Lithospheric Thinning Research Articles

Revealing the Cape Verde Hotspot Track Across the Great Lakes

AbstractDetecting old hotspot tracks in a stable continent remains challenging because of the lack of volcano chains on the surface and the fade of thermal anomalies with time. The northeastern American continent moved over the Cape Verde and the Great Meteor hotspots during 300–100 Ma. However, only the latter was confirmed by kimberlites and seismic velocity models. Our new 3D anisotropic model in northeastern America reveals strong positive radial anisotropy anomalies in the eastern Great Lakes, central Pennsylvania, and northwestern Virginia. These anomalies follow the Cape Verde hotspot track, providing the first geophysical evidence for the hotspot. A circular pattern of azimuthal anisotropy is also observed in the eastern Great Lakes and may be related to the Cape Verde plume activity. The plume was under the Great Lakes during 300–200 Ma and probably caused lithosphere thinning and low topography needed for forming the Lakes during the glacial era.

Recurring volcanism in New England region focused by a region of thin lithosphere

The Appalachian Orogen experienced extensive volcanism through the early Paleozoic, as well as around ∼200 Ma. Unlike most of the northern Appalachians, the New England region saw repeated episodes of volcanic activity between 293 and 120 Ma. An anomalous region in the upper mantle beneath New England underlies these distinct volcanic rocks. Low values and lack of anisotropy in seismic velocity imply elevated temperature and suggest sub-vertical flow in the upper mantle. Our new constraints on the depth to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) show that thinned lithosphere underlies the region of localized repeated anorogenic volcanism in New England. The upper mantle directly beneath the shallow LAB is not unusually warm, while surrounding regions have significantly lower temperatures. Changes in the type of igneous rocks erupted between 150 and 120 Ma, from kimberlites in Ontario to felsic plutons in New England, correlate with variations in lithosphere thickness and imply that these variations existed by 125 Ma. It is also plausible that thin lithosphere is inherited from the time of Appalachian collisions at ∼450 Ma. Our overall conclusion is that the region of presently thin lithosphere beneath New England is unusual and has focused volcanic activity within it since ∼300 Ma.

Multi-stage early Cretaceous magmatism in the Tongling region, lower Yangtze metallogenic belt (E. China)

ABSTRACT A combined investigation of geochemistry and geochronology was carried out for Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks in Tongling, centre of the Middle and Lower Yangtze River. The magmatic activity can be divided into two stages, peaking at ~140 Ma and ~127 Ma. The previous show high Sr and Sr/Y, low Y, and the later have low Sr, Sr/Y and La/Yb. There are correlation patterns between Sr-Nd isotopes and SiO2, and samples show little variation of V and Cr with large variation of Rb, which suggest the effects of partial melting of the diverse source and magma mixing/crustal assimilation were more important than fractional crystallization. The broad variation of εNd(t) and εHf(t) values can be attributed to binary mixing of YC lower crust with slab-derived or enriched mantle melts. The TDM2 of Nd and Hf, Zr saturation temperature, and magma oxygen fugacity display increased trend from ~140 Ma to ~127 Ma. Based on these signatures, origin model of the Early Cretaceous intrusions in Tongling was proposed. Affected by Pacific Plate subduction, following metasomatism by slab-derived fluid/melts, basaltic magma derived from lithospheric mantle underplated the lower crust. Meanwhile, partial melting of the lower crust formed the intermediate-felsic rocks of the first stage. As subduction continued, roll-back of the subducted slab resulted in extension, causing lithospheric thinning and the upwelling of hot asthenosphere. The second stage intrusions were the result of the reworking of the Meso-Neoproterozoic crust in the extension tectonic setting.

Genetic link between concealed granite and tin mineralization in the Yuling tin deposit, Nanling Range, South China: Constraints from zircon and cassiterite U-Pb dating, geochemistry, and Lu-Hf isotopes

The Nanling Range in South China is a world-renowned tin (Sn)-tungsten (W) metallogenic belt. The Yuling deposit is a representative Sn deposit newly discovered in the Nanling Range in recent years. The mineralization of Sn and accompanied Pb-Zn(-Sb) is controlled by faults and hosted in shallow metamorphic sandstone of the Cambrian, with concealed granitic intrusion in the deep. Here, we report for the first time precise in-situ U-Pb dating of zircon and cassiterite, petrogeochemistry, zircon trace element and Hf isotope data from the Yuling Sn deposit to clarify the genetic link between Sn mineralization and the concealed biotite granite. The U-Pb ages of the concealed granite and Sn mineralization are 155.1 ± 0.7 Ma and 154.4 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively, indicating that Sn mineralization occurred simultaneously with Late Jurassic granitic magmatism. Combined with the geological observation that Sn mineralization developed locally near the roof of concealed granite, further attests to the close genetic link between the Yuling Sn deposit and the deep-seated concealed granite. The zircon εHf(t) values range from −5.14 to −1.37 (mean = −2.87), and the two-stage Hf mode ages (TDM2) range from 1.29 to 1.52 Ga (mean = 1.38 Ga), indicating that the source rocks of the Yuling granite primarily originated from the remelting of ancient crustal rocks in the Mesoproterozoic of South China, with the involvement of some juvenile mantle-derived components. The Yuling granite exhibits high content of SiO2, K2O, K2O + Na2O, low content of MgO, CaO, Ba, Sr, Ni, Cr, relatively flat REE patterns and significant negative Eu anomalies. Petrographic and whole-rock geochemical data show that the Yuling granite has an A2-type granite affinity and formed in an intraplate extensional setting of intense crust-mantle interaction similar to that of numerous A2-type granites associated with Sn-W mineralization during the early Yanshanian in the Nanling Range. It may be related to the extension and thinning of the continental lithosphere and asthenosphere upwelling induced by northwestward subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. Moreover, the factors controlling the Sn mineralization potential of granitic magma were evaluated using zircon trace elements and petrogeochemical data. These findings indicate that the Yuling granite crystallized from higher temperature, lower water content, F-rich, and highly-fractionated reduced granitic magma. Such granitic magma is conducive to generating Sn-rich fluids and has high Sn mineralization potential.

The mid-Cretaceous Hohonu Batholith (South Island, New Zealand): Identifying magmatic sources and processes during onset of crustal extension

The Hohonu Batholith is an aggregation of mostly mid-Cretaceous granitoid plutons on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand emplaced during a transitional period between subduction-related compression and continental lithospheric extension. This study reports an integrated dataset, comprising in-situ UPb, O and Hf isotope compositions and REE, Ti and other trace and major elements (ZrHf, ThU) for zircons extracted from four representative plutons within the batholith. Our results provide detailed insight into the protracted thermal, chronological and geochemical histories. LA-ICPMS UPb zircon ages indicate a primary episode of magma genesis and emplacement from 107 to 113 Ma, confirming published SIMS dating. However, a younger previously unrecognized age population of ~91–96 Ma is identified, primarily (although not exclusively) in zircon rims. This younger age event coincides with the timing of protracted lithospheric extension and crustal thinning of the Zealandia continent. The cryptic younger zircon ages suggest that Hohonu granitoids experienced a partial thermal overprint (accompanied by Pb loss) mostly recorded in rims. Differences in bulk rock geochemistry between plutons are inferred to reflect variable conditions of partial melting controlled by source mineralogy and H2O content. Isotope and trace element compositions, along with Ti-thermometry, measured on the same micro-volume of CL-imaged zircons, are used to test if source characteristics were imparted from melt to minerals in zircon-saturated silicic systems. Similarities are revealed in the zircon record of the selected plutonic rocks, confirming their broadly consanguineous relationship and the fundamental role of open-system behaviour, involving hybridization or assimilation between mantle-derived (or juvenile mafic) and a crustal-derived components, as previously inferred from whole rock NdSr isotope systematics. However, intra-sample decoupling of zircon OHf isotope systematics may also be linked to residual source component unmixing. This possibility, in addition to mafic recharge, may have obscured melt source compositional characteristics, and hence zircon REE appear as unsuitable fingerprints of source(s) and conditions of partial melting in this granitoid system. Simple compositional and thermal magma evolution trends appear punctuated by episodes of mafic recharge, presumably during lithospheric thinning.

Along-strike variation in volcanic addition controlling post-breakup sedimentary infill: Pelotas margin, austral South Atlantic

Abstract. We investigate, using observations from seismic reflection data, the lateral variability in breakup extrusive magmatic addition along the strike of the Pelotas segment of the austral South Atlantic rifted margin and its control on post-rift accommodation space and sediment deposition. Our analysis of regional seismic reflection profiles shows that magmatic addition on the Pelotas margin varies substantially along strike from extremely magma-rich to magma-normal within a distance of ∼300 km. Using 2D flexural back-stripping, we determine the post-rift accommodation space above top volcanics. In the north, where volcanic seaward-dipping reflectors (SDRs) are thickest, the Torres High shows SDRs up to ∼20 km thick, and post-breakup water-loaded accommodation space is much less than in the south, where magmatic addition is normal and SDRs are thinner. We show that post-breakup accommodation space correlates inversely with SDR thickness, being less for magma-rich margins and more for magma-normal/intermediate margins. The Rio Grande Cone, with large sediment thickness, is underlain by small SDR thicknesses allowing large post-breakup accommodation space. A relationship is observed between the amount of volcanic material and the two-way travel time (TWTT) of first volcanics: first volcanics are observed between 1.2 and 2.2 s TWTT for the highly magmatic Torres High profile, while, in contrast, for the normally magmatic profiles in the south, first volcanics are observed between 4.2 and 6.5 s TWTT. The observed inverse relationship between post-breakup accommodation space and SDR thickness is consistent with predictions by a simple isostatic model of continental lithosphere thinning and magmatic addition melting during breakup. The methodology that we use in this paper provides a new approach for investigating the complex magmatic and sedimentary evolution of rifted continental margins.

Indosinian magmatism in NE Vietnam: Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications of Triassic mafic suites from the Song Hien region

The Song Hien region is located at the southern margin of the South China Block and includes Early–Middle Triassic mafic suites. The petrogenesis and tectonic context of these rocks are important to comprehending one of the most challenging periods in the tectonic evolution of northern Vietnam related to the South China–Indochina collision. In the present study, we provide the first systematic examination of whole-rock geochemical and SrNd isotopic compositions of mafic suites from the NE Vietnam. The studied Early–Middle Triassic suites are dominated by basalts. The rocks are enriched in LILEs, U, and Th and depleted in Nb and Ta and show a wide range of geochemical and SrNd isotopic compositions ((La/Yb)CN = 0.4–4.6; Dy/Dy⁎ = 0.7–1.3; (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7053–0.7125; εNd(t) = (+3.7)–(−8.0)). They all originated from shallow melting of a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle, and the compositional diversity of these basalts is attributed mainly to geochemical and Nd-isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle source. The geochemical and SrNd isotopic features of the studied mafic suites indicate a negligible contribution of the asthenospheric mantle to magma generation and differ significantly from those of the Emeishan plume-related basalts. A model in which Early–Middle Triassic mafic magmatic activity in the NE Vietnam region is the result of decompression melting driven by convective thinning of the South China mantle lithosphere during the 250–240 Ma period is discussed in the study. This period corresponds to the South China–Indochina continental collision. In the NE Vietman region, the Early–Middle Triassic syn-collisional magmatism has an important metallogenic context, controlling NiCu sulfide and Sn(Cu) mineralizations.

Geochemistry and Zircon U–Pb Chronology of Jinchanshan Gold-Hosted Granitoids, Inner Mongolia: Implications for Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Evolution

Jinchanshan is a medium-sized, granitoid-hosted gold deposit located in the Kalaqin area of Inner Mongolia. Mineralization predominantly occurs in the contact zone between biotite granites and quartz porphyry rocks, associated with the Jinchanshan minor intrusion, suggesting a genetic link to the granitoid-hosted gold deposit. In this study, the petrography, geochemistry, and LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb chronology of these two granitoid samples were studied. The results indicate that the zircon U–Pb age of the biotite granites is 127.9 ± 3.0 Ma, while that of the quartz porphyry is 121.4 ± 1.5 Ma, both dating back to the Early Cretaceous. The average SiO2 content of the granites is 66.64%, and the rocks have high total alkali (K2O + Na2O) content, averaging 9.13%. The average K2O content is 4.39%, with a K2O/Na2O ratio of 0.93. The quartz porphyry rocks are enriched in SiO2 (74.41%–76.85%) and have high Na2O + K2O content (8.67%–9.59%), but are low in MgO (0.03%–0.09%), CaO (0.44%–1.02 %), and TiO2 (0.08%–0.12%). Most samples of the biotite granite and the quartz porphyry rocks exhibit high-K peraluminous and medium-K calc-alkaline characteristics, respectively. Both rock types are enriched in Rb, Th, U, K, Zr, Hf, and Gd and relatively depleted in Ba, Sr, P, Ti, Nb, Ta, and Eu, with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly. The biotite granites show high ∑LREE/∑HREE ratios (6.1–6.9), while the quartz porphyry rocks exhibit lower ratios (2.0–4.2). Both granitoid types have elevated FeOT content and FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) ratios, indicating that the Jinchanshan granitoids are A-type granites. The zircon U–Pb ages, combined with the regional tectonic settings, suggest that these granitoids formed during large-scale metallogenic events in the Early Cretaceous, within the Yanshanian post-orogenic extensional tectonic regime. This is consistent with the lithospheric thinning and extensional processes in Eastern China during this period.

Upper mantle shear velocity structure of the Cathaysia Block and surrounding areas: New insight into deep geodynamics

The Cathaysia Block (CAB) and its surrounding areas experienced intensive magmatism and mineralization in the Yanshanian period (ca. 200–90 Ma), but their mechanism and deep geodynamics are still debated. In addition, the origin and structures of the Hainan mantle plume are still unclear. To resolve these issues and investigate the large-scale lithospheric thinning and extension in the eastern South China Block, we determine a detailed 3-D S-wave velocity (Vs) model down to 700 km depth by collecting 24,190 S-wave teleseismic data recorded at 164 permanent stations and 125 portable stations deployed in the CAB and surrounding areas. Our results show that high-Vs anomalies exist separately in the study volume. Two high-Vs anomalies appear in the shallow upper mantle and the mantle transition zone, which may reflect the present thin lithosphere and the stagnant Paleo-Pacific slab, respectively. Two other high-Vs anomalies exist in the upper mantle, which may reflect the detached lithosphere and subducting slabs. In contrast, low-Vs anomalies appear widely beneath the CAB, which reflect a tilting magmatic conduit beneath the Wuyishan metallogenic belt (WYMB) and magmatic chambers beneath the Nanling metallogenic belt (NLMB). In addition, our results show that the Hainan plume has a double-layered appearance. Combining our tomographic results with previous multidisciplinary findings, we consider that (1) the subduction and rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Plate may have played different roles in the Yanshanian mineralization of the WYMB and the NLMB; (2) the double-layered appearance of the Hainan plume may be formed due to the influence of plume self-evolution dynamics and pre-existing deep structures; and (3) lithospheric delamination triggered by gravity instability may have occurred beneath the Xuefengshan Mountain in the late Mesozoic.

Rifting in the Paleoproterozoic Onega Basin: geochemistry of volcano-sedimentary rocks of the Zaonega Formation

The study of the volcanogenic-sedimentary sequence in the lower part of the Zaonega Formation in the Paleoproterozoic Onega structure (Karelian craton, Fennoscandian Shield) has shown that tuffs and high-silica rocks predominate in its composition. High-silica rocks (SiO2 up to 94 wt. %) are depleted of all elements and probably representing chemogenic siliceous silt. Tuff rocks are close to N-MORB basalts in terms of major element content and rare element distribution character. This association is common to the early stages of continental rifting in the Phanerozoic and may indicate the formation of volcanogenic-sedimentary complexes of the Zaonega Formation in the environment of continental rifting. The mafic rocks in the lower part of the Zaonega Formation are geochemically identical to dolerite dikes and N-MORB-type basalts of 2.10–2.14 Ga age. Their formation was probably related to the same episode of large-scale stretching and thinning of the continental lithosphere of the Karelian craton in the mid–Paleoproterozoic. In this case, the age limit of the Zaonega and underlying Tulomozero Formations should be somewhat older than the 2.06–2.10 Ga interval accepted in modern regional stratigraphic schemes of the Paleoproterozoic of Fennoscandian shield.

Upper mantle flow and crustal deformation patterns beneath the Dangerous Grounds and Borneo where multiple plates converge in South China Sea revealed by 3-D anisotropic magnetotelluric imaging

SUMMARY A large-scale magnetotelluric (MT) study was carried out in offshore Borneo to understand the lithospheric structure in this geologically complex region where three tectonic plates converge and past crustal studies generated long-standing debates. Marine MT data were acquired at 1416 stations with 3 km spacing along 13 regional lines (covering 4677 line-km) with periodicities of 0.1 to 10 000 s. These were inverted in 3-D incorporating electrical anisotropy with cross-gradients constraints between vertical and horizontal resistivities and the results were validated with resistivity well-logs from several exploration wells. The models reveal widespread presence of electrically resistive upper crustal and uppermost mantle layers, each underlain by a laterally varying conductive and anisotropic layer. The geometries of the anisotropic layers suggest large-scale ductile flow, thrusting and folding forming belts of alternating deep roots and thin lithosphere, consistent with multiple underthrusting/subduction. Our results are in agreement with the seismologically detected lithospheric variations in northern Borneo suggesting onshore–offshore continuity and a common lithospheric–asthenospheric origin for the deformation patterns. Over thinned lithosphere, we found consistent low resistivity and high anisotropy anomalies in the mantle above the spatial locations of fast shear-wave bodies imaged by recent seismological workers which we interpret to indicate post-subduction lithospheric–asthenospheric ductile flow in response to multidirectional regional compression. We demonstrate that these zones are spatially correlated with the distribution of mainly Cretaceous ophiolitic rocks and melanges exposed onshore and suggest that serpentinization of mantle peridotite can explain some of the anisotropic conductivity anomalies. The taper zones of these deep anisotropic conductors are also associated with Neogene sub-basins, high thermal gradients, and intrasedimentary magmatic bodies indicating a link between lithospheric thinning and magmatism. We propose that such anomalies could be important pathfinders for geothermal and natural hydrogen systems in the ongoing global drive for carbon-free energy resources.

Late Cambrian-early Ordovician extensional magmatism, uplift and sedimentation of the N Gondwana margin: new field, geochemical and geochronological data from the peri-Gondwanan Central Sakarya Terrane, Sakarya Zone, NW Turkey

ABSTRACT The timing and mechanism of the crustal extension that caused blocks of continental crust to rift and drift northwards from the northern Gondwana margin during the Early Palaeozoic are currently debated. Here, we present new field, geochemical and U-Pb zircon data from peri-Gondwanan Central Sakarya terrane in NW Turkey to shed light on the timing and petrogenesis of extensional magmatism and subsequent passive margin development of the northern Gondwana margin. Our 1/25.000 scale mapping of a selected area (250 km2) has revealed a south-vergent thrust stack comprising three slices. The Middle Slice of the thrust stack consists of a gneiss-amphibolite complex that has a basement-cover type stratigraphy (before regional metamorphism). The basement unit consists of meta-granitoids, intruded by meta-syenite and banded amphibolites, with geochemical characteristics reflecting I&S-type, A-type and within plate alkaline/transitional-type magmatism, respectively. The cover meta-clastic sediments have amphibolite lenses with MORB and back-arc basin-type geochemistry. Meta-granitoid bodies yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 507 ± 16 Ma, 503 ± 12 Ma, and 488 ± 2.6 Ma (Late Cambrian-Early Ordovician), whereas the meta-syenites gave ages of 473.9 ± 5.7 Ma and 471.4 ± 2.5 Ma (late Early Ordovician); also, age of the banded amphibolite was dated as 473.3 ± 4 Ma. The youngest detrital zircon population in the pebbly quartzite sample within cover meta-sediments (458 ± 3 Ma) constrains the maximum depositional age to around early Late Ordovician. The late Early Ordovician bimodal magmatism, a key focus of our study, is interpreted to have formed in response to the Rheic Ocean rifting along the northern margin of Gondwana. The Late Cambrian granitic magmatism, a precursor to bimodal magmatism, can be explained by lithospheric thinning and upwelling of the asthenosphere to form anatectic silicic melts. The unconformity between the basement and cover units may represent the initiation of a new phase of extension at the N Gondwana margin that culminated in the northward drifting of the Central Sakarya and the opening of Palaeotethys, associated with back-arc basic magmatism in Late Ordovician-Silurian.

The Curie Surface and Lithospheric Thermal Structure in Mongolia‐Baikal Region

AbstractThe Mongolia‐Baikal region, located between the Siberia, North China, and Tarim cratons, exhibits the most pronounced lithospheric accretion and extension since the Phanerozoic. Despite its distance from plate boundaries, the region's notable tectonic activity underscores its importance for studying intraplate lithospheric deformation. However, its lithospheric thermal structure, particularly at high resolution, remains inadequately characterized. By integrating magnetic anomaly constraints with heat flow measurements, we have obtained a high‐resolution lithospheric thermal structure for the Mongolia‐Baikal region, revealing lithospheric thicknesses ranging from 60 to 180 km. The Curie depth and mantle heat flow also show diverse variations across different regions. Our results suggest that elevated mantle heat flow in the Baikal Rift Zone, coupled with a uniform Curie depth and minimal lithospheric thinning, likely reflects lithospheric weakening from mantle upwelling, facilitating rifting in the early stages of the rift's formation. Additionally, some localized lithospheric thermal variations identified in our results may be closely linked to the formation of the Hangai Plateau and the low magnetic anomalies observed in the Mongolia‐Okhotsk suture.

Geochemistry and Petrology of post-Archean dolerite intrusions in the Elogo Complex in the Ivindo Basement northwest of the Congo Craton

Geochemical and tectono-metamorphic study of post-Archean dolerite intrusions is carried out to reconstruct the petrogenesis and geodynamics of post-Archean intrusive mag- matism in the Congo Craton. Dolerites and hornblendites of the Elogo complex are characterized by a low-pressure greenschist metamorphism controlled by brittle micro tectonics and are metaluminous (A/NK: 4.47 and 7.84; A/CNK: 1.02 and 1.37) with a dominant tholeiitic affinity and affected by hydrothermal alteration (LOI = 1.13 – 8.7 %). LREE and Th enrichment, negative Nb and Ti anomaly, low Nb/Th, (Nb/La)PM < 1, Ti/Yb, Ce/La < 0.85, Nb/La < 1, and Ta/Th < 1 ratios, and high (La/Yb)n > 1 and (La/Sm)n > 1 define the dolerites geochemical signature as crustal contaminated. Al2O3/TiO2 (12.17 to 19.65), CaO/Al2O3 (0.60 to 0.78), (Gb/Yb)PM > 1 ( 1.15 to 1.32), and (Tb/Yb)n (1.13 to 1.29) ratios associated with the lack of HREE fractionation (Yb = 11.24 to 18. 01 ppm) characterize a shallow (1073.03 to 1189.92°c) spinel lherzolite-type mantle source with low melt rate (f = 10 to 20%), outside the garnet stability field [(Th/Ta)n < 1]. The negative Nb, Ti, Zr, Rb, and Ba anomalies, positive Hf, Th, and U anomalies, the moderate Cs and LREE (La and Ce) enrichment, and the REE fractionation [(La/Yb) n >1], associated with the high Ta contents, define an extensive intracratonic rift-type setting. The vein rocks originate from an asthe- nospheric uplift marked by lithospheric thinning in a Mezo-Neoproterozoic rift system that dislocated the Congo Craton inducing the genesis of the tholeiitic dolerites (1167 Ma and 850 Ma) of Nola in RCA and Yokadouma in Cameroon.

Feedback mechanisms controlling Antarctic glacial-cycle dynamics simulated with a coupled ice sheet–solid Earth model

Abstract. The dynamics of the ice sheets on glacial timescales are highly controlled by interactions with the solid Earth, i.e., the glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). Particularly at marine ice sheets, competing feedback mechanisms govern the migration of the ice sheet's grounding line (GL) and hence the ice sheet stability. For this study, we developed a coupling scheme and performed a suite of coupled ice sheet–solid Earth simulations over the last two glacial cycles. To represent ice sheet dynamics we apply the Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM), and to represent the solid Earth response we apply the 3D VIscoelastic Lithosphere and MAntle model (VILMA), which, in addition to load deformation and rotation changes, considers the gravitationally consistent redistribution of water (the sea-level equation). We decided on an offline coupling between the two model components. By convergence of trajectories of the Antarctic Ice Sheet deglaciation we determine optimal coupling time step and spatial resolution of the GIA model and compare patterns of inferred relative sea-level change since the Last Glacial Maximum with the results from previous studies. With our coupling setup we evaluate the relevance of feedback mechanisms for the glaciation and deglaciation phases in Antarctica considering different 3D Earth structures resulting in a range of load-response timescales. For rather long timescales, in a glacial climate associated with the far-field sea-level low stand, we find GL advance up to the edge of the continental shelf mainly in West Antarctica, dominated by a self-amplifying GIA feedback, which we call the “forebulge feedback”. For the much shorter timescale of deglaciation, dominated by the marine ice sheet instability, our simulations suggest that the stabilizing sea-level feedback can significantly slow down GL retreat in the Ross sector, which is dominated by a very weak Earth structure (i.e., low mantle viscosity and thin lithosphere). This delaying effect prevents a Holocene GL retreat beyond its present-day position, which is discussed in the scientific community and supported by observational evidence at the Siple Coast and by previous model simulations. The applied coupled framework, PISM–VILMA, allows for defining restart states to run multiple sensitivity simulations from. It can be easily implemented in Earth system models (ESMs) and provides the tools to gain a better understanding of ice sheet stability on glacial timescales as well as in a warmer future climate.

Lead Isotopes Constrain Precambrian Crustal Architecture, Thermal History and Lithospheric Foundering in Laurentia

ABSTRACTLaurentia (ancestral North America) records nearly 4 billion years of crustal evolution. Here, a newly compiled continental‐scale Pb isotopic database is used to evaluate the Precambrian crustal evolution of Laurentia. Pb model ages yield a 2.7 Ga peak, a 2.5–1.8 Ga minimum and 1.8–0.9 Ga continuum. Pb model ages yield thermochronometric data and track crustal growth via arc‐related magmatism and accretionary orogenesis. Model 232Th/204Pb and 238U/204Pb broadly correlate with mapped crustal domains. More homogeneous and less radiogenic 238U/204Pb and 232Th/238U after 2.7 Ga suggests a shift to more juvenile sources, loss of early isotopic reservoirs and greater crustal reworking. U and Th are fractionated from Pb in Proterozoic orogens with abundant ferroan and anorthosite–mangerite–charnockite–granite(AMCG)‐suite magmatism. This fractionation suggests the removal of Pb‐rich lower crust, supporting petrogenetic models involving lithospheric foundering and magmatic underplating. Lithospheric thinning and associated magmatism may have contributed to high middle Proterozoic geothermal gradients.

Mantle melting in regions of thick continental lithosphere: Examples from Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado (USA)

Major- and trace-element data together with Nd and Sr isotopic compositions and 40Ar/39Ar age determinations were obtained for Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks from north-central Colorado, USA, in the Southern Rocky Mountains to assess the sources of mantle-derived melts in a region underlain by thick (≥150 km) continental lithosphere. Trachybasalt to trachyandesite lava flows and volcanic cobbles of the Upper Cretaceous Windy Gap Volcanic Member of the Middle Park Formation have low εNd(t) values from −3.4 to −13, 87Sr/86Sr(t) from ~0.705 to ~0.707, high large ion lithophile element/high field strength element ratios, and low Ta/Th (≤0.2) values. These characteristics are consistent with the production of mafic melts during the Late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic Laramide orogeny through flux melting of asthenosphere above shallowly subducting and dehydrating oceanic lithosphere of the Farallon plate, followed by the interaction of these melts with preexisting, low εNd(t), continental lithospheric mantle during ascent. This scenario requires that asthenospheric melting occurred beneath continental lithosphere as thick as 200 km, in accordance with mantle xenoliths entrained in localized Devonian-age kimberlites. Such depths are consistent with the abundances of heavy rare earth elements (Yb, Sc) in the Laramide volcanic rocks, which require parental melts derived from garnet-bearing mantle source rocks. New 40Ar/39Ar ages from the Rabbit Ears and Elkhead Mountains volcanic fields confirm that mafic magmatism was reestablished in this region ca. 28 Ma after a hiatus of over 30 m.y. and that the locus of volcanism migrated to the west through time. These rocks have εNd(t) and 87Sr/86Sr(t) values equivalent to their older counterparts (−3.5 to −13 and 0.7038–0.7060, respectively), but they have higher average chondrite-normalized La/Yb values (~22 vs. ~10), and, for the Rabbit Ears volcanic field, higher and more variable Ta/Th values (0.29–0.43). The latter are general characteristics of all other post– 40 Ma volcanic rocks in north-central Colorado for which literature data are available. Transitions from low to intermediate Ta/Th mafic volcanism occurred diachronously across southwest North America and are interpreted to have been a consequence of melting of continental lithospheric mantle previously metasomatized by aqueous fluids derived from the underthrusted Farallon plate. Melting occurred as remnants of the Farallon plate were removed and the continental lithospheric mantle was conductively heated by upwelling asthenosphere. A similar model can be applied to post–40 Ma magmatism in north-central Colorado, with periodic, east to west, removal of stranded remnants of the Farallon plate from the base of the continental lithospheric mantle accounting for the production, and western migration, of volcanism. The estimated depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in north-central Colorado (~150 km) indicates that the lithosphere remains too thick to allow widespread melting of upwelling asthenosphere even after lithospheric thinning in the Cenozoic. The preservation of thick continental lithospheric mantle may account for the absence of oceanic-island basalt–like basaltic volcanism (high Ta/Th values of ~1 and εNd[t] > 0), in contrast to areas of southwest North America that experienced larger-magnitude extension and lithosphere thinning, where oceanic-island basalt–like late Cenozoic basalts are common.

Craton deformation from flat-slab subduction and rollback

The mechanisms underlying the deformation and eventual destruction of Earth’s cratons remain enigmatic, despite proposed links to subduction and deep mantle plume processes. Here we study the deformation of the North China Craton using four-dimensional mantle flow models of the plate–mantle system since the late Mesozoic, integrating constraints from lithospheric deformation, mantle seismic tomography and the evolution of surface topography. We find that flat-slab subduction induced landward shortening and lithospheric thickening, while subsequent flat-slab rollback caused seaward extension and lithospheric thinning. Both subduction phases resulted in substantial topographic changes in basin sediments. Rapid flat-slab rollback, coupled with a viscosity jump and phase change across the 660 km mantle discontinuity, was a key ingredient in shaping a large mantle wedge. We argue that craton deformation through lithospheric extension and thinning was triggered by the subduction of a flat slab and its subsequent rollback. The integration of data into mechanical models provides insights into the four-dimensional dynamic interplay involving subduction, mantle processes, craton deformation and topography.

Cenozoic Volcanic Provinces and Shallow Asthenospheric Volumes in the Circum‐Mediterranean: Evidence From Magmatic Geochemistry, Seismic Tomography, and Integrated Geophysical‐Petrological Thermochemical Inversion

AbstractWe compile an extensive catalog comprising geochemistry and ages of Cenozoic volcanic provinces in the Mediterranean region, distinguishing between three groups according to the geochemistry of magmatic rocks: intraplate (IVP), subduction‐related (SRVP), and mixed‐origin volcanic provinces (MVP; intraplate with subduction imprint). In order to relate their spatial distribution to properties of the lithosphere‐asthenosphere system, we determine temperature‐depth profiles by integrated geophysical‐petrological inversion at representative locations, using Rayleigh and Love wave phase velocities, heat flow, rock densities, and accounting for thermochemical conditions. The results confirm the occurrence of thin lithosphere (<100 km) above warm asthenosphere (>1,300°C) in areas of low shear‐wave velocities in the shallow upper mantle. Nine shallow asthenospheric volumes (SAVs) between 70 and 300 km depths are identified, forming a partly interconnected belt across the Circum‐Mediterranean. A remarkable colocation exists between the SAVs and the intraplate and mixed‐origin volcanic provinces (IMVPs). Whereas dense networks of IMVPs have formed above the SAVs, IMVPs are absent in areas of thick mantle lithosphere. Magmatic activity in IMVPs at 60–70 Ma indicates that several SAVs existed already in the Paleogene (Central European, Adriatic, Western Mediterranean, and Moesian SAVs). The formation of SAVs is related either to asthenospheric upwelling caused by slab rollback and back‐arc extension (Aegean‐Anatolian, Moesian, Pannonian, Western Mediterranean SAVs), or to thermal upwelling (Adriatic, Central European, Middle East [MEA], North African, Rhine‐Rhone SAVs), with some of the latter coupled partly with continental rifting (Central European, MEA, North African, Rhine Rhone SAVs).

Overprinting Mineralization in the Huoluotai Porphyry Cu (Mo) Deposit, NE China: Evidence from K-Feldspar Ar-Ar Geochronology and S-Pb Isotopes

The Great Xing’an Range (GXR) is a significant belt of polymetallic deposits located in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The recently found Huoluotai porphyry Cu (Mo) deposit is situated in the northern GXR region in northeastern (NE) China. The deposit has been studied extensively using field geology and geochronological methods, which have identified two distinct mineralization events. These events include an early occurrence of porphyry-type Cu (Mo) mineralization and a later occurrence of vein-type Cu mineralization. Prior geochronology investigations have determined an approximate age of 147 Ma for the early porphyry-type Cu (Mo) mineralization. 40Ar/39Ar dating of K-feldspar of the altered Cu-mineralized quartz diorite porphyry veins for the overprinting vein-type Cu mineralization provides plateau ages of 123.1 ± 1.5 Ma, 122.3 ± 2.8 Ma, and 122.2 ± 0.4 Ma. Sulfide S-Pb isotope compositions of the two mineralization events suggest that both have a magmatic source. The origin of ore-forming metals displays the features of a crust–mantle mixing origin. The regional extensional tectonic setting in NE China during the Early Cretaceous was caused by large-scale lithosphere delamination and upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle. These processes were triggered by the rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. The tectonic event in question resulted in the lithospheric thinning, significant magmatic activity, and mineralization in NE China.