Early Cretaceous Metasomatized Lithospheric Mantle beneath the Central Jiangnan Orogen in South China:Geochemical and Sr-Nd Isotope Evidence from the Tuanshanbei Dolerite

It is well established that Cretaceous magmatism in the South China Block(SCB)is related to the Paleo-Pacific subduction.However,the starting time and the associated deep crust-mantle processes are still debatable.Mafic dike swarms carry important information on the deep earth(including mantle)geodynamics and geochemical evolution.In the Jiangnan Orogen(South China).there is no information on whether the Mesozoic magmatic activities in this region are also directly related to the Pacific subduction or not.In this study,we present detailed zircon U-Pb geochronological,wholerock element and Sr-Nd isotope data for Early Cretaceous Tuanshanbei dolerite dikes,and provide new constraints on the condition of the lithospheric mantle and mantle dynamics of the SCB during that time.LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating suggests that this dolerite erupted in the Early Cretaceous(~145 Ma).All samples have alkaline geochemical affinities with K_(2)O+Na_(2)O=3.11-4.04 wt%,K_(2)O/Na_(2)O=0.50-0.72,and Mg^(#)=62.24-65.13.They are enriched in LILE but depleted in HFSE with higher initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratio(0.706896-0.714743)and lower ε_(Nd)(t)(-2.61 to-1.67).They have high Nb/U,Nb/La,La/Sm and Rb/Sr,and low La/Nb,La/Ta,Ce/Pb,Ba/Rb,Tb/Yb and Gd/Yb ratios.Such geochemical signatures suggest that the fractional crystallization is obvious but crustal contamination play a negligible role during magmatic evolution.Tuanshanbei dolerite were most likely derived from low-degree(2%-5%)partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing mantle material consisted of~85% spinel peridotite and~15% garnet peridotite previously metasomatized by asthenospherederived fluids/melts with minor subduction-derived fluids/melts.Slab-rollback generally lead to the upwelling of the hot asthenosphere.The upwelling of asthenosphere consuming the lithospheric mantle by thermo-mechanical-chemical erosion.The lithospheric mantle may have partially melted due to the heating by the upwelling asthenosphere and lithospheric extension.It is inferred that the Tuanshanbei dolerite might be associated with the initial slab rollback and corresponding lithospheric extension occurred potentially at ca.145 Ma.

An exotic Cretaceous kimberlite linked to metasomatized lithospheric mantle beneath the southwestern margin of the S?o Francisco Craton,Brazil

We present major and trace element compositions of mineral concentrates comprising garnet xenocrysts,ilmenite,phlogopite,spinel,zircon,and uncommon minerals(titanite,calzirtite,anatase,baddeleyite and pyrochlore)of a newly discovered Late Cretaceous kimberlite(U-Pb zircon age 90.0±1.3 Ma;2σ)named Osvaldo Franca 1,located in the Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province(APIP),southeastern Brazil.Pyrope grains are lherzolitic(Lherz-1,Lherz-2 and Lherz-3),harzburgitic(Harz-3)and wehrlitic(Wehr-2).The pyrope xenocrysts cover a wide mantle column in the subcratonic lithosphere(66–143 km;20–43 kbar)at relatively low temperatures(811–875°C).The shallowest part of this mantle is represented by Lherz-1 pyropes(20–32 kbar),which have low-Cr(Cr_(2)O_(3)=1.74–6.89 wt.%)and fractionated middle to heavy rare earth elements(MREE-HREE)pattern.The deepest samples are represented by Lherz-2,Lherz-3,Harz-3,and Wehr-2 pyropes(36–43 kbar).They contain high-Cr contents(Cr_(2)O_(3)=7.36–11.19 wt.%)and are characterized by sinusoidal(Lherz-2 and Wehr-2)and spoon-like(Lherz-3 and Harz-3)REE patterns.According to their REE and trace elements,pyrope xenocrysts have enriched nature(e.g.,Ce and Yb vs.Cr_(2)O_(3)),indicating that the cratonic lithosphere has been affected by a silicate melt with subalkaline/tholeiite composition due to their low Zr,Ti and Y concentrations.Besides minerals with typical kimberlitic signatures,such as ilmenite and zircon,the exotic compositions of phlogopite and ulvöspinel suggest an enriched component in the magma source.The formation of rare mineral phases with strong enrichment of light-REE(LREE)and high field strength elements(HFSE)is attributed to the late-stage kimberlitic melt.We propose a tectonic model where a thermal anomaly,represented by the low-velocity seismic anomaly observed in P-wave seismic tomography images,supplied heat to activate the alkaline magmatism from a metasomatized cratonic mantle source during the late-stages of Gondwana fragmentation and consequent South Atlantic Ocean opening.The metasomatism recorded by mineral phases is a product of long-lived recycling of subducted oceanic plates since the Neoproterozoic(Brasiliano Orogeny)or even older collisional events,contributing to the exotic character of the Osvaldo Fran?a 1 kimberlite,as well as to the cratonic lithospheric mantle.

Element diffusion ability in metasomatic agents and its effect on chemical characteristics of metasomatized peridotites

Detailed in situ LM-ICPMS researches on the composite xenoliths from Yingfengling volcano of Leizhou Peninsula, South China, indicate that most incompatible trace elements of clino- pyroxenes in composite xenoliths decrease spatially from pyroxenites to distal lherzolites, and com- patible elements and HREE increase steeply. The increasing and decreasing rate is distinct for dif- ferent trace elements, which give rise to element chromatographic fractionation within metasomatized lherzolites. The element chromatographic fractionation result actually from the difference in element diffusive rate in melts or fluids percolating through wall-rock lherzolites. Based on element variation profiles in composite xenoliths this study indicates that Sr, Nb, La and Ce have the highest diffusive mobility, MREE-HREE are moderate, and Zr, Hf, Ti, Ga and Sc are very low in most cases. Higher diffusive rates of LREE than HREE would enlarge the REE fractionation of metasomatized peridotites, and lower diffusive rate of Zr, Hf and Ti relative to neighbor REEs with similar incompatibility would cause the relative depletion of these elements in metasomatized peridotites. Trace elements com- monly have a higher diffusive rate in fluid-rich infiltrating melt, which will weaken element chroma- tographic fractionation during the metasomatism. The range of mantle metasomatism caused by sili- cate melt intrusion is very limited, generally within tens of centimeters wide. The width of metasoma- tized wall-rock peridotites near the pyroxenite or horblendite veins was strictly controlled by both melt volume and chemical characteristics.

Hydro-uvarovite from Mantle Peridotites of Naga Hills Ophiolite: A Mineral Tracer for Neo-Tethyan Mantle Wedge Metasomatism

Hydrous Cr-bearing uvarovite garnets are rare in natural occurrences and belong to the ugrandite series and exist in binary solid solutions with grossular and andradite garnets. Here, we report the occurrence of hydrous uvarovite garnet having Cr_(2)O_(3) upto 19.66 wt% and CaO of 32.12–35.14 wt% in the serpentinized mantle peridotites of Naga Hills Ophiolite(NHO), India. They occur in association with low-Cr diopsides. They are enriched in LILE(Ba, Sr), LREEs, with fractionating LREE-MREE [avg.(La/Sm)_(N) = 2.16] with flat MREE/HREE patterns [avg.(Sm/Yb)_(N) = 0.95]. Raman spectra indicate the presence of hydroxyl(OH^(–)) peaks from 3500 to 3700 cm^(-1). Relative abundances in fluid mobile elements and their close association with clinopyroxenes are suggestive of the formation of uvarovite garnets through low temperature metasomatic alteration of low-Cr diopsides by hydrothermal slab fluids. The high LREE concentration and absence of Eu anomaly in the garnet further attest to alkaline nature of the transporting slab dehydrated fluid rather the involvement of low-p H solution. The chemical characteristics of the hydroxyl bearing uvarovite hosted by the mantle peridotite of NHO deviate from the classical features of uvarovite garnet, and their origin is attributed to the fluid-induced metasomatism of the sub arc mantle wedge in a suprasubduction zone regime.

A geochemical perspective on the genesis of Cenozoic basic volcanism in northeastern Turkey:an overview of metasomatism and heterogeneity of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle in a post-collisional setting

The post-collisional Cenozoic basic volcanic rocks in NE Turkey show temporal variations in whole-rock lithophile element and highly siderophile element(HSE)systematics that are mainly associated with the nature of sub-continental lithospheric mantle(SCLM)sources and parental melt generation.So far,the traditional whole-rock lithophile geochemical data of these basic volcanic rocks have provided important constraints on the nature of SCLM sources.Integrated lithophile element and HSE geochemical data of these basic volcanic rocks also reveal the heterogeneity of the SCLM source,which is principally related to variable metasomatism resulting from previous subduction(s)and post-collisional mantle-crust interactions in an extensional setting.Lithophile element geochemical features suggest that the parental magmas have derived from metasomatized spinel-to garnet-bearing SCLM sources for Eocene and Miocene basic volcanic rocks with subduction signatures whereas originated from spinel-to garnet-bearing SCLM sources for Mio-Pliocene and Plio-Quaternary basaltic volcanic rocks without the subduction signature.Lithophile element and HSE geo-chemistry also reveal that Eocene and Miocene basic vol-canic rocks were affected by more pronounced crustal contamination than the basaltic volcanic rocks of Mio-Pliocene and Quaternary.Furthermore,the integrated lithophile element and HSE compositions of these basic volcanic rocks,together with the regional asymmetric lithospheric delamination model,reveal that the compositional variation(especially due to metasomatism)was significant temporally in the heterogeneity of the SCLM sources from which parental magmas formed during the Cenozoic era.

Features of the Early Palaeozoic Mantle beneath Langao County and Its Formation Mechanism

Phlogopite-amphibole pyroxenite xenoliths contained in an Early Palaeozoic alkali subvolcanic lamprophyre complex in Langao County, Shaanxi Province, are metasomatized mantle xenoliths, composed mainly of clinopyroxene, amphibole, phlogopite, apatite, pervoskite, ilmenite and sphene with well-developed subsolidus metamorphism-deformation textures, such as “triple points” and “cataclastic boundaries”. Minerological studies indicate that clinopyroxene is rich in SiO2 and MgO and poor in TiO2 and Al2O3, which is notably different from magmatogenic deep-seated megacrysts and phenocrysts formed in the range of mantle pressure. Amphibole and phlogopite have the compositional feature of mantle-derived amphibole and phlogopite. Sm-Nd isotope studies suggest that the metasomatized mantle beneath Langao County is the product of metasomatism of primitive mantle by melt (fluid) derived from the mantle plume, and the mantle metasomatism occurred 650 Ma ago. The process of mantle metasomatism changed from mantle metasomatism induced by CO2-, H2O- and CH4-rich fluid in the early stage to that induced by melt and P-, Ti-, Ca- and Fe-rich fluid in the late stage.

Petrogenesis of carbonatitic lamproitic dykes from Sidhi gneissic complex,Central India

Petrographic, mineral chemical and whole-rock geochemical characteristics of two newly discovered lamproitic dykes(Dyke 1 and Dyke 2) from the Sidhi Gneissic Complex(SGC), Central India are presented here. Both these dykes have almost similar sequence of mineral-textural patterns indicative of:(1) an early cumulate forming event in a deeper magma chamber where megacrystic/large size phenocrysts of phlogopites have crystallized along with subordinate amount of olivine and clinopyroxene;(2) crystallization at shallow crustal levels promoted fine-grained phlogopite, K-feldspar, calcite and Fe-Ti oxides in the groundmass;(3) dyke emplacement related quench texture(plumose K-feldspar, acicular phlogopites) and finally(4) post emplacement autometasomatism by hydrothermal fluids which percolated as micro-veins and altered the mafic phases. Phlogopite phenocrysts often display resorption textures together with growth zoning indicating that during their crystallization equilibrium at the crystal-melt interface fluctuated multiple times probably due to incremental addition or chaotic dynamic self mixing of the lamproitic magma. Carbonate aggregates as late stage melt segregation are common in both these dykes, however their micro-xenolithic forms suggest that assimilation with a plutonic carbonatite body also played a key role in enhancing the carbonatitic nature of these dykes. Geochemically both dykes are ultrapotassic(K_2 O/Na_2 O: 3.0-9.4) with low CaO, Al_2 O_3 and Na_2 O content and high SiO_2(53.3-55.6 wt.%)and K_2 O/Al_2 O_3 ratio(0.51-0.89) characterizing them as high-silica lamproites. Inspite of these similarities, many other features indicate that both these dykes have evolved independently from two distinct magmas. In dyke 1, phlogopite composition has evolved towards the minette trend(Al-enrichment) from a differentiated parental magma having low MgO, Ni and Cr content; whereas in dyke 2, phlogopite composition shows an evolutionary affinity towards the lamproite trend(Al-depletion) and crystallized from a more primitive magma having high MgO, Ni and Cr content. Whole-rock trace-elements signatures like enriched LREE, LILE, negative Nb-Ta and positive Pb anomalies; high Rb/Sr, Th/La, Ba/Nb, and low Ba/Rb, Sm/La, Nb/U ratios in both dykes indicate that their pareintal magmas were sourced from a subduction modified garnet facies mantle containing phlogopite. From various evidences it is proposed that the petrogenesis of studied lamproitic dykes stand out to be an example for the lamproite magma which attained a carbonatitic character and undergone diverse chemical evolution in response to parental melt composition, storage at deep crustal level and autometasomatism.

Geochemical characteristics and tectonic setting of the Tuerkubantao mafic-ultramafic intrusion in West Junggar,Xinjiang,China

Mineral chemistry, whole-rock major oxide, and trace element compositions have been determined for the Tuerkubantao mafic-ultramafic intrusion, in order to understand the early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the West Junggar orogenic belt at the southern margin of the Central Asian orogenic belt. The Tuerkubantao mafic-ultramafic intrusion is a well-differentiated complex comprising peridotite, olivine pyroxenite, gabbro, and diorite. The ultramafic rocks are mostly seen in the central part of the intrusion and surrounded by mafic rocks. The Tuerkubantao intrusive rocks are characterized by enrichment of large ion lithophile elements and depleted high field strength elements relative to N-MORB. In addition, the Tuerkubantao intrusion displays relatively low Th/U and Nb/U （1.13-2.98 and 2.53-7.02, respectively） and high La/Nb and Ba/Nb （1.15 4.19 and 37.7-79.82, respectively）. These features indicate that the primary magma of the intrusion was derived from partial melting of a previously metasomatized mantle source in a subduction setting. The trace element patterns of peridotites, gabbros, and diorite in the Tuerkubantao intrusion have sub-parallel trends, suggesting that the different rock types are related to each other by differentiation of the same primary magma. The intrusive contact between peridotite and gabbro clearly suggest that the Tuerkubantao is not a fragment of an ophiolite. However, the Tuerkubantao intrusion displays many similarities with Alaskan-type mafic-ultramafic intrusions along major sutures of Phanerozoic orogenic belts. Common features include their geodynamic setting, internal lithological zoning, and geochemistry. The striking similarities indicate that the middle Devonian Tuerkubantao intrusion likely formed in a subduction-related setting similar to that of the Alaskan-type intrusions. In combination with the Devonian magmatism and porphyry mineralization, we propose that subduction of the oceanic slab has widely existed in the expansive oceans during the Devonian around the Junggar block.

Subduction zone geochemistry

Crustal recycling at convergent plate boundaries is essential to mantle heterogeneity.However,crustal signatures in the mantle source of basaltic rocks above subduction zones were primarily incorporated in the form of liquid rather than solid phases.The physicochemical property of liquid phases is determined by the dehydration behavior of crustal rocks at the slab-mantle interface in subduction channels.Because of the significant fractionation in incompatible trace elements but the full inheritance in radiogenic isotopes relative to their crustal sources,the production of liquid phases is crucial to the geochemical transfer from the subducting crust into the mantle.In this process,the stability of specific minerals in subducting crustal rocks exerts a primary control on the enrichment of given trace elements in the liquid phases.For this reason,geochemically enriched oceanic basalts can be categorized into two types in terms of their trace element distribution patterns in the primitive mantle-normalized diagram.One is island arc basalts(IAB),showing enrichment in LILE,Pb and LREE but depletion in HFSE such as Nb and Ta relative to HREE,The other is ocean island basalts(OIB),exhibiting enrichment in LILE and LREE,enrichment or non-depletion in HFSE but depletion in Pb relative to HREE.In either types,these basalts show the enhanced enrichment of LILE and LREE with increasing their incompatibility relative to normal mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORB).The thermal regime of subduction zones can be categorized into two stages in both time and space,The first stage is characterized by compressional tectonism at low thermal gradients.As a consequence,metamorphic dehydration of the subducting crust prevails at forearc to subarc depths due to the breakdown of hydrous minerals such as mica and amphibole in the stability field of garnet and rutile,resulting in the liberation of aqueous solutions with the trace element composition that is considerably enriched in LILE,Pb and LREE but depleted in HFSE and HREE relative to normal MORB.This provides the crustal signature for the mantle sources of IAB.The second stage is indicated by extensional tectonism at high thermal gradients,leading to the partial melting of metamorphically dehydrated crustal rocks at subarc to postarc depths.This involves not only the breakdown of hydrous minerals such as amphibole,phengite and allanite in the stability field of garnet but also the dissolution of rutile into hydrous melts.As such,the hydrous melts can acquire the trace element composition that is significantly enriched in LILE,HFSE and LREE but depleted in Pb and HREE relative to normal MORB,providing the crustal signature for the mantle sources of OIB.In either case,these liquid phases would metasomatize the overlying mantle wedge peridotite at different depths,generating ultramafic metasomatites such as serpentinized and chloritized peridotites,and olivine-poor pyroxenites and hornblendites.As a consequence,the crustal signatures are transferred by the liquid phases from the subducting slab into the mantle.

Early Indosinian Weiya Gabbro in Eastern Tianshan, China: Elemental and Sr-Nd-O Isotopic Geochemistry, and Its Tectonic Implications

The Weiya gabbro in eastern Tianshan was formed during the early Indosinian. This rock, with low ratios of Ce/Pb （5.74-10.16）, is notably characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements （LILE）, such as Rb, K, Ba and Pb, and in high field strength elements （HSFE）, such as U and Th, but depletion in Nb and Ta. All samples of the Weiya gabbro display similar chondrite-normalized patterns with moderate enrichment in LREE （72.58-135.61ppm）, moderate depletion in HREE （15.26-25.31ppm） and mild fractionation between LREE and HREE （L/ H=4.09-5.98）. The average initial Sr value of the rock is 0.7069, and δ18O values of the rock range from 5.67‰-8.04‰. In terms of Nd isotope ratios, the Weiya gabbro is characterized by positive eNd（t） values （0.52-0.76）. All these characteristics indicate that the source region of the Weiya gabbro was metasomatized by fluids released from subducted young continental crust, with limited crustal contamination during magma ascent and emplacement. Continental （A-type） subduction was induced by northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic plate during the latest Permian to Triassic. From this point of view, it is supposed that tectonic conversion from the Paleo-Asian to the Paleo-Tethys regime occurred during the latest Permian or earliest Triassic.

Ancient deep roots for Mesozoic world-class gold deposits in the north China craton:An integrated genetic perspective

The North China Craton(NCC)hosts some of the world-class gold deposits that formed more than 2 billion years after the major orogenic cycles and cratonization.The diverse models for the genesis of these deposits remain equivocal,and mostly focused on the craton margin examples,although synchronous deposits formed in the interior domains.Here we adopt an integrated geological and geophysical perspective to evaluate the possible factors that contributed to the formation of the major gold deposits in the NCC.In the Archean tectonic framework of the NCC,the locations of the major gold deposits fall within or adjacent to greenstone belts or the margins of micro-continents.In the Paleoproterozoic framework,they are markedly aligned along two major collisional sutures-the Trans North China Orogen and the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt.Since the Mesozoic intrusions hosting these deposits do not carry adequate signals for the source of gold,we explore the deep roots based on available geophysical data.We show that the gold deposits are preferentially distributed above zones of uplifted MOHO and shallow LAB corresponding to thinned crust and eroded sub-lithospheric mantle,and that the mineralization is located above regions of high heat flow representing mantle upwelling.The NCC was at the center of a multi-convergent regime during the Mesozoic which intensely churned the mantle and significantly en riched it.The geophysical data on Moho and LAB upwarp from the centre towards east of the craton is more consistent with paleo-Pacific slab subduction from the east exerting the dominant control on lithospheric thinning.Based on these results,and together with an evaluation of the geochemical and isotopic features of the Mesozoic magmatic intrusions hosting the gold mineralization,we propose a genetic model that invokes reworking of ancient Au archives preserved in the lower crust and metasomatised upper mantle and which were generated through multiple subduction,underplating and cumulation events associated with cratonization of the NCC as well as the subduction-collision of Yangtze Craton with the NCC.The heat and material input along zones of heterogeneously thinned lithosphere from a rising turbulent mantle triggered by Mesozoic convergent margins surrounding the craton aided in reworking the deep roots of the ancient Au reservoirs,leading to the major gold metallogeny along craton margins as well as in the interior of the NCC.

Geochemical cycling during subduction initiation:Evidence from serpentinized mantle wedge peridotite in the south Andaman ophiolite suite

The ophiolite suite from south Andaman Islands forms part of the Tethyan Ophiolite Belt and preserves the remnants of an ideal ophiolite sequence comprising a basal serpentinized and tectonised mantle peridotite followed by ultramafic and mafic cumulate units, basaltic dykes and spilitic pillow basalts interlayered with arkosic wacke. Here, we present new major, trace, rare earth(REE) and platinum group(PGE) element data for serpentinized and metasomatized peridotites(dunites) exposed in south Andaman representing the tectonized mantle section of the ophiolite suite. Geochemical features of the studied rocks, marked by Al_2 O_3/TiO_2 > 23, LILE-LREE enrichment, HFSE depletion, and U-shaped chondrite-normalized REE patterns with(La/Sm)N > 1 and(Gd/Yb)N <1, suggest contributions from boninitic mantle melts. These observations substantiate a subduction initiation process ensued by rapid slab roll-back with extension and seafloor spreading in an intraoceanic fore-arc regime. The boninitic composition of the serpentinized peridotites corroborate fluid and melt interaction with mantle manifested in terms of(i) hydration, metasomatism and serpentinization of depleted, MORB-type, sub-arc wedge mantle residual after repeated melt extraction; and(ii) refertilization of refractory mantle peridotite by boninitic melts derived at the initial stage of intraoceanic subduction. Serpentinized and metasomatized mantle dunites in this study record both MOR and intraoceanic arc signatures collectively suggesting suprasubduction zone affinity. The elevated abundances of Pd(4.4-12.2 ppb) with highΣPPGE/∑IPGE(2-3) and Pd/Ir(2-5.5) ratios are in accordance with extensive melt-rock interaction through percolation of boninitic melts enriched in fluid-fluxed LILE-LREE into the depleted mantle after multiple episodes of melt extraction. The high Pd contents with relatively lower Ir concentrations of the samples are analogous to characteristic PGE signatures of boninitic magmas and might have resulted by the infiltration of boninitic melts into the depleted and residual mantle wedge peridotite during fore-arc extension at the initial stage of intraoceanic subduction. The PGE patterns with high Os + Ir(2-8.6 ppb)and Ru(2.8-8.4 ppb) also suggest mantle rejuvenation by infiltration of melts derived by high degree of mantle melting. The trace, REE and PGE data presented in our study collectively reflect heterogeneous mantle compositions and provide insights into ocean-crust-mantle interaction and associated geochemical cycling within a suprasubduction zone regime.

Fluids and Melts in the Upper Mantle

This paper presents a direct study of the fluids and melts in the upper mantle by examining the fluid inclusions, melt inclusions and glasses trapped in the mantle lherzolite xenoliths entrained by Cenozoic alkali basalts (basanite, olivine-nephelinite and alkali-olivine basalt) from eastern China. The study indicates that the volatile components, which are dissolved in high-pressure solid mineral phases of mantle peridotite at depths, may be exsolved under decompressive conditions of mantle plume upwelling to produce the initial free fluid phases in the upper mantle. The free fluid phases migrating in the upper mantle may result in lowering of the mantle solidus (and liquidus), thereby initiating partial melting of the upper mantle, and in the meantime, producing metasomatic effects on the latter.

Corundum formation by metasomatic reactions in Archean metapelite,SW Greenland:Exploration vectors for ruby deposits within high-grade greenstone belts

Corundum(ruby-sapphire) is known to have formed in situ within Archean metamorphic rocks at several localities in the North Atlantic Craton of Greenland. Here we present two case studies for such occurrences:(1) Maniitsoq region(Kangerdluarssuk), where kyanite paragneiss hosts ruby corundum, and(2)Nuuk region(Stor?), where sillimanite gneiss hosts ruby corundum. At both occurrences, ultramafic rocks(amphibole-peridotite) are in direct contact with the ruby-bearing zones, which have been transformed to mica schist by metasomatic reactions. The bulk-rock geochemistry of the ruby-bearing rocks is consistent with significant depletion of SiO_2 in combination with addition of Al_2O_3, MgO, K_2O,Th and Sr relative to an assumed aluminous precursor metapelite. Phase equilibria modelling supports ruby genesis from the breakdown of sillimanite and kyanite at elevated temperatures due to the removal of SiO_2. The juxtaposition of relatively silica-and aluminum-rich metasedimentary rocks with low silica ultramafic rocks established a chemical potential gradient that leached/mobilized SiO_2 allowing corundum to stabilize in the former rocks. Furthermore, addition of Al_2O_3 via a metasomatic reaction is required, because Al/Ti is fractionated between the aluminous precursor metapelites and the resulting corundum-bearing mica schist. We propose that Al was mobilized either by complexation with hydroxide at alkaline conditions, or that Al was transported as K-Al-Si-O polymers at deep crustal levels.The three main exploration vectors for corundum within Archean greenstone belts are:(1) amphiboliteto granulite-facies metamorphic conditions,(2) the juxtaposition of ultramafic rocks and aluminous metapelite, and(3) mica-rich reactions zones at their interface.

Weathering-pedogenesis of Carbonate Rocks and Its Environmental Effects in Subtropical Region

We investigated the weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks and its environmental effects in subtropical regions of China. The investigation demonstrated that the weathering- pedogenesis of carbonate rocks is the process of a joint action of corrosion and illuviation and metasomatism in subtropical region. It is characterized by multi-stage, multi-path and multi-style. With the persisting development of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks, metasomatic pedogenesis progressively became the main process of the weathering-pedogenesis and the dominant style of formation of minerals. And it proceeds through the whole process of evolution of the weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks. The stage evolution of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks and the fractionation evolution of newly produced minerals are characterized by obvious vertically zoning structures and the rules of gradation of elements geochemical characteristics in the carbonate rocks weathering profiles. The geochemical process of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks can be divided into three geochemical evolution stages, i.e., the Ca, Mg-depletion and Si, Al-enrichment stage; the Fe, Mn enrichment stage and the Si-depletion and Al-enrichment stage in the subtropical regions. Consistent with the three geochemical evolution stages, the sequence of formation and evolution of minerals can be divided into the clay mineral stage; the Fe, Mn oxide and the gibbsite stage. The influence of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks on the chemical forms of heavy elements is mainly affected via newly produced components and minerals in the process of weathering-pedogenesis, e.g., iron oxide minerals and organic matters. The important mechanism for the mobilization, transport and pollution of F and As is affected the selective adsorption and desorption of F and As on the surface of iron oxide minerals in the subtropical karst zones, i.e., the selective adsorption and desorption on mineral surfaces of newly produced minerals in the process of weathering-pedogenesis control the geochemical behavior of elements on the Earth＇s surface and environmental quality in subtropical regions.

Geochemistry of the Cenozoic Potassic Volcanic Rocks in the West Kunlun Mountains and Constraints on Their Sources

The geochemical characteristics of the Cenozoic volcanic rocks from the north Pulu, east Pulu and Dahongliutan regions in the west Kunlun Mountains are somewhat similar as a whole. However, the volcanic rocks from the Dahongliutan region in the south belt are geochemically distinguished from those in the Pulu region (including the north and east Pulu) of the north belt. The volcanic rocks of the Dahongliutan region are characterized by relatively low TiO2 abundance, but more enrichment in alkali, much more enrichment in light rare earth elements and large ion lithosphile elements than those from the Pulu region. Compared with the Pulu region, volcanic rocks from the Dahongliutan region have relatively low 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and high εNd, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb. Their trace elements and isotopic data suggest that they were derived from lithospheric mantle, consisting of biotite- and hornblende-bearing garnet lherzolite, which had undertaken metasomatism and enrichment. On the primitive mantle-normalized patterns, they display remarkably negative Nb and Ta anomalies, indicating the presence of early-stage subducted oceanic crust. The metasomatism and enrichment resulted from the fluid released from the crustal materials enclosed in the source region in response to the uplift of asthenospheric mantle. Based on the previous experiments it can be inferred that the thickness of the lithosphere ranges from 75 to 100 km prior to the generation of the magmas. However, the south belt differs from the north one by its thicker lithosphere and lower degree of partial melting. The different thickness of the lithosphere gives rise to corresponding variation of the degree of crustal contamination. The volcanic rocks in the south belt are much more influenced by crustal contamination. In view of the tectonic setting, the generation of potassic magmas is linked with the uplift of asthenosphere resulted from large-scale thinning of the lithosphere after the collision of Indian and Eurasian plates, whereas the thinning of the lithosphere may result from delamination. The potassic magmas mainly resulted from partial melting of lithosphere mantle caused by the uplift of asthenosphere.

Final-stage Southward Subduction of the Eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean:Evidence from the Middle Permian Mafic Intrusions in the Northern Margin of the North China Craton

The northern margin of the North China Craton(NCC)contains widespread Permian magmatic rocks,but the origin of these rocks remains controversial.This uncertainty hampers us from better understanding of tectonic framework and evolution of the eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean,particularly with respect to its final-stage subduction and closure time.To address these questions,this study presents petrological,zircon U-Pb geochronological,whole-rock geochemical and in situ zircon Hf isotopic data for these Permian mafic intrusions in the northern margin of the NCC.Precise zircon U-Pb dating results indicate that these mafic intrusions were emplaced in the Middle Permian(ca.260 Ma).Geochemically,the studied mafic intrusions have high MgO and transition metals element contents,with high Mg^(#) values,indicating a mantle origin.These mafic intrusions are characterized by enrichments in large ion lithophile elements(LILEs;e.g.,Rb,Ba,and K)and light rare earth elements(LREEs),and depletions in high field strength elements(HFSEs;e.g.,Nb,Ta,and Ti)and heavy rare earth elements(HREEs),indicating that they were formed in a subduction-related setting.These geochemical features,together with zircon ε_(Hf)(t)values(-1.1 to+11.2),indicate that their parental magmas were derived from partial melting of heterogeneous mantle wedge metasomatized by subduction-related fluids,with the contributions of slab sediments.The studied mafic intrusions also show wide range of major and trace elements contents,and variable Mg^(#) values,Eu and Sr anomalies,suggesting that their parental magmas had undergone variable degrees of fractional crystallization.Together with the E-W trending Permian continental arc along the northern margin of the NCC,we confirm that the generation of the Middle Permian mafic intrusions was related to southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic lithosphere beneath the NCC and the Paleo-Asian Ocean had not closed prior to the Middle Permian.

Phlogopite in mantle xenoliths and kimberlite from the Grib pipe,Arkhangelsk province,Russia:Evidence for multi-stage mantle metasomatism and origin of phlogopite in kimberlite

We present petrography and mineral chemistry for both phlogopite,from mantle-derived xenoliths (garnet peridotite,eclogite and clinopyroxene-phlogopite rocks) and for megacryst,macrocryst and groundmass flakes from the Grib kimberlite in the Arkhangelsk diamond province of Russia to provide new insights into multi-stage metasomatism in the subcratonic lithospheric mantle (SCLM) and the origin of phlogopite in kimberlite.Based on the analysed xenoliths,phlogopite is characterized by several generations.The first generation (Phl1) occurs as coarse,discrete grains within garnet peridotite and eclogite xenoliths and as a rock-forming mineral within clinopyroxene-phlogopite xenoliths.The second phlogopite generation (Phl2) occurs as rims and outer zones that surround the Phl1 grains and as fine flakes within kimberlite-related veinlets filled with carbonate,serpentine,chlorite and spinel.In garnet peridotite xenoliths,phlogopite occurs as overgrowths surrounding garnet porphyroblasts,within which phlogopite is associated with Cr-spinel and minor carbonate.In eclogite xenoliths,phlogopite occasionally associates with carbonate bearing veinlet networks.Phlogopite,from the kimberlite,occurs as megacrysts,macrocrysts,microcrysts and fine flakes in the groundmass and matrix of kimberlitic pyroclasts.Most phlogopite grains within the kimberlite are characterised by signs of deformation and form partly fragmented grains,which indicates that they are the disintegrated fragments of previously larger grains.Phl1,within the garnet peridotite and clinopyroxeneephlogopitexenoliths,is characterised bylow Ti and Cr contents (TiO2<1 wt.%,Cr2O3<1 wt.% andMg#=100×Mg/(MgtFe)>92) typical of primary peridotite phlogopite in mantle peridotite xenoliths from global kimberlite occurrences.They formed during SCLM metasomatism that led to a transformation from garnet peridotite to clinopyroxene-phlogopite rocks and the crystallisation of phlogopite and high-Cr clinopyroxene megacrysts before the generation of host-kimberlite magmas.One of the possible processes to generate low-Ti-Cr phlogopite is via the replacement of garnet during its interaction with a metasomatic agent enriched in K and H2O.Rb-Sr isotopic data indicates that the metasomatic agent had a contribution of more radiogenic source than the host-kimberlite magma.Compared with peridotite xenoliths,eclogite xenoliths feature low-Ti phlogopites that are depleted in Cr2O3 despite a wider range of TiO2 concentrations.The presence of phlogopite in eclogite xenoliths indicates that metasomatic processes affected peridotite as well as eclogite within the SCLM beneath the Grib kimberlite.Phl2 has high Ti and Cr concentrations (TiO2 > 2 wt.%,Cr2O3 > 1 wt.% and Mg#=100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe)< 92) and compositionally overlaps with phlogopite from polymict breccia xenoliths that occur in global kimberlite formations.These phlogopites are the product of kimberlitic magma and mantle rock interaction at mantle depths where Phl2 overgrew Phl1 grains or crystallized directly from stalled batches of kimberlitic magmas.Megacrysts,most macrocrysts and microcrysts are disintegrated phlogopite fragments from metasomatised peridotite and eclogite xenoliths.Fine phlogopite flakes within kimberlite groundmass represent mixing of high-Ti-Cr phlogopite antecrysts and high-Ti and low-Cr kimberlitic phlogopite with high Al and Ba contents that may have formed individual grains or overgrown antecrysts.Based on the results of this study,we propose a schematic model of SCLM metasomatism involving phlogopite crystallization,megacryst formation,and genesis of kimberlite magmas as recorded by the Grib pipe.

Fluid-induced high-temperature metasomatism at Rundv?gshetta in the Lützow-Holm Complex, East Antarctica: Implications for the role of brine during granulite formation

We report new petrological, phase equilibria modeling, and fluid inclusion data for pelitic and mafic granulites from Rundv?gshetta in the highest-grade region of the Neoproterozoic Lützow-Holm Complex(LHC),East Antarctica, and provide unequivocal evidence for fluid-rock interaction and high-temperature metasomatism in the presence of brine fluid. The studied locality is composed dominantly of well-foliated pelitic granulite(K-feldspar+quartz+sillimanite+garnet+ilmenite) with foliation-parallel bands and/or layers of mafic granulite(plagioclase+orthopyroxene+garnet+ilmenite+quartz+biotite). The boundary between the two lithologies is defined by thin(about 1 -20 cm in thick) garnet-rich layers with a common mineral assemblage of garnet+plagioclase+quartz+ilmenite+biotite ? orthopyroxene. Systematic increase of grossular and decrease of pyrope contents in garnet as well as decreasing Mg/(Fe+Mg) ratio of biotite from the pelitic granulite to garnet-rich rock and mafic granulite suggest that the garnet-rich layer was formed by metasomatic interaction between the two granulite lithologies. Phase equilibria modeling in the system NCKFMASHTO demonstrates that the metasomatism took place at 850 -860℃, which is slightly lower than the peak metamorphism of this region, and the modal abundance of garnet is the highest along the metapeliteemetabasite boundary(up to 40%), which is consistent with the field and thin section observations. The occurrence of brine(7.0 -10.9 wt.% Na Cleqfor ice melting or 25.1 -25.5 wt.% NaC leqfor hydrohalite melting) fluid inclusions as a primary phase trapped within plagioclase in the garnet-rich layer and the occurrence of Cl-rich biotite(Cl = 0.22 -0.60 wt.%) in the metasomatic rock compared to that in pelitic(0.15 -0.24 wt.%) and mafic(0.06-0.13 wt.%) granulites suggest infiltration of brine fluid could have given rise to the high-temperature metasomatism. The fluid might have been derived from external sources possibly related to the formation of major suture zones formed during the Gondwana amalgamation.

Melting of hydrous pyroxenites with alkali amphiboles in the continental mantle:1.Melting relations and major element compositions of melts

Melting experiments on ultramafic rocks rich in the hydrous minerals phlogopite or phlogopite+K-rich terite,some including 5%of accessory phases,have been conducted at 15 and 50 kbar.The assemblages represent probable source components that contribute to melts in cratonic regions,but whose melt compositions are poorly known.A main series of starting compositions based on MARID xenoliths consisted of a third each of clinopyroxene(CPX),phlogopite(PHL)and K-richterite(KR)with or without 5%ilmenite,rutile or apatite.Additional experiments were run without KR and with higher proportions of accessory phases.Melt traps were used at near-solidus temperatures to facilitate accurate analysis of wellquenched melts,for which reversal experiments demonstrate equilibrium.Results show that KR melts rapidly and completely within 50°C of the solidus,so that melts reflect the composition of the amphibole and its melting reaction.Melts have high SiO_(2) and especially K_(2)O but low CaO and Al_(2)O_(3) relative to basaltic melts produced from peridotites at similar pressures.They have no counterparts amongst natural rocks,but most closely resemble leucite lamproites at 15 kbar.KR and PHL melt incongruently to form olivine(OL)and CPX at 15 kbar,promoting SiO2 contents of the melt,whereas orthopyroxene OPX is increasingly stable at lower lithosphere pressures,leading to an increase in Mg O and decrease in SiO_(2) in melts,which resemble olivine lamproites.Melts of mica pyroxenites without KR are richer in CaO and Al_(2)O_(3) and do not resemble lamproites.These experiments show that low CaO and Al_(2)O_(3) in igneous rocks is not necessarily a sign of a depleted peridotite source.Accessory phases produce melts exceptionally rich in P_(2)O_(5) or TiO_(2) depending on the phases present and are unlike any melts seen at the Earth’s surface,but may be important agents of metasomatism seen in xenoliths.The addition of the 5%accessory phases ilmenite,rutile or apatite result in melting temperatures a few ten of degrees lower;at least two of these appear essential to explain the compositions of many alkaline igneous rocks on cratons.Melting temperatures for CPX+PHL+KR mixtures are close to cratonic geotherms at depths>130 km:minor perturbations of the stable geotherm at>150 km will rapidly lead to 20%melting.Melts of hydrous pyroxenites with a variety of accessory phases will be common initial melts at depth,but will change if reaction with wall-rocks occurs,leading to volcanism that contains chemical components of peridotite even though the temperature in the source region remains well below the melting point of peridotite.At higher temperatures,extensive melting of peridotite will dilute the initial alkaline melts:this is recognizable as alkaline components in basalts and,in extreme cases,alkali picrites.Hydrous pyroxenites are,therefore,components of most mantle-derived igneous rocks:basaltic rocks should not be oversimplified as being purely melts of peridotite or of mixtures of peridotite and dry pyroxenite without hydrous phases.