Research Output
Articles
Publication Date: 2025
Petrology (15562085)33(2)pp. 139-161
Abstract: Metabasites within the Jandaq Metamorphic Complex (JMC), Iran, offer valuable insights into the region’s magmatic and metamorphic history. Whole-rock geochemical data (major, trace, and rare earth elements) coupled with Sm-Nd isotopes were used to decipher the protolith origin and tectonic setting of formation of these metabasites. Our results demonstrate a predominantly ortho-amphibolitic nature for the JMC metabasites, with igneous protoliths ranging from basalt to andesite based on geochemical discrimination diagrams (Zr versus MgO and Sm/Nd). They exhibit geochemical affinities closer to enriched mid-oceanic ridge basalts (E-MORB) rather than normal MORB, implying a nascent oceanic basin within an intracontinental extensional setting. Trace element signatures (LILE enrichment, HFSE depletion) suggest a metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) or a metasomatized lithospheric mantle beneath the oceanic crust as the parental magma source. Sm-Nd isotopic data suggest a potential plume source for the protoliths. These rocks were metamorphosed further by at least three metamorphic events: M1 (regional metamorphism, Barrovian-type; 616–687°C, 8–11 kbar), M2 (a brittle deformation event), and a later retrograde metamorphism (M3). These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the geochemical characteristics, tectonic setting, and metamorphic evolution of JMC metabasites, shedding light on the geological history of the Jandaq region as a Paleo-Tethyan remnant. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. 2025.
Arian, H.,
Alaminia, Z.,
Ahmadi, H.,
Pour, A.B.,
Tabatabaei manesh, S.M.,
Lentz, D.R.,
Parsa, L. Publication Date: 2025
Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment (23529385)38
The demand for critical minerals is increasing swiftly as they are essential components for clean energy technologies. Nowadays, lithium (Li) is considered critical due to its wider use in various battery chemistries and the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry. Pegmatites are considered one of the main sources of lithium worldwide. The pegmatite belt in Afghanistan, known for its enormous resources of critical metals, has recently emerged as an important region for lithium exploration. Multispectral remote sensing imagery is the only technique with large spatial coverage to map lithium-bearing pegmatites on a regional scale. In this study, ASTER and Sentinel 2MSI multispectral remote sensing imagery was used to map lithium-bearing pegmatites in the Tagablor pegmatite field in central Afghanistan. Various spectral mapping methods such as False Color Composite (FCC), Band Ratio (BR) and Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) as well as supervised classification algorithms, i.e. Support Vector Machine (SVM), Minimum Distance (MD) and Maximum Likelihood (ML), were used to discriminate between altered minerals and lithologies as well as to identify areas with high potential for lithium-bearing pegmatites. Of the classification algorithms tested, SVM showed the highest efficiency in separating pegmatite bodies from their host rocks when applied to Sentinel 2 MSI data. The current study identified six promising pegmatite zones in the Tagablor pegmatite field, five of which were newly discovered and proposed for a comprehensive field campaign. In this study, an overall accuracy of 89 % was achieved in the detection of pegmatites and their surrounding formations, highlighting the potential of multispectral remote sensing for lithium exploration at a regional scale in arid and semi-arid regions. Further geochronological, geochemical and mineralogical investigations are recommended to better understand the age and mineralization potential of these pegmatites in the Tagablor pegmatite field, central Afghanistan. This study highlights the significant potential of multispectral remote sensing in mapping potential zones of critical minerals to enhance the sustainable utilization of minerals for green energy technologies in the future. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
Abstract: The Neybaz Metamorphic Core Complex (NMCC), situated in the West Central Iranian Microcontinent, is a high-grade metamorphic zone composed of diverse lithologies ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic in age. It has undergone multiple deformation phases, evidenced by tight isoclinal, overturned, and recumbent folds, boudins, fold interference patterns, and significant variation in fold geometry. The region displays signs of both compressional and extensional tectonics: intense folding and thrusting reflect contraction, while boudinage indicates extension. Shear-related fabrics such as sigma- and delta-structures and sheath folds further suggest concurrent shearing. Quantitative fold analysis reveals an average shortening of 72.43%, pointing to intense deformation. Metamorphism peaked at granulite facies, with widespread migmatitization resulting from partial melting of gneisses and amphibolites. While most rocks have a magmatic protolith, some exhibit sedimentary origins. Melt formation depths vary, extending beyond 40 km. Geochemical signatures, including trace element and Rare Earth Elements (REE) anomalies, suggest a mixed mantle-crustal source influenced by subduction, crustal assimilation, fractional crystallization, and partial melting. The tectonic settings of rock emplacement span magmatic arcs, mid-ocean ridges, and orogenic belts, underscoring the NMCC’s complex, multi-stage evolution. Unlike classical Cordilleran core complexes, the Neybaz Complex reflects both contractional and extensional tectonic regimes, classifying it as a transitional core complex. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. 2025.
