Zengqian Hou

Origin of adakitic intrusives generated during mid-Miocene east–west extension in southern Tibet

Adakite is an intermediate to felsic rock with low K, high Al, Na and Sr, and depleted in Y and HREE, usually occurring in arc settings related to subduction of an oceanic slab. Here we report the occurrence of potassic adakites from south Tibet in an orogenic belt produced by the Indo–Asian continent collision. These adakitic intrusives, as a product of Neogene east–west extension, occur in a Miocene Cu-bearing porphyry belt, which developed along the Gangdese arc paralleling the Yarlung–Zangbo suture, but is locally controlled by NS-striking normal faulting systems. Available age data define a duration of magmatism of 10–18 Ma for the adakitic intrusives and related extrusive analogues in south Tibet, which occur in a post-collisional extensional setting. Geochemical data indicate that these adakitic intrusives are shoshonitic and exhibit calc-alkaline composition with high K, and high Sr/Y and La/Y coupled with low Y and HREE, similar to adakites derived from slab melting. However, a wide range for ϵNd(t) (−6.18 to +5.52), initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7049–0.7079), 207Pb/204Pb (15.502–15.626), and 208Pb/204Pb (38.389–38.960), as well as high K2O contents (2.6–8.6 wt%) and relatively high Mg# values (0.32–0.74) indicate that these adakitic magmas were formed by a complex mechanism involving partial melting of mafic materials in a thickened lower crust with input of enriched mantle and/or upper crust components. Absence of a negative Eu anomaly, extreme depletion in Y, Nb and Ti, and variable high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios suggest that the lower crustal source is probably a hydrous amphibole eclogite or garnet amphibolite, as exhumed in the western and eastern Himalayan syntaxes on the Tibetan plateau. Partial melting of the lower crust was most likely triggered by mantle-derived ultra-potassic magmatism (17–25 Ma) formed by slab breakoff or mantle thinning. During the formation and migration of pristine adakitic melts, additional input of ultra-potassic magmas and upper crustal materials could account for the observed ϵNd–ϵSr signatures and high Rb/Sr, K and Mg# characteristics for most of the adakitic intrusives in south Tibet.

A genetic linkage between subduction- and collision-related porphyry Cu deposits in continental collision zones

The genesis of continental collision-related porphyry Cu deposits (PCDs) remains controversial. The most common hypothesis links their genesis with magmas derived from subduction-modified arc lithosphere. However, it is unclear whether a genetic linkage exists between collision- and subduction-related PCDs. Here, we studied Jurassic subduction-related Cu-Au and Miocene collision-related Cu-Mo porphyry deposits in south Tibet. The Jurassic PCDs occur only in the western segment of the Jurassic arc, which has depleted mantle-like isotopic compositions [e.g., ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i = 0.7041–0.7048; e Nd(t) as high as 7.5, and e Hf(t) as high as 18]. By contrast, no Jurassic PCDs have been found in the eastern arc segment, which is isotopically less juvenile [e.g., ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i = 0.7041–0.7063, e Nd(t) < 4.5, and e Hf(t) ≤ 12]. These results imply that incorporation of crustal components during underplating of Jurassic magma induced copper accumulation as sulfides at the base of the eastern Jurassic arc, inhibiting PCD formation at this time. Miocene PCDs are spatially confined to the Jurassic arc, and the giant Miocene PCDs cluster in its eastern segment where no Jurassic PCDs occur. This suggests that the arc segment barren for subduction-related PCDs could be fertile for collision-related PCDs. Miocene ore-forming porphyries have young Hf model ages and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions overlapping with those of the Jurassic rocks in the eastern segment, whereas contemporaneous barren porphyries outside the Jurassic arc have abundant zircon inheritance and crustlike Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions. These data suggest that remelting of the lower crustal sulfide-bearing Cu-rich Jurassic cumulates, triggered by Cenozoic crustal thickening and/or subsequent slab break-off, led to the formation of giant Miocene PCDs. The spatial overlap and complementary metal endowment between subduction- and collision-related magmas may be used to evaluate the mineral potential for such deposits in other orogenic belts.

Fluid flux melting generated postcollisional high Sr/Y copper ore–forming water-rich magmas in Tibet

Miocene postcollisional porphyry Cu deposits in southern Tibet are genetically associated with dacitic-rhyolitic intrusions with unusually high Sr/Y ratios (>40), which have been attributed to dehydration melting of garnet amphibolite in a thickened lower crust. To test this hypothesis and examine the hydration state of copper ore-forming high Sr/Y magmas, we utilize a geohygrometer for granitoid rocks, entailing zircon-saturation thermometry and H 2 O-dependent phase equilibria. The results show that these Tibetan high Sr/Y magmas had dissolved H 2 O contents >10 wt%, which considerably exceeds the water supply by dehydration melting of basaltic amphibolites (maximum of 6.7 ± 1.4 wt%). Our results indicate that high Sr/Y dacitic-rhyolitic magmas cannot be produced by dehydration melting of basaltic amphibolites. While H 2 O-added melting of basaltic amphibolites can produce high Sr/Y dacitic-rhyolitic melts, it does not yield high enough Mg# (>50) to match the Tibetan ore-forming porphyries. We propose an alternative model for the genesis of copper ore-forming high Sr/Y magmas in Tibet, and suggest that the high Sr/Y dacitic-rhyolitic porphyries in southern Tibet are residually H 2 O-enriched, high-pressure differentiation products of hydrous mafic partial melts of Tibetan mantle. This hypothesis is based on the previous investigation of Miocene mafic microgranular enclaves (mantle-derived melts), which define a fractionation trend with, and have Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions similar to, the host Tibetan ore-forming porphyries.

Petrogenesis and Geological Implications of the Oligocene Chongmuda-Mingze Adakite-Like Intrusions and Their Mafic Enclaves, Southern Tibet

The Oligocene to the Miocene was a critical period for the growth of the Tibetan Plateau. This growth is commonly considered to have been controlled by deep geodynamic processes. The ultrapotassic and adakite-like igneous rocks that developed during this period offer constraints on these deep-seated processes in southern Tibet. Whole-rock geochemistry, U-Pb zircon geochronology, and in situ zircon Hf isotopes have been determined for the mafic enclaves and host adakite-like granitoids in the Oligocene Chongmuda-Mingze intrusive complex of southern Tibet. The host rocks, including granodiorite and monzogranite, are mainly high-K and calc-alkaline in composition. Their whole-rock geochemistry (low MgO, Ni, and Cr contents; negative ϵNd(t) values [−2.5 to −3.4]; and low 87Sr/86Sr(i) values [0.7061–0.7066]) and in situ zircon ϵHf(t) values (0.6–6.1) indicate that they were derived by partial melting of a juvenile lower crust, implying that the southern Tibetan crust was already thickened to up to 50 km before ∼30 Ma. Mafic enclaves show typical igneous textures, acicular apatites, backveining structures, quenched margins, and crystallization ages identical to those of the host granites, indicating that they are of magmatic origin. The mafic enclaves have high-K to shoshonitic metaluminous compositions and are strongly enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, are depleted in high-field-strength elements, have negative ϵNd(t) values (−2.6 to −4.9), have relatively high 87Sr/86Sr(i) values (0.7060–0.7072), and have low zircon ϵHf(t) values (2.3–5.5), indicating that they were derived from a relatively enriched lithospheric mantle source. Our new data, together with previously published work, lead us to suggest that deep geodynamic processes below the southern Tibetan region during the Oligocene to the Miocene were characterized by convective removal of the lower lithosphere. Upwelling of the asthenosphere induced by the delamination of the southern Tibetan lithospheric root could have supplied heat to induce anatexis of the residual lithosphere of southern Tibet, generating the adakite-like rocks and related mafic enclaves there.

Ultrapotassic rocks and xenoliths from South Tibet: Contrasting styles of interaction between lithospheric mantle and asthenosphere during continental collision

Widespread Miocene (24–8 Ma) ultrapotassic rocks and their entrained xenoliths provide information on the composition, structure, and thermal state of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle in southern Tibet during the India-Asia continental collision. The ultrapotassic rocks along the Lhasa block delineate two distinct lithospheric domains with different histories of depletion and enrichment. The eastern ultrapotassic rocks (89°E–92°E) reveal a depleted, young, and fertile lithospheric mantle (87Sr/86Srt = 0.704–0.707 [t is eruption time]; Hf depleted-mantle model age [TDM] = 377–653 Ma). The western ultrapotassic rocks (79°E–89°E) and their peridotite xenoliths (81°E) reflect a refractory harzburgitic mantle refertilized by ancient metasomatism (lavas: 87Sr/86Srt = 0.714–0.734; peridotites: 87Sr/86Srt = 0.709–0.716). These data integrated with seismic tomography suggest that upwelling asthenosphere was diverted away from the deep continental root beneath the western Lhasa block, but rose to shallower depths beneath a thinner lithosphere in the eastern part. Heating of the lithospheric mantle by the rising asthenosphere ultimately generated the ultrapotassic rocks with regionally distinct geochemical signatures reflecting the different nature of the lithospheric mantle.

Formation of carbonatite-related giant rare-earth-element deposits by the recycling of marine sediments

Carbonatite-associated rare-earth-element (REE) deposits are the most significant source of the world’s REEs; however, their genesis remains unclear. Here, we present new Sr-Nd-Pb and C-O isotopic data for Cenozoic carbonatite-hosted giant REE deposits in southwest China. These REE deposits are located along the western margin of the Yangtze Craton that experienced Proterozoic lithospheric accretion, and controlled by Cenozoic strike-slip faults related to Indo-Asian continental collision. The Cenozoic carbonatites were emplaced as stocks or dykes with associated syenites, and tend to be extremely enriched in Ba, Sr, and REEs and have high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (>0.7055). These carbonatites were likely formed by melting of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), which had been previously metasomatized by high-flux REE- and CO2-rich fluids derived from subducted marine sediments. The fertility of these carbonatites depends on the release of REEs from recycled marine sediments and on the intensity of metasomatic REE refertilization of the SCLM. We suggest that cratonic edges, particularly along ancient convergent margins, possess the optimal configuration for generating giant REE deposits; therefore, areas of metamorphic basement bounded or cut by translithospheric faults along cratonic edges have a high potential for such deposits.

Petrogenesis and tectonics of late Permian felsic volcanic rocks, eastern Qiangtang block, north-central Tibet: Sr and Nd isotopic evidence

The Palaeo-Tethyan tectonic evolution of central Tibet remains a topic of controversy. Two Permian to Late Triassic arc-like volcanic suites have been identified in the eastern Qiangtang (EQ) block of north-central Tibet. Three competing models have been proposed to explain the formation of these volcanic suites, with two models involving a single stage of long-lived subduction but with opposing subduction polarities, while the other model involves a two-stage subduction process. Here, we present new whole-rock geochemistry, including Sr–Nd isotope data, for late Permian felsic volcanics of the Zaduo area. These volcanics are mainly low to middle K calc-alkaline felsic tuffs and rhyolites with SiO2 concentrations up to 73 wt.%. In primitive mantle-normalized diagrams, the volcanics are typified by large ion lithophile element enrichment and high-field-strength element (e.g. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) depletion, with slightly negative Eu anomalies. They have initial Sr ratios (87Sr/86Sr) i of 0.70319–0.70547, and ϵNd(t) values of +3.4 to +3.5, suggesting derivation by the partial melting of a depleted mantle wedge, followed by assimilation of crustal material. The available geochemical data indicate the presence of two distinctive igneous evolution trends within the Permian to Late Triassic volcanics of the EQ block, consistent with a two-stage subduction model. Permian to Early Triassic arc-like volcanics are formed during northward (present-day orientation) subduction, whereas the Late Triassic volcanics are related to southward (present-day orientation) subduction of mafic crust of the Garze–Litang Ocean.

Recycling of metal-fertilized lower continental crust: Origin of non-arc Au-rich porphyry deposits at cratonic edges

Recent studies argue that subduction-modified, Cu-fertilized lithosphere controls the formation of porphyry Cu deposits in orogenic belts. However, it is unclear if and how this fertilization process operates at cratonic edges, where numerous large non-arc Au-rich deposits form. Here we report data from lower crustal amphibolite and garnet amphibolite xenoliths hosted by Cenozoic stocks that are genetically related to the Beiya Au-rich porphyry deposits along the western margin of the Yangtze craton, China. These xenoliths are thought to represent cumulates or residuals of Neoproterozoic arc magmas ponding at the base of arc at the edge of the craton that subsequently underwent high-pressure metamorphism ca. 738 Ma. The amphibolite xenoliths are enriched in Cu (383–445 ppm) and Au (7–12 ppb), and a few garnet amphibolite xenoliths contain higher Au (6–16 ppb) with higher Au/Cu ratios (2 × 10 −4 to 8 × 10 −4 ) than normal continental crust. These data suggest that metal fertilization of the base of an old arc at the edge of the craton occurred in the Neoproterozoic via subduction modification, and has since been preserved. The whole-rock geochemical and zircon Hf isotopic data indicate that melting of the Neoproterozoic Cu-Au–fertilized low-crustal cumulates at 40–30 Ma provided the metal endowment for the Au-rich porphyry system at the cratonic edge. We therefore suggest that the reactivated cratonic edges, triggered by upwelling of asthenosphere, have the potential to host significant Au ore-forming systems, especially non-arc Au-rich porphyry deposits.

Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd Isochron Ages of the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn Ore Deposits in the Yushu area, southern Qinghai and Their Geological Implications

: Located on the northeast margin of the Qiangtang terrane between the Jinshajiang suture zone and Bangonghu-Nujiang suture zone, the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn deposits in the Yushu area of Qinghai Province are representative Pb-Zn deposits of the Pb-Zn-Cu polymetallic mineralization belt in the northern part of the Nujiang-Lancangjiang-Jinshajiang area, which are in the front belt of the Yushu thrust nappe system. The formed environments of these two deposits are different from those of sediment-hosted base metal deposits elsewhere in the world. The authors hold that they were formed during the Indian-Asian continental collision and developed within the fold-thrust belt combined with thrust and strike-slip-related Cenozoic basins in the interior of the collisional zone. Studying on the metallogenic epochs of these two deposits is helpful to the understanding of ore-forming regularity of the regional Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization belt and also to the search for new deposits in this region. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit has been determined by the Rb-Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues, whereas the age of the Mohailaheng deposit has been determined by the Rb-Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues and the Sm-Nd isochron method for fluorite. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit is 35.0±0.0 Ma ((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708807) for sphalerite residues. The age of the Mohailaheng deposit is 32.2±0.4 Ma ((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708514) for sphalerite residues and 31.8±0.3 Ma ((143Nd/144Nd)0=0.512362) for fluorite with an average of 32.0 Ma. Together with the regional geological setting during mineralization, a possible tectonic model for metallogeny of the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn deposits has been established. These two ages are close to the ages of the Pb-Zn deposits in the Lanping and Tuotuohe basins, indicating that it is possible that the narrow 1000-kilometer-long belt controlled by a thrust nappe system on the eastern and northern margins of the Tibetan plateau could be a giant Pb-Zn mineralized belt.

Lithium isotope traces magmatic fluid in a seafloor hydrothermal system.

Lithium isotopic compositions of fluid inclusions and hosted gangue quartz from a giant volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in China provide robust evidence for inputting of magmatic fluids into a Triassic submarine hydrothermal system. The δ7Li results vary from +4.5‰ to +13.8‰ for fluid inclusions and from +6.7‰ to +21.0‰ for the hosted gangue quartz(9 gangue quartz samples containing primary fluid inclusions). These data confirm the temperature-dependent Li isotopic fractionation between hydrothermal quartz and fluid (i.e., Δδ7Liquartz-fluid = –8.9382 × (1000/T) + 22.22(R2 = 0.98; 175 °C–340 °C)), which suggests that the fluid inclusions are in equilibrium with their hosted quartz, thus allowing to determine the composition of the fluids by using δ7Liquartz data. Accordingly, we estimate that the ore-forming fluids have a δ7Li range from −0.7‰ to +18.4‰ at temperatures of 175–340 °C. This δ7Li range, together with Li–O modeling , suggest that magmatic fluid played a significant role in the ore formation. This study demonstrates that Li isotope can be effectively used to trace magmatic fluids in a seafloor hydrothermal system and has the potential to monitor fluid mixing and ore-forming process.