Geochemical and geochronological data from Eastern Plutonic Bodies, Peninsular Malaysia

Description

This dataset compiles integrated whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U-Pb geochronology, and zircon Lu-Hf isotope data from five key plutons (Maras-Jong, Jerong, Jengai, Kijal, Kuantan) of the Eastern Plutonic Bodies (EPB), Eastern Belt granitoids, Peninsular Malaysia. The data were generated to resolve long-standing controversies regarding the petrogenesis and mantle-derived contributions to these granitoids, which formed during the critical transition from Gondwana dispersal to Pangaea assembly. The dataset includes: New whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry for 39 samples from the Maras-Jong, Jerong, Jengai, and Kijal plutons, analyzed by XRF and ICP-MS. New zircon U-Pb geochronological data for the Jerong and Jengai plutons, obtained via LA-ICP-MS. Compiled and reinterpreted zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic data from Quek et al. (2021) for the Maras-Jong, Kijal, and Kuantan plutons, ensuring methodological consistency. Key parameters and features of the data: Geochemistry: The granitoids are high-K calc-alkaline, peraluminous, and highly fractionated, showing characteristic I-type trends (e.g., strong negative P₂O₅ vs. SiO₂ correlation). Trace element patterns show arc-like signatures with enrichments in LILEs (Rb, Th, U) and depletions in HFSEs (Nb, Ta, Ti). Geochronology: Zircon U-Pb ages define two distinct magmatic pulses: a main Permian pulse (~276–262 Ma) and a Middle Triassic pulse (~245 Ma, Kijal pluton). Hf Isotopes: Zircon εHf(t) values range from -9.2 to +14.6, with most plutons (Kuantan, Kijal, Jengai) showing predominantly juvenile, positive signatures (εHf(t) = -0.3 to +5.3), corresponding to Neoproterozoic depleted mantle model ages (TDM² = 0.76–0.99 Ga). This robust, multi-proxy dataset provides critical evidence for a revised petrogenetic model. It demonstrates that the Eastern Belt granitoids are highly fractionated I-types, where S-type characteristics are the result of extreme fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation, not a metasedimentary source. The Hf isotopes quantitatively establish the mantle not only as a thermal engine but also as a fundamental material component in granite genesis through crust-mantle hybridization. The data directly link the Permian magmatism to subduction-related processes and the Triassic Kijal pluton to a post-collisional slab break-off event, offering a refined geodynamic narrative for the final assembly of Pangaea in Southeast Asia. This dataset is essential for researchers in granite petrogenesis, crust-mantle interaction, Tethyan tectonics, and supercontinent cycles. It supports comparative studies with other orogenic belts and provides a benchmark for testing geodynamic models of subduction-to-collision transitions.

Steps to reproduce

To reproduce this dataset, conduct systematic fieldwork to collect fresh samples from the Maras-Jong, Jerong, Jengai, Kijal, and Kuantan plutons, documenting field relationships. Process samples by crushing and pulverizing in an agate mill. For whole-rock geochemistry, analyze major elements via XRF on fused glass beads and trace elements/REEs by ICP-MS after fusion-acid digestion, using international standards (GSR-3, W-2) for QA/QC. For zircon U-Pb geochronology, separate zircons using heavy liquid and magnetic techniques. Mount grains with reference materials TEMORA 2 and Plešovice, and perform CL imaging to target magmatic zones. Conduct LA-ICP-MS analysis with spot sizes of 25–30 µm, using standards for calibration every 4-5 unknowns. Reduce data with software like GLITTER, applying common Pb correction, and calculate ages with IsoplotR. For zircon Hf isotopes, analyze the same or adjacent domains used for U-Pb dating via LA-MC-ICP-MS. Calibrate using standard JMC-475 and monitor accuracy with reference zirrels GJ-1 and Mud Tank. Calculate εHf(t) and TDM² model ages relative to CHUR. Integrate all new data with compiled existing Hf isotopes, ensuring transparent sourcing. Use the combined dataset for petrogenetic modeling, including variation diagrams, normalized trace element plots, and zircon thermometry to validate interpretations.

Institutions

• Universiti Malaya

  Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur

Categories

Funders

• University of Malaya

  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  Grant ID: University Malaya Research Grant Nos.RG041/09AFR
• University of Malaya

  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  Grant ID: UM/MoHE High Impact Research Grant (UMC/HIR/MOHE/SC/27)

Licence