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A hidden Rodinian lithospheric keel beneath Zealandia, Earth's newly recognized continent

We present a data set of >1500 in situ O-Hf-U-Pb zircon isotope analyses that document the existence of a concealed Rodinian lithospheric keel beneath continental Zealandia. The new data reveal the presence of a distinct isotopic domain of Paleozoic-Mesozoic plutonic rocks that contain zircon cha...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Turnbull, Rose E. (Author) , Schwartz, J.J. (Author) , Fiorentini, M.L. (Author) , Jongens, R. (Author) , Evans, N.J. (Author) , Ludwig, Thomas (Author) , McDonald, B.J. (Author) , Klepeis, K.A. (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 12 May 2021
In: Geology
Year: 2021, Volume: 49, Issue: 8, Pages: 1009-1014
ISSN:1943-2682
DOI:10.1130/G48711.1
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1130/G48711.1
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Author Notes:R.E. Turnbull, J.J. Schwartz, M.L. Fiorentini, R. Jongens, N.J. Evans, T. Ludwig, B.J. McDonald and K.A. Klepeis
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Summary:We present a data set of >1500 in situ O-Hf-U-Pb zircon isotope analyses that document the existence of a concealed Rodinian lithospheric keel beneath continental Zealandia. The new data reveal the presence of a distinct isotopic domain of Paleozoic-Mesozoic plutonic rocks that contain zircon characterized by anomalously low δ18O values (median = +4.1‰) and radiogenic εHf(t) (median = +6.1). The scale (>10,000 km2) and time span (>>250 m.y.) over which plutonic rocks with this anomalously low-δ18O signature were emplaced appear unique in a global context, especially for magmas generated and emplaced along a continental margin. Calculated crustal-residence ages (depleted mantle model, TDM) for this low-δ18O isotope domain range from 1300 to 500 Ma and are interpreted to represent melting of a Precambrian lithospheric keel that was formed and subsequently hydrothermally altered during Rodinian assembly and rifting. Recognition of a concealed Precambrian lithosphere beneath Zealandia and the uniqueness of the pervasive low-δ18O isotope domain link Zealandia to South China, providing a novel test of specific hypotheses of continental block arrangements within Rodinia.
Item Description:Gesehen am 21.10.2021
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1943-2682
DOI:10.1130/G48711.1

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