U–Pb isotopic ages and Hf isotope composition of zircons in Variscan gabbros from central Spain: evidence of variable crustal contamination

Ion microprobe U–Pb analyses of zircons from three gabbroic intrusions from the Spanish Central System (SCS) (Talavera, La Solanilla and Navahermosa) yield Variscan ages (300 to 305 Ma) in agreement with recent studies. Only two zircon crystals from La Solanilla massif gave slightly discordant Paleoproterozoic ages (1,848 and 2,010 Ma). Hf isotope data show a relatively large variation with the juvenile end-members showing ɛHfi values as high as +3.6 to +6.9 and +1.5 to +2.9 in the Navahermosa and Talavera gabbros, respectively. These positive ɛHfi values up to +6.9 might represent the composition of the subcontinental mantle which generates these SCS gabbros. This ɛHfi range is clearly below depleted mantle values suggesting the involvement of enriched mantle components on the origin of these Variscan gabbros, and is consistent with previous whole-rock studies. The presence of zircons with negative ɛHfi values suggest variable, but significant, crustal contamination of the gabbros, mainly by mixing with coeval granite magmas. Inherited Paleoproterozoic zircons of La Solanilla gabbros have similar trace element composition (e.g. Th/U ratios), but more evolved Hf-isotope signatures than associated Variscan zircons. Similar inherited ages have been recorded in zircons from coeval Variscan granitoids from the Central Iberian Zone. Granitic rocks have Nd model ages (TDM) predominantly in the range of 1.4 to 1.6 Ga, suggesting a juvenile addition during the Proterozoic. However, Hf crustal model ages of xenocrystic Proterozoic zircons in La Solanilla gabbro indicate the presence of reworked Archean protoliths (TDM2 model ages of 3.0 to 3.2 Ga) incorporated into the hybridized mafic magma

Variscan Magmatism

This chapter aims to identify, characterize and locate the main facts/events related to orogenesis in the Iberian Peninsula. Its succession in space and time determines the geodynamic environment of the broader geological phenomenon corresponding to the Variscan cycle. In this sense, this section comprises two parts: I—The Iberian orogenic magmatism seen through a space-time approach of its westernmost region—focus on the enormous complexity of the inherited basement, its nature, age and distribution in space. Establishes a space-time sequence of geodynamic environments correlated with the obtained data and tries to identify the agents responsible for its genesis. Some case studies are presented to illustrated significant regional aspects of the magmatic process and II—An overview of the petrogenesis of the great batholiths and of the basic, intermediate and mantle-related rocks—identify and analyze a great amount of these rocks intruding and extruded from 400 to 280 Ma and to better understanding the large-scale process involving the whole lithosphere during Variscan cycle.publishe