Isotopes (¹³C and ¹⁸O) Geochemistry of Lower Triassic Montney Formation, Northeastern British Columbia, Western Canada

Oxygen isotope (δ18O) serves as paleothermometer, and provides paleotemperature for carbonates. δ18O signature was used to estimate the temperature of fractionation of dolomite and calcite in Montney Formation, empirically calculated to have precipitated, between approximately 13°C to ±33°C during Triassic time in northeastern British Columbia, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). Measurements of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) fractionation, supported by quantitative X-ray diffraction evidence, and whole-rock geochemical characterization of the Triassic Montney Formation indicates the presence of calcite, dolomite, magnesium, carbon and other elements. Results from isotopic signature obtained from bulk calcite and bulk dolomite from this study indicates depleted δ13CPDB (-2.18‰ to -8.46‰) and depleted δ18OPDB (-3.54‰ to -16.15‰), which is interpreted in relation to oxidation of organic matter during diagenesis. Diagenetic modification of dolomitized very fine-grained, silty-sandstone of the Montney Formation may have occurred in stages of progressive oxidation and reduction reactions involving chemical elements such as Fe, which manifest in mineral form as pyrite, particularly, during early burial diagenesis. Such mineralogical changes evident in this study from petrography and SEM, includes cementation, authigenic quartz overgrowth and mineral replacement involving calcite and dolomite, which are typical of diagenesis. High concentration of chemical elements in the Montney Formation?-Ca and Mg indicates dolomitization. It is interpreted herein, that calcite may have been precipitated into the interstitial pore space of the intergranular matrix of very fine-grained silty-sandstone of the Montney Formation as cement by a complex mechanism resulting in the interlocking of grains.

Multi-stage formation of the Feragen ophiolite,Norway:Implication from petrology and geochemistry of peridotites and chromitites and its potential for prospecting

The ultramafic massif of Feragen,which belongs to the eastern ophiolitic belt of Norway,has abundant amounts of chromite ores.Recent studies have revealed a complex melt evolution in a supra-subduction zone(SSZ)environment.This study presents new whole-rock major element,trace element,and platinum-group element chemistry to evaluate their petrogenesis and tectonic evolution.Harzburgites have high CaO,Al_(2)O_(3),TiO_(2),MgO,and REE contents corresponding to abyssal peridotites,whereas dunites have low CaO,Al_(2)O_(3),TiO_(2),MgO,and REE contents corresponding to SSZ peridotites.The Cr^(#)and TiO_(2) of chromian spinels in the harzburgites suggest as much as about 15%–20%melting and the dunites are more depleted with>40%melting.The harzburgites and the dunites and high-Cr chromitites represent,respectively,the products of low-degree partial melting in a back-arc setting,and the products of melt-rock interaction in a SSZ environment.The calculated fO_(2) values for dunites and high-Cr chromitites(-0.17–+0.23 and+2.78–+5.65,respectively and generally above the FMQ buffer)are also consistent with the interaction between back-arc ophiolites with oxidized boninitic melts in a SSZ setting.

Geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotopes of S-type granite in the Baoshan block, constraints on the age and evolution of the Proto-Tethys

Geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotope data for the Early Paleozoic granites in the Baoshan Block reveal the Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethys. The samples are high-K, calcalkaline, strongly peraluminous rocks with A/CNK values of 1.37–1.46, are enriched in SiO2, K2O, and Rb, and are depleted in Nb, P, Ti, Eu, and heavy rare earth elements,which indicates the crystallization fractionation of the granitic magma. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that they formed in ca. 480 Ma. The Nansa granites have εHf(t) values ranging from-16.04 to 4.36 with corresponding TC DMages of 2.10–0.81 Ga, which suggests the magmas derived from the partial melting of ancient metasedimentary with minor involvement of mantle-derived components. A synthesis of data for the Early Paleozoic igneous rocks in the Baoshan block and adjacent(Tengchong,Qiangtang, Sibumasu, Himalaya, etc.) blocks indicates that these blocks were all aligned along the proto-Tethyan margin of East Gondwana in the Early Paleozoic. The Early Paleozoic S-type granites from Nansa were generated in a high-temperature and low-pressure(HTLP) extensional tectonic setting, which resulted from Andean-type orogeny instead of the final assembly of Gondwana or crustal extension in a non-arc environment. In certain places, an expanding environment may exist in opposition to the tectonic backdrop of the lithosphere’s thickening and shortening, leading the crust to melt and decompress,mantle-derived materials to mix, and a small quantity of peraluminous granite to emerge.

Mineralogy and whole-rock geochemistry of the Oligocene Barail Group of rocks of Belt of Schuppen,Northeast India:Implications for tectono-provenance and paleo-weathering

The petrographic and geochemical attributes of the Oligocene Barail Group of rocks are used to decipher the likely source area(s)or tectonic domains,as this sequence of rocks was deposited in a foreland basin governed by orogenic domain,namely the North-east Arunachal Himalayas.The river system that gave rise to the Brahmaputra River(Yarlung-Tsangpo),which flowed through several tectonic domains of the Himalayan ranges,primarily from BomiChayu,Gangadese Granitoid,Higher Himalayan Leucogranites,and Namche Barwa into the proto Bengal Basin now a part of Assam Arakan Basin and Naga Schuppen Belt,was the main source of the sandstone formation of the Barail Group.The purpose of sandstone petrography,which combines modal analysis with XRF(Major Oxides)and HR-ICPMS(Trace&Rare Earth Elements)research,is to identify the type of source rock(s),their weathering pattern,and its paleo-environmental circumstances.These sandstones were formed from recycled orogen and include lithic and sublithic arenite variants with advanced texture and chemical maturity.The sediments were felsic(Th/Co:1.38,Cr/Th:9.78,La/Lu:11.58,Th/Sc:0.99,Eu/Eu*:0.66,La/Sc:3.05,La/Co:4.18),with contributions from intermediate source rocks and low-rank metamorphics deposited in an active continental margin to a continental island arc setting.Climatic conditions impacted the sediments of Barails,characterised by being warm and semi-humid to humid which resulted in moderate to a high degree of chemical weathering,as shown by weathering indices like CIA(79.14),PIA(85.47),CIW(86.9),WIP(32.50),ICV(0.71),and Th/U(6.03),which were further additionally supported by C-Value(1.01),PF(1.20),Sr/Cu(2.04),and Rb/Sr(0.97).

Mineral Geochemistry of Apatite in the Jiama PorphyrySkarn Deposit,Tibet and its Geological Significance

The Jiama deposit,a significant porphyry-skarn-type copper polymetallic deposit located within the Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet,China,exemplifies a typical porphyry metallogenic system.However,the mineral chemistry of its accessory minerals remains under-examined,posing challenges for resource assessment and ore prospecting.Utilizing electron microprobe analysis and LA-ICP-MS analysis,this study investigated the geochemical characteristics of apatite in ore-bearing granite and monzogranite porphyries,as well as granodiorite,quartz diorite,and dark diorite porphyries in the deposit.It also delved into the diagenetic and metallogenic information from these geochemical signatures.Key findings include:(1)The SiO_(2) content,rare earth element(REE)contents,and REE partition coefficients of apatite indicate that the dark diorite porphyry possibly does not share a cogenetic magma source with the other four types of porphyries;(2)the volatile F and Cl contents in apatite,along with their ratio,indicate the Jiama deposit,formed in a collisional setting,demonstrates lower Cl/F ratios in apatite than the same type of deposits formed in a subduction environment;(3)compared to non-ore-bearing rock bodies in other deposits formed in a collisional setting,apatite in the Jiama deposit exhibits lower Ce and Ga contents.This might indicate that rock bodies in the Jiama deposit have higher oxygen fugacity.Nevertheless,the marginal variation in oxygen fugacity between ore-bearing and non-ore-bearing rock bodies within the deposit suggests oxygen fugacity may not serve as the decisive factor in the ore-hosting potential of rock bodies in the Jiama deposit.

Petrology,geochemistry,and crystal size distribution of the basaltic andesite-dacite association at Mt.Sumbing,Central Java,Indonesia:Insights to magma reservoir dynamics and petrogenesis

Ten rock samples consisting of one pyroclastic density current(PDC1)deposit,seven lava flows(LF1–7),and two summit lava domes(LD1,2)were studied to understand the petrogenesis and magma dynamics at Mt.Sumbing.The stratigraphy is arranged as LF1,PDC1,LF2,LF3,LF4,LF5,LF6,LF7,LD1,and LD2;furthermore,these rocks were divided into two types.TypeⅠ,observed in the oldest(LF1)sample,has poor MgO and high Ba/Nb,Th/Yb and Sr.The remaining samples(PDC1–LD2)represent typeⅡ,characterized by high MgO and low Ba/Nb,Th/Yb and Sr values.We suggest that type I is derived from AOC(altered oceanic crust)-rich melts that underwent significant crustal assimilation,while typeⅡoriginates from mantle-rich melts with less significant crustal assimilation.The early stage of typeⅡmagma(PDC1–LF3)was considered a closed system,evolving basaltic andesite into andesite(55.0–60.2 wt%SiO_(2))with a progressively increasing phenocryst(0.30–0.48φ_(PC))and decreasing crystal size distribution(CSD)slope(from-3.9 to-2.9).The evidence of fluctuating silica and phenocryst contents(between 55.9–59.7 wt%and 0.25–0.41φ_(PC),respectively),coupled with the kinked and steep(from-5.0 to-3.3)CSD curves imply the interchanging condition between open(i.e.,magma mixing)and closed magmatic systems during the middle stage(LF4–LF6).Finally,it underwent to closed system again during the final stage(LF7–LD2)because the magma reached dacitic composition(at most 68.9 wt%SiO_(2))with abundant phenocryst(0.38–0.45φ_(PC))and gentle CSD slope(from-4.1 to-1.2).

Geochemistry, mineral paragenesis and geothermal conditions of oreforming fluids from the Ain El Bey Cu–Fe deposit: potential occurrence of native gold and precious metal traces (North African orogenic belt, Northern Tunisia)

The Ain El Bey abandoned mine, in North-West Tunisia, fits into the geodynamic context of the European and African plate boundary. Ore deposit corresponds to veins and breccia of multiphase Cu–Fe-rich mineralization related to various hydrothermal fluid circulations. Petromineralogical studies indicate a rich mineral paragenesis with a minimum of seven mineralization phases and, at least, six pyrite generations. As is also the case for galena and native silver, native gold is observed for the first time as inclusion in quartz which opens up, thus, new perspectives for prospecting and evaluating the potential for noble metals associated with the mineralization. Scanning Electron Microscope--Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy analyses show, in addition, a large incorporation of trace elements, including Ag and Au, in mineral structures such as fahlores(tetrahedrite-tennantite) and chalcopyrite ones. The mineral/mineral associations, used as geothermometers, gave estimated temperatures for the mineralizing fluids varying from 254 to 330 ℃ for phase Ⅲ, from 254 to 350 ℃ for phase Ⅳ, and from 200 to 300 ℃ for phases Ⅴ and Ⅵ. The seventh and last identified mineralization phase, marked by a deposit of native gold, reflects a drop in the mineralizing fluid’s temperature(< 200 ℃) compatible with boiling conditions. Such results open up perspectives for the development of precious metal research and the revaluation of the Cu–Fe ore deposit at the Ain El Bey abandoned mine, as well as at the surrounding areas fitting in the geodynamic framework of the Africa-Europe plate boundary.

Geochronology and Geochemistry of Ore-related Granitoids in the Giant Gariatong Rb Deposit,Tibet and Implications for Rb Metallogeny in China

Rubidium(Rb)deposits mostly occur in the South China and Central Asia orogenic belts and are often closely associated with highly differentiated granites.This study investigates a newly-discovered giant Rb deposit at Gariatong in the Central Lhasa terrane in Tibet.Detailed field studies and logging data revealed that the Rb mineralization mainly occurs in monzogranite and is related to greisenization.LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircon yielded ages of 19.1±0.2 Ma and 19.0±0.2 Ma for greisenized monzogranite and fresh monzogranite,respectively.The monzogranites are characterized as strongly peraluminous,with high contents of SiO2,Al2O3,K2O and Na2O as well as a high differentiation index.They are enriched in light rare earth and large ion lithophile elements with significant negative Eu anomalies and depleted high fieldstrength elements.Petrological and geochemical features of these ore-related monzogranites suggest that they are highly fractionated S-type granites,derived from remelting of crustal materials in a post-collisional setting.The geochemistry of zircon and apatite points to a low oxygen fugacity of the ore-related monzogranite during the magma’s evolution.The discovery of the Gariatong Rb deposit suggests that the Central Lhasa terrane may be an important region for rare metal mineralization.

Triassic Granitic Magmatism at the Northern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications of Geochronology and Geochemistry for the Tectonic Evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The early Mesozoic marked an important transition from collisional orogeny to post-orogenic extension at the northern margin of the North China Craton(NCC). In this study, we undertook zircon U-Pb dating and whole-rock majorand trace-element geochemical analyses of early Mesozoic granitic rocks in the Chifeng area to establish their geochronological framework, petrogenesis, and implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Central Asia Orogenic Belt(CAOB). Zircon U-Pb dating results show that these rocks were emplaced in three stages during the Triassic:(1) syenogranites during 250-248 Ma,(2) granodiorites during 244-243 Ma, and(3) monzogranites and granodiorites during 232-230 Ma. These Triassic granitoids belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series and are evolved I-type granites. They have high SiO2 and low Mg O contents with enrichments in light rare-earth elements, Zr, Hf, Rb, Th, and U, and depletions in Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, and Eu. These geochemical data indicate that the granitoids were derived from partial melting of a lower-crustal source under relatively low-pressure conditions and subsequently underwent extensive fractional crystallization. Considering both the geochemical data and regional geological information, we propose that the 250-248 Ma syenogranites were emplaced in an extensional environment linked to slab break-off after closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean(PAO) along the Solonker-Xra Moron-Changchun suture zone. The 244-243 Ma granodiorites were formed in a compressional orogenic setting during collision between the Erguna-Xing’an-Songliao composite block and the NCC. The 232-230 Ma granodiorites and monzogranites were emplaced during the transition from compressional orogeny to post-orogenic extension. Overall, the early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Chifeng area can be divided into three main stages:(1) closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and extension related to slab break-off during the Early Triassic;(2) continuous collisional compression during the Middle Triassic after closure of the PAO;and(3) post-orogenic extension during the Late Triassic, most probably due to lithospheric delamination after amalgamation of the Erguna-Xing’an-Songliao composite block and the NCC.

Bulk geochemistry,Rb-Sr,Sm-Nd,and stable O-H isotope systematics of the Metzimevin high-grade iron ore deposit,Mbalam iron ore district,southern Cameroon

Bulk geochemistry,Sr,Nd,and O-H isotope systematics are reported for the first time on banded iron formation(BIF)-hosted high-grade iron ore at the northwestern segment of Congo Craton(CC).Located in Mbalam iron ore district,Southern Cameroon,Metzimevin iron ore deposit is a hematite-magnetite BIF system,dominated by SiO_(2)+Fe_(2)O_(3)(97.1 to 99.84 wt%),with low concentrations of clastic elements e.g.,Al_(2)O_(3),TiO_(2),and HFSE,depicting a nearly pure chemical precipitate.The REE+Y signature of the iron deposit displays strong positive Eu anomaly,strong negative Ce anomaly,and chondritic to superchondritic Y/Ho ratios,suggestive of formation by mixed seawater-high temperature hydrothermal fluids in oxidising environment.The^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of the BIF are higher than the maximum^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr evolution curves for all Archean reservoirs(bulk silicate earth,Archean crust and Archean seawater),indicating involvement of continentally-derived components during BIF formation and alteration.TheƐ_(Nd)(t)(+2.26 to+3.77)and Nd model age indicate that chemical constituents for the BIF were derived from undifferentiated crustal source,between 3.002 and 2.88 Ga.The variable and diverse O and H isotope data(−1.9‰to 17.3‰and−57‰to 136‰respectively)indicate that the Metzimevin iron ore formed initially from magmatic plumes and later enriched by magmatic-metamorphic-modified meteoric fluids.Mass balance calculations indicate mineralisation by combined leaching and precipitation,with an average iron enrichment factor of>2.67 and SiO_(2)depletion factor of>0.99.This is associated with an overall volume reduction of 28.27%,reflecting net leaching and volume collapse of the BIF protholith.

Texture and Geochemistry of Multi-stage Hydrothermal Scheelite in the Mamupu Cu-Au-Mo(-W)Deposit,Eastern Tibet:Implications for Tungsten Mineralization in the Yulong Belt

Multistage tungsten mineralization was recently discovered in the Mamupu copper-polymetallic deposit in the southern Yulong porphyry copper belt(YPCB),Tibet.This study reports the results of cathodoluminescence,trace element and Sr isotope analyses of Mamupu scheelite samples,undertaken in order to better constrain the mechanism of W mineralization and the sources of the ore-forming fluids.Three different types of scheelite are identified in the Mamupu deposit:scheelite A(Sch A)mainly occurs in breccias during the prograde stage,scheelite B(Sch B)forms in the chlorite-epidote alteration zone in the retrograde stage,while scheelite C(Sch C)occurs in distal quartz sulfide veins.The extremely high Mo content and negative Eu anomaly in Sch A represent high oxygen fugacity in the prograde stage.Compared with ore-related porphyries,Sch A has a similar REE pattern,but with higher ΣREE,more depleted HREE and slightly lower(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i ratios.These features suggest that Sch A is genetically related to ore-related porphyries,but extensive interaction with carbonate surrounding rocks affects the final REE and Sr isotopic composition.Sch B shows dark(Sch B-I)and light(Sch B-II)domains under CL imaging.From Sch B-I to Sch B-II,LREEs are gradually depleted,with MREEs being gradually enriched.Sch C has the highest LREE/HREE ratio,which indicates that it inherited the geochemical characteristics of fluids after the precipitation of HREE-rich minerals,such as diopside and garnet,in the early prograde stage.The Mo content in Sch B and Sch C gradually decreased,indicating that the oxygen fugacity of the fluids changed from oxidative in the early stages to reductive in the later,the turbulent Eu anomaly in Sch B and Sch C indicating that the Eu anomaly in the Mamupu scheelite is not solely controlled by oxygen fugacity.The extensive interaction of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids and carbonate provides the necessary Ca^(2+)for the precipitation of scheelite in the Mamupu deposit.

The discovery of Late Triassic hypabyssal mafic dykes in the Huozhou complex and their geological significance:Evidence from petrology,geochemistry,and geochronology

The Huozhou complex in the Trans-North China Orogen exhibits two events of mafic magmatism(separated by ca.700 Ma):Neoproterozoic(920±15 Ma)Shimenyu diabase and Late Triassic(217±2.5 Ma)Xingtangsi diabase.Investigations have focused on systematic petrology,zircon U-Pb dating,Lu-Hf isotopes,and lithogeochemistry.The research findings indicate that the Late Triassic Xingtangsi diabase of the Huozhou complex can be classified as a transitional type between intermediate and mafic rocks based on their SiO_(2)content.This classification is supported by an average SiO_(2)content of 53.94%,ranging from 53.33%to 54.28%.In the Zr/TiO_(2)vs.Ce diagram,all samples lie within the range of basalt.The zircons from the Late Triassic Xingtangsi diabase have lowε_(Hf)(t)values ranging from-12.7 to-8.7,with an average of-11.1.Additionally,the single-stage model age T_(DM1)is estimated to be between 1207 and 1701 Ma.These findings suggest that the magma responsible for the dyke originated from either partial melting or an enriched mantle source inside the Meso-Proterozoic lithospheric mantle.The elevated concentrations of Th(thorium)and LREEs(light rare earth elements),as well as the Th/Yb and Th/Nb ratios,suggest the potential incorporation of subducted sediments within the magma source region.The rock displays negative Nb,Ta,Zr,Hf,and Ti anomalies.These geochemical attributes align with the distinctive traits observed in volcanic rocks found within island arcs.The formation of the Late Triassic Xingtangsi diabase is likely associated with the geological context of an arc setting,which arises from the collision between the Yangtze plate and the North China Craton.

Genesis and geological significance of carbonate in Changdu Basin,Xizang,China:Constraints from geochemistry and C-O isotopes

Research on the origin of carbonates in Changdu Basin holds significant importance for understanding the regional potash formation model.Based on a comprehensive review of previous studies,field geological surveys,and laboratory investigations,this study analyzes the origin and properties of carbonates within the context of regional potash formation.Petrographic studies show that magnesite deposits,with the characteristics of sedimentary origin.The results of elemental geochemical analysis show that the carbonates in this area were formed in the sedimentary environment via evaporation followed by concentration,and the formation of magnesite was possibly caused by the substitution of calcium in the dolomite with magnesium-rich brine.Theδ^(13)C values of carbonats in the study area are between5.9‰and 9.1‰.Theδ^(18)O values of magnesite samples range from-7.3‰to-1.3‰,and theδ^(18)O values of dolomites range from-10.3‰to-8.4‰.All the calculated Z values of oxygen isotopes of carbonates greater than 120.A comprehensive analysis of carbon and oxygen isotopes indicates that the magnesite was formed in a highly concentrated Marine sedimentary environment and does not show any relation with the metasomatism of hydrothermal fluids.The results on the correlation of magnesite with seawater and its sedimentary origin provide key information for explaining the migration direction of brine between the Changdu and Lanping-Simao Basins.The residual metamorphic seawater in the Changdu Basin migrated to the Lanping-Simao Basin,where potash underwent deposition.Whereas,magnesite and dolomite in the early stage of potash formation were left in the Changdu Basin.

Exploration and Practice of“Guiding Interactive”Teaching in Advanced Geochemistry Courses from the Perspective of Constructivist Theory

The construction of geochemical disciplines has brought new vitality to the development of traditional geology.In the new round of“Double First-Class”discipline construction at Central South University,the course of Advanced Geochemistry has effectively stimulated students’interest in learning and further improved their scientific thinking and research innovation skills through the implementation of“Guiding Interactive”teaching reform measures,which has important theoretical significance and practical value.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of early Paleozoic granitoids in East Kunlun belt: Evidences from geochronology, geochemistry and isotopes

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt(EKOB) provides an important link to reconstruct the evolution of the Proto-Tethys and Paleo-Tethys realm. The EKOB is marked by widespread Early Paleozoic magmatism.Here we report the petrology, bulk geochemistry, zircon Ue Pb dating and, Lue Hf and SreN d isotopic data of the Early Paleozoic granitic rocks in Zhiyu area of the southern EKOB. Based on the zircon U-Pb dating, these granitoids, consisting of diorite, granodiorite and monzogranite, were formed during 450 -430 Ma the Late Ordovician to Middle Silurian. The diorite and granodiorite are high Sr/Y ratio as adakitic affinities, and the monzogranite belongs to highly fractionated I-type. Their(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)ivalues range from 0.7059 to 0.7085, εNd(t) values from -1.6 to -6.0 and the zircon εHf(t) values show large variations from +9.1 to -8.6 with Hf model ages(T_(DM2)) about 848 Ma and 1970 Ma. The large variations of whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopes demonstrate strong isotopic heterogeneity of the source regions which probably resulted from multi-phase underplating of mantle-derived magmas. Geochemical and isotopic studies proved that the diorite and granodiorite had been derived from partial melting of heterogeneous crustal source with variable contributions from ancient continental crust and juvenile components, and the monzogranites were representing fractional crystallization and crustal contamination for arc magma. The Early Paleozoic adakitic rocks and high-K calc-alkaline granitoids in the southern EKOB were likely emplaced in a continental marginal arc setting possibly linked to the southwards subduction of the Paleo Kunlun Ocean and the magma generation is linked to partial melting of thickened continental crust induced by underplating of mantle-derived magmas.

Geochronology and geochemistry of mafic dykes in the Helanshan complex: Implications for Mesozoic tectonics in the North China Craton

The Helanshan tectonic belt(HTB) is a major tectonic divide between the Alxa and Ordos blocks in the North China Craton. The geochronology and petrogenesis of the mafic dykes in the northern HTB are keys to understanding the tectonic evolution of this belt. The mafic dykes, intruded into the Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic metamorphic basement, are mainly composed of diabase with a mineral assemblage of plagioclase(45%-60%), pyroxene(25%-35%), minor quartz and Fe-Ti oxides. The LA-ICPMS U-Pb analysis of zircon grains from representative dykes yield a weighted mean age of 206 ± 1.9 Ma, which represents the crystallization age of the dyke. The diabases show high contents of Fe_2 O_3~T(11.88-17.55 wt.%), low contents of SiO_2(45.65-50.95 wt.%) and MgO(3.31-5.50 wt.%) with low Mg#(=100×MgO/(MgO + FeO) atomic ration) of 33-44. They are characterized by enrichment of light rare earth elements(LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements(LILEs)(e.g., Rb, Ba and Pb), and slight depletion of high field strength elements(HFSEs). These features suggest that the magma has undergone extensive fractionation of olivine and pyroxene but only minor crustal contamination during its evolution. Their high Sm contents and La/Sm ratios, and low Sm/Yb ratios indicate that magma from which the dykes formed was derived from low degree(about 5%) partial melting of an enriched garnet + spinel lherzolite mantle source. Together with regional geology, these geochemical and geochronological data suggest that the mafic dykes in the HTB were formed in an intracontinental extensional setting during the late Triassic.

Climate and Soil Geochemistry Influence the Soil Organic Carbon Content in Drylands of the Songliao Plain,Northeast China

The understanding of the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon(SOC)and its influencing factors is crucial for comprehending the global carbon cycle.However,the impact of soil geochemical and climatic conditions on SOC remains limited,particularly in dryland farming areas.In this study,we aimed to enhance the understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of SOC in the drylands of the Songliao Plain,Northeast China.A dataset comprising 35,188 measured soil samples was used to map the SOC distribution in the region.Multiple linear regression(MLR)and random forest models(RFM)were employed to assess the importance of driving indicators for SOC.We also carried out partial correlation and path analyses to further investigate the relationship between climate and geochemistry.The SOC content in dryland soils of the Songliao Plain ranged from 0.05%to 11.63%,with a mean value of 1.47%±0.90%.There was a notable increasing trend in SOC content from the southwest to the northeast regions.The results of MLR and RFM revealed that temperature was the most critical factor,demonstrating a significant negative correlation with SOC content.Additionally,iron oxide was the most important soil geochemical indicator affecting SOC variability.Our research further suggested that climate may exert an indirect influence on SOC concentrations through its effect on geochemical properties of soil.These insights highlight the importance of considering both the direct and indirect impact of climate in predicting the SOC under future climate change.

Zircon U-Pb Ages and Geochemistry of Permo-Carboniferous Mafic Intrusions in the Xilinhot Area, Inner Mongolia: Constraints on the Northward Subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB) resulted from accretion during the Paleozoic subduction of the PaleoAsian Ocean. The Xilinhot area in Inner Mongolia is located in the northern subduction zone of the central-eastern CAOB and outcropped a large number of late Paleozoic mafic intrusions. The characteristics of magma source and tectonic setting of the mafic intrusions and their response to the closure process of the Paleo-Asian Ocean are still controversial. This study presents LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb ages and geochemical features of mafic intrusions in the Xilinhot area to constrain the northward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The mafic intrusions consist of gabbro, hornblende gabbro, and diabase. Their intrusion times can be divided into three stages of 326-321 Ma, 276 Ma and 254 Ma by zircon U-Pb ages. The first two stages of the 326-276 Ma intrusions mostly originated from subduction-modified continental lithospheric mantle sources that underwent a variable degree partial melting(5-30%), recording the subduction of oceanic crust. The third stage of the 254 Ma mafic rocks also show arc-related features. The primary magma compositions calculated by PRIMELT2 modeling on three samples of ~326 Ma and two samples of ~254 Ma show that these mafic samples are characterized by a variable range in SiO2(47.51-51.47 wt%), Al2O3(11.46-15.55 wt%), ΣFeO(8.27-9.61 wt%), MgO(13.01-15.18 wt%) and CaO(9.13-11.67 wt%), consisting with the features between enriched mantle and lower continental crust. The source mantle melting of mafic intrusions occurred under temperatures of 1302-1351°C and pressures of 0.92-1.30 GPa. The magmatic processes occurred near the crust-mantle boundary at about 33-45 km underground. Combined with previous studies, it is concluded that Carboniferous to early Permian(~326-275 Ma) northward subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic crust led to the formation of the mafic magmatism in the Baolidao arc zone. The whole region had entered the collision environment at ~254 Ma, but with subduction-related environments locally. The final collision between the North China craton and the South Mongolian microcontinent may have lasted until ca. 230 Ma.

Geochemistry, geochronology and Hf isotope of granitoids in the Chinese Altai: Implications for Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Chinese Altai in northwestern Xinjiang has numerous outcrops of granitoids which provide critical information on accretionary orogenic processes and crustal growth of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.Zircon U-Pb ages, Hf-isotopic compositions and whole-rock geochemistry of monzogranite and granodiorites in the Qinghe County are employed to elucidate Paleozoic tectonics of the Chinese Altai. Granodiorites have crystallization ages of 424.6 ± 3.1 Ma(MSWD = 0.23) and 404.0 ± 3.4 Ma(MSWD = 0.18);monzogranite was emplaced in the early Permian with a crystallization age of 293.7 ± 4.6 Ma(MSWD = 1.06). Both granodiorites and monzogranite are I-type granites with A/CNK ratios of 0.92 -0.97 and 1.03 -1.06, respectively. They also show similar geochemical features of high HREE and Y contents, low Sr contents and Sr/Y ratios, as well as enrichment of Cs, Rb, Th and U, and depletion of Nb, Ta, P and Ti.These geochemical features indicate that the monzogranite and granodiorites were formed in an arc setting related to subduction. The gneissic monzogranites display high SiO_2 and K_2 O contents, and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series. In the chondrite normalized REE distribution pattern, the monzogranite samples exhibit enrichment of LREE with strong negative Eu anomalies(σE u =0.44 -0.53), zircon εHf(t) values from +7.24 to +12.63 and two-stage Hf model ages of 463 -740 Ma. This suggests that the monzogranite was generated from the mixing of pelitic and mantle material. The granodiorite samples are calc-alkaline granites with lower contents of Si O_2 and Na_2 O + K_2 O, higher contents of TiO_2, Fe_2O_3~t, MgO and CaO compared to the monzogranite samples. They also show enrichment of LREE and moderate negative Eu anomalies(σE u= 0.54 =0.81), as well as slightly higher differentiation of LREE than that of HREE. The425 Ma granodiorite has zircon εHf(t) values from -0.51 to +1.98 and two-stage Hf model ages of 1133 -1240 Ma, whereas the 404 Ma granodiorite displays those of +2.52 to +7.50 and 816 -1071 Ma.Geochemistry and zircon Hf isotopic compositions indicate that granodiorites were formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust. Together with regional geology and previous data, the geochemical and geochronological data of the monzogranite and granodiorites from this study suggest long-lived subduction and accretion along the Altai Orogen during ca. 425 -294 Ma.

Detrital Zircon U-Pb Ages and Geochemistry of the Silurian to Permian Sedimentary Rocks in Central Inner Mongolia, China: Implications for Closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean

The Solonker suture zone has long been considered to mark the location of the final disappearance of the PaleoAsian Ocean in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB). However, the time of final suturing is still controversial with two main different proposals of late Permian to early Triassic, and late Devonian. This study reports integrated wholerock geochemistry and LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages of sedimentary rocks from the Silurian Xuniwusu Formation, the Devonian Xilingol Complex and the Permian Zhesi Formation in the Hegenshan-Xilinhot-Linxi area in central Inner Mongolia, China. The depositional environment, provenance and tectonic setting of the Silurian-Devonian and the Permian sediments are compared to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Solonker suture zone and its neighboring zones. The protoliths of the silty slates from the Xuniwusu Formation in the Baolidao zone belong to wacke and were derived from felsic igneous rocks with steady-state weathering, poor sorting and compositional immaturity. The protoliths of metasedimentary rocks from the Xilingol Complex were wackes and litharenites and were sourced from predominantly felsic igneous rocks with variable weathering conditions and moderate sorting. The Xuniwusu Formation and Xilingol Complex samples both have two groups of detrital zircon that peak at ca. 0.9-1.0 Ga and ca. 420-440 Ma, with maximum deposition ages of late Silurian and middle Devonian age, respectively. Considering the ca. 484-383 Ma volcanic arc in the Baolidao zone, the Xuxiniwu Formation represents an oceanic trench sediment and is covered by the sedimentary rocks in the Xilingol Complex that represents a continental slope sediment in front of the arc. The middle Permian Zhesi Formation metasandstones were derived from predominantly felsic igneous rocks and are texturally immature with very low degrees of rounding and sorting, indicating short transport and rapid burial. The Zhesi Formation in the Hegenshan zone has a main zircon age peak of 302 Ma and a subordinate peak of 423 Ma and was deposited in a back-arc basin with an early marine transgression during extension and a late marine regression during contraction. The formation also crops out locally in the Baolidao zone with a main zircon age peak of 467 Ma and a minor peak of 359 Ma, and suggests it formed as a marine transgression sedimentary sequence in a restricted extensional basin and followed by a marine regressive event. Two obvious zircon age peaks of 444 Ma and 280 Ma in the Solonker zone and 435 Ma and 274 Ma in Ondor Sum are retrieved from the Zhesi Formation. This suggests as a result of the gradual closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean a narrow ocean sedimentary environment with marine regressive sedimentary sequences occupied the Solonker and Ondor Sum zones during the middle Permian. A restricted ocean is suggested by the Permian strata in the Bainaimiao zone. Early Paleozoic subduction until ca. 381 Ma and renewed subduction during ca. 310-254 Ma accompanied by the opening and closure of a back-arc basin during ca. 298-269 Ma occurred in the northern accretionary zone. In contrast, the southern accretionary zone documented early Paleozoic subduction until ca. 400 Ma and a renewed subduction during ca. 298-246 Ma. The final closure of the Paleo-Asian ocean therefore lasted at least until the early Triassic and ended with the formation of the Solonker suture zone.