The Middle-Late Cretaceous Zagros ophiolites, Iran: Linking of a 3000 km swath of subduction initiation fore-arc lithosphere from Troodos, Cyprus to Oman

Abstract New trace-element, radiogenic Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic and geochronological data from Middle-Late Cretaceous Zagros ophiolites of Iran give new insights into the tectono-magmatic history these supra-subduction zone (SSZ)-type ophiolites. The distribution SSZ-type in comprises two parallel belts: (1) outer ophiolitic belt (2) inner belt. These were generated by seafloor spreading what became fore-arc back-arc during subduction initiation event now define a ~3000-km-long Cyprus to Turkey, Syria, Iran, UAE, Oman. contain complete (if disrupted) mantle crustal sequences. Mantle sequences both outer-belt inner-belt are dominated dunites, harzburgites, lherzolites with minor chromitite lenses. Peridotites also intruded gabbros variety mafic felsic (plagiogranite dacite) dikes. Crustal rocks comprise ultramafic-mafic cumulates as well isotropic gabbros, sheeted dike complexes, pillowed massive lavas, rocks. Our zircon U-Pb ages indicate that formed near coevally Cretaceous; 100–96 Ma for 105–94 Both incompatible-element ratios confirm depleted variable contributions components involved genesis along those better-studied Cyprus, Oman lead conclusion broad, swath lithosphere was created time.