Paleoproterozoic Metamorphism Research Articles

Granulites of the Larba Block of the Dzhugdzhur–Stanovoi Superterrane: Reconstruction of the Formation Conditions

Abstract —We discuss the rocks of the Larba granulite block in the Ilikan zone of the Dzhugdzhur–Stanovoi superterrane. The Larba block is dominated by basic schists and garnet–biotite–orthopyroxene and garnet–biotite–cordierite–sillimanite gneisses (metabasites and metapelites). Calculation of temperatures and pressures of mineral formation was carried out by multi-equilibrium geothermobarometry, which makes it possible to evaluate the degree of equilibrium of mineral compositions along with P–T parameters. The P–T estimates have shown metamorphism of aluminous gneisses under moderate-pressure granulite facies conditions (7–8 kbar, 800–850 °C). Orthopyroxene granulites formed under granulite-amphibolite transition facies conditions. The mineral compositions and parageneses in highly ferrous metabasites permitted estimation of the conditions of metamorphism, P = 4–5 kbar and T = 630–700 °C, and show no influence of earlier granulite facies metamorphism. The bimodal P–T distribution for most samples of aluminous gneisses most probably reflects progressive and near-peak conditions of granulite metamorphism. The time of enderbite magmatism is determined from the upper intercept of discordia with concordia at 2546 ± 52 Ma and should be verified. The age of metamorphic rims over enderbite zircon is 1882 ± 11 Ma. The model Nd age of enderbites, TNd(DM) = 2.57–2.58 Ga, is close to the age of the core of enderbite zircon and differs significantly from the model Nd age of the host metamorphic rocks (2.8–3.0 Ga). The Paleoproterozoic metamorphism of the Larba block rocks regionally coincides with the third stage of collisional granitoid magmatism of the southeastern Siberian craton and records the formation of this structure.

Evidence of Paleoproterozoic metamorphism in Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica: Insights from phase equilibria modelling and monazite CHIME dating

The Vestfold Hills sector on the coastal fringe of the Princess Elizabeth Land forms part of an Archean to Paleoproterozoic aged cratonic nucleus of the East Antarctic Shield. A charnockite-granite association from the Mossel Gneiss Group in the northern region of the Vestfold Hills is investigated in this work to characterise the metamorphic-magmatic evolution of the area. Conventional thermometry and phase equilibria modelling indicate that the charnockite formed as a result of ultra-high temperature metamorphism at low-intermediate pressure (∼4 kbar). Phase equilibria modelling, reveals that the melt-integrated charnockite composition is a restitic product of a protolith of quartz diorite composition which underwent isobaric heating (peak temperature up to 960 °C) at 4 kbar pressure followed by anatexis. The anatexis of the quartz diorite protolith also resulted in the formation of the associated granitic melt. U–Th-PbTotal ages obtained from monazites of the granite integrated with CHIME ages extracted using the isochron method indicate an emplacement age of ∼2200 Ma and two younger events are recorded at ∼2000 Ma and ∼1700 Ma. The younger ages are ascribed to the resetting during the emplacement of younger basalt dykes that cross cut the charnockite-granite sequence. Vestfold Hills’ geological correlations with Indian and Australian cratons are discussed considering this new data.

Exploring paleoproterozoic metamorphism in the western Río de la Plata craton from drill-core evidence

Rhyacian basement is not exposed in the western part of the Río de la Plata craton, but deep borehole samples (depth of 1046–3340 m) provide information on its composition and metamorphic evolution. An amphibole schist sample from the Camilo Aldao borehole underwent two metamorphic stages: M1 and M2. The P-T conditions of M1 are not constrained whereas the M2 main metamorphic stage is characterized by conditions of 6.1–7.4 kbar and 575–605 °C. In contrast, an olivine gabbronorite sample from the Santiago Temple borehole records crystallization conditions of 1.7 ± 0.6 kbar and 1180 ± 10 °C based on clinopyroxene composition, and late magmatic to subsolidus low-pressure granulite facies metamorphism at 2.3 ± 1.2 kbar and 749 ± 85 °C based on multi-equilibrium thermobarometry. The Rhyacian evolution of the Río de la Plata craton is characterized by at least three thermo-tectonic orogenic stages: T1 (ca. 2200–2100 Ma), T2 (ca. 2100–2040 Ma), and T3 (ca. 2040–2010 Ma) that correspond respectively to: 1) early oceanic subduction and juvenile continental arc magmatism; 2) subsequent continental collision (clockwise intermediate P/T paths of metamorphism), and 3) final low-pressure metamorphism coeval with post-orogenic magmatism. The Camilo Aldao amphibole schist is representative of the T2 orogenic stage while the Santiago Temple gabbronorite is representative of T3 magmatism and metamorphism.

Zircon U–Pb ages and geochemistry of deep-seated crustal xenoliths from Yangyuan: Implications for the evolution of lower crust beneath the Trans North China Orogen

Deep-seated crustal xenoliths captured by volcanic rocks play a rare opportunity in understanding the composition and evolution of the lower continental crust. Here, we present mineral chemistry, whole-rock major and trace elements and Sr–Nd isotopes, and in-situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data for a suite of granulite and biotite gneiss xenoliths entrained in the Oligocene basalts from the Yangyuan county in the central part of the Trans North China Orogen (TNCO) with aims to decipher the composition and evolutionary history of the lower crust beneath this area. Calculated equilibrium temperatures (841–933 °C) and pressures (9.7–14.3 kbar) suggest an origin of the Yangyuan granulites from the lower crust. The dominantly Archean–Proterozoic zircon ages and low Mg# values (29.0–68.4) of the Yangyuan crustal xenoliths indicate that they represent the ancient crust and the fractional crystallization plays a key role during the protolith formation. Furthermore, the zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes data reveal multiple thermal events, including two main peaks of crustal growth at ∼2.7 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga, ∼1.85–1.80 Ga and the Phanerozoic accretion and reworking of the lower crust beneath Yangyuan. In addition, a comparison study of crustal xenoliths from Yangyuan, Nangaoya and Hannuoba areas demonstrates that the lower crust beneath the central–northern part of the TNCO experienced as a whole the Neoarchean crustal growth, Paleoproterozoic metamorphism and Phanerozoic magmatic underplating. More importantly, the absence of U–Pb age peak of ∼1.95 Ga and Hf model age peaks of ∼3.9–3.8 Ga, ∼2.9–2.8 Ga, ∼2.2–2.1 Ga and ∼700–600 Ma in Yangyuan shows a heterogeneous evolution of the lower crust beneath the TNCO, which could pave the way for a more comprehensive picture of the crustal evolutional history beneath the North China Craton.

In situ titanite ages and Mesozoic metamorphism of Paleoproterozoic mafic granulites from the Wuhe metamorphic complex, southeastern North China Craton

The Wuhe Complex in the southern section of the Jiao-Liao mobile belt (JLMB) consists of an Archean–Paleoproterozoic crystalline basement and is essential for understanding the intricate tectonic evolution history of the southeastern North China Craton (NCC). Owing to the lack of Mesozoic metamorphic ages reported from the southern section of the JLMB, it is unclear whether the Wuhe Complex experienced Mesozoic tectonothermal overprint events. Titanites are common uranium-bearing minerals for U–Pb dating and are prone to metamorphic, tectonothermal, or hydrothermal processes. Thus, titanites were used in this study to unravel late metamorphic overprint events. Mesozoic titanites from the mafic granulites of the Wuhe Complex are believed to be of metamorphic origin and have experienced amphibolite-facies metamorphism, with a temperature range T = 677–723 ℃ and a pressure of P = 3.8 kbar. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy U–Pb dating and in situ U–Pb dating of titanites yielded ages of 163–112 Ma and 123 Ma, respectively. This implies that the Wuhe Complex may have experienced a Mesozoic metamorphic overprint event during the tectonic transition period (from a subduction-related compressive setting to a tectonic stretch setting). Given the large number of Mesozoic intrusive rocks distributed across the NCC, it is important to rule out the effect of late tectonothermal events when studying Neoarchean or Paleoproterozoic metamorphism in the NCC.

Archean Crustal Evolution of the Alxa Block, Western North China Craton: Constraints from Zircon U-Pb Ages and the Hf Isotopic Composition

The Alxa Block is an important component of the North China Craton, but its metamorphic basement has been poorly studied, which hampers the understanding of the Alxa Block and the North China Craton. In this study, we conducted geochronological and geochemical studies on three TTG (tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite) gneisses and one granitic gneiss exposed in the Langshan area of the eastern Alxa Block to investigate their crustal evolution. The zircon U-Pb dating results revealed that the protoliths of the TTG and granitic gneisses were formed at 2836 ± 20 Ma, 2491 ± 18 Ma, 2540 ± 38 Ma, and 2763 ± 42 Ma, respectively, and were overprinted by middle–late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism (1962–1721 Ma). All gneiss samples had high Sr/Y ratios (41–274) and intermediate Mg# values (44.97–55.78), with negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies and moderately to strongly fractionated REE patterns ((La/Yb)N = 10.6–107.1), slight Sr enrichment, and positive Eu anomalies, displaying features of typical high-SiO2 adakites and Archean TTGs. The magmatic zircons from the 2.84 Ga and 2.49 Ga TTG rocks had low εHf(t) values of −1.9–1.7, and −3.83–2.12 with two-stage model ages (TDMC) of 3.24–3.11 Ga and 3.10–3.01 Ga, respectively, whereas those from the 2.54 Ga TTG rock exhibited εHf(t) values ranging from −1.1 to 3.46 and TDMC from 3.0 Ga to 2.83 Ga, suggesting that the crustal materials of the basement rocks in the eastern Alxa Block were initially extracted from the depleted mantle during the late Paleoarchean to Mesoarchean era and were reworked in the late Mesoarchean and late Neoarchean era. By contrast, the Alxa Block probably had a relative younger crustal evolutionary history (<3.24 Ga) than the main North China (<3.88 Ga), Tarim (<3.9 Ga), and Yangtze (<3.8 Ga) Cratons and likely had a unique crustal evolutionary history before the early Paleoproterozoic era.

Garnet growth and diffusion zoning during the late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism, North Altyn area, SE Tarim Craton, NW China: Implications for a long-lived hot orogen

Metamorphic rocks encode invaluable information on the burial and exhumation history of rocks that is critical to our understanding of orogens. In this work, zircon U−Pb dating, pseudosection, and garnet zoning modeling were performed on samples from the North Altyn area, SE Tarim Craton, NW China. Zircon U−Pb geochronological data indicate that the peak metamorphism occurred at ca. 2.0 Ga. Pseudosection isopleth thermobarometry using garnet growth zoning of the sample from the northern part of the North Altyn area (Kalatashtagh) reveals a decompression and heating path to a peak temperature of 735 °C and 0.74 GPa under the equilibrium crystallization model. The preservation of growth zoning under high temperature requires relatively rapid cooling. In contrast, garnet from the southern part of the North Altyn area (Aktashtagh) preserves diffusion zoning. Metamorphic peak occurs at 670−735 °C and 0.67−0.73 GPa, which suggests a high dT/dP-type metamorphism. Diffusion zoning modeling suggests an extremely slow cooling rate of 1−5 °C/m.y., which indicates prolonged (∼100 m.y.) crustal residence time at high temperature. This requires a long-term heat supply, most likely from radiogenic heat from buried sediments or heat conducted from the asthenosphere. The high dT/dP and slow cooling rate, combined with extensive crustal anatexis from previous studies, indicate that the late Paleoproterozoic North Altyn Orogen is a long-lived hot orogen rather than a subduction−accretionary complex. We propose a tectonic model that involves a ca. 2.1−2.0 Ga arc−back-arc system in the SE Tarim Craton. The back-arc basin was subsequently closed by northward underthrusting due to arc−arc/continental collision at ca. 2.0−1.95 Ga during the integration of the Tarim Craton into the Columbia/Nuna supercontinent.

Geochronology and geochemistry of gneiss and migmatite from the Korla Complex in the Quruqtagh block, NW China: Implications for Proterozoic crustal evolution of the northeastern Tarim Craton

The Korla Complex in the Quruqtagh block of the northeastern Tarim Craton records Proterozoic tectono–thermal events and provides a window to understand the role of Tarim during the Columbia–Rodinia supercontinent cycle. Here we present zircon U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf isotopic compositions and bulk–rock geochemical data of gneisses and leucosomes of migmatites from the Korla Complex. Zircon grains from the orthogneiss exhibit core–rim structure, nevertheless the core and rim domains have indistinguishable ages, and jointly defined the Paleoproterozoic metamorphism of 1842 ± 35 Ma, which was ascribed to assembly of the Tarim Craton to the Columbia supercontinent along interior accretionary orogen. The leucosomes of migmatites were formed at 814 ± 3 Ma, and the consistent Hf isotope characteristics of newly grown anatectic zircon and inherited zircon of their protolith, indicates that the migmatite was formed by in–situ crustal anatexis associated with subduction–accretion process. Therefore, it is inferred that the assembly of the Tarim Craton to the Rodinia supercontinent lasted at least until ca. 0.81 Ga. Since this accretionary orogenic event (ca. 0.81 Ga) occurred during the initial breakup stage of the Rodinia supercontinent (0.83 Ga), it indicates that the Tarim Craton was probably located at peripheral position in the Rodinia reconstruction with long-lasting peripheral subduction and accretion. Collectively, it is suggested that the Tarim Craton was involved in global scale tectonic evolution during the Columbia–Rodinia supercontinent cycle. In combination with previous studies, it is proposed that the Tarim–North China connection within the Paleoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent must have broken–up before the Tarim–South China affinity within the Neoproterozoic Rodinia supercontinent, ascribed to the breakup of Columbia supercontinent.

Clockwise P-T-t path of Paleoproterozoic metamorphism from the Dengfeng Complex, southern North China Craton

Garnet-bearing metapelites are widely distributed in the Dengfeng Complex situated in the southern segment of the North China Carton (NCC). Petrological studies indicate that garnet-bearing metapelites mainly comprise quartz, muscovite, chlorite, plagioclase, garnet and biotite, with minor ilmenite, zircon, and apatite. Garnet porphyroblasts show obvious growth zoning from the core to inner rim and they are separated by a prominent chemical discontinuity narrow edge. By pseudosection modeling calculations, the P-T conditions of sample 20DF17-C determined by the isopleths of XGrs and XPrp of the garnet core and inner rim are ∼ 530 °C/6.7 kbar and ∼ 560 °C/5.1 kbar, respectively; while the P-T conditions of sample 20DF24 determined by the isopleths of the garnet core and inner rim are ∼ 530 °C/5.2 kbar and ∼ 550 °C/4.5 kbar, respectively. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating from the Dengfeng metapelites suggest that the maximum depositional age of their protoliths was ∼ 2.52 Ga. These metapelites were affected by the hydrothermal event immediately after diagenesis. The age of ∼ 1.92 Ga contributed to clockwise P-T paths containing decompression with slight heating segments, which occurred at the Paleoproterozoic and likely were related to a subduction-collision event in the NCC. Combined with the occurrence features of the amphibolites, TTG gneisses, metapelites and quartzites, we inferred that all the Dengfeng metapelites and Songshan Group involved a Paleoproterozoic orogenic event along the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO)/Jinyu Mobile Belt (JMB).

Decoupling of metamorphic zircon U-Pb ages and P-T paths in the Dunhuang metamorphic complex, northwestern China

U-Pb dating of metamorphic zircon is commonly used to determine the timing of high-grade metamorphism, but linking zircon U-Pb ages to metamorphic P-T paths can be challenging, especially in metamorphic terranes where multiple metamorphic events result in various degrees of re-equilibration and complex metamorphic zircon growth/recrystallization. Here we carried out a detailed P-T path study, as well as zircon/titanite/apatite U-Pb dating and mineral Sm-Nd isochron dating, for garnet amphibolites from the Dunhuang Block, northwestern China, where late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism was extensively overprinted by a Paleozoic tectonothermal event and the P-T conditions of the earlier event remain elusive. Petrographic observation, phase equilibria modeling and geothermobarometry show that the garnet amphibolites share a clockwise P-T path, from 675 – 689 °C/10.0 – 11.6 kbar to 780 – 807 °C/9.9 – 11.8 kbar for the prograde to peak metamorphism, followed by significant cooling and decompression to 612 – 689 °C/4.1 – 6.0 kbar, indicating an orogenic setting. U-Pb dating of metamorphic zircons yields two groups of upper intercept ages of ca. 1.82 – 1.85 and 1.95 Ga. The ca. 1.82 – 1.85 Ga metamorphic zircons have flat HREE patterns and weak Eu* anomalies, suggesting zircon growth when abundant garnet but little plagioclase was present, consistent with high-pressure metamorphism. In contrast, the ca. 1.95 Ga zircons have steep HREE and negative Eu anomalies, suggesting formation at relatively low-pressures. These zircon results provide evidence for 1.8 – 1.9 Ga metamorphism, possibly due to variable crustal thickening during a late Paleoproterozoic orogenic event. However, garnet porphyroblasts and the matrix minerals yield a Sm-Nd isochron age of 333.5 ± 4.0 Ma, whereas metamorphic titanites record a U-Pb age of 345.4 ± 2.7 Ma. Considering the high closure temperatures of the garnet Sm-Nd (650 – 720℃) and titanite U-Pb (710 – 780℃) systems, our data suggest that the late Paleoproterozoic metamorphic mineral assemblages were likely completely re-equilibrated by a Paleozoic tectonothermal event and that the P-T path documented above is a result of Paleozoic orogeny. In addition, apatite U-Pb dating yields 236.6 ± 4.3 and 300 ± 10 Ma for samples from the southern and central Dunhuang area, respectively, indicating different cooling histories. Combining with previous results, we propose that the Paleozoic metamorphism occurred in a long-lived hot continental arc with slow cooling rates (0.3 – 5℃/Myr), rather than an subduction–accretionary complex. Our study highlights the decoupling of metamorphic zircon U-Pb ages and P-T paths, which has significant implications for P-T-t path studies in polyphase metamorphic terranes.

A refined study of Paleoproterozoic high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism in the Kongling complex of northern Yangtze block

The Paleoproterozoic era is a critical tuning period for the transitions in global geodynamic regimes and plate tectonic processes. However, detailed pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) paths of Paleoproterozoic metamorphic rocks worldwide are scarce, which hinders our understanding of deep thermal state and relevant tectonic processes at that time. Here, we identified a prolonged Paleoproterozoic (from ca. 2.05 Ga to ca. 2.0 Ga) metamorphism by zircon U–Pb geochronology of mafic granulite in the Kongling Complex of the northern Yangtze Block. The metamorphic zircon grains/domains show distinct weakly to strongly fractionated heavy rare earth elements (HREE), corresponding to competitive growth with or without garnet during the metamorphism. Mineral assemblages of orthopyroxene + plagioclase are distinctly found both within and around (as corona) garnet, indicating high-temperature decompression. P–T estimations from mineral compositions, chemical potential modeling and phase equilibrium modeling together yield a clockwise path with peak metamorphism at 10.0 ± 0.3 kbar and 860 ± 30 °C followed by decompression to 6.0 ± 0.5 kbar and 840 ± 40 °C in a period of about 50 Myr. This contradicts a Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh-pressure collision in northern Yangtze Block and may exemplify the assembly of micro-continents during formation of the Paleoproterozoic Columbia (Nuna) supercontinent. According to the available P-T paths of worldwide Paleoproterozoic metamorphism, we propose a typical warm subduction/collision in Paleoproterozoic plate tectonic regime.

Correlating metamorphic mineral assemblages with metamorphic ages in rocks recording multiple tectonothermal events: A case study of the Jiaobei terrane, eastern North China Craton

Interpretations of high-grade terranes recording more than one episode of metamorphism can often be problematic due to the difficulties in assigning the metamorphic conditions to the time of metamorphism. The Jiaobei terrane as a typical Precambrian metamorphic terrane in the North China Craton (NCC) records multiple high-grade metamorphic events. Resolving the timing and features of each metamorphic event can cast light on the above issue and also play a key role in understanding the geological evolution of the Jiaobei terrane and the NCC. This study reports paired U-Pb dating with in-situ trace elements and oxygen isotope compositions of metamorphic zircons in meta-mafic rocks from the Qixia area of Jiaobei terrane. The zircons develop core-rim structures with both of them exhibiting metamorphic features. Zircon rims, although widely developed, are mostly too thin for in-situ age dating. LA-ICPMS as well as SIMS zircon U-Pb analysis of zircon cores yielded metamorphic ages of ∼ 2500 Ma, whereas the rims yielded 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1915–1717 Ma. The rare earth elements (REE) patterns and δ18O values measured in the Paleoproterozoic metamorphic zircon rims are distinct from those measured in the Archean cores. Distinct features of the cores and rims imply that the garnet-bearing (high-pressure) mineral assemblages were formed during late Paleoproterozoic metamorphic event and absent during the Neoarchean event. These new geochronological data further confirm that the Jiaobei terrane records both the late Neoarchean metamorphism and the late Paleoproterozoic tectonic thermal event. Also, our study argues for the existence of global subduction network geological records in the NCC during Paleoproterozoic, rather than during Neoarchean. The influence of the overprinted late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism should be fully considered when estimating P-T conditions of the earlier tectonothermal event (Neoarchean metamorphism).

The Multiple Metamorphism of Mafic Granulites From the East Hebei Terrane, North China Craton: Insights Into the Transition of Tectonic Regimes

The East Hebei terrane from the North China Craton preserves the dome–and–keel structures, which was transected by a later linear belt in the north margin. Mafic granulites from the linear belt and domes record two groups of metamorphic ages at Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic, but their accurate metamorphic peak conditions and paths have not been well addressed. Three samples of mafic granulites, including two-pyroxene granulite (JD15120), garnet-bearing two-pyroxene granulite (YC8-43), and garnet clinopyroxene granulite (JD1546), were documented for detailed metamorphic studies. Two-episode metamorphism can be recognized. The first-episode recovered from JD15120 and YC8-43 is represented by peak assemblage of medium-grained clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, amphibole, plagioclase, and ilmenite, which yields ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions of 940–960°C at 7.5–8.5 kbar and 950–990°C at 8 kbar, respectively, constrained by contours of the maximum anorthite (XAn) in plagioclase cores. The post-peak evolution is dominated by cooling with decompression, constrained mostly from the measured core-to-rim decreasing XAn in plagioclase. By contrast, the second-episode overprinting is recognized in all samples, but exhibits varying textures. In garnet-bearing samples (YC8-43 and JD1546), the overprinting assemblages are characterized by poikilitic garnet that occurs either as coronae around the first-episode pyroxenes, forming “red-eye socket” textures, or as grains in equilibrium with tiny-grained clinopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole, rutile, and quartz, forming high-pressure (HP) granulite assemblages. These HP granulite assemblages show peak conditions of ∼12 kbar/860°C and ∼12.6 kbar/835°C, constrained by contours of the maximum grossular (XGrs) in garnet cores and the minimum XAn in plagioclase cores. The post-peak evolution is dominated by isothermal decompression, constrained from the outward decreasing XGrs in garnet and increasing XAn in plagioclase. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating on JD15120 and JD1546 suggests two metamorphic ages of ∼2.49 Ga and ∼1.78 Ga, being considered to be correlated with the UHT and HP granulite metamorphism, respectively. Tectonically, the late Neoarchean UHT granulite metamorphism may correlate a vertical sagduction regime, whereas the late Paleoproterozoic HP granulite metamorphism is favored to register the continental collision in the northern margin of the North China Craton. This study may have indications for the Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic tectonic transition of the craton.

Granular titanite from the Roter Kamm crater in Namibia: Product of regional metamorphism, not meteorite impact

Accessory minerals with so-called granular texture have risen in importance as geochronological tools for U-Pb dating of meteorite impact events. Grain-scale recrystallization, typically triggered by a combination of high-strain deformation and post-impact heating, can create a polycrystalline microstructure consisting of neoblasts that expel radiogenic Pb, which are thus ideal for isotopic dating. While granular domains in zircon and monazite from shocked rocks have been demonstrated to preserve impact ages, few U-Pb dating studies have been conducted on granular microstructures in titanite (CaTiSiO5). Here we report the occurrence of granular-textured titanite from ∼2020 Ma granite basement rock exposed in the rim of the 4–5 Ma Roter Kamm impact structure in Namibia. Orientation mapping reveals two microstructurally distinct titanite populations: one consisting of strained/deformed grains, and the other consisting of grains that comprise aggregates of strain-free neoblasts. In situ U-Pb geochronology on 37 grains shows that most grains from both titanite populations yield indistinguishable U-Pb dates of ca. 1025 Ma, consistent with the observed microstructures forming during the Mesoproterozoic Namaqua Orogeny. Only four grains preserved older age domains, recording ca. 1875 Ma Paleoproterozoic metamorphism. Two significant observations emerge: (1) none of the analyzed titanite grains yield the 2020 Ma igneous crystallization age previously established from zircon in the same sample, and (2) no age-resetting was detected that could be attributed to the 4 to 5 Ma Roter Kamm impact event. Despite the similarity of the neoblastic microstructure to minerals from other sites with an established impact provenance, the granular texture and near-complete Pb-loss in titanite from Roter Kamm granite instead records a Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic polymetamorphic history, rather than Miocene age shock-related processes. These results highlight the critical importance of grain-scale context for interpretation of U-Pb data in granular titanite, and the potential for misinterpreting inherited (pre-impact) microstructures as impact-related phenomenon in target rocks with a complex geological history.

Gold mobilization during prograde metamorphism of clastic sedimentary rocks: An example from the Liaohe Group in the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, North China Craton

Abundant gold deposits are distributed in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt of the North China Craton. Gold deposits, characterized by quartz lode or disseminated styles of mineralization with extensive alteration of wall rock, of the Jiaodong Peninsula and Liaodong Peninsula are underlain by rocks of similar geological settings characterized by uplifted blocks of metamorphosed Archean and Proterozoic rocks surrounded by relatively unmetamorphosed Mesoproterozoic rocks and Mesozoic granitoid plutons. The huge order-of-magnitude difference in reserves between the Liaodong gold province (500 t) and the Jiaodong gold province (5000 t) attract the attention of geologists. Different C–H-O-S-Pb isotopes and isotopic dating have sparked controversy over the source of the gold deposits. In this study, we conducted integrated analyses of zircon U-Pb dating, bulk-rock compositions, mineralogical compositions and high-precision gold analyses on a series of meta-clastic sedimentary rocks from the Paleoproterozoic Liaohe Group in the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton, of which the Au analyses reveal Au mobilization during prograde metamorphism. In the Gaizhou Barrovian-type metamorphic zone, the bulk-rock Au contents of samples within various metamorphic zones show a monotonic decrease up-temperature, from 2.09 ppb in the chlorite zone to 0.07 ppb in the sillimanite zone. The evolution in Au content during prograde metamorphism of other formations are identical to that of the Gaixian Formation. The Au concentrations of biotite in different metamorphic zones show little variation ranging from 0.66 to 0.35 ppb, whereas the Au concentrations of muscovite in different metamorphic zones mainly decrease from 2.60 ppb in the chlorite zone to 0.57 ppb in the sillimanite zone with increasing metamorphic grade in samples without metallic sulfides. Coincidently, there is a dechlorination process in biotites during regional metamorphism. Chlorine, released by metamorphism, may have played a vital role in the migration of Au, which could absorb onto muscovite and other minerals, during prograde metamorphism. Given an Au content of 4.67 t/km3 in the chlorite zone rock approximately equivalent to the protolith, metamorphism up to upper amphibolite grade would force the rocks to release 52% of the Au in the Gaizhou Barrovian-type metamorphic zone. Taking into account previous studies in the interpretation of our results, we propose that Precambrian rocks, such as the meta-clastic sedimentary rocks of the Gaixian Formation, may have contributed considerable amounts of Au to the Liaodong gold province. The Liaohe Group releasing large amounts of Au during Paleoproterozoic metamorphism, may thus provide the primary Au enrichment for the Mesozoic gold deposits.

Multi‐stage metamorphic history of the Oki gneisses in Japan: Implications for Paleoproterozoic metamorphism and tectonic correlations in northeastern Asia

AbstractMetamorphic P–T conditions, monazite chemical ages and zircon U–Pb ages from the gneisses exposed in the Oki belt, Japan, were integrated to unravel the multi‐stage metamorphic history of the belt. Microstructural observations combined with obtained P–T conditions and metamorphic ages reveal three distinct stages of metamorphism: M1, M2 and M3. The M1 stage occurred c. 1.85 Ga with high‐T granulite‐facies metamorphism (793–803°C and 9.8–12.3 kbar and 738–755°C and 9.1–12.0 kbar in the southwestern and southeastern Oki gneisses, respectively). The age of the M1 stage is well recorded in monazites included in large garnet porphyroblasts and low Th/U metamorphic rims in zircons from the Oki gneisses. The M1 metamorphism was overprinted by c. 230 Ma metamorphism (M2), which occurred at granulite‐facies conditions (817–829°C and 9.0–10.3 kbar) in the southwestern Oki gneisses and at upper amphibolite‐facies conditions (693°C and 5.3 kbar) in the southeastern Oki gneisses. Monazites in small garnets, euhedral zircons and outermost rims of zircons crystallized during this stage. The final metamorphism occurred as retrograde amphibolite‐facies recrystallization (M3) at conditions of 558–638°C and 3.7–4.8 kbar. The inherited cores in zircons yield ages from Paleoarchean to Paleoproterozoic but lack Palaeozoic ages. The detrital zircon distribution and the Paleoproterozoic metamorphic event in the Oki belt support the idea that the Oki gneisses are fragments of a Precambrian terrane rather than Palaeozoic sediments derived from the terrane. Combined with previous studies, we concluded that the c. 1.85 Ga M1 high‐T granulite‐facies metamorphism in the Oki belt could be related to that of the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji belt in the eastern North China block via the northern Gyeonggi and Nangrim Massifs on the Korean Peninsula, whereas the c. 250–230 Ma M2 stage could be associated with collision between the North and South China blocks. The Oki belt geologically corresponds to the northern Gyeonggi Massif in South Korea due to their similar Paleoproterozoic and Triassic tectonothermal events.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the non-ultrahigh-pressure metasedimentary blocks of North China affinity within the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure belt, eastern China, and tectonic implications

ABSTRACT The Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) belt has been proven to form by deep northward subduction of the Yangtze Block (YB) beneath the North China Block (NCB) in the Triassic. The basement rocks originated from the YB and experienced Triassic UHP metamorphism. In this contribution, we identify for the first time tens of non-UHP metasedimentary blocks enclosed in the regional UHP granitic gneiss in the Weihai terrane in the northeastern Sulu UHP belt. They are mainly composed of paragneiss, marble and calc-silicate rocks, in which UHP-related minerals have not been identified. Detrital zircons from the non-UHP metasedimentary rocks are mostly of magmatic origin and yield U-Pb ages mainly from 2842 to 1792 Ma with two clusters of 2580–2460 Ma and 1900–1800 Ma. This zircon U-Pb age spectrum is typical of the NCB but not the YB, and matches the tectonothermal/magmatic history of the southwestern end of the Jiao-Liao-Ji belt (JLJB), eastern NCB, which lies immediately adjacent to the Weihai terrane. Furthermore, their whole-rock geochemical compositions show great resemblance to those of the Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks within the JLJB. In particular, metamorphic zircons from the non-UHP metasedimentary rocks indicate widespread late Triassic-early Jurassic (213–194 Ma) metamorphic overprinting of the Paleoproterozoic (1850–1820 Ma) metamorphism that characterizes the JLJB. This means that the enclosed non-UHP metasedimentary rocks with NCB signatures in the Weihai terrane were involved in the collision-subduction process during the Triassic. They have not been carried to mantle depths during deep continental subduction. These lines of evidence prompt us to establish a Triassic tectonic erosion model to explain these new discoveries and pre-existing problems along the Sulu UHP orogenic belt.

Clockwise P-T-t path for Paleoproterozoic metamorphism in the Huoqiu Metamorphic Complex of the southeastern North China Craton

The Huoqiu Metamorphic Complex in the southeastern part of the North China Craton (NCC) is mainly composed of a meta-sedimentary rock series with minor meta-granitoids. The meta-sedimentary rocks contain metapelites, leptynite, amphibolite, marble, and banded iron formations (BIFs). The ages of the protoliths of the metapelites were constrained at 2.75–1.84 Ga according to detrital and metamorphic zircon ages. Based on microstructural observations, geochemical analyses, conventional thermobarometry, and phase equilibria modeling, clockwise pressure–temperature (P–T) paths with near isothermal decompression (ITD) segments were constructed from the metapelites. Peak metamorphic conditions of ~590 °C and 9.4–9.7 kbar were recorded in samples 20190408-1 and 20190408-3, which are ascribed to the lower amphibolite facies. Monazite laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb data from the Huoqiu metapelites indicate that the regional peak metamorphism of the Huoqiu area likely occurred at ~1.82–1.83 Ga. The P–T paths retrieved from the Huoqiu Metamorphic Complex are similar to high-grade metamorphic rocks in the northern, middle, and southern sections of the Jiao-Liao-Ji/Jiaoliao Mobile Belt. Based on these observations, the Huoqiu Metamorphic Complex can be considered part of the Jiao-Liao-Ji/Jiaoliao Mobile Belt, which records a complex collision event during the late Paleoproterozoic.

Metamorphic evolution of two types of garnet amphibolite from the Qingyuan terrane, North China Craton: Insights from phase equilibria modelling and zircon dating

The Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the North China Craton (NCC) has been controversially argued in recent decades, and these arguments can be primely resolved with the aid of retrieving metamorphic P–T paths. Two types of garnet amphibolite were selected from the Qingyuan terrane, North Liaoning, for documenting their metamorphic evolution on the basis of petrographic observation, phase equilibria modelling and zircon dating. Sample 19LJ02 is a clinopyroxene-bearing garnet amphibolite from a Neoarchean supracrustal sequence. It records an anticlockwise P–T path including pre-peak heating with increasing pressure, peak and post-peak cooling during decompression stages. The peak P–T condition is constrained to be ~ 10 kbar/870–890 °C using the high Ti and anorthite (XAn) contents in the cores of amphibole and plagioclase, respectively. Zircon dating yields a late Neoarchean metamorphic age of ~ 2.50 Ga. This late Neoarchean metamorphism is inferred to represent an Archean unique vertical tectonic regime or sagduction, consistent with the development of dome–and–keel structures and the coincidence between the metamorphism of supracrustal rocks and the host TTG activity. Sample 17 MJ10 is a garnet amphibolite that may derive from a metabasic dyke with amphibole. It documents a clockwise P–T path including pre-peak prograde, peak, post-peak isothermal decompression and subsequent cooling stages. The peak P–T condition is constrained to be 9–10 kbar/720–740 °C using the high Ti content in amphibole and minimum XAn from the core of plagioclase. Zircon dating gives a metamorphic age of ~ 1.85 Ga. This late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism is considered to correlate with crustal-thickening orogeny developed along the northern margin of the NCC.

Paleoproterozoic metamorphism of metaultramafic rocks in the Miyun area, northeastern North China Craton

The Miyun area is located in the northwestern border of the Eastern Block of the North China Craton, where the metaultramafic rocks occur as intrusive bodies, some of which display cumulate features. The metaultramafic rock is (olivine-bearing) amphibole websterite and two generations of mineral assemblage have been identified: the magmatic mineral assemblage -consists- of clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene ± olivine ± spinel ± pyrite, whereas the subsequent metamorphic mineral assemblage comprises of hornblende + serpentine + chlorite + magnetite + zircon ± biotite ± calcite ± chromite ± calcite ± garnet. The metamorphic P-T conditions are estimated to be ~ 600–630 °C/4–6 kbar, which belongs to amphibolite facies and medium-P/T facies series. U-Pb dating of metamorphic zircon and 40Ar/39Ar dating of metamorphic hornblende indicate that the metamorphic event occurred at ~ 1.85–1.82 Ga. These data suggest that the Miyun area involved in the late Paleoproterozoic subduction-collision between the Eastern and Western Blocks, and the metamorphism possibly occurred at upper-middle crustal level with fluids.