Earth, Ocean and Atomospheric Sciences - Publications

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Browsing Earth, Ocean and Atomospheric Sciences - Publications by Author "Aadhiseshan, K. R."
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    Bimodal magmatism in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India: Implications for Neoarchean crustal evolution
    ( 2020-02-01) Wang, Jing Yi ; Santosh, M. ; Jayananda, M. ; Aadhiseshan, K. R.
    Archean cratons provide windows to the crustal evolution history in the early Earth. The Dharwar Craton is one of the major cratonic blocks in Peninsular India and is composed of several ancient microcontinents where multiple continental growth and recycling occurred from 3.8 to 2.5 Ga. Here we investigate a suite of magmatic rocks (including granitoids, mafic magmatic enclaves, ultramafic inclusions and synplutonic mafic dyke) from the western margin of the Eastern Dharwar Craton which provide insights on bimodal magmatism in a subduction-related arc setting and crustal growth during Neoarchean. Field evidence and geochemical features suggest mixing and mingling of mafic and felsic magmas. Geochemical features including incompatible and high field strength element features of the enclaves indicate heterogeneous sources involving dominantly enriched mantle reservoirs with minor depleted mantle whereas the host granitoids display depleted to enriched source. We present zircon U[sbnd]Pb age data from the various rock types and the combined results display unimodal distribution with a single peak of 207Pb/206Pb age at 2531 Ma (n = 159) suggesting a major Neoarchean bimodal magmatic pulse. The zircon U[sbnd]Pb ages of the mafic enclaves indicate either similar ages or slightly younger ages as compared to their host granitoids implying that enclaves represent late stage injections into crystallizing host granitoid magmas. The trace and rare earth element data on zircon from these rocks are consistent with magmatic crystallization. Zircons from most of the rocks in our study display uniformly positive εHf(t) (0.3–8.6), suggesting depleted mantle (juvenile) source for the Neoarchean arc building, and formation of new crust. Some of the mafic magmatic and ultramafic enclaves, as well as the mafic dyke and charnockite display mixed positive and negative εHf(t) values (−7.0 to 3.8), implying mixed depleted mantle and reworked crustal components of Neoarchean to Mesoarchean age. Most of the Hf depleted mantle model ages (TDM; 2520–3115 Ma) and crustal residence ages (TDMC; 2507 Ma to 3452 Ma) fall within the region bounding CHUR and depleted mantle lines, suggesting that the dominant magma source involved juvenile (depleted mantle) components. Thus, latest Neoarchean marks a major phase of continent building in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, and the results presented in our study suggest that bimodal magmatism in a subduction-related setting identical to those in modern convergent margins contributed to crustal growth.
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    Evolving early earth: Insights from peninsular India
    ( 2020-01-01) Jayananda, M. ; Dey, S. ; Aadhiseshan, K. R.
    Understanding coupled evolution of the crust-mantle system, building up of habitable continents and tectonics of evolving Earth constitute a major focus of research in Earth and Planetary Sciences. This contribution reviews the processes of the evolution of early Earth, including thermal records, mantle evolution, crustal growth, craton formation and tectonics in the first part, followed by the evolution of individual cratonic blocks in Peninsular India and their assembly into shield framework in the second part. Closely scrutinized global geochronologic and isotope database show that remnants of the Hadean-Eoarchean terrestrial record preserved in the core of cratons provide invaluable insights into planetary evolution. Multidisciplinary studies on the preserved earliest crustal remnants reveal unique features such as distinct lithological associations (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG)-komatiite dominated greenstones), steeper geothermal gradients, hotter mantle, high rates of crustal growth, dome-basin patterns and plume-dominated tectonics and absence of high-pressure mineral assemblages compared to Phanerozoic Earth. Peninsular India comprises cratons (Dharwar, Bastar, Singhbhum and Bundelkhand) which are surrounded by mobile belts. These cratonic blocks show distinct thermal records, crustal growth patterns, accretionary and tectonic histories. The Dharwar craton is a composite Archean protocontinent that provides a wide time window for accretionary processes of juvenile crust, continental growth and tectonic processes. The craton was built up in successive stages of accretion in plume-arc settings during ca. 3.6, 3.45–3.3, 3.2–3.15, 3.0–2.9, 2.7–2.6 and 2.57–2.52 Ga with three major reworking events linked to cratonization close to 3.1–3.0, 2.64–2.62 and 2.5 Ga. Bastar craton contains TTGs-supracrustal associations and later granite intrusions. The TTG basement accreted episodically during 3.56 and 3.0 Ga, whilst granitoids intruded during ca. 2.5 Ga. The Singhbhum craton preserves several generations of gneisses, granites and greenstone sequences. Geochronologic and Nd-Hf isotope data show prolonged crustal history (ca. 4.2–2.5 Ga) with multistage craton building episodes in the plume-arc settings. The Bundelkhand craton contains TTG-greenstone assemblages intruded by late granitoids. Published ages reveal episodic accretion of TTG-greenstone during ca. 3.54, 3.30 and 2.70 Ga followed by major granitoid emplacement during ca. 2.57–2.52 Ga. The origin of TTG-greenstones is attributed to their derivation from the depleted mantle in arc environments. Petrologic, geochronologic, elemental and isotope data of cratonic blocks revealed their independent crustal histories and assembled into shield framework probably along the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ). The time frame of amalgamation of cratonic blocks is not clear as documented ages ranging from ca. 1.75 to 1.1–0.95 Ga along major tectonic zones like CITZ and palaeomagnetic poles of mafic dykes from these cratons are much closer during 2.45 Ga. More focused integrated studies are needed to unravel the geological and tectonic history of Peninsular India.
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    Formation of Archean (3600–2500 Ma) continental crust in the Dharwar Craton, southern India
    ( 2018-06-01) Jayananda, M. ; Santosh, M. ; Aadhiseshan, K. R.
    The generation, preservation and destruction of continental crust on Earth is of wide interest in understanding the formation of continents, cratons and supercontinents as well as related mineral deposits. In this contribution, we integrate the available field, petrographic, geochronologic, elemental Nd-Hf-Pb isotope data for greenstones, TTG gneisses, sanukitoids and anatectic granites from the Dharwar Craton (southern India). This review allows us to evaluate the accretionary processes of juvenile crust, mechanisms of continental growth, and secular evolution of geodynamic processes through the 3600–2500 Ma window, hence providing important insights into building of continents in the Early Earth. The Dharwar Craton formed by assembly of micro-blocks with independent thermal records and accretionary histories. The craton can be divided into three crustal blocks (western, central and eastern) separated by major shear zones. The western block contains some of the oldest basement rocks with two generations of volcano-sedimentary greenstone sequences and discrete potassic plutons whereas the central block consist of older migmatitic TTGs, abundant younger transitional TTGs, remnants of ancient high grade supracrustal rocks, linear volcanic-dominated greenstone belts, voluminous calc-alkaline granitoids of sanukitoid affinity and anatectic granites. In contrast, the eastern block comprises younger transitional TTGs, abundant diatexites, thin volcanic-sedimentary greenstone belts and calc-alkaline plutons. Published geochronologic data show five major periods of felsic crust formation at ca. 3450–3300 Ma, 3230–3150 Ma, 3000–2960 Ma, 2700–2600 Ma, and 2560–2520 Ma which are sub-contemporaneous with the episodes of greenstone volcanism. U-Pb ages of inherited zircons in TTGs, as well as detrital zircons together with Nd-Pb-Hf isotope data, reveal continental records of 3800–3600 Ma. The U-Pb zircon data suggest at least four major reworking events during ca. 3200 Ma, 3000 Ma, 2620–2600 Ma, and 2530–2500 Ma corresponding to lower crustal melting and spatially linked high grade metamorphic events. The TTGs are sub-divided into the older (3450–3000 Ma) TTGs and the younger (2700–2600 Ma) transitional TTGs. The older TTGs can be further sub-divided into low-Al and high-Al groups. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the low-Al type formed by melting of oceanic island arc crust within plagioclase stability field. In contrast, the elemental and isotopic features for the high-Al group suggest derivation of their magmatic precursor by melting of oceanic arc crust at deeper levels (55–65 km) with variable garnet and ilmenite in residue. The transitional TTGs likely formed by melting of composite sources involving both enriched oceanic arc crust and sub-arc mantle with minor contamination of ancient crustal components. The geochemical and isotopic compositions of granitoids with sanukitoid affinity suggest derivation from enriched mantle reservoirs. Finally, anatectic granites were produced by reworking of crustal sources with different histories. In the light of the data reviewed in this contribution, we propose the following scenario for the tectonic evolution of the Dharwar Craton. During 3450–3000 Ma, TTGs sources (oceanic arc crust) formed by melting of down going slabs and subsequent melting of such newly formed crust at different depths resulted in TTG magmas. On the contrary, by 2700 Ma the depth of slab melting increased. Melting of slab at greater depth alongside the detritus results in enriched melts partly modified the overlying mantle wedge. Subsequent melting of such newly formed enriched oceanic arc crust and surrounding arc-mantle generated the magmatic precursor to transitional TTGs. Finally at ca. 2600–2560 Ma, eventual breakoff of down going slab caused mantle upwelling which induced low degree (10–15%) melting of overlying enriched mantle at different depths, thereby, generating the sanukitoid magmas which upon emplacement into the crust caused high temperature metamorphism, reworking and final cratonization. The crustal accretion patterns in the Dharwar Craton share similarities with those in other Archean cratons such as the Bundelkhand Craton in Central India, Pilbara-Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia, Southern Africa (Swaziland and Limpopo belt), North China Craton, Tanzania Craton, Antongil Craton, NE Madagascar.
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    Geochronology and geochemistry of meso-to neoarchean magmatic epidote-bearing potassic granites, western dharwar craton (Bellur–nagamangala–pandavpura corridor), southern india: Implications for the successive stages of crustal reworking and cratonization
    ( 2020-01-01) Jayananda, M. ; Guitreau, Martin ; Thomas, T. Tarun ; Martin, Hervé ; Aadhiseshan, K. R. ; Gireesh, R. V. ; Peucat, Jean Jacques ; Satyanarayanan, M.
    We present field and petrographical characteristics, zircon U–Pb ages, Nd isotopes, and major and trace element data for the magmatic epidote-bearing granitic plutons in the Bellur–Nagamangala–Pandavpura corridor, and address successive reworking and cratonization events in the western Dharwar Craton (WDC). U–Pb zircon ages reveal three stages of plutonism including: (i) sparse 3.2 Ga granodiorite plutons intruding the TTG (tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite) basement away from the western boundary of the Nagamangala greenstone belt; (ii) 3.0 Ga monzogranite to quartz monzonite plutons adjoining the Nagamangala greenstone belt; and (iii) 2.6 Ga monzogranite plutons in the Pandavpura region. Elemental data of the 3.2 Ga granodiorite indicate their origin through the melting of mafic protoliths without any significant residual garnet. Moderate to poorly fractionated REE patterns of 3.0 Ga plutons with negative Eu anomalies and Nd isotope data with εNd(T) = 3.0 Ga ranging from −1.7 to +0.5 indicate the involvement of a major crustal source with minor mantle input. Melts derived from those two components interacted through mixing and mingling processes. Poorly fractionated REE patterns with negative Eu anomalies of 2.6 Ga plutons suggest plagioclase in residue. The presence of magmatic epidote in all of the plutons points to their rapid emplacement and crystallization at about 5 kbars. The 3.2 Ga intrusions could correspond to reworking associated with a major juvenile crust-forming episode, whilst 3.0 Ga potassic granites correspond to cratonization linked to melting of the deep crust. The 2.6 Ga Pandavpura granite could represent lower-crustal melting and final cratonization, as 2.5 Ga plutons are absent in the WDC.
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    Multi-stage crustal growth and Neoarchean geodynamics in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India
    ( 2020-02-01) Jayananda, M. ; Aadhiseshan, K. R. ; Kusiak, Monika A. ; Wilde, Simon A. ; Sekhamo, Kowete u. ; Guitreau, M. ; Santosh, M. ; Gireesh, R. V.
    The Dharwar Craton is a composite Archean cratonic collage that preserves important records of crustal evolution on the early Earth. Here we present results from a multidisciplinary study involving field investigations, petrology, zircon SHRIMP U–Pb geochronology with in-situ Hf isotope analyses, and whole-rock geochemistry, including Nd isotope data on migmatitic TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) gneisses, dark grey banded gneisses, calc-alkaline and anatectic granitoids, together with synplutonic mafic dykes along a wide Northwest – Southeast corridor forming a wide time window in the Central and Eastern blocks of the Dharwar Craton. The dark grey banded gneisses are transitional between TTGs and calc-alkaline granitoids, and are referred to as ‘transitional TTGs’, whereas the calc-alkaline granitoids show sanukitoid affinity. Our zircon U–Pb data, together with published results, reveal four major periods of crustal growth (ca. 3360-3200 Ma, 3000-2960 Ma, 2700-2600 Ma and 2570-2520 Ma) in this region. The first two periods correspond to TTG generation and accretion that is confined to the western part of the corridor, whereas widespread 2670-2600 Ma transitional TTG, together with a major outburst of 2570–2520 Ma juvenile calc-alkaline magmatism of sanukitoid affinity contributed to peak continental growth. The transitional TTGs were preceded by greenstone volcanism between 2746 Ma and 2700 Ma, whereas the calc-alkaline magmatism was contemporaneous with 2570–2545 Ma felsic volcanism. The terminal stage of all four major accretion events was marked by thermal events reflected by amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism at ca. 3200 Ma, 2960 Ma, 2620 Ma and 2520 Ma. Elemental ratios [(La/Yb)N, Sr/Y, Nb/Ta, Hf/Sm)] and Hf-Nd isotope data suggest that the magmatic protoliths of the TTGs emplaced at different time periods formed by melting of thickened oceanic arc crust at different depths with plagioclase + amphibole ± garnet + titanite/ilmenite in the source residue, whereas the elemental (Ba–Sr, [(La/Yb)N, Sr/Y, Nb/Ta, Hf/Sm)] and Hf-Nd isotope data [εHf(T) = −0.67 to 5.61; εNd(T) = 0.52 to 4.23; ] of the transitional TTGs suggest that their protoliths formed by melting of composite sources involving mantle and overlying arc crust with amphibole + garnet + clinopyroxene ± plagioclase + ilmenite in the residue. The highly incompatible and compatible element contents (REE, K–Ba–Sr, Mg, Ni, Cr), together with Hf and Nd isotope data [εHf(T) = 4.5 to −3.2; εNd(T) = 1.93 to −1.26; ], of the sanukitoids and synplutonic dykes suggest their derivation from enriched mantle reservoirs with minor crustal contamination. Field, elemental and isotope data [εHf(T) = −4.3 to −15.0; εNd(T) = −0.5 to −7.0] of the anatectic granites suggest their derivation through reworking of ancient as well as newly formed juvenile crust. Secular increase in incompatible as well as compatible element contents in the transitional TTGs to sanukitoids imply progressive enrichment of Neoarchean mantle reservoirs, possibly through melting of continent-derived detritus in a subduction zone setting, resulting in the establishment of a sizable continental mass by 2700 Ma, which in turn is linked to the evolving Earth. The Neoarchean geodynamic evolution is attributed to westward convergence of hot oceanic lithosphere, with continued convergence resulted in the assembly of micro-blocks, with eventual slab break-off leading to asthenosphere upwelling caused extensive mantle melting and hot juvenile magma additions to the crust. This led to lateral flow of hot ductile crust and 3D mass distribution and formation of an orogenic plateaux with subdued topography, as indicated by strain fabric data and strong seismic reflectivity along an E-W crustal profile in the Central and Eastern blocks of the Dharwar Craton.
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    Physical volcanology and geochemistry of Palaeoarchaean komatiite lava flows from the western Dharwar craton, southern India: implications for Archaean mantle evolution and crustal growth
    ( 2016-10-02) Jayananda, M. ; Duraiswami, R. A. ; Aadhiseshan, K. R. ; Gireesh, R. V. ; Prabhakar, B. C. ; Kafo, Kowe U. ; Tushipokla, ; Namratha, R.
    Palaeoarchaean (3.38–3.35 Ga) komatiites from the Jayachamaraja Pura (J.C. Pura) and Banasandra greenstone belts of the western Dharwar craton, southern India were erupted as submarine lava flows. These high-temperature (1450–1550°C), low-viscosity lavas produced thick, massive, polygonal jointed sheet flows with sporadic flow top breccias. Thick olivine cumulate zones within differentiated komatiites suggest channel/conduit facies. Compound, undifferentiated flow fields developed marginal-lobate thin flows with several spinifex-textured lobes. Individual lobes experienced two distinct vesiculation episodes and grew by inflation. Occasionally komatiite flows form pillows and quench fragmented hyaloclastites. J.C. Pura komatiite lavas represent massive coherent facies with minor channel facies, whilst the Bansandra komatiites correspond to compound flow fields interspersed with pillow facies. The komatiites are metamorphosed to greenschist facies and consist of serpentine-talc ± carbonate, actinolite–tremolite with remnants of primary olivine, chromite, and pyroxene. The majority of the studied samples are komatiites (22.46–42.41 wt.% MgO) whilst a few are komatiitic basalts (12.94–16.18 wt.% MgO) extending into basaltic (7.71 – 10.80 wt.% MgO) composition. The studied komatiites are Al-depleted Barberton type whilst komatiite basalts belong to the Al-undepleted Munro type. Trace element data suggest variable fractionation of garnet, olivine, pyroxene, and chromite. Incompatible element ratios (Nb/Th, Nb/U, Zr/Y Nb/Y) show that the komatiites were derived from heterogeneous sources ranging from depleted to primitive mantle. CaO/Al2O3 and (Gd/Yb)N ratios show that the Al-depleted komatiite magmas were generated at great depth (350–400 km) by 40–50% partial melting of deep mantle with or without garnet (majorite?) in residue whilst komatiite basalts and basalts were generated at shallow depth in an ascending plume. The widespread Palaeoarchaean deep depleted mantle-derived komatiite volcanism and sub-contemporaneous TTG accretion implies a major earlier episode of mantle differentiation and crustal growth during ca. 3.6–3.8 Ga.