Nd-isotope Data Research Articles

The nature of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the Arabian Shield: Mantle xenoliths from southern Syria

Rare earth element and Sr- and Nd-isotopic data are presented for clinopyroxenes and amphiboles from mantle harzburgite and lherzolite xenoliths from the Harrat As Shaam volcanic field in southern Syria. These rocks have sampled the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) from beneath the Arabian Shield. Initial ɛ-Nd values for the mantle xenoliths from the Arabian SCLM plot within the field of crustal rocks from the region supporting the view that the felsic rocks of the Arabian Shield and the SCLM were derived from a common mantle source between about 750 and 950Ma. Nd-isotope errorchrons for clinopyroxenes and for clinopyroxene–amphibole pairs indicate an event in the SCLM at around 750Ma. This is identified as a melt infiltration event which resulted in the enrichment in light REE of the harzburgitic and lherzolitic clinopyroxenes and the lherzolitic amphiboles and coincides with the time of crust formation in the Arabian Shield (620–870Ma). The present-day Nd–Sr isotopic composition of amphiboles in the lherzolite xenoliths overlaps the composition of one of the proposed source regions for alkali basalt lavas in this region. Hence it is proposed that the mantle equivalent in composition to the amphibole–lherzolites melted in the shallow SCLM, during Cenozoic lithospheric stretching. The Harrat As Shaam xenoliths provide a picture of SCLM refertilisation during the formation of juvenile crust.

Palaeoproterozoic to Eoarchaean crustal growth in southern Siberia: a Nd-isotope synthesis

Abstract Nd-isotope analyses from 114 rock samples are reported from the southern part of the Siberian craton to establish a first-order crustal formation scheme for the region. The Nd-isotope data show considerable variability within and among different cratonic units. In many cases this variability reflects differing degrees of mixing between juvenile and older (up to Eoarchaean) crustal components. The fragments of Palaeoproterozoic juvenile crust within the studied segment of the Siberian craton margin have Nd-model ages of c . 2.0–2.3 Ga. Voluminous Palaeoproterozoic granites ( c . 1.85 Ga) were intruded into cratonic fragments and suture zones. These granites mark the stabilization of the southern Siberian craton. The complexity in the Nd data indicate a long history of crustal development, extending from the Eoarchaean to the Palaeoproterozoic eras, which is interpreted to reflect the amalgamation of distinct Archaean crustal fragments, with differing histories, during Palaeoproterozoic accretion at 1.9–2.0 Ga and subsequent cratonic stabilization at 1.85 Ga. Such a model temporally coincides with important orogenic events on nearly every continent and suggests that the Siberian craton participated in the formation of a Palaeoproterozoic supercontinent at around 1.9 Ga.

Geochemical zonation of the Miocene Alborán Basin volcanism (westernmost Mediterranean): geodynamic implications

We present new major and trace element and O–Sr–Nd-isotope data for igneous rocks from the western Mediterranean Alboran Sea, collected during the METEOR 51/1 cruise, and for high-grade schists and gneisses from the continental Alboran basement, drilled during the Ocean Drilling Programme (ODP Leg 161, Site 976). The geochemical data allow a detailed examination of crustal and mantle processes involved in the petrogenesis of the lavas and for the first time reveal a zonation of the Miocene Alboran Sea volcanism: (1) a keel-shaped area of LREE-depleted (mainly tholeiitic series) lavas in the central Alboran Sea, generated by high degrees of partial melting of a depleted mantle source and involving hydrous fluids from subducted marine sediments, that is surrounded by (2) a horseshoe-shaped zone with LREE-enriched (mainly calc-alkaline series) lavas subparallel to the arcuate Betic-Gibraltar-Rif mountain belt. We propose that the geochemical zonation of the Miocene Alboran Basin volcanism results from eastward subduction of Tethys oceanic lithosphere coupled with increasing lithospheric thickness between the central Alboran Sea and the continental margins of Iberia and Africa.

Drastic shift in lava geochemistry in the volcanic-front to rear-arc region of the Southern Kamchatkan subduction zone: Evidence for the transition from slab surface dehydration to sediment melting

The shift of lava geochemistry between volcanic front to rear-arc volcanoes in active subduction zones is a widespread phenomenon. It is somehow linked to an increase of the slab surface depth of the subducting oceanic lithosphere and increasing thickness of the mantle wedge and new constraints for its causes may improve our understanding of magma generation and element recycling in subduction zones in general. As a case study, this paper focuses on the geochemical composition of lavas from two adjacent volcanic centres from the volcanic front (VF) to rear-arc (RA) transition of the Southern Kamchatkan subduction zone, with the aim to examine whether the shift in lava geochemistry is associated with processes in the mantle wedge or in the subducted oceanic lithosphere or both. The trace element and O–Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb (double-spike)-isotopic composition of the mafic Mutnovsky (VF) and Gorely (RA) lavas in conjunction with geochemical modelling provides constraints for the degree of partial melting in the mantle wedge and the nature of their slab components. Degrees of partial melting are inferred to be significantly higher beneath Mutnovsky (∼18%) than Gorely (∼10%). The Mutnovsky (VF) slab component is dominated by hydrous fluids, derived from subducted sediments and altered oceanic crust, eventually containing minor but variable amounts of sediment melts. The composition of the Gorely slab component strongly points to a hydrous silicate melt, most likely mainly stemming from subducted sediments, although additional fluid-contribution from the underlying altered oceanic crust (AOC) is likely. Moreover, the Hf–Nd-isotope data combined with geochemical modelling suggest progressive break-down of accessory zircon in the melting metasediments. Therefore, the drastic VF to RA shift in basalt chemistry mainly arises from the transition of the nature of the slab component (from hydrous fluid to melt) in conjunction with decreasing degrees of partial melting within ∼15 km across-arc. Finally, systematic variations of key inter-element with high-precision Pb-isotope ratios provide geochemical evidence for a pollution of the Mutnovsky mantle source with Gorely melt components but not vice versa, most likely resulting from trench-ward mantle wedge corner flow. We also present a geodynamic model integrating the location of the Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanic centres and their lava geochemistry with the recently proposed thermal structure of the southern Kamchatkan arc and constraints about phase equilibria in subducted sediments and AOC. Herein, the slab surface hosting the subducted sediments suffers a transition from dehydration to melting above a continuously dehydrating layer of AOC. Wider implications of this study are that an onset of (flush-) sediment melting may ultimately be the main trigger for the VF to RA transition of lava geochemistry in subduction zones.

Geochemical signature of Paleozoic accretionary complexes of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in South Mongolia: Constraints on arc environments and crustal growth

We report a reconnaissance geochemical and Nd-isotopic study for 33 metaigneous and metavolcaniclastic rocks from the ca. 470 to 290 Ma old Gurvan Sayhan, Zoolen, Nemegt Uul, Bayanleg-Hatuu, and Tseel mountain ranges in southern Mongolia, in order to infer tectonic environments, test a recently proposed multiple terrane model, and explore the late-stage development of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Samples from the Gurvan Sayhan and the Zoolen ranges have a predominantly intermediate, calc-alkaline composition; they display LREE enrichment, excess abundances of fluid-soluble elements, and low concentrations of high-field strength elements. These data, in combination with high initial ε Nd-values of ca. + 5 to + 9, are consistent with a juvenile intra-oceanic arc. Some of the samples are chemically similar to adakites and high-Mg andesites and thus predictably evolved in forearc settings. The Gurvan Sayhan and Zoolen ranges have previously been considered as an island arc and accretionary prism, respectively. However, our data show indistinguishable, mutual, geochemical characteristics suggesting that both areas were part of a single intra-oceanic island arc-forearc. Samples from Nemegt Uul exhibit calc-alkaline, LREE-enriched island arc as well as tholeiitic LREE-depleted backarc-basin signatures of predominantly juvenile composition (initial ε Nd-values + 6 to + 10). We suggest that Nemegt Uul belongs to the Gurvan Sayhan and Zoolen island arc terrane rather than an accretionary prism, as previously proposed. Samples from Bayanleg-Hatuu and Tseel reveal LREE-enriched calc-alkaline arc as well as tholeiitic LREE-depleted to slightly enriched backarc-basin signatures. The remarkably wide range of initial ε Nd-values of ca. + 8 to − 6 indicates juvenile as well as old crustal material with mean residence times up to 1.5 Ga. Nd isotopic data for Bayanleg-Hatuu and Tseel suggest a variably rejuvenated margin of a Paleoproterozoic microcontinent with an associated backarc basin. Our Nd-isotopic data for the CAOB in southern Mongolia indicate a highly heterogeneous composition, and we conclude that a juvenile arc-backarc segment in the eastern study area was juxtaposed with a rejuvenated Paleoproterozoic microcontinent.

Provenance of late Ordovician to early Cretaceous sedimentary rocks from southern Ghana, as inferred from Nd isotopes and trace elements

Geochemical and Nd-isotopic data are reported for 24 shale and sandstone samples comprising the Upper Ordovician to Lower Cretaceous Sekondian Group, southern Ghana. The data are interpreted in terms of the provenance of these siliclastic sediments and the Paleozoic and Mesozoic geologic development of southern Ghana. The sandstones and shales generally have trace element characteristics typical of material eroded from the upper continental crust. Cr and Ni concentrations are low suggesting their derivation from dominantly felsic sources. There appear to be chemical and Nd-isotopic differences between the lower formations (i.e., Ajua Shale and Elmina Sandstone) and the uppermost formation (i.e., Essikado Sandstone) on one hand, and the upper formations (i.e., Takoradi Sandstone, Takoradi Shale, Effia Nkwanta Beds and Sekondi Sandstone) on the other. The upper formations are characterized by evolved major element compositions, high large-ion lithophile element abundances, large negative Eu-anomalies (0.58–0.73), and low ε Nd values (−10.8 to −4.1), indicating stable craton settings. On the other hand, the Ajua Shale, Elmina Sandstone, and Essikado Sandstone formations have less evolved major element compositions, lower large-ion lithophile abundances, and higher Eu-anomalies (0.69–0.88), and this may reflect an active margin setting of the source (juvenile-type Birimian felsic volcanics and/or granitoids) rather than Phanerozoic active continental settings. The upper formations have T DM model ages of 1.8–2.3 Ga indicating that the Paleoproterozoic Birimian rocks are the ultimate sources, whereas the lower formations and uppermost formation have slightly younger T DM values of 1.6–1.9 Ga suggesting of a component from the Pan-African mobile belt. These differences in model ages may, however, be related to lithology (rather than stratigraphy) where the shales (1.6–2.3 Ga; mean, 1.9 Ga) typically give older ages than the sandstones (1.6–1.9 Ga; mean 1.7 Ga).

A new estimate for the composition of weathered young upper continental crust from alluvial sediments, Queensland, Australia

Abstract We present new major element, trace element and Nd-isotope data for 30 alluvial sediments collected from 25 rivers in Queensland, E Australia. Samples were chosen to represent drainage from the region’s most important lithologies, including Tertiary intraplate volcanic rocks, a Cretaceous igneous province (and sedimentary rocks derived thereof) as well as Proterozoic blocks. In most chemical and isotopic aspects, the alluvial sediments represent binary or ternary mixing relationships, with absolute abundances implied to reflect the proportion of lithologies in the catchments. When averaged, the studied sediments differ from other proxies of upper continental crust (UCC) mainly in their relative middle rare earth element enrichment (including an elevated Sm/Nd ratio), higher relative Eu abundance and higher Nb/Ta ratio. These features are inherited from eroded Tertiary intraplate basalts, which commonly form topographic highs in the studied region. Despite the high degree of weathering strong to excellent coherence between similarly incompatible elements is found for all samples. From this coherence, we suggest revisions of the following upper crustal element ratios: Y/Ho = 26.2, Yb/Tm = 6.37, Th/W = 7.14, Th/Tl = 24 and Zr/Hf = 36.9. Lithium, Rb, Cs and Be contents do not seem depleted relative to UCC, which may reflect paucity of K-feldspar in the eroded catchments. Nickel, Cr, Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations are elevated in polluted rivers surrounding the state capital. River sediments in the Proterozoic Georgetown Inlier are elevated in Pb, Cu and Zn but this could be a natural phenomenon reflecting abundant sulphide mineralisation in the area. Except for relative Sr concentrations, which broadly anticorrelate with mean annual rainfall in catchments, there is no obvious relationship between the extent of weathering and climate types, which range from arid to tropical. The most likely explanation for this observation is that the weathering profiles in many catchments are several Myr old, established during the much wetter Miocene period. The studied sediment compositions (excluding those from the Proterozoic catchments) are used to propose a new trace element normalisation termed MUQ (MUd from Queensland), which serves as an alternative to UCC proxies derived from sedimentary rocks.

Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotope Stratigraphy of the Rustenburg Layered Suite, Bushveld Complex: Constraints on Crustal Contamination

New dO values for plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine, and limited whole-rock dD values are presented for samples from the Rustenburg Layered Suite of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. In combination with existing data, these provide a much more complete composite O-isotope stratigraphy for the intrusion. Throughout the layered suite, mineral dO values indicate that the magmas from which they crystallized had dO values that were about 7 1‰, that is, 1 4‰ higher than expected for mantle-derived magmas, suggesting extensive crustal contamination. More limited H-isotope data suggest that the OH present within whole rocks, regardless of the degree of alteration, is of magmatic origin and not an alteration phenomenon. There appears to be no systematic change in dO value with stratigraphic height and this requires the contamination to have taken place in a ‘staging chamber’ before emplacement of the magma(s) into the present chamber. Large amounts (30–40%) of contamination by the lower to middle crust are needed to explain these dO values, which is in general agreement with previous estimates based on Srand Nd-isotope data. Alternatively, smaller amounts of contamination ( 20%) by sedimentary rocks, or their partial melts, represented by the country rock can explain the data, but it is not apparent how such material could have been present at the depth of the ‘staging chamber’ in the lower to middle crust.

Multiple sources for the origin of granites: Geochemical and Nd/Sr isotopic evidence from the Gudaoling granite and its mafic enclaves, northeast China

Geochemical and Sr- and Nd-isotopic data have been determined for mafic to intermediate microgranular enclaves and host granitoids from the Early Cretaceous Gudaoling batholith in the Liaodong Peninsula, NE China. The rocks include monzogranite, porphyric granodiorite and quartz diorite. Monzogranites have relatively high 87Rb/ 86Sr ratios (0.672–0.853), low initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios (0.7052–0.7086) and ε Nd(t) values (−18.5 to −20.9) indicating that they were mainly derived from a newly underplated crustal source with a short crustal residence time. Quartz diorites have high initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios (0.7118–0.7120) and negative ε Nd(t) values (−13.2 to −18.1) coupled with high Al 2O 3 and MgO contents, indicating they were derived from enriched lithospheric mantle with contributions of radiogenic Sr from plagioclase-rich metagreywackes or meta-igneous rocks, i.e., ancient lower crust. Two groups of enclaves with igneous textures and abundant acicular apatites are distinguished: dioritic enclaves and biotite monzonitic enclaves. Dioritic enclaves have low Al 2O 3 (13.5–16.4 wt%) and high MgO (Mg# = ∼72.3) concentrations, low initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios (0.7058–0.7073) and negative ε Nd(t) values (∼−7.2), and are enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in HFSEs, suggesting they were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source. Biotite monzonitic enclaves have Sr and Nd isotopic compositions similar to the monzogranites, indicating they were crystal cumulates of the parental magmas of these monzogranites. Granodiorites have transitional geochemistry and Nd- and Sr-isotopic compositions, intermediate between the monzogranites, quartz diorites and the enclaves. Geochemical and Sr- and Nd-isotopic compositions rule-out simple crystal-liquid fractionation or restite unmixing as the major genetic link between enclaves and host rocks. Instead, magma mixing of mafic mantle-derived and juvenile crustal-derived magmas, coupled with crystal fractionation and assimilation of ancient lower crust, is compatible with the data. This example shows that at least some calc-alkaline granitoids are not produced by pure intracrustal melting, but formed through a complex, multi-stage hybridization process, involving mantle- and crustal-derived magmas and several concomitant magmatic processes (crystal fractionation, crustal assimilation and crustal anatexis).

West African provenance for Saxo-Thuringia (Bohemian Massif): Did Armorica ever leave pre-Pangean Gondwana? ? U/Pb-SHRIMP zircon evidence and the Nd-isotopic record

Neoproterozoic rocks in the Saxo-Thuringian part of Armorica formed in an active margin setting and were overprinted during Cadomian orogenic processes at the northern margin of Gondwana. The Early Palaeozoic overstep sequence in Saxo-Thuringia was deposited in a Cambro-Ordovician rift setting that reflects the separation of Avalonia and other terranes from the Gondwana mainland. Upper Ordovician and Silurian to Early Carboniferous shelf sediments of Saxo-Thuringia were deposited at the southern passive margin of the Rheic Ocean. SHRIMP U/Pb geochronology on detrital and inherited zircon grains from pre-Variscan basement rocks of the northern part of the Bohemian Massif (Saxo-Thuringia, Germany) demonstrates a distinct West African provenance for sediments and magmatic rocks in this part of peri-Gondwana. Nd-isotope data of Late Neoproterozoic to Early Carboniferous sedimentary rocks show no change in sediment provenance from the Neoproterozoic to the Lower Carboniferous, which implies that Saxo-Thuringia did not leave its West African source before the Variscan Orogeny leading to the Lower Carboniferous configuration of Pangea. Hence, large parts of the pre-Variscan basement of Western and Central Europe often referred to as Armorica or Armorican Terrane Assemblage may have remained with Africa in pre-Pangean time, which makes Armorica a remnant of a “Greater Africa” in Gondwanan Europe. The separation of Armorica from the Gondwana mainland and a long drift during the Palaeozoic is not supported by the presented data.

Nd-isotopic composition of Phanerozoic sediments in the Inner Zone of Southwest Japan Arc : implications on provenance characteristics and contribution to formation of mature island arc system

The Nd-isotopic data on sedimentary and metamorphic rocks of SW Japan Arc allow their discrimination into five different depleted mantle (TDM) model age clusters, 2.6-2.45 Ga, 2.3-2.05 Ga, 1.9-1.55 Ga, 1.45-1.25 Ga, 1.2-0.85 Ga. The 2.6-2.45 Ga and 1.9-1.55 Ga model ages are also coincident with U-Pb inherited zircon ages of the above two epochs as well as the major magmatic activity in the Sino-Korean Craton (SKC). The 2.3-2.05 Ga model ages can be considered as the initial formation ages for the precursors of sedimentary rocks. The Nd-isotopic data suggest that the Hida Belt was most likely formed as a part of the SKC. The mantle underlying the Ryoke Belt had continental lithospheric signature during Triassic-Jurassic period. The 1.9-1.55 Ga model ages, especially 1.8 Ga~, can be associated with the formation of this belt. The source material for the sedimentary rocks occurring in the accretionary terrane of northeastern areas in the SW Japan Arc was probably in and around the SKC of the Ryoke Belt itself. The sedimentary rocks occurring in southwestern areas of the Arc were mainly composed of materials derived from a relatively younger source (1.45-0.85 Ga). (Communicated by Syun-iti AKIMOTO, M.J.A., Jan. 13, 2004)

Dike swarms on Seward Peninsula, Alaska, and their implications for the kinematics of Cretaceous extension in the Bering Strait region

Late Cretaceous dike swarms on Seward Peninsula, northwestern Alaska, represent the youngest local manifestation of a ~115–75 Ma magmatic event in the Bering Strait region. Magmatism accompanied and followed high-grade metamorphism and ductile deformation. A Late Cretaceous extensional tectonic setting for the region is suggested by the thickness and seismic-reflection characteristics of the crust, regional basin development, formation of high-strain tectonites with subhorizontal foliations, bimodal magmatism, and dike swarms. The orientation of the dike swarms is used to address the kinematics of extension. A diabase dike swarm in the Kigluaik Mountains consists of dikes that strike northeast (040°) and dip steeply. Phenocrysts include plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, and hornblende. Geochemical data indicate that SiO2 ranges from 48% to 56%, and K2O from 1.2% to 4.0%. The dikes are geochemically similar to the mafic to intermediate root of the 90 Ma Kigluaik pluton. Sr- and Nd-isotope data show that initial 87Sr/86Sr ranges from 0.7070 to 0.7077 and initial εNd ranges from –0.85 to –2.90. Field relations and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology bracket the dike ages between 90 and 84 Ma. Diabase dikes in the York Mountains are associated with normal faults that strike east–west to east-northeast. Dikes in the Bendeleben Mountains are both mafic and felsic, but their orientations are unknown. Alkalic dikes in the Darby Mountains strike 030°–050°, similar to those in the Kigluaik Mountains. Regional relationships including the orientation of dikes, normal faults, mineral stretching lineations, and other shear-sense indicators suggest that between 110 and 90 Ma extension on Seward Peninsula was generally oriented north–south to north-northwest–south-southeast.

Late Proterozoic magmatism and metamorphism recorded in gneisses from the Dabie high-pressure metamorphic zone, eastern China: evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology

This study presents zircon ages and geochemical and Nd-isotopic data for metagranites and quartzites from the Susong high-pressure metamorphic zone in the Dabie–Sulu ultrahigh-pressure collisional belt. This belt belongs to the eastern part of the Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt that formed during Early Mesozoic collision of the North and South China Blocks. Two metagranites give zircon U–Pb model ages of 785±7 and 205±12 Ma, likely representing a Late Proterozoic magmatic event and an Early Mesozoic overprint. They have low initial ε Nd -values (−12.4 and −11.1 at 780 Ma), favouring a crustal origin. Flat heavy rare earth elements (REE) patterns (Gd N /Yb N ∼1.2) probably reflect that melting took place at a shallow crustal section where heavy-REE-bearing mineral phases are unstable. All zircons of three quartzites yield young discordant U–Pb ages and define a discordia with U–Pb model ages of 784±6 and 213±3 Ma, identical to those of the metagranites. We assume that all detrital zircons had lost radiogenic Pb prior to the Early Mesozoic overprint, probably facilitated by fluid participation during a metamorphic event contemporaneous with the intrusion of the metagranites. This simultaneous metamorphic and magmatic event was probably related to a rift setting along the periphery of the Yangtze (South China) Block during Late Proterozoic.

Precambrian basement character of Yemen and correlations with Saudi Arabia and Somalia

The Precambrian basement of Yemen occupies a key location in the Pan-African orogen of Gondwana. This paper reviews geological, isotopic and geochronological data and presents new Pb- and Nd-isotope data which help define distinct gneiss terranes within this basement, constraining correlations of these terranes with neighbouring regions of Saudi Arabia and Somalia. Existing whole-rock Pb- and Nd-isotopic data are also summarised. These data should facilitate a more objective assessment of the contribution of the Yemen Precambrian to Cenozoic magmatism associated with the opening of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

On the formation of laminated sediments on the continental margin off Pakistan: the effects of sediment provenance and sediment redistribution

Abstract The sedimentary processes and sediment sources contributing to the formation of laminated sediments along the upper slope off Pakistan are unravelled using inorganic bulk sediment geochemistry of 43 surface cores from the Pakistani continental margin and additional geochemical and Pb and Nd-isotope data for different types of layers. An important process everywhere along the margin is redeposition of fluvial-derived detritus from the shelf onto the slope. This process is of considerably higher intensity along the Makran margin than on the Indus margin. Trace element enrichment related to early diagenesis or surface productivity, which is commonly detectable in bulk sediment composition, is swamped by the high clastic supply in the Makran region, but may be observed in the Indus region. Four types of layers are found in the laminated sediment cores from the upper slope. They reflect different mechanisms of deposition and different sediment sources. An alternating pattern of olive-grey and black layers results from downslope redeposition of fluvial material over most of the year, to which organic matter from sea surface production is added during the late summer monsoon season. Distinctive white to grey coloured layers along the Makran slope originate from large scale expulsion of sediments from the Makran accretionary wedge through mud volcanoes on the shelf, subsequent erosion by waves, and downslope redeposition. These layers may dominate the sedimentary record within the Makran accretionary wedge, but are absent on the Indus margin. Occasional red coloured turbidites, which probably represent larger floods on the Indus plain, contribute to this mixture of varying sedimentary processes and sediment sources along the Pakistani continental slope.

Age and origin of coeval TTG, I- and S-type granites in the Famatinian belt of NW Argentina

Three granitoid types are recognised in the Famatinian magmatic belt of NW Argentina, based on lithology and new geochemical data: (a) a minor trondhjemite–tonalite–granodiorite (TTG) group, (b) a metaluminous I-type gabbro-monzogranite suite, and (c) S-type granites. The latter occur as small cordieritic intrusions associated with 1-type granodiorites and as abundant cordierite-bearing facies in large batholithic masses. Twelve new SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages establish the contemporaneity of all three types in Early Ordovician times (mainly 470-490 Ma ago). Sr- and Nd-isotopic data suggest that, apart from some TTG plutons of asthenospheric origin, the remaining magmas were derived from a Proterozoic crust-lithospheric mantle section. Trace element modelling suggests that the TTG originated by variable melting of a depleted gabbroid source at 10-12kbar, and the I-type tonalite-granodiorite suite by melting of a more enriched lithospheric source atc.5 kbar. The voluminous intermediate and acidic I-types involved hybridisation with lower and middle crustal melts. The highly peraluminous S-type granites have isotopic and inherited zircon patterns similar to those of Cambrian supracrustal metasedimentary rocks deposited in the Pampean cycle, and were derived from them by local anatexis. Other major components of the S-type batholiths involved melting of deep crust and mixing with the I-type magmas, leading to an isotopic and geochemical continuum.

Chronology of crustal growth and recycling in the Paleoproterozoic Amisk collage (Flin Flon Belt), Trans-Hudson Orogen, Canada

U-Pb zircon ages have been compiled for magmatic and sedimentary rocks from the low metamorphic grade portion of the Flin Flon greenstone belt, now recognized as a Paleoproterozoic tectonic collage. The "Amisk collage" formed in two major magmatic periods that were separated by an interval of intraoceanic accretionary tectonics. Pre-accretionary volcanic and plutonic rocks of arc and ocean-floor tectonic affinities have crystallization ages of 1.906-1.901 and 1.888-1.881 Ga; the earlier period was dominated by juvenile tholeiitic arc basalts and related back-arc-basin basalts, and the younger period by juvenile calc-alkaline volcanic rocks and turbidites. Intraoceanic accretion of the diverse tectono-stratigraphic assemblages may have commenced between 1.90 and 1.89 Ga, but the main period was 1.88-1.87 Ga. The post-accretionary period (1.876-1.838 Ga) was characterized by intrusion of juvenile calk-alkaline plutons generated by a successor arc that stitched the diverse pre-accretionary assemblages. Marine to subaerial volcaniclastic and epiclastic units were deposited in successor basins <=1.87 Ga (Schist-Wekusko suite), succeeded by alluvial-fluvial (Missi Group) to marine (Burntwood Group) sediments after 1.85 Ga. Despite the dominance of juvenile magmatic rocks within the collage, U-Pb zircon age and Nd-isotopic data show that older (>2.2-3.0 Ga) basement fragments were present throughout the development of the Amisk collage. An arc-back-arc system close to an Archean craton is proposed as the most likely tectonic setting during formation and accretion of the Amisk collage from 1.90 to 1.84 Ga. Subsequent continental collision during peak orogeny (1.84-1.81 Ga) is interpreted to have delaminated the lower crust and upper mantle of the collage, preferentially preserving crust of intermediate bulk composition.

Melt-related metasomatism in mafic granulites of the Quetico subprovince, Ontario: constraints from O-Sr-Nd isotopic and fluid inclusion data

Mafic granulites in the Archean Quetico subprovince, north of Manitouwadge, Ontario, occur as isolated lenses or discontinuous layers in spatial association with tonalitic leucosomes in metasedimentary rocks and exhibit concentric zoning from a biotite-rich margin to an orthopyroxene-rich outer zone and a clinopyroxene-rich central zone, with internal orthopyroxene-bearing leucosomes and, rarely, patches of relict amphibolites within the clinopyroxene-rich zone. Microstructural and microchemical evidence suggests that the mafic granulites formed from amphibolites by combined infiltration-diffusion processes in the presence of a P-F-bearing silicate melt ((P2O5)melt = 0.24-0.28 wt.%) and a CO2-rich (hypersaline?) fluid. The whole-rock and mineral δ18O values of the mafic granulites (8-9‰ V-SMOW) indicate oxygen-isotope equilibration between amphibolites (6.6-6.9‰) and associated tonalitic leucosomes (9.5-10‰) at 700-800°C. Strontium- and Nd-isotope data and U-Pb zircon ages confirm isotopic homogenization at the leucosome-amphibolite boundaries during the peak granulite-facies metamorphism at about 2650 Ma. Texturally, early CO2-rich fluid inclusions in quartz and garnet yield P-T conditions similar to those of the peak granulite-facies metamorphism. Hypersaline fluid inclusions occur in textural coexistence with the early CO2-rich inclusions, but are invariably low in homogenization temperatures (178-234°C). This study shows that silicate melts not only provide a conduit for CO2-rich fluids but also interact directly with country rocks for the formation of granulites. Also, the O-Sr-Nd isotope data show that the documented mobility of rare-earth elements in the Quetico granulite zone is localized in scale and related to anatexis of local metasedimentary rocks during the granulite-facies metamorphism.

Country-rock contamination of marginal mafic granulites bordering the Nain Plutonic Suite: implications for mobilization of Sr during high-grade contact metamorphism

The marginal mafic granulites that locally border the Nain Plutonic Suite (NPS) have a range of initial Nd-isotope ratios that overlap with that of the NPS anorthosites and associated Nain dykes. The similarity in Nd-isotope data suggests that gneissic Archaean country rocks have contaminated all the anorthosites, marginal mafic granulites, and dykes. Sr-isotope data for the mafic granulites and dykes support a country rock contamination scenario but preclude wholesale assimilation of rocks such as the host Archaean tonalite gneisses as the sole contaminant. Initial epsilonSrvalues of +10 to +403 and +0.9 to +242 for the mafic granulites and dykes, respectively, are significantly higher than values for NPS country rocks examined thus far. The elevated initial εSrvalues are therefore interpreted to result from the introduction of radiogenic Sr into the granulites and dykes via Sr-rich fluids, generated by the breakdown of Rb-rich mineral phases such as biotite in the country rocks during NPS.

Crustal growth and crustal recycling in the Nagssugtoqidian orogen of West Greenland:: Constraints from radiogenic isotope systematics and U–Pb zircon geochronology

We present Sr–Nd–Pb whole-rock isotopic data for regionally collected samples of late Archean to Paleoproterozoic gneisses and granitoids from the Nagssugtoqidian orogen of West Greenland, together with U–Pb zircon (SHRIMP) geochronological data for Paleoproterozoic granitoids. These data are used, together with additional published geochronological data, to place constraints upon late Archean (>2.7 Ga) crustal growth, and subsequent Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.92 to 1.76 Ga) crustal growth and recycling in the Nagssugtoqidian. Nd-isotope data suggests that the oldest recognisable components dated at ca. 2.85 Ga contain varying amounts of older (>3.1 Ga?) light rare earth element enriched (continental crustal) component(s) as well as juvenile ca. 2.85 crust. The behaviour of Sr- and Pb-isotope systematics during Paleoproterozoic Nagssugtoqidian metamorphism is dependent upon both the grade of this event (granulite or amphibolite) and the original (i.e. Archean) grade of metamorphism. Juvenile Paleoproterozoic magmatic additions to the Nagssugtoqidian crust are represented by the Arfersiorfik quartz diorite and Sisimiut charnockite, which are shown to be contemporaneous by SHRIMP U–Pb dating. Variations in isotopic composition from these two units are related to moderate degrees of crustal contamination or extraction from a heterogeneous mantle source, probably in a magmatic arc which varied from oceanic (Arfersiorfik; minimal interaction with pre-existing continental crust) to continental (Sisimiut) in character respectively. Late granite sheets (Paleoproterozoic) throughout the Nagssugtoqidian orogen generally have a local late Archean protolith.