The Central Sudetic Ophiolite (European Variscan Belt): precise U–Pb zircon dating and geotectonic implications

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Marek Awdankiewicz ◽  
Ryszard Kryza ◽  
Krzysztof Turniak ◽  
Maria Ovtcharova ◽  
Urs Schaltegger

Abstract Precise U–Pb zircon dating using the chemical abrasion – isotope dilution – thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) method constrains the age of the Central Sudetic Ophiolite (CSO) in the Variscan Belt of Europe. A felsic gabbro from the Ślęża Massif contains zircon xenocrysts dated at 404.8 ± 0.3 Ma and younger crystals dated at 402.6 ± 0.2 Ma that determine the final crystallization age of the gabbro. An identical age of 402.7 ± 0.3 Ma was determined for plagiogranite from the Nowa Ruda–Słupiec Massif, and plagiogranite from the Braszowice–Brzeźnica Massif yields a similar, but less reliable, age of > 401.2 Ma. The different massifs in the CSO are therefore considered as tectonically dismembered fragments of a single oceanic domain formed at c. 402.6–402.7 Ma (Early Devonian – Emsian). The magmatic activity recorded in the CSO was contemporaneous with the high-temperature/high-pressure metamorphism of granulites and peridotites in the Góry Sowie Massif, separating dismembered parts of the CSO. This suggests geodynamic coupling between the continental subduction recorded in the Góry Sowie and the oceanic spreading recorded in the CSO. Regional geological data indicate that the CSO was obducted before c. 383 Ma, less than 20 Ma after its formation at an oceanic spreading centre. The CSO is shown to be one of the oldest and first obducted among the Devonian ophiolites of the Variscan Belt. The CSO probably originated in an evolved back-arc basin in which the influence of subduction-related fluids and melts increased with time, from negligible during the formation of predominant mid-ocean-ridge-type magmatic rocks to strong at later stages, when rodingites, epidosites and other minor lithologies formed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Y. Yang ◽  
C. H. Langmuir ◽  
Y. Cai ◽  
P. Michael ◽  
S. L. Goldstein ◽  
...  

AbstractThe plate tectonic cycle produces chemically distinct mid-ocean ridge basalts and arc volcanics, with the latter enriched in elements such as Ba, Rb, Th, Sr and Pb and depleted in Nb owing to the water-rich flux from the subducted slab. Basalts from back-arc basins, with intermediate compositions, show that such a slab flux can be transported behind the volcanic front of the arc and incorporated into mantle flow. Hence it is puzzling why melts of subduction-modified mantle have rarely been recognized in mid-ocean ridge basalts. Here we report the first mid-ocean ridge basalt samples with distinct arc signatures, akin to back-arc basin basalts, from the Arctic Gakkel Ridge. A new high precision dataset for 576 Gakkel samples suggests a pervasive subduction influence in this region. This influence can also be identified in Atlantic and Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts but is nearly absent in Pacific mid-ocean ridge basalts. Such a hemispheric-scale upper mantle heterogeneity reflects subduction modification of the asthenospheric mantle which is incorporated into mantle flow, and whose geographical distribution is controlled dominantly by a “subduction shield” that has surrounded the Pacific Ocean for 180 Myr. Simple modeling suggests that a slab flux equivalent to ~13% of the output at arcs is incorporated into the convecting upper mantle.


1992 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1448-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Laflèche ◽  
C. Dupuy ◽  
J. Dostal

The late Archean Blake River Group volcanic sequence forms the uppermost part of the southern Abitibi greenstone belt in Quebec. The group is mainly composed of mid-ocean-ridge basalt (MORB)-like tholeiites that show a progressive change of several incompatible trace element ratios (e.g., Nb/Th, Nb/Ta, La/Yb, and Zr/Y) during differentiation. The compositional variations are inferred to be the result of fractional crystallization coupled with mixing–contamination of tholeiites by calc-alkaline magma which produced the mafic–intermediate lavas intercalated with the tholeiites in the uppermost part of the sequence. The MORB-like tholeiites were probably emplaced in a back-arc setting.


2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Krogh ◽  
Sandra L. Kamo ◽  
Thomas B. Hanley ◽  
David F. Hess ◽  
Peter S. Dahl ◽  
...  

The Middle Mountain Metamorphic Domain of the Montana Metasedimentary Terrane, northwestern Wyoming Craton, within the northwestern Tobacco Root Mountains, mainly comprises migmatized tonalitic gneiss interlayered with amphibolitic (hornblende) gneiss, both of which are cut by metamorphosed mafic rocks. Together, these gneisses are defined as Middle Mountain Gneiss. Archean tonalitic gneiss from west of, and amphibolitic gneiss from east of, the Bismark Fault give, from chemically and air-abraded zircon grains, U–Pb ID–TIMS ages of 3325.5 ± 1.7 and 3340 Ma, respectively. These results reflect primary magmatic ages and show that the Middle Mountain Gneiss extends into the northern area of the Central Fault Block, between the Bismark and Mammoth faults. Older crustal processes in the tonalitic gneiss are evidenced by inherited grains, the oldest of which is >3460 Ma. A metabasite hosted in tonalitic gneiss in the Bismark Fault selvage zone yields a zircon age of 2468 Ma, which is interpreted as the time of metamorphism. This date and other ca. 2470 Ma dates known in the region reflect a series of thermotectonic events designated here as the Beaverhead – Tobacco Root Orogeny. Geochemical evidence in the Central Fault Block metabasites suggests that their >2470 Ma precursors evolved in a back-arc – arc-rift setting, whereas their equivalents west of the Bismark Fault were largely mid-ocean ridge basalt-related tholeiites and east of the Central Fault Block were back-arc tholeiites showing some continental affinity. The metabasite was metamorphosed, deformed, and intruded by pegmatite at 1756 Ma during the Big Sky Orogeny. This orogenic event also produced new zircon growth in Archean tonalitic gneiss. Monazite with an age of 75 Ma, found at one location, reflects nearby intrusion of the Cretaceous Tobacco Root Batholith.


1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (12) ◽  
pp. 2128-2146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Edwards

A detailed, integrated field, petrographic, and geochemical study of the Springers Hill area of the Bay of Islands ophiolite exposed in the Lewis Hills was undertaken to explain the anomalously high abundance of veins and dykes of chromitite, orthopyroxenite, and clinopyroxenite, and their associated dunites, hosted by a refractory harzburgite–dunite mixture. A geodynamic situation is presented, which is constrained by previous studies requiring formation of the Springers Hill mantle section at a ridge–fracture zone intersection, and the whole of the Bay of Islands ophiolite within a back-arc spreading environment. The veins and dykes formed during magmatism at the ridge–fracture zone intersection and along the fracture zone, as progressively hotter, more fertile (richer in clinopyroxene) asthenosphere ascended and was channelled up and along the fracture zone wall. Shallow melting of refractory harzburgite in the presence of subduction-derived hydrous fluids produced light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched boninitic magma from which crystallized chromitites, some of their associated dunites, and orthopyroxenites. This melting event dehydrated much of the mantle in and around the zone of partial melting. Continued rise and shallow partial melting of hotter, more fertile mantle under conditions of variable hydration generated LREE-depleted, low-Ti tholeiitic magma. This magma crystallized olivine clinopyroxenite, some associated dunite, and clinopyroxenite. The final magmatic event may have involved partial melting of mid-ocean-ridge basalt-bearing mantle at depth, ascent of the magma, and formation of massive wehrlite–lherzolite bodies at the ridge–fracture zone intersection and along the fracture zone. Ridge–fracture zone intersections in suprasubduction-zone environments are sites of boninitic and tholeiitic magmatism because refractory asthenospheric mantle may melt as it is channelled with subduction-derived fluids to shallow depths by the old, cold lithospheric wall of the fracture zone. Heat for melting is provided by the ascent of hotter, more fertile mantle. Extremely refractory magmas do not occur along "normal" oceanic fracture zones because volumes of highly refractory mantle are much less, subduction-derived hydrous fluids are not present, and fracture zone walls extend to shallower depths.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Limei Tang ◽  
Ling Chen

<p>We present new major and trace element chemistry and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope data from basalts, recovered from the forearc setting of the Yap Trench in the western Pacific, and discuss their melt evolution and petrogenesis within the framework of the geodynamic interactions among the Caroline Plate, the Caroline ridge, and the Philippine Sea plate. These rocks have mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like geochemical features, including medium Fe contents, tholeiitic affinity, high TiO<sub>2</sub> values at a given Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/MgO ratio, Ti/V, Nb/Y, Ba/Yb, and Ba/Th ratios similar to those of back-arc basin basalts (BABB), and trace element patterns commonly displayed by MORB and BABB lavas. However, these basalts are characterized by highly radiogenic Sr and Pb contents, reminiscent of western Pacific sediments. We suggest that forearc magmatism was responsible for the origin and petrogenesis of these rocks. Forearc magmatism was induced by the shrinking of the Philippine Sea plate, which squeezed out the underlying back-arc basin asthenosphere with Indian–type ambient mantle characteristics to invade the forearc mantle of the Yap Trench and causes lithospheric extension. Upwelling and decompression melting of this mantle produced MORB-like lavas in the narrow forearc setting. An apparent slab tear or gap in the subducting plate facilitate the penetration of the mantle outflow. The collision of the Caroline Ridge subducted more sediments into the mantle wedge. Melting of the subducted sediments and the invasion of the Indian-type asthenosphere into the forearc account for the highly radioactive Sr and Pb isotopes of the MORB-like lavas.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Mitchell ◽  
Wen Shi ◽  
Ay Izzeldin ◽  
Ian Stewart

<p>Thick evaporites ("salt") were deposited in the South and North Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico basins, in some parts deposited onto the flanks of nascent oceanic spreading centres.  Unfortunately, knowledge of the history of evaporite movements is complicated in such places by their inaccessibility and subsequent diapirism.  This is less of a problem in the Red Sea, a young rift basin that is transitioning to an ocean basin and where the evaporites are less affected by diapirism.  In this study, we explore the vertical movements of the evaporite surface imaged with deep seismic profiling.  The evaporites have moved towards the spreading axis of the basin during and after their deposition, which ended at the 5.3 Ma Miocene-Pliocene boundary.  We quantify the evaporite surface deflation needed to balance the volume of evaporites overflowing oceanic crust of 5.3 Ma age, thermal subsidence of the lithosphere and loss of halite through pore water diffusion, allowing for isostatic effects.  The reconstructed evaporite surface lies within the range of estimated global sea level towards the end of the Miocene.  Therefore, the evaporites appear to have filled the basin almost completely at the end of the Miocene.  Effects of shunting by terrigenous sediments and carbonates near the coast and contributions of hydrothermal salt are too small to be resolved by this reconstruction.</p>


1997 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 646-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Kusky ◽  
J. S. Chow ◽  
S. A. Bowring

The Boil Mountain ophiolite complex of west-central Maine is widely interpreted to mark the Lower Ordovician Penobscottian suture between the Dunnage, Chain Lakes, and Gander terranes. The ophiolite consists of two distinct volcanic groups, including a lower island-arc tholeiite sequence and an upper mid-ocean-ridge basalt sequence. A new Middle Ordovician 477 ± 1 Ma U–Pb age on a tonalite sill that intrudes the lower volcanic–gabbroic sequence is younger than other ca. 500 Ma age constraints for the ophiolite and represents a maximum age for the ophiolite prior to final emplacement over gneissic rocks of the Chain Lakes massif. A comparison of ages and paleogeography of the Boil Mountain ophiolite with ophiolitic sequences in Quebec and Newfoundland indicates that the Taconian and Penobscottian orogenies and ophiolite obduction occurred simultaneously, although on different margins of the Iapetus Ocean. The Taconian ophiolite sequences were obducted onto the Appalachian margin of Laurentia during its collision with the Notre Dame – Bronson Hill belt in the Middle Ordovician, whereas the Boil Mountain ophiolite was obducted onto the Gander margin of Gondwana during its collision with the Exploits subzone – Penobscot arc of the Dunnage terrane in the Lower – Middle Ordovician. We suggest that the lower volcanic–gabbroic sequence of the Boil Mountain ophiolite represents the fore-arc ophiolitic basement to the Penobscot arc. Middle Ordovician rifting of the Penobscottian orogenic collage on the Gander margin formed a new volcanic sequence (Popelogan arc) in front of a growing back-arc basin, and erupted the upper tholeiitic sequence of the Boil Mountain ophiolite in a back-arc-basin setting. The tonalité sill formed during this event by partial melting of the lower volcanic–gabbroic sequence. Spreading in this back-arc basin (Tetagouche basin) brought a fragment of the Gander margin (Chain Lakes massif), along with an allochthonous ophiolitic cover (Boil Mountain complex) across Iapetus, where it collided with the Taconic modified margin of North America in the Late Ordovician and was then intruded by the Ashgillian Attean pluton.


2006 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. FAUPL ◽  
A. PAVLOPOULOS ◽  
U. KLÖTZLI ◽  
K. PETRAKAKIS

Two heavy mineral populations characterize the siliciclastic material of the mid-Cretaceous turbidites of the Katafito Formation (‘First Flysch’) of the Pindos zone: a stable, zircon-rich group and an ophiolite-derived, chrome spinel-rich one. U/Pb and Pb/Pb dating on magmatic zircons from the stable heavy mineral group clearly illustrate the existence of Variscan magmatic complexes in the source terrain, but also provide evidence for magmatism as old as Precambrian. Based on microprobe analyses, the chrome spinel detritus was predominantly supplied from peridotites of mid-ocean ridge as well as suprasubduction zone origin. A small volcanic spinel population was mainly derived from MORB and back-arc basin basalts. The lithological variability of the mid-Cretaceous ophiolite bodies, based on spinel chemistry, is much broader than that of ophiolite complexes presently exposed in the Hellenides. The chrome spinel detritus compares closely with that from the Outer and Inner Dinarides. The source terrain of the ophiolite-derived heavy minerals was situated in a more internal palaeogeographic position than that of the Pindos zone. The zircon-rich heavy mineral group could have had either an external and/or an internal source, but the chrome spinel constantly accompanying the stable mineral detritus seems to be more indicative of an internal source terrain.


Author(s):  
В.М. Газеев ◽  
А.Г. Гурбанов ◽  
B.Ю. Герасимов

В структурно формационной зоне Передового хребта Большого Кавказа, в разрезах пород «балканской» и «лабарданской» свит встречаются тела эклогитов омфацит-гранатового состава с примесью амфибола, эпидота, цоизита и кианита. Целью работыявлялось изучение петрохимических и геохимических особенностейэклогитов в разрезах пород Большого Кавказа.Методы исследования.Расчеты, проведенные на основании гранат-клинопироксенового термометра, определяют интервал температур стабильности наблюдаемой ассоциации гранат + омфацит в пределах 580–650 °С, а проведенные оценки давлений, по растворимости жадеитов в клинопироксенах, дают максимальные давления наблюдаемого парагенезиса порядка 13,5 кбар и минимальное – 8,5 кбар. Результаты работы.Проведено геохимическое изучение эклогитов и гранатовых амфиболитов и приведены результаты их RFA, ICP-MS анализов, а также дано краткое петрографическое описание изучаемых пород. Рассмотрены петро-геохимические характеристики эклогитов, определена их дометаморфическая природа, а также расшифрована наиболее вероятная геодинамическая типизация исходного протолита. Показано, что эклогиты по составу соответствуют магматическим породам базальтового типа, с отношением изотопов 87Sr/86Sr равным 0,7035.Эклогиты образовались по умеренно-титанистым, умеренно-глиноземистым, умеренно-магнезиальным, низко-калиевым, вулканитам с натровым типом щелочности. Предполагается, что исходный расплав основного состава был образован при 8–15% плавлении шпинелевых перидотитов, а Ni/Со отношение ∑/n равное 2,9 соответствует показателю мантийных выплавок, варьирующему в пределах 2,5–5,0. Низкие значения Mg#=0,55 указывают на возможные явления дифференциации исходного расплава. Положительные европиевая Eu/Eu*=0,95–2,75 и стронциевая аномалии допускают изначальную аккумуляцию плагиоклаза в вулканитах. Анализ петрогенетических диаграмм показывает, что фигуративные точки эклогитов распологаются в полях базальтов Е–MORBтипа, а также толеитов островных дуг,базальтов задуговых котловин (окраинные моря) и срединно-океанических хребтов. Геохимическая специализация исходных расплавов– сидерофильная. Несовместимые элементы и REEнормированные по N-MORBи хондриту, образуют спектры линий, близких к N-MORB, а Laн/Ybн =0,6-1,7 при ∑/nREE=34 г/т. В тоже время полученные спектры отличаются от эталона N-MORBчеткими отрицательными аномалиями высокозарядных элементов (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf), что указывает на их надсубдукционную природу. По совокупности полученных результатов,с учетом палеотектонических реконструкций Кавказского региона,предполагается, что формирование исходных вулканитов происходило в раннем палеозое, в условиях задугового бассейна расположенного на северной границе палеотетиса In structural-formation zone of Front ridge of the Great Caucasus in rock sections of “balkanskoy” and “labardanskoy” suites bodies of eclogites of omphacite-garnet composition with a admixture of amphibole, epidote, zoisite and clinopyroxene are occur. Aim of the work was to study the petrochemical and geochemical features of eclogites in sections of the Greater Caucasus rocks.Methods.Calculation carried out on the basis of garnet-clinopyroxene thermometer, are assess interval temperature of stability of observed association garnet + omphacite within 580-650°С, and carried out assessments of pressure according solubility of jadeites in the clinopyroxene, give maximum pressure of observed paragenesis is 13,5 kbar and minimum - 8,5 Kbar. Results.Geochemical investigation of eclogites and garnet amphibolites was carried out and results of it RFA, ICP-MS analysis and also briefly petrographyc discription of investigated rocks have been done. Petro-geochemical characteristics of eclogites have been treated and it premetamorphic nature was determined and the most likely geodynamical typification of initial protolite was deciphed. It was shown, that eclogites correspond on composition to magmatic rocks of basaltic type with a relation of isotopes of 87Sr/86Sr equal to 0.7035. Eclogites were formed from moderate-titanoferous, moderate-aluminiferous and moderate-magnesioferous, low-potassic volcanites with a sodium type of alkalinity. It is suggested, that initial melt of basic composition, was formed at a 8-15% melting of spinelian peridotite. Ni/Соratio ∑/n equal 2,9 correspond to index of mantle smelted, varying within 2,5 –5,0. Low values Mg# =0,55 denotes on possible phenomenon of differentiation of initial melt. Positive europium Eu/Eu*=0,95-2,75 and strontium anomalies allows of primary accumulation of plagioclase in volcanites. Analysis of petrogenic diagrams are show, that dots of eclogites are located in field of basalt Е–MORB type, and also - tholeite of arc island, basalt of backarc basin (margin sea) and medial ocean ridge. Geochemical specialization of the initial melts is siderophile. Incompatible elements and REE are normalized to N-MORB and chondrite, are formed spectraof lines, close to MORB type basalt; Laн/Ybн =0,6-1,7 when ∑/n REE=34 ppm. At the same time obtained spectrums are distinguish from standart of N-MORB by clear negative anomalies of high-charged elements (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf), that indicate of their oversubduction nature.According to tofality of obtained results and accounting of paleotectonic reconstruction of the Caucasus region, have supposedly, that forming of initial volcanites was occurred in Early Paleozoic in condition of back-arc basin which located on the northern margin of Paleo-Tethys


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256637
Author(s):  
Thomas N. Giguère ◽  
Verena Tunnicliffe

Deep-sea hydrothermal vent habitats are small, rare and support unique species through chemosynthesis. As this vulnerable ecosystem is increasingly threatened by human activities, management approaches should address biodiversity conservation. Diversity distribution data provide a useful basis for management approaches as patterns of β-diversity (the change in diversity from site to site) can guide conservation decisions. Our question is whether such patterns are similar enough across vent systems to support a conservation strategy that can be deployed regardless of location. We compile macrofaunal species occurrence data for vent systems in three geological settings in the North Pacific: volcanic arc, back-arc and mid-ocean ridge. Recent discoveries in the Mariana region provide the opportunity to characterize diversity at many vent sites. We examine the extent to which diversity distribution patterns differ among the systems by comparing pairwise β-diversity, nestedness and their additive components. A null model approach that tests whether species compositions of each site pair are more or less similar than random provides insight into community assembly processes. We resolve several taxonomic uncertainties and find that the Mariana arc and back-arc share only 8% of species despite their proximity. Species overlap, species replacement and richness differences create different diversity distributions within the three vent systems; the arc system exhibits much greater β-diversity than both the back-arc and mid-ocean ridge systems which, instead, show greater nestedness. The influence of nestedness on β-diversity also increased from the arc to back-arc to ridge. Community assembly processes appear more deterministic in the arc and ridge systems while back-arc site pairs deviate little from the null expectation. These analyses reflect the need for a variety of management strategies that consider the character of diversity distribution to protect hydrothermal vents, especially in the context of mining hydrothermal deposits.


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