Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb geochronology of Aligoodarz granitoid complex, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Iran

Abstract

The Aligoodarz granitoid complex (AGC) is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ), western Iran and consists of quartz-diorites, granodiorites and subordinate granites. Whole rock major and trace element data mostly define linear trends on Harker diagrams suggesting a cogenetic origin of the different rock types. (^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i and eNdt ratios are in the ranges 0.7074–0.7110 and -3.56 to -5.50, respectively. The trace elements and Sr–Nd isotopic composition suggest that the granitoids from the AGC are similar to crustal derived I-type granitoids of continental arcs. The whole rock suite was produced by assimilation and fractional crystallization starting from a melt with intermediate composition likely possessing a mantle component. In situ zircon U–Pb data on the granites with LA-ICP-MS yield a crystallization age of ~165 Ma. Inherited grains spanning in age from ~180 Ma up to 2027 Ma were also found and confirm that assimilation of country rock has occurred. Chemical and chronological data on the AGC were compared with those available for other granitoid complexes of the central SSZ (e.g., Dehno, Boroujerd and Alvand). The comparison reveals that in spite of the different origins that have been proposed, all these granitoid complexes are likely genetically related. They share many chemical features and are derived from crustal melts with minor differences. Alvand granites have the most peculiar compositions most likely related to the presence of abundant pelitic component. All these intrusions are coeval and reveal the presence of an extensive magmatic activity in the central sector of the SSZ during middle Jurassic.

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