Mantle Plume Activity Research Articles

Late Permian tectono-sedimentary setting and basin evolution in the Upper Yangtze region, South China: Implications for the formation mechanism of intra-platform depressions

Abstract The Upper Yangtze region in the northwestern part of the South China Block was situated in a relatively active tectonic zone during the Late Permian. The expansion of the South Qinling and Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan oceans to the north and south, active mantle plumes, and related magma upwelling in the plate margins have significantly influenced the evolution of this area. The sediments of the Upper Permian Wujiaping Formation and Changxing Formation developed in the Upper Yangtze region are typical intracratonic basin sequences, which records the sedimentological and structural development during this period. To reconstruct the tectonic and paleogeographic framework of the Upper Yangtze region and to better understand the formation mechanism of intra-plate depressions, this study integrates drill core, well log, cross-sections and outcrop data to examine the lithological associations, stratigraphic thicknesses, and sedimentary facies, and further reconstruct the paleogeographic framework of the Late Permian sedimentary successions. Moreover, we integrate this data with 2D and 3D seismic data to describe the tectono-sedimentary framework of the intra-platform depressions. Based on the results, three primary tectono-sedimentary stages are delineated: (1) the Wujiaping Formation documents a rapid basalt eruption event on the southwestern edge of the Upper Yangtze region at the beginning of the Wuchiapingian stage, followed by a marine transgression which occurred from the northeast to the southwest with initial intra-platform depressions formed on the northern basin; (2) during the early Changsingian stage, the Upper Yangtze region comprised a variety of environments, including tidal flat-coast, mixed-platform, open-platform, slope, deep-water shelf, and platform margin reef and shoal, with a rapid sea-level rise and (3) the sea level reached its peak and then slowly dropped. The reefs developed along the intra-platform depressions during the late Changsingian stage. We suggest that the formation and evolution of the Late Permian basin sequences in the Upper Yangtze region were controlled by the plutonic magmatic activities and regional crustal extension. The proposed model has important implications for interpreting the rapid transformation of intra-platform depressions from uplift to depression, as well as the tectono-sedimentary differentiation framework in intracratonic basins.

In Situ Geochemical Compositions of the Minerals in Basaltic Rocks from the West Philippine Basin: Constraints on Source Lithology and Magmatic Processes

Abstract Since the early Cenozoic, the West Philippine Basin (WPB) and the whole Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) has undergone a complex geological evolution. In this study, we presented K-Ar ages, in situ trace element, and major element compositions of minerals of basalts collected from the Benham Rise and the Central Basin Fault (CBF) in the WPB, to constrain their magmatic process and regional geological evolution. Olivine phenocrysts and microlites in the alkali basalts (20.9 Ma) from the Benham Rise have forsterite (Fo) contents of 56.90%–76.10% and 53.13%-66.41%, respectively. The clinopyroxenes in the tholeiites (29.1 Ma) from the CBF is predominantly diopside and augite, and it is depleted in light rare earth elements (LREEs) (LaN/YbN=0.13–3.40) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs). The plagioclases in the basalts from both of the Benham Rise and the CBF are predominantly labradorite and andesine, with a minor amount of bytownite, and it is enriched in LREEs, Ba, Sr, and Pb and exhibits strong positive Eu anomalies. However, there exist obvious differences in plagioclase compositions between these two tectonic sites. The source lithology of the Benham Rise basaltic rocks could be garnet pyroxenite, and yet that of the CBF could be spinel-lherzolite. The calculated mantle potential temperature beneath the Benham Rise is 1439°C–1473°C, which is significantly higher than that beneath the CBF (1345°C–1381°C), suggesting there existed thermal anomaly beneath the Rise during basaltic magmatism. This study also calculated the temperature and pressure of the clinopyroxenes and plagioclases, which have been used to indicate magmatic processes. Finally, we suggest that the Benham Rise basaltic rocks may be related to a mantle plume (e.g., the Oki-Daito mantle plume), and the CBF was once located in a back-arc spreading center behind an active subduction zone. The extinction of the Oki-Daito mantle plume activity might be at about 20.9 Ma, and cessation of the back-arc spreading of WPB was at about 29.1 Ma or younger.

The influence of mantle flow on intracontinental basins: Three examples from Australia

AbstractDuring the Paleozoic, sedimentary basins developed within Gondwana without evolving to diverging plate boundaries. Such intracontinental basins present long subsidence histories with multiple phases of accelerated subsidence that are not always easily explained by far‐field tectonic forces, and may be driven by processes other than rifting and thermal subsidence. Here we investigate the subsidence of Paleozoic Australian intracontinental basins by comparing one‐dimensional backstripped tectonic subsidence histories from the western Australian Canning and Southern Carnarvon Basins and the central Australian Cooper Basin to forward subsidence models for pure shear lithospheric thinning. We make the hypothesis that differences between observed and model subsidence may be explained by mantle‐flow driven topography, in addition to tectonic forces. To test this hypothesis, we compute dynamic topography from the first geodynamic models of mantle flow spanning the entire Phanerozoic Eon, and we analyse the relationship between dynamic topography and anomalous basin subsidence to dynamic topography and mantle flow. Although reconstructions of mantle flow in deep geological times are uncertain, our results suggest that long‐wavelength dynamic topography could explain aspects of the complex tectonic histories intracontinental basins. In the presented reconstruction of mantle flow, topographic rebound following the sinking of a Cambrian aged slab resulted in a minor phase of dynamic uplift in the Cooper Basin in middle Permian times. Throughout Carboniferous‐Triassic times Australia was positioned above a mantle upwelling driven by a hot structure at the base of the mantle. Structural uplift in the Canning and Southern Carnarvon basins during the Triassic‐Jurassic interval was augmented by dynamic uplift produced by that large‐scale upwelling, and possibly augmented by a focused active mantle plume during the Permo‐Triassic. In Late Jurassic‐Cretaceous times, Australia drifted east away from the mantle upwelling, resulting in a period of subsidence in the Canning and Southern Carnarvon basins. During the Cretaceous the Cooper Basin moved over a downwelling produced by long‐lived subduction along the east Australian margin, resulting in a period of accelerated subsidence.

Magmatism of the Devonian Altai-Sayan Rift System: Geological and geochemical evidence for diverse plume-lithosphere interactions

The geodynamic environment of the 407–392 Ma Altai-Sayan Rift System is characterized using previously published and new original data on whole rock, trace and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions, along with U-Pb zircon ages. Five magmatic associations are present: basalt (basalts and basaltic trachyandesites), continuous (basalts, andesites, dacite-rhyolites), alkaline (basalts, nephelinite, tephrite, phonotephrite, phonolite, teralite, ijolite-urthite, foyaite, nepheline and alkaline syenite), bimodal (trachybasalts, trachyrhyolites-pantellerites and peralkaline granites) and ultramafic-mafic (picrites and picrodolerites). Mafic rocks of basalt, continuous, alkaline, and bimodal associations exhibit a wide variation of TiO2 (from 1.05 to 4.05 wt%) and are compositionally intermediate between intraplate basalts of OIB type and basalts of active continental margins IAB type. The TiO2 content in these mafic rocks correlates directly with the content of large ion lithophile elements (LILE), rare-earth elements (REE), high field strength elements (HSFE), and particularly with Nb and Ta. The basaltic samples have positive εNd(395) values (+3.4 to +7.7) and a large range of εSr(395) values (−13.6 to +12.6). εSr(395) decreases with increasing TiO2 abundance. Pantellerites and alkaline granites have ore-level concentrations of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, REE; and they have similar Sr and Nd isotope parameters to those of the high-Ti basalts. This indicates their origin via fractionation of mantle magmas. Rhyolite samples are depleted in rare incompatible elements, but have low positive εNd(395) values (+1.5 to +1.8), and εSr(395) values (+16.6 to +20.6), and they compositionally resemble the rocks produced from anatectic magmas of crustal origin.Whole-rock elemental and isotopic data suggest that the mafic rocks were likely derived from lithospheric mantle that was metasomatized during the prior Caledonian accretion/subduction event. In combination with the field relationship and regional geology, our study suggests that the rock associations from the Devonian Altai-Sayan Rift System were derived by the activity of mantle plumes.

The Character and Petrogenetic Model of the Permian Tarim Large Igneous Province

AbstractTarim Large Igneous Province (TLIP) is the second Late Paleozoic LIPs in China after the recognition of the Emeishan LIP. The residual distribution range of TLIP is up to 250000 km2, and the largest residual thickness is 780 m. The eruption of basalt happened during 290–288 Ma and belongs to LIPs magmatic event with fast eruption of magma. The lithological units of the TLIP include basalt, diabase, layered intrusive rock, breccia pipe mica‐olivine pyroxenite, olivine pyroxenite, gabbro, ultramafic dyke, quartz syenite, quartz syenite porphyry and bimodal dyke. The basalt and diabase of TLIP exhibit OIB‐like trace element patterns and enrichment of LILE and HFSE, and mainly belong to high TiO2 series. There is an obvious difference in isotope among the basalt from Keping and the basalt and dibase from the northern Tarim Basin. The basalt from Keping with negative Nd and high REE value derives from enriched mantle, and the diabase and basalt from the northern Tarim Basin with positive Nd and low REE value are related to depleted mantle. The crust uplifting in the Early Permian and the development of picrite and large scale dyke and formation of large scale V‐Ti‐magnetite deposit in Wajilitag area support the view that the TLIP is related to mantle plume. The TLIP has a temporal‐spatial relationship with Permian basic‐ultrabasic igneous rock, which is distributed widely in Central Asia, and they represent a tectono‐magmatic event with very important geodynamic setting. This study also systematically demonstrates the two‐stage melting model for the TLIP based on our previous research work and predecessor achievements, and highlights the two types of magmatic rocks within the TLIP. The two‐stage melting model suggests that the formation of the TLIP is mantle plume related. The early hot mantle plume caused the low‐degree partial melting of the lithosphere mantle, while in the later stage, the plume partially melted due to adiabatic uplift and decompression. Therefore, this model carries signatures of both the “Parana” and “Deccan” models in terms of mantle plume activity. During the early stage, the mantle plume provided the heat required for partial melting of sub‐continental lithosphere mantle (SCLM), similar to the “Parana Model”, while later the plume acted as the main avenue for melting, as in the “Deccan Model”. Basalts that erupted in the first stage have higher 87Sr/86Sr, lower 143Nd/144Nd ratios, and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements and high field strength elements, indicating a possible origin from the enriched continental lithosphere mantle, similar to the Parana type geochemical features. The basic‐ultrabasic intrusive rocks in the second stage exhibit lower 87Sr/86Sr, higher 143Nd/144Nd ratios relative to the basalts, consistent with the involvement of a more depleted asthenospheric material, such as a mantle plume, similar to the Deccan type geochemical features. The first stage basalts can be further subdivided into two categories. Developing this petrogenetic model for the TLIP aids in comprehensively understanding its magmatism and deep geological and geodynamic processes. Furthermore, this work enriches the theories describing the origin of large igneous province and mantle plume activity.

Post-rift regional volcanism in southern Santos Basin and the uplift of the adjacent South American coastal range

The Serra do Mar coastal mountain range plays a crucial role in the sedimentary budget of both the South American continent and its adjacent Atlantic margin. This 1500-km range began to rise during the Late Cretaceous. The uplift prevented the direct input of sediments from the continent to Santos Basin, thus diverting the Paraná River drainage inland and southwards. However, the cause for the uplift is still debated: distinct phases of the Andean orogeny, thermal activity of the Trindade hotspot, and a general thermal weakening caused by earlier mantle plume activity. The current study attempts to explain the uplift initiation by introducing a previously unknown 150-km wide magmatic cluster discovered in multichannel seismic reflection data across the southern Santos Basin. The newly discovered “Santos cluster” includes plutons, sills, and volcanic edifices within the Turonian-Campanian stratigraphic interval, indicating an Early Campanian magmatic phase. We suggest that the widespread magmatism uplifted the southern Santos Basin, and included lateral NNE salt migration. The marine magmatism occurred along with previously reported Campanian volcanic activity in three localities along the Serra do Mar, which uplifted the coastal range and diverted the drainage inland (westward). We suggest that both marine and continental magmatism relate to the SW sub-crustal flow of the Trindade hotspot head.

Thermobarometry of CO2-rich, silica-undersaturated melts constrains cratonic lithosphere thinning through time in areas of kimberlitic magmatism

Cratonic lithosphere is believed to have been chemically buoyant and mechanically resistant to destruction over billions of years. Yet the absence of cratonic roots at some Archean terrains casts doubt on the craton stability and longevity on a global scale. As unique mantle-derived melts at ancient continents, silica-poor, kimberlitic melts are ideal tools to constrain the temporal variation of lithosphere thickness and the processes affecting the lithosphere root. However, no reliable thermobarometer exists to date for strongly silica-undersaturated, mantle-derived melts. Here we develop a new thermobarometer for silica-poor, CO2-rich melts using high-temperature, high-pressure experimental data. Our barometer is calibrated based on a new observation of pressure-dependent variation of Al2O3 in partial melts saturated with garnet and olivine, while our thermometer is calibrated based on the well-known olivine-melt Mg-exchange. For applications to natural magmas, we also establish a correction scheme to estimate their primary melt compositions.Applying this liquid-based thermobarometer to the estimated primary melt compositions for a global kimberlite dataset, we show that the equilibration depths between primary kimberlite melts and mantle peridotites indicate a decrease of up to ∼150 km in cratonic lithosphere thickness globally during the past ∼2 Gyr. Together with the temporal coupling between global kimberlite frequency and cold subduction flux since ∼2 Gyr ago, our results imply a causal link between lithosphere thinning and supply of CO2-rich melts enhanced by deep subduction of carbonated oceanic crusts. While hibernating at the lithosphere root, these melts chemically metasomatize and rheologically weaken the rigid lithosphere and consequently facilitate destruction through convective removal in the ambient mantle or thermo-magmatic erosion during mantle plume activities.

Age of eclogites formed by the subduction of the Mesoarchaean oceanic crust (Salma, Belomorian Eclogite Province, eastern Fennoscandian Shield, Russia): A synthesis

Competing evolutionary models and age of eclogite facies metamorphism, Mesoarchaean, Neoarchaean or Palaeoproterozoic, of the subducted Mesoarchaean oceanic crust (Salma association, Belomorian Eclogite Province) are discussed on a basis of systematic analysis of previously known and newly obtained data. Four main types of zircons were distinguished in eclogites: porous crystals with numerous inclusions from eclogite-metagabbro; wide-rimmed zircons with relict porous cores similar to previous type separated from garnetites; round-oval zircons from eclogite-metagabbronorite that are characteristic for granulite facies rocks and zircons with euhedral oscillatory zoning cores and oval grains that are characteristic for the eclogite facies pillow basalts. Regular changes in REE patterns and in crystallization-recrystallization temperatures of certain domains of the porous zircons display sequence of magmatic and metamorphic events. The ∼ 2.9 Ga domains retain magmatic-type REE patterns. Low- and medium-temperature inclusions of prenite, pumpelliite, albite, actinolite, chlorite, diaspore and saponite in garnet and abundant microinclusions of the prenite-pumpelliite and greenschist facies in zircons with LREE-MREE enrichment indicate hydrothermal metamorphism in the spreading ridge and ocean floor at 2.9–2.82 Ga. Disappearance of Ce positive anomaly from REE pattern in zircon, change negative to positive Eu anomaly and LREE-MREE enrichment caused by plagioclase removal and replacement of rutile with sphene evidence eclogite facies metamorphism linked with subduction at 2.82–2.78 Ga. Temperatures in the 700–900 °C range of the round-oval zircons from eclogite-metagabbronorite records the Neoarchaean granulite facies overprint at 2.77–2.70 Ga. Series of the high temperature Palaeoprpoterozoic events was terminated by 2.1–1.7 Ga event marked by the rims with lowest REE that frame all types of zircons. Change from positive to negative Eu anomaly, retrieval of negative Ce anomaly indicate the presence of plagioclase, reduction type of fluids and low water activity characteristic of high-temperature metamorphism under stretching condition and mantle-plume activity. The deep reworking of the Sm-Nd isotope system in the Belomorian tectonic province at ∼ 1.9 Ga, including the Salma eclogite association, was caused by the enormous crustal heating that spread from the Lapland granulite belt southward. Radiogenic 176Hf enrichment of 1.9 Ga zircon indicates recrystallization of a long-existed garnet with release of significant amount of 176Hf.

Asthenospheric Flow of Plume Material Beneath Arabia Inferred From S Wave Traveltime Tomography

AbstractWidespread Cenozoic volcanism in the Arabian Peninsula has been attributed to mantle plume activity and/or lithospheric thinning due to rift‐related extension. However, there is discrepancy between geochemical and geophysical studies about which mechanism is dominant over the other for post‐12 Ma volcanism. Plume signals in some volcanic fields in the Arabian shield are not evident in isotope analyses, but low‐velocity anomalies connected to Afar are found beneath the Arabian shield in tomographic studies and interpreted as asthenospheric flow from the Afar plume. To resolve this contradiction, we investigate the upper mantle beneath the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa by inverting relative S and SKS wave arrival times recorded at dense seismic networks to derive a high‐resolution S wave velocity model. Our results clearly show a narrow, elongated low‐velocity anomaly along the Makkah‐Madinah‐Nafud (MMN) volcanic line beneath the Arabian shield at 100–300 km depth which extends northward to Harrat Ithnayn and Harrat Lunayyir, but most likely not further north. The limited extent of the low‐velocity anomaly and variations in lithospheric thickness of the Arabian shield may explain why geochemical studies did not find plume signals in some harrats. Therefore, the timing and plume signals of volcanism in western Arabia may not be age progressive from Afar. We also find a possible connection between the low‐velocity anomalies beneath Harrat Lunayyir and the MMN line, suggesting that the 2007–2009 seismic swarm may be associated with northward asthenospheric flow of plume material from Afar.

Hot Times in Tectonophysics: Mantle Plume Dynamics and Magmatic Perturbances

Earth’s dynamic lithospheric (plate) motions often are not obvious when considered in relation to the temporal stability of the crust. Seismic radiology experiments confirm that the extreme pressures and temperatures in the mantle, and to a lesser extent the asthenosphere, result in a heterogeneously viscous rheology. Occasionally, magmatic fluid makes its way through the lithospheric plate to the surface, appearing typically as a volcano, fissure eruption, or lava flow. When occurring away from the edges of plate boundaries, these long-lasting suppliers of lava, present over millions of years, are called mantle plumes, or ‘hotspots.’ Conventional definitions of mantle plumes note that they are stationary with respect to each other and the motion of the plates, passively tracing historical plate motion in volcanic formations such as the Hawaiian-Emperor island arc – the Plate Model. In this model, mantle plumes primarily occur as a consequence of lithospheric extension.Recent empirical studies, however, have demonstrated that hotspots are not as geographically consistent as previously thought. They may move in relation to each other, as well as contribute actively toward lithospheric plate motions – the Plume Model. There is a lively, ongoing debate between the Plate and Plume hypotheses, essentially seeking to determine if mantle flow is merely a passive reaction to lithospheric plate motion (Plate Model), or whether plume activity in part drives this motion (Plume Model). More likely, it is a combination of passive and active mantle plume components that better describe the comprehensive behavior of these important and distinctive landscape forming features.

Orogenic Volcanism in Eastern Kazakhstan: Composition, Age, and Geodynamic Position

Studies of volcanic rocks in orogenic troughs of Eastern Kazakhstan were carried out. The troughs were formed at late-orogenic stages of evolution of Hercynian Altai collision system. Volcanic rocks are represented by basalts, andesites, dacites and rhyolites. Based on geochemical and isotopic data, the basalts and andesites derived from mafic magmas that formed as a result of partial melting of garnet peridotites in the upper mantle under the orogen. U–Pb zircon data prove two volcanic stages: more-scaled Middle Carboniferous (~311 Ma) and less-scaled Early Permian (297–290 Ma). Basalts and andesites in lower parts of the orogenic troughs and independent dacite-rhyolite structures were formed at the Middle Carboniferous stage. Parental mafic magmas were formed as a result of partial melting of mantle substrates in local transtensional zones along large shear faults. The formation of dacites and rhyolites could have been caused by partial melting of crustal substrates under effect of mafic magmas. Transtensional movements in the lithosphere of orogenic belts may indicate the beginning of collapse of orogens. A smaller volume of basalts and andesites formed at the Early Permian stage. Geochemical data prove the independent episode of partial melting in upper mantle. Synchronous basalts and andesites also appeared at wide territory in Tian Shan, Central Kazakhstan, and Central and Southern Mongolia. Early Permian volcanism indicates general extension of the lithosphere at the postorogenic stages. Large-scaled Early Permian mafic and granitoid magmatism in Central Asia has been interpreted in recent years as the Tarim Large Igneous Province caused by Tarim mantle plume activity. Thus, the extension of the lithosphere and associated volcanism in the Early Permian can be an indicator of the onset of the plume–lithosphere interaction process.

The Belomorian eclogite province (eastern Fennoscandian Shield, Russia): Meso-Neoarchean or Late Paleoproterozoic?

A critical discussion of competing models of the geodynamic nature (oceanic or continental subduction) and age (Meso-Neoarchean or Late Paleoproterozoic) of the eclogite facies metamorphism in the Belomorian eclogite province (BEP) is based on the systematic analysis of the sum of previously known and newly obtained data characterizing the geological structure of the Salma eclogite association and features of zircons from eclogites, including the isotopegeochronological and geochemical characteristics, composition and distribution of mineral inclusions. Regular changes in the REE trends and crystallization-recrystallization temperature of porous zircons in eclogite-metagabbro illustrate the sequence of magmatic and metamorphic events in the Meso-Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic. The susceptibility to recrystallization of zircons is due to partial metamictness and porous structure. The earliest (~2.9 Ga) zircon zones retain mag-matic-type REE trends. The microinclusions of the prenite-pumpelliite and greenschist facies minerals and the increase in the LREE and MREE concentrations indicate hydrothermal metamorphism in the spreading ridge and on the ocean floor at 2.9–2.82 Ga. Prenite, pumpelliite, albite, actinolite, chlorite, diaspore and saponite also form inclusions in the eclogitic garnet. An increase of LREE and MREE, the disappearance of the Ce positive anomaly, a change from negative to positive Eu anomaly at 2.82–2.78 Ga indicate that plagioclase was removed during the formation of the ‘garnet + omphacite’ eclogite association and the replacement of sphene with rutile. The eclogite facies metamorphism linked with subduction of the oceanic crust is also indicated by the microinclusions of garnet and rutile in zircon. The crystallization temperature in 700–900 °C range of the round-oval zircons from eclogites-metagabbronorites records the Neoarchean granulite facies metamorphism at 2.77–2.70 Ga, the negative Eu anomalies in the cores and rims of zircons indicate the participation of plagioclase in the metamorphic crystallization. Late (2.1–1.7 Ga) rims of porous zircons that occurred at 600–680 °C are distinguished by minimal REE concentrations, a change from a positive Eu anomaly to a negative one, and the appearance of a negative Ce anomaly, which indicates the presence of plagioclase, reducing type of fluids and, accordingly, low water activity that is characteristic of high-temperature metamorphism under stretching condition and mantle-plume activity. The deep Sm-Nd system reworking in the Belomorian tectonic province, including BEP, at ~1.9 Ga was caused by the crustal heating that spread from the Lapland granulite belt border in the west-south-westward direction. The Lu-Hf system in zircon reworking with a significant increase in radiogenic Hf indicates the recrystallization of a long-existing garnet, in which a significant amount of radiogenic 176Hf accumulated by 1.9 Ga as a result of the 176Lu decay. This contradicts the earlier suggestion of the eclogite garnet primary crystallization in the late Paleoproterozoic (1.94–1.89 Ga).

Substantiation of Réunion plume induced prolonged magmatic pulses (ca. 70.5–65.5 Ma) of the Deccan LIP in the Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, eastern India: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar geochronology

This study presents 40Ar/39Ar geochronology on the mafic dykes emplaced in the Damodar valley Gondwana sedimentary basins of the Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC) to authenticate prolonged mafic magmatic activities during Maastrichtian period. A couple of earlier and one new 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages, which range in age from ca. 70.5 to 65.5 Ma, suggest prolonged (~5 myr) magmatic activities in the CGC. These syn- and pre-Deccan LIP magmatic intrusive activities in the CGC are supposedly related to the Reunion mantle plume. The reported age of 70.5 ± 0.9 Ma of a NE-trending mafic dyke emplaced within the Raniganj basin could probably be the earliest record of the Reunion mantle plume activity in the Indian shield. A number of other early magmatic rocks, related to the Reunion mantle plume induced Deccan LIP event, are also recorded elsewhere in the Indian shield and supportive of prolonged magmatic activities. Finally, this study also provides a better constraint on the initiation and lateral extent of the Reunion mantle plume induced Deccan LIP.

Petrogenesis of the Gifford Creek Carbonatite Complex, Western Australia

The 1370 Ma Gifford Creek Carbonatite Complex (GCCC) comprises a diverse suite of alkaline dyke and sill complexes that cover an area of ~ 250 km2 in the Gascoyne Province, Western Australia. Most carbonatite types are interpreted to be related products of fractional crystallisation, with calcite carbonatites representing cumulate rocks and dolomite carbonatites representing crystallised products of the derivative liquids. Genetic relationships between these carbonatites and other alkaline igneous units are less clear. The ankerite–siderite carbonatites and magnetite-biotite dykes are likely of related magmatic origin as both have distinctly high LREE and low HFSE contents. The ankerite–siderite carbonatites have mantle-like δ13C isotope values of − 6.1 to − 7.1‰ and similar geochemistry to other known magmatic ferrocarbonatites. Silica-rich alkaline veins found near the centre of the complex have trace element signatures that are antithetic to the magnetite–biotite dykes, so these veins are interpreted to represent products of alkali- and F-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluids exsolved from the magnetite–biotite dykes during their emplacement. Carbon, O, Sr, and Nd isotope data are consistent with an enriched mantle source for the origin of the GCCC, with mantle enrichment likely caused by plate convergence processes associated with the c. 2.0 Ga Glenburgh Orogeny. There is no evidence to link mantle plume activity with formation of the GCCC; rather, alkaline magmatism is interpreted to result from low degree melting of the metasomatised mantle during reactivation of the crustal suture zone at 1370 Ma. The carbonatitic magmas utilised the Lyons River Fault to traverse the crust to be emplaced as the GCCC. Post magmatic alteration has variably modified the O and Sr isotope compositions of carbonates from these rocks. We therefore appeal for careful evaluation of isotopic data from ancient carbonatites, as isotopic resetting may be more common than currently recognised.

Thermal evolution of the Upper Yangtze Craton: Secular cooling and short-lived thermal perturbations

The Upper Yangtze Craton (UYC) has stayed in a long-term stabilization state. Its thermal history can be portioned into two parts: secular evolutionary trend and short-lived thermal perturbations. The former is simulated by a two-dimensional forward transient thermal model, and the latter is discussed by reviewing previous studies. The numerical modeling indicates the UYC tended to be cooling as it adjusted to the asynchronous rates of change in the internal radiogenic heat production and in the convecting mantle temperature below the cratonic root. The average cooling rate of the UYC has been ~58 °C/Ga since the end of Archean, faster than that of the convecting mantle. The surface heat flow presents a decreasing trend from ~82 mW/m2 at 2.5 Ga to ~53 mW/m2 at present-day, which constructs the long-term evolutionary path. The thermal perturbations derived from the occasional tectono-thermal events, such as mantle plume activity and regional lithosphere extension, serves as paroxysmal factors. The thermal effects of the Emeishan mantle plume were very strong, yielding to the maximum heat flow anomaly of ~100 mW/m2 at the Late Permian. In contrast, the influences of regional lithosphere extension during both the early Paleozoic period and the Early Permian-Middle Triassic period were rather weak, resulting in a surface heat flow increase of <10 mW/m2. These thermal anomalies disappeared after a time period depending on the thermal relaxation without altering the stability of the UYC, and then the thermal evolution of craton returned to its original cooling route. The thermal history of the UYC, the overprinting of the secular cooling and the short-lived perturbations, helps better understand the craton evolution and provide the fundamental thermal data for petroliferous-basin analysis.

Anatexis and metamorphic history of Permian pelitic granulites from the southern Chinese Altai: Constraints from petrology, melt inclusions and phase equilibria modelling

Pelitic granulites from the southern Chinese Altai record a prominent Permian high–temperature reworking event. The lack of solid constraints on anatexis and metamorphic P–T path of these rocks has hindered our understanding of the thermo–tectonic history of Chinese Altai orogen. Here, we present a detailed field and petrological study of the pelitic granulites cropping out at Wuqiagou area, Fuyun county. They occur as lenses or interlayers hosted within biotite–plagioclase gneisses, with a rutile–bearing assemblage composed of garnet ± orthopyroxene + cordierite + biotite ± K–feldspar + plagioclase + quartz ± spinel ± sillimanite + ilmenite. These pelitic granulites preserve diagnostic features of anatexis, such as small patches of leucosomes at macroscopic scale, melt inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts and highly cuspate quartz at microscopic scale. Melt inclusions (up to ~40 μm) are now crystallized into a cryptocrystalline aggregate of feldspars, quartz and biotite (i.e. they are nanogranitoids). Phase equilibria modelling in the NCKFMASHTO (Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3) 10–compositional model system suggests a possible clockwise P–T path involving a post–peak isobaric cooling (IBC) process from 800 to 850 °C to near solidus conditions (700–720 °C) at 5.0–6.0 kbar. SIMS zircon UPb geochronology indicates that the granulite–facies metamorphism took place at 284.1 ± 2.6 Ma, which is coeval with spatially associated mantle–derived mafic intrusions. Therefore, we propose that the Permian granulite–facies metamorphic event occurred in a post–orogenic extensional tectonic setting, which was associated with the input of external heat, related to underplating and intruding of mantle–derived magmas possibly as a result of the Tarim mantle plume activity.

Origin of Triassic mafic magmatism in the North Qiangtang terrane, central Tibetan Plateau: implications for the development of a continental back-arc basin

This paper presents a comprehensive study of geochronology, in situ clinopyroxene mineralogy, geochemistry and isotope geology for the Triassic mafic magmatism of the central Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, the results are used to understand the development of a continental back-arc basin and the generation of back-arc basin magmatism. Zircon U–Pb isotope analyses indicate that these rocks were formed during the Middle Triassic ( c. 231 Ma). Both the mafic rocks and the trapped melt calculated by the clinopyroxene/melt partition coefficient ( D cpx/melt ) exhibit distinct enrichments in light rare earth elements (LREE) and Th with pronounced depletions in Nb and Ta, which are similar to the geochemical composition of typical continental back-arc basin basalts. Geochemical features and isotopic variations indicate that the mafic melts originated from a depleted mantle modified by c. 10% crustal components. The ratios of Zn/Fe t and REE further suggest a spinel-bearing peridotite source. Considering other regional geological data, we argue that the origin of Triassic mafic magmatism should be attributed to the extension of a continental back-arc basin. Slab rollback and mantle plume activity played vital roles in the formation and development of a continental back-arc basin in the central part of the Tibetan Plateau.

Low–pressure granulite–facies metamorphism in the Southern Chinese Altay orogenic belt, NW China: P–T estimates, U–Pb ages and tectonic implications

The Chinese Altay orogenic belt formed in the Paleozoic is an important part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), accompanying with remarkable metamorphism. Its tectono–metamorphic evolution history is still a controversial topic. In this contribution, we investigate the petrography, metamorphic peak P–T conditions and zircon geochronology of the newly discovered garnet–absent metapelitic and felsic gneisses at Wuqiagou area in the southern Chinese Altay. They are characterized by an assemblage of orthopyroxene + biotite + plagioclase + quartz + Fe–Ti oxides ± cordierite ± K–feldspar, in which most K–feldspar grains have transformed into perthites with thin albite lamellae. The Wuqiagou garnet–absent gneisses experienced pervasive partial melting, as testified by microstructures such as mineral pseudomorphs after melt films or pockets. Phase diagram modelling constrains the peak P–T conditions to 3.5–5.5 kbar and 800–900 °C, with possible geothermal gradients of 45–75 °C/km, indicative of a prominent low–pressure granulite–facies metamorphic event in the southern Chinese Altay. SIMS zircon U–Pb dating results show a weighted mean age of 255.8 ± 1.8 Ma. This age is interpreted to represent the timing of this low–pressure granulite facies metamorphism, which is highly coeval with the timing of their hosted mafic granulite lenses (∼255 Ma) and nearby mantle–derived mafic intrusions (∼257 Ma). Based on available petrological, geochemical and chronological data, we propose that the Permian low–pressure granulite–facies metamorphic event in the southern Chinese Altay was likely associated with the intrusions of deep–derived mafic magma at a relatively shallow crustal level (12–18 km) in a post–orogenic extensional setting, with a possible link with the Tarim mantle plume activity.

The paleozoic Jalal Abad mafic complex (Central Iran): Implication for the petrogenesis

The Jalal Abad magmatic rocks are located at the southeastern edge of the Kashmar-Kerman tectonic zone, which includes Cadomian magmatic rocks and sedimentary strata intruded by several Silurian alkaline plutons and associated dikes. They have typical alkaline kaersutite and alkaline to per-alkaline pyroxene and are characterized geochemically by enrichment in LREE, Nb and Ta, and high concentrations of incompatible trace elements, demonstrating alkaline features with typical ocean island basalt signatures. Chondrite-normalized REE and multi-element spider diagrams along with High 206Pb/204Pb ratios (18.46–19.83) for the Jalal Abad gabbro, diorite, and dibasic dikes indicate involvement of an OIB-like source during the formation of these rocks. Modeling of bulk–rock trace elements and Sr–Nd isotopes suggest that magmas were generated by a pair of HIMU-EM1- like mantle source, consistent with a plume mantle origin in a within-plate rift zone. The melting took place in garnet stability field and the fractional crystallization played a major role in magmatic evolution of the mantle-derived parental magma. The Jalal Abad mafic rocks have U–Pb zircon ages of 425.5 ± 8.6 Ma and along with other Ordovician to Silurian rocks in different parts of the Iranian plate are related to the extensional tectonic regime responsible for the rifting of Cadomian fragments from northern Gondwana and the opening of Paleo-Tethys. Our findings indicate that the rifting and seafloor spreading of Paleo-Tethys and the formation of its oceanic crust were intensely influenced by a mantle plume activity in the early Paleozoic.

Genesis and evolution of the South Atlantic volcanic islands offshore Brazil

The Brazilian continental margin includes several volcanic islands, submerged volcanic seamounts, and a unique non-volcanic archipelago located in a transform segment of the Equatorial South Atlantic. The mechanism of formation of these islands is related to post-breakup magmatic episodes dated as Late Cretaceous to Pleistocene. Diverse Late Cretaceous to Paleogene alkaline magmatic episodes are registered in southeast Brazil, resulting in igneous plugs onshore and volcanic structures offshore. The Abrolhos Volcanic Complex in eastern Brazil is characterized by several volcanic features on the continental shelf, including small islands that expose Paleogene sedimentary layers interbedded with volcanic sequences. The adjacent Vitoria-Trindade Chain extends to oceanic crust forming basaltic to alkaline seamounts that outcrop at the Trindade Archipelago, the easternmost islands in Brazil with the youngest volcanic eruptions. The Fernando de Noronha lineament in northeast Brazil is characterized by Neogene alkaline igneous plugs. The small islets in the Sao Pedro—Sao Paulo archipelago, located near the mid-Atlantic ridge, are formed by exhumed mantle rocks related to compressional episodes a transform fault zone. The Rio Grande Rise in southern Brazil is characterized by shallow Paleogene seamounts and a large oceanic plateau probably related to subaerial spreading centers formed in the Late Cretaceous. Multiple mechanisms are responsible for the origin and evolution of the volcanic islands offshore Brazil in continental, transitional, and oceanic crust settings, including volcanic build-ups, leaking fracture zones, and hotspots. Some of the islands might be related to mantle plume activity, as indicated by comparisons with modern mantle plume analogues in the South Atlantic.