in the Late Palaeozoic C-WJOB provides insight into how integrated geochemical and isotopic data can elucidate the complex histories of orogenic belts.

The role of axial discontinuities in oceanic crustal evolution: Evidence from elemental and Mo[sbnd]Sr[sbnd]Nd[sbnd]Pb[sbnd]Hf isotopic compositions of rock suites from the Southwest Indian Ridge (42°–53°E)

Various rocks have been recovered near axial discontinuities along mid-ocean ridges, which record a complex evolution of oceanic crust. However, the petrogenesis of these rocks and its relation with axial discontinuities remains hotly debated. Here we report whole-rock elemental compositions, together with MoSrNdPbHf isotopes, and mineral compositions for a suite of rocks from axial discontinuities along the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR, 42–53°E). The suite comprises greenstones, basaltic glasses and basaltic andesites. The greenstones include albite+quartz+chlorite+epidote, with olivine+plagioclase assemblages in basalts and basaltic andesites. The suite has a large variation in major element compositions and their trace elemental patterns are between enriched (E-) and normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) endmembers. The studied rocks show an elevated 143Nd/144Nd (0.51313–0.51321) and 176Hf/177Hf (0.28332–0.28344), and low 87Sr/86Sr (0.70301–0.70374) (except for the greenstones that have relatively high 87Sr/86Sr), and low δ98/95Mo (−0.76 to 0.11‰) values. The 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf of the basaltic glasses are lower than those of the basaltic andesites and greenstones, although there is no distinct difference in Pb isotopes. Results suggest that the greenstones are generated by the metasomatism of MORB by fluids near hydrothermal vents. The basaltic glasses probably result from low-degree focused melting of the garnet-free pyroxene-poor (harzburgite) mantle source without any contribution from a mantle plume. The basaltic andesites can be generated by a combination of crystal fractionation of a mantle-derived basaltic magma and assimilation of crustal rocks. We speculate that the presence of axial discontinuities along mid-ocean ridges is a key factor in the formation of heterogenous oceanic crust of the SWIR.

Inferring Hypogene Karst at Depth from the Patterns of Non-Tectonic Syncline Networks in Eocene Limestones, Western Desert, Egypt

Indirect indicators are critically important for recognizing hypogene karst that is too deep-seated to have explorable hypogene caves. We have suggested in previous publications that an extensive network of non-tectonic synclines in otherwise flat-lying Eocene limestone in Egypt might be such an indirect indicator. We proposed that synclines formed by sag of limestone layers overlying a zone of hypogene karst that today remains deep below the surface and suggested that hypogene speleogenesis resulted from ascending aggressive fluids associated with crustal extension and magmatism in Egypt during Red Sea Rift initiation. Without hypogene caves to explore, however, we were unable to provide compelling evidence for hypogene karst processes. By doubling our mapping area from 4,000 to 8,000 km2, a clear picture has emerged of patterns in the syncline network that provide compelling evidence for hypogene speleogenesis. Over this larger area, the network displays two distinct patterns: 1) synclines and ridges that outline polygons 700–2,000 m across, and 2) narrow N–S zones of synclines spaced 5–10 km apart, with WNW–ESE to NW–SE trending shallow synclines and ridges traversing the panels between N–S zones. The geometries suggest that the syncline network is controlled by two structural patterns in rocks underlying the limestones: 1) polygonal faults in underlying shales and 2) reactivated N–S, left-lateral basement faults that are largely blind at the current level of erosion. These structures served as conduits that conveyed fluids upward into the overlying Eocene limestones, triggering dissolution at depth and a pattern of sag above that was inherited from the nature and pattern of faults and fractures in rocks underlying the limestones. The unique patterns and characteristics of this network of synclines are applicable elsewhere as an indirect indicator of deep-seated hypogene karst. Our new data also strongly suggest that syncline formation spanned the time of crustal extension in Egypt associated with onset of Red Sea rifting ∼23–22 Ma. Endogenic CO2 associated with mantle-derived basaltic magmas was likely a significant component of fluids, perhaps involving highly aggressive supercritical CO2. Mantle-derived C and He in modern Egyptian oasis water suggest that hypogene speleogenesis may still be locally active.

Siderian mafic-intermediate magmatism in the SW Yangtze Block, South China: Implications for global ‘tectono-magmatic lull’ during the early Paleoproterozoic

It is debated whether global-scale tectono-magmatic quiescence prevails on the Earth during the early Paleoproterozoic. The early Paleoproterozoic meta-mafic and intermediate rocks in the southwestern Yangtze Block of South China could provide an opportunity to constrain not only the tectonic evolution of the Yangtze Block itself but also augment our understanding of the global tectono-magmatic lull during the early Paleoproterozoic. Zircon UPb geochronological study indicates that the meta-mafic rocks were emplaced at ca. 2.32 Ga, whereas the intermediate rocks were emplaced at ca. 2.35 Ga. These two lithologies are characterized by subduction-related whole-rock geochemical (such as depleted Nb, Ta and enriched Rb, K, Pb) and unradiogenic NdHf isotopic signatures (εHf(t) < 0, εNd(t) < 0), implying a derivation from a geochemically enriched lithospheric mantle modified by ancient subduction. Thermodynamic modeling further suggests that the intermediate rocks are products of the AFC process between mantle-derived basaltic magma and TTG-like basement rocks at shallow crustal levels. We interpret this as occurring within a post-orogenic extensional setting. Integrated with the published work, we further posit that the Yangtze Block experienced a tectonic regime transition from compressive orogenesis to post-orogenic extension during the early Paleoproterozoic, and the magmatic activities in several crustal blocks are still active until ~2.3 Ga and therefore places important constraints on the beginning of the tectono-magmatic lull.

Neoproterozoic tectonic transition from subduction-related convergence to continental extension of the Tarim Block, NW China

The Tarim Block, one of the three largest cratons in China, plays an important role in the reconstruction of the Rodinia supercontinent. Knowledge of the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Tarim Block, especially the tectonic transition from convergence to rifting, remains unclear. The Aksu terrane, an integral part of the Tarim Block, is marked by the occurrence of Neoproterozoic blueschists, conglomerates, and mafic rocks that may provide important constraints on its tectonic history. We present an integrated study involving detailed field observations, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb geochronology for rhyolitic clasts in a Neoproterozoic conglomerate, a syenite pluton and mafic rocks in the Aksu region. Zircon U-Pb dating of the rhyolite yielded a crystallization age of 840 ± 4 Ma. Geochemically, the rhyolite is characterized by enrichment of light rare earth elements and depletion of high field strength elements, indicating a subduction-related arc setting. Syenites interspersed with mafic intrusions were crystallized at ~755 Ma, representing fractional crystallization products from intra-plate mantle-derived basaltic magma. Based on a compilation of previous studies, we find that the Late Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian mafic rocks in the Aksu region can be divided into three phases. Phase I mafic intrusions (~760–745 Ma) occurring as dikes intruded into the blueschist-bearing Aksu Group. Phase II mafic intrusions (~755 Ma) intruded into the Neoproterozoic Qiaoenbulake Formation. Phase III mafic rocks (~520 Ma) are sills or basalts hosted within the Sugaitebulake Formation. Detailed studies suggest that subduction of oceanic lithosphere in the Aksu area persisted until at least ~840 Ma. The transition from ocean-continent subduction to continental extension took place around ca. 760 Ma. At 755 Ma, the northwestern Tarim region experienced significant extension.

Petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of the Late Carboniferous granodiorite porphyry in Miaoergou pluton, southern West Junggar

位于西准噶尔南部的庙尔沟岩体主体由碱长花岗岩和少量紫苏花岗岩组成。本文在前人工作基础上，以岩体东南边缘新发现的花岗闪长斑岩为研究对象，开展岩石学、年代学和Hf同位素以及全岩地球化学研究，确定花岗闪长斑岩形成时代、揭示岩石成因类型及源区属性、探讨其与碱长花岗岩和紫苏花岗岩岩浆演化成因联系及其形成的深部动力学过程。锆石U-Pb定年结果显示，花岗闪长斑岩形成于317.4±1.9Ma，为晚石炭世早期岩浆活动的产物，明显早于紫苏花岗岩（~307Ma）和碱长花岗岩（~303Ma）。岩石地球化学数据表明，花岗闪长斑岩具有较高硅、中等铝，贫钙、铁、镁，富集Rb、K、Th、U，强烈亏损Nb、Ta、Ti的特征，为钙碱性弱过铝质I型花岗岩；紫苏花岗岩更多的表现出钙碱性-高钾钙碱性镁质I型紫苏花岗岩特征；碱长花岗岩为碱性准铝质-弱过铝质A型花岗岩。锆石Hf同位素分析结果表明，花岗闪长斑岩、紫苏花岗岩和碱长花岗岩均具有高正的ε_Hf（t）值（+11.6~+15.8）和年轻的二阶段模式年龄（325~600Ma），表明其原始岩浆主要起源于亏损地幔新衍生的年轻地壳物质。综合分析认为，庙尔沟岩体花岗闪长斑岩形成于晚石炭世早期洋壳俯冲背景，由底侵的、受流体交代的幔源基性岩浆与其诱发的年轻下地壳酸性岩浆在深部混合而成。紫苏花岗岩和碱长花岗岩形成于弧后伸展背景，前者是伸展初期继续底侵于下地壳的幔源玄武质岩浆降温释放大量的水和热诱使早期侵位于下地壳的镁铁质岩石再次发生部分熔融的产物，后者是伸展后期大规模软流圈地幔上涌底垫加热年轻中下地壳使其部分熔融而成。;The Miaoergou pluton, located in southern West Junggar, is mainly composed of alkali-feldspar granites with small amount of charnockites. On the basis of previous researches, this paper mainly focuses on the newly discovered granodiorite porphyry in southwestern margin of the Miaoergou pluton. A comprehensive study of petrographical, zircon U-Pb geochronological and in-situ Hf isotopic, whole-rock geochemical analyses were carried out to determine its diagenetic age and reveal the petrogenesis, the nature and composition of the magma source of this porphyry, and furthermore, to discuss the genetic relationships among the granodiorite porphyries, alkali-feldspar granites and charnockites and their geodynamic processes. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating for the granodiorite porphyry yielded crystallization age of 317.4±1.9Ma, defining an early Late Carboniferous magmatic event in southern West Junggar, which is significantly earlier than the ages of charnockites (~307Ma) and alkali-feldspar granites (~303Ma). The geochemical characteristics indicate that the studied granodiorite porphyries belong to cal-alkaline weakly peraluminous I-type granite, and are characterized by slightly high silicon, medium aluminum, but low ferrum, calcium and magnesium, and also enrichment in Rb, K, Th, U with pronounced negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies. The charnockites possess calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline magnesian I-type charnockite affinities, which were previously considered A-type granites by some geologists, while alkali-feldspar granites belong to alkaline metaluminous to weakly peraluminous A-type granites. In-situ zircon Hf isotope analyses show that these granites have high positive ε_Hf(t) values (+11.6~+15.8) and very young two-stage Hf model ages of 325~600Ma, indicating that the magma was sourced from juvenile crust originated from depleted mantle during the Late Neoproterozoic to Early Carboniferous period. In association with previous analysis, it is proposed that the Miaoergou granodiorite porphyries were formed in an oceanic crust subduction setting during early Late Carboniferous. They are probably the products of the acidic magma formed by partial melting of the juvenile lower crust and mixed with the underplated basaltic magma derived from the fluid metasomatic mantle wedge in the deep crust to some extent. Both the charnockites and alkali-feldspar granites were formed in a back-arc extensional setting related to the northwestward subduction of the Junggar oceanic crust. The charnockites may be generated by re-melting of juvenile lower crust mafic rocks, probably triggered by addition of water and heat released from cooling of underplated depleted mantle-derived basaltic magma during the incipient rifting stage of the back-arc basin, and the alkali-feldspar granites may be generated by partial melting of the juvenile middle-lower crust induced by the large-scale upwelling of asthenosphere during the later stage of the back-arc extension.

The magma plumbing system of Mesozoic Shanyang porphyry groups, South Qinling and implications for porphyry copper mineralization

Porphyries, closely associated with the copper deposits worldwide, are usually considered to have high oxygen fugacity and high Sr/Y ratios. However, it is still ambiguous whether the high oxygen fugacity and the enrichment of chalcophile elements are inherited from magma source or obtained by magmatic processes, and the linkage between the high Sr/Y magmas and the formation of porphyry Cu deposits remains unclear. To address these issues, we performed an integrated study of zircon geochronology and oxygen fugacity, petrography, geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions for the Shanyang porphyry groups at an intra-continental setting from the South Qinling Orogen, Central China. The Shanyang porphyries can be divided into six groups in terms of their spatial distribution with the crystallization ages ranging from ca. 152 to 140 Ma. They are characterized by high Sr and Ba contents, consistent with the geochemical features of high Ba-Sr granitoids. They show a continuous evolution trend from mafic to felsic samples and mafic samples have high Mg#, Cr, and Ni contents, indicating that they were evolved from mantle-derived basaltic magmas. Most samples display homogeneous ISr (0.704 to 0.706), εNd(t) (−6 to −1.5) and zircon εHf(t) (−4 to +2) values, suggesting that they were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle with minor crustal contamination. Geochemical results suggest that they were generated by low degree melting of a heterogeneous lithospheric mantle at spinel facies that had been modified by previous slab-derived fluids. These porphyry bodies were derived from multiple magma reservoirs within their distinct plumbing systems and had undergone polybaric differentiation. With magma differentiation, the Shanyang porphyry magmas changed from an oxidized state (ΔFMQ +1 to +2) to a reduced state (ΔFMQ +1 to −0.5). The high (Dy/Yb)N ratios indicate crystallization of garnet had cryptically occurred in the deep crust, which induced sulfide saturation at an earlier stage. This process could result in the deficiency of chalcophile elements and elevate the oxygen fugacity in the residual melts from a relatively reduced parental mafic magma. Degassing in the shallow crust would lead to a decrease in the ƒO2 of the felsic magmas. Thus, some other processes, such as, re-melting of early formed sulfide and gas-brine reactions, are required to concentrate chalcophile elements in the felsic magmas. Our study implies that intra-crustal processes could play a more important role in the enrichment of chalcophile elements and that the oxygen fugacity of the magma system can change during magma evolution. The observations of the Shanyang porphyry groups are very helpful for understanding similar porphyry systems globally. We propose that porphyries worldwide formed in the thickened crust with long-lived magmatic hydrothermal systems in the shallower magma reservoirs are more prone to form porphyry Cu deposits.

Origin of zircon megacrysts in alkaline lavas (French Massif Central): Petrology and in situ U-Pb-Hf isotopes

In the south eastern Devès volcanic domain of the French Massif Central, we sampled red zircon megacrysts in, both, alluvium from a small stream and neighbouring mugearite lava. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results yield similar ages for both suites of zircons at about 2.6 Ma. Superchondritic signatures of the Hf isotopes clearly indicate a depleted mantle source for these zircons.The mugearite lava also contains xenoliths of mantle (lherzolites) and lower crustal rocks (granulites). The chemical compositions of the minerals within the mugearite lava are similar to the mineral compositions found in these xenoliths (granulites) and granulite and peridotite xenoliths from other volcanic localities of the Massif Central. The mugearite lava also preserves Variscan zircon crystals dated at 285 Ma, originating from recycled lower continental crust.In spite of their mantle origin, as recorded by in situ Hf isotopes, the geochemistry suggests that these Pliocene zircons do not result from crystallization in the mantle or in mantle-derived mafic magmas. In order to explain this inconsistency, we propose that these zircon grains crystallized from felsic melts produced during the ultimate differentiation of mantle-derived mafic magmas in the mid or upper continental crust. Subsequently, a last basaltic batch forced its way to the surface, scavenging upper mantle and lower crust xenoliths as well as zircon xenocrysts formed in these felsic melts which partly dissolved during their ascent.Large amounts of Cenozoic zircon megacrysts are often associated with sapphires in alluvial deposits in many continental volcanic domains, not only in the French Massif Central but also worldwide. Consequently, a huge volume of felsic differentiates issued from mantle-derived basaltic magmas might be suspected in many alkaline volcanic domains at the global scale.

Early Cretaceous bimodal magmatism related epithermal mineralization: A case study of the Gaosongshan gold deposit in the northern Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China

Low-sulfidation (LS) gold mineralization is partially associated with bimodal volcanism in origin. Sources of ore-mineralized fluids and relevant dynamic processes remain poorly understood. To better understand these issues, a study including deposit geology, petrology, zircon U–Pb dating, and element and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry of bimodal volcanic rocks at Gaosongshan was conducted. The bimodal volcanic rocks are composed of andesitic rocks (basalt andesite–andesite–trachyandesite–andesitic pyroclastic) of the Meifeng Formation and overlying rhyolite lava of the Fuminhe Formation cut by equivalent porphyry stocks, which contain pyrite-bearing granular-textured quartz cavity with a sugary appearance, with trapped single-phase magmatic fluids. The andesitic suite formed at approximately 106–108 Ma, prior to eruption of the younger rhyolitic magmas (105.6 ± 1.7 Ma; n = 13, MSWD = 1.2). The andesites show calc-alkaline affinities, which is a subduction-related characteristic, and show moderate La/YbN (7.91–11.36) and weakly negative europium anomalies (0.80–1.02), indicating a source in the asthenospheric mantle with varying contamination by both subduction and continental materials. A-type rhyolitic rocks are geochemically comparable to the andesitic suite, and their higher La/YbN (13.01–30.05) and lower Eu/Eu* (0.66–0.73) indicate evolved products of andesitic magmas. The estimated oxygen fugacity of dry (＜1.2% water) rhyolite lava is FMQ −1.87, whereas rhyolite porphyry is more oxidized (FMQ + 0.12) and water rich (2.5–2.8%) with probably being water saturated at 2.0–2.4 km depths. Therefore, it is assumed that the essential constraints of bimodal magmatism on epithermal gold mineralization are sequential processes from ascending and gradual differentiation of crustal-level mantle-derived basaltic magmas to releases of hydrothermal solutions from the silica-rich magma reservoir at shallower levels. Most importantly, the oxygen fugacity of and the fluid fluxes from dry rhyolitic melts are critical restricting parameters for the limited reserves at Gaosongshan; thus, this research contributes objective evidence for investigations of deposit genesis and prospecting targets.

Post-Archean granitic rocks: contrasting petrogenetic processes and tectonic environments

AbstractGranitic rocks represent a ubiquitous component of upper continental crust but their origin remains highly controversial. This controversy stems from the fact that the granites may result from fractionation of mantle-derived basaltic magmas or partial melting of different crustal protoliths at contrasting pressure–temperature conditions, either water-fluxed or fluid-absent. Consequently, many different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the compositional variability of granites ranging from whole igneous suites down to mineral scale. This Special Publication presents an overview of the state of the art and envisages future avenues towards a better understanding of granite petrogenesis.

About this title - Post-Archean Granitic Rocks: Petrogenetic Processes and Tectonic Environments

Granites (sensu lato) represent the dominant rock-type forming the upper–middle continental crust but their origin remains a matter of long-standing controversy. The granites may result from fractionation of mantle-derived basaltic magmas, or partial melting of different crustal protoliths at contrasting P–T conditions, either water-fluxed or fluid-absent. Consequently, many different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the compositional variability of granites ranging from whole igneous suites down to mineral scale. This book presents an overview of the state of the art, and envisages future avenues towards a better understanding of granite petrogenesis. The volume focuses on the following topics: compositional variability of granitic rocks generated in contrasting geodynamic settings during the Proterozoic to Phanerozoic Periods;main permissible mechanisms producing subduction-related granites;crustal anatexis of different protoliths and the role of water in granite petrogenesis; andnew theoretical and analytical tools available for modelling whole-rock geochemistry in order to decipher the sources and evolution of granitic suites.

Bimodal volcanics from Isbil stratovolcano, Dhamar–Radáa volcanic field, Yemen Republic: contribution to stratigraphy, geochemistry, and eruption evolution

The present paper addresses the geochemical characteristics and stratigraphy of the bimodal volcanics, including silicic (felsic) volcanics and basaltic lava flows constituting Isbil stratovolcano. It is located in the eastern part of Dhamar–Rada volcanic field (DRVF), SE, Yemen. The study area has been subjected to tensional tectonic regime involving extensive effusive-extrusive volcanism (in major) that unconformably overlies Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata of structural elements. These volcanic centers are restricted along strike-slip faults and near to a detachment fault that were feeders for cinder cones and silicic caldera. NNW, NW, and E-W are the three major trends of faults recognized and these are related to the progressive rifting of Red Sea and Aden Gulf. Four volcanic sequences have been well identified and recognized, namely, (1) the lower mafic sequence and (2) the middle silicic sequence. This is followed by (3) upper mafic sequence and (4) upper silicic volcanics sequence crosscutting the surrounding rocks. The stratigraphic and structural characteristics of the substrata are responsible for this eruptive complex in Isbil volcano, forming a shift in depositional environment from subaqueous to subaerial regime. On the basis of the geochemical data, the present silicic lava (rhyolite and dacite) has high A/CNK ratios, Ga/Al ratios, and concentrations of high field strength elements (HFSEs) such as Zr and Nb, typical of peraluminous domain giving rise to within plate magmatism. The mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the silicic rocks are best interpreted as hybrid products of crystal fractionation, coupled with crustal assimilation and/or magma mixing derived from heterogeneous source. On the other hand, the basaltic lava flows exhibit alkaline nature, characterized by enrichment in LILE, LREE, and HFS elements and depletion in HREE. The very low Sm/Nd and Rb/Sr ratios may point to lithospheric mantle origin. The thermal and mass exchange between mantle-derived basaltic magma and crustal material above a mantle plume may be controlled the compositional evolution of the Isbil volcano.

Zircon U–Pb chronology, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of the high Nb–Ta alkaline rhyolites at the Tuohe Tree Farm, northern Volcanic Belt, Great Xing’an Range, China

We studied newly found high Nb–Ta alkaline rhyolites in the northern volcanic belt of the Great Xing’an Range, China. The LA–ICP–MS U–Pb weighted mean age is 114.07 ± 0.55 Ma, indicating that the rocks formed during the late Early Cretaceous and were the product of the late eruption of a Mesozoic volcano. The major element contents are characterized by high Si, rich K, low Fe, and poor Ca and Mg. In the total alkaline–silicon diagram, the sample points are in the alkaline rhyolite region. Meanwhile, rare earth elements show obvious Ce/Ce* positive anomalies and Eu/Eu* negative anomalies. In addition, trace elements are characterized by high Nb, Ta, and Yb, and low Sr. The two-stage Nd isotopic model age T2DM of the depleted mantle is between 799–813 Ma, indicating that the diagenetic material originated from the depleted mantle or partial melting of newly formed young crustal materials. The source rocks melted at a relative shallow depth (&lt;30 km), under lower pressure (&lt;0.5 Gpa) and high oxygen fugacity; moreover, the residues in the source region were Ca-rich mafic plagioclase + amphibole + orthopyroxene. In the Nb–Y–3Ga and Nb–Y–Ce diagrams, the sample points are in the A1 type region. It can be concluded that the mantle-derived basaltic magma underplated and supplied the heat sources for partial melting of the metamorphic crustal rocks in an intraplate extensional tectonic environment related to a rift, mantle plume, and hot spot.

Understanding melt evolution and eruption dynamics of the 1666 C.E. eruption of Cinder Cone, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California: Insights from olivine-hosted melt inclusions

Cinder Cone is the youngest scoria cone volcano in the continental United States. Erupted in 1666 C.E. within what is now Lassen Volcanic National Park, Cinder Cone is an un-vegetated scoria cone with well-preserved lava flows and tephra deposits that display complex geochemical variability. In this study, we utilize the volatile (H2O, CO2, Cl), major, and trace element chemistry of olivine-hosted melt inclusions from the tephra deposit of Cinder Cone to better understand the sub-surface evolution of magmas that erupt to produce scoria cones. High-Fo olivine phenocrysts from all erupted units contain melt inclusions that are more primitive in composition than the erupted material. The evolved compositions of the lava and bulk tephra and the abundance of quartz xenocrysts within the deposits suggest the basaltic parental magmas were rapidly contaminated by granitic material in the middle to upper crust, after melt inclusion entrapment. Distinct compositional variability between early and late erupted units suggests two different mantle-derived basaltic magmas were tapped and erupted sequentially as two distinct eruptive phases. The CO2 concentrations in the melt inclusions, after correction for the presence of vapor bubbles, suggest minimum entrapment depths of ~9.5–20km and show no resolvable differences between early and late erupted units at the time of olivine crystallization. Diffusion modeling of Ni and Fo gradients in olivine rims indicates that olivine residence times in an evolving magma were on the order of weeks to years, similar to those calculated for longer-lived scoria cone eruptions, such as Jorullo, in Mexico. Additionally, geochemical evidence suggests that the evolution of parental magmas was likely driven by the partial melting, disaggregation, and assimilation of granitic material in the upper crust. Our combined results provide new insight into the complexities of short-lived monogenetic eruptions.

Paleocene Neo-Tethyan slab rollback constrained by A1-type granitic intrusion in the Gaoligong–Tengliang–Yingjiang belt of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis, SE Tibet

Slab rollback is one of the primary processes in shaping tectonic framework. However, in the Tibet–Himalaya orogen, the timing of the Neo-Tethyan slab rollback remains controversial. In this contribution, we investigated an early Paleocene (ca. 62 Ma) A1-type granitic intrusion (South Gongshan) from the Gaoligong–Tengliang–Yingjiang (GTY) area, SE Tibet. It is mainly characterized by high 10,000*Ga/Al ratios (4.0–9.1) and extremely high HFSEs contents (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 669–3146 ppm), with relatively low Y/Nb ratios (0.8–1.1). The samples collected from the intrusion exhibit high zircon eHf(t) (+1.1 to +5.7) and whole-rock eNd(t) values (− 0.8 to − 3.1). Geochemical data indicated that it was probably produced by extreme FC of asthenospheric mantle-derived basaltic magmas. Together with results from convergence rate between India and Asia, the emplacement of the South Gongshan intrusion was likely to be associated with a transition from flat to steep subduction triggered by the Neo-Tethyan slab rollback. We proposed that the Neo-Tethyan slab rollback beneath the GTY area might have occurred at ca. 62 Ma.