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Lithos
Elsevier Science B.V.
Lithos

Elsevier Science B.V.

0024-4937

Lithos/Journal LithosSCIISTP
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    The geochemistry of recent Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo potassic lavas, Virunga Volcanic Province, and implications on the enrichment processes in the mantle lithosphere of the Tanzania-Congo craton

    S. MinissaleM. CasaliniC. Cucciniello
    16页
    查看更多>>摘要:We here investigate the gee-chemical and isotopic variability of primitive and evolved magmas of the Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo volcanic complexes (Virunga Volcanic Province, western branch of the east African Rift), including the very last products of the Nyiragongo's May 22, 2021 eruptive event and the Nyamulagira lava lake in February 2020. The different degree of silica undersaturation (i.e., potassic basanites/tephrites at Nyamulagira vs. potassic olivine melilitites/melilite nephelinites at Nyiragongo) and distinct incompatible element enrichment between the two volcanoes (e.g., Zr/Nb = 3.3-4 at Nyamulagira vs. Zr/Nb = 1.2-2.1 at Nyiragongo) are remarkable. Concentration of volatile elements (especially F and S) increases with the degree of magmatic evolution, and is also markedly different at the same level of magma evolution for the products of the two volcanic complexes, suggesting distinct volatile concentration of the primary magmas. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic range (e.g., ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr = 0.7052-0.7059 at Nyamulagira vs. ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr = 0.7045-0.7047 at Nyiragongo; ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb = 19.19-19.31 at Nyamulagira vs. ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb = 19.41-19.75 at Nyiragongo) overlaps with previous analyses obtained in the Virunga Volcanic Province (VVP), and is discussed with respect to other potassic/ ultrapotassic rocks from different tectonic settings. The Ba/Nb and La/Nb ratios and Cs concentration of Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo indicate a negligible role for subducted sediments as a mantle-added geochemical component, as instead took place in the source of other primitive potassic/ ultrapotassic rocks such as those of the Roman Volcanic Province. The genesis of the primitive lavas of Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo is related to partial melting of a heterogeneous lithospheric peridotite hosting phlogopite and variable amounts of carbonates, which was moderately to highly enriched in incompatible elements, particularly Nb, Ta, LREE, (K), Ba and Sr. No high-temperature (plume), asthenospheric components or pyroxenites are evident or unambiguously detectable.

    Multiple crustal and mantle inputs in post-collisional magmatism: Evidence from late-Variscan Sarrabus pluton (SE Sardinia, Italy)

    F. SecchiT. GiovanardiS. Naitza
    15页
    查看更多>>摘要:The Sarrabus pluton is formed by multiple short-lived intrusions emplaced at about 286 Ma at shallow crustal levels within the external part of the South Variscan Orogenic Belt. A chemical and Sr and Nd isotopic study on the Variscan post-collisional magmadsm from the Sarrabus pluton reveals the repeated bimodal character of the intrusions, in which heterogeneous crustal sources and mantle-derived calcalkaline magmas are involved. Products of this magmatic activity occur as intrusive units and mafic/felsic dykes intruded in post-collisional regime along extensional faults during tectonic exhumation. Pluton growth started with an early stage of emplacement of broadly granodioritic magma with subordinate mafic magma batches (stage 2) followed by large intrusions of metaluminous to subaluminous and subordinately peraluminous granites (stage 2). In stage 1, the occurrence of remnants of stratified olivine-bearing gabbroic rocks indicates the intrusion of mafic magmas which experienced low-pressure crystal/liquid fractionation. Mafic magmas may represent an external heat supply for melting of different crustal materials belonging to an inferred Precambrian crystalline basement underlying the Paleozoic rocks of the Variscan nappe pile. Strong evidence for heterogeneous crustal sources is constrained by isotope data. Peraluminous granites and felsic dikes display initial ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr in the range of 0.7140/0.7215 and a roughly constant εNd_(286) (-7.4 to -7.5). Conversely, a peculiar less radiogenic character, in the range of 0.7030/0.7067/-5.5/- 6.2, is observed for metaluminous to subaluminous varieties. Calculated Neodymium Crustal Index (NCI) confirmed a progressive increase in crustal magmas generation during the pluton growth, from stage 1, recording minor mixing processes between mande- and crustal-derived peraluminous melts, to stage 2, where extensive crustal melting occurred, originating metaluminous to subaluminous granites. Possible crustal sources for metaluminous/subaluminous and peraluminous granites are (Pan-African) amphibolites and metasedimentary rocks, respectively. Two-stage depleted-mande Nd model ages cluster at 1.4 and 1.6 Ga for metaluminous/subaluminous and peraluminous granites, respectively, well comparable with other segments of the European Variscan belt. Remarkably, last magmatic pulses resulted in widespread subalkaline bimodal mafic/felsic dykes that overlapped the Sr-Nd signature recorded by major intrusions. This similar geochemical affinity between late dykes and the first intrusives may be related to decreasing temperature in the crust, which inhibited extensive mixing processes with the upwelling melts. At the same time, the presence of felsic intrusions in the shallow crust would have prevented the rise of more primitive basic magmas, which would have consolidated at depth. Finally, the high radiogenic character of Sarrabus mafic products, compared to coeval Variscan mafic rocks of Corsica and northern Sardinia, may be indicative of previous fractionation and mixing processes, possibly related to magmatic underplating of the lower crust.

    Partial melting caused by subduction of young, hot oceanic crust in shallow high-temperature and low-pressure environments: Indications from Middle and Late Jurassic oceanic plagiogranite in Shiquanhe, Central Tibet

    Li HangWang MingZeng Xiao-Wen
    21页
    查看更多>>摘要:The oceanic plagiogranites that intruded into the ophiolite suite have received a great deal of attention from researchers. Some of these plagiogranites were controlled by mid-ocean ridge spreading and were formed via crystallization of basaltic magma or partial melting of the mafic gabbroic oceanic crust. The other plagiogranites were controlled by subducted oceanic crust slabs, and their formation mechanism is similar to that of the oceanic island arcs. The identification of different types of oceanic plagiogranites is of great significance for understanding the evolution of ancient ocean basins. In the Shiquanhe-Namtso melange zone in central Tibet, scholars have recently identified many rock sequences related to intra-oceanic arcs, including MORB-like basalts, boninites, high-Mg andesites, and multiple series of granitic rocks. To further explore the formation mechanism of felsic rocks in oceanic island arcs and their role in the growth of continental crustal material, we sampled a series of Middle and Late Jurassic granitoids exposed in the ophiolitic melange belt in the Shiquanhe area. Using zircon U-Pb dating, zircon Lu-Hf isotopic testing, whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic testing and whole-rock major and trace geochemical testing, we determined the magmatic genesis and tectonic history of these samples. According to the test results and our field survey, we divided our samples into three groups. The first group consists of low-K plagiogranites (LKGs). These samples have ages that fall between 163 and 162 Ma. With their low K2O/Na2O ratios, low La/Yb ratios, low Sr/Y ratios, low Gd/Yb ratios, weak negative Eu anomalies and their significantly depleted zircon isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = 10.0-12.5; εNd(t) = 0.64-1.10), we propose that these samples are the products of partial melting of oceanic gabbro and turbidite at shallow depths in low-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The second group consists of samples from dioritic enclaves within the LKGs. These samples, which are slightly older than the LKG samples (175-173 Ma), have isotopic characteristics that are similar to those of the LKG samples (εHf(t) = 10.4-13.5; εNd(t) = 0.51-0.83). The samples in the second group may be homologous captives that formed during the early crystallization of LKG homologous magmas. The third group consists of samples with compositions of high-K granodiorites (HKGs) and ages similar to those of the LKG group (~163 Ma). With high K2O/Na2O ratios, relatively high La/Yb ratios, low Sr/Y ratios, low Gd/Yb ratios, negative Eu anomalies, significantly enriched isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = -11.1 to -15.4; εNd(t) = -13.29 to -13.43). Considering the basement exposure and known magmatic characteristics in the Shiquanhe area, we propose that HKGs samples are the result of interaction between continental subduction sediment melts and heterogeneous mantle material in high-temperature and low-pressure conditions. By comparing the oceanic plagiogranites in the Shiquanhe-Namtso melange zone with those developed in the young, hot intra-oceanic subduction zone, we determined that the oceanic plagiogranites in the Shiquanhe-Lhaguotso-Asa area are forearc granites developed in the forearc area. These plagiogranites were controlled by the young, hot subducting plate and were formed by partial melting of a multi-component source area in a high-temperature and low-pressure environment.

    An apatite trace element and Sr-Nd isotope geochemical study of syenites and carbonatite, exemplified by the Epembe alkaline-carbonatite complex, Namibia

    Mbili TshiningayamweRobert BolharPaul A.M. Nex
    16页
    查看更多>>摘要:The Epembe Alkaline Carbonatite Complex (EACC) in northwestern Namibia was emplaced along a fault zone into medium- to high-grade Palaeoproterozoic basement rocks of the Epupa Metamorphic Complex (EMC), and extends over a distance of 9 km in a south-easterly direction with a width of 1 km. Nepheline syenite with minor syenite constitute the main lithologies, cross-cut by a calcite-carbonatite dyke. Apatite grains from one syenite, six nepheline syenite and five carbonatite samples were studied using cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, trace element and Sr-Nd isotope compositions as well as U-Pb geochronology. Syenite-hosted apatite is homogenous in CL and contains the highest concentration of REE (9189-44,100 ppm) with light rare-earth element (LREE) enrichment (La_N/Yb_N = 4-91) relative to heavy (H) REE consistent with a magmatic origin. Negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu~* = 0.4-0.9) in syenite apatite are attributed to the formation of apatite in an evolved mantle-derived melt associated with plagioclase fractionation. Nepheline syenite and carbonatite-hosted apatite is also commonly homogeneous in CL, while core-rim zoning and patchy textures are observed occasionally. Both texturally homogeneous and core-rim zoned apatite are enriched in LREE (La_N/Yb_N = 24-9) relative to HREE, consistent with a magmatic origin. Core-rim zoned apatite is characterized by rim-ward increase in REE concentrations, which can be attributed to mineral fractionation. Patchy apatite is depleted in Na, Y and REE, particularly the LREE (La_N/Yb_N = 4-19) relative to other nepheline syenite apatite, reflecting interaction with fluids (metasomatism). The strontium isotope composition of metasomatic apatite and magmatic apatite is indistinct suggesting a magmatic origin of the alteration fluids. No Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu~* = 1) in chondrite-normalized REE patterns are observed in any apatite hosted by nepheline syenite and carbonatite. An LA-ICPMS U-Pb age of 1216 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 4.3, 2 SE) for apatite constrains emplacement of the syenite, while magmatic nepheline syenite apatite ages are 1193 ± 14 Ma, 1197 ± 17 Ma and 1194 ± 16 Ma (MSWDs <4.0, 2 SE). The Sr and Nd isotopic composition of apatite in syenite (~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr_((i)) = 0.7035-0.7048; ε_(Nd(t)) = +2.5 to +3.2), nepheline syenites (~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr_((i)) = 0.7031-0.7037; ε_(Nd(t)) = +1-5 to +4.4) and carbonatite (~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr_((i)) = 0.7031-0.7033; ε_(Nd(t)) = 0 to +3.3) overlap, pointing to a common but heterogeneous source, located in the sub-lithospheric mantle.

    Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of Neoproterozoic I-Type Granitoids and orthogneisses in the Goa-Mandja area, Central African Fold Belt (Cameroon)

    Bovari Syprien YomeunWei WangJean Pierre Tchouankoue
    27页
    查看更多>>摘要:The geological evolution of the Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) remains debated. The granitoids, orthogneisses and granitic veins from the Goa-Mandja area (Adamawa-Yade domain) are considered to constrain this belt. These rocks are consistent with late-D2 regional emplacement and synchronous with the magmatism at ~600 Ma within the CAFB in Cameroon and its extension into northeastern Brazil, as the zircon U-Pb dating points to 603-598 Ma crystallization ages. Analytical data reveal slighdy elevated δ~(18)O_(zrn) (6.45-7.17‰) and δ~(18)O_(WR) (8.20-8.61 ‰), moderate to high SiO2 (59.70-77.23 wt%), low MgO (0.07-2.77 wt%), Cr (0.29-55.12 ppm), Ni (0.45-33.6 ppm), V (1.52-116.62 ppm) and Mg~# (0.02-0.36) contents, indicating crustal origin. The low to medium ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sri (0.703328-0.722670) and positive to negative ε_(Nd(t)) (+5.7 to -9.9), coupled with the diversity of Nd model ages (TDM2) support the heterogeneity of crustal protoliths. The high positive ε_(Nd(t)) (+5.7) of the granitic vein indicates derivation from juvenile Neoproterozoic (Nd-T_(DM2) at 854 Ma) crustal protolith. T_(DM2 (Nd)) and T_(DM2(Hf)) ages of 1188-2120 Ma and 2173-2480 Ma also suggest the involvement of Mesoproterozoic to Paleoproterozoic crustal protoliths. Samples show metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic and I-type granitoid features and are similar with crustal rocks in regard to LILE (Rb, K) and LREE enrichments and HFSE (Nb, Ta, Ti) depletions. These combined features indicate slab subduction related setting for the magma generation. Slab subduction may have generated the heat necessary to provoke partial melting at the lower crustal level. Considering their position close to the Tchollire-Banyo Fault corridor, at the transition between the Adamawa-Yade and northern domains, the subduction derived features shown by the Goa-Mandja I-type granitoids could be related to the subduction of an old plate boundary during amalgamation of Gondwana. Therefore, the Goa-Mandja area records dominant magmatic accretion along the northern margin of the Congo craton (active margin) associated with a possible northwestern subduction.

    Mobilization and fractionation of HFSE and REE by high fluorine fluid of magmatic origin during the alteration of amphibolite

    Shao-Bing ZhangZhen-Xin LiYong-Fei Zheng
    17页
    查看更多>>摘要:High field strength elements (HFSE) and rare earth elements (REE) are normally immobile in hydrothermal fluids whereas experimental studies indicate some anionic ligands can significantly enhance their solubility in hydrothermal fluids. However, the role of fluorine (F) in hydrothermal fluids revealed by experiments and natural samples is different or even contradictory, especially in the mechanism of elements mobilization and fractionation. Here, we report a field-based geochemical study of amphibolites with extremely high Nh/Ta ratios (up to 98.7) and enriched HREE concentrations. The Paleoproterozoic amphibolites are intruded by a granitic dike with zircon U-Pb age of 132 ± 3 Ma. Felsic veinlets are observed in thin-sections of the amphibolite. Biotites with high F contents occur as aggregates along the boundary between the felsic veinlets and amphiboles, which indicates they are formed by reaction between amphibole and the granitic melt. The amphiboles have core-mantle-rim structure with high F actinolitic mantle surrounding low F magnesio-hastingsitic core. Some actinolites intergrow with biotites, titanites and magnetites. These evidences indicate that the actinolites are produced by hydrothermal metasomatism or interface-coupled dissolution-precipitation. The metasomatism occurred at 0.3-0.9 kbar and 500-650 °C within the homfels facies. Hydrothermal titanites from amphibolites yield a lower intercept age of 131 ± 4.3 Ma, which is consistent with the crystallization age of the granitic dike. These observations indicate that the fluids are derived from fractional crystallization of a felsic magma for diking, and die released fluids are channeled along the interface between dike and amphibolite. The metasomatic minerals show high F and no CI contents, indicating the hydrothermal fluids are high in fluorine (0.04-0.12 wt%) and low in chlorine. The F contents of minerals negatively correlate with HFSE, REE contents and (La/Yb)N ratios, but positively with Nb/Ta ratios. These reveal the progressive leaching and fractionation of HFSE and REE by the hydrothermal fluids. Mass balance estimates that most trace elements lose 20-60% during the hydrothermal alternation of amphibole. The calculation results also reveal that more Ta and LREE are lost than Nb and HREE, indicating Ta and LREE are more soluble than Nb and HREE, respectively, in the hydrothermal fluids. All these observations suggest that HFSE and REE are not only mobilized but also fractionated because of different degrees of mobilization by fluoride-bearing fluids.

    New insights into the origin of Middle to Late Permian volcaniclastics (Nb-Zr-REY-Ga-rich horizons) from eastern Yunnan, SW China

    Ning WangShifeng DaiXibo Wang
    21页
    查看更多>>摘要:Volcaniclastic horizons near the Guadalupian-Lopingian Boundary (G-LB) from southwest China have attracted much attention, not only due to the End-Guadalupian mass extinction near the boundary, but also to the unique and regionally extensive Nb-Zr-REY-Ga mineralization with potential economic significance (REY = rare earth elements and Y). Previous studies have suggested that these horizons were derived from volcanism associated with the terminal phases of the Emeishan mantle plume, which however was not the only contemporaneous volcanic activity in southeast Asia at this time (~260 Ma). Here we present a systematic analysis focusing on the petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical features of the volcaniclastics from the Yiliang and Weixin boreholes from the lowest strata of the Late Permian Xuanwei and Longtan formations, respectively, eastern Yunnan, SW China. In addition, previous geochemical data obtained for the correlative layers near the investigated boreholes were used for reference. The mineralogy of the volcaniclastics is dominated by mixed-layer illite/ smectite, illite, berthierine, kaolinite, and quartz, and to a lesser extent, albite, calcite, siderite, anatase, and hematite, along with traces of chamosite, rutile, and florencite. Additionally, zircon, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, rhabdophane, parisite, goyazite, and barite were identified under SEM-EDS. The values of Al2O3/TiO2 in the volcaniclastic samples are mostly greater than eight, consistent with the characteristics of intermediate-felsic rocks. The Nb/Yb and Zr/TiO2 vs. Al2O3/TiO2 diagrams, and the chondrite-normalized REY distribution patterns of the samples collectively indicate that the Nb-Zr-REY-Ga mineralization was not only derived from the ELIP alkaline rocks, but also from the arc-related intermediate-felsic magmatic rocks from the Paleo-Tethys. However, the latter source for Nb-Zr-REY-Ga mineralization in SW China has not been previously reported. The two sources of clastic materials, i.e., from both within-plate/anorogenic magmatism and arc-related/orogenic magmatism, agree with previously-reported discrimination diagrams of ε_(Hf(t)) vs. age and Hf/ Th vs. Th/Nb in the zircon grains from the correlative claystones. In addition, the modes of occurrence of critical metals (Nb, Zr, REY, Ga) are identified in detail in this study. The results show that most of the HREE and almost all the Zr and Hf are in zircon; the LREE are dominantly in REE-bearing carbonates and phosphates; the Nb is largely in former Fe-Ti oxide phases; and the Ga is predominantly in the clays.

    Modeling the crystallization conditions of clinopyroxene crystals erupted during February-April 2021 lava fountains at Mt. Etna: Implications for the dynamic transfer of magmas

    Silvio MolloAlessio PontesilliPiergiorgio Moschini
    7页
    查看更多>>摘要:In the period February-April 2021, seventeen energetic hours-long episodes of intense lava fountaining occurred at Mt. Etna, producing lava flows and ash plumes followed by heavy fallout. Clinopyroxene mesocrysts from these paroxysms show complex sector and concentric zoning patterns, with juxtaposition of Si-Mg-rich (Al-Ti-poor) and Si-Mg-poor (Al-Ti-rich) crystal layers. Clinopyroxene-based equilibrium thermobarometry and hygrometry define an overall crystallization path in the range of ~170-480 MPa, ~1060-1110 °C, and ~ 1.2-2.7 wt% H2O, with a main magma storage region estimated at depths of ~11-15 km. From this perspective, we observe that 2021 lava fountains were fed by hotter magmas of deeper origin with respect to those feeding 2011-2012 paroxysms. Zoning patterns of 2021 clinopyroxene mesocrysts formed in a vertically-extended plumbing system upon the effect of mixing phenomena and crystal recycling caused by recurrent inputs of fresh magmas into interconnected mushy reservoirs. Kinetic growth modeling constrains the formation of 2021 clinopyroxene mesocrysts over timescales of ~30-90 h and small degrees of undercooling ≤28 °C. Fe-Mg diffusion chronometry confirms that the time elapsed between the formation of clinopyroxene rim and magma eruption is utterly related to growth kinetics caused by pre-eruptive dynamic transfer of magma at crustal depths. Kinetic effects are exacerbated for clinopyroxene microlites/microcrysts forming at the syn-eruptive stage, when magma decompression, degassing, and cooling become more effective in the last 1.5 km below the vent of Mt. Etna. Kinetic growth modeling reveals that eruption dynamics within the conduit promote an exceptionally rapid disequilibrium growth of clinopyroxene microlites/microcrysts in only ~0.4-3.3 min upon large degrees of undercooling >60 °C. The resulting ascent velocity of 2021 magmas within the conduit is ~8-63 m/s, a factor of ~3 higher than the less energetic 2011-2012 paroxysms.

    Mid-Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the Yangtze Block, South China: New insights from high-temperature magma events

    Chang-Cheng HuangHao ZouLeon Bagas
    15页
    查看更多>>摘要:Numerous Neoproterozoic intrusive rocks are distributed along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block in South China, and their petrogenesis and tectonic setting remain the subject of debate. This study systematically compiled data from igneous rocks from the northern margin of the Yangtze Block, including abundant felsic plutons with formed temperatures of >800 °C. The data reveal two high-temperature rifting-related events at ~830-780 and 750-700 Ma. Significant changes in Hf-O isotopes appeared at ~790 Ma, with later rocks exhibiting positive ε_(Hf(t)) and low δ~(18)O. To clarify the nature and tectonic significance of these high-temperature events, we sampled plutonic rocks from the Lianghekou (LHK) and Dalanggou (DLG) areas of Hannan, on the northern margin of the Yangtze Block. The samples from LHK are ~785 Ma monzogranite emplaced towards the end of the first high-temperature event and derived from partial melting of thickened juvenile crust contaminated by older crustal material. These rocks have ε_(Hf(t)) values between +4.6 and + 11.5, δ~(18)O values between +6.2‰ and + 7.3‰, and contain residual combinations of garnet, clinopyroxene, rutile, and amphibole. The genesis of the monzogranite is interpreted as being emplaced in an initial rifting environment and related to a super mantie plume. The DLG samples are ~743 Ma alkali feldspar granite representing the second event; they have the geochemical characteristics of a reduced A-type granite enriched in Fe and poor in Mg, FeO~T/(FeO~T + MgO) values close to 1, and emplacement temperatures of 813 °C-848 °C. The alkali feldspar granite originated from partial melting of a tholeiitic source and was influenced by extensive fractionation. It has ε_(Hf)(t) values of +2.5 to +10.9, δ~(18)O values of +6.6‰ to +7.4‰, and contains residual plagioclase. The DLG alkali feldspar granite and nearby reduced A-type granite indicate that the northern margin of the Yangtze Block experienced a low oxygen fugacity environment at ~817-743 Ma. The second high-temperature event possibly reflected rifting that gradually matured after 790 Ma, at which point the mantle changed from a source of heat alone into a source of both heat and material.

    Nature of the Late Cretaceous mantle source beneath the western Lhasa terrane, southern Tibet: Insights from the newly discovered mafic intrusion

    Ming LeiJianlin ChenYing Luo
    13页
    查看更多>>摘要:Recent studies indicate that the mantle source of eastern Lhasa terrane was still depleted during the late stage of oceanic subduction (100-50 Ma). However, the mantle source beneath the western Lhasa terrane during this period was poorly constrained mainly due to the rare exposure of mafic rocks in this region. Here, we report the detailed petrological, geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic data for recently identified gabbroic rocks in the Taruocuo area, western Lhasa terrane, southern Tibet. The zircon U-Pb dating results indicate that the Taruocuo gabbroic rocks were emplaced during the Late Cretaceous (~90 Ma). These gabbroic rocks have low SiO2 (50.9-55.0 wt%), and moderately high MgO (4.10-5.60 wt%) contents with arc-like trace-element patterns, such as enrichment in large ion lithophile elements, light rare earth elements, and depletion in high field strength elements. Meanwhile, they have high Th/La, low Ba/La values, and exhibit relatively enriched and uniform Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic compositions (~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr{0 = 0.7048-0.7058, εNd_((t)) = -1.8 to -1.2, εHf_((t)) = +3.1 to +3.8, and ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb = 18.60 to 18.66). Such geochemical features of the Taruocuo gabbroic rocks suggest that they would originate from an enriched and fertile mantle source that was generated by the meta-somatic reaction between the mantle wedge peridotite and the subducted Neo-Tethyan oceanic sediment-derived melts. Taking the regional tectonic evolution into consideration, we favor the model of Neo-Tethyan oceanic-ridge subduction having taken place to account for the Late Cretaceous (~90 Ma) magmatic event in the Lhasa terrane. Under such geological background, partial melting of this enriched mantle would have produced the Taruocuo gabbroic rocks in the western Lhasa terrane. Given that the Late Cretaceous Taruocuo gabbroic rocks have the relatively enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, distinctive from the contemporaneous mafic rocks in the eastern Lhasa terrane that have the depleted Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, we propose that the mantle source beneath the Lhasa terrane was probably isotopically segmented during the Late Cretaceous (~90 Ma).