Post-collisional Stage Research Articles

A perspective on potassic and ultrapotassic rocks: Constraints on the Paleoproterozoic late to post-collisional event in the São Francisco paleocontinent

The late- to post-collisional stage in orogenic systems is characterized by the coeval existence of bimodal potassic to ultrapotassic magmatic activity related to partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle together with crustal derived melts. In this paper, we present new whole rock geochemical analyses combined with zircon and titanite U–Pb and zircon Hf isotopic data from potassic to ultrapotassic rocks from six plutons that occur within the Archean Itacambira-Monte Azul block (BIMA), to discuss their petrogenesis and the tectonic implications for the São Francisco paleocontinent. The new U–Pb ages range from ca. 2.06 Ga to 1.98 Ga and reveal long-lasting potassic magmatism within the BIMA, which is within the late- to- post-collisional stage of the São Francisco paleocontinent evolution. The ultrapotassic rocks are compatible with a fluid-related metasomatized mantle source enriched by previous subduction events, whereas the potassic rocks are bimodal and have a transitional shoshonitic to A-type affinity. These rocks have a hybrid nature, possible related to the mixing between the mafic potassic/ultrapotassic rocks and high temperature crustal melts of the Archean continental crust. Our results also show an increase of within-plate signature towards the younger potassic magmas. The participation of an important Archean crustal component in the genesis of these rocks is highlighted by the common and occasionally abundant occurrence of Archean inherited zircons. The Hf isotopic record shows that most of the zircon inheritance has dominantly subchondritic εHf(t) values, which fits a crustal reworking derivation from a similar Eo- to Paleoarchean precursor crust. However, the presence of juvenile 2.36 Ga zircon inheritance in an ultrapotassic sample reveal the existence of a hidden reservoir that is somewhat similar to the described for the Mineiro Belt in southern São Francisco paleocontinent.

Fluid flow and syntectonic veining in an Ediacaran-Cambrian foreland fold–thrust zone, western margin of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil

The western margin of the São Francisco Craton, central Brazil presents a 1300 km long foreland fold–thrust belt where Ediacaran-Cambrian (560–520 Ma) metasedimentary rocks from the Bambuí Group were subsequently deformed during post-collisional stages (520–495 Ma) related to Gondwana assembly. This scenario provides an opportunity to quantify fluid flow regimes and fault-related processes that were active in exhumed foreland fold–thrust zones, which were estimated based on structural, microstructural and fluid inclusion studies of syntectonic veins and host rocks. Kaolinite-bearing synkinematic mineral assemblages from metasedimentary rocks, thermodynamic models and grain-scale deformation accommodated by dissolution–precipitation creep and intracrystalline deformation indicate metamorphic and deformational conditions of 250–270°C. Subhorizontal extensional veins formed under subhorizontal shortening and subvertical extension, supporting vein development under a fold–thrust regime that formed regional NW–SE-trending thrust fault zones and megafolds with NW–SE-trending axes. Orientation and growth microstructures indicate that NW–SE-trending subvertical cleavage-parallel veins formed under subhorizontal NE–SW extension, compatible with those inferred to produce mapped kilometre-scale gentle folds with NE–SW-trending traces. Two primary aqueous fluid inclusion assemblages (FIA) are distinguished by salinity variation: 2–21 wt% NaCl eq. in subhorizontal veins and 6–0 wt% NaCl eq. in cleavage-parallel subvertical veins. Fluid inclusion thermometry and microstructural analysis suggest that veins crystallized between 250 and 270°C under fluid pressure fluctuating within a range of 50–500 MPa (subhorizontal veins) and 80–320 MPa (cleavage-parallel subvertical veins), evidencing fault-valve behaviour. Trends of coupled decreases in salinity and homogenization temperatures in both FIA indicate downward mixing of meteoric fluids, which was more effective in subvertical veins and was in both cases enhanced by fault-valve behaviour. Dominance of moderate salinity and absence of CO 2 and CH 4 indicate that the fluids are dominated by formation waters. The salinity signature is similar to those of formation waters and metamorphic fluids derived from rocks of shallow marine environments worldwide. Supplementary material: Details of samples and analytical data are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5275031

Origin and metamorphism of graphite from Formiga, Minas Gerais (Brazil)

During the Paleoproterozoic Era, the Brazilian cratons experienced orogenic events that modified the archean basement and sedimentary successions. In the southern São Francisco Craton, it can be recognized evidence of an orogenic event that happened between Rhyacian and Orosirian periods. It is related to the closure of an oceanic basin at this time, which led to the collision between the Archean Divinópolis and Campo Belo metamorphic complexes. Graphite schist occurs close to the cities of Formiga and Itapecerica (Minas Gerais), located between these complexes. To contribute to the understanding of the origin and metamorphism of the graphite from Formiga, petrographic studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy analyses have been done. XRD and Raman methods revealed that the temperatures recorded by graphite are around 460°C. However, Raman data showed that the crystallite sizes correspond to higher metamorphic grade conditions (amphibolite to granulite facies). Temperatures of 460°C are probably associated with hydrothermal processes along faults in post-collisional stage. The presence of todorokite, a mineral typical of deep-sea Mn nodules formed by microorganisms, in association with graphite from Formiga, suggests a biogenic origin for the graphite occurrence.

Multiple Early Paleozoic granitoids from the southeastern Qilian orogen, NW China: Magma responses to slab roll-back and break-off

The slab dynamic processes, such as roll-back during oceanic subduction and break-off during collision orogenesis, would affect the movement of mantle material and the interaction between crust and mantle, accompanied by significant amounts of magmatism. Providing accurate depictions for these processes are extremely difficult, especially in the case of ancient orogens. Here, we present an integrated study of petrology, geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes for Early Paleozoic granitoids from the Duojielaka, Ledu and Binglingsi plutons of the southeastern Qilian orogen. Our LA-ICP-MS UPb zircon data show that these granitoids were emplaced at 476–432 Ma. The petrological and geochemical data suggest that the ~476 Ma Duojielaka porphyritic syenogranites formed by feldspar-dominated fractionation from relatively K-rich basaltic rock-derived adakitic parental magma. The ~454 Ma Duojielaka biotite monzogranites are highly fractionated I-type granites and were derived from basement orthogneisses mixed with minor mafic rocks. The Ledu fine- and medium-grained quartz diorites (~446 and ~452 Ma) are high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic and were produced by partial melting of relatively old K-rich mafic crust followed by minor mixing with mantle-derived magmas. The ~432 Ma Binglingsi biotite monzogranites with adakitic characteristics most likely originated by partial melting of thickened mafic lower crust. Based on the new data, in combination with previously published data, we suggest that the roll-back of the South Qilian oceanic slab occurred during the Middle Cambrian to early Middle Ordovician. The Duojielaka porphyritic syenogranites represented crustal anatexis in an arc front associated with slab roll-back. The Late Ordovician–early Middle Silurian intrusive rocks probably resulted from diachronous slab break-off in the post-collisional stage. The rocks record the opening of the break-off window from east to west and the gradual heat propagation from the central part to the southern and northern margins of the eastern Central Qilian due to the widening of break-off window and asthenospheric upwelling. We propose that complex geodynamic processes and their thermal effects can be traced by a comprehensive consideration of the petrogenetic, temporal and spatial evolution of related magmatism.

Zircon and titanite behaviors during partial melting of metabasite in the post-collisional stage: Constraints from garnet pyroxenite in the Dabie orogen, China

Abstract An integrated study of petrology, mineral inclusions, U-Pb ages and trace elements in zircon and titanite was carried out for garnet pyroxenites from the Dabie orogen, China. The results provide not only geochemical constraints on zircon and titanite behaviors during partial melting but also petrological insights into anatectic reworking of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic eclogites in the collisional orogen. The target garnet pyroxenites were transformed from ultrahigh-pressure eclogites produced by the continental deep subduction in the Triassic, and underwent granulite facies metamorphic superimposition in the early Cretaceous under P-T conditions of 746–837 °C and 0.8–1.2 GPa, followed by amphibolite facies retrogression at 737–791 °C and 0.7 GPa. Both zircon and titanite contain two types of metamorphic domains at ca. 131 Ma based on CL images, mineral inclusions, REE patterns and trace element variations. Peritectic zircon domains (D3) contain abundant multiphase crystal inclusions of quartz and K-feldspar and exhibit variably high Nb, Ta, Th, U, P, REE and Y contents. In contrast, anatectic zircon domains (D4) are relatively free of crystal inclusion and display variably low Nb, Ta, Th, U, P, REE and Y contents. Metamorphic and peritectic titanite domains are clearly distinct by a series of differences in petrological and geochemical compositions. There are reduced 176Hf/177Hf ratios for both peritectic and anatectic zircon domains, indicating involvement of Hf-rich minerals in the anatexis of the ancient crust. Therefore, the discrimination between the polygenetic zircon and titanite domains in the metabasites not only provides a powerful means to decipher the nature of crustal anataxis in the collisional orogen, but also places constraints on the formation mechanism of metamorphic, peritectic and anatectic minerals.

Slab Rollback Orogeny Model: A Test of Concept

AbstractBuoyancy forces associated with subducting lithosphere control the dynamics of convergent margins. In the postcollisional stage these forces are significantly reduced, yet mountain building and seismicity are ongoing, albeit at lower rates. We leverage advances of a newly developed seismo‐thermo‐mechanical modeling approach to simulate tectonic and seismicity processes in a self‐driven subduction and continental collision setting. We demonstrate that the rearrangement of forces due to slab breakoff, in the postcollisional stage, causes bending and rollback of the residual slab, suction forces, and mantle traction at the base of the upper plate, while stress coupling transfers to the shallow crust. Our results provide an explanation for the postcollisional evolution of the Central Alps, where the so‐called Slab Rollback Orogeny model explains the slow yet persistent upper plate advance, the height of the mountain range, and a seismicity pattern consistent with the different tectonic regimes throughout the orogen.

Geochronology, mineral chemistry and genesis of REE mineralization in alkaline rocks from the Kohistan Island Arc, Pakistan

Alkaline igneous-related rare earth element (REE) deposits constitute a major global economic resource of REE. However, our understanding of their geodynamic settings and magmatic-hydrothermal processes remains uncertain. Here, we present an investigation of petrography, geochronology and mineral chemistry of newly discovered REE mineralization in the alkaline syenite and pegmatite from the Kohistan Batholith in the Kohistan Island Arc, Pakistan. The pegmatite contains abundant chevkinite and monazite (up to 10–35% in volume), which formed from crystallization of a REE-oversaturated evolved melt and are the main REE-bearing phases. U-Th-Pb isotopic dating of zircon from the syenite yields the emplacement age of 31.2 ± 0.3 Ma, which closely matches the ages of zircon and monazite from the pegmatite (30.1 ± 0.3 Ma and 30.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively). Zircons from the syenite and the pegmatite have similar ɛHf(t) values, ranging from + 0.2 to + 2.5, indicating that the syenite and the pegmatite are co-magmatic in origin. The alkaline magma likely formed by partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle induced by the asthenospheric upwelling, which was related to slab break-off at the post-collisional stage following the collision of the Kohistan Island Arc with the Indian Plate. Zircons show the evolutional trend in trace element compositions from the syenite to the pegmatite, marked by increases in REE, Hf, Y, U, volatiles and fo2. These changes reflect prolonged fractional crystallization processes of the alkaline magma, which were responsible for the REE enrichment in the residual pegmatitic melt. Post-collisional alkaline magmatic rocks are widely distributed in many places along the Tethyan orogenic belt. These observations suggest that these post-collisional alkaline rocks may be good targets for REE exploration.

On the age of pyrochlore carbonatites from the Ilmeno-Vishnevogorsky Alkaline Complex, the Southern Urals (insights from Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic data)

Research subject. In this research, we carried out Sm-Nd- и Rb-Sr-dating of pyrochlore carbonatite from the Vishnevogorsky niobium deposit, Ilmeno-Vishnevogorsky Alkaline Complex, Southern Urals. IVC is located in the Ural fold region and is a carbonatite complex of the linear type. Rare metal (Nb-Zr-TR) deposits and occurrences are related to IVC. The age and the duration of IVC deposits formation remains a matter of debate. To determine the age of IVC carbonatites and related niobium ore, we measured Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic compositions and concentrations of the elements in the minerals (pyrochlore, calcite, apatite, biotite) and bulk sample of pyrochlore carbonatite. Materials and methods. The Sm and Nd isotopic compositions and concentrations were determined on a Finnigan MAT-262L (RPQ) seven-collector mass spectrometer in the static regime at the Geological Institute of the Kola Scientific Center, Apatity, Russia. The Sr and Rb isotopic compositions and concentrations were determined on thermos-ionization mass spectrometer Triton Plus (“Geoanalitik”, IGG UD RAN, Ekaterinburg, Russia). Results. Age of pyrochlore carbonatites from ore zone 140 (Vishnevogorsky deposit, IVC) defined by Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic methods. Mineral Sm-Nd-isochron (5 points) indicated age 229 ± 16 Ma, mineral Rb-Sr-isochron (5 points) showed similar age 250.5 ± 1.2 Ma. Conclusions. Results Sm-Nd и Rb-Sr dating indicate that the pyrochlore сarbonatites of ore zone 140 crystallized ≈ 250 Ma ago, at the stage of the postcollisional extension, possibly, in connection with exhumation complex, which was accompanied by decompression, partial melting of rocks, involving fluids, dissolution and precipitation of Ordovician-Silurian alkaline-carbonatitе complex. Thus, the formation of the IVC carbonatites and related Nb-ore, which began in Silurian (S), continued in Permian (P) and Triassic (T1-2) and was associated with the post-collision stage of tectonic activity in the Ural Fold Belt.

Petrography and geochemistry of Neoproterozoic charnockite–granite association and metasedimentary rocks around Okpella, southwestern Nigeria

The Neoproterozoic charnockite–granite association of Okpella intrudes metasedimentary and migmatite-gneiss complex rocks in the eastern Igarra Schist Belt, southwestern Nigeria. In order to unravel the complex processes involved in the formation and tectonic evolution of the Igarra Schist Belt during the Neoproterozoic, detailed field, petrographic and whole-rock geochemical study of the charnockite–granite association and metasedimentary rocks around Okpella was conducted. Published data on the metasedimentary rocks and Pan-African granitoids in different sectors of the belt were also compiled for detailed interpretations. The charnockites and granites of Okpella show primary magmatic mineralogy and geochemical characteristics. They are silicic (> 63 wt% SiO2), metaluminous to peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline, ferroan, post-collisional granitoids. The garnet-biotite schist, calc-silicate gneiss and quartzite in the area are low–medium grade metasedimentary rocks. The mineralogy and geochemistry of the charnockites suggest that the charnockitic melt was derived from mafic lower continental crust through partial melting and assimilation-fractionation processes. The granites probably originated from mixed melts derived from lower- to mid-crustal tonalites-trondhjemites-granodiorites and/or subducted metagreywackes and mantle-derived magmas (probably the charnockitic melt and/or its progenitor). The granites and charnockites are coeval and were presumably emplaced during the post-collisional stages of the Pan-African Orogeny. The garnet-biotite schist, calc-silicate gneiss and quartzite represent metamorphosed immature to slightly mature sedimentary rocks, probably greywacke, marl and subarkose, respectively, that were sourced from intermediate–acid rocks which underwent low–moderate chemical weathering with minor contribution from recycled sediment sources and deposited in active continental environments. The Neoproterozoic evolution of the Igarra Schist Belt, therefore, involved deposition and infolding of sediments in active continental margin during the early Pan-African followed by upwelling of basaltic magma from the mantle which underplated and crystallized in the lower continental crust and was subsequently partially melted to generate the charnockitic and granitic melts through mantle-crust interaction during the late Pan-African.

Miocene high-temperature leucogranite magmatism in the Himalayan orogen

AbstractHimalayan leucogranites of Cenozoic age are generally attributed to partial melting of metasedimentary rocks at low temperatures of <770 °C. It is unknown what the spatial distribution and characteristics of high-temperature (>800 °C) leucogranites are in the Himalayan orogen. The present study reports the occurrence of such leucogranites in the collisional orogen. We use the Ti-in-zircon thermometry in combination with the thermodynamically calibrated relationships of T-aSiO2-aTiO2 to retrieve crystallization temperatures of Miocene (ca. 17 Ma) two-mica granites from Yalaxiangbo, in the eastern Himalaya, SE Tibet. The results give the maximum temperature as high as ∼850 °C for granite crystallization, providing a significant constraint on the nature of thermal sources. Phase equilibrium modeling using metasedimentary rocks as the source rocks indicates that felsic melts produced at ∼850 °C and 6–10 kbar can best match the target leucogranites in lithochemistry. In this regard, the anatectic temperatures previously obtained for the production of Himalayan leucogranites would probably be underestimated to some extent. Such high temperatures are difficult to explain purely by the internal heating of the thickened orogenic crust. Instead, they require an extra heat source, which would probably be provided by upwelling of asthenospheric mantle subsequent to thinning of the orogenic lithospheric mantle by foundering along the convergent plate boundary. Therefore, the Himalayan leucogranites of Miocene age would be derived from partial melting of the metasedimentary rocks in the post-collisional stage.

Deciphering the source of multiple U–Pb ages and complex Hf isotope composition in zircon from post-collisional charnockite-granite associations from the Araçuaí orogen (southeastern Brazil)

Giant post-collisional magmatic systems are marked by an intricate diversity of zircon ages and Hf isotopic signatures. Granites and charnockites from such systems are in high contrast with simple isotopic composition of modern granites, which often record no more than one crystallization age. Despite the complexity, the assortment in ages and isotopic compositions can be explored to extract vital information to understand magma histories, isotope fractionation and magma sources. Here we focused on a charnockite-granite association (Barra do São Francisco pluton - BSFP) formed during the post-collisional stage of the Araçuaí orogen (southeastern Brazil). The chemical composition of these rocks points towards a metaluminous to slightly peraluminous character, ferroan and calc-alkalic to alkalic signature. Zircons extracted from the BSFP show a large scatter in the U–Pb age distributions (from 614 to 498 Ma), indicating a complex history of magmatic processes during the wanning stages of the orogeny. Detailed discrimination analysis based on texture, chemistry and U–Pb data established well-defined age groups (groups I to III); each of which reveales a significant part of this post-collisional magmatic evolution (ca. 614-552 Ma, ca. 528-513 Ma and ca. 510-498 Ma). Zircon xenocryst cores of Group I have a broad age distribution (ca. 614-552 Ma) that mirror the age distribution within the magmatic and inherited zircon populations from the country rock (Carlos Chagas batholith). The other two age groups are present in all samples and are interpreted here as antecrysts (Group II: ca. 528-513 Ma) and autocrysts (Group III: ca. 510-498 Ma). All charnockite samples show negative ɛHf(t) (from −7.4 to −0.5) and Calymmian to Ectasian model ages (TDM = 1.58-1.21 Ga), indicating contribution from heterogenous sources. The granites exhibit more negative ɛHf(t) values (from −9.3 to −5.9) and largely older model ages (TDM = 1.68-1.49 Ga), indicating that the charnockite and granite magmas were derived from the different crustal sources. These Hf isotopes data are a robust evidence of different source rocks for these magmas with different water activities. The age of the zircon autocrysts and antecrysts can be interpreted as an evidence for a prolonged pluton assemblage probably combined with slow magma cooling during the post-collisional stage of the Araçuaí orogen.

Combined zircon U-Pb dating and chemical Th–U–total Pb chronology of monazite and thorite, Abu Diab A-type granite, Central Eastern Desert of Egypt: Constraints on the timing and magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of rare metal granitic magmatism in the Arabian Nubian Shield

We present the first chemical age determination of monazite from a geochemically-specialized rare metal granite of the Central Eastern Desert (CED), Egypt. The Abu Diab composite A-type granite of the CED divides into three co-magmatic phases: two mica granite (TG), garnet-bearing muscovite granite (GMG), and muscovite granite (MG). The GMG granitic phase is a typical example of a rare metal, volatile-rich aqueous silicate magma. Its zircon has extremely high U-concentration (up to 45,000 ppm) and intense metamictization, resulting in significant radiogenic Pb-loss, as well as common Pb contamination, along fractures and other imperfections. Laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U-Pb results yield imprecise to meaningless dates. On the other hand, the GMG exhibits two texturally and chemically distinct varieties of monazite, pristine (Mnz1) and altered (Mnz2), that yield similar electron microprobe (EMP) chemical ages of 587 ± 8 Ma (2σ) for Mnz1 and 587 ± 9 Ma (2σ) for Mnz2. These ages, combined with the inferred alteration temperature (T > 400 °C), indicate monazite alteration/replacement occurred during or soon after crystallization of the pluton, in response to expelled magmatic-hydrothermal fluids inferred to be F-rich, late-staged deuteric fluids. The alteration and elemental substitution of zircon and monazite reflect coupled dissolution-recrystallization processes during late-staged deuteric alteration when zircon and thorite were relatively vulnerable to post-magmatic hydrothermal effects because of their extremely metamict state. The ca. 587 Ma age is typical of A-type granite intrusion across the CED and the post-collisional stage of the Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS; 610 – 560 Ma), and is within analytical error of associated magmatic thorite (592 ± 8 Ma). These two ages agree with the timing of rare metal-rich intrusions (0.6−0.4 Ga) related to the Pan-African orogeny. Future research using the monazite chronometer may better constrain the timing of rare metal granitic magmatism of the ANS.

Geodynamic model and tectono-structural framework of the Bengal Basin and its surroundings

ABSTRACT We present a brief, but precise description of the geodynamic evolution, and tectono-structural framework of the Bengal Basin. The tectonic map (Main Map) at 1:12,50,000 scale should be considered as a first attempt to provide a more comprehensive and accurate geotectonic cartography of the entire region, with respect to the available maps in the published literatures, and in the light of scientific advances in geodynamics, tectonics and structures reached in the last decades plus new geological field works carried out in some key sectors of the Bengal Basin. The tectonic map of the Bengal Basin improves the knowledge of the geometry of the basin boundary, tectonic settings and relevant structures, and its relation to the collision of the Indian and the Burmese plates. Three schematic geological cross-sections illustrate the tectonic architecture of the basin in depth as well as surroundings. The latest understanding of the present-day geodynamics would help to develop advanced kinematic and dynamic modelling of the Bengal Basin in relation to the pre- and post-collisional stages of the Indian Plate.

Late Paleozoic to early Triassic granitoids from the Rudny Altai, Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Petrogenesis and implications for continental crustal evolution

To better understand the continental crustal evolution in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt along the southwestern Siberian margin, a systematic study has been conducted on the late Paleozoic to early Triassic granitoids in the Rudny Altai. LA-ICP-MS zircon dating shows that granitoid magmatism in the study area can be divided into three episodes, i.e., middle to late Devonian, middle to late Carboniferous and early Triassic. Granitoids of the first two episodes have high SiO2 (>70.0 wt.%), low MgO (<1.0 wt.%) and Ni (<3.1 ppm) contents, reflecting a crustal origin. Further, these samples exhibit variable Rb/Sr, CaO/Na2O and Al2O3/TiO2 ratios and variable εNd(t) (1.7–5.5) values, which, along with their metaluminous to weakly peraluminous compositions, imply a mixed crustal source involving clay-poor sediments and meta-basaltic components. In contrast, magmatism of the third episode possesses relatively low SiO2 (63.2 wt.%) and high MgO (1.6 wt.%) but similar Ni (3.9 ppm) and εNd(t) (2.7). Its low Rb/Ba, Rb/Sr and Al2O3/TiO2 ratios and metaluminous feature indicate a derivation from pre-existing basaltic crust. By integrating regional data, it is suggested that the Rudny Altai was generated by Devonian to late Carboniferous northeastward subduction of the Ob-Zaisan oceanic lithosphere. In detail, a retreating episode of subduction may occur in the Devonian, followed by a middle to late Carboniferous (330–318 Ma) normal subduction. In the late Carboniferous to early Permian (308–290 Ma), granitoids vanished in the Rudny Altai but widely intruded farther south into the Irtysh–Zaisan belt, probably in response to its collision with the Kazakhstan collage, pointing to that the Rudny Altai entered a syn-/post-collisional stage. Granitoids in the Permo-Triassic boundary (253–251 Ma) display features of intraplate granites, recording a period of intraplate epeirogeny.

The physico-chemical conditions of crystallization of the Grenvillian arfvedsonite granite of Dimra Pahar, Hazaribagh, India: constraints on possible source regions

The Dimra Pahar Pluton is composed of arfvedsonite ± aegirine - alkali-feldspar granites with homophanous and mylonitic features. The pluton was emplaced along a regional shear zone during the post-collisional stage of the orogeny. Arfvedsonite and aegirine crystallized after alkali feldspar and quartz. The rocks are slightly peraluminous (alkali-index – AI: 0.92) to peralkaline (AI: 1.11). The pluton was emplaced at shallow depth at around 2–3 kbar pressure. The zircon saturation temperature varies between 889 and 1071 °C which is consistent with the liquidus temperature of the granitic melt. However, somewhat lower temperatures of crystallization of zircons (822–836 °C) were obtained by Ti-in-zircon thermometer. Two feldspar thermometry yields crystallization temperature ranging from 647 to 705 °C. F-free arfvedsonite crystallized at around 670 °C. Aegirine also crystallized around 670 °C. Arfvedsonite and aegirine crystallization indicates near solidus temperature of the magma. Zr-poor nature of both arfvedsonite and aegirine and presence of discrete zircon crystals suggest high oxygen fugacity of the magma. During the crystallization of zircon (near liquidus condition of the magma), the oxygen fugacity fluctuated around QFM buffer (ΔQFM = −1.22 to +1.29) as indicated by the Ce-anomalies in zircon. Later on, during the crystallization of arfvedsonite (near solidus condition of the magma), the granitic melt achieved oxygen fugacity condition above QFM buffer as indicated by the high Fe3+/(Fe2++Fe3+) ratios (0.2–0.23) of arfvedsonites. High Si/(Na + Fe + Si) ratios (0.52–0.57) of these arfvedsonites also suggest that oxygen fugacity reached above the NNO buffer during the later stage of crystallization. Pseudosection analysis of the studied rocks suggests that the mineral assemblage was equilibrated within the temperature range from 505 to 515 °C and oxygen fugacity range from −19 to −23 log units (bar), i.e. above NNO-buffer. The nearly Ti-free aegirines crystallized in highly oxidized condition near HM buffer. The development of coronal aegirine around arfvedsonite indicates the crystallization following an oxidizing path, towards the HM buffer. Water content of the granitic melt during crystallization of quartz and feldspar is estimated to be around 6 wt%. During the crystallization of arfvedsonite water content of the melt came down to 0.02 wt%. The high oxidation state and water saturated parental melts of the Dimra Pahar granite require a highly oxidized, hydrated source for the melts. A subduction-modified, metasomatically enriched lithospheric mantle or asthenospheric mantle can be considered as the source for the basaltic parental melt of Dimra Pahar granite.

Metallogeny of the continental collision-related Jiagang W-Mo deposit, Tibet: Evidence from geochronology and petrogenesis

The Jiagang W-Mo deposit is the first greisen-type tungsten deposit recognized in the Lhasa terrane, and thus it has important genetic implications for understanding the regional tungsten mineralization potential. Greisen-type orebodies dominate in the deposit. Ores characterized by veinlets and dissemination are located in intensively altered monzogranite and contact zones between the monzogranites and sedimentary rocks. The minor quartz vein-type orebodies occuring as large quartz veins mainly precipitated in the sedimentary rocks. Intrusions associated with the Jiagang deposit are monzogranites, which can be subdivided into medium-grained monzogranite (MMG), porphyritic monzogranite (PMG), and fine-grained monzogranite (FMG). The zircon U-Pb ages of the PMG and MMG are 18.2 ± 0.2 Ma and 18.6 ± 0.1 Ma, respectively. These ages are consistent with the muscovite 40Ar-39Ar plateau ages (18.7 ± 0.2 Ma, 18.5 ± 0.2 Ma) and the molybdenite Re-Os isochron age (19.0 ± 0.3 Ma) within errors, indicating that the Jiagang W-Mo mineralization took place during the post-collisional stage of the Indo-Asian continental collision. The mineralization is temporally, spatially and genetically associated with the monzogranitic intrusions. The FMGs have the lowest SiO2 contents (70.8–71.5 wt%), lowest differentiation index (DI = 85.7–86.3) and least obviously negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.22–0.42). The PMGs and MMGs have higher SiO2 contents (72.6–76.3 wt%), higher differentiation index (DI = 89.3–92.7) and more negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.11–0.24). Almost all of the rocks are strongly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.02–1.29), enriched in LILEs and depleted in HFSEs. Concentrations of K2O, CaO, FeOT and TiO2 of the three types of monzogranites show negative correlations with SiO2, while P2O5 exhibits the opposite trend. Values of Nb/Ta decrease with SiO2 contents, and those of (La/Yb)N increase with La contents. Whole rock εNd(t) of the FMGs range from −11.3 to −11.1 with two-stage Nd isotopic model ages (TDM2) of 1741–1797 Ma, which are similar to those of the PMGs and MMGs (εNd(t) = −10.9– −10.6; TDM2 = 1709–1816 Ma). Zircon εHf(t) values of the PMG and MMG range from −13.8 to −5.3 with two-stage Hf isotopic model ages of 1439–1979 Ma. These data suggest that the ore-forming monzogranites are strongly peraluminous S-type granites, which should be derived from anatexis of the Proterozoic metagreywackes underneath the central Lhasa subterrane. The PMG and MMG are highly fractionated through various degrees of fractional crystallization of plagioclase, K-feldspar, biotite, monazite and allanite from the parental melts represented by the FMG. Zircon trace elements suggest that oxygen fugacity of the ore-forming magmas is relatively low and decreased as the magmas evolved, which is favorable to remove substantial tungsten from melts into the tungsten-mineralizing hydrothermal fluids. A high degree of fractional crystallization of the crustally-derived magmas with relatively low magmatic oxidation state are the critical factors determining the generation of the tungsten mineralization in the Jiagang deposit. Combined with the existing breakthroughs in prospecting exploration, we propose that the central Lhasa subterrane has great metallogenic potential in W-(Mo) mineralization associated with the Indo-Asian continental collision.

Metasedimentary Metatexites with Trondhjemitic Leucosomes from NE Sicily: Another Example of Prograde Water-fluxed Melting in Collisional Belts

Trondhjemitic leucosomes, hosted in late Variscan metasedimentary migmatites from the upper amphibolite-facies basement of the north-eastern Peloritani Mountains (southern Italy), have petrographic and geochemical features consistent with their origin as near-pure melts derived from in situ water-fluxed melting of their paragneiss host-rocks. Comparison with results of experimental melting and thermodynamic modelling of metasedimentary rocks suggests a dominant derivation of the leucosomes by melting, at c. 1.0 GPa and 700 °C, metagreywackes with a high pelitic content. Migmatization likely began at the thickening-related baric peak, or during the early post-collisional exhumation stages. A subsequent heating stage following the decompression and solidification of the leucosomes triggered a second melting stage, involving muscovite and biotite incongruent breakdown, with an associated production of peritectic sillimanite and garnet, and small leucogranitic patches within the trondhjemitic leucosomes. These melting events can be framed in the typical clockwise P-T-(t) evolution of the Variscan Belt in western and southern Europe, depicting collision-related thickening followed by widespread migmatization, starting close to the baric peak at c. 345 Ma and continuing during exhumation, with a duration of c. 25 Ma, up to c. 320 Ma.

The formation of the giant Huayangchuan U-Nb deposit associated with carbonatite in the Qingling Orogenic Belt

Carbonatitic magmatism plays a significant role in outgassing carbon from mantle and the formation of rare earth element (REE), rare metal (e.g., Nb and Th) and other types of deposits. The mechanism of REE mineralization associated with carbonatite have been widely studied. However, it is hard to understand U-Nb mineralization without Th enrichment associated with carbonatite. Here we report a carbonatite-hosted U-Nb deposit in Huayangchuan, located in the north Qinling Orogenic Belt. Field observation, mineralogy and geochemical analysis on a suite of drillhole samples were conducted to decipher the mineralization mechanism and its relationship with carbonatite. Huayangchuan carbonatite samples mainly consist of calcite and augite with small volume of accessory minerals (e.g., allanite, fluorapatite, barite and celestite). Betafite [(Ca,U)2(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O6(OH)] is the major ore-bearing mineral in Huayangchuan deposit.The carbonatite shows high CaO, low MgO and alkali contents, which should be products to be differentiated from primary carbonatite (high MgO and alkali contents). The immiscibility and crystallization processes could explain the high CaO/(CaO + MgO + FeO) ratios and the enrichment of LILE. Numerical modeling also indicates positive δ18OSMOW (7.29 to 15.53‰) and negative δ13CPDB (−5.26 to −10.08‰) shifts are induced by reduced sediments assimilation from source consistent with there being enriched Sr-Nd and low Mg isotopic compositions. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of Huayangchuan carbonatite yielded Triassic ages of 229 ± 3 Ma, which corresponds to the post-collision stage of Qinling Orogen during the middle-late Triassic. We then proposed that the recycling of subducted sediments and later re-melting of those materials in shallow mantle generated the Huayangchuan carbonatite and subsequently formed the Huayangchuan deposit. Fluorine concentration decrease, caused by fluorapatite crystallization, ultimately resulted in betafite mineralization.

Evidence for Early Tonian (Ca. 1000-940 Ma) continental rifting in southern Borborema Province (NE Brazil): tectonic inheritance and shear zone nucleation during assembly of West Gondwana

ABSTRACT The factors controlling the inception of continental-scale transcurrent shear zones are still under debate. In order to a better understanding of the origin and evolution of the 400 km long West Pernambuco shear zone (WPSZ), we undertook a structural, geochronological and geochemical study in an area around its eastern termination. The WPSZ is one of the most expressive strike-slip shear zones in the Borborema Province of NE Brazil, which resulted from orogenic processes associated with the assembly of western Gondwana in the Late Neoproterozoic. Previous studies have shown that 1000–940 Ma-old granitic orthogneisses are located immediately to the south of the western and central portions of the WPSZ. Based on LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating, we show that rocks with similar ages (995–956 Ma) also occur to the East. The geochemical characteristics of this magmatism and the alignment of the bodies along a narrow, less than 40 km-wide belt point to emplacement in a continental rift-related setting. The WPSZ thus follows the trend of a pre-existing rheological discontinuity, which induced strain localization during the post-collisional stage of the Brasiliano-Pan-African orogeny.

Geochronology and geochemistry of magmatic rocks in the Dongzi–Changhanboluo Pb–Zn ore district in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, and their relationship with metallogenesis

Bulk-rock elements, isotopes, and zircon U–Pb ages are reported for magmatic rocks in the Dongzi–Changhanboluo Pb–Zn ore district in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China. Zircon U–Pb dating identified four stages of magmatism: Late Silurian gabbroic diorite (~ 420 Ma), Middle Permian monzonite (~ 274 Ma), Late Jurassic quartz porphyry and ignimbrite, breccia tuff (153–158 Ma) and Early Cretaceous andesitic porphyrite (~ 127 Ma). Integrating field observations, geochronology, and element and isotope geochemistry indicated a complex petrogenetic history of the magmatic rocks. The gabbroic diorite may have been sourced from EM1-type mantle. The source of the monzonite may have been mantle metasomatized by melt from the subducting plate. The Jurassic volcaniclastic rocks formed in a medium-pressure, high-temperature environment, possibly in the background of crustal thickening in a syncollisional stage and an early postcollisional stage. During this process, shaly sedimentary rocks were brought into the deep crust and heated, followed by the rapid isostatic uplift of the crust, which caused partial melting of the sedimentary rocks. Quartz monzonite porphyry and quartz porphyry formed by partial melting of mantle metasomatized by subducted sediments, but the quartz porphyry experienced high-degree differentiation and evolution. The andesitic porphyrite has characteristics similar to those of Permian monzonite, indicating that its source area was also the zone of mantle metasomatized by subducted sediment. The late Silurian and Permian magmatic rocks in this area most likely formed against a continental arc background related to the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean Plate beneath the North China Plate. The Late Jurassic magmatic rocks suggest that the northern margin of the North China Craton may have been in a post-collisional setting during the Late Jurassic, with no obvious crustal thinning. The Cretaceous andesitic porphyrite may have formed against the background of lithospheric extension and thinning. According to the comprehensive analysis of geological characteristics, diagenetic and metallogenic epochs, and Pb isotope data, the formation of ore bodies in the Dongzi–Changhanboluo ore district was closely related to the Jurassic quartz porphyry.