Subduction-modified Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle Research Articles

Late Paleozoic potassic igneous rocks of the Kensu and Dzholkolot plutons in the eastern Kyrgyz Tien Shan: Petrology, geochemistry, U-Pb zircon geochronology, and related skarn-porphyry W-Mo-Cu-Au mineralization

The Kensu and Dzholkolot multiphase intrusions are situated in the eastern part of the “Main Structural Line of Tien Shan”, or the “Nikolaev Line”. The plutons comprise mafic to intermediate (monzogabbro, monzonite, syenite, quartz syenite) and silicic (quartz monzonite, monzogranite, and leucogranite-alaskite) members, together with the interim (camptonite) and final monzodiorite-porphyry dikes. Geochemical signatures of the igneous rocks correspond to high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series intrusions, with a strong A-type affinity, emplaced in post-collisional setting. Magmatic evolution included a generation of shoshonitic magma by a low-degree partial melting of the metasomatically-enriched upper mantle, followed by amphibole fractionation in a deep (lower crustal?) magma chamber. This was followed by a generation of mantle-induced granitic magmas in a crustal protolith, with possible mixing/mingling of various magmas. The rocks crystallized at shallow levels, in an oxidized environment, under decreasing pressure and temperature toward the younger (granitic) intrusion phases.Isotopic U-Pb (LA-ICP-MS) zircon dating of the igneous rocks indicates their Late Carboniferous age (ca. 325–302 Ma). The magma emplacement included a number of intrusion phases from monzogabbro (321 ± 4 Ma), monzonite (319 ± 4 Ma), and camptonite (306 ± 4 Ma), to quartz syenite (305.5 ± 2 Ma to 302 ± 3.7 Ma), quartz monzonite (305 ± 3 Ma) and subsequent granitic phases. Although the ages identified correspond to those of the subduction-related magmatism in the western part of the Middle Tien Shan, geochemical characteristics of the rocks supporting rather post-collisional setting of the plutons are in agreement with a “scissor-like” closure of the Turkestan paleoocean, starting from the east. Zircon xenocrysts dated at ca. 1.9 Ga suggest the presence of an underlying old continental crust.The skarn-porphyry W-Mo(−Cu-Au) mineralization complements the group of similar deposits associated with high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series intrusions in the Middle Tien Shan and globally. The high endowment in W and Mo can be related to the fertilization of subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle in these metals, together with more common fertilization in Cu and Au, with its subsequent involvement in the magma generation in post-collisional setting. The endowment in W and Mo can also reflect a greater involvement of an ancient continental crust as the magma source(s). The oxidized paragenesis of hydrothermal alteration assemblages and mineralization corresponds to the respective affinities of the igneous rocks.

Late Paleozoic potassic igneous rocks of the Adyrtor intrusions in the eastern Kyrgyz Tien Shan: geochemistry, isotope U-Pb zircon geochronology, and related W-Mo(-Cu-Au) mineralization

ABSTRACT The Adyrtor multiphase pluton is situated in the easternmost part of the ‘Main Structural Line of Tien Shan’, or the ‘Nikolaev Line’, and intrudes the Paleoproterozoic metamorphic sequence representing the oldest (1.8–2.5 Ga) continental basement fragment in the Tien Shan orogenic belt. The intrusions comprise mafic to intermediate (monzodiorite, monzonite, quartz syenite) and silicic (quartz monzonite, monzogranite, and leucogranite-alaskite) rocks. Geochemical signatures of the igneous rocks correspond to high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series intrusions, with a strong A-type granite affinity, emplaced in post-collisional setting. Based on the isotopic U-Pb data, quartz syenite from the Adyrtor intrusions crystallized at 330.7 ± 4.3 Ma, and quartz monzonite – at 329.5 ± 5.8 Ma. Although the ages identified correspond to those of the subduction-related magmatism in the western part of the Middle Tien Shan, geochemical characteristics of the rocks support rather post-collisional setting of the plutons, principally due to a ‘scissor-like’ closure of the Turkestan paleoocean, starting from the east. Magmatic evolution included a generation of shoshonitic magma by low-degree partial melting of the metasomatically-enriched upper mantle, followed by amphibole fractionation in a deep (lower crustal ?) magma chamber. Then, under the influence of mantle-supplied fluids and heat, granitic magmas in the crustal protolith could have been generated, with further mixing/mingling of the mantle-derived mafic (shoshonitic) magma and mantle-induced crustal granitic magma, followed by the magma fractionation and emplacement at shallower crustal levels. Assimilation of an old continental crust is also envisioned, consistent with the presence of the xenocrystic zircons dated at ca. 1.6 Ga to 2.5 Ga and the A-type granitoid affinity of the igneous rocks. The associated skarn-porphyry W-Mo(-Cu-Au) mineralization is consistent with post-collisional setting of the productive intrusions. This mineralization complements the group of similar deposits and occurrences associated with high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series intrusions in the Middle Tien Shan and globally. The high endowment in W and Mo can be explained by the fertilization of subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle in these metals, with its further involvement in the magma generation in post-collisional setting. Also, a stronger W-Mo mineralization can reflect a greater role of a crustal protolith in the magma generation, as revealed by the distinct A-type affinity of the igneous rocks.

Iron isotope evidence in continental intraplate basalts for mantle lithosphere imprint on heterogenous asthenospheric melts

Iron isotope studies on ocean island basalts (OIBs) and mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) have disclosed the contribution of pyroxenite lithologies in the generation of basaltic magmas. Whether Fe isotopic compositions of continental intraplate basalts can be applied to trace lithological heterogeneity within the mantle source regions remains poorly investigated. To explore the systematics of stable Fe isotopes as a potential probe of lithological heterogeneity in the source of continental intraplate basalts, we present twenty-four Fe isotope data on a suite of well-characterized Cenozoic basalts from SE China. The samples show a large range of Fe isotope values (δ56Fe = +0.09‰ to +0.20‰), which correlate with SiO2, CaO/Al2O3, Ti/Eu, Hf/Hf*, Zr/Nb, Dy/Yb, La/Yb, Nb/Y, K/La, Sr/Ce, δ66Zn and estimated equilibrium pressures. The samples with the highest δ56Fe values represent early-stage low-silica basalts with moderately enriched Sr-Nd isotope ratios and high δ66Zn values, while the late-stage high-silica basalts display a broad δ56Fe decrease with increasing 87Sr/86Sr and with decreasing εNd and δ66Zn. We demonstrate that the heaviest Fe isotope signatures cannot be derived from a pure peridotite source and require a pyroxenite component in the source. Combined with other geochemical proxies, we show that the heaviest basalt compositions are consistent with low-degree melts produced by the adiabatic decompression of a carbonated pyroxenite-bearing asthenospheric mantle. Mixing of these hybrid melts with melt produced from in-situ melting of the subduction-modified sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) reproduces the Fe-isotope variability of the late-stage basalts. Our results demonstrate the significance of lithological heterogeneity in the mantle source of continental intraplate basalts and highlight the subsequent imprint of mantle lithosphere in the evolution of their Fe isotope compositions. Finally, this study exemplifies the potential of the Fe-Zn stable isotope pair for mantle geochemistry; coupled with traditional radiogenic isotopes and major and trace element concentrations, they formed an efficient tool to trace the nature and contribution of the mantle source components in the formation of intraplate basalts.

The newly recognized ca. 1.23–1.21 Ga dolerite sills and flood basalts from Fanhe Basin in the northeastern North China Craton: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

The Ectasion Period (1400–1200 Ma) represents a transition stage from Columbia (Nuna) to Rodinia supercontinents. LIPs and mafic magmatic events during this period can provide important constraints on deep processes and paleogeographic reconstructions during this transition. In this paper, we firstly reported some ca. 1.23–1.21 Ga flood basalts coeval with mafic sills from the Fanhe Basin in the northeastern North China Craton (NCC). New zircon/baddeleyite U-Pb/Pb-Pb dating on dolerite sills emplaced into the Fanhe Group yields emplacement ages from 1231 ± 9 Ma to 1206 ± 20 Ma. Whole-rock 40Ar/39Ar dating of two basalts from the Erdaogou Formation yields approximate total gas ages of ca. 1250 Ma and ca. 1210 Ma. These new geochronological results revealed that the Erdaogou basalts are coeval with some dolerite sills emplaced into the Kuangzhuangzi, Guanmenshan and Tongjiajie Formations and the dolerite sills emplaced into the Hutouling and Erdaogou Formations. These newly recognized ca. 1.23–1.21 Ga mafic rocks can be linked to the broader Licheng LIP of the previous studies. The ca. 1.23–1.21 Ga mafic rocks in the Fanhe basin can be divided into alkaline and sub-alkaline series and these two series exhibit distinct trace element and Nd isotopic compositions. The alkaline rocks show strongly fractionated chondrite-normalized REE patterns with high LaN/YbN values of 12.69–15.05. The sub-alkaline samples display less fractionated REE patterns with lower LaN/YbN values of 2.74–10.13. The alkaline rocks have OIB-like trace element patterns and slightly negative to positive εNd(t) values from −0.7 to 0.7. An OIB-like, asthenospheric mantle source is suggested as the source of the alkaline rocks. In contrast, the sub-alkaline rocks exhibit low negative εNd(t) values from −10.9 to −4.6 and are interpreted to be derived from a subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle. By comparisons with the coeval mafic magmatism in other parts of the NCC and other cratons, we suggest that the ca. 1.23–1.21 Ga mafic magmatism or LIP in the NCC was either related to the mantle plume that resulted in the Marnda Moorn LIP in Western Australia or related to a back-arc extension prior to the formation of a Grenvillian orogen located in another continent connected to the southeastern margin of the NCC during assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent.

Decoupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic composition of continental intraplate basalts caused by two-stage melting process

Ocean island basalts (OIBs) with Zn isotopic ratios higher than the normal mantle (δ66Zn = 0.17 ± 0.08‰) or mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs; δ66Zn = 0.27 ± 0.06‰) generally also have an enriched Sr-Nd isotopic signature, suggesting carbonate-bearing eclogites, whose protolith is inferred to be subducting altered oceanic crust, in their mantle source. On the contrary, continental intraplate basalts with high δ66Zn usually show depleted Sr-Nd isotopic signatures (i.e., decoupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic composition). To elucidate the origin of the decoupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic composition in continental intraplate basalts, we report the discovery of both coupled and decoupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic data for a suite of Cenozoic continental intraplate basalts from the Zhejiang province, Southeast China. These basalts display clear spatial and temporal geochemical variations, with early-stage inland low-silica samples presenting moderately enriched Sr-Nd isotopic signatures and high δ66Zn (coupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic composition, similar to OIBs), and later-stage coastal high-silica samples that display a pronounced δ66Zn decrease with increasing SiO2 and 87Sr/86Sr and with decreasing alkali contents and 143Nd/144Nd (decoupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic composition). The early-stage basalts with coupled high Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic signatures are also more enriched in incompatible elements than any other basalts from eastern China reported so far. We explain the spatial and temporal geochemical variations of these basalts as the result of two main melting events: 1) the low-silica early-stage magmatism mostly occurs inland and results from high-pressure partial melting of a carbonated eclogite-bearing asthenospheric mantle. Because of the presence of a thick lithosphere limits the melting of the depleted mantle component, the signature of the Zn-Sr-Nd isotopically enriched, and more fusible carbonated eclogite is preserved. 2) At the later stage, magmatism mostly occurs on the coast where the subcontinental lithosphere is thinner. Hence, decompression melting progresses to shallower depth, resulting in an increase of the contribution from the depleted peridotite matrix and a dilution of the signal from the isotopically enriched fusible component. Further upwelling and in-situ melting at the base of the subduction-modified sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) explains both the decoupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic signature of the coastal basalts and their major and trace element variability. We further propose that decompression melting is driven by small-scale convection resulting from variations of lithospheric thickness. Our data highlight the importance of dynamic melting of carbonated eclogite-bearing asthenosphere and subsequent lithospheric melting in preservation and destruction of the coupled enriched Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic signature of carbonated eclogite component and generation of the apparent decoupled Zn-Sr-Nd isotopic signal commonly observed in continental intraplate basalts.

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Lower Jurassic Mafic Rock Suites in the External Rif Belt, and Chemical Geodynamics of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) in Northwest Morocco

We present new field evidence, geochemical and isotopic data, and age constraints on Lower Jurassic mafic rock suites within a >200-km-long curvilinear belt in the Rif orogenic belt in northern Morocco and show that these rock assemblages formed as part of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP). The CAMP represents a large igneous province that straddles the edges of the modern peri-Atlantic continents. It developed ~200 Ma, following the initiation of the breakup of Pangea. Main magmatic rocks in the Rif External Zone include basaltic lavas, massive dolerite, and isotropic and cumulate gabbros, all intruded by dolerite and trondhjemite dikes and sills. Available U-Pb zircon ages from dolerite, gabbro, and trondhjemite dike rocks are , , and , respectively. Based on their geochemical affinities and isotopic compositions, the analyzed rocks define basalt-dolerite and gabbro-cumulate gabbro-trondhjemite groups. The basalt-dolerite group samples are subalkaline in nature and have low TiO2 contents, whereas the gabbro-cumulate gabbro-trondhjemite group samples are alkaline and display high TiO2 values. Most samples are tholeiitic in character and show large-ion lithophile and light rare earth element enrichment and high field strength element depletion compared with normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). Samples of both groups display low 143Nd/144Nd201 Ma (0.51182–0.51262) and high 87Sr/86Sri ratios with ɛNd values ranging from −1.51 to +4.85. The basalt-dolerite group rocks have enriched MORB compositions, compatible with the low-Ti CAMP suites, whereas the gabbro-cumulate gabbro-trondhjemite group rocks have oceanic island basalt compositions reminiscent of high-Ti CAMP suites in other continents. Magmas of the gabbro-cumulate gabbro-trondhjemite group underwent differentiation through tholeiitic fractionation. Magmas of the rocks of both groups included melt components, originated from partial melting of a previously subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Our results indicate that the Early Jurassic CAMP magmatism in northern Morocco marked a major episode of continental magmatism before the opening of the Maghrebian Tethys between Africa and Iberia in the latest Jurassic.

Petrogenesis of Eocene shoshonitic rocks from South-Central British Columbia: Melting of Proterozoic lithospheric mantle

The Terrace Mountain complex is a part of a discontinuous north-west trending belt of Eocene volcanic centres, which stretches for about 1000 km in southern and central interior British Columbia and probably extends into the northwestern United States. The 55–45 Ma chain is related to east-vergent subduction of oceanic plates under the North American continent. The volcanic rocks of the belt are mainly of calc-alkaline intermediate to felsic composition, typical of distal continental arcs. However, close to the Canada-United States border, in the Terrace Mountain volcanic complex, there are alkaline (shoshonitic) mafic and intermediate rocks with an unusual isotopic composition compared to most other rocks of the belt. These rocks, which are hosted in an extensional basin/half-graben associated with regional strike-slip faulting in a continental arc setting, have highly negative ɛNd(t) values, Proterozoic neodymium depleted mantle model ages and elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios. The two rock units, which are >700 m thick were emplaced within a short (<1–2 Ma) magmatic episode at ~52 Ma. The older volcanic pulse was composed of basaltic trachyandesites while the younger pulse included trachyandesites. The rocks are enriched in strongly incompatible trace elements and underwent fractional crystallization. Both suites are related to a parent magma, which was sourced during extension of the Cordilleran orogen by partial melting of heterogeneous subduction-modified sub-continental lithospheric mantle composed of amphibole-phlogopite-bearing peridotite. Nd isotopic characteristics require an old LREE-enriched slab in the mantle suggesting that the source was separated from convecting mantle since the Proterozoic.

Tectonic juxtaposition of plume and subduction derived magmatic sequences in the Bababudan greenstone terrane, western Dharwar Craton, India: Constraining crustal accretion processes in a Neoarchean subduction-collision orogeny

Archean greenstone belts in the Western Dharwar Craton preserve important clues on Early Earth geodynamics. Here we investigate the ultramafic-mafic metavolcanic rock sequences from the Santaveri Formation of Bababudan greenstone terrane to address the tectonic evolution, mantle dynamics and crustal growth processes of western Dharwar Craton. The ultramafic volcanic rocks are geochemically classified as komatiite-picrite-basanites, whereas the mafic volcanic rocks correspond to magnesian andesite -Niobium-enriched basaltic andesite association. The pristine mineralogy for these ultramafic volcanic rocks is overprinted by tremolite-actinolite-biotite assemblage marking greenschist facies of metamorphism. The komatiites include Al-undepleted, Al-depleted and Ti-enriched types and share overlapping geochemical characteristics with the picrites. The basanites are distinguished as alkaline ultramafic rocks with total alkali content >3 wt% and MgO > 18 wt%. The coherent association of komatiite-picrite-basanite suggests pervasive plume-lithosphere interaction and complies with polybaric melting of a chemically heterogeneous mantle plume through a subduction-modified sub-continental lithospheric mantle at a rifted cratonic margin. Our results substantiate the role of an Archean mantle refertilized by subduction-driven recycling of Mesoarchean supracrustals concurrent with the onset of subduction event at ≥3.2 Ga. The mafic rocks were derived through melting of a hot oceanic slab and mantle hybridization. The xenocrystic zircon grains from komatiite suggest lower crustal inheritance and reworking of basement gneisses by ascending ultramafic melts. The 3177 Ma magmatic age obtained from these zircon grains indicate a Mesoarchean magmatic event in the genesis of the basement gneisses. The emplacement of komatiite-picrite-basanite association and magnesian andesite -Niobium-enriched basaltic andesite lithologies envisages a post 3.1 Ga Neoarchean crustal growth over Mesoarchean protocontinent of WDC. This crust generation episode can be translated in terms of plume-driven bottom-up and subduction-driven top-down tectono-magmatic processes at continental rift and ocean-continent convergence set-up respectively. Geochemical characteristics and petrogenetic aspects suggest that the studied volcanic supracrustals of Bababudan greenstone terrane encapsulate a Neoarchean subduction-collision orogenic system comprising plume-derived komatiite-picrite-basanite and subduction-derived magnesian andesite -niobium-enriched basaltic andesite magmatic sequences tectonically juxtaposed during Neoarchaen (~2.7 Ga) subduction-accretion-collision event.

The Pilot Knob iron ore deposits in southeast Missouri, USA: A high-to-low temperature magmatic-hydrothermal continuum

The Mesoproterozoic St. Francois Mountains igneous terrane in southeast Missouri, USA, contains eight major and several minor IOA/IOCG-type deposits. This study focuses on the Pilot Knob deposits, i.e., the largely massive Pilot Knob Magnetite (PKM) deposit and the Pilot Knob Hematite (PKH) deposit, which is located 240 m stratigraphically above the PKM and consists of variably mineralized bedded hematite and ore hosted in brecciated volcanic agglomerates. The PKM deposit was previously shown to be of magmatic and magmatic-hydrothermal origin, although its formation has not been precisely dated. The origin of the PKH deposit (i.e., sedimentary vs. hydrothermal) and its genetic relationship to the PKM, remain controversial.We present new U-Pb data on apatite intergrown with massive magnetite in the PKM deposit and provide the first precise age for the formation of the PKM ore at 1437.7 ± 5.8 Ma. Petrographic observations of PKH ore, bulk rock compositions, and the mineral chemistry of hematite, which contains up to 2.7% Ti, suggest that the hematite in the PKH deposit crystallized from acidic and hypersaline hydrothermal fluids at a temperature between 200 and 250 °C. The Fe isotopic composition of 9 bedded (δ56Fe = 0.05–0.30‰, average 0.13‰) and 3 brecciated hematite samples (δ56Fe = −0.19 to 0.01‰, average −0.06‰) from the PKH deposit are slightly lighter than the published δ56Fe results of magnetite from the PKM deposit (δ56Fe = 0.06–0.27‰, average 0.17‰). However, all isotopic signatures fall within the magmatic range, indicating that iron in both deposits was originally sourced from a magma. Because of the hydrothermal origin of the PKH deposit, the iron isotopic compositions of the PKM and PKH ores that imply a shared/similar iron source, and the spatial proximity of both deposits, we argue that the PKM and PKH deposits are genetically related and represent two endmembers of a high-to-low temperature magmatic-hydrothermal continuum. In this scenario, ore fluids exsolved from the magma that facilitated the formation of the PKM deposit migrated upwards, infiltrated existing sedimentary structures near the surface, and precipitated hydrothermal hematite ore while preserving the original bedded and brecciated structures.Geochemical signatures of the rhyolites/rhyodacites that host the PKM deposit imply that these rocks are A2-type felsic rocks that were emplaced in a post-collisional extensional setting. Bulk silicate Earth normalized patterns of the PKM deposit and wall rocks display a negative slope from Cs to Lu with negative Nb and Ta anomalies, indicating a hydrous source for the rhyolites and rhyodacites, possibly a subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). These geochemical signatures support a proposed tectonic setting of the St. Francois Mountains, wherein the igneous terrane developed on a growing continental margin. Episodic mafic-to-intermediate magmatism, and subsequently exsolved hydrothermal fluids, may have formed the cluster of IOA/IOCG-type deposits in the igneous terrane between ~1500 and ~1440 Ma. Within such a context, the PKM and PKH deposits may represent a shallow, small-scale snapshot of processes similar to the ones that form the IOA-IOCG continuum: a deeper magmatic event that exsolved a hydrothermal fluid that forms an overlying ore body.

Geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf Isotopic Characteristics of Muchen Pluton in Southeast China, Constrain the Petrogenesis of Alkaline A-Type Magma

We present comprehensive petrological, major-trace element, in situ zircon U-Pb dating and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data for Muchen granitoid (western Zhejiang Province, Southeast China), to constrain the petrogenesis of alkaline A-type granites and the geodynamic setting of Southeast China in the Early Cretaceous. The Early Cretaceous Muchen quartz monzonite yielded zircon U-Pb crystallization ages of 111.3 ± 0.7 Ma and is metaluminous to weakly peraluminous with SiO2 contents ranging from 59 to 69 wt.%, and can be classified as alkaline A-type granitoid. The quartz monzonites have low (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.7052 to 0.7061) and high εNd(t) values (−2.6 to −2.0), similar to nearby coeval mafic rocks that have been proposed to be derived from the enriched lithospheric mantle. The high Nb/Ta ratios (16.7 to 30.1, average 21.8) and low Nb/U ratios (as low as 3.5) indicate the involvement of slab-derived melt and fluids in this mantle. These geochemical properties of the Muchen quartz monzonites indicated that they might be from a phlogopite-bearing and rutile-rich subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle, and underwent strong fractional crystallization of olivine + orthopyroxene + plagioclase during magma ascent. The low Mg# values of these alkaline rocks (&lt;30 mostly) may indicate a low-pressure source in a back-arc setting. The early Cretaceous alkaline granitoids in Southeast China are related to the continental back-arc setting caused by deep angle subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate.

Petrogenesis of an Eocene syenitic intrusion from south-central British Columbia: Evidence for increasing influence of cratonic Laurentia on alkaline magmatism of western North America

The Allendale Lake stock is a representative intrusion of the Eocene alkaline igneous province in south-central British Columbia (Canada), which forms the northwestern edge of the Montana-Wyoming alkaline province. The shallow-seated intrusion (~53 Ma), about 4.5 km long and 2 km wide, is composed predominately of feldspar-phyric biotite-clinopyroxene-amphibole-bearing monzonitic/syenitic rocks. The feldspar forms distinct rhomb-shaped phenocrysts, which contain abundant exsolution of perthite and antiperthite. The Allendale Lake rocks are silica-undersaturated with SiO2 ranging from 52 to 63 wt% and high contents of alkalis, particularly K2O (4.5–6.5 wt%), typical of shoshonitic rocks. The rocks show a distinct enrichment of large-ion-lithophile elements relative to heavy rare earth elements and high-field strength elements. Their isotopic compositions are highlighted by high negative ƐNd(t) values (−4.5 to −5.5), Neoproterozoic Nd model ages (750–900 Ma) and high but relatively uniform initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (~0.706). The rocks were generated by fractional crystallization under oxidizing conditions. The parent magma, a hydrous alkaline basaltic melt, was formed by partial melting of an amphibole-phlogopite-bearing peridotite of the subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle. The mantle source underwent Neoproterozoic and subsequently Cenozoic metasomatic enrichment events. The alkaline volcanic rocks of the Penticton Group (Marron Formation) from the nearby Eocene Challis-Kamloops volcanic belt are volcanic correlatives of these intrusions. The Eocene alkaline rocks in the south-central part of the British Columbia are related to continental arc rifting.

Syn-orogenic magmatism over 100 m.y. in high crustal levels of the central Grenville Province: Characteristics, age and tectonic significance

The Escoumins Supracrustal Belt (ESB) represents higher levels of the infrastructure of a large hot orogen, exposed in a broadly dome and basin pattern. It consists of remnants of a Pinwarian-age (1.52–1.46 Ga) oceanic arc and arc-rift sequence, preserved in the low-P Belt of the central Grenville Province, and was intruded by diverse Grenvillian-age plutons. The plutonic rocks range from quartz monzodiorite to granite and have intrusion ages covering a time interval of ~100 My, that represents the entire range of the Grenvillian orogeny. Moreover, the ages, field relations and geochemical signatures of the different intrusions can be matched with different documented stages of the orogeny. The oldest pluton, the magnesian, biotite-bearing Bon-Désir granite (1086 ± 2 Ma), has positive εNd (+0.6), TDM = 1.52 Ga, and is attributed to melting of a juvenile Pinwarian crust as a result of slab break-off, at the onset of continental collision. The ferroan and Ba–Sr enriched, biotite-, amphibole- and clinopyroxene-bearing Michaud plutonic suite (1063 ± 3 Ma) and biotite-rich felsic sill (1045 ± 3 Ma) have εNd (−0.01 − +0.8) and TDM = 1.45–1.48 Ga. Their geochemistry is consistent with fractionation of a mafic magma derived from melting of a Geon 14 subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle. This magmatism is consistent with convective thinning of subcontinental lithosphere, potentially linked to tectonic extrusion and orogenic collapse. This collapse ultimately led to the juxtaposition of the low-P Belt with the high-T mid-P Belt in the hinterland of the Grenville Province and to amphibolite-facies metamorphism in the former, producing metamorphic zircon overgrowths at 1037 ± 10 Ma. Finally, 988 ± 5 Ma to 983 ± 5 Ma syn-kinematic peraluminous two-mica garnetiferous leucogranite bodies and pegmatites with inherited 1055 ± 2 Ma metamorphic monazite were derived from melting of previously metamorphosed deeper levels of the low-P Belt. This is consistent with a high geothermal gradient linked to thinning of the crust in a Basin and Range setting. The geochemical and age pattern of Grenvillian-age magmatism in the ESB, in conjunction with the overall architecture of the Province, suggests that Laurentia was the upper plate during the Grenvillian orogeny.

Evolution of K-rich magmas derived from a net veined lithospheric mantle in an ongoing extensional setting: Geochronology and geochemistry of Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks from Eastern Pontides (Turkey)

The Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks between the cities of Trabzon and Giresun in the Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey) erupted as mildly and moderately alkaline magmas ranging from silica-saturated to silica-undersaturated types. 40Ar-39Ar dating and petrochemical data reveal that the studied volcanic rocks are discriminated in two: Lutetian (Middle Eocene) mildly alkaline, (basaltic rocks: 45.31±0.18 to 43.86±0.19Ma; trachytic rocks: 44.87±0.22 to 41.32±0.12Ma), and Messinian (Late Miocene) moderately alkaline volcanic rocks (tephrytic rocks: 6.05±0.06 and 5.65±0.06Ma). The trace and the rare earth element systematic, characterised by moderate light earth element (LREE)/heavy rare earth element (HREE) ratios in the Eocene basaltic and trachytic rocks, high LREE/HREE ratios in the Miocene tephrytic rocks, and different degrees of depletion in Nb, Ta, Ti coupled with high Th/Yb ratios, show that the parental magmas of the volcanic rocks were derived from mantle sources previously enriched by slab-derived fluids and subducted sediments. The Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic composition of the Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks support the presence of subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle. During the magma ascent in the crust, parental magmas of both the Eocene and Miocene volcanic rocks were mostly affected by fractional crystallisation rather than assimilation coupled with fractional crystallisation and mixing. The silica-undersaturated character of the Miocene tephrytic rocks could be attributed to assimilation of carbonate rocks within shallow-level magma chambers. The parental magmas of the Eocene volcanic rocks resulted from a relatively high melting degree of a net veined mantle and surrounding peridotites in the spinel stability field due to an increase in temperature, resulting from asthenospheric upwelling related to the extension of lithosphere subsequent to delamination. The parental magmas for the Miocene volcanic rocks resulted from a relatively low melting degree of a net veined mantle domain previously modified by metasomatic melts derived from a garnet peridotite source after decompression due to extensional tectonics, combined with strike-slip movement at a regional scale related to ongoing delamination.

Generation of calc-alkaline andesite of the Tatun volcanic group (Taiwan) within an extensional environment by crystal fractionation

The Pliocene–Pleistocene northern Taiwan volcanic zone (NTVZ) is located within a trench-arc–back-arc basin and oblique arc–continent collision zone. Consequently the origin and tectonic setting of the andesitic rocks within the NTVZ and their relation to other circum-Pacific volcanic island-arc systems is uncertain. Rocks collected from the Tatun volcanic group (TTVG) include basaltic to andesitic rocks. The basalt is compositionally similar to within-plate continental tholeiites whereas the basaltic andesite and andesite are calc-alkaline; however, all rocks show a distinct depletion of Nb-Ta in their normalized incompatible element diagrams. The Sr-Nd isotope compositions of the TTVG rocks are very similar and have a relatively restricted range (i.e. ISr = 0.70417–0.70488; εNd(T) = +2.2 to +3.1), suggesting that they are derived directly or indirectly from the same mantle source. The basalts are likely derived by mixing between melts from the asthenosphere and a subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source, whereas the basaltic andesites may be derived by partial melting of pyroxenitic lenses within the SCLM and mixing with asthenospheric melts. MELTS modelling using a starting composition equal to the most primitive basaltic andesite, shallow-pressure (i.e. ≤1 kbar), oxidizing conditions (i.e. FMQ +1), and near water saturation will produce compositions similar to the andesites observed in this study. Petrological modelling and the Sr-Nd isotope results indicate that the volcanic rocks from TTVG, including the spatially and temporally associated Kuanyinshan volcanic rocks, are derived from the same mantle source and that the andesites are the product of fractional crystallization of a parental magma similar in composition to the basaltic andesites. Furthermore, our results indicate that, in some cases, calc-alkaline andesites may be generated by crystal fractionation of mafic magmas derived in an extensional back-arc setting rather than a subduction zone setting.

Petrogenesis of the Neogene bimodal magmatism of the Galatean Volcanic Province, Central Anatolia, Turkey

A series of geochemical analyses and radiometric age determinations are undertaken on rock samples collected from the Çamlıdere region in the Galatean Volcanic Province of NW Turkey, to better understand the characteristics of the bimodal Early–Middle Miocene volcanism developed near the Late Cretaceous Tethyan Suture Zone. Çamlıdere volcanic rocks consist of large volumes of older (>20Ma) calc-alkaline andesites, dacites and rhyolites and pyroclastites, and small volumes of slightly younger (~19Ma) alkaline trachybasalts and basaltic trachyandesites, cropping out as dykes or small lava flows. The older rocks exhibit elevated LILE, LREE and depleted HFSE contents, carrying geochemical characteristics suggesting earlier subduction process. Some samples of the younger mildly alkaline lavas display geochemical characteristics of intraplate magmatism with enrichment of LILE contents with little or no HFSE depletion. Knowing that the Galatean volcanic rocks experienced syn-volcanic extensional tectonics during the Miocene, we think that the reactivation of the old suture zone produced first calc-alkaline series originated from a subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle, followed by more alkaline products. However, some volcanic rocks suggest penetration of small amounts of asthenospheric melts to this lithospheric mantle source. The regionally known last volcanic phase produced small amounts of alkaline basaltic rocks in Güvem area at about 10Ma. Volcanic activities ended possibly with, or just after the Güvem event, when the extensional tectonic regime switched to strike-slip faulting in the region, with the inception of one of the major faults of Turkey, the North Anatolian Fault Zone.

Geology, geochemistry, and geochronology of Fe-oxide Cu (± Au) mineralization associated with Şamlı pluton, western Turkey

The Şamlı (Balıkesir) Fe-oxide Cu (±Au) deposit, one of several iron (+Cu±Au) deposits in western Turkey, is hosted by porphyritic rocks of the multi-phase Şamlı pluton and metapelitic–metadiabasic rocks of Karakaya Complex. Two successive mineralization events are recognized in the area as; i) early magnetite and sulfide and ii) late hematite–goethite-native copper (±Au). Alteration associated with the mineralization in Şamlı is characterized by four distinct mineralogical assemblages. They are, in chronological order of formation, (1) plagioclase–early pyroxene (±scapolite), (2) garnet–late pyroxene, (3) chlorite–epidote, and (4) chalcedony–calcite alteration. Geochemical, isotopic (Sr, Nd, O, S) and geochronological (Ar–Ar) data from alteration and magmatic rocks suggest a temporal and genetic link between the multiphase Şamlı pluton and the hydrothermal system that controls the Fe-oxide-Cu (±Au) mineralization. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology on hornblende and biotite separates of the Şamlı pluton yielded an age range between 23.20±0.50 and 22.42±0.11Ma, overlapping with 40Ar/39Ar age of 22.34±0.59Ma from alteration.The close spatial and temporal associations of Şamlı mineralization with porphyritic intrusions, pervasive Ca-rich alteration (calcic plagioclase, andraditic garnet, diopsidic pyroxene, scapolite, and epidote) are considered as common features akin to calcic assemblages in typical IOCG deposits. Besides abundant low-Ti (≤0.5%) magnetite/hematite, high Cu–moderate Au (up to 8.82ppm) association, structural control and lithologic controls of mineralization, low S-sulfide content (chalcopyrite>pyrite) in the deposit; and the derivation of causative magma from subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle under a transpressional to transtensional regime, are collectively considered as the features in favor of IOCG-type mineralization for the Şamlı deposit.

40Ar–39Ar dating, whole-rock and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope geochemistry of post-collisional Eocene volcanic rocks in the southern part of the Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey): implications for magma evolution in extension-induced origin

The Eocene volcano-sedimentary units in the southern part of the Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey) are confined within a narrow zone of east–west trending, semi-isolated basins in Bayburt, Gumushane, Şiran and Alucra areas. The volcanic rocks in these areas are mainly basalt and andesite through dacite, with a dominant calc-alkaline to rare tholeiitic tendency. 40Ar–39Ar dating of these volcanic rocks places them between 37.7 ± 0.2 and 44.5 ± 0.2 Ma (Middle Eocene). Differences in the major and trace element variations can be explained by the fractionation of clinopyroxene ± magnetite in basaltic rocks and that of hornblende + plagioclase ± magnetite ± apatite in andesitic rocks. Primitive mantle-normalized multi-element variations exhibit enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements and to a lesser extent, of light rare earth elements, as well as depletion of high field strength elements, thus revealing that volcanic rocks evolved from a parental magma derived from an enriched mantle source. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns of the aforementioned volcanic rocks resemble each other and are spoon-shaped with low-to-medium enrichment (LaN/LuN = 2–14), indicating similar spinel lherzolitic mantle source(s). Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic systematics imply that the volcanic rocks are derived from a subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Furthermore, post-collisional thickened continental crust, lithospheric delamination and a subduction-imposed thermal structure are very important in generating Tertiary magma(s). The predominantly calc-alkaline nature of Eocene volcanic rocks is associated with increasing geodynamic regime-extension, whereas tholeiitic volcanism results from local variations in the stress regime of the ongoing extension and the thermal structure, as well as the thickness of the crust and the mantle-crust source regions. Based on volcanic variety and distribution, as well as on petrological data, Tertiary magmatic activity in Eastern Pontides is closely related to post-collisional thinning of the young lithosphere, which, in turn, is caused by extension and lithospheric delamination after collisional events between the Tauride–Anatolide Platform and the Eurasian Plate.

Mid-Tertiary (25–21 Ma) lamprophyres in NW Mexico derived from subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle in an extensional backarc environment following steepening of the Benioff zone

The mid-Tertiary lamprophyre dike swarm (~8km×2.5km in size) from Hermosillo (Sonora, NW Mexico) has calc–alkaline characteristics and includes NNW-striking, amphibole-phyric spessartite (~85% of the swarm) and NNE-striking, phlogopite-phyric kersantite. The 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of amphibole and phlogopite gives overlapping plateau ages ranging from 25 to 21Ma. Although all the lamprophyres are enriched in incompatible elements and display negative Nb–Ta and Ti anomalies on the primitive mantle-normalized plots, kersantite has higher K/Na, La/Yb, P, Ti and incompatible trace elements (e.g., Zr) compared to spessartite. The lamprophyres have radiogenic Sr and Nd isotopic signatures (87Sr/86Sr ~0.7057–0.7065 and εNd ~−1 to −2.3) suggesting derivation from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle that was previously modified by subduction-related fluids. This mantle is similar to that beneath the southern Grenvillian orogen, which has younger TDM ages than the 1.6–1.7Ga TDM ages of the Caborca block. The lamprophyric magmas were generated at various mantle depths at the southwestern edge of North America. Intrusion of the lamprophyres was synchronous with extension that produced normal faults and core complexes with WSW-vergence. Extension occurred immediately following steepening of the Benioff zone, during which the magmatic arc migrated from east to west of Hermosillo, and the lamprophyres were intruded just behind the contemporaneous arc.

Generation of Early Indosinian enriched mantle-derived granitoid pluton in the Sanjiang Orogen (SW China) in response to closure of the Paleo-Tethys

A diverse suite of intermediate to felsic rocks from the Baimaxueshan pluton within the Sanjiang Orogen, SW China, documents the tectonomagmatic history of closure of the eastern Paleo-Tethys and associated arc accretion onto the margin of Asia. The pluton consists mainly of diorite, tonalite and granodiorite, and contains mafic magmatic enclaves (MMEs). SHRIMP U–Pb analyses on zircons from the MMEs and host granitoids yield crystallization ages of 253–248Ma. Considering analytical errors, the age of MMEs and their host granitoids are indistinguishable with a weighted mean of 249±1Ma (N=71, MSWD=1.09), indicating Early Triassic emplacement. They display similar chemical and isotopic characteristics with a medium- to high-K, calc-alkaline, metaluminous I-type character, and similar whole rock Sr–Nd isotopic ratios, zircon εHf (t) (−10±1) and identical zircon δ18O (>8‰ VSMOW). These observations, in combination with variably elevated Mg# (0.53–0.65), MgO content and Cr and Ni concentrations for these rocks suggest an origin from hydrous partial melting of subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). The MMEs may represent a mantle-derived mafic component that replenished the magma chamber and which survived mixing with the evolved host magma. The isotopically evolved signatures and arc-like pattern of incompatible elements on a primitive-mantle normalized spidergram suggest considerable input of supracrustal materials to the SCLM magma source (20–30% estimated by mixing calculation based on Sr–Nd isotopes). The striking resemblance of the zircon Hf–O isotopic systematics in both MMEs and host rocks also favors a crustal recycling paradigm dominated by source mixing rather than assimilation en route, and suggests that zircon crystallization commenced after the ingestion of supracrustal materials. Fractional crystallization operated during magma ascent and emplacement, and produced the wide spectrum of rock types seen in the pluton. Our geochronological and geochemical results also demonstrate that the Early Triassic Baimaxueshan pluton constitutes a part of the volcano-plutonic arc created by westward-directed Jinshajiang subduction system, and cannot be treated as the northern continuation of the Lincang batholith in the southern Lancangjiang zone.

Geochemistry and tectonics of Cenozoic volcanism in the Lesser Caucasus (Azerbaijan) and the peri-Arabian region: collision-induced mantle dynamics and its magmatic fingerprint

The Lesser Caucasus occurs in the hinterland of the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone in the broad Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt and includes Cenozoic plutonic and volcanic sequences that provide important clues for collision-driven continental magmatism and mantle dynamics. Two main magmatic episodes (Eocene and late Miocene–Quaternary) formed the volcanic landscape and the igneous assemblages in the Lesser Caucasus of Azerbaijan. (1) The Eocene sequence consists of trachybasalt and basaltic trachyandesite with subordinate tephrite-basanite, basaltic andesite, and trachyandesite, showing shoshonitic and mildly alkaline compositions. The Miocene–Quaternary magmatic episode is represented by (2a) an early phase of upper Miocene–lower Pliocene andesite, trachyandesite, trachydacite, dacite and rhyolite lavas, and by (2b) a late phase of upper Pliocene–Quaternary trachybasalt, basaltic trachyandesite, basaltic andesite, trachyandesite, trachyte, and rhyolite flows. The rocks of the early phase have high-K calc-alkaline compositions, whereas those of the late phase show high-K shoshonitic compositions, defining an alkaline trend and a K2O-enriched melt source. All three volcanic associations show variant troughs in Nb, Ta, Hf, and Zr, strong enrichment in Rb, Ba, Th, La, and depletion in Ti, Yb, Y relative to mid-ocean ridge basalt N-(MORB) in their multi-element patterns. The enrichment of incompatible elements and K suggests derivation from a metasomatized mantle source, whereas the troughs in Nb and Ta indicate a subduction influence in the mantle melt sources. Mantle-derived magmas were modified by AFC/FC processes for all three volcanic sequences. These geochemical features are similar to those of coeval volcanic associations in the peri-Arabian region, and indicate the existence of subduction-metasomatized lithospheric mantle beneath the Lesser Caucasus during the Cenozoic. Partial melting of this subduction-modified subcontinental lithospheric mantle in the peri-Arabian region was triggered initially by slab breakoff following discrete continental collision events in the early Eocene. The heat source for the later Miocene–Quaternary volcanism in the entire peri-Arabian region was provided by asthenospheric upwelling, which itself was caused by delamination of the mantle lithosphere following the final Arabia–Eurasia collision at ∼13 Ma. Increased alkalinity of successively younger units in the Plio-Quaternary volcanic associations resulted from the input of enriched asthenospheric melt during the last stages of post-collisional magmatism. Active, crustal-scale and orogen-parallel, transtensional fault systems in the peri-Arabian region facilitated the formation of fissure eruptions and stratovolcanoes in the latest Cenozoic.