Potassic Magmas Research Articles

Late Eocene–Oligocene post-collisional monzonitic intrusions from the Alborz magmatic belt, NW Iran. An example of monzonite magma generation from a metasomatized mantle source

A potassic magmatic association in the Zagros hinterland of the Tethyan orogen in Iran is identified and characterized for relevant geochronologic and petrologic features. New data, including a combination of field relations, U–Pb zircon geochronology and rock geochemistry, come from seven plutons (Khankandi, Shaivar-Dagh, Yuseflu, Mizan, Saheb-Divan, Roudbar and Abhar) that form the Arasbaran–Taroum batholith (ATB), which forms part of the Alborz magmatic belt (AMB) of NW Iran. Zircon SHRIMP ages range from 38.32±0.17Ma, 38.94±0.42Ma and 37.78±0.28Ma for magma pulses of the Abhar pluton, at the East of the batholith, to 24.51±0.27Ma and 23.55±0.47Ma for pulses of the Mizan pluton at the West. Considering these ages and the previously published ones together, emplacement of the batholith took place during Late Eocene and Oligocene, from 38 to 23Ma, with an age progression from SE to NW at a rate of 2cm/year. The whole batholith is characterized by potassic rocks with K2O>2wt.% in gabbros and diorites (SiO2<50wt.%). Higher contents of K2O, of up to >6wt.%, are normally found in rocks with intermediate silica contents of about 60wt.% SiO2. These intermediate silica rocks are truly monzonites and are the most abundant in each pluton. With regard to trace elements, the monzonitic rocks of the ATB show some of the typical signatures of arc magmatism (depletion in Nb and Ti). Most samples contain moderate contents of Sr (500–800ppm), close to similar potassic magmas forming Cenozoic complexes in Central Iran. The relatively moderate Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios suggest that ATB magmas retain some adakitic signatures from the source region. Geochemical modeling is performed by using melt compositions and phase relations calculated with MELTS software, combined with experimental data and trace element signatures. We conclude that monzonitic and shoshonitic magmas of some plutons of the ATB (Shaivar-Dagh, Kahnkandi and Yuseflu) have an adakitic signature inherited from early melts that metasomatized the peridotite mantle. Decompression melting at a relatively low pressure of a metasomatized mantle source is the most plausible explanation for the generation of potassic magmas of the ATB. The lack of adakitic signature in three plutons supports the hypothesis that trace-element features are related to processes in the source. The tectonic implications are straightforward: First, subduction is needed to cook a metasomatized mantle source by fluxing of calc-alkaline melts (adakitic or not) from the subduction zone. Second, lithosphere extension is needed to carry metasomatized mantle to melt and to generate the potassic magmatism that formed the Arasbaran–Taroum batholith, as well as other Cenozoic potassic magmas of the Alborz magmatic belt in NW Iran.

Miocene shoshonite volcanism in Sardinia: Implications for magma sources and geodynamic evolution of the central-western Mediterranean

In this paper we document the existence of a Miocene shoshonite (SHO) volcanism in Northern Sardinia (Anglona). This occurrence completes the spectrum of orogenic magmas related to the subduction process which developed from the Eocene along the Palaeo-European continental margin, in concert with the opening of the Ligurian–Balearic back-arc basin and southeastward drift/rotation of the Sardinia–Corsica continental block. K–Ar ages show that the oldest volcanics of the area are calcalkaline (CA) basalts and andesites (~21Ma), overlain by 19.7–18.4Ma-old more potassic products such as high-potassium calcalkaline (HK-CA) and SHO lavas. CA, HK-CA and SHO suites include basalts and differentiated lavas of andesite and latite composition, respectively, that (according to the PELE software modelling) represent ~40–45% residual liquid fraction after shallow fractional crystallization. Application of the “Arc Magma Simulator” software suggests that the generation of primary melts of the distinct suites may occur at similar degrees of partial melting (5–8%) and melting pressures (2–2.2GPa, ~60–70km depth) in the mantle wedge. By contrast, the potassic character of parental melts of CA, HK-CA and SHO suites is controlled by 1) the amount of subducted continental components (possibly terrigenous sediments) and 2) the pressure (depth) at which these metasomatic agents are released from the slab. Results suggest that the slab depth beneath the volcanic district increased from ~80–100 to 100–120km for CA and SHO magmas, respectively. Accordingly, the evolution from CA to SHO magmatism in the same plumbing system could be related to slab deepening and increase of the subduction angle of ~5–10° in the time span of 2–3Ma. This tectono-magmatic scenario conforms to the major anticlockwise rotation (~30°) event of the Sardinia block (between 20.5 and 18Ma). This geodynamic evolution preludes the development of the volcanism in the Apennine–Tyrrhenian domains, where the final collisional/post-collisional stages of subduction were characterized by accentuated slab retreat and roll back, inter-arc extension and eruption of highly potassic magmas in the frontal arc (Roman and Aeolian Provinces).

Sr-Nd isotopic disequilibrium of clinopyroxenes from the ultrapotassic effusive rocks of the East African rift system: Mixing of melts and source heterogeneity

505 Ultrapotassic magmatism is the deepest type of magmatism showing a number of indicators of mantle source enrichment in incompatible trace elements (1). The western branch of the East African rift system is a classic area of the occurrence of ultrapotassic rocks (2, 3). The presence of rocks with different modal and chemical compositions within a relatively small area reflects kilometerscale heterogeneity in the upper mantle. The most popular model for the source of potassic magmas is a lherzolitic (harzburgitic?) mantle with numerous pyroxenite veins and layers (4). Addi� tional evidence for the heterogeneity of the source of potassic magmas in the western branch of the rift was obtained during the investigation of Sr and Nd isotopic systematics in phenocrysts from the volcanic rocks. Despite extensive geological work in this region, only a few Sr-Nd and Pb isotope analyses were reported for the kamafugite group of rocks (5, 6), and we are not aware of any published isotopic data for the major minerals of these rocks. Some studies were car� ried out for clinopyroxene from East African nephelin� ite lavas from Napak Volcano, eastern Uganda (7), and Mount Elgon Volcano, eastern Uganda-western Kenya (8). This paper reports the results of the investi� gation of Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of the major minerals (clinopyroxene and mica) of kamafugites and an attempt to estimate the composition of their mantle source. Our study focused on ultrapotassic volcanic rocks from the ToroAnkole and Virunga provinces in the northern part of the western branch of the East African rift system. The ToroAnkole volcanics are the youngest rocks of the East African rift system, and their K-Ar and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age is no higher than 50 000 yr (9). Most samples for this study were collected within the Bun� yaruguru volcanic field. Samples of kamafugite (ugan� dite) and its probable derivatives, melaleucitite and leu� citite, from Visoke Volcano (Virunga Province) were studied for the sake of comparison. 1 The magmatism of the Virunga Province is of Miocene age (10). Among the characteristic features of the kamafugite rocks of the ToroAnkole Province are high Mg # values (up to 0.79), high contents of Ni (up to 780 ppm) and Cr (up to 1170 ppm), and extreme enrichment in incompatible trace elements: Ce/Y is up to 26.38; Zr/Y, up to 26.22; (La/Yb)n , up to 142,69; and (La/Sm) n , up to 7.27 (11).

Gold solubility and partitioning between sulfide liquid, monosulfide solid solution and hydrous mantle melts: Implications for the formation of Au-rich magmas and crust–mantle differentiation

The solubility of Au in sulfur-free vs. sulfide-saturated melts and its partitioning behavior between sulfide liquid (SL), monosulfide solid solution (MSS) and hydrous basanite melt at variable Au activities was investigated in a fO2 range of FMQ−2 to FMQ+1.6 at 1200°C/1.5GPa using piston cylinder apparatus. Gold solubility in sulfur-free (<100μg/g S) melt is low (0.6–1.6μg/g) and increases with fO2 in a manner consistent with Au dissolution as AuO1/2, whereas in sulfide-saturated melts it is high (13.6±1.7μg/g) and independent of fO2. Variations in the chlorine content of sulfide-saturated melts (0.2–1.2wt% Cl) had no measurable effect on Au solubility. Gold partition coefficients between sulfide liquid and silicate melt (DAuSL/SM) are very high, ∼10,000±3000, which is at the upper end of values reported in previous studies. Gold partition coefficients between MSS and silicate melt (DAuMSS/SM) are much lower, 60±10, which is at the lower end of previous values. Both DAuSL/SM and DAuMSS/SM are independent of fO2. The new Au partition coefficients were used in conjunction with previously published Cu and Ag partition coefficients to investigate the role of MSS versus SL during partial melting in the source region of primitive potassic magmas and during crust–mantle differentiation.The high Au content of ore deposits associated with potassic magmas has commonly been explained by the dissolution of Au-rich sulfide liquid, either during partial melting in the mantle source or during partial re-melting of sulfide-bearing cumulates at the crust–mantle boundary. We argue that MSS is the dominant sulfide phase in the mantle source region of these magmas, and thus that their high Au content is a consequence of low MSS–silicate melt partition coefficients rather than of sulfide exhaustion or partial re-melting of sulfide-bearing cumulates.Continental crust is depleted in Au, Ag and Cu relative to mantle melts, which was thought to be due to removal of sulfide liquid at the crust–mantle boundary. However, based on sulfide phase relations at high-pressure and high-temperature and corresponding sulfide–silicate melt partition coefficients we come to the conclusion that sulfides precipitated at the crust–mantle boundary are dominated by MSS rather than sulfide liquid, and thus have a much lower capability to sequester Au, Ag and Pb than in the case of sulfide liquid.

Mantle and crustal processes in the magmatism of the Campania region: inferences from mineralogy, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–O isotopes of young hybrid volcanics of the Ischia island (South Italy)

Ischia, one active volcano of the Phlegraean Volcanic District, prone to very high risk, is dominated by a caldera formed 55 ka BP, followed by resurgence of the collapsed area. Over the past 3 ka, the activity extruded evolved potassic magmas; only a few low-energy explosive events were fed by less evolved magmas. A geochemical and Sr–Nd–O isotope investigation has been performed on minerals and glass from products of three of such eruptions, Molara, Vateliero, and Cava Nocelle (<2.6 ka BP). Data document strong mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic heterogeneities likely resulting from mingling/mixing processes among mafic and felsic magmas that already fed the Ischia volcanism in the past. Detailed study on the most mafic magma has permitted to investigate its origin. The mantle sector below Ischia underwent subduction processes that modified its pristine chemical, isotopic, and redox conditions by addition of ≤1 % of sediment fluids/melts. Similar processes occurred from Southeast to Northwest along the Apennine compressive margin, with addition of up to 2.5 % of sediment-derived material. This is shown by volcanics with poorly variable, typical δ18O mantle values, and 87Sr/86Sr progressively increasing toward typical continental crust values. Multiple partial melting of this modified mantle generated distinct primary magmas that occasionally assimilated continental crust, acquiring more 18O than 87Sr. At Ischia, 7 % of Hercynian granodiorite assimilation produced isotopically distinct, K-basaltic to latitic magmas. A SW–NE regional tectonic structure gave these magmas coming from large depth the opportunity to mingle/mix with felsic magmas stagnating in shallower reservoirs, eventually triggering explosive eruptions.

2.46 Ga kalsilite and nepheline syenites from the Awsard pluton, Reguibat Rise of the West African Craton, Morocco. Generation of extremely K-rich magmas at the Archean–Proterozoic transition

The Awsard pluton in the Moroccan part of the Reguibat Rise, West African Craton, contains the oldest kalsilite-bearing rocks discovered to date, with a SHRIMP zircon U/Pb age of 2.46±0.01Ga. The pluton is composed of nepheline syenites, kalsilite syenites and minor silica-saturated syenites, all with the same primitive Sr and Nd initial isotope compositions and Nd model age that cluster around 87Sr/86Sr2.46Ga≈0.7029, ɛNd2.46Ga≈−1.4, and TDM≈2.75Ga. Silica-saturated syenites are in fact contact fenites that grade into nepheline syenites, but the two feldspathoidal syenites are true magmatic rocks that crystallized from two coeval highly fractionated K-rich magmas with sharply different chemical compositions. Chemical, isotopic and textural evidence suggests that the two magmas originated by liquid immiscibility within an already fractionated alkaline potassic magma of asthenospheric origin that split in two phases, a nephelinitic melt rich in HFSE+REE, and a kalsilitic melt poor in HFSE+REE. The Awsard pluton, spatially associated to carbonatites and other alkaline rocks, does not mark a Late Archean fossil subduction zone but represents the first manifestation of a Paleoproterozoic alkaline province located in the Reguibat Rise, the full extent and importance of which is yet to be determined.

Potassic magma genesis and the Ailao Shan-Red River fault

Two types of K-rich magma of Eocene to Early Oligocene (ca. 40–30) and Plio-Pleistocene (ca. 5–0.1Ma) age were emplaced prior to and following left-lateral slip on the Ailao Shan-Red River (ASRR) fault, a regional shear zone extending between southwest China and the Tonkin Gulf (South China Sea) that accommodated ‘escape’ of the Indochina block. The first type is exposed in the Dali-Lijiang and adjacent regions of western Yunnan and Sichuan and comprises ultramafic potassic to ultrapotassic ‘absarokites’ and their shoshonite, banakite, and SiO2-rich derivatives which were emplaced immediately prior to activation of the ASRR fault. They are characterized by high Mg.-nos, and low contents of fusible oxides (FeO*, CaO, Al2O3), for equivalent MgO content, and pronounced primitive mantle-normalized high-field strength element (HFSE) depletions. In contrast, ‘post-escape’ K-rich magmas were erupted in the Puer, Maguan-Pingbian regions of south and southeast Yunnan. Apart from their relative enrichments in potassium they show typical HFSE-rich intra-plate compositional affinity. Geological and geomorphic evidence, and thermochronologic age dating of metamorphisc events, suggest that left-lateral shearing occurred between ca. 30 and 17Ma; thereby accommodating the southeastward ‘escape’ of Indochina and (possibly) two episodes of spreading in the South China Sea. The southwestern part of Dali-Lijiang magmatic products was detached and offset by ca. 600km and are now located in Phan Xi Pang in northern Viet Nam. The same is true for the Permo-Triassic Emeishan flood basalts, whose western exposures were likewise displaced by the same amount and are now represented by the Song Da complex, also in northern Viet Nam. Here, we report geochemical, isotopic, and 40Ar/39Ar age data for samples from both the ‘pre-escape’ Dali-Lijiang magmas and the ‘post-escape’ K-rich Puer, Maguan-Pingbian basalts and basanites, with a view to comparing and contrasting their interpolated source compositions, estimated conditions of upper mantle melt segregation and, by inference, their mantle dynamic and contamination histories insofar as these were conditioned by the India-Asia collision. Our interpretations yielded two complementary conclusions. The first contends that the pre-escape magmas result from adiabatic melting of crust-contaminated asthenosphere comprising a ‘mélange’ of continental lithospheric mantle (CLM) (hydrated by sab-derived hysdrous fluids released at 0.2–0.5GPa) and lower crust, delaminated from the overriding plate during mantle wedge corner flow and further enriched by metasomatic melts of subducted continental crust. We postulate that incipient H2O-saturated melting of the ‘mélange’ occurs at depths of between ca. 100 and 200km after being ‘dragged’ down by relict oceanic slab fragments, in response to the dehydration of supra-subduction amphibole- and phlogopite. The ensuing viscosity ‘crisis’ and buoyancy relative to ambient ‘fertile’ convecting mantle of such asthenospheric ‘pockets’, and the collision-related change from lithospheric compression to extension, almost certainly predisposes such a refractory yet crust-contaminated ‘pockets’ to rapid adiabatic melting. The second conclusion concerns the post-escape K-rich basalts and basanites and is based on the contention that decompression melting of thermally anomalous K-rich asthenospheric occurred in response to regional post-escape transtension, concomitant with the cessation Indochina escape and contiguous seafloor spreading. However, although these magmas share the HFSE-rich fertile source character of other, widely dispersed, post-escape Cenozoic basalts they more specifically resemble relatively rare examples of intra-plate, K-rich activity observed in northeast China, central Spain, and elsewhere in Asia and Europe, arguably (indirectly) reflecting mantle perturbations caused by major continental collisions.

Contribution of mantle components within juvenile lower-crust to collisional zone porphyry Cu systems in Tibet

Most porphyry Cu–Mo–Au deposits are found in magmatic arcs worldwide, and are associated with hydrous, high-fO2, calc-alkaline magmas, derived from a mantle wedge that was metasomatized by the fluids from a subducted oceanic slab. Recently, such deposits have been documented as occurring widely in collisional settings, where they are associated with potassic magmas generated during the collisional process, but the genesis of the fertile magmas and the mechanism of metallic enrichment remain controversial. Here we present new geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data from the post-collisional fertile and barren porphyries of the Miocene Gangdese porphyry belt in the Tibetan orogen, an orogen formed by the collision of India and Asia in the early Cenozoic. Both types of porphyry are characterized by high K2O contents, and have geochemical affinities with adakite, but the fertile magmas were most likely derived from the melting of a thickened juvenile mafic lower-crust, formed by the underplating of earlier asthenospheric melts at the base of crust, whereas the derivation of the barren magmas involved variable amounts of old lower-crust in Tibet. The melting of sulfide-bearing phases in the juvenile mantle components of the Tibetan lower-crust probably provided Cu, Au, and S to the fertile magmas. The breakdown of amphibole during melting at the source released the fluids necessary for the formation of the porphyry Cu deposits in Tibet. The thickened crust (up to 70–80 km), due to collision, is thought to be responsible for a decrease in the fO2 of the fertile magmas during their ascent to the upper crust, thus preventing the generation of more porphyry Cu–Au and epithermal Au deposits in this collisional zone.

Source contamination and tectonomagmatic signals of overlapping Early to Middle Miocene orogenic magmas associated with shallow continental subduction and asthenospheric mantle flows in Western Anatolia: A record from Simav (Kütahya) region

The disappearances of mafic shoshonitic and ultrapotassic magma prior to Late Oligocene in Western Anatolia post-collisional tectonic settings, and the sudden appearance of Early-Middle Miocene potassic lavas with orogenic geochemical signatures, indicate a striking change of mantle sources during the Early-Middle Miocene period, and require a special explanation. In this regard, the Simav (Kütahya) region of Western Anatolia represents a critical area, where the Early-Middle Miocene mafic potassic (shoshonite, absarokite, ultrapotassic) and high-K calc-alkaline (andesite, dacite-rhyolite, granite) series rocks overlap in the extensional geotectonic setting in a back-arc position. The appraisal of petrological data obtained from Simav igneous complex indicates that there is a remarkable geochemical and isotopic similarity (e.g., negative Eu anomalies; Nb–Ta depletions; high Sr, low Nd and variable Pb isotope compositions) between coevally generated mafic potassic and high-K calc-alkaline magma series. The near primitive mafic potassic (MHKS) lavas with high Sr isotope compositions require a heterogeneous mantle source contaminated with crustal materials. Dragged and delaminated crustal components, caused by shallow continental subduction and the late arrived subducted terrigenous sediments from the Aegean trench are likely candidate sources of continental materials incorporated into the mantle source of the Simav mafic potassic (MHKS) magmas. The nature of these components also played a significant role in the compositional variations of Simav mafic series rocks. The Simav mafic potassic (MHKS) magmas were derived from a crust-contaminated, subduction-modified (metasomatized) EM-II type mantle source, interacting with influxed asthenosphere in a back-arc mantle wedge, whereas mixing of lower crustal silicic melts with underplated potassic mafic magmas resulted in coeval high-K calc-alkaline rocks, matched by the extent of crustal contamination observed in the more evolved silicic rocks. The petrogenesis of the Simav magmatism was triggered by multiple driving forces with kinematic linkage: such as asthenospheric mantle flows, trench retreat, shallow continental subduction, regional extensional uplifting (e.g., Menderes Massif), and concomitant extension and delaminations of subducted (accreted) crust and mantle lithosphere. Considering the Late Tertiary geodynamic picture of the Western Anatolia back-arc extensional province, the initiation of post-collisional potassic and ultrapotassic magma pulses, as a tectonomagmatic precursor, provide evidence for (i) the timing of last stage of regional uplifting (e.g., Menderes Massif) and onset of extensional basin formations in different periods, and (ii) rapid tectonic transitions.

Geochemistry of Tertiary Igneous Rocks of Northern Luzon, Philippines: Evidence for a Back-Arc Setting for Alkalic Porphyry Copper-Gold Deposits and a Case for Slab Roll-Back?

Oligocene to early Miocene volcanic rocks are preserved in the Central Cordillera range and Cagayan Valley of northern Luzon, Philippines. Basaltic and andesitic rocks of the Pugo Formation in the Baguio district of the Central Cordillera were intruded by the ~27 to 20 Ma calc-alkaline Central Cordillera Diorite Complex. In the southern Cagayan Valley the subalkaline to alkaline late Oligocene Mamparang Formation overlies the Cretaceous Caraballo Formation and has been intruded by the Didipio Igneous Complex, the Cordon Syenite Complex, and the Palali batholith. The Didipio complex comprises an early suite of diorites, which were intruded by the strongly mineralized stocks of the Dinkidi Cu-Au porphyry deposit. Whole-rock geochemical data for intrusive and extrusive rocks of the Baguio district range from low K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic basalts to dacites with rare earth element (REE) and high field strength element (HFSE) characteristics of suprasubduction zone magmas and are all interpreted to have been sourced from the same parent melt. Samples from Didipio display higher alkali contents but similar trace element characteristics. New age dates for the Didipio area range from 25.7 to 24.8 Ma. The potassic magmas of the Cagayan Valley are interpreted to have formed in a back-arc coeval to the mainarc sequence that is preserved in the Baguio Miocene rocks. This contradicts earlier models, which invoke an early Miocene arc reversal in the northern Luzon archipelago with the switch from early westward subduction to later eastward subduction attributed to a variety of causes. The lack of a single compelling trigger for arc reversal combined with the coeval emplacement of arc magmas in the west and back-arc magmas in the east in northern Luzon is best interpreted as the result of eastward subduction since the late Oligocene. The presence of ~20 Ma adakitic magmas in the Baguio district may indicate that flattening of the downgoing slab resulted in a hiatus in magmatism and termination of back-arc rifting.

Petrology of the most recent ultrapotassic magmas from the Roman Province (Central Italy)

We report on the newly discovered lava flow that erupted in the Colli Albani Volcanic District, which is the most recent and, geochemically the most peculiar effusive event recognised in the entire ultrapotassic Roman Province (Central Italy).This lava flow is associated with the Monte Due Torri scoria cone, located approximately 5km south of the Albano hydromagmatic centre (69–36ka). The Monte Due Torri scoria cone displays well-preserved morphological characteristics and the 40±7ka age determined for the associated lava flow indicates that its activity was nearly contemporaneous to the most recent, explosive activity that occurred at the Albano centre from 41 to 36ka.By comparing chemical and petrological features of the Monte Due Torri lava flow, Albano products, and older products (>69ka), we show that the youngest Colli Albani eruptions were fed by two new batches of parental magmas that originated in a phlogopite-bearing metasomatised mantle, each one feeding one of the two youngest eruptive cycles (at 69ka and 41–36ka). The trace element signature, e.g., very low Pb content, of primitive (MgO>3wt.%) magmas feeding the initiation of the hydromagmatic activity at Albano (69ka) and the subsequent effusive activity at Monte Due Torri (40ka) indicates that a magma chamber located in the deep anhydrite-bearing dolomite formation was tapped. However, the polygenic activity, the changes in magma composition, and the variable thermometamorphic clasts occurring in the hydromagmatic deposits (recording variable substrata) suggest, particularly for the Albano eruptive centre, a more complex plumbing system consisting of at least two more magma chambers at a shallower depth, i.e., in the Mesozoic limestone and Pliocene pelite formations.The large amount of stratigraphic, volcanological, and geochemical data collected for the Colli Albani Volcanic District, one of the main districts in the ultrapotassic Roman Province, enable us to contribute insights into the still open debate regarding the temporal variation of the metasomatised mantle source of the Italian potassic magmas. Based on our data, i.e., variation of radiogenic and trace elements over time, we suggest that the observed variation in the mantle source of the ultrapotassic magmas can be related to progressive consumption of the phlogopite component in the metasomatised source rather than the transition from lithosphere- to asthenosphere-derived magmatism and/or the transition from orogenic to anorogenic magmatism.

Post-collisional polycyclic plutonism from the Zagros hinterland: the Shaivar Dagh plutonic complex, Alborz belt, Iran

AbstractThe petrological and geochronological study of the Cenozoic Shaivar Dagh composite intrusion in the Alborz Mountain belt (NW Iran) reveals important clues to decipher complex relations between magmatic and tectonic processes in the central sectors of the Tethyan (Alpine–Himalayan) orogenic belt. This pluton is formed by intrusion at different times of two main magmatic cycles. The older (Cycle 1) is formed by calc-alkaline silicic rocks, which range in composition from diorites to granodiorites and biotite granites, with abundant mafic microgranular enclaves. The younger cycle (Cycle 2) is formed by K-rich monzodiorite and monzonite of marked shoshonitic affinity. The latter form the larger volumes of the exposed plutonic rocks in the studied complex. Zircon geochronology (laser ablation ICP-MS analyses) gives a concordia age of 30.8 ± 2.1 Ma for the calc-alkaline rocks (Cycle 1) and a range from 23.3 ± 0.5 to 25.1 ± 0.9 Ma for the shoshonitic association (Cycle 2). Major and trace element relations strongly support distinct origins for each magmatic cycle. Rocks of Cycle 1 have all the characteristic features of active continental margins. Shoshonitic rocks (Cycle 2) define two continuous fractionation trends: one departing from a K-rich basaltic composition and the other from an intermediate, K-rich composition. A metasomatized-mantle origin for the two shoshonitic series of Cycle 2 is proposed on the basis of comparisons with experimental data. The origin of the calc-alkaline series is more controversial but it can be attributed to processes in the suprasubduction mantle wedge related to the incorporation of subducted mélanges in the form of silicic cold plumes. A time sequence can be established for the processes responsible of the generation of the two magmatic cycles: first a calc-alkaline cycle typical of active continental margins, and second a K-rich cycle formed by monzonites and monzodiorites. This sequence precludes the younger potassic magmas as precursors of the older calc-alkaline series. By contrast, the older calc-alkaline magmas may represent the metasomatic agents that modified the mantle wedge during the last stages of subduction and cooked a fertile mantle region for late potassic magmatism after continental collision.

The Fazenda Gavião granodiorite and associated potassic plutons as evidence for Palaeoproterozoic arc-continent collision in the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt, Brazil

Abstract Several granitic plutons have intruded the Palaeoproterozoic Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt, Sao Francisco craton, Brazil, in the time interval 2163-2080 Ma, but their tectonic significance is poorly understood. The Fazenda Gaviao granodiorite (FGG) is one of a set of plutons emplaced along the western boundary of the greenstone belt with Archaean migmatite-gneiss basement. The pluton is mostly composed of hornblende granodiorite, occasionally crosscut by syn-plutonic mafic dykes. The FGG is metaluminous, medium- to high-K calc-alkaline with relatively constant silica abundances (SiO2 ∼ 63–66 wt%), high Sr (900–800 ppm) and high Ba (1000–1500 ppm). The associated mafic dykes are ultrapotassic, with high abundances of Ba, Sr, MgO, Ni, Cr, and light rare earth elements, suggesting derivation from partial melts of an enriched mantle source. The FGG originated probably by fractional crystallization from a primitive K-rich mafic magma that interacted with crustal melts. Its zircon U–Pb SHRIMP age of 2106 ± 6 Ma indicates that the FGG is younger than the early (2163-2127 Ma) tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) and calc-alkaline arc plutons of the greenstone belt, and is closely related in time and space with potassic to ultrapotassic plutons (ca. 2110-2105 Ma). The negative eNd(t) of FGG and coeval K-rich plutons of the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt contrasts markedly with the positive eNd(t) of the older arc plutons, indicating a major change of isotope signatures in granites of the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt with time. This isotope shift may be related to magma contamination with older continental material and/or derivation of the parental potassic magma from enriched lithospheric mantle sources. We suggest that the K-rich plutons were emplaced during or shortly after Palaeoproterozoic arc-continent collision.

Petrogenesis of Postcollisional Magmatism at Scheelite Dome, Yukon, Canada: Evidence for a Lithospheric Mantle Source for Magmas Associated with Intrusion-Related Gold Systems

The type examples for the class of deposits termed intrusion-related gold systems occur in the Tombstone-Tungsten belt of Alaska and Yukon, on the eastern side of the Tintina gold province. In this part of the northern Cordillera, extensive mid-Cretaceous postcollisional plutonism took place following the accretion of exotic terranes to the continental margin. The most cratonward of the resulting plutonic belts comprises small isolated intrusive centers, with compositionally diverse, dominantly potassic rocks, as exemplified at Scheelite Dome, located in central Yukon. Similar to other spatially and temporally related intrusive centers, the Scheelite Dome intrusions are genetically associated with intrusion-related gold deposits. Intrusions have exceptional variability, ranging from volumetrically dominant clinopyroxene-bearing monzogranites, to calc-alkaline minettes and spessartites, with an intervening range of intermediate to felsic stocks and dikes, including leucominettes, quartz monzonites, quartz monzodiorites, and granodiorites. All rock types are potassic, are strongly enriched in LILEs and LREEs, and feature high LILE/HFSE ratios. Clinopyroxene is common to all rock types and ranges from salite in felsic rocks to high Mg augite and Cr-rich diopside in lamprophyres. Less common, calcic amphibole ranges from actinolitic hornblende to pargasite. The rocks have strongly radiogenic Sr (initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr from 0.711-0.714) and Pb isotope ratios ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb from 19.2-19.7), and negative initial ɛ Nd values (−8.06 to −11.26). Whole-rock major and trace element, radiogenic isotope, and mineralogical data suggest that the felsic to intermediate rocks were derived from mafic potassic magmas sourced from the lithospheric mantle via fractional crystallization and minor assimilation of metasedimentary crust. Mainly unmodified minettes and spessartites represent the most primitive and final phases emplaced. Metasomatic enrichments in the underlying lithospheric mantle are attributes of the ancient North American cratonic margin that appear to be essential prerequisites to this style of postcollisional magmatism and associated gold-rich fluid exsolution. This type of magmatic hydrothermal activity occurs in a very specific tectonic setting that typically sets intrusion-related gold deposits apart from orogenic gold deposits, which are synorogenic in timing and have no consistent direct relationship to such diverse and contemporaneous lithospheric mantle-derived magmas, although they too are commonly sited adjacent to lithospheric boundaries.

Geochemistry of the Eocene Felsic Porphyric Rocks and High‐Mg Potassic Rocks along JARSZ: Implication for the Tectonic Evolution in Eastern Tibet

Abstract:Eocene felsic porphyric rocks and the high‐Mg potassic volcanic rocks (HMPR) occur along the Jinshajiang‐Ailao Shan‐Red River shear zone (JARSZ) in eastern Tibet. Compared with the HMPR, which are generally believed to be sourced from an enriched mantle, the felsic porphyric rocks show similar K2O contents, enrichment in LREE and LILE, particularly radiogenic isotope (e.g. Sr and Nd) features much similar to the former, implying generation of the felsic porphyric rocks most likely related to the HMPR, although they both have clearly different major and trace element compositions. The close relationship in spatial‐temporal distribution and similar Sr‐Nd characteristics between the felsic porphyric rocks and HMPR in eastern Tibet indicate that both of them were possibly formed by a similar tectonic process (event). Combining the basic dikes in southern and eastern Tibet, we suggest that the break‐off of north‐dipping Neo‐Tethyan slab in southern Tibet during 50–40 Ma, triggered formation of high‐Mg potassic magma. This led to developing felsic porphyric magma production by partial melting of underplating HMPR in the lower crust, or fractionation crystallization of the high‐Mg potassic magmas. The break‐off of slab in the Eocene may also have contributed to the abundant ore‐forming material related to earlier subduction events, resulting in formation of the porphyric deposits along JARSZ in eastern Tibet.

Relationship between chemical composition and magnetic susceptibility in the alkaline volcanics from the Isparta area, SW Turkey

Potassium-rich volcanic rocks in the Isparta area (SW Turkey) consist mainly of older (Pliocene) volcanic rock suites (e.g., lamprophyre, basaltic trachyandesite, trachyandesite, trachyte) and younger (Quaternary) caldera forming lava dome/flows (e.g., tephriphonolite, trachyte) and pyroclastics (ash/pumice fall deposits and ignimbritic flows). The magnetic susceptibility (K) was performed for both groups. The magnetic susceptibility value of the less evolved rocks characterized by SiO2 < 57 wt% (e.g., basaltic trachyandesite, tephriphonolite, lamprophyric rocks) and having mostly mafic phenocrysts such as pyroxene, amphibole, and biotite-phlogopite is over 10 (10−3 [SI]). Fine to medium-grained and subhedral to anhedral opaque minerals are scattered especially in the matrix phase of the less evolved volcanic rocks. However, the K value of the more evolved rocks (e.g., trachyte and trachyandesites) with SiO2 over 57 wt% vary between 0.1 and 28, but most of them below 10. SI values are negatively correlated with SiO2, Na2O, but positively correlated with Fe2O3, CaO, MnO, P2O5 and MgO contents, suggesting inverse variation of SI with fractionation of potassic magma. That is to say that less evolved volcanic rocks have relatively higher magnetic susceptibility values in the volcanic suite. Fine to medium-grained and subhedral to anhedral Fe-Ti oxides are scattered mainly in the matrix phase of the less evolved volcanics, presumably cause the pronounced relatively higher magnetic susceptibility.

Porphyry Cu (–Mo–Au) deposits related to melting of thickened mafic lower crust: Examples from the eastern Tethyan metallogenic domain

Most porphyry Cu deposits in the world occur in magmatic arc settings and are formed in association with calc-alkaline arc magmas related to subduction of oceanic lithosphere. This contribution reviews a number of significant porphyry Cu deposits in the eastern Tethyan metallogenic domain. They widely occur in a variety of non-arc settings, varying from post (late)-collisional transpressional and extensional environments to intracontinental extensional environments related to orogenic and anorogenic processes. Their spatial–temporal localization is controlled by strike–slip faults, orogen-transverse normal faults, lineaments and their intersections in these non-arc settings. These deposits are dominated by porphyry Cu–Mo deposits with minor porphyry Cu–Au and epithermal Au deposits, and exhibit a broad similarity with those in magmatic arcs. The associated magmas are generally hydrous, relatively high fO 2, high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic, and show geochemical affinity with adakites. They are distinguished from arc magmas and/or oceanic-slab derived adakites, by their occurrence as isolated complexes, high K 2O contents (1.2–8.5%), and much wider range of ε Nd(t) values(− 10 to + 3) and positive ε Hf(t) values (+ 4.6 to + 6.9). These potassic magmas are most likely formed by partial melting of thickened juvenile mafic lower-crust or delaminated lower crust, but also involving various amounts of asthenospheric mantle components. Key factors that generate hydrous fertile magmas are most likely crust/mantle interaction processes at the base of thickened lower-crust in non-arc settings, rather than oceanic-slab dehydration (as in arc settings). Breakdown of amphibole in thickened lower crust (e.g., amphibole eclogite and garnet amphibolite) during melting is considered to release fluids into the fertile magmas, leading to an elevated oxidation state and higher H 2O content necessary for development of porphyry Cu–Mo–Au systems. Copper and Au in hydrous magmas are likely derived from mantle-derived components and/or melts, which either previously underplated and infiltrated at the base of the thickened lower crust, or were input into the primitive magmas by melt/mantle interaction. In contrast, Mo and (part of the) S in the fertile magmas are probably supplied by old crust during melting and subsequent ascent.

Magmatic diversity of western Mexico as a function of metamorphic transformations in the subducted oceanic plate

This geochemical study of the Mexican subduction zone elucidates how metamorphic and dehydration reactions affecting the subducted oceanic plate at different depths can influence magmatic diversity. In the western Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, there is a narrow potassic volcanic front running in parallel to the Middle American Trench that becomes replaced by intraplate-like high-Nb rocks to the north, and by more typical calc-alkaline products to the southeast. Potassic rocks have high MgO and are enriched in incompatible trace elements, but have lower heavy rare earth element contents than more evolved calc-alkaline and high-Nb magmas, and slightly more enriched Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes. Potassic magmas also have higher Rb/Cs and Ba/Cs ratios than the calc-alkaline and high-Nb suites, and extend to unusually high Nb/Ta ratios that correlate positively with Rb/Ta, Zr/Ta, La/Ta and Gd/Yb. These chemical variations are inconsistent with different extents of melting of a peridotitic source, but are also incompatible with melting of a phlogopite-rich mantle (vein-plus-wall-rock relationship), unless mica is totally consumed during melting, and a titaniferous phase such as rutile remains in the residue together with garnet. This assemblage is unlikely in the source region of primitive hydrous magmas, but it is what would be expected during dissolution of phengite and monazite/allanite in the subducted slab, with the concurrent formation of an anhydrous rutile-bearing eclogite. The magmatic diversity of western Mexico can thus be explained by invoking contributions of chemically different subduction agents as a function of slab depth and residual mineralogy: a low-pressure/temperature aqueous fluid would induce melting of the peridotitic mantle wedge and form typical calc-alkaline volcanoes, whereas a deeper and hotter slab-derived melt (or supercritical liquid) would contribute to the formation of potassic magmas due to phengite/monazite/allanite disintegration. In this context, intraplate-like magmas derive from decompression melting of the upper mantle as a natural consequence of subduction geodynamics.

Interaction between ultrapotassic magmas and carbonate rocks: Evidence from geochemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd, O) compositions of granular lithic clasts from the Alban Hills Volcano, Central Italy

Abstract Magma–carbonate rock interaction is investigated through a geochemical and Sr–Nd–O isotope study of granular lithic clasts (ejecta) from the Alban Hills ultrapotassic volcano, Central Italy. Some samples (Group-1) basically represent intrusive equivalents of Alban Hills magmas. A few samples (Group-2) are ultramafic, have high MgO (∼30 to 40 wt%) and δ18O‰, and originated by accumulation of mafic phases that crystallised from ultrapotassic melts during assimilation of dolomitic rocks. Group-3 ejecta consist of dominant K-feldspar, and show major element compositions similar to phonolites, which, however, are absent among the Alban Hills volcanics. Finally, another group (Group-4) contains corroded K-feldspars, surrounded by a microgranular to porphyritic matrix, made of igneous minerals (K-feldspar, foids, clinopyroxene, phlogopite) plus wollastonite, garnet, and some cuspidine. Group-4 ejecta are depleted in SiO2 and enriched in CaO with respect to Group-3. The analysed ejecta have similar 143Nd/144Nd (0.51204–0.51217) as the Alban Hills lavas, whereas 87Sr/86Sr (0.70900–0.71067) is similar to lower. Whole rocks δ18O‰ ranges from +7.0 to +13.2, reaching maximum values in ultramafic samples. A positive correlation with CaO is observed in single rock groups. Large Ion Lithophile Element (LILE) abundances and REE fractionation are generally high, and extreme values of Th, U and LREE are found in some Group-3 and Group-4 rocks. Mineralogical, petrological and geochemical data reveal extensive interaction between magma and carbonate wall rocks, involving both dolostones and limestones. These processes had dramatic effects on magma compositions, especially on phonolites, which were transformed to foidites. Evidence of such a process is found in Group-4 samples, in which K-feldspar is observed to react with a matrix that represents strongly undersaturated melts formed by interaction between silicate magma and carbonates. Trace element data also testify to a very important role for F–CO2–H2O–S fluids during magma–wall rock interaction. Fluid transfer was responsible for extreme enrichments in Th, U, and LREE especially observed in Group-3 and Group-4 rocks. Implications of these processes for potassic magma evolution in Central Italy are discussed.

Eocene potassic and ultrapotassic volcanism in south Tibet: New constraints on mantle source characteristics and geodynamic processes

In the Yangbajing area, southern Tibet, several monogenic volcanoes were conformably superimposed on the Linzizong calc-alkaline volcanic successions. According to their petrologic and geochemical characteristics, these monogenic volcanoes are composed of three rock varieties: tephritic phonolitic plugs and shoshonitic and trachytic lavas. Their geochemical systematics reveals that low-pressure evolutionary processes in the large voluminous Linzizong calc-alkaline magmas were not responsible for the generation of these potassic–ultrapotassic rocks, but the significant change in petrologic and geochemical characteristics from the Linzizong calc-alkaline to potassic–ultrapotassic magma is likely accounted for the change of metasomatic agents in the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle source during the Paleocene to Eocene. The tephritic phonolites containing both leucite and plagioclase show primary ultrapotassic character similar to that of Mediterranean plagioleucititic magmas. Radiogenic Sr increases with SiO 2 in the xenolith-bearing trachytes strongly suggesting significant crustal assimilation in the shoshonitic magmas. The Yangbajing ultrapotassic rocks have high K 2O and Al 2O 3, and show depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs) with respect to large ion lithophile elements. In primitive mantle-normalized element diagrams, all samples are characterized by positive spikes at Th (U) and Pb with negative anomalies at Ba, Nb–Ta and Ti, reflecting the orogenic nature of the ultrapotassic rocks. They are characterized by highly radiogenic 87Sr/ 86Sr (i) ratios (0.7061–0.7063) and unradiogenic 143Nd/ 144Nd (i) (0.5125), and Pb isotopic compositions ( 206Pb/ 204Pb = 18.688–18.733, 207Pb/ 204Pb = 15.613–15.637, and 208Pb/ 204Pb = 38.861–38.930) similar to the global subducting sediment. Strong enrichment of incompatible trace elements and high Th fractionation from the other HFSEs (such as Nb and U) clearly indicate that the Th-enriched sedimentary component in a network veined mantle source was mainly introduced by sediment-derived melts. In addition, the ultrapotassic rocks have significant Ce (Ce/Ce* = 0.77–0.84) and Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–0.75) anomalies, suggesting a subduction sediment input into the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle source. In contrast, high U/Th (> 0.20) and Ba/Th (> 32) and low Th/La (< 0.3) in the shoshonites indicate that the Eocene potassic magma originated from partial melting of the surrounding peridotite mantle pervasively affected by slab-related fluid addition from the dehydration of either the subducting oceanic crust or the sediment. Thus, at least two different subduction-related metasomatic agents re-fertilized the upper mantle. According to the radiometric ages and spatial distribution, the Gangdese magmatic association shows a temporal succession from the Linzizong calc-alkaline to ultrapotassic magmas. This indicates a late arrival of recycled sediments within the Tibetan lithospheric mantle wedge. The most diagnostic signatures for the involvement of continent-derived materials are the super-chondritic Zr/Hf (45.5–49.2) and elevated Hf/Sm values (0.81–0.91) in the ultrapotassic rocks. Therefore, the occurrence of orogenic magmatism in the Gangdese belt likely represents the volcanic expression of the onset of the India–Asia collision, preceding the 10 Ma Neo-Tethyan slab break-off process at 42–40 Ma. The absence of residual garnet in the mantle source for the ultrapotassic volcanism seems to imply that the southern Tibetan lithosphere was not been remarkably thickened until the Eocene (∼ 50 Ma).