Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Early Triassic Nianzi Adakitic Granite Unit in the Yanshan Fold and Thrust Belt:New Constraints from U-Pb Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes

The Nianzi granite unit,which includes the Nianzi,Xiaolianghou and Xiawopu granitic intrusions,is a significant component of the northern part of the North China Craton(NCC)and is situated in the Yanshan fold and thrust belt(YFTB).However,there is still debate regarding the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB during the late Permian to Triassic period,specifically regarding the timing of subduction and collision between the NCC and the Paleo-Asian Ocean.The Nianzi granite unit exhibits unique petrological,geochronological and geochemical signatures that shed light on the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB.This study presents detailed petrology,whole-rock geochemistry,together with Sr-Nd isotopic,zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopic data of the granites within the Nianzi granite unit.Our findings demonstrate that the granites primarily consist of subhedral K-feldspar,plagioclase,quartz,minor biotite and hornblende,with accessory titanite,apatite,magnetite and zircon.Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the Xiaolianghou granite was emplaced at 247.5±0.62 Ma.Additionally,the adakitic characteristics of the Nianzi,Xiawopu and Xiaolianghou granitic intrusions,such as high Sr and Ba contents and high ratios of Sr/Y and(La/Yb)N,combined with negative Sr-Nd and Lu-Hf isotopes(87Sr/86Sr)i=0.705681–0.7057433,εNd(t)=−21.98 to−20.97,zirconεHf(t)=−20.26 to−9.92,as well as the I-type granite features of high SiO_(2),Na_(2)O and K_(2)O/Na_(2)O ratios,enriched Rb,K,Sr and Ba,along with depleted Th,U,Nb,Ta,P and Ti,suggest that the Nianzi granitic unit was mainly derived from the partial melting of a thickened lower crust containing hydrous,calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline,mafic to intermediate metamorphic rocks.In light of these parameters,we further integrate our data with previous studies and conclude that the Nianzi granitic unit was generated in a post-collisional extensional environment during the Early Triassic.

Characteristics of carbon isotopic composition of alkane gas in large gas fields in China

Exploration and development of large gas fields is an important way for a country to rapidly develop its natural gas industry.From 1991 to 2020,China discovered 68 new large gas fields,boosting its annual gas output to 1925×108m3in 2020,making it the fourth largest gas-producing country in the world.Based on 1696 molecular components and carbon isotopic composition data of alkane gas in 70 large gas fields in China,the characteristics of carbon isotopic composition of alkane gas in large gas fields in China were obtained.The lightest and average values ofδ^(13)C_(1),δ13C2,δ13C3andδ13C4become heavier with increasing carbon number,while the heaviest values ofδ^(13)C_(1),δ13C2,δ13C3andδ13C4become lighter with increasing carbon number.Theδ^(13)C_(1)values of large gas fields in China range from-71.2‰to-11.4‰(specifically,from-71.2‰to-56.4‰for bacterial gas,from-54.4‰to-21.6‰for oil-related gas,from-49.3‰to-18.9‰for coal-derived gas,and from-35.6‰to-11.4‰for abiogenic gas).Based on these data,theδ^(13)C_(1)chart of large gas fields in China was plotted.Moreover,theδ^(13)C_(1)values of natural gas in China range from-107.1‰to-8.9‰,specifically,from-1071%o to-55.1‰for bacterial gas,from-54.4‰to-21.6‰for oil-related gas,from-49.3‰to-13.3‰for coal-derived gas,and from-36.2‰to-8.9‰for abiogenic gas.Based on these data,theδ^(13)C_(1)chart of natural gas in China was plotted.

A review of classical hydrogen isotopes storage materials

Hydrogen storage alloys(HSAs)are attracting widespread interest in the nuclear industry because of the generation of stable metal hydrides after tritium absorption,thus effectively preventing the leakage of radioactive tritium.Commonly used HSAs in the hydrogen isotopes field are Zr2M(M=Co,Ni,Fe)alloys,metallic Pd,depleted U,and ZrCo alloy.Specifically,Zr2M(M=Co,Ni,Fe)alloys are considered promising tritium-getter materials,and metallic Pd is utilized to separate and purify hydrogen isotopes.Furthermore,depleted U and ZrCo alloy are well suited for storing and delivering hydrogen isotopes.Notably,all the aforementioned HSAs need to modulate their hydrogen storage properties for complex operating conditions.In this review,we present a comprehensive overview of the reported modification methods applied to the above alloys.Alloying is an effective amelioration method that mainly modulates the properties of HSAs by altering their local geometrical/electronic structures.Besides,microstructural modifications such as nano-sizing and nanopores have been used to increase the specific surface area and active sites of metallic Pd and ZrCo alloys for enhancing de-/hydrogenation kinetics.The combination of metallic Pd with support materials can significantly reduce the cost and enhance the pulverization resistance.Moreover,the poisoning resistance of ZrCo alloy is improved by constructing active surfaces with selective permeability.Overall,the review is constructive for better understanding the properties and mechanisms of hydrogen isotope storage alloys and provides effective guidance for future modification research.

Crustal Composition of China Continent Constrained from Heat Flow Data and Helium Isotope Ratio of Underground Fluid

Based on conservation of energy principle and heat flow data in China continent, the upper limit of 1.3 μW/m3 heat production is obtained for continental crust in China. Furthermore, using the data of heat flow and helium isotope ratio of underground fluid, the heat productions of different tectonic units in China continent are estimated in range of 0.58-1.12 μW/m3 with a median of 0.85 μW/m3. Accordingly, the contents of U, Th and K20 in China crust are in ranges of 0.83-1.76 μg/g, 3.16-6.69 μg/g, and 1.0%-2.12%, respectively. These results indicate that the abundance of radioactive elements in the crust of China continent is much higher than that of Archean crust; and this fact implies China＇s continental crust is much evolved in chemical composition. Meanwhile, significant lateral variation of crustal composition is also exhibited among different tectonic units in China continent. The crust of eastern China is much enriched in incompatible elements such as U, Th and K than that of western China; and the crust of orogenic belts is more enriched than that of platform regions. It can also be inferred that the crusts of eastern China and orogenic belts are much felsic than those of western China and platform regions, respectively, derived from the positive correlation between the heat production and SiO2 content of bulk crust. This deduction is consistent with the results derived from the crustal seismic velocity data in China. According to the facts of the lower seismic velocity of China than the average value of global crust, and the higher heat production of China continent compared with global crust composition models published by previous studies, it is deduced that the average composition models of global continent crust by Rudnick and Fountain （1995）, Rudnick and Gao （2003）, Weaver and Tarney （1984）, Shaw et al. （1986）, and Wedepohl （1995） overestimate the abundance of incompatible elements such as U, Th and K of continental crust.

Attribution of the Langshan Tectonic Belt: Evidence from zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions

This study describes a previously unidentified Neoproterozoic mafic dyke emplaced in the northern flank of the Langshan Tectonic Belt. This dyke intruded into the micaquartz schist of the Zhaertaishan Group, and yielded an age of 908 ± 8 Ma. The youngest U-Pb ages of micaquartz schist from the Zhaertaishan Group in the Langshan area were 1118 ± 33 Ma,1187 ± 3 Ma and 1189 ± 39 Ma,suggesting that the depositional age of the protolith of the schist was between 908 ± 8 Ma and 1118 ± 33 Ma. In addition, 436 U-Pb age data and 155 Lu-Hf isotopic data from six samples in the Langshan Tectonic Belt and one Permian greywacke from the Wuhai area show distinct differences between the northern and southern flanks of the Main Langshan area. The U-Pb ages of the northern flank are primarily Meso-Neoproterozoic; similar ages have not been identified in the southern flank to date.Moreover, two-stage Hf model ages of the northern flank feature three age peaks at ～900 Ma,～1700 Ma and ～2600 Ma; this differs from Hf model ages of the southern flank, which feature one strong age peak at ～2700 Ma. These results suggest that the northern and southern flanks of the Main Langshan area have different geochronologic characteristics and should be divided further. Based on the U-Pb ages and Hf model ages, the northern and southern flanks of the Main Langshan area are named the North and South Langshan Tectonic Belts. Comparison of the U-Pb age and two-stage Hf model age distributions from the North Langshan Tectonic Belt, South Langshan Tectonic Belt, Alxa Block and the North China Craton(NCC) reveal that the North Langshan Tectonic Belt is similar to the Alxa Block and that the South Langshan Tectonic Belt is similar to the NCC. In addition, the zircon U-Pb age of 860 ±7 Ma commonly observed in the Alxa Block was detected in the Permian greywacke from the Wuhai area of the NCC, which suggests that the amalgamation of the North and South Langshan Tectonic belts(i.e.,the amalgamation of the Alxa Block and the NCC), occurred between Devonian and late Permian.

Evolution of Carbon Isotope Composition in Potential Global Stratotype Section and Point at Luoyixi, South China, for the Base of the Unnamed Global Seventh Stage of Cambrian System

This work deals with the evolution of carbon isotope composition in the Luoyixi （罗依溪） Section, a candidate of the Global Standard Stratotype-section and Point （GSSP）, defining the base of the as-yet-undefined seventh stage of Cambrian System at the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid Lejopyge iaevigata. This level is favored in a vote of International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy （ISCS） as the biohorizon for defining the base of a global stage. Two hundred and sixty-four samples for carbon and oxygen isotope analysis have been collected from the carbonate successions at an interval of 0.25 to 0.5 m in this section. Results of the carbon isotope data exhibit a remarkable disciplinarian trend. The pattern of the carbon isotope evolution is gently undulant with a relatively long period during the underlying Drumian Stage, and then the values of δ13C fluctuate sharply with a short period in provisional seventh stage. The onset of sharp fluctuation in the δ13C values begins at the proposed GSSP level, defining the base of the global seventh stage, where δ13C values change from a gentle trend to a sharp trend. Distinct covariant-relationships among δ13C,δ18O, and sea level fluctuations suggest that a warming change in paleoclimate took place during the early global seventh stage, which led to a positive shift in δ13C values.

Sources of organic matter and paleo-environmental implications inferred from carbon isotope compositions of lacustrine sediments at Inexpressible Island, Ross Sea, Antarctica

The carbon isotopic composition of organic matter （δ^13Corg） was determined in two sediment cores （IIL1 and IIL9） recovered from Inexpressible Island, Ross Sea, Antarctica, and analyzed to identify the sources of that organic matter. The δ^13Corg values of sediments of IIL9 were found to vary between -14.6‰ and -11.6‰, with a mean of-13.4‰ （n=48）. These values were significantly higher than those of IIL1 sediments which varied between -23.2‰ and -20.4‰, with a mean of-21.8%o （n=55）. The variation in δ^13Corg values in these two sediment cores indicate different sources of organic matter, The relatively high 6~3Corg values in IIL9 are in accordance with a source from algae, while the low δ^13Corg values in IIL1 evince significant influence from penguin guano with algae as the secondary source. Compared with the reference data from other high-latitude lake sediments and plants, the δ^13Corg values in IIL9 were extremely high, a result likely related to intense competition for CO2 assimilation among algal species during the growing season in this relatively shallow pond. These results indicate that sedimentary δ^13Corg is a reliable proxy for paleo-primary productivity in ponds at Inexpressible Island.

Iron Isotope Compositions of Natural River and Lake Samples in the Karst Area,Guizhou Province,Southwest China

To better understand the Fe isotope characteristics of natural samples in the Karst area,the Fe isotope compositions of riverine suspended particulates,lake suspended particulates,lake sediments,porewaters,phytoplanktons,and aerosols in the watersheds of Lake Aha（a mineralized water system）and Lake Hongfeng（a mesotrophic water system）,which are located in the Karst area, southwest China,were investigated.The studied samples displayed a variable range betweenδ^（56）Fe=-2.03‰and 0.36‰.Aerosols and phytoplanktons have similar or slightly heavier Fe isotope compositions relative to the average of igneous rocks.Fe isotope compositions of riverine Suspended Particulate Matter（SPM）were mainly affected by the types of tributaries.Suspended particulates collected from tributaries seriously contaminated with coal mine drainages displayed negativeδ^（56）Fe values（-0.89‰to-0.31‰）during summer,and there were significant increases ofδ^（56）Fe values in winter,except AR2,which was polluted with both coal mine drainage and sewage effluent. Characteristics of lakes have important influences on Fe isotope compositions of suspended particulates,lake sediments,and porewaters.The epilimnetic particulate Fe of Lake Hongfeng hadδ^（56）Fe=-0.04‰to 0.13‰,while lighter Fe isotope compositions were measured for particulate Fe from Lake Aha,ranging from-0.42‰to-0.09‰.Sediments collected from Hou Wu（HW）station of Lake Hongfeng have an averageδ^（56）Fe value of 0.09‰and their corresponding porewaters have lighter Fe isotope compositions,ranging from-0.57‰to-0.31‰;no significant variations have been observed. For the Liang Jiang Kou（LJK）station of Lake Aha,the content of reactive Fe and the concentration of sulfate were all high.Due to the reactive Fe recycling,including dissimilatory Fe reduction,adsorption, and Fe-sulfide formation,porewaters sampled near the sediment surface have been found to have aδ^（56）Fe value as low as-2.03‰and an increase up to 0.12‰,with a burial depth of 10 cm.In contrast,an opposite variation trend was found for LJK sediments.Sediments sampled at 1-cm depth had a value ofδ^（56）Fe=-0.59‰and decrease as low as-1.75‰with burial depth.This investigation demonstrated that significant Fe isotope fractionations occur in surface environments.Fe isotope compositions of particulate Fe were seriously affected by Fe sources,and Fe biogeochemical recycling has an important influence on Fe isotope fractionations in lake sediments,especially when there are significant amounts of reactive Fe and sulfate.

Fluid Composition and Carbon & Oxygen Isotope Geochemistry of Cenozoic Alkali Basalts in Eastern China

The fluid compositions of Cenozoic alkali basalts in eastern China have been determined by the pyrolysis MS method, meanwhile the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of CO 2 released from these samples at different heating temperatures have been analyzed by the vacuum step heating method. The data show the volatile heterogeneity in upper mantle sources and different evolution trends of alkali basaltic magmas in eastern China, and these alkali basaltic magmas may be generated in the oxidizing milieu, as compared with mantle derived xenoliths in these alkali basalts, and exotic volatile components were mixed into these magmas in the process of their formation and development.

Sulphur and Lead Isotope Compositions of the Dajiangping Deposit in Western Guangdong Province

The Dajiangping pyrite deposit located in the middle sector of the Yunkai uplift in western Guangdong is a stratiform sulphide deposit occurring in Sinian marine clastic and fine clastic rocks. The formation of the deposit was related to submarine exhalation and hot brine deposition. A part of it was reformed by late-stage hydrothermal solution. The δ34S values of pyrite vary from - 25.55‰ to +21.07‰, which are inversely proportional to the content of organic carbon in ore and pyrite. Passing from striped fine-grained pyrite ore to massive coarse-grained pyrite ore, i.e. from south to north, the sulphur isotopic composition changes from the light sulphur-enriched one to the heavy sulphur-enriched one. The lead isotopic composition of striped ore is consistent with that of the country rocks of orebodies and the lead is radiogenic lead derived from the upper crust. The lead isotopic composition of massive ore is relatively homogeneous and its 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios are a bit lower than those of striped ore;the lead result from mixing of synsedimentary ore lead with that derived from basement migmatlte brought by late-stage hydrothermal solutions.

Ancient depletion signals in lherzolites from forearc region:Constraints from Lu-Hf isotope compositions

The sub-arc mantle that experienced hydrous melting is commonly characterized by refractory geochemical compositions. Nevertheless, minor lherzolites with fertile compositions have also been reported for mantle peridotites from subduction zone. The petrogenesis and mantle source of the lherzolites are still controversial. The New Caledonia ophiolite(Peridotite Nappe) has been regarded as an allochthonous body of forearc lithosphere. This is supported by refractory compositions of its dominant mantle rocks.A few isolated lherzolitic massifs have also been observed in the northern part of New Caledonia.Those lherzolites are compositionally similar to abyssal peridotites, with negligible subduction-related modification. Here, we present new comprehensive geochemical compositions, in particular highprecision Sr-Nd-Hf isotope data, for the lherzolites. The initial^(176) Hf/^(177) Hf ratios display moderate correlations with sensitive indicators for the extent of melting(i.e., olivine Fo, whole-rock Mg# and Yb contents in clinopyroxene) and whole-rock initial^(187) Os/^(188) Os ratios. Some samples have ancient radiogenic Hf isotopes and unradiogenic Os isotope compositions, implying the preservation of ancient depletion signals in the lherzolites. The Nd isotope compositions, together with trace elements and mineral micro-textures, suggest that the lherzolites have been overprinted by a recent melt-rock interaction event. The high equilibrium temperatures of the studied samples have been estimated by the twopyroxene REE thermometer, yielding temperatures of 1066–1315 ℃. The lherzolites have more depleted Nd-Hf isotope compositions and higher equilibrium temperatures than the New Caledonia harzburgites.This indicates that the lherzolites may represent the residues of asthenosphere mantle trapped within the forearc region. Our studies on the New Caledonia lherzolites with ancient depletion signals suggest that ancient mantle domains in the convective mantle can be emplaced in forearc region by the upwelling of asthenosphere during the early stage of subduction initiation.

Zircon U-Pb Chronology and Whole-rock Sr-Nd Isotope Compositions of Granite Porphyry in the Kaladaban Area of the Northern Altyn

Objective The Altyn Tagh marks the northern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and lies between the Tarim block to the north and the Qaidam block,Qilian Orogen,and Kunlun orogenic belt to the south.The Altyn Tagh region contains ophiolite,high-to ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks,and igneous rocks.Previous research has virified the occurrence of continental rifting,subduction,slab roll-back,and collision between the Tarim block and Proto-Tethys oceanic plate.Moreover,Kaladaban volcanic rocks are mainly distributed in the north Altyn region.Studies of the magmatic evolution of this region have proposed that Altyn oceanic plate was subducted during the Ordovician(Han et al.,2012;Wang et al.,2017).However,the specific timing and other aspects of the subduction are debated,and an investigation of granite porphyry in the Kaladaban area would improve our understanding of this subduction event.In this study,we present new U-Pb zircon dating result and Sr-Nd isotope composition data for granite porphyry from the North Altyn region.The objective is to constrain the timing of subduction of the North Altyn oceanic plate and establish the petrogenesis and magma source of the granite porphyry.

Leaf stable carbon isotope composition in Picea schrenkiana var. tianschanica in relation to leaf physiological and morphological characteristics along an altitudinal gradient

To understand the effects of leaf physiological and morphological characteristics on δ13C of alpine trees, we examined leaf δ13C value, LA, SD, LNC, LPC, LKC, Chla+b, LDMC, LMA and Narea in one-year-old needles of Picea schrenkiana var. tianschanica at ten points along an altitudinal gradient from 1420 m to 2300 m a.s.l. on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains in northwest China. Our results indicated that all the leaf traits differed significantly among sampling sites along the altitudinal gradient(P<0.001). LA, SD, LPC, LKC increased linearly with increasing elevation, whereas leaf δ13C, LNC, Chla+b, LDMC, LMA and Narea varied non-linearly with changes in altitude. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that four controlled physiological and morphological characteristics influenced the variation of δ13C. Among these four controlled factors, LKC was the most profound physiological factor that affected δ13C values, LA was the secondary morphological factor, SD was the third morphological factor, LNC was the last physiological factor. This suggested that leaf δ13C was directly controlled by physiological and morphological adjustments with changing environmental conditions due to the elevation.

VARIATIONS IN ISOTOPIC COMPOSITIONS OF CHLORINE IN EVAPORATION-CONTROLLED SALT LAKE BRINES OF QAIDAM BASIN,CHINA

The variations in the isotopic compositions of chlorine in evaporation controlled saline lake brines were determined by using an improved procedure for precise measurement of chlorine isotopes based on Cs 2Cl + ion by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The results showed that variation in δ 37 Cl values in these evaporation controlled brines are attributable to evaporation of brine accompanied by the deposition of saline minerals. The isotopic fractionation of chlorine between the deposited saline mineral and the co existing brine caused the variation of δ 37 Cl values in the brine. In general the isotopic fractionation of chlorine in nature indicates enrichment of 3 7Cl in the solid phase relative to 3 5Cl. The reverse isotopic fractionation of chlorine in which 3 5Cl is enriched in the solid phase, was observed to some extent during quick deposition under laboratory conditions as well as in nature. The mechanism of isotopic fractionation of chlorine during evaporation deposition was studied.

Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Composition of Surface-Sediment Carbonate in Bosten Lake (Xinjiang,China) and its Controlling Factors

Bosten Lake is a mid-latitude lake with water mainly supplied by melting ice and snow in the Tianshan Mountains. The depositional environment of the lake is spatially not uniform due to the proximity of the major inlet and the single outlet in the western part of the lake. The analytical results show that the carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of recent lake sediments is related to this specific lacustrine depositional environment and to the resulting carbonate mineralogy. In the southwestern lake region between the Kaidu River inlet and the Kongqi River outlet, carbon isotope composition （δ^13C） values of the carbonate sediment （-1‰ to -2‰） have no relation to the oxygen isotope composition of the carbonate （δ^18O） values （-7‰ to -8‰）, with both isotopes showing a low variability. The carbonate content is low （〈20%）. Carbonate minerals analyzed by X-ray diffraction are mainly composed of calcite, while aragonite was not recorded. The salinity of the lake water is low in the estuary region as a result of the Kaidu River inflow. In comparison, the carbon and oxygen isotope values are higher in the middle and eastern parts of the lake, with δ^13C values between approximately ＋0.5‰ and ＋3‰, and δ^18O values between -1‰ and -5‰. There is a moderate correlation between the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes, with a coefficient of correlation r of approximately 0.63. This implies that the lake water has a relatively short residence time. Carbonate minerals constitute calcite and aragonite in the middle and eastern region of the lake. Aragonite and Mg-calcite are formed at higher lake water salinity and temperatures, and larger evaporation effects. More saline lake water in the middle and eastern region of the lake and the enhanced isotopic equilibrium between water and atmospheric CO2 cause the correlating carbon and oxygen isotope values determined for aragonite and Mg-calcite. Evaporation and biological processes are the main reasons for the salinity and carbonate mineralogy influence of the surface-sediment carbonate in Bosten Lake. The lake water residence time and the CO2 exchange between the atmosphere and the water body control the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of the carbonate sediment. In addition, organic matter pollution and decomposition result in the abnormally low carbon isotope values of the lake surface-sediment carbonate.

High-Resolution Records of the Holocene Paleoenvironmental Variation Reflected by Carbonate and Its Isotopic Compositions in Bosten Lake and Response to Glacial Activities

The Early Holocene paleoclimate in Bosten Lake on the northern margin of the Tarim Basin, southern Xinjiang, is reconstructed through an analysis of a 953 cm long core （BSTC2000） taken from Bosten Lake. Multiple proxies of this core, including the mineral components of carbonate, carbonate content, stable isotopic compositions of carbonate, Ca/Sr, TOC and C/N and C/S of organic matter, are used to reconstruct the climatic change since 8500 a B.P. The chronology model is made by nine AMS 14C ages of leaves, seeds and organic matter contained in two parallel cores. The climate was cold and wet during 8500 to 8100 a B.P. Temperature increased from 8100 to 6400 a B.P., the climate was warm and humid, and the lake expanded. The lake level was highest during this stage. Then from 6400 to 5100 a B.P., the climate became cold and the lake level decreased slightly. During the late mid-Holocene, the climate was hot and dry from 5100 to 3100 a B.P., but there was a short cold period during 4400 to 3800 a B.P. At this temporal interval, a mass of ice and snow melting water supplied the lake at the early time and made the lake level rise. The second highest lake level stage occurred during 5200 to 3800 a B.P. The climate was cool and wet during 3100 to 2200 a B.P., when the lake expanded with decreasing evaporation. The lake had the last short-term high level during 3100 to 2800 a B.P. After this short high lake level period, the lake shrank because of the long-term lower temperature and reduced water supply. From 2200 to 1200 a B.P., the climate was hot and dry, and the lake shrank greatly. Although the temperature decreased somewhat from 1200 a B.P. to the present, the climate was warm and dry. The lake level began to rise a little again, but it did not reach the river bed altitude of the Konqi River, an outflow river of the Bosten Lake.

The Isotopic Composition of Noble Gases in Gold Deposits and the Source of Ore-Forming Materials in the Region of North Hebei, China

The source of ore\|forming materials has long been a controversial focus both in metallogenic theory and in ore\|searching practice. This study deals with the helium and argon isotopic characteristics of pyrites from 11 gold deposits and some country rocks in the gold mineralization\|concentrated areas within the three mantle\|branch structures in the region of North Hebei Province. It is indicated that \{\}\+3He/\+4He ratios in the gold deposits are within the range of \{0.93×10\+\{-6\}\}-\{7.3×10\+\{-6\}\}, with an average of \{3.55\} ×10\+\{-6\}; R/Ra=\{0.66\}-\{4.93\}, averaging \{2.53\}; \{\{\}\+\{40\}Ar/\+\{39\}Ar\} ratios vary between 426 and 2073, with the average value of \{\}\+\{40\}Ar being \{8.32\}; and the average of \{\}\+4He/\{\}\+\{40\}Ar ratios is 2.17. \{\}\+3He/ \{\}\+4He ratios in gneiss and granite in the periphery of the mining district are within the range of \{0.001×10\+\{-6\}\}-\{0.55×10\+\{-6\}\}, reflecting significant differences in their sources. \{\}\+3He and \{\}\+4He fall near the mantle, as is shown in the He concentration diagram. Studies have shown that the ore\|forming materials in this region should come from the deep interior of the Earth. With the multi\|stage evolution of mantle plume, ore\|forming fluids in the deep interior were moving upwards to shallow levels (crust). Under such circumstances, there would be inevitably occur crust/mantle fluid mixing, so their noble gas isotopic characteristics are intermediate between the mantle and the crust.

Isotopic Compositions of Sulfur in the Jinshachang Lead–Zinc Deposit, Yunnan, China, and its Implication on the Formation of Sulfur-Bearing Minerals

The Jinshachang lead-zinc deposit is mainly hosted in the Upper Neoproterozoic carbonate rocks of the Dengying Group and located in the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou （SYG） Pb-Zn-Ag multi- metal mineralization area in China. Sulfides minerals including sphalerite, galena and pyrite postdate or coprecipitate with gangue mainly consisting of fluorite, quartz, and barite, making this deposit distinct from most lead-zinc deposits in the SYG. This deposit is controlled by tectonic structures, and most mineralization is located along or near faults zones. Emeishan basalts near the ore district might have contributed to the formation of orebodies. The j34S values of sphalerite, galena, pyrite and barite were estimated to be 3.6‰-13.4‰, 3.7‰-9.0‰, -6.4‰ to 29.2‰ and 32.1‰34.7‰, respectively. In view of the similar δ34S values of barite and sulfates being from the Cambrian strata, the sulfur of barite was likely derived from the Cambrian strata. The homogenization temperatures （T ≈ 134--383℃） of fluid inclusions were not suitable for reducing bacteria, therefore, the bacterial sulfate reduction could not have been an efficient path to generate reduced sulfur in this district. Although thermochemical sulfate reduction process had contributed to the production of reduced sulfur, it was not the main mechanism. Considering other aspects, it can be suggested that sulfur of sulfides should have been derived from magmatic activities. The δ34S values of sphalerite were found to be higher than those of coexisting galena. The equilibrium temperatures calculated by using the sulfur isotopic composition of mineral pairs matched well with the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions, suggesting that the sulfur isotopic composition in ore-forming fluids had reached a partial equilibrium.

Hydrogen Isotopic Compositions of Pyroxenes in Nushan Peridotite Xenoliths,SE China

Hydrogen isotopic compositions of pyroxenes in peridotite xenoliths from the Nushan volcano, Anhui Province, SE China have been obtained using an ion probe (Cameca 1270). D/H ratios are constant within a single grain and among the different grains from the same sample. The lack of correlation between the D/H ratios and the hydrogen contents indicates that the hydrogen isotopic compositions are inherited from their mantle source. Combining with the δD values of coexisting amphiboles, it is inferred that the Nushan mantle experienced at least a two-stage metasomatic event. One was responsible for formation of amphiboles with extremely variable δD values, and the other was probably responsible for the high δD values (up to ?20‰) of some clinopyroxenes from peridotites, clinopyroxene and mica megacrysts. High δD values point to a subduction-related fluid being involved in one metasomatic event. The primary δD values (?90‰ to ?140‰) of the Nushan pyroxenes, together with data gleaned from the literature, suggest that the D/H ratios of the nominally anhydrous mineral reservoir might have differed from that of the other mantle hydrogen in being relatively depleted in D.

Ore Genesis of the Kalatongke Cu-Ni Sulfide Deposits, Western China: Constraints from Volatile Chemical and Carbon Isotopic Compositions

The Kalatongke Cu-Ni sulfide deposits located in the East Junggar terrane, northern Xinjiang, western China are the largest magmatic sulfide deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt （CAOB）. The chemical and carbon isotopic compositions of the volatiles trapped in olivine, pyroxene and sulfide mineral separates were analyzed by vacuum stepwise-heating mass spectrometry. The results show that the released volatiles are concentrated at three temperature intervals of 200-400°C, 400-900°C and 900-1200°C. The released volatiles from silicate mineral separates at 400-900°C and 900-1200°C have similar chemical and carbon isotopic compositions, which are mainly composed of H2O （av. ~92 mol%） with minor H2, CO2, H2S and SO2, and they are likely associated with the ore-forming magmatic volatiles. Light δ13CCO2 values （from -20.86‰ to -12.85‰） of pyroxene indicate crustal contamination occurred prior to or synchronous with pyroxene crystallization of mantlederived ore-forming magma. The elevated contents of H2 and H2O in the olivine and pyroxene suggest a deep mantle-originated ore-forming volatile mixed with aqueous volatiles from recycled subducted slab. High contents of CO2 in the ore-forming magma volatiles led to an increase in oxygen fugacity, and thereby reduced the solubility of sulfur in the magma, then triggered sulfur saturation followed by sulfide melt segregation; CO2 contents correlated with Cu contents in the whole rocks suggest that a supercritical state of CO2 in the ore-forming magma system under high temperature and pressure conditions might play a key role in the assemblage of huge Cu and Ni elements. The volatiles released from constituent minerals of intrusion 1# have more CO2 and SO2 oxidized gases, higher CO2/CH4 and SO2/H2S ratios and lighter δ13CCO2 than those of intrusions 2# and 3#. This combination suggests that the higher oxidation state of the volatiles in intrusion 1# than intrusions 2# and 3#, which could be one of key ore-forming factors for large amounts of ores and high contents of Cu and Ni in intrusion 1#. The volatiles released at 200-400°C are dominated by H2O with minor CO2, N2＋CO and SO2, with δ13CCO2 values （-25.66‰ to -22.98‰） within the crustal ranges, and are considered to be related to secondary tectonic-hydrothermal activities.