Composite Metallogenic Systems in the Weihai Area of Shandong and Evolution of Continental Dynamic Regimes

Based on 9 sheets of 1：50,000-scale regional geological survey and guided by the theory of metallogenic systems and integrated analyses of the structural and metallogenic features, this paper hereby puts forward the composite metallogenic systems of the Weihai area, Shandong Province, aiming at solving the problems on the origins and ore-controlling structures of the numerous deposits in the area. Its scientific significance is reflected in the following three aspects： （1） The basic features of the composite metallogenic systems can be recognized, which consist of two types： the Proterozoic metamorphic-hydrothermal metallogenic system and the Mesozoic magmatic-hydrothermal metallogenic system （i.e. the Indosinian-early Yanshanian contact metasomatic metallogenic series and the mid-late Yanshanian magmatic-hydrothermal metallogenic series）. The two series display arcuate and NW-right lateral arrangements and a N-S parallel zonal distribution respectively, with the corresponding mineral assemblages being Au＋Ag＋Pb＋Zn, etc.; and Cu＋Mo＋Fe, Au＋Ag＋Cu＋Pb- Zn＋Mo＋Co-Ni＋sulfides＋silicides＋K-feldspar, etc. （2） The composite metallogenic systems may be used to interpret the complicated genetic relations of the deposits. Through analyses of the relations between the three main metallogenic intervals and their corresponding source rock series （the Jingshan and Rongcheng groups; the Wendong super-unit and the early-middle Yanshanian Weideshan super-unit; and the mid-late Yanshanian Weideshan and Laoshan super-units） as well as a case study of the Fanjiabu gold deposit, we have distinguished the consanguinity between the contact metasomatic （skarn-type） metallogenic series and the magmatic-hydrothermal metallogenic series as well as the noncognate superposition between the two and the metamorphic-hydrothermal metallogenic system. （3） The composite metallogenic systems are easily related to the evolution of continental dynamic regimes. The formation of the metamorphic-hydrothermal metallogenic system has undergone transformations of three different types of tectono-dynamic regimes from extension→compression→ shearing; that of the contact metasomatic （skarn-type） metallogenic system from compression→extension→compression; and that of the magmatic-hydrothermal metallogenic system from extension →subductive compression of the Pacific Plate. The evolutions of the three types are all attributed to the opening-closing or divergence-convergence of the paleocontinent, and all their mineralization corresponds to the interval of transformation from the end of convergence to early integration of the Weihai paleocontinent. All these will benefit our deeper study of the dynamics of continental metallogenic processes.

Characteristics of the Composite Metallogenic System along the Jilin Paleocontinental Margin and the Evolution of Continental Dynamic Regimes

In view of the existing problems about the metallogenic epoch and origin of the complex along the Jilin paleocontinental margin, we propose the composite metallogenic system of the Jilin old land, based on the theory of metallogeny and from the continental dynamics and comprehensive analysis on the metallogenic characteristics. Its scientific theory is demonstrated by the following aspects: (1) Screening and analysis of the multi-stage super-imposition and sequences. The composite ore-forming system consists mainly of three types: the divergent-type epicontinental metallogenic system on the southern margin, the convergent-type epicontinental metallogenic system on the northern margin and the strike-slip-type epicontinental metallogenic system on the northeastern margin. Their major metallogenic epochs are Archean-Proterozoic, Variscan and Yanshanian respectively. (2) Comprehensive analysis of the genetic relations of the complicated deposits. The above-mentioned three types all indicate a consanguinity among granites, vein rocks and gold deposits, correspondence with geochemical elements, and unicity showing the same activities of mantle derived fluids and multi-source origin of ore-forming substances. (3) As to the mechanisms for mineral concentration, in addition to the sources, we also focus on the co-actions of permeability, vibration, gas-liquid state alternation and abrupt changes of flow velocity during the movement of ore-forming liquids, as well as the extraction and communication of multi-sequence circulating liquids. (4) It is helpful for establishing the relationship between metallogeny and the evolution of continental dynamic regimes, i.e., the ore-controlling correlations between the ore-forming elements-metallogenic series-metallogenic systems-composite metallogenic system and ore-controlling structural features (stratabound, primary and branching types)-regional faulting or secondary continental extension and collision-transformation of different continental dynamic types (divergent, convergent and strike-slip)-the evolution process of the whole old land for the Jilin old land margin. All these are helpful for further researches on the continental metallogenic dynamics.

Genesis of the Cenozoic Sodic Alkaline Basalt in the Xiahe–Tongren Area of the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau and its Continental Dynamic Implications

Objective The Cenozoic Indo-Asian collision caused significant crustal shortening and plateau uplift in the central Tibet. The extrusion tectonic model has been widely accepted to explain the strike-slip faults around the Tibetan Plateau. Previous studies indicate that the lower crust flow is the main drive force of the extrusion tectonics. Whether mantle extrusion process occurred during the Cenozoic uplift is a major problem to be addressed, which is significant for understanding the uplift mechanism and tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau.

Basic Types and Structural Characteristics of Uplifts:An Overview of Sedimentary Basins in China

The uplift is a positive structural unit of the crust. It is an important window for continental dynamics owing to its abundant structural phenomena, such as fault, fold, unconformity and denudation of strata. Meanwhile, it is the very place to store important minerals like oil, natural gas, coal and uranium. Giant and large-scale oil and gas fields in China, such as the Daqing Oilfield, Lunnan-Tahe Oilfield, Penglai 19-3 Oilfield, Puguang Gas Field and Jingbian Gas Field, are developed mainly on uplifts. Therefore, it is the main target both for oil and gas exploration and for geological study. The uplift can be either a basement uplift, or one developed only in the sedimentary cover. Extension, compression and wrench or their combined forces may give rise to uplifts. The development process of uplifting, such as formation, development, dwindling and destruction, can be taken as the uplifting cycle. The uplifts on the giant Precambrian cratons are large in scale with less extensive structural deformation. The uplifts on the medium- and small-sized cratons or neo-cratons are formed in various shapes with strong structural deformation and complicated geological structure. Owing to changes in the geodynamic environment, uplift experiences a multi-stage or multi-cycle development process. Its geological structure is characterized in superposition of multi-structural layers. Based on the basement properties, mechanical stratigraphy and development sequence, uplifts can be divided into three basic types-the succession, superposition and destruction ones. The succession type is subdivided into the maintaining type and the lasting type. The superposition type can be subdivided into the composite anticlinal type, the buried-hill draped type, the faulted uplift type and the migration type according to the different scales and superimposed styles of uplifts in different cycles. The destruction type is subdivided into the tilting type and the negative inverted type. The development history of uplifts and their controlling effects on sedimentation and fluids are quite different from one another, although the uplifts with different structural types store important minerals. Uplifts and their slopes are the main areas for oil and gas accumulation. They usually become the composite oil and gas accumulation zones （belts） with multiple productive formations and various types of oil and gas reservoirs.

Lithospheric Evolution and Geodynamic Process of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: An Inspiration from the Yadong-Golmud-Ejin Geoscience Transect

Abstract The Tibet Geoscience Transect (Yadong-Golmud-Ejin) has revealed the basic structures, tectonic evolution and geodynamic process of the lithosphere of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The evidence of northward thrusting of the Indian plate beneath the Himalayans on the southern margin and to southward compression of the Alxa block on the northern margin has been found. They were the driving forces causing the plateau uplift. The plateau is a continent resulting from amalgamation of eight terranes. These terranes are separated by sutures or large-scale faults, and different terranes have different lateral inhomogeneities and multi-layered lithospheric structures. At depths of about 20–30 km of the crust in the interior of the plateau there commonly exists a low-velocity layer. It is an uncoupled layer of the tectonic stress; above the layer, the upper crustal slices were thrust and overlapped each other and the rocks underwent brittle deformation, thus leading to shortening and thickening of the upper crust. Below the layer, the lateral change of the structure of the lower crust varies most greatly and ductile deformation occurs. The lower crust velocity of southern Tibet shows the reversed feature; whereas the lower crust velocity of northern Tibet increases and displays strong gradient variation and the character of the double Moho. On the whole, the Moho of the plateau is greatly undulatory. Although the crust of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has a great thickness, the lithosphere does not thicken markedly. The plateau is in a state of bi-directional compression. The unstable change of the Moho, the interaction between the crust and mantle and between the lithosphere and asthenosphere caused by the sinking of the lithospheric mantle and the strike slip and extension of the crust are the major dynamic factors for maintaining the present height and scope of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Intermediate-depth earthquakes beneath the Pamir-Hindu Kush Region:Evidence for collision between two opposite subduction zones

We employed a double-difference algorithm （hypoDD） to relocate earthquakes within the region bounded by 66°E-78°E and 32°N-42°N in the period of 1964-2003 reported by the International Seismological Center （ISC）. The improved hypocentral locations delineate a double-layered Wadati-Benioff zone in the eastern Hindu Kush intermediate seismic belt. Based on this feature and other evidences, we propose that the intermediate-depth earthquakes beneath the Pamir-Hindu Kush region may occur in two collided subduction zones with opposite dip directions.

Emplacement Ages and Geochemical Characteristics of Grabbroic Intrusions and Prospecting Orientation of Related Deposit in Luodian,Guizhou Province

Emplacement ages, geochemical characteristics and analysis of continental dynamics on gabbroic intrusions in Luodian County, Guizhou Province, have been discussed based on studies of isotopic chronology （the whole-rock Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isochron methods）, major elements, trace elements and PGE. Intrusive activities of the gabbroic intrusions in the study area took place during the Late Yanshanian Orogenic Movement （the Cretaceous Period）, as indicated by the Sm-Nd isochron ages （t）=（99.6±4.5） （2σ） Ma and by the Rb-Sr isochron ages t=（97±1.6） （2σ） Ma. The gabbroic intrusions are attached to mafic rocks in cal-alkaline basaltic series. They occurred as dikes and might be formed under an extensional background of the continent. Differentiation of their magmatic crystallization resulted in obvious zonation of petrography. In the gabbroic intrusions of this study, large ion lithophile elements and LREE are enriched, and the chondrite-normalized REE distribution pattern is leftward inclined without anomalies of JCe or JEu, and there are high concentrations of PGE and ratios of Pd/Ir （averaging 4.21）. All of these imply that their source areas may be basaltic magma in the upper mantle with high-level partial melting, derived from EMl-type enriched mantle. It is different from Emeishan basalt, which may be related to the upper mantle at low-grade partial melting. Emplacement mechanism of the gabbroic intrusions in this study may suppose to be asthenosphere upheaving as an isolated hot wave in the presence of mantle fluid, resulting in basaltic magma intruded into the continental crust as a diapiric intrusion. Therefore, uplifting of faulting-block and extensional deformation could take place in the shallow part of the continental crust while vertical amassing and accretion of magmatic materials in the deep part of the continental crust. These special processes could supposed to be a special background of continental dynamics for this large-scale epithermal metallogenic domain, such as Au, As, Sb and Hg deposits, and vertical uplifting of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in the Cretaceous Period.

Advances in Structural Geology and Tectonics in the Late 20th Century: A Review

Based on analyses of the share of documents of structural geology and tectonics in the GeoRef system over 100 years in the last century, and the historical change of international （31 years） and domestic （16 years） document counts of various topics in structural geology and tectonics, the position of structural geology and tectonics in the geosciences is evaluated and the major advaces in fields of plate tectonics, continental dynamics and global dynamics are reviewed. Our attention mainly focuses on the advances in studies of structural analysis, deformation mechanisms and rheology of rocks, contractional tectonics and late- and post-orogenic extensional collapse in orogens, large-scale strikeslip faults and indentation-extrusion tectonics, active tectonics and natural hazards. The relationships of structural geology and tectonics with petrology and geochronology are also discussed in terms of intersection of scientific disciplines. Finally, some suggestions are proposed for the further development of structural geology and tectonics in China.

A new stacking technique in ambient noise tomography

We have developed a new stacking technique in ambient noise tomography to obtain high-quality dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves. This technique is used to stack the vertical components of the Estimated Green Functions （EGFs） obtained respectively from cross correlation of the ambient noise data recorded by a remote seismic station and one of the short distance seismic stations of a seismic array. It is based on a phase-matched filter and is implemented by a four-step iterative process： signal compression, stacking, signal extraction and signal decompression. The iterative process ends and gives the dispersion curve of Rayleigh wave when the predicted one and the processing result converge. We have tested the method using the vertical components of synthetic Rayleigh wave records. Results show that this new stacking method is stable and it can improve the quality of dispersion curves. In addition, we have applied this method to real data. We see that the results given by our new technique are obviously better than the ones employing the traditional method which is a three-step process： signal compression, signal extraction and signal decompression. In conclusion, the new method proposed in this paper can improve the signal to noise ratio of EGFs, and can therefore potentially improve the resolution of ambient noise tomography.

Mesozoic tectono-magmatic activities in South China:Retrospect and prospect

The South China Block was formed through the collisional orogeny between the Cathaysia Block and the Yangtze Block in the Early Neoproterozoic.The northern,western and southern sides of the South China Block were affected by disappearance of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean during the Paleozoic.The southern and northern sides of the South China Block were respectively collided with the Indo-China Block and North China Block in the latest Paleozoic to form the basic framework of the Eastern China.The Eastern China has been affected by the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate since the Mesozoic.Therefore,the South China Block was influenced by the three major tectonic systems,leading to a superposed compound tectonics.The comparative study of the Mesozoic geology between the South China Block and its surrounding areas suggests that although the Mesozoic South China Block was adjacent to the subduction zone of the western Pacific,no juvenile arc-type crust has been found in the eastern margin.The main Mesozoic geology in South China is characterized by reworking of ancient continental margins to intracontinental tectonics,lacking oceanic arc basalts and continental arc andesites.Therefore,a key to understanding of the Mesozoic geology in South China is to determine the temporal-spatial distribution and tectonic evolution of Mesozoic magmatic rocks in this region.This paper presents a review on the tectonic evolution of the South China Block through summarizing the magmatic rock records from the compressional to extensional tectonic process with the transition at the three juncture zones and using the deformation and geophysic data from the deep part of the South China continental lithosphere.Our attempt is to promote the study of South China’s geology and to make it as a typical target for development of plate tectonic theory.

Tectonics of South China Continent and its implications

This paper aims at exploring the tectonic characteristics of the South China Continent （SCC） and extracting the universal tec- tonic rules from these characteristics,to help enrich the plate tectonic theory and better understand the continental dynamic system. For this purpose, here we conduct a multi-disciplinary investigation and combine it with the previous studies to reas- sess the tectonics and evolution of SCC and propose that the tectonic framework of the continent comprises two blocks, three types of tectonic units, four deformation systems, and four evolutionary stages with distinctive mechanism and tectonic characteris- tics since the Neoproterozoic. The four evolutionary stages are： （1） The amalgamation and break-up of the Neoproterozoic plates, typically the intracontinental rifting. （2） The early Paleozoic and Mesozoic intracontinental orogeny confined by plate tectonics, forming two composite tectonic domains. （3） The parallel operation of the Yangtze cratonization and intracontinental orogeny, and multi-phase reactivation of the Yangtze craton. （4） The association and differentiation evolution of plate tectonics and intraconti- nental tectonics, and the dynamic characteristics under the Meso-Cenozoic modem global plate tectonic regime.

Mianlüe tectonic zone and Mianlüe suture zone on southern margin of Qinling-Dabie orogenic belt

The Mianle tectonic zone (Mianle zone), an ancient suture zone in addition to the Shangdan suture in the Qinling-Dabie orogenic belt, marks an important tectonic division geo-logically separating north from south and connecting east with west in China continent. To de-termine present structural geometry and kinematics in the Mianle tectonic zone and to recon-struct the formation and evolution history involving plate subduction and collision in the Qinling-Dabie orogenic belt, through a multidisciplinary study, are significant for exploring the mountain-building orogenesis of the central orogenic system and the entire process of the major Chinese continental amalgamation during the Indosinian.

Geological Factors for the Formation of Xi＇an Ground Fractures

Xi＇an ground fractures are the most typical ground fractures in China. Fourteen fractures have nearly divided the historical city into several distinct sections. These fractures are parallel and dis- tributed in NEE direction at the same interval, with all features exhibiting a down dropping southerly block which extends to connect with the underlying fault. The activities of fractures are primarily ex- pressed as normal faults. The faulted strata are well defined and dislocation displacement increases with depth. Thus, fractures have the characteristics of syn-sedimentary faults, which constitute the hanging wall of the Lintong-Chang＇an fault branch system. Crustal thinning caused by the uplifting of upper man- tle provides a power source for extension and stretching along the fracture surface of the upper crust, which results in a series of extensional faults and the suitable conditions for forming massive ground frac- tures. The movement of tectonic blocks influences the normal dip-slipping tension of Lintong-Chang＇an fault branches, and produces a series of secondary tectonic fractures adjacent to surface, which constitute the prototype of ground fractures. The recent regional tensile stress produced by modern mainland de- formation, also profoundly influences the current activity of Xi＇an ground fractures.