Geochronology, geochemistry, Hf isotopic compositions and formation mechanism of radial mafic dikes in northern Tibet

A large mafic dike swarm is radially distributed in southern Qiangtang. Three typical samples were selected for geochronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotopic analysis. Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the three dikes formed at 291 +/- 2, 292 +/- 3, and 300 +/- 2 Ma. Whole-rock compositions show that the southern Qiangtang mafic dikes are alkaline, Fe+Ti rich, and exhibit relative enrichment in light rare-earth elements. The ratios of incompatible elements are similar to those of oceanic island and Emeishan basalts. Geochemical diagrams show that the dikes erupted in an intraplate environment. Zircon Hf isotopic data suggest that magma that produced the mafic dikes was derived from a depleted mantle source. The geochemical characteristics of the dikes approximate that of eruption products of a brief period of mantle plume activity (300-280 Ma). According to eight geologic maps of Qiangtang, the mafic dikes crop out over an area of 150km from north to south and 500km from east to west, radiating outward from Mayigangri. We conclude that the mafic dikes in southern Qiangtang are related to the combined effect of Permian plate motions and mantle plume activity, and the Mayigangri area overlies the hot spot. Furthermore, the mantle plume in southern Qiangtang may have propelled the closing of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean.