Magmatic Precursors Research Articles

Suturing of the Archean Bastar craton with the Eastern Ghats Province to form the Greater Indian Landmass: Insights from geochemistry, U-Pb geochronology and phase equilibria modelling

The contact between the Archean Bastar craton (BC) and Proterozoic Eastern Ghats Province (EGP), central India, is marked by a suture zone termed Terrane Boundary Shear Zone (TBSZ). BC in this area is largely composed of hornblende-biotite granite with some mafic dykes. Rocks in the TBSZ include quartzofeldspathic (leptynite) gneiss, garnet-orthopyroxene-bearing granitoid, mafic granulites (Group A of cratonic affinity, and Group B of EGP affinity), Mg-Al granulite and an isolated exposure of orthopyroxene-bearing gneiss. Detailed geochemical analysis shows remarkable similarity between Hbl-Bt granite and Grt-Opx-bearing granitoid, with A-type affinity, and between mafic dykes and Group A mafic granulites. However, the Opx-bearing gneiss is geochemically distinct having I-type affinity, similar to TTG gneisses described from BC. Metamorphic phase equilibria analysis and trace element modelling shows that (i) melting of Opx-bearing gneiss would produce a ferroan granitic melt resembling the Hbl-Bt granite, (ii) metamorphism at appropriate P-T conditions would convert the granite to Grt-Opx-bearing granitoid and the mafic dyke to Group A mafic granulite. U-Pb geochronology of zircon constrains emplacement ages of the magmatic precursors of Opx-bearing gneiss and Grt-Opx-bearing granitoid as ca. 2.73 and ca. 2.5 Ga, respectively. These rocks were subjected to an early granulite facies metamorphism, followed by an amphibolite facies metamorphism, shearing and hydrous fluid flux. Geochronological data shows that the latter event took place at ca. 0.52 Ga, while the earlier granulite facies event can only be tentatively suggested to be of late Stenian/Tonian age. Collating all the evidence (including published geophysical and geochronological data), we suggest that the initial collision between BC and EGP took place during late Stenian/Tonian time as a consequence of formation of the Greater Indian Landmass, a part of Rodinia supercontinent. The TBSZ, probably initiated due to the late Stenian/Tonian collision, was reactivated and reworked tectonothermally at ca. 0.52 Ga, caused by far field stress effect of the Kuunga orogeny, which was strong enough to obliterate most of the imprints of the late Stenian/Tonian orogeny.

Mineralogical and Geochemical Response to Fluid Infiltration into Cambrian Orthopyroxene-Bearing Granitoids and Gneisses, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

Fluid infiltration into Proterozoic and Early Palaeozoic dry, orthopyroxene-bearing granitoids and gneisses in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, has caused changes to rock appearance, mineralogy, and rock chemistry. The main mineralogical changes are the replacement of orthopyroxene by hornblende and biotite, ilmenite by titanite, and various changes in feldspar structure and composition. Geochemically, these processes resulted in general gains of Si, mostly of Al, and marginally of K and Na but losses of Fe, Mg, Ti, Ca, and P. The isotopic oxygen composition (δ18OSMOW = 6.0‰–9.9‰) is in accordance with that of the magmatic precursor, both for the host rock and infiltrating fluid. U-Pb isotopes in zircon of the altered and unaltered syenite to quartz-monzonite indicate a primary crystallization age of 520.2 ± 1.0 Ma, while titanite defines alteration at 485.5 ± 1.4 Ma. Two sets of gneiss samples yield a Rb-Sr age of 517 ± 6 Ma and a Sm-Nd age of 536 ± 23 Ma. The initial Sr and Nd isotopic ratios suggest derivation of the gneisses from a relatively juvenile source but with a very strong metasomatic effect that introduced radiogenic Sr into the system. The granitoid data indicate instead a derivation from Mid-Proterozoic crust, probably with additions of mantle components.

Multi-isotope and geochemical approach to the magma source and tectonic setting of Proterozoic anorthosite massifs and Anorthosite-Mangerite-Charnockite-Granite (AMCG) suites

The occurrence of massif-type anorthosite intrusions is a widespread Proterozoic phenomenon. They are usually associated with gabbroic, charnockitic, and granitic rocks, comprising the so-called anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) suite. Although these rocks have been extensively studied worldwide, several aspects concerning their formation remain unsettled. Among them, the magma source and the tectonic setting are the most important. To evaluate these issues, we first compiled geochemical and isotopic data of Proterozoic anorthosite massifs and AMCG suites worldwide and stored it in a database named datAMCG. This plethora of data allows us to make some important interpretations. We argue that the wide-ranging multi-isotopic composition of this group of rocks reflects varying proportions of juvenile mantle-derived melts and crustal components. We interpret that the precursor magmas of most massive anorthosite bodies and associated mafic rocks have a mantle-dominated origin. However, we highlight that a crustal component is indispensable to generate these lithologies. Adding variable amounts of this material during succeeding multi-stage assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) processes gives these intrusions their typical mantle-crustal hybrid isotopic traits. In contrast, a crustal-dominant origin with a complementary mantle component is interpreted for most MCG rocks. In summary, the isotopic information in datAMCG indicates that both sources are necessary to generate AMCG rocks. Therefore, we suggest that hybridized magmas with different mantle-crust proportions originate these rocks. This interpretation might offer a more nuanced and accurate depiction of this phenomenon in future work instead of choosing a single-sourced model as in the past decades. Finally, tectonomagmatic diagrams suggest that the rocks under study were likely generated in a tectonic environment that transitioned between collision and post-collisional extension, sometimes involving subduction-modified mantle sources. This interpretation is supported by geological and geochronological information from most complexes, thus challenging the Andean-type margins as an ideal tectonic setting.

Petrogenesis of submarine volcanic arc rocks from Andaman subduction zone, Northeast Indian Ocean: Constraints from slab components and mantle wedge characteristics

The present study provides new petrological and geochemical data of the dredged rocks from submarine volcanoes along the Andaman arc and describes the petrogenetic evolution of the arc system in terms of mantle wedge characteristics, nature and quantitative input of subducted slab components, and fractionation processes of precursor magma. The studied rocks include basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite and rhyolite. These volcanic rocks exhibit LILE, LREE enrichments and HFSE depletion, corroborating their generation through subduction processes. High abundances of Th/Nd, La/Sm(N), LREE/HFSE than LILE/HFSE, LILE/LREE suggest a substantial contribution of sediments from the subducting slab over slab-dehydrated aqueous fluids to the mantle wedge. The 87Sr/86Sr-Ba/La mixing model suggests 0.6–0.8% addition of slab fluid (90:10 AOC: sediment fluid) to account for the fluid signature, whereas the 143Nd/144Nd-La/Sm(N) mixing model envisages ∼3–4% addition of sediment melt to the mantle source, reconciling the sediment signature in Andaman submarine volcanic rocks. The presence of N-MORB type mantle is attributed to the absence and/or inefficient convection of asthenospheric material from the Andaman back-arc basin to the mantle wedge. This ineffective convection can be equated with the flat subduction of the Indian Plate, caused by the convergence of the aseismic Ninety East Ridge. The non-modal batch-melting model suggests that 13–24% partial melting of the spinel lherzolite mantle beneath the Andaman submarine volcanic arc formed the parent magma. The crystallization model invokes up to 60–70% of fractionation of olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, sanidine and magnetite in all the rock types with subordinate proportions of amphibole, biotite, apatite, ilmenite, and sanidine in rhyolites. The basaltic andesites, andesites and dacites do not show upper crustal input, while rhyolites indicate crustal contamination from an upper crust and/or arc crust.

Precursors to a continental-arc ignimbrite flare-up: Early central volcanoes of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, USA

Abstract Our newly acquired and recently published map, geochronologic, and compositional data for early intermediate-composition central volcanoes in the northeastern San Juan Mountains provide insights about the broad magmatic precursors to the large continental-arc ignimbrite flare-up in the mid-Cenozoic Southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field (SRMVF). Initial volcanism migrated from central Colorado to northern New Mexico ca. 40–29 Ma, as part of a more regional trend of southward-progressing mid-Cenozoic magmatism in the U.S. segment of the North American Cordillera. Within the San Juan locus, which represents the largest preserved erosional remnant of the SRMVF and site of most intense eruptive activity, new 40Ar/39Ar and U-Pb zircon ages show that eruptions at many individual edifices began nearly concurrently, at ca. 35 Ma, with peak activity at 34–32 Ma. Broadly similar precursor effusive volcanism characterizes other major loci of continental-arc ignimbrite magmatism along the western American cordilleras, but none of these sites records early volcanism as voluminous, spatially widespread, well exposed, or compositionally diverse as the San Juan locus in Colorado. Early San Juan volcanism was larger in volume than the later ignimbrites, constituting about two thirds the total erupted. Early lava and breccias are as much as 700–900 m thick where exposed along eroded flanks of the San Juan Mountains; drill holes have penetrated sections as thick as 2600 m. The early volcanoes were dominantly andesitic, with lesser dacite and minor rhyolite. Such volcanism is widely interpreted as initiated by basaltic magma from the mantle, but mid-Cenozoic basalt is almost nonexistent at the San Juan locus—an absence inferred to be due to extensive lower-crustal assimilation and fractionation. The early volcanic rocks are calc-alkaline and typical of high-K continental-arc volcanism; they become modestly more alkalic and enriched in trace elements such as light rare earth elements, Zr, Nb, and Th from the San Juan locus northeastward into central Colorado. Such variations may reflect synmagmatic crustal thickening and deeper levels of primary magma generation concurrent with assembly of upper-crustal magma bodies that could support large ignimbrite eruptions. Substantial uncertainties remain for growth histories of the early volcanoes, however, because of unexposed lower parts of edifices, eroded upper parts, and limited availability of mineral phases that could be dated reliably. Although the early volcanoes are widely distributed within the SRMVF, many are clustered at sites of subsequent ignimbrite calderas. The precursor edifices are inferred to record incubation stages in construction of overall translithospheric batholithic-scale magmatic systems. Prolonged processes of incremental magma generation, accumulation, fractionation, and solidification intermittently generated sufficient liquid to erupt large ignimbrites. Maturation of focused eruptions and intrusions was prolonged, 5 m.y. or more, prior to the culminating ignimbrite at some centers in the San Juan Mountains. Some large-volume ignimbrites and related calderas, including the ~5000 km3 Fish Canyon Tuff and associated La Garita caldera, formed as much as several million years later than peak growth of associated precursor volcanoes, recording a sustained interval of diminished eruptive activity as the magma reservoir increased in volume and evolved to more silicic compositions capable of supporting a subsequent large ignimbrite eruption. Dike configurations at early volcanoes that were active nearly concurrently in the SRMVF vary from symmetrically radial to more parallel trends. The contrasting dike geometries are inferred to record possible multiple fluctuations from compressive to weakly extensional regional stress, concurrent with destabilization of the prior flat-slab plate configuration that triggered mid-Cenozoic ignimbrite flare-ups along the Cordilleran margin of the North American plate. These apparent fluctuations in regional stress preceded development of substantial extensional strain in the Southern Rocky Mountain region; outflow ignimbrite sheets of the SRMVF spread across subsequent horst-and-graben structures of the Rio Grande rift without complementary thickness variations.

Late Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal and metamorphic evolution recorded in high-pressure granulites: Evidence from the Xuanhua Complex, northern North China Craton

Archean cratons usually underwent reworked processes during the late Paleoproterozoic orogeny, which may result in multiple tectonothermal records preserved in some high-grade metamorphic rocks; thus, these rocks provide a key opportunity on understanding the tectonic styles during different periods. In this study, we report new petrological, mineral chemical and geochronological data of a suite of newly discovered mafic and felsic metamorphic rocks in the Xuanhua Complex from the northern North China Craton (NCC), revealing the complex metamorphic thermal history and the transition of tectonic regime from the late Neoarchean to the late Paleoproterozoic. The mafic granulite preserves the prograde quartz and clinopyroxene inclusions within garnets (M1), and the peak stage (M2) is recorded by garnet, clinopyroxene, hornblende, plagioclase, quartz and ilmenite. The first retrograde (M3a) and final cooling stages (M3b) are defined by the appearance of orthopyroxene, and the amphibolite-facies overprinting, respectively. The felsic granulite records the similar peak mineral assemblage (M2), but has higher volumes of feldspar and quartz than the mafic granulite. The retrograde stage (M3) is represented by amphibolite-facies assemblage (hornblende ± biotite ± clinopyroxene) and fine-grained intergrowth of hornblende + plagioclase around garnet. Pseudosection modeling and thermobarometry results suggest that both high-pressure (HP) mafic and felsic granulites record clockwise P–T paths, including isothermal decompression and cooling from the peak stage (M2: 10.4–10.8 kbar/830–860 °C and 9.6–11.2 kbar/850–930 °C, respectively) to the retrograde stages (M3a and M3b: 7.5–8.0 kbar/840–870 °C and 7.8–8.2 kbar/650–700 °C, respectively; M3: 7.2–8.6 kbar/670–800 °C). Zircon U–Pb dating shows that the magmatic precursors of these rocks were emplaced at c. 2.5–2.47 Ga. The metamorphic zircons reveal two groups metamorphic ages of c. 2.51–2.45 Ga and c. 1.90–1.85 Ga. The c. 2.51–2.45 Ga ages indicate a late Neoarchean tectonothermal event, and the c. 1.95–1.85 Ga ages are interpreted to represent the Paleoproterozoic HP granulite-facies metamorphism overprinting. The highest positive εHf(t) value of 7.64 and 2.8–2.6 Ga Hf model ages of c. 2.5 Ga magmatic zircons indicate that the c. 2.5 Ga mantle-derived mafic magma and the c. 2.5 Ga partial melting of 2.8–2.6 Ga basaltic juvenile crust generated the protoliths of mafic and felsic granulites, respectively, revealing 2.8–2.6 Ga and 2.5 Ga crustal growth and c. 2.5 Ga crustal reworking in the northern NCC.To sum up, we consider that the late Neoarchean magmatism and coeval metamorphism recorded in our samples are probably resulted from the amalgamation of micro-blocks. The Paleoproterozoic clockwise P–T–t paths with near-isothermal decompression segments and low geothermal gradients (c. 21–26 °C/km) of HP mafic and felsic granulites indicate a rapid post-collisional exhumation process after the significantly crustal thickening, and this long-term orogeny along the TNCO (c. 1.95–1.85 Ga; > 100 Myr) is related to the incorporation of the NCC into the Columbia supercontinent.

Re-Os Systematics in the Layered Rocks and Cu-Ni-PGE Sulfide Ores from the Dovyren Intrusive Complex in Southern Siberia, Russia: Implications for the Original Mantle Source and the Effects of Two-Stage Crustal Contamination

The Dovyren Intrusive Complex (Northern Baikal region, 728 ± 3 Ma) includes the dunite–troctolite–gabbronorite Yoko–Dovyren massif (YDM) associated with a sequence of underlying mafic-to-ultramafic sills, locally demonstrating interbedding relations with the most primitive rocks of the pluton. These sills and apophyses contain sulfide mineralization ranging from globular to net-textured and massive ores. Major types of the YDM cumulates and sulfide mineralization were examined for their PGE contents and Re-Os isotopic systematics. The ten analyzed samples included chilled and basal rocks, poorly mineralized troctolite, PGE-rich anorthosite, as well as three samples from a thick ore-bearing apophysis DV10 connected with the YDM. These samples yielded a Re-Os isochron with an age of 759 ± 36 Ma and an initial 187Os/188Os of 0.1309 ± 0.0026 (MSWD = 110), which is in consistent with the previously reported U–Pb zircon age. It is shown that being recalculated to γOs(t) at t = 728 Ma, these isotopic compositions demonstrate three clusters regarding the relationship between γOs(t) and 187Re/188Os: (i) the chilled gabbronorite (YDM) and subcontact olivine gabbronorite (DV10) yielded the most radiogenic values of γOs(t) 10.5 and 10.0 among basal ultramafics, (ii) plagiodunite, troctolite, and sulfide ores showed lower radiogenic compositions, with γOs(t) ranging from 7.3 to 8.7, (iii) olivine gabbronorite, plagioperidotite, and one sample of PGE-rich anorthosite yield very primitive γOs(t) in the range 4.5 to 5.6 (on average 5.2 ± 0.6). The lowest values of γOs(t) for the least fractionated rocks of the YDM suggest a primitive mantle source, formed from a partly contaminated Neoarchean protolith, which is considered to be anomalous in Upper Riphean due to very low εNd(t) of −16 for the most primitive Dovyren magma (Fo88-parent). The highest values of γOs(t) and relative enrichment in the 34S isotope in the chilled gabbronorite (YDM) and subcontact olivine gabbronorite (DV10) evidence that their primitive to evolved magmatic precursors could be affected by a metamorphic fluid enriched in radiogenic 187Os, originating in the exocontact halo due to the thermal decomposition of pyrite from the dehydrated country rocks. This is consistent with the second-stage contamination of the Dovyren magma by the hosting crustal rocks (probably of 10 wt% shists), generating more evolved Fo86-parent magma with higher εNd(t) of −14.

Vestiges of late Cambrian arc-related magmatism within the Variscan belt of Europe: Zircon geochronological and whole-rock geochemical data from the Leszczyniec Metaigneous Complex, Sudetes, Poland

We present major oxides, trace elements, Sr-Nd-Hf isotope and zircon age data for rock samples from the Leszczyniec Metaigneous Complex (LMC) in the Polish Sudetes. The LMC comprises low/medium-grade metamorphic mafic rocks of basaltic composition that are intimately associated with felsic and amphibole-bearing gneisses. Magmatic precursors to all varieties of gneisses were emplaced between c. 515 Ma and 495 Ma. The age of the metabasite remains unconstrained, but the calculated two-stage Nd model age (0.54 Ga) of the sample with highest radiogenic Nd value may in this case represent a maximum age. This is consistent with the oldest single zircon ages produced for the gneisses that may represent inheritance. The most prominent geochemical feature of the studied samples is a depletion in the HFSE, most notably Nb and Ta, which can be observed in all studied lithologies. The high abundance of basic rocks with troughs at Nb in primitive mantle-normalized multi-elemental diagrams, combined with a limited degree of REE fractionation and highly radiogenic Nd and Hf isotopic compositions favour an intraoceanic volcanic arc tectonic setting for emplacement of the LMC protoliths. The derivation of compositionally diverse magmatic precursors to gneisses can be explained by the combination of slab sediment melts at relatively low-pressure/temperature (high Nb/Y felsic gneiss), heterogeneous mixing of those melts and slab derived fluids with a highly depleted mantle (amphibole-bearing gneiss/metagabbro), and low-degree partial melting of metabasite of a former back-arc domain (low Nb/Y felsic gneiss). This study demonstrates that late Cambrian magmatism, widespread across terranes included in the Variscan belt, cannot be unequivocally attributed to continental rifting. Metaigneous suites belonging to the Variscan Middle and Upper Allochthon, such as the LMC, were presumably derived from marginal basins developed within a convergent tectonic setting outboard of Gondwana or Baltica, which may have remained active until the end of the Cambrian.

Age and petrogenesis of Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide-bearing gabbroic intrusions in the Lausitz Block, northern Bohemian Massif (Germany/Czech Republic)

The Lausitz Block, located in the northernmost part of the Bohemian Massif, hosts a large number of dike- to stock-shaped gabbroic intrusions that mainly comprise brown hornblende-poor (Group I; i.e. olivine gabbronorite, olivine gabbro, gabbro and diorite) and subordinately brown hornblende-rich lithologies (Group II; i.e. olivine-hornblende gabbro and hornblende gabbro). Several of these intrusions host small-scaled magmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide accumulations. The intrusions are part of interconnected mafic–(ultramafic) plumbing systems that intruded Cadomian granodiorites of Lausitz Block in the Middle to Late Devonian during the early stages of the Variscan Orogeny. The previously inferred Devonian age of the intrusions is refined by biotite Ar-Ar dating that yield ages between 389.1 ± 3.9 Ma and 372.2 ± 3.7 Ma (2σ). Group I and Group II lithologies differ in their mineralogical and geochemical composition. Compared to the Group I lithologies those of Group II are characterized by higher modal contents of primary brown hornblende, Fe-Ti oxides and apatite, by Ti- and Al-enriched clinopyroxene and by lower contents of SiO2 and increased contents of TiO2, P2O5, LILE, HFSE and LREE. The differences suggest at least two different magmatic series where Group I rocks are linked to tholeiitic basaltic magmas with low to moderate Ti and volatile contents, whereas Group II rocks are derived from Ti- and volatile-enriched alkaline basaltic magmas. The magmas experienced clinopyroxene fractionation during their crustal ascent and storage, but were only minor affected by crustal contamination (< 5%) according to Sr-Nd-Pb isotope systematics. The tholeiitic and alkaline basaltic magmatism could be explained by a tectonic environment between a subduction and intraplate setting. Group II rocks have an intraplate chemical signature and their parental magmas are clearly originated from a deeper-seated mantle source with melting of garnet peridotite, likely associated with an asthenospheric upwelling. By contrast, precursor magmas of Group I rocks are originated from partial melting of a less-enriched source, presumably spinel peridotite, from a subduction-related environment. Trace elements systematics suggest that both groups at least partly resulted from an interaction (mixing) of the alkaline and tholeiitic magmas. Partial melting estimates for both groups vary between 5 and 20%. The proposed tectonic setting could have been related to a subduction slab retreat within the framework of the Variscan orogeny, which led to an upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle. Cu/Zr ratios <1 of gabbroic rocks from several intrusions suggest a previous segregation of magmatic sulfides in other sections of the magmatic plumbing system and give rise for a vertical and lateral Ni-Cu exploration potential.

Relics of 2.6–2.5 Ga oceanic crust from the ultramafic-mafic complex of Goa, western India: Magmatic response to a progressive subduction system

Subduction initiation in the Early Earth and the onset of plate tectonics are topics of wide interest in understanding the formation and evolution of continents and supercontinents on our planet. Here we report results from integrated petrological, geochemical and geochronological (Zircon U Pb ages) studies on an ultramafic-mafic complex from the Bondla-Usgao-Durigini (BUD) sectors of Goa to address its petro-tectonic evolution and correlation with Neoarchean crustal growth processes and cratonization events. The ultramafic-mafic cumulate sequence from BUD sectors of Goa comprising dunite, peridotite, troctolite, olivine gabbro and gabbro represents a dismembered crustal section of oceanic lithosphere formed either in a MOR or SSZ fore-arc extensional regime. The geochemical attributes marked by boninitic-IAT trend, depleted to enriched mantle compositions, selective enrichment in fluid-mobile LILE and LREE over HFSE enunciate a multistage petrogenetic evolution associated with a SSZ fore-arc tectonic setting. The ocean-continent transition featured by the geochemical signatures can be translated in terms of oceanic crust formation in a juvenile extensional fore-arc in a SSZ setting, its maturation and accretion at active continental margin during Neoarchean ocean basic closure and arc-continent collision. The studied ultramafic-mafic suite fingerprints the transition of depleted mantle wedge to a LILE-LREE enriched metasomatized one through influx of subduction components and hydrous arc magmatism typical of SSZ oceanic lithosphere formed above a nascent subduction zone. The magmatic precursors of the studied lithologies were derived from a transitional depleted to enriched mantle regime marked by hydration and metasomatism of a depleted MOR-type mantle by the influx of subduction-derived fluids. Zircon grains in the peridotite sample yield positive εHf(t) of +3.2 to +7.6, together with T DM C of 2610–2877 Ma suggesting depleted mantle source. The gabbro sample shows positive εHf(t) values of +3.7 to +6.3 and T DM C age of 2731–2868 Ma also attesting to depleted mantle source. Zircon U Pb ages of 2602.42 ± 0.82 Ma for peridotite and 2479–2684 Ma for gabbro represent the magma emplacement time and Neoarchean-early Paleoproterozoic melt activity. The highly variable ages from zircon grains in the studied samples might suggest multiple stages of metasomatism and melt-rock interaction in a long-lived sub-continental lithospheric mantle. The tectonic evolution can be equated with Neoarchean global subduction-accretion-collision and arc-continent amalgamation events. This study deciphers a 2.6–2.5 Ga Neoarchean oceanic crust formation and magmatic response to subduction initiation, arc maturation and accretion processes correlatable with global crustal growth processes and amalgamation of western Dharwar Craton (WDC) and Antongil-Masora blocks into the Greater Dharwar Craton (GDC). • Ultramafic-mafic cumulate sequence from Goa represents dismembered SSZ oceanic crust. • Depleted to enriched melt composition reflects mantle heterogeneity. • Paleo-ocean closure and arc accretion culminated to GDC formation. • 2.6–2.5 Ga age coincides with Neoarchean global subduction-accretion event.

Apatite as a magma redox indicator and its application in metallogenic research

As an early crystallizing phase in the magma, apatite can accommodate a wide range of multivalent cations and has a capacity resistant to weathering and hydrothermal alteration. These features enable apatite to record the primary redox state of precursor magma. Here, we present new electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) geochemical data on apatite and zircon grains from the epithermal gold ore-hosting Dahalajunshan Formation volcanics in the Tulasu basin (Western Tianshan Orogen, Central Asia). Calculated zircon Ce-/Ti-based oxybarometric results and sulfur content of apatite suggest that the parental magma of the volcanics was relatively oxidized. Furthermore, we compiled a regional apatite chemical dataset to assess whether other elements (Mn, V, Eu, Ce, As and Ga) in apatite can serve as a magma redox proxy. Negative correlation between apatite Mn and whole-rock MgO is evident, implying the control of magma fractionation on apatite Mn contents. Also, oxygen fugacity ( f O 2 ) calculated by Mn-in-apatite oxybarometer correlates strongly with magma fractionation, which indicates that fractional crystallization (instead of f O 2 ) controlled the Mn-uptake in apatite. The apatite As budget is sensitive to f O 2 variation but does not show any correlation with the ratio of nonbridging oxygens to tetrahedral cations (NBO/T), whole-rock SiO 2 , or aluminum saturation index. In contrast, apatite V and Ga contents correlate obviously with whole-rock SiO 2 and NBO/T but not f O 2 , and apatite Eu and Ce anomalies show no correlation with f O 2 . Therefore, we conclude that only the apatite As and S contents can reflect the magma redox state. The calculated f O 2 of the Dahalajunshan Formation volcanic rocks is ΔFMQ+0.53 ± 0.52 (based on the fayalite+magnetite+quartz buffer), which is markedly lower than those of typical porphyry Cu ore-forming magmas worldwide. Thus, from the perspective of magma f O 2 , regional magma is inferred to have little potential to form the porphyry Cu deposit. • Accurate f O 2 values by S-in-apatite show the potential to replace zircon oxybarometer. • S and As in apatite can record the magma f O 2 value, instead of Mn, V, Eu, Ce, and Ga. • Tectonic setting and porphyry Cu ore-forming potential were analyzed by magmatic f O 2 .

Zircon U-Pb Dating and Metamorphism of Granitoid Gneisses and Supracrustal Rocks in Eastern Hebei, North China Craton

Granitoid gneisses dominated by tonalitic–trondhjemitic–granodioritic (TTG) compositions, with metamorphic supracrustal rocks consisting of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, are widely exposed in the Eastern Hebei terrane, North China Craton (NCC). This study presents systematic zircon U–Pb geochronological and whole-rock geochemical data of the Neoarchean granitoid gneisses and supracrustal rocks in Eastern Hebei. Zircon U–Pb isotopic dating for the representative samples reveals that magmatic precursors of granitoid gneisses were emplaced between 2524 ± 7 and 2503 ± 12 Ma, and the protoliths of the pelitic granulites were deposited in the Late Neoarchean era. Both of them have been subjected to granulite facies metamorphism during 2508 ± 10 to 2468 ± 33 Ma, coeval with the intrusion of syenogranitic pegmatite (2488 ± 5 Ma). Zircon ages of 2.45–2.01 Ga obtained from the analyzed samples were considered mixed data from 2.53–2.48 Ga and 1.9–1.8 Ga and were chronologically meaningless. Paleoproterozoic metamorphic zircon ages of 1.9–1.8 Ga were usually neglected because of hardly being obtained from TTG gneisses and supracrustal rocks. The tectonic regime during the Neoarchean era was considered to be dominated by vertical tectonism in the Eastern Hebei terrane.

Melt generation and trace element fractionation of intermediate arc magma from Andaman subduction zone

The submarine volcanoes, located in the southern part of Andaman Sea, north eastern Indian Ocean, result from the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Southeast Asian Plate and represent one of the less studied submarine volcanism among the global arc systems. The present study provides new petrological and geochemical data for the recovered rocks from the submarine volcanoes and documents the petrogenetic evolution of Andaman arc system. Geochemical attributes classify the studied samples as basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite to rhyodacite reflecting sub-alkaline, intermediate to acidic composition of the magma. Petrographic studies of the basaltic andesites and andesites show plagioclase [An38-An57 in basaltic andesites; An27-An28 in andesites] and clinopyroxene as dominant phenocrystal phase in a cryptocrystalline groundmass. Plagioclase (An25-An45) marks the principal phenocrystal phase in dacite with sub-ordinate proportion of biotite and amphibole of both primary and secondary origin along with minor amount of K-feldspar. The submarine volcanic rocks from Andaman arc system exhibit pronounced LILE, LREE enrichments and HFSE (negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies), MREE and HREE depletion thereby endorsing the influence of subduction zone processes in their genesis. Elevated abundances of Th with relatively higher LREE/HFSE than LILE/HFSE, LILE/LREE suggest significant contribution of sediments from the subducting slab over slab-dehydrated aqueous fluids towards mantle wedge metasomatism thereby modifying the sub-arc mantle. Partial melting curves calculated using the non-modal batch melting equation suggest primary magma generated due to ~31–35 % degree of partial melting of spinel lherzolite mantle beneath the arc system. Fractional crystallization model suggests fractionation of 45 % plagioclase, 40 % clinopyroxene, 5–10 % amphibole and 5–10 % biotite which is consistent with the petrographic observations. Further, the assimilation-fractional-crystallization (AFC) model for the studied rocks indicates nominal crustal contamination. Therefore, this study infers that the melt evolution history for the Andaman arc volcanic rocks can be translated in terms of (i) generation of precursor magma by ~31–35 % partial melting of a spinel lherzolite mantle wedge, metasomatized predominantly by subducted slab sediments and (ii) the parent magma generation was ensued by fractionation dominated melt differentiation with nominal input from arc crust.

Permian Remelting and Maturity of Continental Crust Revealed by the Daqing Peraluminous Granitic Batholith, Inner Mongolia

AbstractThe Phanerozoic granites in northeast China bear key information for studying the tectonic evolution and crustal growth or reworking in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Daqing granitic batholith widely outcrops as a high-level intrusion in the Xing’an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt, southeastern CAOB. Three types of enclaves in granites have been identified: (1) mafic magmatic enclaves (MMEs), (2) volcanic xenoliths, and (3) biotite-rich enclaves. The batholith is mainly composed of peraluminous biotite granite and granodiorite with SiO2=63.95−69.48 wt.%, A/CNK=1.15−1.27, and 2.54 to 4.30 wt.% of normative corundum. They exhibit remarkable enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; K, Rb, Th, and Pb) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; Nb, Ta, and Ti), P, Eu, and Sr, as well as relatively enriched Sr-Nd isotopes (87Sr/86Sri=0.70530−0.70576, εNdt=–0.1−+0.2). Zircon U-Pb dating suggests that this batholith was emplaced in the Early Permian (ca. 283-282 Ma), consistent with a period of intensive magmatic activities in northern Inner Mongolia. The Nb/Ta ratios of MMEs (17.6-20.1) are higher than those of the host granites (11.4-12.5), together with the reaction rims where biotite crystals cluster around the amphibole cores, suggesting magma mixing between mantle- and crust-derived melts. Zircons from a biotite-rich enclave define a protolith age of ca. 320 Ma and an anatectic age at ca. 281 Ma. Whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic modelling and zircon Hf isotopes reveal that the batholith was mainly produced by remelting of newly accreted continental crust with minor addition of mantle-derived materials. The geochemical compositions imply that their precursor magmas originated from a relatively high crustal level (&amp;lt;5 kbar) with crystallization temperatures ranging from 800 to 850°C. We suggest that the Daqing peraluminous granitoids were derived from partial melting of newly accreted crustal materials at a relatively shallow crustal depth, associated with a ridge subduction-related heat source. Such mantle-derived magmas through a slab tear window resulting from ridge subduction provide not only the heat for the widespread crustal remelting and therefore maturity but also juvenile materials for crustal growth.

Late Paleozoic subduction-related magmatism in NE China and its implication: Insights from intrusions in the Handagai Fe[sbnd]Cu deposit

North East (NE) China forms the easternmost part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, its Paleozoic geological evolution process remains controversial, especially the complex subduction-accretion-orogeny processes of the Paleo-Asian Ocean plate, as well as the linking magmatism-metallogenic with tectonic evolution during that time. This paper reports the results of geochemical, geochronological, and isotopic analyses of igneous rocks at the Handagai skarn Fe–Cu deposit to elucidate the late Paleozoic tectonic framework and evolution of NE China and the setting of ore formation. New zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb data for monzogranite, quartz diorite, and quartz monzodiorite record Carboniferous ages of 350 ± 2 Ma, 321 ± 3 Ma, and 319 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The monzogranites have high SiO2 (69.57–71.97 wt%) and total-alkali (6.68–7.56 wt%) contents and relatively low MgO contents (0.60–1.03 wt%) and Mg numbers (33–41). They have arc-type trace-element signatures, with enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, together with depletion in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti. Their whole-rock Sr–Nd–Pb and zircon in-situ LuHf isotopic compositions ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7008–0.7062; εNd(t) = −1.9 to +1.9; (206Pb/204Pb)t = 17.900–19.006; εHf(t) = 5.04–15.28) and young two–stage Nd–Hf model ages (TDM2 = 1105–749 Ma and 899–574 Ma, respectively) indicate that their precursor magma was derived from partial melting of Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic juvenile lower crust that had been metasomatized by fluids/melts from an enriched mantle wedge. The quartz diorites and quartz monzodiorites are characterized by intermediate SiO2 (58.21–61.47 wt%), high MgO (3.62–5.42 wt%), and low CaO (3.15–4.96 wt%) contents, and high Cr (151–222 ppm) and Ni (97–131 ppm) contents, as well as elevated Sr and Ba. They have strong Nb and Ta depletion and highly fractionated rare earth elements, indicating a geochemical affinity to typical high-Mg andesites. These rocks exhibit mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like whole-rock Nd–Sr–Pb–Hf isotopic characteristics, with high εNd (t) and εHf (t) values of +1.60 to +3.20 and + 10.21 to +13.61, respectively, and relatively low (87Sr/86Sr)i and (206Pb/204Pb)i ratios of 0.7028–0.7045 and 16.768–17.856, respectively. They also have low Sr/Y (30–59), Ba/Th (75–213), and Ba/La (26.05–38.24), but elevated Th/Yb (4.51–7.36), Th/Nb (0.78–1.17), and Rb/Y (2.79–6.29) ratios. We conclude that they were generated by partial melting of depleted lithospheric mantle previously metasomatized by subduction-related fluids and sediment melts. These results, integrated with regional geological, geochronological, and geochemical data, constrain the tectonic evolution of NE China during the late Paleozoic. This involved normal subduction at 400–335 Ma, ridge subduction at 333–319 Ma, and slab break–off at 315–272 Ma. The high-Mg andesitic/dioritic magmas had high oxygen fugacities and high water and volatile (e.g., Cl, S) contents, and sufficient ore resources (e.g., Cu, Au, Fe) from the mantle wedge to be favorable for Cu (–Au–Fe) mineralization.

Late Mesozoic diorites of the middle Gangdese magmatic belt of southern Tibet: New insights from SHRIMP U-Pb dating and Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotopes

The Gangdese magmatic belt, which formed by Mesozoic northward subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere and Early Mesozoic India-Asia collision, is an excellent natural laboratory for study of subducting slabs, crustal growth, the reworking of convergent continental margins and interaction of crust-mantle in general. Although many studies have examined this belt, the petrogenesis of arc magmas and the geodynamic architecture of the subducting slab are still contentious. Discoveries of igneous rock exposures are important in reconstructing the tectonic regime and evolution of southern Tibet, and provide new constraints on unresolved issues. Here we report two newly identified intermediate rocks, shedding new light on both the formation of arc-type magmas, and the tectonic evolution of the Neo-Tethys during the Late Mesozoic. Zircon SHRIMP II U-Pb dating indicates that a Late Cretaceous gabbro diorite pluton formed at 90.3 ± 1.4 Ma, and a Late Jurassic diorite porphyry pluton crystallized at 157.9 ± 2.3 Ma. The former has positive zircon εHf(t) values of 8.03–10.86 and whole-rock εNd(t) values of 4.11–4.37, with δ18Ozircon values of 5.84‰–6.70‰, slightly above the values of mantle zircon (5.3‰ ± 0.6‰). The latter also has positive zircon εHf(t) (10.29–12.77) and whole-rock εNd(t) (5.54–5.78) values, with normal mantle-like zircon δ18O values of 5.19‰ to 6.00‰. All samples of both plutons display arc-type signatures characterized by enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs) (e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti and P). Based on multiple isotopic (Sr–Nd–Hf–O) and whole-rock geochemical characteristics, we conclude that the Late Cretaceous gabbro diorite was derived from partial melting of depleted mantle that had been metasomatized by subducted-sediment-derived melts (~5 vol%). The Late Jurassic diorite porphyry is inferred to be a product of fractional crystallization of primary andesitic magmas with limited contents of Fe-Ti oxide and amphibole, and minor plagioclase accumulation. Pelagic sediments and enriched materials were a negligible component of the precursor magmas of the diorite porphyry, relative to the gabbro diorite pluton. Considering the temporospatial distribution of igneous rocks over the whole Gangdese magmatic belt, we suggest that Late Jurassic magmatism was related to normal angle subduction of the Yarlung Tsangpo Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere, and early Late Cretaceous magmatism was triggered by rollback of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab.

Phase equilibria and microstructural constraints on the high‐T building of the Kohistan island arc: The Jijal garnet granulites, northern Pakistan

AbstractThe Kohistan island arc represents a &gt;50 km thick and completely exposed Late Cretaceous–Eocene Neo‐Tethyan island arc sequence between the Indian and Eurasian plates in the western Himalaya. At the base of the Kohistan Arc, the Jijal Complex exposes a continuous sequence from ultramafic upper mantle rocks to mafic rocks of the lower crust across the Moho transition zone. In the shallower mafic section of the Jijal Complex, widespread garnet–clinopyroxene gabbros are uniform in assemblage but show a spectrum of microstructural variation involving two distinguishable styles of garnet growth. Uncertainty surrounds the genetic origin of these equilibria across the sequence which have been variably proposed to derive either from (a) dehydration melting of amphibole‐bearing precursor rocks, (b) subsolidus recrystallization of gabbronorite, or (c) primary magmatic crystallization. Owing to extensive high‐T re‐equilibration, compositional records of magmatic precursors and the pre‐peak evolution across the complex have been erased. However, quantitative textural analysis evidences a progressively increasing departure from microstructural randomness from deep to shallow levels of the upper Jijal Complex. This is interpreted to reflect the increased propensity for shallow garnet–clinopyroxene gabbros to have been derived from solid‐state recrystallization of a cumulate gabbronorite precursor, resulting in the development of coronitic garnet microstructures. In the deepest portions of the mafic sequence, both cumulate textures and thermodynamic modelling attest to the basal levels of the Kohistan arc crust at ~10–14 kbar crystallizing primary magmatic garnet and clinopyroxene from low H2O (&lt;6 wt%) basaltic–andesitic melts. Granulite facies metamorphism and re‐equilibration across the whole upper Jijal Complex—shown via phase equilibrium modelling to be associated with over‐accretion in the mid‐arc crust and a pressure increase of 2–3 kbar to 850–1,050℃ and 11–14 kbar—was followed by a period of approximately isobaric cooling across ~200℃ and amphibolitization. Compositions of low‐volume leucosome‐hosted garnet indicate melting occurred prior to, or during, this re‐equilibration period and melt reintegration simulations suggest that dehydration melting of amphibole‐bearing precursors played only a minor role in the genesis of the Jijal garnet–clinopyroxene gabbros. By combining field relationships, petrological and textural analysis, interpretations of mineral compositions, and phase equilibrium modelling, we therefore provide detailed constraints on crustal thickening and the thermal evolution of the lowermost arc crust.

Two contrasting Neoarchean metavolcanic rock suites in eastern Hebei and their geodynamic implications for the northern North China Craton

The late Archean was a crucial transition period for global geodynamics. Metavolcanic rocks, as one of the predominant components of Archean cratons, are key to deciphering the geodynamic regimes of early Earth crust-mantle interactions. Neoarchean supracrustal rocks in the central K-rich granitoid belt of the eastern Hebei-western Liaoning Province, northern North China Craton, may be subdivided into a lower metavolcanic sequence and an upper metavolcanic-sedimentary sequence by an angular unconformity.The lower sequence metavolcanic rocks consist primarily of 2558–2536 Ma amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphosed basaltic-andesitic rocks and high- and low-MgO dacitic rocks. The basaltic-andesitic samples display calc-alkaline affinity, high MgO contents, low (Nb/La)N and moderate (Hf/Sm)N values and were most likely derived from partial melting of mantle materials metasomatized by subducted slab- and sediment-derived melts and fluids. The high-MgO dacitic samples are characterized by strongly fractionated rare earth element (REE) patterns and relatively high MgO contents, which resemble typical high-SiO2 adakites. The magmatic precursors originated from subducted oceanic slabs and sediments. The samples with low-MgO dacite compositions have the highest SiO2 and lowest MgO contents, and the magmatic precursors were generated by partial melting of metamorphosed high-K mafic rocks and sedimentary rocks in the lower crustal level.The upper sequence metavolcanic rocks chiefly comprise greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphosed tholeiites, tholeiitic to transitional basalts, calc-alkaline basalts, andesites, and dacites with magmatic crystallization ages of 2522–2511 Ma. The tholeiite samples are characterized by left-declined REE patterns and high (Nb/La)N and chondrite-like (Hf/Sm)N values resembling typical N-MORBs and were formed by partial melting of a depleted mantle source. The tholeiitic to transitional basalt samples resemble back-arc basin basalts and display weakly right-declined REE patterns, mildly negative Nb and Ti anomalies, and low (Nb/La)N and chondrite-like (Hf/Sm)N values. Their magmatic precursors were derived from partial melting of a slightly fluid- and melt-metasomatized depleted mantle source. The calc-alkaline basalt and andesite samples exhibit fractionated REE patterns and apparent Nb, Ta, and Ti depletions and originated from a strongly fluid- and melt-metasomatized depleted mantle source. The dacite samples show the highest SiO2 and lowest MgO contents in the upper sequence metavolcanic rocks and were derived from partial melting of lower crustal metasedimentary rocks. Systematic petrological, geochemical, and petrogenetic studies indicate that a mature continental arc setting and a back-arc basin setting may account for the formation of the lower and upper sequence metavolcanic rocks, respectively. Three stages of deformation can be identified in the K-rich granitoid belt, including 2525–2505 Ma extensional deformation in a back-arc basin setting (D1), ca. 2500 Ma top-to-the-NEE-SSE thrusting in a collisional orogenic setting (D2) and 2500–1800 Ma nearly N-S-oriented strike-slip shearing (D3), with D2 deformation accompanied by the synchronous occurrence of paired high-pressure and high-temperature medium-pressure granulite facies metamorphism. Integrating the petrogenesis, spatiotemporal relationships, deformational and metamorphic features of the Archean lithological assemblages, we consider that the late Neoarchean K-rich granitoid belt was formed in an active continental margin setting with a southeastward subduction polarity and experienced multi-stage trench retreats and a subsequent collision between the arc and continent.

Geology and geochemistry of deformed granites from the Querari Complex, Rio Negro Province, NW-Amazonian Craton, Brazil

The Querari Complex corresponds to the basement rocks from Uaupes Domain and represents one of the least studied units in the northwest of the Rio Negro Province, Amazonian Craton. In this paper, we present new field geology, petrographic, and geochemical data of deformed granites from the Querari Complex. Based on our results, we suggest the differentiation of the Querari Complex into two magmatic facies. The Pana-Pana Facies comprise mainly porphyritic syeno to monzogranites with biotite as the main mafic mineral, and titanite, epidote, and allanite as accessory phases. The rocks of the Pana-Pana Facies have calc-alkaline and metaluminous affinities. The Matapi Facies have a syenogranite composition, coarse to porphyritic texture with magmatic muscovite and biotite, normative corundum higher than 1% (1.85-2.06), and mostly a peraluminous character. Both facies are generally enriched in silica and have a small spectrum of variation. (67.5 to 70.1 wt.% Pana-Pana Facies - 71.1 to 73 wt.% Matapi Facies), but they differ by the high Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, Sr, and Ba contents in the Matapi Facies. Geological and geochemical compositions suggest that the magmatic precursors of these rocks of Matapi Facies may be derived from partial melting of metasedimentary sources, whereas the Pana-Pana Facies are probably derived from a meta-ignea source of intermediate composition, such as tonalitic gneisses. The rocks of the Querari Complex would have been generated in the collisional tectonic settings during the Paleoproterozoic (between 1778 and 1740 Ma). During this 1.78-1.74 Ga tectono-magmatic event (D1), the magmatic fabric (S0) and the parallel S1 foliation have been developed, with NE-SE orientation. A subsequent tectonic event (D2) was responsible for the folding S1 foliation, creating the S2 axial planar foliation with an approximate orientation E-W. This D2 event is thought to represent a Calymmian (1.52 - 1.48 Ga) tectono-metamorphic event, associated with widespread I- and S-type granite emplacement in the Rio Negro Province. The deformation textures, as well as the mineral paragenesis for the Pana-Pana and Matapi facies, reveal temperature conditions at upper amphibolite facies, up to 700oC. Finally, the D3 tectono-metamorphic event comprises the reactivation of many NE-SW ductile shear zones with sinistral kinematic, creating a mylonitic foliation (S3) in the rocks of the Querari Complex. This D3 tectono-metamorphic event is probably linked to the intracratonic K´Mudku tectono-metamorphic event (between 1317 and 1198 Ma) of the Amazonian Greenvillian-Sunsas continental collision.

Constraints on the age and geodynamic setting of the iron formations and anhydrite Fe-(Ba) deposits in the Bulunkuole Group of the Taxkorgan area, NW China

• Bulunkuole Group (BG) and associated mineral deposits is both early Cambrian in age. • Volcanic-sedimentary rocks in the BG reveal a back-arc basin depositional setting. • Iron formations deposited in newborn back-arc basin from redox-stratified water column. • Anhydrite Fe-(Ba) deposits formed in restricted sulfate-rich water during back-arc basin collapse. Here we present detailed field observations, zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes, whole-rock geochemical, and Sm-Nd isotopic data for the volcanic-sedimentary rocks within the Bulunkuole Group (BG) in the Taxkorgan area, northwestern China in order to reveal significant information on the formation age and tectonic setting of the iron formations (IFs) and anhydrite Fe-(Ba) deposits hosted by this group. Exposed rocks in the BG are broadly grouped into three subgroups: the lowermost Subgroup 1 is a bimodal volcanic suit (basalts and dacites) interbedded with IF layers; the overlying Subgroup 2 is a clastic sedimentary sequence hosting abundant anhydrite Fe-(Ba) mineralization; and the uppermost Subgroup 3 is dominated by carbonate rocks. Zircon U-Pb ages provide constraints on the formation age of the BG. Specifically, the bimodal volcanism occurred at ~ 540–521 Ma and the sedimentary rocks deposited after 540 Ma. Basalts from the BG bimodal suit are characterized by slightly enriched LREE patterns and pronounced to insignificant negative Nb anomalies when normalized to primitive mantle compositions. These features are comparable with those of modern N-MORB and back-arc basin basalts. Combined with highly heterogeneous Nd isotopes ( ε Nd (t) = 0.2–4.4), these suggest that their magmatic precursors were derived from partial melting of a depleted mantle modified by slab-derived fluids, and interacted with minor crustal components during ascending. By comparison, the BG dacites display gently sloped to flat LREE patterns with a FII-type felsic affinity and a range of negative to positive ε Nd (t) values (-5.8~+0.7). They are inferred to be generated by partial melting of the old continental crust at relatively shallow levels with variable addition of juvenile material. The BG clastic sediments were dominated by greywacke and arkose. Their diagnostic geochemical features, detrital zircon age spectra, and in situ zircon Hf isotopic data indicate that they were mainly derived from weathering of the early Cambrian felsic rocks. Together, these characteristics above, integrated with previous studies, suggest that the BG and related IFs and anhydrite Fe-(Ba) deposits were formed on an active continental margin (possibly back-arc basin) during the southward subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean beneath the Taxkorgan-Tianshuihai Terrane.