Ages and Compositions of the Precambrian High-grade Basement of the Qilian Terrane and Its Adjacent Areas

Based on geological, chronological, geochemical and Nd isotopic studies of the high-grade basement of the Qilian terrane, the authors have drawn the following main conclusions: (1) the high-grade basement of the Qilian terrane consists mainly of meta-argillo-arenaceous rocks and granites and its bulk part was formed in the period of 0.8–1.0 Ga (the Jinningian period); (2) most of the meta-argillo-arenaceous rocks and granitic rocks have strong negative Eu and Ba anomalies (Eu/Eu*= 0.47–0.71 and Ba/Ba*=0.16–0.64), with fDM and ENd (1.0 Ga) ranging from 1.87 to 2.26 Ga and from ?8.54 to ?4.06 respectively, showing relatively high maturity; and (3) the Jinningian granitic rocks are a typical product of continent-continent collision, being probably related to the formation of the supercontinent Rodinia. These studies, combined with the study of high-grade basement rocks near the Qilian terrane, suggest that before the Jinningian period, the Qilian-Qaidam northern-margin terrane and Dunhuang-Alxa terrane were separated from each other, belonging to different plate systems of the North China craton and Yangtze platform respectively. The Qilian orogenic belt was the same as or similar to the Qiling orogenic belt in terms of the geological evolution history at least before the Jinningian period.

Multiple Dolomitization and Fluid Flow Events in the Precambrian Dengying Formation of Sichuan Basin, Southwestern China

The Precambrian Dengying Formation is a set of large-scale, extensively dolomitized, carbonate reservoirs occurring within the Sichuan Basin. Petrographic and geochemical studies reveal dolomitization was a direct result of precipitation by chemically distinct fluids occurring at different times and at different intensities. Based on this evidence, dolomitization and multiple fluid flow events are analyzed, and three types of fluid evolution models are proposed. Results of analysis show that Precambrian Dengying Formation carbonates were deposited in a restricted peritidal environment （630- 542 Ma）. A high temperature and high Mg2＋ concentration seawater was a direct result of dolomitization for the micrite matrix, and for fibrous aragonite in primary pores. Geochemical evidence shows low δ18O values of micritic dolomite varying from -1.29%o to -4.52%o PDB, abundant light rare earth elements （REEs）, and low dolomite order degrees. Microbes and meteoric water significantly altered dolomite original chemical signatures, resulting in algal micritic dolomite and the fine-grained, granular, dolosparite dolomite having very negative δ18O values. Finely crystalline cement dolomite （536.3-280 Ma） and coarsely crystalline cement dolomite have a higher crystallization degree and higher order degree. The diagenetic sequence and fluid inclusion evidence imply a linear correlation between their burial depth and homogenization temperatures, which closely resemble the temperature of generated hydrocarbon. Compared with finely crystalline dolomite, precipitation of coarsely crystalline dolomite was more affected by restricted basinal fluids. In addition, there is a trend toward a more negative δ18O value, higher salinity, higher Fe and Mn concentrations, REE-rich. Two periods of hydrothermal fluids are identified, as the exceptionally high temperatures as opposed to the temperatures of burial history, in addition to the presence of high salinity fluid inclusions. The early hydrothermal fluid flow event was characterized by hot magnesium- and silicon-rich fluids, as demonstrated by the recrystallized matrix dolomite that is intimately associated with flint, opal, and microcrystalline quartz in intergranular or intercrystalline pores. This event was likely the result of a seafloor hydrothermal chimney eruption during Episode I of the Tongwan Movement （536.3-5.5 Ma）. In contrast, later hydrothermal fluids, which caused precipitation of saddle dolomite, were characterized by high salinity （15-16.05wt% NaCI equivalent） and homogenization temperatures （250 to 265℃）, δ18O values that were more enriched, and REE signatures. Geochemical data and the paragenetic sequence indicate that this hydrothermal fluid was related to extensive Permian large igneous province activity （360-280 Ma）. This study demonstrates the presence of complicated dolomitization processes occurring during various paleoclimates, tectonic cycles, and basinal fluids flow; results are a useful reference for these dolomitized Precambrian carbonates reservoirs.

A Model of Hydrothermal Dolomite Reservoir Facies in Precambrian Dolomite, Central Sichuan Basin, SW China and its Geochemical Characteristics

Hydrothermal mineral assemblages and related hydrothermally enhanced fracturing are common in the Precambrian Dengying Formation of Central Sichuan Basin. Petrographic and geochemical analyses of core samples show that the hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs of Dengying Formation consist of four main types of pores in the reservoir facies. These include: 1) hydrothermal dissolution vug(or pore), 2) intercrystalline pore, 3) residual inter-breccia vug(or pore), and 4) enlarged dissolved-fracture. There are three different fabrics dolomite in hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs, namely, saddle dolomite, fine-medium dolomite and micritic dolomite. Micritic dolomite is the original lithology of host rock. Saddle dolomite with curved or irregular crystal faces was directly crystallized from hydrothermal fluids(average temperature 192°C). Fine-medium dolomites are the products of recrystallization of micritic dolomite, resulting in abnormal geochemical characteristics, such as slight depletion of δ^(18)O, significant enrichment of Mn-Fe and ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr, and positive Eu anomaly. A model for the distribution of various hydrothermal dolomite reservoir facies is proposed here, which incorporates three fundamental geological controls: 1) extensional tectonics and tectono-hydrothermal events(i.e., the Xingkai Taphrogenesis of Late Sinian-Early Cambrian, and Emei Taphrogenesis of Late Permian), 2) hydrothermal fluid storage in clastic rocks with large thickness(e.g., Nanhua System of Chengjiang Formation and part of Doushantuo Formation), and 3) confining bed for hydrothermal fluids(such as, the shale in Qiongzhusi Formation). The supply of hydrothermal fluid is critical. Large basement-rooted faults and associated grid-like fracture system may function as the channels for upward migration of hydrothermal fluid flow. The intersection of the above-mentioned faults(including the conversion fault), especially transtensional sags above negative flower structures on wrench faults can serve as a key target for future hydrocarbon exploration.

Geochemical characterization of Granitoids in Katchuan Irruan area: further evidence for peraluminous and shoshonitic compositions and post-collisional setting of granitic rocks in the Precambrian Basement Complex of Nigeria

Petrographic studies on Granitoids from Katchuan Irruan and adjoining areas,southeastern Nigeria,has shown that they are garnetiferous biotite granite,aplitic granite,porphyritic hornblende biotite granite,porphyritic muscovite biotite granite,weakly foliated leucogranodiorite and simple pegmatite.They are closely associated with the Precambrian Basement Complex rocks which they intruded.Modal analysis shows that the rocks consist of quartz(10%-25%),oligoclase(10%-30%),K-feldspar(15%-35%),biotite(3%-25%),with occasional garnet,hornblende,muscovite,and accessory chlorite,haematite and magnetite.Geochemical data indicates that the rocks are generally shoshonitic,alkali-calcic to calcic,ferroan and peraluminous.They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements as well as high field strength elements(Hf,Ta,Yb,Sm,Zr and Y).Their trace elements and REE patterns are similar,indicating that they are co-genetic.They are characterized by high fractionation factor(La/Yb)N(3.04-228.44)and pronounced negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu*)(0.23-0.71).Their overall geochemical features indicate that they were most likely derived from partial melting of crustal materials in an orogenic(post-collisional)tectonic setting.They are therefore related to the Pan-African granites,otherwise known as the Older Granites which were emplaced during the Pan African orogenic event.

Important Events and Chronological Framework of the Early Precambrian Granulite Terrain,Northwestern Hebei Province

Based on the chronological data and relevant geological evidence, the chronological framework of the major geological events of the granulite terrain in northwestern Hebei Province and its adjacent areas has been established. Basic lava eruption occurred in the span of 2868-2932 Ma, resulting in the formation of the early crust. The TTG magma emplacement took place c.2761 Ma ago. Subsequently basic magma intruded into the supracrustal rocks at 2650 Ma, resulting in crustal thickening. The thickening was enhanced at 2561-2503 Ma by the widespread intrusions of granodioritic magma. In the period of 2477-2461 Ma charnockite intruded, accompanied by regional granulite facies metamorphism. The second stage of granulite facies metamorphism occurred c. 2300 Ma ago, and finally pink granite intrusions at 2144-2087 Ma resulted in the formation of a granite zone.

Precambrian Metamorphism of Tiya－Olokit Metamorphic Belt in Northern Balkal Region and its Metallogeny

The paper deals with results of petrological observations of the Precambrian rocks in the Tiya-Olokit metamorphic belt of the Northern Balkal region. Evoluhon of mstamorphic processes from Archean through to Paleozoic is characterized. Interrelations of metamorphic and ore formation processes are shown .Various genetic types of metamorphism and their metallogeulc speianzation (pyrihc-polylnetallic, gold-sulphide and others) are established.A great number of previously published analyses of garnets, biohtes, amphiholes, pyroxenes and muscovitde from metamorphic rocks have been made use of. The evoluhon of their compositions under progressive zoned metamorphism and diaphthoresis is revealed.

Carbon Isotope Features of the Sugetbrak Section in the Aksu-Wushi Area, Northwest China: Implications for the Precambrian/Cambrian Stratigraphic Correlations

The upper Qigeblaq Formation （Fm） dolostones and the Yurtus Fm phosphatic cherts, black shales, limestones, and dolostones are widely distributed in the Precambrian/Cambrian transitional succession of the Aksu-Wushi area. Negative δ13C excursion above the Yurtus Fm/ Qigeblaq Fm boundary was determined in this study. The pronounced negative carbon isotope excursion occurs in the phosphatic chert layers at the bottom of the Cambrian Yurtus Fm, below which the first appearance of the Asteridium- Heh＇osphaeridium-Comasphaeridium （AHC） acritarch assemblage zone. The δ13C curve of the lower part of the Yurtus Fm in the Aksu-Wushi area was found to be correlated with the early Cambrian δ13C curves of the Zhujiaqing Fm （Daibu Member）, the lower part of the Yanjiahe Fm on the Yangtze Platform in China, the lower Tal Fm in India, the Sukharikha Fm in Siberia, and the upper part of the Tsagaan Oloom Fm in Mongolia through biostigraphy. The lower part of the Yurtus Fm in the Tarim Basin is at the Nemakit-Daldynian stage, and the Precambrian/Cambrian boundary of the Aksu-Wushi area may be located in the phosphatic chert unit which just below the first appearance AHC acritarch assemblage zone. The negative δ13C excursion （N1） across the Precambrian/Cambrian boundary in the studied section may have resulted from oceanic overturning and sea level rise.

Precambrian Geochronology, Chronotectonic Framework and Model of Chronocrustal Structure of the Zhongtiao Mountains

The Zhongtiao Mountains, a typical exposure area of Precambrian rocks, are a concentration area of vari-ous types of copper deposit. The rocks were dated using several dating methods. Based on the age data ob-tained by means of three methods, several aspects are dealt with: (1) the dating results obtained by differentmethods and their geological implications have been compared; (2) a chronotectonic framework has been con-structed by means of these reliable ages, which indicates that the ages of the rocks of the Proterozoic mobilebelt fall in a time span of 2400 to 2000 Ma during which global magmatic records are lacking and reflects theages of important events in the mobile belt; (3) according to the ages of inherited zircons, neodymium modelage of the depleted mantle sources (T_(DM)) and geochemical and geological data, a model of Precambrianchronocrustal structure has been constructed, representing a typical for the North China craton.

A Candidate Global Stratotype Section and Point for the Precambrian——Cambrian Boundary at Meishucun,Yunnan,China

This paper gives the detail description of Meishucun section , Yunnan , China . By studying biotic characteristics , analyzing isotopic age and comparing with the main Precambrian - Cambrian boundary sections in the world , we construct a global stratotype section and a point for the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary at Meishucun , which are of the convenient assessibility , abundant fossils of diverse groups , continuous sedimentation . perfect outcropping , lock of tectonic and metamorphic alteration , and have been deep studied in all related disciplines of sciences .

Continental velocity through Precambrian times:The link to magmatism,crustal accretion and episodes of global cooling

Quasi-integrity of continental crust between Mid-Archaean and Ediacaran times is demonstrated by conformity of palaeomagnetic poles to near-static positions between -2.7-2.2 Ga, -1.5-1.2 Ga and -0.75-0.6 Ga. Intervening data accord to coherent APW loops turning at ＂hairpins＂ focused near a continental-centric location. Although peripheral adjustments occurred during Early Proterozoic （-2.2 Ga） and Grenville （- 1.1 Ga） times, the crust retained a low order symmetrical crescent-shaped form constrained to a single global hemisphere until break-up in Ediacaran times. Conformity of palaeomagnetic data to specific Eulerian parameters enables definition of a master Precambrian APW path used to estimate the root mean square velocity （VRMS） of continental crust between 2.8 and 0.6 Ga. A long interval of little polar movement between -2.7 and 2.2 Ga correlates with global magmatic shutdown between -2.45 and 2.2 Ga, whilst this interval and later slowdown at -0.75-0.6 Ga to velocities of 〈2 cm/year correlate with episodes of widespread glaciation implying that these prolonged climatic anomalies had an internal origin; the reduced input of volcanically-derived atmospheric greenhouse gases is inferred to have permitted freeze-over conditions with active ice sheets extending into equatorial latitudes as established by low magnetic inclinations in glaciogenic deposits. VRMS vari- ations through Precambrian times correspond to the distribution of U-Pb ages in orogenic granitoids and detrital zircons and demonstrate that mobility of continental crust has been closely related to crustal tectonism and incrementation. Both periods of near-stillstand were followed by rapid VRMS recording massive heat release from beneath the continental lid at -2.2 and 0.6 Ga. The first coincided with the Lomagundi-Jatuli isotopic event and led to prolonged orogenesis accompanied by continental flooding and reconfiguration of the crust on the Earth＇s surface; the second led to continental break-up and instigated the comprehensive Plate Tectonics that has characterised Phanerozoic times. The Meso- proterozoic interval characterised by anorogenic magmatism correlates with low VRMS between - 1.5 and 1.1 Ga. Insulation of the sub-continental mantle evidently permitted high temperature melting and weakening of the crustal lid to enable buoyant emplacement of large plutons at high crustal levels during this magmatic event unique to Mesoproterozoic and early Neoproterozoic times.

Paleoproterozoic Multistage Metamorphic Ages Registered in the Precambrian Basement Rocks at the Southeastern Margin of the North China Craton and Their Geological Implications

The Precambrian basement rocks in the Bengbu and neighboring areas, located at the southeastern margin of the North China Craton, occur as granulite terrains and xenoliths in the Mesozoic dioritic porphyry.

Ore-Bearing Formations of the Precambrian in South China and Their Prospects

In the Precambrian System of the Yangtze and Cathaysian plates six ore-bearing formations can be identified: the Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing formations in volcanic rocks of marine facies of the Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic, Cu-Au-bearing formations and Pb-Zn-bearing formations in volcanic rocks of marine facies of the Mesoproterozoic, Pb-Zn-bearing formations in volcaniclastic rock and carbonate rock of the Neoproterozoic, Fe-Mn-bearing formations in the volcaniclastic rock of the Neoproterozoic, and Ni-Cr-serpentine-bearing formations in ophiolite and ultrabasic rock of the Meso- and Neoproterozoic. They were mostly formed in the marginal rift valleys of the Yangtze and Cathaysian plates, where occur stratabound and stratiform ore deposits, thermal deposits and porphyry polymetallic deposits. The six regions with ore-bearing formations have good prospects for ore deposits.

Late Precambrian Scissors--Type Opening--Closing Tectonics and Its Dynamics in South China

In this paper the author first reviews 6 major advances in the study of Precambrian geologyand tectonics of South China during the last decade, and then proposes the following new modelof Late Precambrian scissors-type opening-closing tectonic evolution in the region. (1) Besidesthe Middle-Late Proterozoic low-grade metamorphic basement, there existed a LateArchaean-Early Proterozoic medium- to high-garde metamorphic basement in South China;both of them formed the united Yangtze-Cathaysia (craton) at the end of the Early Proterozoic,with the Jiangxi-Anhui-Zhejiang palaeogulf extending into the inland and the Jiangxi-Anhui-Jiangsu Peninsula lying on the northern side of the palaeogulf.(2) From the Middle Proterozoic,the present Guangxi-Guizhou-Hunan area in the western-central oldland was subjected toextensional rifting and became a rift trough, thus resulting in counterclockwise rotation of the'Cathaysian block' and clockwise rotation of the 'Yangtze block'; moreover, the southwardcompression of the Dabie-Jiaonan block which split from the southern margin of the NorthChina plate and was accreted to the northern margin of the Jiangxi-Anhui-Jiangsu Peninsula ledto the scissors-type closing of the Jiangxi-Anhui-Zhejiang palaeogulf during the Middle-earlyLate Proterozoic, which further influenced the Early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the region.

Precambrian Captured Zircon Ages in the Daheigou Formation, Xing’an Block

The Xing'an Block (XB) is located between the Erguna Block (EB) and the Songnen Block (SB), which topographically occupies the northeastern half of the Great Xing'an Range (Liu et al., 2017). The XB was traditionally considered to be composed of a Precambrian metamorphic basement and post-Cambrian cover. However, the recent geochronological studies show that the so-called "Precambrian metamorphic rocks^^ are much younger in age and considered to be formed in the Early Paleozoic, indicating no existence of the Precambrian metamorphic basement.

Aeromagnetic signatures of Precambrian shield and suture zones of Peninsular India

In many Precambrian provinces the understanding of the tectonic history is constrained by limited exposure and aeromagnetic data provide information below the surface cover of sediments, water, etc. and help build a tectonic model of the region. The advantage of using the aeromagnetic data is that the data set has uniform coverage and is independent of the accessibility of the region. In the present study, available reconnaissance scale aeromagnetic data over Peninsular India are analyzed to understand the magnetic signatures of the Precambrian shield and suture zones thereby throwing light on the tectonics of the region. Utilizing a combination of differential reduction to pole map, analytic signal, vertical and tilt derivative and upward continuation maps we are able to identify magnetic source distribution, tectonic elements, terrane boundaries, suture zones and metamorphic history of the region. The mag- netic sources in the region are mainly related to charnockites, iron ore and alkaline intrusives. Our analysis suggests that the Chitradurga boundary shear and Sileru shear are terrane boundaries while we interpret the signatures of Palghat Cauvery and Achankovil shears to represent suture zones. Processes like metamorphism leave their signatures on the magnetic data： prograde granulites （charnockites） and retrograde eclogites are known to have high susceptibility. We find that charnockites intruded by alkali plutons have higher magnetization compared to the retrogressed charnockites. We interpret that the Dharwar craton to the north of isograd representing greenschist to amphibolite facies transition, has been subjected to metamorphism under low geothermal conditions. Some recent studies suggest a plate tectonic model of subduction collision-accretion tectonics around the Palghat Cauvery shear zone （PCSZ）. Our analysis is able to identify several west to east trending high amplitude magnetic anomalies with deep sources in the region from Palghat Cauvery shear to Achankovil shear. The magnetic high associated with PCSZ may represent the extruded high pressure-ultra high temperature metamorphic belt （granulites at shallow levels and retrogressed eclogites at deeper levels） formed as a result of subduction process. The EW highs within the Madurai block can be related to the metamorphosed clastic sediments, BIF and mafic/ultramafic bodies resulting from the process of accretion.

Terminal Precambrian Palaeogeographic Framework of China

The original locations and relationships of four plates within the mainland of China from 800 to 600 Ma during the terminal Precambrian were reconstructed based on the palaeomagnetic and geological data. The Tarim, Yangtze and Cathaysian plates were once linked (in 800-700 Ma) and located in the same low-latitude zone of the northern hemisphere. But later, in 700-600 Ma, the Tarim plate was separated from the Yangtze-Cathaysian plate. The Sino-Korean plate was always far away from the Yangtze plate, both being separated by oceanic crust, and lay in the high-latitude zone of the northern hemisphere.The above-mentioned palaeogeographic framework directly led to complete differences in respect to distribution of low-latitude glaciation, sedimentary facies, palaeoclimate, palaeobiogeography and stratigraphic sections between the North and South China domains during the terminal Precambrian.

1:2500 000 Map of Precambrian Dyke Swarms and Related Units in North China

A 1:2500 000 map of major Precambrian mafic dyke swarms and related units in the North China Craton will be presented,and the features and geological implications of;0 swarms will be discussed and summarized:

Precambrian crustal evolution in Rangrim Massif,Korean Peninsula

Petrological,chronological and geotectonic geological analysis of Precambrian metamorphic rock in Korean Peninsula shows that the remnants(>3.4 Ga) of continental nuclei crust were formed in the Paleoarchean in the Rangrim Massif.In the massif,the main formation ages of continental crust range from 3.2 Ga to 2.5 Ga,its important growing period was 2.8-2.5 Ga.The subsequent expansion period of the Rangrim Massif was 2.4-2.2 Ga.The division events occurred in 1.85 Ga and in the Late Paleoproterozoic--Early Mesopro-terozoic,respectively.Since then the massif was relatively stable.However,the last division of the Rangrim Massif occurred at 793 Ma.

Petrography and Geochemistry of Precambrian Basement Straddling the Cameroon-Chad Border:The Touboro Baibokoum Area

The border of Cameroon and Chad is characterized by a Precambrian basement straddling the Touboro-Ba?bokoum area;this basement is made up of gneiss, amphibolite and granitoids (granite, syenite, granodiorite). The studied rocks display high-K calk-alcalcaline to shoshonitic characteristic. Granitoids are metaluminous. Rocks under study derived from partial melts from metabasaltic to metatonalitic sources, and partial melts from metagreywackes. They shear the same origin as many granitoids describe westward in the Meiganga area and west Cameroon. This shows that the basement straddling the Touboro-Ba?bokoum area belongs to the Adamawa-Yadé Domain of the Central African Fold Belt.

METALLOGENIC CHARACTERISTICS AND OREPROSPECTINGFUTURE OF PRECAMBRIAN GOLD DEPOSITSIN MUFUJIULING DISTRICT

MufuJiuling district is an important placer gold producing land since the ancient time. In recent years, some primary gold deposits and mineralizations, e. g., Huangjindong and Tulongshan gold deposits, have been found. But the metallogenic conditions and regularities as well as the oreprospecting future remain to be recognized. Through the study on the metallogenic background and condition, the auriferous source bed and the mineralizing characteristics, three types of primary gold deposits are confirmed to be prospective in this district and some key problems about their prospecting and evaluating are put forward.