Melting geodynamics reveals a subduction origin for the Purang ophiolite, Tibet, China

The debate regarding whether the Yarlung–Zangbo ophiolite (YZO) on the south of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, formed in a mid-ocean ridge (MOR) or a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) setting has remained unresolved. Here we present petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical data associated with modeling melting geodynamics of the mantle peridotites from the Purang ophiolite in the western segment of the Yarlung–Zangbo Suture Zone (YZSZ) to explore its tectonic environment. The Purang lherzolites are characterized by the protogranular texture and have abyssal-peridotite-like mineral compositions, including low Cr# (20–30) and TiO2 contents (<0.1wt