Molybdenum isotope composition of the upper mantle and its origin:insight from mid-ocean ridge basalt

The molybdenum(Mo)isotope system is pivotal in reconstructing marine redox changes throughout Earth’s history and has emerged as a promising tracer for igneous and metamorphic processes.Understanding its composition and variation across major geochemical reservoirs is essential for its application in investigating high-temperature processes.However,there is debate regarding theδ^(98/95)Mo value of the Earth’s mantle,with estimates ranging from sub-chondritic to super-chondritic values.Recent analyses of global mid-ocean ridge basalt(MORB)glasses revealed significantδ^(98/95)Mo variations attributed to mantle heterogeneity,proposing a two-component mixing model to explain the observed variation.Complementary studies confirmed the sub-chondriticδ^(98/95)Mo of the depleted upper mantle,suggesting remixing of subduction-modified oceanic crust as a plausible mechanism.These findings underscore the role of Mo isotopes as effective tracers for understanding dynamic processes associated with mantle-crustal recycling.

Microearthquake reveals the lithospheric structure at midocean ridges and oceanic transform faults

Mid-ocean ridge and oceanic transforms are among the most prominent features on the seafloor surface and are crucial for understanding seafloor spreading and plate tectonic dynamics,but the deep structure of the oceanic lithosphere remains poorly understood.The large number of microearthquakes occurring along ridges and transforms provide valuable information for gaining an indepth view of the underlying detailed seismic structures,contributing to understanding geodynamic processes within the oceanic lithosphere.Previous studies have indicated that the maximum depth of microseismicity is controlled by the 600-℃isotherm.However,this perspective is being challenged due to increasing observations of deep earthquakes that far exceed this suggested isotherm along mid-ocean ridges and oceanic transform faults.Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain these deep events,and we suggest that local geodynamic processes(e.g.,magma supply,mylonite shear zone,longlived faults,hydrothermal vents,etc.)likely play a more important role than previously thought.

Calcium isotopic signatures of depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts from the northeastern Pacific

A number of high-temperature processes(e.g.,melt-rock reactions,metasomatism,partial melting)can produce signifi cant Ca isotopic fractionation and heterogeneity in the mantle,but the mechanism for such fractionation remains obscure.To investigate the eff ect of mantle partial melting on Ca isotopic fractionation,we reported high-precision Ca isotopic compositions of depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORBs)from the East Pacifi c Rise and Ecuador Rift in the northeastern Pacifi c.Theδ44/40 Ca of these MORB samples exhibit a narrow variation from 0.84‰to 0.88‰with an average of 0.85‰±0.03‰,which are similar to those of reported MORBs(0.83‰±0.11‰)and back-arc basin basalts(BABBs,0.80‰±0.08‰)in literature,but are lower than the estimate value for the bulk silicate Earth(BSE,0.94‰±0.05‰).The lowδ44/40 Ca signatures of MORB samples in this study cannot be caused by fractional crystallization,since intermediate-mafi c diff erentiation has been demonstrated having only limited eff ects on Ca isotopic fractionation.Instead,the off set ofδ44/40 Ca between MORBs and the BSE is most likely produced by mantle partial melting.During this process,the light Ca isotopes are preferentially transferred to the melt,while the heavy ones tend to stay in the residue,which is consistent with the fact thatδ44/40 Ca of melt-depleted peridotites increases with partial melting in literature.The behavior of Ca isotopes during mantle partial melting is closely related to the inter-mineral(Cpx and Opx)Ca isotopic fractionation and melting mineral modes.Mantle partial melting is one of the common processes that can induce lowerδ44/40 Ca values in basalts and Ca isotopic heterogeneity in Earth’s mantle.

Magma Dynamics of Axial Melt Lens at Fast-Spreading Mid-Ocean Ridges

Multichannel seismic studies performed at fastspreading mid-ocean ridges revealed the presence of a thin(tens to hundreds of meters high), narrow(< 1-2 km wide) axial melt lens(AML) in the mid-crust, which is underlain by crystal/melt mush that is in turn laterally surrounded by a transition zone of mostly solidified material. In order to shed light on the complexity of magmatic and metamorphic processes ongoing within and at the roof of axial melt lenses, we have focused on the petrological and geochemical record provided by fossilized AMLs. Of particular significance is Hole 1256D in the equatorial Pacific drilled by the International Ocean Discovery Program(IODP), where for the first time, the transition between sheeted dikes and gabbros in intact fast-spreading crust was penetrated, providing a drill core with a more or less continuous record of the upper part of an AML(Teagle et al., 2006;Koepke et al., 2008). This can be regarded as rosetta stone to answer longstanding questions on the complex magmatic evolution within an AML, as well as on metamorphic and anatectic processes ongoing at the roof of a dynamic AML, rising upward in the midcrust as a consequence of a replenishment event. The plutonic rocks drilled from Hole 1256D consist of quartz-bearing gabbros, diorites and tonalites, which might represent the upper part of a fossilized AML. The gabbros and diorites are consistent with modeled products of MORB fractional crystallization, composed of mixed melt and cumulate in varying ratios. Modeled trace elements support a model in which the tonalites originated from low-degree partial melting of the sheeted dikes overlying the AML, rather than extreme fractional crystallization(Erdmann et al., 2015;Zhang et al., 2017a). Therefore, the upper part of AML, largely composed of low density and high-viscosity felsic magmas, may serve as a barrier to eruptible MORB melts in the lower part of AML. Zoning of apatites from three different lithologies, tonalites, diorites, and gabbros, is common and shows a consistent evolution trend with depletion in Cl and REEs from core to rim. The cores are usually homogenous in composition and interpreted as magmatic origin, whereas zones with lower Cl and REEs are disseminated with heterogeneous concentrations, indicating exchanges with hydrothermal fluids. The high-Cl apatite core indicates assimilation of high-Cl brines at a magmatic stage, which is interpreted as immiscibility product from cycling seawater-derived fluids at a high temperature(Zhang et al., 2017b). The variation of F/Cl and Br/Cl ratios of bull rocks may reflect the mixing between MORB magmas and seawater-derived fluids, crystallization of apatite and amphibole, and/or extraction of magmatic fluids(Zhang et al., 2017c).

Model Forming of Mesoarchean Gridino Mafic Dyke Swarm during Subduction "Mid-Ocean Ridge – Continent"

The high-pressure metamorphosed Gridino dyke swarm comprises a major group of Mesoarchean 2.87-2.82 Ga mafic dykes intruded within the Mesoarchean continental crust of the Kola craton(the Belomorian tectonic province

TEM investigations of South Atlantic Ridge 13.2°S hydrothermal area

According to the exploration contract about polymetallic sulfides in the SWIR （Southwest Indian Ridge） signed by China with the International Seabed Authority, to delineate sulfide minerals and estimate resource quantity are urgent tasks. We independently developed our first coincident loop Transient Electromagnetic Method （TEM） device in 2010, and gained the TEM data for seafloor sulfide at South Atlantic Ridge 13.2°S in June 2011. In contrast with the widely applied CSEM （Marine controlled-source electromagnetic） method, whose goal is to explore hydrocarbons （oil/gas） of higher resistivity than seawater from 102 to 103 m below the sea floor, the TEM is for low resistivity minerals, and the target depth is from 0 to 100 m below the sea floor. Based on the development of complex sulfide geoelectrial models, this paper analyzed the TEM data obtained, proposing a new method for seafloor sulfide detection. We present the preliminary trial results, in the form of apparent resistivity sections for both half-space and full-space conditions. The results cor- respond well with the observations of the actual hydrothermal vent area, and the detection depth reached 50-100m below the bed, which verified the capability of the equipment.

Fractional crystallization processes of magma beneath the Carlsberg Ridge(57°–65°E)

Fractional crystallization of basaltic magma at variable depths influences strongly the geochemical compositions of mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORBs),especially at slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges.The Carlsberg Ridge is a typical slow-spreading ridge located in the northwestern Indian Ocean.In this study,we conducted petrological,geochemical and modelling studies of MORBs collected along the Carlsberg Ridge from 57°-65°E to understand the fractional crystallization processes of magma and the controls on variations in MORB geochemistry.Our results show that the mantle sources beneath the Carlsberg Ridge are heterogeneous even on the local scale of a segment;such heterogeneity may be ubiquitous beneath the Carlsberg Ridge.Mantle heterogeneity may be caused by the enriched components resulting in the"DUPAL"anomaly,whereas the effect of pyroxenite on mantle heterogeneity is negligible.The parental melts experienced crystallization of olivine,plagioclase and clinopyroxene prior to eruption,which played a significant role in the major and trace element variations in MORBs from the Carlsberg Ridge.The liquid lines of descent(LLDs),deduced from the forward modelling of three parental magma compositions using the Petrolog3 program at pressures between 1 atm and 10 kbar,demonstrate that clinopyroxene joined the olivine and plagioclase cotectic.The over-enrichment in highly incompatible elements relative to LLDs may be caused by the processes of replenishment-tapping-crystallization in magma chambers.The calculated crystallization pressures suggest that parental magmas beneath the Carlsberg Ridge experienced moderateto high-pressure crystallization and that crystallization beneath the slow-spreading Carlsberg Ridge may start at upper mantle depths.

Use of portable X-ray fluorescence in the analysis of surficial sediments in the exploration of hydrothermal vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge

Hydrothermal plumes released from the eruption of sea floor hydrothermal fluids contain large amounts of oreforming materials. They precipitate within certain distances from the hydrothermal vent. Six surficial sediment samples from the Southwest Indian Ridge（SWIR） were analyzed by a portable X-ray fluorescence（PXRF） analyzer on board to find a favorable method fast and efficient enough for sea floor sulfide sediment geochemical exploration. These sediments were sampled near, at a moderate distance from, or far away from hydrothermal vents. The results demonstrate that the PXRF is effective in determining the enrichment characteristics of the oreforming elements in the calcareous sediments from the mid-ocean ridge. Sediment samples（〉40 mesh） have high levels of elemental copper, zinc, iron, and manganese, and levels of these elements in sediments finer than 40 mesh are lower and relatively stable. This may be due to relatively high levels of basalt debris/glass in the coarse sediments, which are consistent with the results obtained by microscopic observation. The results also show clear zoning of elements copper, zinc, arsenic, iron, and manganese in the surficial sediments around the hydrothermal vent. Sediments near the vent show relatively high content of the ore-forming elements and either high ratios of copper to iron content and zinc to iron content or high ratios of copper to manganese content and zinc to manganese content. These findings show that the content of the ore-forming elements in the sediments around hydrothermal vents are mainly influenced by the distance of sediments to the vent, rather than grain size. In this way, the PXRF analysis of surface sediment geochemistry is found to satisfy the requirements of recognition geochemical anomaly in mid-ocean ridge sediments. Sediments with diameters finer than 40 mesh should be used as analytical samples in the geochemical exploration for hydrothermal vents on mid-oceanic ridges. The results concerning copper, zinc, arsenic, iron, and manganese and their ratio features can be used as indicators in sediment geochemical exploration of seafloor sulfides.

A Petrogenetic Model of Basalts from the Northern Central Indian Ridge:3-11°S

Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts （MORB） from the Northern Central Indian Ridge （NCIR） were recovered between latitudes 3° and 11° S and are olivine tholeiite with higher abundances of K and Rb. They are of typical transitional MORB （T-MORB） variety and appear to have been generated from an enriched-mantle peridotite source. The primitive NCIR MORBs having Mg^# 〉 0.68 are the product of partial melting at an estimated pressure of - 1 GPa. It is inferred that the magma was subsequently modified at a pressure 〉 1 GPa by crystal fractionation and spinel was the first mineral to crystallize followed by separation of relatively Fe-rich olivine with subsequent decrease in pressure. During progressive fractionation at lower pressure （between 1-0.5 GPa）, the bulk composition of the magma became systematically depleted in MgO, and enriched in ∑FeO, TiO2, P2Os and Na20. There was, however, limited gradual depletion in Al2O3 and CaO and concomitant enrichment in K20. With the progressive fractionation these basalts became gradually enriched in V, Co, Y, Zr and to some extent in Sr, and depleted in Ni and Cro In addition, the T_JtEE of the magma also increased with fractionation, without any change in （La/Yb）n value.

Dynamical Control of Asymmetrically Oblique Tidal Currents to the Sedimentary Characteristics and Development of Linear Sand Ridges in the Liaodong Shoal, East Bohai Sea

The Liaodong Shoal is a group of linear sand ridges located in the east Bohai Sea of China.In this study,54 surface sediment samples have been collected,current measurements at 4 stations have been carried out and bathymetric data were obtained.The current directions are rightward deflected relative to the strikes of the sand ridges.Affected by the narrowing effect of the ridge,the current velocities exhibited an anti-‘C’type vertical profile.The velocities of the lower currents linearly correlate with the water depths.The near-bed current velocities over the troughs are estimated to be higher than those over the ridges,and this feature could be explained by the loss of kinetic energy together with the conversion between kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.The sedimentary characteristics that are compatible with the tidal dynamics are developed across the ridges and troughs,including grain size compositions,grain size parameters,mineral compositions and Dhm indexes.The existence of the angles between the current directions and the strikes of the sand ridges is the key factor for the growth of the sand ridges.The asymmetric hydrodynamic features between the flood and ebb currents lead to the differences in the topographical and sedimentary characteristics on both sides of a sand ridge.Insufficient material supply led to the degradation of the sand ridges,and the reduction of the tidal current intensity has led to the development of the subordinate sand ridges in the troughs.Sand ridges are migrating.

Three-Dimensional Mantle Flow and Temperature Structure Beneath the Shatsky Rise Ridge-Ridge-Ridge Triple Junction

The Shatsky Rise ridge-ridge-ridge triple junction is an ancient triple junction in the Western Pacific Ocean whose initial geodynamic process is poorly understood and can only be inferred based on indirect geological and geophysical constraints.In this paper,we present three-dimensional numerical models that simulate the Shatsky Rise triple junction and calculate its coupled mantle flow and temperature structure.The mantle flow velocity field shows several distinctive features:1)stronger mantle upwelling closer to the ridge axis and triple junction;2)greater upwelling velocity at the faster-spreading ridges;and 3)the most significant increase in upwelling velocity for the slowest-spreading ridge toward the triple junction.The calculated mantle temperature field also reveals distinctive characteristics:1)sharp increases in the mantle temperature with depth and increases toward the spreading ridges and triple junction;2)the faster-spreading ridges are associated with higher temperatures at depth and identical distances from the triple junction;and 3)the slowest-spreading ridge shows the greatest increase in the along-ridge-axis temperature toward the triple junction.Compared to many present-day triple junctions with slower spreading rates,the along-ridge-axis velocity and thermal fields of the Shatsky Rise are more altered due to the presence of the triple junction.

Identification and evolution of tectonic units in the Philippine Sea Plate

The Philippine Sea Plate is located at the convergence zone of the Eurasian Plate,the Pacific Plate,and the Indo-Australian Plate.This paper divides the Philippine Sea Plate into two second-order tectonic units and eight third-order tectonic units by summarizing the marine geological,geophysical,and submarine geomorphological data of the Philippine Sea Plate collected for years and referring to the seafloor spreading theory and the trench-arc-basin system.The two second-order tectonic units are the West Philippine Sea block and the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc-basin system.The former includes the West Philippine Basin,the Huatung Basin,the Daito Basin,and the Palau Basin,while the latter consists of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,the Shikoku-Parece Vela Basin,the Izu-Bonin Arc,and the Mariana Arc.Furthermore,this study concludes that the Philippine Sea Plate has undergone three stages of tectonic evolution,namely the early stage of the evolution of marginal basins with Cretaceous basement(Early Cretaceous),the middle stage of the spreading of the West Philippine Basin(Eocene),and the late stage of the subduction of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc-basin system(Oligocene-present).The Kyushu-Palau Ridge is a window to discover the tectonic evolution of the Philippine Sea Plate due to its unique geographical location.

九州-帕劳海脊南段及邻近海域典型海山形态特征及地质意义

对海山形态特征的定量分析与讨论,有助于理解海山的形成与演化,从而进一步了解与海山地貌形态有关的动力作用。基于九州-帕劳海脊南段及邻近海域的高分辨率海底地形和浅地层剖面资料,利用统计学、频谱分析及层序地层学等方法,查明了研究区40座海山的形态特征,并对海山的演化过程进行了分析推测,同时指出了海山对底流沉积动力的影响。结果表明,研究区海山平均高度为1374 m,平均体积为100 km3,宽高比为0.21±0.09,平坦度为0.16±0.18;在中央海盆裂谷北侧和九州-帕劳海脊南段海山高度与底面半径具有较好的线性关系,而在中央海盆裂谷南侧相关性较差;中央海盆裂谷南侧海山的宽高比明显大于北侧,可能是由复杂的应力背景和构造机制等因素所导致。总结火山演化的4种生长模型,分析认为研究区海山的形态演化与山顶高度和基底直径成比例增加的火山生长模型基本类似,可能是由于火山间断喷发导致海山顶部与侧翼同时成比例发育。

黄河流域黄土高原生态质量时空演变格局及其驱动因素

[目的]量化分析自然与社会经济因素对黄河流域黄土高原生态质量格局演变的影响,为进一步提升黄河流域生态质量,促进区域生态可持续发展提供理论支撑。[方法]基于DPSIR模型框架,从社会经济状况、自然环境与生态治理方面选取14项指标,构建生态质量综合评价指标体系,采用层次分析法确定指标权重,采用加权平均法计算生态质量综合评价指数;构建岭回归模型,分析了其变化的驱动因子。[结果]黄河流域黄土高原生态质量具有明显时空异质性;生态质量较高区域集中分布在中游地区,较低区域集中分布在上游地区,整体呈“东南高、西北低”的空间格局;生态质量评估为中及以上水平区域面积占比由2000年的40.56%上升至2020年的70.36%;20年间生态质量提升的区域面积占研究区总面积的94.44%,提升的区县数量占总区县数的91.57%;岭回归模型可以解释生态质量99.4%的变异,植被覆盖度和年降水量对生态质量变化的相对贡献率较高。[结论]黄河流域黄土高原生态质量呈提升趋势,其时空分布格局主要受植被覆盖度和年降水量的驱动。建议在科学、合理增加植被覆盖度的基础上,进一步优化生态系统空间格局。

Singularity of lithosphere mass density over the mid-ocean ridges and implication on floor depth and heat flow

The relation of heat flow and floor depth across the mid-ocean ridges versus lithosphere age can be described by linear functions of square root of age according to plate thermal conductive Half Space Models(HSM).However,one of the long-standing problems of these classical models is the discrepancies between predicted and observed heat flow and floor depth for very young and very old lithosphere.There have been several recent attempts to overcome this problem:one model incorporates temperature-and pressure-dependent parameters and the second model includes an additional low-conductivity crustal layer or magma rich mantle layer(MRM).Alternatively,in the current paper,the ordinary density of lithosphere in the plate conductive models is substituted with a reduction of lithosphere density towards axis that features the irregularity and nonlinearity of plates across the mid-ocean ridges.A new model is formulated incorporating the new form of density for predicting both peak heat flow and floor depth.Simple solutions of power-law forms derived from the model can significantly improve the predicting results of heat flow and floor depth over the mid-ocean ridges.Several datasets in the literature were reutilized for model validation and comparison.These datasets include both earlier datasets used for original model calibration and the more recently compiled high-quality datasets with both sedimentary and crustal loading corrections.The results indicate that both the heat flow and the slope(first orderderivative)of sea floor approach infinity(undifferentiability or singularities)around the mid-ocean ridges.These singularities are partially due to the boundary condition as it has been already known in the literature and partially to the reduction of density of lithosphere as discovered for the first time in the current research.

东印度洋东经90°海岭的地球物理特征和成因探讨

东经90°海岭发育于东印度洋,自孟加拉沉积扇向南穿越赤道直至印度洋南部布罗肯脊,是世界上最长的线性构造。海岭的形成机制与东印度洋晚白垩世至新生代的多阶段演化有关,由于其跨越赤道、长度大于5 000 km,南北不同区域的构造背景较为复杂,因此,其不同分段的地球物理特征也各具特色。通过分析海岭不同分段的形貌、浅层结构、重磁、地壳厚度及洋底年龄等地质地球物理数据,结合东印度洋海底扩张演化史,探讨了海岭的不同分段的成因机制。结果表明,90°E海岭的形成与板内热点活动、地幔柱-洋中脊相互作用、板块扩张与扩张中心跃迁,以及转换断层等诸多因素有关,是多种地质作用和地质过程综合作用的结果。2°N以北的海岭可能形成于远离扩张中心的印度板块内部,与板内火山作用有关联;18°S以南的部分形成于印度板块与南极洲板块边界转换断层附近;而2°N~18°S之间的中部区域则最为复杂,推测中段的形成受到了凯尔盖朗热点与沃顿扩张脊的相互作用,以及海岭下方的多次洋脊跳跃等因素的影响。分析认为,海岭中段是深入认识海岭成因机制、解决海岭构造演化和动力学机制以及脊-柱相互作用等重大科学问题的关键区域。未来在海岭中段开展地球物理测量及钻探工作,丰富海岭中段的地球物理综合数据,揭示中段不同位置岩石的物质组成与形成年代,是解决上述重大科学问题的必由之路。

Distribution,formation and evolution of sand ridges on the East China Sea shelf

Based on the integrated results of multiple data types including MBES (Multi-Beam Echo Sounding) and historical topography maps,the LSR (Linear Sand Ridges) on the ECS (East China Sea) shelf are identified,divided into subareas,and classified.The distribution of sand ridge crests is also established.The strikes of the LSR on the ECS shelf fall in a normal distribution with the center point being 155° azimuth with additional peak points at 125°,130°,140°,and 180° azimuth.The distribution of the ECS shelf sand ridges is congested in the central area,sparse in the south and north ends,divergent and bifurcated in the eastern area,and densely convergent in the western area.The LSR are divided into seven subzones according to the strikes and distribution of the sand ridges;estuary mouth ridges and open shelf sand ridges are identified and marked out.The high amplitude change of sea level resulting from the glacial-interglacial cycle is the main cause of the vast development of sand ridges on the ECS shelf.Abundant sediments on the shelf carried by the PYR (Paleo-Yangtze River) are the material source for the LSR formation,and the negative seafloor topography influences the strikes of LSR.Based on the effects of LSR distribution,change of sea level,and the simulation of ancient tidal currents,the evolution of the LSR on the ECS shelf is divided into four main stages:Stage Ⅰ before 14.5 ka BP,Stage Ⅱ between 12 and 14 ka BP,Stage Ⅲ from 1.5 to 9.5 ka BP,and Stage Ⅳ after 9 ka BP.

南大西洋中脊26°S玄武岩中斜长石化学成分变化对岩浆演化的启示

南大西洋中脊26°S热液区玄武岩中斜长石的成分和结构特征为研究岩浆演化特征提供了重要依据。在对玄武岩岩相学观察、斜长石成分分析的基础上,对不同阶段斜长石的结构及成分进行对比,探讨岩浆演化的过程。结果表明:研究区以斑状玄武岩为主,斜长石斑晶常见连晶结构、韵律环带、溶解与再吸收、生长结构,基质中的斜长石主要呈针状和燕尾状;南大西洋中脊26°S(SMAR-26°S)热液区玄武岩主要为钠质拉斑玄武岩,岩浆演化早期以形成培长石为主,晚期以形成拉长石为主,整个演化过程中CaO和Al2O3含量下降,而SiO2、Na2O、FeOT和MgO含量上升;从斜长石斑晶的核部→边部→基质中的斜长石微晶,An值整体下降,斜长石斑晶边部的An值与基质中斜长石微晶An值部分重合,形成温度总体有逐渐下降趋势。由此反映出地幔岩浆形成后在上涌过程中可能经历了减压挥发分逸出、晶体在深部的熔蚀、熔体过饱和结晶、低Si同源岩浆的混合、同喷发脱气岩浆迅速减压的过程。

Key geodynamic processes and driving forces of Tethyan evolution

Tethys tectonic system has experienced a long-term evolution history,including multiple Wilson cycles;thus,it is an ideal target for analyzing plate tectonics and geodynamics.Tethyan evolution is typically characterized by a series of continental blocks that separated from the Gondwana in the Southern Hemisphere,drifted northward,and collided and accreted with Laurasia in the Northern Hemisphere.During this process,the successive opening and closing of multistage Tethys oceans(e.g.,Proto-Tethys,Paleo-Tethys,and Neo-Tethys)are considered core parts of the Tethyan evolution.Herein,focusing on the life cycle of an oceanic plate,four key geodynamic processes during the Tethyan evolution,namely,continental margin breakup,subduction initiation(SI),Mid-Ocean Ridge(MOR)subduction,and continental collision,were highlighted and dynamically analyzed to gather the following insights.(1)Breakup of the narrow continental margin terranes from the northern Gondwana is probably controlled by plate subduction,particularly the subduction-induced far-field stretching.The breakup of the Indian continent and the subsequent spreading of the Indian Ocean can be attributed to the interactions between multiple mantle plumes and slab drag-induced far-field stretching.(2)Continental margin terrane collision-induced subduction transference/jump is a key factor in progressive Tethyan evolution,which is driven by the combined forces of collision-induced reverse push,far-field ridge push,and mantle flow traction.Moreover,lithospheric weakening plays an important role in the occurrence of SI.(3)MOR subduction is generally accompanied by slab break-off.In case of the considerably reduced or temporary absence of slab pull,mantle flow traction may contribute to the progression of plate subduction.MOR subduction can dynamically influence the overriding and downgoing plates by producing important and diagnostic geological records.(4)The large gravitational potential energy of the Tibetan Plateau indicates that the long-lasting India-Asia continental collision requires other driving forces beyond the far-field ridge push.Further,the mantle flow traction is a good candidate that may considerably contribute to the continuous collision.The possible future SI in the northern Indian Ocean will release the sustained convergent force and cause the collapse of the Tibetan Plateau.Based on the integration of these four geodynamic processes and their driving forces,a“multienginedriving”model is proposed for the dynamics of Tethyan evolution,indicating that the multiple stages of Tethys oceanic subduction provide the main driving force for the northward drifting of continental margin terranes.However,the subducting slab pull may be considerably reduced or even lost during tectonic transitional processes,such as terrane collision or MOR subduction.In such stages,the far-field ridge push and mantle flow traction will induce the initiation of new subduction zones,driving the continuous northward convergence of the Tethys tectonic system.

红海及周边地质构造特征与地球动力学演化

红海是地球上最年轻的大洋,其板块构造活动正处于威尔逊旋回的幼年期。红海南北两端分别连接着威尔逊旋回的胚胎期和终结期,即东非大裂谷和地中海。这一独特的地理位置和构造部位使其成为板块构造理论研究的圣地。本文通过对已有的地质、地球物理和地球化学资料进行综合分析,了解了红海地区的地形、重磁异常和沿脊的玄武岩地球化学组成等地质构造特征,探讨了红海裂谷的洋壳分布、地幔源区不均一性以及扩张演化历史等问题。红海地形中间深、南北两端浅,可以分为北、中北、中南、南等四段。重磁异常的条带主要出现在中南段,其他段不明显,因而限制了以往对红海扩张历史的认识。目前认为红海全段存在洋壳,红海两岸的沿岸悬崖是共轭扩张陆缘,呈向南开口的喇叭型扩张,而非对应红海岸线的梭子型。红海裂谷沿脊的地幔源区具有明显的不均一性,南段玄武岩显示E-MORB特征,表现为阿法尔地幔柱的影响。红海的发育经历了裂谷前火山作用(31~29Ma)、大陆张裂(29~13Ma)和洋底扩张(<13Ma)三个主要阶段。红海裂谷的形成演化与非洲大陆的裂解、阿法尔地幔柱的活动、新特提斯洋的闭合等密切相关,了解红海的地球动力学过程将为揭示区域大地构造演化以及板块运动规律提供依据。