Zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes constraints on the petrogenesis of Neoarchean granitic rocks from the Northeastern part of the Eastern Dharwar Craton, Southern India

Abstract

In the present study, we integrate bulk rock chemistry and in-situ zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of high-K Neoarchean granitoids from the northeastern part of the Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) to investigate their source, petrogenesis, and plausible tectonic setting. Based on the mineral assemblage, in coherence with their geochemical characteristics, these granitoids are classified as Hornblende-biotite granite (HBG) with Microgranular enclaves (ME), Biotite granite (BTG) and Monzogranite (MG). Field observations and zircon U-Pb ages reveal coeval emplacement of these granitoids between 2.53 and 2.50 Ga. The HBG, including ME, has low silica, metaluminous affinity, and high ferromagnesian element content, consistent with their derivation from a mafic source. Some of the HBG and ME samples are strongly enriched in incompatible elements, similar to the sanukitoids. The geochemical attributes and strongly evolved zircon Hf isotopic compositions (ɛHf_(t) = −4.3 to +1.8 and −7.3 to +0.2) of the HBG and ME suggest their derivation from a mantle source metasomatized by subducted sediments. The BTG and MG are compositionally similar, with high silica, low ferromagnesian element content, and moderate peraluminous affinity, suggesting the involvement of felsic crustal sources. The sub-chondritic to chondritic zircon Hf isotopic compositions (ɛHf_(t) = −2.7 to +1.4 and  −6.9 to +1.9) of these granitoids support the involvement of heterogeneous ancient crustal sources. While all granitoids exhibit similar zircon Hf isotopic compositions, their geochemical attributes suggest distinct sources. The HBG reflects juvenile crustal additions, whereas BTG and MG are products of the crustal reworking. We propose that these granitoids formed during the continent-continent collision between Western and Eastern Dharwar cratons, that took place after the break-off of the eastward subducting slab. The asthenospheric upwelling induced by slab break-off and/or lithospheric delamination of thickened crust led to the genesis of metasomatized mantle derived magma, which drove the crustal reworking. The observed zircon Hf isotopic composition of the EDC granitoids are similar to the present day Phanerozoic Alpine-Himalayan type orogenies supporting subduction followed by continental collision model for the stabilisation of Archean cratons. Evidence for the existence of Paleo- Mesoarchean felsic crust from this part of the EDC warrants further studies to test the three-terrane model for the Dharwar Craton.