Paleozoic and Mesozoic ophiolites of Central Iran: Amphibolites from Jandaq, Posht-e-Badam, Nain and Ashin ophiolites

Abstract

Paleozoic of Jandaq and Posht-e-Badam ophiolites and Mesozoic ophiolitic mélanges of Nain and Ashin are located in the western part of the Central East Iranian Microcontinent. They are metamorphic relicts within the amphibolite faciès of Paleo-Tethys and Neotethys Oceans. Petrological and geochemical studies of these Paleozoic and Mesozoic ophiolites suggest that they include oceanic basic dykes, pillow and massive lavas formed during mid-oceanic rifting processes. Parental basic rocks from Paleozoic ophiolites of Jandaq and Posht-e-Badam have tholeiitic to alkaline affinities. They are supposed to have been generated by lower partial melting of a relatively enriched mantle peridotite. Parental basic rocks from Mesozoic ophiolites have typical N-MORB affinity and were generated by partial melting of a depleted mantle source. © 2011 E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, Germany.