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High-MgO (>9 wt %) basaltic rocks can be primary magmas and are used to constrain the geochemistry and temperature of the mantle. However, high MgO contents can also result from mixing between evolved melts and antecrysts or xenocrysts, and thus, the whole-rock composition might not represent the solidified equivalents of primary magma. Whether such mixing with crystals can result in erroneous interpretations of mantle processes remains unclear. This study presents a petrological and geochemical investigation of the post-collision high-MgO (>9 wt %) Lugu volcanic rocks in the southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet. The Lugu volcanic rocks comprise porphyritic and intersertal alkali basalts. Zircon U–Pb ages and 40Ar/39Ar dating suggest that the two types of alkali basalts were erupted at c. 29 Ma. Based on detailed petrographic observations and geochemical analysis, the porphyritic alkali basalts may represent near-primary melts, which are characterised by low SiO2 contents (40.9–45.1 wt %), high CaO/Al2O3 ratios (1.1–1.5), and arc-like trace element patterns. We suggest these basalts were derived by partial melting of enriched garnet peridotite (>3 GPa) in the presence of H2O and CO2. These geochemical features are different from those of the c. 30-Ma (ultra)-potassic rocks in the Qiangtang terrane, indicating that a heterogeneous lithospheric mantle existed beneath the Qiangtang terrane during the Oligocene. In contrast, although the intersertal alkali basalts have high MgO contents (>9 wt %), evidence from mineral chemistry indicates that the whole-rock compositions of the intersertal alkali basalts represent mixtures of evolved residual melts and cumulate crystals. They were the product of polybaric fractional crystallisation and the subsequent mixing of crystals and residual melts in a magmatic plumbing system. Furthermore, when intersertal alkali basalts are assumed to be primary melts, they would have been derived by partial melting of shallow (~2.5 GPa) CO2-poor pyroxenite or peridotite. These conditions are different from interpretations of the nature of the mantle source and melting conditions for porphyritic alkali basalts. Our results highlight that the interpretation of petrogenetic processes should be preceded by detailed mineralogical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new species named Scutiger luozhaensis sp. nov. is described from Luozha, southern Tibet, China. Genetic analysis based on two mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI and the nuclear gene RAG1 revealed that the new species belongs to an independent phylogenetic clade close to S. gongshanensis and S. nyingchiensis and shares no RAG1 haplotype with other species. Morphological comparisons based on examined specimens and literatures indicated that it can be diagnosed from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) body moderate, male body length 47.0-67.2 mm (n = 13), female body length 49.8-66.2 mm (n = 8); (2) maxillary teeth and budding absent; (3) numerous tiny dense nuptial spines present on dorsal surface of fingers I, II and inner surface of finger III of males in breeding condition with similar size; (4) spine patches on belly of males in breeding condition absent; (5) spines on inner surface of forearm and upper arm of males in breeding condition absent; (6) small patches of black spines present near armpit of males in breeding condition absent; (7) adult males without vocal sac; (8) some large warts and tubercles on dorsum gathered into short skin ridges with several spines present on top; (9) space between upper eyelids wider than upper eyelids; (10) spots or irregular cross bands on limbs absent; (11) webbing between toes rudimentary; (12) coloration of dorsal body olive brown to bronze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling of molybdenum isotopes in continental subduction zones remains debated. In this contribution, we re‐visit the Mo isotope compositions of the Sailipu post‐collisional ultrapotassic rocks in the Himalaya‐southern Tibet orogen. These ultrapotassic rocks have very varying δ98/95Mo values of −0.66 to −0.07‰ and Mo/Ce ratios of 0.0008–0.005, which are lower than those of mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB; δ98/95Mo = −0.20 ± 0.06‰, and Mo/Ce = 0.03) and oceanic subduction‐related (i.e., mantle source involving fluids, residual slab, or oceanic sediments) magmatic rocks (e.g., modern arc lavas, Cenozoic OIB‐type basalts in eastern China and the central Mariana Trough basalts in the back‐arc basin, syn‐collisional andesitic rocks in southern Tibet). Combined with the light Mo isotopes of the Himalayan schists and gneisses, we suggest that the light Mo isotopic signature of the Sailipu ultrapotassic rocks is derived from subducted Indian continental crust. This is consistent with the extremely low δ11B (−17.4 to −9.7‰) and B/Nb (0.16–1) values and enriched Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopes of the Sailipu ultrapotassic rocks. Thus, this study reveals the recycling of light Mo‐B isotopes during continental subduction and demonstrates that Mo‐B isotopes can effectively distinguish between continental and oceanic subduction. Plain Language Summary: Mo isotope systematics have been widely applied in the study of tracing recycled crustal materials, and abundant researches have proposed that heavy Mo isotopic compositions of arc‐mafic magma can be ascribed to slab‐dehydrated fluids. However, in continental subduction zones, the origin of the light Mo isotopes of post‐collisional mafic rocks (oceanic sediments during prior oceanic subduction vs. subducted continental crust) remains controversial, hindering our understanding of the recycling of continental crustal materials. In this study, we report new Mo isotope data of post‐collisional ultrapotassic rocks in the Lhasa block of the southern Tibetan plateau. We have used Mo isotope data along with B‐Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopes of these ultrapotassic rocks, in combination with Mo‐B‐Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopes of the Himalayan crustal rocks (e.g., gneisses and schists) to trace the crustal components in the post‐collisional mantle beneath southern Tibet. We concluded that the light Mo and B isotope compositions in southern Tibet were derived from subducted Indian continental crust rather than Neo‐Tethyan oceanic sediments. Thus, this study not only reveals the recycling of light Mo‐B isotopes in this typical collision orogen (i.e., Himalaya‐Tibet orogen) but also shows the potential in discriminating between oceanic subduction metasomatism and continental subduction metasomatism. Key Points: Post‐collisional ultrapotassic rocks in southern Tibet have extremely light Mo and B isotope compositionsThese light Mo‐B isotope features are derived from subducted Indian continental crustMo‐B isotopes have the potential to discriminate between oceanic and continental subduction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constraints on mantle heterogeneity are important for understanding geochemical differentiation and recycling in Earth's interior. Alkali basalts are of particular interest in this context due to the clear signatures of recycled components that they yield. Previous studies have focused more on oceanic basalts than on continental mafic rocks because the chemical and isotopic characteristics of the latter are often modified by crustal contamination; however, high-forsterite olivine crystals and olivine-hosted melt inclusions may record the compositions of primitive melts before extensive crustal contamination, providing valuable insights into mantle heterogeneity. Here we report the results of high-precision major-, minor-, and trace-element and Pb isotope analyses of olivine phenocrysts and melt inclusions from the Sailipu potassic alkali basalts from southern Tibet, which constrain the mantle source of continental potassic alkali basalts. The minor- and trace-element compositions of the olivine phenocrysts (e.g. Ni and Ca contents and 100 × Mn/Fe, 10 000 × Zn/Fe, and Ni/Co ratios) suggest that the primary magmas were derived from a phlogopite-bearing pyroxenite source in which peridotite residues were also present. The low- and high-Li contents of the olivine phenocrysts suggest the recycling of continental crustal material in their mantle source. Comparing the major-element compositions (e.g. SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, MnO, CaO, and Na2O contents), FCMS and FCKANTMS parameters, and pseudo-ternary projections of the primary Sailipu magmas with experimental data suggests that the primary magmas were partial melts of olivine-poor or carbonated olivine-poor lithologies with a small amount of peridotite residue. The negative Nb and Ta and positive Pb anomalies seen in primitive mantle-normalized trace-element patterns and the extremely low Nb/U ratios of the melt inclusions suggest that recycling of continental crust was the main process involved in enriching the mantle source of the Sailipu magmas. The heterogeneous Pb isotopic compositions of the melt inclusions (208Pb/206Pb = 2.089 – 2.158; 207Pb/206Pb = 0.851 – 0.858) are consistent with the presence of peridotite residue in this source. The subduction of Indian continental crust introduced enriched material (including carbonatites) into the mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature and timing of post-collisional crustal thickening and its link to surface uplift in the eastern Lhasa block of the southern Tibetan plateau remain controversial. Here we report on Cenozoic magmatism in the Wuyu area of the eastern Lhasa block. The Eocene (ca. 46 Ma) trachyandesites and trachydacites show slight fractionation of rare earth elements (REE), slightly negative Eu and Sr anomalies, and relatively homogeneous Sr-Nd and zircon Hf isotopes (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7050-0.7063, εNd(t) = -0.92 to -0.03, εHf(t) = +2.6 to +4.8). Previous studies have suggested Neo-Tethys oceanic slab break-off at 50-45 Ma; thus, the Wuyu Eocene magmatism could represent a magmatic response to this slab break-off and originate from relatively juvenile Lhasa crust. The Miocene (ca. 15-12 Ma) dacites and rhyolites have adakitic affinities, e.g., high Sr (average 588 ppm), Sr/Y (29-136), and La/ Yb (30--76) values, low Y (4-12 ppm) and Yb (0.4-0.9 ppm) contents, and variable Sr-Nd and zircon Hf isotopes (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7064-0.7142, εNd(t) = -11.7 to -3.7, εHf(t) = -3.2 to +4.5). Their more enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes relative to the Eocene lavas indicate that they should be derived from mixed Lhasa lower crust comprising juvenile crust, ultrapotassic rocks, and probably Indian lower crustderived rocks. This study has also revealed the transformation from Eocene juvenile and thin crust with a thickness of <40 km to Miocene mixed and thickened crust with a thickness of >50 km. Combined with published tectonic data, we suggest that both lithospheric shortening and magma underplating contributed to eastern Lhasa block post-collisional crustal thickening. Given the spatial-temporal distribution of eastern Lhasa block magmatism and regional geology, we invoke a post-collisional tectonic model of steep subduction of the Indian plate and subsequent westward-propagating plate break-off beneath the eastern Lhasa block, which caused the surface uplift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous animals show unique gut microbiota (GM) in the Tibetan plateau. However, it is unknown whether the hypertensive indigenous people in plateau also have the distinct gut bacteria, different from those living in plains. We sequenced the V3-V4 region of the gut bacteria 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of feces samples among hypertensive patients (HPs) and healthy individuals (HIs) from 3 distinct altitudes: Tibetans from high altitude (3600–4500 m, n = 38 and 34), Hans from middle altitude (2260 m, n = 49 and 35), and Hans from low altitude (13 m, n = 34 and 35) and then analyzed the GM composition among hypertensive and healthy subgroups using the bioinformatics analysis, respectively. The GM of high-altitude Tibetan and middle-altitude Han HPs presented greater α- and β-diversities, lower ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and higher abundance of beneficial Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia than the low-altitudes HPs did. The GM of high-altitude Tibetan and middle-altitude HIs showed greater α-diversity and lower ratio of F/B than the low-altitudes HIs did. But, β-diversity and abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia among different subgroups of HIs did not show any differences. Conclusively, the high-altitude Tibetan and middle-altitude Han HPs have a distinct feature of GM, which may be important in their adaptation to hypertension in the plateau environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of whether subducted continental crust can be recycled into post-collisional magmatism in continental collisional zones remains controversial. Post-collisional mantle-derived ultrapotassic rocks are widespread in western part of central Lhasa block (WCL) of the Tibet-Himalaya orogen and show arc-type trace-element signatures and very enriched Sr Nd isotopes, which have been explained by the recycling of subducted Indian continental crust. However, due to the lack of late Cretaceous mafic magmatism in the WCL, the nature of the ancient subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath the WCL has not been well constrained. It is therefore still unclear whether the enriched components of these ultrapotassic rocks were derived from subducted Indian continental crust or inherited from the ancient SCLM. Here we report the mafic dykes from the TangraYumco area in the WCL, which formed at ∼90 Ma (whole-rock 40Ar 39Ar, and zircon and titanite U Pb ages). The diabase-porphyrites and diorite-porphyrites are similar to intraplate Nb-enriched basalts and magnesium adakitic rocks, respectively. This rock association reveals the lithospheric foundering process. Furthermore, the diabase-porphyrites generated by the interaction between the ancient SCLM and asthenosphere provide important constraints on the nature of the ancient SCLM, which shows distinct Nd isotopes to the post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks. In addition, the NW Lhasa block was in a rear-arc environment since the late Cretaceous and thus this SCLM was not significantly influenced by the ongoing northward subduction of the Indus-YarlungZangbu Neo-Tethys ocean. Finally, we propose that the post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks cannot be sourced from the ancient SCLM, but instead were derived from a relatively depleted mantle (e.g., juvenile lithospheric mantle) metasomatized by subducted Indian continental crust. Thus, this study confirms the recycling of subducted continental materials in continental collisional orogens. • The ca. 90 Ma mafic dykes in central Lhasa block of southern Tibetan plateau reveal the lithospheric foundering process. • The diabase-porphyrites formed by asthenosphere-ancient lithospheric mantle interaction constrain the nature of this SCLM. • This study confirms the recycling of subducted continental materials in continental collisional orogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phanerozoic growth of continental crust has widely been considered as an important geological phenomenon and mainly occurs in an arc setting. However, the crustal growth models (mantle-derived basalt underplating or accretion of island or intra-oceanic arc complexes or oceanic plateau) have been disputed. Here we present new zircon LA–ICPMS U–Pb age, whole-rock major and trace element, Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic data for Late Mesozoic intermediate–felsic intrusive rocks in the Rena Co area in southern Qiangtang, central Tibet. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating for two granodiorite and three diorite samples and one granodiorite porphyry sample gives ages of ca. 150 Ma, ca. 112 Ma, respectively, indicating they were generated in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. All rocks are sub-alkaline in composition and belong to the high-K cal-alkaline series. The ~ 150 Ma diorites (SiO 2 = 57.9–61.2 wt.%) exhibit relatively high MgO (3.13–3.88 wt.%) and Cr (52.4–282 ppm) contents and Mg # (47–51) values, similar to magnesian diorites. They are geochemically characterized by uniformly low ε Nd (t) (− 5.5 to − 5.2), high ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i (0.7071 to 0.7078) and Th/La (0.22–0.32), and variable zircon ε Hf (t) (− 8.7 to + 4.8) values. They were probably generated by melting of oceanic sediment diapirs, followed by interaction with the surrounding mantle during the northward subduction of Bangong–Nujiang Oceanic lithosphere. The ~ 150 Ma granodiorites and ~ 112 Ma granodiorite porphyries are characterized by low MgO (< 3 wt.%) contents and Mg # (< 45) values, high Al 2 O 3 (> 15% wt.%) and Sr (> 400 ppm) and low Y (< 18 ppm) and Yb (< 1.9 ppm) contents, and high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, which are similar to those of typical adakites. The granodiorites have low ε Nd (t) (− 7.6 to − 3.7) and zircon ε Hf (t) (− 9.8 to + 0.2) and high ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i (0.7069 to 0.7086) values, and were likely produced by partial melting of a thickened and heterogeneous ancient lower continental crust. The relatively depleted isotope compositions [( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i = 0.7054–0.7065; ε Nd (t) = − 0.61 to + 0.25; zircon ε Hf (t) = + 4.7 to + 9.7] of the granodiorite porphyries indicate that they were most probably generated by partial melting of newly underplated and thickened basaltic lower crust. Taking into account ophiolites in the Bangong–Nujiang Suture and Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks in the southern Qiangtang sub-block, we suggest that this area was located in a continental arc setting. Moreover, from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, the ancient lower crust in the southern Qiangtang sub-block was gradually replaced by mantle-derived juvenile materials. The crustal evolution indicates that, in a continental arc, basaltic magma underplating plays a key role in vertical crustal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role played by felsic igneous magmatism in crustal differentiation is of importance for the evolution and habitability of Earth system. However, the petrogenesis of felsic rocks and their genetic links to mafic magmas remain controversial, hindering our understanding of crustal differentiation processes. Cenozoic post-collisional felsic potassic rocks occur widely in the well-known Himalaya-Tibet orogen and are intimately associated, in space and time, with mantle-derived ultrapotassic rocks, which thus provide a clear case study to investigate the genesis of felsic rocks and their genetic relationship with mafic rocks. Here we report zircon U Pb ages and Hf O isotopes, mineral major elements, and whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions for the TangraYumco high-silica potassic rocks (trachytes) in central Lhasa block of southern Tibet. The results, combined with literature data of the TangraYumco ultrapotassic rocks, can help better illuminate their genesis and the role of ultrapotassic rocks in their generation. The trachytes erupted in the Miocene (~13 Ma), coeval with ultrapotassic lavas in this area. They have very enriched Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf-O isotope compositions similar to those of ultrapotassic rocks. However, they display more fractionated LREEs (light rare earth elements) than ultrapotassic rocks. The trachytes also show nearly constant Y and Yb contents with increasing SiO 2. This indicates that they were not derived by fractional crystallization from ultrapotassic magmas or by mixing between ultrapotassic and ancient crust-derived felsic magmas. Instead, given their lower LREE contents than ultrapotassic rocks and occurrence of clinopyroxene antecrysts, we suggest that the TangraYumco trachytes were likely produced by remelting of newly-formed, Sr-Nd-Pb isotopically enriched, and K-rich cumulates that crystallized from ultrapotassic magmas. Moreover, taking into account regional magmatism and tectonics, we propose that the TangraYumco-Xuruco post-collisional coeval magmatism and rift system represent a response to tearing of subducted Indian continental slab. Finally, in combination with the nature of post-collisional magmatism in the Lhasa block, we suggest that in addition to reworking of juvenile and ancient crust, underplating of post-collisional mafic magmas and remelting of their cumulates could be an important way to differentiate continental crust in collisional orogeny zones. • TangraYumco Miocene trachytes have a K-rich, isotopically enriched crustal origin. • The source components are cumulates that crystallized from ultrapotassic magmas. • TangraYumco coeval rift and magmatism are a response to Indian continental tearing. • Cumulate melting can differentiate continental crust in collisional orogenic zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amdo microcontinent is located within the middle of Bangong-Nujiang suture (BNS) zone in the shape of lens. The basic geological research restricts geologists from understanding the histories of tectonic evolution of BNS and regional geology more deeply. This paper systematically studies the geochronology and geochemistry of granitic gneisses from Amdo basement. These data provide constraints on formation age, source characteristics and tectonic setting of their protolith. The SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating is operated for granitic gneisses. Samples AGS-2 and AGS-3 (granitic gneiss) yield average zircon U-Pb ages of 485±14 and 487±6 Ma, respectively. These ages should represent the formation age of protolith and indicate that they are formed in the Early Ordovician. Granitic gneisses are characterized by high SiO, NaO, KO and AlO, low Fe and Mg, enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), depletion in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and high field strength elements (HFSEs), with negative Eu anomaly. The Rittmann index ( σ) is 1.77 to 2.60, less than 3.3. The aluminum saturation index (A/CNK) values range from 0.88 to 1.26. These features suggest that protolith of granitic gneisses from Amdo basement show characteristics of calc-alkaline and S-type granite, and they could be derived from partial melting of metamorphic greywackes in the upper crust of low maturity. The tectonic setting is syn-collision. These all suggest that the formation of protolith of granitic gneisses from Amdo are caused by the Early Paleozoic orogeny, which could be related to proto-Tethyan oceanic subduction along Gondwana continental margins, and does not result from the production of Pan-African orogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the subduction and recycling of continental crust is crucial for reconstructing the long-term evolutionary history of Earth's mantle and crust. The Himalaya-Tibet orogen is arguably the world's best natural laboratory for investigating these processes. Cenozoic post-collisional ultrapotassic volcanic rocks are common in the Lhasa block of southern Tibet and they can provide important clues to crust-mantle interaction in a well-characterized continental collision zone. Understanding the sources and processes that generated these lavas can contribute to our understanding of the thermal and compositional characteristics of the deep mantle and geodynamic processes in this region, including Indian continental subduction. In this contribution, we report Sr-Nd-Pb-O-B isotope and elemental chemistry data for post-collisional (13-11 Ma) ultrapotassic rocks from the TangraYumco-Xuruco rift (TYXR) in the Lhasa block. The arc-like trace-element signatures and markedly enriched Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotope compositions indicate that these mafic rocks originate from a mantle source containing recycled crustal components. Unlike pre-collisional (∼64 Ma) ultrapotassic rocks in the Lhasa block with arc-like B/Nb (0.85-1.89) and δ 11 B (−9.0 to −2.5‰) values, the TYXR post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks with much lower B/Nb (0.05-0.85) and δ 11 B (down to −20.5‰) values resemble Miocene K-rich volcanic rocks from western Anatolia. These western Anatolian rocks have been formed by either progressive dehydration of a stalled slab or deep-subducted continental crust. However, some TYXR samples have lower B/Nb ratios than MORB, consistent with a fluid-starved source. These markedly negative δ 11 B in conjunction with low B/Nb cannot be explained by the addition of melts from oceanic sediments, which generally yield lower B/Nb but higher δ 11 B values than MORB (e.g., the Armenia post-collisional mafic rocks). Given the low δ 11 B of Indian upper continental crust and its similar Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic signatures to the post-collisional lavas, it is clear that the post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks in the Lhasa block contain a significant component derived from subducted Indian continental crust. Combined with the temporal evolution of regional magmatism, tectonics and geophysical data, we propose that the break-off and tearing of subducted Indian continental slab induced post-collisional magmatism in the Lhasa block. Our case study provides evidence that continental subduction contributes to very light B isotope compositions of post-collisional magmas, which suggests that B isotopes have the potential to discriminate between oceanic subduction and continental subduction. • Post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks in southern Tibet have very low B/Nb and δ 11 B. • B isotopes of these ultrapotassic rocks support contribution from Indian continental crust. • Melting of subducted Indian continental crust and interaction with overlying mantle generated these rocks. • B isotopes have the potential to discriminate between oceanic and continental subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of most jadeitites and other jadeite‐rich rocks (jadeitoids) during subduction is thought to occur by precipitation (P‐type) or metasomatism (R‐type) by infiltration of Na‐Al‐Si‐rich aqueous fluids because of the compositional similarity of the rocks to inferred subduction fluids. Whether these rocks can form by isochemical metamorphism (I‐type) during subduction is still hotly debated. A characteristic of I‐type jadeitoid is that it exhibits a similar prograde metamorphic record as associated eclogite, in contrast to P‐ and R‐type jadeitite and jadeitoids that are typically enclosed in serpentinite derived from the mantle wedge and either lack a prograde metamorphic history (R‐type and P‐type) or probably experience a prograde history (R‐type) that is difficult to discern owing to the high variance of the jadeite‐dominated assemblages and alteration by subduction fluids. The recently discovered Baqing (eastern‐central Tibet) jadeitoid is enclosed by quartzo‐feldspathic schist and has a peak metamorphic assemblage of almandine + jadeite/omphacite + phengite/paragonite + rutile + quartz, similar to eclogite. Abundant mineral inclusions in almandine, especially rutile inclusions with increasing Zr contents from the core to rim of almandine, provide an opportunity to further decode the jadeitoid‐forming processes. In this study, pseudosections and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry, together with conventional geothermobarometers, were employed to decipher the metamorphic history of Baqing jadeitoids. Two analysed Baqing jadeitoids exhibit a similar clockwise P–T path, starting from early metamorphic conditions of 5–7 kbar, 350–440°C, to different peak conditions (27–29 kbar, 730–760°C, or 20–23 kbar, 670–710°C), followed by relatively consistent retrograde metamorphic conditions of 6–7 kbar, 530–600°C. This result indicates a similar subduction history to the Baqing eclogite. In addition, the Baqing jadeitoids show similar geochemical characteristics to some Na‐rich, K‐depleted and Ca‐depleted sedimentary rocks or plagiogranite. Therefore, we propose an isochemical genesis for the Baqing jadeitoid, rather than a metasomatic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reworking of continental crust in collision zones is a key process in the chemical maturation of crustal rocks. However, the mechanisms that cause crustal reworking remain highly controversial. The compositionally diverse magmatic rocks along the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone provide a favorable opportunity for studying the mechanism of crustal reworking and maturation in continental collision zones. Here we report zircon U Pb ages and Hf isotopes, mineral major elements, and whole-rock geochemistry and Sr Nd isotopes for the Momu intrusive complex in the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone, central Tibet. Zircon U Pb ages reveal that the intrusive complex formed during the late Early Cretaceous (115–113 Ma). Diorites from the intrusive complex have high Mg# values (49.7–51.2) and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7082 to 0.7083), and low ε Nd (t) values (−7.3 to −6.9), with negative to slight positive zircon ε Hf (t) values (−3.8 to +0.8), suggesting that these rocks were likely generated by the partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle. Granodiorites from the intrusive complex have high SiO 2 (64.4–67.9 wt%) and Al 2 O 3 (14.8–16.1 wt%) and low MgO (1.4–1.8 wt%) contents. These rocks are also characterized by high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7091–0.7098) and whole-rock negative ε Nd (t) (−9.9 to −8.4) and zircon ε Hf (t) (−7.9 to −2.2) values. The associated granites have the highest SiO 2 (68.7–71.5 wt%) contents among the intrusive complex rocks, high initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7089–0.7093) ratios, and negative whole-rock ε Nd (t) (−10.1 to −7.7) and zircon ε Hf (t) (−5.3 to −0.2) values. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the granodiorites were most likely derived from the partial melting of ancient continental crust and that the coeval granites were formed by the fractional crystallization of granodioritic magmas. Integrating our new results with data for the coeval magmatic rocks of the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone, we suggest that the Momu intrusive complex formed in a post-collisional slab breakoff setting. Asthenosphere upwelling caused by slab breakoff could have provided a substantial source of heat for crustal reworking, which gradually contributed to the maturation of continental crust in the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone. • The Momu intrusive complex of central Tibet formed at 115–113 Ma. • The diorites were derived by partial melting of modified lithospheric mantle. • The granodiorites and granites formed via partial melting of ancient crust. • Crustal maturation occurred by collision of the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Nd and Hf isotopes are decoupled in the Early Cretaceous rocks of SQB. • Partial melting of subduction mélange induced the Nd-Hf isotopic decoupling. • Mélange is an important medium for chemical exchange between crust and mantle. Subduction zones are the main sites of material exchange between the crust and mantle. Sediments subducted at these zones are widely considered to play a key role in generating arc magmas. Here we report whole-rock Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of late Mesozoic intermediate–felsic igneous rocks from the southern Qiangtang Block, central Tibet. The late Jurassic Rena Co (ca. 150 Ma) and Jiacuo (ca. 152 Ma) granodiorites , which were derived from ancient lower crust, show Nd–Hf isotopic coupling (Δε Hf (t) = 0.7–2.4). Conversely, the early Cretaceous Rena Co granodiorite porphyries (ca. 112 Ma), which were derived from juvenile lower crust, display marked Nd–Hf isotopic decoupling (Δε Hf (t) = 7.5). We suggest that the juvenile crust was compositionally andesitic and similar to the Duolong andesitic rocks (118–106 Ma) of the southern Qiangtang Block, which were derived by partial melting of the mélange (a physical mixture of mid-ocean ridge basalts, subducted sediments, and mantle-wedge peridotites). A simple mixing modeling indicates that the source of the early Cretaceous Duolong andesitic rocks includes 1–2% bulk subducted sediments. The Duolong andesitic rocks also show Nd–Hf isotopic decoupling (Δε Hf (t) = 3.0–11.3). Furthermore, the early Cretaceous Duolong dioritic and granitic rocks, which were generated by mixing between andesitic melts and ancient-lower-crust-derived magmas, display Nd–Hf isotopic decoupling. Thus, we infer a significant contribution of mélange melting in the Nd–Hf isotopic decoupling of early Cretaceous igneous rocks of the southern Qiangtang Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mesozoic Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateaus could have played important roles in both Tibetan continental marginal orogenesis and Tethyan oceanic evolution. However, little has been known whether fragments of these tremendous oceanic highs underplated beneath the active southern Qiangtang margin and impinged on the later magmatic and/or tectonic evolution. The Anduo volcanic rocks of this study in the southern Qiangtang, erupted at 79.6 ± 0.8 Ma, comprise predominantly high-K trachyte and trachyandesite, including 5 adakites with high Sr and low Y and Yb contents and high La/Yb normalized to chondrite ratios (> 20). These high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic rocks, classified according to immobile trace elements, have enriched isotope compositions with (87Sr/86Sr) i = 0.7073–0.7079, ε Nd (t) = −1.78 to −3.90 and zircon ε Hf (t) = −1.3 to 1.4. Geochemical modeling reveals that the Late Cretaceous Anduo high-silica adakites were most likely derived from the melting of the mixed material of 80–90% of the subducted Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateau metabasalt with 10–20% of the subducted sediments. Variable negative Eu and Sr anomalies, relatively large range of Mg#, increases of the ε Nd (t) values with increasing Mg# and decreasing SiO 2 , and increases of (87Sr/86Sr) i with decreasing Mg# and increasing SiO 2 between adakites and non-adakites indicate the latter might have derived from lithospheric mantle assimilation and mineral fractional crystallization of the adakite parent magmas. It is thus concluded that the Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateaus could not only directly lead to the initial uplift of the Tibetan plateau through obduction and accretion onto the continental margin, but also contributed to the continental growth through relamination of the subducted oceanic plateaus. • The Anduo volcanic rocks in central Tibet were dated at 79.6 ± 0.8 Ma. • They are high-K trachyte and trachyandesite, including some high-silica adakites. • They have enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes. • They were derived from melting of mixed material dominated by oceanic plateau. • Relamination of subducted oceanic plateau contributed to central Tibetan crust growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subduction and exhumation processes, interacting with each other, play a key role in crustal recycling. Downgoing oceanic lithosphere constitutes the dominant input at subduction margins, but subduction erosion, the removal of crustal material from the overriding plate, may add additional ingredients and complexity to the subduction factory. Different exhumation models have been proposed to explain how subducted materials are exhumed and therefore contribute to crustal recycling, e.g., exhumation up the subduction channel versus diapiric rise through the mantle wedge that overlies the subducted plate. The recently discovered Baqing eclogite- bearing high-pressure metamorphic complex, central Tibet, China, provides an excellent opportunity to decode the exhumation process, the origin of subduction-related magmatism, and the crustal structure of the North Qiangtang block, in addition to elucidating processes of crustal recycling. Pressure-temperature-time (P-T-t) paths and zircon U-Pb ages and trace-element compositions for Baqing high-pressure rocks were used to evaluate exhumation processes and to determine the geochemical and tectonic affinity of the Baqing metamorphic complex. The Baqing metamorphic complex is mainly composed of eclogite, gneiss, and schist. It is located between two geologically distinct terranes--the South Qiangtang block, which has early Paleozoic basement, and the North Qiangtang block, which has Proterozoic basement. In the schist, zircon cores with steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) slopes and oscillatory zoning yielded inherited ages that are similar to detrital zircon ages for the South Qiangtang block schist; in contrast, zircon rims with flat HREE slopes yielded metamorphic ages of 224 Ma that are similar to the metamorphic ages obtained for the Baqing eclogite. In contrast, zircons from the gneiss yielded an upper-intercept age of 1033 ± 32 Ma (interpreted as the crystallization age) and a lower-intercept metamorphic age of 198 ± 4 Ma. Field relations indicate that gneiss and eclogite/amphibolite were exhumed together, so the ~20 m.y. gap between the gneiss and the metabasite metamorphism may indicate a long exhumation duration. In the region, Proterozoic ages of ca. 1000 Ma are known only from the North Qiangtang block; we thus propose that the Baqing gneiss originated from North Qiangtang block Proterozoic basement, which, along with North Qiangtang block Triassic arc magmatic rocks and the discrepancies between ancient and current arc-trench distances, results in estimates of ~20-170 km of Triassic subduction erosion. Results of P-T analyses show that most eclogite, amphibolite, and schist shared a similar clockwise P-T path, different from that of the gneiss, which records a higher geothermal gradient. The clockwise P-T trajectory, long exhumation duration, lack of significant heating during exhumation, and the South Qiangtang block affinity of the schist (host rock of the Baqing eclogite) are consistent with subduction-channel exhumation rather than diapiric rise through the mantle wedge. Geochemical similarities between the North Qiangtang block Triassic subductionrelated rocks and the Baqing gneiss may signal the involvement of unexhumed Baqing metamorphic complex in the recycling of the Qiangtang crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a ca. 239 Ma mafic dike swarm intruded in the Southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet, that was generated on the passive continental margin of a subducting lower plate. The dikes are tholeiitic basalts and exhibit light rare earth element enrichment, modest negative anomalies in Nb and Ta, and enriched isotopic signatures. The dikes are coeval with a back-arc basin formed in the upper plate as a result of the rollback of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic slab. Thus, after ocean-ridge subduction, enhanced slab-pull forces related to slab rollback on one side of the ocean induced extension and magmatism in the passive margin on the opposite side. We argue that enhanced slab-pull forces are a previously unrecognized mechanism for the generation of lower-plate passive-margin magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pegmatite-type Li deposit is a critical metal, which has been attracting extensive attention. However, its petrogenesis and Li-mineralization mechanism remain under debate. Recently, four types of Late Triassic (222−212 Ma) pegmatites are recognized in the Chakabeishan area of Markam–Yajiang–Karakoram (MYK) giant Li ore belt in northern Tibet: tourmaline-, garnet-. spodumene-, and lepidolite-bearing pegmatites. The tourmaline-bearing pegmatites show uniform Nd isotopic compositions (ε Nd(t) = −13.8 to −14.5), closed to those of the metasedimentary wall rocks (ε Nd(t) = −15.2 to −17.8), but significantly lower than those of the surrounding Middle Triassic (∼ 244 Ma) syenogranites (ε Nd(t) = −4.7 to −5.5) that are typical I-type granites. These data, together with their higher Sm/Nd ratios, lower Y and LREE contents relative to the metasedimentary wall rocks, and lack of biotite, demonstrate that the tourmaline-bearing pegmatites were formed by the disequilibrium melting of the metasedimentary wall rocks involving water-absent muscovite dehydration melting with monazite in the residue. From the tourmaline-bearing pegmatites through the garnet-bearing pegmatites to the spodumene- and lepidolite-bearing pegmatites, gradually increasing whole-rock Li Be contents as well as decreasing K/Rb ratios and increasing Cs contents in the K-feldspar and muscovite suggest that they were generated by continuous evolution of magmas similar to the tourmaline-bearing pegmatites. In addition, mineralogical observation and variable Nb and Ta contents in muscovite indicate that the Chakabeishan pegmatites experienced a three-stage evolution process, i.e., magmatic stage for tourmaline- and garnet-bearing pegmatites, coexisting aqueous and silicic magma to hydrothermal transition stage for spodumene-bearing pegmatites, and hydrothermal stage for lepidolite-bearing pegmatites. Taking into account regional geological constraints and our data, we suggest that the low-degree partial melting of clay-rich sedimentary rocks initially control the Li enrichment. The subsequent exsolution and accumulation of a fluid phase during magmatic evolution process occurred in the Li-poor and Li-rich pegmatites, respectively, which is responsible for the further Li mineralization. [Display omitted] • The barren pegmatites were formed by the muscovite dehydration melting of wall rocks. • The mineralization pegmatites were formed by the extreme differentiation. • Low-degree partial melting of Li-rich source fundamentally control Li mineralization. • A fluid phase dominated by H 2 O plays a role in Li mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial melting of granulites generates melts, which causes the modification of continental crust. However, the detailed mechanisms of this partial melting and related magmatic processes are debated. In this study, we investigated how crustal melting of granulites generated late Miocene (ca. 6.0 Ma) silicic volcanic rocks in the Chibuzhangcuo area of the Qiangtang Block, Tibet. Various peritectic textures (e.g., quartz inclusions in clinopyroxene and fluorhydroxyl phlogopite) suggest that the pyroxenes were derived from a residual granulite phase and peritectic reactions, and were then entrained into the partial melts. The F-rich mica, granulite mineral assemblages, and high titanomagnetite–ilmenite (811–975 °C) and zircon saturation (836–867 °C) temperatures indicate the silicic magmas were high-temperature and water-poor. The geochemical and isotopic compositions of the silicic volcanic rocks are similar to those of middle–lower crustal intermediate–mafic granulite xenoliths in Cenozoic volcanic rocks in the Qiangtang Block. We suggest that these volcanic rocks were generated by partial melting of hydrous mineral-bearing granulites, triggered by an underlying thermal anomaly associated with the high crustal heat-flow of the central Tibetan Plateau. This work indicates that the occurrence of restitic hydrous mineral and perturbation of thermal anomaly are the primary conditions to cause the partial melting of granulite. As the melting went on, the residual granulite phase and peritectic minerals were likely to be preferentially entrained into the melt due to the erosion effect caused by the continued melt flow at the sites of melting. • Late Miocene silicic volcanic rocks erupted in central Tibet have been investigated. • These rocks are similar to granulites in textures and carry peritectic phases. • The studied rocks recorded the crustal anatexis of granulite in central Tibet. • Partial melting of the granulites was caused by an underlying thermal anomaly. • A high crustal heat-flow of the central Tibet was established since the late Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important parts of the eastern Tethys, the evolution of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean (BNTO) has important geological implications for paleogeographic reconstructions of the Tethyan Realm. However, the closure time of the BNTO remains highly debated. Here, we report geochronological, petrological and geochemical data from three newly identified undeformed stitching plutons that intrude a north–south-oriented section of ophiolitic mélanges in the middle–eastern parts of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ), central Tibet. The stitching plutons comprise the Chaqu diorite–granite association, the Jiang Co granite, and the Konglong diorite porphyry. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SMIS) zircon U Pb dating suggests that these three plutons were emplaced at ca. 116–112 Ma. The stitching plutons show heterogeneous Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions. The Chaqu diorites have initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios varying from 0.7062 to 0.7064 and ε Nd (t) values from −2.0 to −1.6, and slightly high zircon δ18O (6.2–6.8‰) and positive zircon ε Hf (t) (+2.6 to +7.4) values. The Chaqu granites show high initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7064–0.7065) ratios and low ε Nd (t) (−2.3 to −2.1) values, and elevated zircon δ18O (6.2–7.3‰) values and variable zircon ε Hf (t) (−1.7 to +4.9) values, similar to those of the associated Chaqu diorites. The Jiang Co granites exhibit higher initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7085–0.7094) ratios and negative ε Nd (t) (−8.33 to −8.27) values, and variable zircon δ18O (4.8‰ to 6.0‰) and ε Hf (t) (−6.9 to −2.0) values. The Konglong diorite porphyries have initial 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios ranging from 0.7069 to 0.7075 and negative ε Nd (t) values ranging from −4.2 to −4.1, and high zircon δ18O (9.0‰ to 9.8‰) and variable zircon ε Hf (t) (−7.3 to +0.7) values. Geochemical evidence indicates that they were derived from different magma sources that included varying proportions of mantle and crustal components. The Chaqu diorites were derived by partial melting of an ancient metasomatized mantle source, and the Chaqu granites were formed by fractional crystallization of the Chaqu dioritic magmas. The Jiang Co granites were generated by partial melting of low δ18O high-temperature hydrothermally altered ancient continental crust. The Konglong diorite porphyries were likely generated by partial melting of high-δ18O enriched lithospheric mantle. In combination with data from adjacent ophiolites, magmatic rocks, and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, we suggest that the stitching plutons were generated in a post-collisional setting induced by upwelling of asthenospheric mantle due to slab breakoff beneath the BNSZ. Our data provide an important new upper age limit for the time of collision between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes, i.e., the latest closure time for the BNTO. • Stitching plutons provide upper age limits on the timing of closure of the BNTO. • Contemporaneous plutons show heterogeneous Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions. • Stitching plutons were formed by slab breakoff in a post-collisional setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We present the contemporary occurrence of both clinopyroxenes with Al-rich and -poor { h k 0 } sectors. • We propose a new crystal growth mechanism for clinopyroxene at high undercooling. • Al 2 O 3 -poor sectors are closer to equilibrium, rather than specific crystal faces. • Apatite inclusions in clinopyroxene can indicate rapid crystal growth. Recent experimental and natural studies have shown that igneous crystals can start to crystallize through skeletal or dendritic growth, and then backfill progressively to form polyhedral crystal morphologies, in contrast to the traditional tree-ring model of crystal growth. Identifying the growth mechanism of crystal is fundamental to understand crystal growth and associated magmatic processes. Clinopyroxene is an ubiquitous phase in magmatic systems. However, crystallographically controlled zoning patterns (e.g., sector zoning) observed in different studies are diverse or even show opposite trends, which make it challenging to understand the crystal growth mechanisms of clinopyroxene. This study presents a new finding of the contemporary occurrence of both clinopyroxenes with Al-rich and -poor { h k 0 } sectors in the Sailipu alkaline volcanic field in southern Tibet. Based on detailed textural and compositional analyses of a large number of clinopyroxene grains, we suggest a new crystal growth mechanism for clinopyroxene in mafic alkaline magmas. At low degrees of undercooling, all crystal faces grow concurrently, producing equilibrium Si–Mg-rich { − 111 } sectors and disequilibrium Al–Ti-rich { h k 0 } sectors; at high degrees of undercooling, the equilibrium sectors { h k 0 } initially form, which is followed by backfill of disequilibrium Al-rich { − 111 } sectors. Al 2 O 3 is a useful indicator of equilibrium, and Al 2 O 3 -poor sectors, rather than specific crystal faces, are closer to equilibrium. The behavior of other cations is complex and the distribution of their oxide components is variable. Textural observations and the modeling results for P transfer across the crystal–melt diffusive boundary layer show that apatite inclusions in clinopyroxene can indicate rapid crystal growth. These results may contribute to a better understanding of magma storage, ascent and eruption on the basis of clinopyroxene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]