Abstract
Abstract The tectonics of the Proto-Tethys Ocean during the Early Devonian are still heavily debated in the North Qilian orogen. In order to further constrain this issue, we explore geology, chronology, geochemistry, and isotopes of three newly discovered Early Devonian adakitic granitoids of the Jiayuguan complex in the North Qilian orogen, NW China. The granitoids exhibit typical adakitic geochemical signatures with high SiO2 (>56%), Na, Al, and Sr contents, depleted in Yb and Y, and high Sr/Y (82–277) and (La/Yb)N (7.65–15.16) values. Additionally, their high Mg# (62–68) and εHf(t) (+6.5–+11.9) values indicate partial melting of slab genesis. However, they have comparatively low εNd(t) (−2.3–+0.13). Their incompatible Hf and Nd isotopes could be caused by contamination between the source magma and continental crust during the emplacement processes. The three adakitic granitoids yield zircon U–Pb ages of 415–403 Ma, implying that the northern Qilian Ocean was subducting until the Early Devonian (403 Ma) and that young/hot/ridge subduction formed the Jiayuguan adakitic granitoids. Combined with regional data, we propose that the Proto-Tethys Ocean was subducting until 403 Ma in the Qilian area.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.