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.

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.

Crustal structure beneath the Qilian Orogen Zone from multiscale seismic tomography

The Qilian Orogen Zone(QOZ), located in the north margin of the Tibetan Plateau, is the key area for understanding the deformation and dynamics process of Tibet. Numerous geological and geophysical studies have been carried out on the mechanics of the Tibetan Plateau deformation and uplift; however, the detailed structure and deformation style of the Qilian Orogen Zone have remained uncertain due to poor geophysical data coverage and limited resolution power of inversion algorithms. In this study, we analyze the P-wave velocity structure beneath the Qilian Orogen Zone, obtained by applying multi-scale seismic tomography technique to P-wave arrival time data recorded by regional seismic networks. The seismic tomography algorithm used in this study employs sparsity constraints on the wavelet representation of the velocity model via L1-norm regularization. This algorithm can deal efficiently with uneven-sampled volumes, and can obtain multi-scale images of the velocity model. Our results can be summarized as follows:(1) The crustal velocity structure is strongly inhomogeneous and consistent with the surface geological setting. Significant low-velocity anomalies exist in the crust of northeastern Tibet, and slight high-velocity anomalies exist beneath the Qaidam Basin and Alxa terrane.(2)The Qilian Orogen Zone can be divided into two main parts by the Laji Shan Faults: the northwestern part with a low-velocity feature, and the southeastern part with a high-velocity feature at the upper and middle crust.(3) Our tomographic images suggest that northwestern and southeastern Qilian Orogen Zones have undergone different tectonic processes. In the northwest Qilian Orogen Zone, the deformation and growth of the Northern Tibetan Plateau has extended to the Heli Shan and Beida Shan region by northward overthrusting at the upper crust and thickening in the lower crust. We speculate that in the southeast Qilian Orogen Zone the deformation and growth of the Northern Tibet Plateau were of strike-slip style at the upper crust; in the lower crust, the evidence suggests ductile shear extrusion style and active frontage extension to the Alxa terrane.(4) The multi-scale seismic tomography technique provides multiscale analysis and sparse constraints, which has allowed to us obtain stable, high-resolution results.

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.

Petrology of Garnet Amphibolites from the Hualong Group: Implications for Metamorphic Evolution of the Qilian Orogen, NW China

The Qilian Orogen marks the junction of the North China, South China and Tarim cratons. The mechanism of continental growth during the formation of the orogen remains unclear. Based on detailed fieldwork, we present a systematic study of petrography, mineral chemistry and phase equilibria of garnet amphibolites from the Hualong Group, which represents the Precambrian basement in the southern accretionary belt of the Qilian Orogen. The garnet amphibolites mainly consist of amphibole, plagioclase, garnet and quartz, with minor pyroxene, biotite and ilmenite. A peak stage of upper amphibolite facies to low-temperature granulite facies metamorphism and retrograde metamorphism in the amphibolite facies affected the samples. Garnet has a homogeneous composition of Alm66-71Grs14-17Prp9_12Sps3-s, amphibole is ferro-hornblende, biotite belongs to the ferro-biotite species and pyroxene is dominated by orthopyroxene with few clinopyroxene. Pseudosection modeling of the garnet amphibolite samples indicates clockwise P-T paths. The samples witness peak metamorphism at conditions of -4.9-6.3 kbar and -755-820 ℃ in the upper amphibolite facies to low- temperature granulite facies, and retrograde cooling and decompression at conditions of-2.5-3.1 kbar and -325-545 ℃. It is inferred that peak metamorphism with high temperature and low pressure occurred at ca. 450 Ma during northward subduction of the South Qilian oceanic crust beneath the central Qilian Block. When continental collision occurred between the central Qilian and the Qaidam blocks, the Hualong Block was aecreted onto the South Qilian accretionary complex and experienced amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism at ca. 440 Ma.

Sedimentary geochemistry of the Cambrian-Ordovician cherts: Implication on archipelagic ocean of North Qilian orogenic belt

The Caledonian North Qilian orogenic belt lies between the North China plate and the Qaidam mi-croplates, and resulted from the collision among the Qaidam microplate, mid-Qilian block and the North China plate. The orogen initiated from the rifting of the Late Proterozoic Rodinia, and then it experi-enced stages of Cambrian rift basin and Ordovician archipelagic oceanic basin, and foreland basin during Silurian to Early-Middle Devonian. The average ratios of Al/(Al+Fe+Mn), Al/(Al+Fe), δ Ce, Lan/Ybn and Lan/Cen from cherts of Cambrian Heicigou Formation are 0.797, 0.627, 1.114, 0.994 and 1.034 re-spectively. In the NAS standardized REE distribution pattern, the cherts from Xiangqianshan is slightly HREE enriched, and the cherts from Ganluci and Shiqingdong are plane. All of these features indicated that Cambrian cherts of the Heicigou Formation originated from a continental margin rift background. On the contrary, the average ratios of Al/(Al+Fe+Mn), Al/(Al+Fe), δ Ce, Lan/Ybn, Lan/Cen of the Ordovician chert from Dakecha, Cuijiadun, Shihuigou, Laohushan, Heicigou, Maomaoshan, Bianmagou, Da-chadaban, Baiquanmen, Jiugequan and Angzanggou, are respectively 0.72, 0.58, 0.99, 1.09 and 0.96 respectively. Their NAS standardized REE distribution patterns of most Ordovician cherts are plane mode or slightly HREE enriched. The REE distribution pattern of few samples of cherts are slightly LREE enriched. Characteristics of sedimentary geochemistry and tectonic evolution demonstrated that the Cambrian-Ordovician cherts, associated with rift, oceanic, island arc and back-arc volcanic rocks, was not formed in a typical abyssal oceanic basin or mid-oceanic ridge. On the contrary, they formed in a deepwater basin of continental margin or a archipelagic ocean tectonic setting. Several Early Paleo-zoic ophiolite belts in North Qilian and adjacent periphery Qaidam microplate imply that an archipelagic ocean during Ordovician existed in the east of Pro-Tethys.

Sedimentary geochemistry and provenance of the Lower and Middle Devonian Laojunshan Formation,the North Qilian Orogenic Belt

The Laojunshan Formation is a suite of molasse formed during the rapid uplift of the North Qilian Orogenic Belt (NQOB). Forty-one samples of sandstone have been collected from the Sunan and Minle sections in the western sector and the Gulang and Jingyuan sections in the eastern sector of the NQOB belt. Geochemical analyses of those samples indicated: 1) The MgO+Fe2O3T and Al2O3/SiO2 values are higher, and K2O/Na2O ratios are lower in the western sector than those in the eastern sector. 2) All of them are depleted in Nb and Ta elements. The samples from the western sector are depleted in Rb element and enriched with Sc, Co, Ni, V, and Cr elements in the Upper Crust-normalized patterns. However, those from the eastern sector are depleted in Sr without enrichments of Sc, Co, Ni, V, and Cr. 3) All of the samples display a right-inclined REE pattern af- ter Chondrite-normalized REE pattern. But LaN/YbN and Eu/Eu* ratios of the samples from the western sector are lower than those of the samples from the eastern sector. These geochemical characteristics suggest the prominent input of mafic clast with minor granitic rocks into the Sunan area, felsic clast into the Gulang and Jingyuan area, and both mafic and felsic clast into the Minle area. The angular shapes of gravels imply that these ill-sorted sediments were deposited near their sources without recy- cling. Geochemical features above also demonstrated that no major chemical weathering occurred for the western provenance, but deposits in the eastern sector resulted from low or middle degree chemical weathering. Evidences combining tectonic discriminations and comparisons with potential provenances revealed that sediments in the Sunan area were derived mainly from the North Qilian Continental arc, whereas sediments in the Minle, Gulang, and Jingyuan areas were derived not only from the North Qilian Continental arc but also from the basement of the Middle Qilian block. Integrated with the characteristics of development of Silurian and Devonian, these imply that the orogeny of NQOB is diachronous in the trending direction due to the oblique collision.

Crustal S-velocity structure and radial anisotropy beneath the southern part of central and western North China Craton and the adjacent Qilian Orogenic Belt from ambient noise tomography

The crustal S-velocity structure and radial anisotropy along a dense linear portable seismic array with 64 broadband seismic stations were investigated from ambient noise tomography with about one-year-long ambient noise recordings. The array transverses the southern part of the central North China Craton(CNCC) and western NCC(WNCC) from east to west and reaches the adjacent Qilian Orogenic Belt(QOB). The phase velocity structures of Rayleigh waves at 5–35 s and Love waves at 5–30 s were measured. The crustal S-velocity structures(Vsv and Vsh) were constructed from the dispersion data(Rayleigh and Love waves,respectively) from point-wise linear inversion with prior information of the Moho depth and average crustal Vp/Vs ratio. The radial anisotropy along the profile was calculated based on the discrepancies between Vsv and Vsh as 2×(Vsh.Vsv)/(Vsh+Vsv). The results show distinct structural variations in the three major tectonic units. The crustal architecture in the southern CNCC is complicated and featured with wide-distributed low-velocity zones(LVZs), which may be a reflection of crustal modification resulting from Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonics and magmatic activities. The pronounced positive radial anisotropy in the lower-lowermost crust beneath the Shanxi-Shaanxi Rift and the neighboring areas could be attributed to the underplating of mantle mafic-ultramafic materials during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonic activation. In southern Ordos, the overall weak lateral velocity variations, relative high velocity and large-scale positive radial anisotropy in mid-lower crust probably suggest that the current crustal structure has preserved its Precambrian tectonic characteristics. The low-velocity westward-dipping sedimentary strata in the Ordos Block could be attributed to the Phanerozoic whole-basin tilting and the uneven erosion since late Cretaceous. Integrated with previous studies, the systematic comparison of crustal architecture was made between the southern and northern part of CNCC-WNCC. The similarities and differences may have a relation with the tectonic events and deformation histories experienced before and after the Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of the NCC. The nearly flat mid-crustal LVZ beneath the southern QOB weakens gradually as it extends to the east, which is a feature probably associated with crustal vertical superpositionand ductile shear deformation under the intensive compressional regime due to the northeastward growth and expansion of the Tibetan Plateau.

Junction and Evolution of the Qinling,Qilian and Kunlun Orogenic Belts

As the main part of the “central mountain system” in the continent of China, the Qinling, Qilian and Kunlun orogenic belts have been comprehensively and deeply studied since the 1970s and rich fruits have been reaped. However, these achievements were mostly confined to an individual orogenic belt and the study of the mutual relationship among the three orogenic belts was obliged to depend on comparative studies. Different views were produced therefrom. The material composition and structural features of the junction region show that there are several epicontinental and intracontinental transform faults developed in different periods. Restricted by these transform faults, the large-scale lateral movements and, as a consequence, complicated magmatism and tectonic deformation took place in the orogenic belts. According to these features, the authors put forward a three-stage junction and evolution model and point out that there is not a single junction zone traversing from west to east but that the three orogenic belts have been joined progressively by the epicontinental and intracontinental transform faults.

Major Characteristics of the Lajishan Orogenic Belt of the South Qilian Mountains and Its Geotectonic Attribute

The Lajishan orogenic belt is one of the E-W-trending Caledonian orogenicbelts within the Qinling-Qilian orogenic system. It was formed upon the Jiningian basement byintensive taphrogenesis. Its major characteristics comprise the prominent faulting along the northand south boundaries, the highly complicated petrological and petro-geochemical features of thevolcanic rock series, and the development of a new type of ophiolite suite. In terms of tectonicanalysis and the sequential analysis of tectonic settings of magmatic rocks, it is suggested thatthe Lajishan orogenic belt has undergone a complete 'opening-closing' cycle, which can be furtherdivided into 3 second-order 'opening-closing' cycles. The composite characteristics of the'opening-closing' movement show that Laji Mountain is a typical fault orogenic belt. The faultorogenic belt is one of the most important types of intracontinental orogens. It is of criticaltheoretical and practical significance to summarize the characteristics and the diagnostic criteriaof this kind of orogenic belts, and study the mechanism of their formation and build models of theirevolution.

祁连造山带中生代古地磁新结果及其地质意义

祁连造山带位于青藏高原北部,保存了古特提斯洋和新特提斯洋关闭过程的远程构造响应记录.为了确定祁连造山带多期次构造响应事件的变形特征,本文在南祁连构造带天峻县中三叠世及北祁连构造带祁连县早白垩世地层中进行了详细的古地磁学及岩石磁学研究.实验结果显示,三叠纪样品分离出了稳定的高温特征剩磁并在样品水平下通过了倒转检验,白垩纪样品分离出的高温特征剩磁通过了褶皱检验.代表了岩石形成时的原生磁化,相对应的古地磁极为:(T2:82.3°N, 223.6°E,A95=4.8°;K1:65.9°N, 188.3°E,A95=6.2°).对比同时代阿拉善、华北古地磁数据表明:中三叠世之后,天峻地区相对于阿拉善参考极发生了20.2±6.8°的顺时针旋转.早白垩世之后,祁连地区相对于华北参考极没有发生明显的块体旋转(0.3±8.6°).结合前人的研究成果,我们认为晚侏罗世-早白垩世拉萨/欧亚碰撞的远程效应造成祁连造山带东西两侧发生差异性构造缩短活动(西段以逆冲推覆构造缩短为主,东段以走滑活动为主),从而造成祁连整体发生顺时针旋转.早白垩世之后,祁连西段阿尔金断裂附近及东段西宁—兰州盆地发生区域性构造旋转,祁连主体以NE向构造缩短为主.

北祁连榆树沟山金矿区花岗闪长斑岩脉锆石U-Pb年龄、地球化学特征及其地质意义

榆树沟山金矿床位于北祁连造山带西段,是祁连成矿带内新发现的一个中型金矿床,矿床类型为岩浆期后热液型金矿,该金矿形成与花岗闪长斑岩脉热液蚀变关系密切。为了查明花岗闪长斑岩脉的成岩时代、源区性质和构造背景,开展了锆石U-Pb定年、Hf同位素和全岩地球化学研究工作。结果表明:花岗闪长斑岩脉的岩性为蚀变花岗闪长斑岩,侵入于阴沟群地层内构造破碎带中。该岩脉LA-ICP-MS锆石UPb年龄为(423.5±3.5)~(422.8±3.4)Ma,指示岩浆侵位时代为晚志留世。岩石具有低TFe2O3(1.57%~2.43%)和MgO(0.91%~1.43%)含量,高Al2O3(15.66%~17.20%)含量和A/CNK值(1.10~1.29),属于钙碱性准铝质系列岩石。岩石富集Rb、Ba、Sr和轻稀土元素,亏损Nb、Ta和Y、Yb等元素,具有高Sr含量(289×10^(-6)~486×10^(-6))和Sr/Y比值(65.1~95.3),低Y(4.11×10^(-6)~5.48×10^(-6))和Yb(0.38×10^(-6)~0.49×10^(-6)),与埃达克岩的地球化学特征相似。该岩体结晶锆石ε_(Hf)(t)为正值(+7.50~+11.0),二阶段模式年龄(TDM2)为0.86~0.67 Ga,推测岩石起源于新元古代新生地壳物质的部分熔融。结合区域地质背景,初步认为榆树沟山矿区花岗闪长斑岩脉形成于祁连山造山带碰撞后伸展环境,晚志留世强烈陆内伸展作用诱发造山带新元古代新生洋壳发生部分熔融,形成埃达克质岩浆,沿断裂带形成了花岗闪长斑岩。

Silurian Seismites in Hanxia,Yumen,North Qilian Mountains,and Their Tectonic Significance

The Caledonian orogenic belt of the North Qilian Mountains is an intensely active structure belt. In the process of the Late Caledonian syn-orogeny, the North Qilian-Hexi Corridor area was situated on the tectonic background of a syn-orogenic basin. In response to the orogenic process of the North Qilian Mountains, typical earthquake event deposits—seismites of the Silurian were widely distributed around Hanxia of Yumen City, the Liyuan River of Sunan County and Biandukou of Minle County. In the Hanxia area, where seismites are typically developed, clastic deposits of tidal-flat facies are the background deposits of the Hanxia Formation. The earthquake event deposits are characterized by sandy mudstone veins, synsedimentary microfractures, micro-corrugated laminations and earthquake breccias, which in turn constitute complex seismites, featuring seismic corrugation, shattering and liquefied sandy mudstone veins, auto-clastic breccias and intraclastic parabreccias. The seismites and tidal flat deposits formed typical sequences of earthquake event deposits.

Silurian Sedimentation in the South Qilian Belt: Arc-Continent Collision-related Deposition in the NE Tibet Plateau?

The South Qilian belt mainly comprises an early Paleozoic arc-ophiolite complex, accretionary prism, microcontinental block, and foreland basin. These elements represent accretion-collision during Cambrian to Silurian time in response to closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean in the NE of the present-day Tibet Plateau. Closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean between the Central Qilian block and the Oulongbuluke block and the associated collision took place from NE to SW in a zipper-like style. Sediment would have been dispersed longitudinally SW-ward with a progressive facies migration from marginal alluvial sediments toward slope deep-water and deep-sea turbidites. This migration path indicates an ocean basin that shrank toward the SW. The Balonggongga'er Formation in the western South Qilian belt represents the fill of a latest Ordovician-Silurian remnant ocean basin that separated the Oulongbuluke block from the Central Qilian block, and records Silurian closure of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean and subduction beneath the Central Qilian block. However, alluvial deposits in the Lajishan area were accumulated in a retro-foreland basin, indicating that continent-continent collision in the eastern South Qilian belt occurred at c. 450–440 Ma. These results demonstrate that the Proto-Tethyan Ocean closed diachronously during early Paleozoic time.

北祁连造山带西段红川铜镍矿Ⅲ号超基性岩特征研究

2022年,甘肃省地质矿产勘查开发局第四地质矿产勘查院在北祁连造山带西段首次发现了一处中型岩浆熔离型镍矿床—红川铜镍矿,该矿床自发现以来主要开展了矿产勘查工作,各类研究性工作比较薄弱,对含矿超基性岩体研究鲜有报道,笔者等首次对红川铜镍矿Ⅲ号岩体系统补充分析了其岩相学和地球化学特征,同时对该含矿岩体形成的深部构造背景和含矿性进行探讨。

Formation Age and Tectonic Setting of the Muli Arc-Ophiolite Complex in the South Qilian Belt, NW China

The Qilian orogenic belt is the northernmost orogen of the Tethyan domain and connects the Altaids to the north. It contains an assembly of Precambrian micro-continental fragments, early Paleozoic island arcs, accretionary complexes, ophiolites, forearc and backarc basins, and high-pressure(HP) metamorphic rocks, indicating a long history of accretionary processes. Spatially, this orogen is adjacent to the Tarim, Qaidam, and North China blocks, which also extends into accretionary orogenic belts to the east and SW such as the Qinling and Kunlun belts. Abundant ophiolites in this orogen record the closure of an early Tethyan Ocean and amalgamations between micro-continents of North China, Qaidam, and Tarim. Thus, the ages and tectonic settings of these ophiolites within this belt provide important information regarding evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and assembly of micro-continental blocks, which aids understanding of the spatial and temporal relationship of this orogen within the Tethyan realm. Dismembered ophiolites sporadically crop out along the northern margin of the South Qilian belt, and, from east to west, are locally referred to as the Lajishan, Gangcha, Muli, and Dadaoerji ophiolites. Much attention had been paid to these ophiolites, and several competing models for the tectonic evolution of this belt have been suggested. Considerable disagreement remains in respect of the temporal and spatial framework of the Qilian Orogen and details such as timing of subduction(s) and associated polarities, early collision events, and final closure of oceanic basins. In particular, the formation age and tectonic setting of Muli arc-ophiolite complex remains unknown, which limits understanding of the tectonics of the South Qilian belt and the history of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. The Muli arc-ophiolite complex is distributed over 20 km^2 west of the township of Muli in the western segment of the South Qilian Belt and consists of serpentinite, dunite, cumulate gabbro, basalt, plagiogranite, and chert. Field mapping results demonstrate that these units have been largely destroyed by faulting and generally occur as blocks/slices. They are tectonically interlayered with Upper Ordovician – Lower Silurian siliciclastic turbidite. Arc-ophiolite rocks are intruded by 470–450 Ma subduction-related granitoid plutons and are unconformably overlain by shallow marine to non-marine sediments of Permian-Jurassic age. Basalts show typical subduction-related calc-alkaline geochemical affinity, representing portions of an island arc. Geochemical results for plagiogranites and spinels from serpentinite demonstrate that the Muli arc-ophiolite complex represents a super-subduction zone(SSZ)-type ophiolite. U-Pb zircon data indicate formation associated with southward subduction of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean during a short interval between 539–522 Ma. Voluminous Late Ordovician-Early Silurian deep-water marine siliciclastic and volcaniclastic turbidites and volcanic arc rocks are exposed to the south of the Muli arc-ophiolite complex, whereas fluvial coarse-grained sandstones and conglomerates unconformably overlie the Cambrian-Middle Ordovician ophiolite-arc systems in the eastern South Qilian Belt. These indicate that closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean was diachronous during the early Paleozoic.

北祁连山镜铁山地区镜铁山群岩石地球化学特征及其地质意义

镜铁山铁(铜)矿床是我国西北地区发现和勘探最早的大型铁(铜)矿床。对于铁矿床的成因,目前还存在不同的观点。笔者等对镜铁山铁铜矿床赋矿地层开展了岩石学和岩石化学成分分析,结果显示:变质石英砂岩的SiO_(2)平均含量为96.95%、Al_(2)O_(3)平均为1.36%、Fe_(2)O_(3)平均为0.31%,SiO_(2)/Al_(2)O_(3)平均值为73.26,K_(2)O/Na_(2)O平均值为12.54;除Sn以外,其他微量元素平均含量均低于后太古宙澳大利亚页岩(PAAS)值,稀土元素总量显著低于PAAS值,具有弱的Eu正异常,Ce异常不明显;铁碧玉岩SiO_(2)平均含量为85.67%、Fe_(2)O_(3)平均含量为10.19%、SiO_(2)/Al_(2)O_(3)平均为430.47、K_(2)O/Na_(2)O平均为0.79;除Cu、Ba和Pb平均含量显著高于PAAS外,其他微量元素平均含量均低于PAAS,具有极低的稀土总量、较明显的Eu正异常和不明显的Ce异常;千枚岩SiO_(2)平均为63.56%、Al_(2)O_(3)平均为14.35%、Fe_(2)O_(3)平均为5.04%,K_(2)O平均为5.08%,MgO平均为2.46%,SiO_(2)/Al_(2)O_(3)=4.2~4.95,平均为4.44,除了Cu、Sr和U外,其他微量元素均高于PAAS,尤其是Sn和Ba显著高于PAAS。稀土元素总量与PAAS相当,Ce和Eu异常不明显。认为镜铁山群下岩组千枚岩和变质石英砂岩为陆源石英质沉积岩和中—中酸性火成岩在半干旱—潮湿的气候条件下经历了中等—强烈的风化并在被动大陆边缘的氧化—贫氧—次氧化水体环境沉积而成,铁碧玉岩源岩主要为火成岩,形成于氧化的水体环境,为典型的热水成因。镜铁山铁矿为SEDEX型矿床,其形成与哥伦比亚超大陆裂解有关。

北祁连车路沟斑岩型金矿床含矿岩体年代学、地球化学与岩石成因

车路沟金矿是北祁连山发现的首例与斑岩有关的金矿床,矿体产于加里东晚期侵入的中酸性斑岩体及其与围岩接触带内。为了查明含矿斑岩体侵位时代、岩石成因和源区性质,本文以车路沟一带含矿斑岩体作为研究对象,对其开展了岩石地球化学、LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb同位素定年和Hf同位素特征研究。该岩体主要由花岗闪长斑岩、石英闪长斑岩、英云闪长斑岩组成,对花岗闪长斑岩、英云闪长斑岩进行了LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb同位素定年,分别获得锆石^(206)Pb/^(238)U加权平均年龄为438.6±3.8Ma和433.0±3.8Ma,指示岩浆侵位时代为早志留世晚期。岩石Si O2含量为61.4%~68.6%,Al2O3含量为15.0%~16.7%,MgO含量为0.36%~2.95%,σ值介于1.20~2.03之间,A/CNK值为1.0~1.1之间,属钙碱性系列准铝质花岗岩类;具有弱负铕异常-正铕异常(δEu=0.90~1.18),高Sr(319×10^(-6)~549×10^(-6))含量和Sr/Y(36.6~77.5)比值,低Y(7.09×10^(-6)~10.2×10^(-6))和Yb(0.69×10^(-6)~0.89×10^(-6))含量,具有埃达克岩地球化学特征。该岩体的锆石ε_(Hf)(t)值均为正值,变化于+12.7~+15.0之间,两阶段模式年龄t_(DM2)(Hf)=461~563Ma,推测岩浆源区可能主要来自新元古代晚期至寒武纪新生洋壳物质。研究认为车路沟斑岩体形成于陆陆碰撞后期,地壳持续加厚,诱发中新元古代晚期至寒武纪新生洋壳发生部分熔融,形成埃达克质岩浆,在其不断上侵和演化过程中,形成车路沟斑岩体与其相伴产出的金矿体。

Precise Timing of Caledonian Structural Deformation Chronology and Its Implications in Southeast Qilian Mountains, China

The middle Qilian orogenic belt and Lajishan orogenic belt, both of which were formed in the Caledonian, strike NW-SE direction across southeast Qilian Mountains and their basement consists of pre-Caledonian metamorphic rocks with lozenge-shaped ductile shear zones in the crystalline basement. The blunt angle between the conjugated ductile shear zones ranges from 104° to 114°, indicating approximate 210° of the maximum principal stress. The plateau ages of muscovite ^40Ar/^39Ar obtained from the mylonitized rocks in the ductile shear zones of Jinshaxia-Hualong-Keque massif within the middle Qilian massif are （405.1±2.4） Ma and （418.3±2.8） Ma, respectively. The chronology data confirm the formation of ductile shear zones in the Caledonian basement metamorphic rocks during the Caledonian orogeny. Furthermore, on the basis of basement rock study, precise timing for the closing of the Late Paleozoic volcanic basin （or island-arc basin） and Lajishan ocean basin is determined. This provides us a new insight into the closing of ocean basin in the structural evolution of orogenic belt.

祁连造山带构造演化与新生代变形历史

祁连造山带位于东特提斯北缘,蛇绿混杂岩带、(超)高压变质岩和弧岩浆岩等广泛发育,是前新生代华北克拉通与柴达木古地块之间多期次俯冲、碰撞和造山形成的复合造山带。现今的祁连山是青藏高原北缘高原隆升与扩展的关键构造带,具有复杂的陆内变形构造和深部结构,记录了新生代高原生长过程中不同阶段的构造变形和盆山演化历史。本文在区域地质研究资料的综合分析基础上,讨论祁连造山带元古宙变质基底属性、新元古代—古生代古海洋演化和中—新生代构造变形特征,探讨祁连(山)造山带的构造演化过程和陆内变形历史。祁连造山带发育新元古代早期和早古生代两期岩浆弧,分别代表了古祁连洋和(南、北)祁连洋的俯冲碰撞事件;亲华北的基底属性指示了祁连洋实属陆缘海。新生代青藏高原东北缘发育两阶段构造变形和盆山演化,在中新世完成了由新生代早期以逆冲断裂活动为主向走滑断裂和逆冲断裂共同作用的转变,随着东昆仑山的快速隆起将古近纪大盆地隔开成两个盆地,即现今的柴达木盆地和可可西里盆地。中新世中晚期以来,青藏高原东北缘的构造格局主要受控于东昆仑和海原两个近乎平行的大型转换挤压构造系统的发育、顺时针旋转和侧向生长。大型走滑断裂系统在造山带内的生长过程与发育机制是陆内变形研究的中心问题,需要进一步的定量化研究。