Geochemical characterization of the Kohistan arc (N Pakistan): Implications for the initiation and evolution of an oceanic subduction

Subduction is one of the major geodynamical process active during the Earth evolution. The characterization of arc magmas, their evolution through space and time, and the relationship between arc magmatism and continental crust forming processes, constitute the main research topics in petrology and geochemistry since the last three decades. This study focuses on an exhumed portion of the Kohistan Arc (N Pakistan), which is an exceptional ‘in situ' laboratory to study and follow through time the processes active on subduction zones. Based on a pluri-geochemical approach, this study allows unraveling two major issues : 1/ The lack of a cogenetic relationship between the arc root (i.e. ultramafic rocks) and the overlying gabbroic crustal section. The Jijal ultramafic section does not bear a crustal origin and was emplaced at ~117 Ma via a magma-rock reaction between REE-depleted ‘boninite-like' melts and the pre-existing lithospheric mantle with Indian-MORB affinities; 2/ A three-stage geodynamical model covering the arc evolution through ~30 Ma. This model starts with the onset of the subduction followed by the building of the volcanic arc (1st stage). The 2nd stage corresponds to a major thermal event, characterized by abundant magma underplating and by granulitisation of the arc base. Recycling of the residual/cumulative lower crust into the convective asthenospheric mantle was efficient during this stage, and probably related to thermo-mechanical erosion processes. The last stage, between ~95 and 85 Ma, seals the end of the intra-oceanic subduction and corresponds to an “amagmatic” period. This step is followed by a voluminous, but short, magmatic pulse at ~85 Ma, occurring just before the arc-continent collision. At last, this study emphasizes the more mafic composition of the investigated crustal arc section when compared to the bulk continental crust. Nevertheless the arc section composition nicely fits with the lower continental crust average.