Detrital zircons from high-pressure trench sediments (Qilian Orogen): Constraints on continental-arc accretion, subduction initiation and polarity of the Proto-Tethys Ocean

Abstract

The Qilian Orogen in the northern Tibetan plateau records the tectonic history of the Proto-Tethys Ocean from its initial spreading, subduction to final closure. However, the timing of subduction initiation, subduction polarity and arc volcanic processes of the Proto-Tethys Ocean remain controversial. In this contribution, we present geochronological and Hf isotopic studies for 812 detrital zircons from blueschist- to eclogite-facies metamorphic sedimentary rocks from the trench and accretionary wedge in the Proto-Tethys subduction zone in the North Qilian suture zone. Out of all the U-Pb age data, the Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic zircons reveal the timing of opening and closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. We show that ∼50 % of the original sediments were derived from the arc-related magmas, with ages ranging from 535 Ma to 441 Ma. This range represents the time from subduction initiation to closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean in the Qilian Orogen. Based on the closer resemblance of statistical ages to the crust to the north (Alxa) than the south (Central Qilian), we believe the initial subduction polarity of the Proto-Tethys Ocean is northward. The corresponding εHf(t) values (−11 ∼ +15) shows characteristics of continental arc formed by subduction process. The massive intrusion of arc magma during subduction led to a significant crustal growth, and the crustal thickness estimates based on Eu anomalies indicate that the thickness of the continental margin varies from ∼60 km at 500–490 Ma to ∼45 km at ca. 450 Ma, suggesting an evolution process from compression to back-arc extension.