The origin of anorthosite and associated igneous gabbronorite and ferrodiorite was investigated through detailed study of a typical massif-type anorthosite complex from Gruber, Central Dronning Maud Land, East Antarc-...The origin of anorthosite and associated igneous gabbronorite and ferrodiorite was investigated through detailed study of a typical massif-type anorthosite complex from Gruber, Central Dronning Maud Land, East Antarc- tica. Field observations showed that the Gruber Complex is made up of gabbronorite-anorthosite pluton which was intruded by ferrodiorite dykes. Systematic samples collected from the Gruber Complex revealed significant geo- chemical variations within the region. Four rock types have been identified, based on modal proportions of mineral phases and their geochemistry data. Clinopyroxene-gabbronorite and plagioclase-gabbronorite are the two types of gabbronorite with the dominance of clinopyroxene and plagioclase, respectively. Anorthosite is represented by rocks having predominance of plagioclase with minor clinopyroxene. Ferrodiorite is characterized by modal abundance of orthopyroxene and Fe-Ti oxide. Major and trace element systematics showed that all the four rock types are co-magmatic and are related through fractional crystallization. Based on this study, it is reported that clinopyroxene was the first phase to crystallize followed by plagioclase and then Fe-Ti oxides. Furthermore, trace element composition of the parental melt was calculated using LA-ICPMS analysis of the most primitive, pure clinopyroxene found in the clinopyroxene gabbronorite. Our analyses suggested that the parental melt was similar to that of continental arc basalt and showed signatures of subduction-related metasomatism. Based on mineral chemical and geochemical data, it is interpreted that the parent melt went through changing sequence of crystallization which led to the forma- tion of massive anorthosite.展开更多
Massif anorthosites form when basaltic magma differentiates in crustal magma chambers to form lowdensity plagioclase and a residual liquid whose density was greater than that of enclosing crustal rocks. The plagioclas...Massif anorthosites form when basaltic magma differentiates in crustal magma chambers to form lowdensity plagioclase and a residual liquid whose density was greater than that of enclosing crustal rocks. The plagioclase and minor pyroxene crystallized in-situ on the floor of the magma chamber to produce the anorthosite complex,and the residual liquid migrated downwards,eventually to solidify as dense Fe-rich cumulates some of which were removed to the mantle.These movements were facilitated by high temperatures in Proterozoic continental crust,thus explaining the restriction of large anorthosite massifs to this period in Earth history.展开更多
The formation of anorthosites in layered intrusions has remained one of petrology＇s most enduring enigmas. We have studied a sequence of layered chromitite, pyroxenite, norite and anorthosite overlying the UG2 chromi...The formation of anorthosites in layered intrusions has remained one of petrology＇s most enduring enigmas. We have studied a sequence of layered chromitite, pyroxenite, norite and anorthosite overlying the UG2 chromitite in the Upper Critical Zone of the eastern Bushveld Complex at the Smokey Hills platinum mine. Layers show very strong medium to large scale lateral continuity, but abundant small scale irregularities and transgressive relationships. Particularly notable are irregular masses and seams of anorthosite that have intrusive relationships to their host rocks. An anorthosite layer locally transgresses several 10 s of metres into its footwall, forming what is referred to as a ＂pothole＂ in the Bushveld Complex. It is proposed that the anorthosites formed from plagioclase-rich crystal mushes that originally accumulated at or near the top of the cumulate pile. The slurries were mobilised during tectonism induced by chamber subsidence, a model that bears some similarity to that generally proposed for oceanic mass flows. The anorthosite slurries locally collapsed into pull-apart structures and injected their host rocks. The final step was down-dip drainage of Fe-rich intercumulus liquid, leaving behind anorthosite adcumulates.展开更多
Lunar anorthosite is a major rock of the lunar highlands,which formed as a result of plagioclasefloatation in the lunar magma ocean（LMO）.Constraints on the sufficient conditions that resulted in the formation of a t...Lunar anorthosite is a major rock of the lunar highlands,which formed as a result of plagioclasefloatation in the lunar magma ocean（LMO）.Constraints on the sufficient conditions that resulted in the formation of a thick pure anorthosite（mode of plagioclase 〉95 vol.%） is a key to reveal the early magmatic evolution of the terrestrial planets.To form the pure lunar anorthosite,plagioclase should have separated from the magma ocean with low crystal fraction.Crystal networks of plagioclase and mafic minerals develop when the crystal fraction in the magma（φ） is higher than ca.40-60 vol.%,which inhibit the formation of pure anorthosite.In contrast,when φ is small,the magma ocean is highly turbulent,and plagioclase is likely to become entrained in the turbulent magma rather than separated from the melt.To determine the necessary conditions in which anorthosite forms from the LMO,this study adopted the energy criterion formulated by Solomatov.The composition of melt,temperature,and pressure when plagioclase crystallizes are constrained by using MELTS/pMELTS to calculate the density and viscosity of the melt.When plagioclase starts to crystallize,the Mg~# of melt becomes 0.59 at 1291 C.The density of the melt is smaller than that of plagioclase for P 〉 2.1 kbar（ca.50 km deep）,and the critical diameter of plagioclase to separate from the melt becomes larger than the typical crystal diameter of plagioclase（1.8-3 cm）.This suggests that plagioclase is likely entrained in the LMO just after the plagioclase starts to crystallize.When the Mg~# of melt becomes 0.54 at 1263 C,the density of melt becomes larger than that of plagioclase even for 0 kbar.When the Mg~# of melt decreases down to 0.46 at 1218 C,the critical diameter of plagioclase to separate from the melt becomes 1.5-2.5 cm,which is nearly equal to the typical plagioclase of the lunar anorthosite.This suggests that plagioclase could separate from the melt.One of the differences between the Earth and the Moon is the presence of water.If the terrestrial magma ocean was saturated with H_2O,plagioclase could not crystallize,and anorthosite could not form.展开更多
Kuruqtagh block is the best area for Precambrian geology in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, NW China, since it exposed complete Precambrian lithology units. The study of this ancient base will deepen the understanding of ...Kuruqtagh block is the best area for Precambrian geology in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, NW China, since it exposed complete Precambrian lithology units. The study of this ancient base will deepen the understanding of the Precambrian evolution of the Tarim Basin. In this paper, we studied the petrology, geochemistry, zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb chronology and zircon Hf isotope of Daxigou anorthosite(DA) which is located at the northern margin of Tarim craton and discussed the rock formation, tectonic and geological significance. Zircons from the intrusions display oscillatory zoning and high Th/U ratios(0.39–1.35), implying their magmatic origin. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results indicate that they formed during the Paleoproterozoic age with the weighted 206Pb/238 U average age of 1818±9 Ma, which is significantly different from former's Neoproterozoic age, and is coincidentally identical with its associated syenite granite age within the error range. Studies on petrogeochemistry suggest that DA belongs to medium-sodium peraluminous alkaline type, rich in Pb, La, Th and LILE, and poor in HFSE(Gd, Nd, and Ta). The chondrite-normalized REE pattern is slightly to the right form. The average ∑REE is 317.2×10-6; HREE show moderate fractionation [average LREE/HREE is 14.71, average(La/Yb)N is 24.77; average(La/Sm)N is 3.85, and average(Gd/Yb)N is 3.46]; and the δEu and δCe are not obvious. Their initial Hf isotope ratios and Hf two-stage model ages range from-6.6 to-4.43 and 2.63 to 2.74 Ga, respectively. Taken together, it is suggested that Daxigou anorthosite is a typical volcanic anorthosite and its primary magma could be contaminated by the partial melt Neoarchaean crust and mainly formed in the arc environment, which recoded the tectonic-magma activities response of the Tarim refers to the amalgamation of the supercontinent Columbia.展开更多
We investigated phase relations, mineral chemistry, and density of lunar highland anorthosite at conditions up to 125 GPa and 2000 K. We used a multi-anvil apparatus and a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell for this purp...We investigated phase relations, mineral chemistry, and density of lunar highland anorthosite at conditions up to 125 GPa and 2000 K. We used a multi-anvil apparatus and a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell for this purpose. In-situ X-ray diffraction measurements at high pressures and composition analysis of recovered samples using an analytical transmission electron microscope showed that anorthosite consists of garnet,CaAl_4Si_2O_(11)-rich phase(CAS phase), and SiO_2 phases in the upper mantle and the mantle transition zone.Under lower mantle conditions, these minerals transform to the assemblage of bridgmanite, Ca-perovskite,corundum, stishovite, and calcium ferrite-type aluminous phase through the decomposition of garnet and CAS phase at around 700 km depth. Anorthosite has a higher density than PREM and pyrolite in the upper mantle, while its density becomes comparable or lower under lower mantle conditions. Our results suggest that ancient anorthosite crust subducted down to the deep mantle was likely to have accumulated at660-720 km in depth without coming back to the Earth's surface. Some portions of the anorthosite crust might have circulated continuously in the Earth's deep interior by mantle convection and potentially subducted to the bottom of the lower mantle when carried within layers of dense basaltic rocks.展开更多
The Bethampudi layered anorthosite complex at the border zone of Archaean supracrustal rocks of Khammam district, Eastern Ghats shows normal stratification predominantly in the form of rhythmic layering and often exhi...The Bethampudi layered anorthosite complex at the border zone of Archaean supracrustal rocks of Khammam district, Eastern Ghats shows normal stratification predominantly in the form of rhythmic layering and often exhibits of zebra layering. Graded bedding and cumulate structures are also noticed. The rocks of the study area are classified based on petrography into anorthositic rocks, gabbroic rocks and ultramafic rocks and amphibolites. The field relations and major element composition suggest that these anorthosite rocks are of calc-alkaline in nature and petrogenitically related to the gabbroic rocks by the fractional crystallization at ℃.展开更多
1 Introduction The widely accepted standard model for the lunar feldspathic crust is:the early Moon was wholly or mostly molten,forming Lunar Magma Ocean(LMO).Olivine and pyroxene crystallized first from that magma oc...1 Introduction The widely accepted standard model for the lunar feldspathic crust is:the early Moon was wholly or mostly molten,forming Lunar Magma Ocean(LMO).Olivine and pyroxene crystallized first from that magma ocean and sank展开更多
The Moon has an anorthositic primordial continental crust. Recently anorthosite has also been discovered on the Martian surface. Although the occurrence of anorthosite is observed to be very limited in Earth＇s extant...The Moon has an anorthositic primordial continental crust. Recently anorthosite has also been discovered on the Martian surface. Although the occurrence of anorthosite is observed to be very limited in Earth＇s extant geological record,both lunar and Martian surface geology suggest that anorthosite may have comprised a primordial continent on the early Earth during the first 600 million years after its formation. We hypothesized that differences in the presence of an anorthositic continent on an Earthlike planet are due to planetary size. Earth likely lost its primordial anorthositic continent by tectonic erosion through subduction associated with a kind of proto-plate tectonics（PPT）. In contrast, Mars and the Moon, as much smaller planetary bodies, did not lose much of their anorthositic continental crust because mantle convection had weakened and/or largely stopped, and with time, they had appropriately cooled down. Applying this same reasoning to a super-Earth exoplanet suggests that, while a primordial anorthositic continent may briefly form on its surface, such a continent will be likely transported into the deep mantle due to intense mantle convection immediately following its formation. The presence of a primordial continent on an Earth-like planet seems to be essential to whether the planet will be habitable to Earth-like life. The key role of the primordial continent is to provide the necessary and sufficient nutrients for the emergence and evolution of life. With the appearance of a ＂trinity＂ consisting of（1） an atmosphere,（2） an ocean, and（3） the primordial continental landmass, material circulation can be maintained to enable a ＂Habitable Trinity＂ environment that will permit the emergence of Earth-like life. Thus, with little likelihood of a persistent primordial continent, a super-Earth affords very little chance for Earth-like life to emerge.展开更多
The quasi-monomineralic composition and huge spatial extent of massif-type anorthosites make detecting lithological regions and boundaries challenging.We use processed Landsat 8 OLI multispectral images and ALOS digit...The quasi-monomineralic composition and huge spatial extent of massif-type anorthosites make detecting lithological regions and boundaries challenging.We use processed Landsat 8 OLI multispectral images and ALOS digital elevation models integrated with field and petrographic observations to characterize the architecture of the≥17,000 km2 Mesoproterozoic Kunene Complex(KC)anorthosite suite in Angola and Namibia.Images of false colour composite bands 6,4 and 1 and band ratios 4/2(ferric minerals),6/5(ferrous minerals)and 6/7(OH-bearing minerals),as well as assessment of the PCA and MNF matrices of eigenvectors and eigenvalues from Landsat 8 data using available spectral libraries,have substantially improved the interpretation of the Kunene Complex rock types and structures.The dataset shows that the reflectance signature of KC anorthositic rocks is primarily a function of the degree of metasomatism,which is most significant in olivine-poor rock types.The weathering intensity of the olivine-bearing anorthosite substrate is another control on the remote sensing signal.Our remote sensing and field-based approach has enabled us to divide the KC anorthosite suite into six distinct spectral and architecture domains and at least four distinct magmatic plutons when considering available high-precision geochronological data.The northernmost pluton(ca.1380 Ma)of massive,olivine-bearing anorthosite shows distinct remote sensing signatures in the band ratio and MNF images marked by the dominance of OH-bearing and subordinate ferric minerals.The central pluton(1412–1400 Ma)is composed of NNE-to N-striking steeply dipping interlayered olivine-bearing and olivinepoor anorthosite,which correspond to ridges of dark-coloured,low albedo rocks with subordinate slightly oxidised ferrous mineral spectral signatures,and valleys of low albedo and OH-bearing mineral spectral signatures.A NNE-striking tectonic zone along a linear belt of KC granite gneiss separates the northern and central plutons.To the south is a NNW-to NNE-striking layered pluton(ca.1390 Ma),marked by olivine-bearing anorthosite that forms ridges and metasomatized olivine-poor and pyroxene-bearing anorthosite that forms valleys.This domain is separated from the similarly layered and E–W-striking Zebra Lobe–Oryeheke anorthosite by a top-to-the north thrust zone.A small domain of ca.1438 Ma olivine-bearing anorthosite sensu lato is situated to the SE of the main Kunene Complex.This work highlights the variability in layered and massive textures,the extent of metasomatism,and the importance of internal tectonic boundaries in the architecture of the Kunene Complex anorthosite suite.Our approach can be applied in other anorthositic terrains and large igneous bodies elsewhere on Earth,especially those where outcrop is poor,or access is inhibited.展开更多
文摘The origin of anorthosite and associated igneous gabbronorite and ferrodiorite was investigated through detailed study of a typical massif-type anorthosite complex from Gruber, Central Dronning Maud Land, East Antarc- tica. Field observations showed that the Gruber Complex is made up of gabbronorite-anorthosite pluton which was intruded by ferrodiorite dykes. Systematic samples collected from the Gruber Complex revealed significant geo- chemical variations within the region. Four rock types have been identified, based on modal proportions of mineral phases and their geochemistry data. Clinopyroxene-gabbronorite and plagioclase-gabbronorite are the two types of gabbronorite with the dominance of clinopyroxene and plagioclase, respectively. Anorthosite is represented by rocks having predominance of plagioclase with minor clinopyroxene. Ferrodiorite is characterized by modal abundance of orthopyroxene and Fe-Ti oxide. Major and trace element systematics showed that all the four rock types are co-magmatic and are related through fractional crystallization. Based on this study, it is reported that clinopyroxene was the first phase to crystallize followed by plagioclase and then Fe-Ti oxides. Furthermore, trace element composition of the parental melt was calculated using LA-ICPMS analysis of the most primitive, pure clinopyroxene found in the clinopyroxene gabbronorite. Our analyses suggested that the parental melt was similar to that of continental arc basalt and showed signatures of subduction-related metasomatism. Based on mineral chemical and geochemical data, it is interpreted that the parent melt went through changing sequence of crystallization which led to the forma- tion of massive anorthosite.
基金supported by the M&Ms project of the French Agence Nationale de Recherche
文摘Massif anorthosites form when basaltic magma differentiates in crustal magma chambers to form lowdensity plagioclase and a residual liquid whose density was greater than that of enclosing crustal rocks. The plagioclase and minor pyroxene crystallized in-situ on the floor of the magma chamber to produce the anorthosite complex,and the residual liquid migrated downwards,eventually to solidify as dense Fe-rich cumulates some of which were removed to the mantle.These movements were facilitated by high temperatures in Proterozoic continental crust,thus explaining the restriction of large anorthosite massifs to this period in Earth history.
文摘The formation of anorthosites in layered intrusions has remained one of petrology＇s most enduring enigmas. We have studied a sequence of layered chromitite, pyroxenite, norite and anorthosite overlying the UG2 chromitite in the Upper Critical Zone of the eastern Bushveld Complex at the Smokey Hills platinum mine. Layers show very strong medium to large scale lateral continuity, but abundant small scale irregularities and transgressive relationships. Particularly notable are irregular masses and seams of anorthosite that have intrusive relationships to their host rocks. An anorthosite layer locally transgresses several 10 s of metres into its footwall, forming what is referred to as a ＂pothole＂ in the Bushveld Complex. It is proposed that the anorthosites formed from plagioclase-rich crystal mushes that originally accumulated at or near the top of the cumulate pile. The slurries were mobilised during tectonism induced by chamber subsidence, a model that bears some similarity to that generally proposed for oceanic mass flows. The anorthosite slurries locally collapsed into pull-apart structures and injected their host rocks. The final step was down-dip drainage of Fe-rich intercumulus liquid, leaving behind anorthosite adcumulates.
基金supported by a grant from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science,and Technology of Japan,Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas(Grant Number 26106002)
文摘Lunar anorthosite is a major rock of the lunar highlands,which formed as a result of plagioclasefloatation in the lunar magma ocean（LMO）.Constraints on the sufficient conditions that resulted in the formation of a thick pure anorthosite（mode of plagioclase 〉95 vol.%） is a key to reveal the early magmatic evolution of the terrestrial planets.To form the pure lunar anorthosite,plagioclase should have separated from the magma ocean with low crystal fraction.Crystal networks of plagioclase and mafic minerals develop when the crystal fraction in the magma（φ） is higher than ca.40-60 vol.%,which inhibit the formation of pure anorthosite.In contrast,when φ is small,the magma ocean is highly turbulent,and plagioclase is likely to become entrained in the turbulent magma rather than separated from the melt.To determine the necessary conditions in which anorthosite forms from the LMO,this study adopted the energy criterion formulated by Solomatov.The composition of melt,temperature,and pressure when plagioclase crystallizes are constrained by using MELTS/pMELTS to calculate the density and viscosity of the melt.When plagioclase starts to crystallize,the Mg~# of melt becomes 0.59 at 1291 C.The density of the melt is smaller than that of plagioclase for P 〉 2.1 kbar（ca.50 km deep）,and the critical diameter of plagioclase to separate from the melt becomes larger than the typical crystal diameter of plagioclase（1.8-3 cm）.This suggests that plagioclase is likely entrained in the LMO just after the plagioclase starts to crystallize.When the Mg~# of melt becomes 0.54 at 1263 C,the density of melt becomes larger than that of plagioclase even for 0 kbar.When the Mg~# of melt decreases down to 0.46 at 1218 C,the critical diameter of plagioclase to separate from the melt becomes 1.5-2.5 cm,which is nearly equal to the typical plagioclase of the lunar anorthosite.This suggests that plagioclase could separate from the melt.One of the differences between the Earth and the Moon is the presence of water.If the terrestrial magma ocean was saturated with H_2O,plagioclase could not crystallize,and anorthosite could not form.
基金founded by the 305 Project of State Science and Technology Support Program(Grant No.2011BAB06B04-05)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project(Grant No.2012M521492 and 2013T60758)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China University of Geosciences(Wuhan)(Grant No.CUG120840,CUG120702 and CUGL120296)
文摘Kuruqtagh block is the best area for Precambrian geology in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, NW China, since it exposed complete Precambrian lithology units. The study of this ancient base will deepen the understanding of the Precambrian evolution of the Tarim Basin. In this paper, we studied the petrology, geochemistry, zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb chronology and zircon Hf isotope of Daxigou anorthosite(DA) which is located at the northern margin of Tarim craton and discussed the rock formation, tectonic and geological significance. Zircons from the intrusions display oscillatory zoning and high Th/U ratios(0.39–1.35), implying their magmatic origin. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results indicate that they formed during the Paleoproterozoic age with the weighted 206Pb/238 U average age of 1818±9 Ma, which is significantly different from former's Neoproterozoic age, and is coincidentally identical with its associated syenite granite age within the error range. Studies on petrogeochemistry suggest that DA belongs to medium-sodium peraluminous alkaline type, rich in Pb, La, Th and LILE, and poor in HFSE(Gd, Nd, and Ta). The chondrite-normalized REE pattern is slightly to the right form. The average ∑REE is 317.2×10-6; HREE show moderate fractionation [average LREE/HREE is 14.71, average(La/Yb)N is 24.77; average(La/Sm)N is 3.85, and average(Gd/Yb)N is 3.46]; and the δEu and δCe are not obvious. Their initial Hf isotope ratios and Hf two-stage model ages range from-6.6 to-4.43 and 2.63 to 2.74 Ga, respectively. Taken together, it is suggested that Daxigou anorthosite is a typical volcanic anorthosite and its primary magma could be contaminated by the partial melt Neoarchaean crust and mainly formed in the arc environment, which recoded the tectonic-magma activities response of the Tarim refers to the amalgamation of the supercontinent Columbia.
基金partially supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japanese government to S.M.(JP26106002)M.N,(JP15H05469)+1 种基金S.G.(JP26287105)and T.I.(JP25220712)the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation to S.M.(14.Y26.31.0018)
文摘We investigated phase relations, mineral chemistry, and density of lunar highland anorthosite at conditions up to 125 GPa and 2000 K. We used a multi-anvil apparatus and a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell for this purpose. In-situ X-ray diffraction measurements at high pressures and composition analysis of recovered samples using an analytical transmission electron microscope showed that anorthosite consists of garnet,CaAl_4Si_2O_(11)-rich phase(CAS phase), and SiO_2 phases in the upper mantle and the mantle transition zone.Under lower mantle conditions, these minerals transform to the assemblage of bridgmanite, Ca-perovskite,corundum, stishovite, and calcium ferrite-type aluminous phase through the decomposition of garnet and CAS phase at around 700 km depth. Anorthosite has a higher density than PREM and pyrolite in the upper mantle, while its density becomes comparable or lower under lower mantle conditions. Our results suggest that ancient anorthosite crust subducted down to the deep mantle was likely to have accumulated at660-720 km in depth without coming back to the Earth's surface. Some portions of the anorthosite crust might have circulated continuously in the Earth's deep interior by mantle convection and potentially subducted to the bottom of the lower mantle when carried within layers of dense basaltic rocks.
文摘The Bethampudi layered anorthosite complex at the border zone of Archaean supracrustal rocks of Khammam district, Eastern Ghats shows normal stratification predominantly in the form of rhythmic layering and often exhibits of zebra layering. Graded bedding and cumulate structures are also noticed. The rocks of the study area are classified based on petrography into anorthositic rocks, gabbroic rocks and ultramafic rocks and amphibolites. The field relations and major element composition suggest that these anorthosite rocks are of calc-alkaline in nature and petrogenitically related to the gabbroic rocks by the fractional crystallization at ℃.
基金Funding for this study comes from Chinese NSF projects (41490635, 41530210 and 41573040)
文摘1 Introduction The widely accepted standard model for the lunar feldspathic crust is:the early Moon was wholly or mostly molten,forming Lunar Magma Ocean(LMO).Olivine and pyroxene crystallized first from that magma ocean and sank
基金supported by JSPS KAKENHI (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas), Grant Number 26106002(Hadean Bio Science)the Tokyo Dome Corporation for support of the TeNQ exhibitthe branch of Space Exploration Education & Discovery, the University Museum
文摘The Moon has an anorthositic primordial continental crust. Recently anorthosite has also been discovered on the Martian surface. Although the occurrence of anorthosite is observed to be very limited in Earth＇s extant geological record,both lunar and Martian surface geology suggest that anorthosite may have comprised a primordial continent on the early Earth during the first 600 million years after its formation. We hypothesized that differences in the presence of an anorthositic continent on an Earthlike planet are due to planetary size. Earth likely lost its primordial anorthositic continent by tectonic erosion through subduction associated with a kind of proto-plate tectonics（PPT）. In contrast, Mars and the Moon, as much smaller planetary bodies, did not lose much of their anorthositic continental crust because mantle convection had weakened and/or largely stopped, and with time, they had appropriately cooled down. Applying this same reasoning to a super-Earth exoplanet suggests that, while a primordial anorthositic continent may briefly form on its surface, such a continent will be likely transported into the deep mantle due to intense mantle convection immediately following its formation. The presence of a primordial continent on an Earth-like planet seems to be essential to whether the planet will be habitable to Earth-like life. The key role of the primordial continent is to provide the necessary and sufficient nutrients for the emergence and evolution of life. With the appearance of a ＂trinity＂ consisting of（1） an atmosphere,（2） an ocean, and（3） the primordial continental landmass, material circulation can be maintained to enable a ＂Habitable Trinity＂ environment that will permit the emergence of Earth-like life. Thus, with little likelihood of a persistent primordial continent, a super-Earth affords very little chance for Earth-like life to emerge.
基金supported by a National Research Foundation(NRF)Thuthuka Grant(TTK14052367805)the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis(DSI-NRF CIMERA)。
文摘The quasi-monomineralic composition and huge spatial extent of massif-type anorthosites make detecting lithological regions and boundaries challenging.We use processed Landsat 8 OLI multispectral images and ALOS digital elevation models integrated with field and petrographic observations to characterize the architecture of the≥17,000 km2 Mesoproterozoic Kunene Complex(KC)anorthosite suite in Angola and Namibia.Images of false colour composite bands 6,4 and 1 and band ratios 4/2(ferric minerals),6/5(ferrous minerals)and 6/7(OH-bearing minerals),as well as assessment of the PCA and MNF matrices of eigenvectors and eigenvalues from Landsat 8 data using available spectral libraries,have substantially improved the interpretation of the Kunene Complex rock types and structures.The dataset shows that the reflectance signature of KC anorthositic rocks is primarily a function of the degree of metasomatism,which is most significant in olivine-poor rock types.The weathering intensity of the olivine-bearing anorthosite substrate is another control on the remote sensing signal.Our remote sensing and field-based approach has enabled us to divide the KC anorthosite suite into six distinct spectral and architecture domains and at least four distinct magmatic plutons when considering available high-precision geochronological data.The northernmost pluton(ca.1380 Ma)of massive,olivine-bearing anorthosite shows distinct remote sensing signatures in the band ratio and MNF images marked by the dominance of OH-bearing and subordinate ferric minerals.The central pluton(1412–1400 Ma)is composed of NNE-to N-striking steeply dipping interlayered olivine-bearing and olivinepoor anorthosite,which correspond to ridges of dark-coloured,low albedo rocks with subordinate slightly oxidised ferrous mineral spectral signatures,and valleys of low albedo and OH-bearing mineral spectral signatures.A NNE-striking tectonic zone along a linear belt of KC granite gneiss separates the northern and central plutons.To the south is a NNW-to NNE-striking layered pluton(ca.1390 Ma),marked by olivine-bearing anorthosite that forms ridges and metasomatized olivine-poor and pyroxene-bearing anorthosite that forms valleys.This domain is separated from the similarly layered and E–W-striking Zebra Lobe–Oryeheke anorthosite by a top-to-the north thrust zone.A small domain of ca.1438 Ma olivine-bearing anorthosite sensu lato is situated to the SE of the main Kunene Complex.This work highlights the variability in layered and massive textures,the extent of metasomatism,and the importance of internal tectonic boundaries in the architecture of the Kunene Complex anorthosite suite.Our approach can be applied in other anorthositic terrains and large igneous bodies elsewhere on Earth,especially those where outcrop is poor,or access is inhibited.
