Pronounced Negative Nb-Ta Anomalies Research Articles

Variations of Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopes and redox conditions across a Neoproterozoic arc magmatic belt in the western margin of the Yangtze craton

We use zircon trace elements and HfO isotopes, plus whole-rock chemical and SrNd isotope compositions to investigate the controls on the chemistry of Neoproterozoic arc magmas. The samples are from the gabbrodiorite intrusion of the Gaojiacun mafic-ultramafic complex and from the Tongde diorite batholith of the Panxi Neoproterozoic magmatic belt in the western margin of the Yangtze craton, western China. Zircon UPb ages reveal that both intrusions are coeval, emplaced at ∼820 Ma. Major element compositions of whole rocks and major silicate minerals indicate that the Tongde batholith formed from more evolved magma than the parental magma for the Gaojiacun intrusion. The mantle-normalized trace element patterns of whole rocks from both intrusions are similar, showing light REE enrichments and pronounced negative NbTa anomalies. The SrNd isotopic compositions of the whole rocks are also similar, plotting within or very close to the mantle array, indicating no to minor contamination with the upper crust. Zircon HfO isotopes indicate that the Gaojiacun magma has much higher ƐHf (6.26 ± 0.52) and δ18O (7.0 ± 0.3 ‰) than the Tongde magma (ƐHf = 4.81 ± 0.39; δ18O = 5.7 ± 0.2 ‰). The δ18O values of the Gaojiacun zircons are also higher than the normal mantle (δ18O = 5.3 ± 0.6 ‰). Zircon trace element compositions show that, despite their close spatial association (<10 km), the coeval intrusions have contrasting redox states, with the estimated fO2 values of ΔFMQ+1.0 and ΔFMQ-0.7 for Tongde and Gaojiacun, respectively. The former is within the range of modern arc basalts, whereas the latter is lower than the average value of MORBs. The very low fO2 of the Gaojiacun magma could be due to the presence of subducted oceanic sediments enriched in organic matter (OM) in the source or due to contamination with OM-rich sedimentary rocks in the upper crust. Since such crustal rocks have not been reported for the region, we prefer the former explanation. The preferred model is also supported by Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopes. The results from this study reveal that both reduced and oxidized magma could be produced simultaneously in a subduction zone.

Geochronological, mineralogical and geochemical studies of sulfide mineralization in the Yueyawan mafic intrusion in the East Tianshan orogenic Belt, NW China

The Yueyawan Cu-Ni sulfide deposit, located in the northern part of Dananhu island arc, is a new case of Cu-Ni mineralization related to Early Permian mafic magmatism in the East Tianshan orogenic belt, NW China. Olivine gabbro, hornblende gabbro, and gabbro are the major rock types of this complex. Disseminated sulfide mineralization with a pentlandite + pyrrhotite + chalcopyrite assemblage occurs in olivine gabbro. Zircon crystals from olivine gabbro yielded a U-Pb age of 275 ± 2 Ma, almost contemporaneous with the postcollisional extension-related Cu-Ni deposits in the East Tianshan nickel belt (e.g., Tulaergen, Xiangshan, Huangshan, Tudun, and Baixintan deposits). The Yueyawan olivine gabbro is characterized by light rare earth element enrichment, pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies, low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.703282 to 0.703420, positive εNd(t) values from 3.4 to 7.2, zircon εHf(t) values from + 15.5 to + 18.5, indicating that the parental magma of the Yueyawan intrusion was derived from a metasomatized mantle source, similar to other contemporaneous mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the region. The δ34S values of sulfide of the Yueyawan deposit are similar and vary from 0.60 to 1.85 ‰, which are within the range of typical mantle values as well as that of the country rocks, providing no direct evidence for addition of external sulfur. However, the negative correlation between Se/S (54.01 to 77.56 × 10−6) ratios and sulfur contents in the disseminated sulfides indicate crustal contamination played a critical role for sulfide segregation of the magma. The olivine Fo and Ni contents from sulphide-bearing mafic rocks show a negative correlation. Olivine chemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf-S isotope data indicate that fractional crystallization and crustal contamination played a role in triggering sulfide saturation in the Yueyawan mafic magma.

Petrogenesis of the ca. 2.32 Ga low-δ18O gabbroic diorites and granites in the Xiaoshan area, southern North China Craton: Implications for the early Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution

The database of global zircon ages shows a marked age gap at 2.45–2.2 Ga, which was postulated associated with the global magmatic and plate tectonic “shutdown” or “slowdown”. But in recent years, a great deal of ∼ 2.3 Ga magmatism has been identified in the North China Craton (NCC). Nevertheless, tectonic evolutionary scenario of the NCC during early Paleoproterozoic is still in hot debate. This study focuses on the gabbroic diorites and biotite granites in the Xiaoshan area, southern margin of the NCC. They were emplaced at ∼ 2.32 Ga. The gabbroic diorites have low SiO2, high Mg#, Cr, Ni values, and characterized by LREE-enriched, HREE-depleted trends, slightly positive Eu anomalies with pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies. Meanwhile, the samples have low-δ18O value of 2.05–5.35 ‰, they show negative zircon εHf (t) (−5.8 to − 4.1) and whole-rock εNd (t) (−2.36 to − 1.77) values, with TDM1 ages of 2.81–2.88 Ga and 2.80–2.86 Ga respectively, and crustal assimilation was limited during magma ascent, indicating a lithospheric mantle (CLM) source, which has been refertilized by metasomatic processes. The biotite granites have low 10000 Ga/Al ratios, Zr, Zr + Nb + Ce + Y concentrations, and calculated zircon saturation temperature (697–776 °C), belonging to metaluminous I-type granite. Their highly fractionated REE patterns, high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, low Dy/Yb and Gd/Yb ratios indicating that they were derived from partial melting of a lower crust source with both garnet and amphibole in the residue. Besides, they have δ18O values ranging from 2.41 ‰ to 5.11 ‰, variable zircon εHf (t) (−1.1 to + 1.4) and whole-rock εNd (t) (−0.76 to + 0.29) values, implying they were formed mainly by reworking of the pre-existing ancient crust, which was probably triggered by underplated mantle-derived mafic magmas. In combination with previous studies on the great diversity 2.45–2.2 Ga mafic-felsic rock assemblages and their geochemical features, we prefer that the extensional tectonic regime, which can result in thermal anomaly to account for the lithospheric mantle and crustal melting, is reasonable in the early Paleoproterozoic Era, at least for the southern NCC.

Late Permian plume and Neoproterozoic subduction-modified mantle interaction: Insights from geochronology and Sr-Nd-O isotopes of mafic dikes of the western Emeishan large igneous province

Geochronological investigations of mafic dikes along the southwestern margin of the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) in the South China block display a restricted range of U-Pb zircon, baddeleyite, and apatite isotopic ages ranging from 263 to 257 Ma, which overlaps with that of previously studied ELIP basalts and mafic intrusions. The dikes are divided into high-Ti and low-Ti groups, whereby the latter is further divided into two subgroups (low-Ti group-1 and -2). The high-Ti group rocks (Ti/Y &gt; 500) are characterized by ocean island basalt-like trace element patterns with mantle-like zircon δ¹⁸O of 5.0 ± 0.10‰ and slightly enriched ε_Nd(t) values of −1.0 to +1.0. The low-Ti group-1 rocks (Ti/Y &lt; 500) have trace element patterns similar to those of the high-Ti group, yet generally with weak negative Nb-Ta anomalies, lower (Sm/Yb)_N ratios, elevated zircon δ¹⁸O (6.6 ± 0.33 ‰), and highly variable ε_Nd(t) values (−3.9 to +3.2). The low-Ti group-2 rocks (Ti/Y &lt; 500) are characterized by pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies, more negative ε_Nd(t) (−8.4 to −6.6) values, and higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios than those of the other two groups. The compositional variations of the high-Ti group and the low-Ti group-1 rocks, in conjunction with the negative correlation between the ε_Nd(t) values and the (Th/Nb)_N ratios, suggest that the two groups were generated from an isotopically heterogeneous mantle plume at different depths, and experienced varying degrees of crustal contamination (but &lt; 20 wt.%). The high-Ti group rocks are considered to have originated from a deeper garnet-stable source, and the low-Ti group-1 rocks from a shallower source. Mixing calculations indicate that the highly enriched Sr-Nd isotopes of the low-Ti group-2 rocks cannot be explained by crustal contamination. A subduction-modified mantle source is required to account for the arc-like geochemical characteristics of this group. This is consistent with the spatial overlap of the low-Ti group-2 rocks and previously studied geochemically similar samples with rocks from the Neoproterozoic subduction zone along the western margin of the South China block. Furthermore, a fertilized mantle is also consistent with the variable δ¹⁸O values of various mafic-ultramafic rocks of the western and central ELIP due to the involvement of recycled oceanic crustal materials. Our results are in accordance with the model that the western ELIP late Permian magmatism was generated by the interaction of two distinct sources, that is, an isotopically heterogenous mantle plume and a Neoproterozoic subduction-modified, Nd isotope-enriched lithospheric mantle with distinct heterogenous oxygen isotope characteristics.

Neoproterozoic protracted arc basaltic magmatism in the southern margin of the Yangtze Block, south China: New constraints from mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks

Mantle plume activity and subduction are two popular geodynamic models that have been used to explain the widespread Neoproterozoic basaltic magmatism in the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt along the southern margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. We have evaluated the competing hypotheses using new geochronological, petrological and geochemical data of two mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Yuanbaoshan (YBS) area of this orogenic belt, namely the YBS south and west intrusions. Zircons from the YBS south intrusion yielded a U-Pb age of 835 ± 3 Ma. This new age and the previously reported age for another mafic–ultramafic intrusion situated < 10 km to the northwest (the YBS west intrusion) reveal a protracted (12–20 Myr) episode of mafic magmatism in a very small area. Such temporal-spatial relationship is more consistent with the style of subduction-related magmatism than that of mantle plume-related magmatism. The YBS south and west intrusions are characterized by arc-like geochemical features such as light REE enrichments and pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies in whole rocks. Olivine Mn/Fe and Ca contents, clinopyroxene AlZ/TiO2 and Cr-spinel TiO2/Al2O3 of these intrusions are similar to those of some undisputed subduction-related mafic–ultramafic intrusions elsewhere in the world. Zircons from the YBS south intrusion have mantle-likeHf-O isotope compositions, with εHf(t)varying from + 3.3 to + 8.7 and δ18Oof5.32 ± 0.29‰. The whole rock samples yielded εNd(t) from + 5.2 to + 8.8 and (87Sr/86Sr)i from 0.7034 to 0.7051 for the YBS south intrusion, and εNd(t) from + 1.7 to + 5.2 and (87Sr/86Sr)i from 0.7036 to 0.7051 for the YBS west intrusion. The Sr-Nd isotope compositions of these intrusions are similar to those of global Cenozoic arc basalts, but are also consistent with mantle plume-derived magma with < 5% of crustal contamination. However, the lack of correlation between Th/Nb and εNd(t) or (87Sr/86Sr)i for the intrusive rocks is inconsistent with the contamination model. The results from this study support for a popular view that northward oceanic subduction beneath the southern margin of the Yangtze Block took place in the Neoproterozoic.

Petrogenesis and Ni-Cu exploration potential of Devonian mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, NW China: constraints from zircon O isotopes and whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopes

ABSTRACT Weakly disseminated sulphide mineralization is present in the outcrops of several mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Beishan region of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in western China, but the potential of these intrusions to host economic sulphide ores at depths is not known. A better understanding of the genetic control on the mineralization may help to answer this important question. With this in mind, we have selected two of them that were emplaced during the Devonian, a period when subduction-related mafic magmatism undoubtedly occurred in the region, for a geochemical study. They are the Miaomiaojing and Guaishishan mafic–ultramafic intrusions. Our new zircon U-Pb dating indicates that they were emplaced at 377.5 ± 5.3 and 358.6 ± 3.9 Ma, respectively. Lherzolite, olivine websterite, troctolite and gabbro are the main rock types for both intrusions. Disseminated sulphide mineralization is concentrated in the ultramafic units of both intrusions. The whole-rock samples are characterized by light REE enrichments, pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies, and variable εNd(t) values from −3.54 to +2.17. Zircons from the intrusions have elevated δ18O values (average value: 7.48 ± 0.09 ‰) compared to that of the mantle. The trace element and isotope data support the interpretation that the parental magmas for the Devonian mafic–ultramafic intrusions are contaminated arc mafic magmas. Petrological modelling reveals that fractional crystallization together with crustal assimilation may have played an important role in triggering the sulphide saturation in the magmas. The Ni tenors (in recalculated 100% sulphide) for the sulphide-mineralized samples from both intrusions are similar and up to 6.7 wt% Ni and 2.8 wt% Cu, comparable to the metal tenor of most economic Ni-Cu deposits in the CAOB, implying that samples containing higher amounts of sulphides would become Ni-Cu ores. The olivine Fo and Ni contents from sulphide-bearing ultramafic rocks show a negative correlation, consistent with sub-solid Fe-Ni exchange between olivine and sulphide melt. Together with the similar mineralization characteristics between these sulphide-bearing intrusions and the coeval Heishan Ni-Cu deposit, we suggest that these intrusions have the potential to host Ni-Cu sulphide ores at depths, which could be further tested by geophysical survey followed by drilling.

Late Permian–Early Triassic mafic dikes in the southwestern margin of the South China block: Evidence for Paleo-Pacific subduction

The link of the widespread Late Permian–Triassic magmatism in the southwestern corner of the South China block to a subduction zone or the Emeishan mantle plume is debated. We have carried out an integrated geochronological-petrological-geochemical study of four mafic dikes in the Gulinjing–Nanxi area of this region to shed new light on the issue. Zircon grains from the Gulinjing–Nanxi mafic dikes yield UPb ages from 254 ± 2 to 250 ± 2 Ma, indicating that they are coeval with abundant felsic intrusive-extrusive rocks in the region, but are 6–7 myr younger than the nearby Emeishan flood basalts and associated mafic-ultramafic intrusions. The Gulinjing–Nanxi mafic dikes are characterized by light rare-earth element enrichments and pronounced negative NbTa anomalies, similar to typical arc basalts worldwide, plus enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr from 0.7088 to 0.7103, εNd(t) from −6.6 to −4.6, and zircon εHf(t) from −3.7 to −0.3). The isotopes and incompatible trace element ratios indicate that the parental magmas for the Gulinjing–Nanxi mafic dikes are consistent with contaminated arc mafic magmas, but not contaminated Emeishan flood basalts in the region. This, together with a significant age difference between the mafic dikes and the Emeishan flood basalts and associated mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the nearby areas, support the interpretation that the Gulinjing–Nanxi mafic dikes are unlikely to be parts of the Emeishan mantle plume. Based on regional igneous association and the distribution of known paleo subduction zones in the surrounding regions, we conclude that the Gulinjing–Nanxi mafic dikes are linked to Paleo-Pacific subduction to the south, and not Paleo-Tethys subduction to the west.

Open-system magmatic evolution and crystallization conditions of the Ediacaran shoshonitic rocks from the São João do Sabugi Pluton, Borborema Province, NE Brazil

Abstract The Sao Joao do Sabugi Pluton (SJSP) (∼579 Ma) is one of the most expressive occurrences of Ediacaran, syn- to post-collisional shoshonitic rocks in the Rio Piranhas-Serido Domain, Borborema Province, NE Brazil. The petrography, whole rock and mineral composition of this pluton were investigated to characterize its open-system magmatic differentiation processes. The pluton is composed of three rock groups: gabbro-diorite, with clinopyroxene ± orthopyroxene ± amphibole ± biotite; monzodiorite, with amphibole and biotite (± pyroxenes); and granodiorite, with biotite as the main mafic mineral. Evidences of open-system processes, including partially resorbed metasediment xenoliths, are widespread. These rocks are metaluminous, alkali-calcic and magnesian, and have shoshonitic affinity. They show relative LILE and LREE enrichment and pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies. Major and trace element geochemical modeling favors magma differentiation by fractional crystallization (56–62%) after crustal assimilation of ∼30% of local paragneisses and schists from the Serido Group in a relatively stationary magma chamber at crustal depth, under pressures of 5–6 kbar, temperatures of ∼800–1,000°C and relatively oxidizing conditions. The less evolved gabbro-diorite was generated by ∼18% modal dynamic partial melting of a metasomatized mantle source.

Triassic arc mafic magmatism in North Qiangtang: Implications for tectonic reconstruction and mineral exploration

The North Qiangtang continental block in central Tibet is a critical piece of the Pangea puzzle. This paper uses integrated geochronological and geochemical data for selected mafic dykes and dioritic enclaves in this block to evaluate its tectonic evolution in the Triassic. Zircons from two mafic dykes and the dioritic enclaves of a large arc granodiorite pluton in eastern North Qiangtang yield indistinguishable U-Pb ages from 248 ± 2 to 251 ± 3 Ma, contemporaneous with widespread arc basaltic andesites and crust-derived rhyolites in the region. The mafic dykes and coeval arc basaltic andesites have almost identical Sr-Nd isotopes (initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.707 to 0.708, εNd = −4.4 to −3.6), and are all characterized by light REE enrichments and pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies. The dioritic enclaves and the hosts have indistinguishable zircon U-Pb ages, almost identical Sr-Nd isotopes (initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.709 to 0.711, εNd = −7.4 to −5.9), and similar zircon εHf (−13.7 to −5.7), but contrasting chondrite-normalized REE patterns due to hornblende fractionation. The Sr-Nd isotope data indicate that the dioritic enclaves formed from the hybrid melts produced by mixing at depth between the arc basaltic andesites and the crust-derived rhyolites. We propose that the Early Triassic arc igneous suites are related to the northward subduction of the southern Paleo-Tethys beneath the North Qiangtang block from Early to Middle Triassic. The occurrence of several Late Triassic porphyry Cu deposits plus a VMS Ag-Pb-Zn deposit in the Yidun arc, which is the product of the southward subduction of the northern Paleo-Tethys beneath the North Qiangtang block in the Late Triassic, indicates that the arc magmas generated during the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys are fertile in ore metals. Therefore, exploration for Early–Middle Triassic porphyry Cu and VMS deposits in the southern part of the North Qiangtang block is warranted.

Geochronology and petrogenesis of the Late Silurian Shitoukengde mafic–ultramafic intrusion, NW China: Implications for the tectonic setting and magmatic Ni-Cu mineralization in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT The Shitoukengde mafic–ultramafic intrusion, located in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, is spatially and temporally associated with the Xiarihamu Ni-Cu sulphide deposit, the second-largest Ni deposit in China. This intrusion comprises mainly lherzolite, harzburgite, olivine websterite, and gabbroic rocks. The Shitoukengde mafic–ultramafic rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (REE) relative to heavy REE and show pronounced negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Magmatic zircon crystals of the studied samples have high δ18O values (6.5 to 8.0‰) with a weighted mean value of 7.3‰ that is higher than the typical mantle value (~5.3‰). They are characterized by high εHf(t) values (–2.0 to 9.2) and variable εNd(t) values (–4.46 to 2.83). Olivine grains from the ultramafic rocks have high forsterite (Fo) values of 79.3–86.8 and variable Ni contents of 746–3347 ppm. Our calculations indicate that parental magma of the Shitoukengde intrusion had a high-Mg basaltic composition with 10.9 wt% MgO and 9.8 wt% FeOT. Fractional crystallization and significant crustal contamination triggered S saturation and sulphide enrichment in the magma. Zircon LA-ICPMS and SIMS U–Pb analyses reveal the consistent Silurian ages of 420–424 Ma for the gabbronorite and Ol websterite, which is coeval with the Xiarihamu Ni-Cu deposit. Based on these data and the regional tectonic setting, we suggest that the Shitoukengde mafic-ultramafic rocks formed in the post-collisional, extensional environment. The cessation of subduction may have resulted in break-off of the dense subducted slab, and triggered ascent of the hot convective asthenospheric mantle. The mantle wedge was modified by the subduction-related fluids and these enriched mantle components were incorporated into the ascending asthenospheric melts at relatively shallow depths, generating the high-Mg basaltic magmas that formed the compositionally variable mafic-ultramafic rocks (e.g., Shitoukengde and Xiarihamu intrusions) in the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic belt.

Contrasting whole-rock and mineral compositions of ore-bearing (Tongchang) and ore-barren (Shilicun) granitic plutons in SW China: Implications for petrogenesis and ore genesis

A common perception is that oxidized magma is critical for the formation of a porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au ore deposit. We have used an ore-bearing pluton (Tongchang) and an ore-barren pluton (Shilicun) in the western rim of the South China block to test this idea and to determine other important controls on ore genesis. Zircon UPb ages indicate that the Tongchang and Shilicun plutons were emplaced at 36.3 ± 0.2 Ma and 35.2 ± 0.4 Ma, respectively, broadly coinciding with strike-slip faulting in the region and continental collision that occurred ~300 km to the west. These two plutons are all characterized by significant light REE enrichments and pronounced negative NbTa anomalies, similar to the bulk crust. Apatite separates from these two plutons all have elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr (Tongchang, 0.70690 to 0.70796; Shilicun, 0.70703 to 0.70726) and negative εNd(t) (Tongchang, −6.2 to −7.3; Shilicun, −4.5 to −5.8). The mean εHf(t) and δ18O of zircon from these plutons are −1.4 and 6.8‰ for Tongchang, and −0.3 and 6.5‰ for Shilicun. The Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions are all within the ranges of the Neoproterozoic mafic arc lower crust in the region. Whole-rock U-Nb-Ta systematics indicate that the Tongchang and Shilicun plutons originated from an amphibole-bearing source and a garnet-bearing source, respectively, implying a shallower and more H2O-rich mafic source for the former than the latter. Quartz trace element data indicate that the Tongchang pluton was emplaced at a shallower depth than the Shilicun pluton. Zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ and whole-rock V/Sc ratios, and apatite SO3 and MnO contents indicate that the parental magmas of both plutons are as oxidized as those of some porphyry Cu deposits in northern Chile, but the parental magma of the Tongchang pluton is less oxidized than that of the Shilicun pluton. Apatite Cl-F-OH systematics and higher abundant hydrous silicate minerals such as amphibole and biotite in the Tongchang pluton than the Shilicun pluton indicate that the parental magma of the Tongchang pluton has higher Cl and H2O content than that of the Shilicun pluton. Our results show that oxidized magma is important but this alone cannot make a porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au ore deposit. High contents of H2O-Cl in magma and shallow depth of emplacement are also important.

Geochemistry and geochronology of orthogneisses across a major transcurrent shear zone (East Pernambuco shear zone, Borborema Province, Northeast Brazil): Tectonic implications

The East Pernambuco shear zone (EPSZ) is a dextral shear zone bounding the Rio Capibaribe and Pernambuco-Alagoas domains of the Neoproterozoic Borborema Province (NE Brazil). This study reports new geological data from orthogneisses across the central segment of the EPSZ. Two samples from the Bezerros orthogneiss to the north of the EPSZ yielded 207Pb/206Pb weighted mean ages of 2111 ± 7 Ma and 2104 ± 8 Ma. The c. 2.1 Ga age is taken as the age of crystallization of the protolith. It is undistinguishable from the age of the 2.13–2.09 Ga-old Vertentes Complex, which is the main Paleoproterozoic unit of the Rio Capibaribe Domain, and of orthogneisses that occur immediately south of the EPSZ. Like the Vertentes Complex, the Bezerros orthogneiss has a subduction-zone geochemical signature (e.g., pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies), suggesting intrusion in a magmatic arc setting. South of the EPSZ, a migmatized granitic orthogneiss and the Encruzilhada de São João orthogneiss yielded 206Pb/238U weighted mean ages of 645 ± 3 Ma and 639 ± 5 Ma, respectively. Ages of 615 ± 17 Ma and 618 ± 12 Ma obtained at the rims of zircon grains from Encruzilhada de São João and migmatized granitic orthogneisses, respectively, are interpreted as dating the acquisition of the low-angle gneissic fabric. The age of the EPSZ is bracketed by the 591 ± 4 Ma age of a monazite grain from the Bezerros orthogneiss and by the of 575 ± 17 Ma age of a young zircon grain in the Encruzilhada de São João orthogneiss. Rather than being a terrane boundary, the EPSZ more likely represents an intracontinental shear zone that nucleated at preexisting crustal heterogeneities.

Crustal melting above a mantle plume: Insights from the Permian Tarim Large Igneous Province, NW China

Low NbTa rhyolites from the Permian Tarim Large Igneous Province (LIP) represent the melting products of continental crust above a mantle plume. Zircon UPb dating reveals that the Kuchehe and Dawanqi rhyolites were erupted at 292.6 ± 0.5 Ma and 274 ± 2 Ma respectively. Both rhyolite groups are characterized by pronounced negative NbTa anomalies, crust-like trace element ratios and negative εNd-Hf(t) values, consistent with a crustal origin. Newly acquired data, combined with available data in the literature, clearly show that there is an increasing trend of zircon saturation temperature (TZr) from 794 to 827 °C to 886–936 °C for the early to middle stage (293–287 Ma), followed by a decreasing TZr of 803–908 °C for the late stage (287–274 Ma) of the Tarim magmatism. The temporal changes in TZr for the Tarim rhyolites are interpreted to reflect the crustal melting behavior above a mantle plume, such that fusible materials in the crust melt at an earlier stage and refractory materials melt at a later stage. The gradual decrease in TZr, towards the final stage of the Tarim rhyolitic magmatism, reflects the gradual ‘decay’ of thermal input from mantle plume to the lithosphere in the region. This thermal model is also applicable to describe the crustal melting behavior in the Chon Aike silicic LIP of Patagonia and the Snake River Plateau-Yellowstone Plateau volcanic provinces.

Geochronological, mineralogical and geochemical studies of sulfide mineralization in the Podong mafic-ultramafic intrusion in northern Xinjiang, western China

The Podong mafic-ultramafic intrusion is one of many Ni-Cu sulfide-mineralized intrusions in the Beishan-Tianshan Orogenic Belt in northern Xinjiang, western China. The temporal and lithological variations of the Ni-Cu mineralized intrusions in Beishan are much less constrained than those in Tianshan. This paper provides the first set of geochronological and geochemical data for the Podong magmatic sulfide deposit that is present in the Beishan region. The host intrusion is composed of lherzolite, troctolite, gabbronorite and gabbro. Ni-Cu mineralization occurs as disseminated sulfides in gabbronorite (± olivine). The zircon U-Pb age of gabbronorite is 270 ± 2.7 Ma, identical to the zircon U-Pb age of the nearby Poyi magmatic sulfide deposit that is hosted in troctolite and ultramafic rocks. These ages together define a new episode of Ni metallogeny in the Beishan region, which is ∼10 Ma younger than that in the Tianshan region to the north. The Fo contents of olivine in the Podong mafic-ultramafic intrusion are from 76 to 87 mol%, lower than the values for the nearby Poyi mafic-ultramafic intrusion. The Podong mafic-ultramafic rocks are characterized by εNd(t) values from −0.61 to +1.92, low to elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7055–0.7090), and pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies. The Sr-Nd isotope data indicate that the parental magma of the Podong intrusion experienced 0–13 wt% crustal contamination, which cannot fully account for the observed negative Nb-Ta anomalies in the rocks. Sulfur isotope compositions of the Podong deposit are similar to those of Pre-Permian sedimentary rocks in the area as well as typical mantle values. The results support the premise that fractional crystallization and assimilation of siliceous crustal materials may have played a key role in triggering sulfide saturation in the Podong magma, although the involvement of external sulfur cannot be completely ruled out. Like other Permian magmatic sulfide deposits in the Beishan-Tianshan Orogenic Belt, the PGE tenors of bulk sulfides in the Podong deposit are extremely low, indicating a severely PGE-depleted parental magma. The Cu/Pd ratios of the Podong magmatic sulfide deposit are significantly higher than the mantle values, consistent with previous sulfide segregation at depth. The results from the Podong magmatic sulfide deposit confirm that widespread Ni metallogeny in a convergent tectonic zone is very protracted and the mineralized lithologies are highly variable, which have significant implications for regional Ni-Cu exploration.

Permian bimodal magmatism in the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, Beishan, Xinjiang, NW China: Petrogenesis and implication for post-subduction crustal growth

Previous studies show that Permian bimodal magmatism is widespread in the Tianshan region, the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in northern Xinjiang, NW China. We have found that such bimodal magmatism extended farther to the south in the Beishan region. Our new zircon U-Pb age data show that the dolerite and granite dykes in the Poyi area of the region were emplaced at ~270 Ma, >20 myr after subduction ended in the region. The dated dolerite dyke is characterized by pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies, high εNd(t) from +4.3 to +5.1 and low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.7051 to 0.7060 for whole rocks, plus high εHf(t) from +8.96 to +13.0 and elevated δ18O from 5.8 to 6.5‰ for zircon crystals, which indicate a subduction-modified mantle source and moderate degrees of crustal contamination (<10 wt%). Whole-rock 1000Zn/Fe, Mn/Zn, Dy/Yb and La/Yb ratios of the Poyi dolerite dyke are consistent with a peridotite-dominant mantle source. Between two possible causes of mantle partial melting, such as mantle plume impingement and lithospheric delamination coupled with asthenosphere upwelling, we favor the latter because existing data indicate that the Permian mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks in the region were emplaced over a long period (>25 myr) and show no age progression in a single direction, which are inconsistent with the results of mantle plume magmatism. Whole rocks from the Permian granite dyke in the Poyi area are characterized by strong negative Nb-Ta anomalies, negative εNd(t) from −2.4 to −1.6 and high initial 87Sr/86Sr from 0.7080 to 0.7088. Magmatic zircon crystals from the granite dyke have εHf(t) from +0.86 to +5.64 and δ18O from 6.5 to 7.2‰. The isotope compositions of the granite dyke are within the ranges of the pre-Permian crustal rocks in the region, indicating a predominantly crustal source. Based on these data, we propose that partial melting in the crust was induced by underplating of mantle-derived mafic magmas, some of which were emplaced in the upper parts of the crust to form the broadly coeval dolerite dykes and mafic-ultramafic intrusions. The results from this study support the view that post-subduction bimodal magmatism is important for continental crustal growth and differentiation.

Geochronological and geochemical study of the Baixintan magmatic Ni-Cu sulphide deposit: New implications for the exploration potential in the western part of the East Tianshan nickel belt (NW China)

Several newly discovered magmatic Ni-Cu sulphide deposits are located in the East Tianshan nickel belt in the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in NW China. The Baixintan magmatic sulphide deposit is one of these new discoveries. The host mafic-ultramafic intrusion of the Baixintan deposit is composed of plagioclase-bearing lherzolite, Pl-bearing olivine websterite, olivine norite and gabbro. Zircon crystals from olivine norite yielded a U-Pb age of 286.0 ± 1.6 Ma, similar to the ages of other magmatic Ni-Cu sulphide ore deposits in this belt. Disseminated sulphide mineralization is present in olivine-bearing rocks. The Fo and Ni contents of olivine crystals from the sulphide-barren samples vary from 81.7 to 85.6 mol% and from 956 to 2837 ppm, respectively, exhibiting a positive Fo-Ni correlation that is consistent with the fractional crystallization of olivine plus removal of small amounts of immiscible sulphide liquid. The Baixintan mafic-ultramafic rocks are characterized by light REE enrichment, pronounced negative Nb–Ta anomalies, low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.7035 to 0.7039, positive εNd(CHUR, 286 Ma) values from 6.0 to 7.4 and zircon εHf(CHUR, 286 Ma) values from +11.6 to +15.8. These data indicate that the parental magmas were derived from a depleted mantle source with moderate degrees of contamination by the upper crust. The variations in PGE tenor in the Baixintan deposit, which are characterized by positive correlations between IPGE and PPGE, can be explained by variable R factors (R = 400–3000). Mass balance calculations indicate that the parental magma was severely depleted in PGE, which could be likely due to prior sulphide segregation at depth or sulphide retention in the mantle during partial melting. Both fractional crystallization and crustal contamination may have played a role in triggering second stage sulphide saturation in the Baixintan magma. The similarities in ages, lithological controls and bulk sulphide composition between the Baixintan deposit and other known magmatic Ni-Cu sulphide ore deposits in the East Tianshan nickel belt encourage further exploration in the Baixintan mafic-ultramafic intrusion, as well as expansion of the on-going regional Ni exploration program.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on sulfide mineralization in the Qingmingshan mafic intrusion in the western part of the Proterozoic Jiangnan orogenic belt along the southern margin of the Yangtze Craton

The Qingmingshan magmatic Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide deposit is located in the southern margin of the Yangtze Craton, in the western part of the Proterozoic Jiangnan orogenic belt. Sulfide mineralization occurs as disseminated zones in a dike-like mafic body intruding Early Neoproterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks. The host intrusion can be further divided into an upper gabbronorite unit, a middle dolerite unit and a lower gabbronorite unit. Each unit contains at least one disseminated sulfide zone. Sulfide mineral assemblages are composed of pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a crystallization age of 847.8±3.8Ma (2σ) for the intrusion. The host rocks are characterized by enrichment in light rare earth elements (REE) relative to heavy REE and show pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies, similar to the characteristics of arc mafic igneous rocks worldwide. Mixing calculations indicate that the variations of (Th/Yb)N and (Th/Nb)N in the intrusion are consistent with between 10 and 20wt% crustal contamination of the parental magma. The sulfide separates are characterized by elevated δ34S values from 1.5 to 3.5‰, with a peak at 2.6‰, and by γOs values from 2 to 89, indicating addition of crustal sulfur and Os to the parental magma. The trace element data and S-Os isotopes support the premise that sulfide saturation in the Qingmingshan magma was triggered by crustal contamination. Variations of PGE tenors in different sulfide zones can be explained by variable R-factors from 300 to 1000 during sulfide segregation from the magma. Mass balance calculations indicate that the parental magma was severely depleted in PGE, which could be a primary signature of arc basaltic magma formed by low degrees of partial melting or due to previous sulfide segregation at depth. The lithological and mineralization zonation across the dike-like Qingmingshan mafic intrusion indicates that at least three separate pulses of sulfide-charged magma were involved in the formation of the Qingmingshan magmatic sulfide deposit. The Qingmingshan mafic intrusion is interpreted to be a part of a sub-arc magma plumbing system. Coeval ultramafic intrusions formed from more primitive magma in the region are good exploration targets for magmatic sulfide deposits with higher Ni/Cu ratios than the Qingmingshan deposit.

Geochronology, petrology and geochemistry of the Beiligaimiao magmatic sulfide deposit in a Paleozoic active continental margin, North China

The Beiligaimiao magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit is located in the northern rim of the North China Block, which was an active continental margin related to the southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate to the north in the Paleozoic. This deposit has never been studied before but is an excellent example of sulfide mineralization in arc settings that have been commonly overlooked by exploration geologists worldwide. Sulfide mineralization in the deposit is hosted in a mafic-ultramafic complex that consists of a small ultramafic body surrounded by an older and much larger gabbroic intrusion. Disseminated sulfide zones are present in both intrusive bodies but only those close to the surface within the ultramafic body have been mined in the past. The sulfide-mineralized ultramafic body is composed of olivine websterite and orthopyroxenite with a gradational contact between them. SIMS U-Pb dating of zircon crystals from a large olivine websterite sample yields a crystallization age of 269.4±2.1Ma, which is ∼25Ma younger than the Erbutu subduction-related magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit that occurs ∼50km to the north. Orthopyroxene crystals in the Beiligaimiao ultramafic rocks have Mg# [100Mg/(Mg+Fe), molar] of 77–78, significantly lower than those in the ultramafic rocks of the Erbutu deposit. Olivine crystals in the Beiligaimiao ultramafic rocks have forsterite (Fo) contents from 72 to 75mol%, which are also significantly lower than those in the ultramafic rocks of the Erbutu deposit (Fo, 86–88mol%). The mineral chemical data indicate a more fractionated parental magma for the former. Ca-depletion in olivine (i.e., <1000ppm Ca), which is common for ultramafic cumulates in arc settings worldwide, is present in both deposits. Like Erbutu, the host rocks of the Beiligaimiao deposit are characterized by enrichments in light rare earth elements (REE) relative to heavy REE and pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies, consistent with ultramafic rocks in arc settings. The δ34S values of sulfide separates from the Beiligaimiao deposit are 1.7 to 2.5‰, significantly lower than those for the Erbutu deposit but still slightly higher than the MORB value (−1.5 to 0.5‰). Olivine websterites in the Beiligaimiao deposit have εNd from −8.9 to −9.5 and (87Sr/86Sr)i close to 0.7075, which are similar to those of an enriched lithospheric mantle. An orthopyroxenite sample from the deposit has much lower εNd (−12.6) coupled with much higher (87Sr/86Sr)i ratio (0.7132), indicating ∼25% crustal contamination. The Sr-Nd-S isotope data support the premise that both crustal contamination and addition of crustal sulfur played a role in triggering sulfur saturation in the parental magma of the Beiligaimiao deposit. Since the immediate country rocks are exclusively gabbros, these processes likely took place at depth. The close temporal and spatial association of the Beiligaimiao and Erbutu deposits points to the possibility that more Permian arc-type magmatic sulfide deposits are yet to be discovered in the region.

Paleozoic mafic-intermediate intrusions (320–287 Ma) in the Kalatongke area, southern Altai, NW China: Products of protracted magmatism in a convergent tectonic setting

Numerous small mafic-intermediate intrusions are present in the Kalatongke area in the southern part of the Paleozoic Altai Orogenic Belt, NW China. Previous studies reveal that most of these intrusions were emplaced at ∼287Ma, broadly coeval with the eruption of alkaline flood basalts at ⩽282Ma in the Tarim Craton. The similar ages have led some researchers to believe that the Tarim flood basalts and the Kalatongke mafic-intermediate intrusions are related to the same mantle plume. New and existing geochronological and geochemical data for the mafic-intermediate intrusions in the Kalatongke area together do not support such interpretation. Most of the intrusions in this small area (4.5×2km) were emplaced at ∼287Ma but our new data reveal that older intrusive rocks with zircon U-Pb ages from 290±1.5 to 320±2Ma are also present. The temporal and spatial distribution of these intrusions does not show a hotspot track as expected by the mantle plume model. The intrusive rocks have similar Nd-Hf isotope compositions (εNd=3–9, εHf=15–19) and are all characterized by light REE enrichments relative to heavy REE, plus pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies. The oldest intrusion (∼320Ma) also shows negative Zr-Hf anomalies, which are common in arc basalts but absent in continental flood basalts. The results of mixing calculations based on Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes and selected trace elements (Th, Nb and Yb) indicate that the parental magmas for these intrusions were all enriched in Th and depleted in Nb prior to crustal contamination, similar to the magmas generated in a convergent tectonic setting from subduction to post-subduction elsewhere in the world. The results from this study remind us that temporal correlation is not a reliable tool to determine the size of a mantle plume.

Anatomy of a frozen axial melt lens from a fast-spreading paleo-ridge (Wadi Gideah, Oman ophiolite)

At fast-spreading mid-ocean ridges, axial melt lenses (AMLs) sandwiched between the sheeted dyke section and the uppermost gabbros are assumed to be the major magma source of crust formation. Here, we present our results from a field study based on a single outcrop of a frozen AML in the Samail ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman which presents a whole suite of different lithologies and complex cutting relationships: varitextured gabbro with relics of primitive poikilitic clinopyroxene is intruded by massive quartz diorites and tonalites bearing relics of assimilated sheeted dykes, which in turn are cut by trondhjemite dykes. The whole is cut by basaltic dykes with chilled margins. The geochemical evolutionary trend of the varitextured gabbros, including some of the quartz diorites and tonalites, can be best modelled by fractional crystallisation of an experimental MORB parental melt composition containing 0.4 to 0.8wt.% H2O. Patchy varitextured gabbros containing domains of primitive poikilitic clinopyroxene and evolved granular networks represent the record of in situ crystallisation. Some quartz diorites, often with xenoliths of sheeted dykes and exceptionally high Al2O3 contents, show a bulk trace element pattern more in accord with melts generated by experimental partial melting of dyke material. Highly evolved, crosscutting trondhjemite dykes show characteristic trace element patterns implying a formation by partial melting of sheeted dykes under lower water activity which is indicated by relatively low Al2O3 contents. The late basaltic dykes with chilled margins crosscutting all other lithologies show a relatively depleted geochemical character with pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies implying a genetic relationship to the second phase of magmatic Oman paleo-ridge activity (V2). The field relationships in combination with the petrological/geochemical trends reveal multiple sequences of MORB-type magma cooling (resulting in fractional crystallisation) and re-heating (producing partial melting) during the formation of this special horizon; these are best explained by alternating cycles of vertical AML migration. Since the investigated outcrop shows many characteristic lithological and petrographic features that are well-known from the uppermost gabbros drilled at Site 1256 by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) in the equatorial Eastern Pacific, our results based on 3-D observation in the field help to elucidate the geological observations obtained from the 1-D drill core.