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Granitic rocks forming in the syn- to post-orogenic stages can trace the compositional and structural complexity of the crust beneath an orogenic belt. The Qinling orogenic belt undertook multiple stages of tectonics and magmatism, resulting in the multifaceted evolution and compositional diversity of the crust. In the present study, the Guangtoushan and Miba plutons in South Qinling were chosen to reveal the crustal heterogeneity in study area via isotopic geochemistry and zircon geochronology. The Guangtoushan pluton was emplaced between ~215 Ma and ~202 Ma and the Miba pluton formed at ~213 Ma, as constrained by zircon U-Pb isotopic dating. Granitic rocks of the Miba pluton are characterized by amphibole bearing and homogeneous composition, with relatively depleted Sr-Nd isotopic compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.7060 to 0.7084 and initial εNd values of −5.4 to −9.5) and high Pb isotopic values. The Guangtoushan pluton contains muscovite and complex inherited zircon grains and has variable Sr-Nd isotopic composition (initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.7050 to 0.7091 and initial εNd values of −4.5 to −12.9) and low Pb isotopic values. Felsic magmas of the Guangtoushan pluton should be derived mainly from meta-sedimentary rocks beneath South Qinling, while the Miba pluton originated primarily from partial melting of meta-igneous rocks. The compositional diversity recorded in the Early Mesozoic plutons was caused by the heterogeneous crust, and partial melting was induced by heating of the up-welling asthenosphere in a post-collision setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yangtze Block records Neoproterozoic magmatism and sedimentation related to the breakup of Rodinia and is an important piece in the reconstruction of the supercontinent. However, the tectonic setting and position of this block in Rodinia remain a subject of debate. In the present study, we report the zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic composition of zircon and geochemical and Nd-Pb isotopic compositions for meta-volcanic rocks exposed in the Zhangbaling uplift of the NE Yangtze Block. The volcanic rocks, dominated by rhyolite and dacite, belong to the calc-alkaline series and show geochemical characteristics of arc rocks. Zircon U-Pb isotopic ages show that volcanic rocks in the Xileng Formation formed at ca. 790 Ma and ca. 760–700 Ma peaking at ~740 Ma. The late-stage volcanism was widely exposed in the uplift, characterized by a temporal-spatial trend becoming younger southwards. The old volcanic rocks have low initial εNd (−11.0) and εHf (−19.7 to −8.2) values and low Pb isotopic ratios, likely indicating an origin from ancient basement rocks underneath the Yangtze Block. The younger ones, being similar to continental arc andesite in trace element compositions, have relatively high initial εNd (mostly −4.6 to 0.5) and εHf (−0.4 to 8.8) values and high Pb isotopic ratios. These isotopic features point to an origin from the partial melting of juvenile crustal rocks. Sedimentary rocks of the Xileng Formation and the overlying strata also contain numerous zircon grains of ~700 Ma to ~630 Ma. The volcanic rocks in the Zhangbaling uplift might demonstrate long-lasting subduction along the northeastern margin of the Yangtze Block, probably active until ca. 700 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesozoic granitoid rocks in the eastern Qinling terrane along the southern margin of the North China Craton are significant for understanding geodynamics processes related to lithospheric delamination in the Late Mesozoic. In addition, these rocks have close genetic association with the largest Mo-(Au-Ag) polymetallic mineralization belt in China. In the present study, zircon U-Pb ages and elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic geochemistry are reported for two representative granite plutons (Heyu and Lantian) exposed in the eastern Qinling terrane. Granitoid rocks from both plutons are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and are classified as I-type granite with formation ages of 145 ~ 135 Ma and 150 Ma, respectively. These rocks are characterized by adakite-like affinity without significant Eu anomalies. Both plutons have relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging between 0.7063 and 0.7109 and variable εNd(t) values of – 29.2 to – 6.5. Their Pb isotopic compositions are comparable to those of old high-grade metamorphic basement rocks from the North China Craton but are different from those of country rocks from the Xiong'er and Taihua groups. These features indicate genesis via reworking of the lower crust beneath North China and partial involvement of juvenile crustal material to different extents. Occurrences of ca. 1000-Ma-old inherited zircon in the Lantian granites imply the contribution of the Qinling Group in North Qinling to the magma source(s). This magmatism occurred intensively in a transitional setting from compression to extension and was likely induced by lithosphere thinning and asthenosphere upwelling beneath eastern China during the Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Longwangzhuang pluton is a typical example of Paleoproterozoic A-type granite intrusions at the southern margin of the North China Craton. This pluton is composed of arfvedsonite granite and minor aegirine–augite granites. Samples from both granite types display similar zircon U-Pb ages with 207U-206Pb ages of 1612 ± 19 Ma [mean square weighted deviation (MSWD) = 0.66] and 1609 ± 24 Ma (MSWD = 0.5), respectively. The granites exhibit similar high silica (SiO2 = 71.1–73.4 wt.%), high alkaline (Na2O + K2O = 8.10–9.26 wt.%, K2O/Na2O > 1), and low Al2O3 (11.8–12.8 wt. %) contents and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous bulk chemistry. The chemical variations of the Longwangzhuang pluton suggest the effects of mineral fractionation. In addition, all samples show typical characteristics of A-type granites, such as high 10000Ga/Al ratios (4.10–7.28), high FeOtot/(FeOtot + MgO) ratios (0.88–0.99), and high Zr (484–1082 ppm), Ce (201–560 ppm), and Y (78–156 ppm) contents. The εNd(t) values and the (206Pb/204Pb)t, (207Pb/204Pb)t, and (208Pb/204Pb)t ratios of the arfvedsonite granite samples vary from −4.6 to –5.3, 15.021 to 17.349, 15.241 to 15.472, and 33.206 to 36.905, respectively, and those for the aegirine–augite granite sample amount at −0.2, 14.421, 15.175, and 33.706. The distinct and variable Nd and Pb isotope values indicate the presence of heterogeneous protoliths. Based on its geochemistry, its low initial Pb isotope ratios, and its enrichment in Nd isotopes, we infer that the Longwangzhuang A-type granite is the partial melting product of basement rocks such as the Taihua Group gneisses accompanied by some involvement of juvenile material from the mantle. Together with published data from other Paleoproterozoic A-type granite plutons exposed at the southern margin of the craton, our findings suggest that these granites had a similar origin. Furthermore, geochemically, they can be divided into two groups: A2-type, which formed earlier (~1.8–1.6 Ga), and A1-type, which formed later (~1.6–1.5 Ga). Combining this information with the variations in whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic composition at ca. 1.6 Ga, we propose that tectonic transformation from post-orogenic to anorogenic magmatism occurred at the southern margin of the North China Craton at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiaodong Peninsula of eastern Shandong Province comprises the Jiaobei terrain of North China affinity and the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic terrain. In this study, we present zircon U-Pb ages, major- and trace-element data, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of intermediate to mafic dikes from the Linglong region of the Jiaobei terrain and the Rushan region of the Sulu terrain to discuss the nature of the mantle source(s) beneath eastern China during the Early Cretaceous. Zircon U-Pb dating yields Early Cretaceous dike emplacement ages ranging from ~124 to ~120 Ma for the Linglong region and from ~118 to ~108 Ma for the Rushan region. Dikes from both regions are all potassic, with "arc-like" trace-element distributions as well as high unradiogenic Pb isotopic composition, low initial εNd values (-19.64 to -10.80), and high radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7075-0.7112), suggesting the involvement of an extensively enriched mantle component. Such isotopic characteristics are found in contemporaneous intermediate to mafic intrusive rocks in the whole Shandong Province and are explained in terms of a Triassic northwestwardsubduction model of the Yangtze Block beneath the North China Block. The dikes from the Linglong and Rushan regions have low Nb/U and Ce/Pb ratios, implying the involvement of upper-continental-crustal material. Combined with the southward younging of zircon U-Pb ages through Shandong Province, we suppose that the enriched mantle source beneath the Jiaodong Peninsula was formed by metasomatism of silicic melts or fluids derived from the subducted Yangtze continental crust during the Triassic, followed by decompression melting of this mantle during the Early Cretaceous due to rollback of the subducted Paleo-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to examine the geochemistry and geochronology of the Cadomian Mishu granites from northwest Iran, in order to elucidate petrogenesis and their role in the evolution of the Cadomian crust of Iran. The Mishu granites mainly consist of two-mica granites associated with scarce outcrops of tonalite, amphibole granodiorite, and diorite. Leucogranitic dikes locally crosscut the Mishu granites. Two-mica granites show S-type characteristics whereas amphibole granodiorite, tonalities, and diorites have I-type signatures. The I-type granites show enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Ba and K) and depletion in high field strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ti and Ta). These characteristics show that these granites have been formed along an ancient, fossilized subduction zone. The S-type granites have high K, Rb, Cs (and other large ion lithophile elements) contents, resembling collision-related granites. U–Pb zircon dating of the Mishu rocks yielded238U/206Pb crystallization ages of ca. 550 Ma. Moreover, Rb–Sr errorchron shows an early Ediacaran age (547 ± 84 Ma) for the Mishu igneous rocks. The two-mica granites (S-type granites) show high87Sr/86Sr(i)ratios, ranging from 0.7068 to 0.7095. TheirɛNd values change between −4.2 and −4.6. Amphibole granitoids and diorites (I-type granites) are characterized by relatively low87Sr/86Sr(i)ratios (0.7048–0.7079) and higher values ofɛNd (−0.8 to −4.2). Leucogranitic dikes have quite juvenile signature, withɛNd values ranging from +1.1 to +1.4 and Nd model ages (TDM) from 1.1 to 1.2 Ga. The isotopic data suggests interaction of juvenile, mantle-derived melts with old continental crust to be the main factor for the generation of the Mishu granites. Interaction with older continental crust is also confirmed by the presence of abundant inherited zircon cores. The liquid-line of descend in the Harker diagrams suggests fractional crystallization was also a predominant mechanism during evolution of the Mishu I-type granites. The zircon U–Pb ages, whole rock trace elements, and Sr–Nd isotope data strongly indicate the similarities between the Mishu Cadomian granites with other late Neoproterozoic–early Cambrian (600–520 Ma) granites across Iran and the surrounding areas such as Turkey and Iberia. The generation of the Mishu I-type granites could be related to the subduction of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean during Cadomian orogeny, through interaction between juvenile melts and old (Mesoproterozoic or Archaean) continental crust. The S-type granites are related to the pooling of the basaltic melts within the middle–upper parts of the thick continental crust and then partial melting of that crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship among magmatism, large-scale metallogenesis of Southeast China, and subduction of the Pacific plate has long been debated. The lower Yangtze River belt (LYRB) in the northeastern edge of Southeast China is characterized by intense late Mesozoic magmatism and associated polymetallic mineralization such as copper, gold, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, etc. The copper-related adakitic rocks (148–130 Ma) in this belt are the oldest episode of magmatism and intruded as small intermediate-acid intrusive bodies. The Huayuangong granitoids (HYG), located in the southern part of this belt, however, are copper-barren. Three granitoid samples from this pluton give zircon U–Pb ages of 126.4 ± 1.6 Ma, 125.9 ± 1.9 Ma, and 126.2 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively. The HYG has A-type affinity with metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, high FeOT/(FeOT+MgO) ratios, and high Zr+Nb+Ce+Yb contents. Meanwhile, 10 late Mesozoic mafic samples from the LYRB exhibit similar trace element characteristics to those of ‘continental arc andesite’ (CAA) and suggest an enriched lithospheric mantle source with depletion in high field strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ti) and enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Th, U, and Pb). Although the HYG exhibits similar Sr–Nd isotope composition with the mafic dikes, distinct whole-rock Pb isotope ratios imply that the granitoids and mafic magmas originated from heterogeneous mantle sources. Compared with coeval Baijuhuajian A-type rocks that are exposed along the Jiang–Shao fault of Southeast China, the HYG shows enriched Hf isotope ratios of zircon withεHf(t) values ranging from −4.8 to −11.1. In the Yb/TaversusY/Nb diagram, being different from the major asthenospheric mantle-origin Baijuhuajian pluton, a large range of and high Y/Nb ratios as well as high Zr contents of the HYG pluton suggest a magmatic source of mixing between the asthenospheric and enriched crustal component in the LYRB. Compared with early-stage copper-related adakitic rocks (148–130 Ma) with subduction-related affinities and high oxygen fugacity, the copper-barren HYG has with-plate A-type affinities and lower oxygen fugacity. Summarizing, the production of early-stage (i.e. subduction related) adakitic rocks followed by late-stage A-type granitoids in the LYRB is ascribed to the rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath Southeast China and associated with asthenospheric upwelling and lithospheric thinning during the late Mesozoic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] South Qinling consists of three magmatic cycles in Neoproterzoic. [•] The Panxi-Hannan arc system in NW Yangtze probably extends into South Qinling. [•] Young magmatic rocks of ∼680–650Ma are rift-related in northern Yangtze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Group was previously interpreted as the oldest Precambrian basement unit of the North Qinling Terrain, recording its formation and early crustal evolution. The Qinling Group consists predominantly of gneisses, amphibolites, and marbles, which underwent multi-phase deformation and metamorphism. In order to better constrain the provenance and tectonic setting of this group and the evolution of the North Qinling orogenic belt, in situ U-Pb dating and oxygen isotopic analysis of zircons in combination with whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotope analysis was performed on the two dominant rock types, amphibolite and felsic gneiss. Felsic gneisses exhibit enrichment of LREEs and LILEs (Rb, Ba, Th, K, Pb), negative Eu anomalies and depletion of HFSEs (Nb, Ta, P, Ti). The rocks have slightly elevated δO values (6.5-9.3 ‰) and initial ε values of −4.6 corresponding to two-stage Nd model age of 1.99 Ga. Amphibolites are also enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in Nb and Ta and have homogeneous δO values (5.0-6.0 ‰), but higher initial ε values (2.8-3.3) and younger two-stage Nd model ages (1.29-1.24 Ga) compared to the gneisses. The zircon age record indicates that the gneisses and amphibolites were formed in a ~960 Ma volcanic arc environment rather than in a rift setting as previously suggested. A major metamorphic event took place during the Early Paleozoic. Based on the age spectrum of detrital zircons, the Qinling Group is interpreted as an autonomous geological unit, which was mainly derived mostly from 1,000 to 900 Ma old granitoid rocks. The North Qinling Terrain can be regarded as a remnant of the Grenville orogenic belt with an early Neoproterozoic evolution different from that of the North and South China blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern Qinling belt is characterized by widespread Mesozoic post-orogenic magmatism and abundant Mo–(Au–Ag) polymetallic mineralization. Most Mo deposits in this belt are genetically related to Mesozoic granitoids. The tectonic context of this close spatial and temporal relationship is still debated. This study reports U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic composition of zircons, major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition of the Donggou granite porphyry, host rock to one of the important Mesozoic Mo deposits in this orogen. Based on geochemical results, the Donggou granite porphyry is a silica-supersaturated, high-K metaluminous A-type granite showing enrichment in light REEs, depletion in middle REEs and significant negative Eu, Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti anomalies. Negative initial ϵNdvalues of −17.0 to −13.2 for whole-rock and negative initial ϵHfvalues of −19.9 to −7.8 for zircon suggest that the magma was derived from a mixture of Archaean/Proterozoic crustal rocks and mantle-derived or newly added crust. Its Pb isotopic composition is similar to the lower crust of the North China block, but different from superjacent country rocks (Xiong'er and Taihua Groups). Zircon U–Pb dating yields a late Mesozoic emplacement age of 118–117 Ma, identical with the third episode of Mo mineralization in the eastern Qinling–Dabie belt. We postulate that the Donggou Mo-related porphyry granite formed by reworking of North China lower crust with significant input of juvenile material. The magmas formed in an extensional tectonic setting, induced by lithospheric thinning and asthenospheric upwelling beneath eastern China during Cretaceous time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The North Qinling terrain reveals a different geological history from the North China block to the north and the South Qinling micro-continental block to the south. The timing of events and geochemical features of the North Qinling terrain are essential for understanding the evolution of the Qinling orogenic belt that joins the North and South China blocks. This study presents detrital zircon ages and Hf isotopic compositions from the Guandaokou Group, a cover sequence of the North China block, and from the Kuanping Group, an upper basement sequence of the North Qinling terrain. The youngest detrital zircon U–Pb ages constrain the initiation of sedimentation in the Guandaokou Group to 1.85Ga and the maximum depositional age of the Kuanping Group to ~640Ma. Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf data testify to a major phase of magmatism in the North Qinling terrain at ~1000–900Ma. The magmatic rocks were largely produced from reworking of early Paleoproterozoic (~2.5–2.0Ga) crust with minor contribution of late Paleoproterozoic (~1.7Ga) juvenile material. This age record differs in time from the two important thermal events of ~1.85Ga and ~2.5Ga, widely manifested in the North China block. The North Qinling terrain can thus be regarded as a separate micro-continent with a pre-Neoproterozoic evolution different from that of the North China block. The final assembly of the North Qinling terrain to the North China block took place after about 640Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Both low procedural blank and high-precision measurements of isotopic ratios are crucial for the analysis of micro samples. This study reports a chemical procedure of ultra-low blank for the high precision measurement of Sr isotopic ratios on micro samples (<1 ng level) using a new-type thermal ionization mass spectrometer IsoProbe-T, with a case study of single-grain Rb-Sr isochron dating on phlogopite from the Fuxian kimberlite in Liaoning Province. This method can be employed in studies of high resolution Rb-Sr geochronology and Sr isotopic geochemistry and thus will broaden application of the Rb-Sr isotopic system to earth sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The lithospheric root underneath the Dabie orogen, which is the key part of the Central Orogen of China, experienced a cycle of thickening during Triassic continent-continent collision with subsequent post-collisional collapse during the Early Cretaceous. However, the process and mechanism of how thickened lithospheric roots are removed generally remain controversial. U–Pb ages and oxygen isotopes of zircons along with whole-rock geochemistry of post-collisional mafic–intermediate dykes in the region were used to track magmatic contributions from the lower crust, and constrain magma provenance from compositionally variable reservoirs in the upper mantle. Relict zircons show evidence of recycling of subducted continental crust of South China Block that not only has the Neoproterozoic ages and experienced the Triassic metamorphism, but also contains both 18O-depleted and enriched components. A first generation of hypersthene-normative tholeiitic dykes and nepheline-normative alkaline dykes were emplaced at ca. 130–120 Ma. They are overall characterized by arc-like geochemical patterns with εNd values from −21.6 to −4.6 and initial 87Sr/86Sr from 0.7056 to 0.7094. Coeval alkaline dykes are shifted towards more depleted-mantle like compositions, indicating simultaneous melt extraction from different mantle domains and depths. In contrast, second-generation hypersthene-normative mafic dykes (ca. 115–110 Ma) show OIB-like characteristics with εNd values from −1.5 to +4.8 and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.7039 to 0.7049, indicating an increasing contribution from upwelling asthenospheric mantle during lithospheric thinning. The temporal evolution of the geochemical characteristics of mafic melts derived from the upper mantle in the Dabie orogen is consistent with foundering of thickened lithosphere and subsequent influx of asthenospheric mantle. The removal of thickened lithosphere root is suggested to be triggered by subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate and lasted from ca. 130–115 Ma as constrained by the intrusive ages of two distinct types of tholeiitic dykes. • The Dabie orogen underwent post-collisional collapse during the Early Cretaceous. • First-generation of Hy- and Ne- normative dykes originated from hybrid mantle domains. • Second-generation tholeiitic dykes indicate removal of thickened lithospheric root. • Xenocrystic zircons show close affinities to crustal rocks of the South China Block. • The post-collisional collapse was triggered by subduction of Paleo-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migmatites provide a record of melt formation and crustal rheology. In this study we present zircon U-Pb ages and geochemical composition of migmatites from the Foping dome and granites from the Wulong pluton. U-Pb results from migmatite zircons indicate two episodes of partial melting. Rim domains from a leucosome in the Longcaoping area yield an age of ca. 209 Ma. Migmatites collected from the Foping dome yield U-Pb zircon ages of ~ 2910 to ~ 190 Ma, suggesting the involvement of meta-sedimentary source components. Rim domains of the zircons with low Th/U ratios (< 0.1) give ages of ~ 225–190 Ma and the youngest age domains (ca. 195 Ma) are characterized by low contents of heavy rare earth elements, which is related to crystallization of garnet. Magmatic rocks from the Wulong pluton can be subdivided into high Sr/Y and low Sr/Y granites. U-Pb zircon ages vary from 219 to 214 Ma for the high Sr/Y granites and from 214 to 192 Ma for the low Sr/Y granites. High Sr/Y granites have higher Na 2 O and Sr contents than the low Sr/Y granites. They also lack negative Eu anomalies and are depleted in HREE compared to the low Sr/Y granites. Initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios and ε Nd values of all the samples roughly overlap with those of Neoproterozoic basement rocks exposed in South Qinling. Including previous studies, we propose that the high and low Sr/Y granites formed by melting of thickened and normal crust, respectively. Close temporal-spatial relationship of the high and low Sr/Y granites with the two-stage migmatization events implies variation of crustal thickness and thermal overprints of the orogenic crust in post-collisional collapse. Following the collision of South Qinling and the Yangtze block prior to 219 Ma, partial melting of the deep crust occurred. The melts migrated upwards to form the high Sr/Y granites. This process occurred rapidly and caused collapse of the thickened crust and carried heat upwards, leading to further partial melting within the shallower crust and formation of the low Sr/Y granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report zircon ages and geochemical composition for mafic dykes that intruded Neoproterozoic volcanic–sedimentary sequences in the southern part of Wudang area, South Qinling. The results indicate that the dykes were emplaced during the Early Paleozoic ( c. 460 Ma) and Early Mesozoic ( c. 220 Ma). The dykes share similar major element composition, but have distinctive trace element pattern and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope distribution. Early Paleozoic mafic dykes are characterized by enrichment in LREEs, LILEs and HFSEs and EM II-type isotopic features. These geochemical features suggest derivation from an OIB-type mantle source that had undergone metasomatism during earlier subduction events. The Early Mesozoic mafic dykes can be subdivided into two distinct geochemical groups. Dykes of Group 1 are depleted in LREEs, LILEs and HFSEs and show depleted isotope compositions, indicating an origin by partial melting of asthenospheric mantle material. Dykes of Group 2 have high Rb-, Ba-, and K-contents and EM I-type isotopic features, suggesting input of lower crustal material to the magma source during Mesozoic subduction. We propose that the Early Paleozoic dykes are related to the opening of an oceanic basin separating South Qinling from the Yangtze Block, while the Early Mesozoic dykes were derived from partial melting of up-welling asthenosphere during the final amalgamation of these two blocks in the Early Mesozoic. A slab break-off model could explain not only the petrogenesis of the Mesozoic mafic dykes, but also the distinct geological features between the Dabie–Sulu and South Qinling orogens. We propose that slab break-off occurred at great depth in the Dabie–Sulu orogen and hence rare magmatism occurred. Whereas in South Qinling the break-off occurred at a shallow depth, the asthenospheric mantle material could rise further up into the overlying mantle where it experienced decompression and melting. As a consequence, crustal sections were heated up to produce extensive granitic magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibole-bearing migmatites from the North Dabie Zone in the Dabie Mountains were investigated in order to constrain the partial melting process. These migmatites are characterized by large euhedral poikilitic amphiboles with abundant inclusions of plagioclase, biotite, and quartz in leucosome and melanosome. The amphiboles show large variations in REE compositions, which is interpreted as the result of equilibration with different melts during melting and crystallization. Hornblende-plagiocase thermobarometry indicates that the migmatites formed at P-T conditions of ∼700–750 °C and 5 kbar, suggesting partial melting of a biotite + plagioclase + quartz-bearing protolith under water-fluxed conditions. The leucosomes range from tonalitic to granitic in composition having higher SiO 2 , Na 2 O, Sr, and Ba contents than the mesosome, but lower contents of CaO, FeO, MgO, TiO 2 , and MnO 2 . The granitic leucosomes are enriched in Ba, Rb, and K 2 O compared to the tonalitic leucosomes. The leucosomes have variable rare earth element patterns, which is attributed to different degrees of amphibole entrainment into the leucosome and feldspar fractionation during partial melting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Qingchengzi orefield in northeastern China, is a concentration of several Pb–Zn, Ag, and Au ore deposits. A combination of geochronological and Pb, Sr isotopic investigations was conducted. Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb ages of 225.3±1.8 Ma and 184.5±1.6 Ma were obtained for the Xinling and Yaojiagou granites, respectively. By step-dissolution Rb–Sr dating, ages of 221±12 Ma and 138.7±4.1 Ma were obtained for the sphalerite of the Zhenzigou Zn–Pb deposit and pyrargyrite of the Ag ore in the Gaojiabaozi Ag deposit, respectively. Pb isotopic ratios of the Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi (206Pb/204Pb=18.38 to 18.53) are higher than those of the Pb–Zn ores (206Pb/204Pb=17.66 to 17.96; Chen et al. [Chen, J.F., Yu, G., Xue, C.J., Qian, H., He, J.F., Xing, Z., Zhang, X., 2005. Pb isotope geochemistry of lead, zinc, gold and silver deposit clustered region, Liaodong rift zone, northeastern China. Science in China Series D 48, 467–476.]). Triassic granites show low Pb isotopic ratios (206Pb/204Pb=17.12 to 17.41, 207Pb/204Pb=15.47 to 15.54, 208Pb/204Pb=37.51 to 37.89) and metamorphic rocks of the Liaohe Group have high ratios (206Pb/204Pb=18.20 to 24.28 and 18.32 to 20.06, 207Pb/204Pb=15.69 to 16.44 and 15.66 to 15.98, 208Pb/204Pb=37.29 to 38.61 and 38.69 to 40.00 for the marble of the Dashiqiao Formation and schist of the Gaixian Formation, respectively). Magmatic activities at Qingchengzi and in adjacent regions took place in three stages, and each contained several magmatic pulses: ca. 220 to 225 Ma and 211 to 216 Ma in the Triassic; 179 to 185 Ma, 163 to 168 Ma, 155 Ma and 149 Ma in the Jurassic, as well as ca. 140 to 130 Ma in the Early Cretaceous. The Triassic magmatism was part of the Triassic magmatic belt along the northern margin of the North China Craton produced in a post-collisional extensional setting, and granites in it formed by crustal melting induced by mantle magma. The Jurassic and Early Cretaceous magmatism was related to the lithospheric delamination in eastern China. The Triassic is the most important metallogenic stage at Qingchengzi. The Pb–Zn deposits, the Pb–Zn–Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi, and the gold deposits were all formed in this stage. They are temporally and spatially associated with the Triassic magmatic activity. Mineralization is very weak in the Jurassic. Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi was formed in the Early Cretaceous, which is suggested by the young Rb–Sr isochron age, field relations, and significantly different Pb isotopic ratios between the Pb–Zn–Ag and Ag ores. Pb isotopic compositions of the Pb–Zn ores suggest binary mixing for the source of the deposits. The magmatic end-member is the Triassic granites and the other metamorphic rocks of the Liaohe Group. Slightly different proportions of the two end-members, or an involvement of materials from hidden Cretaceous granites with slightly different Pb isotopic ratios, is postulated to interpret the difference of Pb isotopic compositions between the Pb–Zn–(Ag) and Ag ores. Sr isotopic ratios support this conclusion. At the western part of the Qingchengzi orefield, hydrothermal fluid driven by the heat provided by the now exposed Triassic granites deposited ore-forming materials in the low and middle horizons of the marbles of the Dashiqiao Formation near the intrusions to form mesothermal Zn–Pb deposits. In the eastern part, hydrothermal fluids associated with deep, hidden Triassic intrusions moved upward along a regional fault over a long distance and then deposited the ore-forming materials to form epithermal Au and Pb–Zn–Ag ores. Young magmatic activities are all represented by dykes across the entire orefield, suggesting that the corresponding main intrusion bodies are situated in the deep part of the crust. Among these, only intrusions with age of ca. 140 Ma might have released sufficient amounts of fluid to be responsible for the formation of the Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi. Our age results support previous conclusions that sphalerite can provide a reliable Rb–Sr age as long as the fluid inclusion phase is effectively separated from the “sulfide” phase. Our work suggests that the separation can be achieved by a step-resolution technique. Moreover, we suggest that pyrargyrite is a promising mineral for Rb–Sr isochron dating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Migmatites were derived from fluid-fluxed partial melting processes in the South Qinling Belt. • Melting reaction is plagioclase + quartz + biotite + fluid → amphibole + melt. • Leucosomes without obvious Eu anomalies can be formed by the partial melting processes. • Leucosomes with highly positive Eu anomalies represent melts that experienced significant crystallization of felsic minerals. • Migmatites record decompressional melting processes of the middle crust in the South Qinling Belt. Early Mesozoic partial melting event was recorded in voluminous migmatites within the Foping dome of the South Qinling Belt, central China. Petrogenesis of migmatites has not been well constrained. In this paper, we present an integrated study of petrography and geochemistry for migmatites and leucosomes exposed in the Longcaoping area of the Foping dome to decipher the partial melting processes. Mineral assemblage, geochemical characteristics and P-T estimation suggest migmatites were mainly formed under the conditions of 2.6–5.0 kbar and 695-779℃ through fluid-fluxed melting of plagioclase + quartz + biotite + fluid → amphibole + melt. Leucosomes can be roughly divided into two groups based on their petrological and geochemical data. Geochemical modelling suggests one group of leucosomes without obvious Eu-anomalies could be derived from moderate degrees of melting of the protolith leaving amphibole-plagioclase dominated residue. Another group with highly positive Eu-anomalies represents melts that experienced significant crystallization of felsic minerals. We propose migmatites and leucosomes were formed by decompression melting of protoliths in middle crust resulting from the delamination of thickened crust in the South Qingling Belt after assembly with the Yangtze Block. Field relationships suggest the significant melt migration from external sources may be an important emplacement mechanism for Late Triassic granitic plutons in the South Qinling Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intrusive rocks of four types in South Qinling formed at ~750–730 Ma. • High-Ti gabbro originated from asthenosphere and low-Ti one from subcontinental mantle. • I-/S-type granites formed from source rocks in an extensional scenery. We report whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopic compositions and U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of zircon grains from Neoproterozoic intrusive rocks exposed in northern South Qinling, central China. The rocks have diverse compositions and were emplaced at ca 751–714 Ma. On the basis of their distinct geochemical signatures, four compositional groups are recognized. High-Ti gabbros are tholeiitic, with low SiO 2 and MgO, and high FeOT and TiO 2 contents, and exhibit enrichment in large-ion-lithophile elements and absence of Nb and Ta negative anomalies. These gabbros have high ε Nd (t) values of +1.9 to +5.3 that are similar to the compositions of E-MORB or OIB, implying an origin from asthenospheric mantle. Low-Ti gabbros are calc-alkaline and have high SiO 2 and MgO, and low FeOT and TiO 2 contents. These gabbros have typical arc-like trace-element signatures and ε Nd (t) values that vary from −3.2 to +6.0, consistent with derivation from the partial melting of heterogeneous lithospheric mantle that was modified by subduction. Elemental and Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of I-type granitoids imply significant contributions from both mantle and crustal rocks. S-type granites originated from the partial melting of metasedimentary rocks with isotopic compositions similar to paragneisses of the basement in South Qinling. The extensive melting of both mantle and crustal rocks under relatively low pressures and high temperatures suggests an extensional environment during the Neoproterozoic. Our data, in combination with existing data from basement rocks and Neoproterozoic igneous rocks, constrain the crustal evolution of the northern Yangtze Block and South Qinling, in which subduction along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block prior to ca 800 Ma led to arc–continent collision, inducing high-grade metamorphism of the basement rocks of the Douling Complex. Subsequent protracted continental rifting was related to breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]