Geochemistry of Mesoproterozoic Volcanic Rocks in the Western Kunlun Mountains: Evidence for Plate Tectonic Evolution

Mesoproterozoic volcanic rocks occurring in the north of the western Kunlun Mountains can be divided into two groups. The first group (north belt) is an reversely-evolved bimodal series. Petrochemistry shows that the alkalinity of the rocks decreases from early to late: alkaline→calc-alkaline→tholeiite, and geochemistry proves that the volcanic rocks were formed in rifting tectonic systems. The sedimentary facies shows characteristics of back-arc basins. The second (south belt) group, which occurs to the south of Yutian-Minfeng-Cele, is composed of calc-alkaline island arc (basaltic) andesite and minor rhyolite. The space distribution, age and geochemistry of the two volcanite groups indicate that they were formed in a back-arc basin (the first group) and an island arc (the second group) respectively and indicate the plate evolution during the Mesoproterozoic. The orogeny took place at -1.05 Ga, which was coeval with the Grenville orogeny. This study has provided important geological data for exploring the position of the Paleo-Tarim plate in the Rodinia super-continent.

Mesoproterozoic Earthquake Events and Breakup of the Sino-Korean Plate

In the Mesoproterozoic time, the northern part of the Sino-Korean Plate experienced a period of intensive tectonic extension and breakup. 1. An abundance of sedimentary earthquake records is preserved in the Chuanlinggou, Tuanshanzi and Gaoyuzhuang formations in the Mesoproterozoic Changcheng System （1800-1400 Ma） and in the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation of the Jixian System （1400-1000 Ma）. These earthquake records are characterized by various liquefied sand-veins, carbonate microspar and coarser spar veins, limestone dikes, liquefied breccia and various forms of liquefied contorted bedding. This deformation is always associated with synsedimentary faults and igneous activity. 2. Three liquefaction models for soft carbonate sediments are recognized, including liquefaction in laminated carbonate rocks, liquefaction in thin-bedded carbonates and large-scale liquefaction along huge carbonate dikes. 3. Based on the record of earthquake and volcanic activities, the Sino-Korean Plate experienced at least twice intraplate breakups. One occurred between 1800-1400 Ma, and the other occurred at about 1200 Ma. The last breakup resulted in formation of the Yan-Liao aulacogen, a tectonic zone characterized by deeper material vibrancy, active faults, major igneous activity and frequent earthquakes.

Hydrothermal Mineralization on the Mesoproterozoic Passive Continental Margins of China: A Case Study of the Langshan-Zha'ertaishan Belt,Inner Mongolia, China

Most ore-forming characteristics of the Langshan-Zha'ertaishan hydrothermal exhalation belt, which consists of the Dongshengmiao, Huogeqi, Tanyaokou and Jiashengpan large-superlarge Zn-Pb-Cu-Fe sulfide deposits, are most similar to those of Mesoproterozoic SEDEX-type provinces of the world. The characteristics include: (1) All deposits of this type in the belt occur in third-order fault-basins in the Langshan-Zha'ertaishan aulacogen along the northern margin of the North China Platform; (2) these deposits with all their orebodies hosted in the Mesoproterozoic impure dolomite-marble and carbonaceous phyllite (or schists) have an apparent stratabound nature; ores display laminated and banded structures, showing clear depositional features; (3) there is some evidence of syn-sedimentary faulting, which to a certain extent accounts for the temporal and spatial distribution and the size of the orebodies in all deposits and the formation of intrabed conglomerates and breccias; (4) they show lateral and vertical zonation of sulfides; (5) The Cu/(Pb+Zn+Cu) ratio of the large and thick Pb+Zn+Cu orebodies gradually decreases from bottom to top; and (6) barite is interbedded with pyrites and sometimes with sphalerite. However, some characteristics such as the Co/Ni radio of the pyrites, the volcanism, for example, of the Langshan-Zha'ertaishan metallogenic belt, are different from those of the typical SEDEX deposits of the world. The meta-basic volcanic rock in Huogeqi, the sodic bimodal volcanic rocks in the Dongshengmiao and potassic bimodal-volcanic rocks with blastoporphyritic and blasto-glomeroporphyritic texture as well as blasto-amygdaloidal structure in the Tanyaokou deposits have been discovered in the only ore-bearing second formation of the Langshan Group in the past 10 years. The metallogeny of some deposits hosted in the Langshan Group is closely related to syn-sedimentary volcanism based on the following facts: most of the lead isotopes in sphalerite, galena, pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite plot on both sides of the line for the mantle or between the lines for the mantle and lower crust in the lead isotope composition diagram; cobalt content of some pyrites samples is much higher than the nickel content (Co/Ni=11.91-12.19). Some volcanic blocks and debris have been picked out from some pyritic and pyrrhotitic ores. All Zn-Pb-Cu-Fe sulfide orebodies in these deposits occur in the strata overlying metamorphic volcanic rocks in the only ore-bearing second formation. In the Jiashengpan deposit that lacks syn-sedimentary volcanic rocks in the host succession only Pb and Zn ores occur without Cu ore, but in the Dongshengmiao, Tanyaokou and Huogeqi deposits with syn-sedimentary volcanic rocks in the host succession Cu ores occur. This indicates a relatively higher ore-forming temperature. The process of syn-sedimentary volcanic eruption directly supplied some ore-forming elements, and resulted in secular geothermal anomaly favorable for the circulation of a submarine convective hydrothermal system, which accounts for the precipitation of deep mineralizing fluids exhaling into anoxidic basins along the syn-sedimentary fault system in the Langshan-Zha'ertai rift. The Dongshengmiao, Tanyaokou, and Huogeqi deposits hosted in the Langshan Group appear to be a transitional type of mineral deposit between SEDEX and VMS-types but with a bias towards SEDEX, while the Jiashengpan deposit hosted in the Zha'ertai Group is of a characteristic SEDEX type. This evidence, together with other new discoveries of Mesoproterozoic volcanic rocks and the features of lithogeny and metallogeny of the Bayun Obo deposit in the neighborhood emphasize the diversity, complexity and uniqueness of the Mesoproterozoic Langshan-Zha'ertai-Bayun Obo ore belt.

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.

Implications of the Precambrian Non-stromatolitic Carbonate Succession Making up the Third Member of Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation in Yanshan Area of North China

A particular non-stromatolitic carbonate succession making up the third member of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang （高于庄） Formation might demonstrate that a stromatolite decline of the Mesoproterozoic occurring at ca. 1 450 Ma besides other three events of the Proterozoic, respectively, occurred at ca. 2 000 Ma, ca. 1 000 Ma, and ca. 675 Ma. The forming duration of this non-stromatolitic carbonate succession can be generally correlative to that of a similar depositional succession in North America, i.e. a non-stromatolitic carbonate succession made up by the Helena Formation of the Belt Supergroup, which suggests that the stromatolite decline occurring at ca. 1 450 Ma may be a global event. This information endows the non-stromatolitic carbonate succession making up the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation in the Yanshan （燕山） area with important significance for the further understanding of Precambrian sedimentology. The Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation in Yanshan area is a set of more than 1 000 m thick carbonate strata that can be divided into four members （or subformations）. The first member （or the Guandi （官地） subformation） is marked by a set of stromatolitic dolomites overlying a set of transgressive sandstones; the second member （or the Sangshu＇an （桑树鞍） subformation） is a set of manganese dolomites with a few stromatolites; the third member （or the Zhangjiayu （张家峪） subformation） is chiefly made up of leiolite and laminite limestones and is characterized by the development of molar-tooth structures in leiolite limestone; the fourth member （or the Huanxiusi （环秀寺） subformation） is composed of a set of dolomites of stromatolitic reefs or lithoherms. Sequence-stratigraphic divisions at two sections, i.e. the Jixian （蓟县） Section in Tianjin （天津） and the Qiangou （千沟） Section of Yanqing （延庆） County in Beijing （北京）, demonstrate that a particularly non-stromatolitic succession making up the third member of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation is developed in the Yanshan area of North China, in which lots of grotesque matground structures （wrinkle structures and palimpsest ripples） are developed in beds of leiolite limestone at the Qiangou Section and lots,of molar-tooth structures are developed in beds of leiolite limestone at the Jixian Section. The time scale of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation is deduced as 200 Ma （from 1 600 Ma to 1 400 Ma）. The duration of an obvious hiatus between the Gaoyuzhuang Formation and the underlying Dahongyu （大红） Formation is deduced as 50 Ma to 100 Ma, thus the forming duration of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation is thought as 100 Ma （1 500 Ma to 1 400 Ma）. Furthermore, the age of the subface of the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation that is just in the mid position of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation can be deduced as about 1 450 Ma, which is the basis to infer a stromatolite decline of the Mesoproterozoic occurring at ca. 1 450 Ma. Importantly, several features of both the molar-tooth structure and the stromatolite, such as the particular forming environment, the important facies-indicative meaning, and the episodic distribution in the earth history, might express the evolutionary periodicity of the surface environment of the earth and can provide meaningful clues for the understanding of the Precambrian world, although their origin and forming mechanism is highly contentious. Therefore, like other three stromatolitic declines, respectively, occurring at ca. 675 Ma, ca. 1 000 Ma, and ca. 2 000 Ma, the identification of the stromatolite decline occurring at ca. 1 450 Ma during the Golden Age of stromatolites （2 800 Ma to 1 000 Ma） has important meaning for the further understanding of the evolving carbonate world of the Precambrian.

Origin of Molar-Tooth Structure Based on Sequence-Stratigraphic Position and Macroscopic Features: Example from Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation at Jixian Section, Tianjin, North China

Both the macroscopic feature and the sequence-stratigraphic position of the molar-tooth structure developed in the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang （高于庄） Formation at the Jixian （蓟县） Section in Tianjin （天津） can provide some useful information about its origin and can reveal some problems to be further researched in the future. The Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation is a set of 1 600 m thick carbonate strata. This formation can be divided into four members. The first member is mainly made up of stromatolitic dolomites; the second is marked by a set of manganese dolomites; the third is mainly composed of lamina limestones with the development of molar-tooth strcutures; the fourth is a set of stromatolitic-lithoherm dolomites. According to lithofacies and its succession, several types of meter-scale cycles can be discerned in the Gaoyuzhuang Formation： the L-M type, the subtidal type and the peritidal type. There is a regularly vertical stacking pattern for meter-scale cycles in the third-order sequence. Therefore, the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation can be divided into 13 third-order sequences （SQ1 to SQ13 ） and can further be grouped into 4 second-order sequences. The third member is marked by lamina limestones and can be grouped into three third-order sequences （SQ9 to SQ11 ）. The molar-tooth structure is developed in the middle part of the third sequence, i.e. SQH , in the third member. Several features of this kind of molar-tooth structure reflect some features of carbonate sedimentation in the Precambrian, such as the particular configuration, abundant organic matter, and easy silication. Stromatolites are chiefly formed in a shallow tidal-flat environment; lamina are mainly formed in the shallow ramp and molar-tooth structures are mainly generated in a relatively more deep-water environment from the middle to the deep ramp. Therefore, similar to stromatolite and lamina, the molartooth structure might also be a kind of bio-sedimentation structure. This suggestion is based on macroscopic observation and the sedimentary-facies analysis of the molar-tooth structures from the sequencestratigraphic position. These features of Precambrian sedimentation also reveal the problem of Precambrian carbonate sedimentation. With more detailed study, a more practical solution for these problems may be obtained in the future.

Molar-Tooth Structure from the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation in Lingyuan,Yanshan Region,North China,and Geological Implications

Although its origin has not yet reached a consensus so far, MTS （Molar-Tooth Structure） has been documented for more than 100 years. Current study reports a discovery of MTS from the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation, Lingyuan, Yanshan Region, North China, and the features and geological implications of MTS are further discussed. Here, straitigraphic horizons of MTS＇s occurrences show that it was mainly located within the top part of the Wumishan Formation, i.e., limestone unit. Four kinds of morphology of MTS, i.e., fine fusiform, debris, ribbon, ptigmatic and nodular （irregular）, were recognized and thought to be highly related to the sedimentary environments and facies. Geochemistry of MTS including oxides, trace elements and C, O and Sr isotopes indicates that the horizons of MTS-bearing is of higher Sr/Ba and Ca/Mg ratios, lower positive ~13C and highly negative 3180 values than the adjacent stratigraphic levels of rare MTS. Lithology, morphology and geochemistry of MTS in the Wumishan Formation suggest that MTS occurs mainly in shallow subtidal near the storm wave base, which is typically characterized by warm temperature, oversaturated calcium carbonate seawater and high organic productivity. Furthermore, occasional enrichment of algae bacteria here is more favorable for the calcification of calcium oozes and catalytic for MTS. C isotope composition of the Wumishan Formation and MTS of this study is well correlated with that of the Mesoproterozoic Belt Supergroup, North America and Riphean, Siberia, suggesting that MTS acts as a sedimentary record responding to global changes and is a perfect indicator in Precambrian stratigraphic correlation worldwide.

Sedimentary Features and Their Implications of Microdigital Stromatolites from the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation at the Jixian Section in North China

The Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation at the Jixian section in Tianjin is a set of more than 3000-m-thick stromatolitic carbonate succession.In this succession,several lithofacies units,that is,the subtidal stromatolitic biostrome,the thrombolitic bioherm,tidal-flat micritic dolomite and lagoon dolomitic shale,make up many meter-scale cycles of the peritidal carbonate type that have been nominated as the Wumishan cycles.Importantly,many microdigital stromatolites make up the stromatolitic biostrome unit of the Wumishan cycles in the lower part of the Wumishan Formation. These microdigital stromatolites have been grouped as a stromatolitic assemblage by paleontologists, that is,＂Pseudogymnosolen mopanyuensis-Scuphus-Yangzhuang columnaris＂assemblage.These microdigital stromatolites had also been interpreted as the aragonite（tufa） sea-floor precipitates by sedimentologists,and has further been thought as the special products of the transitional period from the sea-floor aragonite precipitates of the Archean to the clastic and muddy carbonates of the Neoproterozoic.Although there are some restrictions for the stratigraphic meaning of the concept of the stromatolitic assemblage,detailed studies on classification by paleontologists provide an important clue to understand the sedimentological meaning of the microdigital stromatolites.Furthermore,an important and obvious horizon for the end of the microdigital stromatolites was recorded in the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation at the Jixian section,which provides useful information to understand the stromatolite decline occurred at c.1250 Ma and the evolving carbonate world of the Precambrian.

Sedimentary Features and Implications for the Precambrian Non-stromatolitic Carbonate Succession:A Case Study of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation at the Qiangou Section in Yanqing County of Beijing

In the long Precambrian period, stromatolitic carbonate successions were very common. However, the non-stromatolitic carbonate succession that is marked by subtidal deposits shows a sharp contrast to the stromatolitic carbonate succession. Both the non-stromatolitic and the stromatolitic carbonate successions are important clues for the further understanding of the evolving carbonate world of the Precambrian. The Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation at the Qiangou section in northwestern suburb of Beijing is a set of more than 1000 m-thick carbonate strata that can be divided into four members （or subformations）, in which a non-stromatolitic carbonate succession marked by the scarcity of stromatolites makes up the third member of the formation. This non-stromatolitic carbonate succession can further be subdivided into three third-order sequences that are marked by the regular succession of sedimentary facies. In third-order sequences, a lot of subtidal carbonate meter-scale cycles made up of medium-bedded leiolite limestones and thin-bedded marls constitute their transgressive system tracts （TSTs） and the early high-stand system tracts （EHSTs）, a lot of meter- scale cycles made up by thin-bedded limestones and marls constitute their condensed sections （CSs）, and thick-bedded to massive dolomitic limestones or lime dolomites make up the late high-stand system tracts （LHSTs）. The particularly non-stromatolitic carbonate succession making up the third member of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation at the Qiangou section might be the representative of the non-stromatolitic carbonate succession of the Precambrian because of its special lithological features and particular sedimentary structures, and its general sedimentary features are helpful and meaningful for the further understanding of the evolution rules of the sophisticate and evolving carbonate world of the Precambrian. The time scale of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation is deduced as that from 1600 Ma to 1400 Ma; thus, the non-stromatolitic sedimentary succession making up the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation may demonstrate a stromatolite decline event occurring at ca. 1450 Ma of the Proterozoic besides other three events that occurred respectively at ca. 2000 Ma, ca. 1000 Ma and ca. 675 Ma. The forming duration of this non-stromatolitic sedimentary succession of the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation can be generally correlated with a similar sedimentary succession in North America, i.e. a non-stromatolitic sedimentary succession of the Helena Formation of the Belt Supergroup, which suggests that the stromatolite decline occurring at ca. 1450 Ma might be a global event. Therefore, the non-stromatolitic sedimentary succession discussed in the paper provides an important example for further understanding of carbonate sedimentology in the Precambrian.

Molar Tooth Structure:a Contribution from the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation,Tianjin City,North China

Molar-tooth(MT) structure is an enigmatic sedimentary structure consisting of variously-shaped cracks and voids filled with a characteristically uniform,equant calcite microspar.It is globally distributed but temporally restricted to rocks from Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic age.The origin of MT structures has been debated for more than a century and the topic continues to be highly contentious.Some features of MT structure occurring in micritic limestones of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation(ca.1500 Ma to ca.1400 Ma),Jixian section,Tianjin City,North China show that:1) there is a definite interface or lining,rich in organic material and pyrite,between the MT crack-filling calcite microspar and the micritic host rock,which is also rich in organic matter;2) the micritic host rocks are notable for the absence of stromatolites and microbial laminites;3) distinctive conglomeratic lag deposits made up of intraclasts of MT microspar result from storm reworking of the MT structures;4) the MT structure is associated with possible algal megafossils such as Chuaria;5) the MT microspar is made up of the larger calcite crystal and the MT crack is marked by the diversity of configurations;6) both the TOC content and the carbon-isotopic value(δ^(13)C_(PDB)) among the host rock, the MT microspar and the possible algae fossil are obviously different.For the forming mechanism of the Gaoyuzhuang MT structure,these features can still indicate that:A) the MT microspar was formed by rapid precipitation and lithification;B) the MT microspar precipitated directly within the cracks; C) the decomposition of organic matter within the host micrite might be the chief mechanism producing gas bubbles;D) microscale gas-sediment interaction led to the generation of the MT cracks and the precipitation of microspar therein;E) the MT cracks might represent the track of migration and expansion of gas bubbles,and that the recrystallization of host micrites cannot be eliminated during forming process of the MT microspar;F) the MT structure is occurred in early diagenetic period;and G) the formation of MT microspars is a complex diagenetic process.Therefore,model of the microbially-induced gas-bubble expansion and migration is the best interpretation for the formation of the MT structure.Effectively,MT structures are a type of sedimentary structure that is formed in the early diagenetic period and is related to microbial activities and organic matter degradation.

A Newly Discovered Oil-bearing Mesoproterozoic Erathem within the Niu D1 Well, Liaoxi Depression, Yanliao Faulted Depression Zone, NE China

Objective The Yanshan Fold Belt is located within the northern margin of the North China platform and contains welldeveloped and widespread Neoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic sedimentary units with a total thickness of up to 9000 m.Previous studies identified many oil seedlings as well as asphalt and ancient hydrocarbon reservoirs in Northern Hebei depression and western Liaoning depression.This research indicates that the Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic sedimentary units are ideally suited for the formation of significant oil and gas resources.The Niu D1 well was drilled by the China Geological Survey(CGS)in the Niuyingzi area and intercepted oil immersions and oil-and gas-bearing units within a limestone reservoir in the middle Proterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation(Fig.1).This study presents new biomarker compound and carbon isotope data that indicate that the oil within this formation was derived from hydrocarbon source rocks of the Hongshuizhuang Formation,part of the Mesoproterozoic Jixian Series,and the reservoir type is overthrust fault fractured anticline hydrocarbon reservoir.The oil reservoir within the Gaoyuzhuang Formation limestone might represent the oldest oil reservoir discovered to date within the Yanliao faulted depression zone.

Ore-forming Response to Syndepositional Submarine Volcanism in Langshan-Zhaertai Mesoproterozoic SEDEX Ore Belt, Inner Mongolia, China

Ore forming process of the Dongshengmiao, Huogeqi, Tanyaokou and Jiashengpan deposits in Langshan Zhaertai Mesoproterozoic SEDEX metallogenic belt is closely related to the syndepositional volcanic activities based on the following facts: (1) The Sm Nd isochron age of the basic volcanic rocks varies from 1 491 Ma to 1 824 Ma (more than or close to the model age of the lead isotope of all sulfide minerals) in these deposits, with ε (Nd, t ) =(3.48-6.40)±0.80, whose REE composition is enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE, indicating that these volcanic rocks were derived from the mantle or lower crust. (2) The REE composition of some Pb Zn Py ores is also enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE. The chondrite normalized REE patterns are similar to those of the basic volcanic rocks. (3) In the lead isotope composition diagram of Doe and Zartman, most of sphalerite, galena, pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite are plotted on both sides of the line for the mantle or between the lines for the mantle and lower crust. (4) Cobalt content of some pyrites is much higher than their nickel content ( w (Co)/ w (Ni)= 11.91- 12.19). (5) Some volcanic blocks and debrises have been picked out from some pyrite and pyrrhotite ores. (6) All Zn Pb Cu Fe sulfide orebodies in these deposits occur in the strata overlying the metamorphic volcanic rocks in the only second ore bearing formation. The Jiashengpan deposit lacks in syndepositional volcanic rocks in the host succession, only Pb and Zn occur without Cu, but the Dongshengmiao, Tanyaokou and Huogeqi deposits with syndepositonal volcanic rocks in the host succession contain Cu, indicating the relatively high ore forming temperatures, besides Pb and Zn. The syndepositional volcanic eruption directly supplied some ore forming metals and resulted in the secular geothermal anomaly favorable for the circulation of the submarine convective hydrothermal system, and in the precipitation of deep mineralizing fluids exhaling into the anoxide basins along the syndepositional fault system in the Langshan Zhaertai rift.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of late Mesoproterozoic mafic and granitic rocks in the southwestern Yangtze Block

Late Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks in the SW Yangtze Block are important for understanding the role of it in reconstruction of the Rodinia supercontinent.In the present study,we report new geochronological,geochemical,and Nd-Hf isotopic data for the Cuoke plagioclase amphibolites and granites in the SW Yangtze Block.Geochronological results show that the plagioclase amphibolites and granites have similar late Mesoproterozoic zircon U-Pb ages of 1168-1162 Ma,constituting a bimodal igneous assemblage.The plagioclase amphibolites have high and variable TiO2 contents(1.15-4.30 wt.%)and Mg#(34-66)values,similar to the tholeiitic series.They are characterized by enrichment in LREEs and LILEs,and have OIB-like affinities with positive Nb and Ta anomalies.The plagioclase amphibolites have positive whole-rockεNd(t)(+3.2 to+4.3)and zirconεHf(t)(+4.3 to+10.7)values,indicating that they were derived from an OIB-like asthenospheric mantle source.The granites belong to the reduced peralkaline A-type series and have negativeεNd(t)value of-6.0 andεHf(t)values of-5.8 to-13.8,indicating a derivation from the partial melting of ancient mafic lower crust.In combination with the~1.05-1.02 Ga bimodal igneous assemblage in the SW Yangtze Block,we propose that the Cuoke 1168-1162 Ma igneous rocks were likely formed in a continental rift basin and argue against the existance of Grenvillian Orogen in the SW Yangtze Block during the late Mesoproterozoic.

Stromatolite characteristics of Mesoproterozoic Shennongjia Group in the northern margin of Yangtze Block, China

Mesoproterozoic Shennongjia Group in Shennongjia Area can be divided into three subgroups in ascender order. Of which the lower subgroup includes Yingwodong, Dayanping, Macaoyuan, Luanshigou, Dawokeng and Kuangshishan formations;the middle subgroup is formed by Yemahe, Wenshuihe and Shicaohe formations;the upper subgroup consists of Songziyuan and Wagangxi formations. Stromatolites developed very well in the carbonate rocks of each subgroup in Shennongjia Group. Based on descriptions of stromatolites macrotypes and their characteristics, this paper studied the formation environments, discussed the relationship among types, sizes, abundance of stromatolites and sedimentary environment, and established the formation and development pattern of stromatolites. As a result, this research also reveals the paleoenvironment and paleoclimate during the period of the Shennongjia Group deposited, which is beneficial to the study of paleoenvironment, paleogeography and paleoclimate, stratigraphic succession and regional correlation of the northern edge of Yangtze block. Stromatolites of Shennongjia Group are mainly conical, columnar, domal, wavy, stratiform and stromatolite reefs. The columnar and conical stromatolites are well developed. Conical stromatolites are mainly monomers, with a variety of pyramidal types, ranging in diameter from a few millimeters to several meters and formed in the high energy subtidal zone and tidal lagoon environment. Most of the columnar stromatolites are medium to small sizes implied a wide and gentle slope environment at that time. Stratiform (including wavy) stromatolites are larger scales and extends far away and distributed most widely in almost every horizon in the carbonate rocks. Stratiform stromatolites can be formed in low energy environments such as subtidal and intertidal zones and supratidal belts. Wavy stromatolites often developed in the hydrodynamic energy condition from weak energy intertidal zone gradually strengthened to the below of the high energy supratidal. Although stromatolite reefs can be a single or multiform combination, they developed mainly consisted of laminar or small walled columnar and large domal stromatolites. Shicaohe Formation also partially developed large domical stromatolites, the depositional environment is from the upper intertidal to supratidal zone. Stromatolite in Shennongjia Group usually appears as a combination of “Stratiform (wavy)-dome-columnar-coniform ” or “stratiform-dome-coniform-columnar-dome-stratiform ” vertieally, which represents the seawater depth from shallower to deeper or from shallow to deep and then to shallow again. These phenomenons generally reflected a stable sea level and companied with a high frequency oscillation. Comprehensive researches on the stratigraphy, sedimentary facies, sedimentary environment and the stromatolite types and their characteristics in the Shennongjia Group indicated that the Shennongjia Area is located on a gentle slope of carbonate platform in the passive continental edge, generally, i.e., one of warm and humid climate shallow water zone or/and a cold-drought climate, and had been experienced with eustatic cycles during the Shennongjia Group deposited.

Geological characteristics and tectonic signifcance of unconformities in Mesoproterozoic successions in the northern margin of the North China Block

Several stratigraphic breaks and unconformities exist in the Mesoproterozoic successions in the northern margin of the North China Block. Geologic characters and spatial distributions of five of these un- conformities, which have resulted from different geological processes, have been studied. The uncon- formity beneath the Dahongyu Formation is interpreted as a breakup unconformity, representing the time of transition from continental rift to passive continental margin. The unconformities beneath the Gaoyuzhuang and the Yangzhuang formations are considered to be the consequence of regional eustatic fluctuations, leading to the exposure of highlands in passive margins during low sea-level stands and transgressive deposition on coastal regions during high sea-level stands. The unconformity atop the Tieling Formation might be caused by uplift due to contractional deformation in a back-arc setting, whereas the uplift after the deposition of the Xiamaling Formation might be attributed to a continental collision event. It is assumed that the occurrences of these unconformities in the Mesoproterozoic successions in the northern margin of the North China Block had a close bearing on the assemblage and breakup of the Columbia and Rodinia supercontinents.

The Firstly Discovered Cosmic Spherules in Carbonaceous Siltstone from the Taizi Formation of the Mesoproterozoic Shennongjia Group,Central China

Objective Spherical micro-particles are often preserved in Precambrian sedimentary rocks. Finnish and Chinese scholars have previously discovered carbonaceous, siliceous or ferruginous spherules of out-space origin in the 1.6 Ga and 1.4 Ga sequence, respectively. The presence of spherules can record possible cosmic impact events. Also, cosmic spherules provide important information on the evolution of planets from outer space.

Microbial Mats in the Mesoproterozoic Carbonates of the North China Platform and Their Potential for Hydrocarbon Generation

The well-preserved Mesoproterozoic succession in the North China platform consists mainly of three iithological associations including peritidal quartz sandstone, shallow marine and lagoonal dark to black shales, and shallow epeiric carbonates, with a total thickness of up to 8 000 m. In addition to well-documented microplants, macroalgae, and microbial buildups, abundant microbially induced sedimentary structures （MISS） and mat-related sediments have been recognized in these rocks. Intensive microbial mat layers and MISS are especially well preserved in the carbonates of the upper Gaoyuzhuang （高于庄） （ca. 1.5 Ga） and lower Wumishan （雾迷山） （ca. 1.45 Ga） formations, indicating diversified microbial activities and a high organic production. In these petrified biomats, putative microbial fossils （both coccoidal and filamentous） and framboidal pyrites have been identified. The abundance of authigenic carbonate minerals in the host rocks, such as, acicular aragonites, rosette barites, radial siderites, ankerites, and botryoidal carbonate cements, suggests authigenic carbonate precipitation from anaerobic oxidation of methane （AOM） under anoxic/euxinic conditions. Warm climate and anoxic/euxinic conditions in the Mesoproterozoic oceans may have facilitated high microbial productivity and organic burial in sediments. Although authigenic carbonate cements may record carbonate precipitation from anaerobic methane oxidation, gas blister （or dome） structures may indicate gas release from active methanogenesis during shallow burial. Bituminous fragments in mat-related carbonates also provide evidence for hydrocarbon generation. Under proper conditions, the Mesoproterozoic mat-rich carbonates will have the potential for hydrocarbon generation and serve as source rocks. On the basis of petrified biomats, a rough estimation suggests that the Mesoproterozoic carbonates of the North China platform might have a hydrocarbon production potential in the order of 10 ×10^8 t.

Early-middle Mesoproterozoic tectonic evolutionary history of the southwestern Yangtze Block,China:lithostratigraphic,geochronologic and elemental geochemical constraints

During the Early-Middle Proterozoic era,three major lithostratigraphic unit associations,namely Hekou-Dahongshan,Dongchuan,and Kunyang-Huili Groups,were established for the metamorphosed volcanicsedimentary rocks exposed in the southwestern Yangtze Block (SWYB).The integration of petrology, geochemistry and geochronology constrains tectonic framework and evolution of the SWYB,in which four sets of SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages were obtained from the volcanic rocks interbedded within the Middle Proterozoic successions:1800-1600 Ma,1600-1300 Ma,1300-1100 Ma,and 1100-1000 Ma. Major and trace elemental analysis indicate that four key tectonic evolutionary stages,each coinciding with the above radiometric age set,of the SWYB during the Early-Middle Mesoproterozoic.The SWYB was characterized by an east-westerly trending rift in the Hekou,Dongshan,and Dongchuan areas,and separate basin-forming events during 1800-1600 Ma arid 1600-1300 Ma,respectively.In the SWYB,an intracontinental rift basin and a rift basin occurred in the Caiziyuan-Matang and Laowushan areas, respectively in 1300-1100 Ma ago.During 1100-1000 Ma,the SWYB was characterized by the closure of the Caiziyuan-Matang rift-ocean basin,collision between the Huili Blocks and Kunyang Blocks,and presence of volcanic ares in the Tianbaoshan and Fulingpen areas.Accordingly,the SWYB represents a new basin that records the relatively complete assembly process of the Rodina during the Early-Middle Mesoproterozoic era.

Chemical and Sr-Nd compositions and ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar ages of NW-trending dolerite dikes of Burkina Faso: Evidence for a Mesoproterozoic magmatism in the West African Craton

The Paleoproterozoic basement of the northeastern part of the Leo-Man craton is intruded by generally NW-trending dikes. These regional scale dikes extend over 1000 km in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. We present chemical and Sr-Nd isotope compositions, as well as 40 Ar/39 Ar ages of these dikes with the following strikes N98°-N112°, and N114°-N124° in NE Burkina Faso. Field relationships show that the dikes are posterior to all other rock types dated between 2.26 Ga and 2.0 Ga. Chemical data indicate that the dikes are continental flood basalts and composed of low-Ti(TiO2 ≤ 2 wt.%) sub-alkaline basalts and andesites. They exhibit a minor negative Europium anomaly(0.86-0.99) and slightly fractionated REE patterns((La/Yb)_N= 2.5-9.1; Yb_N = 9.5-19.9). The ratios of Th/Ta(1.3-11.4) and Ce/Pb(5.2-58.5)suggest a varying crustal assimilation of the dike magmas during ascent in the continental crust for all studied samples. Calculated P-T conditions indicate that the magma reached temperatures of 1285 ℃(calculated from olivine compositions) and pressures of 6.9 kbar(calculated for pyroxene minerals).Calculated initial 87 Sr/86 Sr(0.70040-0.70260) and ε_(Nd)(t)=+2.1 to-3.5 at 1575 Ma,also point to a crustal contamination with the most primitive samples showing T_(DM) values of 1946 Ma and 2154 Ma. The low values of La/Ba(<0.2) and Nb/La(<1.0), contrast with the low Th/Nb(<0.9), and suggest a lithospheric mantle or subduction-modified mantle as possible source for the dikes. Sr-Nd data, Mg# and NbTa-Zr-Y-Th-Tb-Yb compositions further suggest that the most primitive samples were emplaced in a none orogenic setting and their magmas were subjected to variable crustal contaminations. Literature and the present whole rock 40 Ar/39 Ar age determinations show that the dikes were emplaced during a widespread Mesoproterozoic magmatism between 1.6 Ga and 1.2 Ga, and were affected by a thermal event causing the argon systematics resetting, best constrained by the date of sample KK1(1236 ± 20 Ma,^(40)Ar/^(36)Ar = 294 ±13, MSWD = 2.2). Contemporaneous 1590-1570 Ma extensive magmatism is reported in other crustal blocks in Baltica(Sveconorw-Goth, svecofennian) NW Laurentia(Slave craton, Yukon),and Australia(Gawler craton), and together with the 1575 studied dikes, are related to the breakup of the supercontinent Nuna.

Petrology,geochronology,and geophysical characterization of Mesoproterozoic rocks in central Illinois,USA

The Precambrian basement rocks of the Eastern Granite-Rhyolite Province(EGRP)in central Illinois(midcontinent region of North America)exhibit a complex history of early volcanism,granite emplacement,and intrusion of mafic rocks.A comprehensive suite of dedicated petrographic analyses,geophysical logs,and drill core from four basement-penetrating wells,two-dimensional and three-dimensional seismic reflection data,and U-Pb age data from the Illinois Basin–Decatur Project(IBDP)and Illinois Carbon Capture Storage(ICCS)Project site provide new constraints for interpreting the Precambrian basement of the Illinois Basin.These new data reveal the basement to be compositionally and structurally complex,having typical EGRP felsic volcanic rocks intruded by the first reported gabbro in the Precambrian basement in Illinois.Zircons(n?29)from rhyolite give a U-Pb weighted mean average age of 14679 Ma.Zircons(n?3)from a gabbro dike that intrudes the rhyolite yield a concordia age of 107312 Ma,which corresponds to Grenville-age extension and represents the first Grenville-age rock in Illinois and in the EGRP.A high-resolution three-dimensional seismic reflection volume,coincident with the four wells,provides a context for interpreting the petrological data and implies a high degree of heterogeneity for basement rocks at the IBDP–ICCS site,as also shown by the drill cores.The occurrence of Grenville-age gabbro is related to a prominent bowl-like structure observed on local two-dimensional seismic reflection profiles and the three-dimensional volume that is interpreted as a deep-seated mafic sill complex.Furthermore,heterogeneities such as the brecciated EGRP rhyolite and later gabbro intrusion observed in the basement lithology at the IBDP–ICCS may reflect previously unknown distal elements of the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent Rift in the EGRP and more likely Grenville-age extension.