Contrasted continental rifting via plume-craton interaction： Applications to Central East African Rift

The East African Rift system （EARS） provides a unique system with the juxtaposition of two contrasting yet simultaneously formed rift branches, the eastern, magma-rich, and the western, magma-poor, on either sides of the old thick Tanzanian craton embedded in a younger lithosphere. Data on the pre-rifr, syn-rift and post-rift far-field volcanic and tectonic activity show that the EARS formed in the context of the interaction between a deep mantle plume and a horizontally and vertically heterogeneous lithosphere under far-field tectonic extension. We bring quantitative insights into this evolution by implementing high-resolution 3D thermo-mechanical numerical deformation models of a lithosphere of realistic rheology. The models focus on the central part of the EARS. We explore scenarios of plumelithosphere interaction with plumes of various size and initial position rising beneath a tectonically pre-stretched lithosphere. We test the impact of the inherited rheological discontinuities （suture zones） along the craton borders, of the rheological structure, of lithosphere plate thickness variations, and of physical and mechanical contrasts between the craton and the embedding lithosphere. Our experiments indicate that the ascending plume material is deflected by the cratonic keel and preferentially channeled along one of its sides, leading to the formation of a large rift zone along the eastern side of the craton, with significant magmatic activity and substantial melt amount derived from the mantle plume material. We show that the observed asymmetry of the central EARS, with coeval amagmatic （western） and magmatic （eastern） branches, can be explained by the splitting of warm material rising from a broad plume head whose initial position is slightly shifted to the eastern side of the craton. In that case, neither a mechanical weakness of the contact between the craton and the embedding lithosphere nor the presence of second plume are required to produce simulations that match observations. This result reconciles the passive and active rift models and demonstrates the possibility of development of both magmatic and amagmatic rifts in identical geotectonic environments.

Tectonic characteristics and structural styles of a continental rifted basin:Revelation from deep seismic reflection profiles

The Fushan Depression is a half-graben rifted sub-basin located in the southeast of the Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea. The Paleogene Liushagang sequence is the main hydrocarbon-bearing stratigraphic unit in the sub-basin. Using three-dimensional（3-D）seismic data and logging data over the sub-basin, we analyzed structural styles and sedimentary characteristics of the Liushagang sequence. Five types of structural styles were defined： ancient horst, traditional slope, flexure slope-break, faulted slope-break and multiple-stage faults slope, and interpretations for positions, background and development formations of each structural style were discussed. Structural framework across the sub-basin reveals that the most remarkable tectonic setting is represented by the central transfer zone（CTZ） which divides the sub-basin into two independent depressions, and two kinds of sequence architectures are summarized：（i） the western multi-stage faults slope;（ii） the eastern flexure slope break belt. Combined with regional stress field of the Fushan Depression, we got plane combinations of the faults, and finally built up plan distribution maps of structural system for main sequence. Also, we discussed the controlling factors mainly focused on subsidence history and background tectonic activities such as volcanic activity and earthquakes. The analysis of structural styles and tectonic evolution provides strong theoretical support for future prospecting in the Fushan subbasin and other similar rifted basins of the Beibuwan Basin in South China Sea.

Occurrence of Laminated Dolomitic Exhalative Rocks in Continental Rift Basins of Northwest China

Objective Researchers have recently discovered that sublacustrine sedimentary exhalative mechanism associated with volcanism,is the principle way to form lacustrine exhalative rocks.These rocks differentiate themselves from normal sedimentary rocks in their specificpetrofabric and material composition.

A near-shore clastic-carbonate mixing mode in a continental rift basin(early Oligocene,eastern Shijiutuo Uplift,Bohai Bay Basin,China):sedimentology,reservoir characteristics and exploration practice

A comprehensive sedimentary and reservoir analysis was conducted based on seismic,well logging,core and relative test data,taking Members 1 and 2 of Shahejie Formation of the early Oligocene in the steep slope belt,eastern Shijiutuo Uplift(STU),Bohai Bay Basin(BBB)as a case.The study indicates that a near-shore mixed fan deposit formed in the study area and developed characteristics and pattern of a high-quality reservoir.The mixed clastic-carbonate rocks constitute Members 1 and 2 of Shahejie Formation which developed along the steep slope belt and is named as a near-shore mixed fan.The mixed fan of the study area is mainly composed of microfacies of proximal channel,mixed deposited channel,mixed clastic beach,mixed bioclastic(grain)beach,with vertical multi-stage superimposition feature,and basically a similar shape as modern near-shore fans.It constitutes a new depositional type developing in the steep slope belt of a characteristic and complex lacustrine rift basin in the study area.This mixed fan in the steep slope of eastern STU is controlled by comprehensive factors including tectonics,clastic material supply,climate,palaeogeomorphology and hydrodynamic conditions.The reservoir quality of Members 1 and 2 of Shahejie Formation of eastern STU is,however,actually controlled by the sedimentary environment and diagenesis processes.Coarse-grained mixed rocks of near-shore fans,rich in bioclastics,can form excellent reservoirs,characterized by resistance to compaction,easy to dissolution,little influenced by burial depth and high production of oil and gas,which enable them become key exploration targets of medium-deep strata of BBB.Analyses of high-quality reservoir,its controlling factors and the oil and gas exploration implications of the near-shore mixed fan developing in the study area give a deeper insight into discussions of the same type of mixed rocks of other lacustrine rift basins worldwide.

Thermo-Rheological Structure and Passive Continental Margin Rifting in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea, China

To investigate the thermo-rheological structure and passive continental margin rifting in the Qiongdongnan Basin(QDNB),thermo-rheological models of two profiles across the western and eastern QDNB are presented.The continental shelf of western QDNB,having the lowest crustal extension factor,is recognized as the initial non-uniform extension crust model.This regime is referred to as the jelly sandwich-1(JS-1)regime,having a lower crustal ductile layer.The oceanward part of the western QDNB changes from the relatively strong JS-1 to the weak crème brûlée-1(CB-1)regime with a significantly thinned lower crust.However,the crustal extension in the eastern QDNB is significantly higher than that in the western QDNB,with conjugate faults extending deep into the lower crust.The central depression zone of the eastern QDNB is defined as the much stronger JS-2 regime,having a brittle deformation across the entire crust and upper mantle and characteristics of a cold and rigid oceanic crust.Unlike the widespread lower crustal high-velocity layers(HVLs)in the northern margin of the South China Sea,the HVLs are confined to the lower crustal base of the central depression zone of the QDNB.The HVLs of QDNB are the results of non-uniform extension with mantle underplating during the lower crustal-necking stage,which is facilitated by the lower crustal ductile layer and derived by mantle lat-eral flowing.The gigantic mantle low-velocity zone related to the Red River Fault should be a necessary factor for the east-west differential margin rifting process of QDNB,which may drive the lateral flowing in the mantle.

Tectonic Nature of the Northern Segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt:A Rift or Continental Collision Belt?

Objective The tectonic characteristics and evolution of the Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji belt have been extensively studied in recent decades （Fig. 1 a）. Two main models have been proposed for the formation of this belt： a continental-or arc-continent collisional belt, and the opening and closure of an intra-continental rift. The main reasons for these ongoing debates are own to the complex composition, including metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary rocks, multiple pulses of granitic magmatism, meta-mafic intrusions, and tectono- metamorphic history. In addition, earlier work focused on the geochronology and metamorphic evolution, whereas the source properties, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of the metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary sequence and meta- mafic intrusions are poorly understood.

Geochemical and Petrological Insights into the Neoproterozoic Moumba Metabasites: Implications for Crustal Processes in the West Congo Belt (Republic of Congo)

The West Congo Belt contains in its rocks of Neoproterozoic age from Nemba complex outcropping in the Moumba River. This West Congo belt is made up of a crustal segment of the Arcuaï-West Congo orogen which extends from southwest Gabon to the northeast of Angola. This study aims to constrain the geochemical signature Nemba complex of West Congo belt from the petrograhic and geochemical study on the whole rock. The petrographic data from this study show the Moumba metabasites are made up of amphibolites, metagabbros, epidotites and greenschists interstratified in the Eburnean metasediments and affected by mesozonal to epizonal metamorphism characterized by the retromorphosis of intermediate amphibolite facies minerals into greenschist facies. Whole-rock geochemical data indicate that these metabasites are continental flood basalts (CFB) of basic nature and transitional affinity emplaced in intraplate context. These continental flood basalts are generated from magma originating from a significantly enriched shallow mantle plume and this magma then contaminated by the continental crust during their ascent. The reconstruction of tectonic signature suggests that West Congo belt would result from closure of an ocean basin with subduction phenomena. This collision would be marked by the establishment of ophiolite complex. We show that this model is incompatible with the CFB nature of metabasites and the orogenic evolution of Neoproterozoic. It does not seem that we can evoke a genetic link with a subduction of oceanic crust, because the paleogeography of Neoproterozoic (Rodinia) is marked by intracontinental rifts linked to opening of Rodinia. We therefore suggest the non-existence of ophiolitic complex in western Congo belt and reject the collisional model published by certain authors. We confirm the currently available intracontinental orogen model.

Mid—Late Neoproterozoic rift-related volcanic rocks in China:Geological records of rifting and break-up of Rodinia

Early Cambrian and Mid--Late Neoproterozoic volcanic rocks in China are widespread on several Precambrian continental blocks, which had aggregated to form part of the Rodinia supercon- tinent by ca. 900 Ma. On the basis of petrogeochemical data, the basic lavas can be classified into two major magma types： HT （Ti/Y 〉 500） and LT （Ti/Y 〈 500） that can be further divided into HT1 （Nb/La 〉 0.85） and HT2 （Nb/La ≤ 0.85）, and LT1 （Nb/La 〉 0.85） and LT2 （Nb/La ≤ 0.85） subtypes, respectively. The geochemical variation of the HT2 and LT2 lavas can be accounted for by lithospheric contamination of asthenosphere- （or plume-） derived magmas, whereas the parental magmas of the HT1 and LT1 lavas did not undergo, during their ascent, pronounced lithospheric contamination. These volcanics exhibit at least three characteristics： （1） most have a compositional bimodality; （2） they were formed in an intracontinental rift setting; and （3） they are genetically linked with mantle plumes or a mantle surperplume. This rift-related volcanism at end of the Mid-- Neoproterozoic and Early Cambrian coincided temporally with the separation between Australia-- East Antarctica, South China and Laurentia and between Australia and Tarim, respectively.

Tectonic Related Lithium Deposits Another Major Region Found North East Tanzania—A New Area with Close Association to the Dominant Areas: The Fourth of Four

The current “mega” interest in Lithium resources was spurred by the development of Lithium-Ion batteries to aid in restructuring the world’s reliance on carbon spewing power petroleum reserves. Current resources of lithium recovery have fallen into two main categories—Pegmatite, found worldwide associated with felsic intrusions and Brine Related, and now with development in the Southwest United States of America (SWUS), a third category— Tertiary Volcanic clays, are specifically associated with Tertiary volcanics and major Tectonic Plate interactions. “Active” Plate tectonics is important as both the SWUS, the Lithium Triangle of South America (LTSA) and the Tibetan Plateau of China (TPC) producing tertiary (Miocene) volcanism that is important to the development of Lithium resources. The Tanzanian part of the East Africa Rift System (EARS) has features of both the SWUS, tertiary volcanic related “playas” and Continental rifting, the LTSA, tertiary volcanic related “Brines” and a major Tectonic plate event (subduction of an Oceanic Plate beneath the Continental South American Plate) and the TPC, tertiary volcanics (?) and major tectonic plate event (subduction of the Indian Continental Plate under the Eurasian Continental Plate). As well as the association of peralkaline and metaluminous felsic volcanics with Lithium playas of the SWUS and the EARS (Tanzania) “playas”. These similarities led to an analysis of a volcanic rock in Northeast Tanzania. When it returned 1.76% Lithium, a one-kilometer spaced soil sampling program returned, in consecutive samples over 0.20% Lithium (several samples over 1.0% lithium and a high of 2.24% lithium). It is proposed that these four regions with very similar past and present geologic characteristics, occur nowhere else in the world. That three of them have produced Lithium operations and two of them have identified resources of Lithium clay and “highly” anomalous Lithium clays should be regarded as more than “coincidental”.

Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution of the South China Craton： New Insights from the Polyphase Deformation in the Southwestern Jiangnan Orogen

A 〉1500–km–long northeast–southwest trending Neoproterozoic metamorphic belt in the South China Craton（SCC） consists of subduction mélange and extensional basin deposits. This belt is present under an unconformity of Devonian–Carboniferous sediments. Tectonic evolution of the Neoproterozoic rocks is crucial to determining the geology of the SCC and further influences the reconstruction of the Rodinia supercontinent. A subduction mélange unit enclosed ca.1000–850–Ma mafic blocks, which defined a Neoproterozoic ocean that existed within the SCC, is exposed at the bottom of the Jiangnan Orogen（JO） and experienced at least two phases deformation. Combined with new（detrital） zircon U–Pb ages from metasandstones, as well as igneous rocks within the metamorphic belt, we restrict the strongly deformed subduction mélange as younger than the minimum detrital age ca. 835 Ma and older than the ca. 815 Ma intruded granite. Unconformably overlying the subduction mélange and the intruded granite, an intra–continental rift basin developed 〈800 Ma that involved abundant mantle inputs, such as mafic dikes. This stratum only experienced one main phase deformation. According to our white mica ^40Ar/^（30）Ar data and previously documented thermochronology, both the Neoproterozoic mélange and younger strata were exhumed by a 490–400–Ma crustal–scale positive flower structure. This orogenic event probably induced the thick–skinned structures and was accompanied by crustal thickening, metamorphism and magmatism and led to the closure of the pre–existing rift basin. Integrating previously published data and our new results, we agree that the SCC was located on the periphery of the Rodinia supercontinent from the Neoproterozic until the Ordovician. Furthermore, we prefer that the convergence and dispersal of the SCC were primarily controlled by oceanic subduction forces that occurred within or periphery of the SCC.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of late Mesoproterozoic mafic and granitic rocks in the southwestern Yangtze Block

Late Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks in the SW Yangtze Block are important for understanding the role of it in reconstruction of the Rodinia supercontinent.In the present study,we report new geochronological,geochemical,and Nd-Hf isotopic data for the Cuoke plagioclase amphibolites and granites in the SW Yangtze Block.Geochronological results show that the plagioclase amphibolites and granites have similar late Mesoproterozoic zircon U-Pb ages of 1168-1162 Ma,constituting a bimodal igneous assemblage.The plagioclase amphibolites have high and variable TiO2 contents(1.15-4.30 wt.%)and Mg#(34-66)values,similar to the tholeiitic series.They are characterized by enrichment in LREEs and LILEs,and have OIB-like affinities with positive Nb and Ta anomalies.The plagioclase amphibolites have positive whole-rockεNd(t)(+3.2 to+4.3)and zirconεHf(t)(+4.3 to+10.7)values,indicating that they were derived from an OIB-like asthenospheric mantle source.The granites belong to the reduced peralkaline A-type series and have negativeεNd(t)value of-6.0 andεHf(t)values of-5.8 to-13.8,indicating a derivation from the partial melting of ancient mafic lower crust.In combination with the~1.05-1.02 Ga bimodal igneous assemblage in the SW Yangtze Block,we propose that the Cuoke 1168-1162 Ma igneous rocks were likely formed in a continental rift basin and argue against the existance of Grenvillian Orogen in the SW Yangtze Block during the late Mesoproterozoic.

A Global Perspective on Crustal Structure and Evolution based on A New Crustal Classification

Knowledge of the crustal structure is the key for understanding physical and chemical conditions of its formation and later modification by geodynamic processes.It has long been recognized that crustal structure is controlled by tectonic settings,and that the crustal thickness is one of the most important parameters that reflects the geodynamic origin of the crust.A long tectonic life of continental crust leads to its significant reworking by plate tectonics processes and crust-mantle interaction,which include mechanical extension.

The abnormal mantle and deep tectonic process in the southern region of North China Plain

In this paper, based on the large scale uplift, lateral inhomogeneity and low interface velocity along the Moho as well as the soft low velocity layer under it obtained from deep seismic sounding (DSS), we deduced that the southern region of North China Plain is characterized by continental rift and abnormal mantle in the lithosphere.Summarizing geological and geophysical data, we try to state that the forming and developing of abnormal mantle and the intermittent activity of asthenosphere are the dynamic sources to dominate the geologic structure and tectonic movement in this region. We also point out that the research of deep process is important to probe timespace law of earthquake occurrence.

Dynamic Analysis on Rifting Stage of Pearl River Mouth Basin through Analogue Modeling

The Pearl River Mouth basin （PRMB） is a marginal sedimentary basin of the South China Sea. It trends NE and is divided into three segments from west to east by two NW-trending faults. Changing dramatically in structures along and across strike, the PRMB is a good example to analyze main factors that might control the process of a continental rift basin＇s extension. Through five series of analogue experiments, we investigate the role of different factors, such as pre-existing discontinuities of crust, rheological profiles of lithosphere, kinematics of extension and presence of magmatic bodies and strong crustal portions （rigid massifs） on the development of basin＇s structures. After being compared with the architecture of the natural prototype, the results of the analogue models were compared with the architecture of the natural prototype and used to infer the role of the different factors controlling the formation and evolution of the PRMB. The main conclusions are as follows. （1） Affected by pre-Cenozoic structures, the PRMB was controlled by crosscut NE- and NW-trending initial faults, and the NW-trending Yitong＇ansha （--~l~） fault may be a through-going fault along dip and offset the NE-trending rift and faults, while the Enpingdong （和统暗沙） fault might exist only in the middle and south. （2） The NW-trending faults may orient WNW to be sinistrally transtensional under SE to nearly NS extension. （3） The thickness ratio of brittle over ductile crust in Baiyun （白云） sag is lessthan normal, suggesting an initially hot and weak lithosphere. （4） The magma must have taken part in the rifting process from early stage, it may occur initially upon or slightly south of the divergent boundary in the middle segment. The flow of magma toward rift boundary faults caused extra vertical subsidence above the initial magma reservoir without creating a large extensional fault. （5） The rigid massif contributed to the strain partition along and across basin strike.

Tectonic evolution and geodynamics of the Neo-Tethys Ocean

The Neo-Tethys Ocean was an eastward-gaping triangular oceanic embayment between Laurasia to the north and Gondwana to the south.The Neo-Tethys Ocean was initiated from the Early Permian with mircoblocks rifted from the northern margin of Gondwana.As the microblocks drifted northwards,the Neo-Tethys Ocean was expanded.Most of these microblocks collided with the Eurasia continent in the Late Triassic,leading to the final closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean,followed by oceanic subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab beneath the newly formed southern margin of the Eurasia continent.As the splitting of Gondwana continued,African-Arabian,Indian and Australian continents were separated from Gondwana and moved northwards at different rates.Collision of these blocks with the Eurasia continent occurred at different time during the Cenozoic,resulting in the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and building of the most significant Alps-Zagros-Himalaya orogenic belt on Earth.The tectonic evolution of the Neo-Tethys Ocean shows different characteristics from west to east:Multi-oceanic basins expansion,bidirectional subduction and microblocks collision dominate in the Mediterranean region;northward oceanic subduction and diachronous continental collision along the Zagros suture occur in the Middle East;the Tibet and Southeast Asia are characterized by multi-block riftings from Gondwana and multi-stage collisions with the Eurasia continent.The negative buoyancy of subducting oceanic slabs can be considered as the main engine for northward drifting of Gondwana-derived blocks and subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.Meanwhile,mantle convection and counterclockwise rotation of Gondwana-derived blocks and the Gondwana continent around an Euler pole in West Africa in non-free boundary conditions also controlled the evolution of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.

Tectonic evolution of convergent plate margins and its geological effects

Oceanic lithosphere is generated at divergent plate boundaries and disappears at convergent plate boundaries.Seafloor spreading and plate subduction together constitute the physical coupling and mass conservation relationships to the movement of lithospheres on Earth.Subduction zones are a key site for the transfer of both matter and energy at converging plate boundaries,and their study has been the hot spot and frontier of Earth system science since the development of plate tectonics theory.As far as the dynamic regime and geothermal gradient of convergent plate margins are concerned,they have different properties in different stages of the subduction zone evolution.In general,the early low-angle subduction leads to compressional tectonism dominated by low geothermal gradients at the plate interface,and the late high-angle subduction results in extensional tectonism dominated by high geothermal gradients at the plate interface and its hanging wall.Active rifts are produced along suture zones through not only slab rollback or slab breakoff in the terminal stage of oceanic subduction but also foundering and thinning of the lithosphere in the post-subduction stage.Due to the differences and changes in the geometric and thermobaric structures of convergent plate margins,a series of changes in the type of metamorphism and magmatism can occur in active and fossil subduction zones.Dehydration and melting of the subducting oceanic crust are prominent at subarc depths,giving rise to fluids that dissolve different concentrations of fluid-mobile incompatible elements.The subduction zone fluids at subarc depths would chemically react with the overlying mantle wedge peridotite,generating metasomatites as the mantle sources of mafic magmas in oceanic and continental arcs.However,these metasomatites did not partially melt immediately upon the fluid metasomatism to trigger arc magmatism,and they did not melt until they were heated by asthenospheric convection due to rollback of the subducting slab.Therefore,recognition of the changes in the dynamic regime and geothermal gradient of subduction zones in different stages of plate convergence not only provides insights into geodynamic mechanisms of the tectonic evolution from subduction zones to orogenic belts,but also places constraints on the formation and evolution of different types of metamorphic and magmatic rocks within the advanced framework of plate tectonics.

Reservoir formation conditions and key technologies for exploration and development in Shengtuo oilfield in Bohai Bay Basin

The Shengtuo oilfield is the largest monolithic oilfield in the Bohai Bay Basin and even in the continental fault basins of Eastern China.Since discovered in 1963,the Shengtuo oilfield experiences the early exploration stage of rapid reserve discovery and production,the middle exploration stage of high and stable production and development,and the late exploration stage of theoretical and technological innovation for expanding the field of exploration,research on fine development technology of high-water-cut reservoir for enhanced oil recovery,and maintaining slow decline of oil production.Re-serves of this oilfield increase in each stage.By the end of 2018,after more than 50 years of exploration and development,the Shengtuo oilfeld has cumulative proven oil reserves of 0.512 x 10°t,cumulative oil production of 0.193 x 109t,and it keeps stable annual production of more than 150 x 105t in 2018.Abundant hydrocarbon resources,large anticline structure near to oil source,multiple types of reservoirs and traps,and favorable hydrocarbon migration channels provide favorable hydrocarbon accumulation conditions for the Shengtuo oilfield.Fine development techniques such water-flooding in the early development stage,fine reservoir description in the high water cut stage,stratigraphic subdivision and well pattem vector adjustment,tapping remaining oil in rhythmic layers,etc,as well as conti nuous progress in exploration technologies of glutenite and turbidite reservoirs around the main body of the oilfield in the high-level exploration stage,provide effective supports for continuous increase of reserves and long-term high and stable production of the Shengtuo oilfeld.