Petrogenesis and Geotectonic Significance of Early-Neoproterzoic Olivine-Gabbro within the Yangtze Craton: Constrains from the Mineral Composition, U-Pb Age and Hf Isotopes of Zircons

Abstract

The olivine-gabbroic rocks located at the Huangling anticline within the Yangtze Craton are dated at circa 857–854 Ma by LA-ICP-MS method. The rocks belong to the sub-alkaline series and consist of pyroxene (35%–40%), plagioclase (40%–45%), olivine (8%–10%) and spinel (3%–5%). Olivine has Fo values of 73–83 that is classified as chrysolite. Pyroxene has relative low contents of FeO (6.60 wt.%–8.23 wt.%) but high CaO (20.23 wt.%–21.25 wt.%) contents, however, plagioclase has high Al₂O₃ (31.78 wt.%–32.37 wt.%), CaO (16.08 wt.%–16.25 wt.%) and An (79–80) values, but low Na₂O contents (1.95 wt.%–2.11 wt.%). Spinel are magnesioferrite with characteristics of high contents of MgO (13.65 wt.%–13.68 wt.%), FeO (23.27 wt.%–23.40 wt.%) and Al₂O₃ (62.43 wt.%–62.74 wt.%). Chemical compositions of these minerals are similar to those of gabbro rocks that were formed in the post-orogeny environment. The olivine-gabbro samples have negative zircon ε _Hf values (-16.57±0.47) that resemble the mafic rocks in the same region, indicating that they are derived from the extremely enriched mantle source. On the compilation of documented Neoproterozoic mafic rocks in the Yangtze Craton, it is proposed that the mantle in the northern Yangtze Craton has experienced different degrees enrichment during the Neoproterozoic.

Keywords

Neoproterozoic olivine-gabbro / Huangling anticline / post-orogeny environment / Yangtze Craton

References

BGMRHP Bureau of GeologyMineral Resources of Hubei Province 1: 50 000 Regional Geological Report of Eastern Xintan and Guohekou, Western Liantuo and Sandouping (Unpublished Data), 1991.

Chen K., Gao S., Wu Y. B., . 2.6–2.7 Ga Crustal Growth in Yangtze Craton, South China. Precambrian Research, 2013, 224: 472-490.

Chen L., Ma C. Q., She Z. B., . Liulin Gabbro in the Beihuaiyang Tectonic Belt of the Dabie Orogen: A Witness of the Late Neoproterozoic Rifting Event. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2006, 31(4): 578-584.

Elhlou S., Belousova E., Griffin W. L., . Trace Element and Isotopic Composition of GJ-Red Zircon Standard by Laser Ablation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2006, 70 18 A158

Gao S., Ling W. L., Qiu Y. M., . Contrasting Geochemical and Sm-Nd Isotopic Compositions of Archean Metasediments from the Kongling High-Grade Terrain of the Yangtze Craton: Evidence for Cratonic Evolution and Redistribution of REE during Crustal Anatexis. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1999, 63(13/14): 2071-2088.

Gao S., Yang J., Zhou L., . Age and Growth of the Archean Kongling Terrain, South China, with Emphasis on 3.3 Ga Granitoid Gneisses. American Journal of Science, 2011, 311(2): 153-182.

Gao S., Zhang B. R. The Discovery of Archean TTG Gneisses in the Northern Yangtze Platform and Their Implications. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 1990, 15(5): 675-679.

Guo J. L., Gao S., Wu Y. B., . 3.45 Ga Granitic Gneisses from the Yangtze Craton, South China: Implications for Early Archean Crustal Growth. Precambrian Research, 2014, 242: 82-95.

Han Q. S., Peng S. B., Kusky T. M., . A Paleoproterozoic Ophiolitic Mélange, Yangtze Craton, South China: Evidence for Paleoproterozoic Suturing and Microcontinent Amalgamation. Precambrian Research, 2017, 293: 13-38.

Hu Z. C., Liu Y. S., Gao S., . Improved in Situ Hf Isotope Ratio Analysis of Zircon Using Newly Designed X Skimmer Cone and Jet Sample Cone in Combination with the Addition of Nitrogen by Laser Ablation Multiple Collector ICP-MS. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2012, 27(9): 1391-1399.

Jackson S. E., Pearson N. J., Griffin W. L., . The Application of Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry to in situ U-Pb Zircon Geochronology. Chemical Geology, 2004, 211(1/2): 47-69.

Jiang X. F., Peng S. B., Polat A., . Geochemistry and Geochronology of Mylonitic Metasedimentary Rocks Associated with the Proterozoic Miaowan Ophiolite Complex, Yangtze Craton, China: Implications for Geodynamic Events. Precambrian Research, 2016, 279: 37-56.

Kong L. Y., Mao X. W., Chen C., . Chronological Study on Detrital Zircons and Its Geological Significance from Mesoproterozoic Dagushi Group in the Dahongshan Area, North Margin of the Yangtze Craton. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2017, 42(4): 485-501.

Li L. M., Lin S. F., Davis D. W., . Geochronology and Geochemistry of Igneous Rocks from the Kongling Terrane: Implications for Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic Crustal Evolution of the Yangtze Block. Precambrian Research, 2014, 255: 30-47.

Li Z. X., Bogdanova S. V., Collins A. S., . Assembly, Configuration, and Break-up History of Rodinia: A Synthesis. Precambrian Research, 2008, 160(1/2): 179-210.

Ma D. Q., Du S. H., Xiao Z. F. The Origin of Huangling Granite Batholith. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 2002, 21(2): 151-161.

Ma D. Q., Li Z. C., Xiao Z. F. The Constitute, Geochronology and Geologic Evolution of the Kongling Complex, Western Hubei. Acta Geoscientia Sinica, 1997, 18(3): 233-241.

Nisbet E. G., Pearce J. A. Clinopyroxene Composition in Mafic Lavas from Different Tectonic Settings. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 1977, 63(2): 149-160.

Peng M., Wu Y. B., Wang J., . Paleoproterozoic Mafic Dyke from Kongling Terrain in the Yangtze Craton and Its Implication. Science Bulletin, 2008, 54(6): 1098-1104.

Peng S. B., Kusky T. M., Jiang X. F., . Geology, Geochemistry, and Geochronology of the Miaowan Ophiolite, Yangtze Craton: Implications for South China’s Amalgamation History with the Rodinian Supercontinent. Gondwana Research, 2012, 21(2/3): 577-594.

Qiu X. F., Ling W. L., Liu X. M., . Recognition of Grenvillian Volcanic Suite in the Shennongjia Region and Its Tectonic Significance for the South China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2011, 191(3/4): 101-119.

Qiu Y. M., Gao S., McNaughton N. J., . First Evidence of >3.2 Ga Continental Crust in the Yangtze Craton of South China and Its Implications for Archean Crustal Evolution and Phanerozoic Tectonics. Geology, 2000, 28(1): 11-14.

Révillon S. Petrogenesis of Picrites from the Caribbean Plateau and the North Atlantic Magmatic Province. Lithos, 1999, 49(1/2/3/4): 1-21.

Sun C. M. Genetic Mineralogy of Pyroxenes from the Yanbian Proterozoic Ophiolite (Sichuan, China), and Its Geotectonic Implications. Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology, 1994, 14(3): 1-15.

Wang X. C., Li X. H., Li W. X., . The Bikou Basalts in the Northwestern Yangtze Block, South China: Remnants of 820–810 Ma Continental Flood Basalts?. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2008, 120(11/12): 1478-1492.

Wang X. L., Zhou J. C., Qiu J. S., . LA-ICP-MS^U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of the Neoproterozoic Igneous Rocks from Northern Guangxi, South China: Implications for Tectonic Evolution. Precambrian Research, 2006, 145(1/2): 111-130.

Wei Y. X., Peng S. B., Jiang X. F., . SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb Ages and Geochemical Characteristics of the Neoproterozoic Granitoids in the Huangling Anticline and Its Tectonic Setting. Journal of Earth Science, 2012, 23(5): 659-676.

Wu Y. B., Gao S., Gong H. J., . Zircon^U-Pb Age, Trace Element and Hf Isotope Composition of Kongling Terrane in the Yangtze Craton: Refining the Timing of Palaeoproterozoic High-Grade Metamorphism. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2009, 27(6): 461-477.

Wu Y. B., Gao S., Zhang H. F., . Geochemistry and Zircon U-Pb Geochronology of Paleoproterozoic Arc Related Granitoid in the Northwestern Yangtze Block and Its Geological Implications. Precambrian Research, 2012, 200–203: 26-37.

Wu Y. B., Zheng Y. F. Genesis of Zircon and Its Constraints on Interpretation of U-Pb Age. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2004, 49(16): 1589-1604.

Zhang Q., Ma W. P., Ji W. J., . Geochemistry and Tectonic Significance of Post-Tectonic Gabbro from Wangmuguan of Xinxian County, Henan Province. Geochimica, 1995, 24(4): 341-350.

Zhang S. B., Zheng Y. F. Formation and Evolution of Precambrian Continental Lithosphere in South China. Gondwana Research, 2013, 23(4): 1241-1260.

Zhang S. B., Zheng Y. F., Wu Y. B., . Zircon^U-Pb Age and Hf-O Isotope Evidence for Paleoproterozoic Metamorphic Event in South China. Precambrian Research, 2006, 151(3/4): 265-288.

Zhang S. B., Zheng Y. F., Zhao Z. F., . Neoproterozoic Anatexis of Archean Lithosphere: Geochemical Evidence from Felsic to Mafic Intrusions at Xiaofeng in the Yangtze Gorge, South China. Precambrian Research, 2008, 163(3/4): 210-238.

Zhang S. B., Zheng Y. F., Zhao Z. F., . Origin of TTG-Like Rocks from Anatexis of Ancient Lower Crust: Geochemical Evidence from Neoproterozoic Granitoids in South China. Lithos, 2009, 113(3/4): 347-368.

Zhao J. H., Zhou M. F. Geochemistry of Neoproterozoic Mafic Intrusions in the Panzhihua District (Sichuan Province, SW China): Implications for Subduction-Related Metasomatism in the Upper Mantle. Precambrian Research, 2007, 152(1/2): 27-47.

Zhao J. H., Zhou M. F. Neoproterozoic High-Mg Basalts Formed by Melting of Ambient Mantle in South China. Precambrian Research, 2013, 233: 193-205.

Zhao J. H., Zhou M. F., Zheng J. P. Neoproterozoic High-K Granites Produced by Melting of Newly Formed Mafic Crust in the Huangling Region, South China. Precambrian Research, 2013, 233: 93-107.

Zhao L., Wu T. R., Luo H. L., . Petrology, Geochemistry and Tectonic Implications of the Wengeng Gabbros in Wulatezhongqi Area, Inner Mongolia. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis, 2008, 44(2): 201-211.

Zheng Y. F., Wu R. X., Wu Y. B., . Rift Melting of Juvenile Arc-Derived Crust: Geochemical Evidence from Neoproterozoic Volcanic and Granitic Rocks in the Jiangnan Orogen, South China. Precambrian Research, 2008, 163(3/4): 351-383.

Zheng Y. F., Xiao W. J., Zhao G. C. Introduction to Tectonics of China. Gondwana Research, 2013, 23(4): 1189-1206.

Zheng Y. F., Zhang S. B., Zhao Z. F., . Contrasting Zircon Hf and O Isotopes in the Two Episodes of Neoproterozoic Granitoids in South China: Implications for Growth and Reworking of Continental Crust. Lithos, 2007, 96(1/2): 127-150.

Zhou C. Y., Ge W. C., Wu F. Y., . Petroligical Characteristics and Tectonic Implications of the Tahe Gabbro in the Northern Part of the Great Xing’an Range. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 2005, 35(2): 143-149.

Zhou J. C., Wang X. L., Qiu J. S. Geochronology of Neoproterozoic Mafic Rocks and Sandstones from Northeastern Guizhou, South China: Coeval Arc Magmatism and Sedimentation. Precambrian Research, 2009, 170(1/2): 27-42.

Zhou M. F., Kennedy A. K., Sun M., . Neoproterozoic Arc-Related Mafic Intrusions along the Northern Margin of South China: Implications for the Accretion of Rodinia. The Journal of Geology, 2002, 110(5): 611-618.