Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt Research Articles

Late Tonian (ca. 780–750 Ma) bimodal magmatism in the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, Korea, at the eastern margin of North China Craton

Neoproterozoic rift-related rocks of the North China Craton (NCC), including the Korean Peninsula, provide crucial information for global supercontinent reconstruction during the Rodinia breakup and Gondwana assembly. Here, we report not only zircon and baddeleyite U-Pb ages but also zircon Hf isotopic and bulk rock compositions of amphibolites in the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt (OMB), Korea. Zircon occurs as either primary phase or secondary one replacing igneous baddeleyite. Primary zircons analyzed from three amphibolites yielded the weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 755 ± 5 Ma (n = 19), 772 ± 3 Ma (n = 9), and 779 ± 13 Ma (n = 12), respectively; this result is corroborated by the baddeleyite age of ∼760–745 Ma. Secondary zircons define discordia lines with lower intercepts corresponding to the Jurassic or Cretaceous age of granites emplaced adjacent to the amphibolite. In conjunction with the occurrence of coeval (ca. 762–745 Ma) metatrachytes, our result suggests that late Tonian bimodal magmatism has lasted for ∼30 m.yr. in the OMB. Moreover, positive εHf(t) values (4.9–21.4) of zircon in amphibolites indicate a depleted mantle source of mafic magma, whereas trace element compositions attest to an intraplate setting for the crystallization. A compilation of Nb-Th and Zr–Zr/Y data suggests that the intraplate setting is also pertinent to ca. 950–750 Ma mafic rocks from the Gyeonggi Marginal Belt, Korea, as well as the NCC. Such a tectonomagmatic correlation is corroborated by detrital zircon age spectra of metasedimentary rocks in the OMB equivalent to those of early Tonian rocks in the NCC. In marked contrast to tectonic scenarios conjecturing a linkage between the OMB and the Nanhua rift, South China Craton (SCC), we conclude that the Ogcheon Belt provides rare geologic-geochronologic evidence for late Tonian breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent at the eastern NCC margin.

Redefinition of the boundary between the Taebaeksan Basin and the Ogcheon metamorphic belt, Korea: a remark on the South Korean Tectonic Line (SKTL)

Redefinition of the boundary between the Taebaeksan Basin and the Ogcheon metamorphic belt, Korea: a remark on the South Korean Tectonic Line (SKTL)

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Uranium and Radon in Groundwater from the Goesan Area of the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt (OMB), Korea

Uranium and radon concentrations in groundwater from the Goesan area of the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt (OMB), central Korea, whose bedrock is known to contain the highest uranium levels in Korea, were analyzed from 200 wells. We also measured the uranium concentrations in the bedrock near the investigated wells to infer a relationship between the bedrock geology and the groundwater. The five geologic bedrock units in the Goesan area consist of Cretaceous granite (Kgr), Jurassic granite (Jgr) and three types of metasedimentary rocks (og1, og2, and og3). The percentages of the groundwater samples over 30 μg/L (maximum contaminant level, MCL of US EPA) were 2.0% of the 200 groundwater samples; 12% of Kgr and 1.8% of Jgr exceeded the MCL, respectively. Overall, 16.5% of the 200 groundwater samples exceeded 148 Bq/L (alternative maximum contaminant level, AMCL of US EPA); 60.0% of Kgr and 25.0% of Jgr exceeded the AMCL, but only 0% of og1, 7.9% of og2, and 2.6% of og3 exceeded the value, respectively. No direct correlation was found between uranium concentration and radon concentration in water samples. Radon has a slightly linear correlation with Na (0.31), Mg (−0.30), and F (0.36). However, uranium behavior in groundwater was independent of other components. Based on thermodynamic calculation, uranium chemical speciation was dominated by carbonate complexes, namely the Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq) and CaUO2(CO3)32− species. Although uraniferous mineral phases designated as saturation indices were greatly undersaturated, uranium hydroxides such as schoepite, UO2(OH)2 and U(OH)3 became possible phases. Uranium-containing bedrock in OMB did not significantly affect radioactive levels in the groundwater, possibly due to adsorption effects related to organic matter and geochemical reduction. Nevertheless, oxidation prevention of uranium-containing bedrock needs to be systematically managed for monitoring the possible migration of uranium into groundwater.

Geochemical evidence for K-metasomatism related to uranium enrichment in Daejeon granitic rocks near the central Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, Korea

A new type of uranium occurrence in Korea was identified in pegmatitic and hydrothermally altered granite in the Daejeon area. The U-bearing parts typically include muscovite, pink-feldspar and sericite as alteration minerals. In this study, the geochemical characteristics and alteration age of the granitic rocks were examined to provide evidence for hydrothermally-enriched uranium. The K-Ar ages of muscovite coexisting with U-bearing minerals were determined as 123 and 128 Ma. The U-bearing rocks have relatively low (CaO + Na2O), high K2O contents, and high alteration index values by major element geochemistry. The trace element geochemistry shows that the uraniferous rocks have significantly low Th/U ratios and strongly differentiated features. The rare earth element patterns indicate that the uraniferous rocks have a low total REE and LREE contents with depletion of Eu. Considering the geochemical variation of the granitic rock major, trace and rare earth elements, it can be concluded that uranium enrichment in pegmatites and altered granite should be genetically related to post-magmatic hydrothermal alteration of K-metasomatism after emplacement of the two-mica granite. This is the first report for geochemical characteristics of Mesozoic granite-related U-occurrences in South Korea. This study will help further research for uranium deposits with similarities in geological setting, mineralogy and age data between South China and Korea, and can also be expected to help solve the source problems related to high uranium concentrations in some groundwater occurring in the granitic terrane.

Tectonic evolution of Precambrian basement massifs and an adjoining fold-and-thrust belt (Gyeonggi Marginal Belt), Korea: An overview

This contribution provides an overview on geology, geochronology, and tectonics of Precambrian basement massifs and adjoining Gyeonggi Marginal Belt (GMB), Korea. The three massifs (Gyeonggi, Yeongnam, and Nangrim) record tectonothermal events represented by ∼2.0–1.85 Ga arc-related magmatism and collisional orogenesis, culminating at ∼1.88–1.85 Ga. The oldest (∼2.51 Ga) migmatitic gneisses limitedly occur in the Nangrim and Gyeonggi massifs, suggesting the North China Craton (NCC) affinity of both massifs. The Yeongnam Massif is characterized by the occurrence of ∼1.87–1.86 Ga anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite suite. This anorthositic suite is a late-orogenic product linked to the amalgamation of ‘Paleoproterozoic Korean arc’ with the North China Craton, forming the Columbia/Nuna supercontinent. The majority of Hf and Nd model ages of basement gneisses are in the range of ∼3.5–2.5 Ga, attesting to the crustal evolution since the Paleoarchean. P-T paths of the Paleoproterozoic basement gneisses are apparently variable, and the Gyeonggi and Yeongnam massifs are characterized by the kyanite-sillimanite and andalusite-sillimanite facies types, respectively. The GMB comprises three fold-and-thrust sub-belts (Imjingang Belt, Taean–Hongseong Complex, and Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt) which are correlative with each other in terms of tectonostratigraphy and detrital zircon geochronology. Two (meta)sedimentary units are diagnostic of this belt: (1) the Neoproterozoic Sangwon Supergroup sharing the provenance with younger rocks in the Ogcheon Belt; and (2) the Devonian turbiditic sequences present in all the three sub-belts. The latter are most distinctive in their detrital zircon age distribution characterized by two major populations at ∼1000–950 Ma and 450–430 Ma. This age pattern as well as the turbiditic lithology is critical for the correlation between the GMB and the Qinling Belt. Taken together, we suggest that the South China Craton-like GMB units are built upon the NCC-like basement (Gyeonggi Massif); this feature is the key to the Qinling–Gyeonggi microcontinent model which accounts for the assembly of a variety of tectonic slivers in the GMB.

Mineralogy and sulfur isotope compositions of the uraniferous black slates in the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, South Korea

Uraniferous black slates, extending for over 100km in the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, South Korea, have been explored for their uranium mineralization. Coaly slates interbedded in the black slates, forming a layer about 20–40m thick showing brecciated and flow texture with random-oriented minerals, are more carbonaceous and uraniferous than the surrounding rocks. Uranium minerals include uraninite, uranothorite, brannerite, ekanite, thorutite, and coffinite. Of these, uraninite is the most abundant phase in the coaly slates, while uranothorite is the most abundant in the black slates. Chlorites in the black slates have Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios of 0.42–0.66, while those in the coaly slates have lower values, 0.10–0.20. Chlorite geothermometry indicates temperature ranges of 259–309°C, and 200–287°C in the coaly and black slates, respectively. Muscovites in the coaly slates have higher concentrations of 0.85–1.55wt.% BaO and 0.22–0.28wt.% V2O3 than those in the black slates. This can be ascribed to hydrothermal venting of Ba-V-rich fluids into the marine basin. Most uranothorites in the black slates have lower U and higher Th contents than those in the coaly slates due to their solubility differences. In contrast to the comparatively low and wide-ranging δ34S values of pyrite from −5.9 to 6.6‰ in the black slates, the coaly slates have relatively high and uniform values from 11.0 to 12.7‰, implying an influx of isotopically heavy sulfur derived from the inorganic reduction of seawater sulfate under a high temperature hydrothermal system. The differences of rock texture, mineralogy, and sulfur isotope geochemistry in relation to uranium mineralization between the black slates and the coaly slates would reflect the influence of submarine hydrothermal process before they suffered regional metamorphism.

옥천변성대 금강석회암 내 "화강암 거력"의 쥬라기(~170 Ma) 저어콘 연대: 성인에 대한 재해석

옥천변성대의 금강석회암 내에서 보고된 소위 "화강암 거력"은 장축 길이가 약 70 cm에 달하며 빙하기원의 낙하석으로 제안된 바 있다. 이러한 해석은 옥천대의 진화사를 밝히는데 매우 중요하므로, 우리는 이 "화강암 거력"의 산상을 재검토하고 저어콘을 분리해 SHRIMP U-Pb 연대를 구하였다. 두 개 시료의 6개점 분석 자료로부터 얻은 저어콘의 <TEX>$^{206}Pb/^{238}U$</TEX> 가중평균 연령은 <TEX>$170{\pm}2Ma$</TEX> (<TEX>$2{\sigma}$</TEX>, MSWD=2.2)이다. 이 연령은 "화강암 거력"이 쥬라기 화강암의 일부이며, 빙하기원이 아님을 말해준다. A "granite boulder", ~70 cm in size, was reported from the Geumgang Limestone, and has been considered as a glaciogenic dropstone. Since this interpretation has enormous implications for unraveling the evolution history of the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, we re-examined the contact relationship and structure of the "granite boulder", and estimated its emplacement age based upon SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating. The weighted mean <TEX>$^{206}Pb/^{238}U$</TEX> age pooled from 6 spot analyses of two specimens is <TEX>$170{\pm}2Ma$</TEX> (<TEX>$2{\sigma}$</TEX>, MSWD=2.2). This zircon age suggests that the "granite boulder" in the Geumgang Limestone is a part of Jurassic granite, rather than a glaciogenic dropstone.

Thermal maturation and geochemical characteristics of organic matter from meta-sedimentary rocks of Deogpyeong and Chubu areas in Ogcheon metamorphic belt

Thermal maturation and geochemical characteristics of organic matter from meta-sedimentary rocks of Deogpyeong and Chubu areas in Ogcheon metamorphic belt

해남 연-아연 스카른광상의 산상과 지화학적 특성

옥천변성대 서남쪽 화원반도에 위치한 해남광상은 옥천층군의 석회암을 모암으로 이를 포획한 형태로 관입한 백악기 석영반암과의 접촉부를 따라 발달한 연-아연 스카른광상이다. 광석시료의 암석기재학적 특징, 스카른 및 광석광물의 조성, 그리고 관계화성암의 지화학적 연구를 통해 스카른광화작용의 특성을 파악하였다. 스카른은 석류석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>휘석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>방해석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>석영대, 휘석+석류석+석영<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>방해석대, 방해석+휘석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>석류석대, 석영+방해석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>휘석대 그리고 방해석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>녹니석대 등으로 구분된다. 석류석은 안드라다이트가 주를 이루며 그로슐라와 더불어 누대구조가 발달하기도 하고, 휘석은 관계화성암에서 멀어지면서 Mn-헤덴버자이트에서 투휘석으로 순차적으로 조성이 변한다. 광석광물은 화성암체 가까이에서 황동석이 주를 이루며, 원거리로 갈수록 섬아연석과 방연석이 증가하는 경향을 보인다. 전자현미분석결과 섬아연석은 석류석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>휘석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>방해석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>석영대에서 멀어질수록 FeS가 평균 5.17 mole %, 2.93 mole %, 그리고 0.40 mole %로 점차 감소하는 경향을 보이고, 방연석의 Ag와 Bi의 함량도 석류석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>휘석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>방해석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>석영대에서 평균 0.72 wt.%, 1.62 wt.% 이던 것이 방해석+휘석<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>석류석대에서는 <0.01 wt.%, 0.11 wt.%로서 감소한다. 이와 같이 해남광상은 스카른 대상분포와 더불어 광석광물의 종류 및 조성변화가 체계적으로 발달하는 특징을 나타낸다. 관계화성암인 석영반암은 Meinert(1995)가 제시한 Zn-스카른 광상보다 다소 분화된 특성을 보이는데, <TEX>$SiO_2$</TEX> 함량은 72.76~75.38 wt.%로서 높은 편에 속하며, 칼크-알칼리 계열로서 과알루미나형에 해당하고, 화산호 환경의 지화학적 특징을 나타낸다. The Haenam Pb-Zn skarn deposit is located at the Hwawon peninsula in the southwestern part of the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt. The deposit is developed along the contact between limestone of the Ogcheon group and Cretaceous quartz porphyry. Petrography of ore samples, chemical composition of skarn and ore minerals, and geochemistry of the related igneous rocks were investigated to understand the characteristics of the skarn mineralization. Skarn zonation consists of garnet<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>pyroxene<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>calcite<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>quartz zone, pyroxene+garnet+quartz<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>calcite zone, calcite+pyroxene<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>garnet zone, quartz+calcite<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>pyroxene zone, and calcite<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>chlorite zone in succession toward carbonate rock. Garnet commonly shows zonal texture comprised of andradite and grossular. Pyroxene varies from Mn-hedenbergite to diopside as away from the intrusive rock. Chalcopyrite occurs as major ore mineral near the intrusive rock, and sphalerite and galena tend to increase as going away. Electron probe microanalyses revealed that FeS contents of sphalerite become decreased from 5.17 mole % for garnet<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>pyroxene<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>calcite<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>quartz zone to 2.93 mole %, and to 0.40 mole % for calcite+pyroxene<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>garnet zone, gradually. Ag and Bi contents also decreased from 0.72 wt.% and 1.62 wt.% to <0.01 wt.% and 0.11 wt.%, respectively. Thus, the Haenam deposit shows systematic variation of species and chemical compositions of ore minerals with skarn zoned texture. The related intrusive rock, quartz porphyry, expresses more differentiated characteristics than Zn-skarn deposit of Meinert(1995), and has relatively high<TEX>$SiO_2$</TEX> concentration of 72.76~75.38 wt.% and shows geochemical features classified as calc-alkaline, peraluminous igneous rock and volcanic arc tectonic setting.

Determining uraniferous host rocks and minerals as a source of dissolved uranium in granite aquifers near the central Ogcheon metamorphic belt, Korea

Korea has suffered from high U concentrations in some groundwater, especially in Daejeon near the central Ogcheon metamorphic belt. However, clear explanation has not been yet reported for the uranium sources in groundwater. This study is focused on identifying the potential uraniferous host rocks and finding the exact U-minerals serving as uranium sources in groundwater near Daejeon, Korea. For this work, we performed an in situ gamma ray spectrometer survey and a laboratory microscopic study with electron micro-probe analysis. The measurements for radioactive element content did not show any prominent K- and Th-anomaly spots, but they did result in several observations of considerable U-anomalies in pegmatite and hydrothermally altered granite, in which uraninite, coffinite and uranophane were found by electron micro-probe analysis. The occurrences of U-minerals are the first such discovery except in the low-grade U deposits of the Ogcheon metamorphic belt in Korea. All observed U-minerals were intimately associated with hydrothermal alteration. The remarkably low Th/U ratios in the studied uraniferous rocks also suggest that the U enrichment was genetically related to a post-magmatic hydrothermal process. However, many of the uraniferous parts were controlled by a reducing environment and occurred near the border between graphite-rich mica-schist and Jurassic leucocratic granite. The findings on these uraniferous rocks can be used in elucidating the source of highly enriched U groundwater in granite aquifers as well as in understanding the occurrence of igneous U-minerals, which has not been previously reported in Korea.

Establishing the Origin of Elevated Uranium Concentrations in Groundwater near the Central Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, Korea

We examined the origin of the U-enriched groundwater in Daejeon, near the Ogcheon U zone in Korea. For this study, groundwater ionic species and C, S, and Sr isotopic compositions were analyzed. The U-enriched groundwater occurred only in the Daejeon granite region, while all the groundwater in the Ogcheon Supergroup showed very low U concentrations. In the granite region, the pedospheric or atmospheric origin of dissolved C and S means that the aquifer has been well connected to the oxidized surface environment. The Sr/Sr ratios indicated a lithospheric origin of Sr. Groundwater isotopic compositions in the Ogcheon belt varied greatly, indicating their complex sources. In this region, dissolved C originated from graphite-rich slate and limestone. The broad range of δS suggested that the composite sources included atmospheric SO for most groundwater, lithogenic SO for mine drainage and quarry water, and anthropogenic SO for polluted groundwater. This study indicates that the U-enriched groundwater is not related to the present U ores in the Ogcheon belt but is genetically associated with the granite body itself. The varying but considerable U contents within the granite body can be present as isolated groups. We infer that locally high U contents in the Daejeon granite might inherently be due to assimilation of the Ogcheon U-mineralized zone into granitic melt during the Mesozoic; however, the pH and Eh conditions except aquifer geology were very important factors in developing highly enriched U groundwater in the Daejeon granite region. Thermodynamic modeling highlights the importance of dissolved Ca and (bi-)carbonate in U geochemistry.

SHRIMP U-Pb ages of detrital zircons in metasedimentary rocks of the central Ogcheon fold-thrust belt, Korea: Evidence for tectonic assembly of Paleozoic sedimentary protoliths

We analyzed detrital zircons in four metasandstones and two metadiamictites of the central Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt (OMB) in order to provide geochronologic constraints on the time of deposition and protolith age distributions. SHRIMP U-Pb ages of the newly analyzed zircons range from Archean to Early Paleozoic, and their age patterns permit the definition of four lithotectonic slices: upper and lower Pibanryeong units consisting primarily of quartzite and metasandstone; an upper Poeun unit of black slate containing Early Permian plant fossils; and a lower Poeun unit made up of metasandstone and metadiamictite. A quartzite of the upper Pibanryeong unit yielded two major zircon age populations at 965±11Ma and 447±5Ma, whereas two lower Pibanryeong metasandstones show major age concentrations at ∼2.5Ga, 1.0–0.9Ga, and 545–535Ma. The youngest components of these units suggest maximum ages of sedimentation as Late Ordovician and Early Cambrian, respectively. These upper and lower Pibanryeong zircon age distribution patterns are consistent with those of Ordovician and Devonian sedimentary strata, respectively from the South China Craton (SCC). On the other hand, three samples of the lower Poeun unit yielded two distinct age populations at ∼1.87Ga and 755±7Ma. In addition, a metadiamictite contains abundant Mesoproterozoic zircons with two broad peaks centered at ∼1.3 and 1.6Ga. Protolith ages and distribution patterns are profoundly different between the Pibanryeong and Poeun lithotectonic packages, suggesting the presence of a major thrust fault juxtaposing allochthons that are also characterized by large P–T contrasts. Our detrital zircon results for the Pibanryeong unit are compatible with derivation from the SCC, in apparent contrast with the Poeun occurrence of Early Permian plant fossils most likely correlative with the North China Craton (NCC). Taken together, the suturing of Paleozoic metasedimentary terranes in the OMB is a product of Permo–Triassic orogeny reflecting collision of the North and South China cratons.

청주 화강암의 SHRIMP 저어콘 U-Pb 연대, 지구화학 및 Sr-Nd 동위원소 연구

The emplacement ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of granitoid rocks from Cheongju area, South Korea, were investigated for delineating their petrogenetic link to the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks. Zircon crystals were collected from the diorite, biotite granite and acidic dyke samples in a single outcrop. Cross-cutting relationships show that the emplacement of diorite was postdated by the intrusion of biotite granite. Both rocks have been subsequently intruded by acidic dyke. The U-Pb isotopic compositions of zircon from the diorite, biotite granite, and acidic dyke were measured using a SHRIMP-II ion microprobe, yielding the crystallization ages of , , and , respectively, with 95% confidence limits (). The emplacement ages are consistent with those determined from the above relative ages. The major and trace element patterns of the rocks are consistent with those of the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks, possibly suggesting a subduction-related I-type granite. The geochemical signature is, however, betrayed by the Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of these rocks. The isotopic signatures suggest that the rocks were produced either by the partial melting of lower-crust or by the mantle-derived magma contaminated by the basement rocks during its ascent and/or emplacement. In addition, the inherited ages of zircons of the rocks (ca. 2.1, 1.8, 0.8 and 0.4 Ga) suggest a possible assimilation with crustal rocks from the Gyeonggi massif and Ogcheon metamorphic belt.

덕평리 지역 우라늄광상의 흑색점판암과 탄질점판암의 지구화학적 특성

Geochemical study was performed on black slates and interbedded U-bearing coaly slates in Deokpyeongri area, the representative uranium mineralized district of the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, to discuss the genetic environments of the uranium deposit. REE concentration (254 ppm) of the black slates is higher than that (169 ppm) of the coaly slates and NASC-normalized REE patterns of the coaly slates show remarkable positive Eu anomaly. l11e redox-sensitive trace elements such as V, Cr, Co, Ni, Mo and U in the coaly slates are highly enriched compared to the black slates, especially for V of 24 times, Mo of 62 times, and U of 60 times. In additions, Pd and Pt are also enriched in the coaly slates. Positive Eu anomaly and the noticeable enrichment of the elements listed above compared to those of NASC indicate that those elements were not derived from common seawater but deposited under high temperature and reducing environment of submarine hydrothermal activities. Wide compositional ranges of major elements (: 3.98~11.88, : 25.6~139.06, : 6.80~46.85) also suggest that the source rocks of the sediments are mixtures of sedimentary rocks and igneous rocks. Higher sulfur contents in the coaly slates, 2.6 wt.%, than those in the black slates, 0.6 wt.% also indicates that the former was influenced by hydrothermal activities containing much sulfur. These geochemical characteristics are similar to the genetic environments of South China type PGE deposits (Mo-Ni-Zn-PGE) which is geotectonically correlated with the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt and is known as sedimentary-exhalative deposits. In conclusions, the uranium and other metallic elements mineralization seems to have occurred in the sedimentary basin that was affected by submarine hydrothermal activities and rich in organic materials under oxygen-poor environments as well.

Characteristics and geodynamic evolution of Indosinian magmatism in South China: A case study of the Guikeng pluton

We examined the geochronology, petrology, and geochemistry of the two-stage Guikeng pluton, Wuyi Mountain Range, South China, with the aim of assessing the influence on Indosinian magmatism in South China of collision/amalgamation between the Sibumasu Block and the Indo-China and South China blocks, and between the North China and Yangtze blocks. An additional aim was to summarise the characteristics and geodynamic evolution of Indosinian magmatism in South China. The Guikeng pluton was then compared with the Indosinian Fucheng–Hongshan and Shiwandashan–Darongshan plutons in the Wuyi–Yunkai Mountain Range Belt, two groups of Indosinian granites in Hunan Province (South China Inland Belt), and Indosinian granitoids in the Sulu–South Korea Belt.The Guikeng pluton consists of medium- to fine-grained biotite monzogranites and biotite granites in its marginal belt, medium- to coarse-grained K-feldspar phenocryst-rich biotite granites in its interior part, and late-stage fine-grained muscovite granites. The granites have high Rb, Cs values, (87Sr/86Sr)i, and Rb/Sr ratios, low Sr, Ba, and εNd(t) values, and slightly to moderately negative Eu anomalies. These geochemical characteristics suggest that the granites were derived from late Paleo-proterozoic meta-sedimentary basement (1.7–2.0Ga).The rocks of the marginal belt and the main part of the pluton originated from two distinct magma sources. The fine-grained muscovite granites were produced by intensive differentiation of K-feldspar phenocryst-rich biotite granites. The granites from the marginal belt and the main part of the pluton yield SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of 234±3 and 220.4±3Ma, respectively, consistent with early and late Indosinian magmatism in South China. The early Indosinian metaluminous to weakly peraluminous foliated biotite granites were formed in a collision/compressional setting, whereas late Indosinian strongly peraluminous massive granites were formed in a post-collision setting.The rock assemblage, source region of Indosinian granites, and tectonic setting differ between South China and Sulu–South Korea, indicating the metamorphic basement of the Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt in North China is different to that of the Nanhua Rift in South China.

오대산 지역에 나타나는 맨거라이트와 반려암의 특징과 트라이아스기 한반도 지체구조 해석에 대한 의미

경기육괴 동부에 위치하는 오대산 지역에서는 맨거라이트와 반려암으로 구성된 화성암체가 원생대 초기에 형성된 혼성편마암을 관입하고 있다. 맨거라이트는 사방휘석, 단사휘석, 각섬석, 흑운모, 사장석, 퍼어사이틱 K-장석, 석영으로 이루어져 있으며 반려암의 광물군은 맨거라이트와 유사하나 반려암내에서는 각섬석이 사방휘석 주변에 적은 양으로 나타나며 퍼어사이틱 K-장석이 나타나지 않는다. 맨거라이트내에 반려암이 포획암 형태나 불규칙한 형태로 나타나며 두 암석의 경계가 불분명하다. 반려암질 포획암내에는 맨거라이트에서 볼 수 있는 퍼어사이틱 K-장석을 포함한 우백질부가 렌즈상으로 포함되어 있다. 이러한 것들은 두 개의 화성암이 액체상태에서 서로 혼합되었음을 지시한다. SHRIMP 저어콘 연대 측정결과 맨거라이트와 반려암으후부터 각각 <TEX>$234{\pm}1.2$</TEX> Ma와 <TEX>$231{\pm}1.3$</TEX> Ma의 트라이아스기 중기에 해당하는 연령을 얻었다. 이 연령은 홍성(226~233 Ma)과 양평 (227~231 Ma)지역의 트라이아스기 대륙충돌 후 화성암들의 연령과 유사하다. 맨거라이트와 반려암은 고함량 Ba-Sr 화성암(high Ba-Sr granite)이고 쇼쇼나이틱(shoshonitic) 하며, 대륙충돌 후 판 내부 환경에서 만들어졌다. 한편, 이 암석들은 대부분 경희토류와 친석원소가 부화되어 있으며 Nb-Ta-P-Ti 부(-) 이상을 보이는 섭입대 화성암의 특정도 보여준다. 위의 지화학적 특징들은 오대산 맨거라이트와 반려암은 대륙충돌 이전에 있었던 섭입시기에 지각물질에 의해 부화된 맨틀이 대륙충돌 후 분리된 대륙판과 해양판 사이 공간으로 유입된 연약권의 열에 의해 부분용융이 되면서 만들어졌음을 지시한다 오대산 지역의 맨거라이트와 반려암을 포함한 경기육괴와 임진강대 북부에 나타나는 약 230Ma의 대륙충돌 후 화성암의 분포는 이 시기에 일어난 한반도내 북중국판과 남중국판 충돌의 경계가 홍성 지역을 지나 양평-오대산지역과 옥천변성대 사이 지역으로 연결될 것임을 강하게 시사한다. The igneous complex consisting of mangerite and gabbro in the Odaesan area, the eastem part of the Gyeonggi Massif, South Korea, intruded early Paleo-proterozoic migmatitic gneiss. The mangerite is composed of orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, amphibole, biotite, plagioclase, pethitic K-feldspar, quartz. The gabbro has similar mineral assemblage but gabbro has minor amounts of amphibole and no perthitic K-feldspar. The gabbro occurs as enclave and irregular shaped body within the mangerite, and the boundary between the mangerite and gabbro is irregular. Leucocratic lenses with perthitic K-feldspar are included in the gabbro enclaves. These textures represent mixing of two different magmas in liquid state. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon age dating gave <TEX>$234{\pm}1.2$</TEX> Ma and <TEX>$231{\pm}1.3$</TEX> Ma for mangerite and gabbro, respectively. These ages are similar with the intrusion ages of post collision granitoids in the Hongseong (226~233 Ma) and Yangpyeong (227~231 Ma) areas in the Gyeonggi Massif. The mangerite and gabbro are high Ba-Sr granites, shoshonitic and formed in post collision tectonic setting. These rocks also show the characters of subduction-related igneous rock such as enrichment in LREE, LILE and negative Nb-Ta-P-Ti anomalies. These data represent that the mangerite and gabbro formed in the post collision tectonic setting by the partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle during subduction which occurred before collision. The heat for the partial melting was supplied by asthenospheric upwelling through the gab between continental and oceanic slabs formed by slab break-off after continental collision. The distribution of post-collisional igneous rocks (ca. 230 Ma) in the Gyeonggi Massif including Odaesan mangerite and gabbro strongly suggests that the tectonic boundary between the North and South China blocks in Korean peninsula passes the Hongseong area and futher exteneds into the area between the Yangpyeong-Odaesan line and Ogcheon metamorphic belt.

The effect of allanite inclusions on U–Pb step-leaching ages and Sm–Nd isotope systematics of garnet from the Ogcheon metamorphic belt, South Korea

The Ogcheon metamorphic belt consists primarily of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks that have experienced polyphase tectonometamorphism since the Neoproterozoic. Peak metamorphism reaching up to lower-amphibolite facies produced ubiquitous garnet porphyroblasts in pelitic and mafic schists. To determine the timing of their formation, step-leaching experiments were undertaken for five garnet fractions separated from pelitic and quartz-hornblende-garnet schists. The U–Pb ages from three samples are identical within 2σ errors, ranging from 291 ± 41 Ma to 276 ± 29 Ma. The quasi-linearity of leachates in 238U– 206Pb and 208Pb– 206Pb diagrams suggests that U and Pb are released from a single mineral phase and that minor chemical fractionation between U and Pb may have occurred during the leaching experiment. Deviations of residues and bulk garnet fractions from the linear trend are attributed to partial dissolution of refractory inclusions of detrital zircon. Th/U ratios of leachates are in the range of 3.4–12, much higher than those of pure garnet, and suggest the contribution of allanite. Negative relationships in the Sm–Nd isochron diagram and similar 147Sm/ 144Nd ratios between whole rock and garnet corroborate the influence of light rare earth element (LREE)-rich allanite on the Sm–Nd isotopic system. Simple mass-balance calculations indicate that only a trace amount (0.35 modal%) of allanite inclusions should govern the U–Th–Pb systematics of garnet. Petrographic evidence together with the consistency in U–Pb ages suggests that allanite is a product of prograde metamorphism. Thus, peak metamorphism responsible for the growth of allanite-bearing garnet porphyroblasts in the Ogcheon metamorphic belt is best estimated to be Early Permian.

Is the Ogcheon metamorphic belt of Korea the eastward continuation of the Nanhua Basin of China?

The Ogcheon metamorphic belt in central Korea has been interpreted to be the eastward extension of the Nanhua Basin (aulacogen) of southeast China. In this paper, comparisons are made between the two regions based on stratigraphic, thermal-tectonic and other considerations. From this comparison, correlation of geological events between the Nanhua Basin and Ogcheon metamorphic belt are at best equivocal. The closest similarity is the presence in both regions of two major diamictite units, of glacial origin and Neoproterozoic age (750–690 Ma range) in China but of controversial origin and uncertain age in Korea. Volcanic rocks in both regions appear to have similar petrological and geochemical traits and are interpreted to be rift-related. However, their ages are different, mostly 795–780 Ma in the Nanhua Basin and c. 750 Ma in central Korea, so correlation remains uncertain. More isotopic data from both regions may shed light on this comparison. Correlation between other pre-Carboniferous stratigraphic units in the two regions is hampered by the uncertainty about the stratigraphic age and succession in the Ogcheon metamorphic belt, stemming mainly from the absence of fossils and the strong tectonic–metamorphic overprint. Both regions appear to have undergone deformation and metamorphism during the Middle Triassic (Indosinian, Songrim), in some uncertain way related to the collision between the North and South China plates. In the Ogcheon metamorphic belt, there has been no confirmation of a Mid Palaeozoic event, but in the Nanhua Basin that event is recorded by stratigraphic and palaeogeographic evidence. In the Nanhua Basin, there is no evidence for an Early Permian metamorphic event that appears, on isotopic grounds, to have affected the Ogcheon metamorphic belt. This apparent difference has been interpreted as a result of diachronous deformation during Late Palaeozoic–Early Mesozoic plate collisions that took place earlier in the east, in Korea, than in the west in China.

Metamorphic Evolution of the Ogcheon Belt, Korea: A Review and New Age Constraints

The Ogcheon metamorphic belt (OMB), which is often correlated with the Dabie-Sulu ultrahighpressure (UHP) belt in China, comprises Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic metasedimentary and -volcanic sequences representing a stack of synmetamorphic nappes. Regional metamorphic grade increases northwestward to produce the assemblage, biotite + garnet ± staurolite ± kyanite + plagioclase + quartz. Garnet porphyroblasts show chemical zoning typical for prograde metamorphism, with decreasing Mn and increasing Fe and Mg from core to rim. P-T conditions were estimated to be 4.2-9.4 kbar and 490-630°C, corresponding to the medium-pressure type. In addition, the GIBBS calculation suggests a clockwise P-T-t path, corroborating a crust-thickening event associated with regional peak metamorphism. Using various isotopic techniques, the timings for intracontinental rift volcanism and syntectonic metamorphism were determined. New SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages from a felsic tuff reflect the Neoproterozoic rifting at ˜;750 Ma. Regional metamorphism has been recently dated at ˜;285 Ma, based upon several independent sets of radiometric ages: U-Pb ages of monazite inclusions in garnet, Pb-Pb whole-rock ages of black slates, chemical ages of uraninite, and SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages from a granitic gneiss pebble in metadiamictite. Thus, the Ogcheon orogeny is newly defined as an earliest Permian event, preceding a high-pressure metamorphic event in the Imjingang belt, central Korea, by ˜;30 Ma. During the subsequent Songrim orogeny, at ˜;250-220 Ma, the OMB experienced a second regional-thermal metamorphism under greenschist-to amphibolite-facies conditions. This Triassic event is interpreted to correspond to a major collisional orogeny in the Dabie-Sulu belt. These multiple metamorphic events in the Ogcheon belt are readily correlated with those reported from not only the UHP belt in east-central China, but also the Hida and Renge belts in Japan. Thus, eastward extension of the Dabie-Sulu belt through the Korean Peninsula to the Hida belt (Ernst and Liou, 1995) remains a valid hypothesis.

U−Pb zircon ages of a granitic gneiss boulder in metadiamictite from the Ogcheon metamorphic belt, Korea

Zircon grains separated from a granitic gneiss boulder of the Hwanggangri Formation, Ogcheon metamorphic belt, were analyzed using a SHRIMP II ion microprobe. This gravel-bearing formation consists primarily of greenschist to amphibolite facies metadiamictites. U−Pb zircon ages obtained from 31 grains provide not only diachronous inheritance ages ranging up to ca. 2.5 Ga but also define an apparent discordia with upper and lower intercept ages of ca. 1.87 Ga and ca. 290±40 Ma, respectively. The former age is consistent with the Paleoproterozoic age of granu-lite-facies metamorphism and granitic magmatism in the Gyeonggi and Yeongnam massifs. However, the latter age has not been reported from the basement gneisses and may be attributable to significant Pb loss during the Late Carboniferous Ogcheon orogeny recently dated at ca. 290–280 Ma. Alternatively, multiple Pb loss episodes including a ca. 400 Ma thermal disturbance may account for the array of discordant data. The tectonic implications for each hypothesis are enormous for deciphering the evolution of the Ogcheon belt, but precise interpretation awaits further geochronologic analyses.