Plagioclase Accumulation Research Articles

Genetic relations between enclaves and their host granitoids from Doumer Island, northern Antarctic Peninsula: Evidence from mineral chemistry, Sr–Nd and Li isotopes

Dark enclaves in the late Paleocene granitoids of Doumer Island, northern Antarctic Peninsula, were examined by field investigations, zircon U–Pb geochronology, mineral chemistry, whole-rock major- and trace-elements, and Sr-Nd-Li isotopes to elucidate their origins and genetic relationships with host granitoids. The enclaves and host granitoids have similar zircon U–Pb ages of 54.6–55.7 Ma and indistinguishable Nd–Sr isotopes of εNd(t) = 4.7–6.1, ISr = 0.7036–0.7039, indicating a cogenetic relationship. A pyroxene-dioritic enclave (WA16–06-3) is a cognate restite with peritectic phases that resulted from amphibole-dehydration melting at temperatures above 800 °C and at low-P (7–10 kbar). Two other enclaves (WA16–07-2 and WA15–27-3) are fragments of the chilled margins of the conduits entrained in the later insurgent felsic magma. The flat, right-leaning REE patterns are accompanied by positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 1.07–1.16) in the dark enclaves and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–0.88) in the host intrusions. The accumulation of restitic plagioclase and peritectic pyroxene could have induced the positive Eu anomalies in the dark enclaves. The P–T conditions estimated from cummingtonite rims on pyroxene in the pyroxene-dioritic enclave suggest near-isothermal decompression in an environment of fast exhumation. Enclave WA16–07-2 is part of an intense swarm of enclaves near the pluton margin, and crystallized from a less evolved melt that was mechanically eroded by the host magma, indicating a transient state of magma flow. The dioritic enclaves were transported in the form of ductile crystal–melt mushes that were rotated in the insurgent viscous granitoid magma. The enclaves become rounder and sparser towards the interior of the host pluton. Dehydration melting of metabasalt could have produced these melts that are rich in δ7Li while leaving a lighter δ7Li pyroxene-rich residue at the source. The underlying cause of these events was the retreat of the subducting proto-Pacific (Phoenix) oceanic slab beneath the western Antarctic Peninsula that triggered melting of asthenospheric mantle, with basaltic magma underplating and melting a juvenile metabasaltic lower crust.

Modeling results for the composition and typology of non-primary venusian anorthosite

Anorthosite is a plutonic igneous rock composed almost entirely of plagioclase feldspar. Telluric planets may initially develop a primary anorthositic crust before lithospheric recycling processes commence. Non-primary anorthosite forms as a consequence of accumulation of plagioclase that crystallizes from basaltic or primitive mafic/ultramafic magma. Here we show that fractional crystallization modeling of parental magma compositions similar to basalt identified on Venus can yield plagioclase with anorthite contents typical of non-primary anorthosites of Earth. Using terrestrial anorthosite typology, we conclude that analogues of Archean megacrystic anorthosite, layered mafic intrusion anorthosite, and anorthosite inclusions are likely to be present within the crust of Venus. Proterozoic massif-type anorthosite, if present, would likely be restricted to the highland terranes of Ishtar Terra and Ovda Regio whereas oceanic anorthosites are unlikely to be present. Furthermore, our results indicate that the leucite-rich cumulate rock known as italite may also exist within the Venusian crust.

Origin of Graphite–Diamond-Bearing Eclogites from Udachnaya Kimberlite Pipe

Abstract Kimberlite-borne mantle eclogites represent an important diamond source rock. Although the origin and stability of diamond, as opposed to its low-pressure polymorph graphite, have been studied for decades, their relationship in rare natural samples where both polymorphs coexist remains poorly constrained. To shed new light on this issue, seven graphite–diamond-bearing eclogites from the kimberlite pipe Udachnaya, Siberian craton were comprehensively investigated with respect to their petrography, mineral chemical composition and omphacite 87Sr/86Sr, acquired in situ by laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The calculated P–T conditions for basaltic group eclogites (Eu/Eu* < 1) correspond to a pressure range of 4·8–6·5 GPa and temperatures of 1060–1130 °C, whereas gabbroic eclogites with positive Eu- and Sr-anomalies have a smaller pressure variation (4·8–5·8 GPa), but a larger range in temperature (990–1260 °C). Reconstructed bulk compositions for gabbroic eclogites indicate an oceanic crustal origin for their protoliths, with accumulation of plagioclase and olivine ± clinopyroxene (gabbronorite or olivine gabbro). The protoliths of basaltic eclogites probably formed from the complementary residual melt. The presence of coesite and low Mg# in basaltic eclogites suggest that their light rare earth element depletion was the result of <10 % partial melting during subsequent subduction and emplacement into the cratonic lithosphere. Extremely unradiogenic 87Sr/86Sr (0·70091–0·70186 for six of seven samples) not only provides new evidence for the Archean age (2·5–2·9 Gyr) of Yakutian graphite–diamond-bearing eclogites and for formation of their protoliths in a depleted mantle source, but also suggests that they were not significantly metasomatically overprinted after their formation, despite their extended residence in the cratonic mantle lithosphere. The mineralogical and petrographic features indicate that the primary mineral association includes garnet, omphacite, ± coesite, ± kyanite, ± rutile, graphite, and diamond. Graphite occurs in the samples in the form of idiomorphic crystals (the longest dimensions being 0·4–1 mm) in garnet and kyanite and extends beyond their grain boundaries. Diamonds occur as octahedral cubic transparent, slightly colored or bright yellow crystals as large as 0·1–2 mm. Furthermore, idiomorphic and highly ordered graphite occurs as inclusions in diamond in four samples. The carbon isotope composition for diamond and graphite has a narrow range (−4 to −6·6 ‰) for both groups (gabbroic and basaltic), indicating a mantle source and limiting the role of subducted isotopically light biogenic carbon or reduction of isotopically heavy carbonate in diamond crystallization. Importantly, the presence of graphite and diamond inclusions in garnet, omphacite, and kyanite in three samples indicates a co-formation close in time to eclogitization. Combined, the petrographic and geochemical evidence suggests that both polymorphic carbon modifications can form in the diamond stability field, as also suggested by experiments and some natural examples, although the exact mechanism remains unresolved. Furthermore, this study provides natural evidence that graphite can be preserved (metastably) deep within the diamond stability field, without recrystallizing into diamond, for a long time, ≥2·5 Gyr.

Petrology and zircon U-Pb geochronology of mafic - intermediate dykes in the West-Central Taurides: Implications for magma source during the Late Precambrian – Early Palaeozoic

ABSTRACT Cadomian magmatic activity is represented by a mafic – intermediate dyke suits in the Karacahisar dome (West – Central Taurides) formed by the southward subduction of the Proto-Tethyan ocean beneath North Gondwana. These dyke suites are classified as diabase, andesite and dacite. They display calc-alkali, high-K calc-alkali and shoshonitic character, and intruded into the siliciclastic rocks deposited in a back-arc rift setting. In this study, we present new zircon U-Pb ages, Sr-Nd isotopic and geochemical data to better understand the petrological evolution of the Cadomian magmatism. Zircon U-Pb concordia ages of 551.3 ± 3.5 Ma, 557.9 ± 3.7 Ma and 569 ± 7.2 Ma were obtained for these dykes. On the N-MORB normalized spider diagrams, mafic – intermediate dykes exhibit enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE: Sr, K, Rb, Ba, Th), relatively less enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE: La, Ce and Nd) and depletion in high field strength (HFS: Tb, Ti, Y and Yb) elements. Dyke samples have significant depletions of Ta and Nb relative to neighbouring LILE and LREE and display a significant subduction component. On the chondrite normalized REE diagrams, a weak Eu anomalies are observed, and this indicates some plagioclase accumulation. Dyke samples fall into the volcanic arc (island arc and/or continental arc), and back-arc fields on tectonic setting discrimination diagrams. The εNd(i) values of dykes range from −1.47 to 1.76, and Nd depleted-mantle model (TDM) ages vary between 1.32 and 1.81 Ga, and show enriched mantle or metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle source signatures. The primary magmas of the dykes were derived from amphibole- and garnet-bearing mantle, and were affected by fractional crystallization, mixing and assimilation processes during ascent through the upper crust. All available data show that this magmatic activity developed in a back-arc rift setting subsequent to Cadomian arc magmatism in the West-Central Taurides.

Early Permian continental arc magmatism in the Zhaojinggou area of the northern North China Craton: Implications for crust-mantle interactions during southward Paleo-Asian plate subduction

Early Permian magmatism in the Zhaojinggou area of Inner Mongolia, northern China produced intrusive gabbroic diorite and granites including biotite granite, K-feldspar granite and fine-grained granite. We present zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of these rocks to resolve complex crust–mantle processes beneath the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the rocks were emplaced in the Early Permian, with gabbroic diorite (291.1 ± 1.8 Ma) forming ~10 Myr earlier than the granites (biotite granite, 280.0 ± 1.6 Ma; K-feldspar granite, 279.7 ± 2.1 Ma; fine-grained granite, 282.2 ± 2.9 Ma). Geochemical data indicate that the rocks have calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous to peraluminous affinities, with enrichment in light rare-earth elements (LREE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), and depletion in high-field-strength elements (HFSE), typical of continental arc magmatic rocks. The gabbroic diorite is characterized by low–moderate Mg# values (38–59, mean 50), moderate average Cr (45.0 ppm) and Ni (36.5 ppm) contents, and moderately enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions with (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704719–0.705497; εNd(t) values from −7.8 to −7.0; and εHf(t) values from −11.2 to −6.7. These features, combined with highly variable Rb/Y, Ba/La, Th/Yb, Th/Ce and Th/Sm ratios and Ba contents, indicate that the gabbroic diorite was derived from subduction-related enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), previously metasomatized by slab fluids and ~5% sediment melts. Weakly negative to strongly positive Eu anomalies among gabbroic diorite samples indicate no residual plagioclase accumulation or fractionation during magma evolution. The granites have similar ages and enriched isotopic features (87Sr/86Sri = 0.703611–0.707427; εNd(t) = −11.4 to −9.2; εHf(t) = −12.8 to −7.2) with old Nd and Hf model ages of 1980–1801 Ma and 1730–2088 Ma, respectively, indicating that they originated through partial melting of ancient mafic lower crust. Both biotite granite and K-feldspar granite exhibit weakly negative to highly positive Eu anomalies and relatively low Zr saturation temperatures of 618–648 °C. In contrast, the fine-grained granite has negative Eu anomalies and relatively high Zr saturation temperatures (692–709 °C). These features imply that the magma source of the fine-grained granite (with plagioclase accumulation) was deeper than that of the biotite granite and K-feldspar granites (without plagioclase accumulation). Different mantle and crustal sources involved in the generation of continental arc magmatism in the Zhaojinggou area have implications for extensive and complex crust–mantle interactions beneath the northern margin of the NCC related to southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic crust during the Early Permian.

Bulk Composition of Fast-Spreading Oceanic Crust: Insights from the Lower Cumulates of the East Pacific Rise and from Cocos–Nazca Rift Basalts, Hess Deep

Abstract Cores recovered by International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 345 to the Hess Deep Rift (HDR) include lower crustal cumulates from the East Pacific Rise (EPR) and primitive basalts from the Cocos–Nazca Rift (CNR). This study presents major and trace element compositions of channel samples—the continuous strips of rock removed during core splitting—from this expedition. Consistently high Eu/Eu* anomalies (1·37–5·22) and strong correlations among major element oxides in samples of cumulates indicate that rock composition at the meter scale is controlled by the accumulation and segregation of plagioclase and olivine. However, constant Mg# (82·22 ± 0·66) among 13 samples through a ∼50 m interval suggests that this cumulus was host to percolating, replenishing melt(s). Modeling finds this rock composition to be in equilibrium with melts having Mg# = 58–61. This is identical to the mean value of EPR lavas (57·7 ± 6·2) and suggests that melt buffering by permeable crystal mush is a common and important process in controlling mid-ocean ridge basalt compositions at fast-spreading ocean centers. Analyses of the cumulates provide the most comprehensive composition of in situ, fast-spreading lower oceanic crust currently available. These are compiled with analyses of gabbros, dikes, and lavas from across the HDR to calculate the bulk composition of fast-spreading oceanic crust produced at the equatorial EPR. This bulk composition is strikingly similar to the composition of the primitive basalts from the CNR, and these compositions have nearly identical modeled fractional crystallization histories. Lower abundances of incompatible elements in the primitive basalt suggest that CNR magmatism is the result of the resumption of decompression melting in mantle that previously produced EPR crust. However, higher abundances of chalcophile elements in the CNR basalt point to a diversity of mantle melts that is not evident in calculations of the composition of bulk oceanic crust.

Protracted Storage for Calc-Alkaline Andesitic Magma in Magma Chambers: Perspective from the Nageng Andesite, East Kunlun Orogen, NW China

Calc-alkaline andesitic rocks are a major product of subduction-related magmatism at convergent margins. Where these melts are originated, how long they are stored in the magma chambers, and how they evolved is still a matter of debate. In this study, we present new data of whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions, and zircon U-Pb-Th isotopes and trace element contents of Nageng (basaltic-)andesites in the East Kunlun Orogen (NW China). The similar age and whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope contents suggest that the Nageng andesite and basaltic andesite are co-magmatic. Their low initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7084–0.7086) but negative εNd(t) values (−10.61 to −9.49) are consistent with a magma source from the juvenile mafic lower crust, possibly related to the mantle wedge with recycled sediment input. The U-Pb age gap between the zircon core (ca. 248 Ma) and rim (ca. 240 Ma) reveals a protracted magma storage (~8 Myr) prior to the volcanic eruption. When compared to the zircon rims, the zircon cores have higher Ti content and Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios, but lower Hf content and light/heavy rare earth element ratios, which suggests that the parental magma was hotter and less evolved than the basaltic andesite. The plagioclase accumulation likely resulted in Al2O3-enrichment and Fe-depletion, forming the calc-alkaline signature of the Nageng (basaltic-)andesites. The magma temperature, as indicated by the zircon saturation and Ti-in-zircon thermometry, remained low (725–828 °C), and allowed for the magma chamber to survive over ~8 Myr. The decreasing εHf(t) values from zircon core (avg. 0.21, range: −1.28 to 1.32) to rim (avg. −3.68, range: −7.30 to −1.13), together with the presence of some very old xenocrystic zircons (268–856 Ma), suggest that the magma chamber had undergone extensive crustal contamination.

No chemical change during high-T dehydration and re-hydration reactions: Constraints from Erzgebirge HP and UHP eclogite

Meta-basaltic eclogite occurs in the Erzgebirge in three high-pressure (HP) units (Unit 1, 2, and 3) as numerous lenses within high-grade felsic rocks. Units 2 and 3 are common HP units with quartz eclogite, and Unit 1 is an ultra-high pressure (UHP) unit with coesite eclogite, garnetite (metarodingite) and garnet peridotite. The conditions of peak metamorphism increase from Unit 3 (600–650 °C, 20–22 kbar), to Unit 2 (670–730 °C, 24–26 kbar) and Unit 1 (840–920 °C, ≥30 kbar), correlating with a decreasing abundance of hydrous minerals (from >10 vol% in Unit 3 to 0 vol% in Unit 1). In all units, the dominating eclogite type is dark-colored with a composition typical of MORB. A subordinate light type is chemically more variable and has higher contents of Mg, Al, Ca, Cr, Ni, and large ion lithophile elements as well as lower Fe, Zr, Y, and rare earth element concentrations than dark eclogite. Light eclogite formation is interpreted by plagioclase accumulation in a MOR magma chamber.No compositional difference is visible between well-preserved eclogite and samples with variable degrees of post-eclogitic overprint. In addition, dark eclogite from all units is compositionally indistinguishable, implying that prograde dehydration reactions did not modify major and trace element concentrations. This conclusion applies to all reactions in the temperature interval between c. 600 °C (peak T in Unit 3) and c. 900 °C (peak T in Unit 1), including prograde breakdown of calcic amphibole, zoisite, paragonite, and phengite. Together with previous studies on dehydration reactions in blueschist and eclogite at <600 °C (Spandler et al., 2003; Spandler et al., 2004), the present results imply that de-volatilization of the basaltic portion of subducting slabs plays only a minor, if any, role for the enrichment of fluid-mobile elements in the mantle wedge. We infer that most, if not all, of the H2O produced by dehydration reactions between 600 and 900 °C is preserved in eclogite due to the pressure-enhanced capability of garnet and omphacite to incorporate structural water. Incorporation of H2O, produced during the final dehydration stage (c. 800 ± 50 °C, 25–30 kbar), in nominally anhydrous minerals may explain why partial melting obviously did not occur in eclogite.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of cumulates from the Hongguleleng ophiolitic mélange, western Junggar, Xinjiang: Implications for the origin and tectonic setting

The Hongguleleng ophiolitic mélange is located in western Junggar, Xinjiang, which has relatively complete rock assemblages. The well-developed cumulate facies is an important feature and can provide important clues for studying the genesis and tectonic setting of the ophiolitic mélange. The Hongguleleng ophiolitic mélange can be classified into metamorphicperidotite, ultramafic-mafic cumulates and volcanic rocks from bottom to top. The cumulates include ultramafic cumulates and mafic cumulates. The ultramafic cumulates are mainly composed of cumulate peridotite and dunite, which are the major lithofacies hosting chromite. The mafic cumulates consist of troctolite and gabbro, which are the end-member or transition types with olivine-mafic plagioclase-clinopyroxene. The results show that olivine in the cumulates is chrysolite (Fo = 83–88), the clinopyroxene is diopside (En = 44–59) and the plagioclase is bytownite (An = 70–87). Mafic cumulates have similar distribution patterns of rare earth elements (REEs) and trace elements, such as obvious positive Eu anomalies that indicate the accumulation of plagioclase. The εNd(t) values of the Hongguleleng cumulates range from 3.47 to 6.11, which indicates that their source was mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). According to the chemical compositions of chromian spinel, we calculated that the parent magma melt contained 12.95–16.25 wt% Al2O3, 0.59–1.90 wt% TiO2 and 1.43–3.96 FeO/MgO, which is basically equivalent to the composition of MORB. Petrological and geochemical characteristics show that the diagenetic process of the Hongguleleng cumulates was mainly controlled by crystallization differentiation. The cumulates may have formed in a plate tectonic mid-ocean ridge spreading environment. The cumulate chromitites were formed through fractional crystallization of MORB melts.

Особенности распределения редкоземельных элементов в природно-техногенных комплексах некоторых полиметаллических месторождений Восточного Забайкалья

The purpose of the study is to investigate rare-earth elements distribution features in all components of the natural-technogenic complexes of Akatuevsky, Blagodatsky and Novo-Shirokinsky polymetallic deposits of Eastern Transbaikalia. Due to increasing demand for rare-earth elements (REE) in various fields of industry, identification of features of REE distribution in natural-technogenic complexes of polymetallic deposits of Eastern Transbaikalia is relevant. The chemical elements of the REE group include 15 elements, yttrium (Y) and the lanthanoid group consisting of 14 elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu). Determination of the elemental composition of samples was carried out by X-ray fluorescence method in the Geological Institute of the Geological Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Ulan-Ude) and by ICP- MS method in the laboratory of SGS Vostok Limited (Chita). In the process of investigations REE concentrations in all components of natural-technogenic complexes of Akatuevsky, Blagodatsky and Novo-Shirokinsky polymetallic deposits (lead-zinc ores, technozems, soils) were determined. Their regular decrease of REE concentrations in the order: soils→technozems→lead-zinc ores was established. In the most of studied samples there is a decrease of heavy lanthanides content relative to light ones, as well as negative europium anomaly, in some samples of lead-zinc ores positive europium anomaly is observed. Europium anomaly magnitude (Eu/Eu*) is an indicator of the degree of differentiation of magmatic melts, determined by plagioclase fractionation processes. It is known that feldspars serve as the main controller of the Europium anomaly. The phenomenon of a negative europium anomaly is observed if plagioclase remains in the source after fractional crystallization or partial melting. Positive europium anomaly in sulphide ores is caused by the presence of barite, as well as by the accumulation of plagioclase in the liquid phase due to the fractionation process. REE is known to have adverse effects on the environment due to its high biological and biochemical activity. Modern methods of remediation of the potential damage to the environment have been proposed

Middle Triassic diorites from the Loei Fold Belt, NE Thailand: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications in the context of Paleotethyan subduction

Two Early-Middle Triassic magmatic arc belts occur in the Indochina Block within Thailand, namely the Lampang Volcanic Belt and the Loei-Phetchabun Volcanic Belt, which are about 150 km apart and run parallel to each other. The Lampang Volcanic Belt has been extensively studied and suggested to be induced by eastward Paleotethyan subduction, whereas the Loei-Phetchabun Volcanic Belt has not been well constrained due to the scarcity of geochronological and geochemical data. Here we report a detailed study on zircon U–Pb dating, elemental geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes for the Phu Rai diorites recently identified in Loei Province, NE Thailand. The Phu Rai diorites yield Middle Triassic (ca. 239 Ma) emplacement ages. They are calc-alkaline rocks characterized by arc-like trace element patterns and depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70371–0.70392; εNd(t) = +1.65 to +2.54). These geochemical and isotopic signatures reveal that the Phu Rai diorites were most likely derived from a depleted mantle wedge metasomatized by subducted sediment-derived melts and slab-derived fluids, and modified by limited degree of fractional crystallization involving clinopyroxene, amphibole and Fe–Ti oxides combined with weak plagioclase accumulation. Based on our results and others from the literature, we suggest the existence of an Early-Middle Triassic (ca. 250–239 Ma) magmatic arc belt in NE Thailand, which is not directly linked to eastward Paleotethyan subduction, but is possibly associated with eastward subduction of the Nan back-arc basin. Specifically, the ca. 239 Ma Phu Rai diorites and ca. 245–241 Ma adakites nearby form a rock association in response to slab break-off at that time, immediately after the initial stage of the Sukhothai-Indochina collision. The occurrence of this rock association could mark not only the cessation of eastward subduction of the Nan back-arc basin but also the initiation of the Sukhothai-Indochina collision.

Delineation of the early Neoarchean (2.75 to 2.70 Ga) crustal growth and reworking processes in the southeast base of Taihang Mountain, North China Craton

Numerous studies suggest that various secular geologic and geochemical transitions occurred between ~3.2 Ga and 2.5 Ga. During this age-window, the ~2.70 Ga tectono-thermal event of the Neoarchean is by far the most influential, and is unusual in terms of coeval mafic-felsic magmatic rocks which were interpreted to reflect widespread crustal accretion. Here we report the early Neoarchean TTG and potassic granite association preserved in the Yunmengshan area, Taihang Mountain, North China Craton (NCC). TTG and potassic granites emplaced at 2712 ± 65 to 2644 ± 25 Ma, followed by ~2.57 to 2.50 Ga metamorphism and partial anatexis. TTG has geochemical features corresponding to high-Al medium-pressure (MP) TTG. Their high CaO, low to moderate Al2O3/(FeOT + MgO), and positive εHf (t) values (+3.8 to +7.2) with TDM2 of 2.96 to 2.75 Ga, indicate that they formed by partial melting of juvenile low-K mafic rocks, representative of crustal accretion. Besides, TTG can be subdivided into two groups based on Eu anomalies. Those with Eu/Eu* < 1.0 underwent advanced amphibole and plagioclase fractionation. The possible reason for their weakly negative Eu anomalies is that plagioclase has negated the effects of amphibole fractionation which is theoretically accompanied by plagioclase removal. Those with positive Eu anomalies accord with “slab-melt” identification criterion (Sr > 300 ppm plus elevated Sr/Y > 40, (La/Yb)N > 12 and Eu/Eu* > 1.0). The high Eu/Eu*, Sr/Y and low Yb probably represent the contribution of amphibole fractionation and plagioclase accumulation during the magma evolution. The evidence favors an arc-related setting for the TTG. The early Neoarchean potassic granites are monzogranite to syenogranite, and formed shortly after TTG. They belong to high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic I-type granite, and display depleted and concave-upward REE patterns between middle and heavy REEs and higher Zr/Sm ratios (69.6 on average) than TTG (45.4). The calculated εHf (t) values are mainly positive (+1.4 to +7.0) with TDM2 from 3.03 Ga to 2.72 Ga, together with low Al2O3/(FeOT + MgO), low to moderate CaO and high K2O/Na2O ratios, indicating a high-K mafic crustal source with metapelite involvement. Meanwhile, we reviewed geochemical data of the early Neoarchean TTGs published in the NCC and other cratons abroad. The results show that samples from Trans-North China Orogen in NCC have lower Y contents, higher Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios, and more depleted HREE than those from Eastern Block, which could be interpreted to reflect an increase in the depth of melting. Alternatively, according to previous studies and comparison globally, elevated Sr/Y values could also reflect increased consumption of plagioclase in melting reactions due to higher temperatures, or magma fractionation. Therefore, it mostly lacks a clear distinction between the “arc” and “non-arc” settings based on geochemistry. However, many researchers put forward evidence that subduction was well attested in the late Archean (3.0 to 2.5 Ga), but it might be unstable.

Geochronology and Geochemistry of Gabbros from Moa‐Baracoa Ophiolitic Massif, Eastern Cuba: Implication for Early Cretaceous SSZ Magmatism

AbstractA series ophiolitic massifs in the northeastern part of Cuba are generally considered to be relics of proto‐Caribbean or Caribbean lithosphere, emplaced during Paleogene collision of the NW Caribbean and North American plates (Iturralde‐Vinent et al., 2016). However, neither their age nor their geodynamic settings are well constrained. They are generally considered to be Creataceous in age but they have been interpreted as having formed in a back‐arc basin, forearc basin or plume setting (e.g. Giunta et al., 2009; Marchesi et al., 2016; Kerr et al., 1999). The Moa‐Baracoa ophiolitic massif consists of mantle harzburgite, a Moho transition zone, layered and isotropic gabbro, and pillow basalts. The isotropic gabbros, collected west of Moa (20°35′ 17.99″N, 75°02′56.58″W), are composed mainly of subhedral plagioclase and subhedral to euhedral clinopyroxene with minor primary brown amphibole. The plagioclase grains are fresh, whereas the clinopyroxene very weakly altered and partly replaced by secondary amphibole. Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of zircon grains separated from isotropic gabbro display oscillatory zoning and broad zoning, analogous to typical igneous zircon in gabbro. Ten zircon grains with oscillatory zoning in CL images yielded a mean U‐Pb SHRIMP age of 136.7±1.8 Ma. Isotropic gabbro samples have low SiO2 (47.22 wt%–49.25 wt%), TiO2 (0.13wt%–0.26 wt%) and K2O (0.04 wt%–0.08 wt%) and high MgO (8.22 wt%–16.72 wt%), Cr (1337–2065 μg/g) and Ni (192–507 μg/g) contents. Their CaO, Al2O3 and Na2O contents vary from 13.56 wt% to 15.78 wt%, 14.98 wt% to 21.98 wt%, and 0.71 wt% to 1.87 wt%, respectively. In the SiO2 versus Zr/TiO2∗0.0001 diagram, the samples plot in the sub‐alkaline basalt field but show calc‐alkaline affinities in the FeOT/MgO vs. SiO2 diagram. The gabbros contain low REE contents (ΣREE = 4.71–7.71), and their chondrite normalized REE patterns show very weak depletion in light REE (LREE, (La/Yb)N = 0.34–0.50) and flat heavy REE (HREE, (Gd/Yb)N = 1.02–1.15) profiles, with slightly positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu∗ = 1.55–1.76) suggesting magmatic accumulation of plagioclase. Furthermore, all samples are depleted in Nb and Th, and enriched in Ba, Pb and Sr in the primitive mantle‐normalized trace element diagram. Geochemical features, such as high values of Ba/La (30–38) and low Th/Yb (0.02–0.03), medium values of (Ta/La)PM (0.30–0.35) and (Hf/Sm)PM (0.58–0.80), indicate enrichment by slab‐derived fluids and subduction‐related metasomatism. These isotropic gabbros are geochemically comparable with those of the Kermanshah and Neyriz ophiolites of Iran (Monsef et al., 2018) that are thought to have originated in a SSZ environment. Therefore, we suggest that the isotropic gabbros in the Moa‐Baracoa massif crystallized from early Cretaceous SSZ magmas that were most likely derived from a mantle source metasomatized by slab fluids in a suprasubduction zone environment.

Late Paleozoic Mantle Source Nature of Tianshan Orogen, Northwest China: Evidence from the Geochemistry, Zircon U‐Pb Dating, Hf and Whole Rock Sr‐Nd‐Pb Isotopes of the Mafic Dykes

Late Paleozoic Mantle Source Nature of Tianshan Orogen, Northwest China: Evidence from the Geochemistry, Zircon U‐Pb Dating, Hf and Whole Rock Sr‐Nd‐Pb Isotopes of the Mafic Dykes

Petrogenesis of Dehsard felsic rocks in the southwest of Kerman, Iran: Inference for the evolution of Sanandaj-Sirjan zone

The Upper Triassic Dehsard felsic rocks (DFR), leucocratic to hololeucocratic granitic rocks, are exposed in the southernmost of the Phanerozoic Sanandaj-Sirjan zone in the Zagros orogenic belt of south-Central Iran. They intruded into the Paleozoic Khabr and Rutchun metamorphic complexes that consist of marble, greenschist, calcschist and micaschist rocks. The DFR are cut through by monzonitic and dioritic dikes. Comprehensive petrological and geochemical studies disclosed DFR as a plagiogranite. They are calc-alkaline, metaluminous to slightly peraluminous I-type granitoids and exhibit enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Na, K, Rb, Ba) in contrast to the depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, P, Ti). Their chondrite normalized REE patterns show LREE enrichment [(La/Yb)N = 4.41–23.77] and unfractionated HREE [(Gd/Yb)N = 0.60 to 2.23] that suggest the lack of garnet during partial melting processes. The positive Eu anomalies advocate plagioclase accumulation. The low Nb, Ta, P2O5, TiO2 content, isotopic data, LREEs enrichment, various tectono-magmatic discrimination diagrams may point out the formation of DFR in a mature island arc environment through partial melting of metabasic source with contribution of some greywacke sediments and subduction-related volatiles. The partial melting occurred above garnet stability field. The involvement of variable amounts of oceanic sedimentary rocks especially greywackes in the melting processes in a mature island arc setting, as characterised by εNdt results ranging from +0.93 to −5.19 at 220 Ma, could also cause the DFR inclination toward active continental margin environment. It seems that the development of an island arc in an intra-oceanic setting must be happened prior to the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous time, while northward subduction of Neotethys oceanic crust was in progress under southern margin of the Central Iranian Microcontinents. Subsequent collision of the island arc with SSZ led to the tectonic proximity of the DFR into SSZ constituents. This approach gives us new intuition for the renovation of the geodynamic history of Sanandaj–Sirjan zone.

The Atud gabbro–diorite complex: glimpse of the Cryogenian mixing, assimilation, storage and homogenization zone beneath the Eastern Desert of Egypt

We analysed gabbroic and dioritic rocks from the Atud igneous complex in the Eastern Desert of Egypt to understand better the formation of juvenile continental crust of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. Our results show that the rocks are the same age (U–Pb zircon ages of 694.5 ± 2.1 Ma for two diorites and 695.3 ± 3.4 Ma for one gabbronorite). These are partial melts of the mantle and related fractionates (εNd 690 = +4.2 to +7.3, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr i = 0.70246–0.70268, zircon δ 18 O ∼ +5‰). Trace element patterns indicate that Atud magmas formed above a subduction zone as part of a large and long-lived ( c . 60 myr) convergent margin. Atud complex igneous rocks belong to a larger metagabbro–epidiorite–diorite complex that formed as a deep crustal mush into which new pulses of mafic magma were periodically emplaced, incorporated and evolved. The petrological evolution can be explained by fractional crystallization of mafic magma plus variable plagioclase accumulation in a mid- to lower crustal MASH zone. The Atud igneous complex shows that mantle partial melting and fractional crystallization and plagioclase accumulation were important for Cryogenian crust formation in this part of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. Supplementary material: Analytical methods and data, calculated equilibrium mineral temperatures, results of petrogenetic modeling, and cathodluminesence images of zircons can be found at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4958822

Magmatic evolution and post-crystallization hydrothermal activity in the early Cretaceous Pingtan intrusive complex, SE China: records from apatite geochemistry

We conducted in situ geochemical (major-, trace-element and Nd isotope compositions) analyses on apatite, together with whole-rock geochemistry from gabbro, granodiorite and granite in the Cretaceous Pingtan intrusive complex (SE China), aiming to investigate the roles of magmatic evolution and post-crystallization hydrothermal activity during its formation. Regardless of limited range in initial Nd isotopes ranges in both bulk rock [ɛNd(t) = − 2.0 to − 0.4] and associated apatite [ɛNd(t) = − 3.8 to − 0.4] from the Pingtan igneous complex, the apatite shows wide compositional and textural variations from gabbro to granite. Apatite from the gabbro (Group 1) displays a zoning structure characterized by increasing F and Sr but decreasing Cl and LREE from the core to rim. The increase of Sr from the core to rim is attributed to plagioclase accumulation, and the decreases of LREE and Cl from the core to rim is caused by post-crystallization hydrothermal activity. The high Cl content in the primitive Group 1 apatite further suggests derivation of the mafic magma from a mantle wedge metasomatized by Cl-rich sediment. In contrast, apatite from the granite (Group 2) has the lowest Cl and Sr but the highest F and Yb contents, which can be further divided into two subgroups of Group 2A and 2B based on texture and composition. Group 2A apatite shows homogenous composition with trace elements similar to apatite from I-type granite. The positive correlation between Sr and Eu/Eu* indicates that crystallization of Group 2A apatite is co-precipitated with a feldspar-dominated fractionation. However, Group 2B apatite contains mineral inclusion of monazite and has the highest U content and F/Cl ratio, resembling apatite from S-type or highly fractionated I-type granite. These features are consistent with the influence of post-crystallization hydrothermal activity. Apatite from the granodiorite (Group 3) has an intermediate composition between Group 1 and 2A apatite and shows a homogenous texture with trace element features similar to that from I-type granite. Group 3 apatite defined a negative correlation of Sr with La/Yb, which is attributed to fractional crystallization of hornblende and plagioclase. The geochemistry of apatite indicates that the gabbro and granitic rocks of the Pingtan intrusive complex were, respectively, derived from the mantle and crustal sources with similar ɛNd(t) values. Our study, therefore, demonstrates that apatite geochemistry has a potential to monitor the magma source, magmatic evolution and post-crystallization fluid activity of an igneous complex.

Zinc isotopic composition of the lower continental crust estimated from lower crustal xenoliths and granulite terrains

This study presents high precision Zn stable isotope analyses for lower crustal rocks (9 granulites from Archean terrains and 30 lower crustal xenoliths) from the north margin of the North China Craton (NCC) to understand the behavior of Zn isotopes during deep crustal processes and the Zn isotopic composition of the lower continental crust (LCC). The lower crustal xenoliths range in composition from mafic to felsic with MgO contents of between 0.4 to 20.2 wt.%. The δ66Zn (the permil deviation of the 66Zn/64Zn ratio from the JMC-Lyon standard) values of lower crustal xenoliths range from −0.17‰ to 0.38‰. The lack of clear correlation of δ66Zn with geochemical indicators (e.g., Al2O3, Cr, Ba/La, 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd) indicates that assimilation of Precambrian lower crust, fluid metasomatism, and accumulation of pyroxene and plagioclase had a limited effect on Zn isotopic compositions of these lower crustal xenoliths. The δ66Zn values (0.18‰ to 0.34‰) of garnet-bearing mafic granulites decrease with increasing FeO(T) and V contents, which are likely results of the accumulation of Fe-Ti oxides.The average δ66Zn of the lower continental crust is estimated to be 0.29 ± 0.02‰ (95% SE) using lower crustal xenoliths from the Neogene Hannuoba basalts. This δ66Zn value is similar to the estimated value (0.28 ± 0.04‰, 95% SE) obtained from the granulites from Archean terrains, suggesting that there is no significant difference in the Zn isotopic composition between the Archean and present-day lower continental crust. Combining the δ66Zn data of the lower crustal xenoliths and granulite terrains and different weighting methods, the Zn isotopic composition of the lower continental crust is estimated to be 0.28 ± 0.04‰ (95% SE).

The Neodymium Stable Isotope Composition of the Oceanic Crust: Reconciling the Mismatch Between Erupted Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts and Lower Crustal Gabbros

The trace element and isotopic compositions of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) provide an important cornerstone for all studies seeking to understand mantle evolution. Globally there is a significant over-enrichment in the incompatible trace element concentrations of MORB relative to levels which should be generated by fractional crystallization. Thermal and geochemical constraints suggest that MORB require generation in open system magma chambers. However, the petrology of lower oceanic crustal rocks suggests instead that these enrichments maybe formed through reactive porous flow (RPF). Stable isotope compositions are process dependent and therefore provide an excellent mechanism to compare these contrasting models. This study presents the first neodymium (Nd) stable isotope compositions of Indian MORB and well characterized gabbroic rocks from the lower oceanic crust sampled at the Southwest Indian Ridge (Hole 735B). Indian MORB is extremely homogenous with a mean δ146Nd of −0.025 ±0.005‰ which is identical to the composition of Pacific MORB. Despite significant variability in the source composition of MORB globally (i.e. 143Nd/144Nd) their indistinguishable δ146Nd compositions suggests they were homogenized through the same process along the global ridge network. In stark contrast, oceanic gabbros have δ146Nd ranging from −0.026‰ to −0.127‰, doubling the natural variability in Nd stable isotopes observed in terrestrial rocks. Clinopyroxene separates possess variable δ146Nd but are isotopically heavier than the gabbroic whole rocks at the same major element compositions. These large variations in δ146Nd cannot be generated solely by the fractionation or accumulation of clinopyroxene and/or plagioclase. Hole 735B preserves widespread evidence of RPF which could induce kinetic isotopes fractionation during crystal growth. In clinopyroxene kinetic isotope fractionations will only induce ca. 0.02‰ variations therefore several cycles of dissolution and reprecipitation of isotopic signatures at grain boundaries are required to explain the range of δ146Nd observed in the gabbros. Given the large disconnect between the average composition of the lower crust (δ146Nd = −0.076‰) and MORB globally and the evidence of limited melt extraction into the upper crust at Hole 735B it is highly unlikely that the melts involved in RPF contributed in a substantial way to the Nd isotope composition of erupted MORB.

Paleoarchean and Neoarchean Tonalite–Trondhjemite–Granodiorite (TTG) and granite magmatism in the Western Dharwar Craton, southern India: Implications for Archean continental growth and geodynamics

The Western Dharwar Craton in southern India is underlain by Paleoarchean to Neoarchean granitoids. Here, we use major-trace element chemistry and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic composition to identify major components of the crust, constrain the timing of juvenile crust extraction, and discuss the implications for Archean tectonic processes. The granitoids are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, magnesian, and calcic. They were derived from basaltic protoliths with minor components sourced from pre-existing felsic crust. Low La/Yb and Sr/Y indicate shallow garnet-free plagioclase-bearing amphibolitic sources. The granitoids display large variations in concentration of trace elements, attributed to plagioclase accumulation or fluid-assisted mobilization of REEs during metamorphism. Zircon ages help to constrain four major episodes of granitoid crust formation at 3.43–3.41 Ga, 3.36–3.34 Ga, 3.29–3.25 Ga, and 2.66–2.65 Ga. The 3.43–3.41 Ga, 3.36–3.34 Ga, and 3.29–3.25 Ga granitoid suites have positive εHfi (2.7–4.5) and plot on a common εHfi vs. time trend consistent with repeated granitoid extraction at 3.43–3.41 Ga, 3.36–3.34 Ga, and 3.29–3.25 Ga from mafic sources that separated from model depleted mantle between 3.55 Ga and 3.35 Ga. The εHfi (0.4–0.69) of the 2.66–2.65 Ga Neoarchean granitoids can be explained by melting of similar 3.35 Ga mafic crust or by mixing between juvenile magmas and preexisting granitoids. Uranium-Pb ages from metamorphic zircons indicate polyphase metamorphism of the granitoids at 3353–3329 Ma, 3264–3256 Ma, 3187–3141 Ma, 3083–3062 Ma, and 2574–2526 Ma. Hf-isotopic data from zircons in granitoids from several cratons indicate that prior to c. 3.5 Ga most granitoids have chondritic or crust-like εHfi explained by repeated granitoid extraction from long-lived mafic crusts with limited interaction with juvenile magmas. Juvenile εHfi and short protolith residence times of the Western Dharwar Craton Paleoarchean granitoids is suggestive of a tectonic setting with rapid recycling of basalts as in subduction zones. In contrast, greater protolith residence times and crust-like signature of granitoids older than 3.5 Ga in the crustal record indicate a tectonic setting where basalts persisted for prolonged periods of times such as in an oceanic plateau.