Geochemistry of the ophiolite and oceanic island basalt in the Kangxian-Pipasi-Nanping tectonic mélange zone, South Qinling and their tectonic significance

Abstract

Detailed studies indicate that Kangxian-Pipasi-Nanping tectonic zone is a complicated melange zone which includes many tectonic slabs of different origins. Ophiolite (MORB-type basalt), oceanic island tholeiite and alkaline basalt have been identified. Moreover, this tectonic melange zone is eastward connected with the Mianlue suture zone. The deformation characteristics, consisting components and volcanic rock geochemical features for the Kangxian-Pipasi-Nanping tectonic melange zone are much similar to those of the Mianlue suture zone and Deerni ophiolite. Therefore, the Kangxian-Pipasi-Nanping tectonic melange zone should be the westward extension part of the Mianlue suture zone. It indicates that the Mianlue suture zone had extended to the Nanping area.