Zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis of Early Triassic granites in the Wulonggou area of the Eastern Kunlun Orogen, Northwest China

<div><p>Widespread granitic intrusions in the northeast part of the Wulonggou area were previously thought to be emplaced into the Palaeoproterozoic Jinshuikou Group during the Neoproterozoic. This contribution presents detailed LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology, major and trace element geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotope systematic on the Wulonggou Granodiorite and Xiaoyakou Granite from the Wulonggou area. Three granodiorite samples yielded U–Pb zircon ages of 247 ± 2, 248 ± 1, and 249 ± 1 Ma, and one granite sample yielded U–Pb zircon age of 246 ± 3 Ma. The granodiorite samples are metaluminous with an alumina saturation index of 0.90–0.96, as well as intermediate- to high-alkali contents of 5.49–6.14 wt.%, and low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y contents, and low Fe₂O_3T/MgO ratios, which suggest an I-type classical island arc magmatic source. The granite samples are peraluminous with an alumina saturation index of 1.02–1.03, Sr content of 305.00–374.00 ppm, Sr/Y ratios of between 17.68 and 28.77, (La/Yb)_N values of 16.98–25.07, low HREEs (Yb = 1.10–2.00 ppm), and low Y (13.00–21.10 ppm), which suggest adakite-like rocks. All granodiorite samples have zircons <i>ε</i>_Hf(<i>t</i>) values ranging from −2.9 to +3.9, and granite samples have zircon <i>ε</i>_Hf(<i>t</i>) values ranging from −7.8 to +3.2. These Hf isotopic data suggest that the Early Triassic granites were derived from the partial melting of a mafic Mesoproterozoic lower crust, although the degree of ancient crustal assimilation may be higher for the Xiaoyakou Granite. It is suggested here that the ca. 246–248 Ma magma was generated during the northward subduction of the Palaeo-Tethys oceanic plate.</p></div