Geochronology,Eruption Sequence and Geochemistry of Mid-Late Jurassic Volcanics South of Manzhouli:Petrogenesis and Implications for Mesozoic Tectonic Regime Transformation

To the south of Manzhouli,Hulunbuir,Inner Mongolia,experienced a tectonic regime transformation from compression to extension in the mid-Mesozoic.Based on systematic research of the volcanics,petrology,volcanic facies,chronology and geochemistry of rocks in the Buridun area,two stages of volcanics are identified.The first stage named the trachyte series was formed in the late Middle Jurassic(167-163 Ma),its eruption rhythm is pyroxene trachyandesite-trachyandesite-trachyte,and its origin rock is basic volcanics from thickened lower crust,with a tectonic setting in the collision orogeny after the closure of the Mongolia Okhotsk Ocean(MOO).The second stage is a bimodal volcanic rock,formed in the early Late Jurassic(163-160 Ma).The eruption rhythm of basic volcanics in this stage is basaltic andesite-basalt-olivine basalt,which comes from the metasomatized lithospheric mantle,the acidic volcanics of which being characterized by the eruption rhythm of sedimentary-explosive-overflow facies,which came from the partial melting of newly formed lower crust,and this shows the characteristics of A-type granite;the tectonic setting is extension of the lithosphere after collision and closure of the MOO.The changes in the formation age and tectonic setting of the two stages of volcanics demonstrate that the transition time from the compressive system to the extensional system south of Manzhouli is about 163 Ma.

Discovery of the Mid-Late Jurassic volcanic rocks(163.4 Ma) in Nanhuangcheng Island, Shandong Province, China

1.Objectives Changshan Islands are located on the geographical boundary between the Bohai Sea and the North Yellow Sea,China.Intensively tectonic deformation developed in this area,which is an important connection point to study the tectonics of the Shandong Peninsula and Liaoning Peninsula.Previous studies have shown that the lithologies of the three northern islands(Beihuangcheng Island,Nanhuangcheng Island,and Xiaoqin Island)of the Changshan Islands include Neoproterozoic quartzite,phyllite,and slate(Fuzikuang Formation of the Penglai Group),and a few areas are covered by Quaternary slope deposits,marine deposits and loess(Fig.1 a;Qiao EW et al.,2019).Recently,a set of volcanic rocks was firstly discovered in Nanhuangcheng Island(Fig.1 a).

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.

Late Jurassic Volcanism Deduced from Geochemical,Geochronological,and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopic Composition Characteristics of the Nanyuan Formation,South China

The Nanyuan Formation contains information related to the Mesozoic tectonic transformation.In this study,three representative profiles were surveyed from the Nanyuan Formation,and multiple analyses were conducted.Zircon U-Pb dating yielded their ages as approximately 158–146 Ma.The volcanic rocks are enriched in Rb,Th,U,K,and Pb and depleted in Nb,Ta,P,and Ti,implying their affinity for I-type granites.TheεNd(t)values(-8.3 to-6.0),^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i values(0.7077–0.7094)of the volcanic rock,andεHf(t)values(-8.71 to 0.12)of the Mesozoic zircons suggest that the Nanyuan Formation magma originated in the lower crust with the involvement of depleted mantle materials.The parent rocks of the rhyolitic and dacitic volcanic rocks formed by partial melting of basement rocks in South China and the andesitic volcanic rocks were derived from partial melting of the metasomatites generated by slab-mantle interaction.The fractional crystallization also played an important role in later stage.Discrimination diagrams of the volcanic rocks indicated that they formed in a volcanic arc environment.Combined with previous data,the Nanyuan Formation recorded subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate before regional tectonic transformation.The compressive stress field endured until the end of the Late Jurassic.

Reservoir characteristics of Datta Formation (Early Jurassic), Marwat-Khisor Ranges, sub-Himalayas, Pakistan

The present work has been accomplished to carry out a detailed study of the characteristics of the Early Jurassic Datta Formation of Trans-Indus Ranges, Pakistan. The discovery of Saib well-1 (Gas and condensate discovery from Jurassic limestone) in the study basin takes an active interest in carrying out extensive exploration activities in the same basin. Jurassic rocks especially Datta Sandstone and Samana Suk Limestone are acting as good reservoirs. The study unit consists of variegated sandstone interbedded with siltstone, carbonaceous clay, and shale and coal stringer. For the current work, two stratigraphic sections (Pezu and Abbo Wanda) have been measured. To examine its sedimentology, depositional environment, diagenetic settings, and reservoir characteristics, a detailed study was conducted and various laboratory techniques have been utilized. About 95 rock samples from the bottom to the top of both sections were collected, and 50 rock samples have been selected for thin section analysis and were examined under a polarizing microscope to show their mineralogical composition, diagenesis, and their reservoir characteristics. XRD (X-ray diffraction), Cathodoluminescence (CL), SEM (Scanning electron microscope) with EDS (Energy-dispersive spectroscope), and Core plug porosity and permeability analysis have been used to interpret its chemical and mineralogical composition and its reservoir characteristics, respectively. Based on field observations and thin section analysis, four depositional facies and six lithofacies have been established. The sedimentary structures, depositional facies, and lithofacies indicate that Datta Formation was deposited in a deltaic environment. Compactions, cementation, fracturing and dissolution can greatly affect the quality of reservoir rock. Based on thin section and SEM analysis, large numbers of primary pores, fracture and secondary pores were observed and connectivity between the pores is good, and at some places, these pores were filled through the authigenic clay minerals like kaolinite, mixed layers illite/smectite and chlorite that influences the reservoir characteristics. Primary pores (thin section) and secondary pores (dissolution pores) and core plug porosity and permeability data (porosity 13.23%-26.89% and permeability 0.12 to 149 mD) shows that Datta Formation has a good reservoir quality.

Crustal Structure of the Jurassic Quiet Zone in the West Pacific Ocean:Insights from 2D Multichannel Seismic Reflection Profiles

The Jurassic oceanic crust is the oldest existing oceanic crust on earth,and although distributed sparsely,carries essential information about the earth's evolution.The area around the Pigafetta Basin in the west Pacific Ocean(also known as the Jurassic Quiet Zone,JQZ)is one of a few areas where the Jurassic oceanic crust is present.This study takes full advantage of high-resolution multichannel seismic reflection profiles in combination with bathymetry,magnetic,and gravity data from the JQZ to examine the structure,deformation,and morphology of the Jurassic oceanic crust.Our results show the following insights:1)The Moho lies at 2–3 s in two-way travel time beneath the seafloor with the segmented feature.The gaps between the Moho segments well correspond to the seamounts on the seafloor,suggesting the upward migration of magma from the mantle has interrupted the pre-existing Moho.2)The oceanic crust is predominantly deformed by crustal-scale thrust faults,normal faults cutting through the top of basement,and vertical seismic disturbance zones in association with migration of thermal fluids.The thrust faults are locally found and interpreted as the results of tectonic inversion.3)Seafloor morphology in the JQZ is characterized by fault scarps,fold scarps,seamounts,and small hills,indicating the occurrence of active faults.4)The oceanic crust in the JQZ and East Pacific Rise has many structural and geometrical variations,such as the thickness of sediments,seafloor topography,basement morphology,fault size and type.

Petroleum in the Jurassic Reservoirs within the Eastern Fukang Sub-depression,Junggar Basin,NW China:Correlation and Source Rock

The origin and source of the petroleum in the Jurassic reservoirs within the eastern Fukang sub-depression were geochemically investigated.They show thermal maturities matching the peak generation stage,while the condensates are at the early stage of intense cracking.Oils and condensates may have experienced mild evaporative fractionation,while mixing of severely biodegraded with non-biodegraded oils has occurred.Using biomarkers and isotopes,petroleums were classified into GroupⅠ,ⅡandⅢgenetic groups,with GroupⅢfurther divided intoⅢa andⅢb subgroups.GroupⅠpetroleum displays heavy carbon isotopes,a strong predominance of pristine over phytane,high C_(19)and C_(20)tricyclic and C_(24)tetracyclic terpanes,low gammacerane,and dominant C_(29)steranes,while GroupⅡshows light carbon isotopes,a predominance of phytane over pristine,high C_(21)and C_(23)tricyclic with low C_(24)tetracyclic terpanes,high gammacerane and dominant C_(27)steranes.GroupⅢa petroleum shows mixing compositions of GroupⅠandⅡ,while GroupⅢb displays similar compositions to Group I,but with significantly higher Ts,C_(29)Ts and C_(30)diahopane proportions.Oil-source rock correlation suggests GroupⅠandⅡpetroleums originate from Jurassic and Permian source rocks,respectively,while GroupⅢa are mixtures sourced from these rocks andⅢb are mixtures from Jurassic and Triassic source rocks.

Petroleum Generation Kinetics and Geological Implications for Jurassic Hydrocarbon Source Rocks,Hongqi Depression,Hailar Basin,Northeast China

A sample from the Jurassic Tamulangou Fm.and two comparison samples from the Cretaceous Fm.were used to document the hydrocarbon generation kinetics and phase behaviors at two heating rates using the confined gold tube system.The results show that the different heating rates affect the reaction rates,paths and levels of organic matter evolution.The average activation energy and dominant frequency activation energy of liquid hydrocarbon are significantly lower than those of gaseous.Moreover,igneous intrusion had a positive effect on the blooming,enrichment and preservation of organic matter,promoting a Ro increase of 0.09%–1.07%in the Jurassic Tamulangou Fm.Two models were used to simulate the normal and abnormal evolution caused by thermal events combined hydrocarbon generation kinetic parameters.Thermal simulation analysis shows that oil generation was initially slow and then increased rapidly until a burial depth of 1500 m was reached at~128 Ma.The largest hydrocarbon expulsion began at~120 Ma,corresponding to a burial depth of 2450 m.The maximum cumulative yield is 510 mg/g TOC,and it is still in the peak period of hydrocarbon generation,which demonstrates a favorable potential for hydrocarbon exploration.

Action mechanisms of abnormal fluid pressure on physical properties of deep reservoirs: A case study on Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin, NW China

Considering the action mechanisms of overpressure on physical changes in skeleton particles of deep reservoir rocks and the differences in physical changes of skeleton particles under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure, the sandstone of the Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin was taken as an example for physical modeling experiment to analyze the action mechanisms of overpressure on the physical properties of deep reservoirs. (1) In the simulated ultra-deep layer with a burial depth of 6000-8000 m, the mechanical compaction under overpressure reduces the remaining primary pores by about a half that under hydrostatic pressure. Overpressure can effectively suppress the mechanical compaction to allow the preservation of intergranular primary pores. (2) The linear contact length ratio under overpressure is always smaller than the linear contact length ratio under hydrostatic pressure at the same depth. In deep reservoirs, the difference between the mechanical compaction degree under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure shows a decreasing trend, the effect of abnormally high pressure to resist the increase of effective stress is weakened, and the degree of mechanical compaction is gradually close to that under hydrostatic pressure. (3) The microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under overpressure are thin and long, while the microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under hydrostatic pressure are short and wide. This difference is attributed to the probable presence of tension fractures in the rocks containing abnormally high pressure fluid. (4) The microfractures in skeleton particles under overpressure were mainly formed later than that under hydrostatic pressure, and the development degree and length of microfractures both extend deeper. (5) The development stages of microfractures under overpressure are mainly controlled by the development stages of abnormally high pressure and the magnitude of effective stress acting on the skeleton particles. Moreover, the development stages of microfractures in skeleton particles are more than those under hydrostatic pressure in deep reservoir. The multi-stage abnormally high pressure plays an important role in improving the physical properties of deep reservoirs.

Characteristics and discovery significance of the Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic marine shale oil in Qiangtang Basin,China

Mesozoic marine shale oil was found in the Qiangtang Basin by a large number of hydrocarbon geological surveys and shallow drilling sampling.Based on systematic observation and experimental analysis of outcrop and core samples,the deposition and development conditions and characteristics of marine shale are revealed,the geochemical and reservoir characteristics of marine shale are evaluated,and the layers of marine shale oil in the Mesozoic are determined.The following geological understandings are obtained.First,there are two sets of marine organic-rich shales,the Lower Jurassic Quse Formation and the Upper Triassic Bagong Formation,in the Qiangtang Basin.They are mainly composed of laminated shale with massive mudstone.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation is located in the lower part of the stratum,with a thickness of 50–75 m,and mainly distributed in southern Qiangtang Basin and the central-west of northern Qiangtang Basin.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation is located in the middle of the stratum,with a thickness of 250–350 m,and distributed in both northern and southern Qiangtang Basin.Second,the two sets of laminated organic-rich shales develop foliation,and various types of micropores and microfractures.The average content of brittle minerals is 70%,implying a high fracturability.The average porosity is 5.89%,indicating good reservoir physical properties to the level of moderate–good shale oil reservoirs.Third,the organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation contains organic matters of types II1 and II2,with the average TOC of 8.34%,the average content of chloroform bitumen'A'of 0.66%,the average residual hydrocarbon generation potential(S1+S2)of 29.93 mg/g,and the Ro value of 0.9%–1.3%,meeting the standard of high-quality source rock.The organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation contains mixed organic matters,with the TOC of 0.65%–3.10%and the Ro value of 1.17%–1.59%,meeting the standard of moderate source rock.Fourth,four shallow wells(depth of 50–250 m)with oil shows have been found in the organic shales at 50–90 m in the lower part of the Bagong Formation and 30–75 m in the middle part of the Quse Formation.The crude oil contains a high content of saturated hydrocarbon.Analysis and testing of outcrop and shallow well samples confirm the presence of marine shale oil in the Bagong Formation and the Quse Formation.Good shale oil intervals in the Bagong Formation are observed in layers 18–20 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 206.7 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 1.92 mg/g and 1.81 mg/g,respectively.Good shale oil intervals in the Quse Formation are found in layers 4–8 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 58.8 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 6.46 mg/g and 2.23 mg/g,respectively.

Sequence structure, sedimentary evolution and their controlling factors of the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in the East Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the data of outcrops, seismic sections, thin sections, heavy mineral assemblages and detrital zircon U-Pb dating, the sedimentary characteristics, lake level fluctuation and provenance characteristics of the Middle Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation(J_(2)l) in eastern Sichuan Basin, SW China, were investigated to reveal the control of tectonic movements of the surrounding orogenic belts on the sedimentary systems. The J_(2)lmainly developed a delta–lake sedimentary system, which contained a complete third-order sequence that was subdivided into four lake level up-down cycles(fourth-order sequence).The lake basins of cycles Ⅰ and Ⅱ were mainly distributed in eastern Sichuan Basin, while the lake basins of cycles Ⅲ and Ⅳ migrated to central Sichuan Basin, resulting in the significant difference in sedimentary characteristics between the north and the south of eastern Sichuan Basin. The provenance analysis shows that there were three types of provenances for J_(2)l. Specifically, the parent rocks of Type Ⅰ were mainly acidic igneous rocks and from the proximal northern margin of the Yangtze Plate;the parent rocks of Type Ⅱ were intermediate-acid igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks and from the central parts of the southern and northern Qinling orogenic belts;the parent rocks of Type Ⅲ were mainly metamorphic rocks followed by intermediate–acid igneous rocks, and from the North Daba Mountain area. It is recognized from the changes of sedimentary system and provenance characteristics that the sedimentary evolution of J_(2)lin eastern Sichuan Basin was controlled by the tectonic compression of the Qinling orogenic belt. In the early stage, the lake basin was restricted to the east of the study area, and Type Ⅰ provenance was dominant. With the intensifying north-south compression of the Qinling orogenic belt, the lake basin expanded rapidly and migrated northward, and the supply of Type Ⅱ provenance increased. In the middle and late stages, the uplift of the North Daba Mountain led to the lake basin migration and the gradual increase in the supply of Type Ⅲ provenance.

Behavior and controlling factors of methane adsorption in Jurassic continental shale,northeastern Sichuan Basin

The behavior and controlling factors of natural gas adsorption in the Jurassic continental shale in the northeastern Sichuan Basin are studied based on the organic geochemical features,mineral compositions and pore structure parameters through a series of experiments on samples from the shale.Results show that the total gas content of the shale measured on-site is 0.1-5.3 cm^(3)/g,with an average of 0.7 cm^(3)/g.The methane isothermal adsorption curves show a trend of increasing first and then decreasing,indicating an obvious excessive adsorption.The shale has a maximum adsorption capacity(V^(L))of 0.44-3.59 cm^(3)/g,with an average of 1.64 cm^(3)/g,lower than that of marine shale in the same basin.The organic matter content and pore structure characteristics are identified as the two main factors controlling the adsorption capacity of the shale.Micropores in the shale are the main storage space for gas to be adsorbed.Due to well developed shell laminae and interlayers in the shale,calcite plays a more important role than clay minerals in affecting the adsorption of gas to the rock.The formation temperature and water content also significantly inhibit the gas adsorption to the shale.Compared with marine shale in the basin,the Jurassic continental shale is more heterogeneous and lower in TOC values.Furthermore,with a more widely developed clayey shale lithofacies and shell limy shale lithofacies as well as relatively less developed organic pores and micropores,the continental shale is inferior to marine shale in terms of gas adsorption capacity.

A NEW SPECIES OF OMEISAURUS FROM THE MIDDLE JURASSIC OF ZIGONG,SICHUAN

记述了产自四川自贡大山铺中侏罗世峨眉龙属一新种——焦氏峨眉龙（Omeisaurusjiaoisp.nov.）。新种为大型蜥脚类恐龙，以如下特征区别于其他蜥脚类：前、中部背椎为典型的后凹型，后部背椎为双平型，背椎神经棘呈高大棒状，不分叉；尾椎为弱双凹型，第一尾椎不具扇形尾肋；第一脉弧短小且与第一尾椎关联；锁骨长大；肱骨和股骨细长而圆实；肱骨与股骨长度之比为0.83，尺骨与肱骨长度之比为0.72，胫骨与股骨长度之比为0.63。

Xingxueanthus: An Enigmatic Jurassic Seed Plant and Its Implications for the Origin of Angiospermy

The origin of angiosperms has been tantalizing botanists for centuries. Despite the efforts of palaeobotanists, most of the pre-Cretaceous angiosperms are regarded either non-convincing or misdated. The applications of SEM and LM （light microscope） enable us to recognize a coalified fossil plant, Xingxueanthus sinensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Haifanggou Formation （Middle Jurassic, 〉160 Ma） in western Liaoning, China. Xingxueanthus is an ＂inflorescence＂ with more than 20 female units spirally arranged. Each female unit is situated in the axii of a bract. The female unit is composed of an ovule-container and a style-like projection at the top. There is a vertical column bearing several ovules in the ovule-container. The general morphology and the internal structure of Xingxueanthus distinguish itself from any known fossil and extant gymnosperms, and its structures are more comparable to those of angiosperms. Xingxueanthus, if taken as a gymnosperm, would represent a new class, demonstrate an evolutionarily advanced status of ovule-protection in gymnosperms never seen before, and provide new insights into the origin of angiospermy. Alternatively, if taken as an angiosperm, together with Schmeissneria, it would increase the diversity of Jurassic angiosperms, which has been underestimated for a long time, and suggest a much earlier origin of angiospermy than currently accepted.

Quantitative Analysis of Paleoatmospheric CO2 Level Based on Stomatal Characters of Fossil Ginkgo from Jurassic to Cretaceous in China

A better theoretical and practical understanding of the linkage between paleo-CO2 and climate during geological history is important to enhance the sustainable development of modern human society. Development in plant physiology since the 1980s has led to the realization that fossil plants can serve as a proxy for paleoatmosphere and paleobiosphere. As a relict gymnosperm with evolutionary stasis, Ginkgo is well suited for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. This paper analyzes fossil Ginkgo species from integrated strata in the north of China using anatomic data of plant physiology. Using stomatal parameters, a trend for the paleo-CO2 level during the Early-Middle Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous was obtained, which is consistent with the estimates by GEOCARB. The trend is also similar to that of Mean Global Surface Temperature in geological time. Compared with three other atmospheric CO2 concentration parameters, the trend of paleo-CO2 level based on the stomatal parameter of the fossil Ginkgo specimens from three contiguous strata is more exact.

New Jurassic Fossil True Bugs of the Pachymeridiidae(Hemiptera:Pentatomomorpha)from Northeast China

Four new fossil genera and species of true bugs from the family Pachymeridiidae, Beipiaocoris multifurcus, Bellicoris mirabilis, Nitoculus regiUus, and Viriosinervis stolidus, are described. New specimens were collected from the Middle and Upper Jurassic non-marine sedimentary strata from the Jiulongshan and Yixian Formations of northeast China. The species Karatavocoris asiatica Becker-Migdisova, 1963, which was considered to be a member of the family Coreidae is transferred to the Pachymeridiidae. A new map of all known and newly discovered fossil pachymeridiid localities is given. The diagnosis of the family is modified.

Radiometric Dating of Ignimbrite from Inner Mongolia Provides no Indication of a Post-Middle Jurassic Age for the Daohugou Beds

Lacustrine deposits exposed at Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China, have yielded superbly preserved vertebrate fossils. The fossil beds were first misinterpreted as of Early Cretaceous age, based on alleged occurrences of key fossils of the Jehol Biota. Compelling evidence revealed by more rigorous research involving regional biostratigraphy, radiometric dating, and paleontology supports the Middle Jurassic age of the fossil beds. Despite the awesome evidence for the Middle Jurassic age of the Daohugou beds, the age dispute has been resurrected recently by invoking an overturned stratigraphic sequence. A careful review of the data, however, found no evidence that this sequence has been overturned. In addition, many of the assumptions, on which the conjecture of the fossil beds being post- Middle Jurassic is imprudently based, are self-contradictory or otherwise misleading. Thus, the post- Middle Jurassic age of the Daohugou beds as an unfounded conclusion can readily be dismissed.

Jurassic Tectonics of North China:A Synthetic View

This paper gives a synthetic view on the Jurassic tectonics of North China, with an attempt to propose a framework for the stepwise tectonic evolution history. Jurassic sedimentation, deformation and magmatism in North China have been divided into three stages. The earliest Jurassic is marked by a period of magmatism quiescence （in 205-190 Ma） and regional uplift, which are considered to be the continuation of the “Indosinian movement” characterized by continent-continent collision between the North and South China blocks. The Early to Middle Jurassic （in 190-170 Ma） was predominated by weak lithospheric extension expressed by mantle-derived plutonism and volcanism along the Yanshan belt and alongside the Tan-Lu fault zone, normal faulting and graben formation along the Yinshan- Yanshan tectonic belt, depression and resuming of coal-bearing sedimentation in vast regions of the North China block （NCB）. The Middle to Late Jurassic stage started at 165y.5 Ma and ended up before 136 Ma; it was dominated by intensive intraplate deformation resulting from multi-directional compressions. Two major deformation events have been identified. One is marked by stratigraphic unconformity beneath the thick Upper Jurassic molasic series in the foreland zones of the western Ordos thrust-fold belt and along the Yinshan-Yanshan belt; it was predated 160 Ma. The other one is indicated by stratigraphic unconformity at the base of the Lower Cretaceous and predated 135 Ma. During this last stage, two latitudinal tectonic belts, the Yinshan-Yanshan belt in the north and the Qinling-Dabie belt in the south, and the western margin of the Ordos basin were all activated by thrusting; the NCB itself was deformed by the NE to NNE-trending structural system involving thrusting, associated folding and sinistral strike-slip faulting, which were spatially partitioned. Foliated S-type granitic plutons aged 160-150 Ma were massively emplaced in the Jiao-Liao massif east of the Tan-Lu fault zone and indicate important crustal thickening in this part of the NCB. The Jurassic deformation patterns, different tectonic systems and multi-directional contractions in North China recorded far-field effects of synchronous convergences, toward the East Asian continent, of three different plates, the Siberian plate in the north, the paleo-Pacific oceanic plate in the east and the Lhasa block in the southwest. This Middle to Late Jurassic intraplate orogenesis and pervasive shortening deformation preceded lithospheric attenuation and thinning in East China, which most possibly started by the Early Cretaceous around 135 Ma.

Middle Jurassic-early Cretaceous radiolarian assemblages of the western Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone: Implications for the evolution of the Neo-Tethys

Cherts in the Zhongba melange of the western Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone(YZSZ) contain well preserved radiolarian assemblages. These radiolarian assemblages indicate that the Zhongba melange has middle Jurassic-early Cretaceous remnant, are coeval with those from the central and eastern parts of the YZSZ. Cherts from the Najiu area yield Aalenian to Aptian radiolarians, while cherts interbedded with siliceous mudstones from the Bielongjiala area yield Aptian radiolarians, indicating that terrigenousderived sediments were deposited during early Aptian. The above observations indicate that the entire YZSZ have a similar geochronological framework and thus they underwent similar geological evolution:(1) during the Jurassic, the Neo-Tethys was a wide ocean with pelagic sediments distal from continents;(2) during the Cretaceous(around 130-120 Ma), the Neo-Tethys started to subduct along the southern margin of the Lhasa block, and terrigenous-derived siliceous mudstone began deposition.

Jurassic Tectonic Revolution in China and New Interpretation of the “Yanshan Movement”

With acquisition and accumulation of new data of structural geological investigations and high-resolution isotopic dating data, we have greatly improved our understanding of the tectonic events occurring in eastern China during the period from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous and may give a new interpretation of the nature, timing and geodynamic settings of the “Yanshan Movement”. During the Mid-Late Jurassic （165±5 Ma）, great readjustment of plate amalgamation kinematics took place in East Asia and the tectonic regime underwent great transformation, thus initiating a new tectonic regime in which the North China Block was the center and different plates converged toward it from the north, east and southwest and forming the “East Asia convergent” tectonic system characterized by intracontinental subduction and orogeny. As a consequence, the crustal lithosphere of the East Asian continent thickened considerably during the Late Jurassic, followed immediately by Early Cretaceous substantial lithospheric thinning and craton destruction featured by drastic lithospheric extension and widespread volcano-magmatic activities, resulting in a major biotic turnover from the Yanliao biota to Jehol Biota. Such a tremendous tectonic event that took place in the continent of China and East Asia is the basic connotation of the “Yanshan Movement”. In the paper, according to the deformation patterns, geodynamic settings and deep processes, the “Yanshan Movement” is redefined as the Late Jurassic East Asian multi-directional plate convergent tectonic regime and its associated extensive intracontinental orogeny and great tectonic change that started at -165±5 Ma. The substantial lithospheric attenuation in East China is considered the post-effect of the Yanshanian intracontinental orogeny and deformation.