Rb-Sr Age of the Metaluminous Granitoids of South Khasi Batholith, Meghalaya : Implications on its Genesis and Pan-African Activity in Northeastern India

Abstract

Abstract Metaluminous granitoids of the South Khasi batholith (SKB) in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya define a Rb-Sr whole-rock isochron age of 757 ± 60 Ma, with (87Sr/86Sr) of 0.71069 ±0.00092. SKB and other granitoids of Meghalaya like Mylliem, Nongpoh and Kyrdem have many common features such as the presence of basic enclaves of hornblende gneiss and amphibolite, lateto post-tectonic nature, predominance of biotite amongst mafic silicates, overall metaluminous nature and high (87Sr/86Sr) of more than 0.709. All these indicate much similarity in the genesis of their melts due to partial melting of lower crustal rocks. The Rb-Sr isochron ages of SKB and other granitoids in Meghalaya point to a major tectonomagmatic activity during ca. 760-480 Ma, which is almost coeval with ca. 800-500 Ma Mid-Upper.Pan-African activity. The data, thus imply the possible imprint of the widespread Pan-African activity in northeastern India, besides southern India.