Termination of major ductile strike-slip shear and differential cooling along the Insubric line (Central Alps): U-Pb, Rb-Sr and 40Ar/39Ar ages of cross-cutting pegmatites

To constrain the age of strike-slip shear, related granitic magmatism, and cooling along the Insubric line, 29 size fractions of monazite and xenotime were dated by the U-Pb method, and a series of 25 Rb-Sr and Ar-40/Ar-39 ages were measured on different size fractions of muscovite and biotite. The three pegmatitic intrusions analyzed truncate high-grade metamorphic mylonite gneisses of the Simplon shear zone, a major Alpine structure produced in association with dextral strike-slip movements along the southern edge of the European plate, after collision with its Adriatic indenter. Pegmatites and aplites were produced between 29 and 25 Ma in direct relation to right-lateral shear along the Insubric line, by melting of continental crust having Sr-87/Sr-86 between 0.7199 and 0.7244 at the time of melting. High-temperature dextral strike-slip shear was active at 29.2 +/- 0.2 (2 sigma) Ma, and it terminated before 26.4 +/- 0.1 Ma. During dike injection, temperatures in the country rocks of the Isorno-Orselina and Monte Rosa structural units did not exceed approximate to 500 degrees C, leading to fast initial cooling, followed by slower cooling to approximate to 350 degrees C within several million years. In one case, initial cooling to approximate to 500 degrees C was significantly delayed by about 4 m.y., with final cooling to approximate to 300 degrees C at 20-19 Ma in all units. For the period between 29 and 19 Ma, cooling of the three sample localities was non-uniform in space and time, with significant variations on the kilometre scale. These differences are most likely due to strongly varying heat flow, and/or heterogeneous distribution of unroofing rates within the continuously deforming Insubric line. If entirely ascribed to differences in unroofing, corresponding rates would vary between 0.5 and 2.5 mm/y, for a thermal gradient of 30 degrees/km.

Elements traça en esfalerites i galenes del dipòsit de Cierco (Pb-Zn). Alta Ribagorça, Pirineu Central

El diposit consisteix en dos filons E-W, tallats per un altre N-S. El rebliment filonia ès zonat amb esfalerita- galena-calcita als nivells profunds i galena-baritina als superiors. Els elements traça en esfalerites i galenes, plenament separades, han estat analitzats mitjancant fluorescència de raigs X. Els resultats mostren que l'esfalerita concentra la majoria d'elements traça, preferentment Fe, Co, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ga, Cu, Ge i Ag, amb una bona correlació entre els sis primers. La galena concentra únicament Sb, Ag i As, amb bona correlació entre els dos primers. Els continguts en elements traça estan homogèniament distribuits en tot el diposit.

The data treatment dependent variability of U-Pb zircon ages obtained using mono-collector, sector field, laser ablation ICP-MS

U-Pb dating of zircons by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) is a widely used analytical technique in Earth Sciences. For U-Pb ages below 1 billion years (1 Ga), Pb-206/U-238 dates are usually used, showing the least bias by external parameters such as the presence of initial lead and its isotopic composition in the analysed mineral. Precision and accuracy of the Pb/U ratio are thus of highest importance in LA-ICPMS geochronology. We consider the evaluation of the statistical distribution of the sweep intensities based on goodness-of-fit tests in order to find a model probability distribution fitting the data to apply an appropriate formulation for the standard deviation. We then discuss three main methods to calculate the Pb/U intensity ratio and its uncertainty in the LA-ICPMS: (1) ratio-of-the-mean intensities method, (2) mean-of-the-intensity-ratios method and (3) intercept method. These methods apply different functions to the same raw intensity vs. time data to calculate the mean Pb/U intensity ratio. Thus, the calculated intensity ratio and its uncertainty depend on the method applied. We demonstrate that the accuracy and, conditionally, the precision of the ratio-of-the-mean intensities method are invariant to the intensity fluctuations and averaging related to the dwell time selection and off-line data transformation (averaging of several sweeps); we present a statistical approach how to calculate the uncertainty of this method for transient signals. We also show that the accuracy of methods (2) and (3) is influenced by the intensity fluctuations and averaging, and the extent of this influence can amount to tens of percentage points; we show that the uncertainty of these methods also depends on how the signal is averaged. Each of the above methods imposes requirements to the instrumentation. The ratio-of-the-mean intensities method is sufficiently accurate provided the laser induced fractionation between the beginning and the end of the signal is kept low and linear. We show, based on a comprehensive series of analyses with different ablation pit sizes, energy densities and repetition rates for a 193 nm ns-ablation system that such a fractionation behaviour requires using a low ablation speed (low energy density and low repetition rate). Overall, we conclude that the ratio-of-the-mean intensities method combined with low sampling rates is the most mathematically accurate among the existing data treatment methods for U-Pb zircon dating by sensitive sector field ICPMS.

Avaluació dels canvis de ritme de sedimentació en el canyó submarí d'Arenys a partir del Pb-210

Amb la finalitat d’estudiar els ritmes d’acumulació de sediments durant els últims 100 anys, s’han extret tres testimonis de sediments del canyó d’Arenys a profunditats de 1074 m, 1410 m i 1632 m respectivament. Els ritmes de sedimentació basats en els perfils verticals de Pb-210 suggereixen que les tendències actuals sobre el flux i acumulació de sediments poden ser diferents a tendències passades. Durant la dècada dels 70 es va portar a terme una ràpida evolució de la flota pesquera del port d’Arenys de Mar. Aquest fet es pot relacionar amb els canvis en el ritme d’acumulació dels sediments al testimoni extret a 1074 m. Els flancs del canyó submarí són objectiu dels arrossegadors del port d’Arenys de Mar, una activitat que pot fer variar la morfologia del fons marí, la resuspensió de les partícules i pot crear fluxos de terbolesa. Per tant, els resultats suggereixen que l’activitat pesquera d’arrossegament pot afectar als ambients submarins d’una manera més important del que s’havia pensat.

U-Pb and Rb-Sr geochronology of magmatism and metamorphism in the Dalradian of Connemara, western Ireland

New geochronological data which clarify the timing of syn-orogenic magmatism and regional metamorphism in the Connemara Dalradian are presented. U-Pb zircon data on four intermediate to acid foliated magmatic rocks show important inherited components but the most concordant fractions demonstrate that major magmatism continued until 465 Ma whereas the earliest, basic magmatism has been dated previously at 490 Ma; a fine-grained, fabric-cutting granite contains discordant zircons which also appear to be 465 Ma old. Are magmatism in Connemara therefore spanned a period of at least 25 Ma. Recent U-Pb data on titanite from central Connemara which gave a peak metamorphic age of 478 Ma are supplemented by U-Pb data on titanite and monazite from metamorphic veins in the east of Connemara which indicate that low-P, high-T regional metamorphism ism continued there to 465 Ma, i.e. at least 10 Ma later than in the central region dated previously. New Rb-Sr data on muscovites from coarse-grained segregations in different structural settings range from 475 to 435 Ma; in part this range probably also reflects differences in age from west to east, with three ages close to 455 Ma from the eastern area, which is also the site of the lowest pressure metamorphism. Thermal modelling indicates that at any one locality the duration of metamorphism was probably as little as 1-2 Ma. The new dates emphasize the complexity in the spatial and temporal distribution of high-level regional metamorphism caused by magmatic activity. The relatively simple overall distribution of mineral-appearance isograds revealed by regional mapping masks the complexity of a prolonged but punctuated metamorphic history related to multiple intrusions, primarily in the southern part of Connemara. The later stages of magmatic activity followed progressive uplift and erosion after the onset of magmatism, and were localized in the eastern part of the region.

Genesis of the Jurassic carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits of Jebel Ressas (North-eastern Tunisia): Evidence from mineralogy, petrography and trace metal contents and isotope (O, C, S, Pb) geochemistry

The Jebel Ressas Pb-Zn deposits in North-Eastern Tunisia occur mainly as open-space fillings (lodes, tectonic breccia cements) in bioclastic limestones of the Upper Jurassic Ressas Formation and along the contact of this formation with Triassic rocks. The galena-sphalerite association and their alteration products (cerussite, hemimorphite, hydrozincite) are set within a calcite gangue. The Triassic rocks exhibit enrichments in trace metals, namely Pb, Co and Cd enrichment in clays and Pb, Zn, Cd, Co and Cr enrichment in carbonates, suggesting that the Triassic rocks have interacted with the ore-bearing fluids associated with the Jebel Ressas Pb-Zn deposits. The delta(18)O content of calcite associated with the Pb-Zn mineralization suggests that it is likely to have precipitated from a fluid that was in equilibrium with the Triassic dolostones. The delta(34)S values in galenas from the Pb-Zn deposits range from -1.5 to +11.4%, with an average of 5.9% and standard deviation of 3.9%. These data imply mixing of thermochemically-reduced heavy sulfur carried in geothermal- and fault-stress-driven deep-seated source fluid with bacterially-reduced light sulfur carried in topography-driven meteoric fluid. Lead isotope ratios in galenas from the Pb-Zn deposits are homogenous and indicate a single upper crustal source of base-metals for these deposits. Synthesis of the geochemical data with geological data suggests that the base-metal mineralization at Jebel Ressas was formed during the Serravallian-Tortonian (or Middle-Late Miocene) Alpine compressional tectonics.

Mineral zoning and geochemistry of epithermal polymetallic Zn-Pb-Ag-Cu-Bi mineralization at Cerro de Pasco, Peru

The large Cerro de Pasco Cordilleran base metal deposit in central Peru is located on the eastern margin of a middle Miocene diatreme-dome complex and comprises two mineralization stages. The first stage consists of a large pyrite-quartz body replacing Lower Mesozoic Pucara carbonate rocks and, to a lesser extent, diatreme breccia. This body is composed of pyrite with pyrrhotite inclusions, quartz, and black and red chalcedony (containing hypogene hematite). At the contact with the pyrite-quartz body, the diatreme breccia is altered to pyrite-quartz-sericite-pyrite. This body was, in part, replaced by pipelike pyrrhotite bodies zoned outward to carbonate-replacement Zn-Pb ores hearing Fe-rich sphalerite (up to 24 mol % Fes). The second mineralization stage is partly superimposed on the first and consists of zoned east-west-trending Cu-Ag-(Au-Zn-Pb) enargite-pyrite veins hosted in the diatreme breccia in the western part of the deposit and well-zoned Zn-Pb-(Bi-Ag-Cu) carbonate-replacement orebodies; in both cases, sphalerite is Fe poor and the inner parts of the orebodies show typically advanced argillic alteration assemblages, including aluminum phosphate Sulfate (APS) minerals. The zoned enargite-pyrite veins display mineral zoning, from a core of enargite-pyrite +/- alunite with traces of Au, through an intermediate zone of tennantite, chalcopyrite, and Bi minerals to a poorly developed Outer zone hearing sphalerite-galena +/- kaolinite. The carbonate-hosted replacement ores are controlled along N 35 degrees E, N 90 degrees E, N 120 degrees E, and N 170 degrees E faults. They form well-zoned upward-flaring pipelike orebodies with a core of famatinite-pyrite and alunite, an intermediate zone with tetrahedrite-pyrite, chalcopyrite, matildite, cuprobismutite, emplectite, and other Bi minerals accompanied by APS minerals, kaolinite, and dickite, and an outer zone composed of Fe-poor sphalerite (in the range of 0.05-3.5 mol % Fes) and galena. The outermost zone consists of hematite, magnetite, and Fe-Mn-Zn-Ca-Mg carbonates. Most of the second-stage carbonate-replacement orebodies plunge between 25 degrees and 60 degrees to the west, suggesting that the hydrothermal fluids ascended from deeper levels and that no lateral feeding from the veins to the carbonate-replacement orebodies took place. In the Venencocha and Santa Rosa areas, located 2.5 km northwest of the Cerro de Pasco open pit and in the southern part of the deposit, respectively, advanced argillic altered dacitic domes and oxidized veins with advanced argillic alteration halos occur. The latter veins are possibly the oxidized equivalent of the second-stage enargite-pyrite veins located in the western part of the deposit. The alteration assemblage quartz-muscovite-pyrite associated with the pyrite-quartz body suggests that the first stage precipitated at slightly, acidic fin. The sulfide mineral assemblages define an evolutionary path close to the pyrite-pyrrhotite boundary and are characteristic of low-sulfidation states; they suggest that the oxidizing slightly acidic hydrothermal fluid was buffered by phyllite, shale, and carbonate host rock. However, the presence in the pyrite-quartz body of hematite within quartz suggests that, locally, the fluids were less buffered by the host rock. The mineral assemblages of the second mineralization stage are characteristic of high- to intermediate-sulfidation states. High-sulfidation states and oxidizing conditions were achieved and maintained in the cores of the second-stage orebodies, even in those replacing carbonate rocks. The observation that, in places, second-stage mineral assemblages are found in the inner and outer zones is explained in terms of the hydrothermal fluid advancing and waning. Microthermometric data from fluid inclusions in quartz indicate that the different ores of the first mineralization stage formed at similar temperatures and moderate salinities (200 degrees-275 degrees C and 0.2-6.8 wt % NaCl equiv in the pyrite-quartz body; 192 degrees-250 degrees C and 1.1-4.3 wt % NaCl equiv in the pyrrhotite bodies; and 183 degrees-212 degrees C and 3.2-4.0 wt % NaCl equiv in the Zn-Pb ores). These values are similar to those obtained for fluid inclusions in quartz and sphalerite from the second-stage ores (187 degrees-293 degrees C and 0.2-5.2 wt % NaCl equiv in the enargite-pyrite veins: 178 degrees-265 degrees C and 0.2-7.5 wt % NaCl equiv in quartz of carbonate-replacement orebodies; 168 degrees-999 degrees C and 3-11.8 wt % NaCl equiv in sphalerite of carbonate-replacement orebodies; and 245 degrees-261 degrees C and 3.2-7.7 wt % NaCl equiv in quartz from Venencocha). Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions oil kaolinite from carbonate-replacement orebodies (delta(18)O = 5.3-11.5%o, delta D = -82 to -114%o) and on alunite from the Venencocha and Santa Rosa areas (delta(18)O = 1.9-6.9%o, delta D = -56 to -73%o). Oxygen isotope compositions of quartz from the first and second stages have 6180 values from 9.1 to 1.7.8 per mil. Calculated fluids in equilibrium with kaolinite have delta(18)O values of 2.0 to 8.2 and delta D values of -69 to -97 per mil; values in equilibrium with alunite are -1.4 to -6.4 and -62 to -79 per mil. Sulfur isotope compositions of sulfides from both stages have a narrow range of delta(34)S values, between -3.7 and +4.2 per mil; values for sulfates from the second stage are between 4.2 and 31.2 per mil. These results define two mixing trends for the ore-forming fluids. The first trend reflects mixing between a moderately saline (similar to 10 wt % NaCl equiv) magmatic end member that had degassed (as indicated by the low delta D values) and meteoric water. The second mixing indicates condensation of magmatic vapor with HCl and SO(2) into meteoric water, which formed alunite. The hydrothermal system at Cerro de Pasco was emplaced at a shallow depth (similar to 500 m) in the epithermal and upper part of a porphyry environment. The similar temperatures and salinities obtained for the first stage and second stages, together with the stable isotope data, indicate that both stages are linked and represent successive stages of epithermal polymetallic mineralization in the upper part of a porphyry system.

High precision U/Pb zircon dating of the Chalten Plutonic Complex (Cerro Fitz Roy, Patagonia) and its relationship to arc migration in the southernmost Andes

We report new high-precision U/Pb ages and geochemical data from the Chalten Plutonic Complex to better understand the link between magmatism and tectonics in Southern Patagonia. This small intrusion located in the back-arc region east of the Patagonian Batholith provides important insights on the role of arc migration and subduction erosion. The Chalten Plutonic Complex consists of a suite of calc-alkaline gabbroic to granitic rocks, which were emplaced over 530 kyr between 16.90 +/- 0.05 Ma and 16.37 +/- 0.02 Ma. A synthesis of age and geochemical data from other intrusions in Patagonia reveals (a) striking similarities between the Chalten Plutonic Complex and the Neogene intrusions of the batholith and differences to other back-arc intrusions such as Torres del Paine (b) a distinct E-W trend of calc-alkaline magmatic activity between 20 and 17 Ma. We propose that this trend reflects the eastward migration of the magmatic arc, and the consistent age pattern between the subduction segments north and south of the Chile triple junction suggests a causal relation with a period of fast subduction of the Farallon-Nazca plate during the Early Miocene. Previously proposed flat slab models are not consistent with the present location and morphology of the Southern Patagonian Batholith. We advocate, alternatively, that migration of the magmatic arc is caused by subduction erosion due to the increasing subduction velocities during the Early Miocene.

Tectonomagmatic evolution of Western Amazonia: Geochemical characterization and zircon U-Pb geochronologic constraints from the Peruvian Eastern Cordilleran granitoids

The results of a coupled, in situ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb study on zircon and geochemical characterization of the Eastern Cordilleran intrusives of Peru reveal 1.15 Ga of intermittent magmatism along central Western Amazonia, the Earth's oldest active open continental margin. The eastern Peruvian batholiths are volumetrically dominated by plutonism related to the assembly and breakup of Pangea during the Paleozoic-Mesozoic transition. A Carboniferous-Permian (340-285 Ma) continental arc is identified along the regional orogenic strike from the Ecuadorian border (6 degrees S) to the inferred inboard extension of the Arequipa-Antofalla terrane in southern Peru (14 degrees S). Widespread crustal extension and thinning, which affected western Gondwana throughout the Permian and Triassic resulted in the intrusion of the late- to post-tectonic La Merced-San Ramon-type anatectites dated between 275 and 220 Ma, while the emplacement of the southern Cordillera de Carabaya peraluminous granitoids in the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic (220-190 Ma) represents, temporally and regionally, a separate tectonomagmatic event likely related to resuturing of the Arequipa-Antofalla block. Volcano-plutonic complexes and stocks associated with the onset of the present Andean cycle define a compositionally bimodal alkaline suite and cluster between 180 and 170 Ma. A volumetrically minor intrusive pulse of Oligocene age (ca. 30 Ma) is detected near the southwestern Cordilleran border with the Altiplano. Both post-Gondwanide (30-170 Ma), and Precambrian plutonism (691-1123 Ma) are restricted to isolated occurrences spatially comprising less than 15% of the Eastern Cordillera intrusives. Only one remnant of a Late Ordovician intrusive belt is recognized in the Cuzco batholith (446.5 +/- 9.7 Ma) indicating that the Famatinian arc system previously identified in Peru along the north-central Eastern Cordillera and the coastal Arequipa-Antofalla terrane also existed inboard of this parautochthonous crustal fragment. Hitherto unknown occurrences of late Mesoproterozoic and middle Neoproterozoic granitoids from the south-central cordilleran segment define magmatic events at 691 +/- 13 Ma, 751 +/- 8 Ma, 985 +/- 14 Ma, and 1071-1123 +/- 23 Ma that are broadly coeval with the Braziliano and Grenville-Sunsas orogenies, respectively. Our data suggest the existence of a continuous orogenic belt in excess of 3500 km along Western Amazonia during the formation of Rodinia, its ``early'' fragmentation prior to 690 Ma, and support a model of reaccretion of the Paracas-Arequipa-Antofalla terrane to western Gondwana in the Early Ordovician with subsequent detachment of the Paracas segment in form of the Mexican Oaxaquia microcontinent in Middle Ordovician. A tectonomagmatic model involving slab detachment, followed by underplating of cratonic margin by asthenospheric mantle is proposed for the genesis of the volumetrically dominant Late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic Peruvian Cordilleran batholiths.

Apparent stable-isotope heterogeneities in gangue carbonates of the Mississippi Valley-type Zn-Pb deposits of San-Vicente, Central Peru

The aim of the present communication is to emphasize that some variations of the measured delta(13)C and delta(18)O values are apparent, and due to analytical interferences caused by the presence of sulfur and organosulfur compounds in the analyzed carbonates. This is particularly relevant for isotopic studies on carbonate-hosted mineral deposits, where the nearly ubiquitous association of the host carbonates with organic matter and sulfides can certainly affect the metallogenetic interpretations. In this work two methods were used to overcome the disturbing effects of sulfides and organic matter: (1) sample pretreatment following the method proposed by Charef and Sheppard (1984), combining the oxidation of organic matter with sodium hypochlorite and trapping of the sulfur species with silver phosphate; and (2) laser-based microprobe extraction. Apparent isotopic variations in sparry dolomite from a single hand sample of zebra ore from the MVT Zn-Pb deposit, San Vicente, central Peru, are as large as 6 parts per thousand delta(13)C and 4 parts per thousand delta(18)O. These variations are reduced to several tenths of a per mil when the samples are pretreated. A careful examination of the effects of treatment with NaOCl and/or Ag3PO4 in relation to the concentration of sulfide inclusions indicates that the main disturbing effects for delta(13)C values are the presence of sulfur species and organic matter, whereas the delta(18)O values are mainly affected by the presence of sulfides. Fine- and medium-grained replacement carbonates from MVT and other sediment-hosted base metal deposits are potentially the most affected during isotope analysis, due to the common presence of organic matter and sulfides. Using in situ laser microprobe techniques, it is possible to determine isotopic variations at a sub-millimeter scale. Our results show that laser extraction analysis allows a more precise sampling of the carbonate minerals, and minimizes contamination of the sample with sulfides and to some extent with intergrown organic matter. However, there is an isotopic shift associated with the laser extraction technique, of the order of 0.5-1 parts per thousand for delta(13)C and delta(18)O values.

Trace element chemistry and U-Pb dating of zircons from oceanic gabbros and their relationship with whole rock composition (Lanzo, Italian Alps)

The U-Pb ages and the trace element content of zircon U-Pb along with major and trace element whole rock data on gabbroic dikes from the Lanzo lherzolitic massif, N-Italy, have been determined to constrain crustal accretion in ocean-continent transition zones. Three Fe-Ti gabbros were dated from the central and the southern part of the massif providing middle Jurassic ages of 161 +/- 2, 158 +/- 2 and 163 +/- 1 Ma, which argue for magmatic activity over few millions of years. Zircon crystals are characterized by high but variable Th/U ratios, rare earth element patterns enriched in heavy rare earths, pronounced positive Ce and negative Eu-anomalies consistent with crystallization after substantial plagioclase fractionation. The zircon trace element composition coupled with whole rock chemistry was used to reconstruct the crystallization history of the gabbros. A number of gabbros crystallized in situ, and zircon precipitated from trapped, intercumulus liquid, while other gabbros represent residual liquids that were extracted from a cumulus pile and crystallized along syn-magmatic shear zones. We propose a model in which the emplacement mechanism of gabbroic rocks in ocean-continent transition zones evolves from in situ crystallization to stratified crystallization with efficient extraction of residual liquid along syn-magmatic shear zones. Such an evolution of the crystallization history is probably related to the thermal evolution of the underlying mantle lithosphere.

Ore genesis of Pb-Zn deposits in the Nappe zone of Northern Tunisia: Constraints from Pb-S-C-O isotopic systems

The Jalta and Jebel Ghozlane ore deposits are located in the extreme North of Tunisia, within the Nappe zone. The mineralization of Jalta, hosted in Triassic dolostones and the overlying Mio-Pliocene conglomerates, consists of abundant galena, barite, and cerussite with accessory sphalerite, pyrite, and jordanite. At Jebel Ghozlane, large Pb-Zn concentrations occur in the Triassic dolostones and Eocene limestones. The mineral association consists of galena, sphalerite, barite, and celestite and their oxidation products (cerussite, smithsonite, and anglesite). Lead isotope ratios in galena from both districts are relatively homogeneous ((206)Pb/(204)Pb = 18.702-18.823, (207)Pb/(204)Pb = 15.665-15.677, (208)Pb/(204)Pb = 38.725-38.875). The delta(34)S values for sulfates from both areas (+12.2 to +16.2 parts per thousand at Jalta and + 14.3 to + 19.4 parts per thousand at Jebel Ghozlane) are compatible with a derivation of sulfur from marine sulfates, possibly sourced from the Triassic evaporites. The delta(34)S values of the sulfides have a range between -10 and +12.5 parts per thousand at Jalta, and between -9.1 and +22.1 parts per thousand at Jebel Ghozlane. The large range of values suggests reduction of the sulfate by bacterial and/or thermochemical reduction of sulfate to sulfur. The high delta(34)S values of sulfides require closed-system reduction processes. The isotopically light carbon in late calcites (-6.3 to -2.5 parts per thousand) and authigenic dolomite (-17.6 parts per thousand) suggests an organic source of at least some of the carbon in these samples, whereas the similarity of the delta(18)O values between calcite (+24.8 parts per thousand) and the authigenic dolomite (+24.7 parts per thousand) of Jalta and their respective host rocks reflects oxygen isotope buffering of the mineralizing fluids by the host rock carbonates. The secondary calcite isotope compositions of Jalta are compatible with a hydrothermal fluid circulation at approximately 100 to 200 degrees C, but temperatures as low as 50 degrees C may be indicated by the late calcite of Jebel Ghozlane (delta(18)O of +35.9 parts per thousand). Given the geological events related to the Alpine orogeny in the Nappe zone (nappe emplacement, bimodal volcanism, and reactivation of major faults, such as Ghardimaou-Cap Serrat) and the Neogene age of the host rocks in several localities, a Late-Miocene age is proposed for the Pb-Zn ore deposits considered in this study. Remobilization of deep-seated primary deposits in the Paleozoic sequence is the most probable source for metals in both localities considered in this study and probably in the Nappe zone as a whole. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Mont Collon mafic complex (Austroalpine Dent Blanche nappe) : permian evolution of the Western European mantle

Résumé: Le complexe du Mont Collon (nappe de la Dent Blanche, Austroalpin) est l'un des exemples les mieux préservés du magmatisme mafique permien des Alpes occidentales. Il est composé d'affleurements discontinus et d'une stratification magmatique en son centre (Dents de Bertol) et est composé à 95% de roches mafiques cumulatives (gabbros à olivine et/ou cpx, anorthositiques, troctolites, wehrlites et wehrlites à plagioclase) et localement de quelques gabbros pegmatitiques. Ces faciès sont recoupés par de nombreux filons acides (aphtes, pegmatites quartziques, microgranodiorites et filons anorthositiques) et mafiques tardifs (dikes mélanocrates riches en Fe et Ti). Les calculs thermométriques (équilibre olivine-augite) montrent des températures de 1070-1120 ± 6°C, tandis que le thermomètre amphibole-plagioclase indique une température de 740 ± 40°C à 0.5 GPa pour les amphiboles magmatiques tardives. La geobarométrie sur pyroxène donne des pressions moyennes de 0.3-0.6 GPa, indiquant un emplacement dans la croûte moyenne. De plus, les températures obtenues sur des amphiboles coronitiques indiquent des températures de l'ordre de 700 ± 40°C confirmant que les réactions coronitiques apparaissent dans des conditions subsolidus. Les âges concordants U/Pb sur zircons de 284.2 ± 0.6 et 282.9 ± 0.6 Ma obtenus sur un gabbro pegmatitique et une pegmatitique quartzique, sont interprétés comme des âges de cristallisation. Les datations 40Ar/39Ar sur amphiboles des filons mélanocrates donnent un âge plateau de 260.2 ± 0.7 Ma, qui est probablement très proche de l'âge de cristallisation. Ainsi, cet age 40Ar/39Ar indique un second évènement magmatique au sein du complexe. Les compositions des roches totales en éléments majeurs et traces montrent peu de variations, ainsi que le Mg# (75-80). Les éléments traces enregistrent le caractère cumulatif des roches (anomalie positive en Eu) et révèlent des anomalies négatives systématiques en Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf et Ti dans les faciès basiques. Le manque de corrélation entre éléments majeurs et traces est caractéristique d'un processus de cristallisation in situ impliquant une quantité variable de liquide interstitiel (L) entre les phases cumulus. Les distributions des éléments traces dans les minéraux sont homogènes, indiquant une rééquilibration .subsolidus entre cristaux et liquide interstitiel. Un modèle quantitatif basé sur les équations de cristallisation in situ de Langmuir reproduisent correctement les concentrations en terres rares légères des minéraux cumulatifs montrant la présence de 0 à 35% de liquide interstitiel L pour des degrés de différenciation F de 0 à 45%, par rapport au faciès les moins évolués du complexe. En outre, les valeurs de L sont bien corrélées avec les proportions modales d'amphibole interstitielle et les concentrations en éléments incompatibles des roches (Zr, Nb). Le liquide parental calculé des cumulats du Mont Collon est caractérisé par un enrichissement relatif en terres rares légères et Th, un appauvrissement en terres rares lourdes typique d'une affinité transitionnelle (T-MORB) et une forte anomalie négative en Nb-Ta. Les roches cumulatives montrent des compositions isotopiques en Nd-Sr proches de la terre globale silicatée (BSE), soit 0.6<εNdi<+3.2, 0.7045<87Sr/86Sri<0.7056. Les rapports initiaux en Pb indiquent une source dans le manteau enrichi subcontinental lithosphérique, préalablement contaminé par des sédiments océaniques. Les dikes mélanocrates Fe-Ti sont représentatifs de liquides et ont des spectres de terres rares enrichis, une anomalie positive en Nb-Ta et des εNdi de +7, des 87Sr/86Sri de 0.703 et des rapports initiaux en Pb, similaires à ceux des basaltes d'île océanique, indiquant une source asthénosphérique modérément appauvrie. Ainsi, la fusion partielle du manteau lithosphérique subcontinental est induite par l'amincissement post-orogénique et la remontée de l'asthénosphère. Les filons mélanocrates proviennent, après délamination du manteau lithosphérique, de la fusion de l'asthénosphère. Abstract The early Permian Mont Collon mafic complex (Dent Blanche nappe, Austroalpine nappe system) is one of the best preserved examples of the Permian mafic magmatism in the Western Alps. It is composed of discontinuous exposures and a well-preserved magmatic layering (the Dents de Bertol cliff) crops out in the center part of the complex. It mainly consists of cumulative mafic rocks, which represent 95 vol-% of the mafic complex (ol- and cpx-bearing gabbros and rare anorthositic layers, troctolites, wehrlites and plagioclase-wehrlites) and locally pegmatitic gabbros. All these facies are crosscut by widespread acidic (aplites, quartz-rich pegmatites, microgranodiorites) and late mafic Fe-Ti melanocratic dikes. Olivine-augite thermometric calculations yield a range of 1070-1120 ± 6°C, while amphibole-plagioclase thermometer yields a temperature of 740 ± 40°C at 0.5 GPa. Pyroxene geobarometry points to a pressure of 0.3-0.6 GPa, indicating a middle crustal level of emplacement. Moreover, temperature calculations on the Mont Conon coronitic amphiboles indicate temperatures of 700 ± 40°C, close to those calculated for magmatic amphiboles. These temperatures confirm that coronitic reactions occurred at subsolidus conditions. ID-TIMS U/Pb zircon ages of 284.2 ± 0.6 and 282.9 ± 0.6 Ma obtained on a pegmatitic gabbro and a quartz-pegmatitic dike, respectively, were interpreted as the crystallization ages of these rocks. 40Ar/39Ar dating on amphiboles from Fe-Ti melanocratic dikes yields a plateau age of 260.2 ± 0.7 Ma, which is probably very close to the crystallization age. Consequently, this 40Ar/P39Ar age indicates a second magmatic event. Whole-rock major- and trace-element compositions show little variation across the whole intrusion and Mg-number stays within a narrow range (75-80). Trace-element concentrations record the cumulative nature of the rocks (e.g. positive Eu anomaly) and reveal systematic Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti negative anomalies for all basic facies. The lack of correlation between major and trace elements is characteristic of an in situ crystallization process involving variable amounts of interstitial liquid (L) trapped between the cumulus mineral phases. LA-ICPMS measurements show that trace-element distributions in minerals are homogeneous, pointing to subsolidus re-equilibration between crystals and interstitial melts. A quantitative modeling based on Langmuir's in situ crystallization equation successfully reproduced the Rare Earth Element (REE) concentrations in cumulitic minerals. The calculated amounts of interstitial liquid L vary between 0 and 35% for degrees of differentiation F of 0 to 45%, relative to the least evolved facies of the intrusion. Furthermore, L values are well correlated with the modal proportions of interstitial amphibole and whole-rock incompatible trace-element concentrations (e.g. Zr, Nb) of the tested samples. The calculated parental melt of the Mont Collon cumulates is characterized by a relative enrichment in Light REE and Th, a depletion in Heavy REE, typical of a transitional affinity (T-MORB), and strong negative Nb-Ta anomaly. Cumulative rocks display Nd-Sr isotopic compositions close to the BSE (-0.6 < εNdi < +3.2, 0.7045 < 87Sr/86Sri < 0.7056). Initial Pb ratios point to an origin from the melting of an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle source, previously contaminated at the source by oceanic sediments. The contrasted alkaline Fe-Ti melanocratic dikes are representative of liquids. They display enriched fractionated REE patterns, a positive Nb-Ta anomaly and εNdi of +7, 87Sr/86Sri of 0.703 and initial Pb ratios, all reminiscent of Ocean Island Basalt-type rocks, pointing to a moderately