Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Volcanic Rocks in the Yeba Formation on the Gangdise Magmatic Arc, Tibet

The Early Jurassic bimodal volcanic rocks in the Yeba Formation, situated between Lhasa, Dagze and Maizhokunggar, composed of metabasalt, basaltic ignimbrite, dacite, silicic tuff and volcanic breccia, are an important volcanic suite for the study of the tectonic evolution of the Gangdise magmatic arc and the Mesozoic Tethys. Based on systematic field investigations, we carried out geochemical studies on representative rock samples. Major and trace element compositions were analyzed for these rock samples by XRF and ICP-MS respectively, and an isotope analysis of Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd was carried out by a MAT 262 mass spectrograph. The results show that the SiO2 contents in lava rocks are 41 %-50.4% and 64 % -69 %, belonging to calc-alkaline basalt and dacite. One notable feature of the basalt is its low TiO2 content, 0.66%-1.01%, much lower than those of continental tholeiite. The ∑REE contents of basalt and dacite are 60.3-135 μg/g and 126, 4--167.9μg/ g respectively. Both rocks have similar REE and other trace element characteristics, with enriched LREE and LILE relative to HREE and HFS, similar REE patterns without Eu anomaly. The basalts have depleted Ti, Ta and Nb and slightly negative Nb and Ta anomalies, with Nb = 0.54--1.17 averaging 0. 84. The dacites have depleted P and Ti and also slightly negative Nb and Ta anomalies, with Nb= 0. 74 -1. 06 averaging 0. 86. Major and trace elemental and isotopic studies suggest that both basalt and dacite originated from the partial melting of the mantle wedge at different degrees above the subduction zone. The spinal Iherzolite in the upper mantle is likely to be their source rocks, which might have been affected by the selective metasomatism of fluids with crustal geochemistry. The LILE contents of both rocks were affected by metamorphism at later stages. The Yeba bimodal volcanic rocks formed in a temporal extensional situation in a mature island arc resulting from the Indosinian Gangdise magmatic arc.

MULTIPLE ISLAND ARC-BASIN SYSTEM AND ITS EVOLUTION IN GANGDISE TECTONIC BELT,TIBET

Gangdise tectonic belt, located in the middle part of Tibet—Qinghai plateau Tethys tectonic domain, is the most representative region in Tibet—Qinghai plateau Tethyan evolution especially in Mesozoic era. It is mainly covered by thick Jurassic—Cretaceous system layer. During the Mesozoic to Cenozoic era, strong island\|arc types volcanism and volcanic rocks and intrusive rocks belt.. Geologists had divided the Tibet Tethyan evolution into three or four stages (Huang, Jiqing, 1987; Pan Guitang, Li Xinzheng, 1993), according to the ocean\|land conversion process of Tethyan evolution .The Tethyan evolution and the nature of Gangdise tectonic belt had been well\|studied by geologists (Huang Jiqing, 1987; Deng Wanming, 1984; Xia Daixiang, 1986; Cheng Changlun 1987; ZhouXiang 1993; Pan Guitang, 1996). Studies showed that Gangdise tectonic belt, from upper Paleozoic to Mesozoic era, had been developed alternate multiple island arc\|basin system, and characterized by many basin types and strong tectonic\|magma activity. Based on the study of Gangdise multiple island arc\|basin system, I present another version of Gangdise tectonic belt tectonic units division and evolution here.

PETROGENETIC AND METALLOGENETIC AGES FOR THE PORPHYRY COPPER DEPOSITS IN THE GANGDISE METALLOGENIC BELT IN SOUTHERN TIBET

Recent examination and assessment about the porphyry copper deposits in Gangdise metallogenic belt in southern Tibet have revealed that these porphyry copper deposits are highly prospective. Several methods have been used for the isotopic dating of the Qulong, Tinggong and Chongjiang porphyry copper deposits, which gives out a petrogenetic age of 17.58±0.74Ma (single-zircon dating of SHRIMP), a metallogenetic age of 15.99±0.32Ma (Re-Os isochron dating) and an alteration age ranging between 12.00Ma and 16.5Ma (K-Ar dating). The metallogenetic age is in general agreement with the alteration age. It can be seen that the petrogenetic and metallogenetic ages for the porphyry copper deposits in Gangdise metallogenic belt are noticeably later than the age for the collisional granitic intrusion in this belt. The authors contend that the porphyry copper deposits in the study area were formed in a post-collisional extensional tectonic setting, and are closely related to the delamination of the mountain roots of the orogenic belts and the uplifting of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Copper-Polymetal Metallogenic Series and Prospecting Perspective of Eastern Section of Gangdise

Geological, geophysical, geochemical and remote sensing comprehensive studies show that big ore-prospecting potentiality is contained in the eastern section of the Gangdise Mountains, Tibet. There are various mineralization types with dominant types of porphyry and exhalation. According to their relations with tectonic evolution, they are divided into four kinds of metallogenic series as follows: magmatic type (Cr, Pt, Cu, Ni) and exhalation type (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag) ore deposit series related to Neo-Tethys oceanic crust subduction action (125-96 Ma); epithermal type (Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Sb), altered fractured rock type (Cu, Mo) and skarn rock type (Cu) ore deposit series related to arc-continental collision; porphyry type (Cu, Mo), cryptoexplosion breccia type (Cu, Au, Pb, Zn), shear zone type (Au, Ag, Sb) and skarn rock type (Cu, Fe) ore deposit series with relation to post-orogenic extensional strike-slip. From subductive complex to the north, zoning appears to be crystallization differentiation type (segregation type)-shear zone type (altered rock type)-skarn rock type, epithermal type-porphyry type-porphyry type and exhalation type-exhalation type-hydrothermal filling-replacement type. The ore deposit is characterized by multi-places from the same source, parity and multi-stage, hypabyssal rock from the deep source and poly genetic compound as a whole.

Characteristics and evolution of ore-forming fluids of the Chongjiang copper deposit in the Gangdise porphyry copper belt, Tibet

Petrography, microthermometry, and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer （SEM/EDS） studies were performed on the fluid inclusions in the ore-beating quartz veins and quartz phenocrysts in the porphyry of the Chongjiang porphyry copper deposit. The analyses of the fluid inclusions indicate that the ore-forming fluids were exsolved from magma. They are near-saturated, supercritical, rich in volatile constituents, and have the capture temperature of 362-389℃ and salinities of 17.7wt%- 18.9wt% NaC1 eq. With the decreasing of temperature and pressure, the supercritical fluids were separated into a low salinity vapor phase and a high salinity liquid phase. During quartz-sericitization, the high salinity fluid boiled and separated into a low salinity vapor phase and a high salinity liquid phase. The high salinity inclusions that formed in the boiling process had daughter mineral melting temperatures higher than the homogenization temperatures of the vapor and liquid phases. The late fluids that are responsible for argillization are of lower temperature and salinity.

PORPHYRY AND SKARN Cu-Mo-Pb-Zn-Ag-Au METALLOGENY OF THE GANGDISE PLUTONIC -VOLCANIC ARC, TIBET

The Gangdise plutonic\|volcanic arc is situated in the eastern section of the Tethys\|Himalaya metallogenic province. It is acknowledged as a “tectonic\|magmatic complex" because of its well\|developed fault and igneous activities. Intermediate to acid plutons and dikes were mainly emplaced in the Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene volcanic rocks. The unique tectonic position and extremely complicated evolution history of the Gangdise arc have given rise to favorable conditions for polymetal mineralization. From Xietongmen in the west to Mozhugongka in the east of the arc, Au, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ag show large ore\|forming potentials with well overlapped and highly intensified polymetal anomalies. In the arc region, many localities, like Jiama (Cu, Pb, Zn, Au, Ag) and Qulong (Cu, Pb, Zn) in Mozhugongka county, Lakang’e (Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo) in Lazi county, Tinggong (Cu, Mo) and Chongjiang (Cu, Mo) in Nimu county, Dabu (Cu, Au) in Qushui county, and Dongga (Au, Cu) in Xietongmen county, have sound prospective for polymetals.

Positioning the Southern Margin of Asia Prior to Its Collision with India: Paleomagnetic Constraints from Late Cretaceous Dykes in Gangdise Belt

The pre-collisional southern margin of Asia can be restored using paleomagnetic data from late Cretaceous rocks from the Lhasa terrane.However,the available data are based either on the red beds or on the intercalated thin layers of lava flows,both of which had been involved in strongly folding.Recent studies show clear evidence for the possibility of serious overprint hence the data could not be reliably used for tectonic interpretation.We report paleomagnetic data from diorite dykes and the grano-diorite country rock in the Gandise belt near the city of Lhasa.U–Pb isotopic dating indicates the intrusive rocks have an age of;2–86 Ma.Fifteen sites yield acceptable Ch RM directions which pass a reversal test.SEM and light microscope observations show primaryintergrowth relationship between magnetite and other minerals within the thin sections.AMS measurement defines a primary magma flow fabric for the intruded dykes and the country rocks.All the characteristics support that the Ch RMs are primary.The paleomagnetic pole calculated from the remanence of the dykes and the country rocks yields a paleolatitude of;4°N which provide a reliable constraint for the southern margin of Asia near Lhasa.Furthermore,the recorded declination shows significant counterclockwise rotation of;0°for the sampling location relative to the north.In consideration of the strike and tectonic setting of the dykes,the strike of the southern margin of Asia is restored which is compatible with the hypothesis of a quasi-linear margin of Eurasia prior to its collision with India.

A DISCUSSION ON THE GENESIS OF THE JIAMA COPPER-POLYMETALLIC DEPOSIT, MAIZHOKUNGGER, XIZANG

Geological setting Jiama copper\|polymetallic deposit is located at Maizhokunggar county, more than 20km away from the county town. Tectonically, it lies in the eastern sector of the Gangdise volcanic arc, occurring in the Jiama\|Rutog interarc basin. The interarc basin lies between the Poindo\|Songduo Mesozoic island chain zone in the northern side and the Jurassic\|Cretaceous south Gangdise island arc zone in the southern side. Jurassic marine carbonate and Cretaceous paralic clastic rock are exposed in the basin. Late Yanshan\|Himalaya tectonic deformation and magmatic veins are well developed. These provide good conditions for forming the copper\|polymetallic ore deposit. Jiama copper\|polymetallic deposit is the only large one explored in the Gangdise volcannic arc.

Timing of Magma Mixing in the Gangdisê Magmatic Belt during the India-Asia Collision: Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb Dating

Abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) extensively distribute in granitoids in the Gangdise giant magmatic belt, within which the Qüxü batholith is the most typical MME-bearing pluton. Systematic sampling for granodioritic host rock, mafic microgranular enclaves and gabbro nearby at two locations in the Qüxü batholith, and subsequent zircon SHRIMP II U-Pb dating have been conducted. Two sets of isotopic ages for granodioritic host rock, mafic microgranular enclaves and gabbro are 50.4±1.3 Ma, 51.2±1.1 Ma, 47.0±l Ma and 49.3±1.7 Ma, 48.9±1.1 Ma, 49.9±1.7 Ma, respectively. It thus rules out the possibilities of mafic microgranular enclaves being refractory residues after partial melting of magma source region, or being xenoliths of country rocks or later intrusions.Therefore, it is believed that the three types of rocks mentioned above likely formed in the same magmatic event, i.e., they formed by magma mixing in the Eocene (c. 50 Ma). Compositionally, granitoid host rocks incline towards acidic end member involved in magma mixing, gabbros are akin to basic end member and mafic microgranular enclaves are the incompletely mixed basic magma clots trapped in acidic magma. The isotopic dating also suggested that huge-scale magma mixing in the Gangdise belt took place 15-20 million years after the initiation of the India-Asia continental collision, genetically related to the underplating of subduction-collision-induced basic magma at the base of the continental crust. Underplating and magma mixing were likely the main process of mass-energy exchange between the mantle and the crust during the continental collision, and greatly contributed to the accretion of the continental crust, the evolution of the lithosphere and related mineralization beneath the portion of the Tibetan Plateau to the north of the collision zone.

Glacial changes in the GangdisêMountains from 1970 to 2016

Based on the revised First Chinese Glacier Inventory (FCGI), the Second Chinese Glacier Inventory (SCGI) and Landsat OLI images for 2015-2016, we analyzed the spatial-temporal variation characteristics of glaciers in the Gangdisê Mountains from 1970 to 2016. The results showed that there were 3953 glaciers with a total area of 1306.45 km2 and ice volume of ~58.16 km3 in the Gangdisê Mountains in 2015-2016. Glaciers with sizes of 0.1-5 km2 and <0.5 km2 accounted for the largest area and the most amounts of glaciers in the Gangdisê Mountains, respectively. Over the past five decades, the area of glaciers in the Gangdisê Mountains decreased by 854.05 km2 (−1.09%a−1), accounting for 39.53% of the total glacier area in 1970. The increase in temperature during the ablation period was the most important cause for glacier retreat. Compared to other mountains in western China, the Gangdisê Mountains have experienced the strongest glacial retreat, and the rate of recession has increased in recent years. The decrease of glacier area was mainly concentrated at elevations of 5600-6100 m, and no change in glacier area was observed at elevations above 6500 m. The number and area of glaciers decreased in all orientations in the Gangdisê Mountains except for south- and southeast-oriented glaciers. Among them, north-oriented glaciers suffered the largest loss of glacier area, while glacier retreat saw the fastest in northwest-oriented glaciers. The rate of glacier retreat increased from west to east in the Gangdisê Mountains. The relative rate of glacier area change was the highest in the eastern section of the Gangdisê Mountains (−1.72%a−1), followed by the middle section (−1.67%a−1) and the western section (−0.83%a−1).

Discovery of Early Triassic conodonts in western Gangdisê and the establishment of the Tangnale Formation

Most geologists believe that there are no Early and Middle Triassic strata in the W. Gandisê stratigraphic subregion, but the present authors have found Early Triassic conodonts for the first time in the Shiquanhe area, including five conodonts genera (Form genera): Pachycladina, Neohindeodella, Cornudina, Hadrodontina and Hibbardella sp. etc. Then we affirm that Early Triassic deposits exist in the Gandisê stratigraphic subregion, and establish the Tangnale Formation. The conclusion is new important complementary basal data for Triassic stratigraphy division of Gangdisê, reconstructing palaogeography and studying Gangdisê from Paleozoic to Mesozoic island-arc evolution and transi-tion.