Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2024, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (3): 1-19.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.9.42

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Geochemical characteristics, genesis and geological significance of Quedingbu-Luqu peridotites in the Xigaze area, middle Yarlung Zangbo suture zone

CHEN Guochao1,2,3(), ZHANG Xiaofei4,*(), PEI Xianzhi2, PEI Lei2, LI Zuochen2, LIU Chengjun2, LI Ruibao2   

  1. 1. School of Civil Engineering, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang 473000, China
    2. School of Earth Science and Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    3. Key Laboratory of Metallogeny and Mineral Assessment, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing 100037, China
    4. Development and Research Centre, China Geological Survey, Beijing 100037, China
  • Received:2023-03-01 Revised:2023-10-27 Online:2024-05-25 Published:2024-05-25

Abstract:

The Xigaze ophiolite is a significant feature of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, yet its origin and tectonic setting have been subject to debate. This study focuses on the ophiolite in the Quedingbu-Luqu area of Xigaze. Through detailed field geology, petrology, mineral chemistry, and petrochemistry analyses, it is established that the ophiolite predominantly comprises harzburgite with minor occurrences of gabbro, diabase, and basal. A comparison between the Quedingbu and Luqu harzburgite reveals differences in olivine composition, with the former exhibiting lower Fo values, and variations in Al2O3 and Cr2O3 content in orthopyroxene. Moreover, clinopyroxene displays higher Al2O3 and Cr# values, while spinel shows lower Cr# and TiO2 contents. The Quedingbu-Luqu harzburgite is characterized by high MgO content and low Al2O3, CaO, and TiO2 contents. The total rare earth element (REE) contents range from 0.17×10-6 to 1.63×10-6, lower than those of primitive and depleted mantle. Luqu harzburgite exhibits high LREE/HREE and (La/Yb)N ratios, while Quedingbu harzburgite shows lower values. Luqu harzburgite displays a LREE-enriched U-type REE distribution pattern, whereas Quedingbu harzburgite exhibits a LREE-depleted left dipping REE distribution pattern. The large ion lithophile elements Rb and Ba in Luqu harzburgite are higher than in Quedingbu harzburgite, while K and Sr are lower. The Quedingbu-Luqu harzburgite likely originates from spinel lherzolite in the mantle. The mineral chemistry and whole-rock geochemical characteristics of Quedingbu-Luqu harzburgite resemble that of deep-sea mantle peridotite. Quedingbu harzburgite represents residue from 10% to 15% partial melting, while Luqu harzburgite represents residue from 20% to 25% partial melting. The formation of Quedingbu-Luqu harzburgite occurred in a slow to ultra-slow extensional ocean ridge environment. The diversity of the Xigaze ophiolite is closely tied to the degree of partial melting in the source and subsequent melt/fluid metasomatism.

Key words: Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, Quedingbu-Luqu ophiolite, peridotite, petrogenesis

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