Subduction Environment Research Articles

Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification of a seismic risk model for road networks

AbstractNatural hazards may cause significant disruptions to road infrastructure, subsequently affecting road agencies, users, and productive activities. Despite the existence of infrastructure fragilities to seismic hazard and some operational consequences on network mobility, previous research has not modeled risk in terms of traffic disruptions and consequent travel time delays in subduction environments, analyzing the sensitivity to model parameters and quantified model uncertainty. This study proposes a risk framework to evaluate operational consequences in interurban road networks exposed to seismic hazard using travel time delays and propagate uncertainty in the model. Risk values are evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations, and uncertainty is propagated using a polynomial chaos expansion meta‐model. The framework was applied to a very critical interurban network in central Chile. Results demonstrate that the parameters that most significantly influence risk are fragility, loss of road capacity, and traffic volume.

Geochemistry and geochronology of intermediate volcanic rocks from the Compostela area, Nayarit, Mexico: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic setting

The Compostela area is located in the western Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, which consists of volcanic rocks that produced during the Pliocene to Recent volcanism. In this paper, we present petrography, whole‐rock major‐ and trace‐element concentrations, Ar–Ar ages, and Sr–Nd isotopic data of volcanic rocks from the Compostela area in the south of the city of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. These volcanic rocks are of intermediate composition and belong to the transitional series: basaltic trachyandesites [52.72–53.94 wt% SiO2; 0.69–2.53 wt% MgO] and subalkaline series: low‐Si [55.11–60.94 wt% SiO2; 0.79–2.74 wt% MgO] and high‐Si [61.60–62.71 wt% SiO2; 0.36–0.80 wt% MgO] andesites. The 40Ar/39Ar dating of two basaltic trachyandesites yields plateau ages of 1.05 ± 0.15 Ma and 1.07 ± 0.17 Ma and the andesites yielded a plateau age of 2.42 ± 0.36 Ma. These results indicate that the studied rocks were formed during the Pleistocene in two discrete episodes. The basaltic trachyandesites show enriched light rare earth elements patterns relative to high rare earth elements [(La/Yb)N = 5.81–8.07] with negligible Eu anomalies. The andesites display enriched large‐ion lithophile elements (Ba, K) with anomalies of Nb (Th/Ce) and Ti in the three groups identified in the subalkaline series. The basaltic trachyandesites appear in a tight cluster of initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.703519–0.703882) as compared to the basaltic andesite 87Sr/86Sr (0.704073) and positive ɛNd(t) values of +5.6 to +3.4, respectively, indicating that the basaltic trachyandesites were derived from intermediate magmas from a shallow mantle source. Geochemical modelling reveals that both basaltic trachyandesite and andesite rocks were derived by a process of crystal fractionation accompanied by assimilation of crustal rocks at the lower or middle level. Geochemical ratios and multidimensional discrimination diagrams, combined with the cross‐section of the subduction zone indicates that basaltic trachyandesites were generated from a rift and/or Ocean Island Basalt‐type source, whereas andesites were generated from a slab‐derived source in a subduction environment.

A highly dynamic hot hydrothermal system in the subduction environment: Geochemistry and geochronology of jadeitite and associated rocks of the Sierra del Convento mélange (eastern Cuba)

A U-Pb zircon date of ∼113 Ma revealed that a variety of jadeitites and related omphacitite, chloritite and albite-rich rocks from the subduction-related Sierra del Convento block-in-serpentinite-matrix mélange (eastern Cuba) formed nearly synchronously with MORB metabasite-derived anatectic trondhjemitic liquids at high-temperature and pressure in a hot subduction environment. Field, petrologic and geochemical data indicate hydrothermal/metasomatic processes triggered by juvenile fluids likely evolved from the crystallizing hydrous trondhjemitic melts. These fluids, variably mixed with sediment-derived fluids and channelized along fractures in the supra-slab mantle, precipitated relatively pure jadeitite with geochemical patterns depleted in REE and HFSE and epidote-rich jadeitite with LILE- (notably Ba) enriched compositions with respect to N-MORB. The crystallization of jadeitite veins was accompanied by formation of chloritite blackwalls at the vein-ultramafic rock contact and omphacititic patches at the outer parts of the veins, denoting wall rock-fluid interactions. Further pervasive flow of external fluid within the rock bodies triggered modal and cryptic (geochemical) metasomatic transformation of earlier jadeitite, producing mica-rich jadeitite and albite-epidote (-chlorite) rocks. Altogether these rocks document a discrete episode of massive flow of fluid in the supra-slab mantle roughly coeval with hydrous melting of subducted MORB metabasite.

Stability conditions and compositional variations of deerite in high-pressure meta-ironstone during subduction–exhumation processes (SW Tianshan, China)

Index minerals in metamorphic rocks, such as coesite, glaucophane, or lawsonite, are of great importance to understand high-pressure (HP) to ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism, the thermal gradient, and the geodynamics of subduction zones. Deerite is thought to be diagnostic for blueschist-facies metamorphism in cold subduction environments and a sensitive indicator of the oxygen fugacity (fO2) in Fe-rich rocks. However, little is known concerning its stability and compositional variation during subduction and exhumation cycles. In this study, we provide the first detailed investigation of deerite in eclogite-facies meta‑ironstones (deerite–garnet riebeckitite) from the Southwestern Tianshan (U)HP metamorphic belt. Petrological observation and textural evidence suggest that the meta‑ironstones –enclosing eclogite blocks– form part of an initially coherent volcano-sedimentary sequence that underwent a common tectono-metamorphic evolution, including HP metamorphism and subsequent exhumation. Two types of deerite, which display a different texture (inclusion vs. matrix) and composition (TiO2 content), occur in the deerite–garnet riebeckitite. Dee_1 and aegirine–augite appear exclusively as fine-grained inclusions in garnet, and together with garnet, riebeckite, quartz and magnetite form the peak metamorphic mineral assemblages at P–T conditions of ~510 °C and 2.6 GPa. Matrix deerite (Dee_2), on the other hand, mainly occurs as coarse-grained rods and acicular needle-like grains in quartz, and rarely as inclusions in riebeckite and garnet intimately in the riebeckitite, representing the blueschist-facies retrogression of the meta‑ironstones during exhumation. The garnet–clinopyroxene oxybarometer and thermodynamic calculations show that the fO2 of the deerite–garnet riebeckitite increases from ΔFMQ–0.64 at the peak eclogite-facies stage to ΔFMQ+1.5 at the blueschist-facies retrogression. This fO2 variation corresponds to the chemical variation of deerite, whereby the TiO2 content increases gradually from <0.1 wt% in the Dee_1 in garnet to about 5 wt% in the matrix Dee_2. Our study reveals the detailed metamorphic P–T–fO2 evolution of the prograde eclogite- and retrograde blueschist-facies deerite-bearing meta‑ironstones during subduction–exhumation processes. This study further emphasizes the potential of deerite to reveal the P–T–fO2 evolution of subduction-related high-pressure rocks.

Glass fission-track ages, composition, and origin of tephra beds in the Upper Cretaceous Kanguk Formation, Banks Island, Arctic Canada

More than 50 conspicuous tephra beds occur in the Kanguk Formation on the southwestern coast of Banks Island. Their glass shards are remarkably well preserved and permit comprehensive characterization, offering the potential for reliable, precise correlation of Upper Cretaceous sedimentary rocks across the three major depocentres of the Arctic Archipelago and adjacent northern continental margin: Sverdrup, Banks, and the Beaufort–Mackenzie basins. Twenty-one tephra beds were analyzed; all have a high-K, peraluminous, rhyolitic composition, with quartz, plagioclase, ilmenite, biotite, and zircon as the dominant minerals. Trace-element concentrations, especially low Nb and Ta, show that the parental magmas formed in a continental-margin subduction environment. Glass fission-track ages range from 100 Ma to younger than 60 Ma, and indicate a very low sedimentation rate giving a very condensed sedimentary sequence on southwestern Banks Island — a sequence that may well contain the K–Pg transition. Source calderas are unknown but most likely are situated in east-central Alaska and the central and northern Kuskokwim volcanic belt, some 1000 to 1500 km distant from southwestern Banks Island. It is also possible that some of the very thin tephra beds come from the Okhotsk–Chukotka volcanogenic belt in northeastern Russia.

SZonal Cr-spinels from Serpentinites in North Western Part of the Greater Caucasus

Formation homogenity and geodynamic conditions for the formation of apohyperbasites is an actual problem in geological study of the Paleozoic complexes of the Greater Caucasus. Study results of chromespinelids from serpentinite fragments of Paleozoic tectonic melange in the Western part of the Greater Caucasus (outcrops in Dakhovskiy uplift and Kisha river) tested with electron microprobe methods and processing of the results of elemental analysis using non-parametric statistics lead to the conclusion that apohyperbasites belong to ophiolites of subduction environments. Their composition is close to chromespinelids’ of ophiolite complexes of supra-subduction zones (SSZ) composition. Chromespinelides from the flank of Dakhovskoye uplift are represented by subferrochromite cores with rims of magnetite; transformation of subferrochromites during obduction process (Cr# ∼0.80-0.81, Mg# ∼0.35-0.40 in the least modified cores) in to chromites occurred under the conditions of the greenshist facies and was accompanied with redistribution and removal of aluminum and magnesium, and enrichment with iron and chromium. Chromespinelides from the serpentinites of contact Agarinskiy and Kizilkol’skiy thrust sheets presented with cores of aluminumchromite with relics of chrompicotites (Cr# ∼0.50-0.70, Mg# ∼0.39-0.64), surrounded by rims of ferrochromite – chromomagnetite. This transformation occurred on the boundary of the greenschist and low-temperature zone of the amphibolite facies and was accompanied by the substitution with iron for both two-and trivalent cations.

Petrography, geochemistry and tectonic setting of adakitic bodies in the Tighanab area and their relationship with iron skarn mineralization (southeast of Sarbisheh-east of Iran)

Petrography, geochemistry and tectonic setting of adakitic bodies in the Tighanab area and their relationship with iron skarn mineralization (southeast of Sarbisheh-east of Iran)

Petrological and geochemical characterization of the arc-related Suru–Thasgam ophiolitic slice along the Indus Suture Zone, Ladakh Himalaya

AbstractThe Ladakh Himalayan ophiolites preserve remnants of the eastern part of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean, in the form of Dras, Suru Valley, Shergol, Spongtang and Nidar ophiolitic sequences. In Kohistan region of Pakistan, Muslim Bagh, Zhob and Bela ophiolites are considered to be equivalents of Ladakh ophiolites. In western Ladakh, the Suru–Thasgam ophiolitic slice is highly dismembered and consists of peridotites, pyroxenites and gabbros, emplaced as imbricate blocks thrust over the Mesozoic Dras arc complex along the Indus Suture Zone. The Thasgam peridotites are partially serpentinized with relict olivine, orthopyroxene and minor clinopyroxene, as well as serpentine and iron oxide as secondary mineral assemblage. The pyroxenites are dominated by clinopyroxene followed by orthopyroxene with subordinate olivine and spinel. Gabbros are composed of plagioclase and pyroxene (mostly replaced by amphiboles), describing an ophitic to sub-ophitic textural relationship. Geochemically, the studied rock types show sub-alkaline tholeiitic characteristics. The peridotites display nearly flat chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns ((La/Yb)N = 0.6–1.5), while fractionated patterns were observed for pyroxenites and gabbros. Multi-element spidergrams for peridotites, pyroxenites and gabbros display subduction-related geochemical characteristics such as enriched large-ion lithophile element (LILE) and depleted high-field-strength element (HFSE) concentrations. In peridotites and pyroxenites, highly magnesian olivine (Fo88.5-89.3 and Fo87.8-89.9, respectively) and clinopyroxene (Mg no. of 93–98 and 90–97, respectively) indicate supra-subduction zone (SSZ) tectonic affinity. Our study suggests that the peridotites epitomize the refractory nature of their protoliths and were later evolved in a subduction environment. Pyroxenites and gabbros appear to be related to the base of the modern intra-oceanic island-arc tholeiitic sequence.

Ultra-High Pressure Metamorphism and Geochronology of Garnet Clinopyroxenite in the Paleozoic Dunhuang Orogenic Belt, Northwestern China

Ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism is recorded by garnet clinopyroxenite enclaves enclosed in an undeformed, unmetamorphosed granitic pluton, northeastern Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt, northwestern China. The protoliths of the garnet clinopyroxenite might be basic or ultrabasic volcanic rocks. Three to four stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages have been found in the garnet clinopyroxenite, and clockwise metamorphic pressure–temperature (P-T) paths were retrieved, indicative of metamorphism in a subduction environment. Peak metamorphic P-T conditions (790–920 °C/28–41 kbar) of garnet clinopyroxenite suggest they experienced UHP metamorphism in the coesite- or diamond-stability field. The UHP metamorphic event is also confirmed by the occurrence of high-Al titanite enclosed in the garnet, along with at least three groups of aligned rutile lamellae exsolved from the garnet. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb dating of metamorphic titanite indicates that the post-peak, subsequent tectonic exhumation of the UHP rocks occurred in the Devonian period (~389–370 Ma). These data suggest that part of the Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt experienced UHP metamorphism, and diverse metamorphic facies series prevailed in this Paleozoic orogen. It can be further inferred that most of the UHP rocks in this orogen remain buried.

Early Cretaceous Dongbo ophiolite in the western part of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone, Tibet: Constraints on multi-stages from ultra-slow spreading influenced by a mantle plume to intra-oceanic subduction

雅鲁藏布江缝合带西段出露东波和普兰等多个大型的超镁铁岩体，其成因还存在争议。为此我们近年来对东波蛇绿岩开展了地表填图并实施了一口1002m的科学钻探DSD-1。研究显示具有厚幔极薄壳特征的东波蛇绿岩记录了多期岩浆事件：（1）~137Ma的OIB型玄武岩和138~144Ma的OIB型辉绿岩和辉长岩，以及普遍出露熔融程度达30%以上的亏损型方辉橄榄岩，反映了早白垩世初期古洋盆受到地幔柱活动影响；（2）129Ma的薄壳均质辉长岩（I型）、128Ma的辉长岩脉（Ⅱ型）和科钻岩芯中厚18m辉绿岩（Ⅲ型）的地球化学成分均与西南印度洋洋脊玄武岩类似，它们是在慢速-超慢速扩张脊附近大洋核杂岩侵位过程中形成的；（3）地表辉绿岩脉（Ⅳ型）的SIMS和SHRIMP锆石U-Pb年龄为121~123Ma，全岩地球化学具有异常低的REE、HFSE含量及明显的Th、Nb、Zr、Hf负异常，类似于Albanide-Hellenide造山带蛇绿岩中的无壳源物质混染的中钛玄武岩，指示辉绿岩脉形成于洋内初始俯冲环境。总的来说，东波蛇绿岩记录了早白垩世地幔柱影响的超慢速扩张和初始洋内俯冲过程。;The genesis of several large ultramafic massifs outcropped in the western part of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone, such as the Dongbo and Purang massifs, are still controversial. Geological mapping and an 1,002m-length scientific drilling (DSD-1) are carried out on the Dongbo ophiolite in recent years to solve this problem. Our study indicates that the Dongbo ophiolite is characterized by a thick mantle and very thin crust structure which recorded multi-stage magmatic events. The evolution of the major events of this massif can be diveided into three stages as follows: (1) The ~137Ma OIB-like basalt, 138~144Ma OIB-like dolerite and gabbro dikes, and their wall-rock depleted peridotite with a melting degree of more than 30% reflect the influence of mantle plume activity on the ancient ocean basin in the Early Cretaceous; (2) The 129Ma isotropic gabbro (type I), 128Ma gabbro dike (type II) and 18m thick dolerite (type Ⅲ) in the DSD-1drill core have similar geochemical compositions to the Southwest Indian ocean ridge basalts, which were produced during the emplacement of the ocean core complex near the slow-ultraslow spreading ridge; (3) The dolerite dikes (type Ⅳ) dated by SIMS and SHRIMP zircon U-Pb with ages of 121~123Ma have abnormally low contents of rare earth elements and high field-strength elements, and displayed obvious negative Th, Nb, Zr and Hf anomalies in their whole rock geochemical compositions. These features are similar to those of medium-titanium basalts without the addition of subduction components in the Albanide-Hellenide ophiolites, indicating that these dolerite dikes were formed in an initial intra-ocean subduction environment. In a word, the Dongbo ophiolite records an ultra-slow spreading influenced by a mantle plume and initial intra-ocean subduction process during the Early Cretaceous.

Examination of alteration and metasomatic zones based on the tectonic setting of the Kamoo region (northeast of Isfahan, Iran)

Kamoo region (northeast of Isfahan) has an anticline structure with a northwest-southeast trend. The exposed part of this anticline consists of siltstone-sandstone and Jurassic shale, which is located below the Cretaceous formation as an unconformity. Penetration by magmatic masses (dikes) and mineralization events are mainly related to fault systems and fractures in the region and follow the trend of the anticline. In addition, the intensity and variety of alterations are affected by tectonic factors, with alteration and metasomatic haloes having developed next to crushed areas. The alteration process is the main controller of mineral mass grade in the study area; therefore, iron grade in the Kamoo ore has increased by the effects of alteration. The alteration effects include propylitic haloes, iron hydroxides (limonite), and clay mineralization (argillic). The host rock consists of Jurassic shales with siltstone, sandstone, and Cretaceous limestone. Calcareous formations adjacent to granodiorite masses are the main hosts of iron skarns. The results of this study showed that the mineral samples from Kamoo were relatively rich in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs); the average La/Yb ratio is about 18.61 and Eu anomaly is between 0.52 and 1.94. Based on the findings of this study, the origin for Kamoo skarn was consistent with the model presented by Meinert, and the region’s mineralization and alteration characteristics correspond to the conditions prevailing in oceanic subduction and back-arc basin environments.

Drainage of subduction interface fluids into the forearc mantle evidenced by a pristine jadeitite network (Polar Urals)

AbstractThe physical and mechanical processes rooted in the hydrated, serpentinized mantle above subduction zones remain insufficiently explored despite fundamental implications for our understanding of rheology and fluid recycling along subduction interfaces. Through a field‐based investigation, serpentinized peridotites and jadeitite samples from a fossil forearc mantle in the Polar Urals (Russia) are studied here to document fluid–rock interaction processes in the high‐P field, as well as the long‐term evolution of the base of the mantle wedge. Petrographic, geochemical and microstructural observations reveal a complex, protracted evolution of the jadeitite‐forming fluid pathway throughout the gradual cooling of the forearc mantle and increasing serpentinization of the host. It is shown that the jadeitite lenses in the studied locality (a) derive for a large part from a trondhjemitic dyke earlier emplaced in a warm subduction environment, and (b) record the cooling of the subduction hangingwall under high‐P conditions associated with increasing host serpentinization. In the studied locality, the majority of the jadeitites formed at relatively high temperatures (&gt;600°C) by the influx of Na–Al‐rich, slab‐derived metamorphic fluids that were drained along the base of the mantle wedge, parallel to the subduction interface. Changes in bulk‐rock geochemical signatures and in paragenetic sequences also constrain the compositional evolution of the fluid channelized along this drainage, with an increasing sedimentary component. The phlogopite‐bearing walls of the dyke exhibit Rb–Sr and Ar–Ar ages ranging between c. 405 and c. 390 Ma, a range partly overlapping within uncertainty with the previously dated zircons from the jadeitite core (410–⁠400 Ma; U–Pb). This study opens a unique window on the pristine structures formed above the plate interface by melting and fluid–rock interaction in the early subduction stages, as well as their evolution during secular cooling of the base of the mantle wedge.

Scandium: Ore deposits, the pivotal role of magmatic enrichment and future exploration

Scandium (Sc), known as the 'miracle metal', has unique properties in material sciences, and is a critical resource in the world due to the low supply but wide applications in advanced technology. Despite not extraordinarily sparse in the Earth’s crust, Sc is often dispersed and does not form ore deposits. Nonetheless, Sc can be occasionally concentrated to form magmatic, hydrothermal or supergene deposits. Magmatic deposits are estimated to contribute about 90% of the global Sc resources, in which Sc is primarily hosted in clinopyroxene ± amphibole in mafic–ultramafic intrusions. Hydrothermal enrichment of Sc is often associated with W-Sn mineralization in quartz-vein systems. Supergene deposits mainly include regolith-hosted deposits formed from weathering of mafic–ultramafic protolith and marine sediment-hosted deposits. Magmatic enrichment of Sc is essential to form many of these different types of Sc deposits. Partial melting of anhydrous fertile spinel peridotites could produce Sc-rich primary melts, whereas melts derived from garnet peridotites are generally of low Sc concentrations. Involvement of water during partial melting may not increase Sc concentrations in the primitive melts but, during fractional crystallization, the high water content can sufficiently suppress the crystallization of orthopyroxene and the Sc scavenging by orthopyroxene. Thereby, Sc could be enriched in the melts and subsequently concentrate in clinopyroxene and amphibole. Subduction environment, at where hydrous mafic–ultramafic melts could be generated, is likely favorable locality for exploring Sc deposits, such as the Sc-rich Alaskan-type mafic–ultramafic intrusions. Under favorable supergene conditions such as tropical and sub-tropical climate, regolith-hosted Sc deposits could develop from weathering of these Sc-rich mafic–ultramafic complexes.

SSZ Semail Ophiolite vs MORB Masirah Ophiolite: A Perspective from Podiform Chromitites

AbstractOne of the major topics of debate in ophiolite geology is the original tectonic setting of ophiolites. New studies show that most ophiolites are formed more frequently in a supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) environment and that only a very small number of ophiolites have formed in an oceanic range (MOR). The Masirah ophiolite is one of the few oceanic ridge ophiolites that have been preserved, and the evidence that was formed in a subduction environment is missing (Moseley and Abbotts 1979, Dilek and Furnes, 2011; Rollinson, 2017). Masirah Island, the Batain and Ras Madrah areas of eastern Oman are almost entirely composed of a well‐developed ophiolite, known as the Masirah ophiolite (Fig. 1), which is, however, completely unrelated to the nearby Semail Ophiolite in the northern Oman Mountains (Fig. 2). The Masirah ophiolite is Jurassic in age and represents oceanic lithosphere derived from the Indian Ocean, but is about 15–20 Myr later than emplacement of mid‐Cretaceous Semail ophiolite in northern Oman. The presence of basaltic to rhyolitic lavas of calc‐alkaline affinity and boninites in the lava sequence of the Semail ophiolite led several researchers to propose a back‐arc basin model for this ophiolite (e.g. Tamura and Arai, 2006; Godard et al., 2008; Rollinson and Adetunji, 2015).The Masirah Ophiolite shows close affinities with MORB peridotites in general. Most of the olivine from the Masirah harzburgites show Fo contents that are similar to those of olivine from MORB. Both pyroxenes in these harzburgites have similar Mg# values, Al2O3 and Cr2O3 contents to those of pyroxenes from MORB peridotites. The observed primitive mantle‐normalized REE patterns showing enrichment in LREEs indicate that the Masirah peridotites have been modified by fluids or melts enriched in LREEs in a MORB environment.Podiform chromitites housed in ophiolites today interpreted as magmatic deposits formed during the reaction of molten rock in environments spike in the middle of the ocean (MOR) or suprasubduccion zone (SSZ) (Arai and Matsukage, 1998; Rollinson and Adetunji, 2015). The Masirah chromitites has a mineral chemistry similar to the mineral chemistry of chromite crystallized from MOR magmas. The Cr# values of chromite in the Masirah chromatite are similar to those of MOR peridotites. These findings suggest that the ultramafic and mafic cumulate rock assemblages overlying the upper mantle peridotites in the Masirah ophiolite represent the products of magma evolution in a MOR initiation stage within the proto Indian Ocean.Coexisting high‐ and low‐Cr# associations of chromitite and dunite have been found in the Semail ophiolite, which illustrates the common situation of ophiolites having both SSZ and MOR geochemical signatures. Cr# varies from 40–60 for shallow chromite bodies, and over the range 70–80 for the deep locations. This diversity of chromitite types suggests two stages of magmatic activity were responsible for the chromitite genesis, in response to a switch of tectonic setting. The first is residual from lower degree, partial melting of peridotite, which produced low‐Cr# chromitites at the Moho transition zone, possibly in a mid‐ocean‐ridge setting. The second chromitite‐forming event involves higher degree partial melting, which produced high‐Cr# discordant chromitite in the upper mantle, possibly in a supra‐subduction zone setting.Assemblages of mono‐ and poly‐phase silicate inclusions (including olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, amphibole, phlogopite, serpentine, native Fe, FeO, alloy, sulfide, calcite, laurite, celestine and halite) within chromite have been observed in the low Cr# podiform chromitites from the Semail and Masirah ophiolites. The existence of hydrous silicate inclusions in the chromite calls for a role of hydration during chromite genesis. High‐T bright green hornblende–edenite included in the chromites is evidence of the introduction of water in the magma at the end of the chromite crystallization. Such paragenesis points to the presence of hydrous fluids during the activity of the shear bands.

Transformation of PGM in supra subduction zones: Geochemical and mineralogical constraints from the Veria (Greece) podiform chromitites

Extremely abundant PGE-minerals (PGM) hosted in chromitites from the Veria ophiolite complex in Macedonia (N. Greece) may be unique among ophiolite complexes. This study focuses on differences between the low- and high-PGE chromitites. New textural, mineralogical and geochemical constraints from those ores are presented, aiming to define factors controlling the PGE enrichment in a supra subduction environment, in the light of post-magmatic processes. The whole ore analyses for mmajor and trace elements indicated an unusually high-IPGE content (up to 25 ​ppm) and higher Fe, Ca, Mn, Zn and V contents in high-PGE compared to low-PGE in massive chromitites. The wide compositional variation of chromite, even in the same polished section, the occurrence of very fine PGM (less than 20 ​μm) as inclusions within chromite and extremely large (>1000 ​μm), angular or fine-grained PGM aggregates ones within a matrix of highly fragmented chromite - Cr-garnet matrix, may indicate crystallization/recrystallization of chromite from more than one precursor phases. Laurite (RuS2) is very limited, occurring as remnants surrounding by Ru–Os–Ir oxides/hydroxides, of a wide compositional variation. Irarsite occurs as euhedral crystals up to 200 ​μm, surrounding by chromite, as anhedral exsolutions 1–200 ​μm within laurite, or creating segregates with platarsite and relics of (Ru, Pt, Rh, Os) sulfarsenides. Platinum–Ru–Rh–Pd-minerals occur commonly as relatively fine-grained assemblages, up to 50 ​μm, along with irarsite and other relics of (Ru, Pt, Rh, Os) sulfarsenides. Pt-alloys show a variation ranging from tetraferroplatinum to Pt–Ir–Fe–Ni alloys. The presence of laurite relics in large IPGM, awaruite, heazlewoodite, and carbon-bearing material reflecting a super-reducing environment, and the transformation of primary PGM into Os–Ir–Ru-alloys and oxides/hydroxides in association with Fe-chromite and Fe3+-bearing garnet (andradite-uvarovite solid-solution series) may reflect changes of the redox conditions from reducing to oxidizing. The relatively high Na content in hydrous mineral inclusions within high-PGE chromitites suggest a hydrous mantle source and provide the possibility for estimation of the P (average 3.0 ​kbar) and T (average 874 ​°C), indicating formation at a shallow mantle environment.

Evaluation of crystallization conditions and porphyry Cu Mineralization potential of the Gheshlagh-Aftabrow pluton, central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt, Iran

Gheshlagh-Aftabrow granodiorite (GAG) is emplaced within Eocene volcanic rocks in the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt (UDMB) of Iran and comprises of host granodiorites and associated mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs). The Al-in-hornblende barometry and the amphibole–plagioclase thermometer are applied to calculate pressure and temperature. The host granodiorite yields crystallization temperatures and pressures varying from 635 to 715 °C (with an average of 670 °C) and from 0.5 to 1.8 kbar (with an average of 1.3 kbar, equivalent to a depth of 4.5 km), respectively. The mafic enclave shows a slightly higher crystallization temperature (690–720 °C, with an average of 705 °C) and pressure (1.1–1.8 kbar, with an average of 1.4 kbar), equivalent to a depth of 5 km. The estimated ƒO2 contents by amphibole chemistry in the host rocks and their mafic enclaves range − 11.2 to − 13.3 and − 11.5 to − 12.8, respectively, indicating that these rocks probably crystallized at relatively oxidizing conditions above the nickel–nickel oxide (NNO) buffer, yielding an overall range between NNO + 1.1 and NNO + 2.6, that is consistent with the general presence of magnetite and corresponds to their calc-alkaline affinity and the formation of the rocks in the subduction environment. The granodiorites and associated MMEs yield broadly similar water contents of 2.5–3.7 wt% and 2.6–3.7 wt%, respectively. The calculated densities of the host granitic magmas vary from 2319 to 2353 kg/m3, which are different from the determined densities of the mafic magma from which the enclaves are derived (2500–2626 kg/m3). The minimum calculated solidification time for the Gheshlagh-Aftabrow intrusion is about 20 × 104 years, and for the enclaves, it is less than 0.2 to 14 h that could not be enough time for pervasive mixing. Most of the amphiboles have Mg# value between 0.5 and 0.7, that together with low difference in densities of the magmas forming host rocks and enclaves may indicate that mantle–crust mixing was significant in the GAG generation. However, some geochemical signatures together with high ƒO2 content in the GAG samples indicate that these rocks are essentially comparable to granitoids associated with porphyry copper deposits, but according to the field evidences, the lack of extensive alteration, whole-rock chemistry (e.g., low Sr/Y and high Zr/Hf), plagioclase geochemistry, low water contents, and mineralogical evidences (e.g., lack of the common alteration phases in porphyry systems), it can be concluded that the studied pluton is barren regarding porphyry Cu mineralization.

Tectonic setting and geochronology of the Sarsuk Au polymetallic deposit in Xinjiang, NW China: Constraints from pyrite Re–Os, zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotopes

The Sarsuk Au polymetallic deposit is located in the Ashele volcano-sedimentary basin of the south Altay Orogenic Belt (AOB), Northwest China. Within the deposit, rhyolite porphyry and diabase are widespread, and emplaced into the strata. The orebodies of the Sarsuk deposit are hosted by the rhyolite porphyry, while diabase cuts through the rhyolite porphyry and part of the orebody. Rhyolite porphyry11Rhyolite porphyry displays two events where only the older (384Ma) one is metallogenically relevant for the sarsuk, the young rhyolite porphyry (302Ma) is not relevant for the formation of the sarsuk deposit. yields a zircon U-Pb age of 384 ± 1.2 Ma (MSWD = 0.69), and the diabases yield a zircon U-Pb age of 380 ± 0.74 Ma (MSWD = 3.1). Four auriferous pyrite samples from vein sulfide ores and one pyrite sample from massive ores display a Re–Os isochron age of 383 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 1.2). These data show that the bimodal Devonian magmatism and rhyolite porphyry hosted ore bodies emplaced in a narrow interval during 384–380 Ma. Diabases have the geochemical characteristics of tholeiitic basalts, with relatively high Mg# values (49.4–61.4), Cr and Ni, a slight positive Eu anomaly (δEu = 0.98–1.12), and relatively low concentrations of Sr and (La/Yb)N. Rhyolite porphyries have similar characteristics to those of sanukitoide in terms of high Mg# values (47.6–55.7), an obvious negative Eu anomaly (δEu = 0.33–0.35), and enrichments of large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements. The aforementioned chemical characteristics indicate that the Sarsuk deposit was located in the arc environment of a subduction zone during the Early to Middle Devonian. Hf isotope analyses of the diabases exhibited εHf(t) values of + 4.86 to + 8.96. The two-stage Hf model age (TDM2) was 805–1064 Ma. Hf isotope analyses of the rhyolite porphyry exhibited a εHf(t) value range of + 1.78 to + 8.49, and the two-stage Hf model age (TDM2) was 449–528 Ma. The original diabase and rhyolite porphyry magmas were derived from a mixing of the depleted mantle and juvenile crust material. The pyrite Re/Os system indicated that crust-derivedand S-rich sediments also contributed to the ore formation. Accordingly, based on the results of this study and a review of the regional magmatic framework, we can conclude that the Sarsuk deposit was formed at 383 Ma in an island arc subduction environment. Furthermore, we establish that the magmatic rocks and ore are co-genetic.

Distinct evolution history of magmatic oxygen fugacity and its control on associated porphyry Cu deposits under subduction and collisional settings

Porphyry deposits occur not only in subduction zones, but also in collisional belts worldwide. The magmatic oxygen fugacity (ƒo2) is an important element for the formation of porphyry, and influences the processes in source, migration, and precipitation of Cu and other chalcophile elements. Magmatic sulphur exists mainly as sulphate () at higher oxygen fugacity, which combines with chalcophile elements (e.g., Cu, Au) as ion complexes then formed the ore‐bearing magma. In contrast, magmatic sulphur exists mainly as sulphide (S2−), sulphide will precipitate easily. A magmatic event usually involves multiple intrusive activities. These porphyries have various ƒo2 evolutions, implying that they are formed in different formation environments or dynamic mechanisms. In a subduction setting, plates begin to dehydrate and then partial melting occurs in the early stage of subduction. Following the extensive dehydration, partial melting occurs as the plate diving deeper. As a result, the later magma is more oxidative than the earlier one. While under the collisional setting, porphyritic magma is likely related to the previous arc magmatism of subduction or juvenile mantle components in the thickened lower crust. The hydrous and metalliferous fertile magma formed. Then, reduction of water supply is the possible factor that leads to the gradually decrease of ƒo2. As a result of this study, metallogenic elements are usually developed in later porphyritic magma at a subduction environment, but in the early porphyritic magma at a collisional environment. This can provide guidance for prospecting of porphyry deposits in multi‐phases of porphyritic magma districts.

High pressure melting of eclogites and metasomatism of garnet peridotites from Monte Duria Area (Central Alps, N Italy): A proxy for melt-rock reaction during subduction

In the Monte Duria area (Adula-Cima Lunga unit, Central Alps, N Italy) garnet peridotites occur in direct contact with migmatised orthogneiss (Mt. Duria) and eclogites (Borgo). Both eclogites and ultramafic rocks share a common high pressure (HP) peak at 2.8 GPa and 750 °C and post-peak static equilibration at 0.8–1.0 GPa and 850 °C. Garnet peridotites show abundant amphibole, dolomite, phlogopite and orthopyroxene after olivine, suggesting that they experienced metasomatism by crust-derived agents enriched in SiO2, K2O, CO2 and H2O. Peridotites also display LREE fractionation (LaN/NdN = 2.4) related to LREE-rich amphibole and clinopyroxene grown in equilibrium with garnet, indicating that metasomatism occurred at HP conditions. At Borgo, retrogressed garnet peridotites show low strain domains characterised by garnet compositional layering, cut by a subsequent low-pressure (LP) chlorite foliation, in direct contact with migmatised eclogites. Kfs + Pl + Qz + Cpx interstitial pocket aggregates and Cpx + Kfs thin films around symplectites after omphacite parallel to the Zo + Omp + Grt foliation in the eclogites suggest that they underwent partial melting at HP.The contact between garnet peridotites and eclogites is marked by a tremolitite layer. The same rock also occurs as layers within the peridotite lens, showing a boudinage parallel to the garnet layering of peridotites, flowing in the boudin necks. This clearly indicates that the tremolitite boudins formed when peridotites were in the garnet stability field. Tremolitites also show Phl + Tc + Chl + Tr pseudomorphs after garnet, both crystallised in a static regime postdating the boudins formation, suggesting that they derive from a garnet-bearing precursor. Tremolitites have Mg# > 0.90 and Al2O3 = 2.75 wt% pointing to ultramafic compositions but also show enrichments in SiO2, CaO, and LREE suggesting that they formed after the reaction between the eclogite-derived melt and the garnet peridotite at HP. To test this hypothesis, we performed a thermodynamic modelling at fixed P = 3 GPa and T = 750 °C to model the chemical interaction between the garnet peridotite and the eclogite-derived melt. Our results show that this interaction produces an Opx + Cpx + Grt assemblage plus Amp + Phl, depending on the water activity in the melt, suggesting that tremolitites likely derive from a previous garnet websterite with amphibole and phlogopite.Both peridotites and tremolitites also show a selective enrichment in LILE recorded by amphiboles in the spinel stability field, indicating that a fluid-assisted metasomatic event occurred at LP conditions, leading to the formation of a chlorite foliation post-dating the garnet layering in peridotites, and the retrogression of Grt-websterites in tremolitites.The Monte Duria area is a unique terrane where we can observe syn-deformation eclogite-derived melt interacting with garnet peridotite at HP, proxy of subduction environments.

Neoarchean arc‐back arc subduction system in the Indian Peninsula: Evidence from mafic magmatism in the Shimoga greenstone belt, western Dharwar Craton

The Neoarchean Shimoga greenstone belt (SGB) of western Dharwar Craton is dominated by ultramafic‐mafic‐felsic magmatic suite and sedimentary rocks. Here, we investigate the mineral chemistry and whole‐rock geochemistry of the Koppa–Herambapura mafic magmatic rocks (tholeiitic metagabbro and metabasalt) from the southern SGB in order to understand their petrogenesis and geodynamic implication. The geochemical features classify the Shimoga rocks as basaltic‐basaltic andesite with a sub‐alkaline tholeiitic signature. Both the rock types display uniform depletion in HFSE relative to LILE‐LREE, higher LILE/HFSE, and LREE/HFSE ratios (La/Nb = 1.30–8.07, Nb/Ta = 11.58–16.19, Zr/Sm = 10.24–29.77) and negative Nb–Ta, Zr–Hf, and Ti anomalies in multi‐element patterns, corresponding to magmatic arc rocks generated within intraoceanic subduction environment. Their Nb/Th (2–15), Zr/Sm (10–29), and Zr/Hf (44–233) ratios indicate a depleted to enriched mantle source, and the parental magma of the mafic rock suite was generated by low to medium degrees (~8–30%) of mantle melting at depths corresponding to spinel to garnet peridotite fields of arc‐back arc setting. Our field and analytical data suggest that the tholeiitic metagabbros were derived from depleted mantle source generated in an arc environment, whereas the metabasalts had a mantle source attributed to (a) development of juvenile back‐arc rift; (b) upwelling of MORB‐like mantle; and (c) flux‐induced melting in the compositional domain of spinel‐garnet peridotite. Based on these results, we conclude that the mafic rock suite from the southern SGB possibly marks one of the earliest Neoarchean arc‐back arc subduction in the western Dharwar Craton.