Received: 18 October 2020 Accepted: 16 June 2021
DOI: 10.1002/gj.4208
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Zircon trace element geochemistry and Ti-in-zircon
thermometry of the Linté Pan-African granitoids, Central
Cameroon: Constraints on the genesis of host magma and
tectonic implications
Patrick Ayonta Kenne1 |
Timoleon Ngnotue1 | Donald Hermann Fossi2
Philomene Nga Essomba2 | Jean Paul Nzenti2
1
Department of Earth Sciences, University of
Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
2
Department of Earth Sciences, University of
Yaoundé I, Yaounde, Cameroon
Correspondence
Sylvestre Ganno, Department of Earth
Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box
812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Email: sganno2000@gmail.com
Handling Editor: I. Somerville
Geological Journal. 2021;1–19.
Evine Laure Tanko Njiosseu1 | Sylvestre Ganno2 |
| Alexis Hamdja Ngoniri1 |
The Linté area belongs to the central part of the Adamawa-Yadé Domain (AYD)
within the Pan-African Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) in Cameroon. This area is
dominated by Neoproterozoic high-K calc-alkaline syenite and monzonite intruding
Archean to Palaeoproterozoic gneisses. In this contribution, trace element composi-
tions of zircon obtained using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spec-
trometry are used to constrain the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of Linté area.
The analysed zircon grains display restricted ranges of Hf contents with an average
of 8,197 ppm in syenite, 8,220 ppm in alkali-feldspar syenite, and 9,026 ppm in mon-
zonite. They display high Th/U ratios (>0.5) typical of magmatic zircons. The monzo-
nite zircons have a higher ΣREE content (483.42 ppm) than the syenite zircons
(237.70 ppm). The chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) diagram of Linté
samples shows very similar patterns, characterized by a steeply rising slope due to
important heavy rare-earth element enrichment relative to light rare-earth element,
with distinctive positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies. The application of the Ti-in-
zircon thermometer reveals a wide range of crystallization temperatures
(574–1,137 C for syenites and 713–1,008 C for monzonite), implying a deep level of
melting, likely within the lower continental crust of the CAFB. The integration of geo-
chemical behaviours of some trace elements (U, Hf, Zr, Ce, Th, and Nb), together with
discrimination diagrams, suggests the crystallization of a continental crust-derived
magma under variable oxidation states and emplacement in a magmatic-arc setting.
This finding represents and adds on to the N-S geodynamic convergence model
between the AYD and the northern border of the Congo Craton.
KEYWORDS
Cameroon, Central African Fold Belt, continental crust, LA-ICP-MS zircon geochemistry,
magmatic arc, Ti-in-zircon thermometer
wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/gj © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 1
2 AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
1 | I N T RO DU CT I O N
Zircons, being highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering,
are particularly useful minerals for petro-chronological investigations.
Several authors (e.g., Corfu et al., 2003; Gao et al., 2004;
Hawkesworth & Kemp, 2006; Watson & Harrison, 1983) have argued
that due to their low solubility in silicic melts, zircons commonly per-
sist as refractory relics in felsic magmas and can potentially retain
chemical and isotopic compositions of the deep crust. Furthermore,
zircons can survive various episodes of sedimentary and magmatic
recycling, metamorphism, and even during transient entrainment into
the mantle through crustal delamination and subduction (Gao
et al., 2004). Zircon morphology has been used to infer the source
characteristics of the host granitoid (Pupin, 1980). The scheme relat-
ing the external zircon morphology to a genetic classification of a host
granitoid and the temperature of crystallization of the granitic magma
represents the basics of the zircon typology method (Pupin, 1980).
The most important study of zircon has often been related to its use
as a radiometric tracer and its tendency to incorporate many geo-
chemically trace elements (Sc, Y, Ti, Hf, Th, U, Nb, Ta, V, P, and rare-
earth element [REE]). Indeed, trace elements in zircon have been widely
used to provide clues to the source-rock type and crystallization envi-
ronment (Belousova et al., 2002; Hoskin & Ireland, 2000; Hoskin
et al., 2000; Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003; Nardi et al., 2012; Sakyi
et al., 2019; Trail et al., 2012), the composition of parental melts
(Hinton & Upton, 1991; Rubatto, 2002), the differences between
ocean- and continent-derived zircons (Grimes et al., 2007, 2009), the
discrimination between different genetic types (I-, S-, or A-type granites)
of granitoids (Wang et al., 2012), and the temperature of crystallization
of magma using Ti-in-zircon thermometry (Ferry & Watson, 2007; Fu
et al., 2009; Harrison et al., 2007; Watson et al., 2006).
The Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) in Cameroon has witnessed
substantial crustal accretion during the Pan-African Orogeny (650–
550 Ma), leading to the widespread occurrence of granitoids
(Abdelsalam et al., 2002; Nzenti et al., 1998; Nzenti et al., 2007; Toteu
et al., 2004). These rocks have received considerable attention, as
indicated by the abundant available literature (e.g., Chebeu
et al., 2011; Djouka-Fonkwé et al., 2008; Kouankap Nono et al., 2010;
Kwekam et al., 2010; Ngamy Kamwa et al., 2019; Njanko et al., 2006;
Nomo et al., 2017; Nzenti et al., 2006; Nzina Nchare et al., 2010;
Nzolang et al., 2003; Tagne Kamga, 2003; Tanko Njiosseu et al., 2005;
Tchakounté et al., 2017; Tchameni et al., 2006; and references
therein). These studies have improved our understanding of the
magma sources, petrogenetic processes, and involvement of juvenile
and/or recycled material, emplacement ages, and tectonic settings of
the CAFB. However, despite the large occurrence in these rocks
of zircons and despite the petrogenetic importance of the trace ele-
ments geochemistry of these minerals, very few studies (e.g., Embui
et al., 2019, Hamdja Ngoniri et al., 2021) dealing with the petrogene-
sis and tectonic setting of the CAFB Pan-African granitoids have uti-
lized zircon trace elements' composition. As such, the magma
conditions in which zircons were crystallized and the relation between
magma temperatures and tectonic setting are still unclear.
This study presents trace elements' data of zircon from the post-
collisional Linté granitoids, which were previously analysed for U–Pb
geochronology (Ayonta et al., unpublished data of the authors). We
examine the application of zircon trace element compositions for pet-
rogenetic constraints, and we used the Ti-in-zircon thermometer to
determine the crystallization temperature of the magma.
2 | GEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
The CAFB, also known as the Pan-African North Equatorial Fold Belt,
is a major collisional belt that underlies the region from the West Afri-
can Craton to East Africa (Ngnotué et al., 2000; Nzenti et al., 1994;
Toteu et al., 2004). It extends in parts of Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon,
Chad, Central African Republic, and Sudan. The CAFB was formed
during the Neoproterozoic collision of the West African Craton with
the Congo/S~ao Francisco Craton (Figure 1a). In Cameroon, this belt is
divided into three litho-structural domains, including the Yaoundé
Domain (YD), the Adamawa–Yadé Domain (AYD), and the western
Cameroon Domain (WCD; Figure 1b, Toteu et al., 2004; Van Schmus
et al., 2008). The YD consists of an extensive tectonic nappe that was
thrusted onto the Congo Craton (CC) during the Pan-African collision
(Nzenti et al., 1988; Toteu et al., 2004; Toteu et al., 1994). Two major
lithological complexes are defined on a regional scale: (i) a weakly
metamorphosed complex composed of schists and quartzites (the
Ayos-Mbalmayo-Bengbis and Yokadouma Series) and (ii) a high-grade
metamorphic complex composed of gneiss, migmatite, micaschist, and
amphibolite (Ngnotué et al., 2000). These two large lithological com-
plexes are intruded by diorites and granodiorites (Nzenti et al., 1998).
New metamorphic events have been put forward by Ngnotué
et al. (2012) showing ages ranging from Tonien to Stenien in the
Yaoundé Series (911–1,122 Ma; U–Pb age on zircon of metapelites)
and interpreted as the beginning of metamorphism in the Yaoundé
Group. The AYD or Central Cameroon domain is dominated by syn- to
late-collisional high-K calc-alkaline granitoids (e.g., Chebeu et al., 2011;
Kouankap Nono et al., 2010; Ngamy Kamwa et al., 2019; Njanko
et al., 2006; Nomo et al., 2017; Nzenti et al., 2011; Nzenti et al., 2006;
Nzina Nchare et al., 2010; Nzolang et al., 2003; Tanko Njiosseu
et al., 2005; Tchakounté et al., 2017). These granitoids intrude high-
grade gneisses that represent the Archean to Palaeoproterozoic
basement, which was likely dismembered during the Pan-African recon-
stitution of western Gondwanaland (Ganwa et al., 2008; Tanko Njiosseu
et al., 2005; Tchakounté et al., 2017; Van Schmus et al., 2008). One of
the main features of the AYD is the widespread occurrence of granitoids
in close association with the regional transcurrent shear zone oriented
N30 E and N70 E (Ganno et al., 2016). The WCD is located to the west
of the Tcholliré–Banyo Shear Zone, along the western border of
Cameroon and extends into eastern Nigeria. It includes a variety of rock
types, including (a) medium- to high-grade schists and gneisses of the
700 Ma Poli Series, (b) 660–580 Ma calc-alkaline granitoids (diorite,
granodiorite, and granite), (c) anorogenic alkaline granitoids, and (d) low-
grade sedimentary and volcanic basin sequences (Toteu et al., 2004;
Van Schmus et al., 2008).
AYONTA KENNE ET AL. 3

F I G U R E 1 (a) Geological sketch map of west-central and north-east Brazil with cratonic masses and the Pan-African-Brasiliano provinces belt
in west-Gondawana; (b) geological map of Cameroon showing the major lithotectonic domains. ASZ, Adamaoua Shear Zone; AYD, Adamawa-
Yadé Domain; SSZ, Sanaga Shear Zone; TBSZ, Tcholliré–Banyo Shear Zone; WCD, West Cameroon Domain; YD, Yaoundé Domain. Location of
study area is marked by a red square [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
4 AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
The Linté area (Figure 2a,b) occurs within the AYD. Pioneer map-
ping works of the Linté area have revealed the occurrence of a huge
NW–SE elongated pluton made up of syenite, syn- to late-granites,
and anatexis granite (Weecksteen, 1957). No petrogenetic attempt
using geochemical data has been done so far on this pluton. There-
fore, extensive whole-rock geochemical characterization and laser
ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
geochronology of the Linté granitoids are the focus of a companion
paper (Ayonta et al., unpublished data of the authors). The data indi-
cate that the Linté plutonic rocks are mainly composed of syenite and
monzonite and were emplaced between 590 and 599 Ma, suggesting
their classification as syn- to post-collisional granitoids in relation to
the Pan-African Orogeny.
3 | S A M P LI N G A N D A N A L Y T I C A L
METHODS
Four representative samples (two syenites, LTMA and LT21G; one
alkali-feldspar syenite, LT17A; and one monzonite, LT1G) were
selected for this study. Zircon grains were separated from the sample
using conventional density and magnetic separation techniques at
Langfang Rock Detection Technology Services Ltd. Zircon trace ele-
ments and U-Th-Pb analyses were performed by LA-ICP-MS using an
elemental scientific instruments, new wave research 193 nm laser-
ablation system and an Anlyitik Jena PQMS Elite ICP-MS instrument
at the Beijing Kehui Testing International Co. Ltd following the analyt-
ical method described in Soh Tamehe et al. (2021). Representative zir-
con grains were handpicked under a binocular microscope, mounted
in epoxy mounts, and polished until the inner section was exposed for
analyses. They were documented with transmitted and reflected light
micrographs, and their cathodoluminescence (CL) images were taken
using a JSM 6510 scanning electron microscope attached to a Gatan
F I G U R E 2 (a) Digital elevation model (DEM) and (b) geological map of Linté area (modified after Weecksteen, 1957) [Colour figure can be
viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
CL detector with a voltage of 10 kV. All analyses were conducted with
a beam diameter of 30 μm, with a repetition rate of 10 Hz, and energy
of 4 J/cm. Zircons 91,500 (Wiedenbeck et al., 1995) and GJ-1 (Jack-
son et al., 2004), Plesovice, Qinhu (Sláma et al., 2008) and NIST610
glass (http://georem.mpch-mainz.gwdg.de/) were used as reference
standards for every set of 5–10 analyses. The Ti-in-zircon thermome-
ter has been calculated using the formula of Ferry and Watson (2007)
and Watson et al. (2006).
4 | RE SU LT S
4.1 | Zircon grains morphology
In the Linté rocks, zircons crystals commonly occur as inclusions in
biotite, amphibole, and pyroxene, as well as host inclusions of quartz
and titanite. CL images of the analysed zircon grains from syenites,
alkali feldspar syenites, and monzonites are presented in Figure 3.
Zircon grains from syenite samples (LTMA and LT21G) are dark to
light brown euhedral to subhedral fragments that were broken either
during rising of magma or other processes. They are quite small in size
(80–170 μm) homogeneous and equidimensional. Overall, two types
of zircon grains were observed in syenites. The first one corresponds
to the truncated grains (Figure 3a) and is the most abundant type.
They show microfractures and multi-faces with no or sectorial zoning.
The second type of zircons is mostly rounded or oval and sometimes
irregular with unclear oscillatory zoning (Figure 3a). This second type
often shows homogeneous texture and hosts inclusions of quartz +
feldspar. Among both samples, the sample LT21G displays long pris-
matic zircon grains with unclear oscillatory zoning.
Zircon grains from the alkali-feldspar syenite samples are dark to
light brownish and subhedral to partly round in habit (Figure 3b).
Some grains are large and well-rounded, while others are broken. The
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
F I G U R E 3 Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of zircon grains from the Linté granitoid (laser ablation spots indicated in yellow and number in
red) [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
grains show a size range of 80–200 μm. In CL images, most of
the grains display irregular concentric-zoned or homogeneous tex-
tures. Some zircon grains show truncated zoning as well as blurred
and convoluted zoning, probably related to metamictization. Addition-
ally, few metamict cores are discontinuously overgrown by non-
metamict zones, which may suggest evidence for a low temperature
and detrital history.
CL zircons images from the Linté monzonite reveal complex evo-
lution. Zircon grains are transparent and colourless, generally
euhedral, prismatic, and often contain mineral and/or melt inclusions
(Figure 3c). CL imaging shows two types of zoning: concentric
5
oscillatory and sectorial zoning sometimes surrounded by bright and
very thin rims. The internal features show sometimes imprints of
hydrothermal reactions marked by the dissolution of the core
(Figure 3c; Corfu et al., 2003). Some zircon grains of monzonite sam-
ple show core relics (Figure 3c).
4.2 | Zircon geochemistry
Trace elements zircons (Ti, Zr, and Hf) and REE contents of the zircon
of Linté granitoids are presented in Tables 1–3. In these tables,
 6

TABLE 1 Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element compositions (ppm) of the Linté syenites
Spots Hf Ta Pb Th U Nb Ti Y Zr La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu Th/U ΣREE Ce/Ce* Eu/Eu*

Sample LT21G

LT21G-1 7,658 0.67 25.29 188.69 197.96 1.36 59.5 222.4 43.53 0.02 13 0.08 1.2 1.73 0.57 7.09 2.21 21.8 7.45 32.55 7.35 71.4 21.13 0.95 187.6 70.71 0.5

LT21G-2 7,613 0.69 22.93 177.24 174.48 1.26 46 281.6 43.23 0.04 10.74 0.1 1.63 2.33 0.65 10 2.42 28.1 9.49 40.88 8.82 88.3 22.95 1.02 226.4 39.61 0.41

LT21G-3 7,776 0.67 23.76 198.68 176.21 1.43 70.3 315.9 44 0.03 13.14 0.16 2.95 3.67 0.88 12.6 3.31 32.1 10.6 43.91 9.62 96.9 24.7 1.13 254.7 43.51 0.4

LT21G-4 7,944 0.69 20.67 168.57 155.92 1.34 59.3 223.2 42.2 0.02 11 0.06 1.27 1.73 0.51 6.96 2.34 21.5 7.51 32.15 7.44 72.7 21.6 1.08 186.7 73.22 0.45

LT21G-5 7,874 0.61 22.33 173.42 170.86 1.74 55.9 217.3 43.02 0.02 12.02 0.05 1.12 2.09 0.49 6.38 1.87 20.2 7.13 30.55 7.02 72.2 20.85 1.01 181.9 86.42 0.41

LT21G-6 7,708 0.63 25.06 203.71 189.14 0.83 87.7 365.5 43.45 0.03 11.36 0.12 1.81 3.55 0.91 13.2 3.48 36.5 12 52.03 11.3 107 27.51 1.08 280.4 41.75 0.4

LT21G-7 8,123 0.52 13.95 99.79 111.82 0.47 17.5 156 42.32 0.01 9.42 0.03 0.81 1.27 0.29 4.57 1.36 13.9 5.11 22.75 5.15 53.2 18 0.89 135.9 127.5 0.37

LT21G-8 7,770 0.61 17.83 131.17 136.25 1.65 14.9 198.4 41.95 0 10.31 0.1 1.1 1.54 0.4 5.94 1.88 19.6 6.43 29.17 6.84 67.4 20.4 0.96 171.1 / 0.41

LT21G-9 7,592 1.02 31.35 210.9 242.82 1.74 0 265 41.15 0.01 15.11 0.1 1.64 2.46 0.55 7.92 2.46 25.7 8.98 39.92 8.95 86.2 23.52 0.87 223.5 97.73 0.38

LT21G-10 7,812 0.53 25.97 223.32 190.41 1.35 46.4 364.3 41.66 0.02 12.53 0.19 3.11 4.27 0.8 15.3 3.88 39.7 12.7 51.31 11.5 110 27.64 1.17 292.6 46.57 0.3

LT21G-11 7,360 0.49 16.79 167.24 117.39 0.45 60.7 329.9 43.22 0.1 13.54 0.4 4.81 5.02 1.34 14.6 3.65 34.9 10.9 46.61 9.93 91.3 24.66 1.42 261.7 16.08 0.48

LT21G-12 7,719 0.64 32.04 251.94 241.32 1.79 8.97 451 43.03 0 13.27 0.18 1.72 3.53 0.78 14.7 4.01 42.7 14 61.41 13.8 131 32.08 1.04 332.9 / 0.33

LT21G-13 7,997 0.95 28.16 201.6 212.95 2.24 18.5 297.1 43.5 0.03 12.24 0.1 1.29 2.08 0.34 7.46 2.5 27.1 9.59 42.84 9.51 94.3 25.87 0.95 235.2 50.73 0.26

LT21G-14 7,336 0.4 18.42 178.63 130.94 1.05 49.9 321.9 45.58 0.03 14.92 0.35 3.94 4.53 1.14 13.1 3.52 31.2 10.4 44.71 9.3 89.3 23.98 1.36 250.5 37.62 0.45

LT21G-15 7,915 0.8 19.44 146.94 148.3 1.71 29.4 220.4 44.94 0.01 10.97 0.08 1.31 1.81 0.46 7 1.93 20.2 7.29 31.61 7.37 72.9 21.94 0.99 184.9 86.32 0.39

LT21G-16 9,408 1.69 64.56 439.41 542.04 3.42 31 326.1 47.13 0.02 20.92 0.09 1.5 2.32 0.49 8.95 2.76 29.5 10.3 46.52 11 113 31.49 0.81 278.5 113.2 0.33

LT21G-17 7,491 0.75 24.55 174.57 184.91 1.63 42.2 237.5 45.11 0 13.14 0.08 1.24 1.87 0.44 7.35 2.11 22.1 7.26 32.79 7.75 78 22.56 0.94 196.7 / 0.36

LT21G-18 7,716 1.06 23.2 156.51 184.3 2.4 7.16 243.5 45.35 0 12.03 0.07 1.08 1.39 0.46 6.95 1.91 22.2 7.17 34.85 8.33 82.1 23.22 0.85 201.8 / 0.45

LT21G-19 7,825 0.57 21.01 169.19 152.82 0.64 71.3 295 45.37 0.08 11.6 0.11 1.76 2.58 0.75 10.2 2.96 29.4 9.84 40.96 8.86 85 23.5 1.11 227.7 29.79 0.45

LT21G-20 7,856 0.93 46.54 365.56 360.89 2.76 27 504.3 44.24 0.07 18.69 0.26 3.48 5.12 1.11 17.2 4.78 50.1 15.9 70.15 15.7 147 34.34 1.01 383.7 32.86 0.36

LT21G-21 7,562 0.45 17.44 163.2 154.29 0.33 46.7 226.2 46.85 0.05 11.64 0.14 1.27 1.75 0.53 9.49 2.35 22.4 7.9 34.31 7.35 69.3 19.22 1.06 187.8 34.52 0.4

LT21G-22 7,703 0.58 22.55 188.22 210.89 2.21 22.7 232.6 47.37 0.02 12.86 0.09 1.18 2.05 0.38 8.36 2.36 24.3 7.9 35.41 7.62 77.3 19.52 0.89 199.3 77.2 0.28

LT21G-23 8,317 0.51 17.5 136.18 159.6 0.61 32 221.3 48.3 0 9.64 0.11 1.32 2.26 0.57 8.35 2.11 21.8 7.29 33.09 7.34 72 20.3 0.85 186.2 / 0.4

LT21G-24 7,686 0.45 17.39 176.75 145.86 1.32 143 319.5 47.04 0.04 12.44 0.31 4.34 5.03 1.05 13.5 3.48 33.7 11.3 44.25 10.1 89.8 23.71 1.21 252.9 27.56 0.39

LT21G-25 7,780 0.78 19.52 125.28 154.09 1 6.32 193.3 43.49 0.11 9.94 0.06 1.04 2 0.75 6.63 1.95 17 6.86 27.21 6.5 62 20.4 0.81 162.5 31.05 0.63

LT21G-26 7,475 0.47 24.69 210 183.21 0 15.2 369.7 42.24 0.03 10.03 0.07 1.47 2.98 0.79 12.7 3.34 34.9 11.1 47.72 11.1 100 25.35 1.15 261.5 52.07 0.39

LT21G-27 7,750 0.53 23.09 188.23 172.14 1.1 11.3 303 43.48 0.01 10.57 0.11 1.81 3.11 0.86 10.8 3.03 29.7 10.5 42.52 9.46 90.2 25.5 1.09 238.1 95.72 0.45

LT21G-28 7,638 0.51 25.95 218.82 188.43 0.43 105 374.5 42.86 0.07 11.19 0.12 1.48 3.17 0.94 13.5 3.94 34.2 12.3 50.97 11 102 28.46 1.16 273 28.53 0.44

LT21G-29 8,078 0.52 22.93 177.07 175.98 0.66 74.8 216.6 46.2 0 11.58 0.06 1.5 2.24 0.48 7.24 2.16 21.2 6.88 30.74 7.06 67.9 21.99 1.01 181 / 0.37

LT21G-30 7,612 0.44 18.52 144.21 137.76 1.21 32.3 209.8 45.01 0 10.81 0.06 1.18 1.89 0.64 6.71 1.83 20 6.67 29.46 6.04 63.1 20.09 1.05 168.4 / 0.55

Sample LTMA

LTMA-1 7,984 0.95 35.56 208.91 286.6 2.08 15.6 184.6 45.01 0.01 10.21 0.04 0.71 1.37 0.31 4.99 1.48 16.2 5.43 26.89 6.57 65.4 20.02 0.73 159.5 132.1 0.35

LTMA-2 8,910 0.67 20.53 106.39 171.65 1.44 52.7 119.7 48.46 0 8.04 0.05 0.5 1.04 0.31 2.94 1.09 11.1 3.67 17.48 4.51 42.9 17.04 0.62 110.6 / 0.54

LTMA-3 8,144 1.28 54.21 293.95 426.25 1.79 0 212.2 44.12 0.1 13.54 0.09 0.65 1.61 0.32 5.8 1.75 19.6 7.04 31.05 7.76 81.8 22.51 0.69 193.6 35.01 0.31

LTMA-4 7,648 0.97 34.72 231.5 269.36 1.87 21.3 226.2 44.98 0.1 13.74 0.17 1.19 2.28 0.53 7.06 2.14 22.1 7.55 32.29 7.83 74.9 21.38 0.86 193.3 25.39 0.4

LTMA-5 7,709 0.84 41.93 348.32 303.96 1.7 36.8 443.6 44.97 0.07 15.65 0.32 4.05 5.73 1.35 19.1 4.83 46.4 15.2 62.3 13.9 127 30.31 1.15 345.8 25.36 0.39

LTMA-6 9,847 2.15 96.29 592.28 771.93 4.51 0 307.4 45.3 0.01 17.91 0.05 0.98 1.78 0.43 8.02 2.57 28.4 9.96 46.86 11.4 116 31.35 0.77 275.2 221.6 0.34
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
TABLE 1 (Continued)
Spots Hf Ta Pb Th U Nb Ti Y Zr La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu Th/U ΣREE Ce/Ce* Eu/Eu*

LTMA-7 9,222 1.68 85.98 509.18 717.44 3.92 18.8 265.2 45.34 0.06 17.8 0.12 1.28 1.97 0.42 8.15 2.3 25.5 8.3 38.69 9.5 97.8 27.21 0.71 239.1 50.6 0.32

LTMA-8 8,422 0.87 60.66 473.85 455.47 2.13 32 534.2 45.6 0.01 13.66 0.15 2.57 4.74 1.17 16.7 5.33 54.1 17.7 75.56 16.4 161 36.86 1.04 405.8 89.01 0.4

LTMA-9 7,772 0.91 29.95 189.52 235.72 1.55 66.1 202.9 45.32 0.06 11.53 0.07 0.82 1.48 0.34 6.2 1.78 19.9 6.28 28.97 7.01 66.2 20.05 0.8 170.8 45 0.34
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.

LTMA-10 7,785 0.63 32.64 257.24 237.59 0.7 27.9 351.3 45.57 0.06 13.76 0.32 4.2 4.68 0.88 16 3.7 37.7 11.3 49.83 10.9 105 26.07 1.08 284.4 24.74 0.31

LTMA-11 7,670 0.68 40.11 333.7 290.18 1.97 60.3 464.7 44.06 0.01 14.83 0.31 5.39 7.35 1.45 21.8 4.98 51.4 16.3 64.54 13.8 133 30.56 1.15 365.5 63.1 0.35

LTMA-12 7,404 0.89 32.25 213.08 247.02 1.97 41.3 228.4 42.38 0.01 12.39 0.09 1.58 2.2 0.53 8.84 2.18 23.1 7.53 33.06 7.6 75.6 20.94 0.86 195.7 87.45 0.36

LTMA-13 8,173 1.6 75.09 442.17 581.43 4.06 7.22 277.5 41.91 0.47 18.37 0.23 1.82 2.39 0.49 7.93 2.57 25.3 8.9 41.74 9.11 101 25.67 0.76 246 13.45 0.34

LTMA-14 7,970 0.9 72.36 543.57 541.8 2.46 85.9 524.3 41.83 2.36 19.92 0.63 4.74 5.02 1.36 17.9 5.25 51.7 17.1 74.44 16.6 165 36.15 1 418.4 3.92 0.43

LTMA-15 9,221 1.33 72.25 342.59 596.28 2.69 1.97 215 41.74 0.02 14.75 0.09 0.99 1.92 0.39 4.8 1.89 19.4 7.11 30.79 7.66 80.8 23.65 0.57 194.3 74.45 0.39

LTMA-16 8,338 1.33 64.52 399.23 499.26 3.01 0.51 299.9 42.97 0 16.5 0.14 1.29 2.42 0.52 8.39 2.71 27.4 9.74 43.29 9.74 102 26.4 0.8 250.2 195 0.35

LTMA-17 7,427 0.59 26.74 182.11 214.12 1.06 17.6 190.6 42.17 0.02 11.5 0.07 0.99 1.8 0.4 6.51 1.66 18.3 6.33 26.63 6.02 64.9 18.57 0.85 163.7 71.41 0.35

LTMA-18 7,273 0.56 18.99 145.73 137.9 1.18 34.7 203 44.36 0 11.54 0.09 1.6 2.18 0.6 6.92 2.05 21.6 7.17 30.1 6.76 66.1 18.99 1.06 175.7 / 0.47

LTMA-19 8,419 0.86 30.22 196.03 229.58 2 27.9 220.1 46.31 0 12.57 0.07 0.82 1.7 0.34 6.42 1.84 19.3 7.03 33.63 6.95 72.7 21.53 0.85 184.9 / 0.31

LTMA-20 9,646 1.03 38.24 209.2 313.49 1.14 75.5 173.6 45.56 0.05 11.08 0.07 0.87 1.15 0.4 4.59 1.44 16.1 5.59 26.63 6.17 64.4 22.03 0.67 160.5 46.58 0.53

LTMA-21 8,027 0.5 17.37 121.7 131.38 0.52 95.8 169.6 45.83 0 9.25 0.06 1.23 1.04 0.28 5.55 1.65 16.2 5.62 24.62 5.75 55.9 18.59 0.93 145.8 329.2 0.35

LTMA-22 7,758 0.4 26.89 251.68 191.36 1.79 57.2 409.2 44.39 1.15 15.6 0.57 5.74 6.07 1.37 18.3 4.46 42.8 13.9 56.69 12.1 113 27.85 1.32 319.7 4.65 0.39

LTMA-23 8,335 0.52 17.59 111.12 143.59 0.72 43.4 143.3 45.93 0.01 9.46 0.07 0.73 1.22 0.25 4.28 1.31 13.6 4.85 22.73 4.63 49 17.68 0.77 129.8 71.77 0.33

LTMA-24 8,445 0.46 22.21 93.2 201.34 0.95 5.71 121.1 45.77 0.02 7.38 0.02 0.62 0.97 0.25 3.72 1.06 10.4 4.2 19.64 5.01 53.5 20.06 0.46 126.8 114.4 0.39

LTMA-25 8,673 0.89 34.2 223.02 274.15 1.39 15.3 251.8 46.08 0.05 11.81 0.06 1.16 1.33 0.48 7.12 1.93 23.5 7.85 37.84 8.4 84.4 24.18 0.81 210.2 48.01 0.47

LTMA-26 8,477 1.01 27.25 193.32 217.7 1.17 14.6 248.4 46.81 0 11.63 0.12 1.21 1.68 0.38 7.01 2.12 22.1 7.98 35.52 8.05 78.9 23.18 0.89 200 / 0.34

LTMA-27 7,501 0.52 19.17 177.74 139.83 0.87 49.3 315 45.92 0.05 12.93 0.31 3.69 4.13 1.04 12.2 3.25 32.2 10.2 46.04 9.59 87.2 22.21 1.27 245 26.47 0.44

LTMA-28 7,707 0.49 19.48 145.33 147.24 2.62 103 198.1 46.07 0 10.63 0.1 1.29 1.64 0.65 6.61 1.88 19.4 6.78 26.23 6.3 61 18.85 0.99 161.4 114.9 0.6

LTMA-29 8,015 0.67 32.66 232.38 239.8 2.19 35.3 338.7 44.11 0.03 11.25 0.14 2.04 3.16 0.63 10.4 3.28 32.5 10.8 47.73 10.4 98.6 26.1 0.97 257.1 43.91 0.33

LTMA-30 8,003 0.58 36.08 316.25 262.53 1.9 22.4 454.1 45.32 0.06 14.19 0.32 4.3 5.73 1.37 19 5.1 47 15.1 62.04 13.2 125 30.08 1.2 342.4 24.48 0.4
7
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TABLE 2 Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element compositions (ppm) of the Linté alkali feldspar syenites
Spots Hf Ta Pb Th U Ti Y Nb Zr La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu Th/U ΣREE Ce/Ce* Eu/Eu*

LTM17A-1 9,277 1.6 58.36 415.7 485.6 34.95 338.25 2.63 42.11 0 17.48 0.05 0.86 1.83 0.41 9.71 3.01 32.77 11.36 54.7 12.6 120.5 32.66 0.86 297.9 / 0.3
LTM17A-2 8,533 0.55 27.53 219.9 232 18.63 260.06 0.93 44.83 0.03 13.11 0.06 1.25 1.7 0.3 4.65 2.05 27.27 8.64 39.4 8.95 84.01 24.73 0.95 216.2 80.51 0.32
LTM17A-3 8,323 0.46 17.05 114.3 140.8 25.79 171.77 0.8 44.6 0.02 10.62 0.06 0.66 1.38 0.27 6.31 1.62 16.37 5.43 25.92 5.75 55.83 18.01 0.81 148.3 70.19 0.28
LTM17A-4 8,562 0.65 22.47 168 191 42.23 209.07 1.79 44.89 0 12.9 0.05 0.66 1.54 0.57 7.12 1.91 20.94 7.15 31.82 7.41 74.09 19.86 0.88 186 / 0.53
LTM17A-5 7,168 0.67 25.89 222.1 182.9 27.17 394.13 1.4 40.79 2.31 16.8 0.75 6.43 6.86 1.57 18.14 4.79 45.15 14.46 56.18 11.4 116 26.66 1.21 327.4 3.06 0.43
LTM17A-6 7,950 0.81 24.74 193.1 191.3 20.24 262.31 0.84 45.4 0 11.53 0.21 1.7 2.19 0.9 7.71 2.27 27.01 8.82 37.08 8.5 83.37 22.87 1.01 214.2 / 0.67
LTM17A-7 7,665 0.52 25.09 220.2 185.4 6.28 392.5 1.09 43.23 0.01 11.55 0.12 2.42 4.09 0.9 15.08 4.27 42.44 13.04 54.78 11.6 108.1 26.94 1.19 295.3 74.24 0.35
LTM17A-8 8,658 0.75 32.48 232.1 254.9 16.36 242.06 2.85 45.2 0 13.62 0.09 1.13 2.19 0.36 7.67 2.12 24.9 8.18 36.21 8.48 80.19 23.5 0.91 208.6 / 0.27
LTM17A-9 7,077 0.43 19.81 148 156.5 22.15 167.05 0.82 42.48 0.64 8.93 0.2 1.21 1.39 0.5 4.67 1.5 16.66 5.6 24.27 5.76 56.58 17.56 0.95 145.5 6.09 0.6
LTM17A-10 7,951 0.42 22.14 222.1 156 12.3 426.7 0.42 46.11 0.3 13.68 0.3 4.51 6 1.45 18.05 4.67 47.22 14.22 59.63 12.2 114.6 29.42 1.42 326.3 10.96 0.43
LTM17A-11 8,439 0.62 35.13 152.5 186.6 54.51 231.74 1.23 46.26 0.01 12.21 0.06 1.05 1.8 0.34 6.12 2.07 21.23 7.57 33.47 7.84 76.31 22.64 0.82 192.7 171.1 0.31
LTM17A-12 8,195 0.79 31.72 262.1 226.9 22.78 406.57 1.86 42.79 0.03 14.22 0.17 2.83 4.1 0.99 14.76 4.21 41.92 13.11 57.29 12.6 119.9 30.07 1.16 316.2 49.62 0.39
LTM17A-13 9,084 0.94 25.78 163 206.5 21.53 239.72 1.49 44.74 0.01 15.74 0.08 0.67 1.66 0.26 5.98 1.86 21.85 7.61 35.48 8.41 85.67 24.95 0.79 210.2 129.5 0.25
LTM17A-14 8,048 0.56 38.55 344.4 283.5 0 598.16 1 36.96 0.03 17.13 0.34 4.79 7.73 1.8 26.36 6.85 65.02 20.31 82.64 17.9 169.9 38.13 1.21 459 43.03 0.39
LTM17A-15 7,667 0.65 21.42 169.3 168 17.28 254.21 1.15 41.96 0 11.25 0.1 1.12 2.06 0.61 7.28 2.29 25.04 7.92 35.23 8.03 79.12 21.4 1.01 201.5 157 0.48
LTM17A-16 7,892 0.89 31.59 193.5 262 3.93 259.16 2.4 38.06 16.25 47.41 3.13 11.13 2.94 0.4 8.35 2.33 24.97 8.34 37.2 8.77 89.6 24.48 0.74 285.3 1.6 0.25
LTM17A-17 8,271 0.53 22.82 191.6 172.4 37.44 355.36 1.41 45.79 0.02 15.34 0.13 2.1 3.53 0.73 10.8 3.39 34.98 11.23 49.08 10.5 99.13 26.26 1.11 267.2 73.3 0.36
LTM17A-18 8,419 0.95 31.24 206.3 250.5 22.87 245.65 1.24 45.52 0.04 13.96 0.08 0.89 1.73 0.41 7.04 2.2 23.34 7.98 36.05 8.3 81.24 23.75 0.82 207 59.52 0.36
LTM17A-19 7,978 0.59 25.5 187 199 38.19 256.3 1.53 45.1 0 14.16 0.08 1.25 2.24 0.54 8.81 2.47 25.04 8.51 35.97 8.21 81.61 22.9 0.94 211.8 / 0.37
LTM17A-20 7,824 0.61 18.29 136.2 144 9.4 284.11 1.07 42.95 0.02 12.66 0.07 1.31 2.12 0.52 7.59 2.62 25.99 9.01 39.8 8.78 85.31 23.01 0.95 218.8 72.37 0.4
LTM17A-21 8,731 1.23 44.29 331 353.6 43.64 352.48 2.83 46.35 0.01 21.12 0.12 1.96 2.79 0.57 11.13 3.2 34.1 11.54 51.25 11.4 113.3 29.78 0.94 292.3 124.6 0.31
LTM17A-22 7,898 0.69 30.83 252.7 231.2 1.43 363.88 1.66 44.03 0.02 14.34 0.11 1.92 3.37 0.82 13.88 3.62 35.41 12.02 49.85 11.2 108.9 27.06 1.09 282.6 67.28 0.37
LTM17A-23 8,449 1.32 52.12 336.6 408.5 32.63 315.5 2.96 42.68 0 20.69 0.07 1.36 2.14 0.47 8.23 2.67 29.38 10 45.98 10.7 106 28.73 0.82 266.4 / 0.34
LTM17A-24 8,510 1.18 39.06 257 302.3 13.13 317.08 2.51 42.98 0.03 17.63 0.07 1.12 2.27 0.57 8.78 2.72 28.85 10.32 46.12 10.6 106.4 27.99 0.85 263.5 102.1 0.39
LTM17A-25 8,938 0.95 38.56 318.6 302 19.07 529.19 2.76 43.6 0.03 15.17 0.17 1.53 3.24 0.8 15.7 4.75 49.21 16.86 73.71 16.4 154.8 38.54 1.05 390.9 51.03 0.34
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
TABLE 3 Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element compositions (ppm) of the Linté monzonites
Spots Hf Ta Pb Th U Ti Y Nb Zr La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu Th/U ΣREE Ce/Ce* Eu/Eu*

LT1G-1 10,161 0.71 19.46 123.8 153.7 0 321.64 0.49 51.45 0.03 23.11 0.02 0.45 1.19 0.47 6.02 2.08 24.03 9.14 45.47 11 121.7 32.63 0.81 277.4 227.1 0.54

LT1G-2 9,778 0.64 21.08 144.8 166.4 29.74 544.34 0.86 52.32 0.02 30.98 0.11 1.89 3.65 1.08 13.93 4.57 45.9 16.8 75.72 16.8 169.4 40.71 0.87 421.6 149.6 0.46
LT1G-3 9,675 0.5 9.57 58.17 77.09 49.29 214.46 1.03 51.09 0.01 18.21 0.02 0.37 0.92 0.39 4.36 1.37 18.5 6.77 28.88 6.45 66.66 19.78 0.75 172.7 317.3 0.6
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.

LT1G-4 7,196 0.31 6.29 69.84 43.84 4.89 1,166.45 0.65 50.69 0.11 38.72 0.35 6.66 8.38 3.34 42.16 11.26 119.3 40.73 163.1 30.7 279.7 56.74 1.59 801.2 47.22 0.54

LT1G-5 8,005 0.56 5.5 46.78 38.67 30.88 600.07 1.04 49.55 0.02 33.48 0.05 1.55 3.14 0.94 16.11 5.29 58.04 20.84 91.49 18.8 171.6 40 1.21 461.3 282.1 0.4
LT1G-6 7,811 0.49 5.03 40.62 33.27 21.08 612.6 1.43 49.51 0 38.16 0.06 1.23 3.74 0.88 16.35 5.78 63.03 21.98 92.36 18 166.2 37.76 1.22 465.5 / 0.34

LT1G-7 9,294 0.8 21.92 147.2 159.5 0 601.79 1.55 48.52 0.03 25.11 0.08 1.03 2.35 0.42 13.53 4.19 52.37 19.58 89.99 19.5 188.6 43.76 0.92 460.5 137.8 0.23

LT1G-8 9,705 0.03 14.24 45.98 125.1 27.64 59.89 0.36 46.88 0 3.49 0.01 0.12 0.13 0.06 0.38 0.31 3.97 1.76 10.27 2.69 32.79 16.14 0.37 72.12 / 0.75
LT1G-9 8,296 0.4 15.85 85.33 132 64.38 582.48 1.21 45.61 0.06 14.28 0.09 1.59 2.08 1.21 9.7 3.64 42.69 17.71 91.03 23.5 239.8 61.24 0.65 508.6 46.23 0.82

LT1G-10 10,115 0.77 68.02 93.86 163.2 0 399.7 1.68 41.75 0 12.53 0.04 0.7 1.46 0.16 8.82 3.01 36.88 13.62 60.27 13.2 126.4 32.76 0.58 309.8 / 0.13

LT1G-11 10,831 0.98 111.1 121.8 228.7 8.3 626.89 2.28 43.51 0.33 12.32 0.1 0.99 2.56 0.24 13.3 4.83 55.83 19.72 91.37 20 182.9 44.61 0.53 449.1 16.38 0.13
LT1G-12 8,822 0.48 10.37 42.53 73.61 11.58 397.66 1.15 45.36 0.01 12.84 0.06 0.67 1.67 0.51 8.61 2.69 35.31 12.77 57.21 12.6 118.4 31.07 0.58 294.4 163.5 0.41

LT1G-13 8,011 0.55 31.32 183.3 203.3 64.67 654.52 1.54 42.16 0.34 28.33 0.19 2.66 4.8 1.37 18.4 5.42 58.73 20.96 96.26 21.2 210.4 47.82 0.9 516.9 26.68 0.45

LT1G-14 8,223 0.57 25.31 145.8 161.4 0 563.68 0.73 43.76 0.04 20.68 0.08 2.16 4.28 1.36 16.61 4.87 50 18.49 82.73 18.2 174 41.63 0.9 435.2 87.31 0.49
LT1G-15 9,988 0.27 33.89 101.3 241.3 0 179.81 0.48 42.85 0.14 14.2 0.04 0.47 0.81 0.3 3.16 1.02 11.68 5.2 27.69 7.17 86.85 28.68 0.42 187.4 45.32 0.57

LT1G-16 8,601 0.56 37.08 192.6 229.7 59.94 584.74 1.53 43.89 0.17 32.83 0.09 1.13 2.2 0.98 12.47 3.82 42.25 16.72 84.43 21.1 225.7 56.3 0.84 500.2 64 0.58

LT1G-17 10,086 0.13 29.13 143 140.7 0 156.8 0.44 45.32 0.05 16.65 0.02 0.6 1.01 0.18 2.81 0.89 9.51 4.34 22.58 5.56 68.56 23.58 1.02 156.4 135.4 0.33
LT1G-18 11,510 1.84 45.79 198.9 286.7 3.56 166.43 2.8 44.24 0.01 25.09 0.07 1.94 5.04 1.18 22.32 4.17 25.67 5.37 13.43 1.91 13.12 10.68 0.69 130 213.9 0.34

LT1G-19 7,351 0.99 26.71 132 156.1 1.39 1,202.99 3.09 43.92 1.12 42.73 0.5 4.24 5.8 1.71 27.81 8.94 99.59 38.69 180.6 38.9 378.5 82.02 0.85 911.2 13.68 0.41

LT1G-20 10,347 5.4 62.92 88.18 417.9 11.23 531.87 8.99 44.45 2.57 39.43 0.71 3.18 1.84 0.38 7.47 2.64 33.06 14.69 79.88 21.9 266.2 68.29 0.21 542.2 7.04 0.32
LT1G-21 8,690 1.58 12.61 68.6 83.21 5.57 453.73 2.93 45.95 0 19.19 0.05 0.91 1.47 0.37 8.15 3.06 35.82 14.67 70.18 16.8 172.4 39.51 0.82 382.6 / 0.33

LT1G-22 8,874 0.83 7.16 44.06 47.68 15.69 340.03 2.07 45.04 0 22.13 0 0.57 0.95 0.29 5.45 2.24 26.41 10.67 51.28 11.7 119.9 30.26 0.92 281.9 / 0.39

LT1G-23 8,592 0.53 20.28 79.48 148 55.15 186.38 0.21 43.72 0 12.13 0.06 0.28 0.93 0.34 4.72 1.18 15.26 5.93 26.43 6.27 66.38 20.03 0.54 159.9 / 0.5
LT1G-24 9,953 1.95 39.39 164.5 252.7 23.05 391.2 1.73 43.53 0.02 33.77 0.03 0.32 0.81 0.23 4.52 1.86 25.63 11.4 60.23 15.9 182.9 48.21 0.65 385.8 374.7 0.37

LT1G-25 9,781 1.15 36.95 140.5 224.9 0 842.74 2.07 46.24 0 34.96 0.07 1.56 3.01 0.8 15.42 5.64 67.14 27.1 130.7 30.1 306 71.63 0.62 694 / 0.36

LT1G-26 7,432 1.03 27.45 182.7 184.7 23.58 1,276.58 3.29 44.22 1.84 59.73 0.64 5.02 5.29 1.59 24.53 8.73 101.7 40.56 193.3 43.2 420.5 91.83 0.99 998.4 13.24 0.43
LT1G-27 8,634 0.76 19.25 163.3 125.4 0 858.86 2.27 43.25 0.04 63.75 0.11 2.27 5.43 1.58 22.37 6.71 76.81 28.07 123.3 25.1 228.4 52.66 1.3 636.6 223.2 0.44

LT1G-28 9,034 0.85 19.11 21.59 103.7 38.94 351.79 0.44 46.07 1.56 11.5 0.23 1.04 1.12 0.55 4.42 2.18 27.84 11.04 54.25 12.7 127.3 35.31 0.21 291.1 4.62 0.75

LT1G-29 9,489 3.56 59.59 439.9 410 0 1,497.83 7.88 43.1 0.18 69.05 0.17 2.6 4.94 0.7 27.19 10.11 126.6 49.42 226.4 49 456.3 93.29 1.07 1,116 93.74 0.18
LT1G-30 9,275 2.45 22.55 116.8 178.9 0 1,259.98 3.98 44.5 3.95 57.67 0.9 5.12 4.39 0.89 22.65 9.22 116.1 43.59 199.6 42.7 393.9 85.91 0.65 986.6 7.37 0.27

LT1G-31 8,949 2.3 23.96 137.3 177.9 14.16 1,192.21 4.9 45.1 0 52.63 0.06 1.36 3.55 0.74 22.07 8.09 104.7 40.9 190 40.5 376.5 80.54 0.77 921.7 / 0.26

LT1G-32 9,309 0.41 99.33 773.2 761.5 0 507.04 2.59 41.41 12.51 83.55 4.3 25.96 11 4.3 20.69 4.47 38.41 15.04 68.23 17.2 184.4 53.27 1.02 543.3 2.74 0.87
LT1G-33 11,518 0.59 27.99 124.4 217.1 0 185 0.69 47.5 0.01 12.07 0.02 0.5 0.95 0.74 4.22 1.62 16.2 5.98 28.08 6.9 71.84 25.64 0.57 174.8 287.4 1.13

LT1G-34 7,597 1.02 16.83 176.3 108.4 9.08 1,561.08 2.92 46.78 0.14 42.95 0.47 7.37 12.3 4.03 50.19 15.17 156.9 53.63 227.5 45.7 405.9 81.06 1.63 1,103 40.26 0.49

LT1G-35 9,036 0.76 16.69 111 127.3 43.91 1,140.05 3.42 48.46 0.18 30.56 0.42 5.7 8.63 2.55 35.77 11.03 113.6 38.66 167.3 34.3 318.1 69.65 0.87 836.5 26.44 0.44
LT1G-36 8,461 0.81 11.11 73.78 87.72 0 415.89 2.55 44.94 0.22 33.65 0.1 1.17 2.03 0.71 10.6 3.77 39.37 13.43 60.84 13.2 123.2 30.74 0.84 333.1 53.68 0.47

LT1G-37 7,917 0.17 4.54 22.98 35.65 35.15 138.83 0.46 47.24 0.03 6.87 0.03 0.44 0.83 0.55 3.87 1.11 11.7 4.47 19.56 4.29 43.17 15.19 0.64 112.1 51.21 0.94

LT1G-38 7,000 0.21 7.27 49.73 54.78 0 307.75 0.33 47.73 0.03 10 0.13 2.17 3.06 1.56 12.1 3.45 31.96 10.53 42.5 8.61 84.24 22.72 0.91 233.1 39.34 0.78
LT1G-39 9,543 0.91 14.99 66.07 122.3 0 362.95 2.06 47.25 0.05 26.61 0.01 0.6 1.55 0.59 7.67 2.76 31 11.94 55.04 12.5 127 33.65 0.54 310.9 277.5 0.52

LT1G-40 8,189 1.2 32.55 227.7 231 12.08 904.02 1.68 47.71 0.01 38.42 0.09 1.58 3.42 1.17 18.83 6.09 78.04 30.97 150.8 33.4 327 71.85 0.99 761.7 252.9 0.45
9
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60 zircon grains were analysed from the syenites (n = 30 for sample
LTMA and n = 30 for sample LT21G), 25 from the alkali-feldspar sye-
nite, and 40 zircon grains for monzonite. Hafnium contents in syenite
zircons separated from samples LTMA and LT21G vary from 7,272 to
9,847 ppm (8,197 ppm on average) and from 7,335 to 9,408 ppm
(7,803 ppm on average), respectively, while those from alkali-feldspar
syenite range from 7,077 to 9,276 ppm (8,220 ppm on average) and
monzonite from 7,196 to 11,518 ppm with an average of 9,026 ppm.
This demonstrates the enrichment of Hf in zircons from the monzo-
nite sample relative to the syenite samples and, consequently, mirrors
their crystallization at a higher degree of magmatic evolution
(Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003). Zr contents from the two syenites sam-
ples are similar (41–48.4 ppm for LTMA and 41–48.3 ppm for LT21G).
Zr value in the alkali-feldspar syenite ranges from 36.95 to 46.34 ppm
with an average of 43.57 ppm, while in monzonite, Zr varies from
41.41 to 52.32 ppm (average: 45.91 ppm). Zircons from syenite sam-
ples contain slightly high abundances in Pb, Th, and U (averages;
32.48, 230.65, and 252 ppm, respectively) relative to those from
alkali-feldspar syenite (averages; 30.49, 226.29, and 234 ppm, respec-
tively) and monzonite (averages; 28, 134.74, 172.86, respectively)
(Table 1). Conversely, syenite sample LTMA is highly enriched in Pb
(17–96 ppm; average 40.53 ppm), Th (93.19–592 ppm; average
269 ppm), and U (131–771 ppm; average 315 ppm) compared to sam-
ple LT 21G (averages; 24.44, 191.83, and 190.13 for Pb, Th, and U,
respectively). Most of the analysed zircons exhibit Th/U ratios ≥0.5,
which are typical of igneous zircons (Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003).
F I G U R E 4 Zircons REE chondrite-normalized patterns for syenite (a and b) alkali-feldspar syenite (c) and monzonite (d) [Colour figure can be
viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
High-field-strength elements (HFSEs), such as Nb, Ta, and Ti, are also
found in variable significant amounts in all of the analysed zircon
grains (Tables 1–3). The higher values are seen in titanium, with aver-
age contents of 43.09 ppm and 35.51 ppm in syenite samples LT21G
and LTMA, respectively, and the low value observed in monzonite
with an average of 16.62 ppm. These values are in line with the nor-
mal abundance of Ti in zircon (≤75 ppm) as proposed by Hoskin and
Schaltegger (2003). Nonetheless, some zircons spots (e.g., spots
21 and 28 in sample LTMA and spots 6 and 24 in sample LT21G) dis-
played high Ti values ranging from 87 to 142 ppm. Such high values
cannot represent primary zircon but reflect analysis of inclusions
within zircon-like titanite or altered zircon. Nb and Ta contents of zir-
cons from monzonite sample (average = 2.04 and 1 ppm, respectively)
are slightly higher than those from syenite (average: 1.62 and
0.78 ppm, respectively). The abundance of these elements (Nb and
Ta) in all the analysed zircon grains falls within the normal limit of
unaltered magmatic zircon (Nb ≤62 ppm, Ta ≤3 ppm; Hoskin &
Schaltegger, 2003), except one sample point (spot 20) in monzonite
with high value (up to 5.4 ppm).
The chondrite-normalized REE patterns (Evensen et al., 1978) of
the zircons are characterized by a steeply rising slope showing enrich-
ment in heavy rare-earth element (HREE) relative to light rare-earth ele-
ment (LREE) and middle rare-earth element with distinct positive Ce
anomalies (Ce/Ce*: 3.92–221.63 and 16.08–127.5 for syenite [LTMA
and LT21G, respectively], 1.6–171.72 for alkali-feldspar syenite, and
2.74–562.52 for monzonite). These patterns also display negative Eu
AYONTA KENNE ET AL. 11

anomalies (Eu/Eu*: 0.31–0.60 for LTMA and 0.26–0.63 for sample
LT21G [syenite sample], 0.24–0.59 for alkali feldspar syenite) and
negative to positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*: 0.12–1.12) for the monzo-
nite sample (Figure 4). These features are typical of unaltered mag-
matic zircons (Belousova et al., 2002; Claiborne et al., 2010; El-
Bialy & Ali, 2013; Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003). The individual REE
patterns of zircons from each rock sample are almost parallel. The
concentrations of Th, U, and REE in zircons (Tables 1–3) and
the chondrite-normalized REE patterns (Figure 4) do not vary signifi-
cantly from these rocks samples, from grain to grain within a sample
and even within individual grains, except some few zircon points in
monzonite which do not show Eu anomalies (LT1G-32). This feature
reveals important similarities between syenite, alkali feldspar sye-
nite, and monzonite zircon compositions.
4.3 | Ti-in-zircon thermometry
In the past two decades, several studies have been carried out using
Ti-in-zircon thermometry to estimate the magma temperature at the
time of zircon crystallization (e.g., Claiborne et al., 2010; El-Bialy &
Ali, 2013; Wang et al., 2013; Watson et al., 2006; Zhang &
Zhao, 2017, and references therein). This method has become popular
and has been increasingly applied to the growing number of natural
zircons. Application of the Ti-in-zircon thermometer is generally rec-
ommended in systems that contain a pure TiO2 phase (Cates &
Mojzsis, 2009). Ti values are in Tables 1–3, while calculated tempera-
tures are listed in Table 4 and shown in Figure 5. Calculations consid-
ered only Ti contents in accordance with the normal abundances in
igneous zircon (Ti ≤75, Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003). Generally, the

T A B L E 4 The calculated
Rock types Syenite Alkali-feldspar syenite Monzonite
temperatures ( C) using Ti-in-zircon
geothermometer (Watson et al., 2006) Samples LTMA (n = 26) LT21G (n = 25) LT17A (n = 25) LT1G (n = 25)
Min 547 736 615 613
Max 1,080 1,137 983 1,008
Mean 896 927 853 855

Note: T( C) = 4,800/(LOG(Ti) + LOG(aSiO2)-LOG(aTiO2)-5.711)-273. aSiO2 = 1 and aTiO2 = 0.7
(Claiborne et al., 2010).

F I G U R E 5 Histograms showing distribution of temperatures obtained from Ti-in-zircon thermometry for each sample [Colour figure can be
viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
12 AYONTA KENNE ET AL.

zircon grains from syenite have higher Ti contents than those from 1000

alkali-feldspar and monzonite; consequently, their temperatures fall (a)

between a minimum of 547 C and a maximum of 1,080 C, with aver-
Magmatic
age temperature of 896 C (LTMA sample) compared to zircons from
100
LT21G sample, which display a considerably higher and wide range of
temperatures (736–1,137 C, average = 927 C) (Figure 5a,b). The zir-

Ce/Ce*
con grains of the alkali-feldspar syenite yield a Ti temperature of 615–
983 C with a mean of 853 C (Figure 5c), while the zircon grain from 10
Hydrothermal
the monzonites yield Ti-in-zircon temperatures of 613–1,008 C with
an average of 855 C (Figure 5d). Zircon grains yielding high tempera-
tures due to their anomalous Ti content (>75 ppm) have not been 1
considered. Such high Ti contents in zircon are not from primary igne-
ous zircon and are characterized by mineral inclusions, suggesting the
intake of early formed mineral crystals into their structures. The calcu-
0.1
lated temperatures for the syenite and monzonite are coherent with
10000 1000 100 10 1 0.1
experimental data for A-type rocks (Scaillet et al., 2016; Turner (Sm/La)N
et al., 1992). All the zircon grains depict a slightly similar average tem-
perature indicating their coeval crystallization. 10000
(b)
Magmatic
1000
5 | DISCUSSION

5.1 | Zircon type: magmatic versus hydrothermal 100

(Sm/La)N

zircon

Generally, zircons commonly form by the crystallization of magma, 10 Hydrothermal

but they can also crystallize from hydrothermal and metamorphic
fluids (El-Bialy & Ali, 2013; Sakyi et al., 2019; Sheng et al., 2012;
Xu et al., 2012). It has been suggested that zircons derived from mag-
matic processes generally have identical REE patterns (e.g., Geisler
et al., 2003; Hoskin, 2005; Xia et al., 2010), whereas those derived
from others processes can be differentiated by their REE patterns
(Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003; Wang et al., 2012). For example, an
LREE enrichment in a zircon is commonly attributed to hydrothermal
processes and therefore, hydrothermal zircons display a low (SmN/
LaN), and smaller Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce*) than magmatic zircon
(Hoskin, 2005). However, several studies have shown that some mag-
matic zircons might not be different to hydrothermal zircons in terms
of chemical composition (Fu et al., 2009; Schaltegger, 2007). The
granitoids from the Linté area exhibit large variations in their zircon
total REE concentration, ranging from 2,504.9 to 5,207 ppm. Deple-
tion of LREE and enrichment of HREE, coupled with the pronounced
positive and negative anomalies of Ce and Eu exhibited by the zircons,
are characteristic of magmatic and/or hydrothermal origin
(Fu et al., 2009; Zhong et al., 2018).
Rubatto (2002) and Hoskin and Schaltegger (2003) proposed that
Th/U ratio is a good proxy for the identification of zircon source.
Hydrothermal zircons usually have Th/U ratios ranging from 0.1 to
0.3, whereas Th/U ratios for magmatic zircons range from 0.32
to 0.70 (Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003; Hu et al., 2012; Li et al., 2014;
Rubatto, 2002). The zircons from the Linté granitoids displayed Th/U
ratios of 0.46–1.31 for syenites, 0.73–1.42 for alkali feldspar syenite,
and 0.20–1.62 for monzonite with only three zircon grains with Th/U
1
0.1
0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
La (ppm)
F I G U R E 6 (a) Ce/Ce* versus (Sm/La)N and (b) (Sm/La)N versus La
bivariate discriminant plots of magmatic and hydrothermal zircon for
the analysed zircon crystals from the Linté granitoids (Hoskin, 2005).
Syenite samples are represented by blue circle, whereas red square
and yellow triangle refer to alkali-feldspar syenite and monzonite,
respectively [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
ratio lower than 0.3. This suggests that most syenite and monzonite
zircons are of magmatic origin, while some few zircon grains exhibit
hydrothermal origin. A further discrimination using plots of Ce/Ce*
versus (Sm/La)N (Figure 6a) and La versus (Sm/La)N (Figure 6b) (Fu
et al., 2009; Hoskin, 2005) indicates that most of the analysed zircon
samples fall in the field of magmatic zircons with a few sample points
in the field of hydrothermal zircons. This suggests no to trivial partici-
pation of hydrothermal fluids on the genesis of the Linté granitoids
zircon grains. Furthermore, zircon crystallization temperature can also
be used to discriminate hydrothermal zircons, which generally crystal-
lized below 500  C from igneous zircons and crystallized above 500 C
(Fu et al., 2009). The estimated temperature of zircon crystallization
obtained from Ti-in-zircon thermometry is higher than 500 C
AYONTA KENNE ET AL. 13

F I G U R E 7 (a) U/Yb versus Hf 100 100

and (b) U/Yb versus Y (a) (b)
discrimination diagrams between
continental and oceanic crust 10 10
zircons (Grimes et al., 2007).
(c) Zircon compositions of the Continental
zircon
study area. The shaded band

U/Yb

U/Yb
represents the mantle-zircon 1 1

array, and the dashed-line

enclosed area represents
continental arc as defined by 0.1 Ocean crust 0.1
Ocean crust
Grimes et al. (2015). Symbols as in
zircon
Figure 6 [Colour figure can be
viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] 0.01
0.01
5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000
Hf (ppm) Y (ppm)
100
(c)

10
U/Yb

0.1

0.01
0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1
Nb/Yb

F I G U R E 8 Plots of (a) Ce/Ce* versus Hf and (b) Eu/Eu* versus Ce/Ce* showing the oxidation state of the magma from which studied zircons
were crystallized. Symbols as in Figure 6 [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
14
suggesting a magmatic origin. Therefore, though 14 zircons (n = 7 for
monzonite and n = 7 for syenite) of the total analysed zircon grains
(n = 125) exhibit LREE enrichment suggesting hydrothermal origin.
Their high crystallization temperatures rule out such contribution of
hydrothermal fluids in their formation. Such enrichment may rather
reflect analysis of LREE-rich inclusions (such as apatite, titanite,
allanite, or xenotite) within those zircons. Moreover, Li et al. (2014)
have shown that zircons from different origins display different inter-
nal structures, growth morphology, and sizes. For instance, in CL
images (Figure 3), magmatic zircons usually show noticeable internal
zoning, whereas hydrothermal zircons have weak or no zoning. Most
of the zircons from the Linté granitoids show regular concentric zon-
ing patterns, typical of magmatic zircons. Only a few grains display
evidence of possible metamorphic fluids overprinting underlined by
metamictized rims.
The contamination of the Linté zircons by REE-enriched minerals
can be ruled out because the analysed spots were selected after care-
ful examination of zircons under both CL, transmitted, and reflected
lights. The visible concentric zonation patterns of the studied zircon,
as well as the euhedral shapes, exclude the existence of hydrothermal
alteration in those grains. Moreover, considering that
metamictization can induce an increased loss of radiogenic Pb
(Geisler et al., 2003), the concordant U–Pb dates of the studied zir-
cons also rule out significant radiation damage. However, metamor-
phic fluid may also generate zircons with high LREE contents. This is
because during anatexis, melting of LREE-enriched minerals or crys-
tallization of HREE-enriched minerals may generate LREE-enriched
metamorphic fluids (Whitehouse & Kamber, 2002; Xia et al., 2010).
Such fluids are quite possible to form zircon with high LREE con-
tents. This hypothesis can be considered even though there are no
metamorphic zircons in the Linté granitoids (Th/U > 0.1), but evi-
dences of anatexis melt have been found in the Linté area and also
post-skarn metamorphism is observed in the AYD.
(a)
F I G U R E 9 Plots of (a) Hf versus CeN and (b) Hf versus LaN for the studied zircons. Igneous zircons field data are from Hoskin and
Schaltegger (2003). Symbols as in Figure 6 [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
In Cameroon, recent works in the Ekomedion granitoids within
the AYD have revealed that the zircon chemistry is characterized by a
depletion of LREE relative to HREE (Embui et al., 2020), suggesting an
early crystallization of the zircon within a magmatic system
(Belousova et al., 2002; Heinonen et al., 2016). However, late-stage
accumulation of F-rich magmatic–hydrothermal fluids was also
noticed in the Ekomedion granitoids zircons and attributed to the
U–Mo mineralization, which affects the zircon by Pb loss through
dissolution–precipitation (Embui et al., 2020).
5.2 | Magma sources
The U/Yb ratios of zircons have been broadly used (Deng et al., 2019;
El-Bialy & Ali, 2013; Grimes et al., 2007; Kelemen et al., 2003; Sakyi
et al., 2019) to distinguish between zircons crystallized in a mantle- or
crustal-derived magma (e.g., Deng et al., 2019; El-Bialy & Ali, 2013;
Grimes et al., 2007; Kelemen et al., 2003; Sakyi et al., 2019 and refer-
ences therein). As described by Grimes et al. (2007), U/Yb ratios for
zircons are distinct and increase from ocean gabbros (0.18) to conti-
nental granitoids (1.07) and kimberlites (2.1). Hence, the discrimina-
tion diagrams of U/Yb ratio versus Hf and Y concentrations are used
to determine among zircon grains derived from ocean crust, continen-
tal crust, and the mantle (Grimes et al., 2007). In Figure 7a,b, all the
studied zircons fall in the field of continental zircons as clearly defined
by Grimes et al. (2007, 2015), with some monzonite zircon grains lying
between the continental crust zircons and ocean crust zircons. More-
over, Grimes et al. (2007, 2015) used U and Yb contents to discrimi-
nate between zircon crystallized from mantle and continental crust.
Based on a large zircons trace element composition from different
tectonic settings, these authors defined two different fields ‘mantle-
zircon array’ and ‘magmatic array’ in the bivariate plot U/Yb versus
Nb/Yb. In this diagram (Figure 7c), zircon compositions of the Linté
(b)
AYONTA KENNE ET AL. 15

granitoids show mostly the characteristics of a magmatic arc with very
few zircon grains (two grains) plotted in the mantle array field. Based
on the above observations, the Linté granitoids originated mainly from
continental-crust-derived magma.
The zircon crystals from Linté pluton displayed enrichment in HREE
over the LREE. This confirms an early crystallization within a magmatic sys-
tem (Belousova et al., 2002; Heinonen et al., 2016). Thus, the geochemical
characteristics of the zircon grains from the Linté rocks suggest magmatic
(igneous) zircon types with possible contribution of hydrothermal fluid from
metamorphic fluids during the late stage of magma crystallization.
5.3 | Oxidation states in the zircon crystallizing
environments
Trace element concentrations of zircons are also used to characterize
the condition in which the magma can crystallize. For example,
chondrite-normalized REE patterns of zircons commonly have positive
Ce anomalies and depleted Eu abundances. Ce and Eu are sensitive to
magmatic oxidation state and the plot of Ce/Ce* versus Eu/Eu* is a use-
ful tool in assessing the oxidation conditions during crystallization of the
magma (Claiborne et al., 2010; El-Bialy & Ali, 2013; Li et al., 2014; Sakyi
et al., 2019). Indeed, during zircon crystallization, the control of Ce and
Eu anomalies by the oxidation condition could show a positive linear to
curvilinear correlation between the Eu and Ce anomalies (El-Bialy &
Ali, 2013; Sakyi et al., 2019). The Linté granitoid zircon grains show an
anticorrelation trend along the direction of oxidizing conditions between
Eu/Eu* and Ce/Ce* (Figure 8). Therefore, the anticorrelation observed
between the two anomalies (Figure 8a), suggests that oxygen fugacity is
not the only factor that controls the Eu and Ce oxidation states in both
rock types hosting zircon. This may indicate that the Eu and Ce oxida-
tion states of the Linté rocks were controlled by low-oxygen fugacity
(Figure 8a). Monitoring the different oxidation states which accom-
panies magma differentiation can be determined using the Hf versus
Ce/Ce* diagram (Figure 8b). The studied zircon grains show a wide
range of Hf and Ce/Ce* values, which may indicate the crystallization of
the magma in a variable range of fO2 over a long-time interval.

10000

5.4 | Tectonic implications

Several authors (Hidaka et al., 2002; Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003;

1000 Rubatto, 2002; Xiang et al., 2011) have showed that the Th/U ratios in
igneous zircons generally exceed 0.5, while those growing under meta-
Th (ppm)

morphic history show considerably lower Th/U (0.1). In this study, zir-
con grains from Linté granitoids display high average Th/U values (1.03
and 0.88 for syenite samples LTMA and LT21G, respectively), 0.97 for
100
alkali feldspar syenite, and 0.81 for monzonite), which confirm their igne-
ous origin (Figure 9). Bolhar et al. (2008) have shown that Th/U ratio is
very sensitive to temperature variations. Decreasing magma temperature
increases U content relative to Th content, resulting in lower Th/U ratios
10 for zircon crystallized from lower temperature magma (Xiang et al., 2011).
10 100 1000 10000 All zircons from Linté granitoids generally depict moderate Th/U ratios,
U (ppm)
implying crystallization at the same temperature (Figure 10). Furthermore,

F I G U R E 1 0 Th versus U bivariate diagrams for zircons from the the geochemical behaviours of some trace elements (Hf, Th, and Nb) pro-
Linté granitoids [Colour figure can be viewed at vide a useful method for determining the geotectonic setting of the
wileyonlinelibrary.com] magma. Within-plate setting magmas are more enriched in Nb relative to

0.1
1000
(a) (b)
Arc-related/orogenic
0.01

100 Within-plate/ anorogenic

0.001
Nb/Hf
Hf/Th

10
0.0001
F I G U R E 1 1 Tectonic discrimination Within-plate/anorogenic
diagrams (a) Th/Nb versus Hf/Th (Yang Arc-related/orogenic
1 0.00001
et al., 2012) and (b) Th/U versus Nb/Hf
(Hawkesworth & Kemp, 2006), depicting
the magmatic-arc setting for the studied 0.000001
0.1 0.1 1 10
granitoids [Colour figure can be viewed at 0.1 1 10 100 1000
Th/U
wileyonlinelibrary.com] Th/Nb
16
magmas formed in an arc-related setting (Sun & McDonough, 1989), and
arc zircons possess lower Nb/Hf and higher Th/Nb ratios at a comparable
degree of magmatic fractionation. Accordingly, Yang et al. (2012) and
Hawkesworth and Kemp (2006) have proposed the use of Th/Nb versus
Hf/Th and Th/U vs Nb/Hf diagrams, respectively, for distinguishing
within-plate (anorogenic) settings from arc-related (orogenic) settings. In
these diagrams (Figure 11a,b), the Linté granitoids zircons plot in the oro-
genic field indicating a predominantly compressive-magmatic arc or oro-
genic setting. This observation is consistent with the whole-rock
geochemical and geochronological results obtained from the Linté granit-
oids characterized by LILE-enrichment, HREE- and HFSE-depletion, and
distinct negative Nb-Ta anomaly, which are typical of subduction-related
settings (Ayonta et al., Unpublished data of the authors'). Similar tectonic
setting was recently proposed by Ngamy Kamwa et al. (2019) in the
Yoro-Yamben area and by Hamdja Ngoniri et al. (2021) in the Ngazi Tina
area. The findings of this study conform to the N-S geodynamic collision
model between the AYD and the northern border of the Congo Craton,
resulting in crustal thickening, sub-crustal lithospheric mantle delamina-
tion, and upwelling of the asthenosphere (Goussi Ngalamo et al., 2017,
and references therein).
6 | C O N CL U S I O N S
The Linté granitoids display zircon grains showing well-defined oscilla-
tory zoning in CL images, although the core is not zoned. The syenite
zircons display restricted range of Hf content with an average close to
8,200 ppm, whereas monzonite zircons show large variation (7196–
11,518 ppm). Syenite zircons contain slightly high abundances in Pb,
Th, and U relative to monzonite zircons, suggesting crystallization of
the zircons at higher degree of magmatic evolution. The chondrite-
normalized REE diagrams of the zircon grains of both samples show
very similar patterns, characterized by a steeply rising slope due to
serious HREE enrichment relative to LREE with distinctive positive Ce
and negative Eu anomalies. These anomalies suggest that crystalliza-
tion of the magma occurred under variable oxidation states, in a more
variable and lower oxygen fugacity conditions. LREE-enriched and the
flat chondrite-normalized patterns for some zircon grains indicate
influence of possibly aqueous fluids during the formation of this zir-
con's population. The application of Ti-in-zircon thermometer depicts
temperatures ranging from 574–1,080 C to 736–1,137 C for syenite
LTMA and LT21G samples, respectively. The alkali-feldspar
syenite and monzonite zircons displayed temperature of 615–
1,080 C and 713–1,008 C, respectively. These ranges of crystalliza-
tion temperature imply a deep level of melting, likely within the lower
crust. The integration of zircon trace elements behaviours together
with discrimination diagrams suggest crystallization of zircon within
continental-derived crust magmas under variable oxidation states in a
lower oxygen fugacity conditions, in a magmatic-arc setting.
ACKNOWLEDGEMEN TS
The data presented here form part of the first author's PhD Thesis at
the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Dschang. This
AYONTA KENNE ET AL.
research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in
the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Executive Editor
Prof. Ian Somerville, Dr Boris Chako-Tchamabé, and one anonymous
reviewer are gratefully acknowledged for their constructive reviews
and comments.
AUTHOR CONTRIBU TIONS
P.A.K. E.L.T.N. and S.G. conceived, designed the study and wrote the
paper. H.D.F and A.N.G contributed to field investigation and sample
preparation. P.N.E prepared maps and figures. T.N. and J.P.N. verified
the analytical methods and supervised the findings of this work. All
authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.
CONFLIC T OF INT ER E ST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influ-
ence the work reported in this paper.
DATA AVAILABILITY STAT EMEN T
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the
corresponding author upon reasonable request.
OR CID
Sylvestre Ganno https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-303X
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How to cite this article: Ayonta Kenne, P., Tanko Njiosseu, E.
L., Ganno, S., Ngnotue, T., Fossi, D. H., Hamdja Ngoniri, A.,
Nga Essomba, P., & Nzenti, J. P. (2021). Zircon trace element
geochemistry and Ti-in-zircon thermometry of the Linté
Pan-African granitoids, Central Cameroon: Constraints on the
genesis of host magma and tectonic implications. Geological
Journal, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.4208