Sulu Ultrahigh-pressure Terrane Research Articles

Mantle refertilization at high-pressure conditions of continental subduction channel: Evidence from orogenic peridotites in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China

Refertilization of depleted peridotites widely occurs in lithospheric mantle but is poorly understood in a continental subduction channel. The Sulu orogenic belt is a typical ultra-high pressure (UHP) terrane formed by continental subduction and collision. To understand the complex metasomatic processes on peridotites during continental subduction, we combined detailed petrographic and geochemical studies for fertile garnet lherzolites (Chijiadian) from the Sulu UHP terrane, as well as refractory peridotites (Xugou and Lijiatun) for comparison. The fertile garnet lherzolites (Chijiadian) are not residues of low-degree partial melting, but they formed from refertilization processes during peak-UHP metamorphic stages (garnet-facies) in a continental subduction channel, as reflected by abundant clinopyroxene (12 vol%) and garnet (12 vol%), low bulk-rock Mg# of 91 and high Al2O3 of 2.4–3.3 wt%. Garnet, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene display secondary poikilitic textures and often contain early phases of olivine, spinel, and garnet inclusions, indicating later precipitation of these minerals into depleted peridotite protoliths. The clinopyroxenes show enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and high 87Sr/86Sr of 0.7061–0.7084. The estimated pressure-temperature are 720–770 °C at 4.4–4.8 GPa, consistent with previous constraints on UHP conditions. These features suggest strong refertilization processes at UP-UHP conditions (garnet-facies) in continental subduction channels. The metasomatic agents for refertilization would be basaltic-intermediate melts which incorporated continental materials. Similarly, Xugou harzburgites and Lijiatun dunites also record the subducted continental signatures with enrichment of LILE and high Sr isotopes on clinopyroxenes (87Sr/86Sr: 0.7050 to 0.7065). However, Xugou harzburgites and Lijiatun dunites overall do not display the same typical refertilization features as for Chijiadian, as reflected by low abundances of clinopyroxene and high Mg# of 92–93. Consequently, continental subduction could lead to diverse types of metasomatism of refractory peridotites, including refertilization at UP-UHP metamorphic stages in subduction channels, as in other tectonic settings.

Ultrahigh-pressure mantle metasomatism in continental collision zones recorded by post-collisional mafic rocks

Post-collisional mafic magmas are melts of mixed sources formed by the interaction between crust and mantle. We report the first identification of metasomatic sources formed at >200 km in continental collision zones that led to the Triassic post-collisional Shidao mafic magmas in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane, eastern China. The Shidao magmas are ultrapotassic with low Rb/K2O and Rb/Sr ratios, highlighting a major contribution of K-richterite to the melts, and with high Dy/Yb ratios indicating residual garnet in the source. Experiments have demonstrated that K-richterite coexists with garnet only at pressures higher than 6−7 GPa, which indicates that the Yangtze continental crust was subducted to >200 km, where it interacted with the overlying mantle to produce K-richterite + garnet-bearing assemblages. This ultra-deep source of the Shidao magmas spotlights an alternative mechanism for the genesis of post-collisional magmas, which are generally of shallow origin.

Mantle refertilization in high-pressure conditions of continental subduction channel:Evidence from orogenic peridotite in the Sulu ultrahigh pressure terrane, eastern China

Mantle refertilization in high-pressure conditions of continental subduction channel:Evidence from orogenic peridotite in the Sulu ultrahigh pressure terrane, eastern China

Mantle refertilization in high-pressure conditions of continental subduction channel:Evidence from orogenic peridotite in the Sulu ultrahigh pressure terrane, eastern China

Mantle refertilization in high-pressure conditions of continental subduction channel:Evidence from orogenic peridotite in the Sulu ultrahigh pressure terrane, eastern China

Formation of carbon-bearing silicate melts by melt-metacarbonate interaction at convergent plate margins

The incorporation of carbon into slab-derived silicate melts is a vital process that boosts carbon release and transfer at convergent plate margins. The available models mostly suppose the generation of carbonated silicate melts through partial melting of carbon-rich rocks. Here we show that the carbon-bearing silicate melts can also form by the interaction of slab-derived, carbon-free, silicate melts with eclogite-facies metacarbonate rocks in a subduction-collision environment. We examine the marble – reaction zone – migmatite systems from the Sulu ultra-high pressure (UHP) terrane (China). Field, petrological, geochemical, and Sr-O-C isotopic studies demonstrate that carbon-free silicate melts produced by the anatexis of gneisses infiltrate the marbles, leading to the formation of silicate reaction zones around the melt channels and the synchronous release of CO2 at ∼820–860°C. The occurrence and textural characteristics of calcite-bearing leucosomes in the reaction zones indicate an enrichment of CO2 in silicate melts after the melt-marble interaction. Compositional analyses and mapping of carbonates indicate that these carbonated silicate melts contain >0.8–1.6 wt.% CO2, in accordance with the solubility of carbon in silicate melts at similar conditions. In addition to the variation in carbon contents, the interaction causes a decrease in SiO2 (from 72–73 to 58–63 wt.%) and an increase of CaO (from 0.6–0.8 to 3–8 wt.%) contents in the infiltrating melts. Estimation of carbon budget suggests that less than 14% of released carbon was retained in the carbonated rocks in the form of calcite, whereas the rest was removed from the system through the long-distance transport of the melts or other processes.This study presents compelling evidence for the petrological transition from carbon-free to carbon-bearing silicate melts by melt-marble interaction and therefore provides a new mechanism for the enrichment of carbon in slab-derived melts and an important pathway for the massive extraction of carbon from subducted slabs. Addition of CO2 and reduction of SiO2 as the interaction progress results in a lower viscosity and larger buoyancy of the reacted melts compared to the unreacted felsic melts, which facilitates the rapid transport and rising of these carbonated melts and thus helps a more efficient cycling of carbon in Earth's interior.

Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism and P-T Path of Xiaoxinzhuang Eclogites from the Southern Sulu Orogenic Belt, Eastern China, Based on Phase Equilibria Modelling

Three types of eclogites were identified in the Xiaoxinzhuang area in the northern Sulu ultrahigh pressure (UHP) terrene based on their petrographic, compositional characteristics and locations. They are composed of garnet, omphacite, amphibole, epidote, phengite, quartz/coesite, rutile, apatite, ilmenite and kyanite. Garnet in eclogite exhibits weak compositional zoning, which shows an increase in Xgr and a decrease in Xpy from core to mantle, and a decrease in Xgr and a slight increase in Xpy from mantle to rim. Phengite inclusions in garnet show higher Si, up to 3.424 p.f.u., than those in the matrix. Pseudosections calculated using THERMOCALC in the NCKFMASHTO system for three representative samples record three stages of metamorphism: (I) prograde stage, (II) post- Pmax decompression and heating to the Tmax stage and (III) retrograde stage. Stage-I was recorded in garnet cores with mineral assemblage of garnet + omphacite ± amphibole ± lawsonite + phengite + quartz + rutile, and the P-T condition is constrained at 23.5–26.4 kbar and 623–655 °C. The Pmax, 41.5 kbar at 801 °C, is revealed from garnet enclosed by coarse-grained garnet with the mineral assemblage of garnet + omphacite + phengite + coesite + rutile. Stage-II produced garnet rim with mineral assemblage of garnet + omphacite + amphibole + quartz + rutile + metabasite melt, which constrained the P-T conditions of 21.4–23.0 kbar and 869–924 °C. Stage-III, recorded by unzoned garnet grain with the mineral assemblage of garnet + omphacite + amphibole + ilmenite + rutile + metabasite melt, constrained P-T conditions of 13.5–16.4 kbar and 813–852 °C. The data suggest that the rocks in the Xiaoxinzhuang area were subducted to a depth of over 135 km and underwent an UHP metamorphism. The P-T-t path revealed by the Xiaoxinzhuang eclogites is different from those in other areas of the Sulu UHP terrane, suggesting that they represent different rock slices during the subduction and exhumations.

Constraining the ductile deformation mechanisms of garnet across pressure-temperature space

Garnet is a common mineral at elevated pressures, and how it deforms plays an important role in the strength of lower crustal shear zones, subduction thrusts, and the mantle. Strong shape preferred orientations in elongate garnets at elevated temperatures and pressures attests to garnet's ability to deform through ductile mechanisms; however, how individual garnets deformed is frequently ambiguous or disputed. Garnet microstructures from the Morin shear zone and the Sulu ultra-high pressure terrane are revisited using fine-scale electron backscattered diffraction and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy mapping. The dominant deformation mechanism at each site is re-interpreted, and we show that garnet deformed through dissolution-precipitation creep at Sulu and through dislocation-assisted diffusion creep at Morin. These observations are integrated into a compilation of ductile deformation microstructures for garnet which reveals domains where dissolution-precipitation creep, recovery-accommodated dislocation creep (through subgrain rotation dynamic recrystallization), and dislocation-assisted diffusion creep dominate in P-T space. Garnet may deform through ductile deformation at temperatures as low as ~500 °C and deforms under low differential stresses in both eclogite and granulite facies conditions. The efficacy of deformation indicates that 1) garnet may not be the strongest phase in these environments, and 2) that at elevated temperatures, inclusion barometry may be affected by garnet's inability to maintain high differential stress.

In situ characterization of forearc serpentinized peridotite from the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane: Behavior of fluid-mobile elements in continental subduction zone

Serpentinized peridotites in the Yangkou (YK), Suoluoshu (SLS) and Hujialin (HJL) areas in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane represent the relic of ancient subcontinental lithospheric mantle below the North China Craton. Their protoliths, harzburgite and dunite, were variably hydrated by aqueous fluids released from subducting Yangtze continent. The rocks are enriched in fluid-mobile elements (FME) including Sb (42–333 times the depleted mantle value) and Pb (30–476 times). The degrees of the FME enrichment are comparable to that of the Himalayan forearc serpentinites, and greater than forearc mantle serpentinites from Marianas, suggesting that the degrees of FME enrichment in the forearc serpentinites are greater in continental subduction zones than those in the oceanic subduction zones. Lizardite after olivine in the SLS serpentinite shows higher degrees of enrichment in Sb and As than those for antigorite after both olivine and orthopyroxene in the YK area. The antigorite has highly enriched in Pb, U, Cs, and LREE, but not for the lizardite. The abundance of FME in two different species of serpentine reflects the different temperature of hydration. At temperature lower than 300 °C, formed lizardite at shallow depths of the mantle wedge incorporates elements that are fluid mobile at low temperatures, such as Sb and As. When the temperature greater than 300 °C, formed antigorite at a relatively deep mantle wedge incorporate more FME from the subducting continental slab (or fragments), including Pb, U, Cs, LREE as well as Sb and As. The eventual breakdown of antigorite (600–700 °C) in prograde metamorphism would discharge water as well as FME into the subducting channel and/or the overlying mantle.

Anatexis of the deeply subducted continental crust during exhumation: A case study of Rongcheng migmatite in the Sulu orogen

Migmatite in the Sulu ultra‐highpressure (UHP) terrane is an ideal sample to provide information on anatexis during the exhumation of the deeply subducted continental crust. The studied migmatite is composed of the leucosome and melanosome with strongly ductile shear deformation. Petrographic observations clearly show an anatexis process, for example, cuspate and triangular K‐feldspars in triple junction and along grain boundaries, felsic veinlets and pockets mainly consisting of K‐feldspar + quartz + plagioclase ± biotite. The zircon grains of the migmatite have a core‐rim structure: the inherited magmatic core and the anatectic overgrowth rim. The inherited cores exhibit oscillatory zonings in the cathodoluminescence (CL) images and display strong heavy rare earth element (HREE) enrichment with clearly positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies. The inherited cores have an upper intercept U‐Pb age of 814 ± 45 Ma with εHf(t) values of −5.6 to ‐10.6 (mean = −8.5 ± 0.8, n = 16). Thus, protolith of the migmatite is a mid‐Neoproterozoic granitic rock. The overgrowth rims exhibit a typical anatexis genesis, that is, a bright homogeneous luminescence in the CL images, very low Th/U ratios (<0.02) with low U (<100 ppm) and Th (<1 ppm) contents, and lower total REE and Y contents with lower (Gd/Lu)N ratios and higher Hf/Y ratios than the inherited cores. They are Late Triassic with ages ranging from 211 to 234 Ma (mean = 223 ± 8 Ma), which, combined with previous studies on the Sulu UHP terrane, suggests that the anatexis occurred during the early exhumation stage. They have higher Ti‐in‐zircon temperatures ranging from 760 to 813°C (mean = 791 ± 16°C) than the pre‐anatexis zircon (244 ± 5 Ma and 739°C), suggesting a ‘hot’ exhumation. They have εHf(t) values of −17.6 to −14.5 (mean = −15.5 ± 0.6) which are lower than the estimated value (~12.0) on the crustal evolution array, suggesting an addition of crustal fluid during the anatexis. The anatexis also dramatically affected the zircon Lu–Hf isotopic system, that is, 176Yb/177Hf and 176Lu/177Hf isotopic ratios are markedly decreased but initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios are increased from the inherited magmatic cores to the anatectic rims. Thus, we propose that the anatexis plays a critical role in the exhumation of the UHP metamorphic rocks. The anatexis could lubricate the subducted slices and further facilitate their buoyant rise from the mantle depth to the crustal level.

Water Content in Garnet from Eclogites: Implications for Water Cycle in Subduction Channels

Garnet from eclogites often shows very heterogenous and extremely high hydroxyl concentration. Eight eclogite samples were selected from the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure terrane and the Sumdo high-pressure metamorphic belt (Lhasa). The mean hydroxyl concentration in pyrope-rich and almandine-rich garnet varies from 54 to 427 ppm H2O and increases with the retrogression degree of eclogites. TEM observations reveal nanometer-sized anthophyllite exsolutions and clinochlore inclusions in water-rich domains in garnet, where anthophyllite is partly replaced by clinochlore. Because of overlapping of the infrared stretching absorption bands for structural OH in garnet and chlorite, it is impossible to exclude contribution of chlorite inclusions to the estimated hydroxyl concentration in garnet. The broad band near 3400 cm−1 is attributed to molecular water and nanometer-sized chlorite inclusions. Anthophyllite exsolutions may be formed by decomposition of hydrous garnet from ultrahigh-pressure eclogites during exhumation. Significant amounts of water can be stored in garnet from massif eclogites in the forms of hydroxyl in garnet and nanometer-sized inclusions of anthophyllite and clinochlore, as well as fluid inclusions. Amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism can significantly increase both hydroxyl concentration and water heterogeneity in garnet from massif eclogites. These nano-inclusions in garnet provide a window to trace the water cycle in subduction channels.

Titanium-rich phases in the Earth's transition zone and lower mantle: Evidence from experiments in the system MgO–SiO2–TiO2(±Al2O3) at 10–24 GPa and 1600 °C

Phase relations in the MgSiO3–MgTiO3 and Mg3Al2Si3O12–MgTiO3 systems were studied at 10–24 GPa and 1600 °C using a high-pressure Kawai-type multianvil apparatus. We investigated the full range of starting compositions for the enstatite-geikielite system to derive a P–X phase diagram and synthesize titanium-bearing phases, such as olivine/wadsleyite, rutile, pyroxene, MgTiSi2O7 weberite, bridgmanite and MST-bridgmanite in a wide pressure range. Olivine and pyroxene in run products are characterized by a low titanium content (<0.6 and <0.3 wt% TiO2, respectively) whereas the content of TiO2 in wadsleyite reaches 2 wt% at 12 GPa. The concentration of Ti in MgTiSi2O7 weberite decreases with pressure from 52 wt% TiO2 at 14 GPa to 43 wt% TiO2 at 18 GPa. Two perovskite-type structures (MgSiO3 bridgmanite and Mg(Si,Ti)O3 bridgmanite) were detected in the studied system. MgSiO3 bridgmanite (Brd) is formed at a pressure of >20 GPa and characterized by significant titanium solubility (up to 13 wt% TiO2 at 24 GPa). Mg(Si,Ti)O3 perovskite is formed at a pressure of >17 GPa. The concentration of TiO2 in this phase varies from 29 wt% to 49 wt%. It was found that addition of Ti to the system moves the boundaries of Ol/Wad phase transformations to lower pressures. Addition of Al to the starting material allows us to simulate the composition of natural Ti-rich garnets and bridgmanites. It is important to note that garnet in the Prp-Gkl system is stable throughout a wide pressure range (10–24 GPa). Al incorporation does not affect the distribution of titanium between two types of bridgmanite. It is shown that high contents of Ti stabilize bridgmanite-like compounds at considerably lower pressure than that at the lower mantle/transition zone boundary. Our experiments simulate the composition of natural Ti-rich primary garnet found in eclogite from the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrane.

Refining the timing and mechanism of the Triassic partial melting in the Sulu UHP orogen, China: Zircon and garnet evidence from a felsic vein and its host granitic gneiss

Partial melting of high-pressure (HP) to ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks in subduction zones has great influence on both the chemical and physical properties of deeply subducted continental crust. Felsic veins in HP-UHP metamorphic rocks are products of partial melting and thus would be a key target to trace partial melting in HP-UHP terranes. This contribution is an integrated study of petrology, zircon and titanite U-Pb ages, as well as zircon Hf-O and major minerals O isotope compositions for a felsic vein and its host granitic gneiss in the Sulu UHP terrane to decipher the timing and mechanism of partial melting. Zircon U-Pb dating for the inherited magmatic zircon cores of the granitic gneiss constrains the protolith age at ca. 750 Ma. The inherited zircons had an average δ18O value of 0.03 ± 0.15‰ and yielded a weighted mean εHf(t) value of −1.16 ± 0.54 and two-stage Hf model ages of 1707 ± 65 Ma. These results suggest that the protolith was derived from reworking of Paleoproterozoic crust in a Neoproterozoic rift. In the two samples, broad garnet core/mantle domains are of metamorphic origin and narrow garnet rims of peritectic origin. There are large differences in δ18O values between the protolith magmatic zircon (δ18O = 0.03 ± 0.15‰) and metamorphic garnet (−4.14 ± 0.21‰ for the felsic vein and −4.13 ± 0.11‰ for the host granitic gneiss), suggesting that the negative δ18O fingerprints might result from hydrothermal alteration or multi-episodes of rift magmatism after the formation of the protolith. Zircon from the felsic vein yielded a U-Pb age of 212 ± 3 Ma. Titanites from the two studied samples show undistinguishable U-Pb ages of 227 ± 14 Ma and 212 ± 6 Ma within the analytical uncertainties. These ages register the timings of the partial melting. The approximately consistent δ18O values of the metamorphic zircon (−4.78 ± 0.15‰) and metamorphic garnet indicate that the melt was sourced from the surrounded gneiss in a closed system, which might be triggered by breakdown of phengite. According to a compilation of partial melting in the Sulu UHP terrane, there exists a clear spatio-temporal variation. The ca. 237-224 Ma partial melting in the northern UHP zone might be due to its relatively high temperature metamorphism; the most extensive partial melting occurred at ca. 220-215 Ma in both the southern and northern UHP zones, which might be triggered by the detachment of the preceding subducted slab; and partial melting of the northern UHP zone continued to ca. 210 Ma due to heat supply from the underneath mantle. Such a variation might be dictated by the tectonic evolution of the different UHP slices. Accordingly, the whole partial melting process of UHP rocks in the Sulu UHP terrane might have lasted for about 27 Myr with two major episodes at ca. 230–224 and 220-215 Ma.

Tectonic implications of P-T paths derived for garnet-bearing felsic gneisses from the Dabie and Sulu ultrahigh pressure terranes, east-central China

Felsic gneisses usually represent the vast majority of rocks in high-pressure (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes, but the derivation of metamorphic pressure-temperature (P-T) paths for these rocks have been rarely undertaken. We studied a felsic paragneiss with the mineral assemblage of plagioclase, quartz, phengite, biotite, garnet, epidote, K-feldspar, and rutile from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling main hole (depth: 775 m), located in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China, by analyzing minerals with the electron microprobe and computing P-T pseudosections with PERPLE_X. Garnet includes phengite, feldspar, quartz, and rutile and retains a Ca-rich core (XCa = 0.42). Towards the rim Ca contents decrease (XCa = 0.36) and Fe and Mg contents increase. This zoning points to a prograde P-T path at pressures lower than 1.3 GPa. In combination with Zr-in-rutile thermometry and garnet volume isopleths in the P-T pseudosection, peak P-T conditions of ca. 1.2 GPa and 610 °C were constrained which are below the wet granite solidus. K-feldspar formation at the expense of phengite indicates a nearly isothermal decompression accompanied by late fluid infiltration. A similar P-T path was additionally derived for a published felsic orthogneiss from the Dabie UHP terrane using P-T pseudosections. The prograde P-T paths obtained in this study imply that not all felsic gneisses from the Dabie and Sulu UHP terranes underwent UHP metamorphism. This is explained by tectonic juxtaposition of various felsic gneisses from different depths in an exhumation channel.

Integrated garnet and zircon–titanite geochronology constrains the evolution of ultra‐high–pressure terranes: An example from the Sulu orogen

AbstractDating ultra‐high–pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks provides important timing constraints on deep subduction zone processes. Eclogites, deeply subducted rocks now exposed at the surface, undergo a wide range of metamorphic conditions (i.e. deep subduction and exhumation) and their mineralogy can preserve a detailed record of chronologic information of these dynamic processes. Here, we present an approach that integrates multiple radiogenic isotope systems in the same sample to provide a more complete timeline for the subduction–collision–exhumation processes, based on eclogites from the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt in eastern China, one of the largest UHP terranes on Earth. In this study, we integrate garnet Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages with zircon and titanite U–Pb ages for three eclogite samples from the Sulu UHP terrane. We combine this age information with Zr‐in‐rutile temperature estimates, and relate these multiple chronometers to different P–T conditions. Two types of rutile, one present as inclusions in garnet and the other in the matrix, record the temperatures of UHP conditions and a hotter stage, subsequent to the peak pressure (‘hot exhumation') respectively. Garnet Lu–Hf ages (c. 238–235 Ma) record the initial prograde growth of garnet, while coupled Sm–Nd ages (c. 219–213 Ma) reflect cooling following hot exhumation. The maximum duration of UHP conditions is constrained by the age difference of these two systems in garnet (c. 235–220 Ma). Complementary zircon and titanite U–Pb ages of c. 235–230 Ma and c. 216–206 Ma provide further constraints on the timing of prograde metamorphism and the ‘cold exhumation' respectively. We demonstrate that timing of various metamorphic stages can thus be determined by employing complementary chronometers from the same samples. These age results, combined with published data from adjacent areas, show lateral diachroneity in the Dabie–Sulu orogeny. Three sub‐blocks are thus defined by progressively younger garnet ages: western Dabie (243–238 Ma), eastern Dabie–northern Sulu (238–235 Ma) and southern Sulu terranes (225–220 Ma), which possibly correlate to different crustal slices in the recently proposed subduction channel model. These observed lateral chronologic variations in a large UHP terrane can possibly be extended to other suture zones.

Carbonatitic metasomatism in orogenic dunites from Lijiatun in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China

Among orogenic peridotites, dunites suffer the weakest crustal metasomatism at the slab–mantle interface and are the best lithology to trace the origins of orogenic peridotites and their initial geodynamic processes. Petrological and geochemical investigations of the Lijiatun dunites from the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrane indicate a complex petrogenetic history involving melt extraction and multistage metasomatism (carbonatitic melt and slab-derived fluid). The Lijiatun dunites consist mainly of olivine (Fo=92.0–92.6, Ca=42–115ppm), porphyroblastic orthopyroxene (En=91.8–92.8), Cr-spinel (Cr#=50.4–73.0, TiO2<0.2wt.%) and serpentine. They are characterized by refractory bulk-rock compositions with high MgO (45.31–47.07wt.%) and Mg# (91.5–91.9), and low Al2O3 (0.48–0.70wt.%), CaO (0.25–0.44wt.%) and TiO2 (<0.03wt.%) contents. Whole-rock platinum group elements (PGE) are similar to those of cratonic mantle peridotites and Re–Os isotopic data suggest that dunites formed in the early Proterozoic (~2.2Ga). These data indicate that the Lijiatun dunites were the residues of ~30% partial melting and were derived from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath the North China craton (NCC). Subsequent carbonatitic metasomatism is characterized by the formation of olivine-rich (Fo=91.6–92.6, Ca=233–311ppm), clinopyroxene-bearing (Mg#=95.9–96.7, Ti/Eu=104–838) veins cutting orthopyroxene porphyroblasts. Based on the occurrence of dolomite, mass-balance calculation and thermodynamic modeling, carbonatitic metasomatism had occurred within the shallow SCLM (low-P and high-T conditions) before dunites were incorporated into the continental subduction channel. These dunites then suffered weak metasomatism by slab-derived fluids, forming pargasitic amphibole after pyroxene. This work indicates that modification of the SCLM beneath the eastern margin of the NCC had already taken place before the Triassic continental subduction. Orogenic peridotites derived from such a lithospheric mantle wedge may be heterogeneously modified prior to their incorporation into the subduction channel, which would set up a barrier for investigation of the mass transfer from the subducted crust to the mantle wedge through orogenic peridotites.

Refertilization of serpentinites in the Sulu UHP terrane, Eastern China: constraints from geochronology, mineral composition, geochemistry, and Re–Os isotopes

ABSTRACTSerpentinites from Junan (JN), Rizhao (RZ), and Rongcheng (RC) in the Sulu ultra-high-pressure (UHP) terrane, China, were analysed for U–Pb zircon geochronology, mineral chemistry, whole-rock major and trace element chemistry (including rare-earth elements (REEs) and platinum-group elements (PGEs)), and Re–Os isotopes, in order to better constrain their petrogenesis and geodynamic process. The serpentinite zircons yield two age groups: 731 ± 10 to 780 ± 10 Ma for relic magmatic zircon cores, which may indicate early crystallization and emplacement of the peridotite in the Yangtze crust, and 209 ± 2 to 218 ± 3 Ma for metamorphic zircon, which coincides with Triassic UHP metamorphism. The spinels in the serpentinites exhibit significant Cr# variation (0.6–0.91) and have undergone multi-stage metamorphism. The serpentinites are characterized by enrichment in incompatible trace elements, low Ni and IPGE concentrations, and high Pd/Ir ratios, and the bulk-rock major elements plot in the ultramafic cumulate region. Their Re and Os concentrations are similar to those of typical orogenic peridotite, but they have high 187Os/188Os ratios (0.12433–0.14423). We believe that the serpentinite’s protolith consisted of cumulates from an asthenosphere-derived melt that intruded into the continental crust of the Yangtze craton in the Neoproterozoic. These cumulates were later subducted and metamorphosed during the subduction of the Yangtze craton in the Triassic. The serpentinites underwent melt–rock interactions and fluid enrichment, both prior to and during serpentinization.

Late Triassic alkaline complex in the Sulu UHP terrane: Implications for post-collisional magmatism and subsequent fractional crystallization

Continental subduction and its interaction with overlying mantle wedge are recognized as fundamental solid earth processes, yet the dynamics of this system remains ambiguous. In order to get an insight into crust–mantle interaction triggered by partial melting of subudcted continental crust during its exhumation, we carried out a combined study of the Shidao alkaline complex from the Sulu ultrahigh pressure (UHP) terrane. The alkaline complex is composed of shoshonitic to ultrapotassic (K2O: 3.4–9.3wt.%) gabbro, pyroxene syenite, amphibole syenite, quartz syenite, and granite. Field studies suggest that the mafic rocks are earlier than the felsic ones in sequence. LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating on them gives Late Triassic ages of 214±2 to 200±3Ma from mafic to felsic rocks. These ages are slightly younger than the Late Triassic ages (225–210Ma) of the felsic melts from partial melting of the Sulu UHP terrane during exhumation. The alkaline rocks have wide ranges of SiO2 (49.7–76.7wt.%), MgO (8.25–0.03wt.%), Ni (126.0–0.07ppm), and Cr (182.0–0.45ppm) contents. The contents of MgO, total Fe2O3, CaO, TiO2 and P2O5 decrease with increasing SiO2 contents. The contents of Na2O, K2O, and Al2O3 increase from gabbro to amphibole syenite, and decrease from amphibole syenite to granite, respectively. The alkaline rocks have characteristics of an arc-like pattern in trace element distribution, e.g., enrichment of LREE, LILE (Rb and Ba), Th and U, depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta, P and Ti), and positive Pb anomalies. From the mafic rocks to the felsic rocks, the (La/Yb)N ratios and the contents of the total REE, Sr and Ba decrease but the Rb contents increase. The alkaline rocks with high SiO2 contents also display features of an A2-type granitoids, e.g., high contents of total alkalis, Zr and Nb and high ratios of Fe2O3T/MgO, Ga/Al, Yb/Ta and Y/Nb, suggesting a post-collisional magmatism during exhumation of the Sulu UHP terrane. The alkaline rocks have homogeneous initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7058–0.7093) and negative εNd(t) values (−18.6 to −15.0) for whole-rock. The Sr–Nd isotopic data remain almost unchanged with varying SiO2 and MgO contents, suggesting a fractional crystallization (FC) process from the same parental magma. Our studies suggest a crust–mantle interaction in continental subduction interface as follows: (1) hydrous felsic melts from partial melting of subducted continental crust during its exhumation metasomatized the overlying mantle wedge to form a K-rich and amphibole-bearing mantle; (2) partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle generated the Late Triassic alkaline complex under a post-collisional setting; and (3) the alkaline magma experienced subsequent fractionational crystallization mainly dominated by olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase and alkali feldspar.

Quartz exsolution topotaxy in clinopyroxene from the UHP eclogite of Weihai, China

Abundant oriented silica precipitates of α-quartz (4.0±1.0vol.%), in part coexisting with calcic amphiboles (<0.2vol.%), have been identified in clinopyroxenes of eclogites from the Weihai area, Sulu ultrahigh pressure terrane, eastern China. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses demonstrate that the majority (97%) of quartz precipitates have topotactic relationships with their host clinopyroxenes. Three types of crystallographic topotactic relationship have been identified between quartz and host clinopyroxene: (1) 52% quartz precipitates share the same orientation for the c-axes with [0001]qz//[001]cpx; (2) 34% quartz precipitates share the same orientation for the a-axes with [112¯0]qz//[001]cpx; and (3) 11% quartz precipitates share the same orientation for the s-planes with (112¯1)qz//(100)cpx. Other quartz axes and planes disperse in large or small girdles around the shared axes or planes. Many quartz rods/needles are elongated parallel to the [001]cpx with the long axes of quartz being either [0001]qz or [112¯0]qz. Amphibole precipitates have also a strong crystallographic relationship with host clinopyroxene, i.e., (100)amp//(100)cpx, [010]amp//[010]cpx, and [001]amp//[001]cpx. These results provide quantitative microstructural evidence supporting an exsolution origin for oriented quartz needles/rods in clinopyroxene and demonstrate that the exsolution of quartz from clinopyroxene occurred within the stability field of α-quartz rather than coesite. The oriented precipitates of α-quartz, in part coexisting with calcic amphiboles, in host clinopyroxene are probably promoted by supercritical fluid or partial melting during the early exhumation of eclogites. Our results suggest that oriented quartz precipitates in clinopyroxene cannot be used as an indisputable UHP-indicator.

Linking continental deep subduction with destruction of a cratonic margin: strongly reworked North China SCLM intruded in the Triassic Sulu UHP belt

The collision between the North and South China cratons in Middle Triassic time (240–225 Ma) created the world’s largest belt of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism. U–Pb ages, Hf isotope systematics and trace element compositions of zircons from the Xugou, Yangkou and Hujialing peridotites in the Sulu UHP terrane mainly record a ~470 Ma tectonothermal event, coeval with the Early Paleozoic kimberlite eruptions within the North China craton. This event is interpreted as the result of metasomatism by fluids/melts derived from multiple sources including a subducting continental slab. The peridotites also contain zircons with ages of ~3.1 Ga, and Hf isotope data imply a component ≥3.2 Ga old. Most zircon Hf depleted mantle model ages are ~1.3 Ga, suggesting that the deep subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the southeastern margin of the North China craton experienced a intense mid-Mesoproterozoic metasomatism by asthenospheric components, similar to the case for the eastern part of this craton. Integrating data from peridotites along the southern margin of the craton, we argue that the deep lithosphere of the cratonic margin (≥3.2 Ga old), from which the Xugou, Yangkou and Hujialing peridotites were derived, experienced Proterozoic metasomatic modification, followed by a strong Early Paleozoic (~470 Ma) tectonothermal event and the Early Mesozoic (~230 Ma) collision and northward subduction of the Yangtze craton. The Phanerozoic decratonization of the eastern North China craton, especially along its southern margin, was not earlier than the Triassic continental collision. This work also demonstrates that although zircons are rare in peridotitic rocks, they can be used to unravel the history of specific lithospheric domains and thus contribute to our understanding of the evolution of continental cratons and their margins.

Syn-exhumation partial melting and melt segregation in the Sulu UHP terrane: Evidences from leucosome and pegmatitic vein of migmatite

Abstract In order to investigate partial melting and melt evolution during exhumation of deeply subducted continental crust, we carried out a combined study on layered leucosomes and pegmatitic veins from the Weihai–Rongcheng migmatites in the Sulu ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane, eastern China. The leucosomes are millimetric to centimetric in thickness and mainly consists of K-feldspar + quartz + plagioclase. The pegmatitic veins emplace along the compositional layers or crosscut them and are mainly composed of K-feldspar + quartz. CL images show that most zircon grains of the leucosomes have a core–rim zoning structure, whereas zircons of the pegmatitic veins are mostly new growth grains with rarely preserved relict domains. The inherited zircon domains (ca. 750 Ma) are of a magmatic origin with zircon eHf(t) values between − 5.7 and 5.3 (mean = − 0.8 ± 1.5), suggesting that the protolith rock is a Mid-Neoproterozoic juvenile crust. The zircon overgrowth rims (223 ± 3 Ma) of the leucosomes and the new zircon grains (217 ± 2 Ma) of the pegmatitic veins formed in equilibrium with melt and are similar to magmatic zircons in terms of their CL images and trace element compositions, e.g., heavy-enriched REE patterns (i.e., very low (Gd/Lu)N ratios) with positive Ce and variably negative Eu anomalies, high Y contents and low Hf/Y ratios. Compared with the inherited protolith zircon domains, the Triassic zircon domains of the leucosomes and the pegmatitic veins have obviously high U but low Th contents, resulting in very low Th/U ratios (