The Geological Society of America

Special Paper 546

Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement

along the western Gulf of Mexico:
Postcollisional magmatism during the formation of Pangea

Henry E. Coombs
Andrew C. Kerr
School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK

James Pindell
Tectonic Analysis Ltd., Chestnut House, Duncton, West Sussex GU28 0LH, UK

David Buchs
School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK

Bodo Weber
Departamento de Geología, Centro de Investigación Científca y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE),
Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Zona Playitas, 22860 Ensenada B.C., Mexico

Luigi Solari
Centro de Geociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,
Campus Juriquilla, 76001 Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico

ABSTRACT

The supercontinent of Pangea formed through the diachronous collision of Lau-

russia and Gondwana during the late Paleozoic. While magmatism associated with
its formation is well documented in the Variscan orogeny of Europe and Alleghanian
orogeny of the United States, little is known about the Sonora orogeny of northern
Mexico. This paper reports geochronology (U-Pb zircon), whole-rock geochemistry,
and Lu-Hf zircon isotope data on basement cores from the western Gulf of Mexico,
which were used to develop a tectonomagmatic model for pre- to post-Pangea amal-
gamation. Our results suggest the existence of three distinct phases of magmatism,
produced during different stages of continental assembly and disassembly. The first
phase consists of Early Permian (294–274 Ma; n = 3) granitoids with geochemical sig-
natures indicative of a continental arc tectonic setting. This phase formed on the mar-
gins of Gondwana during the closure of the Rheic Ocean, prior to the final amalga-
mation of Pangea. It likely represents a lateral analogue of late Carboniferous–Early
Permian granitoids that intrude the Acatlán and Oaxacan Complexes. The second

Coombs, H.E., Kerr, A.C., Pindell, J., Buchs, D., Weber, B., and Solari, L., 2020, Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico: Postcol-
lisional magmatism during the formation of Pangea, in Martens, U.C, and Molina Garza, R.S., eds., Southern and Central Mexico: Basement Framework, Tectonic
Evolution, and Provenance of Mesozoic–Cenozoic Basins: Geological Society of America Special Paper 546, p. 29–52, https://doi.org/10.1130/2020.2546(02).
© 2020 The Geological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permission to copy, contact editing@geosociety.org.

29

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 30 Coombs et al.

phase of magmatism includes Late Permian–Early Triassic (263–243 Ma; n = 13)

granitoids with suprasubduction geochemical affinities. However, Lu-Hf isotope data
indicate that these granitoids formed from crustal anatexis, with εHf values and two-
step Hf depleted mantle model ages (TDM[Hf]) comparable to the Oaxaquia continental
crust into which they intrude. This phase of magmatism is likely related to coeval
granitoids in the Oaxaca area and Chiapas Massif. We interpret it to reflect late- to
postcollisional magmatism along the margin of Gondwana following the assembly of
Pangea. Finally, the third phase of magmatism includes Early–Middle Jurassic (189–
164 Ma; n = 2) mafic porphyries, which could be related to the synchronous suprasub-
duction magmatism associated with the Nazas arc. Overall, our results are consistent
with Pangea assembly through diachronous collision of Laurussia and Gondwana
during subduction of the Rheic Ocean. They suggest that postorogenic magmatism in
the western termination of the Rheic suture occurred under the influence of a Pan-
thalassan subduction zone, before opening of the Gulf of Mexico.

INTRODUCTION Herein, we present new whole-rock geochemical data, U-Pb

The late Paleozoic was characterized by the formation of
Pangea through the collision and amalgamation of the Laurus-
sia and Gondwana continents. This collision was diachronous,
initiating in the east (Europe and Africa) during the Carbonifer-
ous (ca. 340–330 Ma; Bussien et al., 2011) and terminating in
the west (Mexico) during the Early Permian (ca. 280 Ma; Pindell
and Dewey, 1982; Pindell, 1985; Ross, 1986; Viele and Thomas,
1989; Sedlock et al., 1993; Dickinson and Lawton, 2001). The
suture of this major collision zone is recorded in the Sonora-Mar-
athon-Ouachita-Alleghanian orogenies of northern Mexico and
the United States, and the Variscan orogeny of Europe.
Existing geochronological and geochemical data document
a complex tectonic history during the formation of Pangea. The
collision of Laurussia and Gondwana during the Variscan orogeny
of Europe was associated with three distinct, syn- (340–330 Ma),
late- (310 Ma), and postcollisional magmatic phases (Schalteg-
ger, 1997; Bussy et al., 2000; Von Raumer and Bussy, 2004;
Bussien et al., 2011). Further west, the Laurussia-­Gondwana
collision along the Ouachita-Marathon-Alleghanian orogenies
did not occur until the late Carboniferous–Early Permian, with
arc rocks relating to the closure of the Rheic Ocean dating to
325 Ma (U-Pb zircon; Shaulis et al., 2012) and syn-, late-, and
postcollisional granitoids dating to 300–275 Ma (Walsh et al.,
2007; Heatherington et al., 2010; Mueller et al., 2014). In north-
east Mexico, the Sonora segment of the Laurussia-Gondwana
collision could provide important constraints on the timing and
mode of assembly and disassembly of Pangea. This segment
includes a continuous 3000-km-long Paleozoic carbonate conti-
nental shelf with consistent stratigraphic and structural character-
istics extending from Sonora to the southern United States (Poole
et al., 2005). However, very little is known about the orogenic
magmatism in this area. Yet, understanding the mechanics of the
collision in the Sonora segment is important because it likely
marks the latest phase of the Laurussia-Gondwana collision and
final amalgamation of Pangea.
zircon geochronology, and Lu-Hf zircon isotope data from well
cuttings from the crystalline basement of the western Gulf of
Mexico. Jurassic plate reconstructions (Pindell and Kennan,
2009) of western Pangea place the area of the western Gulf of
Mexico close to the Ouachita-Sonora suture zone. Based on these
new data, we propose a pre- to postcollisional model for magma-
tism associated with the formation of Pangea along the Sonora
segment of the Pangea suture zone.
GEOLOGICAL SETTING
Crystalline Basement of the Western Gulf of Mexico
Ages for the crystalline basement (cores) of the western
Gulf of Mexico have previously been presented in an internal
Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) report by Lopez-Ramos (1979).
The method of dating was primarily K-Ar on biotite or potas-
sium feldspars, and these analyses yielded a wide range of het-
erogeneous ages from the Neoproterozoic to Early Cretaceous
(Table 1). A detailed description of the crystalline basement of
Mexico can be found in Ortega-Gutiérrez et al. (2014); however,
we present below a brief outline of the major basement-forming
­Proterozoic–Jurassic igneous events in Mexico.
Oaxaquia
Oaxaquia or the Oaxaquia microcontinent is associated with
a Grenvillian phase of granulite-facies metamorphism and is
thought to underlie the majority of Gondwana-derived Mexico.
Oaxaquia was first described in Ortega-Gutierrez et al. (1995),
with outcrops found in the Oaxacan Complex, Novillo Gneiss,
Huiznopala Gneiss, and Guichicovi Complex (Fig. 1A).
The oldest reported ages for Oaxaquia range between 1.5
and 1.4 Ga (U-Pb zircons in orthogneiss and migmatites; Solari
et al., 2003; Schulze, 2011; Weber and Schulze, 2014). These
ages have been associated with an early island arc known as

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 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico 31

TABLE 1. PREVIOUS GEOCHRONOLOGY

Area Age (Ma) Method Reference
Western Gulf of Mexico 312–916 K-Ar Lopez-Ramos (1979)
Sosola rhyolite 270.5 ± 2.5 U/Pb zircon Ortega-Obregón et al. (2014)
Cuanana pluton 310.8 ± 1.8 U/Pb zircon Ortega-Obregón et al. (2014)
Carbonera stock 272.5 ± 1.0 U/Pb zircon Ortega-Obregón et al. (2014)
Zaniza batholith 287.0 ± 1.9 U/Pb zircon Ortega-Obregón et al. (2014)
Etla granite 255.2 ± 1.0 U/Pb zircon Ortega-Obregón et al. (2014)
Honduras batholith 290.1 ± 2.2 U/Pb zircon Ortega-Obregón et al. (2014)
Xolapa Complex 272.0 ± 10 U/Pb zircon Ducea et al. (2004)
Chiapas Massif 251–258 U/Pb zircon Weber et al. (2005)
Chiapas Massif 271.9 ± 2.7 U/Pb zircon Weber et al. (2007)
Cozahuico granite 270.4 ± 2.6 U/Pb zircon Elías-Herrera et al. (2005)
Sierra Pinta granites 265–275 U/Pb zircon Arvizu and Iriondo (2011)
Totoltepec pluton 306.0 ± 1.0 U/Pb zircon Kirsch et al. (2012)
Totoltepec pluton 289.0 ± 1.0 U/Pb zircon Kirsch et al. (2012)
Totoltepec pluton 289 ± 1 U/Pb zircon Keppie (2004)
Totoltepec pluton 287 ± 1 U/Pb zircon Yañez et al. (1991)
Chichihualtepec dike 265–275 U/Pb zircon Kirsch et al. (2012)
Rabinal complex 215–270 U/Pb zircon Ratschbacher et al. (2009)

100°W 99°W 98°W 97°W 96°W 95°W 94°W

Legend
Geochronology and Geochemistry Proposed Oaxaquia
Benemerito- 245.4 ± 4.6 Ma
B
Geochemistry Extension (Keppie et Trincheras- 254.6 ± 3.4 Ma 25°N
al., 2003) Linares- 255.1 ± 4.8 Ma
Proterozoic-Triassic Basement Outcrops Proterozoic-Triassic Chaneque- 243.4 ± 2.8 Ma
Nazas Arc (Lawton & Molina Garza, 2014) Basement Complexes 24°N

Oaxaquia (Ortega-Gutiérrez et al., 1995) Suture

23°N
A Nayade- 257.0 ± 5.2 Ma
amaulipas- 247.9 ± 4.0 Ma
Tamaulipas-
USA Arenque- 293.5 ± 3.7 Ma
Jurel 22°N
Erizo- 249.8 ± 2.7Ma
Sierra Mexico
Pinta Nazas arc Marathon Pinonal- 294.1 ± 3.4 Ma
Segment & 249.8 ± 3.2 Ma
21°N
30° Sonora
Muro- 188.3 ± 4.0 Ma
Segment Magdalena
Paso de Oro- 274.2 ± 3.5 Ma Cupelado- 262.7 ± 4.5 Ma
Oaxaquia Tlapacoyan- 163.5 ± 4.7 Ma
20°N

Plan de Las Hayas- 261.0 ± 3.9 Ma

& 251.7 ± 5.2 Ma
Paso de Ovejas- 256.7 ± 5.5 Ma 19°N

Orizaba- 261.1 ± 4.9 Ma

Novillo Gneiss 18°N

Guerrero Gulf of Mexico

Composite Huiznopala Gneiss
Terrane

Totoltepec pluton Cozahuico Granite

Acatlán Complex Carbonera Stock Rabinal Complex
Pacific Ocean Cuanana pluton
Zaniza batholith Etla Granite
Guichicovi Complex
Mixtequita batholith
Honduras batholith
15°N Oaxacan Complex Chiapas Massif

N 250 km
110°W 90°
Figure 1. (A) Schematic map of Mexico displaying the extent of Oaxaquia type basement. Carboniferous–Triassic pluton exposures in Mexico
are also displayed (Elías-Herrera et al., 2005; Weber et al., 2005; Ratschbacher et al., 2009; Arvizu and Iriondo, 2011; Kirsch et al., 2012; Ortega-
Obregón et al., 2009, 2014). (B) Location of wells from which basement samples were taken in this study.

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 32
p­ roto-Oaxaquia (Weber and Schulze, 2014). A later and more
prevalent pulse of island-arc magmatism, possibly associated
with back-arc magmatism, occurred between 1.3 and 1.2 Ga
(Lawlor et al., 1999; Keppie et al., 2001; Keppie, 2004; Weber et
al., 2010; Weber and Schulze, 2014).
Migmatization (Olmecan event) occurred in Oaxaquia ca.
1.1 Ga (Solari et al., 2003), which has been linked to either back-
arc extension (Keppie et al., 2001, 2003; Keppie, 2004) or a
compressional event during accretion of the microcontinent to
Amazonia. Following migmatization, an anorthosite-mangerite-
charnockite-granite (AMCG) suite was emplaced ca. 1012 Ma
(Solari et al., 2003), which has also been linked to back-arc exten-
sion (Solari et al., 2003; Keppie, 2004) or Oaxaquia-­Amazonia
collision (Weber et al., 2010).
Acatlán Complex
The Acatlán Complex of southern Mexico (Fig. 1A) is one
of the few areas exposed in the region that preserves Paleozoic
rocks. It is composed of a complex succession of deformed
high-pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks, including eclogites and
blueschists, deformed granitoids, and metasedimentary rocks.
The origin of these Paleozoic rocks is still debated. Some stud-
ies propose formation at an active continental margin along Lau-
rentia (Talavera-Mendoza et al., 2005; Vega-Granillo et al., 2007
and 2009) or Gondwana (Van der Lelij et al., 2016). Other mod-
els suggest that the Acatlán Complex formed along a passive
margin of Gondwana, with HP metamorphic rocks extruded into
the upper plate during the Carboniferous (Keppie et al., 2008,
2012; Ortega-Obregón et al., 2009, 2014; Estrada-Carmona et
al., 2016).
Regardless of how the Acatlán Complex was formed, it is
generally agreed that it was emplaced along a continental margin
(either Laurussia or Gondwana). This indicates that it could have
been proximal to the Sonora segment of the collision zone during
the final amalgamation of Pangea.
Carboniferous–Triassic Magmatism
Late Carboniferous–Early Triassic granitoids can be found
across Mexico, including the Sierra Pinta, Chiapas Massif, and
intrusions into the Acatlán and Oaxacan Complexes (Fig. 1A;
Table 1). One interpretation of these igneous rocks is that they
formed in a continental arc system, associated with the eastward-
dipping subduction of the Panthalassa Ocean beneath Pangea
(Keppie, 2004; Arvizu and Iriondo, 2011; Kirsch et al., 2012;
Ortega-Obregón et al., 2014). Alternatively, the igneous event
could have been linked to the final amalgamation of Pangea
(Yañez et al., 1991; Elías-Herrera et al., 2005).
Paleogeographic reconstructions of Pangea (Pindell and
Kennan, 2009) indicate a close proximity between Mexico and
South America at this time. This suggests that the Carbonifer-
ous–Triassic magmatism in Mexico may have been associated
with the Permian–Triassic arc rocks that are found in Ecuador,
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Coombs et al.
Venezuela, and Colombia (Vinasco et al., 2006; Cochrane et al.,
2014; Spikings et al., 2015).
Nazas Arc
Early Jurassic magmatism in Mexico is most commonly
associated with the Nazas arc system (Fig. 1A; Dickinson and
Lawton, 2001; Lawton and Molina Garza, 2014). Volcanic expo-
sures outcrop in northern central Mexico (Barboza-Gudiño et al.,
2008) and possibly extend as far south as the Chiapas Massif
(Godinez-Urban et al., 2011; Lawton and Molina Garza, 2014).
Plutonic equivalents of these Jurassic arc rocks can be found in
northeastern Mexico (Ortega-Gutíerrez et al., 2014).
SAMPLES AND PETROGRAPHY
Samples for this study were supplied by PEMEX and
extracted from wells on basement highs along the western Gulf
of Mexico (Tamaulipas Arch, Tuxpan, and Santa Ana). The wells
occur at regular intervals, over an area of ~120,000 km2, and
therefore provide a good representation of the basement through-
out eastern Mexico (Fig. 1B).
Petrographic observations (Figs. 2A–2D) revealed that the
majority of the samples are phaneritic with granodiorite-granite
compositions. The main mineral assemblages include quartz-
feldspars-biotite ± hornblende ± muscovite. Common accessory
minerals include zircon, apatite, titanite, and opaques. Minor
(common) to extensive (rare) hydrothermal alteration in the gran-
itoids is evidenced by sericitized feldspars, chloritized biotite,
calcite, and epidote. There is little evidence from the petrography
of significant deformation affecting the granitoids.
A subset of samples (Muro-2 and Tlapacayon-1) displayed
finer phaneritic/porphyritic textures, typical of hypabyssal rocks
(Figs. 2E–2F). This suggests that they were emplaced at a shal-
lower depth than the coarser plutonic samples described above,
or they represent small intrusive bodies. These hypabyssal rocks
are characterized by more mafic mineral assemblages, with
minor clinopyroxene and olivine (partially altered to iddingsite)
and no quartz.
GEOCHRONOLOGY
Analytical Methods
Geochronological data (U-Pb zircon) were obtained by
laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry
(LA-ICP-MS) at the Laboratorio de Estudios Isotópicos (LEI),
Centro de Geociencias, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de
México, Querétaro, Mexico. A Thermo X-ii quadrupole ICP-
MS was used coupled with a high-resolution M050 excimer
laser-ablation workstation. A cathodoluminescence (CL) study
before analysis identified suitable target areas in the zircons,
avoiding core-rim transitions, cracks, and inclusions. During
analysis, a 30 µm laser spot was employed, with the Plešovice
 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico 33

A B
Chl Qtz
Ttn

Zrn Ser
Pl
Cal
500 µm 500 µm Figure 2. Photomicrographs of the analyzed
samples. Abbreviations are as follows:
C Qtz D Chl—chlorite, Cpx—­clinopyroxene, Ttn—
titanite, Qtz—quartz, Zrn—zircon, Pl—
plagioclase, Ser—sericite, Ol—­olivine, Id—­
iddingsite, Bt—biotite, Am—­amphibole,
Cal—­ calcite, Epi—epidote. (A) Hydro-
Pl Epi thermally altered granite containing quartz,
plagioclase (partially sericitized), chlorite,
titanite, and zircon as a minor phase; cross-
Bt polarized light (XPL). (B) Hydrothermally
Am altered granite with abundant secondary
calcite; XPL. (C) Granodiorite containing

Ser Qtz quartz, plagioclase, biotite, and amphibole;

XPL. (D) Hydrothermally altered granite
with epidote; XPL. (E) Mafic porphyry
500 µm 500 µm containing olivine, iddingsite, and plagio-
clase phenocrysts and a matrix of feldspars;
XPL. (F) Microdiorite containing partially
E F chloritized biotite and minor clinopyroxene.

Id Bt
Pl
OI
Cpx
Pl

500 µm 500 µm

zircon (Sláma et al., 2008) being used as a bracketing standard. Results

NIST 610 glass was used to recalculate elemental concentra-
tions, and 29Si was used as an internal standard. Following anal-
ysis, the data were reduced using an algorithm slightly modified
from Solari and Tanner (2011) and then exported into Excel®,
where concordia plots and weighted mean age calculations
were constructed using Isoplot (Ludwig, 2012) version 4.15.
Where necessary, a correction for common lead was applied
using the algebraic method of Andersen (2002). Further details
on the equipment used and analytical procedures can be found
in Solari et al. (2010).
Zircons were successfully extracted and analyzed in 18 sam-
ples from wells along the western Gulf of Mexico. Th/U ratios
(Figs. 3A–3R) indicate that the zircons are dominantly magmatic
in origin, with the majority of the analyzed grains falling between
0.1 and 1. The CL study (Figs. 4A–4R) supports this interpreta-
tion, with most of the zircons displaying typical igneous textures
(oscillatory and sector zoning). Furthermore, the CL images
revealed core and rim relationships and resorption features in
many of the samples (indicated below when present).

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box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ
34
A. Pinonal N2F3C1 B. Arenque N15F3C2 293.5±3.7 Ma MSWD= 1.4
C. Paso de Oro N8F4C2
Biotite granitoid 370 Biotite granite 340 Lineated granite 315
Analyzed grains= 43 350 Analyzed grains= 40 Analyzed grains= 26 305
320
0.10 330 0.10 0.09 290
300 275
310
280 260
0.08 290 0.08 245
270 260 0.07 230
294.1±3.4 Ma MSWD= 1.15 293.5±3.7 Ma MSWD= 1.4 274.2±3.5 Ma MSWD= 0.77

206
206

206
250 0.06 10
215 274.2±3.5 Ma MSWD= 0.77
0.06 10 10

Pb/ Pb
Pb/ Pb

Pb/ Pb
207
207

207
420 380 340 380 340 300
300 260 1 260 1 0.05 330 310 290 270 250 1
0.04 0.04

Th/U

Th/U
Th/U

0.1 0.1 0.1

0.02 0.02 0.03

16 18 20 22 24 26 0.01
14 16 18 20 22 24
238
26 0.01
270 290 310 330 350 370 238 250 275 300 325 350 18 20 22 24 238
26 0.01250 270 290 310
data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma)

box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ

D. Benemerito N2F7C5 E. Trincheras N3F5AC1 F. Linares N7F1C1
Granite 270 245.4±4.6 Ma MSWD= 1.8 280 Biotite granite
Biotite granite 280
Analyzed grains= 35 260 Analyzed grains= 40 260 Analyzed grains= 40
400 400
0.11 0.22 260
250 240
200 200

Age
Age (Ma)
0 240 0 220 0.18
10 100 1000 10 100 1000 240
0.12 U (ppm) 0.09 U (ppm)
230 200
0.14

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1100 254.6±3.4 2.7
255.8±3.3 Ma MSWD= 3.4 220 253.5±5.2
255.1±4.8 Ma
254.3±4.6 Ma MSWD= 4.4
MSWD= 5.4
4.0
0.10 180

206
220 10
0.07 10 10
1400
Pb/206Pb

Pb/206Pb
0.10

Pb/ Pb
900 700
207

207

207
0.08 1
1000 1 1
500 0.06
0.05

Th/U
300 360
Th/U

Th/U
Coombs et al.

0.06 600 280

0.1 0.1 0.1
0.02 320 240
0.04 200
0 40 80
0.030
10 20 30 40 0.01 17 19 21 23 25 27
238
120206 0.010 400 800 1200 238 206 0 400 800 238
29 206 0.01220 240 260 280 300 320
data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/ Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/ Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/ Pb Age (Ma)

box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ

G. Chaneque N6F1C4 H. Nayade N13F2C1 257.0±5.2 Ma MSWD= 3.7
I. Tamaulipas N1F2C1
290 Granodiorite 290
Biotite granitoid Biotite granite 275
Analyzed grains= 38 Analyzed grains= 35 Analyzed grains= 37
270 265 270
0.12 0.14
250 255 250
0.10 0.07 0.12
880 245
230 0.10 230
0.08 235
720 247.9±4.0 Ma MSWD= 1.8
243.4±2.8
243.4 ± 2.8
MaMSWD= 1.9
MSWD=1.9 0.06 0.08 210
206

210 200 10
0.06 340 10 560
Age

260 180

Pb/206Pb
Pb/ Pb

Pb/206Pb
0 0.06

207
300
207

207
220 400 100 1000 U (ppm) 310 270 230
0.04 1 1
0.05 10 0.04 330 290
240 250 210
Th/U

Th/U
0.02 0.1 0.02 0.1
1
Th/U

0.00 0.04 0.00

16 20 24 28 32 36 238
40 206 0.01170 190 210 230 250 270 290 0 10 20 30 40 238
50 206 0.1 18 20 22 24 26 28 238 220
30 206 0.01 240 260 280
data-point error ellipses are 1σ Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ 200 400 600 800 data-point error ellipses are 1σ
U/ Pb U/ Pb 0 U/ Pb Age (Ma)

Figure 3. Tera-Wasserburg, Wetherill, and weighted mean diagrams for the dated samples along the western Gulf of Mexico. Th/U vs. age plots are also included, as well as U vs. age
plots where metamictization is suspected. MSWD—mean square of weighted deviates. (Continued on facing page.)
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box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ 262.7±4.5 Ma
J. Erizo N19F19C1 K. Pinonal N2F11C2 275 L. Cupelado N9F1C1 274 MSWD= 0.86
Mean= 249.5±3.1 Ma
290 Granodiorite MSWD= 1.6 Biotite granite
Granite 265
Analyzed grains= 49 Analyzed grains= 31 Analyzed grains= 19 266
270 255
10 258
220 250 245

Age
0.10 0.10 235 0.3 1 250

Th/U
100 284.7±7.7 Ma
10
230 1300 300 MSWD= 0.11
100 1000 225 1400
U (ppm) 0.08 0.1 292
0.08 210 1100 900 215 0 800 1600
Mean= 250.1±3.1 Ma Age (Ma)
249.8±3.2 Ma MSWD= 1.6 284

238
249.8±2.7 Ma MSWD=
MSWD= 2.2 1.8 0.2
190 0.06 500 10
10 700

206
277

Pb/ U
0.06 1000

206
300

Pb/206Pb
260

Pb/ Pb
180 268

207
0.04

207
300 220 1 1 600
140 0.1 1550
0.04

Th/U
Th/U
0.1 0.02 0.1 1350
200
0.02 1150 1418±41
1428±48 Ma
0.01
0.00 0.0
15 25 35 45 0 10 20 238
0 1 2 4 MSWD= 0.280.21
238 100 150 200 250 300 30 0.010 400 800 1200 3 207 235
data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ Pb/ U950 box heights are 1σ

M. Plan de Las Hayas N14F1C1 box heights are 1σ N. Plan de Las Hayas N14F6C2 box heights are 1σ O. Paso de Ovejas N6F9C2 box heights are 1σ
Quartz diorite 300 Quartz monzodiorite
Granodiorite
Analyzed grains= 29 285 Analyzed grains= 30 Analyzed grains= 32 300
280
275 280
260
0.08 265 0.12 0.11 260
255 240 240
0.10
0.07 245

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Mean= 261.0±4.1 Ma 220 0.09 220 Mean= 256.7±5.5 Ma
261.0±3.9 Ma MSWD=
MSWD= 2.8 2.8 Mean= 250.4±4.6 256.7±5.5 MSWD= 2.3
235 251.7±5.2 Ma MSWD=Ma3.0
10 0.08 MSWD= 2.5 MSWD= Ma2.3
200

206
200 10 10

Pb/206Pb
0.06 0.07
Pb/206Pb

207
Pb/ Pb
207

300 1 0.06

207
260 340 260 1 300 1
220
320

Th/U
0.05 280 300

Th/U
240 220 0.05
Th/U

0.1 0.04 340 260 220

0.1 0.1

0.04 0.02 0.03

18 20 22 24 26 28 0.01220 240 260 280 300 16 20 24 32 0.01 16 20 24 0.01
238 28238 200 250 300 28238 200 240 280 320
data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma)

285 261.1±4.9 Ma box heights are 1σ box heights are 1σ

P. Orizaba N6F1C1 MSWD= 4.4 Q. Muro-2 N12F2C1 210 R. Tlapacoyan N10F18C5
Monzo-granite 275 Micro diorite 195
Trachyte
Analyzed grains= 52 265 Analyzed grains= 21 200 Analyzed grains= 30 185
1 255
245 0.24 175
0.28
0.1 235 190 0.08 165

Th/U
0.24 1300 970±53 Ma 0.20
1100 MSWD= 1.2 155
0.01 180
0.20 0 400 800 1200 1000 0.07 145
Age (Ma) 0.16 Mean= 188.5±3.5 Ma
Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico

188.3±4.0Ma 5.4 800 163.5±4.7 Ma MSWD= 3.6

100 900 MSWD=MSWD=
5.6 135

238
0.16 10

206
170 0.06 600
800 0.12 10

Pb/ U
700
Pb/206Pb

Pb/ Pb
0.12 700 400

206
1400
207

207
1149±34 Ma 0.08 0.05 1
500 MSWD= 1.02 1 200
0.08 600
1000
Th/U

300 1250
Th/U

0.04 200 0.04 0.1

0.04 1150 0.1

0.00 1050 0.00 0.03

0.0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 0 10 20 0.01 0 10 20 30 40 0.01
207 235
30238 0 500 1000 1500 2000 238 0 200 400 600 800 1000
data-point error ellipses are 1σ Pb/ U 950 box heights are 1σ data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma) data-point error ellipses are 1σ U/206Pb Age (Ma)

Figure 3 (Continued).
35
by UNAM user
36

(1)
307±13 Ma 1266±93 Ma 253±9 Ma (Hf)
245±3 Ma
277±8 Ma 275±7 Ma 265±7 Ma
282±10 Ma 76±1 Ma (M) 245±4 Ma 258±6 Ma 288±5 Ma
283±10 Ma 247±7 Ma
122±2 Ma (M) 258±6 Ma 260±5 Ma
306±13 Ma 265±8 Ma
252±4 Ma 289±4 Ma 252±4 Ma 240±6 Ma
292±8 Ma 282±11 Ma 273±6 Ma
267±8 Ma
239±3 Ma
290±10 Ma 272±11 Ma 242±6 Ma
μ μ μ μ μ μ

246±6 Ma (2)
261±2 Ma 236±5 Ma 1391±57 Ma
238±11 Ma 235±7 Ma
241±4 Ma 206± Ma (M) 256±4 Ma
539±16 Ma 279±7 Ma 1400±74 Ma 257±5 Ma
244±5 Ma 268±6 Ma 237±7 Ma

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265±6 Ma 258±5 Ma
231±4 Ma (M) 268±5 Ma
282±10 Ma 251±5 Ma
558±14 Ma 267±10 Ma 247±4 Ma
283±8 Ma 147±3 Ma (M) 284±7 Ma 285±6 Ma
240±11 Ma 266±7 Ma
Coombs et al.

μ μ μ μ μ μ

(1) (2)
238±8 Ma 244±11 Ma 253±5 Ma 181±2 Ma 249±5 Ma
253±6 Ma 268±4 Ma (Hf)
184±3 Ma 170±6 Ma
1251±49 Ma
188±4 Ma 167±4 Ma
1023±47 Ma 162±4 Ma
231±14 Ma 254±6 Ma (Hf) 189±3 Ma 763±10 Ma
255±8 Ma 279±10 Ma (Hf) 199±3 Ma
281±9 Ma 165±5 Ma
417±17 Ma 184±6 Ma
226±11 Ma 247±10 Ma (Hf) 250±13 Ma 170±4 Ma
186±3 Ma
μ μ 243±9 Ma μ 298±7 Ma μ 251±6 Ma μ 196±4 Ma μ 164±5 Ma

Figure 4. Cathodoluminescence images of the zircons in each of the analyzed samples. M—metamictization; Hf—zircons used for Lu-Hf isotope analysis (dilution method). We
were unable to determine the appropriate ages for the corresponding laser spots in some of the samples due to an error during data collection.
 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico 37

Depending on the age of the zircons, results of the analysis Arenque-22. The sample from the Arenque-22 well is a bio-
have been graphically presented in either a Tera-Wasserburg plot tite granite, containing subhedral zircons that are 100–300 µm
in association with a 206Pb/238U weighted-mean age calculation along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–5:1, and CL
or Wetherill concordia diagram in association with a 207Pb/206Pb textures that reveal core and rim relationships (Fig. 4B).
weighted-mean age calculation. The 206Pb/238U weighted-mean Of the 40 analyzed zircons, 36 were selected for age calcu-
age calculation is more precise for Phanerozoic zircons, whereas lations (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
the 207Pb/206Pb weighted-mean age calculation is more suitable Fig. 3B). One inherited core was analyzed and yielded a late Car-
for Precambrian zircons (Jackson et al., 2004; Ludwig, 2012). boniferous age of 322 ± 11 Ma. A weighted-mean calculation for
Our data reveal three apparent phases of magmatism: the main population of zircons yielded an age of 293.5 ± 3.7 Ma
(1) Early Permian (294–274 Ma; n = 3), (2) Late Permian–Early (n = 34; MSWD = 1.4; two ages rejected by the algorithm), which
Triassic (263–243 Ma; n = 13), and (3) Early–Middle Jurassic can be interpreted as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
(188–164 Ma; n = 2; Table 2). Significantly, these results indicate Paso de Oro-101. The sample from the Paso de Oro-101
that the basement of the western Gulf of Mexico is characterized well is a granodiorite containing prismatic, euhedral zircons that
by magmatic phases more consistent than previously suggested are 100–600 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of
by K-Ar dating (Lopez-Ramos, 1979; see also Table 1). The pre- 2:1–8:1, and CL textures that display no evidence of inherited
vious ages of Lopez-Ramos (1979) have been included in the text cores (Fig. 4C). The basement from this well has previously been
below for comparison, where available. dated to 258 ± 11 Ma (K-Ar biotite; Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Of the 26 analyzed zircons, 19 were selected for age calcula-
Early Permian tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant; Fig.
Pinonal-1 (1). The first sample from the Pinonal-1 well is a 3C). A weighted-mean calculation yielded an age of 274.2 ± 3.5 Ma
biotite granitoid that has undergone subsequent alteration. It con- (n = 18; MSWD = 0.77; one age rejected by the algorithm), which
tains subhedral zircons that are 200–800 µm along their longest can be interpreted as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–5:1, and CL textures that display
no evidence of inherited cores (Fig. 4A). Late Permian–Early Triassic
Of the 43 analyzed zircons, 36 were selected for age cal- Benemerito-1. The sample from the Benemerito-1 well is
culations (<20% discordant, <5% error, and <5% inversely a granite containing prismatic, euhedral zircons that are 80–
discordant; Fig. 3A). A weighted-mean calculation for the zir- 400 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–6:1.
cons yielded an age of 294.1 ± 3.4 Ma (n = 35; mean square The CL textures revealed core and rim relationships and evi-
of weighted deviates [MSWD] = 1.15; one age rejected by the dence for partial resorption of the zircons (Fig. 4D). The base-
algorithm), which can be interpreted as the igneous crystalliza- ment from this well has previously been dated to 916 ± 35 Ma
tion age of the sample. and 203 ± 10 Ma (method unknown; Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Relationships between U concentrations and 238U/206Pb
ratios indicate that partial metamictization of the zircons has
TABLE 2. GEOCHRONOLOGY OF THIS STUDY occurred (Fig. 3D). Therefore, zircons with high U concentra-
Sample Age (Ma) tions were disregarded.
Early Permian Of the 35 analyzed zircons, 11 were selected for age calcula-
Pinonal (1) 294.1 ± 3.4 tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant,
Arenque 293.5 ± 3.7 and <1000 ppm U; Fig. 3D). One inherited core was analyzed
Paso de Oro 274.2 ± 3.5 and yielded a Mesoproterozoic age of 1266 ± 93 Ma. A weighted-
Late Permian—Early Triassic mean calculation for the youngest population of zircons yielded
Cupelado 262.7 ± 4.5 an age of 245.4 ± 4.6 Ma (n = 10; MSWD = 1.8), which can be
Orizaba 261.1 ± 4.9
interpreted as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
Plan de Las Hayas (1) 261.0 ± 3.9
Nayade 257.0 ± 5.2
Trincheras-1. The sample from the Trincheras-1 well is a
Paso de Ovejas 256.7 ± 5.5 biotite granite, containing euhedral to subhedral zircons that are
Trincheras 254.6 ± 3.4 100–300 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–
Linares 255.1 ± 4.8 5:1, and CL textures that reveal core and rim relationships (Fig.
Erizo 249.8 ± 2.7 4E). The basement from this well has previously been dated to
Plan de Las Hayas (2) 251.7 ± 5.2
147 ± 5 Ma (K-Ar biotite; Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Pinonal (2) 249.8 ± 3.2
Tamaulipas 247.9 ± 4.0 Relationships between U concentrations and 238U/206Pb
Benemerito 245.4 ± 4.6 ratios indicate that partial metamictization of the zircons has
Chaneque 243.4 ± 2.8 occurred (Fig. 3E). Therefore, zircons with high U concentra-
Jurassic tions were disregarded.
Muro 188.3 ± 4.0 Of the 40 analyzed zircons, 33 were selected for age calcula-
Tlapacoyan 163.5 ± 4.7 tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant,

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 38
and <1000 ppm U; Fig. 3E). Four inherited cores were analyzed
and yielded Proterozoic (1018 ± 82 Ma and 755 ± 8 Ma) and
Early Permian (288 ± 5 Ma and 289 ± 4 Ma) ages. A weighted-
mean calculation for the youngest population of zircons yielded
an age of 254.6 ± 3.4 Ma (n = 29; MSWD = 3.4; three ages
rejected by the algorithm), which can be interpreted as the igne-
ous crystallization age of the sample.
Linares-1. The sample from the Linares-1 well is a grano-
diorite, containing euhedral to subhedral zircons that are 150–
250 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–7:1,
and CL textures that reveal core and rim relationships (Fig. 4F).
The basement from this well has previously been dated to 112 ±
5 Ma (K-Ar biotite; Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Of the 40 analyzed zircons, 31 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3F). One inherited core was analyzed and yielded a late Car-
boniferous (304 ± 8 Ma) age (see Appendix DR1 in the GSA
Data Repository1). A weighted-mean calculation for the concor-
dant grains yielded an age of 254.3 ± 4.6 Ma (n = 29; MSWD =
4.0; one age was rejected by the algorithm), which can be inter-
preted as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
Chaneque-1. The sample from the Chaneque-1 well is a
granitoid that has undergone subsequent hydrothermal alteration.
It contains subhedral zircons that are 150–300 µm along their
longest axis, with aspect ratios of 3:1–7:1, and CL textures that
display no evidence of inherited cores (Fig. 4G). The basement
from this well has been previously dated to 133 ± 5 Ma (K-Ar
K-feldspar; Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Of the 38 analyzed zircons, 28 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3G). A weighted-mean calculation for the zircons yielded
an age of 243.4 ± 2.8 Ma (n = 26; MSWD = 1.9; two ages were
rejected by the algorithm), which can be interpreted as the igne-
ous crystallization age of the sample.
Nayade-1. The sample from the Nayade-1 well is a biotite
granite that has undergone subsequent hydrothermal alteration.
It contains subhedral zircons that are 100–400 µm along their
longest axis, with aspect ratios of 1:1–5:1, and CL textures that
reveal core and rim relationships (Fig. 4H).
It is apparent from relationships between U concentrations
and 238U/206Pb ratios that partial metamictization of the zircons
has occurred (Fig. 3H). Therefore, zircons with high U concen-
trations were disregarded.
Of the 35 analyzed zircons, 16 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant,
and <1000 ppm U; Fig. 3H). Three inherited cores were analyzed
and yielded Neoproterozoic (558 ± 4 Ma), Cambrian (538 ±
6 Ma), and Devonian (397 ± 6 Ma) ages (Appendix DR1 [see
footnote 1]). A weighted-mean calculation for the youngest
1
Data Repository Item, Geochronology appendix. Please visit https://doi
.org/10.1130/SPE.S.12296039 to access the supplemental material, and contact
editing@geosociety.org with any questions.
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by UNAM user
Coombs et al.
population of zircons yielded an age of 257 ± 5.2 Ma (n = 13;
MSWD = 3.7), which can be interpreted as the igneous crystal-
lization age of the sample.
Tamaulipas-103. The sample from the Tamaulipas-103
well is a granodiorite containing subhedral zircons that are 150–
400 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–6:1,
and CL textures that reveal core and rim relationships (Fig. 4I).
Of the 37 analyzed zircons, 28 were selected for age calcu-
lations (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3I). Two inherited cores were analyzed and yielded an Early
Permian age (282 ± 10 Ma and 279 ± 8 Ma; Appendix DR1). A
weighted-mean calculation for the youngest population of zircons
yielded an age of 247.9 ± 4.0 Ma (n = 26; MSWD = 1.8), which
can be interpreted as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
Erizo-1. The sample from the Erizo-1 well is a granite that
has undergone subsequent hydrothermal alteration. It contains
subhedral zircons that are 100–300 µm along their longest axis,
with an aspect ratio of 2:1–5:1, and CL textures that display no
evidence of inherited cores (Fig. 4J).
It is apparent from relationships between U concentrations
and the 238U/206Pb ratios that partial metamictization of the zir-
cons has occurred (Fig. 3J). Therefore, those with high U concen-
trations were not considered in age calculations.
Of the 49 analyzed zircons, 38 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant,
and <800 ppm U; Fig. 3J). A weighted-mean calculation for the
concordant grains yielded an age of 249.8 ± 2.7 Ma (n = 37;
MSWD = 1.8; one age rejected by the algorithm), which can be
interpreted as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
Pinonal-1 (2). The second sample from the Pinonal-1 well is
a granodiorite that has undergone subsequent hydrothermal altera-
tion. It contains euhedral to subhedral zircons that are 200–400 µm
along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–10:1, and CL tex-
tures that reveal core and rim relationships (Fig. 4K).
Of the 31 analyzed zircons, 27 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3K). Three inherited cores were analyzed and yielded Meso-
proterozoic (1235 ± 153 Ma), Cambrian (509 ± 7.8 Ma), and
Ordovician (478 ± 6.8 Ma) ages (Appendix DR1). A weighted-
mean calculation for the youngest population of zircons yielded
an age of 249.8 ± 3.2 Ma (n = 22; MSWD = 1.6; two ages rejected
by the algorithm), which can be interpreted as the igneous crys-
tallization age of the sample.
Cupelado-1. The sample from the Cupelado-1 well is a
biotite granitoid, containing euhedral to subhedral zircons that
are 100–300 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of
1:1–5:1. The CL images revealed distinct populations of igneous
zircons that were defined by their luminescence, with evidence of
resorption in some of the grains (Fig. 4L).
Of the 19 analyzed zircons, 17 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3L). These 14 ages can be subdivided into three groups on
the basis of their age. The weighted-mean calculation for the
oldest population of zircons yielded a Mesoproterozoic age of
 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico
1418 ± 41 Ma (n = 7; MSWD = 0.28; one age rejected by the
algorithm). A second population of zircons yielded an Early
Permian age of 284.7 ± 7.7 Ma (n = 4; MSWD = 0.11). The
youngest population of zircons yielded a Late Permian age of
262.7 ± 4.5 Ma (n = 5; MSWD = 0.86), which can be interpreted
as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
Plan de Las Hayas-1 (1). The first sample from the Plan de
Las Hayas-1 well is a granodiorite, containing subhedral, pris-
matic zircons that are 80–200 µm along their longest axis, with
aspect ratios of 1:1–4:1, and CL textures that display no evidence
of inherited cores (Fig. 4M). The basement associated with this
well has been previously dated to 312 ± 25 Ma (K-Ar K-feldspar;
Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Of the 29 analyzed zircons, 24 were selected for age cal-
culations (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discor-
dant; Fig. 3M). A weighted-mean calculation for the concor-
dant grains yielded an age of 261.0 ± 4.1 Ma (n = 24; MSWD
= 2.8), which can be interpreted as the igneous crystallization
age of the sample.
Plan de las Hayas-1 (2). The second sample from the Plan
de Las Hayas-1 well is a quartz diorite, containing euhedral, pris-
matic zircons that are 150–250 µm along their longest axis, with
aspect ratios of 2:1–10:1. The CL images revealed complex tex-
tures, with evidence of the zircons being partially resorbed but
no inherited cores (Fig. 4N). The basement associated with this
well has previously been dated to 312 ± 25 Ma (K-Ar K-feldspar;
Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Of the 30 zircons analyzed, 25 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3N). A weighted-mean calculation for the zircons yielded an
age of 251.7 ± 5.2 Ma (n = 24; MSWD = 3.0; one age rejected by
the algorithm), which can be interpreted as the igneous crystal-
lization age of the sample.
Paso de Ovejas-2. The sample taken from the Paso de
­Ovejas-2 well is a quartz monzodiorite. It contained elongated,
euhedral, prismatic zircons that were 100–300 µm along their lon-
gest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–10:1. The CL images revealed
core and rim relationships and resorption features (Fig. 4O).
Of the 30 analyzed zircons, 23 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3O). Two inherited cores were analyzed and yielded an Early
Permian age (297 ± 9 Ma and 298 ± 7 Ma; Appendix DR1). A
weighted-mean calculation for the youngest population of zir-
cons yielded an age of 256.7 ± 5.5 Ma (n = 21; MSWD = 2.3;
two ages rejected by the algorithm), which can be interpreted as
the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
Orizaba-1. The sample from the Orizaba well is a monzo-
granite that contains euhedral to subhedral zircons that are 100–
400 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–5:1.
The CL images revealed zircons that are characterized by igne-
ous rims and cores that are both igneous and metamorphic in ori-
gin (Fig. 4P).
Of the 52 analyzed zircons, 35 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
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39
Fig. 3P). The weighted-mean calculation for the oldest popula-
tion of inherited cores revealed a Mesoproterozoic age of 1149
± 34 Ma (n = 9; MSWD = 1.02), characterized by CL textures
typical of igneous zircons (Fig. 4P; oscillatory zoning). A sec-
ond population of inherited cores yielded a Neoproterozoic age
of 970 ± 53 Ma (n = 9; MSWD = 1.2) and CL textures more
typical of metamorphic zircons (Fig. 4P; homogeneous, with no
zoning). A weighted mean calculation for the youngest popula-
tion of zircons yielded an age of 261 ± 4.9 Ma (n = 17; MSWD =
4.4), which can be interpreted as the igneous crystallization age
of the sample.
Jurassic
Muro-2. The sample from the Muro-2 well is a micro-
diorite that contains euhedral-subhedral zircons that are 50–
120 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–7:1.
The CL images revealed core and rim relationships and evi-
dence of resorption features (Fig. 4Q). Basement samples from
this well have previously been dated to 153 ± 11 Ma and 178 ±
11 Ma (K-Ar biotite; Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Of the 21 analyzed zircons, 13 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3Q). Two inherited cores were analyzed and yielded Meso-
proterozoic (1430 ± 24 Ma) and Devonian (398 ± 3.2 Ma) ages
(Appendix DR1). A weighted-mean calculation for the youngest
population of zircons yielded an age of 188.3 ± 4.0 Ma (n = 11;
MSWD = 5.4), which can be interpreted as the igneous crystal-
lization age of the sample. The high MSWD recorded in this
sample was likely caused by common lead contamination along
fractures, as evidenced by the bright areas of the zircons (along
their c axis) in the CL images (Fig. 4Q).
Tlapacoyan-1. The sample from the Tlapacoyan-1 well is
a trachyte that contains euhedral to subhedral zircons that are
80–200 µm along their longest axis, with aspect ratios of 2:1–7:1,
and CL textures that reveal core and rim relationships (Fig. 4R).
The basement from this well has previously been dated to 179 ±
14 Ma (K-Ar on biotite; Lopez-Ramos, 1979).
Of the 30 analyzed zircons, 19 were selected for age calcula-
tions (<20% discordant, <5% error, <5% inversely discordant;
Fig. 3R). Two inherited cores were analyzed and yielded Neo-
proterozoic (838 ± 60 Ma) and Late Permian (263 ± 7 Ma) ages
(Appendix DR1). A weighted mean calculation for the youngest
population of zircons yielded an age of 163.5 ± 4.7 Ma (n = 16;
MSWD = 3.6; one age rejected by the algorithm), which can be
interpreted as the igneous crystallization age of the sample.
MAJOR- AND TRACE-ELEMENT GEOCHEMISTRY
Analytical Methods
Sample preparation and analysis were carried out at Car-
diff University, Wales. Veins and weathered surfaces were first
removed, and then the samples were crushed using a steel jaw
crusher and powdered using an agate Tema® mill. Powdered
 40
samples were then digested by fusion in platinum crucibles on a
Claisse Fluxy automated fusion system using 0.1 ± 0.0005 g of
sample with 0.4 ± 0.0005 g of lithium tetraborate flux. Major-ele-
ment abundances were determined using a JY Horiba Ultima 2
inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer (ICP-
OES), while trace-element abundances were measured using a
Thermo X7 series ICP-MS. Accuracy and precision of the data
were assessed using the international reference material NIM-G.
Further details on analytical procedures can be found in McDon-
ald and Viljoen (2006).
Results
The geochronological results revealed the more mafic, hyp-
abyssal basement samples from the Muro-2 and Tlapacayon-1
wells to be Jurassic in age. It is therefore apparent that they are
unrelated to the intermediate-felsic intrusive rocks of the west-
ern Gulf of Mexico, which yielded Permian–Triassic ages. The
geochemical analysis of this study focused on the more prevalent
Permian basement, but it is possible that the few Jurassic samples
were related to coeval volcanism associated with the Nazas arc
discussed above.
Element Mobility
Petrographic observations indicated that the majority of the
samples were relatively unaltered. These observations were sup-
ported by low loss of ignition (LOI) values that ranged between
0.60 and 4.17 wt% (Table 3). The samples that displayed signs of
hydrothermal alteration in thin section can be associated with the
highest LOI values (5.42–6.84 wt%).
Assessment of mobility using conventional element mobil-
ity plots (i.e., an immobile element such as Zr plotted against
other elements) was not suitable in our study. These plots work
under the assumption of a homogeneous source region, but our
samples have a large spatial distribution and temporal span that
make the validity of this assumption unlikely. However, the
petrographic observations coupled with low LOI values suggest
that there has not been substantial element mobility in most of
the studied samples.
Major Elements and Classification
Major-element compositions for the majority of the Early
Permian, Late Permian–Early Triassic, and undated samples were
similar and typical of intermediate-evolved granitoids, with SiO2,
TiO2, and MgO values ranges of 61.1–74.4 wt%, 0.1–0.8 wt%,
and 0.1–4.2 wt%, respectively (Table 3). This is supported by
the quartz–alkali feldspar–plagioclase–feldspathoid (QAPF) and
total-alkali silica (TAS) classification diagrams (Fig. 5), which
show that the samples are predominantly granodiorite-granite in
composition. Two of the Late Permian granitoids that yielded the
highest LOI values (Chaneque N6F1C2 and Pinonal N2F11C2)
showed anomalous major-element values e.g., SiO2 (Fig. 5).
This indicates that the major elements in these samples had been
mobilized during subsequent alteration.
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Coombs et al.
Trace Elements
Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) and normal
mid-ocean-ridge basalt (N-MORB)–normalized multi-­element
diagrams are shown in Figure 6. The Early Permian, Late ­Permian–
Early Triassic, and undated crystalline basement of the western
Gulf of Mexico displayed enriched REE trends (27×, 31×, and
40× chondrite, respectively), with enriched chondrite-normalized
light (L) REE signatures when compared to heavy (H) REE signa-
tures (La/SmCh = 2.6–7.8). The middle (M) REEs were commonly
defined by concave trends (Dy/Dy* = 0.42–0.80), and the HREEs
were flat to positively sloping (Ho/LuCh 0.54–3.19). Enrichment
in Th, as well as negative anomalies in Nb (Nb/Nb* = 0.03–0.26),
Ta (Ta/Ta* = 0.05–0.39), and Ti (Ti/Ti* = 0.14–0.53), were preva-
lent throughout the samples.
The basement samples from the western Gulf of Mexico
were compared in tectonic discrimination diagrams (Fig. 7) with
Carboniferous–Triassic granitoids from the Totoltepec Pluton,
Cozahuico granite, and La Carbonera stock of southern Mexico
(Fig. 1; Kirsch 2012), the Chiapas Massif of southeastern Mexico
(Fig. 1; Weber et al., 2005; Estrada-Carmona et al., 2012), and the
Colombian Andes (Vinasco et al., 2006; Cochrane et al., 2014).
Significant overlap can be observed between the Late Perm-
ian–Early Triassic crystalline basement of the western Gulf of
Mexico and granitoids of comparable ages in the Chiapas Massif,
indicating similar sources and possible tectonomagmatic setting.
The Early Permian crystalline basement displays similar trends,
although there are some examples that appear to have more of an
affinity to the Carboniferous–Permian granitoids of the Totoltepec
Pluton (Fig. 7). These older granitoids plot firmly in the volcanic
arc fields in all of the discrimination plots, whereas the younger
Permian–Triassic granitoids plot closer to the syncollisional
boundary. The Permian–Triassic granitoids from the Colombian
Andes do not show such strong relationships with the western
Gulf of Mexico and Chiapas, but some overlap is still observed.
The tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest an affiliation
to volcanic arc magmatism with potentially a minor syncolli-
sional component in some of the younger Permian–Triassic gran-
itoids. However, these diagrams are not effective in defining all
tectonic settings, e.g., granitoids that form in postcollisional envi-
ronments (Pearce et al., 1984), due to the heterogeneous nature
of the magmas that form in these settings. This will be discussed
in more detail below.
ZIRCON ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY
Analytical Methods
Chemical preparation and element separation were car-
ried out on PicoTrace® clean benches at Laboratorio Ultra-
limpio de Geología Isotópica, Departamento de Geología,
Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de
Ensenada (CICESE, Baja California). Individual zircon grains,
previously dated by LA-ICP-MS (Fig. 4), were removed from
mounts under a stereomicroscope with a needle and weighed into
 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico 41
TABLE 3. MAJOR AND TRACE ELEMENT GEOCHEMISTRY
Sample Plan de las Hayas (1) Arenque Paso de Oro Benemerito Trincheras Pinonal (1) Linares Paso de Ovejas
Latitude 19°46'15.60"N 24°57'2.07"N 24°43'14.62"N 25°40'45.91"N 24°57'2.07"N 25°40'45.91"N 24°43'14.62"N 19°15'33.17"N
Longitude 96°37'18.83"W 99°26'29.23"W 99°22'23.28"W 99°51'43.91"W 99°26'29.23"W 99°51'43.91"W 99°22'23.28"W 96°24'54.03"W
Major elements (wt%)
SiO2 62.73 66.94 65.05 71.01 68.78 56.03 67.02 67.19
TiO 0.78 0.47 0.52 0.21 0.50 0.90 0.19 0.54
2

Al2O3 16.10 15.04 16.06 14.40 15.66 13.43 11.82 15.32

Fe2O3 5.60 3.68 4.71 1.52 3.62 7.38 2.27 3.98
MnO 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.03 0.03
MgO 2.36 1.01 2.03 0.66 1.07 4.11 0.80 1.61
CaO 2.58 2.65 4.07 1.09 1.92 4.31 9.35 2.07
Na2O 4.53 3.87 2.95 3.62 3.77 3.47 3.02 3.21
K2O 2.54 5.63 3.43 5.64 3.28 4.43 3.90 4.61
P2O5 0.21 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.20 0.10 0.07 0.15
LOI 3.54 1.77 2.28 1.43 1.48 6.84 1.98 2.36
Total 101.05 101.22 101.25 99.69 100.32 101.07 100.45 101.09
Trace elements (ppm)
V 106.16 86.26 101.49 24.01 46.84 207.32 23.07 71.52
Rb 51.75 99.90 74.64 212.68 130.98 90.17 93.35 78.75
Sr 688.34 337.77 314.68 312.93 383.62 138.89 337.55 404.50
Y 15.06 18.64 20.99 11.55 19.732 12.62 20.60 10.69
Zr 165.91 145.67 83.25 83.70 50.98 151.93 89.96 130.09
Nb 6.36 8.76 5.73 7.52 11.73 2.93 1.93 8.85
Cs 5.34 4.78 3.26 6.89 13.14 3.53 1.01 1.86
Ba 414.91 923.83 775.31 1539.42 1048.80 315.81 486.60 739.97
La 18.58 23.05 14.933 19.51 43.28 7.73 15.70 18.58
Ce 37.84 44.92 0.09 39.56 83.40 16.43 30.84 41.26
Pr 4.95 5.28 4.05 4.78 9.71 2.04 4.09 5.07
Nd 19.82 18.76 15.88 16.67 34.67 8.01 15.52 18.71
Sm 4.04 3.61 3.65 3.36 6.11 2.01 3.30 3.54
Eu 1.12 1.05 1.21 0.82 1.66 0.67 0.93 0.99
Gd 3.78 3.39 3.56 2.70 5.22 2.14 3.21 2.92
Tb 0.48 0.48 0.55 0.35 0.65 0.36 0.47 0.38
Dy 2.66 2.85 3.49 1.87 3.32 2.32 3.01 1.95
Ho 0.46 0.56 0.67 0.32 0.60 0.46 0.60 0.34
Er 1.40 1.79 2.04 0.98 1.83 1.42 1.99 1.06
Tm 0.20 0.29 0.32 0.16 0.28 0.24 0.31 0.16
Yb 1.34 1.90 2.07 1.06 1.75 1.57 2.05 1.12
Lu 0.20 0.33 0.33 0.18 0.30 0.26 0.32 0.18
Hf 4.36 4.33 2.34 2.71 6.81 4.37 2.60 3.59
Ta 0.53 0.85 0.47 0.48 0.99 0.26 0.17 0.74
Pb 4.59 7.70 8.82 48.14 21.09 4.36 12.57 8.74
Th 2.92 4.95 3.95 15.80 14.99 2.91 5.01 2.56
U 1.38 2.14 1.31 5.18 3.60 0.83 1.38 0.72
Sample Chaneque Erizo Nayade Tamaulipas Cupelado Plan de las Hayas (2) Orizaba Muro
Latitude 24°34'19.97"N 22°10'12.03"N 22°45'16.58"N 22°24'31.66"N 20°18'43.29"N 19°46'15.60"N 18°46'17.46"N 20°50'38.52"N
Longitude 98°38'2.21"W 97°31'6.47"W 97°36'14.99"W 97°57'13.29"W 97° 2'0.53"W 96°37'18.83"W 97° 4'43.88"W 97°26'46.19"W
Major elements (wt%)
SiO2 51.44 74.43 70.93 69.69 67.34 61.54 72.91 56.13
TiO2 1.36 0.24 0.33 0.49 0.31 0.68 0.12 0.77
Al2O3 16.72 11.88 13.31 15.08 14.21 14.28 13.46 18.17
Fe2O3 8.88 0.77 2.71 3.29 2.47 4.43 1.26 7.76
MnO 0.08 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.07 0.02 0.11
MgO 4.15 0.12 0.37 1.26 0.74 1.81 0.24 3.53
CaO 3.21 2.43 2.09 3.07 2.85 4.60 1.12 6.55
Na2O 3.37 2.11 2.26 4.09 3.62 5.31 3.88 3.25
K2O 5.59 5.08 4.67 1.91 3.99 2.48 4.76 1.54
P2O5 0.29 0.04 0.12 0.12 0.10 0.20 0.03 0.14
LOI 6.28 3.63 3.58 0.60 3.47 5.42 1.01 2.64
Total 101.36 100.76 100.40 99.64 99.13 100.81 98.81 100.59
(Continued)

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 42 Coombs
TABLE 3. MAJOR AND et al. GEOCHEMISTRY (Continued)
TRACE ELEMENT
Sample Chaneque Erizo Nayade Tamaulipas Cupelado Plan de las Hayas (2) Orizaba Muro
Latitude 24°34'19.97"N 22°10'12.03"N 22°45'16.58"N 22°24'31.66"N 20°18'43.29"N 19°46'15.60"N 18°46'17.46"N 20°50'38.52"N
Longitude 98°38'2.21"W 97°31'6.47"W 97°36'14.99"W 97°57'13.29"W 97° 2'0.53"W 96°37'18.83"W 97° 4'43.88"W 97°26'46.19"W
Trace elements (ppm)
V 205.18 24.79 33.68 54.59 13.24 68.30 16.79 173.27
Rb 137.92 133.06 88.36 55.80 89.96 53.29 109.39 17.83
Sr 419.40 115.32 314.02 470.37 303.09 183.47 288.25 382.21
Y 10.90 15.48 9.43 13.42 10.72 14.38 6.93 17.42
Zr 150.16 117.75 129.03 166.74 135.72 206.38 90.81 113.22
Nb 6.18 9.90 7.82 9.62 6.19 8.31 7.26 3.92
Cs 15.69 6.97 5.11 0.89 12.20 3.76 1.62 0.64
Ba 1125.66 1468.05 1081.40 1586.14 863.20 334.76 522.18 459.26
La 21.31 24.28 7.81 51.23 22.18 25.88 9.34 9.76
Ce 43.32 47.55 14.90 99.77 40.56 54.42 20.05 21.49
Pr 5.66 5.44 1.74 11.91 5.16 7.24 2.48 2.93
Nd 21.51 18.04 6.23 41.84 19.34 28.28 8.89 12.23
Sm 4.08 3.19 1.46 6.21 3.49 5.35 1.69 2.86
Eu 1.39 0.89 0.73 1.75 1.17 1.45 0.59 1.00
Gd 3.46 2.99 1.51 4.76 3.10 4.52 1.45 2.90
Tb 0.43 0.39 0.24 0.50 0.36 0.52 0.18 0.45
Dy 2.23 2.16 1.45 2.36 1.80 2.56 1.08 2.80
Ho 0.35 0.42 0.29 0.40 0.30 0.43 0.19 0.52
Er 0.95 1.35 0.90 1.23 0.91 1.18 0.63 1.64
Tm 0.13 0.24 0.16 0.19 0.13 0.17 0.12 0.27
Yb 0.72 1.64 1.05 1.15 0.84 1.05 0.82 1.71
Lu 0.1
1 0.28 0.19 0.19 0.13 0.17 0.16 0.28
Hf 3.68 3.77 3.54 4.27 3.39 5.25 2.98 2.89
Ta 0.38 0.88 0.74 0.54 0.53 0.70 0.55 0.24
Pb 7.31 54.86 13.66 13.64 11.62 5.26 1.71
1 5.62
Th 7.16 1.51
1 7.49 9.81 3.46 4.66 3.14 1.1
1
U 2.70 1.67 1.75 2.19 0.59 1.59 0.91 0.31

Sample Tlapocoyan Magdalena Benemerito Jurel Trincheras Standards

Latitude 19°59'49.64"N 20°23'40.72"N 25°40'45.91"N 22° 9'4.42"N 24°57'2.07"N NIM-G NIM-G r.s.d.
97°38'16.60"W official measured
Longitude 97° 8'47.80"W 97° 4'19.43"W 99°51'43.91"W 99°26'29.23"W
Major elements (wt%)
SiO2 61.34 47.17 69.55 51.52 69.73 75.70 75.75 0.04
TiO2 0.44 1.66 0.51 0.84 0.44 0.09 0.10 6.71
Al2O3 16.23 13.02 14.50 18.73 14.82 12.08 12.27 1.08
Fe2O3 2.50 8.36 2.09 4.79 3.37 2.02 2.04 0.77
MnO 0.05 0.12 0.05 0.15 0.07 0.02 0.02 4.07
MgO 0.94 7.72 0.82 4.25 1.00 0.06 0.02 73.24
CaO 4.03 9.65 1.24 5.70 1.89 0.78 0.76 1.82
Na2O 4.90 1.81 3.67 3.94 3.41 3.36 3.25 2.33
K2O 6.13 6.29 5.26 2.16 3.73 4.99 5.03 0.50
P2O5 0.23 1.48 0.1
1 0.38 0.18 0.01 0.01 0.62
LOI 3.99 4.17 1.40 6.59 1.95
Total 100.79 101.45 99.21 99.05 100.57
Trace elements (ppm)
V 53.14 183.21 58.79 138.64 47.89 2.00 0.03 137.65
Rb 175.35 80.69 45.67 36.85 160.76 320.00 326.27 1.37
Sr 617.70 1551.75 348.02 759.47 354.30 10.00 7.52 20.01
Y 14.83 35.73 10.10 31.82 17.12 143.00 145.26 1.11
Zr 14.27
1 142.29 245.90 256.75 191.07 300.00 279.51 5.00
Nb 10.24 30.01 4.71 11.64 10.09 53.00 48.08 6.88
Cs 6.92 10.62 1.33 1.73 11.33 N.D. 0.87 10.06
Ba 1084.14 5427.39 544.82 1175.15 1531.09 120.00 105.82 8.88
La 25.23 242.04 15.78 36.32 43.13 109.00 111.73 1.75
Ce 50.10 491.43 31.25 79.89 82.87 195.00 200.55 1.98
Pr 6.03 61.06 3.76 10.25 9.54 N.D. N.D. N.D.
Nd 21.20 222.73 13.31 39.12 32.96 72.00 71.05 0.94
Sm 4.15 33.95 2.43 7.44 5.56 15.80 14.49 6.14
Eu 0.83 8.82 0.98 2.12 1.51 0.35 0.33 4.55
Gd 3.27 24.15 2.21 7.05 4.81 14.00 14.99 4.83
(Continued)

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 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico 43

TABLE 3. MAJOR AND TRACE ELEMENT GEOCHEMISTRY (Continued)

Sample Tlapocoyan Magdalena Benemerito Jurel Trincheras Standards
Latitude 19°59'49.64"N 20°23'40.72"N 25°40'45.91"N 22° 9'4.42"N 24°57'2.07"N NIM-G NIM-G r.s.d.
official measured
Longitude 97° 8'47.80"W 97° 4'19.43"W 99°51'43.91"W 97°38'16.60"W 99°26'29.23"W
Tb 0.43 2.13 0.29 0.95 0.57 3.00 2.54 11.63
Dy 2.30 7.85 1.62 5.27 3.04 17.00 17.94 3.80
Ho 0.40 1.10 0.30 0.99 0.53 N.D. N.D. N.D.
Er 1.23 3.07 0.89 3.05 1.62 N.D. N.D. N.D.
Tm 0.21 0.33 0.15 0.48 0.25 2.00 2.15 5.15
Yb 1.37 1.96 0.99 2.92 1.51 14.20 14.04 0.79
Lu 0.23 0.29 0.17 0.49 0.26 2.00 2.09 3.19
Hf 3.79 2.81 5.66 6.36 5.13 12.00 11.57 2.56
Ta 0.75 2.36 0.31 0.80 0.97 4.50 4.07 7.16
Pb 38.30 45.54 8.45 17.74 17.70 40.00 30.87 18.21
Th 14.04 23.64 1.92 3.64 11.90 50.00 47.93 2.99
U 3.95 5.59 1.02 0.97 3.50 15.00 15.86 3.93
LOI—loss on ignition; r.s.d.—relative standard deviation.

­ icrocapsules. The zircons were then washed several times with

m ratio of JMC-475 measured over the last 3 yr during a total of six
warm 7 M HNO3, and then with cold, concentrated HNO3. Next,
a 180Hf-176Lu spike was pipetted into the microcapsules before
adding ~0.5 mL of concentrated HF. Microcapsules were heated
with HF as a pressure medium in a Parr® bomb for 6 d at 180
°C. After digestion, the samples were dried down on a hotplate.
The closed microcapsules were heated overnight in 6 M HCl, and
then the drying process was repeating to facilitate sample-spike
equilibration. Sample residues were then dissolved in ~0.5 mL
of 1 M HCl and loaded to microcolumns filled with ~160 µL of
Eichrom Ln-spec® resin. Lu + Yb, and Hf were eluted follow-
ing a single-column separation procedure adopted from Nebel-
Jacobsen et al. (2005).
The determination of Lu and Hf isotope ratios was carried
out on a Thermo Neptune Plus® multicollector (MC) ICP-MS
installed at the Centro de Geociencias, Universidad Nacional
Autonóma de México, in Juriquilla, Querétaro, México, on Far-
aday cups in static mode (González-Guzmán et al., 2016). The
sample solutions were introduced to the plasma via an Aridus®
desolvating sample-introduction system using an Ar carrier gas
and a blended Ar + N2 sweep gas. The Hf fraction was taken up
with 1 mL of 0.56 M HNO3–0.24 M HF solution, and the Lu frac-
tion was taken up with 0.6 mL of 0.1 M HNO3 solution. For Lu
isotope data acquisition, one block of 40 cycles with 4 s integra-
tion time each was performed. The 177Hf intensity was measured
to monitor for isobaric interference of 176Hf on the 176Lu signal.
For the mass bias correction, each sample was doped with ~10 ppb
of Re, and the masses 185 and 187 were measured simultane-
ously. For Hf isotope data acquisition, eight blocks with 10 cycles
per block and an integration time of 4 s per cycle were measured.
Isobaric interferences of 176Yb and 176Lu on the 176Hf signal were
monitored by measuring 172Yb and 175Lu. Moreover, 181Ta and
182
W were measured to monitor for isobaric interferences of 180Ta
and 180W on the spiked isotope 180Hf. To examine the accuracy of
Hf isotope measurement, a 50 ppb JMC-475 Hf standard solution
was measured after every 4–5 unknowns. The average 176Hf/177Hf
analytical sessions is 0.282149 ± 0.000025 (n = 41). Data reduc-
tion was carried out using IsotopeHf®, an R-based data reduction
software package that transforms raw mass spectrometry data into
meaningful isotopic ratios, including all the necessary corrections
for spiked samples (González-Guzmán et al., 2016).
Results
Five zircon grains from Permian plutonic rocks that had been
dated by LA-ICP-MS were chosen for isotope-dilution MC-ICP-
MS analyses. These included two zircons from the Orizaba-1
sample, two from the Paso de Ovejas-2 sample, and one from
the Linares-1 sample. The analyzed zircons were characterized
by typical igneous textures (oscillatory and sector zoning), with
no indication of inherited cores. However, all three samples did
contain zircons, not used for Hf analysis, that displayed inherited
cores (see Geochronology Results section).
Paso de Ovejas-2 zircons yielded the lowest initial eHf values
of –12.1 to –10.4, with corresponding two-step Hf depleted mantle
model ages, TDM(Hf), of 1.9 and 1.82 Ga (Table 4). The Orizaba-1
sample had slightly higher eHf(t) of –9.3 and –6.0, with correspond-
ing TDM(Hf) of 1.75 and 1.56 Ga (Table 4). Differences observed in
the Lu-Hf isotopic signatures between the two analyzed zircons
from the Orizaba sample likely reflect hetero­geneities in the source,
as evidenced by the diverse populations of inherited zircons found
in the sample (Geochronology Results section). Zircons from the
Lineras-1 sample yielded highest eHf(t) values of –4.6, with corre-
sponding TDM(Hf) of 1.47 Ga (Table 4).
DISCUSSION
I-Type versus S-Type
The alumina saturation index (ASI) of Chappell and
White (1974) distinguishes between metaluminous (I-type) and

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 44 Coombs et al.

A Q 10 B Syenite
Chan-1
Syenite Alkali-
Granite
1 Pin- 1 (1)
Granite
8 Syeno-diorite

Na2O+K2O (wt%)
2 Ijolite
Gabbro
6 Tonalite/
Granodiorite
Gabbro
Diorite
4
4

lic
Al c
b- ali
ka
A B 5

Su Alk
Gabbro
2
3 6

0
35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80
11 7 SiO2 (wt%)
10 9 Pin- 1 (1) 8
12 13 14 15 16
A P
21 20 19 Chan-1 18 17

22 25
23 24

26

Early Permian
Late Permian
F No age

Figure 5. Classification diagrams for the basement core samples of the western Gulf of Mexico. (A) Quartz–alkali f­ eldspar–
plagioclase–feldspathoid (QAPF) diagram. CIPW norms were first calculated, and then Q, A, P, F percentages were re-
calculated to 100%. 1—quartzolite; 2—quartz-rich granitoids; 3—alkali feldspar granite; 4—granite (A—­syenogranite,
B—monzogranite); 5—granodiorite; 6—tonalite;, 7—quartz diorite/quartz gabbro/quartz anorthosite; 8—quartz monzo-
diorite/quartz monzogabbro; 9—quartz monzonite; 10—quartz syenite; 11—quartz–alkali feldspar–­syenite; 12—alkali
feldspar–syenite; 13—syenite; 14—monzonite; 15—monzodiorite/monzogabbro; 16—diorite/­gabbro/anorthosite; 17—
foid-bearing diorite, foid-bearing gabbro, foid-bearing anorthosite; 18—foid-bearing monzodiorite, foid-bearing monzo-
gabbro; 19—foid-bearing monzonite; 20—foid-bearing syenite; 21—foid-bearing alkali feldspar syenite; 22—foid sy-
enite; 23—foid monzosyenite; 24—foid monzodiorite, foid monzogabbro; 25—foid diorite, foid gabbro; 26—­foidolite.
(B) Total alkali–silica (TAS) diagram of Le Maitre et al. (1989). Field boundaries were taken from Wilson (1989).

p­ eraluminous (S-type) granitoids. The ASI values for the samples
have been plotted against their U-Pb age in Figure 8. The Early
Permian (n = 3) and Late Permian–Early Triassic samples (n =
13) that display no zircon inheritance yielded ASI values typical
of I-type granitoids (0.73–1.01 and 0.45–1.08, respectively). The
Late Permian–Early Triassic samples with inherited zircon cores
yielded higher ASI values (0.92–1.18), but still mainly I-type.
The higher ASI values in the samples with inherited zircon cores
indicate a contribution from a more peraluminous (e.g., crustal
sedimentary) source.
The ASI results indicate that the basement of the western
Gulf of Mexico is predominantly I-type (metaluminous) in
composition, with minor S-type (peraluminous) influence. The
observation that the more peraluminous samples preserve zir-
con cores, whereas the metaluminous samples do not, is con-
sistent with the zircon solubility model of Watson and Harrison
(1983) for I- and S-type magmas. It is unclear from the ASI
values if the I-type granites are primary melts from juvenile
mantle, or if they were derived from the remelting of preexist-
ing crustal igneous rocks.

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 1000 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement
100
along the western Gulf of Mexico 45
Early Permian Early Permian
Late Permian-Early Triassic Late Permian-Early Triassic
Not dated Not dated

100 10

10 1

1
A 0.1
B
La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu Th Nb Ta La Ce Sr Nd Sm Hf Zr Eu Ti Gd Tb Dy Y Ho Er Tm Yb

Figure 6. (A) Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) and (B) normal mid-ocean-ridge basalt (N-MORB)–normalized multi-element plot
for the basement samples from the western Gulf of Mexico. Chondrite normalizing values were taken from Sun and McDonough (1989), and
N-MORB normalizing values were taken from McDonough and Sun (1995).

500 100
WITHIN Early Permian
PLATE Permo-Triassic
GRANITES No age WITHIN
P-T Chiapas PLATE
P-T Colombia Cordillera GRANITES
Totoltepec (306-287 Ma) 10
Cozahuico Granite (270 Ma)
Carbonera Stock (275-273 Ma)
50 VOLCANIC SYN-COLLISIONAL
ARC GRANITES GRANITES
Nb (ppm)

Ta (ppm)

& SYN-COLLISIONAL
GRANITES
1

OCEAN OCEAN
5 RIDGE RIDGE
GRANITES VOLCANIC GRANITES
0.1 ARC GRANITES

0.5 0.01
1 10 Y (ppm) 100 1000 0.1 1 10 100
Yb (ppm)

1000 1000 SYN-COLLISIONAL

SYN-COLLISIONAL GRANITES
GRANITES
WITHIN
WITHIN PLATE
PLATE GRANITES
GRANITES
100 100
Rb (ppm)

Rb (ppm)

10 VOLCANIC VOLCANIC
ARC GRANITES OCEAN 10 ARC GRANITES OCEAN
RIDGE RIDGE
GRANITES GRANITES

1 1
1 10 100 1000 0.1 1 10 100
Y+Nb (ppm) Yb+Ta (ppm)
Figure 7. Nb-Y, Ta-Yb, Rb-(Y+Nb), and Rb-(Yb+Ta) tectonic discrimination diagrams (Pearce et al., 1984). P-T Chiapas—Permian–Triassic
Chiapas (Weber et al., 2005; Estrada-Carmona et al., 2012); P-T Colombia—Permian–Triassic Colombia (Vinasco et al., 2006; Cochrane et al.,
2014); Totoltepec Pluton, Cozahuico Granite, and La Carbonera Stock (Kirsch, 2012).

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 46 Coombs et al.

TABLE 4. Lu-Hf DATA FOR ZIRCONS

Lu-Hf isotopic ratios Age corrected† Model age§
Lu Hf 176
Hf/ 176
Hf/ ±2 s.e. ×106 εHf* Age Hf/
176 εHf (t) TDM(Hf)
Sample
(ppm) (ppm) 177
Hf 177
Hf (2σm) (Ma) (Ga)
number Hf (t)
177

Orizaba
N6F1C1-6 87 9257 0.001342 0.282449 5 -11.4 278 0.282442 -6.0 1.56
N6F1C1-35 57 6876 0.001181 0.282361 7 -14.5 267 0.282355 -9.3 1.75
Linares
N7F1C1-6 41 11651 0.000500 0.282497 11 -9.7 253 0.282495 -4.6 1.47
Paso de Ovejas
N6F9C2-11 23 8359 0.000398 0.282334 8 -15.5 254 0.282332 -10.4 1.82
N6F9C2-4 85 8701 0.001384 0.282295 5 -16.9 247 0.282288 -12.1 1.90
*Epsilon Hf is the deviation of 176Hf/177Hf of the sample relative to the chondritic uniform reservoir (CHUR) × 104. For the calculations present-day
CHUR values 176Hf/177HfCHUR(0) = 0.282785 and 176Lu/177HfCHUR = 0.0336 (Bouvier et al., 2008).
†176
Hf/177Hf (t) and εHf(t) were calculated using the 206Pb/238U age of the zircons.
§
Two-stage crustal residence model ages were calculated from the following equations:
tDM =(1/λ)ln(1+m)
m= {(176Hf/177Hf)DM - [(176Hf/177Hf)i,zinc +(176Lu/177Hf)avg. crust (eλt -1)]} / {(176Lu/177Hf)DM - (176Lu/177Hf)avg. crust}
Assumptions made: (176Lu/177Hf)avg. crust = 0.015 (Condie et al., 2005).
Present-day depleted mantle (DM) model is based on (176Hf/177Hf)DM = 0.283224 (Vervoort et al., 2000) and (176Lu/177Hf)DM = 0.03826
(Weber et al., 2010).

Mantle-Derived Melts versus Crustal Anatexis ing eHf(t) of –4.6 and TDM(Hf) of 1.47 Ga, is the only analysis that
might include a slightly younger juvenile component. It is likely
Although there were only a few samples analyzed, the that the Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids from this study
strongly negative eHf(t) values (–12 to –6) of the Late Permian– formed through the fusion of Oaxaquia continental crust, because
Early Triassic granitoids of the western Gulf of Mexico are a their Hf isotope evolution trend, as expressed from TDM(Hf) model
significant result that indicates that the magmas from which the ages, is indistinguishable from those of Mesoproterozoic Oaxa-
zircons crystallized were mainly formed by continental anatexis. quia microcontinent into which they emplaced (Fig. 9; Weber et
The TDM(Hf) model ages of these samples suggest that this crust al., 2010; Weber and Schulze, 2014).
was probably juvenile in the early Mesoproterozoic or late Paleo- However, it is important to highlight the fact that this con-
proterozoic. The zircon analyzed from the Linares sample, yield- clusion is based on the Hf isotope analysis of only five zircon
grains from a study area spanning several hundreds of kilome-
ters. A more comprehensive Lu-Hf isotopic study of the base-
ment along the western Gulf of Mexico is needed to confirm
1.4 this anatectic origin.
Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids from the Sierra Pinta,
1.2 S-type granite northern Mexico (Arvizu and Iriondo, 2011), Oaxaca (Ortega-
Obregón et al., 2014), and Colombia and Ecuador (Cochrane et
I-type granite al., 2014) have Lu-Hf isotope signatures that are similar to those
1.0
reported here (Fig. 9). However, they also display evidence for
mantle-crustal mixing, with some TDM(Hf) model ages that are
0.8
younger than the Paleoproterozoic Laurentian crust (Sierra Pinta)
and Mesoproterozoic Oaxaquia crust (Oaxaca) into which they
0.6 were emplaced.
E. Permian (with cores) Late Carboniferous–Early Permian granitoids of the Oaxaca
0.4 E. Permian (no cores) area (Ortega-Obregón et al., 2014) show clear evidence for man-
L. Permian (no cores)
L. Permian (with cores) tle-crust mixing and appear unrelated to the Late Permian–Early
0.2 Triassic granitoids of the western Gulf of Mexico (Fig. 9). The
200 220 240 260 280 300 geochronological similarities and the spatial proximity of the late
Carboniferous–Early Permian granitoids of the Oaxaca area and
Figure 8. Alumina saturation index (ASI) vs. age for the base- Early Permian granitoids of the western Gulf of Mexico suggest
ment cores of the western Gulf of Mexico. they may be analogous.

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 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico 47

Permian Sonora (Arvizu & Iriondo, 2011) Late Carboniferous-Early Permian Oaxaca
(Ortega-Obregón et al., 2014)
Permo-Triassic magmatism in Colombia
Permo-Triassic, Oaxaca
and Ecuador (Cochrane et al., 2014) (Ortega-Obregón et al., 2014)
Paleoproterozoic Sonora (Arvizu & Iriondo, 2011) "Typical Oaxaquia" (Weber et al., 2010)
16 Figure 9. eHf(t) vs. age plot for western
Gulf of Mexico samples selected for
Depleted Hf isotope analysis on zircons (thermal
12 Mantle Mo
del Age ionization mass spectrometry). Our re-
sults are compared to other laser abla-
8 tion–inductively coupled plasma–mass
a
7G spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) data from
1.4 around Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador.
4 a Intercept between eHf(t) and the depleted
a 5G
.56
G 1.7 Ga
mantle curve is based on a 176Lu/177Hf
CHUR Model age 1 1.9 average crustal ratio of 0.015 (Griffin et
0
ε

al., 2002). Values for chondritic uniform

reservoir (CHUR) are from Bouvier et
a
-4 2G al. (2008). The fields represent zircon
1.8 depleted mantle model ages, TDM(Hf),
from Permian–Triassic granitoids in
-8 Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia, as
Orizaba 279±10Ma well as for older igneous events such as
Orizaba 268±4Ma the Paleoproterozoic Sierra Pinta and
-12 Linares 253±9Ma Oaxaquia continental crust.
Paso de Ovejas 247± 10Ma
Paso de Ovejas 254± 7Ma
-16
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

PETROGENESIS and Acatlán area (Kirsch, 2012) indicate that they formed in a
continental arc setting. This interpretation is consistent with the
The geochemistry of the granitoids from the western Gulf of Lu-Hf isotopic signatures for the late Carboniferous–Early Perm-
Mexico is similar to that of plutonic rocks of similar age intrud- ian granitoids of the Oaxaca area (Ortega-Obregón et al., 2014),
ing the Acatlán Complex (Kirsch, 2012), Oaxacan Complex
(Ortega-Obregón et al., 2014), and Chiapas Massif (Weber et al.,
2005). The probability density diagram of Figure 10 suggests that This Study Weber et al., 2005
Carboniferous–Triassic magmatism in Mexico was intermittent. Elías-Herrera et al., 2005 Kirsch et al., 2012
The earliest phase of magmatism is clearly documented between Ducea et al., 2004 Ortega-Obregon et al., 2014
311 and 286 Ma, but inherited cores reported in this study indi-
Formation of Pangea

cate that this magmatism may have initiated in the Mississippian Post-collisional
10 magmatism
(ca. 326 Ma; Supplementary Material 1 [footnote 1]). A second
and more prevalent phase of magmatism occurred between 274
and 243 Ma. This magmatism inherited zircons from the late 8 Relative probability
Carboniferous–Late Permian event, as well as from Oaxaquia
(Grenville).
Number

6
Jurassic reconstructions of western Pangea place Mexico Gondwanan arc
close to the Laurussia-Gondwana suture (Pindell and Kennan,
4
2009). This, along with geochronological similarities with Car-
boniferous–Permian magmatism in the Variscan and Alleghanian
orogenies and geochemical constraints presented in this study, 2
suggests that the Permian–Triassic magmatism of Mexico was
related to the final stages of the formation of Pangea.
0
230 250 270 290 310 330
Late Carboniferous–Early Permian Arc Age (Ma)

Figure 10. Probability density plot for Carboniferous-Triassic gran-

Trace-element signatures of the late Carboniferous–Early itoids from this study, Chiapas Massif, Sierra Pinta, Acatlán, and
Permian granitoids from the western Gulf of Mexico (this study) Oaxaca areas.

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 48 Coombs et al.

which indicate mantle-derived melts mixing with continental
crust. This arc system intruded into Oaxaquia continental crust,
suggesting a Gondwanan affinity.
In Ortega-Obregón et al. (2014), this continental arc system
was explained by the eastward-dipping subduction of the Pan-
thalassa Ocean beneath Pangea. However, there is a strong cor-
relation between the timing of the final amalgamation of Pan-
gea along the Ouachita-Marathon-Sonora suture ca. 290–280
Ma (Pindell and Dewey, 1982; Pindell, 1985; Ross, 1986; Viele
and Thomas, 1989; Sedlock et al., 1993; Dickinson and Law-
ton, 2001) and the latest magmatism in the late Carboniferous–
Early Permian arc (286 Ma; Ortega-Obregón et al., 2014). We
therefore propose that the late Carboniferous–Early Permian arc
formed from the subduction of the Rheic Ocean on the margins
of Gondwana, prior to the final amalgamation of Pangea (Figs.
11A and 11C). After the closure of the Rheic Ocean, and col-
lision between Laurussia and Gondwana had occurred, the arc
system shut down.

A- Late Carboniferous B- Permo-Triassic

Depth (km)

Suture Anatectic
Carboniferous arc (Blueschists and eclogites magmatism
of the Acatlán Complex?)
Oaxaquia Oaxaquia Crust
Rheic Ocean
0
Laurussia Gondwana Laurasia Gondwana

50 Lithospheric
Mantle Lithospheric Mantle

100
Asthenosphere
Asthenosphere
150
D- Early Jurassic?
Appalachian
Permo-Triassic
Pacific Arc SW Laurasia Alleghanian Suture
Ouachita Oaxaca displaced
to the south during
initial phase of
Marathon Pangea rifting.
Late Carboniferous-Early Permian
Gondwanan arc Oaxaca 300 km
Sonora
NW Gondwana E- Late Jurassic
Mexican post-collisional "anatectic
province", including basement of the West GoM
transform
D&E Western Gulf of Mexico (Tamaulipas
arch, Tuxpan, Santa Ana), Chiapas
Massif and Oaxaca
Panthalassa
Ocean
Oaxaca
Chiapas
Chiapas displaced to the
250 km N C-Pangea (Permo-Triassic) south and Western GoM
lineated. 300 km

Figure 11. (A) Late Carboniferous and (B) Permian–Triassic tectonic models for the formation of the granitoids along the western Gulf of
Mexico (GoM). (C) Schematic paleogeographic reconstruction of the western flank of the Pangea collision zone. The green stars represent
magmatism related to a continental arc in Sonora (Laurentian side) and Colombia (Gondwanan side). (D–E) Phases of shearing in the ­Permian–
Triassic anatectic province.

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 Petrogenesis of the crystalline basement along the western Gulf of Mexico
Late Permian–Early Triassic Postcollisional Magmatism
The widespread Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids of
the western Gulf of Mexico (this study), Oaxaca area (Ortega-
Obregón et al., 2014), and Chiapas Massif (Weber et al., 2005;
Estrada-Carmona et al., 2012) display trace-element signatures
that are consistent with formation in a continental arc environ-
ment. However, depleted Lu-Hf isotope signatures indicate that
the dominant process of magma generation was by crustal ana-
texis. This type of magmatism is more commonly associated
with continental collision environments.
The Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids of the Chiapas
Massif, western Gulf of Mexico, and Oaxaca area postdate the
final amalgamation of Pangea (ca. 290–280 Ma), and so they are
unlikely to represent a syncollisional magmatic event. The gran-
itoids may instead have been associated with a phase of post-
collisional magmatism (Figs. 11B and 11C) occurring during
a period of thermal relaxation, after the final amalgamation of
Pangea, e.g., as seen in the Alleghanian orogeny ca. 300–275 Ma
(Heatherington et al., 2010; Mueller et al., 2014). Postcollisional
granitoids of the western Gulf of Mexico postdate equivalents in
the Alleghanian orogeny by ~30 m.y. This lag period is consis-
tent with the diachronous assembly of Pangea, with Laurentia-­
Gondwana collision occurring in the Alleghanian orogeny
ca. 335 Ma (Wortman et al., 1998) and along the Ouachita-­
Marathon-Sonora segment ca. 290 Ma (Pindell and Dewey, 1982;
Pindell, 1985; Ross, 1986; Viele and Thomas, 1989; Sedlock et
al., 1993; Dickinson and Lawton, 2001).
Granitoids that form in such postcollisional settings often
inherit arc-like trace-element signatures from previous subduc-
tion events (e.g., Pearce et al., 1984; Grimes et al., 2015). There-
fore, the subduction-related trace-element signatures observed in
the Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids of Chiapas Massif,
western Gulf of Mexico, and the Oaxaca area may well have been
inherited from the late Carboniferous–Early Permian arc (dis-
cussed above), as well as Oaxaquia, which comprises the lower
continental crust. This hypothesis is supported by the widespread
Oaxaquia and late Carboniferous–Early Permian zircon inheri-
tance observed in the Late Permian–Early Triassic igneous event
(this study).
Late Permian–Early Triassic Arc
Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids found in the Sierra
Pinta, Sonora, northeast Mexico (Arvizu and Iriondo, 2011) and
in Colombia and Ecuador (Cochrane et al., 2014) appear distinct
from granitoids of comparable age in the western Gulf of Mexico
and southern Mexico. The TDM(Hf) model ages in the Sierra Pinta,
Colombia, and Ecuador granitoids display evidence for mantle-
crustal mixing, which is more typical of continental arcs. We
therefore agree with the interpretations of previous authors that
granitoids of northeast Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador repre-
sent a Late Permian–Early Triassic arc associated with the sub-
duction of the paleo-Pacific beneath Pangea (Fig. 11C).
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49
Subsequent Tectonic Activity
In many models of Pangea, overlap is observed between
central and southern Mexico and northwest South America (Pin-
dell and Dewey, 1982; Pindell, 1985; Handschy et al., 1987; Pin-
dell and Kennan, 2001). Therefore, the terranes of central and
southern Mexico are likely to be allochthonous in origin. This
implies that the terranes into which the Carboniferous–Triassic
plutons of the Oaxaca area, Chiapas Massif, and western Gulf of
Mexico were intruded had migrated from elsewhere during the
breakup of Pangea.
Opening of the Gulf of Mexico
A possible mechanism for terrane migration occurred during
the Early Jurassic in association with the early stages of the open-
ing of the Gulf of Mexico, along the Mojave-Sonora megashear
(Anderson and Schmidt, 1983; Böhnel, 1999; Pindell and Ken-
nan, 2001). This shear zone is proposed to have accommodated
700 km of left-lateral motion along the southwestern flank of the
North American plate (Anderson and Schmidt, 1983; Pindell and
Kennan, 2001, 2009). In this scenario, the terranes of central and
southern Mexico (including the Acatlán Complex and Oaxacan
Complex) originated in northeast Mexico (Fig. 11D).
In plate reconstructions of Pangea, the Yucatan block is posi-
tioned adjacent to Florida, and it was then displaced to the south
in a rotational motion during the main phase of the opening of the
Gulf of Mexico in the Late Jurassic (Pindell and Dewey, 1982;
Pindell, 1985; Schouten and Klitgord, 1994; Dickinson and Law-
ton, 2001; Jacques et al., 2004; Bird et al., 2005; Imbert, 2005;
Imbert and Phillippe, 2005; Pindell et al., 2005). This movement
likely affected the postcollisional granitoids of the western Gulf
of Mexico and Chiapas Massif, shearing the basement and dis-
placing it to the south (Fig. 11E).
This tectonic activity associated with the breakup of Pangea
provides a mechanism for migration of the late Carboniferous–
Early Permian arc granitoids and Late Permian–Early Triassic
postcollisional granitoids: The rocks were displaced to the south,
away from the Laurentian-Gondwanan suture from which they
originated (Figs. 11D and 11E).
CONCLUSIONS
This contribution has shown that the crystalline basement of
the western Gulf of Mexico formed as a result of three distinct
magmatic events, replacing and reworking preexisting Oaxaquia
continental crust on the margins of Gondwana. These magmatic
events have been interpreted to be related to the following tec-
tonic settings:
(1) An Early Permian (ca. 294 Ma) continental arc that
formed in response to the subduction of the Rheic
Ocean under the northern margins of Gondwana, prior
to the final amalgamation of Pangea: We propose that
these Early Permian granitoids of the western Gulf of
Mexico are related to coeval late Carboniferous–Early
 50
Permian granitoids that intrude the Acatlán Complex
and Oaxaca area.
(2) Late Permian–Early Triassic (263–243 Ma) late- to post-
collisional anatectic magmatism that formed from oro-
genic collapse in the Marathon-Sonora section of the
Pangea collision zone: We propose that they are coeval
with Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids of the Oax-
aca area and Chiapas Massif.
(3) An Early Jurassic (188–164 Ma) continental arc, which
is likely to be a part of the Nazas arc now exposed in
northern central Mexico.
These granitoids were subsequently displaced from their
original positions during the breakup of Pangea. The initial
phase of migration occurred in the Early Jurassic during the
early phases of the opening of the Gulf of Mexico, which dis-
placed late Carboniferous–Early Permian and Late Permian–
Early Triassic granitoids of the Acatlán and Oaxaca areas to
the south along the Mojave-Sonora megashear. Displacement
of the Late Permian–Early Triassic granitoids of the Chiapas
Massif and western Gulf of Mexico occurred in the Late Juras-
sic, during the main phase of Gulf of Mexico opening as the
Yucatan block rotated counterclockwise.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank Juan Pablo Zapata, Ricardo Milián,
Roberto Molina, Diego Villagómez, Maria Isabel Sierra Rojas,
Rodrigo León, and Kurt Wogau for their help during sample
preparation. Additionally, a huge “thank you” must be extended
to Uwe Martens for all of his help and guidance over the past
few years. Finally, we would like to thank the reviewers for
their constructive suggestions and comments.
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Manuscript Accepted by the Society 4 November 2019
Manuscript Published Online 14 May 2020
Printed in the USA