Geochemical Characteristics of the Plagiogranites in the Vicinity of Bingdaban,Central Tianshan.

The tectonic and geochemical characteristics suggest that the plagiogranitesexposed in the vicinity of Bingdaban on the northern margin of the central Tianshanuplift zone show a distinct mantle-source character, and their enrichment in LREE andselected enrichment in LILE (large ion lithophile elements) reflect a setting related to anarc tectonic regime. These rocks represent the products formed at shallow levels frommantle-derived magmas modified with subduction components (or super crustal rocks).

Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Xingxingxia Triassic A-type Granites in Central Tianshan,NW China:Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

The Triassic granitoids in Central Tianshan play a key role in determining the petrogenesis and tectonic evolution on the southern margin of the Central Asian orogenic belt.In this study,we present SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages,Hf isotopic and geochemical data on the Xingxingxia biotite granite,amazonite granite and granitic pegmatite in Central Tianshan,NW China.Zircon U-Pb dating yielded formation ages of 242 Ma for the biotite granite and 240 Ma for the amazonite granite.These granitoid rocks have high K_(2)O with low MgO and CaO contents.They are enriched in Nb,Ta,Hf and Y,while being depleted in Ba and Sr,showing flat HREE patterns and negative Eu anomalies.They have typical A-type granite geochemical signatures with high Ga/A_(1)(8–13)and TFeO/(TFeO+MgO)ratios,showing an A_(2) affinity for biotite granite and an A_(1) affinity for amazonite granite and granitic pegmatite.Zircon ε_(Hf)(t)values of the granitoids are 0.45–2.66,with Hf model ages of 0.99–1.17 Ga.This suggests that these A-type granites originated from partial melting of the lower crust.We propose that Xingxingxia Triassic A-type granites formed under lithospheric extension from post-orogenic to anorogenic intraplate settings and NE-trending regional strike-slip fault-controlled magma emplacement in the upper crust.

Mesoproterozoic Continental Arc Type Granite in the Central Tianshan Mountains:Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb Dating and Geochemical Analyses

The Central Tianshan belt in northwestern China is a small Precambrian block located in the southern part of the Central Asia Orogenic Belt （CAOB）, which is considered as ＂the most voluminous block of young continental crust in the world＂ that comprises numerous small continental blocks separated by Paleozoic magmatic arcs. The Precambrian basement of the central Tianshan Mountains is composed of volcanic rocks and associated volcano-sedimentary rocks that were intruded by granitic plutons. Geochemical analyses demonstrate that the granitic plutons and volcanic rocks were generated in the Andean-type active continental arc environment like today＇s Chile, and the zircon U-Pb SHRIMP dating indicates that they were developed at about 956 Ma, possibly corresponding to the subduction of the inferred Mozambique Ocean under the Baltic-African super-continent.

Neoproterozoic Banded Iron Formation in the Central Tianshan, NW China: The Shalong Example

Objective Banded Iron Formations （BIFs） are ferruginous chemical sedimentary rocks that precipitated throughout the Precambrain, which constitute the most important iron resources in the world. The majority of BIFs were developed in the Neoarchean and early Paleoproterozoic periods （3.2-1.8 Ga）, which are well known and have been mined for centuries. Another type of the BIFs which was formed in the Neoproterozoic period （0.85-0.7 Ga） is much smaller in scale but widespread on the Earth and record important information of the evolution of the Earth. The Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic BIFs have been well studied and understood, while few detailed studies on Neoproterozoic BIFs have been made, and only a few modem geochronology studies were carried out on Neoproterozoic BIFs.

Paleozoic Accretion-Collision Events and Kinematics of Ductile Deformation in the Eastern Part of the Southern-Central Tianshan Belt, China

The Tianshan range could have been built by both late Early Paleozoicaccretion and Late Paleozoic collision events. The late Early Paleozoic Aqqikkudug-Weiya suture ismarked by Ordovician ophiolitic melange and a Silurian flysch sequence, high-pressure metamorphicrelics, and mylonitized rocks. The Central Tianshan belt could principally be an Ordovician volcanicarc; whereas the South Tianshan belt, a back-arc basin. Macro- and microstructures, along withunconformities, provide some kinematic and chronological constraints on 2-phase ductile deformation.The earlier ductile deformation occurring at ca. 400 Ma was marked by north-verging ductileshearing, yielding granulite-bearing ophiolitic melange blocks and garnet-pyroxene-facies ductiledeformation, and the later deformation, a dextral strike-slip tectonic process, occurred during theLate Carboniferous-Early Permian. Early Carboniferous molasses were deposited unconformably onpre-Carboniferous metamorphic and ductilely sheared rocks, implying the end of the early orogeny.The large-scale ductile strike-slip along the Aqqikkudug-Weiya zone was possibly caused by thesecond tectonic event, the Hercynian collision between the northern Tarim block and the southernSiberian block. Late Paleozoic granitic magmatism and superimposed structures overprinted this EarlyPaleozoic deformation belt. Results of geometric and kinematic studies suggest that the primaryframework of the Southern-Central Tianshan belt, at least the eastern part of the Tianshan belt, wasbuilt by these two phases of accretion events.

Multi-Method Chronometric Constraints on the Thermal Evolution of the Central Tianshan,NW China

The Tianshan orogenic belt is a major part of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt（CAOB）,extending from west to east for over 2500 km through Uzbekistan,Tajikistan,Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to Xinjiang in NW China,and contains the record of multi-phase tectonothermal evolution.Till now.

Neoproterozoic I-type granites in the Central Tianshan Block (NW China):geochronology,geochemistry,and tectonic implications

The Central Tianshan Block is one of numerous microcontinental blocks within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB)that overlies Precambrian basement rocks.Constraining the evolution of these ancient basement rocks is central to understanding the accretionary and collisional tectonics of the CAOB,and their place within the Rodinia supercontinent.However,to date,the timing and tectonic settings in which the basement rocks in the Central Tianshan Block formed are poorly constrained,with only sparse geochemical and geochronological data from granitic rocks within the northern segment of the block.Here,we present a systematic study combining U-Pb geochronology,whole-rock geochemistry,and the Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of newly-identified granitic gneisses from the Bingdaban area of Central Tianshan Block.The analyzed samples yield a weighted mean Neoproterozoic 206Pb/238U ages of 975-911 Ma.These weakly-peraluminous granitic rocks show a common geochemical I-type granite affinity.The granitic gneisses are calc-alkaline and enriched in large ion lithophile elements(LILEs)and light rare earth elements(LREEs),but they are depleted in high field strength elements(HFSEs);these characteristics are similar to those of typical subduction-related magmatism.All samples show initial(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)(t)ratios between 0.705136 and 0.706745.Values forεNd(t)in the granitic gneisses are in the range from-5.7 to-1.2,which correspond to Nd model ages of 2.0-1.7 Ga,indicating a role for Mesoproterozoic to Paleoproterozoic rocks in the generation of the granitic protoliths.The documented geochemical features indicate that the protoliths for the gneisses have a similar petrogenesis and magmatic source,which may reflect partial melting of thickened crust with the addition of small amounts of mantle-derived material.The Central Tianshan Block probably constitute part of an exterior orogen that developed along the margin of the Rodinian supercontinent during the Early Neoproterozoic and underwent a transition from subduction to syn-collision compression at 975-911 Ma.

Geology and geochemistry of the Bingdaban ophiolitic mélange in the boundary fault zone on the northern Central Tianshan Belt,and its tectonic implications

The properties and tectonic significance of the fault bound zone on the northern margin of the Central Tianshan belt are key issues to understand the tectonic framework and evolutionary history of the Tianshan Orogenic Belt. Based on the geological and geochemical studies in the Tianshan orogenic belt, it is suggested that the ophiolitic slices found in the Bingdaban area represent the remaining oceanic crust of the Early Paleozoic ocean between the Hazakstan and Zhungaer blocks. Mainly com-posed of basalts, gabbros and diabases, the ophiolites were overthrust onto the boundary fault be-tween the Northern Tianshan and Central Tianshan belts. The major element geochemistry is charac-terized by high TiO2 (1.50%-2.25%) and MgO (6.64%-9.35%), low K2O (0.06%-0.41%) and P2O5 (0.1%-0.2%), and Na2O>K2O as well. Low ΣREE and depletion in LREE indicate that the original magma was derived from a depleted mantle source. Compared with a primitive mantle, the geochemistry of the basalts from the Bingdaban area is featureded by depletion in Th, U, Nb, La, Ce and Pr, and unfrac-tionated in HFS elements. The ratios of Zr/Nb, Nb/La, Hf/Ta, Th/Yb and Hf/Th are similar to those of the typical N-MORB. It can be interpreted that the basalts in the Bingdaban area were derived from a de-pleted mantle source, and formed in a matured mid-oceanic ridge setting during the matured evolu-tionary stage of the Northern Tianshan ocean. In comparison with the basalts, the diabases from the Bingdaban area show higher contents of Al2O3, ∑REE and HFS elements as well as unfractionated incompatible elements except Cs, Rb and Ba, and about 10 times the values of the primitive mantle. Thus, the diabases are thought to be derived from a primitive mantle and similar to the typical E-MORB. The diabases also have slight Nb depletion accompanying no apparent Th enrichment compared with N-MORB. From studies of the regional geology and all above evidence, it can be suggested that the diabases from the Bingdaban area were formed in the mid-oceanic ridge of the Northern Tianshan ocean during the initial spreading stage.

Geochemical characteristics of the metapelites from the Xingxingxia group in the Eastern Segment of the Central Tianshan:Implications for the provenance and paleoweathering

Metapelites from the Mesoproterozoic Xingxingxia group in the Eastern Segment of the Central Tianshan,Northwestern China,were analyzed for major and trace elements,includ-ing rare earth elements.Compared with post-Archean shales,the metapelites are enriched in Sr,Hf and Zr.The other elements are similar to the compositions of the Phanerozoic North American Shale Composite and the Post-Archean Australian average Shale(PAAS).The characteristics of Al_(2)O_(3)/TiO_(2),Cr/Zr,Cr/Th,Th/Sc and high Zr concentration suggest that these pelites could be derived from a significant proportion of felsic and a few proportion of participation of mafic mate-rials in nature.These rocks display highly fractionated REE patterns,and average(La/Yb)_(n)=18.6.Several samples have slightly negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu^(*)=0.7―0.84)in comparison with PAAS(Eu/Eu^(*)=0.65),indicating contribution from young immature materials.The low K_(2)O/Al_(2)O_(3) values of these metapelites suggest that their source materials could contain minimal alkali feldspar.In the A-CN-K triangular diagram,the sample data array intersects the feldspar join,indicating that the source had a plagioclase:K-feldspar ratio of approximately 5:1,repre-senting weathered products from components that could approximately correspond to granodio-rites and tonalites.The low Chemical Index of Alteration(CIA)and high Index of Compositional Variability(ICV)values suggest low degrees of weathering of the source and low compositional maturity of the sediments,respectively.The geochemical characteristics of the metapelites from the Xingxingxia group also demonstrate that these sediments were deposited in a back-arc background within a continental-arc system.

The triggering mechanisms for different types of snow avalanches in the continental snow climate of the central Tianshan Mountains

Climate change and human activities have increased avalanche risks in alpine mountains.Therefore,strengthening the research on mitigating and controlling avalanche disasters is indispensable for sustainable socio-economic development in mountainous areas.Early avalanche warning is an essential means of avalanche disaster prevention.However,the theoretical development and application of avalanche warning strategies remain limited due to the lack of systematic understanding of the triggering mechanisms of avalanches.Based on observational data(2015–2019)of avalanches,snowpack,meteorological parameters,surface soil temperature and moisture,and topography in avalanche-prone areas in the central Tianshan Mountains,we analyzed the characteristics of different types of avalanches under a continental snow climate and the environmental factors(such as meteorological conditions and snowpack)that trigger avalanches,as well as the triggering mechanisms for different types of avalanches under the continental snow climate in terms of snow-layer shear fracture modes.We found that the snowpack parameters,weather conditions,and soil temperature and moisture varied significantly among the stages of snow accumulation,stabilization,and melting,resulting in different avalanches prevailing in different stages of snowpack evolution.Moreover,the snow-layer fractures were driven by single external factors or the combined multiple factors under the continental snow climate.Fifty-four percent of the avalanche events in the study area occurred during or after a snowfall,with 36%related to sudden increases in temperature.Then considering different triggering scenarios,snowpack evolution stages,and the coupling of intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of triggering snow-layer shear failure,we constructed five snow-layer shear fracture modes and twelve avalanche-triggering modes on mountain slopes under a continental snow climate.

Hydroclimatic variations in the Tianshan Mountains based on grain size and geochemistry of core sediments since~1490 CE

Numerous studies have focused on modern hydroclimate and the modulated mechanisms in the Tianshan Mountains(TMs),arid central Asia.However,the detailed information of hydroclimatic processes beyond the instrumental period is still scarce.This paper reconstructed a hydrology history from core sediments of the Dalongchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains.The comparability between endmembers(EMs)of grain size and ICP-AES based geochemical elements in the lake sediments highlighted their availability for hydrological reconstructions.Hydrodynamic forces(EM1,EM4,Ti/Al and Li/Al),chemical weathering intensity[(Mg+Ca+K)/Al],salinity proxy(Mg/Ca)and redoxsensitive proxy(Fe/Mn)highly correlated with the first principal component(P<0.01),whereas paleoproductivity proxies(TN,TOC,Ba/Al,Zn/Al and Cu/Al)and C/N showed high loadings on the second principal component(P<0.05).The inferred hydrology progress was nonlinearly responded to temperature,precipitation and climate-dictated glaciers.Specifically,the water level didn’t always covary with the humidity because of glaciers.The maximum water level was the comprehensive result of glaciers melting and high humidity around 1830 CE.Thereafter,water level continually decreased with declining moisture at high temperature,implying a limited buffering capacity of glaciers in the Dalongchi Lake basin.EM3-indicated eolian activity intensity was caused by the behaviors of Siberian High because the latter intensified surface wind and the dust transportation.The hydrothermal patterns were characterized by warm/dry and cold/wet alternations in a long run although warm/wet pattern was identified from a short-term view.

Nature of the Precambrian metamorphic blocks in the eastern segment of Central Tianshan:Constraint from geochronology and Nd isotopic geochemistry

Granitoid gneisses are widespread in Precambrian metamorphic blocks of eastern segment of the Central Tianshan Tectonic Zone, and they have intrusive contact relationships with their metamorphic sedimentary country rocks of Proterozoic Xingxingxia and Kawabulag groups. Zircon U-Pb ages from a granodioritic gneiss (IW11-1) and a parametamorphic schist (W05-9) are determined at the Weiya area. Euhedral prismatic zircons from the granodioritic gneiss (IW11-1) provide U-Pb isotopic discordia intercept ages of 1218±17 Ma and 426±26 Ma, respectively, and euhedral prismatic zircons from the parametamorphic schist (W05-9) display U-Pb isotopic discordia intercept ages of 1216±74 Ma and 290±15 Ma, respectively. A whole-rock Sm-Nd isotopic isochron is determined in augen granitoid gneiss samples at the Gang- gou-Kumishi area and we obtain the isochron age of 1142±120 Ma, and its ε Nd (t) = -4.3. These geochronological data suggest that these Precambrian metamorphic basement blocks within eastern segment of the Central Tianshan Tectonic Zone can be produced during 1140—1220 Ma, and occur a nearly homochronous metamorphism. Integrated to these geochronological data, Nd depleted mantle model ages (T DM ) and epsilon Nd(t) values of these granitoid gneiss samples indicate that they can derive from mixing in various scales both magmas from mantle and crust sources at a late Mesoproterozoic active continental margin tectonic environment. Similarity in geochronology, Sm-Nd isotopic geochemistry between Weiya-Xingxingxia, Pargangtag and Ganggou-Kumishi areas suggests that they could be a bigger uniform metamorphic basement block, which could be formed by the assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia and be separated by late geological processes.

Precipitation isotopes in the Tianshan Mountains as a key to water cycle in arid central Asia

The Tianshan Mountains is a wet island in arid central Asia, and precipitation amount across the mountains is much larger than that in the surrounding low-lying areas. To investigate the regional water cycle in arid central Asia, stable isotope composition in precipitation has received increased attention during the past decades. This paper reviewed current knowledge of observed and simulated stable isotope ratios in precipitation across the Tianshan Mountains. The temperature effect of stable isotopes in precipitation has been widely accepted in arid central Asia and can be applied to paleoclimate reconstruction using ice cores. The seasonality of precipitation isotopically enriched in summer months and depleted in winter months is usually attributed to westerly-dominated moisture, but different trajectory paths to the northern and southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains can still be modelled. The proportional contribution and its uncertainty of surface evaporation and transpiration to local precipitation can be estimated using the isotope approach, and transpiration plays a dominant role in recycled moisture for oasis sites. The impact of below-cloud evaporation on precipitation stable isotopes on the southern slope is usually larger than that on the northern slope.

Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Mafic-Intermediate Intrusions on the Northern Margin of the Central Tianshan(NW China): Implications for Tectonic Evolution

Late Paleozoic mafic-intermediate intrusions are widespread in the central Tianshan belt, but their tectonic settings remain controversial. Petrogenesis of these intrusions can provide insights into the tectonic evolution of the belt and its adjacent areas. This study presents new whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic data for the Yaxi diorite and Qianzishan gabbro on the northern margin of the central Tianshan(NW China). Zircon U-Pb dating yielded the magma crystallization ages of 313±4 and 295±4 Ma for the Yaxi diorite and Qianzishan gabbro, respectively. They have lower Mg# values, Ni and Cr contents than typical mantle-derived primary melt, with negative correlations between MgO, TFeO and SiO2 contents, indicating clinopyroxene and olivine fractionation during magma evolution. They are characterized by enrichment of large ion lithophile elements(e.g., Rb, Ba and Sr) and depletion of high field strength elements(e.g., Nb, Ta and Ti) with high Ba/Th and Rb/Y, suggesting that their mantle sources had been metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. In addition, the Qianzishan gabbro has high Al2 O3 contents(19.54 wt.%–20.88 wt.%) and positive Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu*=1.09–1.42), which can be attributed to accumulation of plagioclase. Geochemical and zircon Hf isotopic compositions reveal that both the Yaxi diorite and Qianzishan gabbro were derived from depleted lithospheric mantle in the spinel stability field with insignificant crustal contamination. In association with previous investigations, we suggest that the Yaxi and Qianzishan intrusions were emplaced in a subduction-related environment, which means that the subduction of the Junggar Ocean lasted at least to the earliest Permian.

Zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic study of Neoproterozoic granitic gneisses from the Alatage area, Xinjiang:constraints on the Precambrian crustal evolution in the Central Tianshan Block

The architecture and growth history of Precambrian crustal basements in the Central Tianshan Block play a key role in understanding the tectonic evolution of the Chinese Tianshan Orogenic Belt.In this study,we present precise LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating and LAMC-ICPMS zircon Hf isotopic data for two granitic gneisses from Alatage area in the Central Tianshan Block.The magmatic zircons from both samples yield similar protolith ages of 945±6 and 942±6 Ma,indicating that the early Neoproterozoic magmatism is prevailed in the Alatage area.These zircons have crustal Hf model ages of1.82–2.22 and 1.70–2.03 Ga,respectively,which are significantly older than their crystallization ages.It indicates that their parental magmas were derived from the reworking of ancient crust.However,we suggest that these Paleoproterozoic Hf model ages might result from mixing of continental materials with different ages in the Neoproterozoic crust.The inherited(detrital)zircon cores not only yield a wide age range of ca.989–1617 Ma,but also exhibit large Hf-isotope variations with Hf model ages of1.54–2.30 Ga.In particular,some 1.4–1.6 Ga zircons show high initial176Hf/177Hf ratios,consistent with those of depleted mantle,which indicates that the Mesoproterozoic event involved both reworking of older crust and generation of juvenile crust.The Central Tianshan Block has different Precambrian crustal growth history from the Tarim Craton.Therefore,it would not be a fragment of the Precambrian basement of the Tarim Craton.

First Report of Zircon U-Pb Ages from Lubei Cu-Ni Sulfide Deposit in East Tianshan of Central Asian Orogenic Belt, NW China

Objective The East Tianshan mafic-ultramafic rocks belt mainly produced in the eastern Jueluotage belt is an important part of the Central Asia Orogenic Belt （CAOB）. The well- known deposits including Huangshan, Huangshandong, Tulaergen, Hulu, Xiangshan were have been consecutively discovered in this belt （Duan Xingxing et al., 2016）. The new discovery of the Lubei Cu-Ni sulfide deposit in recent years, which locates in the west of Jueluotage belt, has great significance to the westward extension of the East Tianshan Cu-Ni metallogenic belt. To determine whether the mineralization age of the Lubei Cu-Ni sulfide deposit is consistent with other typical deposits, this study conducted zircon U-Pb geochronology on the diorite from the Lubei Cu-Ni sulfide deposit in order to provide new information for further exploring direction of Cu-Ni prospecting in East Tianshan.

The Spatial-Temporal Distribution Patterns of Dyke Swarms in Central Asia and their Tectonic Significance: Case Studies in Eastern Tianshan and Western Junggar

Dykes are a special kind of intrusive rocks which were formed by deep magma intruded into the existing brittle fractures in the crust.Dykes swarms in different tectonic environments are very significant to re-construct the

Geological Characteristics and Metallogenic Setting of Representative Magmatic Cu-Ni Deposits in the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt, Central Asia

A great number of magmatic Cu-Ni deposits(including Kalatongke in Xinjiang and Hongqiling in Jilin) are distributed over a distance of almost 3000 km across the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt, from Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang in the west, to Jilin in eastern China in the east. These deposits were formed during a range of magmatic episodes from the Devonian to the Triassic. Significant magmatic Cu-Ni-Co-PGE deposits were formed from the Devonian period in the Nalati arc(e.g. Jingbulake Cu-Ni in Xinjiang), Carboniferous period in the Puerjin-Ertai arc(e.g. Kalatongke Cu-Ni-Co-PGE in Xinjiang), Carboniferous period in the Dananhu-Touquan arc(e.g. Huangshandong, Xiangshan and Tulaergen in estern Tianshan, Xinjiang) to Triassic period in the Hulan arc(e.g. Hongqiling Cu-Ni in Jilin). In addition to the overall tectonic, geologic and distribution of magmatic Cu-Ni deposits in the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt, the metallogenic setting, deposit geology and mineralization characteristics of each deposit mentioned above are summarized in this paper. Geochronologic data of Cu-Ni deposits indicate that, from west to east, the metallogenic ages in the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt changed with time, namely, from the Late Caledonian(~440 Ma), through the Late Hercynian(300-265 Ma) to the Late Indosinian(225-200 Ma). Such variation could reflect a gradual scissor type closure of the paleo Asian ocean between the Siberia Craton and the North China Craton from west to east.

Satellite-measured water vapor isotopologues across the Tianshan Mountains,central Asia

The satellite-based water vapor stable isotope measurements have been widely used in modern hydrological and atmospheric studies.Their use is important for arid areas where the precipitation events are limited,and below-cloud evaporation is strong.This study presents the spatial and temporal characteristics of water vapor isotopologue across the Tianshan Mountains in arid central Asia using the NASAAura Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer(TES).The near-surface water vapor stable isotopes are enriched in summer and depleted in winter,consistent with the seasonality of precipitation isotopes.From the surface to 200 hPa,the isotope values in water vapor show a decreasing trend as the atmospheric pressure decreases and elevation rises.The vapor isotope values in the lower atmosphere in the southern basin of the Tianshan Mountains are usually higher than that in the northern basin,and the seasonal difference in vapor isotopes is slightly more significant in the southern basin.In addition,bottom vapor isotopologue in summer shows a depletion trend from west to east,consistent with the rainout effect of the westerly moisture path in central Asia.The isotopic signature provided by the TES is helpful to understand the moisture transport and below-cloud processes influencing stable water isotopes in meteoric water.

Formation of South Tianshan suture and its geological significance

South Tianshan–Solonker suture,is the largest and southernmost suture within the Central Asian orogenic belt(CAOB).It records the ultimate collision between Tarim–North China cratons and Siberia craton,and is commonly interpreted as marking the eventual closure of Paleo-Asian Ocean.South Tianshan suture belongs to the western segment of the suture zone,and its evolutionary features are important for defining the formation age of the South Tianshan–Solonker suture.In this paper,the authors review the geochronological,geochemical,petrographic,and paleontological evidence within South Tianshan suture to delineate its formation era and closure characteristics,and thus further revealing the ultimate evolutionary pattern of the western segment of Paleo-Asian Ocean.This suture records strong plate collision before Late Carboniferous,forming a series of high-pressure metamorphic rocks,characterized by the presence of blue schist,eclogite and mica schist.In Permian,the whole area was under a relatively stable post-orogenic setting,with the formation of bimodal volcanic rocks,post-collisional granites,and terrestrial molasses.Sedimentary facies gradually changed from marine to either lacustrine or fluvial during this period.An Early Permian granite dike crosscuts the HP metamorphic belt,and the HP metamorphic rocks also underwent retrograde metamorphism at this time,indicating the formation of the South Tianshan suture was earlier than Permian.Hence,the western section of Paleo-Asian Ocean closed during Late Carboniferous,and Tarim Craton moved northward to collide with Kazakhstan–Yili Block,leading to the formation of the South Tianshan suture.