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The Moon's mare volcanism predominantly occurs within the Procellarum KREEP Terrane (PKT), which is widely thought to be associated with KREEP components within the lunar interior. The Chang'e-5 (CE-5) mission sampled a young (2 Ga) mare basalt Em4/P58 unit of northern Oceanus Procellarum. The geochemistry of the CE-5 mare basalt enables assessment of mantle source compositions which are essential to understand the thermo-chemical mechanism for prolonged volcanism during secular cooling of the Moon. Geochemical compositions of the CE-5 bulk soil, breccias, and basalt clasts from various depths within the drill core consistently display high concentrations of incompatible trace elements (ITE: ∼ 0.3 × high-K KREEP; ∼ 5 μg/g Th) with KREEP-like inter-element ratios, for example for La/Sm, Nb/Ta, and Zr/Y. Exotic impact ejecta, extensive magma differentiation (<70 % fractional crystallization) and significant assimilation of KREEP materials during magma transit and eruption cannot account for the ITE contents and ratios or radiogenic isotope compositions (e.g., εNd initial of + 8 to + 9 and εHf initial of + 40 to + 46) of the CE-5 basalts; instead, partial melting of their mantle source played a dominant role. The Chang'e-5 basalt is a chemically evolved low-Ti mare basalt (Mg# of ∼ 34) with enriched KREEP-like ITE compositions but high long-term time-integrated Sm/Nd and Lu/Hf ratios, which represent a hitherto unsampled type of mare basalt. It formed by melting of an augite-rich mantle source (late-stage magma ocean cumulates containing > 30–60 % augite, and little or no ilmenite), with a small amount of late-stage interstitial melt that resembles KREEP (∼1–1.5 modal %, equivalent to 0.2–0.3 μg/g Th in the mantle source). The voluminous mare basalts making up the Em4/P58 unit (>1500 km3) provide compelling evidence for large-scale, ITE enriched young mare magmatism within Oceanus Procellarum. In combination with remote sensing data and with the unique Th-rich Apollo 12 basalt fragment 12032,366–18 (impact ejecta likely from Oceanus Procellarum), this implies that significant portions of the FeO- and Th-rich mare regions of the western PKT may also have formed in a similar way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Beishan Orogenic Belt is located in the central southernmost part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), which plays a key role in understanding the formation and evolution of the CAOB. Granitoids are the documents of crustal and tectonic evolution in orogenic belts. However, little is known regarding the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of the widely distributed Paleozoic granitoids in the Northern Beishan Orogenic Belt (NBOB). The present study reveals significant differences concerning the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of early and late Paleozoic granitoids from the NBOB. The early Paleozoic granitoids from the 446–430 Ma Hongliuxia granite complex of the Mazongshan unit and the 466–428 Ma Shibanjing complex of the Hanshan unit show classic I-type granite affinities as revealed by the relative enrichment of LILEs and LREEs, pronounced depletions of Nb, Ta and Ti and the abundant presence of hornblende. Furthermore, they are characterized by strongly variable zircon ε Hf(t) values between − 16.7 and + 12.8 and evolved plagioclase Sr isotopic compositions of 0.7145–0.7253, indicating the involvement of both juvenile and ancient continental crust in the magma source. Thus, we propose that the early Paleozoic granitoids in the NBOB were generated in a subduction-related continental arc setting. In contrast, the late Paleozoic 330–281 Ma granitoids from the Shuangjingzi complex of the Hanshan unit exhibit positive zircon ε Hf(t) values between + 5.8 and + 13.2 and relatively depleted plagioclase Sr isotopic compositions of 0.7037–0.7072, indicating that they were mainly formed by remelting of juvenile crust. Thus, an intra-plate extensional setting is proposed to have occurred during formation of the late Paleozoic granitoids. Therefore, between the early and late Paleozoic, the magma sources of the NBOB granitoids converted from the reworking of both juvenile and ancient crusts during a subduction-induced compressional setting to the remelting of juvenile crust during an intra-plate extensional setting, respectively. The corresponding crustal growth in the southern CAOB is dominated by early Paleozoic lateral accretion of arc complexes and late Paleozoic vertical addition of juvenile material from the mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Beishan Orogenic Belt (SBOB) in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is thought to be an eastern extension of the Eastern Tianshan Orogen. Up to now, it has been suggested to consist of a well-preserved Paleozoic magmatic and sedimentary sequence with a possible former Neoproterozoic microcontinent. We provide new geochemical and geochronological data for gneissic granites of the SBOB in order to constrain its tectonic evolution and setting. The gneissic granitoids belong to the high-K, calc-alkaline series and are characterized by an enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), a depletion of Nb, Ta, Ti, Sr, and Ba and a positive Pb anomaly. The petrography and geochemical signatures reveal a possible I-type granite affinity and are in accordance with typical Andean Arc granites. Zircon grains, yielding 206 Pb/ 238 U magmatic crystallization ages of 933 ± 2 Ma and 900–890 Ma for the Shibanshan and Huaniushan arc granites, respectively, manifest the former presence of an early Neoproterozoic Precambrian microcontinent in the SBOB. Zircon ɛ Hf ( t ) values range from −16.1 to 10.2, indicating that juvenile material and reworked ancient crust were involved in the source of the gneissic granites. Furthermore, in conjunction with studies of the adjacent regions, the results of the present study suggest that the former Precambrian microcontinent in the SBOB neither belonged to the nearby Dunhuang Block nor the Tarim Craton, but has a common affinity with the Central Tianshan Arc Terrane. It is also suggested that the 900–890 Ma plutons originated from the mixing of juvenile material with older crust in an Andean-type active continental arc setting during the assembly of Rodinia. Thus the SBOB plays a key role in understanding the tectonic evolution of the CAOB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Juvenile crust in Singhbhum Craton formed at ∼3.51, ∼3.45, 3.38–3.25, 3.15–3.05 and ∼2.80–2.75 Ga. • Reworking of older crust in the craton occurred at ∼3.46, ∼3.3, ∼3.1 and ∼2.8 Ga. • Maximum crustal thickness was attained at ∼3.3 Ga followed by a possible reduction over ∼3.1–2.8 Ga. • Paleo-Meso–Archean continental growth occurred through episodic intraplate juvenile magmatism and resultant crustal reworking. The composition of continental crust and its temporal variation, the mechanism of crust-mantle interaction, and the degree of mantle depletion during the early Archean have been widely debated. To address these issues related to the Singhbhum Craton, we present whole-rock sediment geochemistry, detrital zircon U-Pb date, trace element and Hf isotope data from four Archean clastic sedimentary successions. The rocks have high whole-rock K 2 O/Na 2 O, relatively high La and Th compared to Ni and Sc, distinct negative Eu anomaly and flat HREE patterns, and high detrital zircon U/Yb ratios. These features suggest attainment of early crustal stability with the sediments derived from a strongly weathered basement dominated by granitoids formed through shallow intracrustal melting. Detrital zircon U-Pb and Hf isotope data indicate episodic crust formation at ∼3.51, ∼3.46, 3.38–3.25, 3.15–3.05 and ∼2.80–2.75 Ga. Each major crust formation event is marked by addition of depleted mantle-derived juvenile crust and its quick reworking. Besides, episodic tapping of older crust, as indicated by a wide range (both positive and negative) of zircon εHf t values, are evident at ∼ 3.46, ∼3.3, ∼3.1 and ∼2.8 Ga. Pressure-sensitive zircon trace element ratios suggest that the crust attained the maximum thickness at ∼3.3 Ga followed by a possible reduction in thickness over ∼3.1–2.8 Ga. In the absence of strong evidence of subduction, the rock association and their temporal distribution (coeval granitoid and mafic-ultramafic magmatism) suggest that the Paleoarchean-Mesoarchean crustal growth in the Singhbhum Craton was a result of episodic, depleted mantle-derived, intraplate magmatic injection and attendant crustal reworking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Granitoids of Singhbhum Craton. • Two generation of TTGs at 3.42 and 3.32 Ga formed by melting of juvenile mafic crust. • Later K-rich, silicic granites at 3.28 and 3.25 Ga formed by melting of tonalites. • Recurring crustal melting in a gradually thickening oceanic plateau. • Final cratonisation of the Singhbhum Craton at 3.25 Ga. A significant part of many Archean cratons formed during Paleoarchean. Yet, the mechanism and tectonic setting of formation of Paleoarchean continental crust remain highly debated. In this contribution, we present field, petrographic, geochemical, zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope data on Paleoarchean granitoids from west-central part of the Singhbhum Craton (Champua-Hat Gamharia corridor), India. The whole process starting from nucleation of a juvenile continent to its evolution and final stabilization is documented. The core of the craton nucleated with formation of 3.45–3.40 Ga TTGs showing juvenile character (zircon ɛHf t = +0.6 to +7.1). These rocks show slightly depleted HREE and Y, negligible Eu-anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.90 to 1.00) and moderate Sr/Y (25–64), consistent with derivation from a low-K mafic crust at a pressure near the lower end of the garnet stability field, causing subordinate garnet retention in the residue and negligible role of plagioclase. A second generation of TTG formation took place at 3.32 Ga in the area by deeper melting of a juvenile mafic crust (zircon ɛHf t = +1.3 to +5.7) as suggested by strongly depleted HREE and Y, and high Sr/Y (52–155) implying significant amount of garnet retention in the residue. Subsequently, the area witnessed intracrustal melting at 3.28 and 3.25 Ga which tapped moderately old to juvenile (zircon ɛHf t = −1.9 to +4.5), mostly TTG sources at variable depths generating potassic, LILE-enriched, high-silica granites. Intrusion of these potassic granites marks the final cratonization of the Singhbhum Craton. The sequence of events is interpreted in terms of repeated crustal melting and granitoid generation in a gradually thickening oceanic plateau with a progressive change in granitoid source from mafic to felsic in composition. A synthesis of rock assemblage, regional geological setting and structural pattern also supports intraplate nature of the magmatism in Singhbhum Craton, which might have been a significant mechanism of crustal growth worldwide during Paleoarchean. Further, a comparison of juvenile crustal growth and crustal reworking events of the Singhbhum and other Indian cratons show that these cratons record distinct evolutionary histories and were probably nucleated at different sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processes responsible for the origin and evolution of Early Archean continental crust are not properly understood. Questions regarding the pattern of crustal growth (episodic vs. continuous) and the role of crust-mantle interaction in the temporal change of crustal composition and thickness are still being widely debated. In order to address the above issues, we present whole-rock geochemistry and detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes, and trace-element data from Mesoarchean clastic rocks of two selected greenstone belts of western Dharwar Craton. The mineralogically mature character of the sampled sandstones along with their high K 2 O/Na 2 O, Rb/Sr and CIA values, relatively enriched concentrations of La and Th over Cr and Sc, variably negative Eu-anomaly, and high U/Yb values of detrital zircons are indicative of their derivation from strongly weathered stable continental provenance dominated by low-HREE TTGs and K-rich granites of shallow crustal origin. Detrital zircon U-Pb ages indicate the maximum age of deposition for these sandstones is ∼3.1 Ga. The detrital zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf data suggest two major crust formation events at 3.54–3.33 Ga and 3.27–3.12, mainly via juvenile crustal addition and subsequent rapid reworking. Besides, ∼3.6 Ga detrital zircons with negative εHft values suggest that the antiquity of the western Dharwar Craton can be traced back at least up to 3.8 Ga. Reworking of the older continental crust occurred during ∼ 3.25 Ga and ∼ 3.15–3.07 Ga, the last one represented by emplacement of K-rich granites. Zircon trace element ratios indicate a maximum increase in crustal thickness at ∼3.2 Ga followed by a crustal thinning at around ∼3.15 Ga. The detrital record in combination with geological setting suggests an episodic crustal growth and reworking in the western Dharwar Craton during Paleoarchean to early Mesoarchean period which was possibly related to intraplate processes. • Juvenile crust in Western Dharwar Craton formed at 3.54–3.33 Ga. • The juvenile crust reworked during 3.27–3.12 Ga. • Reworking of older crust occurred at ∼3.25 Ga, ∼3.15–3.07 Ga and ∼ 3.02 Ga. • Maximum crustal thickness attained at ∼3.2 Ga followed by thinning up to ∼3.1 Ga. • Link between crustal thickening and partial convective overturn is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subduction and collision are the key processes triggering geochemical refertilization of the lithospheric mantle beneath cratons. However, the way that the subducted plate influences the cratonic lithospheric mantle remains unclear. Here, in-situ major and trace-element and Sr isotopic compositions of peridotite and pyroxenite xenoliths carried by the Dongbahao Cenozoic basalts, located close to the northern margin of North China Craton (NCC), were examined to investigate the effects of the subducted Paleo-Asian oceanic plate on the lithospheric mantle of the NCC. Based on petrographic and geochemical features, peridotites were subdivided into two types recording two-stage metasomatism. Clinopyroxene (Cpx) in both types of peridotites show chemical zoning. In those peridotites we refer to as Type 1 peridotites, Cpx exhibit uniform convex-upward rare earth element (REE) patterns but core-rim variations in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios (0.7065–0.7082 in the cores and 0.7043–0.7059 in the spongy rims), and have high (La/Yb) N ratios (> 1.12) (N means normalized to chondrite), relatively low Ti/Eu ratios (< 3756) and negative high field strength element (HFSE) (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti) anomalies in the cores, indicating early-stage metasomatism by carbonatitic melts derived from the subducted sedimentary carbonate rocks. Cpx in the Type 2 peridotites have highly variable REE patterns (from light rare earth element (LREE)-depleted to LREE-enriched) and feature zoned Sr isotopic compositions contrasting to those in Type 1, i.e., increasing 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios from the cores (0.7020–0.7031) to the spongy rims (0.7035–0.7041). Accompanying variations of 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios, Cpx in both types of peridotites display increasing Nb/La ratios from the cores to the spongy rims. In addition, Cpx in the Type 2 peridotites show remarkably increased (La/Yb) N , Ca/Al, Sm/Hf and Zr/Hf ratios but decreased Ti/Eu and Ti/Nb ratios from the cores to the spongy rims. These features imply a later-stage metasomatism by CO 2 -rich silicate melts derived from carbonated eclogites. Pyroxenites were also classified into two types. Both types of pyroxenites show higher Ni content in Cpx and orthopyroxene than peridotites at the same Mg# (= 100 ∗ Mg/(Mg + Fe), atomic number) level. Their Cpx show high Ti/Eu, Ti/Sr ratios and similar 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios (0.7039–0.7055) to the Cpx spongy rims in peridotites, suggesting that pyroxenites originated from silicate melt-peridotite reactions in the later-stage metasomatism. These observations collectively indicate that the lithospheric mantle beneath the northern NCC presents evidence for two distinct mantle metasomatic events. We propose that both were caused by the subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate, which could have contributed significantly to the transformation of the lithospheric mantle beneath the northern NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeoarchaean granitoids are exposed over wide area in the Singhbhum craton whose origin and role in crustal evolution are not well constrained. This study presents whole-rock and mineral chemical data coupled with zircon U-Pb dating and Hf isotope results on such granitoids from the central part of the craton to understand their petrogenesis, tectonic setting and role in continental crustal evolution. The first phase of granitoid magmatism in this area is represented by a 3.47 Ga Na-rich, gneissic tonalite belonging to the Archaean TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) suite. This rock is characterized by high-HREE (heavy rare earth elements), negative Eu anomaly, low Sr/Y ratio and positive zircon Hf isotope signature (εHf t = +2.1 to +4.8). It is interpreted to be formed by shallow melting of a juvenile mafic source. At 3.35 Ga a silicic, ferroan porphyritic biotite granite formed. It shows variable K/Na, low Y and high Sr/Y, moderately fractionated HREE and positive zircon εHf t (+1.8 to +4.0), and is explained as a product of high-temperature melting of a heterogeneous, juvenile source consisting of tonalites and mafic rocks at lower crustal depth. The final phase of granitoid magmatism is marked by a 3.30 Ga non-porphyritic ferroan, silica-rich biotite granite. Geochemical characteristics like moderately high K, moderately fractionated HREE, low Ca and Sr/Y, and zircon εHf t (+0.8 to +3.7) suggest that the granite was formed by high-pressure melting of a tonalite-dominated source with short crustal residence. All the three granitoid phases display low Mg, Ni and Cr contents and magnesium number (Mg#) precluding direct involvement of mantle in their origin. Rather, crustal reworking caused by episodic plume-related mafic-ultramafic magma underplating and intraplating in an oceanic plateau setting is suggested as the possible mechanism for formation of the granitoids. Successive crustal reworking events involved progressively greater amount of previously formed felsic crust generating more evolved, K-rich granitoids. It appears to be a globally important process which led to effective crustal differentiation and maturing of the cratons during Palaeoarchaean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated study of zircon U–Pb ages and Hf–O isotopic compositions, whole rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry was conducted on three lithologically diverse middle Jurassic plutons from the Eastern Hebei area of the North China Craton (NCC), in order to reveal both their petrogenesis and possible tectonic affinity. The three plutons have consistent magmatic zircon U–Pb ages from 167 ± 1 Ma to 173 ± 1 Ma. The Nianziyu pluton has typical characteristics of appinite with low SiO 2 (43.7–52.6%), high Ca, Mg, Fe and H 2 O contents. It possesses subduction-related trace element patterns, enriched Nd–Hf isotopic signatures as well as elevated zircon δ 18 O values (6.2–7.2‰), arguing for an enriched mantle source metasomatized by fluids related to subduction. The Shuihutong monzogranites have high silica (SiO 2 = 75.4–75.9%) and alkali contents, low Ca contents and striking negative Ba, Sr and Eu anomalies. Samples from the pluton have more evolved Nd–Hf isotopic values and are considered to be most likely derived from anatexis of ancient lower continental crust. Hybridization between mantle- and ancient lower crust-derived magmas is proposed for the mafic microgranular enclave-bearing Baijiadian granitoids, which are characterized by variable ε Nd (t) and ε Hf (t) values. Integrated with the regional geologic history, we suggest that the formation of the three middle Jurassic plutons were related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific ocean plate beneath the NCC. Their petrogenetic differences reflect complex magmatic processes in subduction settings involving melting of multiple sources, possible partly facilitated by fluid metasomatism and water-rich magma injection, accompanied with various degrees of magma mixing. The appearance of middle Jurassic appinitic rocks leads us to propose that the NCC destruction and lithosphere thinning were facilitated and controlled by the weakening of the lithospheric mantle after hydration because of the subduction of the paleo-Pacific ocean plate. The lower crust of the craton was also reactivated at the same time due to the subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]