Magmatic fertility in post-collisional arcs: contrasting juvenile mafic intrusions and Cu–Mo fertile felsic systems in the Eastern Sakarya Zone (NE Türkiye)


Moghadam H. S., Xiao W., ÖZEN KARSLI S., Mao Q., Miao S.

Gondwana Research, vol.155, pp.310-343, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 155
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.gr.2026.02.007
  • Journal Name: Gondwana Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Geobase
  • Page Numbers: pp.310-343
  • Keywords: Arc magmatism, Eastern Sakarya Zone, Magmatic fertility, Porphyry Cu–Mo systems, Zircon trace elements
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The Eastern Sakarya Zone (ESZ) of northeastern Türkiye records a remarkable duality in Eocene magmatism, where Cu–Mo fertile felsic porphyries coexist with barren mafic–intermediate intrusions. We present an integrated, multi-proxy investigation of the İspir intrusive complex, incorporating whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb–Hf isotope–trace element systematics, and apatite major–trace element and in-situ Nd isotopic signatures, to delineate the petrogenetic pathways and magmatic processes that control fertility contrasts across this intrusive suite. Zircon and apatite proxies reveal that İspir magmas were derived from a juvenile mantle source, retained consistently radiogenic isotopic signatures, and crystallized under relatively reduced, volatile-poor conditions. In contrast, fertile Eocene felsic intrusions in the ESZ show enriched isotopic signatures, elevated oxidation states, and volatile-rich magmas derived from a metasomatized mantle source and buffered in long-lived crustal magma reservoirs, conditions favorable for porphyry Cu–Mo fertility. Apatite-derived estimates of Cl, F, S, and ΔFMQ further distinguish these suites, with fertile magmas showing elevated halogens and sulphur contents coupled with oxidized states favorable for delayed sulphide saturation and metal transport. These results demonstrate that in post-collisional arcs, fertility depends not only on tectonic triggers such as slab break-off or lithospheric delamination but also on whether melts are processed through volatile-charged, oxidized hot zones. The İspir suite provides a critical juvenile end-member against which fertile felsic counterparts can be contrasted, offering a refined framework to assess magmatic fertility across the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt and other collisional orogens.