The early Eocene (48 Ma) Qaladeza trondhjemite formed by wet partial remelting of mafic crust in the arc-related Bulfat Igneous Complex (Kurdistan, Iraq): constraints on the timing of Neotethys closure

Abstract Events in the tectono-magmatic framework of Eocene Bulfat Igneous Complex Kurdistan region northeastern Iraq are revealed through integrated field, petrographic, geochemical and zircon petrography U–Pb geochronology Qaladeza trondhjemite sheets that cut gabbros complex. The variably deformed, with cataclasis large plagioclase feldspars. trondhjemites albitic, features such as strong enrichment light REE relative to heavy low Ti content show they did not form late differentiates a MORB-like source, but instead by hydrous partial melting mafic rocks, possibly also involving some more evolved crustal source well. oscillatory-zoned magmatic has an age 48.0 ± 0.6 Ma (95% confidence). These domains have been etched voids zircons, walls which thin coatings Th- Ca-bearing species. Subsequent recrystallization zircons obliterated increased Th/U recrystallized zircon, mostly formed at 38.74 0.74 Ma. 48 relate recycling crust proto-arc tectonic setting congruent activity within Neotethyan oceanic basin. 39 later tectonic-induced recrystallisation events coeval closure Neotethys resulting from collision between Arabian plate Eurasia Kurdistan.