Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

The source of granitic gneisses and migmatites in the Antarctic Peninsula: a combined U–Pb SHRIMP and laser ablation Hf isotope study of complex zircons

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Zircons gneisses and migmatites collected from the Antarctic Peninsula have different core–rim hafnium isotope ratio relationships depending on whether evidence for zircon dissolution is present or absent. Two samples contain inherited zircon that is partially dissolved. In these samples, the 176Hf/177Hf rations of the inherited zircon and new magmatic zircon rims are, on average, indistinguishable and consistent with in situ melting. In such cases the hafnium isotopic composition of the melt was probably strongly influenced by the dissolved zircon component at the source. Variation in 176Hf/177Hf within the magmatic zircon rims from grain to grain suggests that Hf isotopes were only partially homogenized during melt migration; alternatively, zircon growth may have taken place within small volumes of partial melt. Other samples do not preserve textural evidence for zircon dissolution during melt generation; in these samples the 176Hf/177Hf values of the inherited zircon and new magmatic zircon rims are different. The zircon rims apparently suggest a source of less evolved hafnium than that contained within the inherited zircon. Whether this relates to a separate juvenile source or, alternatively, is derived from minerals other than zircon at the source, cannot be resolved. Inherited zircon, irrespective of age, has been strongly influenced by the reworking of a juvenile Late Mesoproterozoic source, suggesting that such crust underlies the Antarctic Peninsula. Our results therefore suggest that Hf isotope analyses provide great potential for future studies investigating the source and processes involved in the generation of crustal melts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andersen T, Griffin WL (2004) Lu–Hf and U–Pb isotope systematics of zircons from the Storgangen intrusion, Rogaland Intrusive Complex, SW Norway: implications for the composition and evolution of Precambrian lower crust in the Baltic Shield. Lithos 73:271–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen T, Griffin WL, Pearson NJ (2002) Crustal evolution in SW part of the Baltic Shield; the Hf isotope evidence. J Petrol 43:1725–1747

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blichert-Toft J, Albarède F (1997) The Lu–Hf isotope geochemistry of chrondrites and the evolution of the mantle-crust system. Earth Planet Sci Lett 148:243–258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chu NC, Taylor RN, Chavagnac V, Nesbitt RW, Boella RM, Milton JA, German CR, Bayon G, Burton K (2002) Hf isotope ratio analysis using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: an evaluation of isobaric interference corrections. J Anal At Spectrom 17:1567–1574

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clemens JD (2003) S-type granitic magmas—petrogenetic issues, models and evidence. Earth Sci Rev 61:1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corfu F, Noble SR (1992) Genesis of the southern Abitibi greenstone belt, Superior Province, Canada: evidence from zircon Hf isotope analysis using a single filament technique. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 56:2081–2097

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffin WL, Pearson NJ, Belousova E, Jackson SE, van Achterbergh E, O’Reilly SY, Shee SR (2000) The Hf isotope composition of cratonic mantle; LAM-MC-ICPMS analysis of zircon megacrysts in kimberlites. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 64:133–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffin WL, Wang X, Jackson SE, Pearson NJ, O’Reilly SY, Xu X, Zhou X (2002) Zircon chemistry and magma mixing, SE China: in situ analysis of Hf isotopes, Tonglu and Pingtan igneous complexes. Lithos 61:237–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffin WL, Belousova EA, Shee SR, Pearson NJ, O’Reilly SY (2004) Archean crustal evolution in the northern Yilgarn Craton: U–Pb and H-isotope evidence from detrital zircons. Precambrian Res 131:231–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halpin JA, Gerakiteys CL, Clarke GL, Belousova EA, Griffin WL (2005) In situ U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotope analyses of the Rayner Complex, east Antarctica. Contrib Mineral Petrol 148:689–706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hole MJ (1986) Time controlled geochemistry of igneous rocks of the Antarctic Peninsula. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of London

  • Hole MJ, Pankhurst RJ, Saunders AD (1991) Geochemical evolution of the Antarctic Peninsula magmatic arc: the importance of mantle-crust interactions during granitoid genesis. In: Thomson MRA, Crame JA, Thomson JW (eds) Geological evolution of Antarctica. Cambridge University Press, London, pp 369–374

    Google Scholar 

  • Horstwood MSA, Foster GL, Parrish RR, Noble SR, Nowell GM (2003) Common-Pb corrected in situ U–Pb accessory mineral geochronology by LA–MC–ICP–MS. J Anal At Spectrom 18:837–846

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoskin PWO, Schaltegger U (2003) The composition of zircon and igneous and metamorphic petrogenesis. In: Hanchar JM, Hoskin PWO (eds) Zircon. Reviews in mineralogy and geochemistry vol 53. Mineralogical society of America, Geochemical Society, pp 27–62

  • Kinny PD, Compston W, Williams IS (1991) A reconnaissance ion-probe study of hafnium isotopes in zircons. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 55:849–859

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knudsen TL, Griffin WL, Hartz EH, Andersen A, Jackson SE (2001) In situ hafnium and Pb isotope analyses of detrital zircons from the Devonian sedimentary basin from NE Greenland: a record of repeated crustal reworking. Contrib Mineral Petrol 141:83–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leat PT, Scarrow JH, Millar IL (1995) On the Antarctic Peninsula batholith. Geol Mag 132:399–412

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig K (1999) Isoplot/Ex, a geochronological toolkit for Microsoft Excel, version 2.31. Berkeley Geochronological Centre Special Publications, 1, Berkeley Geochronological Centre, 2455 Ridge Road, Berkeley, California 94709

  • Maas R, Nicholls IA, Greig A, Nemchin A (2001) U–Pb zircon studies of mid-crustal metasedimentary enclaves from the S-Type Deddick Granodiorite, Lachlan Fold Belt, SE Australia. J Petrol 42:1429–1448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Millar IL, Willan RCR, Wareham CD, Boyce AJ (2001) The role of crustal and mantle sources in the genesis of granitoids of the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent crustal blocks. J Geol Soc London 158:855–868

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Millar IL, Pankhurst RJ, Fanning CM (2002) Basement chronology and the Antarctic Peninsula: recurrent magmatism and anatexis in the Palaeozoic Gondwana Margin. J Geol Soc London 159:145–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nowell G, Parrish RR (2001) Simultaneous acquisition of isotope compositions and parent/daughter ratios by non-isotope dilution solution-mode plasma ionisation multi-collector mass spectrometry (PIMMS). In: Holland JG, Tanner SD (eds) Plasma source spectrometry: the new Millennium Special Volume, Royal Society of Chemi1stry, London, pp 267

  • Nowell GM, Kempton PD, Noble SR, Fitton JG, Saunders AD, Mahoney JJ, Taylor RN (1998) High precision Hf isotope measurements of MORB and OIB by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry: insights into the depleted mantle. Chem Geol 149:211–233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pankhurst RJ (1983) Rb–Sr constraints on the ages of basement rocks of the Antarctic Peninsula. In: Oliver RL, James PR, Jago JB (eds) Antarctic earth sciences. Cambridge University Press, London, pp 367–371

    Google Scholar 

  • Pankhurst RJ, Riley TR, Fanning CM, Kelley SP (2000) Episodic silicic volcanism in Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula: chronology of magmatism associated with the break-up of Gondwana. J Petrol 41:605–625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paterson BA, Stephens WE, Rogers G, Williams IS, Hinton RW, Herd DA (1992) The nature of zircon inheritance in two granite plutons. Trans R Soc Edinb Earth Sci 83:459–471

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pidgeon RT, Compston W (1992) A SHRIMP ion microprobe study of inherited and magmatic zircons from four Scottish Caledonian granites. Trans R Soc Edinb Earth Sci 83:473–483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piercy BA, Harrison SM (1991) Mesozoic metamorphism, deformation and plutonism in the southern Antarctic Peninsula: evidence from north-western Palmer Land. In: Thomson MRA, Crame JA, Thomson JW (eds) Geological evolution of Antarctica. Cambridge University Press, London, pp 381–385

    Google Scholar 

  • Poujol M, Robb LJ, Anhaeusser CR, Gericke B (2003) A review of the geochronological constraints on the evolution of the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa. Precambrian Res 127:181–213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rex D (1976) Geochronology in relation to stratigraphy of the Antarctic Peninsula. Br Antarct Surv Bull 43:49–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Scherer E, Münker C, Mezger K (2001) Calibration of the lutetium hafnium clock. Science 293:683–687

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scherstén A, Larson SÅ, Cornell DH, Stigh J (2004) Ion probe dating of a migmatite in SW Sweden: the fate of zircon in crustal processes. Precambrian Res 130:251–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitz MD, Bowring SA, Ireland TR (2003) Evaluation of Duluth Complex anorthositic series (AS3) zircon as a U–Pb geochronological standard: new high-precision isotope dilution mass spectrometry results. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 67:3665–3672

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singleton DG (1980) The geology of the central Black Coast, Palmer Land. Br Antarct Surv Sci Rep 102:54

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith PE, Tatsumoto M, Farquhar RM (1987) Zircon Lu–Hf systematics and the evolution of the Archean crust in the Superior Province, Canada. Contrib Mineral Petrol 97:93–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steiger RH, Jäger E (1977) Subcommission on geochronology; convention on the use of decay constants in geo- and cosmochronology. Earth Planet Sci Lett 36:359–362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Storey BC (1991) The crustal blocks of West Antarctica within Gondwana: reconstruction and break-up model. In: Thomson MRA, Crame JA, Thomson JW (eds) Geological evolution of Antarctica. Cambridge University Press, London, pp 587–592

    Google Scholar 

  • Storey BC, Dalziel IWD, Garrett SW, Grunow AM, Pankhurst RJ, Vennum WR (1988) West Antarctica in Gondwanaland: crustal blocks, reconstruction and breakup processes. Tectonophysics 155:381–390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suárez M (1976) Plate tectonic model for southern Antarctic Peninsula and its relation to southern Andes. Geology 4:211–214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thirlwall MF, Walder AJ (1995) In situ hafnium isotope ratio analysis of zircon by inductively coupled plasma multiple collector mass spectrometry. Chem Geol 122:241–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson MRA, Pankhurst RJ (1983) Age of post-Gondwanan calc-alkaline volcanism in the Antarctic Peninsula region. In: Oliver RL, James PR, Jago JB (eds) Antarctic Earth Sciences. Cambridge University Press, London, pp 328–333

    Google Scholar 

  • Tikhomirova M (2002) Zircon inheritance in diatexite granodiorites and its consequence on geochronology—a case study in Lusatia and the Erzgebirge (Saxo-Thuringia, eastern Germany). Chem Geol 191:209–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaughan APM, Millar IL (1996) Early cretaceous magmatism during extensional deformation within the Antarctic Peninsula Magmatic Arc. J South Am Earth Sci 9:121–130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaughan APM, Storey BC (2000) The eastern Palmer Land shear zone: a new terrane accretion model for the Mesozoic development of the Antarctic Peninsula. J Geol Soc London 157:1243–1256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaughan APM, Wareham CD, Millar IL (1997) Granitoid pluton formation by spreading of continental crust: the Wiley Glacier complex, northwest Palmer Land, Antarctica. Tectonophysics 283:35–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaughan APM, Pankhurst RJ, Fanning CM (2002) A mid-Cretaceous age for the Palmer Land event, Antarctic Peninsula: implications for terrane accretion timing and Gondwana palaeolatitudes. J Geol Soc London 159:113–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veevers JJ, Saeed A, Belousova EA, Griffin WL (2005) U–Pb ages and source composition by Hf-isotope and trace-element analysis of detrital zircons in Permian sandstone and modern sand from southwestern Australia and a review of the palaeogeographical and denudational history of the Yilgarn Craton. Earth Sci Rev 68:245–279

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson EB, Harrison TM (1983) Zircon saturation revisited: temperature and composition effects in a variety of crustal magma types. Earth Planet Sci Lett 64:295–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wever HE, Millar IL, Pankhurst RJ (1994) Geochronology and radiogenic isotope geology of Mesozoic rocks from eastern Palmer Land, Antarctic Peninsula; crustal anatexis in arc-related granitoid genesis. J South Am Earth Sci 7:69–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wever HE, Storey BC, Leat PT (1995) Peraluminous granites in NE Palmer Land, Antarctic Peninsula; early Mesozoic crustal melting in a magmatic arc. J Geol Soc London 152:85–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitehouse MJ, Kamber BS (2003) A rare earth element study of complex zircons from early Archaean Amitsoq gneisses, Godthabsfjord, south-west Greenland. Precambrian Res 126:363–377

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiedenbeck M, Alle P, Corfu F, Griffin WL, Meirer M, Oberli F, Von Quadt A, Roddick JC, Spiegel W (1995) Three natural zircon standards for U–Th–Pb, Lu–Hf, trace element and REE analyses. Geostandard Newsl 19:1–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams IS (1995) Zircon analysis by ion microprobe: the case of the eastern Australian granites. Leon T. Silver 70th birthday celebration, The California Institute of Technology, pp 27–31

  • Williams IS (1998) U–Th–Pb geochronology by ion microprobe. In: McKibben MA, Shanks WC, Ridley WI (eds) Applications of microanalytical techniques to understanding mineralizing processes. Reviews in Economic Geology, Society of Economic Geologists, Socorro, New Mexico, pp 1–35

  • Williams IS (2001) Response of detrital zircon and monazite, and their U–Pb isotopic systems, to regional metamorphism and host-rock partial melting, Cooma Complex, southeastern Australia. Aust J Earth Sci 48:557–580

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams IS, Claesson S (1987) Isotopic evidence for the Precambrian provenance and Caledonian metamorphism of high grade paragneisses from the Seve Nappes, Scandinavian Caledonides. Contrib Mineral Petrol 97:205–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woodhead J, Hergt J, Shelley M, Eggins S, Kemp R (2004) Zircon Hf-isotope analysis with an excimer laser, depth profiling, ablation of complex geometries, and concomitant age estimation. Chem Geol 209:121–135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeck HP, Williams IS (2002) Inherited and magmatic zircon from Neogene Hoyazo cordierite dacite, SE Spain; anatectic source rock provenance and magmatic evolution. J Petrol 43:1089–1104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng J, Griffin WL, O’Reilly SY, Lu F, Yu C, Zhang M, Li H (2004) U–Pb and Hf-isotope analysis of zircons in mafic xenoliths from Fuxian kimberlites: evolution of the lower crust beneath the north China craton. Contrib Mineral Petrol 148:79–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

MJF acknowledges support from the Antarctic Funding Initiative (grant AFI 3/13 awarded to ILM and APMV) and skilled laboratory assistance by Vanessa Pashley at NIGL. ILM and APMV are indebted to the tireless assistance of the BAS operations group and field assistants that make fieldwork and sample collection in Antarctica possible. This work is a contribution to the BAS core programme Antarctica in the Dynamic Global Plate System, in particular the project Superterranes in the Pacific-margin arc (SPARC). Thorough and instructive reviews by Nigel Kelly and Tony Kemp and patient editing by Ian Parsons are greatly appreciated and have improved an earlier version of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK

    M. J. Flowerdew, I. L. Millar & A. P. M. Vaughan

  2. NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratories, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK

    M. J. Flowerdew, I. L. Millar & M. S. A. Horstwood

  3. PRISE, Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Mills Roads, Canberra, ACT, 0201, Australia

    C. M. Fanning

Authors
  1. M. J. Flowerdew
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. I. L. Millar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. P. M. Vaughan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. S. A. Horstwood
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. C. M. Fanning
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. J. Flowerdew.

Additional information

Communicated by I. Parsons

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Flowerdew, M.J., Millar, I.L., Vaughan, A.P.M. et al. The source of granitic gneisses and migmatites in the Antarctic Peninsula: a combined U–Pb SHRIMP and laser ablation Hf isotope study of complex zircons. Contrib Mineral Petrol 151, 751–768 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-006-0091-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-006-0091-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation