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The Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt (EPOB) in northeastern Turkey is a continental arc that is part of the Himalayan-Alpine orogeny. Late Cretaceous magmatism in this belt is dominated by high-K calc-alkaline, shoshonitic, and alkaline rocks that occur over an area of ~600 km (E-W) and ~200 km (N-S). We present new geochemical data (whole rock major and trace element analyses, mineral compositions, U-Pb zircon and titanite ages, zircon trace element data, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic analyses) for 153 samples, with compiled data for an additional 265 samples. Magmatism is diachronous across the arc. In the north, Cycle-I (92–84 Ma) commenced with tholeiitic and calc-alkaline basalts and andesites, and continued with felsic extrusive rocks. Cycle-II (84–70 Ma) includes mainly intermediate and felsic extrusive rocks. Over time,the low-K granitoids progressively give way to calc-alkaline granitoids in the north. In the south, Cycle-I (84–78 Ma) includes high-K trachyandesites, trachytes and felsic extrusive rocks. Cycle-II (78–65 Ma) comprises leucitites, trachybasalts, and other K-rich rocks. Shoshonitic granitoids in the south show ages between 80 and 65 Ma. Clinopyroxene compositions in trachyandesites and leucitites indicate initial crystallization at ~38 km depth and 1120 °C. Amphibole joins the phase assemblage at ~8 km depth and T

The Paleoproterozoic thermal evolution of the north-Indian continental margin is debatable as the Lesser Himalaya granites are interpreted either as a subduction-zone volcanic arc or rift-related magmatism during Columbia assembly or disintegration processes, respectively. Integrated mineralogical, geochemical investigations, temperature estimates from Ti solubility in biotite and zircon, and computational phase equilibria modeling from the Wangtu Gneissic complex (WGC), Himachal Himalaya reveal peraluminous nature for most of the WGC rocks that crystallize at ~650 °C and ~ 1.0–1.1 GPa. The U-Pb ages from magmatic zircons from the WGC exhibit two prominent age clusters at 1867 Ma and 2487 Ma. The U-Pb zircon data and modeled phase equilibria for metasedimentary rock reveal the generation of S-type peraluminous magma parental to the WGC, through melting of preexisting supracrustal rocks at ~1800 Ma, within ~850–900 °C and 1.1–1.2 GPa, similar to P-T conditions observed in modern-day subduction zone settings. The results obtained from this study reveal the north Indian continental margin was an active subduction zone during the Paleoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent assembly that extends across the Himalayas.

We constrain the multistage tectonic evolution of the Palaeoproterozoic UHT metamorphic (P ​= ​0.9–1.0 ​GPa, T >1000 ​°C, t ​= ​2088–2031 ​Ma) Bakhuis Granulite Belt (BGB) in Surinam on the Guiana Shield, using large- to small-scale structures, Al-in-hornblende thermobarometry and published fluid inclusion and zircon geochronological data. The BGB forms a narrow, NE–SW striking belt between two formerly connected, ~E–W oriented granite-greenstone belts, formed between converging Amazonian and West African continental masses prior to collision and Transamazonian orogeny. Inherited detrital zircon in BGB metasediments conforms agewise to Birimian zircon of West Africa and suggests derivation from the subsequently subducted African passive margin. Ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism may have followed slab break-off and asthenospheric heat advection. Peak metamorphic structures result from layer-parallel shearing and folding, reflecting initial transtensional exhumation of the subducted African margin after slab break-off. A second HT event involves intrusion, at ca. 0.49 ​GPa, of charnockites and metagabbros at 1993–1984 ​Ma and a layered anorthosite at 1980 ​Ma, after the BGB had already cooled to

This paper reports on an ice-wedge pseudomorph that formed and is preserved in metavolcanic host material that was later transformed to metamorphic solid bedrock. It has been dated to 1,895 ± 5 Ma by U–Pb geochronology of zircon in the bedrock, an Early Proterozoic age. Detailed observation of the deformation structures of the wedge points to an ice-wedge pseudomorph based on typical downbending around the wedge and vertical lamination in the inner part of the wedge due to slumping into the wedge after the ice melted, along with a few remains of lateral pressure structures (such as folds and upturned strata) in the adjacent host sediment. The interpretation of the wedge structure as an ice-wedge pseudomorph confirms previous work on this topic. This ice-wedge pseudomorph demonstrates for the first time the existence of permafrost at c. 1.9 Ga. It indicates that permafrost and associated conditions were present in lowlands at low latitude at discrete time intervals early in Earth’s history. Although some caution should be applied, mean annual air temperature appears to have been slightly below the freezing point at that time.

The early Paleozoic paleogeography of East Gondwanan terranes, including the North China Craton (NCC), is contentious, primarily reflecting the paucity of integrated geochronological, biogeographic, and tectonic data sets. Our new sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe data from 14 sandstones of the Taebaeksan Basin, Korea, indicate that its platform shelf sequences, typified by trilobite faunal assemblages diagnostic of the NCC, record the vestige of coeval arc magmatism. Detrital zircons analyzed from the sandstones yielded Eoarchean to Early Ordovician ages, which define three distinct types of distribution patterns characterized by: (1) double peaks at ca. 1.85 Ga and 2.50 Ga diagnostic of basement rocks in the NCC; (2) minor peaks at ca. 1.75, 1.6, and 1.2–1.1 Ga in addition to double peaks; and finally (3) a scattered array of late Paleoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic zircons lacking double peaks. The marked contrasts among the three types reflect significant changes in provenance, most likely linked to variations in paleo-water depths during the “Sauk” transgression. Longshore- or onshore-directed currents, associated with an increase in water depth, apparently brought outboard oceanic detritus and benthic trilobites into the relatively flat outer shelf of the Taebaeksan Basin. As a result, fine-grained sandstones received a large amount of detritus from distal sources, yielding mixed signatures in zircon age patterns and trilobite assemblages. Excluding the basal sandstone-conglomerate unit, five siliciclastic formations contain syndepositional zircon populations, and their weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages decrease upsection from 512 ± 5 Ma to 483 ± 2 Ma, indicating a sedimentary influx from contemporaneous volcanic activity. In conjunction with arc-related bulk-rock geochemistry and juvenile Nd isotopic signature, early Paleozoic detrital zircons likely represent the first-cycle detritus supplied for ∼30 m.y. from the proto-Japan arc that initially formed at ca. 520 Ma. Together with the occurrence of ca. 700–500 Ma detrital Pacific Gondwana zircons in fine-grained sandstones, Paleozoic arc-sourced detritus suggests that the Korean Peninsula was paleogeographically linked to an ancient convergent margin, perhaps extending from the Terra Australis orogen.

The Napier Complex of Enderby and Kemp Lands forms the north-western part of the East Antarctic Shield and consists predominantly of gneisses and granulites metamorphosed during a ca. 2.8 Ga high-grade and a ca. 2.5 Ga ultra-high temperature event. The western segment of the Napier Complex includes coastal outcrops, islands and nunataks around Amundsen and Casey Bays, and the Tula Mountains. This region records some of the highest metamorphic temperatures measured on Earth, affecting a variety of gneisses as old as ca. 3.8 Ga. Five samples of orthogneiss from the less-studied eastern Tula Mountains, including three granitic, one trondhjemitic and one dioritic gneiss, were dated by zircon U-Pb Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). The three orthogneisses yield protolith ages of 3750 ± 35 Ma (granitic), 3733 ± 21 (trondhjemitic) Ma and 3560 ± 42 Ma (dioritic), whereas the two other granitic orthogneisses record ages of 2903 ± 14 Ma and 2788 ± 24 Ma. Zircon growth during metamorphism occurred at 2826 ± 10 Ma, and also between 2530 Ma and 2480 Ma. Samples from the Tula Mountains can be geochemically subdivided into Y-HREE-Nb-Ta depleted and undepleted groups. Eoarchean granitoids are included in both geochemical groups, as are Meso- and Neoarchean granitoids. The Y-HREE-Nb-Ta depleted granitoids can be generated by medium- to high-pressure melting of mafic crust, whereas undepleted granitoids can be generated by low-pressure melting. However, relatively high potassium contents in most samples, and the presence of xenocrystic/inherited zircon in some, reflect the likely involvement of felsic crustal sources. This diversity in granitoid composition occurs across the Napier Complex. The lack of a simple correlation between protolith age and geochemical type is an indication that magmatism during the Eoarchean (and later) involved diverse sources and processes, including re-melting and recycling of various crustal components, rather than just the formation of juvenile crust.

The metamorphic pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions across the Main central thrust (MCT) in the Arun area have been investigated. The MCT marks the tectono-metamorphic boundary between the overlying high-grade High Himalaya crystalline sequences (HHCS) and the underlying low-grade Lesser Himalaya sequences (LHS). The metamorphic rocks regionally preserve an inverted Barrovian sequence (i.e., intermediate P/T type metamorphism) devoid of previously reported high-pressure metamorphism. The metamorphic grade increases upwards from 670–740 °C and 6.9–9.4 kbar in the MCT zone and lower HHCS to 760–835 °C and 10.0–11.1 kbar in the middle HHCS. Orthoamphibole gneisses in the middle HHCS yield prograde Barrovian-type metamorphism, such as staurolite inclusions in garnets, showing an intermediate P/T gradient. The differences in the tectonic setting and metamorphic evolution imply that the metamorphic units in the Arun area do not correspond to the other high-pressure units in eastern Himalaya. Zircon and monazite U–Pb ages from kyanite gneiss of the lower HHCS reveal the MCT activity, associated with fluid-present anatexis, at ca. 20–14 Ma. Furthermore, similar K–Ar white mica ages (ca. 13–7 Ma) in the hanging wall and footwall of the MCT could represent the timing of later deformation events in shear zones or cooling, possibly associated with exhumation accompanied by activities on younger, structurally lower thrust faults such as the lower MCT. The similar P–T conditions near the MCT in this area could result from recrystallization during syn-metamorphic thrusting, whereas the middle HHCS away from the MCT preserve the original Barrovian metamorphic sequences related to crustal thickening. This and previous studies imply that different P–T profiles near the MCT according to each transect observed in Nepal could be apparent and the cumulative result of polyphase metamorphism.

Caldera fault zones, identified in many modern and ancient volcanoes, have been the subject of geological and geophysical observations and of analog and numerical modeling. However, the physicochemical processes in fault zones during a caldera collapse are still poorly understood. Here, we present field observations from a caldera fault zone in the Cretaceous Jangsan Caldera, SE Korea. The fault zone is ∼30 m wide and juxtaposes an intracaldera rhyolitic volcanic complex against older dacitic rocks; it consists of a minor fault, a main fault, and a series of fault-related intrusions (rhyolite and tuffisite). The main fault dips 90°–88°NW (vertically to steeply inward) and strikes N30°–40°E. A layer of pseudotachylyte (less than ∼10 cm thick) with some injection veins occurs along the main fault. The pseudotachylyte contains rounded to sub-rounded clasts, commonly displaying fuzzy or embayed boundaries, as well as euhedral feldspar microlites (

The Imjingang belt, which is located between the Nangrim and Gyeonggi Massifs, is divided into the Imjin group in the north and the Samgot unit in the south. The southeastern part of the Imjin group, which is located within South Korea, is called the Jingok unit. The Samgot unit consists of amphibolite, psammitic schist, meta-alkali granite and meta-calc-silicate rock. The amphibolite experienced prograde metamorphism from 648-550 °C/13-11 kbar to 715 °C/11 kbar and was then retrograded to ca. 579-569 °C/6.7-6.3 kbar. The psammitic schist was metamorphosed at ca. 710 °C/11 kbar and then retrograded to ca. 670-660 °C/11-10 kbar. These data indicate that the Samgot unit underwent clockwise prograde metamorphism with peak metamorphism conditions of 715-710 °C/11 kbar, which is confirmed by pseudosection analysis. The results of this and previous studies indicate that the metamorphic grade increases southward from the garnet and staurolite zones (630-500 °C/9-3 kbar) through the kyanite zone (710-665 °C/9 kbar) in the Jingok unit to the Samgot unit (715-710 °C/11 kbar) of the Imjingang belt. This metamorphic pattern indicates that the Imjingang belt underwent regional intermediate-P/T metamorphism. The SHRIMP U-Pb age dating of zircons from the amphibolite and meta-alkali granite yields intrusion ages of ca. 371-361 Ma and 373 Ma, respectively. From the psammitic schist, ages of ca. 401-370 Ma are obtained from the youngest detrital zircons and ages of ca. 251-249 Ma are obtained from the metamorphic zircons. In addition, the SHRIMP U-Pb age dating of titanite from the amphibolite yields a retrograde metamorphic age of ca. 229-214 Ma. The whole-rock chemical composition of the amphibolite plots in the back-arc basin basalt field on the tectonic discrimination diagrams. These data indicate that the Imjingang belt, including the Samgot unit, consists of Devonian sedimentary rocks that were deposited in a back-arc basin and intruded by mafic and felsic igneous rocks at ca. 373-361 Ma. Finally, the Imjingang belt underwent intermediate-P/T metamorphism during the Triassic (251–249 Ma) instead of high-P/T metamorphism, indicating that the Imjingang belt is not the extension of the Dabie-Sulu collision belt but a back-arc basin within the North China Craton that underwent intermediate-P/T metamorphism due to the closure of the back-arc basin (arc-continent collision) during the collision between the North and South China Cratons along the Hongseong-Odesan collision belt within the Gyeonggi Massif.

This article reviews the geology of the Sveconorwegian orogen in south Scandinavia and existing tectonic models for the Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic Sveconorwegian orogeny. It proposes an updated geodynamic scenario of large, hot, long-duration continental collision starting at c. 1065 Ma between proto-Baltica and another plate, presumably Amazonia, in a Rodinia-forming context. An orogenic plateau formed at 1280 Ma as a back-arc Cordillera-style plateau, and then grew further stepwise after 1065 Ma, as a collisional Tibetan-style plateau. Voluminous mantle- and crustal-derived Sveconorwegian magmatism took place in the hinterland in the west of the orogen, mainly: (i) bimodal magmatism at 1280–1145 Ma, overlapping with extensional intramontane basin sedimentation, (ii) the calc-alkaline Sirdal magmatic belt at 1065–1020 Ma, (iii) the hydrous ferroan hornblende-biotite granite (HBG) suite at 985–925 Ma and (iv) the anhydrous ferroan massif-type anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite (AMC) suite at 935–915 Ma. High-alumina orthopyroxene megacrysts in anorthosite imply mafic underplating at 1040 Ma and remelting of the underplates at 930 Ma. Overlapping with magmatism, protracted low-pressure, granulite-facies metamorphism reached twice ultra-high temperature conditions of 0.6 GPa-920 °C at 1030–1005 Ma and 0.4 GPa-920 °C at 930 Ma, respectively. These features imply shallow asthenosphere under the crust. Towards the foreland in the east, metamorphism shows an increasing high-pressure signature eastwards with time, with peak P-T values of 1.15 GPa-850 °C at 1150–1120 Ma in the Bamble-Kongsberg lithotectonic units, 1.5 GPa-740 °C at c. 1050 Ma in the Idefjorden lithotectonic unit, and 1.8 GPa-870 °C at c. 990 Ma in the Eastern Segment under eclogite-facies conditions. These are attributed to retreating delamination of the dense sub-continental lithospheric mantle and growth of the orogenic plateau towards the foreland. After c. 930 Ma, convergence came to a halt, the orogenic plateau collapsed, and 16 km of overburden was removed by extension and erosion.

Mylonitic orthogneisses in the Kathmandu area, central Nepal have been investigated using whole-rock and mineral chemistry, Rb-Sr isotopes, and zircon U-Pb age dating. Zircon REE patterns determine...

Background The 238U–230Th disequilibrium dating of the mineral zircon (ZrSiO4) provides an efficient tool for investigating the time scales of Quaternary magmatic processes. In situ mass spectrometric U–Th microanalysis of zircon requires careful calibration and correction of the measured isotope data, particularly for the instrumental fractionation of U and Th isotopes. Findings For the selection of suitable calibration materials for U–Th isotopic analysis using a laser ablation multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-MCICPMS), we estimated the homogeneity of four reference zircons (91500, TEMORA 2, FC1, and Plešovice) and two zircon working standards (LKZ-1 and BRZ-1) in terms of their 232Th/238U ratios, based on the Pb isotopic compositions measured by a sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP). The measured LA-MCICPMS 232Th/238U ratios of the zircons were calibrated externally using the SHRIMP 208Pb/206Pb-based average value of the 91500 zircon, 232Th/238U = 0.351 ± 0.035 (error corresponds to 1 standard deviation). The molecular interference-corrected 230Th/232Th ratios of the zircons were calibrated based on the assumption that the Plešovice zircon is in 238U–230Th secular equilibrium. After the calibration and correction, the activity ratios of 230Th/232Th and 238U/232Th for all reference zircons and working standards were plotted on the equiline. Conclusions This study confirms that the 91500 zircon is relatively homogeneous in terms of U/Th ratios (relative standard deviation = ~ 10%) and does not support a recent claim that the Plešovice zircon is not in 238U–230Th radioactive equilibrium. The working standards LKZ-1 and BRZ-1 can be used to check the reliability of U–Th isotopic analyses for Quaternary zircons.

We present data from the Mesozoic Keumkang, Palbong, and Baekhwa granites in Garorim Bay, in the southwestern part of the Gyeonggi massif, South Korea. Using major and trace element concentrations, Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions, and sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon U-Pb ages, we aim to constrain the petrogenesis of the granites and explain their origin within a broader regional geological context. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages of 232.8 ± 3.2, 175.9 ± 1.2, and 176.8 ± 9.8 Ma were obtained from the Keumkang, Palbong and Baekhwa granites, respectively. The Late Triassic Keumkang granites belong to the shoshonite series and show an overall enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), a depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE) relative to primitive mantle, compared with neighboring elements in the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible trace element diagram with notable high Ba and Sr contents, and negligible Eu anomalies. The Keumkang granites are typified by highly radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions: (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70931–0.70959, (143Nd/144Nd)i = 0.511472–0.511484 [(eNd)i =–17.0 to–16.7], and (206Pb/204Pb) = 17.26–17.27. The Middle Jurassic Palbong and Baekhwa granites belong to the medium- to high-K calc-alkaline series, and show LILE enrichment and HFSE depletion similar to the Keumkang granites, but exhibit significant negative anomalies in Ba, Sr, and Eu. Furthermore, they have elevated Y and Yb contents at any given SiO2 content compared with other Jurassic granitoids from the Gyeonggi massif. The Palbong and Baekhwa granites have slightly less radiogenic Sr and more radiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions [(87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70396–0.70908, (143Nd/144Nd)i = 0.511622–0.511660, (eNd)i =–15.4 to–14.7, (206Pb/204Pb) = 17.56–17.76] relative to the Keumkang granites. The Keumkang granites are considered to have formed in a post-collisional environment following the Permo-Triassic Songrim orogeny that records continent-continent collision between the North and South China blocks, and may have formed by fractional crystallization of metasomatized lithospheric mantle-derived mafic melts. The Palbong and Baekhwa granites may have been produced from a gabbroic assemblage at pressures of less than ~15 kbar, associated with subduction of the paleo-Pacific (Izanagi) plate at the Eurasian continental margin. Elevated eNd(t) values in the granitoids from the southwestern part of the Gyeonggi massif relative to those of the central and northern parts, together with the comparatively shallow depth of origin, imply the presence of an exotic block in the Korean lithosphere.

The depositional and metamorphic ages, and provenances of metasedimentary rocks from the Nam Co Complex in the Son La area, Song Ma Suture Zone, northwestern Vietnam, were investigated in order to reveal the convergent tectonic history between the Indochina and South China cratons. This complex is structurally characterized by an antiformal metamorphic core consisting of two distinct metamorphic zones: inner garnet and outer biotite zones. The U-Pb isotopic dating on detrital zircon from metasandstones of the Nam Co Complex yielded major population (> 50%) around ~850 Ma with minor population scattered between 1.2 to 3.0 Ga. The age spectra as well as the morphologies, internal structures and geochemical features of detrital zircon are accounted for by magmatic activities prevalent at the convergent plate margin during the Neoproterozoic. In contrast, the UTh- Pb isotopic compositions of monazite from a garnet-zone schist defined a common Pb mixing line with the lower intercept age of 234 ± 10 Ma (2σ) reflecting the Indosinian metamorphic event. The U-Pb age distribution pattern of detrital zircon in the Nam Co Complex is compatible with that of the South China craton rather than that of the Indochina craton. In summary, sedimentary protoliths of the Nam Co Complex were deposited in a convergent-related basin along the southwestern margin of the South China craton during the Neoproterozoic, and then was finally amalgamated to the Indochina craton via the southerly subduction of South China craton during the Indosinian orogeny.

The eventual docking of an exotic continental mass over the course of a Wilson cycle is marked by intracontinental sites of prograde metamorphism, contractional deformation, and syn- or post-collisional magmatism. This study shows that inherited premagmatic zircon in subsequently emplaced granitoid rocks provides another line of evidence for the collisional orogeny. Following the continental collision between the North and South China Cratons, Jurassic granitoids intruded widely throughout the central Korean Peninsula in association with the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate. The latest Early to Middle Jurassic (177–167 Ma) granitoids occur throughout the cratonic Gyeonggi Massif, whereas Early Jurassic (194–184 Ma) granitoids occur locally along the Okcheon Metamorphic Belt to the southeast of the massif. These two spatiotemporal groups differ profoundly in their age patterns and O-Hf isotopic signatures of inherited zircon. The younger group yields a typically North China-like Archean-Paleoproterozoic (mostly 2.5–1.8 Ga) zircon inheritance. In contrast, inherited zircons from the older group exhibit exclusively Neoproterozoic (ca. 0.9–0.7 Ga) and Paleozoic (ca. 0.4 Ga) cluster along with Archean-Paleoproterozoic populations. The exotic feature of the protolith of the older group is further indicated by significantly lower δ18O (− 0.9 to + 4.9‰) and positive eHf (+ 3 to + 15) values of the Cryogenian zircon cores. The results of zircon analysis demonstrate that South and North China-like terranes were juxtaposed infracrustally along the southeastern margin of the Gyeonggi Massif during the pre-Jurassic collisional orogeny, and then selectively provided major source material to the older and younger Jurassic granitoids, respectively.

We present the SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon and K-Ar illite 1M d /1M and 2M 1 ages, suggesting new insight into the Phanerozoic polyphase orogenies preserved in the northeastern Okcheon Belt, Korea since the initial basin formation during Neoproterozoic rifting through several successive contractional orogens. The U-Pb detrital zircon ages from the Early Paleozoic strata of the Taebaeksan Zone suggest a Cambrian maximum deposition age, and are supported by trilobite and conodont biostratigraphy. Although the age spectra from two sedimentary groups, the Yeongwol and Taebaek Groups, show similar continuous distributions from the Late Paleoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic ages, a Grenville-age hiatus (1.3–0.9 Ga) in the continuous stratigraphic sequence from the Taebaek Group suggests the existence of different peripheral clastic sources along rifted continental margin(s). In addition, we present the K-Ar illite 1M d /1M ages of the fault gouges, which confirm fault formation/reactivation during the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleogene (ca. 82–62 Ma) and the Early Miocene (ca. 20–18 Ma). The 2M 1 illite ages, at least those younger than the host rock ages, provide episodes of deformation, metamorphism and hydrothermal effects related to the tectonic events during the Devonian (ca.410 Ma) and Permo-Triassic (ca. 285–240 Ma). These results indicate that the northeastern Okcheon Belt experienced polyphase orogenic events, namely the Okcheon (Middle Paleozoic), Songrim (Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic), Daebo (Middle Mesozoic) and Bulguksa (Late Mesozoic to Early Cenozoic) Orogenies, reflecting the Phanerozoic tectonic evolution of the Korean Peninsula along the East Asian continental margin.

This study involves investigations on the Upper Paleoproterozoic iron formation (viz., Seosan iron formation) from the Seosan Group, Gyeonggi Massif of the southwestern Korean Peninsula. It occurs as thin banded layers within meta-arkosic sandstone, formed by alternating processes of chemical (hydrothermal) and detrital depositions under a shallow marine environment. It mainly consists of alternating layers of iron oxides, mostly hematite, and quartz. Minor amounts of magnetite surrounded by muscovite, clinopyroxene and amphibole indicate hydrothermal alteration since its formation. Meta-arkosic sandstone is composed of recrystallized or porphyroclastic quartz and microcline, with small amounts of hematite and pyrite clusters. The Seosan iron formation has high contents of total Fe2O3 and SiO2 with positive Eu anomalies similar to those of other Precambrian banded iron formations, and its formation is clearly related to hydrothermal alteration since its deposition. Detrital zircon SHRIMP U-Pb geochronology data from a meta-arkosic sandstone (SN-1) and an iron formation (SN-2) show mainly two age groups of ca. 2.5 Ga and ca. 1.9–1.75 Ga. This together with intrusion age of the granite gneiss (ca. 1.70–1.65 Ga) clearly indicate that the iron formations were deposited during the Upper Paleoproterozoic. The dominant Paleoproterozoic detrital zircon bimodal age peaks preserved in the Seosan iron formation compare well with those from the South China Craton sedimentary basins, reflecting global tectonic events related to the Columbia supercontinent in East Asia.

The Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt, one of the best examples of a fossil continental arc in the Alpine-Himalayan system, is characterized by adakitic magmatism during the Early Cenozoic. Popular models correlate the adakitic magmatism to syn- or post-collisional processes occurring after the collision between the Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt and the Tauride Platform at the end of Late Mesozoic and/or beginning of the Cenozoic. We present new geological, petrological and chronological data from andesites and felsic tuffs exposed in the Bayburt area, in the southern part of the Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt, and discuss the nature of the transition from adakitic to non-adakitic activities in a continental arc. Major, trace and rare earth element concentrations of both andesites and felsic tuffs clearly suggest that they are related to arc magmatism in a continental arc with adakitic composition. The isotopic compositions are permissive of mixing between a component similar to depleted mantle and a second component that is either mafic lower crust or subducted oceanic crust. 39Ar/40Ar hornblende and U/Pb zircon dating indicate that this adakitic magmatism in the Bayburt area ended by about 47 Ma, and transformed into non-adakitic, granitoid arc magmatism in the area immediately north of Bayburt in the Lutetian (∼46 Ma). Based on our new results in conjunction with available data, we propose that the beginning of northward rollback of a south-directed subducting slab, and simultaneous opening of a slab window related to ridge subduction, triggered both adakitic magmatism for approximately a 10 Myr period between 57.6 and 47 Ma and arc-parallel extension that caused the opening of the Early Cenozoic sedimentary basins. We also suggest that the shallow marine environment, in which Nummulite-bearing sandy limestones accumulated in the Early Cenozoic, was transformed into a saline-lake environment during the pyroclastic activity that produced the studied felsic tuffs at ∼47 Ma.

Elevated heat flow in association with mafic magmatism in an orogenic belt commonly leads to high-temperature, low-pressure (HTLP) metamorphism and the production of granulite-facies assemblages. We studied such a HTLP complex in the vicinity of the Sancheong–Hadong anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) suite, Yeongnam Massif, Korea, in order to constrain the P–T conditions, timing, and duration of metamorphism. This complex primarily consists of massif-type anorthositic-gabbroic bodies emplaced at ∼1.87–1.86 Ga and a series of country rocks comprising orthopyroxene-bearing gneisses as well as anatectic granites and migmatites. Migmatitic gneisses were studied in detail because melt-related features are abundant and well preserved; for example, inclusion-rich peritectic phases such as cordierite or K-feldspar are characteristic for the prograde melt-forming stage, whereas biotite-quartz symplectites mantling garnet or orthopyroxene represent the cooling stage consuming melt. Pseudosection P–T analyses of migmatitic gneisses suggest peak metamorphic conditions of 810–840 °C and 5.9–6.2 kbar, followed by near-isobaric cooling and melt crystallization at ∼780 °C and ∼5.5 kbar. SHRIMP (sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe) U–Th–Pb ages of zircon and monazite from six migmatitic gneisses are in the range of 1870–1854 Ma. The oldest age, recorded only in high Y monazite, suggests that prograde metamorphism commenced at ∼1870 Ma. In contrast, melt crystallization had culminated by 1860–1855 Ma producing widespread leucosomes and anatectic granites. Our results suggest that high thermal gradient (∼40 °C km−1) attending the granulite-facies metamorphism is attributable to coeval, pulse-like emplacement of anorthositic-gabbroic magmas. Moreover, the HTLP metamorphism lasted over a period of ∼15 Ma, indicating a long-lived process corresponding to the late stage of Paleoproterozoic (∼1.95–1.85 Ga) hot orogenesis in the North China Craton.

The paragneiss and migmatitic gneiss on Oki-Dogo Island, located in northern part of southwest Japan, have U Pb ages ranging from Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic. The youngest population of detrital zircons from the paragneiss and migmatitic gneiss suggests a maximum depositional age of ca. 1.96 Ga. Further, the three granitic gneiss samples give zircon U Pb ages of 1.97, 1.88, and 1.81 Ga. The bulk rock composition of the granitic gneiss samples followed a calc-alkaline trend and showed negative Nb, Ta, P, and Ti anomalies with low Sr/Y (

The Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt offers critical clues on the origin of Early Cenozoic continental arc magmatism in the Alpine-Himalayan system. Systematic geological, geochemical and chronological studies indicate that there are three subgroups among the Early Cenozoic intrusions in the Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt - Late Paleocene-Early Eocene adakitic intermediate-felsic intrusions, Eocene mafic intrusions, and Eocene non-adakitic granitoid intrusions. Here we focus on the petrology and geodynamic setting of the Eocene non-adakitic granitoid intrusions that are well exposed in a belt between the Thanetian-Ypresian adakitic intrusions in the south and the Lutetian gabbroic intrusions in the north. We also present data on enclaves and surrounding Eocene volcanics. The studied intrusions can be grouped into two main categories, based on their field and petrographical characteristics: granodiorite and monzodiorite-dominated and syenite-dominated bodies. They can be further subdivided into four groups of differing K 2 O content: low-K 2 O (Cevrepinar, Kaletas, Saricicek and Uzengili), mixed (Sorkunlu, Kozluk and Tamdere), and high-K 2 O (Dolek, Mesebasi, Cakirbag and Arslandede) rocks are granodioritic and monzodioritic, whereas shoshonitic (Kosedag, Meydanli and Bademli) bodies are syenitic. Zircon U-Pb age determinations reveal that these granitoids were emplaced into crustal rocks of the Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt between 47 and 42 Ma, in Lutetian time, simultaneously with the gabbroic intrusions in the north. Mineral compositions and P-T calculations are consistent with the interpretation that crustal melting or magma storage started at mid-crustal depth (~ 25 km), with a magma system that subsequently extended to shallow levels (

The Hongseong area in the southwestern Gyeonggi Massif in South Korea is considered to represent the eastward extension of the Qinling–Dabie–Sulu collision belt in China. We have carried out zircon U–Pb SHRIMP dating and P–T estimations of the gneisses and amphibolites in the eastern Wolhyeonri complex within the Hongseong area in order to constrain their metamorphic and tectonic evolutions. The protoliths of the migmatitic biotite gneisses formed during the Neoproterozoic and underwent granulite-facies metamorphism (750–880 °C, 12–15 kbar) at 442–413 Ma. These rocks subsequently experienced amphibolite-facies retrograde metamorphism at 585–660 °C and 7.5–10.3 kbar. Mylonitic biotite gneiss, hornblende gneiss, and folded amphibolite in the study area yield metamorphic ages that range from 429 to 420 Ma. The protoliths of some garnet amphibolites that formed at 470–456 Ma are arc magmatic rocks; they experienced metamorphism at the boundary between amphibolite- and eclogite-facies (ca. 625–700 °C and 13–15.5 kbar) before 418 Ma and underwent retrograde amphibolite-facies metamorphism (ca. 625–700 °C and 8–9 kbar) at 418–405 Ma. These data suggest that a regional intermediate-P/T metamorphic event occurred during the Middle Paleozoic. In contrast, Paleoproterozoic augen gneiss blocks enclosed in the Deokjeongri gneiss complex preserve evidence of high-pressure (HP) metamorphism (840–960 °C, 17–21.8 kbar) at 234–230 Ma, which are similar to the previously reported results from eclogite blocks in this area. The occurrence of Middle Paleozoic regional metamorphism before the Permo-Triassic HP metamorphism in the Hongseong area may be correlated with the Middle Paleozoic metamorphism in the Qinling belt in China; such regional metamorphic events were caused by the collision of microcontinents with the North or South China Cratons prior to the collision between the North and South China Cratons in the Permo-Triassic.

The Sancheong area in the southwestern Yeongnam Massif mainly consists of Precambrian paragneisses (quartz-feldspathic and garnet gneiss), orthogneiss (porphyritic gneiss) and anorthosite and is important for an understanding the tectonic evolution of the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. The Precambrian paragneisses in the Sancheong area underwent intermediate-P/T metamorphism (quartz-feldspathic gneiss; 730 °C and 12.2 kbar). The intermediate-P/T metamorphism was overprinted by regional low-P/T metamorphism (750–820 °C and 7.0–9.0 kbar) which was followed by amphibolite-facies retrograde metamorphism. In contrast, the orthogneiss only experienced the low-P/T (750–800 °C and 8.0–8.7 kbar) metamorphism followed by the amphibolite-facies retrograde metamorphism. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the intermediate-P/T metamorphism likely occurred at ca. 1880–1920 Ma and that the low-P/T metamorphism occurred at ca. 1855–1859 Ma. The whole-rock geochemical data and zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the protolith of the porphyritic gneiss and the anorthosite were emplaced in a post-collisional tectonic setting during ca. 1872–1880 Ma and ca. 1860 Ma, respectively. These data suggest that the Sancheong area underwent continental collision associated with the intermediate-P/T metamorphism (ca. 1920–1880 Ma) and post-collisional igneous activity associated with the low-P/T metamorphism during the Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1856–1880 Ma). Similar Paleoproterozoic tectonic events were recently reported from the eastern Cathaysia Block, suggesting that the Yeongnam Massif may have a close affinity to the eastern Cathaysia Block.

Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Th–Pb isotopic data of detrital zircons from mature, quartz-rich meta-sandstones are used to constrain possible tectonic affinities and source regions of the rhythmically layered and graded-bedded series in the Yeoncheon Complex (Imjingang Belt) and the correlative Taean Formation. These metamorphic marine turbidite sequences presently occur along the Paleoproterozoic (1.93–1.83 Ga) Gyeonggi Massif, central Korea’s main high-grade metamorphic gneiss terrane. Yet, detrital zircons yielded highly similar multimodal age spectra with peaks that do not match the age repartition in these basement rocks, as late (1.9–1.8 Ga) and earliest ( ∼ 2.5 Ga) Paleoproterozoic detrital modes are subordinate but, in contrast, Paleozoic (440–425 Ma) and Neoproterozoic (980–920 Ma) spikes are prominent, yet the basement essentially lacks lithologies with such ages. The youngest concordant zircon ages in each sample are: 378, 394 and 423 Ma. The maturity of the meta-sandstones and the general roundness of zircons of magmatic signature, irrespective of their age, suggest that sediments underwent considerable transport from source to sink, and possibly important weathering and recycling, which may have filtered out irradiation-weakened metamorphic zircon grains. In combination with these isotopic data, presence of a low-angle ductile fault contact between the Yeoncheon Complex and the Taean Formation and the underlying mylonitized Precambrian basement implies that they are in tectonic contact and do not have a stratigraphic relationship, as often assumed. Consequently, in all likelihood, both meta-sedimentary formations: (1) are at least of early Late Devonian age, (2) received much of their detritus from distant (reworked) Silurian–Devonian and Early Neoproterozoic magmatic sources, not present in the Gyeonggi Massif, (3) and not from Paleoproterozoic crystalline rocks of this massif, or other Korean Precambrian basement terranes, and (4) should be viewed as independent tectonic units that had sources not exposed in Korea. A thorough literature review reveals that the Yeoncheon Complex and the Taean Formation were potentially sourced from the Liuling, Nanwan and Foziling groups in the Qinling–Dabie Belt, which all show very similar detrital zircon age spectra. These immature middle–late Devonian sandstones were deposited in a pro-foreland basin formed as a result of the aborted subduction of the South Qinling Terrane below the North Qinling Terrane, which was uplifted and eroded during post-collision isostatic rebound. The submarine fans where the mature distal turbiditic Yeoncheon and Taean sandstones were deposited may have constituted the eastern terminal part of a routing system originating in the uplifted and eroded middle Paleozoic Qinling Belt and adjacent part of the foreland basin.

The migmatized gneiss (viz. Gwangcheon gneiss) of the southern Hongseong area, central–western Korean Peninsula underwent intermediate to high granulite-facies metamorphism (ca. 9.2–12.0 kbar and 770–870 °C) during Early Silurian to Early Devonian in age. Field and petrographic evidences from the Gwangcheon migmatite provide a clear indication of partial melting. Particularly the migmatized paragneiss is juxtaposed with arc-related doleritic metagabbro, which might be related to the heat source of the migmatization. The migmatized paragneiss has similar arc-related geochemical characteristics, such as depletions in Ta–Nb, Sr, P, and Ti and enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) caused by the partial melting effect related to the doleritic metagabbro. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon U–Pb dating of the migmatized paragneiss yielded ages of 432 ± 6 Ma, 431 ± 10 Ma, 421 ± 3 Ma, and 403 ± 3 Ma. The U–Pb ages of inherited zircons from the migmatized paragneiss yielded an age spectra from Neoarchean to Early Paleozoic, with a dominant age population at Neoproterozoic. In contrast, new-growth and recrystallized equant zircons showed dominant concordant Early Silurian to Early Devonian ages that provide critical evidence on the timing of migmatization. These age results and the tectonic signatures are similar to those reported from the Central China Orogenic Belt in China, indicating their tectonic linkage at the northeastern margin of eastern Gondwana during Early to Middle Paleozoic in age.

이 논문은 보장산조면암에 대한 SHRIMP 저어콘 U-Pb 연령측정을 실시함으로서 이들의 정치시기와 층서관계를 확실하게 하였다. 보장산조면암은 임진강대 남변부에서 김포층군을 관입하는 돔상 화산암체를 나타낸다. 김포층군은 경기육괴의 원생누대 변성암류와 임진강대의 데본기 연천층군과의 경계부에 형성된 신장성 변형작용의 경기전단대 혹은 전곡단층을 따라 고립적으로 발달하는 작은 분지에 퇴적되어 있다. 보장산조면암은 SHRIMP U-Pb 측정에 의하면 230.5±1.5 Ma (n=10, 2σ)에 집중되는 일치곡선 연령을 나타내며, 임진강대에서 송림 조산운동 중에 일어났던 보장산조면암에 대한 삼첩기 후엽의 새로운 정치시기를 나타낸다. 그러므로 이 연령은 보장산조면암이 삼첩기 후엽의 화산암이라는 것을 암시할 뿐만 아니라, 이 지역의 김포층군이 적어도 보장산조면암이 삼첩기 후엽에 관입되기 이전에 퇴적되었음을 시사해준다.

Isotopic and geochemical characteristics of Proterozoic anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) suite have long been used for tracing the mantle–crustal source and magmatic evolution. We analyzed Lu–Hf isotopic compositions of zircon from the Sancheong–Hadong AMCG complex, Yeongnam Massif, Korea, in order to understand tectonomagmatic evolution of the Paleoproterozoic AMCG suite occurring at the southeastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). The anorthositic rocks in this complex, associated with charnockitic and granitic gneisses, were recrystallized to eradicate magmatic features. In situ SHRIMP (sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe) U–Pb analyses of zircon from a leuconorite and an oxide-bearing gabbroic dyke yielded weighted mean 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ages of 1870 ± 2 Ma and 1861 ± 6 Ma, respectively. Charnockitic, granitic, and porphyroblastic gneisses yielded weighted mean 207 Pb/ 206 Pb zircon ages of 1861 ± 6 Ma, 1872 ± 6 Ma, and 1873 ± 4 Ma, respectively. These crystallization ages, together with our previous geochronological data for anorthosites (1862 ± 2 Ma), are indicative of episodic AMCG magmatism over an ∼10 Ma interval. Initial e Hf (t) values of zircon analyzed from five anorthositic rocks and four felsic gneisses range from +2.1 to −6.1 and −0.3 to −5.4, respectively. Zircon Hf isotopic data in combination with available whole rock Sr–Nd isotopic data suggest that anorthositic parental magma was most likely derived from a mantle source and variably affected by crustal contamination. This crustal component is also reflected in charnockitic-granitic magmas produced primarily by the melting of lower crust. Taken together, the AMCG magmatism at 1.87–1.86 Ga in the Yeongnam Massif is most likely a late orogenic product of Paleoproterozoic NCC amalgamation tectonically linked to assembly of the Columbia supercontinent.

The lithounits constituting the Ladakh Himalaya are exposed along the Indus and Shyok Sutures Zones of northwest Himalaya. The Shyok Suture Zone (SSZ) in northern Ladakh represents a highly tectonized zone of a back-arc basin, which is mainly composed of volcano-sedimentary formations (Shyok and Khardung Formations) intimately, associated with intrusive granitoids. In the Nubra-Shyok valley of the SSZ calc-alkaline granitoids of batholithic dimension are exposed in the Tirit region, referred herein as the Tirit granitoids, which are intrusive evidently into the Shyok volcanic (rhyolite) rocks belonging to the Shyok Formation. In this valley the northern margins of granitoids of the Ladakh batholith can also be found intrusive into the metasediments (shale/slate) and metavolcanics of the Shyok Formation. The compositions and crystallization pressures (~ 66 to 91 MPa) of amphiboles in the intrusive Tirit granitoid corroborate a calc-alkaline nature and solidification of Tirit granitoid melt at subvolcanic level equivalent to a minimum of 2.5 km to a maximum of 3.5 km thick overburden of Shyok volcanics. U–Pb SHRIMP zircons from the Tirit granitoids have yielded mean crystallization ages of 109.4 ± 1.1 Ma and 105.30 ± 0.80 Ma, which strengthen the idea of Early Cretaceous subduction beneath the Karakoram terrain. Inherited older zircon cores (278–393 Ma, 476–519–713–952 Ma and 1933 Ma) suggest a contribution from heterogeneous Palaeozoic and Proterozoic sources in the generation of the Tirit granitoids similar to those observed elsewhere in the Karakoram-Kohistan region. A mean crystallization age (105.30 ± 0.80) of zircons in the Tirit granitoid hosting xenoliths of porphyritic volcanics places a minimum eruption age of ca. 105 Ma for the Shyok volcanics. The Ladakh granitoid, Tirit granitoids and porphyritic volcanic xenolith belong to a calc-alkaline series. A mean crystallization age (67.32 ± 0.66 Ma) for zircon in the Ladakh granitoid implies that the Shyok metasediments (shale/slate) were deposited and metamorphosed prior to ca. 68 Ma. Present and earlier determined ages on Tirit granitoids revealed that the subduction-related calc-alkaline magmatism in the Nubra-Shyok valley of the SSZ prevailed between 110 and 68 Ma, and hence a minimum age of Early Cretaceous can be suggested for development of the SSZ.

The Eastern Pontides orogenic belt in NE Turkey hosts numerous I-type plutons of Eocene epoch. Here, we report new U-Pb SHRIMP zircon ages and in situ zircon Lu-Hf isotopes along with bulk-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotope data from the Kemerlikdagi, Aydintepe and Pelitli plutons and mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) to constrain their parental melt source(s) and evolutionary processes. U-Pb SHRIMP zircon dating yielded crystallization ages between 45 and 44 Ma for the studied plutons and their MMEs. The plutons range from gabbro to granite and have I-type, medium to high-K calc-alkaline, and metaluminous to slightly peraluminous characteristics. On the primitive mantle-normalized multi-trace-element variations, the plutons and their MMEs are characterized by signi?cant enrichment in LILE/HFSE. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the plutons and their MMEs are close to each other and show moderate enrichment with variable negative Eu anomalies. The studied plutons have fairly homogeneous isotope composition (Sr-87/Sr-86((i)) = 0.70502 to 0.70560; epsilon Nd-(i) = +0.9 to - 1.4; delta O-18 = +5.0 to +8.7 parts per thousand, epsilon Hf-(i) = - 2.2 to +13.5). The MMEs show medium to high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous character. Although the isotope signatures of the MMEs (Sr-87/Sr-86((i)) = 0.70508 to 0.70542; epsilon Nd-(i) = +0.9 to -1.1; delta O-18 = +5.8 to +8.0, epsilon Hf-(i) = +4.3 to +10.4) are very similar to those of the host rocks. Fractionation of plagioclase, amphibole, pyroxene and Fe-Ti oxides played an important role in the evolution of the plutons. The isotopic composition of the studied plutons and MMEs are similar to I-type plutons derived from mantle sources. The MMEs show incomplete magma mixing/mingling, representing small bodies of mafic parental magma. The parental magma(s) of the studied plutons were generated from the enriched lithospheric mantle and then modified by fractional crystallisation, and lesser assimilation and mixing/mingling in the crustal magma chambers.

BackgroundIt is important to quantify changes in CO2sources and sinks with land use and land cover change. In the last several decades, carbon sources and sinks in East Asia have been altered by intensive land cover changes due to rapid economic growth and related urbanization. To understand impact of urbanization on carbon cycle in the monsoon Asia, we analyze net CO2exchanges for various land cover types across an urbanization gradient in Korea covering high-rise high-density residential, suburban, cropland, and subtropical forest areas.ResultsOur analysis demonstrates that the urban residential and suburban areas are constant CO2sources throughout the year (2.75 and 1.02 kg C m−2 year−1at the urban and suburban sites), and the net CO2emission indicate impacts of urban vegetation that responds to the seasonal progression of the monsoon. However, the total random uncertainties of measurement are much larger in the urban and suburban areas than at the nonurban sites, which can make it challenging to obtain accurate urban flux measurements. The cropland and forest sites are strong carbon sinks because of a double-cropping system and favorable climate conditions during the study period, respectively (− 0.73 and − 0.60 kg C m−2 year−1at the cropland and forest sites, respectively). The urban area of high population density (15,000 persons km−2) shows a relatively weak CO2emission rate per capita (0.7 t CO2 year−1 person−1), especially in winter because of a district heating system and smaller traffic volume. The suburban area shows larger net CO2emissions per capita (4.9 t CO2 year−1 person−1) because of a high traffic volume, despite a smaller building fraction and population density (770 persons km−2).ConclusionsWe show that in situ flux observation is challenging because of its larger random uncertainty and this larger uncertainty should be carefully considered in urban studies. Our findings indicate the important role of urban vegetation in the carbon balance and its interaction with the monsoon activity in East Asia. Urban planning in the monsoon Asia must consider interaction on change in the monsoon activity and urban structure and function for sustainable city in a changing climate.

This study introduces a new zircon reference material, LKZ-1, for the in situ U&ndash, Pb dating and O&ndash, Hf isotopic and trace element analyses. The secondary ion mass spectrometric analyses for this gem-quality single-crystal zircon yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 572.6 &plusmn, 2.0 Ma (2&sigma, n = 22, MSWD = 0.90), with moderately high U concentrations (619 &plusmn, 21 ppm, 1 SD), restricted Th/U ratios (0.146 &plusmn, 0.002, 1 SD), and negligible common Pb content (206Pbc &lt, 0.2%). A comparable 206Pb/238U age (570.0 &plusmn, 2.5 Ma, 2&sigma, ) was produced by the isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The secondary ion mass spectrometric and laser ablation-assisted multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer analyses respectively showed that LKZ-1 had little variation in O (&delta, 18OV-SMOW = 10.65 &plusmn, 0.14&permil, laser fluorination value = 10.72 &plusmn, 0.02&permil, 1 SD) and Hf (176Hf/177Hf = 0.281794 &plusmn, 0.000016, 1 SD) isotopic compositions. LKZ-1 was also fairly homogeneous in its chemical composition (RSD of laser ablation ICPMS data &le, 10%), displaying a relatively uniform chondrite-normalized rare earth element pattern ((Lu/Gd)N = 31 &plusmn, 3, Eu/Eu* = 0.43 &plusmn, 0.17, Ce/Ce* = 44 &plusmn, 32, 1 SD). These consistencies suggest that the LKZ-1 zircon is a suitable working standard for geochronological and geochemical analyses.

Zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope data integrated in this study for magmatic and metamorphic rocks from the Hida Belt, southwest Japan, lead to a new understanding of the evolution of the Cordilleran arc system along the ancestral margins of present-day Northeast Asia. Ion microprobe data for magmatic zircon domains from eight mafic to intermediate orthogneisses in the Tateyama and Tsunogawa areas yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages spanning the entire Permian period (302–254 Ma). Under cathodoluminescence, primary magmatic growth zones in the zircon crystals were observed to be partially or completely replaced by inward-penetrating, irregularly curved featureless or weakly zoned secondary domains that mostly yielded U–Pb ages of 250–240 Ma and relatively high Th/U ratios (> 0.2). These secondary domains are considered to have been formed by solid-state recrystallization during thermal overprints associated with intrusions of Hida granitoids. Available whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope data as well as zircon age spectra corroborate that the Hida Belt comprises the Paleozoic–Mesozoic Cordilleran arc system built upon the margin of the North China Craton, together with the Yeongnam Massif in southern Korea. The arc magmatism along this system was commenced in the Carboniferous and culminated in the Permian–Triassic transition period. Highly positive eHf(t) values (> +12) of late Carboniferous to early Permian detrital zircons in the Hida paragneisses indicate that there was significant input from the depleted asthenospheric mantle and/or its crustal derivatives in the early stage of arc magmatism. On the other hand, near-chondritic eHf(t) values (+5 to −2) of magmatic zircons from late Permian Hida orthogneisses suggest a lithospheric mantle origin. Hf isotopic differences between magmatic zircon cores and the secondary rims observed in some orthogneiss samples clearly indicate that the zircons were chemically open to fluids or melts during thermal overprints. Resumed highly positive zircon eHf(t) values (>+9) shared by Early Jurassic granitoids in the Hida Belt and Yeongnam Massif may reflect reworking of the Paleozoic arc crust.

The eastern Wolhyeonri complex in the southwestern Gyeonggi Massif, South Korea, which has a close affinity with the northern margin of the South China Craton, primarily consists of Neoproterozoic igneous and sedimentary rocks that were metamorphosed by the middle Paleozoic thermal event. In this study, we present the results from thermobarometry, whole-rock chemistry, and zircon geochronology of rocks in the eastern Wolhyeonri complex near Gwangcheon. The main rock type, such as the migmatitic biotite gneisses, was deposited after ca. 722–680 Ma, and the associated foliated amphibolites exhibit a rift-related Neoproterozoic origin. The ca. 845–820 Ma arc-related metadolerite and mafic layer in the metavolcanic-sedimentary unit are also exposed. Two Neoproterozoic magmatic events support the idea that the southwestern Gyeonggi Massif developed along the northern margin of the South China Craton. These Neoproterozoic rocks experienced upper amphibolite-facies (7–10.5 kbar and 710–735 °C) to low-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism (10.5–12.0 kbar and 810–830 °C) during 424–412 Ma, were associated with ca. 418 Ma leucogranite formation, and then underwent retrograde amphibolite-facies metamorphism. Combined with the results from previous studies, the early-middle Paleozoic orogeny in the southern Gyeonggi Massif is characterized by 470–456 Ma subduction associated with a high P/T metamorphism, and the initiation of intermediate P/T metamorphism from ca. 445 Ma followed by low-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism at 432–403 Ma, and high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism at 392–381 Ma, indicating that the tectonic setting transitioned from a continental collision to a post-collisional setting between 432 Ma and 392 Ma. These events and the absence of Paleozoic ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism strongly correlated with the Wuyi-Yunkai orogen in the South China Craton, rather than the Qinling belt in the North China Craton. Therefore, the early-middle Paleozoic orogeny in the southern Gyeonggi Massif was caused by the subduction and subsequent collision within the South China Craton.

The Hongcheon area in the central Gyeonggi massif is a unique carbonatite locality in South Korea. The age and petrogenesis of this uncommon rock type and associated rare earth element (REE) mineralization still remain uncertain. The NNE trending, 20–50 m wide and ~ 2 km long Fe-REE ore bodies are hosted within a swarm of carbonatite dykes intruding Precambrian basement gneisses. The intrusive nature of the dykes, fenite alteration halos, exsolution intergrowths of constituent minerals and stable isotope data in the literature collectively attest to the ore formation by crystallization of carbonatite magma. The carbonatites are composed primarily of dolomite, ankerite, siderite, magnetite, monazite, apatite, strontianite and pyrite with subordinate quartz, barite, columbite, fergusonite and calcite. The principal carrier phase of REEs is monazite. The REE contents of monazite vary narrowly (TREO = 66.1–69.4 wt.%) irrespective of the textural occurrence. Although the monazite shows a sample-to-sample variation in La/Nd ratio, the textural varieties from each rock sample are similar with respect to this ratio. Thorium contents in monazite are consistently low (average = ca. 2500 ppm) with unusually high (average = ca. 2200) Th/U ratios. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) dating of monazite yielded a weighted mean 208 Pb/ 232 Th age of 232.9 ± 1.6 Ma, which agrees with a weighted mean 206 Pb/ 238 U age of 227.2 ± 8.3 Ma within uncertainties. This age, coupled with comparable intrusion ages documented for kimberlites and monzonite-syenite-gabbro-mangerite suite from central Korea, demonstrates the occurrence of mantle-derived alkaline igneous activities and associated REE mineralization following the North and South China collision. The intrusion of the Hongcheon carbonatite and potassic or ultrapotassic suite in central Korea may have resulted from the post-collisional detachment of the subducted slab and consequent upwelling of hot asthenosphere and melting of the overriding lithospheric mantle. Initial Nd‐Sr isotopic ranges of the Hongcheon carbonatite (e Nd = ca. − 26, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr = 0.703–0.706) and previous trace element data deny a petrogenetic linkage with the coeval silicate magmas. The metasomatism in the lithospheric mantle source of the Hongcheon carbonatite must have occurred in the distant past (> 1.7 Ga) to generate significantly negative e Nd values.

We present Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions for two adakite-like intrusions in southern Korea (Jindong and Bongnae), including major and trace element concentrations, and the sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon U–Pb age. Our aim is to constrain the origin and tectonomagmatic processes that gave rise to the plutons. A SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age of 88.7 ± 0.7 Ma was obtained from a Jindong granodiorite sample. The Jindong plutons belong to the medium-K calc-alkaline series, and have an overall enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), such as K, Rb, Ba, and Pb, and a relative depletion in high field strength elements, such as Nb, Ta, and Ti, compared with the neighboring elements in the primitive mantle-normalized multi-trace element variation diagram. It was found that (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70475–0.70596, (143Nd/144Nd)i = 0.512547–0.512604, [(eNd)i = + 0.4 to 2.2], and (206Pb/204Pb)i = 18.19–18.37, which fall within the field of the arc-type Cretaceous to Tertiary Bulguksa intrusive rocks in the Sr–Nd and Pb–Pb isotopic correlation diagrams. The elevated Sr/Y (17–40), but low La/Yb (3.7–8.8) ratios of the Jindong plutons, together with their coherent geochemical trends and U-shaped rare earth element (REE) patterns, indicate that they were not formed by slab melting, but by amphibole-dominated fractional crystallization of the Bulguksa-like arc magma. A SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age of 226.5 ± 2.5 Ma was obtained from a Bongnae tonalite sample. The Bongnae plutons belong to the shoshonitic series. Their trace element patterns resemble the Jindong samples, but are characterized by significantly negative U anomalies in mafic rocks. They also have elevated MgO, Ni, Co, Cr, Rb, Ba, Sr, and low Al2O3 and Na2O contents at a given SiO2 concentration compared with the Jindong plutons, and are typified by highly radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions: [(87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.71096–0.71290, (143Nd/144Nd)i = 0.511641–0.511681, (eNd)i = − 13.0 to − 13.8, and (206Pb/204Pb)i = 17.53–17.45]. The Bongnae plutons have adakite-like elevated Sr/Y (36–56) and La/Yb (12.9–42.7) ratios, but are highly potassic compared with slab melts. The petrogenesis of the C-type Bongnae adakites is consistent with formation by the partial melting of two components (a lower crust and metasomatized lithospheric mantle) in a post-collisional tectonic setting. Asthenospheric upwelling induced by slab breakoff after continental collision between the north and south China blocks may be a heat source for melting of the continental lithosphere. The Paleo-Tethys subduction before continental collision in this area or lower crustal delamination and subsequent low fractions of melting may have induced metasomatic overprinting in LILE in the overlying lithospheric mantle.

The origin of minor leucocratic intrusions known as “plagiogranites” in oceanic complexes dominated by basaltic compositions have been debated in the literature. Here we use well preserved plagiogranites within the contrasting Santa Elena Ophiolite and the Nicoya Complex, NW Costa Rica, to investigate the origin and age of these leucocratic intrusions. Magmatic zircons of plagiogranites of the Santa Elena ophiolite and the Nicoya Complex, yield weighted mean SHRIMP 206Pb/238U ages of 125.3 ± 2.0 Ma and 90.9 ± 2.0 Ma to 88.5 ± 2.0 Ma (n = 5), respectively. These ages record the main magmatic phases of formation of these intrusions preserved in each complex. Relatively flat, unfractionated chondrite-normalized REE patterns of plagiogranites from both complexes mimic signatures of related mafic rocks, which is consistent with formation via fractional crystallization from a mafic source as opposed to partial melting of a mafic (basalt, amphibolite) protolith. In the case of the Nicoya Complex, modelling suggests that the Nicoya plagiogranites are consistent as ~ 10–15% residual liquids after fractional crystallization from its mafic parental source. Trace element systematics of the plagiogranites are consistent with an oceanic arc origin for Santa Elena and a mostly mid-ocean ridge to oceanic-plateau origin for Nicoya. National Science Foundation/[EAR-1221414]/NSF/Estados Unidos National Science Foundation/[EAR-1201903]/NSF/Estados Unidos UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Geológicas (CICG)

Understanding the Precambrian tectonic evolution of the Gyeonggi Massif in South Korea can provide important insights into the tectonic evolution of Korea and northeast Asia, and the geological relationship between Korea and China. The Wonju–Jechon area is located in the southeastern part of the Gyeonggi Massif and is dominated by Precambrian gneisses. The protoliths of the granitic gneiss and migmatite in this area were emplaced in a collisional and/or post-collisional tectonic setting at ca. 2.5 Ga, before the intrusion of the protolith of the two-mica granitic gneiss in an arc-related tectonic setting at 1.94–1.91 Ga. The intrusion of the two-mica granitic gneiss was contemporaneous with the first stage of metamorphism of the granitic gneiss and migmatite in this area. The protolith of the porphyritic gneiss then intruded into these granitic gneiss, migmatite, and two-mica granitic gneiss in a post-collisional tectonic setting at ca. 1.79 Ga. The final major event recorded by these rocks is the second stage regional metamorphism at ca. 285 Ma. Zircons within the Precambrian rocks in the Wonju–Jechon area have e Hf (t) values and isotopic model ages ( T DM2 ) that provide evidence of two stages of crustal growth (at ca. 3.3 and 2.7 Ga) and three periods of crustal reworking (at ca. 2.5, 1.9, and 1.8 Ga) with generation of the protoliths of the two-mica granitic and porphyritic gneisses in this area by the remelting of ancient crustal material. The tectonic evolution of the southeastern Gyeonggi Massif differs from that of the northern Gyeonggi and Nangrim Massifs, both of which record continental-collision-related magmatism and metamorphism at 1.93–1.91 Ga, post-collisional magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.88–1.85 Ga, and within-plate magmatism at ca. 1.84–1.83 Ga. In comparison, the tectonic evolution of the southeastern part of the Gyeonggi Massif is more similar to that of the northern Yangtze Block in the South China Craton, although more research is needed to confirm this relationship.

In this study, we investigate zircons with high U and Th contents of 12,000–24,000 and 11,000–40,000 ppm, respectively, from leucocratic granite in the Weondong region of South Korea. Hydrothermally epitaxial growth textures are observed in addition to four distinct textures with different backscattered electron (BSE) intensities within single zircon crystals . We describe the internal textures of the zircon crystals and define the chemical characteristics of each textural domain. The zircon crystals show internally recrystallized and externally crystallized textures, supporting the concept of post-magmatic fluid control. After crystallization of the primary zircon by late magmatism, four types of secondary textures were developed. The type-I domain shows patchy forms within the primary domain due to the structural and chemical recrystallization of self-irradiated zircon by a fluid-dominated diffusion reaction process. The type-II domain is characterized by a pure zircon composition, mineral inclusions (mainly thorite), and micropores due to chemical recrystallization by a coupled dissolution–reprecipitation process during interaction with aqueous fluids. The type-III domain is the purest zircon, is interconnected with type-II, and formed by a second coupled dissolution–reprecipitation process. The type-IV domain is the hydrothermal recrystallization/overgrowth texture formed by the direct crystallization process from fluorine-enriched, zircon-saturated aqueous fluid. These results indicate that the zircon crystals were formed sequentially or intermittently through multi-genetic processes by post-magmatic fluids. Furthermore, we conclude that F-enriched post-magmatic fluid migrated large amounts of zirconium, resulting in the typical overgrowth texture of zircon.

The Odaesan Gneiss Complex (Odesan Gneiss Complex) is the eastern end of the Hongseong–Odaesan collision belt in the Korean Peninsula, which is an extension of the Dabie–Sulu collision belt between the North and South China cratons. The Odaesan Gneiss Complex mainly consists of banded and migmatitic gneisses with porphyritic granitoids and amphibolites. The garnet-bearing banded gneisses can be subdivided into garnet–biotite and garnet–orthopyroxene banded gneisses. At the beginning of the post-collision stage, the banded gneisses underwent regional ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism (902–950 °C/8.8–9.4 kbar) at ca. 247–245 Ma due to the heat supplied from underplated basic magma, which was generated by the partial melting of the lithospheric mantle caused by the heat supplied from the asthenospheric mantle. As a result of the continuous extensional force, the study area (lower crust) uplifted onto the middle crust depths, and then the study area underwent prograde granulite facies metamorphism from 660 °C and 8.7 kbar to 750–760 °C and 6.3–6.5 kbar at ca. 227 Ma, causing migmatization, which erased the ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism in most of the study area. The ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism was preserved only in the garnet–orthopyroxene banded gneisses due to their very low water contents. During migmatization, the garnet–biotite banded gneisses were retrograded into upper granulite facies due to the relatively abundant water compared with the garnet–orthopyroxene gneisses. Finally, the study area was uplifted to a shallow depth and locally underwent amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism (575–680 °C and 3.1–4.5 kbar). In addition, Paleoproterozoic metamorphic (ca. 1930–1886 Ma) and post-collisional magmatic events (ca. 1847 Ma) are identified based on SHRIMP age dating. These ages agree well with the regional Paleoproterozoic metamorphic and post-collisional magmatic activities reported from other areas of the Gyeonggi Massif.

Zircon oxygen-hafnium and biotite magnesium isotopic compositions of Late Cretaceous to Oligocene (88–27 Ma) granitoids from the Gyeongsang continental arc, southeastern Korea, collectively provide a new insight into shallow magma petrogenesis. Zircon crystals extracted from eight calc-alkaline or alkaline plutons commonly contain xenocrystic cores and typically show magmatic cathodoluminescence zonings and sharp Raman spectra. Most zircons have positive eHf values plotting below the mid-ocean-ridge basalt evolution path, indicating that the arc magmatism was dominated by the recycling of juvenile crustal materials. Zircon δ18O values shifted upward or downward from the mantle range attest to the O isotopic exchange of crustal protoliths with surface waters at various temperature conditions. Small (

Triassic coeval mafic and intermediate magmatism occurred in the area suggested to be the southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) in the Gyeonggi Massif (GM) of the Korean Peninsula. This study investigates aspects of the mafic and intermediate magmatism using SHRIMP zircon ages and whole-rock chemical and isotopic Sr–Nd data. The mafic and intermediate rocks intruded into a basement paragneiss in three areas (Yangpyeong, Odesan and Yangyang) within the GM at ca. 230 Ma. The paragneiss was metamorphosed in both the Paleoproterozoic and Triassic. Gabbros (hornblende gabbro and pyroxene–mica gabbro) from the study areas exhibit strong light REE (LREE) enrichment relative to chondrite (La N /Yb N = 11.1–30.6) and a high LILE/HFSE pattern, Ta–Nb–P–Ti troughs and positive Ba–K–Pb–Sr spikes on the N-MORB-normalized multi-element variation diagram. These features are typical characteristics of arc-related gabbros. The gabbros also show strongly enriched initial isotopic compositions ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (i) = 0.7100–0.7137; e Nd (t) = − 13.1 to − 19.7). The coeval intermediate intrusive rocks also exhibit whole-rock chemical and isotopic features ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (i) = 0.7099–0.7143; e Nd (t) = − 10.8 to − 18.6) similar to those of the gabbros. The mafic and intermediate intrusive rocks plot in the within-plate and/or post-collisional fields on tectonic discrimination diagrams. These data indicate that the mafic and intermediate magmatism in the study areas occurred during the Triassic post-collisional relaxation period via partial melting of sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) that was enriched in a subduction environment prior to (or during) the Permo-Triassic continental collision between the NCC and the South China Craton (SCC). The highly enriched mantle signatures revealed by the gabbros from the study areas are matched to the enriched features identified in Cretaceous mafic igneous rocks (ca. 130 Ma) on the southern margin of the NCC. Thus, this study suggests that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Yangpyeong, Odesan and Yangyang areas are comparable to the SCLM of the NCC southern margin. The highly enriched nature of mafic and intermediate rocks from the study areas indicates that their source is the SCLM that was metasomatized by Permian to early Triassic subduction–continental collision processes.

The Kitomyo Schist from Kurosegawa Belt, Shikoku, has been long considered as the oldest records of subduction metamorphism in Japan, based on an early 1970s K–Ar dating of white mica. The schist consists of mafic and pelitic layers and occurs as a tectonic block within serpentinite. Reappraisal of the schist confirmed the schist is characterized by an epidote-amphibolite peak metamorphic facies. The mafic portion is characterized by zoned amphibole + epidote + chlorite + titanite ± phengite ± rutile. The presences of relict rutile surrounded by titanite and the barroisitic cores of zoned amphibole suggest a high-pressure intermediate type metamorphism at the metamorphic peak (P = ~0.8–1.5 GPa and T = ~500–570 °C). The presence of Mn-rich garnet and the lack of biotite, oligoclase and paragonite also support high-pressure intermediate type metamorphism that eliminate the possibility of a typical blueschist-facies metamorphism. New SHRIMP and LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb geochronology on a pelitic sample show detrital grains of Mesoproterozoic and Early Paleozoic ages, suggesting a maximum deposition age for the trench-fill sediment of ~440 Ma. Also the U–Pb data confirmed ~360 Ma overgrown rims that might have formed during the subduction zone epidote-amphibolite facies metamorphism. Reappraisal revealed that the Kitomyo Schist is not the oldest high-pressure type schist in Japan and rather comparable to the Late Paleozoic Renge Metamorphic Rocks and their equivalents in the Kurosegawa Belt. The Devono–Carboniferous high-pressure metamorphic rocks in Japan might have been paired with their coeval batholiths along the ‘Greater South China’ margin that was extensively eroded during later tectonic processes.

The Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the northern and southern Gyeonggi Massifs in the southern Korean Peninsula are important for the interpretation of the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Korean Peninsula and northeastern Asia. The Gonamsan and Chuncheon metabasites in the northern Gyeonggi Massif intruded in a within-plate tectonic setting at ca. 851–873 Ma and 888 Ma, respectively. The Nb/Yb ratios (7–23) of these metabasites represent enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB) to ocean island basalt (OIB) characteristics. Most zircons found within the Gonamsan metabasites have positive eHf(t) values and Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic isotopic model ages (TDM2). These metabasites have initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios that range between 0.7033 and 0.7058 and eNd(t) values of −0.68 to 5.02. These geochemical characteristics of these metabasites indicate that these rocks formed in a rift-related environment. The Neoproterozoic metabasites from the Dangjin area in the southwestern Gyeonggi Massif can be subdivided into arc and rift types. The Dangjin arc-type metabasites intruded at ca. 820–833 Ma. These metabasites have Nb/Yb ratios of 4–7, Nb/U ratios of 3.58–27.5 and show an increase in Th/Nb ratios with increasing La/Sm ratios. Most zircons from these metabasites have negative eHf(t) values and Paleoproterozoic-Archean TDM2 ages, except one that has positive eHf(t) values and a Mesoproterozoic TDM2 age. Most these metabasites have initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7048–0.7105 and negative eNd(t) values from −11.67 to −5.25. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the arc type Dangjin metabasites experienced crustal contamination during differentiation in an arc tectonic environment. The rift-related Dangjin metabasites intruded at ca. 793 Ma in a similar manner to the Gonamsan and Chuncheon metabasites. The Nb/Yb ratios (8–11) of these metabasites are higher than those of the arc-type metabasites. These metabasites have lower initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.704 and higher eNd(t) values of 1.96 than the Dangjin arc-type metabasites. Together with the results of previous work, this study indicates that the tectonic setting of the Dangjin-Hongseong area was an arc during the period 820–900 Ma and then changed into a rift during the period 703–793 Ma. The Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the northern Gyeonggi Massif can be correlated with those formed in the within-plate tectonic setting in the southern and southeastern margins of the North China Craton during the period 830–930 Ma. On the other hand, the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the southwestern Gyeonggi Massif can be correlated to the Neoproterozoic arc- and rift-related igneous rocks in the northern margin of South China Craton, which intruded during 850–871 and 637–820 Ma, respectively.

Greenland’s Itsaq Gneiss Complex (IGC) shows Eoarchean (>3600 Ma) 250–400 °C/GPa (low T/P – high pressure) and ≥1000 °C/GPa (high T/P) metamorphic regimes, demonstrating a similarity of contrasting metamorphic T/P regimes from the Phanerozoic back to the start of Earth’s rock record. Low T/P metamorphism produced: (i) Deep crustal eclogitised mafic rocks which upon partial melting formed the tonalites dominating the IGC; (ii) ~550 °C ≥ 2.6 GPa conditions (≤250 °C/GPa) demonstrated by an olivine + antigorite + titano-chondrodite/titano-clinohumite relict assemblage within mantle slivers showing geochemical and crystallographic features of a suprasubduction environment, that were exhumed into the crust by 3712 Ma; (iii) rare vestiges of 3658 Ma high-pressure (garnet + clinopyroxene) granulite; and (iv) Barrovian-style kyanite + staurolite assemblages. High T/P metamorphism is shown by 3669 Ma crustal melts equilibrated with orthopyroxene. This was coeval to the youngest juvenile tonalitic crust in the complex (latter derived by anatexis under low T/P conditions), and a 3670–3570 Ma history of deep crust migmatisation under low pressure, garnet-free conditions. Structural geology of the IGC indicates its low T/P regimes coincide with crustal imbrication by compression of arc-like tholeiites, boninite-like lavas, andesites, felsic-intermediate volcano-sedimentary rocks and chemical sedimentary rocks, whereas post-3660 Ma high T/P metamorphism was marked by late-orogenic extension/exhumation and deep crustal flow with mafic underplating and partial melting generating granites. Thus the diversity of Earth’s earliest-recorded geodynamic settings resembles more those of modern geodynamics, than the lithological and structural relationships expected from theoretical non-uniformitarian scenarios like drip tectonics in a stagnant lid regime. The recognition of an ultra-high-pressure ≤250 °C/GPa metamorphic regime at >3700 Ma in the IGC removes the last argument against a form of plate tectonics operating throughout the Archean. Hence since the start of the rock record, a mobile lid plate tectonic regime contributed to interior heat loss, facilitating chemical communication and feedbacks between Earth’s surface and its deep interior.

The presence of Pb oxide nanospheres in zircon from mylonites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (IVZ), Northern Italy is described for the first time. Isotopic dating of zircon reveals detrital cores with ages scattered from 960 to 320 Ma, and metamorphic rims with a mean age of 280 ± 4 Ma. Zircon crystals, derived from samples that contain pseudotachylite formed during seismic events, have planar fractures (PFs) and planar deformation bands (PDBs). The PDBs are associated with straight dislocation arrays in glide configuration. Detrital zircon cores have mottled diffraction contrast in TEM bright field images, indicative of irradiation damage and/or annealing in radiation damaged zircon. Lead oxide nanospheres up to 9 nm in diameter, as recognized in TEM, occur in detrital cores but not in metamorphic rims of the zircon. No relationship was observed between the nanospheres and PDBs or PFs. This is the first report of lead oxide nanospheres in zircon from a Phanerozoic metamorphic rock, as well as being the first observed case of such nanoinclusions being composed of Pb oxide, rather than native Pb. The formation of the nanospheres is attributed to high-temperature metamorphism, with subsequent seismic activity having little effect on distribution or preservation.