The South Qilian belt mainly comprises an early Paleozoic arc-ophiolite complex, accretionary prism, microcontinental block, and foreland basin. These elements represent accretion-collision during Cambrian to Silurian...The South Qilian belt mainly comprises an early Paleozoic arc-ophiolite complex, accretionary prism, microcontinental block, and foreland basin. These elements represent accretion-collision during Cambrian to Silurian time in response to closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean in the NE of the present-day Tibet Plateau. Closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean between the Central Qilian block and the Oulongbuluke block and the associated collision took place from NE to SW in a zipper-like style. Sediment would have been dispersed longitudinally SW-ward with a progressive facies migration from marginal alluvial sediments toward slope deep-water and deep-sea turbidites. This migration path indicates an ocean basin that shrank toward the SW. The Balonggongga'er Formation in the western South Qilian belt represents the fill of a latest Ordovician-Silurian remnant ocean basin that separated the Oulongbuluke block from the Central Qilian block, and records Silurian closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean and subduction beneath the Central Qilian block. However, alluvial deposits in the Lajishan area were accumulated in a retro-foreland basin, indicating that continent-continent collision in the eastern South Qilian belt occurred at c. 450–440 Ma. These results demonstrate that the Proto-Tethyan Ocean closed diachronously during early Paleozoic time.展开更多
The Archean North China Craton is composed of the Western Block,Eastern Block and the intervening Central Orogenic Belt.A 4-10 km wide and 85 km long tectonic mélange belt informally called the Zanhuang tectonic
Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （LA-ICP-MS） zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical data for the Permian gabbros and diorites in the Hunchun area are presented to constrain the regional tecton...Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （LA-ICP-MS） zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical data for the Permian gabbros and diorites in the Hunchun area are presented to constrain the regional tectonic evolution in the study area. Zircons from gabbro and diorite are euhedral-subhedral in shape and display fine-scale oscillatory zoning as well as high Th/U ratios （0.26-1.22）, implying their magmatic origin. The dating results indicate that the gabbro and diorite formed in the Early Permian （282-2 Ma） and in the Late Permian （255-3 Ma）, respectively. In addition, the captured zircons with the weighted mean age of 279-4 Ma are also found in the diorite, consistent with the formation age of the gabbro within uncertainty. The gabbros belong chemically to low-K tholeiitic series, and are characterized by low rare earth element （REE） abundances, fiat REE pattern, weak positive Eu anomalies （JEu）, and depletion in high field strength elements （HFSEs, Nb, Ta, and Ti）, similar to the high-aluminum basalts from island arc setting. Initial Hf isotopic ratios of zircons from the gabbro range from ＋7.63 to ＋14.6, suggesting that its primary magma could be mainly derived from partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle. The diorites belong to middle K calc-alkaline series. Compared with the gabbros, the diorites have higher REE abundance, weak negative Eu anomalies, and more depletion in HFSEs （Nb, Ta, and Ti）, similar chemically to the volcanic rocks from an active continental margin setting. Initial Hf isotopic ratios and Hf two-stage model ages of zircons from the diorite range from ＋11.22 to ＋14.17 and from 424 to 692 Ma, respectively, suggesting that its primary magma could be mainly derived from partial melting of the Early Paleozoic and/or Neoproterozoic accretted lower crust. Taken together, it is suggested that geochemical variations from the Early Permian gabbros to the Late Permian diorites reveal that the subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate beneath the Khanka Massif and collision between the arc and continent （Khanka Massif） happened in the late stage of the Late Paleozoic.展开更多
The opening, subduction and final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean led to the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Controversy has long surrounded the timing of final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Here we...The opening, subduction and final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean led to the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Controversy has long surrounded the timing of final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Here we present zircon U-Pb ages and petrological, geochemical and in situ Hf isotope data for the Xierzi biotite monzogranite pluton, Linxi, SE Inner Mongolia. U-Pb dating of zircon by LA-ICP-MS yields a middle Permian emplacement age(268.7 ± 2.3 Ma) for the Xierzi pluton that is dominated by biotite monzogranites with high SiO_2(71.2-72.8 wt.%),alkali(Na_2 O + K_2 O =8.05-8.44 wt.%), Al_2 O_3(14.4-15.2 wt.%) and Fe_2 O_3~T relative to low MgO contents, yielding Fe_2 O_3~T/MgO ratios of 2.87-3.44, and plotting within the high-K calc-alkaline field on a SiO_2 vs. K_2 O diagram. The aluminum saturation indexes(A/CNK) of the biotite monzogranites range from 1.06 to 1.19, corresponding to weakly to strongly peraluminous. They are enriched in rare earth elements(REE), high field strength elements(HFSEs; Zr,Hf). and large ion lithophile elements(LILEs; Rb, U, Th). The LREEs are enriched relative to the HREEs,with a distinct negative Eu anomaly in a chondrite-normalized REE diagram. Geochemically, the Xierzi biotite monzogranite is classified as an aluminous A-type granite, with all samples plotting within the A2-type granite field on a Y/Nb vs. Rb/Nb diagram. Zircon ε_(Hf)(t) values and two-stage modal ages of the zircons within the pluton range from +4.80 to +13.65 and from 983 to 418 Ma, respectively, indicating that the primary magma was generated through partial melting of felsic rocks from juvenile crust.Consequently, these results demonstrate that the Xierzi pluton formed under the post-orogenic extensional setting after arc-continent collision in the middle Permian.展开更多
As one of the important Paleo-Tethys suture zones in eastern Tibet,the Jinshajiang orogenic belt is of great significance to study the tectonic evolution of the main suture zone of Paleo-Tethys.In this paper,eclogites...As one of the important Paleo-Tethys suture zones in eastern Tibet,the Jinshajiang orogenic belt is of great significance to study the tectonic evolution of the main suture zone of Paleo-Tethys.In this paper,eclogites developed in the Jinshajiang suture zone in Gonjo area,eastern Tibet,are selected as specific research objects,and petrological,geochemical and Ar-Ar geochronological analyses are carried out.The major element data of the whole rock reveals that the eclogite samples have the characteristics of picritic basalt-basalt and belong to the oceanic low potassium tholeiites.The results of rare earth elements and trace elements of the samples show that the protoliths of eclogites have characteristics similar to oceanic island basalt(OIB)or normal mid ocean ridge basalt(N-MORB).Muscovite(phengite)from two eclogite samples yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages of 247±2 Ma and 248±2 Ma respectively,representing the peak metamorphic age of eclogite facies and the timing of complete closure of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys Ocean.Muscovite and biotite selected from the hosting rocks of eclogite yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages are 238±2 Ma and 225±2 Ma respectively,reflecting the exhumation age of eclogites and their hosting rocks.Combined with the zircon U-Pb dating data(244 Ma)of eclogites obtained in previous work,it can be concluded that the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys ocean was completely closed and arc-continent collision was initiated at about 248-244 Ma(T21).Subsequently,due to the large-scale arc(continent)-collision orogeney between Deqin-Weixi continental margin arc and Zhongza block(T31-T32),the eclogites were rapidly uplifted to the shallow crust.展开更多
Lichi melange,located in the southern coastal range,eastern Taiwan,China,is a typical tectonic melange of the plate's boundary zone between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.It formed during the coll...Lichi melange,located in the southern coastal range,eastern Taiwan,China,is a typical tectonic melange of the plate's boundary zone between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.It formed during the collision of the Luzon arc with the Eurasian Continent (arc-continent collision).It is composed of sandstone and/or mudstone matrix and many kinds and sizes of rock fragments,including some sedimentary rocks,volcanic rocks and a few metamorphic rocks.The serpentinite is one of the common fragments in the Lichi melange.By the petrographic characteristics and the zircon U-Pb chronology analyses,protolith of the serpentinite is peridotite,the age is 17.7 ±0.5 Ma.Taking the tectonic background into account,it is inferred that the serpentinite (serpentinised peridotite)come from the forearc basin (the North Luzon Trough)and was taken into the melange by a second thrust westwards.The origin of the serpentimte in Lichi melange is helpful to understand the formation of the Lichi melange and can provide reliable detailed information for the study of the arc-continent collision orogenic activity in and offshore Taiwan.展开更多
The Narooma-Batemans Bay(NBB)area along the southeast coast of Australia is a part of the eastern zone of the Early Paleozoic Lachlan Orogen.In the NBB,a set of rock association consisting of turbidites,siliceous rock...The Narooma-Batemans Bay(NBB)area along the southeast coast of Australia is a part of the eastern zone of the Early Paleozoic Lachlan Orogen.In the NBB,a set of rock association consisting of turbidites,siliceous rock,basic lava,and argillaceous melange zone is mainly developed.According to systematic field geological survey,the deformation of 3 stages(D1,D2,and D3)was identified in the NBB.At stage D1,with the original bedding S0 in a nearly east-west trending as the deformation plane,tight folds,isoclinal folds,and other structures formed in the NBB accompanied by structural transposition.As a result,crenulation cleavage developed along the axial plane of the folds and schistosity S1 formed.At stage D2,with north-south-trending schistosity S1 as the deformation plane,a large number of asymmetrical folds and rotated porphyroclasts formed owing to thrusting and shear.At stage D3,leftlateral strike-slip occurred along the main north-south-trending schistosity.Based on the analysis of the characteristics of tectonic deformation in the NBB and summary of previous research results,it is determined that the early-stage(D1)deformation is related to Ordovician Macquarie arc-continent collision and the deformation at stages D2 and D3 is the result of the westward subduction of Paleo-Pacific Plate.That is,it is not the continuous westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate that constitutes the evolution model of the NBB as previously considered.展开更多
The prevailing ’consensus’ explanation for Phanerozoic development of eastern Australia envisages a ’retreating accretionary orogen’ in which episodic slab retreat resulted in development of offshore island arcs i...The prevailing ’consensus’ explanation for Phanerozoic development of eastern Australia envisages a ’retreating accretionary orogen’ in which episodic slab retreat resulted in development of offshore island arcs in front of marginal basins.展开更多
The welded metamorphic sole at the base of the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex(BOIC)in the Northern Appalachians of Newfoundland shows a typical inverted pressure-temperature(P-T)metamorphic gradient from HT-MP granu...The welded metamorphic sole at the base of the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex(BOIC)in the Northern Appalachians of Newfoundland shows a typical inverted pressure-temperature(P-T)metamorphic gradient from HT-MP granulite to LT-LP greenschist facies.It incorporates mafic volcanic/plutonic protoliths mixed with pelagic,hemi-pelagic and coarser epiclastic sedimentary protoliths.New LA-ICP-MS U–Pb concordia ages,trace elements,and Ti-in-zircon geothermometry for -250 zircon analyses from three metabasites of the upper HT sole amphibolites with N-MORB-like protoliths are reported.Two samples collected within meters of the ophiolite peridotite-sole contact of the Blow Me Down Mountain and North Arm Mountain massifs yielded the oldest comparable concordia ages of 487.7±2.6 Ma and 489.1±3.1 Ma,respectively,that are both within error of the igneous age of 488.3±1.5 Ma of the directly overlying BOIC ophiolite,which formed at a supra-subduction zone(SSZ)forearc spreading center.A third slightly younger age of 484.2±2.4 Ma was obtained for an upper HT amphibolite sample with similar phase assemblages but collected30 m below the peridotite contact of the Table Mountain massif.Zircon crystals analyzed have similar size and morphologies,subparallel rare earth element(REE)variation patterns,and steep heavy REE-enrichments((Lu/Gd)_(cn)>20),significant positive Ce anomalies(dominantly>5)and slight positive to dominantly negative Eu anomalies(1.2–0.4).Zircon shows Th/U mean values of 0.37–0.48 with little to no rim to core variation.Minimum Ti-in-zircon mean crystallization temperatures range from764–787℃.These neocrystallized zircon crystals appear to be derived from thin leucosomes within the three amphibolites.Two other samples also from the upper HT sole show evidence of inherited detrital zircon with core dates spanning the Cambrian Notre Dame Arc through older Laurentian-like basement and rift age ranges.Subcretion of the sole took place below a hot forearc asthenospheric wedge,that is,a consequence of the newly-formed BOIC forearc spreading center extending from the back arc to a triple junction along the westward-(or paleo-northward)verging trench of the Notre Dame arc.The early HT sole formation age at ca.489–488 Ma is long prior to initiation of obduction at ca.470 Ma and long after initiation of subduction beneath the paleo-northward verging Notre Dame peri-Laurentian arc at ca.514 Ma.This indicates Newfoundland sole ages of the BOIC and St.Anthony Complex are correlated with the age of SSZ spreading,but not necessarily subduction initiation because previously existing and self-sustaining subduction was ongoing.Sole ages are then not correlated with the younger age of obduction-related orogenic events(e.g.,proposed Taconic I and II)in the Newfoundland Appalachians.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants 41672221,41872241)China Geological Survey(Grants DD20190006,DD2016020104)IGGCAS Open Research Foundation(SKLK201702)。
文摘The South Qilian belt mainly comprises an early Paleozoic arc-ophiolite complex, accretionary prism, microcontinental block, and foreland basin. These elements represent accretion-collision during Cambrian to Silurian time in response to closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean in the NE of the present-day Tibet Plateau. Closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean between the Central Qilian block and the Oulongbuluke block and the associated collision took place from NE to SW in a zipper-like style. Sediment would have been dispersed longitudinally SW-ward with a progressive facies migration from marginal alluvial sediments toward slope deep-water and deep-sea turbidites. This migration path indicates an ocean basin that shrank toward the SW. The Balonggongga'er Formation in the western South Qilian belt represents the fill of a latest Ordovician-Silurian remnant ocean basin that separated the Oulongbuluke block from the Central Qilian block, and records Silurian closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean and subduction beneath the Central Qilian block. However, alluvial deposits in the Lajishan area were accumulated in a retro-foreland basin, indicating that continent-continent collision in the eastern South Qilian belt occurred at c. 450–440 Ma. These results demonstrate that the Proto-Tethyan Ocean closed diachronously during early Paleozoic time.
文摘The Archean North China Craton is composed of the Western Block,Eastern Block and the intervening Central Orogenic Belt.A 4-10 km wide and 85 km long tectonic mélange belt informally called the Zanhuang tectonic
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant: 1212321013019,1212010070301,40672038 and 40872049)
文摘Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （LA-ICP-MS） zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical data for the Permian gabbros and diorites in the Hunchun area are presented to constrain the regional tectonic evolution in the study area. Zircons from gabbro and diorite are euhedral-subhedral in shape and display fine-scale oscillatory zoning as well as high Th/U ratios （0.26-1.22）, implying their magmatic origin. The dating results indicate that the gabbro and diorite formed in the Early Permian （282-2 Ma） and in the Late Permian （255-3 Ma）, respectively. In addition, the captured zircons with the weighted mean age of 279-4 Ma are also found in the diorite, consistent with the formation age of the gabbro within uncertainty. The gabbros belong chemically to low-K tholeiitic series, and are characterized by low rare earth element （REE） abundances, fiat REE pattern, weak positive Eu anomalies （JEu）, and depletion in high field strength elements （HFSEs, Nb, Ta, and Ti）, similar to the high-aluminum basalts from island arc setting. Initial Hf isotopic ratios of zircons from the gabbro range from ＋7.63 to ＋14.6, suggesting that its primary magma could be mainly derived from partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle. The diorites belong to middle K calc-alkaline series. Compared with the gabbros, the diorites have higher REE abundance, weak negative Eu anomalies, and more depletion in HFSEs （Nb, Ta, and Ti）, similar chemically to the volcanic rocks from an active continental margin setting. Initial Hf isotopic ratios and Hf two-stage model ages of zircons from the diorite range from ＋11.22 to ＋14.17 and from 424 to 692 Ma, respectively, suggesting that its primary magma could be mainly derived from partial melting of the Early Paleozoic and/or Neoproterozoic accretted lower crust. Taken together, it is suggested that geochemical variations from the Early Permian gabbros to the Late Permian diorites reveal that the subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate beneath the Khanka Massif and collision between the arc and continent （Khanka Massif） happened in the late stage of the Late Paleozoic.
基金financially supported by the 973 Program(Grant No.2013CB429802)the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41272223,41340024 and 41602209)
文摘The opening, subduction and final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean led to the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Controversy has long surrounded the timing of final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Here we present zircon U-Pb ages and petrological, geochemical and in situ Hf isotope data for the Xierzi biotite monzogranite pluton, Linxi, SE Inner Mongolia. U-Pb dating of zircon by LA-ICP-MS yields a middle Permian emplacement age(268.7 ± 2.3 Ma) for the Xierzi pluton that is dominated by biotite monzogranites with high SiO_2(71.2-72.8 wt.%),alkali(Na_2 O + K_2 O =8.05-8.44 wt.%), Al_2 O_3(14.4-15.2 wt.%) and Fe_2 O_3~T relative to low MgO contents, yielding Fe_2 O_3~T/MgO ratios of 2.87-3.44, and plotting within the high-K calc-alkaline field on a SiO_2 vs. K_2 O diagram. The aluminum saturation indexes(A/CNK) of the biotite monzogranites range from 1.06 to 1.19, corresponding to weakly to strongly peraluminous. They are enriched in rare earth elements(REE), high field strength elements(HFSEs; Zr,Hf). and large ion lithophile elements(LILEs; Rb, U, Th). The LREEs are enriched relative to the HREEs,with a distinct negative Eu anomaly in a chondrite-normalized REE diagram. Geochemically, the Xierzi biotite monzogranite is classified as an aluminous A-type granite, with all samples plotting within the A2-type granite field on a Y/Nb vs. Rb/Nb diagram. Zircon ε_(Hf)(t) values and two-stage modal ages of the zircons within the pluton range from +4.80 to +13.65 and from 983 to 418 Ma, respectively, indicating that the primary magma was generated through partial melting of felsic rocks from juvenile crust.Consequently, these results demonstrate that the Xierzi pluton formed under the post-orogenic extensional setting after arc-continent collision in the middle Permian.
基金funded by two Second Tibetan Plateau Comprehensive Scientific Investigation and Research Projects(2019QZKK0702,2019QZKK0706)a project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(42230311)two geological survey projects of China Geological Survey(DD20221635,DD20221811).
文摘As one of the important Paleo-Tethys suture zones in eastern Tibet,the Jinshajiang orogenic belt is of great significance to study the tectonic evolution of the main suture zone of Paleo-Tethys.In this paper,eclogites developed in the Jinshajiang suture zone in Gonjo area,eastern Tibet,are selected as specific research objects,and petrological,geochemical and Ar-Ar geochronological analyses are carried out.The major element data of the whole rock reveals that the eclogite samples have the characteristics of picritic basalt-basalt and belong to the oceanic low potassium tholeiites.The results of rare earth elements and trace elements of the samples show that the protoliths of eclogites have characteristics similar to oceanic island basalt(OIB)or normal mid ocean ridge basalt(N-MORB).Muscovite(phengite)from two eclogite samples yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages of 247±2 Ma and 248±2 Ma respectively,representing the peak metamorphic age of eclogite facies and the timing of complete closure of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys Ocean.Muscovite and biotite selected from the hosting rocks of eclogite yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages are 238±2 Ma and 225±2 Ma respectively,reflecting the exhumation age of eclogites and their hosting rocks.Combined with the zircon U-Pb dating data(244 Ma)of eclogites obtained in previous work,it can be concluded that the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys ocean was completely closed and arc-continent collision was initiated at about 248-244 Ma(T21).Subsequently,due to the large-scale arc(continent)-collision orogeney between Deqin-Weixi continental margin arc and Zhongza block(T31-T32),the eclogites were rapidly uplifted to the shallow crust.
基金Geological Survey Program of China Geological Survey (DD20160218, DD20160137)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41506083,41606086,41606087,41606050, 91858208)National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017 YFC0307600,2017YFC0307704).
文摘Lichi melange,located in the southern coastal range,eastern Taiwan,China,is a typical tectonic melange of the plate's boundary zone between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.It formed during the collision of the Luzon arc with the Eurasian Continent (arc-continent collision).It is composed of sandstone and/or mudstone matrix and many kinds and sizes of rock fragments,including some sedimentary rocks,volcanic rocks and a few metamorphic rocks.The serpentinite is one of the common fragments in the Lichi melange.By the petrographic characteristics and the zircon U-Pb chronology analyses,protolith of the serpentinite is peridotite,the age is 17.7 ±0.5 Ma.Taking the tectonic background into account,it is inferred that the serpentinite (serpentinised peridotite)come from the forearc basin (the North Luzon Trough)and was taken into the melange by a second thrust westwards.The origin of the serpentimte in Lichi melange is helpful to understand the formation of the Lichi melange and can provide reliable detailed information for the study of the arc-continent collision orogenic activity in and offshore Taiwan.
基金This research was supported financially by the National Natural Science(41702213)Fundamental Research Funds of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(K1614,YYWF201709).
文摘The Narooma-Batemans Bay(NBB)area along the southeast coast of Australia is a part of the eastern zone of the Early Paleozoic Lachlan Orogen.In the NBB,a set of rock association consisting of turbidites,siliceous rock,basic lava,and argillaceous melange zone is mainly developed.According to systematic field geological survey,the deformation of 3 stages(D1,D2,and D3)was identified in the NBB.At stage D1,with the original bedding S0 in a nearly east-west trending as the deformation plane,tight folds,isoclinal folds,and other structures formed in the NBB accompanied by structural transposition.As a result,crenulation cleavage developed along the axial plane of the folds and schistosity S1 formed.At stage D2,with north-south-trending schistosity S1 as the deformation plane,a large number of asymmetrical folds and rotated porphyroclasts formed owing to thrusting and shear.At stage D3,leftlateral strike-slip occurred along the main north-south-trending schistosity.Based on the analysis of the characteristics of tectonic deformation in the NBB and summary of previous research results,it is determined that the early-stage(D1)deformation is related to Ordovician Macquarie arc-continent collision and the deformation at stages D2 and D3 is the result of the westward subduction of Paleo-Pacific Plate.That is,it is not the continuous westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate that constitutes the evolution model of the NBB as previously considered.
文摘The prevailing ’consensus’ explanation for Phanerozoic development of eastern Australia envisages a ’retreating accretionary orogen’ in which episodic slab retreat resulted in development of offshore island arcs in front of marginal basins.
基金Funding to J.F.Casey for mapping,sample collections,and geochemical work in the Bay of Islands region were derived from U.S.National Science Foundation grants EAR80-26445,EAR-83-09535,EAR-88-04756a University of Houston Departmental of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences grant in 2017.
文摘The welded metamorphic sole at the base of the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex(BOIC)in the Northern Appalachians of Newfoundland shows a typical inverted pressure-temperature(P-T)metamorphic gradient from HT-MP granulite to LT-LP greenschist facies.It incorporates mafic volcanic/plutonic protoliths mixed with pelagic,hemi-pelagic and coarser epiclastic sedimentary protoliths.New LA-ICP-MS U–Pb concordia ages,trace elements,and Ti-in-zircon geothermometry for -250 zircon analyses from three metabasites of the upper HT sole amphibolites with N-MORB-like protoliths are reported.Two samples collected within meters of the ophiolite peridotite-sole contact of the Blow Me Down Mountain and North Arm Mountain massifs yielded the oldest comparable concordia ages of 487.7±2.6 Ma and 489.1±3.1 Ma,respectively,that are both within error of the igneous age of 488.3±1.5 Ma of the directly overlying BOIC ophiolite,which formed at a supra-subduction zone(SSZ)forearc spreading center.A third slightly younger age of 484.2±2.4 Ma was obtained for an upper HT amphibolite sample with similar phase assemblages but collected30 m below the peridotite contact of the Table Mountain massif.Zircon crystals analyzed have similar size and morphologies,subparallel rare earth element(REE)variation patterns,and steep heavy REE-enrichments((Lu/Gd)_(cn)>20),significant positive Ce anomalies(dominantly>5)and slight positive to dominantly negative Eu anomalies(1.2–0.4).Zircon shows Th/U mean values of 0.37–0.48 with little to no rim to core variation.Minimum Ti-in-zircon mean crystallization temperatures range from764–787℃.These neocrystallized zircon crystals appear to be derived from thin leucosomes within the three amphibolites.Two other samples also from the upper HT sole show evidence of inherited detrital zircon with core dates spanning the Cambrian Notre Dame Arc through older Laurentian-like basement and rift age ranges.Subcretion of the sole took place below a hot forearc asthenospheric wedge,that is,a consequence of the newly-formed BOIC forearc spreading center extending from the back arc to a triple junction along the westward-(or paleo-northward)verging trench of the Notre Dame arc.The early HT sole formation age at ca.489–488 Ma is long prior to initiation of obduction at ca.470 Ma and long after initiation of subduction beneath the paleo-northward verging Notre Dame peri-Laurentian arc at ca.514 Ma.This indicates Newfoundland sole ages of the BOIC and St.Anthony Complex are correlated with the age of SSZ spreading,but not necessarily subduction initiation because previously existing and self-sustaining subduction was ongoing.Sole ages are then not correlated with the younger age of obduction-related orogenic events(e.g.,proposed Taconic I and II)in the Newfoundland Appalachians.
