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The term orogenic gold deposits has been widely accepted, but there has been continuing debate on their genesis. Early syn-sedimentary or syn-volcanic models and hydrothermal meteoric-fluid models are now invalid. Magmatic-hydrothermal models fail because of the lack of consistent spatially associated granitic intrusions and inconsistent temporal relationships. The most plausible models involve metamorphic fluids, but the source of these fluids is equivocal. Intra-basin sources within deeper segments of the hosting supracrustal successions, the underlying continental crust, subducted oceanic lithosphere with its overlying sediment wedge, and metasomatized lithosphere are all potential sources. Several features of Precambrian orogenic gold deposits are inconsistent with derivation from a continental metamorphic-fluid source. These include the presence of hypozonal deposits in amphibolite-facies domains, their anomalous multiple sulfur isotopic compositions, and problems of derivation of gold-related elements from devolatilization of dominant basalts in the sequences. The Phanerozoic deposits are largely described as hosted in greenschist-facies domains, consistent with supracrustal devolatilization models. A notable exception is the Jiaodong gold deposits of China, where ca. 120-Ma gold deposits are hosted in Precambrian crust that was metamorphosed over 2000 million years prior to gold mineralization. Other deposits in China are comparable to those in the Massif Central and elsewhere in France, in that they are hosted in amphibolite-facies domains or clearly post-date regional metamorphic events imposed on hosting supracrustal sequences. If all orogenic gold deposits have a common genesis, the only realistic source of fluid and gold is from devolatilization of a subducted oceanic slab with its overlying gold-bearing sulfide-rich sedimentary package, or the associated metasomatized mantle wedge, with CO2 released during decarbonation and S- and ore-related elements released from transformation of pyrite to pyrrhotite at about 500 °C. Although this model satisfies all geological, geochronological, isotopic, and geochemical constraints, and is consistent with limited computer-based modeling of fluid release from subduction zones, the precise mechanisms of fluid flux are model-driven and remain uncertain. From an exploration viewpoint, the model re-emphasizes the ubiquitous occurrence of orogenic gold deposits in subduction-related orogenic belts and importance of continental-scale lithosphere-tapping fault and shear zones to focus large volumes of auriferous fluid. It confirms the importance of the consistent spacing between world-class deposits, broadly equivalent to the depth of the Moho, as derived from empirical observations.

The intimate spatial relationship between the Jiajika Li-rich pegmatites (hosting the largest Li ore deposit in China) and the Majingzi granite pluton allows us to explore the origin of pegmatites and associated Li-mineralization mechanism by examining the trace elements and Sr–Nd–Li isotopes of the two rock units in eastern Tibetan plateau. The Jiajika Li-rich pegmatites show extremely low CaO, TFe 2 O 3 , MgO, Sr and Ba, and high Li and Rb when compared with the adjacent Majingzi two-mica granite, and their initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7212–0.7249, obtained from apatite) are significantly higher than those of the granite and the surrounding Xikang Group metapelites (0.7128–0.7163). Whole rock Li isotopes analyses yield δ 7 Li values of + 0.3 to + 1.9‰ for the Jiajika Li-rich pegmatites, − 0.5 to − 0.8‰ for the Majingzi two-mica granite, and − 3.2 to + 2.4‰ for the Xikang Group metapelites, respectively. Modeling studies on trace elements and Li isotopes consistently demonstrate that the Jiajika Li-rich pegmatites are unlikely to have been originated from extreme differentiation of the Majingzi two-mica granite as traditionally thought. Instead, they could be directly generated by low degrees (5–20%) of muscovite-dehydration melting of a mixed source dominated by Li-rich claystones and subordinate Xikang Group metapelites under amphibolite facies conditions. We suggest that the existence of Li-rich claystone interlayers (probably accompanied by evaporates and carbonates) in the source is crucial to pegmatitic spodumene mineralization. This explains the abundance of fluxing components and Li mineralization in the Jiajika pegmatite, and the general observation that Li-rich pegmatites always show Li isotopic compositions lighter than the Li-poor counterparts in the same orogenic belt.

Epidote‐amphibolites form along the plate interface during subduction infancy and are stable in warm, mature subduction zones that generate slow earthquakes. Epidote‐amphibolite rheology therefore likely influences plate‐scale processes during plate boundary formation and grain‐scale processes that give rise to slip transients. We present optical and electron microscopy of naturally deformed epidote‐amphibolites from beneath the Oman ophiolite (∼7–10 kbar, 400–550°C) to characterize their deformation behavior. Epidote‐amphibolites are fine‐grained, strongly foliated and lineated, and exhibit polyphase fabrics in which amphiboles (grain size ∼10–50 μm) and epidotes (grain size ∼5–20 μm) are strain‐accommodating phases. Two‐point correlation connectivity analysis demonstrates that amphiboles are well‐connected regardless of phase proportions/distributions. Chemical analysis and electron backscatter diffraction reveals amphibole syn‐kinematic metamorphic zonations, strong crystallographic and shape ‐ preferred orientations (CPOs and SPOs), subgrain geometries indicating (hk0)[001] slip, and high average Grain Orientation Spreads (GOS; ∼6°), interpreted as coupled dissolution‐precipitation creep (DPC) and dislocation glide. Epidotes record weak CPOs, low intragranular misorientations, moderate SPOs, and low GOS (∼0–2°), interpreted as deformation by DPC. Depending on phase distributions, epidote‐amphibolite rheology can be approximated as interconnected weak layers of amphibole dissolution creep or a composite rheology of plasticity and fluid‐assisted/diffusion‐accommodated creep. We estimate stress from quartz piezometry (∼30–45 MPa) and strain rates from flow laws and geologic data (6 · 10−11 to 10−13 s−1), and calculate equivalent viscosities of <1018 Pa‐s. On tectonic timescales, such low viscosities are consistent with epidote‐amphibolites serving as strain localizing agents during subduction infancy. On seismic timescales, coupled dislocation glide and diffusion creep exemplify a strain‐hardening deformation state that could culminate in creep transients. Key Points Amphibole deforms via coupled dissolution‐precipitation creep (DPC) and dislocation glide, and epidote deforms by DPC Low estimated effective viscosities (<1018, Pa‐s) are consistent with epidote‐amphibolites localizing strain during subduction infancy Coupled diffusive and dislocation mechanisms may lead to strain hardening, which could give rise to creep transients

Granulite facies rocks frequently show a large spread in their zircon ages, the interpretation of which raises questions: Has the isotopic system been disturbed? By what process(es) and conditions did the alteration occur? Can the dates be regarded as real ages, reflecting several growth episodes? Furthermore, under some circumstances of (ultra-)high-temperature metamorphism, decoupling of zircon U–Pb dates from their trace element geochemistry has been reported. Understanding these processes is crucial to help interpret such dates in the context of the P–T history. Our study presents evidence for decoupling in zircon from the highest grade metapelites (> 850 °C) taken along a continuous high-temperature metamorphic field gradient in the Ivrea Zone (NW Italy). These rocks represent a well-characterised segment of Permian lower continental crust with a protracted high-temperature history. Cathodoluminescence images reveal that zircons in the mid-amphibolite facies preserve mainly detrital cores with narrow overgrowths. In the upper amphibolite and granulite facies, preserved detrital cores decrease and metamorphic zircon increases in quantity. Across all samples we document a sequence of four rim generations based on textures. U–Pb dates, Th/U ratios and Ti-in-zircon concentrations show an essentially continuous evolution with increasing metamorphic grade, except in the samples from the granulite facies, which display significant scatter in age and chemistry. We associate the observed decoupling of zircon systematics in high-grade non-metamict zircon with disturbance processes related to differences in behaviour of non-formula elements (i.e. Pb, Th, U, Ti) at high-temperature conditions, notably differences in compatibility within the crystal structure.

Subduction zone magnetic anomalies have previously been used to infer their thermal structure assuming a uniformly serpentinized mantle carries a homogeneous, isotropic magnetization. However, seismic tomography, geological observations and numerical modeling provide increasing evidence for a non‐uniformly serpentinized mantle wedge that may carry heterogeneous magnetization. In this study, we characterize the rock magnetic properties in variably serpentinized samples from Santa Catalina Island/Pimu'nga in California, USA, and uncover at least two populations of magnetite formed during metamorphism and serpentinization of the mantle wedge. All samples contain Cr‐magnetite, which is believed to form through the amphibolite facies metamorphism of Cr‐spinel under high fluid:rock ratios, as opposed to serpentinization reactions, which have been invoked for mantle wedge magnetism in the past. Heavily serpentinized samples contain stoichiometric magnetite associated with serpentinization reactions under wedge conditions. We propose that the observed magnetic anomalies above subduction zones are primarily controlled by two factors: (a) the extent of fluids available for metamorphism of the mantle wedge and the transformation of Cr‐spinel to Cr‐magnetite and (b) the extent of subsequent serpentinization which may generate a layer of heavily serpentinized rock containing a mixture of Cr‐ and stoichiometric magnetite at the base of the mantle wedge. This proposal precludes the direct connection between subduction zone magnetic anomalies and thermal structure without prior characterization of fluid availability for both metamorphism and serpentinization, and its implications on wedge magnetic mineralogy.

Many workers accept a metamorphic model for orogenic gold ore formation, where a gold-bearing aqueous-carbonic fluid is an inherent product of devolatilization across the greenschist-amphibolite boundary with the majority of deposits formed within the seismogenic zone at depths of 6–12 km. Fertile oceanic rocks that source fluid and metal may be heated through varied tectonic scenarios affecting the deforming upper crust (≤ 20–25 km depth). Less commonly, oceanic cover and crust on a downgoing slab may release an aqueous-carbonic metamorphic fluid at depths of 25–50 km that travels up-dip along a sealed plate boundary until intersecting near-vertical structures that facilitate fluid migration and gold deposition in an upper crustal environment. Nevertheless, numerous world-class orogenic gold deposits are alternatively argued to be products of magmatic-hydrothermal processes based upon equivocal geochemical and mineralogical data or simply a spatial association with an exposed or hypothesized intrusion. Oxidized intrusions may form gold-bearing porphyry and epithermal ores in the upper 3–4 km of the crust, but their ability to form economic gold resources at mesozonal (≈ 6–12 km) and hypozonal (≈ > 12 km) depths is limited. Although volatile saturation may be reached in magmatic systems at depths as deep as 10–15 km, such saturation doesn’t indicate magmatic-hydrothermal fluid release. Volatiles typically will be channeled upward in magma and mush to brittle apical roof zones at epizonal levels (≈ < 6 km) before large pressure gradients are reached to rapidly release a focused fluid. Furthermore, gold and sulfur solubility relationships favor relatively shallow formation of magmatic-hydrothermal gold systems; although aqueous-carbonic fluid release from a magmatic system below 6 km would generally be diffuse, even if in cases where it was somehow better focused, it is unlikely to contain substantial gold. Where reduced intrusions form through assimilation of carbonaceous crustal material, subsequent high fluid pressures and hydrofracturing have been shown to lead to development of sheeted veins and greisens at depths of 3–6 km. These products of reduced magmatic-hydrothermal systems, however, typically form Sn and or W ores, with economic low grade gold occurrences (< 1 g/t Au) being formed in rare cases. Thus, whereas most moderate- to high-T orogens host orogenic gold and intrusions, there is no genetic association.

Aseismic megathrust slip downdip of the seismogenic zone is accommodated by either steady creep or episodic slow slip events (SSEs). However, the geological conditions defining the rheology of megathrust slip remain elusive. We examined exhumed subduction mélanges on Kyushu, Japan, which deformed at ∼370–500°C under greenschist to epidote‐amphibolite facies conditions, comparable to warm‐slab environments. The mélanges recorded fluid release and viscous shear localization associated with metasomatic reactions between juxtaposed metapelitic and metabasaltic rocks. Metasomatic reactions caused albitization of metapelite, resulting in depth‐dependent changes to megathrust rheology. In a mélange deformed at ∼370°C, very fine grained reaction products (metasomatic albite) facilitated grain boundary diffusion creep at stresses of ∼45 MPa, less than those in the surrounding metabasalt. Mineralogical and chemical changes during metasomatic reactions, and their field content, imply an onset of albite metasomatism at ∼350°C. Albite metasomatism therefore potentially contributed to decreased megathrust strength around the inferred thermally controlled base of the seismogenic zone. In a mélange deformed near the mantle wedge corner at ∼500°C, metasomatic reactions promoted local quartz vein formation and localized viscous shear at slow slip strain rates, during which the coarse‐grained metasomatic albite behaved as relatively rigid blocks in a viscous matrix. We suggest that albite metasomatism can facilitate changes in a megathrust slip mode with depth and may explain why slip mode changes from creep to SSEs with tremor with increasing depth. Plain Language Summary Along tectonic plate boundaries, where one plate slips beneath another, plate movement occurs by processes including large and devastating earthquakes slipping at meters/second, very small earthquakes called tectonic tremor, slow slip events (SSEs) slipping at millimeters/day, and steady creep slipping at centimeters/year. However, the factors controlling where these different slip styles occur remain poorly understood. On Kyushu, Japan, ancient plate boundary rocks have been exposed by uplift and erosion. Our measurements of structures and rock chemistry in these rocks revealed that chemical reactions between subducted basalts and sediments may influence the plate boundary slip behavior. In rocks that deformed near ∼370°C, chemical reactions produced very fine grained rocks that caused local weakening within the plate boundary. This could explain why the plate boundary slip behavior changes from frictional to viscous near the downdip of the seismogenic zone at ∼350°C. In rocks that deformed at ∼500°C, near where slow slip and tremor events occur, chemical reactions promoted quartz vein formation that may represent tremor and localized viscous shear at faster strain rates than in surrounding rocks. This could explain the occurrence of tectonic tremors and SSEs. Key Points Exhumed mélange shear zones deformed downdip of the seismogenic zone recorded albite metasomatism during subduction Very fine grained albite facilitated shear zone weakening by grain boundary diffusion creep near the base of the seismogenic zone Albite metasomatism promoted viscous shear localization at an increased strain rate near the mantle wedge corner

We present here a tectonic-geodynamic model for the generation and flow of partially molten rocks and for magmatism during the Variscan orogenic evolution from the Silurian to the late Carboniferous based on a synthesis of geological data from the French Massif Central. Eclogite facies metamorphism of mafic and ultramafic rocks records the subduction of the Gondwana hyperextended margin. Part of these eclogites are forming boudins-enclaves in felsic HP granulite facies migmatites partly retrogressed into amphibolite facies attesting for continental subduction followed by thermal relaxation and decompression. We propose that HP partial melting has triggered mechanical decoupling of the partially molten continental rocks from the subducting slab. This would have allowed buoyancy-driven exhumation and entrainment of pieces of oceanic lithosphere and subcontinental mantle. Geochronological data of the eclogite-bearing HP migmatites points to diachronous emplacement of distinct nappes from middle to late Devonian. These nappes were thrusted onto metapelites and orthogneisses affected by MP/MT greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphism reaching partial melting attributed to the late Devonian to early Carboniferous thickening of the crust. The emplacement of laccoliths rooted into strike-slip transcurrent shear zones capped by low-angle detachments from c. 345 to c. 310 Ma is concomitant with the southward propagation of the Variscan deformation front marked by deposition of clastic sediments in foreland basins. We attribute these features to horizontal growth of the Variscan belt and formation of an orogenic plateau by gravity-driven lateral flow of the partially molten orogenic root. The diversity of the magmatic rocks points to various crustal sources with modest, but systematic mantle-derived input. In the eastern French Massif Central, the southward decrease in age of the mantle- and crustal-derived plutonic rocks from c. 345 Ma to c. 310 Ma suggests southward retreat of a northward subducting slab toward the Paleotethys free boundary. Late Carboniferous destruction of the Variscan belt is dominantly achieved by gravitational collapse accommodated by the activation of low-angle detachments and the exhumation-crystallization of the partially molten orogenic root forming crustal-scale LP migmatite domes from c. 305 Ma to c. 295 Ma, coeval with orogen-parallel flow in the external zone. Laccoliths emplaced along low-angle detachments and intrusive dykes with sharp contacts correspond to the segregation of the last melt fraction leaving behind a thick accumulation of refractory LP felsic and mafic granulites in the lower crust. This model points to the primordial role of partial melting and magmatism in the tectonic-geodynamic evolution of the Variscan orogenic belt. In particular, partial melting and magma transfer (i) triggers mechanical decoupling of subducted units from the downgoing slab and their syn-orogenic exhumation; (ii) the development of an orogenic plateau by lateral flow of the low-viscosity partially molten crust; and, (iii) the formation of metamorphic core complexes and domes that accommodate post-orogenic exhumation during gravitational collapse. All these processes contribute to differentiation and stabilisation of the orogenic crust. Nous présentons dans ce papier un modèle géodynamique-tectonique pour la genèse et le fluage des roches partiellement fondues et le magmatisme au cours de l’évolution orogénique Varisque du Silurien au Carbonifère supérieur basé sur une synthèse des données géologiques du Massif Central Français. La subduction de la marge du Gondwana hyper-étirée est enregistré par des roches mafiques et ultramafiques affectées par un métamorphisme en faciès éclogitique. Ces éclogites forment pour certaines des boudins-enclaves dans des migmatites felsiques avec des reliques de faciès granulitique de HP retrogradées en faciès amphibolitique, ce qui atteste de la subduction de la marge continentale suivie d’une relaxation thermique et d’une décompression. Nous proposons que la fusion partielle à HP ait déclenché le découplage mécanique entre la plaque plongeante et les unités continentales partiellement fondues. Ceci a permis l’exhumation de ces roches gravitairement instables qui ont entrainé sur leur passage des blocs de lithosphère océanique et de manteau sous-continental. Les données géochronologiques disponibles sur les migmatites de HP contenant des éclogites indique une mise en place diachronique de nappes du Dévonien moyen au Dévonien Supérieur. Ces nappes ont chevauché un assemblage de métapélites et d’orthogneiss affectées par un métamorphisme de MP/MT allant du faciès schistes verts à amphibolite atteignant localement la fusion partielle et attribué à l’épaississement crustal du Dévonien supérieur au Carbonifère moyen. La mise en place de laccolithes enracinés dans des zones de cisaillement décrochantes et surmontés de détachements à faible pendage de c. 345 à c. 310 Ma est synchrone de la propagation vers le Sud du front de déformation Varisque marqué par le dépôt de sédiments détritiques dans les bassins d’avant-pays. Nous attribuons ces éléments à la croissance horizontale de la ceinture Varisque associée à la formation d’un plateau orogénique par fluage latéral de la racine orogénique partiellement fondue sous l’effet de la force gravitaire. La diversité des roches magmatiques témoigne d’une variété des sources crustales avec une contribution relativement modeste mais systématique de magmas issus du manteau. Dans la partie Est du Massif Central Français, la décroissance vers le Sud des âges de mise en place des magmas dérivés à la fois du manteau et de la croûte suggère le retrait d’un panneau plongeant vers le Nord vers la bordure libre constituée par la Paléotethys et située au Sud de la ceinture Varisque. La destruction de la chaine Varisque à la fin du Carbonifère est principalement le résultat de l’effondrement gravitaire accommodé par l’activation de détachements à faible pendage et l’exhumation-cristallisation de la racine orogénique partiellement fondue formant des dômes d’échelle crustale à cœur de migmatites de BP entre c. 305 et 295 Ma, concomitante au fluage latéral des unités de la zone externe de la chaine. Les derniers magmas extraits de la zone de fusion partielle forment des dykes et des laccolithes mis en place dans des détachements à faible pendage laissant derrière eux une croûte inférieure constituée de l’accumulation de granulites réfractaires de composition felsique à mafique. Ce modèle met en valeur le rôle primordial de la fusion partielle et du magmatisme sur l’évolution tectonique-géodynamique de la ceinture orogénique Varisque. En particulier, la fusion partielle et le transfert de magma (i) déclenchent le découplage mécanique entre le panneau plongeant et les unités subductées, permettant ainsi l’exhumation de ces dernières, (ii) favorisent le développement d’un plateau orogénique par fluage latéral de la croûte partiellement fondue de faible viscosité sous l’effet de la gravité, (iii) conduisent à la formation de metamorphic core complex et de domes qui accommodent l’exhumation post-orogénique au cours de l’effondrement gravitaire de la chaine. Tous ces processus contribuent à la différenciation et à la stabilisation de la croûte orogénique.

The Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Shillong Basin of the Assam-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex is exposed in parts of Northeast India. The studied metadolerites are from the volcano-sedimentary sequence of Shillong Basin from the Borjuri area in the Mikir Massif. This episode of mafic magmatism can be correlated with the Columbia supercontinent formation and bears significance to its reconstruction. The present work discusses the field, petrography and geochemical characteristics of the metadolerites, which occur in close association with the quartzites of the Shillong Group of rocks (metasedimentary rocks of the Shillong Basin). Our data show distinctive characteristics of subduction-related magmatism exhibiting high LREE/HREE, large ion lithophile element/high field strength element ratios and pronounced negative Nb anomaly. Elemental ratios such as Zr/Ba (0.21–0.46), La/Nb (1.23–2.32) and Ba/Nb (30.08–56.90) point to a fluid-enriched lithospheric mantle source in a subduction regime. Metadolerites plot in the field of ‘back-arc basin basalts’ in tectonic discrimination diagrams reinforcing a subduction zone tectonic setting. The mafic rocks correspond to a 6–10 % partial melting of a mantle source incorporating spinel+garnet lherzolite. The metamorphic P-T of the metadolerites estimated from plagioclase-hornblende geothermobarometer (7–8 kbar, 664 °C) is indicative of amphibolite facies metamorphism in a medium P-T zone. Based on the comparative analysis of field observation, petrography, geochemistry and geological ages given by previous workers, we infer that the Shillong Basin represents a back-arc rift region and is the eastern continuation of the Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex marking continuation of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone to the Mikir Massif.

We use U–Pb dating of allanite and REE-rich epidote in three polymetamorphosed units from the Eastern Alps to constrain the timing of prograde metamorphism. All three units (Ennstal, Wölz and Rappold Complex) record several metamorphic cycles (Variscan, Permian and Eoalpine) and presently define an Eoalpine (Cretaceous) metamorphic field gradient from lower greenschist to amphibolite facies. For U–Pb data, a method is introduced to test the magnitude of 230 Th disequilibrium and potentially approximate the Th/U ratio of the reservoir out of which allanite and REE-rich epidote grew. We also show that the modelled stability of epidote-group minerals in the REE-free MnNCKFMASH and MnNCKFMASHTO systems and REE-bearing systems is nearly identical. By combining the stability fields of (clino-)zoisite and epidote modelled in REE-free systems with known geothermal gradients for the region, REE-rich epidote growth is constrained to 200–450 °C and 0.2–0.8 GPa during prograde metamorphism. In the Rappold Complex, allanite cores yield a Variscan age of ca. 327 Ma. In the Ennstal and Wölz Complex, allanite growth during the Permian event occurred at ca. 279–286 Ma. Importantly, recrystallized allanite laths and REE-rich epidote overgrowths in samples from all three units yield prograde Eoalpine ages of ca. 100 Ma, even though these units subsequently reached different peak conditions, most likely at different times. This suggests that all units were buried roughly at the same time during the onset of Eoalpine continental subduction. This interpretation leaves room for the model proposing that diachronous peak metamorphic conditions reported for the field gradient may be related to the inertia of thermal equilibration rather than tectonic processes.