Petrology and Geochemistry of Nakora Ring Complex with Emphasis on Tectonics and Magmatism, Neoproterozoic Malani Igneous Suite, Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The present contribution reports on the field, petrographical and geochemical observations of the volcano-plutonic rocks of the Nakora Ring Complex (NRC) from the Neoproterozoic, Malani Igneous Suite (MIS) (Northwestern Peninsular India) and confers about their magmatic evolution and tectonic implications. Three magmatic phases are notable in the NRC which is Extrusive, Intrusive and Dyke phase where with small quantities of basaltic flows was initiated and accompanied by extensive/voluminous acidic flows. Petrographically, rhyolite shows flow bands, porphyritic, spherulitic, aphyritic and perlitic textures whereas basalt flows are distinguished by the presence of labradorite in lath-shaped crystals (plagioclase feldspar) and clinopyroxene (augite). The presence of high silica and total alkalis in NRC rocks, as well as high field strength elements (HFSE), enrichment of trace elements and negative anomalies of Sr., Eu, P, and Ti indicates that the emplacement of the lava flows was controlled by complex magmatic processes such as fractional crystallization, crustal contamination and partial melting. The association of basalt-trachyte-rhyolite means that the magma chamber was supplied a significant amount of heat to the crust before the eruption. Moreover, a volcanic vent was also reported at NRC where rhyolite was associated with agglomerate, volcanic breccia, perlite and tuff. The current research proposed that the Neoproterozoic magmatism at NRC was controlled by rift-related mechanism and produced from crustal source where the heat was supplied by mantle plume.