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In this paper, we report a new metamorphic age for kyanite-bearing garnet-biotite gneiss collected from Akebono Rock, which is located on Prince Olav Coast, in the Lutzow-Holm Complex (LHC), East Antarctica. The metamorphic P–T path estimated from pseudosection modeling, together with garnet compositional zoning and experimentally calibrated geothermobarometry, suggests that the gneiss underwent a clockwise amphibolite-facies P–T history. Two populations of U–Pb zircon ages of 1121–1014 Ma and 972–904 Ma (n = 65) were identified, with the latter population having a weighted mean age of 937 ± 6 Ma. The younger population was dated from overgrowth rims and single zircon grains interpreted as metamorphic in origin. Ti-in-zircon thermometry supports crystallization of these zircon domains and grains at a temperature close to the metamorphic peak of 642 °C at 937 Ma. Monazite EMP dating from the other four samples show an age between 977 and 917 Ma. These lines of evidence indicate that prograde metamorphism of the Akebono Rock gneiss occurred during the Tonian, that is, substantially earlier than the LHC regional metamorphic age of late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian. Our results indicate that a fundamental revision of the sequence of metamorphic events in the Prince Olav Coast area of the LHC is required. We also identified three possible relationships between Akebono Rock and other geological units that record Tonian metamorphism, although we cannot determine which relationship is most likely. In particular, linear magnetic anomalies were identified near the boundary between the LHC and the Western Rayner Complex/inland nunataks of western Enderby Land, suggesting the presence of geological discontinuities.

The age and tectonic history of the chromite-mineralised Bacuri Complex, a layered mafic–ultramafic intrusion emplaced into Archean terranes of the Guyana Shield in the Amazonian Craton, are here investigated. The stratigraphy of the Bacuri Complex consists of an Ultramafic Zone composed of interlayered metaperidotites and chromitites and two mafic zones composed of metamafic rocks (amphibolites). In this study we present whole-rock lithogeochemical data integrated with zircon U-Pb isotopic and trace-element data from amphibolites from the Mafic Zone. The investigated amphibolites consist of hornblende + plagioclase ± diopside ± biotite with whole-rock compositions like noritic rocks of Archean layered intrusions. These samples are representative of amphibolites with variable proportions of hornblende and plagioclase, interpreted as resulting from amphibolite facies metamorphism of interlayered norite and leuconorite. We suggest that progressive fractionation of a primitive parental magma led to the formation of plagioclase and orthopyroxene cumulates in the mafic zones. We found that zircons from three metanorite samples comprise euhedral crystals with oscillatory zoning (interpreted to preserve a magmatic crystallisation age), as well as variably recrystallised metamorphic zircons. Their U-Pb 207Pb/206Pb ages span over 682 million years, from 3628 Ma to 2942 Ma. Trace element data suggest that magmatic zircons precipitated from late-stage magmatic fluids at ∼ 3.34 Ga (3343 ± 3.5 Ma weighted average age, n = 48, MSWD = 1.3), which defines the Bacuri Complex as one the oldest and best-preserved layered intrusions known. We show that fluid-mediated coupled dissolution-precipitation recrystallisation during metamorphism altered the composition and ages of magmatic zircons. We could not accurately define the number and age of metamorphic events in the 2942–3379 Ma age interval of metamorphic or ‘disturbed’ zircon domains. Our results indicate that continental crust was already established in the Amazonian craton in the Paleoarchean and possibly in the Eoarchean and that it has been reworked since at least the Mesoarchean.

The Qinling Complex is the only continental nucleus that outcrops in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt (NQOB) and preserves valuable evolutionary information of NQOB during the early Paleozoic. There are many high-pressure (HP)–ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks distributed in the northern and southern parts of the Qinling Complex. Whether the central part (namely the Qihe tectonic slab) underwent a similar HP–UHP metamorphism and what the relationship among different tectonic slabs of Qinling Complex is, are the key to revealing the formation and exhumation process of these HP–UHP rocks. Four episodes of deformation (D1–4) have been recognized in the Qinling Complex. The metamorphic pressure‐temperature conditions of syn-D3 amphibolite in the Qihe tectonic slab are limited to 3.3–6.4 Kbar and 479–538 ℃ based on equilibrium modeling, corresponding to an extensional tectonic setting. The U-Pb dating of the amphibolite yielded a protolith age of 714 ± 46 Ma, an eclogite-facies metamorphic age of 514 ± 4 Ma, and two stages of retrograde metamorphism at 462 ± 3 Ma and 418 ± 5 Ma. The parametamorphic rocks of different tectonic slabs have similar detrital zircon age spectra, which is a very different pattern from adjacent areas of the Qinling Complex. The consistency in the protolith ages, peak metamorphic ages, two stages of retrograde metamorphism, and detrital zircon age from different tectonic slabs in the Qinling Complex indicate that HP–UHP metamorphic rocks from Qinling Complex formed during the same tectonic event. Therefore, the Qinling Complex evolved in deep subduction and underwent eclogite facies metamorphism, followed by superimposed deformation structures and retrograde metamorphism during the two stages of exhumation.

Mechanisms of syn-collision magma generation are unclear due to the uncertainty in defining the term collision. We address this issue by presenting detailed petrographic, chronological, and geochemical data for the Tanggula Batholith located immediately to the north of the Longmu Tso–Shuanghu suture zone (LSSZ) in northern Tibet. Zircon LA–ICPMS U–Pb dating suggests that the Tanggula Batholith was emplaced at 235–226 Ma. Samples from the batholith show variable SiO2 of 66.6–80.6 wt% and are characterized by high normative corundum (1.09–4.35 wt%) and high aluminum saturation index (A/CNK = 1.05–1.40). These samples exhibit high initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7165–0.7214), negative whole-rock eNd(t) (−10.1 to −8.5), eHf(t) (−8.7 to −6.3), enriched Pb isotope compositions, and variable zircon eHf(t) values (−29.9 to +5.6), as well as variable zircon δ18O value (6.90–9.22‰). These signatures are characteristic of S-type granites, and were derived from anataxis of metasedimentary rocks from the Qiangtang Terrane with input from mantle-derived components. We propose that the Tanggula Batholith was emplaced in a syn-collisional setting following closure of the Longmu Tso–Shuanghu Ocean along a north dipping subduction zone based on: the timing of high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphism at 244–221 Ma marking collision between Southern and Northern Qiangtang; the timing of exhumation of metamorphic rocks at ~223–204 Ma; and, bimodal volcanism (225–202 Ma) associated with slab breakoff at 220–215 Ma.

The Himalayan orogen, resulting from the Early Cenozoic collision of the Indian and Asian plates, is an ideal vehicle to study active orogenic processes and test geodynamic models of how the crust responds to collisional orogeny. This paper focused on migmatitic high-pressure (HP) mafic granulite and associated leucosome from the Greater Himalayan Crystallines (GHC) in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) in order to understand the conditions and timescales over which high-grade rocks and partial melts were produced during the Himalayan orogeny. Combining with previous study results from the Western and Central Himalayas and Trans-Himalayan magmatic arc, we obtained the following conclusions: (1) The mafic granulites from the EHS underwent HP and high-temperature (HT) granulite facies metamorphism and partial melting, with peak metamorphic conditions of 15–17 kbar and 820–880 °C. The GHC, at least its western part of the EHS, underwent coherent HP granulite-facies metamorphism. (2) The HP mafic granulites experienced long-lived dehydration melting of amphibole from ~40 Ma to ~20 Ma during prograde metamorphism and generated up to ~16 vol% partial melt. The variable degrees of dehydration melting of the HP mafic, pelitic and felsic granulites in the EHS generated voluminous granitic melts with distinct compositions, and provided the source for the Himalayan granites. (3) Peak metamorphic pressure of the GHC gradually decreases, whereas the metamorphic temperature progressively increases from the Western to Eastern Himalayas. This indicates that the Indian continental crust deeply subducted into the mantle in the Western Himalaya after the Indo-Asia collision, whereas the Indian crust underthrusted or relaminated beneath the Asian continental crust, and formed the thickened lower crust in the Central and Eastern Himalayas and Gangdese arc. (4) The melts derived from the underthrusted Indian crust probably resulted in isotopic compositional enrichment of the Early Cenozoic mantle- and juvenile crust-derived magmatic rocks of the Gangdese arc.

South Altyn Tagh contains ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes that have been exhumed from ~300 km mantle depth. Previous zircon U–Pb geochronology has yielded an eclogite-facies age of ca. 500 Ma and a high-pressure (HP) granulite-facies retrograde age of ca. 450 Ma in the Jianggalesayi area in the western segment of South Altyn Tagh. However, in the eastern segment (Yinggelisayi and Danshuiquan localities), an age range of 500–480 Ma has been determined, and it remains uncertain as to whether this age range represents the timing of the peak metamorphic stage or the retrograde overprint. Our study of newly discovered retrograde eclogite in the Danshuiquan locality shows that it underwent three stages of metamorphism, under eclogite-facies, HP granulite-facies and amphibolite-facies P–T conditions of 2.5–4.0 GPa and 870–1050 °C, 2.0–1.4 GPa and 830–940 °C, and 0.7–1.3 GPa and 704–880 °C, respectively. The decompression-dominated P–T path evolved mainly after crossing the solidus, indicating marked retrograde modification under melt-bearing conditions. LA–ICP–MS and SIMS zircon U–Pb dating yielded ca. 500 Ma eclogite-facies and ca. 484 Ma granulite-facies retrograde ages and a later retrograde age of ca. 452 Ma. The clockwise P–T–t path indicates rapid exhumation from eclogite-facies to granulite-facies within around 16 Myr, which is faster than that of the UHP rocks in the western segment. Thus, the HP–UHP rocks in South Altyn Tagh suggest a differential exhumation process for the eastern and western segments. The distinct HP–UHT metamorphism and rapid exhumation of (U)HP rocks in the eastern segment likely resulted from local mantle heating. The continuing P–T evolution of the (U)HP rocks under UHT conditions during exhumation led to a pervasive granulite-facies overprint in the eastern segment of the South Altyn Tagh. The rapid exhumation recorded in the eastern segment provides valuable insights into the exhumation mechanism of ultra-deep subducted UHP terranes.

The evolution of the Mozambique Ocean spans the Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinent cycles playing a key role in Earth history. Integrated petrological, geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data on the Neoproterozoic units from the Lhasa terrane, Tibet, constrain the magmatic and metamorphic evolution of the ocean. Our results reveal two magmatic (ca. 695 Ma and ca. 671 Ma) and two metamorphic (ca. 700 Ma and ca. 650 Ma) pulses. Gabbros define the first magmatic suite. They have within-plate affinities and experienced crustal contamination. Their positive zircon eHf(t) (+1.6 to +9.6) and whole-rock eNd(t) (+2.7 to +6.1) values are indicative of a depleted mantle source. Gabbros from the second magmatic event belong to the tholeiitic series, lack evidence for crustal contamination, and are geochemically similar to E-MORB. They have negative to positive zircon eHf(t) (−3.2 to +1.5) and low positive whole-rock eNd(t) (+1.4 to +2.0) values, and were probably derived from an E-MORB-type enriched mantle source, slightly modified by subduction components. Evidence for the metamorphic events (ca. 700 and ca. 650 Ma) was obtained from U Pb dating of zircon rims of marbles and gabbros, which are characterized by low Th/U ratios (0.01–0.07) indicative of a metamorphic origin. Integrating previous studies with the data presented in this contribution, we suggest that the history of the Lhasa terrane was linked to the evolution of the Mozambique Ocean. The older mafic magmatism (ca. 695 Ma) and metamorphism (ca. 700 Ma) formed during terrane accretion processes along an active continental margin to the ocean. The relatively younger mafic magmatism (ca. 671 Ma) provides a record from an oceanic fragment that was metamorphosed (ca. 650 Ma) during closure of the Mozambique Ocean.

Abundant rodingite was found within serpentinized peridotite and spatially close to gabbro and diabase dykes in the Xigaze ophiolite of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone. Two types of rodingite are identified based on field- and textural relationships as well as on mineral- and bulk-rock compositions. Type I rodingite with porphyroblastic texture occurs along extensional fractures within massive serpentinized peridotite and contains two subtypes representing the early stage of rodingitization. Type II rodingite is associated with a foliated serpentinized host rock and contains three subtypes, characterized by prehnite-absent mineral assemblages with fine-grained porphyritic to aphanitic texture. All rodingite II subtypes experienced a higher degree of rodingitization than Type I. Type I rodingite was formed by metasomatism of CaO-rich fluids from serpentinized peridotite during ocean floor metamorphism at ~120–130 Ma. Thermodynamic modeling shows that Type I rodingite originated at low P-T conditions of

The Early Paleozoic eclogite belt extends discontinuously for ~500 km within the East Kunlun Orogen (EKO) and records the subduction history of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. This eclogite belt, therefore, is an excellent site for studying the first-order transition in convergent-margin tectonic systems, and the tectonic events associated with subduction and collision can be determined by reconstructing the high-pressure (HP)–ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) P–T–time path. In this contribution, we present P–T results from phase equilibrium modeling and Zr-in-rutile/titanite thermometry for eclogites located on the east and west sides of the EKO. In the eastern EKO, MT–UHP eclogite records peak conditions of ~30 kbar/650–720 °C, retrograde conditions of 10 kbar at ~650–700 °C, and then further retrograde conditions at 3–6 kbar and 500–580 °C. In the western EKO, LT–HP eclogite records peak conditions of ~27 kbar at 570 °C and then retrograde conditions at 10 ± 2 kbar/470–560 °C. These two types of eclogite record oceanic subduction (west) and continental collision (east), respectively. The EKO, therefore, contains two types of eclogites that indicate two end-member subduction complexes within the orogenic belt, further indicating that there are differences in the subduction-depth and collision-time from east to west. This finding is consistent with asymmetric suturing of the subducted Proto-Tethys Ocean within the EKO. Together, the P–T conditions and time-scales of the HP–UHP metamorphism can be applied to understand the process from subduction to collision between the Qaidam Block and the South Kunlun Block, as a consequence of asymmetric closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.

The North Qinling Orogen in central China contains a typical continental high- and ultrahigh-pressure (HP-UHP) metamorphic belt, but its metamorphic evolution remains controversial. We report a combined investigation on petrology, geochronology and phase modelling for felsic granulite (samples SN1504 & SN1517) and garnet clinopyroxenite (sample SN1505) from the Songshugou area. Four stages of metamorphic evolution are constrained: (i) A possible prograde from HP amphibolite facies to peak UHP eclogite facies stage (~3–8 GPa/700–1080 °C) recorded by the chemical zoning of garnet core and mantle in sample SN1504 and also the presence of supersilicic titanite in sample SN1505. (ii) A post-peak decompression evolution is recorded by the formation of coronary garnet and plagioclase around kyanite in sample SN1504 and high-Ti amphibole and plagioclase in sample SN1505, including the evolution from eclogite facies to HP–ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions of 1.3–2.2 GPa/900–980 °C for sample SN1504 and 1.0–2.1 GPa/960–1010 °C for SN1505, respectively. (iii) Further decompression is revealed from the growth of corundum + spinel in local domains in sample SN1504, suggesting a low-pressure (LP) condition of ~0.8 GPa/950 °C. (iv) A subsequent cooling evolution is recorded by thin films of K-feldspar + quartz + biotite in sample SN1504 and low-Ti amphibole in sample SN1505, indicative of melt crystallization towards the solidus with conditions of 830–770 °C/0.55–0.8 GPa and 880–820 °C/0.8–0.9 GPa, respectively. Zircon and monazite U-Pb dating yields three metamorphic ages of c. 521 Ma, c. 503 Ma and c. 500–480 Ma, which are interpreted to represent the prograde HP amphibolite facies stage, the peak eclogite facies stage and the late cooling stage, respectively. The metamorphic P–T–t path suggests a complete history of deep continental subduction to depths of >90–250 km, followed by rapid exhumation to crustal depths for the Qinling micro-continent during the early Proto-Tethys evolution.

In order to better understanding the Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic magmatism, metamorphism and tectonic evolution of the whole Tibetan Plateau, here we reports the field observations, LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotopes, and LA-MC-ICP-MS zircon Lu-Hf isotopes of the amphibolites, volcanic rocks, and granitoids from the north Qaidam UHPM belt of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The Neoproterozoic mafic rocks (protolith of amphibolites) with zircon U-Pb age of 959 Ma are subduction-related magmatic rocks formed in a failed continental back arc rift above an oceanic-continental subduction zone by melting of an enriched mantle. These mafic rocks underwent Paleozoic metamorphism as revealed by metamorphic zircons that crystallized at 430 Ma during the retrogression from eclogite to amphibolite facies metamorphism. The Neoproterozoic granitoids are strongly peraluminous muscovite granites with LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages of 918-875 Ma. The formation of these granitoids exhibits high to low temperatures and low oxygen fugacities, and was possibly derived by partial melting of Paleo- to Meso-Proterozoic crustal rocks during the orogenic collapse. The Paleozoic magmatism, including 454 Ma arc-type dacites, 412 Ma collisional muscovite granite, and the post-collisional 370 Ma biotite monzogranite and 368 Ma diorite, records a detailed tectonic evolution history from oceanic subduction, through continental collision, to post-collision in the north Qaidam UHPM bet.

As one of the oldest crustal blocks in Southern Peninsular India, the Coorg Block has been the focus of investigations related to crustal evolution in the early history of the Earth with implications on Mesoarchean plate tectonic processes. The Coorg Block is dominantly composed of arc magmatic rocks and bordered on the north by the Mercara Suture Zone, a Mesoproterozoic subduction-collision zone hosting extruded high-pressure and ultra-high temperature metapelitic and meta-mafic rocks. Here, we report the occurrence of a dismembered gabbro-anorthosite complex corresponding to a layered intrusion from the northern margin of the Coorg Block. We present results from an integrated study on the petrology, mineral chemistry, P-T phase equilibria, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon and monazite U–Pb geochronology to understand the magmatic and metamorphic evolution of the layered intrusion and associated rocks. The geochemical data suggest that the parental magma was generated within a suprasubduction zone setting. Phase equilibrium modelling of garnet-bearing metagabbro from the Coorg Block suggests metamorphic P–T range of 10.5-11 kbar at 1000-1100°C corresponding to ultra-high temperature conditions. The zircon U-Pb data from the various rock types of the mafic-ultramafic suite yield weighted mean ages at 3176 Ma, 3174 Ma, 3143 Ma, and 3124 Ma whereas the associated charnockite shows a slightly older age of 3319±12 Ma. Metamorphic zircon from charnockite yield an age of 3101 Ma, close to the monazite age of 3110±24 Ma from the same rock, constraining the timing of metamorphism as Mesoarchean, and marking the collisional event between the Coorg Block and the Dharwar Craton along the Mercara Suture Zone. We propose a tectonic model involving southward subduction of the Western Dharwar Block beneath the northern margin of the Coorg Block that can explain the extensive arc magmatism and suprasubduction zone rock suites, followed by ocean closure and collision along the Mercara Suture Zone, accompanied by high P-T metamorphism.

The Tibet Plateau is a key region to understand the evolution of the Tethys Oceans. The finding of Permian–Triassic eclogites and Carboniferous–Triassic ophiolites indicated the existence of a Paleo–Tethys Ocean in the Lhasa terrane, although the mechanism of subduction and exhumation mechanism of the high–pressure rocks remains equivocal. Here we focus on deformation, metamorphism, and geochronology of key rocks in the Sumdo area with a view to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Tethys Ocean and the geodynamic mechanism of eclogite exhumation. Structural analysis indicates two main stages of deformation (D1 and D2) in the study area. The D1 deformation (264–235 Ma) is dominated by penetrative Sn+1 foliation and solid rheological folds, resulted from the first type eclogites (~260 Ma), with exhumation at ~240 Ma along the subduction channel. The D2 deformation (213–180 Ma) is characterized by the tight and isoclinal overturned folds and thrust faults, related with the collisional exhumation (~200 Ma) of the second type eclogite (~230 Ma). Spreading of the Bangong–Nujiang and Indus–Yarlung Zangbo Tethys Oceans triggered the closure of Sumdo Tethys Ocean, as well as their initial subduction.

Mashan Complex in the southeastern margin of the Jiamusi Massif has traditionally been interpreted to be the oldest stratigraphic sequence in eastern NE China. Here we investigated the Mashan Complex in the Ximashan area and present lots of new LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb, petrological and mineralogical chemical data, in addition with phase equilibria modeling, to constrain the timing of metamorphism, P–T conditions and the P–T path of the Mashan Complex, and furthermore to deduce the crustal evolution of the Jiamusi Massif. The protoliths of the metapelites from the Mashan Complex in the Ximashan area are clay rocks and sandstones, whose provenance is dominantly felsic rocks which formed from a continental island arc. Three metamorphic generation assemblages (M2–M4) are recognized in the studied samples: a peak granulite facies stage, a post-peak near-isothermal decompression stage, and a late near-isobaric cooling stage, which together define a clockwise P–T path. It reveals important information related to the collision orogeny, subsequent uplift, and post-collision process. Zircon U–Pb dating of two metapelitic samples yielded metamorphic ages of the older group varying from 535 ± 6 to 480 ± 5 Ma, which can be perfectly correlated with the age range (501 ± 6 to 498 ± 6 Ma) of magmatic activities recorded by the gneissic granite sample. The data presented here, together with those published, allow us to preliminarily infer that the peak of the granulite-facies metamorphism in the Ximashan area of the Jiamusi Massif might have occurred at 530–500 Ma. The younger of the metamorphic ages (476–453 Ma) should be regarded as the age of late stage. Therefore, a collision orogeny regime is favored to interpret the metamorphic evolution of metapelites of the Mashan Group in the Mashan area.

Records of the thermal-age path of orogenic rocks are crucial in understanding subduction and collisional processes between a continent and an arc. Tectonic events and thermochronological data of the Taiwan Orogen have been extensively investigated. We use the zircon U Pb youngest ages as the (initial) subduction age, the Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Material, 40Ar/39Ar age of mica porphyroblasts, whole-rock Lu Hf isochron age and thermal results as prograde peak metamorphic condition during subduction and basal accretion, and the apatite fission-track data for cooling age of the Taiwan Orogen to illuminate the subduction and collisional processes between the Eurasian Plate and the Luzon Arc. The Hsuehshan Range Nappe in the west of the Taiwan Orogen, whose subduction was initiated at 12 Ma, reached peak metamorphism with a temperature of ~250 °C to 490 °C at a depth of 8 km during the interval 6–2.5 Ma, mainly by basal superimposed accretion. The isothermal dwelling during peak metamorphism condition of the Hsuehshan Range suggests that tectonic underplating through basal superimposed accretion contribute significantly to the formation of the Taiwan Orogen, and led to a sudden increase of subduction and decollement depths, and slow downward thickening of the orogenic wedge and mountain root growth. Located in the east of the Taiwan Orogen, the Yuli Beltsubduction was initiated at 15.4–16 Ma, and attained peak metamorphism at a depth of 40 km, with a temperature of 550–560 °C and a pressure of 10.5–13 kbar during the interval 12.2–4.4 Ma due to basal superimposed accretion. The exhumation of the Hsuehshan Range commenced at ~2.5 Ma, which is later than that of the Yuli Belt at ~3.4 Ma. Such distinct and different thermal-age paths of the Hsuehshan Range and the Tananao Complex indicate that different tectonic wedges in the Taiwan Orogen are formed through different subduction and accretional processes.

It is controversial about the tempo–spatial distribution and tectonic attributes of the Paleoproterozoic orogenic belts in the North China Craton (NCC). The Hongqiyingzi Complex in the northern margin of the NCC, comprising orthogneiss, supracrustal sequence and an ophiolitic melange, was investigated to have experienced multiple tectonic evolution from Paleoproterozoic to Mesozoic. However, the depositional age and metamorphic P–T path of the supracrustal sequence have not been well addressed. Garnet mica schists are investigated on the basis of petrography, mineral chemistry, phase equilibria modelling and zircon and monazite dating, which record an extreme case with four phases of metamorphism. The first-phase is characterized by high pressure (HP) granulite facies with the peak conditions of 10–11 kbar/>780 °C, which occurred at ~1.95 Ga. It is considered to correspond to a collisional orogeny with crust thickening widespread in the Paleoproterozoic orogenic belts of the NCC, followed by an exhumation with heating at ~1.92 Ga. The second-phase is marked by the overprinting of staurolite-bearing assemblages with the peak conditions of 6–7 kbar/610–630 °C, which occurred at ~1.85 Ga. It may correlate a separate orogeny occurred along the northern margin of the NCC, following a ~1.90 Ga oceanic subduction. Phase modelling suggests this overprinting over the first-phase HP granulites is mainly controlled by water infiltration. The third-phase andalusite-type and the fourth-phase greenschist facies metamorphism are confined to local equilibrium domains and their ages have not been well constrained. With a comparison of regional geology, the third-phase metamorphism is inferred to be related with the 320–290 Ma extension in the northern part of the NCC during Late Paleozoic, and the fourth-phase metamorphism is correlated with the 250–230 Ma collision occurred along the Solonker Suture Zone in the Central Asia Orogenic Belt during Early Mesozoic. Moreover, detrital magmatic zircons yield ages of 2.0–2.1 Ga, providing a definite upper limit on the deposition of the Hongqiyingzi supracrustal sequence.

Supracrustal rocks and garnet granite within the high-grade metamorphic complex in Daqingshan, at the northern margin of the Palaeoproterozoic Khondalite Belt, North China Craton (NCC), preserve various mineral assemblages that record three distinct stages of their metamorphic evolution. The mineral assemblages representative of prograde metamorphism (M1) comprise plagioclase (Pl) + quartz (Q) ± biotite (Bio) inclusions preserved in garnet porphyroblasts in gneiss and granite members. The metamorphic peak mineral assemblages (M2) are represented by garnet (Gt) + Pl + Bio + Q + sillimanite (Sil) + K-feldspar (Kfs) in each rock’s matrix. Retrograde mineral assemblages (M3) that formed during post-peak, near-isothermal decompression (ITD) occur between relict garnet porphyroblasts and matrix minerals. These M3 assemblages consist of Bio + cordierite (Crd) + Pl + Gt + Q + Sil + Kfs. Phase equilibria modelling shows that the supracrustal rocks record clockwise pressure–temperature (P–T) trajectories from 650 to 750 °C/5.3–8.9 kbar (M1) up to 800–830 °C/9.8–11.2 kbar (M2), to 760–830 °C/4.8–6.2 kbar (M3). Geochemical similarities between the Daqingshan supracrustal rocks (i.e. garnet-biotite gneisses) and garnet granites, such as relative enrichment in K, Rb, and Ba, and depletion in Th, U, Ta, Nb, P, and Ti, imply a petrological affinity. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe analysis (SHRIMP) U–Pb dating of zircons reveals that the protolith of the Daqingshan supracrustal rocks formed at ~2.5 Ga and subsequently metamorphosed at ~2.45–2.37 Ga. Anatexis likely occurred at ~2.43–2.40 Ga during the retrograde near-ITD stage. Combined with previous studies, the timing of metamorphism and anatexis in the Daqingshan area may be connected with the regional mafic magmatism.

The co-existence of Cretaceous adakitic and A-type granitoids in southern Tibet can offer fundamental constraints on subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic plate and associated crustal growth processes, if their petrogenetic relationships are understood. Here, we report whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U-Pb geochronology, in situ zircon Hf isotopes and zircon trace elements from the Chanang intrusive suite, including the Zeyu and Cuojielin plutons. The Cuojielin pluton is composed of A-type quartz syenites with high K2O + Na2O, FeOT, and Zr contents and distinct negative Eu anomalies, consistent with fractional crystallization of mafic magma in a reducing, low-pressure, high-temperature environment. The adakitic Zeyu pluton, by contrast, has a strikingly high density of mafic enclaves. The elemental and isotopic signatures of the Zeyu mafic enclaves indicate a hybrid origin by mixing of magmas derived from the mantle wedge and from juvenile lower crust. The adakitic Zeyu host rocks, with low MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, show typical characteristics which originate from residual or fractionated amphibole of juvenile lower crust. The co-existence of aluminous A2-type granites and adakitic rocks indicates an anomalous high-temperature and relatively H2O-rich environment. The synchronous regional occurrence of calc-alkaline magmatism, charnockites, granulite-facies metamorphism, back-arc extension, and generation of the two studied types of Chanang intrusive rocks can best be explained in the context of an episode of rollback of the Neo-Tethyan slab in the late Cretaceous.

The late Archean was a crucial transition period for global geodynamics. Metavolcanic rocks, as one of the predominant components of Archean cratons, are key to deciphering the geodynamic regimes of early Earth crust-mantle interactions. Neoarchean supracrustal rocks in the central K-rich granitoid belt of the eastern Hebei-western Liaoning Province, northern North China Craton, may be subdivided into a lower metavolcanic sequence and an upper metavolcanic-sedimentary sequence by an angular unconformity. The lower sequence metavolcanic rocks consist primarily of 2558–2536 Ma amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphosed basaltic-andesitic rocks and high- and low-MgO dacitic rocks. The basaltic-andesitic samples display calc-alkaline affinity, high MgO contents, low (Nb/La)N and moderate (Hf/Sm)N values and were most likely derived from partial melting of mantle materials metasomatized by subducted slab- and sediment-derived melts and fluids. The high-MgO dacitic samples are characterized by strongly fractionated rare earth element (REE) patterns and relatively high MgO contents, which resemble typical high-SiO2 adakites. The magmatic precursors originated from subducted oceanic slabs and sediments. The samples with low-MgO dacite compositions have the highest SiO2 and lowest MgO contents, and the magmatic precursors were generated by partial melting of metamorphosed high-K mafic rocks and sedimentary rocks in the lower crustal level. The upper sequence metavolcanic rocks chiefly comprise greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphosed tholeiites, tholeiitic to transitional basalts, calc-alkaline basalts, andesites, and dacites with magmatic crystallization ages of 2522–2511 Ma. The tholeiite samples are characterized by left-declined REE patterns and high (Nb/La)N and chondrite-like (Hf/Sm)N values resembling typical N-MORBs and were formed by partial melting of a depleted mantle source. The tholeiitic to transitional basalt samples resemble back-arc basin basalts and display weakly right-declined REE patterns, mildly negative Nb and Ti anomalies, and low (Nb/La)N and chondrite-like (Hf/Sm)N values. Their magmatic precursors were derived from partial melting of a slightly fluid- and melt-metasomatized depleted mantle source. The calc-alkaline basalt and andesite samples exhibit fractionated REE patterns and apparent Nb, Ta, and Ti depletions and originated from a strongly fluid- and melt-metasomatized depleted mantle source. The dacite samples show the highest SiO2 and lowest MgO contents in the upper sequence metavolcanic rocks and were derived from partial melting of lower crustal metasedimentary rocks. Systematic petrological, geochemical, and petrogenetic studies indicate that a mature continental arc setting and a back-arc basin setting may account for the formation of the lower and upper sequence metavolcanic rocks, respectively. Three stages of deformation can be identified in the K-rich granitoid belt, including 2525–2505 Ma extensional deformation in a back-arc basin setting (D1), ca. 2500 Ma top-to-the-NEE-SSE thrusting in a collisional orogenic setting (D2) and 2500–1800 Ma nearly N-S-oriented strike-slip shearing (D3), with D2 deformation accompanied by the synchronous occurrence of paired high-pressure and high-temperature medium-pressure granulite facies metamorphism. Integrating the petrogenesis, spatiotemporal relationships, deformational and metamorphic features of the Archean lithological assemblages, we consider that the late Neoarchean K-rich granitoid belt was formed in an active continental margin setting with a southeastward subduction polarity and experienced multi-stage trench retreats and a subsequent collision between the arc and continent.

The global ‘type area’ charnockites and those in the surrounding localities within Madras block of the Southern Granulite Terrane in India dominantly comprise felsic to intermediate, coarse to medium grained, orthopyroxene-bearing anhydrous granulite facies rocks with sporadic garnet. In several localities, the charnockitic suite contains mafic magmatic enclaves of gabbroic to dioritic composition showing calcic and peraluminous composition. The charnockite suite shows compositional range from monzonite through granodiorite to granite, and are calcic and calc-alkalic, peraluminous, including both magnesian and ferroan types. Their major and trace element variations are consistent with progressive magmatic differentiation. The charnockites show high Ba-Sr content with a trend from normal arc-related rocks to adakites. The geochemical features of the charnockites and mafic enclaves are consistent with subduction-related arc setting, and slab-derived magmas interacting with mantle wedge peridotite. The P-T conditions as estimated through mineral phase equilibria modelling and pseudosection computations of representative charnockite and mafic enclave samples show a range of ca. 7 to 9 kbar and 870 to 960 °C, suggesting high- to ultra-high temperature granulite facies conditions during the peak metamorphism. The zircon grains from the charnockites show magmatic features with oscillatory or banded zoning, and in many cases display core-rim structure indicating dissolution and metamorphic overgrowth. The magmatic grains/domains show typical steep LREE to HREE pattern, whereas the metamorphic domains show relatively flat HREE. Magmatic zircon U-Pb data indicate crystallization ages of ca. 2.53 Ga to 2.57 Ga. The identical age from magmatic zircon grains in the mafic enclaves suggests bimodal magmatism with underplated mafic magmas intruding into the felsic magma chamber. The U-Pb data from metamorphic zircon and monazite indicate that all the rocks were metamorphosed coevally at ca. 2.47 Ga to 2.49 Ga, soon after their emplacement. The close timing between magmatism and metamorphism of ca. 40 Myr also suggests the formation of the magmatic suite along an active convergent margin, followed by collisional metamorphism during the termination of subduction and ocean closure. The Lu-Hf analyses of magmatic domains in zircon show mostly positive ɛHf(t) values up to +8.7, with only a few spots showing slightly negative values up to −0.8. Zircon grains in the mafic enclaves also show mostly positive ɛHf(t) values up to +4.3. The U-Pb-Hf data are consistent with juvenile arc building during late Neoarchean, with no significant older components. Together with the Hf model ages, the data indicate that the magmas were derived from depleted mantle components of Meso- to Neoarchean age, which would suggest an active subduction regime that continued until the ocean closure during end Neoarchean-earliest Paleoproterozoic. The granulite blocks surrounding the southern margin of the Dharwar craton including the Madras block are interpreted as multiple arcs that coalesced and accreted onto the craton during the Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic transition. These blocks, which are dominated by charnockites and ranging in age from Mesoarchean to late Neoarchean, and their equivalents in other cratonic fragments over the globe, can be correlated to the ‘expanded Ur’, in building the oldest supercontinent on Earth.

The Hengshan Terrane (HST) is a typical Archean terrane in the central North China Craton (NCC) and features Neoarchean-early Paleoproterozoic granitoid rocks and associated supracrustal rocks. Five geological events are identified in the HST, including (1) ~2.71–2.67 Ga tonalites-trondhjemites-granodiorites (TTGs) and monzogranites, (2) ~2.54–2.48 Ga diorites, TTGs and volcanics, (3) ~2.44–2.43 Ga monzogranites, (4) ~2.14–2.04 Ga monzogranites and (5) ~1.92–1.84 Ga granulite- to high-grade amphibolite- facies metamorphism. The ~2.5 Ga diorites exhibit low SiO2 concentrations (55.67–62.61 wt%), high MgO content of 1.39–4.89 wt% with Mg# values (45–62) and positive ɛHf(t2) values of +3.2−+7.8, and the magma originated from a mantle source that had been metasomatized by dehydration fluids and melts from subduction-related sediments and slabs. The ~2.5 Ga TTGs are characterized by variable MgO contents (0.56–2.32 wt%) and Mg# values (44–67), (La/Yb)N values (13.76–98.19) and positive ɛHf(t2) values of +2.8 to +6.5, and derived from the partial melting of tholeiitic basalts with slightly enriched REE patterns, similar to those of back-arc basin basalts (BABBs). And these granitoid melts were contaminated by mantle materials. The ~2.4 Ga monzogranites show high SiO2 (69.09–73.46 wt%) and K2O (3.31–7.52 wt%) contents and low MgO (0.11–1.23 wt%) contents, and their parent magmas originated from the partial melting of metamorphic graywackes. The mantle material that generated the dioritic magmas was enriched by the important metasomatic agent of sediment-derived melts and fluids prior to magmatism. These observations, in conjunction with the occurrence of widespread coeval calc-alkaline volcanic rocks in the adjacent Wutai region, suggest that a slab subduction was the most likely geodynamic regime leading to the late Neoarchean magmatism in the HST. In view of the BABB sources of the TTGs, a Neoarchean back-arc basin slab subduction model may be appropriate, which is supported by several Phanerozoic analogs. The partial melting P-T conditions of the ~2.5 Ga slab-derived TTG magmas are estimated to have been 1.5 ± 0.2 GPa and 823 ± 32 °C on the basis of thermodynamic and trace element simulations, indicating a geothermal gradient of ~17 ± 2 °C/km and a possible Neoarchean hot subduction process in the HST.

The pressure-temperature-time (P-T-t) evolution of metamorphic rocks is directly related to geodynamics as different tectonic settings vary in their thermal architecture. The shapes of P-T paths and thermobaric ratios (T/P) of metamorphic rocks have been extensively used to distinguish different tectonic domains. However, the role of metamorphic timescales in constraining tectonic settings remains underutilized. This is because of the poorly understood relationship between them, and the difficulty in accurately constraining the onset and end of a particular metamorphic event. Here, we show why and how the intrinsic relationship between thermal regime, rheology and rate of motion controlled by the heat, mass and momentum conservation laws translate to differences in heating, cooling, burial, exhumation rates of metamorphic rocks and thereby, to the duration of metamorphism. We compare the P-T-t paths of the orogenic metamorphic rocks of different ages and in particular, analyse their retrograde cooling rates and durations. The results show that cooling rates of the metamorphic rocks are variable but are dominantly 100 °C/Ma) during the late Neoproterozoic to Phanerozoic. To seek what controlled this secular change in metamorphic cooling rates, we use thermomechanical modelling to calculate the P-T-t paths of crustal rocks in different types of continental orogenic settings and compare them with the rock record. The modelled P-T-t paths show that lithospheric peel-back driven orogenic settings, which are postulated as an orogenic mode operating under the hotter mantle conditions of late Archean to early Proterozoic, are characterised by longer durations of metamorphism and slower cooling rates (a few 10s of °C/Ma) as compared to the modern orogenic settings (a few 100s of °C/Ma) operating under relatively colder mantle conditions. This is because peel-back orogens feature: (1) hot lithospheres with very high crustal geotherms being sustained by high mantle heat-flow and profuse magmatism, and (2) distributed deformation patterns that limit vertical extrusion (exhumation) of the metamorphic rocks along localized deformation zones and instead, trap them in the orogenic core for a long time. In contrast, modern orogens mostly involve colder lithospheres and allow rapid exhumation through localized deformation, which facilitates faster cooling of hot, exhumed metamorphic rocks in a colder ambience. Thus, we propose that the secular change in metamorphic cooling rates indicates a changing regime of orogenesis and thereby, of plate tectonics through time. Predominance of the slower metamorphic cooling rates before the Neoproterozoic indicate the occurrences of peel-back orogenesis and truncated hot (collisional) orogenesis during that time, while the appearance of faster cooling rates since the late Neoproterozoic indicates the transition to modern style of orogenesis. A transition between these orogenic styles also accounts for the prolonged longevity (>100 million years) of many Precambrian orogenic belts as compared to the Phanerozoic ones. This study underscores the strength of timescales in combination with P-T paths to distinguish tectonic settings of different styles and ages. ISSN:1342-937X ISSN:1878-0571

Eoarchean rocks in the Napier Complex of East Antarctica are largely known from a few localities in the western Tula Mountains of Enderby Land. Zircon from trondhjemitic and mafic gneisses from Aker Peaks in Kemp Land, 200 km further east, were analysed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), yielding concordant U Pb dates between 3860 and 3700 Ma, which can be attributed to magmatic and possibly metamorphic activity. Concurrent analysis of 207Pb/206Pb ratios and Lu Hf isotopes in the trondhjemitic sample by laser ablation ICPMS provide initial eHf(t) estimates for this age range that are slightly sub-chondritic (ca 0 to −2). This can be attributed to the incorporation of older crust into the magmatic protoliths of the gneisses, although there is no requirement that this crustal source be older than Eoarchean. Much scatter in the U Pb dataset is attributable to isotopic disturbance of Pb during high-temperature metamorphism at 2.5 Ga, and if not corrected for, can lead to overestimation of model crust formation ages, a critical problem in the search for evidence of Hadean crust in Eoarchean rocks, and for estimating the timing and rate of ancient continental growth.

In this study, new geological, geochronological, geochemical, and Nd–Hf isotopic data are presented for the Melange Zone within the Zavkhan terrane, Mongolia, and the terrane structure, early Neoproterozoic continental crust growth, and microcontinent formation in the north–central part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) are discussed. The Melange Zone separates high-grade complexes of the northwestern part of the Zavkhan terrane and unmetamorphosed Neoproterozoic Zavkhan Formation covered by Cryogenian–Cambrian shelf deposits of the southwestern part. Zone consist of a lower-grade association of basalts, basaltic andesites, rarely felsic volcanic rocks, trondhjemites of the Kharuul Massif and variably metamorphosed from greenschist- to upper amphibolite-facies, and high-grade metamorphic rocks including quartzite–gneisses, hornblende schists, and amphibolites with relics of eclogite and blueschist-facies metamorphism assemblages. Emplacement of trondhjemites and gabbro dykes of the Kharuul Massif occurred at about 960–930 Ma. Geochemical, Nd whole-rock, and Hf-in-zircon isotopic data indicate an oceanic island arc setting for the lower-grade association. LA-ICP-MS dating and Hf-in-zircon data for detrital zircons from the quartzite–gneisses of the Melange Zone indicate that the sources comprise Palaeoproterozoic (ca. 2.02 and 2.48 Ga), Neoarchean (ca. 2.59 and 2.67 Ga), and Mesoarchean (ca. 2.8 and 3.0 Ga) magmatic and metamorphic crustal rocks as well as 2.6–2.5 Ga juvenile complexes. High-grade amphibolites show geochemical similarity to continental arc and within-plate basalts, and were formed from enriched mantle sources. Obtained combined with published data demonstrate that the Zavkhan terrane represents composite terrane composed of ca. 960–930 Ma island arc complex, and ca. 860–800 Ma active continental margin complexes in the north and reworked at ca. 800–720 Ma early Precambrian continental crust in the south, which are separated by a Melange Zone. We speculate that formation of the latest Mesoproterozoic–early Neoproterozoic island arc and active continental margin complexes in the north–central CAOB could be related to the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent at ca. 1.1–1.0 Ga, which initiated subduction in Mirovian Ocean and led to the development of accretionary orogens around supercontinent margins.

High pressure (HP) and ultrahigh pressure (UHP) oceanic rocks remain very scarce along the Indus-Yarlung Tsangpo suture zone in the Tibetan Plateau. Such rock types, however, could provide new and important insight into the understanding of the India-Asia collision tectonics and regional metamorphic processes. This contribution focuses on newly discovered HP garnet amphibolites that occur in the North Ayilari range along the Indus suture zone in the Western Himalaya. Petrographic and mineralogical studies as well as pressure–temperature (P–T) calculations show that the garnet amphibolites underwent at least three metamorphic stages. A prograde amphibolite-facies stage at 0.9–1.2 GPa and 605–680°C (M1) was followed by HP granulite-facies metamorphism at 680–750°C and 1.1–1.5 GPa (M2) and cooling to amphibolite-facies metamorphism at 628–650°C, 0.6–0.8 GPa (M3). Zircon and apatite U–Pb dating shows that the garnet amphibolites experienced granulite-facies conditions at 33–32 Ma and a cooling age of 12.5 ± 2.6 Ma at temperatures of 375–550 °C. The garnet amphibolites have light rare earth element (LREE)-depleted distribution patterns, low (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70727–0.70833, but high eNd(t) (+8.9 – +9.8) in whole-rock, and high eHf(t) (+13.9 – +16.0) values of zircon, which are similar to those of normal mid-ocean ridge basalt. This confirms that the protolith represents an oceanic slice that dominantly sourced from depleted mantle material. Geochemical, geochronological and geothermobarometrical data demonstrate that the garnet amphibolites represented a part of the Neo-Tethyan ocean, that experienced a profound amphibolite facies metamorphism before reaching HP granulite-facies conditions at ca. 32 Ma as a consequence of crustal thickening during the India–Asian collision. Thus, the studied HP oceanic-type slice represents an important puzzle piece that, together with other continental portions that experienced different P-T conditions such as HP and UHP eclogite and different metapelites and quartzo-feldspathic gneisses, helps to decipher the tectonic evolution of the Western Himalaya orogen, from oceanic subduction to continental collision and subsequent exhumation.

This study reported the U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes of the zircons of Triassic and Silurian metamorphic rocks in the Kontum Massif, central Vietnam to understand the origin and evolution of the Indochina Block. The detrital zircon signature of the Triassic metasedimentary rocks corresponds to the Neoproterozoic sequence in the Indochina Block and that of the Silurian rocks corresponds to the Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic sequence in the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block. From Triassic metaigneous rocks, we obtained three meaningful inherited ages; ~1450 Ma, 500 Ma, and 450 Ma. The Triassic metasedimentary rocks occur in close association with the Triassic felsic gneiss and mafic granulite (former eclogite) with magmatic inherited zircon ~1450 Ma and intermediate gneiss with ~500 Ma protolith age. The Hf isotopes suggest the ~1450 Ma age as the earlier or primary stage of the formation of the Indochina Block and the ~500 Ma age as the timing of its reworking, before the block subducted beneath the South China Block to form Triassic eclogite relicts. The Ordovician magmatic ages (~450 Ma) from metaigneous rocks in the Kontum Massif, combined with their volcanic arc whole-rock chemistry, Ordovician–Silurian low-pressure/high-temperature isobaric heating metamorphism, and the detrital zircon signature strongly suggest an Ordovician–Silurian continental arc in the present southwestern margin of the South China Block prior to the Triassic continental collision.

The Mikabu Unit (Mikabu greenstones) was an oceanic plateau that was in the Mesozoic Paleo-Pacific Ocean. Large-igneous-province (LIP) activity has been proposed as the origin of the oceanic plateau of the Mikabu Unit. This study aims to reveal LIP activity in the Paleo-Pacific Ocean. We present geochemical and geochronological data for the Mikabu Unit and the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Chichibu accretionary complex (i.e., the Kashiwagi and Kamiyoshida units), both of which underwent the same high-pressure low-temperature metamorphism as the Mikabu Unit, in the Kanto Mountains, central Japan. The Mikabu Unit contains oceanic plateau basalts characterized by incompatible element depletion and high chondrite normalized Gd/Yb ratios. These basalts are interpreted to have erupted in the age of 157.0 ± 0.9 Ma (Late Jurassic), based on zircon U–Pb dating of anorthosite. The basalt geochemistry indicates that oceanic plateau basalts occur in the Kashiwagi Unit. Although basalts in the Mikabu Unit were thought to have formed at the Pacific–Izanagi–Farallon triple junction in the previous studies, we propose they formed on older oceanic crust of the Izanagi Plate during the Late Jurassic, which was located several thousand kilometers from the triple junction. The Kashiwagi and Mikabu units were accreted to Asia during the Early Cretaceous.

Final fragmentation of Rodinia occurred during the Ediacaran Period as Amazonia, Baltica and Laurentia drifted apart to form the Iapetus Ocean. Accompanying rift-related mafic dyke swarms of the Central Iapetus Magmatic Province (CIMP) were emplaced between 0.62 and 0.55 Ga, which are preserved in Laurentia and Baltica, whereas no coeval mafic rocks are known from Amazonia. First evidence for the CIMP extending into Oaxaquia (Rodinia-type basement of Mexico) was reported as tholeiitic dykes that intruded the Novillo gneiss, NE Mexico, at 619 ± 9 Ma. In Chiapas, SE Mexico, amphibolite dykes that are chemically similar to the Novillo dykes intruded anorthosite and gneiss. In this paper, a new dating approach to obtain mafic dyke intrusion ages is presented by targeting contact metamorphic zircon with the U Pb method, employing Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. Zircon that crystallized in anorthosite at intrusive contacts to mafic dykes and at temperatures exceeding 700 °C (Ti-in-zircon thermometry) yields ages between 615 ± 7 Ma and 608 ± 12 Ma, reflecting the time of dyke intrusion. Zircon chemical and isotopic (Hf, O) characteristics suggest a diachronous sequence of metamorphic processes involving Zr release from Fe Ti oxides, breakdown and recrystallization of other phases, and fluid-mitigated reactions during Ordovician metamorphism. Zircon δ18O values of granulites from Oaxaquia range from +6.2‰ to +9.8‰, whereas Tonian (~0.92 Ga) metamorphic zircon from SE Chiapas yielded low δ18O values from +2.0‰ to +2.8‰ that are explained by the reactivation of major tectonic boundaries during Tonian gravitational collapse. The observations increase the known extent of the CIMP in Mexico, suggesting that a Neoproterozoic superplume was still active during the Early Ediacaran producing a Large Igneous Province that extended over Amazonia, Baltica and Laurentia. The results further suggest that Oaxaquia at the northern edge of Amazonia formed the conjugate margin of Baltica during rifting.

The Qinling Orogenic Belt in Central China is formed by an oblique continental collision between the North China and South China Blocks. In this review, we summarize the knowledge of the early Mesozoic magmatism, in combination with the coeval metamorphic characteristics, regional structural features and depositional history in the foreland and hinterland basins along the Qinling-Dabie Orogen. The early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Qinling is divided into four stages. Stage I (~250–235 Ma) is characterized by medium-K calc-alkaline magmatism in the western Qinling induced by slab roll-back. Meanwhile, ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism was triggered by continental subduction in the Sulu-Dabie, indicating a diachronous closure of the ocean. Stage II (~235–225 Ma) is recognized as a magmatic gap. Depositional variations of sedimentary facies and compressional deformations with an increased crustal thickness reflect the initial collision in the Qinling. Stage III (~225–210 Ma) is distinguished by a magmatic flare-up event. Abundant mantle-derived melts coupled with extensive crustal-derived melts were coeval with rapid uplift, strike-slip movement and regional crustal thickening in the Qinling as well as retrograde metamorphism in the Sulu-Dabie. The main tectonic driver was the propagating detachment of the subducted oceanic slab at gradually shallower depth from the Sulu-Dabie to the Qinling. Stage IV (~210–190 Ma) magmatism is dominated by high silica granites derived from metasedimentary rocks. The rapid denudation rates and extensional structures indicate gravitational collapse and regional delamination of the thickened crust. In addition to the strike-slip faults and block extrusion, the Qinling is characterized by asymmetric distribution patterns of magmatism and metamorphism, different melting mechanisms over time; diachronous depositions, differential uplift and non-uniform crustal thickening, and regional delamination of the thickened orogenic root. All these features are the result of the oblique collision, which is a common process in nature, and therefore could be applied to other orogens.

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is one of the largest accretionary orogens in the world. The mechanism of continental growth and tectonic evolution of the CAOB remain debated. Here we present an overview of Early Paleozoic ophiolitic melanges, calc-alkaline intrusions, and metamorphic rocks in West Junggar with an aim to provide constraints on the time and mechanism of subduction initiation in the Junggar Ocean, a branch of the southern Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO). The Early Paleozoic ophiolitic melanges are composed of ultramafic-mafic rocks, cherts, pelagic limestones, basaltic breccias and tuffs. The mafic rocks from these ophiolitic melanges are divided into MORB-like and OIB-like types. The MORB-like rocks were formed in a fore-arc setting, but the OIB-like mafic rocks were formed by the intra-plate magmatism related to mantle plume activities. The Early Paleozoic intrusions are occurred as small stocks with a dominant composition of diorite, trondhjemite, and granodiorite. These granitoids display (high-K) calc-alkaline affinities, and have high and positive eNd(t) and eHf(t) values, formed in an arc-related setting. The metamorphic complex is mainly composed of blueschist and amphibolite blocks with metamorphism ages ranging from ~500 Ma to ~460 Ma. Their protoliths are calc-alkaline andesite and tholeiitic and alkaline basalts, formed in an arc related and seamount setting, respectively. It is clearly show that the West Junggar was under an intra-oceanic subduction regime during the Early Paleozoic, and the initial subduction of the southern PAO might have occurred in the Early Cambrian. Based on our observations, and in combination with previous work, we propose the plume-induced subduction initiation model for the Early-Middle Cambrian tectonic evolutionary of the Junggar Ocean. Our new model not only shed light on subduction initiation dynamics of the southern PAO, but also contribute to tectonic evolution of the CAOB.

Magnesium isotopic compositions, along with new Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data and elemental analyses, are reported for 12 Miocene tourmaline-bearing leucogranites, 15 Eocene two-mica granites and 40 metamorphic rocks to investigate magnesium isotopic behaviors during metamorphic processes and associated magmatism and constrain the tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic evolution of the Himalayan orogeny. The gneisses, granulites and amphibolites represent samples of the Indian lower crust and display large range in δ26Mg from −0.44‰ to −0.09‰ in mafic granulites, −0.44‰ to −0.10‰ in amphibolites, and −0.70‰ to −0.03‰ in granitic gneisses. The average Mg isotopic compositions of the granitic gneisses (−0.19 ± 0.34‰), mafic granulites (−0.22 ± 0.17‰) and amphibolites (−0.25 ± 0.24‰) are similar, indicating the limited Mg isotope fractionation during prograde metamorphism from granitic gneisses to mafic granulites and retrograde metamorphism from mafic granulites to amphibolites. The Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites are characterized by large variations in elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions. The leucogranites and two-mica granites have their corresponding (87Sr/86Sr)i varying from 0.7282 to 0.7860 and 0.7163 to 0.7191, (143Nd/144Nd)i from 0.511888 to 0.512040 and 0.511953 to 0.512076, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.7215 to 15.7891 and 15.7031 to 15.7317, 208Pb/204Pb from 38.8521 to 39.5286 and 39.2710 to 39.4035, and 206Pb/204Pb from 18.4748 to 19.0139 and 18.7834 to 18.9339. However, they have similar Mg isotopic compositions (−0.21‰ to +0.06‰ versus −0.24‰ to +0.09‰), which did not originate from fractional crystallization nor source heterogeneity. Based on hornblende/biotite/muscovite dehydration melting reaction and Mg isotopic variations in two-mica granites and leucogranites with the proceeding metamorphism, along with elemental discrimination diagrams, Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites could be related to hornblende dehydration melting and muscovite dehydration melting, respectively. Mg isotopic compositions of Eocene two-mica granites become heavier compared to the source because of residues of isotopically light garnet in the source; while those of Miocene leucogranites become lighter because of entrainment of isotopically light garnet from the source region. Thus, a new model for crustal anatexis and Himalayan orogenesis was proposed based on the Mg isotope fractionation in the leucogranites and metamorphic rocks. This model emphasizes a successive process from Indian continental subduction to rapid exhumation of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Series (HHCS). The former underwent high-temperature (HT) and high-pressure (HP) granulite-facies prograde metamorphism, which resulted in the hornblende dehydration melting and the formation of Eocene two-mica granites; while the latter experienced amphibolite-facies retrogression and decompression, which resulted in the muscovite dehydration melting and the formation of Miocene leucogranites.

The final assembly of Gondwana, known as the late Pan-African orogeny, is characterized by Ediacaran–early Cambrian ultrahigh temperature (UHT) metamorphism, which is widely identified within reconstructed East Gondwana. This distinctive feature likely provides a reliable criterion for identifying new Gondwanan terranes that lack paleo-geomagnetic data. Here we present zircon U–Pb geochronology and phase equilibria calculations for a variety of granulite types newly recognized from western Qaidam, China, which provide the first evidence that the Qaidam block, at least western Qaidam, experienced high-grade metamorphism in excess of 900 °C before/at 540–520 Ma. These UHT metamorphic rocks, similar to many well-known Pan-African UHT metamorphic terranes, is inferred to evolve along a clockwise P–T path that is usually related to collisional orogens. Comparison between new metamorphic zircon U–Pb ages from western Qaidam and the published age data from the UHT metamorphic terranes within East Gondwana suggests that the UHT metamorphic rocks found in western Qaidam similarly records the final assembly of Gondwana. Although the exact paleo-geographical location of the Qaidam block during the Gondwana period is unknown yet because of lacking paleo-geomagnetic data, new Pan-African UHT metamorphic record found in western Qaidam indicates, for the first time, that the Qaidam block is a Gondwanan terrane that split from this semi-supercontinent after the Pan-African orogeny.

The Semail ophiolite located in the eastern part of the Arabian platform preserves remnants of ocean plate stratigraphy and related metamorphic sole. To understand the petro-tectonic evolution of a metamorphic sole during subduction to obduction process, here we investigate the garnet metagabbros from the metamorphic sole and the tonalites which intruded the mantle section of the Khor Fakkan Block. We present results from petrology, geochemistry, zircon U-Pb, Hf and O isotope analyses and phase equilibria modeling. The garnet metagabbro samples have E-MORB-type enriched-mantle compositions with zircon dates of ca. 89–96 Ma, and positive eHf(t) values ranging from 5.6 to 10.0. The tonalite is peraluminous with those range of ca. 87–92 Ma, and a range of positive eHf(t) values of 5.1–10.0. The similarity in eHf values from both the garnet metagabbro and the tonalite samples suggests a strong relevance to their mantle source, indicating the role of subducted material during their formation. In contrast, the δ18O(zircon) values show distinctly different values of high δ18O(zircon) of ~13–16‰ for the tonalite and ~ 5–8‰ for the metagabbro samples, reflecting variations in the role of surface-derived source materials. The phase equilibria modeling of the garnet metagabbro shows high-pressure amphibolite facies metamorphism that preceded the peak granulite facies metamorphism, followed by lower pressure hydration and decompression. This clockwise P-T path might reflect partial melting and differentiation of mantle wedge section above subducted slab. Our results provide insights into the complex processes within a supra-subduction zone, implying differences in degree of partial melting of the ocean plate stratigraphic sequences including recycled oceanic slab and surface-derived marine sediments that were subsequently interacted with hydrothermally altered mantle at a mantle wedge during subduction to obduction processes that formed the Semail ophiolite during the Upper Cretaceous.

The appearance of voluminous K-rich granitoids within nearly all ancient cratons represents one major characteristic of late Archean Earth, which hold the key to understand the transitional geodynamic regimes globally during this period. The genetic regimes and links among different K-rich granitoids and their implications for crustal growth and evolution remain controversial. A series of late Neoarchean K-rich granitoids, including quartz dioritic, granodioritic, and monzogranitic gneisses, occur in the Jiaobei terrane of North China Craton. Zircon U-Pb isotopic data reveal that they emplaced during ~2544–2494 Ma, coeval with regional ~2530–2470 Ma high-grade metamorphism. The quartz dioritic-granodioritic gneisses are magnesian rocks, and they show low Si and Ti, but high K and Mg, similar to Archean low-Ti sanukitoids. The Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N are high (mostly 59.99–119.32 and 8.56–61.42), with moderate to high Nb (up to 11.79 ppm). Geochemical modeling, combined with depleted zircon eHf(t2) (+0.5 − +7.2) and the presence of minor xenocrystic zircons, indicate that these low silica samples were derived from a metasomatized depleted mantle source with inputs of slab-derived fluids and melts, and minor contamination by ancient crustal materials. The monzogranitic rocks are ferroan rocks showing high Si, K, and Fe, but low Mg. They are divided into two subgroups: the first displays low TREE of 44.00–127.00 ppm and positive Eu anomalies (EuN/Eu*N = 1.06–1.60), whereas the second shows high TREE of 85.76–819.02 ppm but negative Eu anomalies (EuN/Eu*N = 0.51–0.62). Geochemical modeling and depleted zircon eHf(t2) of +2.6 − +8.4 suggest their formation by partial melting of juvenile crustal sources involving tonalitic and some metasedimentary rocks at diverse crustal levels. Combined with regional geological data, these late Neoarchean K-rich granitoids were generated by coupled melting of metasomatized depleted mantle and dominantly juvenile crustal materials during crustal stabilization. Furthermore, the Jiaobei terrane experienced ~2.6–2.5 Ga crustal growth under a subduction-accretion setting.

Accretionary orogens are hallmarks of subduction tectonics along convergent plate margins. Here we report a sequence of low-grade metasediments carrying exhumed blocks of ultramafic, mafic and felsic rocks from Sargur in the Western Dharwar Craton in India. These rocks occur along the southern domain of the Chitradurga Suture Zone, which marks the boundary between the Western and Central Dharwar Cratons and thus provide a window to explore Archean convergent margin processes. We present zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf data from Sargur metasediments including quartz mica schist, fine-grained quartzite, and pelitic schist, as well as from blocks/layers of trondhjemite, garnet amphibolite, and chromite-bearing serpentinite occurring within the metasedimentary accretionary belt. The detrital zircon grains from the metasediments show multiple age groups, with the oldest age as 3482 Ma and an age peak at 2862 Ma. Magmatic zircons in trondhjemite show 207Pb/206Pb weighted mean age of ca. 2972 Ma, whereas those in the chromite-bearing serpentinite display multiple age populations of ca. 2896, 2750, 2648, 2566 and 2463 Ma, tracing zircon crystallization in an evolving mantle wedge adjacent to a subducting oceanic plate. Metamorphism is dated as ca. 2444 Ma from zircon grains in the garnet amphibolite. Zircon eHf(t) in the mafic-ultramafic rocks and trondhjemite are mostly positive, suggesting a juvenile (depleted mantle) source. The detrital zircon Lu-Hf data suggest that the sediment source involved Paleoarchean juvenile and reworked components. Based on our findings, we propose that the Sargur sequence represents an accretionary melange which forms part of a major Mesoarchean accretionary orogen that witnessed multiple stages of tectonic erosion at least during three periods at ca. 3200–3000 Ma, 3000–2800 Ma and 2800–2500 Ma removing a large part of the accretionary prism along the convergent margin. We correlate the processes with prolonged subduction-accretion cycle culminating in the final collision between the Western and Central Dharwar cratonic blocks.

Svenner Islands-Brattstrand Bluffs-Larsemann Hills constitutes ~70 km long coastal outcrops of Princess Elizabeth Land (PEL), comprising complexly deformed metapelites and orthogneisses. Pelitic granulites from these outcrops are investigated in this work. Conventional geothermobarometric estimations and Pseudosection modelling consistently indicate that the peak metamorphic grade throughout the area is high to ultra-high temperature (800–950 °C) at low to medium pressure (2–5 kbar). A high pressure (~10 kbar) relict metamorphic event and a substantial decompression component of ~5 kbar, corresponding to >15 km uplift, are inferred through petrographic as well as pseudosection analysis. Two set of ages are estimated (~800 Ma and ~500 Ma), corresponding to Tonian and Pan-African metamorphic events, respectively. Field data, petrographic studies and ages estimated from orthogneisses from the Brattstrand Bluffs and the Grovnes Peninsula suggest that this unit is a product of in-situ melting of the pelitic granulites. Pelitic granulites of PEL possess similarities with those exposed in the Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt of India. We propose that these sectors represent a contiguous terrane with two major orogenic imprints, reflecting Rodinia and Gondwana amalgamations. An attempt is made to mark out paleo-orogenic belt axes, supported by both field as well as recent aero-magnetic signatures in interior PEL. We support that the parent sediments of the pelitic granulites were deposited during Stenian period, which underwent compressional UHT-HP(?) metamorphism at ~800 Ma. Another extensive basin is proposed at ~600 Ma prior to the Pan-African orogenic event. We propose that the Pan-African orogeny marked the collision of Indo-Australo-Africo-Antarctic cratons and stitched the East Gondwana. We also propose a thinned lithosphere along the system of subglacial lakes-canyons confirmed by ICECAP data. Analog modelling is used to demonstrate the influence of pervasive mechanical anisotropy of the basement in defining the orientation of this rift system and its connection to the Lambert Graben.

The tectonic evolution of the ancient Mudanjiang Ocean within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is strongly debated. The ocean played an important role in the amalgamation of the Songnen and Jiamusi massifs; however, the timings of its opening and closure have remained ambiguous until now. In this study, we analyzed early Mesozoic intrusive rocks from the eastern Songnen and western Jiamusi massifs in the eastern CAOB. The new zircon U Pb ages, Hf isotope data, and whole-rock major and trace element data are used to reconstruct the tectonic evolution of the Mudanjiang Ocean. Zircon U Pb dating indicates that early Mesozoic magmatism in the eastern Songnen Massif occurred in three stages: Early to Middle Triassic (ca. 250 Ma), Late Triassic (ca. 211 Ma), and Early Jurassic (ca. 190 Ma). The Triassic intrusive rocks typically consist of bimodal rock suites, which include gabbros, hornblende gabbros, and granitoids. The compositional information indicates an extensional environment that was probably related to the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. We integrated the results with observations from Triassic A-type granitoids and coeval sedimentary formations in the eastern Songnen Massif, as well as depositional ages of metasedimentary rocks from Heilongjiang Complex. We conclude that the opening of the Mudanjiang Ocean took place in the Early to Middle Triassic. The Early Jurassic intrusive rocks are bimodal and include olivine gabbros, hornblendites, hornblende gabbros, gabbro diorites, and granitoids. The bimodal rock suite indicates a back-arc style extensional environment. This setting formed in relation to westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate beneath the Eurasia during the Early Jurassic. Following subduction, the closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean and subsequent amalgamation of the Songnen and Jiamusi massifs happened during the late Early Jurassic to Middle Jurassic. This sequence of events is further supported by ages of metamorphism and deformation acquired from the Heilongjiang Complex. Based on these observations, we conclude that the Mudanjiang Ocean existed between the Middle Triassic and Early Jurassic, making it rather short-lived.

Metamorphic rocks form a minor component of the NE Arabian margin in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Conditions span almost the entire range of crustal metamorphism from very high-P/low-T eclogite and blueschist to high-P/moderate-T epidote- to upper-amphibolite and low-P/high-T granulite facies. The NE Arabian margin experienced at least six metamorphic events, each characterized by distinct peak metamorphic temperature, depth of burial, average thermal gradient and timing. Synthesis of the available metamorphic data defines five different tectonic settings that evolved during the middle Cretaceous: [1] The Saih Hatat window exposes former continental margin crust that was buried and metamorphosed in a SW-dipping subduction system. Lower-plate units in the window include relict oceanic crust with eclogite (M1–M2) parageneses that recrystallized at pressures of ~14–23 kbar under very low thermal gradients of 7–10 °C/km. Peak metamorphism occurred at ~110 Ma. Peak assemblages were overprinted by garnet–glaucophane-blueschist foliations (M3) at about ~104–94 Ma that formed at ~10–15 kbar and 10–15 °C/km during the first-stage of isothermal exhumation. [2] Metamorphic soles in the footwall of the Semail ophiolite experienced a two-stage history of deep burial and peak metamorphism at ~96–94 Ma, followed by retrogression during obduction onto the continental margin between ~93 and 84 Ma. Peak metamorphic garnet–clinopyroxene–hornblende–plagioclase assemblages (M4s), exposed at highest structural levels, formed at 743 ± 13 °C and 10.7 ± 0.4 kbar, indicating Barrovian thermal regimes of 20.0 ± 2.2 °C/km. Burial of seafloor sediments and oceanic crust to ~38 km depth, was attained within a short-lived, NE-dipping intra-oceanic subduction system. The relatively high average thermal gradient during the peak of metamorphism was the result of heating after subcretion onto the base of hanging-wall oceanic lithosphere. [3] The Bani Hamid terrane consists of seafloor cherts and calcareous turbidites, metamorphosed to low-P/high-T granulite condition at ~96–94 Ma. Diagnostic assemblages (M4b) such as orthopyroxene–cordierite–quartz–plagioclase and orthopyroxene–sapphirine–hercynite–quartz–plagioclase, formed at conditions averaging ~915 ± 35 °C, ~6.1 ± 0.9 kbar and ~42.9 ± 6.5 °C/km. The elevated average thermal gradient, combined with significant depths of burial, is anomalous for typical oceanic settings. This suggests that these sea-floor sediments were buried to ~22 km depths within the intra-oceanic subduction system, accreted onto the hanging-wall, and metamorphosed at high-T during subduction of a recently active spreading ridge. [4] A plausible plate tectonic arrangement that can account for the different metamorphic elements on the Arabian margin is one composed of divergent subduction systems: a relatively long-lived SW-dipping subduction zone at the continental margin, and a short-lived, NE-dipping intra-oceanic subduction system. Consumption of the intervening oceanic crust led to obduction of the Semail ophiolite and accreted metamorphic soles from the upper-plate of the floundered outboard subduction system. SW-directed obduction was initiated between 93.7 and 93.2 Ma and continued until ~84 Ma, producing lower-amphibolite to sub-greenschist facies retrograde fabrics in the metamorphic soles (M5) and sub-metamorphic melange in the footwall. [5] The lower-plate of the Saih Hatat window was reworked by top-to-NE extensional shear at epidote-greenschist facies grades (M6) between ~84 and 76 Ma. Crustal-scale structures were reactivated as extensional detachments that telescoped the continental margin, leading to isothermal decompression and development of an asymmetric core complex that segmented the Semail ophiolite and formed the Saih Hatat domal window.