Plutons Range Research Articles

Two periods of magmatism in the Weishancheng ore concentration area, Henan Province: Evidences from zircon U‐Pb chronology, Hf isotopes and petrogeochemistry

The Weishancheng area of Tongbai County, Henan Province, is an important Au‐Ag polymetallic ore concentration area in China, characterized by a widespread distribution of plutons and frequent magmatic activities. To investigate the genetic relationship between magmatism and the mineralization of gold and silver polymetallic deposits in the area, this study focuses on the porphyritic monzogranite of the Liangwan pluton and the biotite granite of the Taoyuan pluton in detail. The zircon U‐Pb age of the Liangwan pluton is 128.5 ± 0.7 Ma, placing its intrusion age in the Early Cretaceous. Similarly, the zircon U‐Pb age of the Taoyuan pluton is 431.3 ± 2.7 Ma, indicating an intrusion age in the Early Silurian. Petrogeochemical analysis reveals that both the Liangwan and Taoyuan plutons exhibit high SiO2, Na2O and Al2O3 contents, along with low MgO, Fe2O3 and CaO contents, indicating a (high‐K) calc‐alkaline series, and have the properties of peraluminous I‐type granite. The total rare earth elements (REE) concentrations are low, with noticeable fractionation between light and heavy REE, and a negative Eu anomaly. High‐field‐strength elements (such as Nb, Ta, P, Ti) are depleted, while the large‐ion lithophile elements (such as Rb, K, Pb) are enriched. The εHf(t) values of the Liangwan and Taoyuan plutons range from −16.1 to −18.8 and from 11.0 to 14.6, respectively. The mean values of Hf two‐stage model ages (TDM2) are 603 Ma and 2230 Ma, respectively. These results suggest that the Liangwan pluton may have formed through partial melting of ancient crustal materials in the Palaeoproterozoic, during extensional tectonic events following the subduction of Izanagi Plate. It appears closely linked to Au‐Ag mineralization in the ore concentration area. The Taoyuan pluton likely originated from the depleted mantle and experienced some degree of crustal contamination. However, it is unrelated to regional mineralization.

Metallogenic Difference between the Late Aptian Nansu and Aishan Pluton in Jiaodong: Constraints from in Situ Apatite Elemental and Nd Isotopic Composition

A series of Mo-polymetallic deposits have been developed in the Jiaodong Peninsula. Notably, these Mo-dominant deposits formed essentially during the same period as the well-known world-class Au deposits in this area, hinting at a potentially unique geological correlation between them. Therefore, conducting thorough research on Mo deposits in Jiaodong holds significant importance in exploring the area’s controlling factors of Mesozoic metal endowments. To reveal the petrogenesis and metallogenic potentials of Mo-fertile and ore-barren granitoid, apatite grains from the Late Aptian Nansu granodiorite and Aishan monzogranite are investigated in this study. Detailed petrographical observations, combined with in situ analysis of electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) and Laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), have been conducted on apatite grains from the Nansu and Aishan plutons. This comprehensive analysis, encompassing both major and trace elements as well as isotopic characteristics of apatite, aims to elucidate the metallogenic differences within the late Early Cretaceous granitoids of Jiaodong. The results reveal that the apatite grains across all samples belong to fluorapatites, suggesting their magmatic origin. Additionally, chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of apatites in ore-fertile and ore-barren granitoids exhibit a “right-leaning” trend, characterized by relative enrichments in light REEs and depletions in heavy REEs. Both the Nansu and Aishan plutons exhibit moderately negative Eu anomalies (with averages δEu values of 0.44 and 0.51, respectively), along with slightly positive Ce anomalies (averaging δCe values of 1.08 and 1.11, respectively). A negative correlation is observed between their δEu and δCe values, indicating that the parental magmas of ore-fertile and ore-barren granitoids were formed in a relatively oxidizing environment. The calculated apatite OH contents for the Nansu pluton range from 0.26 to 1.38, while those for the Aishan pluton vary between 0.24 and 1.51, indicating comparable melt H2O abundances. Consequently, the results suggest that neither the oxygen fugacities nor the water contents of the parental magma can account for the metallogenic differences between Nansu and Aishan plutons. The apatite in the Nansu pluton exhibits a higher Ce/Pb ratio and a relatively lower Th/U ratio, indicating the involvement of a greater volume of fluids in the magmatic evolution process of this ore-bearing granitoid. Apatite grains sourced from the Nansu and Aishan plutons exhibit εNd(t) values ranging from −16.63 to −17.61 (t = 115.7 Ma) and −17.86 to −20.86 (t = 116.8 Ma), respectively. These results suggest that their parental magmas primarily originated from the partial melting of Precambrian metamorphic basement rocks within the North China Craton, with a minor contribution from mantle-derived materials. Additionally, the presence of mafic microgranular enclaves in both the Nansu and Aishan plutons indicates that both have undergone magma mixing processes. The binary diagrams plotting the ratios of Ba/Th, Sr/Th, and U/Th against La/Sm demonstrate that apatite grains of ore-fertile granitoid exhibit a distinct trend towards sediment melting. This suggests the potential incorporation of sedimentary materials, particularly those rich in molybdenum, into the magmatic source of the Nansu pluton, ultimately leading to the occurrence of molybdenum mineralization.

Petrogenesis and implications for tin mineralization of the Beidashan granitic pluton, southern Great Xing'an Range, NE China: Constraints from whole-rock and accessory mineral geochemistry

The Beidashan pluton, consisting of quartz monzonite in the northeast and biotite granite in the southwest, is a representative granitic intrusion in the southern Great Xing'an Range. To investigate its petrogenesis and relationship with tin mineralization, whole-rock and accessory minerals (zircon and apatite) geochemical analyses were carried out. The quartz monzonite mainly belongs to high-K calc-alkaline strongly peraluminous granite, and the biotite granite is high-K calc-alkaline weakly peraluminous granite. Zircon U-Pb dating indicates a younger age for the biotite granite (138 Ma) than the quartz monzonite (140 Ma). The zircon Hf and apatite Nd isotopic compositions of the quartz monzonite (εHf(t) = 5.2 to 9.1 and εNd(t) = −1.1 to 1.3) and those of the biotite granite (εHf(t) = 5.6 to 8.0 and εNd(t) = −0.9 to 1.0) are indistinguishable, implying that they were derived from the same sources. Modeling results using apatite Nd isotope data show that they were from a mixing source of the Xilinhot Group and mantle-derived basaltic melt. Whole-rock and apatite trace elements reveal that the granitic magma mainly experienced fractional crystallization of amphibole, biotite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, apatite, and monazite from the quartz monzonite to the biotite granite. Mineralogical, whole-rock geochemical, and apatite trace element data indicate that the Beidashan pluton has an I-type granite affinity. A crystal mush model was proposed accounting for the composition gap between these two granites (e.g., SiO2, Al2O3, and Ba), in which the biotite granite represents the highly fractionated interstitial melt extracted from the crystal mush system whereas the quartz monzonite is the residual crystal mush consisting of the cumulate crystals and trapped interstitial melt. The melt was extracted when the crystallinity of the crystal mush reached about 33–37%, and the residual crystal mush trapped about 38–46% interstitial melt. Both Ce anomalies in zircon and Eu anomalies in apatite imply reducing conditions. The calculated values of oxygen fugacity for the Beidashan pluton range from −19.3 to −15.7, and most of them are lower than the fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ) oxygen buffer. Apatite in the Beidashan pluton has high F (2.35–3.61%) and low Cl (0–0.41%) concentrations, which are similar to those of Sn-W deposits worldwide. The Sn contents of apatite increase from the quartz monzonite (mean 0.30 ppm) to the biotite granite (mean 1.09 ppm), suggesting that magma evolution is important for the enrichment of Sn in the melt.

Petrogenesis of granitoids in the southern Anhui Province, China: Implications for the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern Jiangnan orogenic belt

The Jiangnan orogenic belt is a key component of the South China Block, yet the tectonic-magmatic evolution of the orogenic belt remains widely debated. The eastern segment of the Jiangnan orogenic belt experienced Neoproterozoic magmatism evidenced by widespread granitoids, which is key to understanding the tectonic evolution of the orogenic belt. In this study, we conducted detailed field, petrographic, geochemical, and geochronological studies of the Neoproterozoic Xucun pluton and adjacent magmatic rocks in the southern Anhui province of the eastern Jiangnan orogenic belt. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of two samples yields interpreted crystallization ages of 830.3 ± 2.9 Ma and 831.2 ± 3.3 Ma. The Xuun pluton is an S-type, peraluminous biotite granodiorite that belongs to the calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline series. εNd(t) values for the pluton range from −2.53 to −0.49, and the TDM2 model ages range from 1.66 to 1.83 Ga. The whole-rock, major and trace element and Sm-Nd isotopic compositions of the Xucun pluton suggest petrogenesis in a magmatic arc-related tectonic setting. These new constraints, combined with previous results, indicate that the Xucun pluton formed in a post-collisional tectonic setting. The source for the Xucun pluton was mainly juvenile crust mixed with some Mesoproterozoic continental crust. The juvenile crustal rocks were generated during arc magmatism before ca. 860 Ma. We interpret that the the eastern Jiangnan orogenic belt was generated during the ca. 860–830 Ma collision of the Shuangxiwu arc and a continental terrane. Subsequent collapse of the Jiangnan orogenic belt resulted in erosion and partial melting of juvenile crustal rocks to form S-type granitoids, including the Xucun pluton.

Zircon U Pb geochronology and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope geochemistry of the Dahuabei pluton from the northern margin of North China Craton: Implications for petrogenesis, tectonic setting and Au Mo mineralization

The Late Paleozoic Dahuabei Pluton is located in the Wulashan area at the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), adjacent to the Hadamengou gold deposit, the largest gold deposit in Inner Mongolia, China. However, its petrogenesis and its relationship with AuMo mineralization remain debatable. In this contribution, a geochemical, isotopic, and geochronological study was carried out on the Dahuabei pluton to constrain its magma sources, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting, and further discuss the linkage between the magmatism and AuMo mineralization. The Dahuabei pluton mainly consists of monzogranite and syenogranite, with abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) in the monzogranite. Zircon UPb dating shows that the ages of the Dahuabei pluton range from 357 to 353 Ma, suggesting an Early Carboniferous emplacement. The crystallization age of the MMEs (355.4 ± 3.2 Ma) is nearly simultaneous to that of host monzogranite (356.5 ± 2.0 Ma). Geochemically, the granitoids show high-K calc-alkaline and weakly peraluminous affinities and are classified as highly to moderately fractionated I-type granites. Moreover, they are enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, depleted in high field strength elements, resembling typical continental arc magmatic rocks. Isotopically, the granitoids have negative εNd(t) (−10.0 to −7.3) and εHf(t) values (−10.0 to −4.4), as well as old Nd (1923–1704 Ma) and Hf (1986–1697 Ma) model ages, suggest that the granitoids were mainly derived from partial melting of ancient mafic lower continental crust, with involvement of mantle-derived components. The sharp contacts, fine-grained igneous textures, numerous xenocrysts from host granites, and similar crystallization ages with host granites of the MMEs suggest a magma mingling process, in which the MMEs represent discrete mafic to hybrid magma globules formed by undercooling after the injection of hotter mafic magma into cooler felsic magma. Geochemical and isotopic data (εNd(t) of −6.2 to −5.4 and εHf(t) of −10.2 to −2.8) indicate that the parental magma of MMEs was derived from partial melting of the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and had experienced significant fractional crystallization. The indistinctive chemical and isotopic contrast between MMEs and host monzogranite implies their chemical and isotopic exchange during various degrees of magma mingling. Integrating the geochronological, geochemical, and Pb isotope data of the Hadamengou AuMo deposit and the Dahuebei pluton, we propose that the magmatic-hydrothermal system emanated from the magma mingling event during the emplacement of the Dahuabei pluton might be favorable for the mineralization. The Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous magmatism may have been a trigger for the formation of the AuMo deposits in the northern margin of the NCC.

Calc-Alkaline Plutons in a Proto-Tethyan Intra-Oceanic Arc (Qilian Orogen, NW China): Implications for the Construction of Arc Crust

AbstractIntra-oceanic arcs are one of the major building blocks of continents, and the rarely exposed calc-alkaline plutons in intra-oceanic arcs are a critical component of arc crust. These calc-alkaline plutons provide juvenile crustal materials to the continental crust, and thus their petrogenesis has important implications for the formation and evolution of continental crust. Here, we present the results of an integrated study, involving field investigation, petrology, geochronology and geochemistry, on calc-alkaline intermediate–felsic plutons and their mafic magmatic enclaves (MMEs) within a Proto-Tethyan intra-oceanic arc in the Lajishan terrane of the Qilian Orogen, northern Tibetan Plateau. These calc-alkaline intermediate–felsic plutons range from gabbroic diorites, through diorites, to granodiorites. In situ zircon U–Pb dating demonstrates that these plutons were emplaced in the Early Paleozoic (474–460 Ma), slightly older than previously identified 460–440 Ma intra-oceanic arc volcanics (boninites, ankaramites, high-Mg basaltic andesites, high-Al andesites, sanukites) in the Lajishan terrane. The geochemistry of these plutons indicates that they were differentiation products of subduction-metasomatized arc mantle-derived melts, and isotope modeling constrains that their mantle source was metasomatized by less than 10% addition of slab-derived fluids/melts. Their parental melts experienced polybaric medium- to high-pressure fractional crystallization to generate the compositional variation of these plutons. There are two types of MMEs according to their different geochemistry (high- and low-MgO MMEs) and both of them are early crystallized melts derived from the heterogeneous subduction-metasomatized arc mantle wedge, captured by evolving magmas. Alkaline high-MgO MMEs represent near-primitive alkaline melts derived from melting of pyroxenite with phlogopite-enriched veins in the heterogeneous arc mantle wedge, while low-MgO MMEs stand for relatively evolved calc-alkaline melts formed during differentiation of the melts parental to their host. The upper crustal construction of this Proto-Tethyan intra-oceanic arc was achieved through earlier emplacement of 474–460 Ma calc-alkaline plutons followed by slightly later eruption of arc volcanics at 460–440 Ma above these plutons. As approximated by the composition of these calc-alkaline plutons and arc volcanics, the upper crustal composition of this Proto-Tethyan intra-oceanic arc is still juvenile and primitive. This juvenile intra-oceanic crust was accreted to continental blocks through arc–continent collision at 440–420 Ma, in response to closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. The accreted intra-oceanic crust represents addition of juvenile crustal materials to existing continents and has remained primitive and intact, which could be balanced by other more evolved crustal components to form a mature bulk continental crust.

Rushan-Pshart Paleo-Tethyan suture deduced from geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic characteristics of granitoids in Pamir

Correlation of blocks comprising the Pamir plateau with blocks in the Tibetan plateau is debated due to the complex tectonic history of amalgamated orogenic belts, followed by widespread Cenozoic intracontinental deformation within the Pamir plateau. Of particular interest is the Rushan-Pshart suture along the southern edge of the Central Pamir. It is uncertain if the suture zone is a Meso-Tethyan or a Paleo-Tethyan suture and if it is the western extension of the Bangong-Nujiang suture. This study presents new in-situ zircon U-Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes of three granitic plutons (Tahman, Tash, and Mingtie) along the southern edge of the Central Pamir block. Emplacement ages of the three plutons range from ~206 Ma to ~201 Ma. Samples from Tahman and Tash contain 67% to 76% SiO2, and yield A/CNK values between 0.92 and 1.17. They exhibit high LILE/HFSE ratios, negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.41–0.77), pronounced negative Nb, Ta, P, and Ti anomalies, negative εNd(t) values (between −7.3 and −6.9), and negative zircon εHf(t) values (between −15.5 and −1.4). Geochemical data indicate that the Tahman and Tash samples represent metaluminous or peraluminous, I-type arc-related granitoids. The Tahman granites are inferred to have formed by partial melting of the Precambrian metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks in the lower crust, while the Tash pluton was formed by partial melting of the infracrustal medium-to-high K basaltic compositions within the garnet stability field of the lowermost crust. We suggest that these newly discovered Late Triassic granite plutons are related to the closure of the Rushan-Pshart suture. This is supported by recent geochronological, paleontological, and stratigraphic studies. Thus, the Rushan-Pshart suture is a Paleo-Tethyan suture. We further notice that the Central Pamir block is bounded by the Tanymas and Rushan-Pshart Paleo-Tethyan sutures to the north and south, respectively, which is structurally similar to the North Qiangtang and the Indochina blocks that are also bounded by two Paleo-Tethyan sutures from both sides. This indicates that the Central Pamir block is the western extension of the Tianshuihai-North Qiangtang block, both of which underwent oblique convergence during the closure of the Paleo-Tethys ocean.

Petrogenesis and tectonic significance of the Fenshuiling and Mengha granitic plutons, SW China: insights from bulk elements, zircon U-Pb ages and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes

ABSTRACT The Ailaoshan shear zone developed plenty of Cenozoic granitic plutons, located between the Yangtze block in the east and the Simao block in the west. Although a mass of previous studies have enriched the understanding of petrogenesis of these plutons, there are few reports on the plutons within the Mojiang-Lvchun terrane, a suspect domain between the Yangtze and Simao blocks. Among two plutons investigated in this paper, the Fenshuiling pluton is characterized by strongly shoshonitic (K20 = 5.8–6.4 wt.%) nature, high Y (6.5–30.0 ppm) and Yb (0.88–2.97 ppm) contents, and has limited variations in La/Yb (8.6–20.5) and Dy/Yb (1.6–1.9) with increasing SiO2. In Mengha, the pluton is also strongly shoshonitic (K20 = 5.7–6.1 wt.%), high Y (18.7–32.3 ppm) and Yb (2.03–3.50 ppm) contents, and shares limited variations in La/Yb (17.0–17.6) and Dy/Yb (1.5–1.7) with increasing SiO2. These tendencies correspond with the differentiation from a shoshonitic mafic melt by olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase (gabbroic) dominated fractional crystallization. These plutons mainly composed of quartz syenites are characterized by island-arc basalt (IAB) patterns, which are consistent with those evolved by shoshonitic mafic melt derived from metasomatic lithospheric mantle within the Yangtze block. Zircon εHf(t) values of Fenshuiling and Mengha plutons range from −4.1 to −0.7 and −2.8 to −1.1, respectively, and their whole-rock εNd(t) values are −5.0 to −4.6 and −4.7 to −4.6, respectively. These Hf isotopes are similar to those from Neoproterozoic granitoids caused by a persistent Neoproterozoic subduction around the southwestern margin of the Yangtze block. This similarity supports a scenario that the enriched lithospheric mantle source area of these plutons caused by the Neoproterozoic subduction, also means that the suspect terrane belongs to the Yangtze block. The location of the Fenshuiling and Mengha plutons separated from those within the western margin of the Yangtze block is attributed to Cenozoic sinistral shearing events.

Eocene I-type magmatism in the Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey: insights into magma genesis and magma-tectonic evolution from whole-rock geochemistry, geochronology and isotope systematics

ABSTRACT The Eastern Pontides orogenic belt in NE Turkey hosts numerous I-type plutons of Eocene epoch. Here, we report new U–Pb SHRIMP zircon ages and in situ zircon Lu-Hf isotopes along with bulk-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotope data from the Kemerlikdağı, Aydıntepe and Pelitli plutons and mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) to constrain their parental melt source(s) and evolutionary processes. U-Pb SHRIMP zircon dating yielded crystallization ages between 45 and 44 Ma for the studied plutons and their MMEs. The plutons range from gabbro to granite and have I-type, medium to high-K calc-alkaline, and metaluminous to slightly peraluminous characteristics. On the primitive mantle-normalized multi-trace-element variations, the plutons and their MMEs are characterized by significant enrichment in LILE/HFSE. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the plutons and their MMEs are close to each other and show moderate enrichment with variable negative Eu anomalies. The studied plutons have fairly homogeneous isotope composition (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.70502 to 0.70560; εNd(i) = +0.9 to – 1.4; δ18O = +5.0 to +8.7‰, εHf(i) = – 2.2 to +13.5). The MMEs show medium to high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous character. Although the isotope signatures of the MMEs (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.70508 to 0.70542; εNd(i) = +0.9 to −1.1; δ18O = +5.8 to +8.0, εHf(i) = +4.3 to +10.4) are very similar to those of the host rocks. Fractionation of plagioclase, amphibole, pyroxene and Fe-Ti oxides played an important role in the evolution of the plutons. The isotopic composition of the studied plutons and MMEs are similar to I-type plutons derived from mantle sources. The MMEs show incomplete magma mixing/mingling, representing small bodies of mafic parental magma. The parental magma(s) of the studied plutons were generated from the enriched lithospheric mantle and then modified by fractional crystallisation, and lesser assimilation and mixing/mingling in the crustal magma chambers.

Middle Permian–early Triassic magmatism in the Western Pontides, NW Turkey: Geodynamic significance for the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys

Permian-Triassic magmatic rocks are widely exposed in different tectonic terranes and continental blocks in the Aegean region. This study is focussed on the İstanbul Zone and the Istranca (Strandja) Massif, which are located in the Western Pontides of NW Turkey. The Kırklareli and the Tepecik plutons intruded into the metamorphic basement rocks of the Istranca Massif, and the Sancaktepe pluton is emplaced into the İstanbul Paleozoic sedimentary sequences. We present new geochemical data for these plutons, in order to interpret their petrogenesis and time of emplacement and use this information for geodynamic interpretation. The zircon U–Pb crystallization ages are 268.3 ± 2.1 Ma for the Kırklareli pluton, 249.4 ± 1.5 Ma for the Tepecik pluton and 257.3 ± 1.5 Ma and 253.7 ± 1.75 Ma for the the Sancaktepe pluton. They are high-K, calc-alkaline to shoshonitic granitoids with aluminum saturation index (ASI) values between 0.9 and 1.3, which define them as peraluminous and slightly metaluminous. 87Sr/86Sr(i) values for the studied plutons range between 0.701123 and 0.707704. 143Nd/144Nd(i) ratios calculated for crystallization ages are between 0.512052 and 0.512431, and εNd(i) values vary from −4.71 to 2.22. TDM model ages range between 0.83 and 1.41 Ga. These plutons are enriched in LILEs and LREE and depleted in HFSEs with negative Eu anomalies, indicating that the melts were derived from mafic crustal sources. Our new data suggest that the Kırklareli pluton was generated in a subduction-related magmatic arc, and the highly fractionated Sancaktepe and Tepecik plutons were formed in a back-arc setting in response to the northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean during the Mid Permian–Early Triassic.

Zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic and geochemical characteristics of the Xierzi biotite monzogranite pluton, Linxi, Inner Mongolia and its tectonic implications

The opening, subduction and final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean led to the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Controversy has long surrounded the timing of final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Here we present zircon U–Pb ages and petrological, geochemical and in situ Hf isotope data for the Xierzi biotite monzogranite pluton, Linxi, SE Inner Mongolia. U–Pb dating of zircon by LA-ICP-MS yields a middle Permian emplacement age (268.7 ± 2.3 Ma) for the Xierzi pluton that is dominated by biotite monzogranites with high SiO2 (71.2–72.8 wt.%), alkali (Na2O + K2O = 8.05–8.44 wt.%), Al2O3 (14.4–15.2 wt.%) and Fe2O3T relative to low MgO contents, yielding Fe2O3T/MgO ratios of 2.87–3.44, and plotting within the high-K calc-alkaline field on a SiO2 vs. K2O diagram. The aluminum saturation indexes (A/CNK) of the biotite monzogranites range from 1.06 to 1.19, corresponding to weakly to strongly peraluminous. They are enriched in rare earth elements (REE), high field strength elements (HFSEs; Zr, Hf), and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; Rb, U, Th). The LREEs are enriched relative to the HREEs, with a distinct negative Eu anomaly in a chondrite–normalized REE diagram. Geochemically, the Xierzi biotite monzogranite is classified as an aluminous A-type granite, with all samples plotting within the A2-type granite field on a Y/Nb vs. Rb/Nb diagram. Zircon εHf(t) values and two-stage modal ages of the zircons within the pluton range from +4.80 to +13.65 and from 983 to 418 Ma, respectively, indicating that the primary magma was generated through partial melting of felsic rocks from juvenile crust. Consequently, these results demonstrate that the Xierzi pluton formed under the post-orogenic extensional setting after arc–continent collision in the middle Permian.

A Nd- and O-isotope study of the REE-rich peralkaline Strange Lake granite: implications for Mesoproterozoic A-type magmatism in the Core Zone (NE-Canada)

It is well established that A-type granites enriched in high field strength elements, such as Zr, Nb and the REE, form in anorogenic tectonic settings. The sources of these elements and the processes controlling their unusual enrichment, however, are still debated. They are addressed here using neodymium and oxygen isotope analyses of samples from the 1.24 Ga Strange Lake pluton in the Paleoproterozoic Core Zone of Quebec-Labrador, an A-type granitic body characterized by hyper-enrichment in the REE, Zr, and Nb. Age-corrected eNd values for bulk rock samples and sodic amphiboles (mainly arfvedsonite) from the pluton range from −0.6 to −5.7, and −0.3 to −5.3, respectively. The eNd values for the Napeu Kainiut quartz monzonite, which hosts the pluton, range from −4.8 to −8.1. The 147Sm/144Nd ratios of the suite and the host quartz monzonite range from 0.0967 to 0.1659, large variations that can be explained by in situ fractionation of early LREE-minerals (Strange Lake), and late hydrothermal HREE remobilization. Oxygen isotope analyses of quartz of both Strange Lake and the host yielded δ18O values between +8.2 and +9.1, which are considerably higher than the mantle value of 5.7 ± 0.2‰. Bulk rock oxygen isotope analyses of biotite-gneisses in the vicinity of the Strange Lake pluton yielded δ18O values of 6.3, 8.6 and 9.6‰. The negative eNd values and positive δ18O values of the Strange Lake and Napeu Kainiut samples indicate that both magmas experienced considerable crustal contamination. The extent of this contamination was estimated, assuming that the contaminants were sedimentary-derived rocks from the underlying Archean Mistinibi (para-) gneiss complex, which is characterized by low eNd and high δ18O values. Mixing of 5–15% of a gneiss, having an eNd value of −15 and a δ18O value of +11, with a moderately enriched mantle source (eNd = +0.9, δ18O = +6.3) would produce values similar to those obtained for the Strange Lake granites. Based on analogies between the Nain Plutonic Suite and the Gardar alkaline igneous province (SW-Greenland), we conclude that the Strange Lake pluton and associated REE-mineralized anorogenic bodies formed from a combination of subduction-induced fertilization of the sublithospheric mantle, crustal extension and in situ magma evolution.

Genesis of late carboniferous granitoid intrusions in the Dayinsu area, West Junggar, Northwest China: evidence of an arc setting for the western CAOB

ABSTRACTThe Dayinsu area is located in the northern part of the West Junggar district near the border between China and Kazakhstan and is an important component of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Dayinsu area hosts numerous granitoid plutons in Devonian–Carboniferous volcano–sedimentary strata. The older Laodayinsu and Kubei (345–330 Ma) plutons are located in the west with the younger Bayimuzha and Qianfeng (330–325 Ma) plutons in the east. The whole-rock SiO2 contents of the four granitoid plutons range from 52.22 to 68.42 wt.% and total alkaline contents (K2O + Na2O) range from 4.94 to 9.16 wt.%. The granites are enriched in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements with depletions in Nb, Ta, Ce, Pr, P, and Ti. The plutons are metaluminous with I-type signatures. The geochemistry of the intrusions suggests that they formed in a subduction zone setting, and subsequently underwent fractional crystallization during emplacement, with higher degrees of fractionation in the eastern sector than in the west. Similarities in the geochronology and geochemical characteristics of the granitoid plutons in Dayinsu to those in the Tabei district (west to Dayinsu area) suggest that both districts are part of the Carboniferous Tarbagatay Mountain intrusive event. The early Carboniferous (345–324 Ma) granitoid intrusions in the Tarbagatay Mountain likely formed in an island arc subduction setting during the evolution of the CAOB.

Zircon U-Pb ages and petrologic evolution of the English Peak granitic pluton: Jurassic crustal growth in northwestern California

In the central Klamath Mountains, the English Peak plutonic complex (EPC) invaded the faulted contact between the outboard Eastern Hayfork and inboard North Fork terranes of the Western Paleozoic and Triassic Belt (WTrPz). This calc-alkaline igneous complex is composed of two small, ~1–2-km-diame­ter, relatively mafic satellitic plutons peripheral to the younger, much larger, ~10–15-km-diameter English Peak zoned granitic pluton. The EPC magmas were mantle derived and reflect temporary residence and mixing at various depths in the overlying crust, with initial storage and modification near the Moho, and uppermost crustal emplacement at 5–10 km depths. Phase assemblages suggest pre-emplacement magma storage at a depth of ~20–25 km for the early satellitic plutons, versus ~15–20 km for samples from the larger zoned granitic pluton. We obtained zircon U-Pb geochronologic results (reported as internal and external weighted-mean 207 Pb-corrected 206 Pb/ 238 U ages, 95% confidence level) from seven samples in the complex via laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The 172.3 ± 2.0 [3.7] Ma Uncles Creek and 166.9 ± 1.6 [3.4] Ma Heiney Bar satellitic plutons range from gabbro–quartz diorite to granodiorite in bulk-rock composition. The main English Peak pluton consists of an early stage of gabbro-tonalite (three samples: 160.4 ± 1.1 [3.1] Ma, 158.1 ± 1.1 [3.1] Ma, and 158.0 ± 1.2 [3.1] Ma) and a late stage (two samples: 156.3 ± 1.3 [3.1] Ma and 155.3 ± 1.2 [3.0] Ma) passing inward from tonalite through granodiorite to a central zone of granite. The 172 Ma age of the Uncles Creek pluton makes it coeval with Middle Jurassic Western Hayfork arc magmatism. In contrast, Heiney Bar and the main English Peak igneous ages overlap some of the oldest and youngest components, respectively, of the Middle to Late Jurassic Wooley Creek plutonic suite. Study of this multiple-intrusion complex provides an illuminating example of the gradual intermediate-to-felsic modification of the upper crust in the central Klamath Mountains. Inherited zircon ages of ca. 172 Ma in two other EPC samples indicate potential Middle Jurassic crustal sources or contaminants. Geochronologic correlation of the EPC with geologic histories of other Klamath terranes provides fresh insights for understanding spatial and temporal elements of Middle to Late Jurassic arc magmatism in the Klamath Mountains sector of the Cordilleran margin. This igneous activity illuminates some petrotectonic processes whereby accreted ophiolitic basement terranes were modified and incorporated into the evolving Jurassic continental crust. It took place prior to the earliest Cretaceous onset of westward transport of the stack of Klamath allochthons relative to the active Jura-Cretaceous Sierran calc-alkaline arc.

The link between volcanism and plutonism in epizonal magma systems; high-precision U–Pb zircon geochronology from the Organ Mountains caldera and batholith, New Mexico

The Organ Mountains caldera and batholith expose the volcanic and epizonal plutonic record of an Eocene caldera complex. The caldera and batholith are well exposed, and extensive previous mapping and geochemical analyses have suggested a clear link between the volcanic and plutonic sections, making this an ideal location to study magmatic processes associated with caldera volcanism. Here we present high-precision thermal ionization mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon dates from throughout the caldera and batholith, and use these dates to test and improve existing petrogenetic models. The new dates indicate that Eocene volcanic and plutonic rocks in the Organ Mountains formed from ~44 to 34 Ma. The three largest caldera-related tuff units yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U dates of 36.441 ± 0.020 Ma (Cueva Tuff), 36.259 ± 0.016 Ma (Achenback Park tuff), and 36.215 ± 0.016 Ma (Squaw Mountain tuff). An alkali feldspar granite, which is chemically similar to the erupted tuffs, yielded a synchronous weighted mean 206Pb/238U date of 36.259 ± 0.021 Ma. Weighted mean 206Pb/238U dates from the larger volume syenitic phase of the underlying Organ Needle pluton range from 36.130 ± 0.031 to 36.071 ± 0.012 Ma, and the youngest sample is 144 ± 20 to 188 ± 20 ka younger than the Squaw Mountain and Achenback Park tuffs, respectively. Younger plutonism in the batholith continued through at least 34.051 ± 0.029 Ma. We propose that the Achenback Park tuff, Squaw Mountain tuff, alkali feldspar granite and Organ Needle pluton formed from a single, long-lived magma chamber/mush zone. Early silicic magmas generated by partial melting of the lower crust rose to form an epizonal magma chamber. Underplating of the resulting mush zone led to partial melting and generation of a high-silica alkali feldspar granite cap, which erupted to form the tuffs. The deeper parts of the chamber underwent continued recharge and crystallization for 144 ± 20 ka after the final eruption. Calculated magmatic fluxes for the Organ Needle pluton range from 0.0006 to 0.0030 km3/year, in agreement with estimates from other well-studied plutons. The petrogenetic evolution proposed here may be common to many small-volume silicic volcanic systems.

Rapid cooling of the Yanshan Belt, northern China: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology and implications for cratonic lithospheric thinning

The Yanshan Orogenic Belt is located in the northern part of the North China Craton (NCC), which lost ∼120km of lithospheric mantle during Phanerozoic tectonic reactivation. Mesozoic magmatism in the Yanshan fold-and-thrust belt began at 195–185Ma (Early Jurassic), with most of the granitic plutons being Cretaceous in age (138–113Ma). Along with this magmatism, multi-phase deformational structures, including multiple generations of folds, thrust and reverse faults, extensional faults, and strike-slip faults are present in this belt. Previous investigations have mostly focused on geochemical and isotopic studies of these magmatic rocks, but not on the thermal history of the Mesozoic plutons. We have applied 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology to biotites and K-feldspars from several Lower Cretaceous granitic plutons to decipher the cooling and uplift history of the Yanshan region. The biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages of these plutons range from 107 to 123Ma, indicating that they cooled through about 350°C at that time. All the K-feldspar step-heating results modeled using multiple diffusion domain theory yield similarly rapid cooling trends, although beginning at different times. Two rapid cooling phases have been identified at ca. 120–105 and 100–90Ma. The first phase of rapid cooling occurred synchronously with widespread extensional deformation characterized by the formation of metamorphic core complexes, A-type magmatism, large-scale normal faults, and the development of half-graben basins. This suggests rapid exhumation took place in an extensional regime and was a shallow-crustal-level response to lithospheric thinning of the NCC. The second phase of rapid cooling was probably related to the regional uplift and unroofing of the Yanshan Belt, which is consistent with the lack of Upper Cretaceous sediments in most of the Yanshan region.

LA-ICP MS zircon dating, whole-rock and Sr–Nd–Pb–O isotope geochemistry of the Camiboğazı pluton, Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey: Implications for lithospheric mantle and lower crustal sources in arc-related I-type magmatism

Late Cretaceous I-type plutons are widespread in the Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey. The studied Camiboğazı pluton is a composite pluton consisting of diorite, tonalite, monzodiorite, monzonite, quartz monzonite, granite, and mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs). Laser ablation ICP-MS U–Pb dating of zircon yielded crystallization ages of 76.21±0.79Ma, 75.65±0.50Ma, 75.04±0.83Ma, and 74.73±0.86Ma for diorite, monzodiorite, monzonite, and granite, respectively. The rocks of the pluton have I-type, high-K to shoshonitic and metaluminous character, displaying whole-rock geochemical features of arc-related granites. They are enriched in large-ion lithophile and light rare-earth elements, and depleted in high-field-strength elements. Major element variations can be attributed to fractionation of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, hornblende, and Fe–Ti oxides. The rocks show considerable variation in 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.70498 to 0.70622), εNd(i) (−2.79 to −0.36), δ18O values (+6.3 to +11.4) and Nd model ages (TDM) (0.81Ga to 1.26Ga). Besides, they have (206Pb/204Pb)=18.44–19.09, (207Pb/204Pb)=15.64–15.69, and (208Pb/204Pb)=38.37–38.89. Although isotope signatures of the mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) (87Sr/86Sr(i)=0.70551 to 0.70622; εNd(i)=−2.9 to −1.23; δ18O=+8.3 to +9.7) are largely similar to the host rocks, MMEs are characterized by relatively high Mg-numbers (32–36), low contents of SiO2 (52–56wt.%) and low ASI (0.7–0.9). Estimated crystallization temperatures for the rocks of the pluton range from 735±58°C to 844±24°C and a shallow intrusion depth (<10km) is estimated from Al-in-hornblende thermobarometry. Whole-rock geochemical and isotopic data suggest magma generation by dehydration melting of an amphibolite-type lower crustal component with additional input of a subcontinental lithospheric mantle component. Furthermore, Sr–Nd isotope mixing model reveals ~30% to 40% lower crustal magma contribution to the mantle component.

Age boundaries of formation of the Tomtor alkaline-ultramafic pluton: U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronological studies

This paper presents the results of geochronological studies of the Tomtor alkaline-ultramafic pluton, one of the largest Nb, Y, Sc, and TR deposits. A new scheme of its magmatism is given. The current K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages of different igneous rocks of the Tomtor pluton range from 800 to 250 Ma [Zaitsev et al., 1992; Frolov et al., 2003]. Such dispersion is probably related to the intense carbonatization of the rocks. The U-Pb zircon and 40Ar/39Ar mica ages indicate two stages of the formation of the pluton (700 and 400 Ma), which agrees well with the age of cycles of rift-related tectonogenesis of the Siberian platform.

Zircon U–Pb ages, trace elements and Nd–Hf isotopic geochemistry of Guyang sanukitoids and related rocks: Implications for the Archean crustal evolution of the Yinshan Block, North China Craton

The Yinshan Block is a unique coherent Neoarchean basement terrane of the Western Block of the North China Craton. In this paper, three Archean plutons, namely the Dajitu, Banshentu and Haolaigou plutons, have been investigated. Based on the field observations, the major difference among these plutons is that many ultramafic–mafic enclaves are enclosed in the Dajitu and Banshentu plutons, whereas none occurs in the Haolaigou pluton. Geochemically, the Dajitu and Banshentu plutons are characterized by low SiO2 contents (56–67wt%), high MgO (1.9–7.1wt%), Cr (10–947ppm), Ni (2–274ppm) and Mg# (44–64) contents, negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, high large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), with no or slightly negative Eu anomalies, similar to a typical Archean sanukitoid. New geochronological data indicate that the Dajitu and Banshentu plutons were emplaced at 2523±7Ma and 2480±20Ma, with inherited ages of 2606±19Ma and 2647±19Ma, respectively. In contrast, the Haolaigou pluton shows high SiO2 (68–71wt%), MgO, Mg# (46–55), Cr, and Ni contents, negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, and high LILEs, with strongly positive Eu anomalies, high Sr and Ba concentrations and Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, and low Y and HREEs abundances. It was emplaced at 2466±15Ma, with an inherited age of 2638±21Ma. The whole-rock ɛNd(t) and zircon ɛHf(t) values of the Haolaigou pluton are positive. The whole-rock TDM(Nd) and zircon TDM1(Hf) values range between 2.6 and 2.8Ga with a peak at ∼2.7Ga, indicating that the melt was generated by the partial melting of a subducted slab interacting with the overlying mantle wedge. The Dajitu pluton has Nd and Hf isotope characteristics identical to those of the Haolaigou pluton, implying that the two plutons have similar sources. It should be noted, however, that the Dajitu pluton displays sanukitoid characteristics, which are the result of interaction with ultramafic–mafic enclaves. The whole-rock ɛNd(t) and zircon ɛHf(t) values of the Banshentu pluton are mostly negative. The whole-rock TDM(Nd) and zircon TDM1(Hf) values of the pluton range between 2.7 and 2.9Ga with a peak at ∼2.8Ga, indicating that the pluton was generated from the melting of a lower crust. The sanukitoid characteristics of the pluton resulted from interactions with an ultramafic enclave. Taken together, these results with the geochronological geochemical data for other Archean rocks in this area, suggest that the Yinshan Block experienced significant crustal growth at 2.8–2.6Ga and further crustal reworking that led to strong magmatism at ∼2.5Ga.

Petrogenesis of middle Triassic post-collisional granite from Jiefangyingzi area, southeast Inner Mongolia: Constraint on the Triassic tectonic evolution of the north margin of the Sino-Korean paleoplate

Zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical data are reported for the Jiefangyingzi and Yongshenghao granitic plutons from the Jiefangyingzi area to the northeast (NE) of Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia, with the objective of revealing the tectonic nature of the northern margin of the Sino-Korean paleoplate in early Mesozoic. Zircons from these granitic intrusions are euhedral and subeuhedral in shape with typical oscillatory zoning, indicating magmatic origin. The dating results indicate that these plutons formed in late middle Triassic (229±2Ma and 229±1Ma respectively), rather than in late Paleozoic, as previously thought. The Jiefangyingzi and Yongshegnhao granitic plutons are composed primarily of granodiorite and granite, with compositions of SiO2=63.23–68.91wt.%, K2O=3.06–4.51wt.%, and A/CNK=0.94–0.99. Chemically, they belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series and meta-aluminous I-type granites. Zircon εHf(t) values of both plutons range from +2.1 to +5.0 and +1.4 to +3.9, respectively, whereas the whole-rock εNd(t) values of Yongshenghao pluton range from −1.2 to −0.7, indicating the participation of depleted mantle material in their magmatic source. The petrological and geochemical characteristics suggest that these plutons are post-collisional granitoids. Combined with regional geological data, we conclude that these late middle Triassic granitoids formed during the transitional period from the post-collision setting to the post-orogenic extension setting after the collision between the Siberian and Sino-Korean paleoplates.