Nd-isotope Data Research Articles

A new look at the geodynamic development of the Ediacaran–early Cambrian forearc basalts of the Tannuola-Khamsara Island Arc (Central Asia, Russia): Conclusions from geological, geochemical, and Nd-isotope data

Abstract Oceanic igneous rocks throughout the Altai-Sayan Fold Belt (ASFB) in central-southern Siberia are often considered to be late Precambrian–early Paleozoic accreted elements of oceanic crust – often of uncertain paleogeographic or geodynamic origin. We explore the role of suprasubduction zone settings in the formation of different ASFB terranes. Our study offers a non-accretionary perspective on the tectonomagmatic development of basalt-bearing units in the ASFB on the example of the forearc terrane of the Ediacaran–early Cambrian Tannuola-Khamsara island arc (herein termed Sayan-Tuvan forearc zone). We describe the geochemistry, structural geology, and stratigraphic relations of basalts of the Aldynbulak, Uttug-Khaia, and Chingin formations, which are integral parts of the Sayan-Tuvan forearc zone. The Aldynbulak basalt samples mainly fall in the compositional fields of ocean island basalts and enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB) and likely derived from a deep mantle source. The Uttug-Khaia and Chingin basalts are N- and E + T-MORB-like basalts, carrying forearc geochemical signatures. Specifically, the Chingin Formation contains boninite dikes and is associated with a boninite-bearing ophiolite. Boninites are commonly associated with forearc magmatism and thus a forearc formation setting is likely. Tectonic and stratigraphic considerations imply that the Aldynbulak basalts formed first, followed by the Uttug-Khaia and later the Chingin basalts and boninites. A schematic model, involving decompression melting of the mantle, is proposed for the development of the studied forearc basalt suites that are linked with the growth of the Tannuola-Khamsara island arc system 580–540 million years ago.

Mafic magma-driven magmatic processes and compositional variation in granitic pluton construction: The Buya intrusion of West Kunlun, Northwestern China

Abstract To investigate the direct evidence for a number of physico-chemical processes related to pluton construction and growth, we examine the Buya pluton of West Kunlun in Northwestern China, which emplaced within the 455–460 Ma time frame. Field observations, geochemical data, and thermodynamic modeling show that mafic dikes of the Buya pluton were conduits for magma chamber replenishment during pluton construction. These mafic inputs, and the enclaves that resulted from them, induced compaction of the semi-consolidated, crystal-rich, felsic mushes below them. The accumulation of highly silicic, fine-grained granite at the top of the Buya pluton is the result of episodic melt segregation events from these mushes. This sequence of events may reflect a common process that promotes compositional variation in granite suites. Combined geochemical and Hf- and Nd-isotopic data suggest that parental magmas of the mafic sheet and enclave are similar to sanukitoid, which is potentially consistent with a mantle peridotitic source metasomatized by slab melts. These mafic magmas intruded the lower crust where the original magma was modified by mafic lower-crust melt. Following emplacement at shallow crustal levels of the mafic inputs (~3.7 kbar, ~5.3 km, constrained by amphibole geobarometry), the felsic mush evolved through the extraction of interstitial melts driven by hybridization with episodic inputs of mafic magmas as well as crystal consequent accumulation and fractional crystallization of plagioclase, hornblende, and accessory phases such as allanite, apatite, and zircon. This fractional crystallization process may also provide an explanation for the apparently high Sr/Y features in some silicic high-K, calc-alkaline magmas.

Testing the advantages of simultaneous in-situ Sm[sbnd]Nd, U[sbnd]Pb and elemental analysis of igneous monazite for petrochronological studies. An example from the late Archean, Penzance granite, Western Australia

Monazite has the ability to incorporate a broad range of trace elements (TE), including SmNd, in addition to being a reliable UPb geochronometer. Nonetheless, many current isotopic tracer studies mostly focus on laser ablation-multicollector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) Hf-in-zircon or whole rock isotope dilution SmNd. The conditions necessary to produce reliable Nd-isotopic data from whole rock analyses (i.e. absence of weathering and alteration) restricts the number of samples suitable for this type of study. Conversely, accessory phases such as monazite, apatite, allanite, epidote and titanite are more resistant to weathering and alteration and have a greater chance of preserving their original Nd-isotopic signature.The Archean Penzance granite, in the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia, is a relatively unweathered high field strength elements (HFSE)-enriched granite that is associated with the Teutonic Bore volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) Camp. Here we compare newly acquired LA split-stream (SS)-MC-ICPMS analyses in monazite from the Penzance granite to previously collected whole rock Nd-isotopes, SHRIMP ages in zircon and monazite and Hf-in-zircon of a specific outcrop. The ƐNd0 of monazite from the Penzance granite have a weighted mean value of +1.6 ± 0.2 both for the values calculated from the SHRIMP single population age and from individual LASS dates. This value is the same within uncertainty to the whole-rock ƐNd0 value of +1.99 ± 0.39, whereas ƐHf0 show similar juvenile values with mean value of +2.2 ± 0.5 (2 SE).These findings complement previous studies that argue that monazite has the potential to provide reliable time constrained isotopic and chemical data, which are comparable to, and at times superior than, Hf-in-zircon and whole-rock Nd-isotopes. Additionally, because monazite can record TE signatures that can be used to retrieve petrological information, this study proposes a LASS-MC-ICPMS routine that achieves simultaneous SmNd isotopes, U/Th-Pb dating and TE analyses in monazite, allowing for further petrological information to be obtained from a single analytical routine. This study also assesses the precision and accuracy in UPb ages in monazite reference materials, when additional masses are measured in the same routine. The application of the routine presented here facilitates the use of monazite as isotopic tracer in petrological and sedimentary studies.

Evolution of seawater continentally-sourced Nd isotopic composition prior to and during the Great Oxidation Event

An ongoing debate concerns what initiated the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) and associated glaciation between ~ 2.45 and 2.2 Ga. One possibility is the emergence of continental landmasses and the increase of subaerial igneous province weathering during the Late Archean. We test this hypothesis in the Hamersley Basin by reporting Nd-isotope data from a succession of iron formations (IFs), mudstone/siltstones and glacial diamictites from the Boolgeeda Iron Formation and overlying Turee Creek Group deposited during the GOE. In a 147Sm/144Nd - ɛNd(t) diagram, the data define a negative trend indicating the contribution of a high ɛNd(t) ~ +3 hydrothermal component and a strongly negative ɛNd(t) ~ -9 crustal component, which is compatible with the Nd-isotope composition of the upper continental crust but also of the underlying felsic volcanics of the Woongarra Rhyolite and crustally-contaminated mafic volcanics of the Fortescue Group. A less pronounced negative trend originating from the same hydrothermal source but correlated with non-contaminated ultramafic Fortescue volcanics (ɛNd(t) ~ -2) is observed for the older Joffre, Dales Gorge and Marra Mamba IFs. As Nd-isotopes are not sensitive to redox conditions, the major shift of Nd-isotopic compositions at ~ 2.45 Ga cannot be linked to a change in the weathering regime, rather to a change in the nature of the continental surface exposed to weathering. One explanation is that the Sm-Nd sources for sediments deposited before and during the GOE were locally derived from the underlying subaerial LIPs, reflecting a change in the geodynamic context of deposition and/or hydrographic network and catchment areas. Another explanation could be a significant change in the nature of fluid–rock interactions due to the increase role of weathering processes associated with the emergence of continental landmasses. Additional Nd isotope data from different cratons worldwide are needed, however, to infer as to whether or not the marked shift in Nd isotope compositions recorded in the Turee Creek Group reflect a change in the global hydrological cycle. Our data support the role of large subaerial magmatic provinces as triggers of the rise of atmospheric oxygen and the onset of glaciations at the beginning of the Proterozoic.

High-K granites between the Archean Gavião and Jequié blocks, São Francisco Craton, Brazil: Implications for cratonization and amalgamation of the Rhyacian Atlantica continent

Precambrian terrane boundaries are sites of diverse rock associations and structural complexity. Motions along the boundary zones are commonly related to the construction of ancient large continental masses. This seems to be the case in the São Francisco Craton, Brazil, where three major blocks (Gavião, Jequié and Serrinha) collided in the Paleoproterozoic to form the northern part of the craton. This manuscript presents zircon U-Pb ages and whole-rock geochemistry for rock associations on the western border of the Jequié Block, which is defined by the north-trending left-lateral 600-km long Contendas-Jacobina fault zone. The studied rocks are granulite to amphibolite facies Neoarchean orthopyroxene-hornblende granite gneisses of the Jequié block, which also occur tectonically imbricated within Paleoproterozoic metavolcanosedimentary rocks of the Contendas-Mirante belt. The rocks are 2.65-2.63 Ga high-K ferroan, metaluminous to slightly peraluminous syeno-monzogranite in composition, with negative ƐNd(2650) and Nd model ages of 3.05-2.88 Ga. They are depleted in Sr and Ti, enriched in Th, Ba and Pb enrichment, and have marked negative Eu/Eu*. This geochemical signature coupled with the Nd-isotope data indicate that the parental granitic magma was generated by crustal reworking of felsic Mesoarchean crust distinct from the western-sitting >3.3 Ga Gavião Block. The investigated granitic gneisses are similar to other potassic granitoids that occur in the São Francisco Craton, which mark the thermal stabilization of the Archean lithosphere. The westward thrusting of the Neoarchean hornblende granitic gneiss and associated high-Mg tremolitite (meta-basalts) onto Paleoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary sequences establishes field evidence of Paleoproterozoic nappe stacking before lateral displacement during block collision. The crustal amalgamation is related to the assembly of the São Francisco-Congo Craton, a major landmass established before the Columbia supercontinent.

Carbonates and cherts as archives of seawater chemistry and habitability on a carbonate platform 3.35 Ga ago: Insights from Sm/Nd dating and trace element analysis from the Strelley Pool Formation, Western Australia

Carbonates and cherts in the 3.35 billion-year-old Strelley Pool Formation (Fm.; Australia) host stromatolites that are among the oldest remnants of life on Earth. However, it is still not entirely clear whether these mineral phases are authigenic precipitates, and whether they represent reliable geochemical archives of early Earth environments. Here we present major/trace-element and Nd-isotope data of stromatolitic carbonates, associated crystal-fan carbonates, and cherts in the Strelley Pool Fm. (i) to assess the reliability of these chemical sediments as geochemical archives of the fluids from which they precipitated, (ii) to date the time of formation of carbonate and silica phases, and (iii) to trace the sources of elements prevailing in microbial habitats 3.35 Ga ago.Stromatolitic carbonates plot together with the stratigraphically underlying Marble Bar cherts on a Sm-Nd regression line yielding 3253 ± 320 Ma. In contrast, associated crystal-fan carbonates together with altered Marble Bar cherts yield 2718 ± 220 Ma, suggesting that their Sm-Nd isotope system was reset after deposition. Both types of carbonates, as well as white cherts, show shale-normalized rare earth element and yttrium patterns (REYSN; with the exception of redox-sensitive Ce and Eu and heavy REYSN to middle REYSN depletion) that are parallel to those of modern seawater, indicating a predominantly seawater-derived origin. Positive EuSN anomalies (2.1–2.4), combined with heterogeneous ɛNd3.35Ga values between −3.2 and +5.8 within individual alternating stromatolite laminae, further support that the dissolved fraction of seawater on the ancient carbonate platform was variably affected by both continental weathering and high-temperature hydrothermal fluids contributing elements of both young mafic or older felsic rocks. In conclusion, trace element and Nd isotope data presented here match well with the depositional environment, as characterized based on lithological, geochemical, and stratigraphic relationships, on an early continent, showing at least episodic emergence above the sea level, supporting microbial life on a shallow marine platform.

Late Permian Intraplate Magmatism of the Baikal–Muya Belt: U–Pb Geochronology and Nd-Isotope Data

This paper presents the results of U–Pb isotope–geochronological study on zircons from subalkali gabbros and granodiorites of the Dogaldyn intrusive massif located in the Karalon–Mamakan zone of the Baikal–Muya belt. The ages of 254 ± 2 and 256 ± 1 Ma yielded for rocks of the two main intrusion phases do not differ significantly from each other and correspond to the Late Permian period. The Nd-isotope and geochemical data indicate the relationship between the primary melts of intraplate rocks from the Dogaldyn Massif and various sources, including plume–mantle and ancient crustal ones. The manifestations of Late Permian intraplate magmatic activity in the Baikal–Muya belt could have been induced by the Iberian superplume framed by the Siberian trap province.

Composite basement along the southern margin of the North Australian Craton: Evidence from in-situ zircon U-Pb-O-Hf and whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions

Hafnium-isotope compositions of emplacement-age zircon grains are integrated with zircon δ18O and whole-rock Nd-isotope data in order to characterise the age and composition of the sources of Paleoproterozoic granites along the southern margin of the North Australian Craton. The petrogenesis of the granitic rocks is interpreted in terms of partial melting of distinct crustal components with variable crustal residence ages, at different crustal levels, reflecting the local Paleoproterozoic crustal architecture. This finding implies a composite nature of the unexposed deep crust, which comprises Paleoproterozoic supracrustals and subordinate, discontinuous and local Neoarchean meta-igneous components. The limited lateral extension of Neoarchean deep crust does not support tectonic models for the Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of the craton that consider intracratonic and/or continent-continent collision settings. The composite nature of the basement and the presence of cryptic boundaries are consistent with the accretion of Paleoproterozoic supracrustal elements, as back-arc and island-arc, to a Neoarchean proto-craton. The dominant Paleoproterozoic reworking of Archean-derived supracrustal materials indicates that accretionary orogenesis was an important setting for crustal reworking and craton stabilisation in the Paleoproterozoic.

Geochemistry and Sm-Nd systematics of the 1.67 Ga Buanji Group of southwestern Tanzania: Paleo-weathering, provenance and paleo-tectonic setting implications

We present major and trace and Nd-isotopic data of the ∼1.67 Ga Buanji Group of southwestern Tanzania in order to constrain the nature of their protolith and the intensity of chemical weathering in the source terranes and make inferences on the nature of climatic conditions during the late Paleoproterozoic in the region. Major and trace element contents of the shales from three stratigraphic formations are comparable to those of the post-Archaean Australian Shale (PAAS) and the average Proterozoic Shale (PS). They are characterized by enrichments in LREE relative to HREE ((La/Yb)CN = 9.07–13.2; (Gd/Yb)CN=1.51–1.85) and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.61–0.81); features which are comparable to those of PAAS and PS, indicating upper continental sources. Provenance proxy ratios, together with abundances of Cr, Ni, Co and V that increase up-stratigraphy suggest a decreasing input of felsic detritus up-stratigraphy. Chemical Indices of Alteration (CIA) for the lower, middle and upper Buanji formations are 81, 76 and 79, respectively. These indices largely indicate intermediate (ca. 60–80) to extreme (>80) weathering intensities of the precursor rocks. These observations may suggest the prevalence of warm, humid climates during the late Paleoproterozoic in the region.The lower Buanji Formation yielded a depleted mantle Nd model age (TDM) of ∼2100 Ma which indicates an Eburnean parentage. TDM ages of 2486–2155 Ma and 2535–2379 Ma obtained from middle and upper Buanji formations, respectively, suggest a progressive increase of sedimentary input from the Tanzania Craton up-stratigraphy. The Eburnean TDM ages of the lower Buanji rocks are attributed to their derivation through denudation of a decaying topographic high composed predominantly of rocks that were generated during the Palaeoproterozoic Ubendian orogenesis, possibly in the realm of Columbian Supercontinent assembly. Overlapping TDM ages between the middle and upper Buanji formations suggest multiple sources involving mixing of detritus from Archaean cratonic rocks and the Palaeoproterozoic Ubendian belt. However, the Archaean signal is relatively more pronounced in the upper Buanji Formation, suggesting sediments derivation from the craton, to the north of the basin. The middle Buanji Formation suggests more diverse protolith, given the relatively larger spread in the TDM ages. The Nb/Ta, Zr/Sm and Ce/Pb ratios coupled with the negative Nb and Ta anomalies, relative to primitive mantle, suggest that the tectonic setting of the source rocks for the Buanji sediments was a subduction zone akin to that generating modern Island Arc Basalts. Thus, we suggest that the Buanji's palaeogeography is consistent with an extensional continental backarc basin during the late Paleoproterozoic.

Sediment recycling and crustal growth in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Evidence from Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes and trace elements in granitoids of the Chinese Altay

Felsic igneous rocks are common constituents of volcanic arcs, and contain valuable information about subduction-related magmatism. In this study we investigate nine granitoids with S-type volcanic arc affinity from the Chinese Altay, emplaced from 507 to 391Ma in an active subduction zone during the early–middle Paleozoic. These granitoids are characterized by moderate to high SiO2 contents (61.01–75.30wt.%), moderate total alkalis (Na2O+K2O, 3.43–7.64wt.%), and high Al2O3 contents (13.29–17.18wt.%). Negative εNd(t) values (−6.1 to −1.0), the wide range of εHf(t) values (−7.0 to +9.0), and enrichment of LILEs such as Pb, Th and U, all suggest that the granitoids were probably derived from the partial melting of subducting oceanic sediments and the associated mantle wedge. This inference is further supported by the Nd-isotope data. The high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.703963–0.719428), low Ba/Th ratios (7.00–118.93), and uniformly negative εNd(t) values (−6.1 to −1.0) indicate that slab-derived aqueous fluids were vital in generating the initial magma of these granitoids, and assimilation played only a minor role. Our data demonstrate that residual zircon retains a substantial amount of Hf during the partial melting of oceanic sediments, therefore, Hf may not be an effective tracer for the input of recycled sediments. We conclude that sediment recycling played an important role in the generation of arc magmatism and the growth of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB).

The Ediacaran–Cambrian transition in the Cantabrian Zone (northern Spain): sub-Cambrian weathering, K-metasomatism and provenance of detrital series

The Upper Ediacaran detrital succession in the Cantabrian Zone shows geochemical and mineralogical changes resulting from sub-Cambrian weathering during the Late Ediacaran worldwide sea-level fall. Relative to the unaltered rocks the altered ones show crosscutting rubefaction of varying thickness and remarkable increase in illite, K 2 O, Rb and Cs indicating K-metasomatism, and also depletion in MgO, CaO, Na 2 O, Be and Sr, but not in Zr, Nb, Y or Sc. The basal Cambrian siliciclastic rocks mostly consist of detritus derived from the Ediacaran materials, as demonstrated by the geochemical and Nd-isotope data ( ε Nd ( t ) ranges are −3.4 to −2.1 and −3.6 to −1.8, respectively). However, these geochemical features of the basal Cambrian change upwards to more evolved compositions with lower ε Nd ( t ) values (−4.9 to −5.8). This change coincides with the Ediacaran–Cambrian unconformity in the Central Iberian Zone, and the Ediacaran siliclastic rocks of this zone and their unaltered equivalents of the Cantabrian Zone share the same geochemical features. This geochemical homogeneity rules out a significant coeval juvenile contribution to the Upper Ediacaran series. Thus, the juvenile supply was from a geological setting different from that in which the Ediacaran series were finally deposited. Supplementary material: Details of sampling, sample location, analytical techniques, diffractograms, tables of analyses and figures are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.2850016 .

Magma associations in Ediacaran granitoids of the Cachoeirinha‒Salgueiro and Alto Pajeú terranes, northeastern Brazil: Forty years of studies

Granitic magmatism in the Cachoeirinha‒Salgueiro and Alto Pajeú terranes in the Transversal Zone Domain of the Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil, occurred in three main time intervals: 650–620 Ma, 590–560 Ma and 545–520 Ma. The oldest one is characterized by intrusions of magmatic-epidote (mEp) bearing calc-alkalic (some with trondhjemitic affinities) and high-K calc-alkalic plutons, synkinematic to the main regional foliation, under contractional tectonic regime, and exhibits TDM < 2.0 Ga and ƐNd (0.6 Ga) from −1 to −4, and δ18O (zircon) values from 7.1 to 10‰VSMOW. O- and Nd-isotope data for the 650‒620 Ma group of plutons is compatible with partial fusion of subducted oceanic basaltic crust (mEp-bearing calc-alkalic tonalites/granodiorites, equivalent to adakites). Voluminous intrusions in the 590–560 Ma interval are represented by abundant mEp-free high-K calc-alkalic, peralkalic, ultrapotassic, mEp-bearing high-K calc-alkalic, and less abundant shoshonitic magmas. Nd-model ages for this group of plutons vary from 1.5 to 2.5 Ga and ƐNd (0.6 Ga) ranges from −8 to −20; δ18O (zircon) varies from 6.4 to 7.9‰VSMOW. Values of δ18O (zircon) for the 590‒560 Ma old group of plutons coupled with Nd isotope data are compatible with remelting of crustal (negative ƐNd, 1.6 to 2.0 Ga old) source rocks. O- and Nd-isotope data for this group of plutons are compatible with underplating of basaltic magma in the base of the lower crust for the high-K calc-alkalic granitoids, coeval to transcurrent movements along sigmoidal shear zones. Intrusion of one shoshonitic (Serrote do Arapuá), one calc-alkalic (Riacho do Icó) plutons besides the peralkalic Manaíra-Princeza Isabel dike set have witnessed this transition from contractional to transcurrent movements along shear zones, around 610‒600 Ma.

Biologically recycled continental iron is a major component in banded iron formations

Banded iron formations (BIFs) record a time of extensive Fe deposition in the Precambrian oceans, but the sources and pathways for metals in BIFs remain controversial. Here, we present Fe- and Nd-isotope data that indicate two sources of Fe for the large BIF units deposited 2.5 billion y ago. High-εNd and -δ(56)Fe signatures in some BIF samples record a hydrothermal component, but correlated decreases in εNd- and δ(56)Fe values reflect contributions from a continental component. The continental Fe source is best explained by Fe mobilization on the continental margin by microbial dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) and confirms for the first time, to our knowledge, a microbially driven Fe shuttle for the largest BIFs on Earth. Detailed sampling at various scales shows that the proportions of hydrothermal and continental Fe sources were invariant over periods of 10(0)-10(3) y, indicating that there was no seasonal control, although Fe sources varied on longer timescales of 10(5)-10(6) y, suggesting a control by marine basin circulation. These results show that Fe sources and pathways for BIFs reflect the interplay between abiologic (hydrothermal) and biologic processes, where the latter reflects DIR that operated on a basin-wide scale in the Archean.

Subduction-related enrichment of the Neapolitan volcanoes (Southern Italy) mantle source: New constraints on the characteristics of the slab-derived components

The Neapolitan volcanic area (Southern Italy), which includes the Phlegrean Volcanic District and the Somma–Vesuvius complex, has been the site of intense Plio-Quaternary magmatic activity and has produced volcanic rocks with a subduction-related geochemical and isotopic signature. High-Mg, K-basaltic lithic lava fragments dispersed within hydromagmatic tuff of the Solchiaro eruption (Procida Island) provide constraints on the nature and role of both the mantle source prior to enrichment and the subduction-related components. The geochemical data (Nb/Yb, Nb/Y, Zr/Hf) indicate a pre-enrichment source similar to that of enriched MORB mantle. In order to constrain the characteristics of subducted slab-derived components added to this mantle sector, new geochemical and Sr–Nd-isotopic data have been acquired on meta-sediments and pillow lavas from Timpa delle Murge ophiolites. These represent fragments of Tethyan oceanic crust (basalts and sediments) obducted during the Apennine orogeny, and may be similar to sediments subducted during the closure of the Tethys Ocean. Based on trace element compositions (e.g., Th/Nd, Nb/Th, Yb/Th and Ba/Th) and Nd-isotopic ratio, we hypothesize the addition of several distinct subducted slab-derived components to the mantle wedge: partial melts from shales and limestones, and aqueous fluids from shales, but the most important contribution is provided by melts from pelitic sediments. Also, trace elements and Sr–Nd-isotopic ratios seem to rule out a significant role for altered oceanic crust. Modeling based on variations of trace elements and isotopic ratios indicates that the pre-subduction mantle source of the Phlegrean Volcanic District and Somma–Vesuvius was enriched by 2–4% of subducted slab-derived components. This enrichment event might have stabilized amphibole and/or phlogopite in the mantle source. 6% degree of partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing enriched source, occurring initially in the garnet stability field and then in the spinel stability field can generate a melt with trace elements and Sr–Nd-isotopic features matching those of high-Mg, K-basalts of Procida Island. Furthermore, 2% partial melting of the same enriched source can reproduce the trace elements and isotopic features of the most primitive magmas of Somma–Vesuvius, subsequently modified by assimilation of continental crust during fractional crystallization processes at mid-lower depth. Combined trace element and Sr–Nd isotope modeling constrains the age of the enrichment event to 45Ma ago, suggesting that the Plio-Quaternary magmatism of the Neapolitan area is post-orogenic, and related to the subduction of oceanic crust belonging to the Tethys Ocean.

Trace-element and multi-isotope geochemistry of Late-Archean black shales in the Carajás iron-ore district, Brazil

The 250–300-m-thick Carajás Formation in the Carajás mineral province, northern Brazil, consists of banded iron formation (including giant high-grade iron-ore deposits) and minor black shale, overlying a thick pile (2–3km) of about 2.75-Ga-old metabasalt. Carbonaceous shale with pyrite- and locally pyrrhotite-rich patches from drillcore of the Serra Sul exploration project has up to 29ppm Mo; iron-speciation analysis indicates essentially ferruginous and for some samples likely euxinic depositional conditions. Positive δ34S-isotope ratios of TRIS are between +0.3 to +10.7‰, with heavy data restricted to pyrrhotite-free samples. The data suggest microbial sulfate reduction under, at least partially, sulfate-limiting conditions with later overprint by migrating solutions. The black shale is affected by pronounced low-temperature potassium metasomatism (K2O/Na2O>100; up to 10wt.% K2O as adularia) related to diagenetic processes at <100°C, and low-grade metamorphic overprint. We studied a 20-cm-black-shale drillcore interval from the middle part of the Serra Sul BIF sequence in detail. Five samples with the most euxinic signature give a Re–Os regression of 2710±38Ma (2σ) with an initial ratio of −0.37±0.40 (MSWD=3.3), whereas the full data set (n=11), including black-shale samples from the top and bottom of the BIF sequence, gives a regression of 2661±110Ma (MSWD=121). Molybdenum-isotope patterns suggest mixing between a clastic end member, with about 0.2‰ δ98/95Mo for continental input (TDM of 2.8–3.1Ga according to Nd-isotope data), and 0.9‰ δ98/95Mo for a hydrogenous component. Black-shale samples from the bottom of the BIF sequence have heavy Mo-isotope composition of up to 1.8‰ δ98/95Mo. The significant Mo-isotope fractionation is either the result of an early and transient “whiff of oxygen” at 2.7Ga, or the result of hydrothermal fluid overprint.

Crustal growth stages in the Songino block of the early caledonian superterrane in Central Asia: II. Geochemical and Nd-isotope data

Geochemical and Nd isotope data are reported for Late Riphean metamorphic complexes and granitoids of the Bayannur zone of the Songino block in the Early Caledonian superterrane of Central Asia. Geological, geochronolgical, geochemical, and isotope data were integrated to discuss rock sources and main mechanisms responsible for the formation and evolution of the Late Riphean continental crust. It was estab� lished that lithotectonic complexes of the Bayannur zone were formed on a convergent plate during Late Pro� terozoic tectonogenesis (around 1.3-0.78 Ga). This period primarily produced a juvenile crust represented by paleooceanic (Nand EMORB types) and island arc basalts. An interval of 800-880 Ma was marked by the formation of rocks of the Bayannur complex and metaterrigenous sequence (accretionary wedge) of the Kholbonur complex, and the emplacement of quartz diorites and granodiorites of the Gashunnur pluton due to erosion and melting of both Late Riphean juvenile sources and ancient possibly Early Precambrian crustal material in a setting of ensialic island arc. At the final stage of the Late Riphean evolution of the Bayannur zone, postkinematic granitoids of the Bayannur pluton, and gabbrodiorites and anorthosites of the Ontsula pluton were derived from mantle juvenile and crustal sources in a withinplate setting. In terms of isotope characteristics, the crystalline complexes of the Bayannur zone are comparable with the Japantype modern island arc systems. A synthesis of geological, geochronological, and isotopegeochemical data indicates a much wider distribution of the Late Riphean juvenile crustforming processes than considered previously and remobilization of continental crust in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Fold Belt. The Vendian-Pale� ozoic stage in the evolution of this segment was characterized by an intense growth of juvenile crust, while magmatism during Late Riphean stage was determined by mixing of Late Riphean juvenile and ancient Early Precambrian sources.

Elemental mobility in subduction metamorphism: insight from metamorphic rocks of the Franciscan Complex and the Feather River ultramafic belt, California

The degree of element mobility in subduction metamorphism has generated much debate; some workers advocate considerable mobility during metamorphism, whereas others postulate minimal mobility. We assess this issue by examination of major and trace element concentrations and Pb-, Nd-isotopic data for 39 mafic metavolcanic rocks from the Franciscan subduction complex, related units of coastal California, and the Feather River ultramafic belt of the northern Sierra Nevada, California; these samples span a wide range of metamorphic grade. We conclude that these rocks, despite their metamorphism up to eclogite facies, preserve protolith major and trace elemental compositions and isotopic ratios, with the exception of some mobile large ion lithophile elements such as Ba, Pb, and to a smaller extent La, U, and Sr. Thus subduction metamorphism of these metabasalts occurred in a largely closed system. Lack of light rare earth element enrichment in the rocks demonstrates lack of chemical exchange with subducted metasediments. Relatively low SiO2 content (<48 wt.%) of many of the metamorphic rocks and the lack of correspondence between silica depletion and metamorphic grade suggests that the silica depletion resulted from seafloor hydrothermal alteration before subduction. In spite of demonstrated mobility of Pb, and possible mobility of Nd, isotopic ratios of Pb and Nd were not modified during subduction metamorphism. In contrast to our results from metabasaltic rocks, our analysis of actinolite-rich rinds from high-grade Franciscan mélange blocks suggests some chemical exchange between metachert and the overlying mantle. The increasing enrichment in Ba and Pb with increasing metamorphic grade suggests that Ba- and Pb-rich fluids interacted more intensely with metabasalt at the higher grades of metamorphism. Comparison of these results with studies of the active Mariana forearc suggests that fluids interacting with the mantle wedge up-dip of the region of magma genesis are derived from subducting sediments overlying the down-going plate.

Nd-isotopic mapping of the Archaean–Proterozoic boundary in southwestern Tanzania: Implication for the size of the Archaean Tanzania Craton

Nd-isotopic data are presented for the granitoids that straddle the Archaean–Proterozoic (A–P) boundary in southwestern Tanzania along the Itigi–Makongolosi road traverse. On the basis of their Nd depleted mantle (T DM) ages, two groups of granitoids can be identified: those which show T DM ages of 2541–2894 Ma and are therefore belonging to the Archaean and those which have Proterozoic T DM ages of 2031–2430 Ma. Archaean granitoids are deformed, grayish in colour and consist of plagioclase, biotite and quartz and include a few microcline-rich, rare biotite pink alkali granites whereas the Proterozoic ones include mainly undeformed, microcline-rich, pink alkali granites. Although there are several compositional overlaps between the two, Proterozoic granitoids differ from those of the Archaean in showing enrichment in incompatible elements and overall higher abundances of the rare earth elements. Both Archaean and Proterozoic granitoids show negative to slightly positive Eu anomalies. These geochemical characteristics are attributed to the involvement of plagioclase in their magmagenesis indicating their generation at low pressures and shallow depths with the Proterozoic granitoids being derived from a more felsic protolith. Nd-isotopic data, coupled with petrography and lithological field relationships as well as major and trace elements geochemistry of the granitoids, places the A–P boundary approximately 150 km inside from the southern traditionally accepted boundary near Lake Rukwa in southwestern Tanzania. This implies that the size of the Archaean Tanzania Craton is smaller than hitherto understood. Small vestiges/domains showing Archaean ages within the Proterozoic regions could be explained as being slivers of tectonically interleaved Archaean material found within the Proterozoic terrane in southwestern Tanzania.

Formation of “Southern Component Water” in the Late Cretaceous: Evidence from Nd-isotopes

Research Article| October 01, 2010 Formation of “Southern Component Water” in the Late Cretaceous: Evidence from Nd-isotopes Stuart A. Robinson; Stuart A. Robinson * 1Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK *E-mail: stuart.robinson@ucl.ac.uk. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Daniel P. Murphy; Daniel P. Murphy 2Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Derek Vance; Derek Vance 3Bristol Isotope Group, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Bristol BS8 1RJ, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Deborah J. Thomas Deborah J. Thomas 2Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2010) 38 (10): 871–874. https://doi.org/10.1130/G31165.1 Article history received: 01 Mar 2010 rev-recd: 05 May 2010 accepted: 06 May 2010 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Stuart A. Robinson, Daniel P. Murphy, Derek Vance, Deborah J. Thomas; Formation of “Southern Component Water” in the Late Cretaceous: Evidence from Nd-isotopes. Geology 2010;; 38 (10): 871–874. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G31165.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Constraining deep-ocean circulation during past greenhouse climatic periods, such as the Cretaceous, is important for understanding meridional heat transfer processes, controls on ocean anoxia, and the relative roles of climate and tectonics in determining paleocirculation patterns. Ocean circulation models for the Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene suggest that significant deep-water production occurred in the Southern Ocean, but cannot constrain when this process commenced or what the temporal relationship was between opening tectonic gateways and Late Cretaceous climatic cooling. Nd-isotope data obtained from biogenic apatite (fish teeth and bones) are presented from lower bathyal and abyssal sites in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. During the mid-Cretaceous, relatively radiogenic Nd-isotope values suggest that deep-water circulation in these basins was sluggish with inputs likely dominated by seawater-particle exchange processes and, possibly, easily weathered volcanic terranes. In the Campanian–Maastrichtian the Nd-isotopic composition of proto-Indian and South Atlantic deep waters became less radiogenic, suggesting the onset of deep-water formation in the Southern Ocean (Southern Component Water, SCW), consistent with Paleogene reconstructions and ocean circulation models. A combination of Southern Hemisphere cooling and the opening of tectonic gateways during the Campanian likely drove the onset of SCW. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Lithogeochemistry as a tracer of the tectonic setting, lateral integrity and mineralization of a highly metamorphosed Mesoproterozoic volcanic arc sequence on the eastern margin of the Namaqua Province, South Africa

The Areachap Group represents the medium- to high-grade metamorphic and deformed remnants of a Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.24–1.30 Ga) volcanic arc that was accreted onto the western margin of the Kaapvaal Craton during the early stages of the Namaqua-Natal Orogeny. Few regional geochemical studies of the succession have been undertaken and despite recent geochronological work from throughout the outcrop belt there is still uncertainty as to the lateral integrity and correlation of the succession from one area to another. This uncertainty has been aided by minimal outcrop and extensive deformation and dislocation of one area from another. This study uses trace element geochemistry combined with Sm–Nd-isotopic data from the northern and southern ends of the succession to test its lateral integrity. Minor differences, including the abundance of certain lithologies, varying influences of a crustal component and differences in age between different areas are apparent, but the succession, as a whole, displays lateral integrity as a continental island arc. All lithologies are characterised by enrichment in Th, U, Pb and the large ion lithophile elements relative to primitive mantle, along with Nb–Ta depletion relative to La, and strong light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment relative to heavy REE depletion, which, along with positive ε Nd(t) values of mafic gneisses from both ends of the succession, indicates mantle-derivation within a subduction-related environment with a substantial amount of crustal assimilation. Despite some minor geochemical and isotopic differences in the lithological architecture on a local scale the Areachap Group exhibits coherent geochemical characteristics along its entire strike length. Localised remobilization of elements, particularly in areas characterised by granulite grade metamorphism, as well as in the altered footwall zones of volcanogenic massive sulphide lenses, is present. These alteration trends, along with primary geochemical signatures are remarkably well preserved despite the high grade of metamorphism, as illustrated in clearly defined hydrothermal alteration trends on the alteration box plot, and serves as an efficient tool to delineate areas that have undergone hydrothermal alteration spatially associated with massive sulphide ore bodies. The systematic association of hydrothermal alteration and sulphide ore bodies provides support for the isochemical character of rock compositions during high-grade metamorphism and the lack of extensive post-metamorphic alteration processes.