Detrital Zircon Records of the Banxi Group in the Western Jiangnan Orogen:Implications for Crustal Evolution of the South China Craton

The Neoproterozoic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen is important for understanding the tectonic history of South China.As a volcanic-sedimentary sequence developed in the Nanhua rift,the Banxi Group preserves the records of important magmatic and tectonic events linked to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent.In this study,we report the results from whole-rock major-and trace-element concentrations,with zircon LA-(MC)-ICP-MS U-Pb ages,trace elements and Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of sandstones from the Banxi Group.The rocks are characterized by high SiO_(2)(65.88%–82.76%,with an average of 75.50%)contents,moderate(Fe_(2)O_(3)^(T)+MgO)(1.81%–7.78%,mean:3.79%)and TiO_(2)(0.39%–0.54%,mean:0.48%),low K_(2)O/Na_(2)O(0.03–0.40,mean:0.10)ratios and low Al_2O_(3)/SiO_(2)(0.11–0.24,mean:0.15)ratios.The sandstones have highΣREE contents(mean:179.1 ppm),with chondrite-normalized REE patterns similar to the upper crust and PAAS,showing enriched LREE((La/Yb)_N mean:14.85),sub-horizontal HREE curves and mild Eu(Eu/Eu^(*):0.75–0.89,mean:0.81)negative anomalies.Their geochemical characteristics resemble those of passive continental margin sandstones.Most of the zircons are magmatic in origin and yield a U-Pb age distribution with three peaks:a major age peak at 805 Ma and two subordinate age peaks at 1990 Ma and 2470 Ma,implying three major magmatic sources.The Neoproterozoic zircons haveε_(Hf)(t)values ranging from-47.4 to 12.4(mostly-20 to 0),suggesting a mixture of some juvenile arc-derived material and middle Paleoproterozoic heterogeneous crustal sources.The Hf model ages of middle Paleoproterozoic zircons(~1990 Ma)with negativeε_(Hf)(t)values(-12.65 to-6.21,Ave.=-9.8)concentrated around the Meso-Paleoarchean(mean T_(DM)^(C)=3.3–3.1 Ga).For late Neoarchean detrital zircons(~2470 Ma),ε_(Hf)(t)values are divided into two groups,one with negative values(-9.16 to-0.6)with model ages of 3.5–2.9 Ga,the other featuring positive values(1.0 to 3.9)with model ages of 2.9–2.7 Ga,recording a crustal growth event at~2.5 Ga.Neoproterozoic zircons show volcanic arc affinities with partly intraplate magmatic features.We propose that the Banxi Group formed in a rift basin within a passive continental margin setting,which derived detritus from felsic to intermediate rocks from the Yangtze Block and a small amount of arc volcanic rocks.The middle Paleoproterozoic detrital zircon data suggest Columbia-aged basement lies beneath the western Jiangnan orogen.

Intra-continental Orogeny:Insights from Magnetotelluric Data into the Mesozoic Uplift History of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen in South China

Despite extensive efforts to understand the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen in South China,the orogenic process and its mechanism remain a matter of dispute.Previous geodynamic studies have mostly focused on collisional orogeny,which is commonly invoked to explain the Jiangnan Orogen.However,it is difficult for such hypotheses to reconcile all the geological and geophysical data,especially the absence of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks.Based on the magnetotelluric data,we present a group of resistivity models produced through the combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional inversions,revealing the geo-electrical structures of Jiangnan and a typical collisional orogen.In our models,the resistive crust is separated into three parts by a prominent conductive layer with opposite dipping directions on both sides.A special thrust-nappe system,which is different from that developed in a typical collisional process,is revealed in the Jiangnan Orogen.This structure suggests a process different from the simple collisional orogeny.To interpret our observations,an'intra-continental orogeny'is proposed to address the development of the Jiangnan Orogen in the Mesozoic.Furthermore,this'reworked'process may contain at least two stages caused by the decoupling of the lithosphere,which is revealed by an extra conductive layer beneath Jiangnan.

Fe-bearing minerals and implications for gold mineralization for the Wangu deposit in Central Jiangnan Orogen

Hydrothermal alteration with bleaching of host rocks is the most important prospecting indicator for gold deposits in the Jiangnan Orogen Belt.The alteration has been identified as pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization and the Fe of siderite in the alteration zone is derived from the host rocks rather than fluids.In addition,such alteration decreases in intensity and width with depth and gold mineralization also occur in the non-bleached rocks,casting doubt on the reliability of the prospecting indicator.Detailed petrographic work and SEM analysis on the Wangu deposit indicate that there are two types of siderites,i.e.,Sd1 and Sd2.Among them,Sd1 grains are relatively small and distributed along the planes of unaltered host rocks,while Sd2 grains,only occurring in the altered slates,are commonly larger.Both types of siderites were altered by auriferous fluids,producing porous cores and minerals such as pyrite,quartz,and ankerite.Compared with unaltered parts,the altered parts have lower Fe,but higher U,Pb,and REE.In addition,Sd1 and Sd2 are similar in Mn,Na,V,and Sr concentrations but different in Fe and Mg.The occurrence and geochemical compositions of both siderites indicate that Sd1 could be transformed into Sd2 by pre-mineralization alteration through dissolution-reprecipitation.Chlorite is another important Fe-bearing mineral in the host rocks,and EPMA analysis suggests that it is ripidolite with relatively high Fe contents.Consequently,chlorite can also provide Fe to form the pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization.Geochemical modeling demonstrates that both ripidolite and siderite can result in sulfidation and therefore gold precipitation.As a result,this study demonstrates that pre-ore alteration with characterized bleaching is not a prerequisite for gold mineralization despite of its prominent features.Due to the presence of Fe-bearing Sd1 and chlorite,gold mineralization could still occur through sulfidation in the unaltered rocks.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the Silurian adakitic granitoids in the eastern segment of the Qilian Orogenic Belt,Northwest China

Geodynamic mechanism responsible for the generation of Silurian granitoids and the tectonic evolution of the Qilian orogenic belt remains controversial. In this study, we report the results of zircon U–Pb age, and systematic whole-rock geochemical data for the Haoquangou and Liujiaxia granitoids within the North Qilian orogenic belt and the Qilian Block, respectively, to constrain their petrogenesis, and the Silurian tectonic evolution of the Qilian orogenic belt. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the Haoquangou and Liujiaxia intrusions were emplaced at423 ± 3 Ma and 432 ± 4 Ma, respectively. The Haoquangou granodiorites are calc-alkaline, while the Liujiaxia granites belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series.Both are peraluminous in composition and have relatively depleted Nd isotopic [ε_(Nd)(t) =(-3.9 – + 0.6)] characteristics compared with regional basement rocks, implying their derivation from a juvenile lower crust. They show adakitic geochemical characteristics and were generated by partial melting of thickened lower continental crust. Postcollisional extensional regime related to lithospheric delamination was the most likely geodynamic mechanism for the generation of the Haoquangou granodiorite, while the Liujiaxia granites were generated in a compressive setting during continental collision between the Qaidam and Qilian blocks.

Early Devonian Post-collisional Granitic Magmatism in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt,Western China:Insights into Lithospheric Delamination and Orogenic Collapse

Post-collisional magmatism contains important clues for understanding the reworking and growth of continental crust,as well as lithospheric delamination and orogenic collapse.Early Devonian magmatism has been identified in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt(NQOB).This paper reports an integrated study of petrology,whole-rock geochemistry,Sm-Nd isotope and zircon U-Pb dating,as well as Lu-Hf isotopic data,for two Early Devonian intrusive plutons.The Yongchang and Chijin granites yield zircon U-Pb ages of 394-407 Ma and 414 Ma,respectively.Both of them are characterized by weakly peraluminous to metaluminous without typical aluminium-rich minerals,LREE-enriched patterns with negative Eu anomalies and a negative correlation between P_(2)O_(5) and SiO_(2) contents,consistent with geochemical features of I-type granitoids.Zircons from the studied granites display negative to weak positive ε_(Hf)(t)values(−5.7 to 2.1),which agree well with those of negative ε_(Nd)(t)values(−6.4 to−2.9)for the whole-rock samples,indicating that they were derived from the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crust.Furthermore,low Sr/Y ratios(1.13-21.28)and high zircon saturation temperatures(745℃ to 839℃,with the majority being>800℃)demonstrated a relatively shallow depth level below the garnet stability field and an additional heat source.Taken together,the Early Devonian granitic magmatism could have been produced by the partial melting of ancient crustal materials heated by mantle-derived magmas at high-temperature and low-pressure conditions during postcollisional extensional collapse.The data obtained in this study,when viewed in conjunction with previous studies,provides more information about the tectonic processes that followed the closure of the North Qilian Ocean.The tectonic transition from continental collision to post-collisional delamination could be constrained to~430 Ma,which is provided by the sudden decrease of Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios and an increase in zircon ε_(Hf)(t)values for granitoids.A two-stage tectonic evolution model from continental collision to post-collisional extensional collapse for the NQOB includes(a)continental collision and crustal thickening during ca.455-430 Ma,characterized by granulite-facies metamorphism and widespread low-Mg adakitic magmatism;(b)post-collisional delamination of thickened continental crust and extensional collapse of orogen during ca.430-390 Ma,provided by coeval high-Mg adakitic magmatism,A-type granites and I-type granitoids with low Sr-Y ratios.

Enhancing Geological Understanding and Identifying Gold Anomalies in the Ailaoshan Orogen

The Ailaoshan Orogen in the southeastern Tibet Plateau,situated between the Yangtze and Simao blocks,underwent a complex structural,magmatic,and metamorphic evolution resulting in different tectonic subzones with varying structural lineaments and elemental concentrations.These elements can conceal or reduce anomalies due to the mutual effect between different anomaly areas.Dividing the whole zone into subzones based on tectonic settings,ore cluster areas,or sample catchment basins(Scb),geochemical and structural anomalies associated with gold(Au)mineralization have been identified utilizing mean plus twice standard deviations(Mean+2STD),factor analysis(FA),concentration-area(CA)modeling of stream sediment geochemical data,and lineament density in both the Ailaoshan Orogen and the individual subzones.The FA in the divided 98 Scbs with 6 Scbs containing Au deposits can roughly ascertain unknown rock types,identify specific element associations of known rocks and discern the porphyry or skarn-type Au mineralization.Compared with methods of Mean+2STD and C-A model of data in the whole orogen,which mistake the anomalies as background or act the background as anomalies,the combined methods of FA and C-A in the separate subzones or Scbs works well in regional metallogenic potential analysis.Mapping of lineament densities with a 10-km circle diameter is not suitable to locate Au deposits because of the delineated large areas of medium-high lineament density.In contrast,the use of circle diameters of 1.3 km or 1.7 km in the ore cluster scale delineates areas with a higher concentration of lineament density,consistent with the locations of known Au deposits.By analyzing the map of faults and Au anomalies,two potential prospecting targets,Scbs 1 and 63 with a sandstone as a potential host rock for Au,have been identified in the Ailaoshan Orogen.The use of combined methods in the divided subzones proved to be more effective in improving geological understanding and identifying mineralization anomalies associated with Au,rather than analyzing the entire large area.

Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution of the South China Craton： New Insights from the Polyphase Deformation in the Southwestern Jiangnan Orogen

A 〉1500–km–long northeast–southwest trending Neoproterozoic metamorphic belt in the South China Craton（SCC） consists of subduction mélange and extensional basin deposits. This belt is present under an unconformity of Devonian–Carboniferous sediments. Tectonic evolution of the Neoproterozoic rocks is crucial to determining the geology of the SCC and further influences the reconstruction of the Rodinia supercontinent. A subduction mélange unit enclosed ca.1000–850–Ma mafic blocks, which defined a Neoproterozoic ocean that existed within the SCC, is exposed at the bottom of the Jiangnan Orogen（JO） and experienced at least two phases deformation. Combined with new（detrital） zircon U–Pb ages from metasandstones, as well as igneous rocks within the metamorphic belt, we restrict the strongly deformed subduction mélange as younger than the minimum detrital age ca. 835 Ma and older than the ca. 815 Ma intruded granite. Unconformably overlying the subduction mélange and the intruded granite, an intra–continental rift basin developed 〈800 Ma that involved abundant mantle inputs, such as mafic dikes. This stratum only experienced one main phase deformation. According to our white mica ^40Ar/^（30）Ar data and previously documented thermochronology, both the Neoproterozoic mélange and younger strata were exhumed by a 490–400–Ma crustal–scale positive flower structure. This orogenic event probably induced the thick–skinned structures and was accompanied by crustal thickening, metamorphism and magmatism and led to the closure of the pre–existing rift basin. Integrating previously published data and our new results, we agree that the SCC was located on the periphery of the Rodinia supercontinent from the Neoproterozic until the Ordovician. Furthermore, we prefer that the convergence and dispersal of the SCC were primarily controlled by oceanic subduction forces that occurred within or periphery of the SCC.

Revised Chronostratigraphic Framework of the Metamorphic Strata in the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt,South China and its Tectonic Implications

In a re-study of regional geology by the China Geological Survey （CGS）, the key problem is in the stratigraphical division and correlation. According to the new isotopic dating of the Mesoand Neoproterozoic in China, there have been great changes in the strata correlation and tectonic explanation. The authors obtained four zircon sensitive high resolution ion micro-probe （SHRIMP） U- Pb datings from the bentonite of the Lengjiaxi Group （822±10 Ma, 823±12 Ma and 834±11 Ma） and Banxi Group （802.6±7.6 Ma） in north Hunan Province, which is considered to be the middle part of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt. On the basis of the zircon dating mentioned above, the end of the Wuling orogen is first limited in the period from 822 Ma to 802 Ma in one continued outcrop （Lucheng section） in Linxiang city, Hunan Province. Combining a series of new zircon U-Pb datings in the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, several Neoproterozoic volcanic events and distribution of the metamorphic rocks in the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt have been distinguished. In the context of the global geodynamics, it is useful to set up a practical and high precision chronological framework and basic and unified late Precambrian section in South China.

Geochronology, Geochemistry, Whole Rock Sr-Nd and Zircon Hf-O Isotopes of the Early Neoproterozoic Volcanic Rocks in Jiangshan, Eastern Part of the Jiangnan Orogen: Constraints on Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

This paper presents the results of combined studies of geochronology, geochemistry, whole rock Sr-Nd and zircon Hf-O isotopes carried out upon the rhyodacite and ignimbrite of Shangshu village, Shangyu town and Shanghupeng village of Jiangshan City in Zhejiang Province, along the northwestern side of the Jiangshan–Shaoxing suture. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of samples in the three areas yielded weighted mean 206 Pb/238 U ages of 842.8 ± 6.9 Ma and 850.0 ± 7.3 Ma, 839 ± 9 Ma and 832.2 ± 8.1 Ma, 828.3 ± 8.5 Ma and 836.9 ± 9.9 Ma, respectively. These ages are older than the volcanic rocks of the Shangshu Formation dated at around 780 Ma distributed in Fuyang City, Hangzhou City, Kaihua County, etc. The volcanic rocks generally have high SiO2(54.08–76.80 wt%) and Al2 O3(12.40–21.31 wt%), low Fe2 O3(0.68–8.92 wt%), MgO(0.29–2.49 wt%), CaO(0.12–2.86 wt%), TiO2(0.10–1.59 wt%) and P2 O5(0.01–0.39 wt%), with variable total alkalis(K2 O + Na2 O =5.42–8.29 wt%). There exists a clear negative correlation between SiO2 and P2 O5. The volcanic rocks have A/CNK ratios of 1.03–2.77 and thus are peraluminous. They are characterized by enrichment in LREE, Rb, Ba, Zr, Hf, K, Th, La, U and depletion in Nb, Sr, P, Ti, with distinct LREE and HREE fractionation of(La/Yb)N values of 5.68–11.67, and with a moderate negative Eu anomaly(&Eu=0.58–0.89). Whole-rock geochemical data shows that the Jiangshan volcanic rocks are possibly I-type granitic rocks, even though they have some characteristics of A&S-type granites due to the magma fractional crystallization and water-rock interaction. Zircon δ18 O values are 3.97‰–5.49‰(average 4.50‰), 2.90‰–5.21‰(average 4.32‰) for ignimbrite from Shangshu village section, and Shanghupeng village section, respectively. They are slightly lower than the average δ18 O values of igneous zircons in equilibrium with mantle magmas(5.3 ± 0.6‰(2σ)), the lower δ18 O value also demonstrating the presence of high temperature water-rock interactions. The ignimbrite rocks have positive εNd(t)(4.02, 3.37, 3.91, 4.74, 2.85, 4.39, totals from the three areas) and εNd(t)(in-situ zircon)(4.3–14.6, a weighted mean of 8.4;6.6–12.7, a weighted mean of 9.0;8.1–12.0, a weighted mean of 9.5, respectively, from the three areas). In conjunction with the trace element studies, they indicate that the source region of the Jiangshan volcanic rocks was mainly composed of juvenile lower crustal material, mixed with some mantle-sourced magma. Detailed elemental and isotopic data suggest that the Jiangshan volcanic rocks were formed in a continental arc setting. There is a series of ca. 860–830 Ma volcanic rocks formed in a back-arc extensional setting in the southern margin of the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, along the northwest side of the Jiangshan–Shaoxing suture. The first stage rift-related anorogenic magmatism may have occurred as early as ca. 860 Ma in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen.

Sedimentary Facies, Provenance and Geochronology of the Heshangzhen Group: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China

The Neoproterozoic Jiangnan orogen plays an important role in the study of the Precambrian tectonic evolution of South China. The tectonic nature of the Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins is still controversial, due to poor understanding of the sedimentary sequences and the lack of geochronological data. Here, we present sedimentological, provenance and geochronological data from the Heshangzhen Group in the eastern Jiangnan orogen. Sedimentological analysis shows that the Luojiamen Formation was deposited in a submarine fan, and the overlying Hongchicun Formation was deposited in front of a fan delta. The youngest detrital zircons constrain the lower Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations with ages of 827.3 ± 8.4 Ma and 825 ± 12 Ma, respectively. The sandstones of the Luojiamen Formation are characterized by a large number of intermediate to felsic volcanic grains, suggesting a volcanic arc source. In contrast, quartz and sedimentary lithic grains increase in the Hongchicun Formation, showing a new input from a collisional orogenic source. Detrital zircon from six sandstone samples in the Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations yield similar age spectra of 930–820 Ma with a peak at ca. 845–860 Ma, with one main cluster at 930–820 Ma. Detrital zircons of 930–845 Ma show a positive value of εHf(t)(+2.4 to +11, mean +7.6), which is similar to the volcanic arc of the nearby Shuangxiwu Group. There are a minor group of zircons with U-Pb ages ranging from 820 Ma to 845 Ma from the middle part of the Luojiamen Formation and Hongchicun Formation, with εHf(t) values between-20 to +2.4, which are consistent with the characteristics of the Shuangqiaoshan Group. within light of the bidirectional paleocurrents in the Luojiamen Formation, it is speculated that the zircons of 820–845 Ma were recycled from the Shuangqiaoshan Group, which is derived from a continental arc to the northwest. Our data suggests that the Luojiamen Formation was formed in an inter-arc basin, while the Hongchicun Formation was formed in an accretionary wedge-top basin. When juxtaposed with the conglomeratic characteristics at the bottom of the Luojiamen Formation, it is believed that the unconformity represented by the ‘Shen Gong Movement' reflects the rapid erosion and accumulation process of island arc volcanic material. The disconformity between the Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations is the imprint of transition from inter-arc basin to accretionary wedge-top basin,which represents the collision between the Shuangxiwu arc and the Yangtze Plate.

Electrical Structure of Wulingshan and Middle Jiangnan Orogen by Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Data Inversion

Funded by The National Key Research and Development Program of China,China Deep Exploration(Sinoprobe)and The China Geological Suvery Project on 2009–2019,a large scale magnetotelluric sounding(MT)survey grid(Fig.1)has covered whole south China.

Geochronology and Tectonic Evolution of the West Section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt

As an important part of South China Old Land, the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt plays a significant role in explaining the assembly and the evolution of the Upper Yangtze Block and Cathaysia, as well as the structure and growth mechanism of continental lithosphere in South China.The Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups are the base strata of the west section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt.Thus, the research of geochronology and tectonic evolution of the Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups is significant.The maximum sedimentary age of the Lengjiaxi Group is ca.862 Ma, and the minimum is ca.822 Ma.The Zhangjiawan Formation, which is situated in the upper part of the Banxi Group is ca.802 Ma.The Lengjiaxi Group and equivalent strata should thus belong to the Neoproterozoic in age.The Jiangnan Orogenic Belt consisting of the Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups as important constituents is not a Greenville Orogen Belt（1.3 Ga–1.0 Ga）.The Jiangnan Orogenic Belt is a recyclic orogenic belt, and the prototype basin is a foreland basin with materials derived from the southwest and the sediments belong to the active continental sedimentation.By combining large amounts of dating data of the Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups as well as equivalent strata, the evolutionary model of the western section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt is established as follows： Before 862 Ma, the South China Ocean was subducted beneath the Upper Yangtze Block, while a continental island arc was formed on the side near the Upper Yangtze Block.The South China Ocean was not closed in this period.From 862 Ma to 822 Ma, the Upper Yangtze Block was collided with Cathaysia; and sediments began to be deposited in the foreland basin between the two blocks.The Lengjiaxi Group and equivalent strata were thus formed and the materials might be derived from the recyclic orogenic belt.From 822 Ma to 802 Ma, Cathaysia continued pushing to the Upper Yangtze Block, experienced the Jinning-Sibao Movement（Wuling Movement）; as result, the folded basement of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt was formed.After 802 Ma, Cathaysia and the Upper Yangtze Block were separated from each other, the Nanhua rift basin was formed and began to receive the sediments of the Banxi Group and equivalent strata.These large amounts of dating data and research results also indicate that before the collision of the Upper Yangtze Block with Cathaysia, materials of the continental crust became less and less from the southwest to the east in the Jiangnan Orogeneic Belt; only island arc and neomagmatic arc were developed in the eastern section.Ocean-continent subduction or continent-continent subduction took place in the western and southern sections, while intra-oceanic subduction occurred in the eastern section.Comprehensive analyses on U-Pb ages and Hf model ages of zircons, the main provenance of the Lengjiaxi Group is Cathaysia.

Neoproterozoic Trench-arc System in the Western Segment of Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, South China

The Jiangnan orogenic belt is a key to understanding of the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block. We investigate the mafic-ultramafic suites of lherzolite, pyroxenite, gabbro, pillow basalt and gabbroic diorite as well as red jasper interbedded with marine marbles that are mainly exposed as fault-trapped blocks in the Yuanbaoshan and Longsheng domains of the western Jiangnan belt. The postcollisional granite plutons that intruded the ultramafic-mafic rocks are developed well. Zircons in the gabbro yield crystallization ages of 867±10 Ma, 863±8 Ma, 869±9 Ma and 855±5 Ma whereas those from the granites show ages of 823±5 Ma, 831±5 Ma, 824±5 Ma and 833±6 Ma. The Neoproterozoic serpentinited ultramafic samples display minor REE enriched pattern with depletion of Rb, Ba, Nb, Ta and Ti, similar to those of SSZ type ophiolite. The coeval gabbro shows tholeiitic features and is characterized by negative Ba, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Sr anomalies and LREE enriched patterns, with a minor negative Eu anomaly. Some zircon grains from the Longshen gabbro yield Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic ages(2859–2262 Ma), suggesting its continental arc setting. Geochemical signature of the maficultramafic rocks is consistent with subduction related setting. The pyroxene-bearing diorite exhibits a distinctive arc affinity. The zircons from the gabbro show positive εHf(t) values ranging from 3.9 to 13.8. The granitoids are typical S–type granites with high ACNK values(1.15–1.40) and negative εHf(t) values(–15.1 to –3.2), and are classified as collision–related granites. Combined with the occurrences of mafic-ultramafic rocks, siliceous marble and red jasper mixed with basalt, our new results suggest the presence of a Tonian(863–869 Ma) SSZ ophiolite system and continental arc-type magmatism in the western Jiangnan orogen.

Geochronology,Petrogenesis and Tectonic Setting of the Late Jurassic I-type Granites in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt,Central China

The North Qinling Orogenic Belt(NQOB)is a composite orogenic belt in central China.It started evolving during the Meso-Neoproterozoic period and underwent multiple stages of plate subduction and collision before entering intra-continental orogeny in the Late Triassic.The Meso-Cenozoic intra-continental orogeny and tectonic evolution had different responses in various terranes of the belt,with the tectonic evolution of the middle part of the belt being particularly controversial.The granites distributed in the Dayu and Kuyu areas in the middle part of the NQOB can provide an important window for revealing the geodynamic mechanisms of the NQOB.The main lithology of Dayu and Kuyu granites is biotite monzogranite,and the zircon U-Pb dating yielded intrusive ages of 151.3±3.4 Ma and 147.7±1.5 Ma,respectively.The dates suggest that the biotite monzogranite were formed at the end of the Late Jurassic.The whole-rock geochemistry analysis shows that the granites in the study areas are characterized by slightly high SiO_(2)(64.50-68.88 wt%)and high Al_(2)O_(3)(15.12-16.24 wt%)and Na_(2)O(3.55-3.80 wt%)contents.They are also enriched in light rare earth elements,large ion lithophile elements(e.g.,Ba,K,La,Pb and Sr),and depleted in high field strength elements(HFSEs)(e.g.,Ta,Nb,P and Ti).Additionally,the granites have weakly negative-slightly positive Eu anomalies(δEu=0.91-1.19).Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic analysis showedε_(Hf)(t)=-6.1--3.8,and the two-stage model age is T_(2DM(crust))=1.5-1.6 Ga.The granites in the study areas are analyzed as weak peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites.They formed by partial melting of the thickened ancient lower crust,accompanied by the addition of minor mantle-derived materials.During magma ascent,they experienced fractional crystallization,with residual garnet and amphibole for a certain proportion in the magma source region.Comprehensive the geotectonic data suggest that the end of the Late Jurassic granite magmatism in the Dayu and Kuyu areas represents a compression-extension transition regime.It may have been a response to multiple tectonic mechanisms,such as the late Mesozoic intra-continental southward subduction of the North China Craton and the remote effect of the Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the granitic gneiss in the Huozhou Complex: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen

The Trans-North China Orogen is a major Neoarchean Paleoproterozoic collisional orogenic belt above the North China Craton, formed due to prolonged and complex processes. Even though many NeoarcheanPaleoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic activities have been reported, due to the Huozhou Complex’s small outcropping range, little attention has been paid to the origin of various igneous rocks of the Huozhou Complex in the center of the Trans-North China Orogen. The Huozhou Complex, located south of the Luè liang, Wutai, and Hengshan complexes, is an important window into the Early Precambrian structure and evolution of the North China Craton. Its magma and metamorphism are crucial to understanding the development of the structural evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. The Huozhou metamorphic complex area exposes a range of Precambrian metamorphic rocks, among which the most extensively dispersed is felsic biotite plagioclase gneiss. In this study comprehensive geological field survey, micropetrology,chronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotope analysis were carried out for the Qinggangping and Anziping gneiss in the north of the Huozhou Complex. The results show that the magmatic zircon age of the Qinggangping gneiss is2196 ± 14 Ma, and its protolith is I-type granite, formed by partial melting of igneous rocks in the absence of weathering. Its source is mainly the juvenile crust from depleted mantle dating 2431–2719 Ma, with a small amount of mantle-derived material. The Anziping gneiss has a metamorphic zircon age of 1931 ± 13 Ma with an S-type granite protolith belonging to peraluminous granite.The Anziping gneiss is formed by recycling pre-existing crustal components at 2613–2848 Ma. A minor quantity of mantle-derived magma is also introduced to the crust simultaneously. The samples of Qinggangping gneiss and Anziping gneiss show the characteristics of obvious negative Nb, Ti, and P elements in the spider diagram of primitive mantle standardization. This implies that the rocks have the characteristics of magmatic rocks in an island arc or subduction environment, which could have formed in the tectonic environment of the continental margin arc.

Formation and Evolution of Chromitites in the Hongshishan Complex,Beishan Orogenic Collage,NW China:Constraints from Mineralogical Compositions,Re-Os Isotopes and Platinum-Group Element Geochemistry

The Hongshishan chromitite deposits are situated to the north of the Beishan orogenic collage,in the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.This study describes the mineral chemistry,Re-Os isotopes and platinum-group elements geochemistry of the Hongshishan chromitites for the purpose of constraining the origin,evolution and composition of their parental melts.The restricted ranges of Al_(2)O_(3),Cr_(2)O_(3)and Cr#-Mg#variation of chromite-cores and chromites fall within the field of the mid-ocean ridge and ophiolitic podiform chromite settings.The(^(187)Os/^(188)Os)i ratios of the chromitites are in the range of 0.12449–0.12745(average 0.12637)and theγOs are from-1.92 to-0.06(average-0.83).In the Re-Os isotope diagrams,all the samples fall in the field of chromitites and show a residual peridotitic trend.The range of Os isotopic compositions andγOs values indicate that they overlap the depleted MORB mantle(DMM)as well as being close to global Os isotopic data andγOs of ophiolite chromitites.The characteristics of the PGE contents can be roughly subdivided into two groups:podiform chromitites and Ural-Alaskan type complexes.For the ferritchromite cores,the calculated Al_(2)O_(3)concentrations of the parental melt are higher(average 16.65 wt%)in high-Cr than high-Al chromitite(average 16.17 wt%)and for the chromite,the calculated Al_(2)O_(3)concentrations are even higher(average 16.48 wt%)in the high-Cr than the high-Al examples(average 15.38 wt%).In the(TiO_(2))melt vs.TiO_(2)diagrams,most high-Al melts fall in the MORB,while the high-Cr melts fall in the ARC field.The calculated Fe O/Mg O ratios for the parental melt show the closest resemblance to a MORB magma composition.The inferred parental melt composition for studied chromitites falls in the field of mid-ocean ridge basalt(MORB)magmas and far away from boninite.The calculated degrees of partial melting producing the chromitites are 16%-22%(average 19%),which is around the range of those of the MORB magmas.The chromitites are suggested to have been formed in a MORB setting.The chromites and ferritchromite cores are mostly scattered along the MORB and SSZ harzburgite–dunite fields.Ferritchromite rims and ferritchromites with high YFes formed as a result of alteration during serpentinization..

2.7-Ga-old mafic dike in the Trans-North China Orogen of the North China Craton and its tectonic significance

We studied an Archean mafic dike in the TransNorth China Orogen of the North China Craton, which has a magmatic age of 2701 ± 83 Ma and is currently the oldest mafic dike in the North China Craton. Such an old dike is extremely rare in the world. The presence of mafic dikes indicates that the North China Craton was in a tensional tectonic environment at 2.7 Ga. Geochemical characteristics reveal that this mafic dike belongs to continental tholeiitic basalt. Results from Hf isotope analysis reveal that the mafic dike originates from a depleted mantle. The plate assembly in the North China landmass was realized during the Archean era(2.7 Ga), and a thick and stable continental crust was formed. Therefore, the first cratonization of the North China Craton was completed before 2.7 Ga. The intrusion of the 2.7-Ga-old mafic dike from the deep lithospheric mantle of the continent indicates that the North China Craton has undergone a period of extensional tectonic activity. This event marks a significant extensional event that occurred after the cratonization of the North China Craton.

Petrology, geochemistry and Ar-Ar geochronology of eclogites in Jinshajiang orogenic belt, Gonjo area, eastern Tibet and restriction on Paleo-Tethyan evolution

As one of the important Paleo-Tethys suture zones in eastern Tibet,the Jinshajiang orogenic belt is of great significance to study the tectonic evolution of the main suture zone of Paleo-Tethys.In this paper,eclogites developed in the Jinshajiang suture zone in Gonjo area,eastern Tibet,are selected as specific research objects,and petrological,geochemical and Ar-Ar geochronological analyses are carried out.The major element data of the whole rock reveals that the eclogite samples have the characteristics of picritic basalt-basalt and belong to the oceanic low potassium tholeiites.The results of rare earth elements and trace elements of the samples show that the protoliths of eclogites have characteristics similar to oceanic island basalt(OIB)or normal mid ocean ridge basalt(N-MORB).Muscovite(phengite)from two eclogite samples yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages of 247±2 Ma and 248±2 Ma respectively,representing the peak metamorphic age of eclogite facies and the timing of complete closure of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys Ocean.Muscovite and biotite selected from the hosting rocks of eclogite yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages are 238±2 Ma and 225±2 Ma respectively,reflecting the exhumation age of eclogites and their hosting rocks.Combined with the zircon U-Pb dating data(244 Ma)of eclogites obtained in previous work,it can be concluded that the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys ocean was completely closed and arc-continent collision was initiated at about 248-244 Ma(T21).Subsequently,due to the large-scale arc(continent)-collision orogeney between Deqin-Weixi continental margin arc and Zhongza block(T31-T32),the eclogites were rapidly uplifted to the shallow crust.

东昆仑大格勒农场南辉长岩锆石U-Pb年代学、地球化学特征及地质意义

东昆仑志留纪岩浆活动强烈,记录了东昆仑造山带原特提斯洋演化晚期大洋俯冲阶段与碰撞阶段转换地质过程。本次研究对东昆仑大格勒农场南志留纪基性侵入岩开展了详细的岩相学、岩石地球化学、锆石U-Pb年代学和Hf同位素研究,以确定其形成时代、岩石成因和构造环境。研究结果表明大格勒农场南辉长岩的结晶年龄为430.2±2.4 Ma,形成时代为中志留世。辉长岩SiO_(2)(51.40%~53.66%)含量较低,MgO(18.56%~22.16%)和FeO^(T)(7.54%~10.64%)含量高,Mg^(#)为79~82。微量元素富集Rb、Th、Ba、Cs等大离子亲石元素(LILE),亏损Nb、Ta、Ti等高场强元素(HFSE),具有高Ni(276~973μg/g)、Cr(2152~3574μg/g)和Sc(35.5~53.1μg/g)含量,低Nb/Ta值(3.23~8.68)和εHf(t)值(-7.3~-3.6)。大格勒农场南辉长岩的地球化学组成具有岛弧基性岩特征,其成因可能是流体和俯冲沉积物加入的富尖晶石橄榄岩部分熔融的结果。综合区域资料表明,大格勒农场南辉长岩形成于东昆仑原特提斯洋俯冲晚期阶段,进一步限定原特提斯洋晚期俯冲与碰撞转换时限为中志留世,随后转入碰撞造山阶段。

喜马拉雅造山带聂拉木地区渐新世深熔作用的厘定

喜马拉雅新生代淡色花岗岩记录了地壳深熔作用和花岗岩侵位的地球化学和构造物理效应。与形成于增厚地壳条件下和伸展背景下的始新世和中新世花岗岩相比,渐新世花岗岩分布比较局限,且源区和形成机制还存在着较大的争议。位于喜马拉雅造山带中部的聂拉木地区,可见32.1Ma的含电气石黑云母的花岗岩、29.8Ma的含黑云母的花岗岩、26.6Ma的含电气石黑云母的伟晶花岗岩侵入到高喜马拉雅岩系上部。这三组渐新世花岗岩具有以下特征:(1)较高的SiO_(2)、Al_(2)O_(3)、K_(2)O和Na_(2)O,A/CNK>1.0;(2)Ba、Nb、Ta、Sr和Ti的负异常;(3)略微富集轻稀土,亏损中稀土和重稀土,高度变化的Eu异常和微弱的负Nd异常;(4)均一的初始Sr-Nd同位素比值,^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr(t)=0.7463~0.7471,ε_(Nd)(t)=-15.0~-14.6。此外,含电气石黑云母的花岗岩和含电气石黑云母的伟晶花岗岩具有较高的Sr和Ba,较低的Rb/Sr比值,其Rb/Sr比值与Ba和Sr含量都无相关性,表明其为富B流体参与高喜马拉雅变沉积岩含水部分熔融作用的产物。而含黑云母的花岗岩具有较低的Sr和Ba,较高的Rb/Sr比值,且其Rb/Sr比值与Ba和Sr含量显示明显的负相关关系,表明其为变沉积岩发生脱水熔融作用的产物。综合喜马拉雅造山带已有的研究成果,得出以下认识:渐新世花岗岩的源区从下地壳基性物质转变为中地壳变泥质岩,展示了源区向上迁移的过程,并经历了一期重要的岩浆热液交代作用;渐新世深熔作用记录了造山带从缩短增厚向伸展垮塌转换阶段深部地壳的响应,从而促使了高喜马拉雅岩系的折返。