scholarly journals An Overview on the Classification and Tectonic Setting of Neoproterozoic Granites of the Nubian Shield, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Geochemistry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaafar A. El Bahariya

Granites constitute the main rock components of the Earth’s continental crust, which suggested to be formed in variable geodynamics environments. The different types of granitic rocks, their compositional characteristics, tectonic settings and magma sources are outlined. Mineralogical classification of granites includes four rock types: tonalites, granodiorites, granite (monzogranite and syenogranites) and alkali-feldspar granites. Alphabetical classification subdivided granites into: I-type, S-type, A-type and M-type granites. Moreover, formation of granitic magmas requires distinctive geodynamic settings such as: volcanic arc granite (Cordilleran); collision-related granites (leucogranites); intra-plate and ocean ridge granites. The Eastern Desert of Egypt (ED) forms the northern part of Nubian Shield. Both older and younger granites are widely exposed in the ED. Old granites (OG) comprise tonalites and granodiorites of syn- to late-orogenic granitoid assemblages. They are calcalkaline, I-type, metaluminous and display island arc tectonic setting. Younger granites (YG) on the other hand, include granites, alkali-feldspar granites and minor granodiorites. They are of I- and A-type granites and of post-orogenic to anorogenic tectonic settings. The majority of the YG are alkaline, A-type granite and of within-plate tectonic setting (WPG). The A-type granites are subdivided into: A2-type postorogenic granites and A1-type anorogenic granites. Granite magma genesis involves: (a) fractional crystallization of mafic mantle-derived magmas; (b) anatexis or assimilation of old, upper crustal rocks (c) re - melting of juvenile mafic mantle – derived rocks underplating the continental crust. Generally, older I-type granitoids were interpreted to result from melting of mafic crust and dated at approximately 760–650 Ma, whereas younger granites suggested to be formed as a result of partial melting of a juvenile Neoproterozoic mantle source. Moreover, they formed from anatectic melts of various crustal sources that emplaced between 600 and 475 Ma.

2005 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Bağci ◽  
O. Parlak ◽  
V. Höck

AbstractThe late Cretaceous Kızıldağ ophiolite forms one of the best exposures of oceanic lithospheric remnants of southern Neotethys to the north of the Arabian promontory in Turkey. The ultramafic to mafic cumulate rocks, displaying variable thickness (ranging from 165 to 700 m), are ductiley deformed, possibly in response to syn-magmatic extension during sea-floor spreading and characterized by wehrlite, olivine gabbro, olivine gabbronorite and gabbro. The gabbroic cumulates have an intrusive contact with the wehrlitic cumulates in some places. The crystallization order of the cumulus and intercumulus phases is olivine (Fo86–77)± chromian spinel, clinopyroxene (Mg#92–76), plagio-clase(An95–83), orthopyroxene(Mg#87–79). The olivine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene and plagioclase in ultramafic and mafic cumulate rocks seem to have similar compositional range. This suggests that these rocks cannot represent a simple crystal line of descent. Instead the overlapping ranges in mineral compositions in different rock types suggest multiple magma generation during crustal accretion for the Kızıldağ ophiolite. The presence of high Mg# of olivine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, and the absence of Ca-rich plagioclase as an early fractionating phase co-precipitating with forsteritic olivine, suggest that the Kızıldağ plutonic suite is not likely to have originated in a mid-ocean ridge environment. Instead the whole-rock and mineral chemistry of the cumulates indicates their derivation from an island arc tholeiitic (IAT) magma. All the evidence indicates that the Kızıldağ ophiolite formed along a slow-spreading centre in a fore-arc region of a suprasubduction zone tectonic setting.


Author(s):  
Ibrahim m ABU EL-LEIL ALI ◽  
◽  
Abdellah Sadek TOLBA ◽  
Hamdy Ahmed Mohamed AWAD ◽  
Aleksey Valer’evich NASTAVKIN ◽  
...  

Objective. The present work deals with the detailed investigations of the geology, geochemistry, and tectonic setting of the studied granitic rocks. Research methods. This work involves both field work (Collection samples and drawing of a new geological map) and laboratory work (preparation of thin sections for petrographic studies by polarizing microscope), Atomic absorption, X-ray Fluorescence analysis (XRF) in the Central Laboratories of the Acme in Canada and Mass-Spectrometer with Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICPMS). Result. The study area restricted in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt between the Red sea and the Nile Valley. ElMissikat pluton is covered by island arc related rock (as xenolith), older granites, and younger granites, in addition to different types of dikes and veins swarms. Petrographically older granites are classified into quartz diorite, tonalite and granodiorite, whereas the younger granites are divided into monzogranite, syenogranite and altered granites. The geochemical studies suggest the granitic rocks are calc-alkaline affinity. The quartz diorite, tonalite and granodiorite are related to volcanic arc granites, while the monzogranite and syenogranite are similar to the infinity of the within plate granites behavior. The quartz diorite, tonalite, granodiorite and monzogranite are belonging to I-type granite, otherwise the syenogranite has A-type granites. Conclusion. According to geological and petrographical studies the investigated granites are represented by quartz diorite, tonalite and granodiorite, whereas the younger granites are divided into monzogranite, syenogranite and altered granites that are traversed by different types of dikes and veins swarms . Generally, the older granites have low content of LILE, most probably due to the relatively low content of K-feldspars and HFSE. The younger granites exhibit a fractionated pattern from LREE to HREE with negative Eu anomaly.


The most important process affecting both major and trace-element concentrations in the mantle and crust is melting producing silicate liquids which then migrate. Another process whose effects are becoming more apparent is the transport of elements by CO 2 - and H 2 O-rich fluids. Due to the relatively small amounts of fluids involved they have but little effect on the major-element abundances but may severely affect minor- and trace-element abundances in their source and the material through which they travel. The Archaean crust was a density filter which reduced the possibility of komatiite or high FeO melts with relative densities greater than about 3.0 from reaching the surface. Those melts retained in the lower crust or at the crust-mantle boundary would have enhanced the possibility of melting in the lower crust. The high FeO melts may have included the Archaean equivalents of alkali basalt whose derivatives may form an important component in the Archaean crust. The occurrence of ultramafic to basic to alkaline magmas in some Archaean greenstone belts is an assemblage most typical of modern ocean-island suites in continental environments. The rock types in the assemblage were modified by conditions of higher heat production during the Archaean and thus greater extents of melting and melting at greater depths. If modern ocean-island suites are associated with mantle plumes, which even now may be an important way to transport heat upward from the deeper mantle, it is suggested that during the Archaean mantle plumes were an important factor in the evolution of the continental crust. It appears that the Archaean continental crust was of comparable thickness to that of the present based on geobarometeric data. If the freeboard concept applied then, this would suggest that plate tectonics was also an active process during the Archaean. If so, it is probably no more realistic to assume that all Archaean greenstone belts had a similar tectonic setting than to assume that all modern occurrences of basic rocks have a common tectonic setting.


2014 ◽  
Vol 152 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
DEXIN TIAN ◽  
WENCHUN GE ◽  
HAO YANG ◽  
GUOCHUN ZHAO ◽  
YANLONG ZHANG

AbstractThe Mingshui–Jilasitai–Suolun area, located in the central part of the Great Xing’an Range, is characterized by large volumes of alkali feldspar granites. However, the formation time and tectonic setting of these rocks remains controversial owing to a lack of precise geochronological and detailed geochemical data. In this paper, we report new SIMS U–Pb zircon ages and mineralogical, petrographical and geochemical data for Lower Cretaceous alkali feldspar granites from the Mingshui–Jilasitai–Suolun area. The SIMS zircon dating results indicate that these granites formed at 133.6–135.9 Ma. The mineralogical, petrographical and geochemical data show that these granitic rocks belong to highly fractionated I-type granites. Combined with the regional geology data, we propose that the formation of the Lower Cretaceous alkali feldspar granitic rocks was related to an extension induced by delamination of the lithosphere that arose from subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate.


2017 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
YUPING SU ◽  
JIANPING ZHENG ◽  
LILI LIANG ◽  
HONGKUN DAI ◽  
JUNHONG ZHAO ◽  
...  

AbstractThe granitic rocks of the Tarim large igneous province (LIP) are temporally and spatially related to mafic intrusions. However, their tectonic setting and genetic relationship are debated. Here, we report geochemical, and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic results for three alkali feldspar granitic plutons in the Halajun area, western margin of the Tarim Block. Zircon U–Pb ages suggest these plutons were emplaced at 268–275 Ma, coeval with the neighbouring mafic–ultramafic complexes and syenitic rocks. These granitic rocks have high contents of SiO2, alkalis, Rb, Th, Zr and REE (except Eu), and high ratios of FeO*/MgO and Ga/Al, and show strong depletions in Ba, Sr, Eu, which are commonly observed in the A1-type granites. Zircon Hf isotopes reveal a limited range ofεHf(t) values from −1.0 to +3.5 for different samples from three granitic plutons, obviously higher than those (mostly <0) of the mafic rocks. This distinct difference, along with a Daly gap and small volume of mafic rocks, argues against extreme fractionation of mafic magma as the main origin of the A1-type granites. Instead the A1-type granites were most likely derived from partial melting of newly underplated rocks triggered by the upwelling asthenosphere, followed by extensive fractionation. These A1-type granites were emplaced within an anorogenic setting during the late stage of the Tarim LIP, which possibly lasts for more than 30 Ma. The Piqiang mafic–ultramafic complex directly stemmed from asthenospheric mantle and Halajun A1-type granites represent two manners of vertical crustal growth.


Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Shuai Han ◽  
Mingchao Li ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Lingguang Song

Discrimination diagrams can be used to distinguish different tectonic settings of igneous rocks. To improve the quality and efficiency of the design of discrimination diagrams, an automatic design and assessment method for discrimination diagrams is proposed based on topology theory. The method is aimed at programming the traditional process of discrimination diagram design, enabling computers to simulate the visual discrimination process. It thus automatically designs tectonic setting discrimination diagrams by investigating all possible combinations of geochemical elements. In the experiment, analyses of 3803 gabbro samples were collected from three tectonic settings, including island arc, ocean island, and mid-oceanic ridge. Using the proposed method, we found thousands of discrimination diagrams with fields overlapping less than 10%. By analyzing these diagrams, the most critical elements (or element ratio pairs) are identified. Based on the result, the feasibility of using gabbroic rocks to discriminate between tectonic settings is illustrated and four representative discrimination diagrams, including the La/Y–Nb/Ba diagram, Nb/Sc–Sc/Ba diagram, Ba/Nb–Ba/Sc diagram, and La/Na2O–Nb/Ba diagram, are recommended for use. This research supports the view that gabbroic rocks can also be used to discriminate between different tectonic settings. The method could also be applied to other rock types.


Author(s):  
A. Ewart ◽  
R. W. Schon ◽  
B. W. Chappell

ABSTRACTSilicic and minor intermediate and mafic pyroclastics, lavas, and dykes occupy a NW-trending zone through the Whitsunday, Cumberland and Northumberland Island groups, and locally areas on the adjacent mainland, over a distance of more than 300 km along the central Queensland coast. K-Ar and Rb-Sr data indicate an age range of 95–132 Ma, with the main activity approximately between 105–120 Ma; there is, however, evidence for easterly increasing ages. Comagmatic granites, some clearly intrusive into the volcanics, occur together with two localised areas of Triassic potassic granites (229 Ma), that form the immediate basement.The volcanics are dominantly rhyolitic to dacitic lithic ignimbrites, with intercalated surge and bedded tuffs, accretionary lapilli tuffs, and lag deposits. Associated rock types include isolated rhyolitic and dacitic domes, and volumetrically minor andesite and rare basalt flows. The sequence is cut by abundant dykes, especially in the northern region and adjacent mainland, ranging from dolerite through andesite, dacite and rhyolite. Dyke orientations show maxima between NW-NNE. Isotope data, similarities in petrography and mineralogy, and alteration patterns all suggest dyke intrusion to be broadly contemporaneous with volcanism. The thickness of the volcanics is unconstrained, although in the Whitsunday area, minimum thicknesses of >1 km are inferred. Eruptive centres are believed to occur throughout the region, and include at least two areas of caldera-style collapse. The sequences are thus considered as predominantly intracaldera.The phenocryst mineralogy is similar to modern “orogenic” volcanics. Phases include plagioclase, augite, hypersthene (uralitised), magnetite, ilmenite, with less common hornblende, and even rarer quartz, sanidine, and biotite. Fe-enriched compositions only develop in some high-silica rhyolites. The granites range from quartz diorite to granite s.s., and some contain spectacular concentrations of partially disaggregated dioritic inclusions.Chemically, the suite ranges continuously from basalt to high-silica rhyolite, with calc-alkali to high-K affinities, and geochemical signatures similar to modern subduction-related magmas. Only the high-silica rhyolites and granites exhibit evidence of extensive fractional crystallisation (e.g. pronounced Eu anomalies). Variation within the suite can only satisfactorily be modelled in terms of two component mixing, with superimposed crystal fractionation. Nd and Sr isotope compositions are relatively coherent, with εNd + 2·2 to +7·3, and ISr (calculated at 110 and 115 Ma) 0·7031-0·7044. These are relatively primitive, and imply mantle and/or newly accreted crustal magma sources.The two end-members proposed are within-plate tholeiitic melt, and ?low-silica rhyolitic melts generated by partial fusion of Permian (to ?Carboniferous) arc and arc basement. The arc-like geochemistry is thus considered to be source inherited. The tectonic setting for Cretaceous volcanism is correlated with updoming and basin rifting during the early stages of continental breakup, culminating in the opening of the Tasman Basin. Cretaceous volcanism is also recognised in the Maryborough Basin (S Queensland), the Lord Howe Rise, and New Caledonia, indicating the regional extent of volcanism associated with the complex breakup of the eastern Australasian continent margin.


Author(s):  
Piyasi Bharasa ◽  
Anadi Gayen

Architectures created through the cutting of naturally occurred massive rocks include different structures, buildings, tombs, monuments, caves and sculptures. On account of hard and tough property, the granite is considered as strong construction stone in human history. Granite is very common in the continental crust of our mother earth. It is characterised as coarse grained plutonic intrusive igneous rock and is composed of quartz, alkali feldspar and plagioclase. Typical mineralogical character and textural varieties of granite facilitates to develop a wide range of colours, which include white, pink and grey etc. Granite rocks established itself as praiseworthy architecture stone since historical past because of its distinctive character like durability, appreciable finishing, fascinating polish nature and above all its magnificent colour diversities. As architectural stone, the granitic rocks demand attraction owing to the combination of style and elegance. The application of granitic rocks is witnessed in the ancient world through the mesmerising major architectures in India and around the world like Mount Rushmore, Washington Monument, Great Pyramid of Giza; Ajanta and Ellora caves, monolithic structure in the Zagwe-built Lalibela in Ethiopia along with in most of the long-lived old Indian temples, old forts and monuments etc. The monolithic free-standing architecture is generally rock-cut structures as depicted in the Ellora Kailasanathar Temple. The biggest monolithic statue in world, the Gommateshwara statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola present in the Indian state at Karnataka was carved in the 983 CE from a single block of granite rock. The radioactivity stuff in the granite is an important concern to the people in recent world. Even though the impact of radioactivity is proved mostly very less harmful to mankind, current research indicates that few granite products are showing radioactive substance index beyond permissible limit of the specified standard, which is responsible for environmental pollution during the use for long. Therefore, due attention is required towards the pertinent issue of radioactivity in the granite stones. Apart from granite, many of the architectures in India are created by the other rock types that include rocks like sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks.


1988 ◽  
Vol 52 (368) ◽  
pp. 577-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. T. Leat ◽  
R. N. Thompson ◽  
M. A. Morrison ◽  
G. L. Hendry ◽  
A. P. Dickin

AbstractThe rock association of minette with silicic lavas and intrusions (granites, syenites, dacites) is a common geologic feature in both collisional and extensional tectonic settings. Considerable doubt exists as to whether a genetic link exists between these mafic and silicic rocks. We describe a Miocene sill from NW Colorado which is a clear example of a mixed magma consisting of originally-liquid inclusions of minette in a silicic trachydacite host. Chemical and Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic data are consistent with derivation of the silicic host magma of the sill dominantly by fractional crystallization of the minette magma. Correlations between the elemental compositions of the rock types and their Sr and Nd isotopic ratios imply minor assimilation of continental crust with relatively low values of both 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd, concomitantly with fractional crystallization. The parental minette magma was probably derived by partial melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle. While the sill was emplaced in a rift-like tectonic setting, the chemical and isotopic composition of the lithosphere-derived minette magmas (and hence the silicic fractionates) was largely independent of this setting, but dependent upon the composition and age of the lithospheric mantle and crust.


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