The 2.73 Ga I-type granites in the Lengshui Complex and implications for the Neoarchean tectonic evolution of the Yangtze Craton

ABSTRACTWe report the oldest I-type granites in the Lengshui Complex of the Yangtze Craton, providing new insights for its tectonic evolution during the Neoarchean. An approach-combined study of zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopes, as well as whole-rock element geochemistry and Nd isotopes, were employed. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating for the monzogranite sample LSG03 and LSG16 yielded ages of 2732 ± 13 Ma and 2738 ± 25 Ma, respectively. The more precise age of 2732 ± 13 Ma for the sample LSG03 was taken as the crystallization age of the monzogranite. These rocks have high SiO2 (73.11–74.01 wt%), K2O (3.93–5.48 wt%), Na2O (3.93–4.86 wt%) and low CaO (0.30–0.69 wt%), MgO (0.17–0.30 wt%), TiO2 (0.14–0.17 wt%), P2O5 (0.01–0.06 wt%), Al2O3 (14.11–14.37 wt%) content with weakly peraluminous affinity (A/CNK = 1.04–1.11). Geochemically, they belong to I-type granites, indicating partial melting of a thickened lower crust. Their relatively high Nb/Ta (15.2–34.8) ratios further suggest they formed under eclogite-...