Devonian-Carboniferous Pillow OIB-Type Basalts in the Youjiang Basin,SW China:Implications for the Eastern Extension of the Paleo-Tethys Branch Ocean

Late Paleozoic pillow basalts are well preserved in the Youjiang Basin of SW China.In this study,we conducted geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic study on the Late Devonian and Late Carboniferous basalts in Napo area,Youjiang Basin.The analyzed samples comprise moderate SiO2,TiO2,Mg#,and REE contents,with slightly positive or negative Eu anomalies,similar to the chemical nature of OIB(Oceanic island basalt).All basalts show low(^(143)Nd/^(144)Nd)iand(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)ivalues,close to EMI-type(I-type Enriched Mantle)magma source.Late Carboniferous basalts display higher(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i,Nb/Th,and lowerε_(Nd)(t),Zr/Nb values than those of the Late Devonian basalts,implying progressively decreased enrichment components in the magma source processes.Such evolution trend reflects a continuous lithospheric thinning event,supporting a progressive rifting setting of the Youjiang Basin along the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block in Late Paleozoic.Combined with regional geological background,the Youjiang Basin is viewed as a continental rift basin related to the opening of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in Late Devonian and became a passive continental margin basin in Carboniferous.The Paleo-Tethys branch ocean probably extended further to the southern Youjiang Basin,likely corresponding to the Song Ma suture zone.

Quantifying the chemical composition of weathering products of Hainan basalts with reflectance spectroscopy and its implications for Mars

With the development of the hyperspectral remote sensing technique,extensive chemical weathering profiles have been identified on Mars.These weathering sequences,formed through precipitation-driven leaching processes,can reflect the paleoenvironments and paleoclimates during pedogenic processes.The specific composition and stratigraphic profiles mirror the mineralogical and chemical trends observed in weathered basalts on Hainan Island in south China.In this study,we investigated the laboratory reflectance spectra of a 53-m-long drilling core of a thick basaltic weathering profile collected from Hainan Island.We established a quantitative spectral model by combining the genetic algorithm and partial least squares regression(GA-PLSR)to predict the chemical properties(SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3)and index of laterization(IOL).The entire sample set was divided into a calibration set of 25 samples and a validation set of 12 samples.Specifically,the GA was used to select the spectral subsets for each composition,which were then input into the PLSR model to derive the chemical concentration.The coefficient of determination(R2)values on the validation set for SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3,and the IOL were greater than 0.9.In addition,the effects of various spectral preprocessing techniques on the model accuracy were evaluated.We found that the spectral derivative treatment boosted the prediction accuracy of the GA-PLSR model.The improvement achieved with the second derivative was more pronounced than when using the first derivative.The quantitative model developed in this work has the potential to estimate the contents of similar weathering basalt products,and thus infer the degree of alteration and provide insights into paleoclimatic conditions.Moreover,the informative bands selected by the GA can serve as a guideline for designing spectral channels for the next generation of spectrometers.

Utilization of Basalt Saw Mud as a Spherical Porous Functional Aggregate for the Preparation of Ordinary Structure Concrete

To promote the production and application of artificial aggregates,save natural sand resources and protect the ecological environment,we evaluated the feasibility of using spherical porous functional aggregates(SPFAs) formed by basalt saw mud under autoclave curing in ordinary structural concrete.In our work,two types of prewetted functional aggregates were taken as replacements for natural aggregates with different volume substitution rates(0%,5%,10%,15%,20%,25%,and 30%) in the preparation of ordinary structural concrete with water-to-binder ratios(W/B) of 0.48 and 0.33.The effects of the functional aggregate properties and content,W/B,and curing age on the fluidity,density,mechanical properties and autogenous shrinkage of ordinary concrete were analyzed.The experimental results showed that the density of concrete declined at a rate of not more than 5%,and the 28 d compressive strength could reach 31.0-68.2 MPa.Low W/B,long curing age and high-quality functional aggregates were conducive to enhancing the mechanical properties of SPFAs concrete.Through the rolling effects,SPFAs can optimize the particle gradation of aggregate systems and improve the fluidity of concrete,and the water stored inside SPFAs provides an internal curing effect,which prolongs the cement hydration process and considerably reduces the autogenous shrinkage of concrete.SPFAs exhibits high strength and high density,as well as being more cost-effective and ecological,and is expected to be widely employed in ordinary structural concrete.

Optimization Mechanism of Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber-Epoxy Resin Composites by Interfacially Enriched Distribution of Nano-Starch Crystals

Fibre reinforced polymer composites have become a new generation of structural materials due to their unique advantages such as high specific strength,designability,good dimensional stability and ease of large-area monolithic forming.However,the problem of interfacial bonding between the resin matrix and the fibres limits the direct use of reinforcing fibres and has become a central difficulty in the development of basalt fibre-epoxy composites.This paper proposes a solution for enhancing the strength of the fibre-resin interface using maize starch nanocrystals,which are highly yield and eco-friendly.Firstly,in this paper,corn starch nanocrystals(SNC)were prepared by hydrolysis,and were deposited on the surface of basalt fibers by electrostatic adsorption.After that,in order to maximize the modification effect of nano-starch crystals on the interface,the basalt fiber-epoxy resin composite samples were prepared by mixing in a pressureless molding method.The test results shown that the addition of basalt fibers alone led to a reduction in the strength of the sample.Deposition of 0.1 wt%SNC on the surface of basalt fibers can make the strength consistent with pure epoxy resin.When the adsorption amount of SNC reached 0.5 wt%,the tensile strength of the samples was 23.7%higher than that of pure epoxy resin.This is due to the formation of ether bond homopolymers between the SNC at the fibre-epoxy interface and the epoxy resin,which distorts the originally smooth interface,leading to increased stress concentration and the development of cracks.This enhances the binding of basalt fibers.The conclusions of this paper can provide an effective,simple,low-cost and non-polluting method of interfacial enhancement modification.

Experimental study on reactions between alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes: constraints on the evolution of lithospheric mantle in the North China Craton

The experimental results of the reactions between an alkaline basaltic melt and mantle orthopyroxenes under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions of 1300–1400℃ and 2.0–3.0 GPa using a six-anvil apparatus are reported in this paper.The reactions are proposed to simulate the interactions between melts from the asthenospheric mantle and the lithospheric mantle.The starting melt in the experiments was made from the alkaline basalt occurring in Fuxin,Liaoning Province,and the orthopyroxenes were separated from the mantle xenoliths in Damaping,Hebei Province.The results show that clinopyroxenes were formed in all the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes under the studied P–T conditions.The formation of clinopyroxene in the reaction zone is mainly controlled by dissolution–crystallization,and the chemical compositions of the reacted melt are primarily infl uenced by the diff usion eff ect.Temperature is the most important parameter controlling the reactions between the melt and orthopyroxenes,which has a direct impact on the melting of orthopyroxenes and the diff usion of chemical components in the melt.Temperature also directly controls the chemical compositions of the newly formed clinopyroxenes in the reaction zone and the reacted melt.The formation of clinopyroxenes from the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes can result in an increase of CaO and Al_(2)O_(3) contents in the rocks containing this mineral.Therefore,the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt from the asthenospheric mantle and orthopyroxenes from the lithospheric mantle can lead to the evolution of lithospheric mantle in the North China Craton from refractory to fertile with relatively high CaO and Al 2 O 3 contents.In addition,the reacted melts in some runs were transformed from the starting alkaline basaltic into tholeiitic after reactions,indicating that tholeiitic magma could be generated from alkaline basaltic one via reactions between the latter and orthopyroxene.

Gouge stability controlled by temperature elevation and obsidian addition in basaltic faults and implications for moonquakes

Basalt is a major component of the earth and moon crust.Mineral composition and temperature influence frictional instability and thus the potential for seismicity on basaltic faults.We performed velocitystepping shear experiments on basalt gouges at a confining pressure of 100 MPa,temperatures in the range of 100-400℃ and with varied obsidian mass fractions of 0-100%under wet/dry conditions to investigate the frictional strength and stability of basaltic faults.We observe a transition from velocity-neutral to velocity-weakening behaviors with increasing obsidian content.The frictional stability response of the mixed obsidian/basalt gouges is characterized by a transition from velocitystrengthening to velocity-weakening at 200℃ and another transition to velocity-strengthening at temperatures>300℃.Conversely,frictional strengths of the obsidian-bearing gouges are insensitive to temperature and wet/dry conditions.These results suggest that obsidian content dominates the potential seismic response of basaltic faults with the effect of temperature controlling the range of seismogenic depths.Thus,shallow moonquakes tend to occur in the lower lunar crust due to the corresponding anticipated higher glass content and a projected temperature range conducive to velocity-weakening behavior.These observations contribute to a better understanding of the nucleation mechanism of shallow seismicity in basaltic faults.

U-Pb zircon geochronology of basaltic pyroclastic rocks from the basement beneath the Xisha Islands in the northwestern South China Sea and its geological significance

As one of the micro-blocks dispersed in the South China Sea(SCS), the basement of the Xisha Islands has rarely been drilled because of the thick overlying Cenozoic sediments, which has led to a confused understanding of the pre-Cenozoic basement of the Xisha Islands. Well CK-1, a kilometer-scale major scientific drill in the Xisha Islands in the northwestern SCS, penetrated thick reefal limestone(0–888.4 m) and the underlying basement rocks(888.4–901.4 m). In this study, we present the zircon U-Pb ages of basement basaltic pyroclastic rocks from Well CK-1 in the Xisha Islands of the northwestern SCS to investigate the basement nature of the Xisha microblock. The basement of Well CK-1 consists of basaltic pyroclastic rocks on the seamount. The zircon grains yielded apparent ages ranging from ca. 2 138.9 Ma to ca. 36 Ma. The old group of zircon grains from Well CK-1 was considered to be inherited zircons. Two Cenozoic zircons gave a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of(36.3 ± 1.1) Ma,Mean Squared Weighted Deviations(MSWD) = 1.2, which may represent the maximum age of the volcano eruption. The Yanshanian inherited zircons(116.9–105.7 Ma and 146.1–130.2 Ma) from Well CK-1 are consistent with the zircons from Well XK-1, indicating that the basement of Chenhang Island may be similar to that of Well XK-1. We propose that the Xisha micro-block may have developed on a uniform Late Jurassic metamorphic crystalline basement, intruded by Cretaceous granitic magma.

Basalt Petrology, Water Chemistry, and Their Impact on the CO_(2) Mineralization Simulation at Leizhou Peninsula Sites, Southern China

Mineral carbonation, which precipitates dissolved carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) as carbonate minerals in basaltic groundwater environments, is a potential technique for negative emissions. The Leizhou Peninsula in southwest Guangdong province has extensive basalt, indicating a promising potential for CO_(2) storage through rapid mineralization. However, understanding of the basic geological setting, potential, and mechanisms of CO_(2) mineralization in the basalts of the Leizhou Peninsula is still limited. The mineralization processes associated with CO_(2)storage at two candidate sites in the area are investigated in this paper: Yongshi Farm and Tianyang Basin(of the dried maar lake). Petrography,rock geochemistry, basalt petrophysical properties, and groundwater hydrochemistry analyses are included in the study. Numerical simulation is used to examine the reaction process and its effects. The results show that basalts in the study areas mainly comprise plagioclase, pyroxene, and Fe–Ti oxides, revealing a total volume fraction exceeding 85%. Additionally, small amounts of quartz and fayalite are available, with volume fractions of 5.1% and 1.0%, respectively. The basalts are rich in divalent metal cations, which can form carbonate minerals, with an average of approximately 6.2 moles of metal cations per 1 kg of rock. The groundwater samples have a pH of 7.5–8.2 and are dominated by the Mg–Ca–HCO3 type. The basalts demonstrate a porosity range of 10.9% to 28.8%, with over 70% of interconnected pores. A 20-year geochemical simulation revealed that CO_(2) injection dissolves primary minerals, including anorthite, albite, and diopside, while CO_(2)mineralization dissolves precipitation secondary minerals, such as calcite, siderite, and dolomite. Furthermore, a substantial rise in pH from 7.6to 10.6 is observed in the vicinity of the injected well, accompanied by a slight reduction in porosity from 20% to 19.8%. Additionally, 36.8% of the injected CO_(2) underwent complete mineralization within five years, revealing an increasing percentage of 66.1% if the experimental period is extended to 20 years. The presence of abundant divalent metal cations in basalts and water-bearing permeable rocks in the Leizhou Peninsula supports the potential for mineral carbonation in basalts, as indicated by the geochemical simulation results. Additional research is necessary to identify the factors that influence the CO_(2) mineralization, storage, and sensitivity analysis of basalt in the Leizhou Peninsula.

Compressive properties of glue-laminated timber circular post modified by basalt fiber reinforced polymer

Glued timber structure is one of the main forms of modern wood architecture,which has gradually developed towards mid-and high-rise buildings.Glue-laminated timber(GLT)is comprised of several laminates of parallel-to-grain dimension lumber that are bonded together with durable,moisture resistant structural adhesives.GLT can be used in horizontal applications as a beam and in vertical applications as a post.So,its compressive performance has a significant impact on structural safety.Fiber reinforced polymers(FRPs)were commonly used to improve the bearing capacity of GLT components,and the structural and process parameters largely determined the reinforcement effect.This study was aimed at investigating the influence of structural and process parameters on the axial compression performance of GLT components.Three wrapping methods(middle-part,end-part and full wrapping)and three lengths(0.6,0.8,and 1.0 m)of wood post specimens were designed in this work and the axial compression performance and ductility of GLT post specimens modified by basalt fiber reinforced polymer(BFRP)were studied.The results showed that the effect of different BFRP wrapping methods on the compressive strength and elastic modulus of laminated wood was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The compressive bearing capacity of unreinforced GLT posts decreased with the increase of aspect ratio.The GLT posts with middle-part and end-part wrapping still followed this pattern,while the compressive bearing capacity of GLT posts with full wrapping showed a pattern of first decreasing and then increasing.For GLT with low aspect ratios(4.0 or 5.3),there was no correlation between the wrapping method and the compressive bearing capacity,while the compressive bearing capacity of GLT with a high aspect ratio(6.7)for middle-part,end-part and full wrapping increased by 3.5%,7.5%and 9.7%,respectively.Compared to the unreinforced group,the ultimate axial compressive strength and modulus of elasticity(MOE)of the 6-E series specimens reinforced at both ends decreased by 2.58%and 6.70%,respectively.The ultimate axial compressive strength of the 8-E specimens reinforced at both ends increased by 8.62%and the MOE decreased by 1.91%.The compressive strength of the 10-E specimens reinforced at both ends increased by 7.51%and the MOE increased by 8.14%.The failure modes of GLT with different aspects were consistent under the same BFRP wrapping,while the failure modes of GLT with the same aspect ratio were different for different BFRP wrapping methods.The ductility performance of GLT with different aspects ratio was improved by the BFRP wrapping.

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

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

No basalt accumulation and segregation atop the 660-km discontinuity beneath the Sea of Okhotsk

Recent seismic evidence shows that basalt accumulation is widespread in the mantle transition zone(MTZ),yet its ubiquity or sporadic nature remains uncertain.To investigate this phenomenon further,we characterized the velocity structure across the 660-km discontinuity that separates the upper mantle from the lower mantle beneath the Sea of Okhotsk by modeling the waveform of the S660P phase,a downgoing S wave converting into a P wave at the 660-km interface.These waves were excited by two regional>410-km-deep events and were recorded by stations in central Asia.Our findings showed no need to introduce velocity anomalies at the base of the MTZ to explain the S660P waveforms because the IASP91 model adequately reproduced the waveforms.This finding indicates that the basalt accumulation has not affected the bottom of the MTZ in the study area.Instead,this discontinuity is primarily controlled by temperature or water content variations,or both.Thus,we argue that the basalt accumulation at the base of the MTZ is sporadic,not ubiquitous,reflecting its heterogeneous distribution.

Mineralogy and Chemistry Characterization of the New Basaltic Intrusion at Maasser El Chouf/Lebanon

The importance of this study is to identify the newly reordered and recognized basaltic intrusion for the first time in Maasser El Chouf in Lebanon. The recorded basaltic intrusion cut the Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous rock in this area. Necessary field inspection, geology, mineralogy and chemical tests were carried out on 8 basalt samples to determine their mineralogy, petrography and chemical composition. Representative samples have been tested with polarizing microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Petrographic and mineralogical studies show that the basalt is characterized by presence mainly of calcic-plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene-augite and olivine minerals. Secondary minerals of iron oxides also present (ilmenite and magnetite). The most appeared property is the alteration of olivine mineral to iddingsite that indicated highly weathered process. The composition of the basaltic samples reflects ultrabasic-basic type (Basanite-Tholeiitic basalt). The existence of volcanic activity occurred mostly with Pliocene age (< 2 Ma) as indicated by previous studies for similar basalt in Lebanon. Possibly, these boulders have been carried up from some deeper intrusive magmatic body under very active tension zones. Volcanism of Lebanon basalts belong to the alkaline olivine basalt, suite generally associated with tension, rifting and block faulting movements of the continental crust. Most of the volcanisms in Lebanon and in Harrat Ash Shaam Basalt from Syria and Palestine through Jordan to Saudi Arabia are related and connected to the opening of the Red Sea Rift System, making the area with tremendous volcanic tectonic activities.

A review of in situ carbon mineralization in basalt

Global warming has greatly threatened the human living environment and carbon capture and storage(CCS)technology is recognized as a promising way to reduce carbon emissions.Mineral storage is considered a reliable option for long-term carbon storage.Basalt rich in alkaline earth elements facilitates rapid and permanent CO_(2) fixation as carbonates.However,the complex CO_(2)-fluid-basalt interaction poses challenges for assessing carbon storage potential.Under different reaction conditions,the carbonation products and carbonation rates vary.Carbon mineralization reactions also induce petrophysical and mechanical responses,which have potential risks for the long-term injectivity and the carbon storage safety in basalt reservoirs.In this paper,recent advances in carbon mineralization storage in basalt based on laboratory research are comprehensively reviewed.The assessment methods for carbon storage potential are introduced and the carbon trapping mechanisms are investigated with the identification of the controlling factors.Changes in pore structure,permeability and mechanical properties in both static reactions and reactive percolation experiments are also discussed.This study could provide insight into challenges as well as perspectives for future research.

Investigation of Microstructure and Phase Composition of Chromic Oxide, AZS/Cr and High-alumina Refractories after Exposure of Basalt and Aluminaboronsilicate Glasses Melts

The microstructure and phase composition of high-alumina,chromic oxide,and AZS/Cr refractories containing 30%and 60%(by mass)Cr_(2)O_(3) after exposure to aluminaboronsilicate glasses and basalt melts depending on the type of melts and temperature have been studied.The mechanisms of refractory corrosion by the used melts and the factors contributing to the inhibition of corrosion development have been investigated by the method of petrographic analysis.On the basis of obtained results,the use of high-alumina,chromic oxide,and AZS/Cr refractories in the sections of glass furnace linings,experiencing the intensive impact of aluminaboronsilicate glasses and basalt melts,has been confirmed and scientifically substantiated.

Geochemistry of Two Types of Basalts in the Emeishan Basaltic Province: Evidence for Mantle Plume-Lithosphere Interaction

Based on the temporal-spatial distribution and geochemical characteristics,the Emeishan basalts can be divided into two types: high-P_2O-TiO_2 basalt (HPT) andlow-P_2O_5-TiO_2 basalt (LPT), which differ distinctly in geochemistry: the LPTs are characterizedby relatively high abundances of MgO, total FeO and P_2O_5 and compatible elements (Cr, Ni, Sc), andrelatively low contents of moderately compatible elements (V, Y, Yb, Co), LREE and otherincompatible elements compared with the HPT. On the diagrams of trace element ratios, they areplotted on an approximately linear mixing line between depleted and enriched mantle sources,suggesting that these two types of basalts resulted from interactions of varying degrees betweenmantle plume and lithospheric mantle containing such volatile-rich minerals as amphibole andapatite. The source region of the LPT involves a smaller proportion of lithospheric components,while that of the HTP has a larger proportion of lithospheric components. Trachyte is generated bypartial melting of the basic igneous rocks at the base of the lower continental crust. Both the twotypes of magmas underwent certain crystal fractionation and contamination of the lower crest athigh-level magma chambers and en route to the surface.

A great thermal divergence in the mantle beginning 2.5 Ga:Geochemical constraints from greenstone basalts and komatiites

Greenstone basalts and komatiites provide a means to track both mantle composition and magma generation temperature with time. Four types of mantle are characterized from incompatible element distributions in basalts and komatiites： depleted, hydrated, enriched and mantle from which komatiites are derived. Our most important observation is the recognition for the first time of what we refer to as a Great Thermal Divergence within the mantle beginning near the end of the Archean, which we ascribe to thermal and convective evolution. Prior to 2.5 Ga, depleted and enriched mantle have indistinguishable thermal histories, whereas at 2.5-2.0 Ga a divergence in mantle magma generation temperature begins between these two types of mantle. Major and incompatible element distributions and calculated magma generation temperatures suggest that Archean enriched mantle did not come from mantle plumes, but was part of an undifferentiated or well-mixed mantle similar in composition to calculated primitive mantle. During this time, however, high-temperature mantle plumes from dominantly depleted sources gave rise to komatiites and associated basalts. Recycling of oceanic crust into the deep mantle after the Archean may have contributed to enrichment ofTi, A1, Ca and Na in basalts derived from enriched mantle sources. After 2.5 Ga, increases in Mg# in basalts from depleted mantle and decreases in Fe and Mn reflect some combination of growing depletion and cooling of depleted mantle with time. A delay in cooling of depleted mantle until after the Archean probably reflects a combination of greater radiogenic heat sources in the Archean mantle and the propagation of plate tectonics after 3 Ga.

Chemostratigraphy of Flood Basalts in the Garze-Litang Region and Zongza Block: Implications for Western Extension of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, SW China

The Late Permian Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP) is commonly regarded as being located in the western part of the Yangtze craton, SW China, with an asymmetrical shape and a small area. This area, however, is just a maximum estimation because some parts of the ELIP were not recognized or dismembered and destroyed during the Triassic to Cenozoic tectonism. In this paper, the chemostratigraphical data of the Zongza block, the Garze-Litang belt and the Songpan-Garze block suggest that the Late Permian basalts in these areas have remarkable similarities to the ELIP basalts in petrography and geochemistry. Flood basalts in the Sanjiangkou area are composed of the lower part of the low-Ti (LT) tholeiite and the upper part of the high-Ti (HT) tholeiite, which is the same as the flood basalts on the western margin of the Yangtze craton. Flood basalts in the Zongza and Songpan-Garze areas, which are far from the Yangtze craton, consist of HT tholeiite only. This is the same as the flood basalts within the Yangtze craton. Therefore we argue that these contemporary basalts all originated from the Emeishan mantle plume, and the ELIP could have a significant westward extension with an outcropped area of over 500,000 km2. This new scenario shows that the LT tholeiite occurs on the western margin of the Yangtze craton, while the HT tholeiite overlying the LT basalts occupies the whole area of the ELIP.

Neoproterozoic Mafic Dykes and Basalts in the Southern Margin of Tarim,Northwest China:Age,Geochemistry and Geodynamic Implications

Neoproterozoic rifting-related mafic igneous rocks are widely distributed both in the northern and southern margins of the Tarim Block,NW China.Here we report the geochronology and systematic whole-rock geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic mafic dykes and basalts along the southern margin of Tarim.Our zircon U-Pb age,in combination with stratigraphic constraint on their emplacement ages,indicates that the mafic dykes were crystallized at ca.802 Ma,and the basalt, possibly coeval with the ca.740 Ma volcanic rocks in Quruqtagh in the northern margin of Tarim. Elemental and Nd isotope geochemistry of the mafic dykes and basalts suggest that their primitive magma was derived from asthenospheric mantle（OIB-like） and lithospheric mantle respectively,with variable assimilation of crustal materials.Integrating the data supplied in the present study and that reported previously in the northern margin of Tarim,we recognize two types of mantle sources of the Neoproterozoic mafic igneous rocks in Tarim,namely the matasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle（SCLM） in the northern margin and the long-term enriched lithospheric mantle and asthenospheric mantle in the southern margin.A comprehensive synthesis of the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks throughout the Tarim Block led to the recognition of two major episodes of Neoproterozoic igneous activities at ca.820-800 Ma and ca.780-740 Ma,respectively.These two episodes of igneous activities were concurrent with those in many other Rodinian continents and were most likely related to mantle plume activities during the break-up of the Rodinia.

Geochemical Characteristics and Tectonic Setting of the Laohushan Basalts, North Qilian Mountains

The Ordovician Laohushan ophiolite, located in the eastern part of the North Qilian Mountains, is mainly composed of meta-peridotites, gabbros and basalts alternating with sediments. The sediments are mainly turbidites, including sandstones, siltstones, cherts etc. Major elements show that the basalts are subalkaline tholeiites and may be analogous to ocean-floor basalts. Except a few N-MORBs, most of the basalts are E-MORBs as indicated by incompatible element ratios such as (La/Ce)N, La/Sm, Ce/Zr, Zr/Y and Zr/Nb. Negative Nb anomaly is common but negative Zr, Hf and Ti anomalies are quite rare. Based on the geochemical characteristics, it is suggested that the Laohushan basalts were formed in a back-arc basin. ENd (t) of the basalts ranges between +3.0 and +8.9 and (87Sr/86Sr), ranges between 0.7030 and 0.7060, indicating a depleted mantle source which was mixed with more or less enriched mantle components. Furthermore, the petrography of the sandstones and geochemistry of the cherts suggest that the sediments were deposited near a continental margin.

Petrology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Emeishan Continental Flood Basalts, SW China: Evidence for Activity of Mantle Plumes

Electronic microprobe analyses for olivine, clinopyroxene and Cr-spinel in picrites, which we have discovered recently in the Emeishan continental flood basalt province (ECFBP), show that the olivine is rich in Mg, and that Cr-spinel is rich in Cr. Based on the olivine-melt equilibrium, the primary parental melt compositions are calculated. The high-Mg olivine-hosted picrite can be regarded as parental melt. Thus, the melting temperature and pressure are estimated: T=1600℃ and P=4.5 GPa. It suggests that the picrites are connected with the activity of mantle plumes. Their major element composition is comparable to many other CFBs by their high Fe8, (CaO/Al2O3)8 and low Na8, indicating a high pressure. All rocks display a similar chondrite-normalized REE patterns, i.e., enrichment of LREE, relative depletion of HFSE and absence of negative Nb and Ta but depletion in P and K. Some incompatible element ratios, such as La/Ta, La/ Sm, (La/Nb)PM, (Th/Ta)PM, are in a limited range, show that they were derived from the mantle plume, and there was no or little crustal contamination during magma ascent en route to the surface. They were generated by 7% partial melting of garnet peridotite. The axis of the plume might be located beneath Lijiang Town, Yunnan province.