Enhancing Geological Understanding and Identifying Gold Anomalies in the Ailaoshan Orogen

The Ailaoshan Orogen in the southeastern Tibet Plateau,situated between the Yangtze and Simao blocks,underwent a complex structural,magmatic,and metamorphic evolution resulting in different tectonic subzones with varying structural lineaments and elemental concentrations.These elements can conceal or reduce anomalies due to the mutual effect between different anomaly areas.Dividing the whole zone into subzones based on tectonic settings,ore cluster areas,or sample catchment basins(Scb),geochemical and structural anomalies associated with gold(Au)mineralization have been identified utilizing mean plus twice standard deviations(Mean+2STD),factor analysis(FA),concentration-area(CA)modeling of stream sediment geochemical data,and lineament density in both the Ailaoshan Orogen and the individual subzones.The FA in the divided 98 Scbs with 6 Scbs containing Au deposits can roughly ascertain unknown rock types,identify specific element associations of known rocks and discern the porphyry or skarn-type Au mineralization.Compared with methods of Mean+2STD and C-A model of data in the whole orogen,which mistake the anomalies as background or act the background as anomalies,the combined methods of FA and C-A in the separate subzones or Scbs works well in regional metallogenic potential analysis.Mapping of lineament densities with a 10-km circle diameter is not suitable to locate Au deposits because of the delineated large areas of medium-high lineament density.In contrast,the use of circle diameters of 1.3 km or 1.7 km in the ore cluster scale delineates areas with a higher concentration of lineament density,consistent with the locations of known Au deposits.By analyzing the map of faults and Au anomalies,two potential prospecting targets,Scbs 1 and 63 with a sandstone as a potential host rock for Au,have been identified in the Ailaoshan Orogen.The use of combined methods in the divided subzones proved to be more effective in improving geological understanding and identifying mineralization anomalies associated with Au,rather than analyzing the entire large area.

Genesis of LCT Pegmatites during Early Paleozoic Orogeny of the North Qinling Orogenic Belt,China:Emplacement Conditions and Structural Control

The Guanpo pegmatite field in the North Qinling orogenic belt(NQB),China,hosts the most abundant LCT pegmatites.However,their emplacement conditions and structural control remain unexplored.In this contribution,we investigated it combining pegmatite orientation measurement with oxygen isotope geothermometry and fluid inclusion study.The orientations of type A1 pegmatites(P_(f)<σ_(2))are predominantly influenced by P-and T-fractures due to simple shearing in Shiziping dextral thrust shear zone during D_(2)deformation,whereas type A2 pegmatites(contemporaneous with D_(4))are governed by hydraulic fractures aligned with S_(0)and S_(0+1)stemming from fluid pressure(P_(f)<σ_(2)).Additionally,type B pegmatites(P_(f)≤σ_(2))exhibit orientations shaped by en echelon extensional fractures in local ductile shear zones(contemporaneous with D_(3)).The albite-quartz oxygen isotope geothermometry and microthermometric analysis of fluid inclusions in elbaites from the latest pegmatites(including types B and A2)suggest that the crystallization P-T for late magmatic and hydrothermal stages are 527.5-559.2℃,320℃,3.1-3.6 kbar and 2.0 kbar,respectively.Our observations along with previous studies suggest that the genesis of the LCT pegmatites was a long-term,multi-stage event during early Paleozoic orogeny(including the collision stage)of the NQB,and was facilitated by various local fractures.

The Weixi High-silica Granitoids in the Central Sanjiang Orogenic Belt,Southwest China:Implications for Growth of the Continental Crust

High-silica granitoids record the formation and evolution of the continental crust.A new intrusive complex has been recognized among silicic volcanic rocks of the Weixi arc,Southwest China.The intrusions consist of granites,granitic porphyries,and granodiorites.Zircon U-Pb age data indicate that the Weixi granitoids formed at 248-240 Ma and were coeval with silicic volcanic rocks of the Weixi arc.The Weixi granitoids are enriched in Rb,Th,and U,depleted in Ba,Sr,Nb,Ta,and Ti,and have high light/heavy rare earth element ratios and slightly negative Eu anomalies.The Weixi granitoids have negative ε_(Nd)(t)values(-9.8 to-7.8)and negative zircon ε_(Hf)(t)values(-12.02 to-5.11).The geochemical and isotopic features suggest the Weixi granitoids were derived by partial melting of ancient crustal material.The Weixi granitoids and silicic volcanic rocks were derived from the same magma by crystal accumulation and melt extraction,respectively,and they record the formation of a continental arc in the central Sanjiang orogenic belt.

Tectonic Evolution and Lithospheric Structure of the Beishan Orogen:Insights from Magnetotelluric Studies

The Beishan orogen,located in the central segment of the Tianshan–Solonker suture within the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB),is crucial for understanding the accretionary processes and continental growth in Central Asia.This orogen developed through the episodic amalgamation and accretion of continental margin arcs,island arcs,ophiolites,and accretionary wedges,undergoing a complex process of accretion and evolution.Since the Phanerozoic,the Beishan orogen has experienced multiple phases of magmatic and collision events.The intricate distribution of magmatic arc rocks has obscured the complete basement traces,and the spatial superposition of multiple magmatic arc phases has complicated the study of its evolutionary history.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the Silurian adakitic granitoids in the eastern segment of the Qilian Orogenic Belt,Northwest China

Geodynamic mechanism responsible for the generation of Silurian granitoids and the tectonic evolution of the Qilian orogenic belt remains controversial. In this study, we report the results of zircon U–Pb age, and systematic whole-rock geochemical data for the Haoquangou and Liujiaxia granitoids within the North Qilian orogenic belt and the Qilian Block, respectively, to constrain their petrogenesis, and the Silurian tectonic evolution of the Qilian orogenic belt. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the Haoquangou and Liujiaxia intrusions were emplaced at423 ± 3 Ma and 432 ± 4 Ma, respectively. The Haoquangou granodiorites are calc-alkaline, while the Liujiaxia granites belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series.Both are peraluminous in composition and have relatively depleted Nd isotopic [ε_(Nd)(t) =(-3.9 – + 0.6)] characteristics compared with regional basement rocks, implying their derivation from a juvenile lower crust. They show adakitic geochemical characteristics and were generated by partial melting of thickened lower continental crust. Postcollisional extensional regime related to lithospheric delamination was the most likely geodynamic mechanism for the generation of the Haoquangou granodiorite, while the Liujiaxia granites were generated in a compressive setting during continental collision between the Qaidam and Qilian blocks.

Zircon U-Pb geochronologic,geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope characteristics of the Beidaban granites in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt:Petrogenesis and tectonic implications

The tectonic evolution and crustal accretion process of the North Qilian Orogenic Belt(NQOB)are still under debate because of a lack of integrated constraints,especially the identifi cation of the tectonic transition from arc to initial collision.Here we present results from zircon U-Pb geochronology,whole-rock geochemistry,and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry of the Beidaban granites to provide crucial information for geodynamic evolution of NQOB.Zircon U-Pb dating yields an age of 468±10 Ma for the Beidaban granites and most of the Beidaban samples contain amphibole,are potassium-rich,and have A/CNK values ranging from 0.7 to 0.9,illustrating that the Middle Ordovician Beidaban granites are K-rich,metaluminous,calc-alkaline granitoid.The geochemical characteristics indicate that the Beidaban granites are transitional I/S-type granitoids that formed in an arc setting.The isotopic compositions of initial(87 Sr/86 Sr)i values ranging from 0.70545 to 0.71082(0.70842 on average)andεNd(t)values ranging from−10.9 to−6.7(−8.8 on average)with two-stage Nd model ages(T DM2)of 1.74-2.08 Ga suggest that the Beidaban granites originated from Paleoproterozoic crustal materials.In addition,the initial Pb isotopic compositions(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb=19.14-20.26;^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb=15.71-15.77;^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb=37.70-38.26)and geochemical features,such as high Th/Ta(17.43-30.12)and Rb/Nb(6.01-15.49)values,suggest that the Beidaban granite magma source involved recycled crustal components with igneous rocks.Based on these results in combination with previously published geochronological and geochemical data from other early Paleozoic igneous rocks,we suggest that the timing of the tectonic transition from arc to the initial collision to the fi nal closure of the North Qilian Ocean can be constrained to the Middle-Late Ordovician(ca.468–450 Ma).

Tectonic framework of Qilian orogen: reveal from an aeromagnetic anomaly feature

The Qilian Orogenic belt is one of the typical orogenic belts globally and a natural laboratory for studying plate tectonics.Many researchers have studied the ophiolite and high pressure and ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks in the Qilian orogen and obtained valuable achievements.However,a hot debate exists on the basement property,the distribution of ophiolite,and the boundaries of tectonic units.Large-scale high-precision aeromagnetic surveys have recently been conducted in the Qilian Orogenic belt and adjacent areas.In this study,we are trying to analysis the tectonic framework of the Qilian Orogen using 1:500,000 aeromagnetic data.The results provide geophysical perspectives for studying the structural framework and deformation of this area.According to the aeromagnetic∆T anomaly map,the central and Southern Qilian have the same magnetic anomaly feature that noticeably differs from the North Qilian Orogenic belt and the Qaidam Block.This result indicates that the central and Southern Qilian have a unified magnetic basement and differ from the North Qilian orogenic belt and Qaidam Block.The map shows the distribution of ophiolite in the North Qilian orogenic belt.Linear magnetic anomalies represent the ophiolites because the mafic–ultramafic rocks usually have high magnetic susceptibility.The ophiolite belts are continuously distributed in the western part of North Qilian orogenic belt and have a large scale.However,the scale of the ophiolite belt and the outcropping of mafic–ultramafic rocks reduces when they pass through Qilian County to the east.The results indicate differences in the evolution process between the eastern and western parts of North Qilian,with Qilian County as the transition zone.This study also systematically defines the geophysical boundaries of the Qaidam Block,Qilian Block,North Qilian Orogenic belt,and Alxa block.It is proposed that the sinistral displacement of the Altun Fault is adjusted and absorbed by the series of NE-trending faults in the Qilian orogen and merge into the Longshoushan–Gushi Fault.The extension of the North Qilian Orogenic belt is strengthened by the neotectonics movement along the shearing direction,which separated the North Qilian Orogenic belt into several segments and formed a series of northeast-trending faults.

Early Devonian Post-collisional Granitic Magmatism in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt,Western China:Insights into Lithospheric Delamination and Orogenic Collapse

Post-collisional magmatism contains important clues for understanding the reworking and growth of continental crust,as well as lithospheric delamination and orogenic collapse.Early Devonian magmatism has been identified in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt(NQOB).This paper reports an integrated study of petrology,whole-rock geochemistry,Sm-Nd isotope and zircon U-Pb dating,as well as Lu-Hf isotopic data,for two Early Devonian intrusive plutons.The Yongchang and Chijin granites yield zircon U-Pb ages of 394-407 Ma and 414 Ma,respectively.Both of them are characterized by weakly peraluminous to metaluminous without typical aluminium-rich minerals,LREE-enriched patterns with negative Eu anomalies and a negative correlation between P_(2)O_(5) and SiO_(2) contents,consistent with geochemical features of I-type granitoids.Zircons from the studied granites display negative to weak positive ε_(Hf)(t)values(−5.7 to 2.1),which agree well with those of negative ε_(Nd)(t)values(−6.4 to−2.9)for the whole-rock samples,indicating that they were derived from the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crust.Furthermore,low Sr/Y ratios(1.13-21.28)and high zircon saturation temperatures(745℃ to 839℃,with the majority being>800℃)demonstrated a relatively shallow depth level below the garnet stability field and an additional heat source.Taken together,the Early Devonian granitic magmatism could have been produced by the partial melting of ancient crustal materials heated by mantle-derived magmas at high-temperature and low-pressure conditions during postcollisional extensional collapse.The data obtained in this study,when viewed in conjunction with previous studies,provides more information about the tectonic processes that followed the closure of the North Qilian Ocean.The tectonic transition from continental collision to post-collisional delamination could be constrained to~430 Ma,which is provided by the sudden decrease of Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios and an increase in zircon ε_(Hf)(t)values for granitoids.A two-stage tectonic evolution model from continental collision to post-collisional extensional collapse for the NQOB includes(a)continental collision and crustal thickening during ca.455-430 Ma,characterized by granulite-facies metamorphism and widespread low-Mg adakitic magmatism;(b)post-collisional delamination of thickened continental crust and extensional collapse of orogen during ca.430-390 Ma,provided by coeval high-Mg adakitic magmatism,A-type granites and I-type granitoids with low Sr-Y ratios.

Early Cretaceous Metasomatized Lithospheric Mantle beneath the Central Jiangnan Orogen in South China:Geochemical and Sr-Nd Isotope Evidence from the Tuanshanbei Dolerite

It is well established that Cretaceous magmatism in the South China Block(SCB)is related to the Paleo-Pacific subduction.However,the starting time and the associated deep crust-mantle processes are still debatable.Mafic dike swarms carry important information on the deep earth(including mantle)geodynamics and geochemical evolution.In the Jiangnan Orogen(South China).there is no information on whether the Mesozoic magmatic activities in this region are also directly related to the Pacific subduction or not.In this study,we present detailed zircon U-Pb geochronological,wholerock element and Sr-Nd isotope data for Early Cretaceous Tuanshanbei dolerite dikes,and provide new constraints on the condition of the lithospheric mantle and mantle dynamics of the SCB during that time.LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating suggests that this dolerite erupted in the Early Cretaceous(~145 Ma).All samples have alkaline geochemical affinities with K_(2)O+Na_(2)O=3.11-4.04 wt%,K_(2)O/Na_(2)O=0.50-0.72,and Mg^(#)=62.24-65.13.They are enriched in LILE but depleted in HFSE with higher initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratio(0.706896-0.714743)and lower ε_(Nd)(t)(-2.61 to-1.67).They have high Nb/U,Nb/La,La/Sm and Rb/Sr,and low La/Nb,La/Ta,Ce/Pb,Ba/Rb,Tb/Yb and Gd/Yb ratios.Such geochemical signatures suggest that the fractional crystallization is obvious but crustal contamination play a negligible role during magmatic evolution.Tuanshanbei dolerite were most likely derived from low-degree(2%-5%)partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing mantle material consisted of~85% spinel peridotite and~15% garnet peridotite previously metasomatized by asthenospherederived fluids/melts with minor subduction-derived fluids/melts.Slab-rollback generally lead to the upwelling of the hot asthenosphere.The upwelling of asthenosphere consuming the lithospheric mantle by thermo-mechanical-chemical erosion.The lithospheric mantle may have partially melted due to the heating by the upwelling asthenosphere and lithospheric extension.It is inferred that the Tuanshanbei dolerite might be associated with the initial slab rollback and corresponding lithospheric extension occurred potentially at ca.145 Ma.

Geochronology,Petrogenesis and Tectonic Setting of the Late Jurassic I-type Granites in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt,Central China

The North Qinling Orogenic Belt(NQOB)is a composite orogenic belt in central China.It started evolving during the Meso-Neoproterozoic period and underwent multiple stages of plate subduction and collision before entering intra-continental orogeny in the Late Triassic.The Meso-Cenozoic intra-continental orogeny and tectonic evolution had different responses in various terranes of the belt,with the tectonic evolution of the middle part of the belt being particularly controversial.The granites distributed in the Dayu and Kuyu areas in the middle part of the NQOB can provide an important window for revealing the geodynamic mechanisms of the NQOB.The main lithology of Dayu and Kuyu granites is biotite monzogranite,and the zircon U-Pb dating yielded intrusive ages of 151.3±3.4 Ma and 147.7±1.5 Ma,respectively.The dates suggest that the biotite monzogranite were formed at the end of the Late Jurassic.The whole-rock geochemistry analysis shows that the granites in the study areas are characterized by slightly high SiO_(2)(64.50-68.88 wt%)and high Al_(2)O_(3)(15.12-16.24 wt%)and Na_(2)O(3.55-3.80 wt%)contents.They are also enriched in light rare earth elements,large ion lithophile elements(e.g.,Ba,K,La,Pb and Sr),and depleted in high field strength elements(HFSEs)(e.g.,Ta,Nb,P and Ti).Additionally,the granites have weakly negative-slightly positive Eu anomalies(δEu=0.91-1.19).Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic analysis showedε_(Hf)(t)=-6.1--3.8,and the two-stage model age is T_(2DM(crust))=1.5-1.6 Ga.The granites in the study areas are analyzed as weak peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites.They formed by partial melting of the thickened ancient lower crust,accompanied by the addition of minor mantle-derived materials.During magma ascent,they experienced fractional crystallization,with residual garnet and amphibole for a certain proportion in the magma source region.Comprehensive the geotectonic data suggest that the end of the Late Jurassic granite magmatism in the Dayu and Kuyu areas represents a compression-extension transition regime.It may have been a response to multiple tectonic mechanisms,such as the late Mesozoic intra-continental southward subduction of the North China Craton and the remote effect of the Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction.

Detrital Zircon Records of the Banxi Group in the Western Jiangnan Orogen:Implications for Crustal Evolution of the South China Craton

The Neoproterozoic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen is important for understanding the tectonic history of South China.As a volcanic-sedimentary sequence developed in the Nanhua rift,the Banxi Group preserves the records of important magmatic and tectonic events linked to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent.In this study,we report the results from whole-rock major-and trace-element concentrations,with zircon LA-(MC)-ICP-MS U-Pb ages,trace elements and Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of sandstones from the Banxi Group.The rocks are characterized by high SiO_(2)(65.88%–82.76%,with an average of 75.50%)contents,moderate(Fe_(2)O_(3)^(T)+MgO)(1.81%–7.78%,mean:3.79%)and TiO_(2)(0.39%–0.54%,mean:0.48%),low K_(2)O/Na_(2)O(0.03–0.40,mean:0.10)ratios and low Al_2O_(3)/SiO_(2)(0.11–0.24,mean:0.15)ratios.The sandstones have highΣREE contents(mean:179.1 ppm),with chondrite-normalized REE patterns similar to the upper crust and PAAS,showing enriched LREE((La/Yb)_N mean:14.85),sub-horizontal HREE curves and mild Eu(Eu/Eu^(*):0.75–0.89,mean:0.81)negative anomalies.Their geochemical characteristics resemble those of passive continental margin sandstones.Most of the zircons are magmatic in origin and yield a U-Pb age distribution with three peaks:a major age peak at 805 Ma and two subordinate age peaks at 1990 Ma and 2470 Ma,implying three major magmatic sources.The Neoproterozoic zircons haveε_(Hf)(t)values ranging from-47.4 to 12.4(mostly-20 to 0),suggesting a mixture of some juvenile arc-derived material and middle Paleoproterozoic heterogeneous crustal sources.The Hf model ages of middle Paleoproterozoic zircons(~1990 Ma)with negativeε_(Hf)(t)values(-12.65 to-6.21,Ave.=-9.8)concentrated around the Meso-Paleoarchean(mean T_(DM)^(C)=3.3–3.1 Ga).For late Neoarchean detrital zircons(~2470 Ma),ε_(Hf)(t)values are divided into two groups,one with negative values(-9.16 to-0.6)with model ages of 3.5–2.9 Ga,the other featuring positive values(1.0 to 3.9)with model ages of 2.9–2.7 Ga,recording a crustal growth event at~2.5 Ga.Neoproterozoic zircons show volcanic arc affinities with partly intraplate magmatic features.We propose that the Banxi Group formed in a rift basin within a passive continental margin setting,which derived detritus from felsic to intermediate rocks from the Yangtze Block and a small amount of arc volcanic rocks.The middle Paleoproterozoic detrital zircon data suggest Columbia-aged basement lies beneath the western Jiangnan orogen.

Intra-continental Orogeny:Insights from Magnetotelluric Data into the Mesozoic Uplift History of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen in South China

Despite extensive efforts to understand the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen in South China,the orogenic process and its mechanism remain a matter of dispute.Previous geodynamic studies have mostly focused on collisional orogeny,which is commonly invoked to explain the Jiangnan Orogen.However,it is difficult for such hypotheses to reconcile all the geological and geophysical data,especially the absence of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks.Based on the magnetotelluric data,we present a group of resistivity models produced through the combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional inversions,revealing the geo-electrical structures of Jiangnan and a typical collisional orogen.In our models,the resistive crust is separated into three parts by a prominent conductive layer with opposite dipping directions on both sides.A special thrust-nappe system,which is different from that developed in a typical collisional process,is revealed in the Jiangnan Orogen.This structure suggests a process different from the simple collisional orogeny.To interpret our observations,an'intra-continental orogeny'is proposed to address the development of the Jiangnan Orogen in the Mesozoic.Furthermore,this'reworked'process may contain at least two stages caused by the decoupling of the lithosphere,which is revealed by an extra conductive layer beneath Jiangnan.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the granitic gneiss in the Huozhou Complex: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen

The Trans-North China Orogen is a major Neoarchean Paleoproterozoic collisional orogenic belt above the North China Craton, formed due to prolonged and complex processes. Even though many NeoarcheanPaleoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic activities have been reported, due to the Huozhou Complex’s small outcropping range, little attention has been paid to the origin of various igneous rocks of the Huozhou Complex in the center of the Trans-North China Orogen. The Huozhou Complex, located south of the Luè liang, Wutai, and Hengshan complexes, is an important window into the Early Precambrian structure and evolution of the North China Craton. Its magma and metamorphism are crucial to understanding the development of the structural evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. The Huozhou metamorphic complex area exposes a range of Precambrian metamorphic rocks, among which the most extensively dispersed is felsic biotite plagioclase gneiss. In this study comprehensive geological field survey, micropetrology,chronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotope analysis were carried out for the Qinggangping and Anziping gneiss in the north of the Huozhou Complex. The results show that the magmatic zircon age of the Qinggangping gneiss is2196 ± 14 Ma, and its protolith is I-type granite, formed by partial melting of igneous rocks in the absence of weathering. Its source is mainly the juvenile crust from depleted mantle dating 2431–2719 Ma, with a small amount of mantle-derived material. The Anziping gneiss has a metamorphic zircon age of 1931 ± 13 Ma with an S-type granite protolith belonging to peraluminous granite.The Anziping gneiss is formed by recycling pre-existing crustal components at 2613–2848 Ma. A minor quantity of mantle-derived magma is also introduced to the crust simultaneously. The samples of Qinggangping gneiss and Anziping gneiss show the characteristics of obvious negative Nb, Ti, and P elements in the spider diagram of primitive mantle standardization. This implies that the rocks have the characteristics of magmatic rocks in an island arc or subduction environment, which could have formed in the tectonic environment of the continental margin arc.

Formation and Evolution of Chromitites in the Hongshishan Complex,Beishan Orogenic Collage,NW China:Constraints from Mineralogical Compositions,Re-Os Isotopes and Platinum-Group Element Geochemistry

The Hongshishan chromitite deposits are situated to the north of the Beishan orogenic collage,in the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.This study describes the mineral chemistry,Re-Os isotopes and platinum-group elements geochemistry of the Hongshishan chromitites for the purpose of constraining the origin,evolution and composition of their parental melts.The restricted ranges of Al_(2)O_(3),Cr_(2)O_(3)and Cr#-Mg#variation of chromite-cores and chromites fall within the field of the mid-ocean ridge and ophiolitic podiform chromite settings.The(^(187)Os/^(188)Os)i ratios of the chromitites are in the range of 0.12449–0.12745(average 0.12637)and theγOs are from-1.92 to-0.06(average-0.83).In the Re-Os isotope diagrams,all the samples fall in the field of chromitites and show a residual peridotitic trend.The range of Os isotopic compositions andγOs values indicate that they overlap the depleted MORB mantle(DMM)as well as being close to global Os isotopic data andγOs of ophiolite chromitites.The characteristics of the PGE contents can be roughly subdivided into two groups:podiform chromitites and Ural-Alaskan type complexes.For the ferritchromite cores,the calculated Al_(2)O_(3)concentrations of the parental melt are higher(average 16.65 wt%)in high-Cr than high-Al chromitite(average 16.17 wt%)and for the chromite,the calculated Al_(2)O_(3)concentrations are even higher(average 16.48 wt%)in the high-Cr than the high-Al examples(average 15.38 wt%).In the(TiO_(2))melt vs.TiO_(2)diagrams,most high-Al melts fall in the MORB,while the high-Cr melts fall in the ARC field.The calculated Fe O/Mg O ratios for the parental melt show the closest resemblance to a MORB magma composition.The inferred parental melt composition for studied chromitites falls in the field of mid-ocean ridge basalt(MORB)magmas and far away from boninite.The calculated degrees of partial melting producing the chromitites are 16%-22%(average 19%),which is around the range of those of the MORB magmas.The chromitites are suggested to have been formed in a MORB setting.The chromites and ferritchromite cores are mostly scattered along the MORB and SSZ harzburgite–dunite fields.Ferritchromite rims and ferritchromites with high YFes formed as a result of alteration during serpentinization..

Fe-bearing minerals and implications for gold mineralization for the Wangu deposit in Central Jiangnan Orogen

Hydrothermal alteration with bleaching of host rocks is the most important prospecting indicator for gold deposits in the Jiangnan Orogen Belt.The alteration has been identified as pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization and the Fe of siderite in the alteration zone is derived from the host rocks rather than fluids.In addition,such alteration decreases in intensity and width with depth and gold mineralization also occur in the non-bleached rocks,casting doubt on the reliability of the prospecting indicator.Detailed petrographic work and SEM analysis on the Wangu deposit indicate that there are two types of siderites,i.e.,Sd1 and Sd2.Among them,Sd1 grains are relatively small and distributed along the planes of unaltered host rocks,while Sd2 grains,only occurring in the altered slates,are commonly larger.Both types of siderites were altered by auriferous fluids,producing porous cores and minerals such as pyrite,quartz,and ankerite.Compared with unaltered parts,the altered parts have lower Fe,but higher U,Pb,and REE.In addition,Sd1 and Sd2 are similar in Mn,Na,V,and Sr concentrations but different in Fe and Mg.The occurrence and geochemical compositions of both siderites indicate that Sd1 could be transformed into Sd2 by pre-mineralization alteration through dissolution-reprecipitation.Chlorite is another important Fe-bearing mineral in the host rocks,and EPMA analysis suggests that it is ripidolite with relatively high Fe contents.Consequently,chlorite can also provide Fe to form the pre-ore carbonate(siderite)-sericitization.Geochemical modeling demonstrates that both ripidolite and siderite can result in sulfidation and therefore gold precipitation.As a result,this study demonstrates that pre-ore alteration with characterized bleaching is not a prerequisite for gold mineralization despite of its prominent features.Due to the presence of Fe-bearing Sd1 and chlorite,gold mineralization could still occur through sulfidation in the unaltered rocks.

2.7-Ga-old mafic dike in the Trans-North China Orogen of the North China Craton and its tectonic significance

We studied an Archean mafic dike in the TransNorth China Orogen of the North China Craton, which has a magmatic age of 2701 ± 83 Ma and is currently the oldest mafic dike in the North China Craton. Such an old dike is extremely rare in the world. The presence of mafic dikes indicates that the North China Craton was in a tensional tectonic environment at 2.7 Ga. Geochemical characteristics reveal that this mafic dike belongs to continental tholeiitic basalt. Results from Hf isotope analysis reveal that the mafic dike originates from a depleted mantle. The plate assembly in the North China landmass was realized during the Archean era(2.7 Ga), and a thick and stable continental crust was formed. Therefore, the first cratonization of the North China Craton was completed before 2.7 Ga. The intrusion of the 2.7-Ga-old mafic dike from the deep lithospheric mantle of the continent indicates that the North China Craton has undergone a period of extensional tectonic activity. This event marks a significant extensional event that occurred after the cratonization of the North China Craton.

中国东部中生代上叠造山系

印支运动和燕山运动是中国东部中生代时期两次十分重要的造山运动。由这两次造山运动形成的构造带,既不是陈国达所说的地壳演化第三阶段的产物,也不是一些学者所谓的由板块内部动力产生的陆内(或板内)造山带。它们是在古太平洋动力体系作用下,在中国东部先成大陆地壳之上形成的上叠造山系,过去我们曾称其为中国东部滨太平洋大陆边缘活动(活化)带。中生代时期,在古太平洋动力体系作用下,于俄罗斯东北部—锡霍特阿林—日本—琉球—中国台湾—巴拉望一带形成亚洲东缘造山系,在邻接亚洲东部陆缘的中国东部大陆地壳之上形成中国东部上叠造山系。二者在同一动力体系作用下,同步发展,共同组成亚洲东部太平洋构造域规模宏大的巨型中生代造山系,彻底改变了亚洲东部印支造山前的构造面貌。

Petrology, geochemistry and Ar-Ar geochronology of eclogites in Jinshajiang orogenic belt, Gonjo area, eastern Tibet and restriction on Paleo-Tethyan evolution

As one of the important Paleo-Tethys suture zones in eastern Tibet,the Jinshajiang orogenic belt is of great significance to study the tectonic evolution of the main suture zone of Paleo-Tethys.In this paper,eclogites developed in the Jinshajiang suture zone in Gonjo area,eastern Tibet,are selected as specific research objects,and petrological,geochemical and Ar-Ar geochronological analyses are carried out.The major element data of the whole rock reveals that the eclogite samples have the characteristics of picritic basalt-basalt and belong to the oceanic low potassium tholeiites.The results of rare earth elements and trace elements of the samples show that the protoliths of eclogites have characteristics similar to oceanic island basalt(OIB)or normal mid ocean ridge basalt(N-MORB).Muscovite(phengite)from two eclogite samples yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages of 247±2 Ma and 248±2 Ma respectively,representing the peak metamorphic age of eclogite facies and the timing of complete closure of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys Ocean.Muscovite and biotite selected from the hosting rocks of eclogite yield the Ar-Ar plateau ages are 238±2 Ma and 225±2 Ma respectively,reflecting the exhumation age of eclogites and their hosting rocks.Combined with the zircon U-Pb dating data(244 Ma)of eclogites obtained in previous work,it can be concluded that the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethys ocean was completely closed and arc-continent collision was initiated at about 248-244 Ma(T21).Subsequently,due to the large-scale arc(continent)-collision orogeney between Deqin-Weixi continental margin arc and Zhongza block(T31-T32),the eclogites were rapidly uplifted to the shallow crust.

东昆仑大格勒农场南辉长岩锆石U-Pb年代学、地球化学特征及地质意义

东昆仑志留纪岩浆活动强烈,记录了东昆仑造山带原特提斯洋演化晚期大洋俯冲阶段与碰撞阶段转换地质过程。本次研究对东昆仑大格勒农场南志留纪基性侵入岩开展了详细的岩相学、岩石地球化学、锆石U-Pb年代学和Hf同位素研究,以确定其形成时代、岩石成因和构造环境。研究结果表明大格勒农场南辉长岩的结晶年龄为430.2±2.4 Ma,形成时代为中志留世。辉长岩SiO_(2)(51.40%~53.66%)含量较低,MgO(18.56%~22.16%)和FeO^(T)(7.54%~10.64%)含量高,Mg^(#)为79~82。微量元素富集Rb、Th、Ba、Cs等大离子亲石元素(LILE),亏损Nb、Ta、Ti等高场强元素(HFSE),具有高Ni(276~973μg/g)、Cr(2152~3574μg/g)和Sc(35.5~53.1μg/g)含量,低Nb/Ta值(3.23~8.68)和εHf(t)值(-7.3~-3.6)。大格勒农场南辉长岩的地球化学组成具有岛弧基性岩特征,其成因可能是流体和俯冲沉积物加入的富尖晶石橄榄岩部分熔融的结果。综合区域资料表明,大格勒农场南辉长岩形成于东昆仑原特提斯洋俯冲晚期阶段,进一步限定原特提斯洋晚期俯冲与碰撞转换时限为中志留世,随后转入碰撞造山阶段。

华夏造山系元古宙-早古生代洋板块地层分布与演化

本文按洋板块地层理论与方法,系统收集和梳理了华夏造山系元古宙-早古生代与洋壳生成扩张和俯冲消亡遗存的洋壳残块和洋盆建造(称之为洋板块地层)共96处,均有测年和岩石地球化学分析数据控制,主要包括洋脊、洋岛和洋内弧3类洋壳的火成岩建造,以及海山、远洋深海和海沟3类洋盆内的沉积建造。本文还对洋盆汇聚俯冲的直接产物-陆缘弧和叠加在裂离地块上的火山弧建造(非洋板块地层)系统收集梳理了85处,其中59处有测年和岩石地球化学分析数据控制,26处无测年与地球化学分析,但有实测剖面控制。笔者对上述181处中的39处进行了野外实地考察和相关样品采集与分析。在上述所获大量资料的基础上,本文主要以图解形式展示了华夏造山系元古宙-早古生代主要洋板块地层分布与构造演化历程。横向上将华夏造山系划分为江绍-郴州-钦防对接带(主要含陈蔡-龙游、神政桥-神山、鹰扬关和糯垌4个含蛇绿岩残块增生楔,以及绍兴-兰溪增生弧和钦防残余洋盆)、武夷-赣州多岛弧盆系(主要含罗霄弧、赣州弧间盆地、北武夷弧和南武夷弧以及南平-宁化构造混杂岩带)和东南沿海多岛弧盆系(主要含龙泉-政和-大埔、贵子-石窝2个含蛇绿岩残块增生楔,以及伴生的云开地块-弧、粤南弧-弧背盆地和东南沿海地块);纵向上据洋板块地层和相关火山弧时空分布,从老至新划分出华夏造山系(华南洋)的7个构造演化阶段:(1)约1800~1200 Ma,洋盆拉张形成期;(2)约1200~820 Ma,洋盆扩张与汇聚转换期;(3)约820~635 Ma洋盆汇聚俯冲、弧-弧和弧-陆增生峰期;(4)约635~541 Ma洋盆汇聚与扩张转换期;(5)约541~458 Ma洋盆扩张期;(6)约458~443 Ma洋盆汇聚俯冲、弧-陆增生峰期;(7)约443~420 Ma洋盆关闭与陆-陆碰撞、残留洋(海)期。