Tectonic Transition Research Articles

Serpentinization and Deserpentinization of the Mantle Wedge at a Convergent Plate Margin: Evidence of Orogenic Peridotites from a Composite Oceanic–Continental Subduction Zone

AbstractSerpentinites of the mantle wedge were identified from a composite oceanic–continental subduction zone that occurs as the Hong’an orogen in east–central China. They were comprehensively investigated by an integrated approach of whole-rock major and trace elements, mineral major and trace elements, whole-rock and olivine O isotopes, and phase equilibrium modeling as well as zircon U–Pb ages, trace elements, and Hf-O isotopes. These serpentinites show high Mg# and MgO/SiO2 ratios but low Al2O3/SiO2 ratios as well as low Ti contents, resembling those from the mantle wedge rather than the subducting oceanic slab. Petrographic observations were combined with CIPW norm calculations to suggest that the protoliths of these serpentinites are refractory peridotites in the mantle wedge. Whole-rock and mineral compositions indicate that these serpentinites experienced multiple episodes of metamorphism and metasomatism during the tectonic development from oceanic subduction in the Carboniferous to continental collision in the Triassic. The enrichments of Th, U, light rare earth elements and high field strength elements in the whole rock and the finding of zircon inside them indicate their formation through metasomatism of the mantle wedge peridotites by subducting crust-derived fluids. The ca. 310 Ma zircon domains exhibit positive εHf(t) values of 4.5 to 19.1 and variable δ18O values similar to those of oceanic-type eclogites in the Hong’an orogen but different trace element compositions, indicating their formation through metasomatism by fluids from the subducting Paleotethyan oceanic crust. The ca. 430 Ma zircons exhibit U–Pb ages, trace elements and Hf-O isotopes similar to those of the protolith magmatic zircons in the oceanic-type eclogites. The older zircon domains also exhibit similar element and isotope compositions to inherited zircons from the high- to ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Hong’an orogen. Thus, these relict zircons would be physically transferred into the serpentinites by metasomatic fluids originating from the subducting Paleotethyan oceanic crust. High Th/U ratios for the ca. 310 Ma zircons imply their formation through the metasomatic reaction rather than direct precipitation from the subducting oceanic crust-derived fluids. The metasomatic zircons of Triassic age show negative εHf(t) values of −16.0 to −2.7, indicating their formation through metasomatic overprinting by deeply subducting continental crust-derived fluids in the continental subduction channel during the Triassic continental collision. In this context, the mantle wedge peridotites were first metasomatized in the Carboniferous by the subducting oceanic crust-derived fluids. Afterwards, part of the metasomatized peridotites were off-scrapped into the oceanic subduction channel, where they were hydrated by further subducting oceanic crust-derived fluids to form antigorite serpentinite at forearc depths. The antigorite serpentinite was carried to deeper depths during subsequent continental subduction and underwent dehydration there. This gave rise to metamorphic olivine with extremely high Fo values of 96.7 to 97.6 and higher MnO but lower NiO contents than common mantle olivine. The coexistence of lizardite, brucite and magnesite in the serpentinites indicates their retrograde processes of serpentinization and carbonation on the subsurface. Therefore, the present observations and interpretations of orogenic serpentinites provide insights into the multistage fluid metasomatism at different depths during the tectonic transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision.

Rare‐Earth Elements in Deep‐Sea Sediments in the South Pacific Gyre: Source Materials and Resource Potentials

AbstractDeep‐sea sediments enriched in rare‐earth elements and yttrium (REY) plus scandium (Sc), termed “REY‐rich mud,” have attracted attention as a possible resource for these critical industrial elements. Examples have been reported from the western North Pacific, central Pacific, low‐latitude South Pacific, and eastern South Pacific. Although previous studies of pelagic clay have reported the existence of highly REY‐rich mud in the ultraoligotrophic South Pacific Gyre, neither the source materials nor the resource potentials for REY and Sc of the sediment have been quantified. We analyzed the major‐ and trace‐element contents of bulk sediments in Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Holes U1365A to U1370D, drilled in the South Pacific Gyre. The elemental relationships suggest that the enrichment in REY and Sc reflects the accumulation of biogenic Ca phosphate in an environment with low sedimentation rates as well as the tectonic transition of depositional environments from hydrothermally influenced sites near the mid‐ocean ridge to distal basins far from hydrothermal vents. The maximum total REY content of 4,662 ppm at Hole U1366C is the highest value yet reported from the South Pacific Ocean. Although the REY‐ and Sc‐enriched sediment layers of most cores from the South Pacific Gyre are located deeper beneath the seafloor than those elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean, Hole U1367B demonstrates large resource potentials (1.21 × 104 t/km2 of REY oxides and 102 t/km2 of Sc) in the uppermost 6.5‐m interval, making it the most promising site for REY and Sc yet found in the South Pacific Gyre.

Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of Early Cretaceous mafic dykes in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt, central China: constraints on the lithospheric lower crust delamination

Late Mesozoic mafic dykes, which are widely developed in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt (NQOB), include abundant geodynamic information. This paper describes the mafic dykes that intrude the Late Jurassic granite in the Dayu and Kuyu areas, and reports important petrological constraints for the late Mesozoic tectonic transition from compression to extension in the NQOB. Three zircon U–Pb results show that the minimum ages of the mafic dykes are 139.8 ± 1.4 Ma, 137.4 ± 1.7 Ma and 133.4 ± 0.9 Ma, indicating that the emplacement age of the Dayu and Kuyu mafic dykes is 140–133 Ma. Petrogeochemical analyses suggest that the mafic dykes belong to the high-K calc-alkaline shoshonite series with low SiO2 (46.93–56.73 wt%), MgO (1.88–9.10 wt%) and TiO2 (1.17–1.82 wt%), and high Al2O3 (13.98–17.46 wt%), TFe2O3 (7.81–10.92 wt%) and K2O (1.28–4.78 wt%). The mafic dykes are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Ba, K, La, Sr) and depleted in high-field-strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti). These samples have the right-sloping chondrite-normalised rare earth element patterns, which suggest light rare earth element enrichment and heavy rare earth elements depletion with no obvious Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.94–1.11). The I Sr, ε Nd(t), ε Hf (t) and T DM2(crust) values are 0.7056–0.7060, −10.60 to −5.98, −14.1 to −2.8, and 1382.4 ± 25.1 to 2081.9 ± 47.6 Ma, respectively. Both elemental and isotopic geochemistry show that the formation of Dayu and Kuyu mafic dykes is due to the partial decompression melting of previously enriched lithospheric mantle during a delamination process. The mafic dykes have undergone fractionation crystallisation of Mg–Fe phase minerals during magma ascent, accompanied by some crustal contamination. Combined with the regional tectonic setting, we suggested that the NQOB experienced intra-continental extension during the Early Cretaceous. KEY POINTS Early Cretaceous (140–133 Ma) mafic dykes have been discovered in the middle part of the North Qinling Orogenic Belt. The remote effect of the Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction has reached the middle of the North Qinling Orogenic Belt. The North Qinling Orogenic Belt entered the extensional stage in the Early Cretaceous (140–133 Ma).

Cryogenian A-type Granites of the Yenisei Ridge – Indicators of Tectonic Transformation in the Southwestern Margin of the Siberian Craton

Abstract —We document the evolution of A-type granitoid magmatism during the Cryogenian tectonic transformation of the Yenisei Ridge from a postcollisional mode to the early stage of development of an active continental margin. We illustrate the A-type granitoid magmatism evolution in a model for the emplacement and cooling of the intrusions of the Strelka pluton, reflecting the final stage of magmatism during the formation of the postcollisional Glushikha complex (719–702 Ma). These processes took place at the same time as the formation of mantle, mantle-crustal and crustal rocks of the Tatarka complex (711–683 Ma), including the Yagodka pluton A-type granites (711–705 Ma) during the early stage of active continental margin development. During this period of tectonic transition, both convergent events involved the continuous formation of felsic intrusions corresponding to oxidized A-type granites.

Geochemistry, geochronology and metamorphism of high-pressure mafic granulites in the Huai'an Complex, North China Craton: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the Paleoproterozoic orogeny

The Paleoproterozoic was a critical tectonic transition stage for the North China Craton (NCC), with several collisional orogenic belts identified. However, the tectonic boundaries, temporal-spatial evolution, and geodynamic mechanisms of these orogens remain controversial. In this contribution, we document a newly identified largest high-pressure (HP) mafic granulite outcrop at Xizhaojiayao in the Huai'an Complex, which is composed of metamorphosed supracrustal (volcano-sedimentary) sequences, including HP mafic granulites (metabasalts), marbles (metalimestones), quartzites (metasilicalites), and pelitic granulites (metapelites). They occur as tectonic slices within Neoarchean migmatized tonalitic gneisses. The Xizhaojiayao HP mafic granulites show different field occurrences and rock assemblages from the dike-type HP mafic granulites that are widely documented in the Huai'an and Hengshan Complexes. Microstructural studies, geothermobarometer calculations, and phase equilibrium modeling of the HP mafic granulites defined a clockwise pressure–temperature (P–T) path with prograde evolution from amphibolite-facies (M1, 5.2–5.5 kbar/538–668 °C) to HP granulite-facies (M2, 11.2–12.2 kbar/850–880 °C), followed by a significant near-isothermal decompression to medium-low-pressure granulite-facies (M3-1, 8.4–9.1 kbar/800–900 °C; M3-2, 4.9–5.6 kbar/779–805 °C). Zircon/titanite U–Pb dating constrains peak HP metamorphism, granulite-facies decompression, and amphibolite-facies cooling retrograde at 1902–1909 Ma, ∼1830 Ma, and < 1818 Ma, respectively. Whole-rock major and trace-element compositions, as well as positive εNd(t) (+2.0 to + 4.9) and zircon εHf(t) values (+2.9 to + 8.8) of these HP mafic granulites, indicate a mid-ocean ridge basalt geochemical affinity, whereas an island-arc signature is common for the dike-type HP mafic granulites. The Xizhaojiayao supracrustal sequences, which represent dismembered and metamorphosed upper oceanic crustal fragments, were subducted from the upper crust to depths of 35–40 km, followed by rapid exhumation to the middle-shallow crust and were tectonically involved in the melt-weakened tonalitic crust. These tectono-metamorphic scenarios illustrate the Paleoproterozoic orogenic evolution of a consecutive subduction-collision-exhumation process from 1.95 to 1.80 Ga, which led to the final assembly of the NCC.

The Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the East China Sea Basin: New insights from 3D seismic reflection data

The Mesozoic is a significant period in the East China Sea Basin (ECSB), since it recorded the tectonic transition from the Triassic Tethys tectonic domain to the subsequent Jurassic-Cretaceous Paleo-Pacific domain. However, the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the East China Sea Basin is not well defined, and it has been highly debated in recent years. Here high-quality 3D seismic reflection data, information about fault timing, and fault maps were employed to analyze Mesozoic faulting and evolution of the ECSB. This study significantly improves our understanding of the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the ECSB. Our results demonstrate that two sets of Mesozoic faults developed in the ECSB: (1) NW-striking faults are typical negative inversion structures and initially formed as low-angle thrusts as the result of multiphase plate convergence during Triassic. Then, the thrusts reactivated as extensional or transtensional faults during Cretaceous, which are interpreted to be related to NNW-SSE oblique extension associated with roll-back of the subduction zone of Paleo-Pacific plate. (2) The NE-striking faults are inferred to be thrust structures formed during the Early to Middle Jurassic. Flat-slab subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate is introduced to explain the compression event during this stage. The NE-striking reactivated and newly-formed extensional faults were then developed extensively in the ECSB during the Cretaceous. The NNW-SSE oblique extension played a dominant role in this faulting event, which is related to roll-back of the subduction zone of Paleo-Pacific plate. Furthermore, the NE-striking faults continued to propagate cut through the Cenozoic sequence, since the strike of these faults is perpendicular to the Cenozoic extension stress field.

Geochemistry, zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope for the Huatugou granitoid in western Qaidam: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

The Qaidam Precambrian block is located in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and was intruded by numerous Ordovician-Devonian granitoids during and after the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. In the past 20 years, the granitoids within early Paleozoic subduction-collision belts have been investigated in detail. However, the granitoids intruding the inner part of the Qaidam block, bearing the tectonic significance for the whole block, still need to be understood. This study presents new whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic data for the Huatugou granitoids in the Qaidam Precambrian block. The investigated granitoids include granodiorite, monzogranite, biotite granite, and muscovite granite, which intruded the Precambrian basements during 451–400 Ma. The granodiorites (451 ± 6 Ma) display adakitic geochemical features and syn-tectonic textures, and their magmas were generated by the partial melting of the lower mafic crust within a thickened continent. The muscovite granites (410 ± 6 Ma), with negative zircon εHf(t) values of −14.5 to −10.4, were crystallized from fractionated S-type magmas, which were derived from the partial melting of ancient crustal materials. The biotite granite (410 ± 3 Ma) and monzogranites (400 ± 4 Ma) are high-temperature A2-type granites. The biotite granite displays positive zircon εHf(t) values of +1.7 to +5.6. Its magma was generated by the high-temperature partial melting of juvenile crustal rocks in a thinned lower crust. The monzogranites exhibit higher SiO2 contents and lower εHf(t) values, and their magmas were derived from the same source but underwent assimilation and fractional crystallization during emplacement. From the thickened to the thinned continent during 451–410 Ma, the western Qaidam block experienced a tectonic transition from compression to extension. Combined with regional geological data, this study suggests that the Qaidam block consisted of the thickened continental crust during subduction processes until the detachment of the subducted slab during the continental collision. The regional extension of the Qaidam block commenced at ∼420 Ma, soon after the exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks within the northern Qaidam subduction-collision complex belt.

Identification of the first Caledonian A-type granitoids in the southern Qin-Hang belt of south China: Tectonic link to early Paleozoic extension

Evolution of the late Ordovician–Silurian Caledonian orogeny (ca. 460–420 Ma) in the South China Block (SCB) remains controversial due to the overprinting Triassic (Indosinian) and Jurassic-Cretaceous (Yanshanian) orogenic tectonics and the absence of enough petrologic records. This work reported a systematic study of whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of the first Caledonian A-type granitoids (Dishui) in Jinxiu county, Guangxi (SW China). The Dishui granitoids are tectonically located in the southwestern Qin-Hang suture belt, which is the largest ancient orogenic belt formed by the collision of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in South China. The Dishui granitoids consist primarily of a syenogranite pluton with a small-scale granodiorite porphyry dike. The Dishui syenogranite and granodiorite porphyry have LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages of 437.9 ± 1.0 Ma (MSWD = 0.77) and 436.6 ± 0.8 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), respectively. The syenogranite has high contents of SiO2 (73.20–77.35 wt.%), total alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 7.42–8.99 wt.%), total REE (198–445 ppm), high field strength elements (HFSEs: Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 253–520 ppm), and 10,000∗Ga/Al (2.93–3.11) and FeOt/(FeOt + MgO) (0.77–0.96) ratios and high F concentration, resembling highly-fractionated A-type granite. The granodiorite porphyry displays similar A-type granite affinities, including high (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y) (410–485 ppm), 10,000∗Ga/Al (2.47–4.59), and zircon saturation temperature (TZr = 908–927 °C), medium to high SiO2 (64.56–64.95 wt.%), Fe2O3 (7.70–8.11 wt.%), and MgO (3.69–4.09 wt.%), and low FeOt/(FeOt + MgO) (0.61–0.64), resembling magnesian unfractionated A-type granitoid. The Dishui syenogranite and granodiorite porphyry dike have zircon εHf(t) value and two-stage model age (TDM2) of −3.9 to +1.5 and 1.32–1.66 Ga, and −1.7 to +11.8 and 0.94–1.53 Ga, respectively, both much more depleted than many Caledonian gneissic/massive granites and the Devonian A-type granites (εHf(t) = −14.9 to −3.5) in South China. All these data suggest that the Dishui syenogranite was derived from partial melting of the Proterozoic metamorphic basement with mantle-derived melt input, and the magma subsequently underwent extensive fractionation. Meanwhile, the Dishui granodiorite porphyry was likely derived from the same crustal melt with more mantle-derived input. New ages of the Dishui A-type granitoids (ca. 436–437 Ma) in the Qin-Hang belt indicate a tectonic transition from syn-collisional crustal thickening to post-collisional extension at ∼437 Ma in South China.

Polyphase deformation of the Youjiang fold-and-thrust belt during the Mesozoic: Implications for the tectonic transition of the South China block

The South China block (SCB) experienced the tectonic transition from the Paleo-Tethys to the Paleo-Pacific tectonic domains during the Mesozoic, but the transition process is hotly debated. The Youjiang fold-and-thrust belt (YFTB), in the interior of the Youjiang Basin in the southwestern SCB, is located in a junction of these two tectonic domains and thus witnessed their tectonic evolution. It also separates the northern thin-skinned structures from the southern thick-skinned structures in the basin. Therefore, the YFTB is an intriguing window into the Mesozoic evolution in the southwestern SCB and the Mesozoic tectonic transition of the SCB. In this study, we conduct structural analysis at the middle of the YFTB and discuss the Mesozoic tectonic transition of the SCB. Four phases of deformation are identified in the YFTB during the Mesozoic. The first phase of deformation (D1) is characterized by a series of conjugate joints, NW–SE trending thrust faults and folds resulting from NE–SW shortening that was related to the collision between the SCB and Indochina block. The second phase of deformation (D2) is manifested by the pre-existing NW–SE striking thrust faults transformed to normal faults and the Late Triassic mafic magmatism. Our structural observations, combined with previous geochronological data for mafic dykes, suggest the study area experienced post-orogenic extension in the Late Triassic. The third phase of deformation (D3), accompanied with the westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate, is represented by a series of conjugate joints and NE–SW-striking faults formed by NW–SE compression. As a result of the continuous subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate and its subsequent slab rollback, the fourth phase of deformation (D4) is featured with normal faults, magmatic-hydrothermal activities, and regional mineralization, which are associated with the nearly E–W extension setting. Our study results indicate that, in the Early Mesozoic, the Youjiang Basin was dominated by the Paleo-Tethys domain and then transitioned to the Paleo-Pacific domain. Together with the magmatic lull between the Triassic and the Early-Middle Jurassic identified in the SCB, we propose that the tectonic transition process manifested in the YFTB more likely initiated in the Early Jurassic.

Petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous High Ba-Sr Granitoids in the Jiaodong Peninsula, East China: Insights into Regional Tectonic Transition

Element geochemistry, Sr and Nd isotope, and LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb isotope data have been obtained for the granitoids of Dazesan pluton in the Jiaodong Peninsula, East China, and their intermediate microgranular dark enclaves so as to reveal their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. These granitoids have high SiO2 (68.25–71.56 wt.%), K2O (3.44–5.50 wt.%), total alkalis (K2O + Na2O = 7.29–9.00 wt.%), Sr (451–638 ppm), Ba (1157–2842 ppm) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) (131.57–210.08), with strong depletion both in heavy rare earth element (HREE) and high field strength element (HFSE) concentrations as well as unclearly Eu anomalies, showing typical signatures of high Ba-Sr granitoids. They possess high (La/Yb)N (32–50) and Sr/Y (50–79) values and low MgO (0.76–1.11 wt.%), Cr (9.9–19.6 ppm) and Ni (4.51–7.04 ppm) concentrations. All the above geochemical compositions are similar to those of late Early Cretaceous granitoids, in combination with zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages of 119.6 ± 1.3 to 120 ± 1 Ma for these granitoids obtained in this study, indicating c. 120 Ma probably represents the lower limit of ages when late Early Cretaceous granitoids emplaced in the Jiaodong Peninsula. The microgranular dark enclaves, forming a linear trend with their host granitoids on the oxide against SiO2 plots, display higher MgO contents of 3.05–4.39 wt.% at lower SiO2 concentrations of 54.25–56.84 wt.% and possess a zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb age of 119 ± 2 Ma, identical to those of these granitoids, indicating the acid magma and intermediate magma were coeval. Furthermore, dark enclaves and their host granitoids have indistinguishable (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.709523–0.70972 and 0.709361–0.709858, respectively, and plot within a two-liquid immiscible field on the Greig pseudoternary phase diagram. In addition, they have markedly parallel REE patterns, with the dark enclaves having much greater REE and HFSE abundances than those of their host granitoids. Therefore, it is suggested that liquid immiscibility is a viable model to explain the chemical compositional variations between the Dazeshan granitoids and their dark enclaves. Based on the element geochemistry, geochronology and Sr- and Nd-isotope of the Dazeshan granitoids and their dark enclaves, it is envisaged the crust-derived acid melts due to partial melting of ancient continental lower crust in the Jiaodong Peninsula (mainly Neoarchean-Palaeoproterozoic basement in the Jiaobei terrane) containing a subduction-related material, resulting from the addition of the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle-derived melts, assimilated the lithospheric mantle-derived basic melts and formed the homogeneous magma chamber at the crust base, then split into two immiscible liquids, with one granitic liquid producing the Dazeshan granitoids and the other intermediate one forming the dark enclave during its ascent. Combined with previous studies, the identification of a lithospheric mantle-derived material in the Dazeshan granitoids suggests a catastrophic lithospheric thinning at c. 120 Ma, reflecting an abrupt change in the direction of Palaeo-Pacific plate subducting and the corresponding regional tectonic transition from E–W extension to NW–SE extension.

Tectono-metamorphic transitions in the higher Himalayan sequence: A clue for Main Central Thrust (MCT) localization in Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya

This study recognizes a transition in the modes of ductile deformation across the Himalayan Crystalline Complex (HCC) from field and microstructural evidence. This transition leads to the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone localization in the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya. In the initial stage of crustal shortening (prior to ∼16 Ma), the HCC experienced temporally varying distributed ductile strains that produced regionally occurring planar fabrics and folds of three generations. Thereafter, the tectonic transition (from distributed to localized deformation) at ∼16 Ma occurred, forming the MCT zone in the HCC. This MCT zone (∼4–6 km thick) marks a diffuse metamorphic/rheological boundary between the hot HCC and the relatively colder Lesser Himalayan terrane to the south. The field data suggests that the base of compressed reverse paleo-isograds at the bottom of the MCT zone coincides with the transition of quartz creep mechanisms, from sub-grain rotation (SGR) to grain boundary migration (GBM). The present study documents the prograde metamorphic imprints to establish the P-T conditions of these multiple deformation episodes. Finally, this study presents a conceptual tectonic model, based on previous laboratory findings, to propose a two-stage tectono-thermal evolution of the Higher Himalaya.

Late Paleozoic tectonic transition of the East Tianshan: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry of the igneous rocks in the Hongshannan-Tianmudong area

Late Paleozoic tectonic transition of the East Tianshan: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry of the igneous rocks in the Hongshannan-Tianmudong area

Repeated metamorphism in the pelitic granulites of the Hidaka metamorphic belt, Hokkaido, Japan: Implications for the formation of the present‐day trench‐arc‐basin system in NE Asia

AbstractThe timing and mechanism of the tectonic transition from an active continental margin to a trench‐arc‐basin system in NE Asia are debated. In this study, we report the pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path of this transition based on petrographic observations, phase‐equilibrium modelling, and U–Pb ages of zircon and rutile from pelitic granulites in the Hidaka metamorphic belt (Hokkaido, Japan). The granulites contain an early phase mineral assemblage of staurolite + sillimanite + biotite + plagioclase + quartz + rutile/ilmenite, a peak phase granulite assemblage of garnet + biotite + cordierite + plagioclase + quartz + rutile/ilmenite and a symplectic intergrowth of spinel + cordierite ± sillimanite within garnet porphyroblasts. Phase‐equilibrium modelling indicates two phases of metamorphism with P–T conditions, respectively, of ~6 kbar/620–670°C and ~6 kbar/850°C. A clockwise P–T path was thus reconstructed for the granulites, showing a near‐isobaric temperature increase to the peak conditions and a post‐peak cooling. U–Pb dating of zircon and rutile in the granulites yielded two groupings of metamorphic ages at c. 37 Ma and 19 Ma, related to early phase amphibolite facies and late phase granulite facies metamorphism, respectively. The age of magmatism from the previous work at the NE Asian continental margin overlaps with these metamorphic ages, and the two phases of metamorphism in the pelitic granulites is attributed to discrete episodes of supra‐subduction‐zone magmatism (late Eocene, c. 37 Ma) and back‐arc extension (early Miocene, 24–19 Ma). Consequently, we suggest that the Hidaka metamorphic belt has undergone two phases of metamorphism, which represent two pulsed and separated thermal events. Moreover, we relate the granulites facies metamorphism to the underplating of mafic magma and lithospheric thinning during the opening of the Japan Sea at 24–19 Ma, which is attributed to slab rollback and trench retreat processes in NE Asia.

Provenance change in Carboniferous-early Permian sedimentary successions in the North Qaidam tectonic belt, northern Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Kunlun oceanic plate subduction process

• The age of tuff layer from the lower Zhabusagaxiu Formation indicates that the North Qaidam tectonic belt has early Permian sedimentary succession. • The major provenance of the North Qaidam tectonic belt evolved southward from the North Qaidam tectonic belt to the East Kunlun Orogen during the Carboniferous to early Permian. • Carboniferous to Permian sedimentary successions in the North Qaidam tectonic belt were deposited in a retroarc setting. Late Paleozoic sedimentary successions are widespread in the North Qaidam tectonic belt (NQTB), providing an ideal window to constrain the coeval tectonic background of the NQTB to East Kunlun Orogen (EKO). However, little attention has been devoted to these sedimentary-related records. In this study, stratigraphic and detrital zircon U-Pb geochronologic investigations were undertaken on the late Paleozoic successions in the NQTB to reveal multistage tectonic transitions. A weighted mean age of 293±3 Ma was obtained for a tuff sample from the basal Zhabusagaxiu Formation, yielding a first-order time estimate that assigns an early Permian age. Stratigraphic correlation and paleocurrent reconstruction indicate that Carboniferous to early Permian sedimentation in the NQTB took place in a north-dipping neritic environment. Sandstone petrology and detrital zircon geochronology converge to reveal that the major provenance of the NQTB evolved southward from the North Qaidam Orogen in the early Carboniferous, via the EKO and the Qaidam Block in the late Carboniferous, to the EKO in the early Permian. Detrital zircons with crystallization ages of Carboniferous to early Permian in all samples implicate that Carboniferous to Permian magmatism should be common in the EKO. The north-dipping paleogeography and occurrence of syn-depositional magmatic zircons in the provenance further suggest that the tectonic evolution of the NQTB should occur in a retroarc portion, rather than a passive continental margin deepening southwards to the Kunlun Ocean.

The Mesozoic Tectonic Transition from Compression to Extension in the South China Block: Insight from Structural Deformation of the Lushan Massif, SE China

The Lushan Massif has been considered an extensional dome which represents a typical extensional structure in South China. However, the composition and structure of the Lushan Massif are still unclear. In this study, we identified the eastern detachment fault (EDF) for the first time. In addition, many sinistral strike-slip structures have also been recognized in the Lushan area, such as the Xingzi shear zone (XZSZ) and Lianhua shear zone (LHSZ). Detailed field observation and structural analysis revealed that the former sinistral faults are tectonic boundaries of the later Lushan extensional dome (LSED). The tectonic evolution sequence was established after the structural analysis combined with zircon U-Pb dating and mica 40Ar-39Ar dating of metamorphic rocks, veins, and intrusive rocks from the strike-slip fault and detachment fault. The Lushan Massif has undergone sinistral ductile shearing within 162–150 Ma. The LSED was then formed in an extensional tectonic setting from 140 to 114 Ma. Together with the regional geological setting, we believe that the sinistral strike-slip structures, represented by the XZSZ and LHSZ, are coeval with the Tanlu fault system and could be controlled by a transpressional stress field resulting from the subduction of the Pacific Plate. The LSED was formed in a back-arc extension setting resulting from the rollback of a subducted slab. The tectonic transition from compression to extension in the South China Block took place at 150–140 Ma.

Influence of Planetary Surface Temperature on the Tectonic Transition From Heat Pipes

AbstractHeat transport from the interior to the surface of a terrestrial body dictates the deformation experienced by the lithosphere. Terrestrial bodies with high internal heating rates exhibit heat‐pipe volcanism because subsolidus convection within the mantle has a limit to the amount of heat it can transport without extensive melting. Using numerical simulations, we investigate the lithospheric deformation associated with the global‐scale volcanism on such bodies. Specifically, we study the role of surface temperature and activation energy of mantle rocks while analyzing and characterizing this global deformation—as a terrestrial planet transitions out of heat pipes. We find that increased surface temperature extends the duration of heat‐pipe volcanism, and plate tectonics highly depends on the temperature sensitivity of mantle viscosity. Our findings suggest that a terrestrial planet with a hot surface will develop a thick lithosphere, and thus transition into a stagnant lid tectonic regime following heat pipes.

Mesozoic tectonic transition from the Tethyan to Paleo-Pacific domains in South China: New insights from Mesozoic igneous rocks in the western Nanling Range

• The studied Mesozoic igneous in the Nanling Rang include post-orogenic ultramafic–mafic rock, subduction-related mafic rocks and other calc-alkaline intermediate-felsic rocks. • Those igneous rock assemblages in the Nanling Rang reflect the tectonic transition of the SCB. • The Nanling Rang was a Tethyan domain before ca. 170 Ma but a Paleo-Pacific domain after that. • The Mesozoic evolution of the SCB involved four stages: post-orogenic extension, slab foundering, and tectonic transition from subduction to rollback, followed by slab rollback. Mesozoic tectono-magmatic evolution of the Nanling Range in the South China Block (SCB) remains controversial, especially about the role of the Tethyan and Paleo-Pacific dynamics in the generation of Mesozoic igneous rocks. The Mesozoic magmatic events have produced a diverse variety of rocks, dominantly granites and spatially associated mafic–ultramafic rocks, lamprophyres and diorites. We present new zircon U-Pb ages and in-situ Hf isotope data, along with whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic data for the Mesozoic igneous rocks from the western Nanling Range. The two ca. 200 Ma ultramafic–mafic rocks have low SiO 2 contents (40.00–44.94 wt%) and typical ocean island basalt (OIB)-like trace elemental affinities with positive Nb and Ta anomalies, positive ε Nd (t) (4.47 to 4.88) and variable ε Hf (t) values (–3.65 to 11.91), suggesting that they were generated by partial melting of an asthenospheric mantle source. The ca. 165 Ma Jiangyong lamprophyre dyke has relatively high SiO 2 content (51.70 wt%) and arc-like trace elemental affinities with significantly negative Nb and Ta anomalies and variable ε Hf (t) values (–9.10 to 2.65). They were derived from a lithospheric mantle source previously modified by subducted component, along with a contribution from the asthenospheric mantle. Granites from the ca. 146–137 Ma Taibao granitic pluton have high SiO 2 contents (63.41–66.66 wt%), variable (La/Yb) N and Sr/Y values, and negative to positive ε Hf (t) values (−4.16 to 0.86). These granites have compositions transitional from adakite to arc-type rocks and were likely generated by partial melting of Mesoproterozoic meta -igneous rocks, with an addition of a mantle-derived component. Compared with those granites, diorites of the ca. 99 Ma Eryue pluton exhibit moderate SiO 2 contents (59.90–60.30 wt%), a wide range of zircon ε Hf (t) values (−12.04 to 0.50) and negative ε Nd (t) values (–8.61 to –8.57), and they were probably formed by magma mixing of crust-mantle materials associated with back-arc extension. Our new data, together with other geological evidence, provide further insights for the evolution of the Tethyan and Paleo-Pacific tectonic domains during the Late Triassic to Late Cretaceous in the SCB. In the early stage, the Tethyan tectonic domain, ultramafic–mafic rocks from the Ludong and Fuchuan plutons in the Nanling Range was related to the post-orogenic extension. This domain was gradually changed to the Paleo-Pacific domain during the period from Late Triassic to Early Jurassic and the tectonic transition was accomplished at ∼ 170 ± 5 Ma. In the later stage, the Paleo-Pacific tectonic domain, the Jiangyong lamprophyre, Taibao granites and Eryue diorites were produced via the crustal thickening, localized extension, and large-scale lithospheric extension due to the advancing, slab-foundering, and rollback of the oceanic slab during the period from Middle Jurassic to Late Cretaceous.

Ca. 2.1 Ga low-δ18O gabbro-diorite association in southern North China Craton: Implications for an intraplate rifting

Although widespread ca. 2.2–2.1 Ga igneous activities were identified through the North China Craton (NCC), their petrogenesis and implications for the Paleoproterozoic tectonic regime of the NCC are still under hot debate. Here we present the 2.18–2.14 Ga gabbro-diorite plutons in the Xiong'ershan Taihua Complex, southern North China Craton. They are dominantly gabbros with minor as gabbroic-dioritic rocks. The samples exhibit transitional geochemical characteristics from tholeiitic to calc-alkali series with enrichment in LREEs (e.g., La/Yb N = 1.90–13.9) and LILEs (e.g., Rb, Ba and Sr) but depletion in HFSE (e.g., Nb, Ta and Ti), corresponding to affinity of arc-related magmatism. The high Fe 2 O 3 (8.90–14.91 wt%), CaO (6.78–9.81 wt%) contents, and Ti/Y ratios (179–635), low Th concentrations (0.11–4.08 ppm), and consistent La/Nb and Th/Nb ratios, preclude significant crustal contamination during magma emplacement. The samples show negative zircon ε Hf (t) (−7.3–−1.6) and whole-rock ε Nd (t) (−4.0–+0.9) values with much older model ages ( T DM Hf = 2811–2606 Ma and T DM Nd = 3069–2711 Ma) than their formation ages, along with high La/Nb (1.69–6.21) and low La/Ba (0.01–0.05) ratios, indicating a refertilized Archean lithospheric mantle source. Considering that zircons of 2.18–2.14 Ga gabbro-diorite in the Xiong'ershan area lack metamict features and exhibit originally low but homogeneous δ 18 O values in the mantle source (3.04‰ to 5.07‰, 4.21‰ on average), we prefer they derived from preexisting 18 O-depleted mantle source, which might be a highly heterogeneous metasomatized SCLM by subducted-fluid during the Archean cratonization. The consistent Sm/Yb and La/Sm ratios indicate ∼5–30% partial melting of the garnet-spinel dominant source region. Combing the low δ 18 O signature and within-plate (high Zr, Zr/Y, Th/Hf and Ta/Hf) geochemical features, we suggest a thermal anomaly linked to a rift setting could account for the mantle melting. The intraplate ca. 2.1 Ga low-δ 18 O magmatism possibly resembles those during the Neoproterozoic glaciations associated with major dispersal periods of Rodinia. To better understand the Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the NCC, we have also comprehensively compiled all the published ages and geochemical data of the 2.2–2.1 Ga mafic-felsic igneous rocks. The mafic suites can be divided into two groups based on ages and geochemical affinities. Mafic rocks of Group 1 (2.19–2.12 Ga) belong to rift-related basalts, together with spatially associated 2.19–2.13 Ga A-type granitic rocks and volcano-sedimentary associations, likely indicating an intraplate rift setting. Whereas mafic rocks of Group 2 (2.15–2.06 Ga) show geochemical affinity of island arc calc-alkaline basalts, together with coeval 2.18–2.05 Ga I-S type granitic associations, implying an arc-related setting and recording a possible tectonic transition from extension to subduction-collision. The rifting events in the NCC during 2.2–2.1 Ga may coincide with the global lithospheric break-up of the supercontinent, and the subsequent tectonic transition could correspond to development of the globally orogenesis at 2.1–1.8 Ga. • The Paleoproterozoic low-δ 18 O gabbro-diorite plutons were formed at 2.18–2.14 Ga. • The mafic association was derived from an ancient metasomatized SCLM source. • They were formed in an intraplate rifting system. • The extensive 2.2–2.1 Ga magmatism in the NCC corresponds to global breakup event.

Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic granitic rocks in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia: New insights for the subduction and evolution of the Paleo-Tethys

• The granitoids in East Malaya were emplaced at 289–244 Ma. • The granitoids were formed in response to the Paleotethyan subduction . • The slab roll-back of the Eastern Paleotethyan initially occur at ∼ 270 Ma. • Subduction-related granitoids in East Malaya can extend to SW China and W Borneo. Well-preserved Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic igneous rocks in Peninsular Malaysia are important for investigating the Paleotethyan tectonic evolution. This study presents new zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic data for granitoids identified from the East Malaya. By utilizing all available data, the Permian–Middle Triassic granitoids in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia can be divided into three groups. Group A (289–270 Ma) I-type granites have higher ε Nd (t) values of − 6.6 to − 2.6 and zircon ε Hf (t) values of − 7.1 to + 4.9 than Group B S-type granites (285–272 Ma) with ε Nd (t) = − 10.1 and zircon ε Hf (t) = − 23.1 to + 1.5. Group C (254–244 Ma) with A-type characteristics, has ε Nd (t) and zircon ε Hf (t) values ranging from − 7.3 to − 3.8 and − 8.9 to + 2.2, respectively. The Pb isotopic values for three groups are similar with ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb) i = 18.71–19.43, ( 207 Pb/ 204 Pb) i = 15.66–15.71 and ( 208 Pb/ 204 Pb) i = 38.27–39.43. Group A was derived from metaigneous rocks with a juvenile mafic component, while Group B was from metasedimentary rocks. Group C had a mixed source of “ancient” meta-mafic rocks with a juvenile mafic component. This study proposes that the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic granitoids were formed in response to the subduction of the Paleotethyan Ocean, and that a tectonic transition from subduction to slab roll-back might occur at ∼ 270 Ma. Subduction-related granitoids in East Malaya can northernly extend to the Tachileik Batholith in eastern Myanmar and Jinghong in SW China, and southernly link with W Borneo.

Petrogenesis of Paleozoic high Ba Sr granitoids from the Qinling orogen, Central China: Implications to the formation of Archean sanukitoids and TTGs

Modern analogues of Archean granitoids are particularly important, for they offer an opportunity to investigate processes of early crustal formation and tectonic transition. High Ba Sr granitoids are usually considered as the Phanerozoic equivalents of Archean sanukitoids, however, their petrogenesis is still equivocal. Here, we collected a suite of high Ba Sr granitoids from the Banshanping pluton in the Qinling orogen, central China, and carried out an elaborated study including mineral chemistry, whole rock elemental and Sr Nd isotopic compositions, as well as zircon U Pb, Lu Hf and O isotopes, to constrain its petrogenesis. Our new secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) zircon U Pb geochronology suggests the emplacement age of the Banshanping pluton at 435 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.37). The rocks have variable SiO 2 , elevated Mg# (50–53), Cr, and Ni concentrations, as well as strong enrichment of Ba and Sr (Ba + Sr = 1310–3040 ppm), but depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE). Some trace element ratios are positively (e.g., La/Yb, Sr/Y) or negatively (e.g., Dy/Yb) correlated with their SiO 2 concentrations, indicating that amphibole fractionation might play a crucial role in their formation. They also exhibit restricted and relatively high initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (0.70437–0.70515) and chondritic to slightly positive ε Nd (t) values (0.29–1.32), but high zircon ε Hf (t) (8.0–9.9) and normal mantle zircon δ 18 O (5.45 ± 0.13 ‰) values. Isotopic modeling constrains incorporation of about 4% oceanic crust-derived fluid and 0.3% sediment melt into their mantle source. Combined with regional geological evolution, the Banshanping pluton is inferred to originate from a two-stage process: its mantle source was metasomatized by the subducted proto-Tethyan oceanic slab during the early stage and partial melting of the metasomatites generated the high Ba Sr granitoids induced by slab roll-back. The high Ba Sr granitoids geochemical signatures overlap with Archean sanukitoids in many aspects, thus offering essential constraints on their formation. Compared with Archean sanukitoids, our results suggest that the sanukitoids derived from fluid-dominated metasomatic mantle might have the potential to evolve into TTG through amphibole-dominated fractional crystallization. • The Banshanping pluton represents a suite of high Ba-Sr rocks geochemically similar to Archean sanukitoids. • They were produced by partial melting of a fluid metasomatic mantle and undergo amphibole-dominated fractional crystallization. • Fluid-dominated metasomatic mantle-derived Archean sanukitoids may have the potential to evolve into TTGs.