Tectonic Discrimination Diagrams Research Articles

Unlocking clues on the provenance of the Zigzag Formation in Mountain Province, Northern Luzon, Philippines using sedimentary geochemistry

Abstract Provenance analysis using whole-rock geochemical data was carried out on the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene Zigzag Formation in southwestern Mountain Province, North Luzon, Philippines. Major and trace element geochemistry of the siliciclastic samples from the Zigzag Formation revealed a first-cycle mafic source of the detrital materials. This is consistent with other discrimination diagrams such as those using La, Sc, and Th to determine the provenance. Tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest an oceanic island arc signature for the source rocks of the Zigzag Formation. The Cretaceous to Eocene Lepanto Metavolcanics is proposed to be the source of the detrital materials comprising this clastic sequence. The results present additional information on the current understanding of the evolution of the Central Cordillera.

Tectono-thermal Evolution of the Proterozoic Mahakoshal Belt along the Northern Margin of Central Indian Tectonic Zone: Constraints from Geochemistry, Phase Equilibria Modelling and in-situ Monazite Dating from a Metapelite Sequence around Jabalpur

ABSTRACT In this contribution, geochemical signatures and petrological evolution of a folded sequence of mica schist from the Jabalpur area of the Mahakoshal Belt in the northern Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) are described. Multiple tectonic discrimination diagrams incorporating both major and trace element concentrations have constrained back-arc settings for deposition of the sedimentary units. S1 foliation formation marks the beginning of the M1 metamorphic stage. In contrast, the later M2 metamorphic event resulted in garnet and andalusite formation during heating at 2-3 kbar, followed by staurolite-sillimanite, garnet-staurolite assemblages at peak P-T conditions of 5.4 kbar, 550-600°C. Textural evidence suggests that M2 is pre-syn tectonic to D2 deformation, resulting in formation of the NE-SW trending S2 axial planar foliation. From the isopleth thermobarometry, a clockwise P-T path with near-isothermal decompression has been determined for M2. Similar results have been obtained from conventional thermo-barometry performed on multiple samples. Monazite dating (EPMA) of one of the samples suggests 1.9 Ga, age for D1-M1 event. M2 is correlated with the younger age population of monazites yielding 1.5 Ga. A clockwise P-T path constrained for M2 suggests collisional tectonics along the northern margin of the CITZ, as recorded from its southern margin.

Petrography and Geochemistry of the Lower Sylhet Sandstone Member (Therria Sandstone) of Jaintia Group Exposed Along Jowai-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya: Implication for Provenance and Palaeoclimate

ABSTRACT The Paleogene sediments of the Shillong Plateau are exposed in the southern part of Meghalaya and are designated as the Jaintia Group. The Lower Sylhet Sandstone Member (LSSM) (Therria Sandstone) is the lowermost member of the Shella Formation of Jaintia Group. To understand the depositional history of the studied sandstones, petrographic and geochemical approaches have been made. Petrographically, these sandstones are classified as quartz arenite and quartz wacke. They were derived from intermediate to upper rank metamorphic and plutonic source which were deposited in a craton interior and quartzose recycled tectonic setting. The paleoweathering indices of CIA, CIW, PIA and ICV indicate that the weathering at the provenance was intense. The tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest passive margin setting for their sedimentation and climatic condition during the deposition was humid in nature. The studied sediments were deposited in non-marine conditions as evidenced by the geochemical proxies and primary sedimentary structures existing in the LSSM.

Geochemical indicators to constrain weathering, provenance and tectonic setting of the Pisha Sandstone (Early–Middle Triassic) in Northeast Ordos Basin, China

The Pisha Sandstone is widely exposed in the northeastern margin of the Ordos basin. Since the Mesozoic the basin was subjected to uneven uplift several times, strong weathering and erosion have been occurring and a large amount of sediments derived from these erosional strata are input into the lower Yellow River, posing a fragile ecological environment along the river. However, the geochemical characteristics of the Pisha Sandstone have remained poorly understood. In this study, we focus on the Pisha Sandstone from Early–Middle Triassic Liujiagou, Heshanggou and Ermaying Formation, present a very first petrographic and geochemical data together with detailed field geological characteristics, aiming to place geochemical indicators on weathering, provenance and tectonic setting of the Pisha Sandstone. The results show that sandstones in Pisha Sandstone are classified as arkose, litharenite and wacke. The geochemical proxies including Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA = 67.2), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW = 80.1), Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA = 75.6) and Index of Compositional Variability (ICV = 1.6) indicate Pisha Sandstone experienced first–cycle deposit and moderate to strong chemical weathering. Trace element and rare earth element concentrations together with their ratios (La/Sc, La/Co, Th/Sc, Th/Co, Cr/Th) reveal a felsic provenance, and source rock compositions are predominantly granodiorite and granite from the north margin of the Inner Mongolia Paleo–Uplift (IMPU), with a small amount of mafic or intermediate components. The geochemical signatures and tectonic discrimination diagrams display a collision setting for the Pisha Sandstone and further reveal the sediments had been deposited in a continental island arc setting. The results of this work may provide new theoretical basis for environmental protection in the Pisha Sandstone area.

Geology and Geochemical Characterization of Basement Rocks Around Burumburum Area North Central Basement Complex Nigeria

The geology and the geochemical characterization of rocks around Burumburum area north central basement complex of Nigeria was studied. Twelve (12) rocks samples were prepared for petrographic studies through a standard procedure while thirty (30) whole rocks samples were analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICP-MS). The result of the field investigation revealed that the study area is underlain by migmatites, gneisses, biotite microgranites, fine grained biotite granites, medium grained biotite granites, porphyritic biotite-hornblende granites, granodiorites, syenites, diorites, dolerites, quartzite, pegmatites and aplites. The geochemical characterizations of the granites, granodiorites, syenites based on Na<sub>2</sub>O/K<sub>2</sub>O versus SiO<sub>2</sub> showed acidic compositions while diorites and dolerites are intermediate to basic compositions. The granites, granodiorites, syenites, diorites and dolerites are generally peraluminous (ASI>1.1) to metaluminous (ASI≤1). The granitic rocks, diorites, dolerites and syenites plotted mainly in shoshonite series while the granodiorites occur in High-K calc-alkaline fields. The granitic rocks, syenites, diorite and dolerites based on A/CNK versus SiO<sub>2</sub> are of I-type while granodiorites are of S-type. The multi-elements discrimination trends for granites, granodiorites, syenites, diorites and dolerites revealed relative enrichment in Large Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE: Ba, La, Rb, and Th and depletion in High Field Strength Elements (HFSE: Nb, P, Ti and Sr) which indicates crustal contamination of magma. The enrichment in the light rare earth element (LREE) relative to heavy rare earth element (HREE) for granodiorites, fine grained biotite granites, medium grained biotite granites (except medium grained biotite granites S12 and S14 with positive Eu), porphyritic biotite-hornblende granites and syenites with negative Eu anomaly suggest moderate to high degree of fractionation. The enrichment in light rare earth element (LREE) for diorites and dolerites relative to moderate to flat HREE with weak negative Eu anomaly indicates low degree of fractionation. The Y+Nb vs Rb, Y vs Nb, Ta + Yb vs Rb and Yb vs Ta tectonic discrimination diagram revealed that granites and syenites plotted mainly within volcanic arc granite, syn-collisional granite and in the within plate granites fields, the granodiorites clearly plotted in the within the plate granites field. The tectonic ternary molecular proportions MgO – FeOt – Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3 </sub>revealed that dolerites and diorites plotted mainly in the spreading center island field.

Geochemical characterization of Lokoja-Basange Sandstone at Imiegba and Okpekpe areas, Benin flank of Anambra basin, Nigeria: implications for provenance, tectonic setting and source-rock weathering

This study investigates the geochemical attributes of the Lokoja-Basange Sandstone situated in Okpekpe and Imiegba areas of the Benin Flank of Anambra Basin, Nigeria. The aim of this study is to unveil its provenance, tectonic setting, and source rock weathering extent. Using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) "Minipal 4" spectrometer analysis, nine outcrop samples were examined for major oxide concentrations. The results show significant average SiO2 (77.09 wt. %), Al2O3 (12.10 wt. %), Fe2O3 (2.72 wt. %), Na2O (1.64 wt. %), K2O (2.41 wt. %), while TiO2, MnO, MgO, CaO, P2O5, LOI had average concentrations of less than 1.00 wt. %. Bivariate plots of log [Fe2O3/K2O] versus log [SiO2/Al2O3] indicate 77.80% litharenites and 22.20% arkose sediments. The [Al2O3]-[CaO+Na2O]-[K2O] ternary plot, the tectonic discriminant diagrams of [SiO2/20]-[K2O+Na2O]-[TiO2+Fe2O3+MgO], log [K2O/Na2O] versus SiO2, [SiO2/Al2O3] versus log [K2O/Na2O] and bivariate discriminant functions plot indicate that the sediments have felsic igneous provenance and quartzose sedimentary origin, within a passive margin tectonic setting and the source-area underwent moderate to near complete chemical weathering in semi-arid to humid climatic conditions with increasing chemical maturity. Conclusively, the chemical alteration index (CIA) ranges from 65.4% to 74.2%, averaging 70.70%; the chemical index of weathering (CIW) averages 82.37%; the plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) averages 78.88%; and the mineralogical index of alteration (MIA) averages 41.43%. These data signify extensive weathering of felsic igneous source rocks, highlighting mineralogical maturity of Lokoja-Basange Sandstone. In essence, this study enriches insights into the sandstone's origins, sedimentary context, and weathering history.

Provenance of Beach Sands in the Northern Gulf of Guinea, SW Cameroon

Abstract Petrographical, mineralogical and geochemical studies were carried out on the beach sands of Limbe (South-West Cameroon) to highlight their provenance, source rocks alteration and the tectonic framework. The Limbe beach sediments were classified as sandy litharenite type. The sediments were derived from mafic and andesite source rocks. The sediments are composed of quartz, olivine, augite, amphibole, pyroxene, plagioclase, potassium feldspar, muscovite and biotite, indicating the primary phases of magmatic source rocks; kaolinite and illite in the secondary phase; and rutile in their residual composition. The presence of ferromagnesian minerals indicates that they were derived from the mafic rocks, which are the basalts of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). However, the presence of quartz associated with plagioclase and feldspars suggests that alkaline granites played a minor role in the sedimentation of the Limbe beaches. Total Quartz - Total Feldspar - Total Lithic Fragments (Qt-Ft-Lt) mineralogical relationships demonstrate that these beach sediments would be formed in an undissected arc tectonic context, typical of volcanic sources with high relief producing black sands or sands enriched in iron oxides. Their microscopic characteristics of angular to subangular shapes suggest that the magmatic sources are proximal to the shoreline deposits. The characteristics of microporosity, iron oxide inclusions, conchoidal fracture, heavy mineral grains, and opaque minerals support this proximal source. The conchoidal fractures defining the angularity of these beach sediments would suggest its derivation from crystalline rocks. The predominance of heavy minerals suggests that the rocks proximal to the beach have been altered. The abundance of primary minerals associated with these secondary heavy minerals justifies the existence of unweathered lithic grains in the source rocks and an alteration that occurred under a tropical monsoon climate that ranged from semi-humid to humid. The use of the multi-element tectonic discrimination diagram implies an arc framework that is compatible with the geology of the study area.

Provenance of the lower Cretaceous Lumshiwal Formation, Surghar Range, northwestern Indian Plate, Pakistan: Insights from new petrographical and geochemical analysis

This paper documents the provenance and palaeoclimatic conditions of the Cretaceous Lumshiwal Formation near the western margin of the Indian plate in the Surghar Range, northwest Pakistan. The combined techniques of petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and bulk rock geochemistry were utilized to reveal the source and mineral-geochemical composition and sandstone type. The petrographic analysis of the sandstones confirms the dominance of quartz, feldspar, and rock fragments, with subordinate occurrences of muscovite, magnetite, and hematite. Heavy minerals consist of tourmaline, titanite (sphene), rutile, cassiterite, monazite, and zircon. The cementing material includes ferruginous clays, jarosite, glauconite, calcite, minor dolomite, gypsum, and silica. The modal composition plot of the sandstones falls into arkose to sub-arkose, with a few lithic arkose varieties. Lithic fragments mainly include granite, with a minor occurrence of granitic gneiss, chert, phyllite, and quartz mica schist. The discriminatory provenance diagram of the sandstones suggests a transitional continental provenance. The bulk rock geochemistry of the sandstones reveals the presence of SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, FeO, MnO, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O and P2O5. The petrographical mineral findings were corroborated with XRD, SEM, and bulk rock geochemistry analysis (major element concentrations and their ratios), which collectively all confirm a felsic igneous source. The tectonic discrimination diagram (SiO2-log K2O/Na2O wt %) implies a dominant influx of sediment sourced from the passive continental margin of the uplifted Gondwana Indian plate. Terrigenous sediments found in the Lumshiwal Formation are interpreted to have been derived from granites and granitic gneisses of the Indian Shield. The palaeo-weathering index, including the chemical index of alteration (CIA) and the chemical index of weathering (CIW) of the Lumshiwal Formation confirms a low to moderately weathered source area. The climate discrimination plot (SiO2 versus Al2O3 + Na2O + K2O) shows that humid to semi-humid climatic conditions during the deposition of the Lumshiwal Formation.

Zircon U-Pb-Hf Isotopes and Whole-Rock Geochemistry of the “Kulumudi Formation” from the Laofengkou Area (West Junggar): Implications of the Construction of a Juvenile Arc in the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean

The properties of ancient magmatic arcs are crucial for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Middle Devonian Kulumudi Formation in the Laofengkou area of West Junggar lacks accurate chronological data constraints, which hampers the knowledge of the nature of the Late Paleozoic magmatic arcs in the West Junggar and circum-Balkhash areas. In this contribution, samples of pyroclastic rocks and sedimentary rocks were collected from the volcano–sedimentary strata of the Kulumudi Formation. Petrography, zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic analysis and whole-rock geochemistry were carried out to constrain the age and the tectonic setting of the Kulumudi Formation. The zircon U-Pb age of the lithic crystal tuff from the Kulumudi Formation on the northeast side of the Alemale Mountains was 386 ± 2 Ma, accurately indicating that this rock unit formed during the Middle Devonian. However, the fine sandstone near the Huojierte Mongolian Township, originally assigned as the “Kulumudi Formation”, yielded a maximum depositional age of 341 ± 3 Ma. Combined with the stratigraphic contact, this rock unit was redefined to belong to the Lower Carboniferous Jiangbasitao Formation. According to the whole-rock geochemistry study, the lithic crystal tuff of the Kulumudi Formation was characterized as medium potassium–calc–alkaline series rock, which is relatively enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements (i.e., Rb, Ba, K) and depleted in high-field-strength elements (i.e., Nb, Ta, Ti), showing similar geochemical characteristics to the volcanic arc rocks. By contrast, the fine sandstone from the Jiangbasitao Formation had Al2O3/SiO2 (0.25–0.29) and K2O/Na2O (1.29–1.72) ratios close to those derived from the continental arc and active continental margin and was characterized as part of the continental arc field in the La-Th-Sc and Th-Sc-Zr/10 tectonic discrimination diagrams. Zircon Hf isotope analysis showed that the εHf(t) values of the Kulumudi Formation were +5.6–+12.8, and those of the Jiangbasitao Formation were +11.43–+15.48, both of which show highly positive juvenile characteristics. The above data indicate that the Kulumudi Formation and Jiangbasitao Formation both formed in a juvenile arc setting with ocean–continent subduction. Combined with the previous work, it was concluded that the southward subduction of the ocean basin represented by the Darbut–Karamay ophiolitic mélanges beneath the newly accreted arc crustal segments produced a juvenile arc with positive Hf isotope characteristics.

Exploring the orogenic nature of the Cariris Velhos event (ca. 1000-920 Ma) of the Borborema Province (NE Brazil)

The Cariris Velhos event (ca. 1000-920 Ma) is a significant marker in the early Neoproterozoic lithospheric record of the Borborema Province in NE Brazil. Despite its importance, the nature of this event remains unresolved having been linked to either continental rifting or accretionary-collisional orogeny. In this study, we support a compressive setting for the Cariris Velhos event based on compiled geochemical and isotopic data (Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf) from metagranitic rocks in the Alto Pajeú Terrane (central Borborema) and in the Pernambuco-Alagoas Super Terrane, as well as in the Riacho do Pontal and Sergipano fold belts (Southern Borborema). Geochemistry of these rocks share similarities with calcic to alkali-calcic and ferroan magmas, along with some Cordilleran magnesian members. They also correspond to meta-to peraluminous I- and S-type granitic rocks. Trace element distribution on spider diagrams reveals negative anomalies of HFSE (high field strength elements) such as Nb and Ta, which are typically associated with subduction-related settings. Additionally, chondrite normalized REE (rare-earth element) diagrams indicate mixing of both crustal and mantle material. Tectonic discriminant diagrams using elements with low mobility supports the hypothesis of a continental margin subduction-related setting. Calculated εNd and εHf values vary from negative to slightly positive, suggesting contributions from juvenile inputs and reworking of Meso-Paleoproterozoic crust, as indicated by the associated TDM model ages. Although the nature of the Cariris Velhos event requires further investigation, we suggest that, at least partially, it corresponded to an orogenic episode that might have occurred concurrently with continental break-up, similar to modern continental arc-retro arc foreland settings.

Tectonic and metallogenic implications of W-Sn related granitoid rocks in the Kawthaung-Bankachon area, southernmost part of Myanmar: Constraints from petrology, geochemistry, and U-Pb zircon geochronology

Granitoid rocks are widely distributed along the N-S trending tectonic belts encompassing Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Indonesia and these granitoid rocks are host to the world's largest deposits of tin-tungsten, in terms of both production and reserves. The investigated study area belongs to the southernmost part of the Central Cretaceous-Eocene granitoid belt of SE Asia in the border region of Myanmar and Thailand within the Sibumasu or Shan-Thai Terrane. The granitoid units in the area are biotite granite, muscovite-biotite granite, porphyritic biotite granite, and diorite which occur locally as dykes. All granitic rocks in the area fall are recognized in High-K calc-alkaline series and show a high abundance of Cs, Rb, U, Th, K, Pb, Nd, Zr, and Sn. Based on the major oxide composition and tectonic discrimination diagram, all granitoid rocks in the area fall in the peraluminous, S-type granite category and have formed within the Post-Orogenic Granite and Post-Collisional Granite fields. Radiometric dating by LA ICP-MS U-Pb zircon method yielded the ages of 78.97 ± 0.63 Ma (biotite granite), 79.59 ± 0.76 Ma (muscovite-biotite granite), and 79.14 ± 0.91 Ma (porphyritic biotite granite) and 49.48 ± 0.83 Ma for the biotite granite from the Yadanabon W-Sn deposit. According to the zircon U-Pb ages, the timing of the granitoid intrusions of the Kawthaung-Bankachon area is the Campanian (Late Cretaceous) to Eocene. The magmatism and W-Sn mineralization in the area is attributable to Indian Ocean subduction and collision between the west Myanmar Terrane and the Sibumasu Terrane.

Petrography and Geochemistry of Zubair Shale Formation in Rumaila Oilfield, Southern Iraq: Implications for Provenance and Tectonic Setting

A detailed sequential analysis which included thin section petrography, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence was applied to investigate the mineral, chemical classifications, provenance, paleo-weathering, paleoclimate, and maturity features of such Zubair oil shale in the Rumaila oilfield in southern Iraq. In core samples and thin sections, the analyzed shales are primarily silty, flaky to subflaky, micaceous, calcareous, well-sorted, poorly cemented, and weakly to moderately compacted silt-grade sandy mudstone. According to XRD analysis, the main mineral is quartz, which is followed by kaolinite, while calcite and dolomite are less common and Illite, Illite/smectite, and pyrite are rarely abundant. Petrographic analysis of the Zubair shales revealed four lithofacies: silty clayey laminated mudstone lithofacies, mica-rich mudstone lithofacies, clay-rich siliceous mudstone lithofacies, and clay-bearing calcareous mudstone lithofacies. Major and trace element concentrations reveal that the oil shales have been formed from felsic rocks such as granodiorite, tonalite, and granite. A passive margin setting was revealed by the tectonic discrimination diagram. Weathering index values like the (CIA) chemical index of alteration, the (PIA) plagioclase index of alteration, and the (CIW) chemical index of weathering imply extensive chemical weathering in the source area. Zubair shales' K2O/Na2O ratio and (ICV) index of compositional variation are uniform with their high maturity. The compositions of mineral and trace elemental ratios, as well as the climatic index "C," indicate a warm to humid subtropical climate with deposition in a shallow oxic and dysoxic environment.

Trace element tectonic discrimination of granitoids: inspiration from big data analytics

ABSTRACT The tectonic environment of granitoids has always been a concern of the academic community. The Nb vs. Y and Rb vs. Nb+Y diagrams have had a substantial impact. The present work uses more than 110,000 granitoid samples (SiO2 ≥ 56%) from the globally shared database to discuss the validity and also explain why these diagrams used for discrimination between the different tectonic settings of granitoid rocks. The amount of data from the spreading center is sparse and the data are highly scattered and so, the present study focuses mainly on granites from the ocean islands and convergent margins tectonic environments. On the TAS diagram most of the ocean island data are alkaline series and trachy-basalt series, and some are bimodal. In contrast, the granitoids on the convergent margin are mainly sub-alkaline. This work shows that the tectonic discrimination diagrams of granitoids remain valid, and only the boundaries need to be slightly adjusted.

Coupled U–Pb and Lu–Hf zircon data of Late Devonian magmatism from Bajo de La Leona (Deseado Massif, Argentina): Tracking the southernmost exposure of the Devonian magmatic arc of Patagonia

In Bajo de La Leona, located in the eastern Deseado Massif, pre-Permian basement rocks of the Río Deseado Complex crop out. They consist of high- to medium-grade metamorphic rocks intruded by two Paleozoic granitoids, namely the Mina de La Leona Granite and the Laguna Larga Granite. The latter is the main goal of this work. It is a calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline, ferroan, calcic to alkali-calcic, and mainly peraluminous monzoleucogranite which plots within the I&S-type and volcanic-arc fields of the tectonic discrimination diagrams. Its trace elements composition (e.g., Sr/Y, LaN/YbN, Sm/Yb, Eu/Eu*, Dy/Dy*, Dy/Yb) suggests plagioclase ± clinopyroxene fractionation in a shallow source at low pressures. Assimilation could have played a role in magma differentiation, thus the magmatic development of the Laguna Larga Granite is likely a consequence of assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) processes. Coupled LA-ICP-MS U–Pb and Lu–Hf zircon data for the studied granite, as well as Sm–Nd whole-rock data, are here presented for the first time. A Famennian U–Pb zircon crystallization age of 361.9 ± 1.7 Ma was obtained, together with εHf(t) zircon values from -15 to +6 with TDM-Hf model ages between 2.0 and 0.9 Ga. A thin crust, as suggested by low values of thickness proxies such as Sr/Y (1.06–1.83) and LaN/YbN (3.97–4.96), would allow emplacement of juvenile mantle-derived material, giving rise to the suprachondritic εHf(t) values. A mantle-derived source is also suggested by a suprachondritic εNd(t) whole-rock value of +2.34 (TDM-Nd = 0.93 Ga). On the other hand, the subchondritic εHf(t) values could be related to wall rock assimilation. In a regional context, the obtained results for the Laguna Larga Granite allow to correlate it with coeval rocks from northern Patagonia (e.g., San Martín de los Andes batholith, Paleozoic Central Patagonian igneous-metamorphic belt). Therefore, the Devonian magmatic arc might have extended from the North Patagonian Andes and the western North Patagonian Massif to the eastern Deseado Massif along a NNW-SSE-striking belt, confirming previous proposals.

Protolith origin of the Lanling high-pressure metamorphic terrane in central Qiangtang, Tibet, reveals the subduction of the Permian–Triassic ocean island and abyssal submarine fan in the Paleo-Tethys Ocean

Unraveling the protolith origin of high-pressure and low-temperature (HP-LT) metamorphic rocks is the key to understanding the tectonic evolution of active continental margins. A comprehensive study, including field observations, geochemical analyses and zircon U-Pb geochronological dating, was conducted on the Lanling HP-LT terrane to determine its protolith origin and the presubduction paleogeography of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The metabasites can be divided into two geochemical groups: Group A samples exhibit low TiO2 values (1.15–1.81 wt%) and subalkaline basalt affinity with rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns and trace element abundances similar to enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB); Group B samples have higher TiO2 values (2.75–3.32 wt%) and show alkaline basalt affinity and ocean island basalt (OIB) geochemical signatures. Lanling metabasites are likely derived from a long-depleted mantle source combined with crustal contamination based on the following evidence: (1) positive εNd(t) values (+4.8 to +5.6) and a scattered distribution of Isr(t) values (0.704684 to 0.710999), (2) abundant Precambrian zircon grains, and (3) a volcanic arc trend in the tectonic discrimination diagram. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a timing of ca. 272–241 Ma for the protolith age of the Lanling eclogites. The protoliths of the OIB- and E-MORB-type metabasites in Lanling are postulated to be ocean island magmatites and basaltic crust of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, respectively. Moreover, the Lanling quartzose schists contain only ancient detrital zircons with ages of >500 Ma and show protolith lithostratigraphy and provenance similar to those of the late Paleozoic clastic flysch in the South Qiangtang block (SQB). Based on the above observations and other geological evidence, a hypothetical model of the Permian–Triassic ocean island and adjacent abyssal submarine fan in the Paleo-Tethys Ocean is proposed to explain the protolith origin of the Lanling HP-LT terrane and the presubduction paleogeography in central Qiangtang.

Petrogenesis of high-Mg andesites from the Proterozoic Shillong Basin, Northeast India: evidence for continuation of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone to the Assam-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex and its implications for the Columbia supercontinent reconstruction

ABSTRACT This study provides comprehensive geochemical and petrological data for the newly discovered high-magnesium andesites (HMAs) from the Shillong Group of rocks in the Proterozoic Shillong Basin of the Assam-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex (AMGC). It is the first report of HMAs from the easternmost part of the Indian shield region. The AMGC holds immense geodynamic significance because this region has recorded magmatism related to Columbia, Rodinia, and Pangea supercontinental events. The present work discusses geochemical signatures of the Shillong HMAs characterized by calc-alkaline traits with high-K contents and significant concentrations of TiO₂ (0.54–0.76 wt %) higher than boninites (TiO2 < 0.5 wt %), and Mg# (53–56). They exhibit high LILE/HFSE and LREE/HREE ratios, which are distinctive features of magmas generated in subduction zones. Tectonic discrimination diagrams clearly suggest that the Shillong HMAs were generated in a back-arc basin regime. We argue that the Shillong HMAs were derived by 5% to 10% partial melting of a depleted lherzolite mantle source within the spinel – garnet transition zone. We also argue that the Shillong HMAs may have formed as a result of the interaction between subducted sediment-derived melts and mantle. The Shillong HMAs have undergone low- to medium-grade greenschist facies metamorphism characterized by significant mineral alteration, however, they still preserve bulk original alteration-resistant trace element compositions. From a regional perspective, the synchronous nature of origin and geotectonic setting, associated geochronological ages of formation, and regional structural trends suggest that the Shillong Basin is the easternmost continuation of the Mahakoshal Mobile Belt and specifically, the Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ); and together they form the northern fragments of the same suture zone consisting of the CITZ, the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex, and the AMGC, which demarcates the northern and southern Indian blocks of the Greater Indian Landmass.

Geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of mafic rocks (metadolerites) from the Proterozoic Shillong Basin, Northeast India: implications for growth of the Greater Indian Landmass

AbstractThe Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Shillong Basin of the Assam-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex is exposed in parts of Northeast India. The studied metadolerites are from the volcano-sedimentary sequence of Shillong Basin from the Borjuri area in the Mikir Massif. This episode of mafic magmatism can be correlated with the Columbia supercontinent formation and bears significance to its reconstruction. The present work discusses the field, petrography and geochemical characteristics of the metadolerites, which occur in close association with the quartzites of the Shillong Group of rocks (metasedimentary rocks of the Shillong Basin). Our data show distinctive characteristics of subduction-related magmatism exhibiting high LREE/HREE, large ion lithophile element/high field strength element ratios and pronounced negative Nb anomaly. Elemental ratios such as Zr/Ba (0.21–0.46), La/Nb (1.23–2.32) and Ba/Nb (30.08–56.90) point to a fluid-enriched lithospheric mantle source in a subduction regime. Metadolerites plot in the field of ‘back-arc basin basalts’ in tectonic discrimination diagrams reinforcing a subduction zone tectonic setting. The mafic rocks correspond to a 6–10 % partial melting of a mantle source incorporating spinel+garnet lherzolite. The metamorphic P-T of the metadolerites estimated from plagioclase-hornblende geothermobarometer (7–8 kbar, 664 °C) is indicative of amphibolite facies metamorphism in a medium P-T zone. Based on the comparative analysis of field observation, petrography, geochemistry and geological ages given by previous workers, we infer that the Shillong Basin represents a back-arc rift region and is the eastern continuation of the Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex marking continuation of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone to the Mikir Massif.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Sandstones from the Tanjero Formation, Bekhme Gorge Northeastern Iraq: Implications for Paleoweathering and Provenance

The Tanjero Formation is exposed on the Northern flank of the Perat anticline near the Northern entrance to the Bakhme gorge through which the waters of the Upper Zab flow. As for tectonics, it is located within the High Folded Zone of the Unstable Shelf. The Tanjero Formation is about 80 m. thick, it is bounded from the bottom by the Shiranish Formation. The formation consists of gray sandstone that contains gravel at the bottom followed by beds of marl, hard sandstone, and black claystone containing cushioning structures and small-scale cross-bedding are present. According to the Williams classification, theTanjero sandstones drop at the lithic wacke field. The provenance of these sandstones was investigated based on their minerals and geochemical composition. The geochemical analyses showed low silica, a negative correlation of silica with the most major oxides due to recycling sedimentary sources or weathering of silicates. The index of compositional variability indicates that the sandstones of the Tanjero Formation are immature clastic sediments and the high index of compositional variability values confirm that the clastic sediments occurred in the tectonically-active-settings area. Moderate chemical weathering has dominated in the studied area, which was inferred from the chemical index of alteration, the chemical index of weathering and the plagioclase index of alteration. Based on the tectonic discrimination diagrams, the Tanjero sandstones are quartzose sedimentary provenance, felsic igneous rocks source, transitional arc–lithic recycled setting, and located in the collision zone between the passive Arab margin and the effective Iranian-Turkish margin that formed the orogeny belt along the collision zone.

Tectonic Background of Carboniferous to Early Permian Sedimentary Rocks in the East Kunlun Orogen: Constraints from Geochemistry and Geochronology

The formation of the East Kunlun Orogen (EKO) was related to the tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethys and Paleo-Tethys Oceans. However, how the Paleo-Tethys Ocean transited from the Proto-Tethys Ocean, and whether the Paleo-Tethys Ocean subducted northward beneath the East Kunlun–Qaidam Terrane in Carboniferous to Permian times, is still highly debated. Early Carboniferous Halaguole and Late Carboniferous to Early Permian Haoteluowa formations are extensively outcropped in the EKO, north Tibetan Plateau, and have thus recorded key information about the tectonic processes of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean that have implications for the reconstruction of the Northern Paleo-Tethys Ocean (Buqingshan Ocean). Siliciclastic rocks within these formations are collected for petrogeological, geochemical, and detrital zircon U–Pb dating research. Our results show that sandstones from Halaguole and Haoteluowa formations have an average total quartz–feldspar–lithic fragment ratio of Q67F12L21 and Q50F20L30, respectively, indicating relatively high compositional maturity. The geochemical results suggest that the average values of the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) are 57.83 and 64.66; together with their angular to subangular morphology, this indicates that their source rocks suffered from weak weathering and the sandstones are the result of proximal deposition. Geochemical features such as the low La/Th, TiO2, and Ni values suggest that the parental rocks in the provenance area are mainly acidic igneous rocks with minor intermediate igneous and old sedimentary components. The detrital zircon U–Pb age spectrum of these samples is dominated by age peaks at ~405–503 Ma and ~781–999 Ma, with subordinate age peaks at ~1610–2997 Ma and ~1002–1529 Ma, which show tectono–thermal events similar to those of the North Qimatag Belt (NQB), North Kunlun Terrane (NKT), and South Kunlun Terrane (SKT). These features suggest a contribution from the Early Paleozoic magmatic arc and Proterozoic basements in the NQB, NKT, and SKT to the Halaguole and Haoteluowa formations in these areas. In addition, the youngest zircon age of ~440 Ma from these sandstones is greater than the depositional age of Halaguole and Haoteluowa formations, which is a typical basin depositional feature in a passive continental margin. Geochemical tectonic discrimination diagrams, based on a major and trace element Ti/Zr–La/Sc plot, in combination with a detrital zircon age distribution pattern, all suggest a passive continental margin setting. Considering this together with the previous data, we argue that the Paleo-Tethys Ocean did not begin to subduct northward and that there was no oceanic subduction zone in the south EKO during Carboniferous to Early Permian times. Combining this information with that from previous studies suggests that the initial opening of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean may have occurred before the Early Carboniferous time, and all the branches of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean constituted a complex ocean–continent configuration across parts of what is now Asia during the Early Carboniferous to Early Permian.

K-Ar dating, petrography, and geochemistry of diabase dikes from Sidakan area, northeastern Iraq: Implications for petrogenesis and Neotethyan tectonics

This study presents petrography, geochemistry, mineral chemistry and geochronology of diabase dikes from Sidakan area, northeastern Iraq. The area consists of basalts and diabase dikes alternating with sedimentary rocks, hosted by Walash Metavolcanic Group (WMG) as part of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Zone (ZFTZ). These rocks are dark grey to pale brown in color, fine to medium in grain size, and have ophitic and porphyritic textures. They consist of plagioclase and clinopyroxene as essential minerals and minor olivine as well as their alteration and low-grade metamorphism products including amphibole, albite, epidote, chlorite, serpentine, calcite and sericite, with ilmenite as an accessory mineral. The diabase dikes consist (as average wt.%) of 51.41 SiO2, 15.82 Al2O3, 9.95 FeOt, 6.58 MgO, 9.63 CaO, 3.42 Na2O, 0.87 TiO2, 0.17 MnO, 0.35 K2O, 0.09 P2O5, and 1.92 LOI. The Harker diagrams indicate that the diabases were formed from fractional crystallization of tholeiitic parent magma. The classification diagram Nb/Y vs. Zr/TiO2 indicated that the studied diabases have affinities of subalkaline basalts, while the SiO2 vs. K2O diagram showed that they are divided between the low-K basalt and basaltic andesite. The tectonic discriminant diagrams show that the diabases are oceanic island-arc tholeiites with N-MORB geochemical affinities. The K − Ar age of the diabases is Late Eocene (Bartonian-Priabonian) ranging between 34.6 ± 0.84 to 39.2 ± 1.81 Ma representing their intrusion/crystallization age and possibly the age of the formation of Oceanic Island Arc and/or the initial collision stage between the Arabian-Iranian microplates.