Role of inherited structure on granite emplacement: An example from the Late Jurassic Shibei pluton in the Wuyishan area (South China) and its tectonic implications

Abstract

The Shibei pluton is a Late Jurassic granitic body in the South China Block (Fujian province), featured by macroscopically isotropic granite and undeformed margins, which are also characteristics for most of the Late Jurassic plutons in southeastern China. Our field observations, fabric investigations and gravity modelling allow us to decipher the internal structure, overall geometry, magma accumulation and emplacement processes of the Shibei pluton. Magnetic fabrics of the Shibei pluton can be divided into two distinct groups. The first one, observed in the southern-central part of the pluton, is characterized by high-angle to sub-vertical (54°-90°) NE-SW-striking magnetic foliations and variably plunging magnetic lineation. The second group, recognized in the northern part of the pluton, shows variably dipping (22°-88°) magnetic foliation, which generally strikes subparallel to pluton-country rock contacts, and irregularly oriented magnetic lineation. The Bouguer gravity modelling demonstrates that the pluton has a tabular geometry with a N-S-striking long axis, and a length-width-thickness ratio of ~32:8:1. The intrusion thickness gradually decreases from the southwest margin (ca. 2.5 km) to the northeast margin (ca. 0.5 km). Moreover, an undulating bottom with one or more convex intruding roots can be observed. Integrating published geochronological and regional tectonic data, we propose that the Shibei pluton was constructed by successive NE-SW-striking magma injections. Emplacement of early magma batches started in the SW part of the pluton by magma injection, which was guided by inherited structures produced by pre-emplacement tectonic events. Continuous magma injections were laterally accreted to earlier emplaced magma intrusions, and/or injected along lithological and/or structural discontinuities within the country rocks at upper crustal level without producing ductile deformation in the pluton-country rock contact zone. Our structural and fabric investigations indicate that the SE South China Block was not subjected to a major tectonic deformation during the Late Jurassic period.