Strategies towards robust interpretations of in situ zircon Lu-Hf isotope analyses

The combination of U-Pb and Lu-Hf compositions measured in zircon crystals is a remarkably powerful isotopic couplet that provides measures on both the timing of mineral growth and the radiogenic enrichment of the source from which the zircon grew.The U-Pb age documents the timing of zircon crystallization/recrystallization and Hf isotopes inform on the degree to which the host melt was derived from a radiogenic reservoir(e.g.depleted mantle) versus an unradiogenic reservoir(e.g.ancient continental crust),or some mixture of these sources.The ease of generating large quantities of zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf data has been in large part facilitated by instrument advances.However,the dramatic increase in time constrained zircon Lu-Hf analyses in the Earth science community has brought to the fore the importance of careful data collection and reduction workflows,onto which robust geological interpretations may be based.In this work,we discuss the fundamentals of Lu-Hf isotopes in zircon,which then allows us to provide a robust,accessible,methodology for the assessment of data quality.Additionally,we discuss some novel techniques for:data visualization—that facilitates better transparency of data interpretation;integration of geographic information—that may reveal spatial trends where temporal trends were only apparent before;and some novel statistical evaluation tools—that may provide more rigorous interand intra-sample comparisons.

Geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotopes of S-type granite in the Baoshan block, constraints on the age and evolution of the Proto-Tethys

Geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotope data for the Early Paleozoic granites in the Baoshan Block reveal the Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethys. The samples are high-K, calcalkaline, strongly peraluminous rocks with A/CNK values of 1.37–1.46, are enriched in SiO2, K2O, and Rb, and are depleted in Nb, P, Ti, Eu, and heavy rare earth elements,which indicates the crystallization fractionation of the granitic magma. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that they formed in ca. 480 Ma. The Nansa granites have εHf(t) values ranging from-16.04 to 4.36 with corresponding TC DMages of 2.10–0.81 Ga, which suggests the magmas derived from the partial melting of ancient metasedimentary with minor involvement of mantle-derived components. A synthesis of data for the Early Paleozoic igneous rocks in the Baoshan block and adjacent(Tengchong,Qiangtang, Sibumasu, Himalaya, etc.) blocks indicates that these blocks were all aligned along the proto-Tethyan margin of East Gondwana in the Early Paleozoic. The Early Paleozoic S-type granites from Nansa were generated in a high-temperature and low-pressure(HTLP) extensional tectonic setting, which resulted from Andean-type orogeny instead of the final assembly of Gondwana or crustal extension in a non-arc environment. In certain places, an expanding environment may exist in opposition to the tectonic backdrop of the lithosphere’s thickening and shortening, leading the crust to melt and decompress,mantle-derived materials to mix, and a small quantity of peraluminous granite to emerge.

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Early Triassic Nianzi Adakitic Granite Unit in the Yanshan Fold and Thrust Belt:New Constraints from U-Pb Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes

The Nianzi granite unit,which includes the Nianzi,Xiaolianghou and Xiawopu granitic intrusions,is a significant component of the northern part of the North China Craton(NCC)and is situated in the Yanshan fold and thrust belt(YFTB).However,there is still debate regarding the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB during the late Permian to Triassic period,specifically regarding the timing of subduction and collision between the NCC and the Paleo-Asian Ocean.The Nianzi granite unit exhibits unique petrological,geochronological and geochemical signatures that shed light on the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB.This study presents detailed petrology,whole-rock geochemistry,together with Sr-Nd isotopic,zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopic data of the granites within the Nianzi granite unit.Our findings demonstrate that the granites primarily consist of subhedral K-feldspar,plagioclase,quartz,minor biotite and hornblende,with accessory titanite,apatite,magnetite and zircon.Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the Xiaolianghou granite was emplaced at 247.5±0.62 Ma.Additionally,the adakitic characteristics of the Nianzi,Xiawopu and Xiaolianghou granitic intrusions,such as high Sr and Ba contents and high ratios of Sr/Y and(La/Yb)N,combined with negative Sr-Nd and Lu-Hf isotopes(87Sr/86Sr)i=0.705681–0.7057433,εNd(t)=−21.98 to−20.97,zirconεHf(t)=−20.26 to−9.92,as well as the I-type granite features of high SiO_(2),Na_(2)O and K_(2)O/Na_(2)O ratios,enriched Rb,K,Sr and Ba,along with depleted Th,U,Nb,Ta,P and Ti,suggest that the Nianzi granitic unit was mainly derived from the partial melting of a thickened lower crust containing hydrous,calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline,mafic to intermediate metamorphic rocks.In light of these parameters,we further integrate our data with previous studies and conclude that the Nianzi granitic unit was generated in a post-collisional extensional environment during the Early Triassic.

Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope constraints on Archean crustal evolution in Southeastern Guyana Shield

The southeastern Guyana Shield,northeast Amazonian Craton,in the north of Brazil,is part of a widespread orogenic belt developed during the Transamazonian orogenic cycle(2.26-1.95 Ga)that includes a large Archean continental landmass strongly reworked during the Transamazonian orogeny,named Amapa Block.It consists mainly of a high-grade metamorphic granulitic-migmatitic-gneiss complex,of Meso-to Neoarchean age and Rhyacian granitoids and supracrustal sequences.For the first time,coupled U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope data were obtained on zircon by LA-ICP-MS from five tectono-stratigraphic units of the Archean basement and one Paleoproterozoic intrusive rock,in order to investigate the main episodes of crustal growth and reworking.Whole-rock Sm-Nd isotope data were compared to the zircon Lu-Hf data.Three main magmatic episodes were defined by U-Pb zircon dating,two in the Mesoarchean(~3.19 Ga and 2.85 Ga)and one in the Neoarchean(~2.69-2.65 Ga).SubchondriticεHf(t)values obtained for almost all investigated units indicate that crustal reworking processes were predominant during the formation of rocks that today make up the Amapa Block.Hf-TDMC model ages,ranging from2.99 Ga to 3.97 Ga,indicate that at least two important periods of mantle extraction and continental crust formation occurred during the Archean in southeastern Guyana Shield,an older one in the Eoarchean(~4.0 Ga)and a younger one in the Mesoarchean(~3.0-3.1 Ga).The latter is recognized as an important period of crustal accretion worldwide.The recognition of an Eoarchean episode to the southeastern most part of the Guyana Shield is unprecedented and was not recorded by whole-rock Sm-Nd data,which were restricted to the Meso-Paleoarchean(2.83 Ga to 3.51 Ga).This finding reveals t hat continental crust generation in the Amazonian Craton began at least 500 Ma earlier than previously suggested by the SmNd systematics.

Precambrian Tectonic Affinity of the Southern Langshan Area, Northeastern Margin of the Alxa Block: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Dating and Lu-Hf Isotopes

The Alxa Block is the westernmost part of the North China Craton(NCC), and is regarded as one of the basement components of the NCC. Its geological evolution is of great significance for the understanding of the NCC.However, the Precambrian basement of the Alxa Block is still poorly studied. In this study, we present new in situ LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope data from the Diebusige Metamorphic Complex(DMC) which located in the eastern Alxa Block. Field and petrological studies show that the DMC consists mainly of metamorphic supracrustal rocks and minor metamorphic plutonic rocks and has experienced amphibolite-granulite facies metamorphism. Zircon U-Pb dating results suggested that the amphibolite sample yields a crystallization age of 2636 ± 14 Ma and metamorphic ages of 2517–2454 Ma and 1988–1952 Ma, proving the existence of exposed Archean rocks in the Langshan area and indicating that late Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic metamorphic events existed in the Alxa Block. Two paragneiss samples show that the magmatic detrital zircons from the DMC yield 207Pb/206Pb ages ranging from 2.48 Ga to 2.10 Ga with two youngest peaks at 2.13 Ga and 2.16 Ga, respectively, and they were also overprinted by metamorphic events at 1.97–1.90 Ga and 1.89–1.79Ga. Compilation of U-Pb ages of magmatic detrital and metamorphic zircons suggested that the main part of the DMC may have been formed at 2.1–2.0 Ga. Zircon Lu-Hf isotope data show that the source materials of the main part of the DMC were originated from the reworking of ancient Archean crust(3.45–2.78 Ga). The Hf isotope characteristics and the tectonothermal event records exhibit different evolution history with the Khondalite Belt and the Yinshan Block and the other basements of the Alxa Block, indicating that the Langshan was likely an independent terrain before the middle Paleoproterozoic and was subjected to the middle to late Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal events with the Khondalite Belt as a whole.

The U-Pb Geochronology and Lu-Hf Isotope Compositions of Detrital Zircons from the Nanhua Group of the Longsheng Region,South China and their Implications for Pan-African Events

It is unclear whether the South China blocks have an affinity with continental Gondwana due to a lack of direct Pan-African magmatic and metamorphic features.In this study,we conducted U-Pb geochronological and Lu-Hf isotopic analyses for detrital zircons from a sandstone of the Chang'an Formation of the Nanhua Group in the Longsheng region of northern Guangxi,with the aim of constraining the timing of sedimentation and information as to its source,as well as seeking evidence for Pan-African events in the South China blocks.The results show that the ages of detrital zircons peaked at 654.7±6.2 Ma,773.2±4.1 Ma and 821.9±6.5 Ma,with some at 920–870 Ma;the youngest age indicates the existence of the Pan-African thermal event.The ε_(Hf)(t)and T_(DM2) values demonstrate that the study area has experienced three stages of crustal growth at 3.0–2.4 Ga,2.1–1.5 Ga and 1.3–0.9 Ga.With intensively distributed Neoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic and granitic plutons emplaced at 830–810 Ma along the southwestern section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt and positiveεHf(t)values from a large group of zircon grains,it is proposed that the sediments of the Chang'an Formation(of Nanhua Group)were largely sourced from the southeastern margin of the Yangtze block.Comparison with the zircon age spectra of the Cathaysian block shows that about 79%of the Pan-African aged detrital zircon grains that have TDM2=1352–1031 Ma andεHf(t)=3.68–8.79,were sourced from the recycled Grenvillian crust of the Cathaysian block,suggesting that the Cathaysian block had a close connection with Gondwana.

Major Tectono-thermal Events in the Yangtze Craton: Insights from U-Pb-Lu-Hf Isotope Records in Zircons from End-Permian Volcanic Interlayers in Southwest China

The in situ zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotope records from end-Permian volcanic interlayers in southwest China,integrated with previous studies,restructure the evolutionary history of the Yangtze Craton from Precambrian to Late Paleozoic.This includes early continental crust formation before 3.0 Ga and massive juvenile crustal growth at 2.6-2.4 Ga;large-scale crustal reworking at 2.1-1.7 Ga;Neoproterozoic crust addition at 1.1 to 0.7 Ga;collision and subduction along the craton margin between 700-541 Ma;Early Ordovician to Late Silurian magmatism;and large tectono-thermal events in the Middle Carboniferous to end-Permian.Some zircons with T(MD2)ages from 4.40 to 4.01 Ga and lower initial176Hf/177Hf values of 0.280592 to 0.280726 may imply the existence of Hadean crust relics beneath the Yangtze Craton and their provenances could be associated with Hadean crustal remelting.This study further clarifies that the Precambrian-age zircons between the end-Permian volcanic interlayers,the complexes in the western margin of the Yangtze Craton,and the sedimentary Kangdian Basin,may share an affinity based on similar U-Pb age spectra and Hf isotope features.It also shows that the Neoproterozoic tectono-thermal event may be associated with large-scale tectono-rifting activity,which is different from the Grenville-age continental collision between Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in South China.The above findings support the inference of a widespread Archean basement extending to the western Yangtze Craton and a provenance in the Kangdian Basin that is derived from the weathering and erosion of Paleoproterozoic continental crust.

Zircon U-Pb chronology, geochemistry and Lu-Hf isotope constraints on genesis of monzonitic granite from Harizha area in eastern section of East Kunlun region

The Harizha area is located in the eastern section of East Kunlun orogenic belt. The petrology, the zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb chronology and the petrogeochemistry of the monzonitic granite in the area were studied. The results show that the formation age of the monzonitic granite in the Harizha area is 237.4±1.4 Ma, which belongs to Middle Triassic. The content of SiO_2 in the rock is 61.29%--63.30%,(K_2O+Na_2O) is 5.41%--5.84%, Al_2O_3 is 14.80%--15.99%, the Mg~# value is 46.33--48.33, and the aluminum saturation index A/CNK is 0.87--0.91. Therefore, it can be concluded that the rock belongs to the I-type granite of quasi-aluminous high potassium Ca-alkaline series. The total REE content of the rock is 118.82×10^(-6)--164.54×10^(-6), and the La/Yb ratios range from 7.77 to 10.13. Meanwhile, the rock does not show obvious Eu anomalies(δEu=0.61--0.75) and is characterized by enrichment of LREE and LILE such as Rb and K, relative depletion of HREE and HFSE such as Nb, Ti and Ta. Zircon Hf isotopic dating exhibits that the average ε_(Hf)(t) is-2.4 and the average of two-stage model age(t_(DM2)) is 1 417 Ma, indicating that the source rocks are mainly crustal materials. It can be concluded from research findings and regional geological structural analysis that the monzonitic granite in the Harizha area originated from partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic mafic lower crust in the later stage of the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean.

Neoarchean(2.5-2.8 Ga) crustal growth of the North China Craton revealed by zircon Hf isotope:A synthesis

The crustal growth of the North China Craton （NCC） during the Neoarchean time （2.5--2.8 Ga） is a hotly controversial topic, with some proposing that the main crustal growth occurred in the late Neoarch- ean （2.5--2.6 Ga）, in agreement with the time of the magmatism, whereas others suggest that the main crustal accretion took place during early Neoarchean time （2.7-2.8 Ga）, consistent with the time of crustal- formation of other cratons in the world. Zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions can provide rigorous constraints on the time of crustal growth and the evolution and tectonic division of the NCC. In this contri- bution, we make a comprehensive review of zircon Hf isotope data in combination with zircon U-Pb geochro- nology and some geochemistry data from various divisions of the NCC with an aim to constrain the Neoarchean crustal growth of the NCC. The results suggest that both 2.7--2.8 Ga and 2.5-2.6 Ga crustal growth are distributed over the NCC and the former is much wider than previously suggested. The Eastern block is characterized by the main 2.7-2.8 Ga crustal growth with local new crustal-formation at 2.5-2.6 Ga, and the Yinshan block is characterized by ~2.7 Ga crustal accretion as revealed by Hf-isotope data of detrital zircons from the Zhaertai Group. Detrital zircon data of the Khondalite Belt indi- cate that the main crustal growth period of the Western block is Paleoproterozoic involving some ~ 2.6 Ga and minor Early- to Middle-Archean crustal components, and the crustal accretion in the Trans-North China Orogen （TNCO） has a wide age range from 2.5 Ga to 2.9 Ga with a notable regional discrepancy. Zircon Hf isotope compositions, coupled with zircon ages and other geochemical data suggest that the southern margin may not be an extension of the TNCO, and the evolution and tectonic division of the NCC is more complex than previously proposed, probably involving multi-stage crustal growth and subduction processes. However, there is no doubt that 2.7--2.8 Ga magmatism and crustal-formation are more widely distributed than previ- ously considered, which is further supported by the data of zircons from Precambrian lower crustal rocks, overlying sedimentary cover, modern river sediments and Late Neoarchean syenogranites.

Ages of the Laocheng Granitoids and Crustal Growth in the South Qinling Tectonic Domain,Central China:Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotopic Constraints

The Laocheng granitoid pluton is located in the South Qinling tectonic domain of the Qinling orogenic belt,southern Shaanxi Province,and consists chiefly of quartz diorite,granodiorite and monzogranite.A LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb isotopic dating,in conjunction with cathodoluminescence images,reveals that the quartz diorite and granodiorite were emplaced from 220 Ma to 216 Ma,while the monzogranite was emplaced at～210 Ma.In-situ zircon Hf isotopic analyses show that theε_（Hf）（t） values of the quartz diorite and granodiorite range from-8.1 to ＋1.3,and single-stage Hf model ages from 809 Ma to 1171 Ma,while theε_（Hf）（t）values of the monzogranite are-14.5 to ＋16.7 and single-stage Hf model ages from 189 Ma to 1424 Ma.These Hf isotopic features reveal that the quartz diorite, granodiorite and monzogranite were formed from the mixing of the magmas derived from partial melting of the depleted mantle and the lower continent crustal materials,and there were two stages of continental crust growth during the Neoproterozoic（～800 Ma）and Indosinian（～210 Ma）eras, respectively,in the south Qinling tectonic domain of the Qinling orogrnic belt,Central China.

Petrogenesis of the Xihuashan Granite in Southern Jiangxi Province,South China:Constraints from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology,Geochemistry and Nd Isotopes

Mesozoic granitic intrusions are widely distributed in the Nanling region, South China. Yanshanian granites are closely connected with the formation of tungsten deposits. The Xihuashan granite is a typical representative of tungsten-bearing granite. The Xihuashan granite consists mainly of medium-grained porphyritic biotite granite, medium-grained biotite granite and fine-grained twomica granite, which correspond to LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages of 555.5±0.4 Ma, 553.0±0.6 Ma and 552.8±0.9 Ma, respectively. Rocks from the Xihuashan mining area displays high SlOe （73.85% to 76.49%） and NaeO＋K20 contents （8.09% to 9.43%）, belonging to high-K calc-alkaline series. They are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous with A/CNK values ranging from 0.96 to 5.06. All granites in this study area are rich in Rb, Th, U and Pb, and depleted in Ba, Sr, P, Ti, Nb and Eu, especially depleted in medium-grained biotite granite and fine-grained two-mica granite. The medium-grained porphyritic biotite granites usually have high LREE concentrations, whereas medium-grained biotite granite and fine-grained two-mica granite displays high HREE contents. Our geochemical data reveal that the studied rocks are highly fractionated I-type granite. The magma underwent strong magma differentiation with decreasing temperature and increasing oxygen fugacity, which may explain the formation of three types of distinct granites. Variations of Rb, Sr and Ba concentrations in different type granites were controlled by fractional crystallization of biotite and feldspar. Fractional crystallization of monazite, allanite and apatite resulted in LREE changes in granite, and formation of garnet mainly caused HREE changes. Granites from the Xihuashan mining area have relatively high εd（t） values （-9.77 to -55.46）, indicating that they were probably generated by partial melting of underlying Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks with minor addition of juvenile crust or mantlederived magmas.

U-Pb Age and Hf Isotope Study of Detrital Zircons from the Wanzi Supracrustals:Constraints on the Tectonic Setting and Evolution of the Fuping Complex,Trans-North China Orogen

Located in the middle segment of the Trans-North China Orogen, the Fuping Complex is considered as a critical area in understanding the evolution history of the North China Craton （NCC）. The complex is composed of various high-grade and multiply deformed rocks, including gray gneiss, basic granulite, amphibolite, fine-grained gneiss and marble, metamorphosed to upper amphibolite or granulite facies. It can be divided into four rock units： the Fuping TTG gneisses, Longquanguan augen gneisses, Wanzi supracrustals, and Nanying granitic gneisses. U-Pb age and Hf isotope compositions of about 200 detrital zircons from the Wanzi supracrustals of the Fuping Complex have been analyzed. The data on metamorphic zircon rims give ages of 1.82-1.84 Ga, corresponding to the final amalgamation event of the NCC, whereas the data for igneous zircon cores yield two age populations at -2.10 and -2.51 Ga, with some inherited ages scattering between 2.5 and 2.9 Ga. These results suggest that the Wanzi supracrustals were derived from the Fuping TTG gneisses （-2.5 Ga） and the Nanying granitic gneisses （2.0-2.1 Ga） and deposited between 2.10 and 1.84 Ga. All zircons with -2.51 Ga age have positive initial εHf values from ＋1.4 to ＋10.9, suggesting an important crustal growth event at -2.5 Ga through the addition of juvenile materials from the mantle. The Hf isotope data for the detrital zircons further imply that the 2.8 Ga rocks are important components in the lower crust, which is consistent with a suggestion from Nd isotope data for the Eastern Block. The zircons of 2.10 Ga population have initial εHf values of-4.9 to ＋6.1, interpreted as mixing of crustal re-melt with minor juvenile material contribution at 2.1 Ga. These results are distinct from that for the Western Block, supporting that the Fuping Complex was emplaced in a tectonic active environment at the western margin of the Eastern Block.

Early Neoarchean Magmatic and Paleoproterozoic Metamorphic Events in the Northern North China Craton:SHRIMP Zircon Dating and Hf Isotopes of Archean Rocks from the Miyun Area,Beijing

The Miyun area of Beijing is located in the northern part of the North China Craton （NCC） and includes a variety of Archean granitoids and metamorphic rocks. Magmatic domains in zircon from a tonalite reveal Early Neoarchean （2752±7 Ma） ages show a small range in εHf（t） from 3.1 to 7.4 and tDM1（Hf） from 2742 to 2823 Ma, similar to their U-Pb ages, indicating derivation from a depleted mantle source only a short time prior to crystallization. SHRIMP zircon ages of granite, gneiss, amphibolite and hornblendite in the Miyun area reveal restricted emplacement ages from 2594 to 2496 Ma. They also record metamorphic events at ca. 2.50 Ga, 2.44 Ga and 1.82 Ga, showing a similar evolutionary history to the widely distributed Late Neoarchean rocks in the NCC. Positive eHf（t） values of 1.5 to 5.9, with model ages younger than 3.0 Ga for magmatic zircon domains from these Late Neoarchean intrusive rocks indicate that they are predominantly derived from juvenile crustal sources and suggest that significant crustal growth occurred in the northern NCC during the Neoarchean. Late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism developed widely in the NCC, not only in the Trans-North China Orogen, but also in areas of Eastern and Western Blocks, which suggest that the late Paleoproterozoic was the assembly of different micro-continents, which resulted in the final consolidation to form the NCC, and related to the development of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Columbia or Nuna supercontinent.

Emplacement Ages and Petrogenesis of the Molybdenum-bearing Granites in the Jinduicheng Area of East Qinling, China: Constraints from Zircon U-Pb Ages and Hf Isotopes

The Mesozoic porphyry assemblage in the Jinduicheng area is a special molybdenum area in China, the Mo deposits, including the Jinduicheng, Balipo, Shijiawan, Huanglongpu, are distributed. The emplacement age and geochemical features of the granites in the Jinduicheng area can provide essential information for the exploration and development of the porphyry molybdenum deposit. In this study, we report LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age and zircon Hf isotopic compositions of granite porphyries from the Jinduicheng area, and provide insights on the petrogensis and source characteristics of the granites. The results show that the zircon U-Pb ages of the Jinduicheng granite porphyry （143±1 Ma） and the Balipo granite （154±1 Ma）, agree well with the Re-Os ages of molybdenite in the Jinduicheng molybdenum polymetallic deposit （139±3 Ma） and the Balipo molybdenum polymetallic deposit （156±2 Ma）, indicating that the emplacement of granite porphyries occurred between Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Zircons granite from the Jinduicheng area give the εHf（t） values mainly ranging from -10 to -16, and -20 to -24, respectively, corresponding to two- stage model ages （tDM2： mainly focused on 1.86-2.0 Ga, and 2.2-2.6 Ga, respectively） of zircons of the granite from the Jinduicheng values. The ore-forming materials are mainly derived from crust, with minor mantle substances. Zircons of the granite from the Balipo area give εHf（t） values ranging from -18 to -20, -28 to -38, and -42 to -44, respectively, corresponding to two-stage model ages （tDM2： mainly focused on 1.88-3.0 Ga, and 3.2-3.90 Ga, respectively）. the εHf（t） values of the Jinduicheng porphyry more than that of the Balipo porphyry, and two-stage model ages （tDM2） less than that of the Balipo porphyry, shows that he source of the porphyries originated from ancient lower crustal materials in the Jinduicheng area, and mixed younger components, more younger components contributed for the source of the Jinduicheng porphyry.

In Situ Analyses of Trace Elements, U–Pb and Lu–Hf Isotopes in Zircons from the Tongshankou Granodiorite Porphyry in Southeast Hubei Province, Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, China

The Tongshankou Cu-Mo deposit, located in southeast Hubei province, is a typical skarn–porphyry type ore deposit closely related to the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry, characterized by a high Sr/Y ratio.Detailed in situ analyses of the trace elements and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry were performed.Scarcely any inherited zircons were observed, and the analyzed zircons yielded highly concordant results with a weighted mean 206Pb/238 U age of 143.5 ± 0.45 Ma（n=20, mean square weighted deviation was 0.75）, which was interpreted to represent the crystallization age of the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry.The chondrite-normalized rare-earth element pattern was characterized by a slope that steeply rises from the light-group rare-earth elements（LREE） to the heavy-group rare-earth elements（HREE） with a positive Ce-anomaly and inconspicuous Eu-anomaly, which was coincident with the pattern of the zircons from the Chuquicamata West porphyry, Chile.The analyzed zircons also had relatively low 176Hf/177 Hf ratios of 0.282526–0.282604.Assuming t=143 Ma, the corresponding calculated initial Hf isotope compositions（εHf（t）） ranged from-5.6 to-2.9.The results of the in situ analysis of trace elements and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry suggest that a deep-seated process involving a thickened-crust/enriched-mantle interaction may play an important role in the generation of high Sr/Y-ratio magma and potentially in the generation of porphyry Cu-Mo systems.

Sao Francisco-Congo Craton break-up delimited by U-Pb-Hf isotopes and trace-elements of zircon from metasediments of the Aracuaí Belt

Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology combined with Hf isotopic and trace element data from metasedimentary rocks of the Aracuai Belt in southeastern Brazil provide evidence for break-up of the Congo-Sao Francisco Craton. The U-Pb age spectra of detrital zircons from metasediments of the Rio Doce Group(RDG) range from 900-650 Ma and define a maximum depositional age of ca. 650 Ma. Zircon trace element and whole rock data constrain an oceanic island arc as source for the deposition setting of the protoliths to the metasediments. Zircon ε_(Hf)(t) values from these rocks are positive between +1 and +15, supporting previous evidence of a Neoproterozoic extensional phase and oceanic crust formation in a precursor basin to the Aracuai Belt. Recrystallization of detrital zircon at ca. 630 Ma is compatible with a regional metamorphic event associated with terrane accretion to the Paleoproterozoic basement after transition from an extensional to a convergent regime. The juvenile nature, age spectra and trace element composition recorded in detrital zircons of metasediments from the Aracuai Belt correspond with zircons from metasedimentary rocks and oceanic crust remnants of other orogenic belts to its south. This suggests that rifting and oceanic crust formation of the entire orogenic system, the so-called Mantiqueira Province, was contemporaneous, most likely related to the opening of a large ocean. It further indicates that the cratonic blocks involved in the orogenic evolution of the Mantiqueira Province were spatially connected as early as 900 Ma.

Geochronology, Geochemistry, Whole Rock Sr-Nd and Zircon Hf-O Isotopes of the Early Neoproterozoic Volcanic Rocks in Jiangshan, Eastern Part of the Jiangnan Orogen: Constraints on Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

This paper presents the results of combined studies of geochronology, geochemistry, whole rock Sr-Nd and zircon Hf-O isotopes carried out upon the rhyodacite and ignimbrite of Shangshu village, Shangyu town and Shanghupeng village of Jiangshan City in Zhejiang Province, along the northwestern side of the Jiangshan–Shaoxing suture. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of samples in the three areas yielded weighted mean 206 Pb/238 U ages of 842.8 ± 6.9 Ma and 850.0 ± 7.3 Ma, 839 ± 9 Ma and 832.2 ± 8.1 Ma, 828.3 ± 8.5 Ma and 836.9 ± 9.9 Ma, respectively. These ages are older than the volcanic rocks of the Shangshu Formation dated at around 780 Ma distributed in Fuyang City, Hangzhou City, Kaihua County, etc. The volcanic rocks generally have high SiO2(54.08–76.80 wt%) and Al2 O3(12.40–21.31 wt%), low Fe2 O3(0.68–8.92 wt%), MgO(0.29–2.49 wt%), CaO(0.12–2.86 wt%), TiO2(0.10–1.59 wt%) and P2 O5(0.01–0.39 wt%), with variable total alkalis(K2 O + Na2 O =5.42–8.29 wt%). There exists a clear negative correlation between SiO2 and P2 O5. The volcanic rocks have A/CNK ratios of 1.03–2.77 and thus are peraluminous. They are characterized by enrichment in LREE, Rb, Ba, Zr, Hf, K, Th, La, U and depletion in Nb, Sr, P, Ti, with distinct LREE and HREE fractionation of(La/Yb)N values of 5.68–11.67, and with a moderate negative Eu anomaly(&Eu=0.58–0.89). Whole-rock geochemical data shows that the Jiangshan volcanic rocks are possibly I-type granitic rocks, even though they have some characteristics of A&S-type granites due to the magma fractional crystallization and water-rock interaction. Zircon δ18 O values are 3.97‰–5.49‰(average 4.50‰), 2.90‰–5.21‰(average 4.32‰) for ignimbrite from Shangshu village section, and Shanghupeng village section, respectively. They are slightly lower than the average δ18 O values of igneous zircons in equilibrium with mantle magmas(5.3 ± 0.6‰(2σ)), the lower δ18 O value also demonstrating the presence of high temperature water-rock interactions. The ignimbrite rocks have positive εNd(t)(4.02, 3.37, 3.91, 4.74, 2.85, 4.39, totals from the three areas) and εNd(t)(in-situ zircon)(4.3–14.6, a weighted mean of 8.4;6.6–12.7, a weighted mean of 9.0;8.1–12.0, a weighted mean of 9.5, respectively, from the three areas). In conjunction with the trace element studies, they indicate that the source region of the Jiangshan volcanic rocks was mainly composed of juvenile lower crustal material, mixed with some mantle-sourced magma. Detailed elemental and isotopic data suggest that the Jiangshan volcanic rocks were formed in a continental arc setting. There is a series of ca. 860–830 Ma volcanic rocks formed in a back-arc extensional setting in the southern margin of the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, along the northwest side of the Jiangshan–Shaoxing suture. The first stage rift-related anorogenic magmatism may have occurred as early as ca. 860 Ma in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen.

Petrogenesis of Kejie Granite in the Northern Changning-Menglian Zone, Western Yunnan: Constraints from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology, Geochemistry and Hf Isotope

The Kejie pluton is located in the north of the Changning-Menglian suture zone. The rock types are mainly biotite-granite. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating indicates that the Kejie pluton emplaced at about 80-77 Ma, Late Cretaceous. The Kejie pluton samples are characterized by high SiO2 （71.68%-72.47%）, K2O （4.73%-5.54%）, total alkali （K2O ＋ Na2O = 8.21%-8.53%）, K2O/Na2O ratios （1.36-1.94） and low P2O5 （0.13%-0.17%）, with A/CNK of 1.025-1.055; enriched in U, Th, and K, depleted in Ba, Nb, St, Ti, P and Eu. They are highly fractionated, slightly peraluminous 1-type granite. The two samples of the Kejie pluton give a large variation of εHf（t） values （-5.04 to 1.96） and Hf isotope crustal model ages of 1.16-1.5 Ga. Zircon Hf isotopes and zircon saturation temperatures of whole-rock （801℃-823℃） show that the mantle-derived materials maybe have played a vital role in the generation of the Kejie pluton. The Kejie pluton was most likely generated in a setting associated with the eastward subduction of the neo-Tethys ocean, where intrusion of mantle wedge basaltic magmas in the crust caused the anatexis of the latter, forming hybrid melts, which subsequently experienced high-degree fractional crystallization.

Zircon U–Pb Ages and Lu–Hf Isotope of the Dongchuan Group in Central Yunnan, China, and their Geological Significance

On the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block, the Dongchuan Group consists of slightly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, including silty slate, argillaceous slate, clayey slate, arkose, dolomite, and minor volcanic rocks. To date, it is still a controversy over the depositional age and stratigraphic sequence of the Dongchuan Group. In this study, we analyzed five samples of meta-sedimentary rocks and one sample of meta-tuff from the Yinmin, Luoxue and Etouchang Formations of the Dongchuan Group in the Yuxi region for detrital zircon U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotope. The detrital zircon ages of the meta-sediments vary from 3073 to 1703 Ma, mainly clustered at three periods, from 1889 to 1840, 2490 to 2008 and 2878 to 2844 Ma. The youngest age peak of all the samples is ~1859 Ma, with the εHf(t) values of the zircons ranging from-20.3 to +4.3 and more than 90% being negative, indicating that the Paleoproterozoic crustal accretion on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block was dominated by reworking of the ancient crustal materials involved in the assembly and breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. Another important age range is between 2490 Ma and 2008 Ma, with εHf(t) values from-14.7 to +8.9 and 70% of them are negative, suggesting that the magmatism in the source area was also dominated by reworking and recycling of the ancient crustal materials, with minor juvenile mantle substances added. The detritus was probably derived from the Paleoproterozoic crystalline basement in the southern Yuxi region. The oldest peak age is ~2847 Ma and the εHf(t) values are from-7.7 to +7.0 with 50% of both positive and negative values, demonstrating a possible ~2.85 Ga ancient continental nucleus on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block and substantial growth in juvenile crust materials during this period. Besides, the weighted average age of the zircons from the meta-tuff of the Etouchang Formation is 1677 ± 14 Ma. Combining the previous research data and this study, we can constrain the depositional age of the Dongchuan Group in central Yunnan Province to the period from the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic, slightly earlier than that of the Dongchuan Group in the Dongchuan area near to the southwestern Sichuan Province. The depositional age of the Dongchuan Group is older than that of the Kunyang Group.

Zircon U-Pb age, Lu-Hf Isotopic Characteristics and Origin of the Banshanping Granitoid Rocks in East Qinling Orogenic Belt

The Banshanping granitoid rocks distribute in the east of the North Qinling orogenic belt.It is a diorite-quartz diorite-granodiorite-granite series,spreading in a NW-SE direction,and intrudes into the Erlangping Group.The SiO2 content ranges from 57.04% to 76.56%,Na2O from 2.05% to 4.65%,K2O from 0.84% to 3.40%.Major element characteristics indicate that Banshanping granitoid rocks have properties of I type granotoids.SREE ranges from 36.51 ppm to 473.25 ppm,and LREE/ HREE ratios lie between 3.95 and 22.18.Negative Eu anomalies are not obvious in most samples,though there are obvious Nb,P and Ti positive anomalies.The zircon LA-ICP-MS ages of Banshangping granitoid rocks are 496.0±8.1 Ma-486.9±9.3 Ma.Hf isotope shows that 176Hf/177Hf ratios range from 0.282721 to 0.282876,εHf（t） values from 8.5 to 14,all positive,and corresponding modal ages （TDM2） range from 559 Ma to 908 Ma.Based on Hf isotope characteristics and existing SmNd and Rb-Sr isotope data,we consider that the Banshanping granitoid rocks originate from mantlederived material,i.e.the igneous rocks that formed in Neoproterozoic,and there may be a certain amount of crust-derived material during the formation of Banshanping granitoid rocks.