Tectono-magmatic Activity Research Articles

Dual-mineralization in the intracontinental Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Evidence from textures and in-situ trace elements and oxygen analysis of quartz from the Woxi Au-Sb-W deposit

The Jiangnan Orogenic Belt (JOB), situated in the interior of the South China Block (SCB), harbors numerous gold-polymetallic deposits, but the ore genesis has been a long-standing controversy. This study examines the Woxi super-large gold deposit in the middle JOB, which is characterized by simultaneous large-scale antimony-tungsten mineralization. The investigation shows that the Woxi ore deposit have developed multiple-stage quartz, i.e., Qz1 (early quartz-carbonate, stage I), Qz2 (quartz-wolframite-scheelite, stage II), Qz3a (quartz-gold-pyrite, early stage III), Qz3b (quartz-stibnite-scheelite, late stage III) and Qz4 (late quartz-carbonate, stage IV). We conducted SEM-CL texture imaging, LA-ICP-MS trace element, and SIMS oxygen isotope analysis on the quartz samples from the main mineralization stages (mainly Qz2 and Qz3). The results reveal a dual mineralization process of the Woxi gold-antimony-tungsten deposit. In the initial stage, the quartz (Qz2) exhibits intense brightness in CL imaging and spiderweb-like texture, shows high concentrations of trace elements, especially Ge, Al and Ti, and has δ18Ofluid values ranging from 10.84 ‰ to 11.64 ‰. These characters are consistent with a magmatic fluid that is acidic (pH<3), reducing, and of relatively high-temperature. In the second stage, the quartz (including Qz3a, Qz3b and Qz4) shows relatively darker CL image and band texture or cobweb mosaic coexistence texture, low concentrations of trace elements, especially Al and Ti, and a low δ18Ofluid values (8.01 ‰ to 9.19 ‰ for Qz3a and 5.83 ‰ to 6.51 ‰ for Qz3b) consistent with characteristics of mantle-derived fluids. The results of this study supports an “intracontinental reactivation metallogenic model”, in which the gold-polymetallic deposits in the JOB formed from a dual-stage mineralization related to tectono-magmatic activities in a back-arc setting. The dual ore-forming processes revealed in this study provide important insights for a comprehensive understanding of the gold-polymetallic deposits in the JOB, and it may be a significant mechanism in the formation of large to super-large gold-polymetallic deposits in this region, which is indicative perspective for exploration of the gold-polymetal deposits. Our work also demonstrates that quartz is an effective tool for identifying the mineralization in the JOB.

Age of the Obnazhennaya kimberlite pipe (northeastern Siberian platform)

In this article, we discuss the age range for the formation of the Obnazhennaya kimberlite pipe (Kuoyka field, north-eatern Siberian platform) considering the recent unique discovery of a representative of the Toarcian-Early Aalenian (end of the Early–beginning of the Middle Jurassic) belemnites along with the revision of previously known belemnites of the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous age. We investigated the specifics and general genesis of the facies in the complex vertical structure of the sections. In addition, we assessed the role of the ancient Kimmeriyan, Dunlap, and New Cimmerian phases of Cimmerian tectono-magmatic activation in the stabilization of the Kuoika and Khorbusuon kimberlite fields. Moreover, a new model of the eruptive system of Mesozoic kimberlite fields was considered. The existing paleogeographic schemes of the Toarcian-Early Bathonian interval northeast of the Siberian Platform have been corrected. The study location provides important evidence of the disappearance scale of marine ingression traces in the geological record.

Late Jurassic oceanic plateau subduction in the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean of northern Tibet

Oceanic plateau accretion and subsequent flat-slab subduction in modern convergent settings have profoundly influenced the nature of subduction and mantle dynamics. However, evaluating similar impacts in ancient convergent settings, where oceanic plateaus have been subducted but geological records are limited, remains challenging. In this study, we present geochronological and geochemical data for a suite of ore-associated plutonic rocks from the Gaobaoyue area of northern Tibet. These rocks have zircon U–Pb ages of 152–146 Ma, with high Sr contents and Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, low MgO, Yb, and Y contents, and depleted Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, consistent with an adakitic affinity that was generated by the partial melting of subducting oceanic crust. We compare the Late Jurassic adakitic magmatism with the spatiotemporal evolution of magmatism in northern Tibet to infer oceanic plateau subduction and subsequent flat-slab subduction in the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean. This tectonic model explains (i) slab-derived adakitic magmatism, (ii) the observed lull in magmatic activity, (iii) intraplate compression and uplift, and (iv) subduction jump and initiation. We also propose that the subduction of heterogeneous oceanic crust (i.e., buoyant oceanic plateau subduction) provided favorable conditions for tectonic exhumation, vertical slab tearing, and the formation of Cu–Au deposits. Our findings not only have implications for establishing the fundamental process of oceanic plateau accretion in ancient subduction zones but also provide an alternative explanation for Late Jurassic complex tectonomagmatic activity in northern Tibet.

Alkaline–Salicic Kurung Complex of the Ket-Kap–Yuna Igneous Province (Aldan Shield, Russia): Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Conditions of Formation

Abstract —Integrated geological data, petrogeochemical characteristics of magmatites of the Kurung complex (the Ket-Kap–Yuna igneous province of the Aldan Shield), and previously published isotopic data along with the results of geochronology and geochemistry research provide evidence for this complex evolving in the Late Cretaceous in a setting of riftogenesis (final phase) of continental margins. Similar to the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous polyformational volcano-plutonism of the Aldan Shield, the Late Cretaceous alkaline magmatism in the Ket-Kap–Yuna province is associated with the tectonomagmatic activation which manifested itself mainly as continental margin rifting associated with deep reorganization of the southwestern, southern and southeastern framing of the Siberian craton triggered by gravitational sliding of the lithospheric plates. Results of the petrogeochemical analysis of the studied magmatites revealed that the heterogeneous rock groups identified within this rock complex are not related to each other by fractional or other type of differentiation, thus suggesting their possible derivation as a result of fluid syntexis-type interaction between mantle-derived alkali–basite melt and felsic crustal melts. Alkali–basite parent melts are shown to have formed during partial melting of variably enriched mantle which is widely spread beneath the Aldan Shield and is varied in composition (from BSE enriched to nearly EM-I). Origination of such deep-seated melts (magma sources) was associated with the rifting processes (strike-slip tectonics) triggered by the setting of gravitational sliding of lithospheric plates. The formation of alkaline–salic magmas of the Kurung complex is associated with large-scale selective assimilation of crustal material by high-temperature fluidized mantle magmas during their ascent to the surface, possibly as a result of fluid syntexis of alkaline–basite mantle magmas and crustal smeltings formed under their influence.

Ordovician−Early Devonian granitic magmatism as the consequence of intracontinental orogenic activity along the Qinhang belt in South China

The early Paleozoic tectono-magmatic activity within the South China block, which is well illustrated by Ordovician−Devonian granites in the western Qinhang belt, was the response to closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and convergence of continental blocks. The spatiotemporal distribution and source characteristics of the granites provide us the opportunity to understand the processes and driving mechanisms of intracontinental orogeny. As an example, the Miaoershan-Yuechengling granite batholith in northern Guangxi, located along the western margin of the Qinhang orogenic belt, is mainly composed of quartz monzonite and monzogranite. All the granitic rocks from Miaoershan-Yuechengling batholith are composed of K-feldspar, quartz, plagioclase, biotite, and hornblende. Geochronologic dating indicates that the Miaoershan-Yuechengling batholith was emplaced during the late Silurian and Early Devonian, respectively. The rocks have high SiO2, with an average value of 73.29 wt%, and total alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 7.21−10.03 wt%), but low Al2O3 (12.96−15.51 wt%), showing characteristics of the high-potassium calc-alkaline series of S-type peraluminous granites (Al2O3/[CaO + Na2O + K2O] = 1.03−1.22). Trace elements in the Miaoershan-Yuechengling granitic rocks are characterized by enrichment of large ion lithophile elements and depletion of high field strength elements. Their rare earth element (REE) trends are characterized by relatively flat distribution patterns with weak light REE enrichment, weak heavy REE fractionation, and negative Eu anomalies. Zircons from the rocks have negative εHf(t) values ranging from −13.24 to −5.1, with crustal model ages (THf2) of 2.2−1.7 Ga. These features indicate that they are S-type granites with parental magmas originating from partial melting of sandy argillaceous sources of Paleoproterozoic lower continental crust. The thermal budget for Ordovician to Early Devonian magmatism is attributed either to crustal thickening in relation to intracontinental orogenic compression or to crustal thinning due to postorogenic tectonic extension during assembly and breakup of Greater Gondwana. This study reveals that the change in mantle convection systems during plate interactions acted as a major driving force for the early orogenic processes, late collapse of the orogenic belt, and massive syncollisional to postorogenic magmatism.

Algama Gold Ore Cluster (Aldan–Stanovoi Shield): Mineralogy, Formation Conditions, Sources of Ore Matter, and Age of Mineralization

Abstract —The paper presents results of research into the conditions of formation of ores in the poorly studied Algama ore cluster (Bodorono deposit and Dyvok ore occurrence) located at the junction of the Aldan Shield and the Stanovoi area. We have established that Bi and Se minerals (bismuthinite, lillianite, native bismuth, tellurobismuthite, tetradymite, hedleyite, pilsenite, and laitakarite) are present in the ores of the Bodorono deposit. Two successive productive stages of mineral formation have been distinguished: Au–polymetallic and Au–Bi–Te. The corresponding minerals are products of the evolution of a hydrothermal system, during which a gradual decrease in fluid temperature (from 300 to 145 °C) and salinity (from 5 to 1.9 wt.% NaCl equiv.) took place. The fineness of native gold gradually increases from early (~840‰) to late (~940‰) stages and changes in passing from simple sulfides to sulfosalts. The evolution of the ore system is accompanied by a change in the composition of the vapor phase of fluid inclusions from CH4–CO2 to CO2 with an impurity of N2 and CH4. The results of 40Ar/39Ar dating of pre-ore metasomatites point to ore-forming processes at the Bodorono deposit ca. 150 ± 1.8 Ma. Analysis of the isotopic composition of lead in galena shows the leading role of the ancient crustal source of ore matter. The calculated isotopic composition of oxygen (δ18OH2O) in ore-bearing quartz varies from 1.0 to 7.3‰, which corresponds to an aqueous fluid of a mixed source. The Dyvok ore occurrence differs from the Bodorono deposit in the mineral composition of ores and the physicochemical parameters of ore formation. Four mineral stages have been established within the ore occurrence: gold–arsenopyrite–pyrite–quartz, pyrite–chalcopyrite–sphalerite, quartz–boulangerite, and telluride. The telluride stage is represented by hessite, altaite, volynskite, merenskyite, melonite, and rucklidgeite. Gold-bearing mineralization formed from a fluid of medium salinity (0.9–9.2 wt.% NaCl equiv.) with a predominance of CO2 and an impurity of CH4 in the vapor phase at moderate temperatures (310–360 °C). The calculated values of δ34S and δ18O varied from 2.2 to 3.0‰ and from 0.6 to 12.0‰, respectively. The 40Ar/39Ar age of gold mineralization is 124.0 ± 1.5 Ma, which corresponds to the stage of tectonomagmatic activity in the Aldan Shield.

МИНЕРАЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ РУДНЫХ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЙ ЗОЛОТА СОЛОЛИЙСКОГО ПОДНЯТИЯ ОЛЕНЕКСКОГО СВОДА

The paper deals with studied mineralogical and geochemical features of gold-sulphide manifestations of the Sololi uplift of the Olenek arch (northeast of the Siberian Platform) in order to identify their mineralogical features and prospects for their further research. The identical mineral composition of gold-sulphide formations developed by Early Proterozoic rocks of the Eekitian series and rhyolites of the same age gave reason to assume the simultaneity of their formation and to refer them to the general stage of ore formation. According to the established mineral paragenesis, described gold sulphide manifestations are attributed to the gold-quartzsulphide formation type. The discovery of gold sulphide mineralization in the zone of tectonic fracturing of Early-Middle Permian sandstones indicates the formation of ore occurrences in the area associated with the processes of tectonomagmatic activation of the Mesozoic. The identification of indicators of low-temperature hydrothermal processes as mineral paragenesis – mercury-containing gold, cinnabar and barite, testifies to shallow and low-temperature conditions for the formation of this ore manifestation. It was found that according to the Co/Ni ratio, 28% of pyrites (including gold-bearing ones) are associated with hydrothermal processes. In general, the detection of native gold in quartz veins in free form and as microinclusions and impurities in pyrite, as well as the discovery of relatively large poorly rounded attachments of gold to quartz in stream flows dewatering the studied ore formations, allows researchers to positively assess the prospects for further study of ore manifestations of the Sololi uplift of the Olenek arch.

New Insights into the Genesis of Dibrova U-Th-REE Mineral Deposit (West Azov Megablock, Ukraine) Using Monazite Chemistry

This paper investigates the monazite grains from the Dibrova rare-earth-thorium-uranium (U-Th-REE) mineral deposit within the Azov Megablock of Ukrainian Shield. U-Th-REE mineralization is associated with K-feldspar-quartz metasandstones and metagritstones (hereafter quartzites) and pegmatoids. The latter possibly represent products of ultrametamorphism/granitization of initially sedimentary clastic rocks during tectono-magmatic activation during the Paleoproterozoic. Ores are composed of quartz as a principal mineral, feldspar, sillimanite, muscovite, monazite, brannerite, uraninite, zircon, rutile, and sulfides. The purpose of this work was to obtain insights into the genesis of the mineral deposit by studying the monazite grains, their chemistry, and ages. Petrographic research work was carried out that included studying/analyzing the monazites from various monazite-bearing rocks (quartzites, pegmatoid, and biotite schist samples). A variety of methods and tools were used, including optical microscopy study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping of selected samples, as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe (EPMA) characterization of monazites, including U-Th-Pb monazite chemical dating. U-Pb-Th chemical electron microprobe dating of the monazites yielded two major distinct monazite age groups at 3.0–2.8 Ga and 2.2–2.0 Ga. The first age group corresponds to the time of formation of the Archean granitoids, which served as a source of monazite for its clastic sedimentation during the Paleoproterozoic in the Dibrova suite sediments. The second age group corresponds to the reprecipitation (i.e., remobilization) of monazite during the Paleoproterozoic tectono-magmatic activation. The location of the mineral deposit within the deep mantle-crustal Devladivska shear zone is another favorable factor for the remobilization and transport of metals. New data on the age of mineralization yield a more complete understanding of the geological history and formation of the complex polyphase rare-earth-uranium-thorium Dibrova mineral deposit.

Association of Siderite with Iron Sulfides and Silicates in Rocks of Mikheevskoe Cu(Mo,Au) Porphyry Deposit (Southern Urals)

The mineral association of siderite with Cu–Fe sulfides, cronstedtite, and goethite were first recognized when studying the Mikheevskoe Cu(Mo,Au)–porphyry deposit. This association is confined to fault zones, where it fills a network of mineralized fractures developed on porphyry- and argillizite-type ores. Minerals of this association were also identified in some argillizite samples of this deposit. The formation conditions of this mineral association and its relation to the evolution of the Late Paleozoic porphyry system or other endogenic–exogenic processes manifested during the subsequent geological history of the study area were studied. The integrated research included microprobe analysis and the measurement of O and C stable isotopes in minerals of the studied association in the “Geoanalitik” (Yekaterinburg) and “Geonauka” (Syktyvkar) Centers for Collective Use. The study of mineral compositions and their relationships indicates that the studied mineral association deposited at temperature of about 70° C from neutral or low-acid solutions HS–,13C with varying HS–, and aSiO2 (aq) contents. The measurements of .13C (from –5.5 to –18.2‰) and 18O (from 20.4 to 33.4‰) values in siderite made it possible to calculate the composition of a mineral-forming fluid. It was established that such a fluid has the following parameters: .18O H2O from –3 to +10‰ and 13C CO2 from 15 to –28‰. It could correspond to magmatogenic water fluids mixed with Corg-bearing surface water. Based on the obtained results, it is suggested that this mineral association is related to argillizites, the development of which occurred at the last stage of endogenic mineral formation at the Mikheevskoe deposit. Nevertheless, it is not excluded that it may be related with other low-T hydrothermal processes at the stage of Meso-Cenozoic tectonomagmatic activation of the Urals. There is no evidence of the relation of the studied mineral association with weathering crusts

Mechanisms of Translation of Deep-Seated Pulses into External Shells of the Modern Earth: Evidence from Late Cenozoic Global Tectonomagmatic Activation of Our Planet

It is known that the Earth’s history is characterized by periodic activation of tectonomagmatic processes, when they are intensified without visible reasons. This is obviously related to the evolution of deep-seated petrological processes, the peculiar reflect of which are events in the external shells of the modern Earth (tectonosphere), but the nature of these processes and mechanisms of their translation in tectonosphere remain weakly studied. This problem is considered by the Late Cenozoic (Neogene–Quaternary) global activation. The modern Earth represents a cooling body with solidifying liquid iron core. This process should be accompanied by several thermodynamic, physical, and physical-chemical effects, which could lead to the internal activation of our planet. We attempted to decipher these problems using available geological, petrological, geochemical, and geophysical data on the present-day activation. It is shown that main active element in the modern Earth is uninterruptedly upward moving thin crystallization zone located between completely solidified part of the core (solid inner core) and its completely liquid part (external liquid core). Diverse phase transitions in a cooling melt passing through bifurcation points are related to this zone. The phase transitions are represented by both a change of crystallizing solid phases which built up inner core and retrograde boiling with formation of drops of “core” fluids. These drops are floated in high-Fe host melt and are accumulated at the mantle base, where they are involved in the formation of mantle plumes, which are the main carriers of deep-seated pulsed into external geosphere, and finally leave the core with them. It is suggested that in one of such points the fluid solubility in cooling high-Fe liquid of external core sharply decreases. This should lead to the simultaneous intensification of retrograde boiling of this melt over the entire zone surface of zone of the core crystallization zone, i.e., on a global scale. This could provide the influx of excess “core” fluids required for large-scale generation of mantle plumes and serve as trigger for Late Cenozoic global tectonomagmatic activation of the Earth.

Petrogenesis of the Qiongduojiang Gabbro in Tethys Himalaya and Its Metallogenetic Implication

With the northward subduction and final closure of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust, the Indian and Eurasian plates finally collided together and underwent a strong collision orogenic event, resulting in large-scale crust–mantle magmatic interactions. In order to clarify the controversies about tectono-magmatic activities after the Indian–Eurasian continental collision, we report the newly dated Eocene Qiongduojiang gabbro explored in the Tethyan–Himalaya belt, southern Tibet. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating shows that the crystallization age of the Qiongduojiang gabbro is 46.1 ± 1.7 Ma. The whole-rock major and trace elements, as well as Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Pb isotopic data results, show that the Qiongduojiang gabbro is apparently depleted in Nd isotopes, is enriched in Pb isotopes, and has maintained a consistent 87Sr/86Sr(t) value. This paper argues that the E-MORB-like Qiongduojiang gabbro originated from asthenosphere upwelling caused by slab breakoff of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic plate. This event caused large-scale magmatic activities, a magmatic mixing process between ancient crust and deep mantle, and wild distribution of Eocene Gangdese plutons along the Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture Zone, and it rendered the subduction-modified Tibetan lithosphere fertile from the Gangdese porphyry Cu deposits.

Zircon U–Pb Dating and Geochemical Characteristics of Chahannuo Gabbros in the Northern Margin of Qaidam Basin, Northern Tibetan Plateau

Late Paleozoic–early Mesozoic intrusive rocks are distributed widely along the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin in the northern Tibetan Plateau. To constrain the tectonic evolution, we carried out petrological, chronological, and geochemical studies of the Chahannuo gabbros. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U–Pb dating yields an age of 255.0 ± 0.9 Ma for the gabbros, which confirms the existence of Indosinian tectono-magmatic activity on the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin. The Chahannuo gabbros have low whole-rock SiO2, Fe2O3 contents, and high Al2O3 contents, which suggests a calc-alkaline affinity. In addition, the gabbros have high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents and Mg#, similar to those predicted of the regional basaltic melts, and indicating that they were affected mainly by fluid from the subducted slab. The Chahannuo gabbros are characterized by arc-like trace element patterns, with enrichment in LREE and LILE, and depletion in HREE and HFSE. No obvious negative Eu anomalies also indicate that no significant magmatic differentiation has occurred. The low Nb/La ratio and Ti content in gabbros samples suggests that the Chahannuo gabbros were partially contaminated by the crust during their formation. The Chahannuo gabbros have high incompatible element ratios (Rb/Sr, Th/Nd, and Th/La), which are closer to the category of enriched mantle. Combing our data with previous data from contemporaneous magmatism in the region, we suggest that the Chahannuo gabbros formed in a continental arc environment related to the northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic plate.

Tectono-magmatic response to the geometric evolution of slab breakoff in the Paleo-Tethys Ocean: Constraints from Late Triassic granites in the Qiangtang block, northern Tibet

Slab breakoff can explain the postcollisional igneous and metamorphic events in many collisional orogens and triggers the transition from initial continental collision to deep subduction. However, the relationship between the deep-seated geometry of slab breakoff and shallow tectono-magmatic events remains unclear. In this study, we report new geochronological, geochemical, and Hf isotope data for granitic rocks from the Qiangtang block. Three granitic samples yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 226−214 Ma and mostly gave negative zircon εHf(t) values of −20.1 to +0.57. These granitoids are K-rich, calc-alkaline, magnesian, and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous. We propose that the granites were generated by partial melting of compositionally heterogeneous lower crust in the Southern Qiangtang block. Our new data, along with previously published data for igneous and metamorphic rocks in the Qiangtang block, suggest that the Longmu Co−Shuanghu suture zone represents a remnant of the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, and that the Late Triassic tectono-magmatic evolution was controlled by slab breakoff after continental collision. The contrasting magmatic and metamorphic ages show that the two stages of tectono-magmatic activity in the Late Triassic were due to a change in the subduction angle of the continental lithosphere from steep (225−215 Ma) to shallow (215−205 Ma) during slab breakoff. Furthermore, we infer that slab breakoff of the oceanic lithosphere caused extensive crustal melting and reworking and initiated far-field subduction. Our results provide new insights into the slab breakoff processes that control the geometry of subducting continental lithosphere and related postcollisional magmatic and metamorphic events in collision zones.

Triassic Volcaniclastic and Igneous Rocks of the Pronchishchev Ridge (East Siberia, Arctic): Composition, Structure, Genesis, and Age

Abstract —Petrographic and geochemical studies of igneous and volcaniclastic rocks of the middle part of the Pronchishchev Ridge and the Terpei lowland provided new data on their composition and structure. The subdivision of the Permian–Lower Triassic strata enclosing igneous and volcaniclastic bodies has been clarified by lithological/stratigraphic methods. The Lower Triassic Ulakhan-Yuryakh, Chekanovsky, Ystanakh, and Pastakh formations have been traced for the first time in the ridge area. It is shown that the studied dolerite body and adjacent breccias in the field of middle–upper Permian rocks are part of the volcanic pipe. The tuffite sandy gritstones in the field of Lower Triassic rocks are parts of an eroded tephra ring around this diatreme. The localization of tuffite bodies in the area of the Ystanakh Formation makes it possible to date the pipe at the beginning of the late Olenekian. The obtained 40Ar/39Ar dates for the dolerites of the volcanic pipe and one of the dikes of the Pronchishchev dike belt indicate the repeated tectonomagmatic activity in the studied area in the Triassic.

Early cretaceous bimodal volcanic rocks in Wuga Co area, central tibet: The first identification of direct products derived from slab sinking in the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone

Introduction: The Bangong-Nujiang Suture Zone (BNSZ) in central Tibet is a remnant of the Bangong-Nujiang Ocean that records its entire Wilson Cycle. The model of divergent double-sided subduction (DDS) is crucial for elucidating the evolution of tectonomagmatic activity on both sides of the BNSZ and for understanding why no high-pressure metamorphic rocks occur in the BNSZ. However, the DDS geodynamics remain poorly constrained. In particular, there is a lack of reports on magmatic rocks directly associated with slab sinking in the DDS terminal stage.Methods: This study presents new geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data for the Early Cretaceous bimodal volcanic rocks around the Wuga Co area.Results: The bimodal volcanic rocks are divided into the Wuga Co rhyolites (SiO2 = 77.0–79.0 wt%) and the Wuga Co basaltic andesites (SiO2 = 53.9–55.5 wt%). The isotopic values of the Wuga Co basaltic andesites with low (87Sr/86Sr)i values (+0.7040 to +0.7044) and high εNd(t) values (+3.8 to +4.1) lie among three endmembers (the BNO sediments in accretionary wedge, depleted mantle and the BNO slab).Discussion: These values indicate the partial melting of a mantle peridotite that interacted with the subducted slab and sediment in the accretionary wedge, which was caused by the sinking of the Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab. The Wuga Co rhyolites (108 Ma) have low (87Sr/86Sr)i values (+0.703 to +0.706), high εNd(t) values (+2.25 to +2.49), and high εHf(t) values (+5.6 to +10.0). These values indicate that the rhyolite formed by partial melting of juvenile basaltic crust. This study also collected Hf isotope data from both sides of the BNSZ to constrain its evolution. Our results show that the εHf(t) values of magma on both sides of the BNSZ were elevated simultaneously at 130 Ma, which may be caused by the Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab rupture. Based on these new data, we propose that the Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab ruptured from the two overlying terranes at approximately 130 Ma and subsequently sank into the mantle at approximately 108 Ma.

U–Pb geochronology of Variscan granitoids from the Moroccan Meseta (Northwest Africa): Tectonic implications

This paper present new U–Pb geochronological data (LA-ICP MS on zircon) of granitoids from the Moroccan Meseta Variscan belt. Zircons from the Oulad Ouaslam granodiorite in the Jebilet massif in the Western Meseta highlight a peak of magmatic activity at 335.2 ± 0.8 Ma. In the Eastern Meseta, the ages obtained from several granitoids facies from the High Moulouya magmatic complex restrained its magmatic activity to the early Visean: 339.6 ± 1.9 Ma for the Perdreaux granite, 337 ± 1.6 Ma for the calc-alkaline «grey» granite and 343.1 ± 1.2 Ma for the El Hassir granodiorite. Similar late Tournaisian – early Visean ages were obtained for the Zekarra granodiorite (348.1 ± 2.3 Ma) and the Merguechoum granite (345.2 ± 2.8 Ma) in the Horsts belt. This pre-orogenic Eovariscan magmatic activity is contemporaneous with the opening of early Carboniferous intracontinental basins in the whole Northwest Africa but its relationship with Eovariscan deformation typifying the Eastern Meseta remains temporally unclear. Then, the late Carboniferous ages of 308.2 ± 2.7 Ma obtained for the Beni Snassen monzogranite, 303.5 ± 1.7 for the Tanncherfi granodiorite and 305.2 ± 1.4 for the Boudoufoud granite in the Horsts belt show that they all are synchronous with the main late Carboniferous convergent Variscan event in Northwest Africa. This tectonic and magmatic tempos contrast with the one described in the European Variscan belt, where the syn-collisional magmatism forms coevally with the Northwest African Eovariscan event, re-interpreted as a possible extensional event. We proposed that the early Carboniferous intracontinental basins and magmatism in Northwest Africa are due to the propagation of the Paleotethys ocean within the Gondwana continent. In contrary, the late Carboniferous – early Permian tectono-magmatic activity could reflect the docking of the east Gondwana margin with the Iberian branch of the European Variscan belt.

Ore-forming materials and fluids and ore-controlling factors of the Liaoshang gold deposit in Jiaodong Peninsula, NE China

The Jiaodong Peninsula is the most important gold province in China, and the Liaoshang gold deposit represents a major recent prospecting breakthrough in Jiaodong.Based on detailed metallographic and microstructural observations, and He-Ar-Pb isotope compositions of fluid inclusions from main-ore-stage pyrite were presented, as well as the CO isotope compositions of main-ore-stage dolomite. Fluid inclusions from the pyrite have 3He = 1.18 – 8.69 × 10-14 cm3STP/g, 4He = 1.21 – 3.24 × 10-7 cm3STP/g, and 3He/4He = 0.12 – 0.81 Ra, and the ore-forming fluid was mainly crustal-sourced with mantle fluid input. The fluid inclusions have 40Ar = 5.42 – 1.87 × 10-7 cm3STP/g, 40Ar/36Ar = 328.5 – 511.3, close to saturated meteoric water 40Ar/36Ar value. It is speculated that the crustal-sourced ore fluid may have had meteoric water input in the mineralization. The main-ore-stage dolomite contains δ13C = -2.9 to −4.4 ‰ and δ18OV-SMOW = 10.5 to 11.3 ‰. It is speculated that the carbon was mainly deep magmatic fluid- or magma-sourced. The pyrite has 206Pb/204Pb = 17.244 – 17.416, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.448 – 15.462, 208Pb/204Pb = 37.824 – 37.950, and 206Pb/207Pb = 1.116 – 1.125, indicating that the ore-forming materials were derived from a crust-mantle-mixed source, which we considered to be the Linglong granite and the Jiaodong (or Jingshan) Group wallrocks. We conclude that the ore-forming fluids and materials at Liaoshang have multiple and complex sources, and that the Mesozoic tectono-magmatic activities have a clear control on the formation and distribution of the Liaoshang gold orebodies..

The El Cortijo Formation: Ocean Plate Stratigraphy in the Tandilia Belt Paleoproterozoic basement (Argentina). Insights into subduction-accretion processes in the southern sector of the Río de la Plata Craton

An Ocean Plate Stratigraphy (OPS) sequence is a record of the oceanic crust geological evolution which allows the identification of paleo-oceans preserved in suture zones of orogenic belts. In the Paleoproterozoic basement of the Tandilia Belt (Argentina), Río de la Plata Craton, the El Cortijo Formation (ECF) crops out in a large suture zone with an E-W orientation and vertical to subvertical inclination. It includes a low-grade metavolcano-sedimentary sequence constituted by metacherts, metabasites, metacarbonate, metawacke, and phyllite. In order to provide genetic interpretations of the ECF, based on the OPS model, petrographic, geochemical, and geochronological studies of some of these rocks were performed. Mineral assemblages identified in metabasites, metawacke, and phyllite indicate a transition from prehnite-pumpellyite to greenschist facies conditions. Metabasites, classified as metavolcanite of intermediate to basic composition, chlorite schist and tremolite-actinolite schist, are interbedded between metacherts and metacarbonate bands. Geochemical analyses revealed particular chemical fingerprints which indicate that the protoliths of these metabasites would have been part of a volcanic arc rock association consistent with adakites, Nb-enriched basalts, high-Mg andesites, and “normal” tholeiitic to calc-alkaline basalts and andesites. The metawacke and the phyllite seem to derive from wackes and semi-pelites, respectively, whose main source is consistent with igneous-metamorphic rocks of acidic to intermediate composition linked to a continental arc system. The first LA-ICP-MS U–Pb data obtained for detrital zircons of the phyllite from the ECF yielded a weighted average age of 2138 ± 9 Ma and a youngest individual 207Pb/206Pb spot age of 2047 ± 22 Ma, which locates the maximum sedimentation age in the early Orosirian, during the maximum tectono-magmatic activity of the Tandilia Belt. According to Lu–Hf data, phyllite zircons derived from crustal sources and yielded Archean Hf model ages. Moreover, εHf(t) data of this rock exhibit a more subchondritic signal than the corresponding for some plutons of the Tandilia Belt, which could be indicating that zircons were not derived from plutons but are instead representative of the host rocks of such plutons. In this sense, the information indicates that the top of the sequence, constituted by the metawacke and the phyllite, represents the arrival of the oceanic plate to the trench zone. The study of the ECF has revealed conclusive evidence to postulate that the whole unit corresponds to the upper part of an OPS sequence of convergent type linked to intra-oceanic arc and continental fore-arc trench tectonic environments. The presence of this oceanic sequence, now preserved in a subduction-accretion complex, allows the Tandilia Belt to be classified as a Paleoproterozoic Pacific-type orogenic belt.

Contribution of Triassic Tectonomagmatic Activity to the Mineralization of Liziyuan Orogenic Gold Deposits, West Qinling Orogenic Belt, China

The Western Qinling orogenic belt (WQOB) is one of the most important prospective gold districts in China, with widely distributed Indosinian intermediate–acidic intrusions. The Liziyuan Au deposit is a representative orogenic deposit in the northern WQOB, hosting several sections spatially associated with igneous rocks. The Au deposit is hosted by meta-sedimentary volcanic rocks of the Cambrian–Ordovician Liziyuan Group and the Tianzishan monzogranite. Two periods, including five stages of mineralization, are recognized in this area: an early metamorphic mineralization period (PI), including quartz–pyrite (Stage I) and banded quartz–polymetallic sulfide (Stage II) veins, and a later magmatic mineralization period (PII) including quartz–K-feldspar–pyrite–molybdenite veins (Stage III), quartz–polymetallic sulfide–chlorite ± calcite veinlets and stockwork (Stage IV), and late calcite–quartz veinlets (Stage V). Geochronological studies indicate a SHRIMP zircon U-Pb age of 236.1 Ma for the Tianzishan monzogranite, and our published ages of ore-bearing diorite porphyrite of the Suishizi section and granite porphyry of the Jiancaowan section being 213 and 212 Ma, respectively. Pyrites formed in association with PI and PII mineralization have well-defined Rb–Sr ages of 220 ± 7.5, 205.8 ± 8.7, and 199 ± 15 Ma, with close temporospatial coupling between mineralization and magmatism. The δ18O and δD values of fluid inclusions in Stage IV auriferous quartz veins range from −0.03‰ to +5.24‰ and −93‰ to −75‰, respectively, suggesting that mineralizing fluid was likely of magmatic origin. Three distinct ranges of δ34S values are identified in the studied sections (i.e., 7.04‰–9.12‰, −4.95‰ to −2.44‰, and 0.10‰–3.08‰), indicating a source containing multiple sulfur isotopes derived from magmatic and metamorphic fluids. The Liziyuan Au deposit is thus likely an orogenic deposit closely related to magmatism. Geochemical characteristics indicate that Tianzishan monzogranite is adakitic and was derived from thickened lower crust during Triassic orogenesis. The ore-bearing diorite porphyrite and granite porphyry formed in a post-collision extensional setting. Together with previous geological and geochemical data, our results indicate that the Liziyuan orogenic Au deposit was formed by early collisional–compressional metamorphism and late post-collision extensional magmatic fluids related to the evolution of the WQOB.

Typomorphic features of placer gold of the Sololi River basin (northeast of the Siberian platform)

Mineralogical features of placer gold and gold-sulfide ore occurrences of the Sololi river basin from the Sololi uplift of the Olenek arch have been studied. According to the typomorphic indicators, two types of gold are distinguished. The first type is gold of a tabular and lumpy shape, often with mineral indentation imprints. The inner structure is represented by granulation, and recrystallization, high-grade intergranular veins, and high-grade shells typical of the gold of intermediate reservoirs. This type of gold is characterized by a high fineness. The sources of this type of gold were gold-bearing intermediate reservoirs of the Permian and Riphean widely developed in the studied area. The second type of gold includes subrounded and poorly rounded gold, ore gold of hooked, tabular, crystalline and angular-lumpy shapes with a pitted-bumpy or flat surface, as well as large growths of gold with quartz. The fineness of this type of gold varies from low to very high. Its primary sources were probably quartz veins genetically related to the metamorphic rocks of the Eekit series and Precambrian rhyolites. Ore occurrence formed by the Late Permian clastic rocks during the processes of the Mesozoic tectonomagmatic activation is considered as an additional source of feeding. Establishment of indicators of low–temperature hydrothermal processes as mineral parageneses, such as mercury gold, cinnabar and barite, suggests shallow and low-temperature formation conditions of this ore occurrence.