Tectonic framework and evolution of the Tarim Block in NW China

Abstract

The Tarim Block is characterized by a double layer structure consisting of a Precambrian basement and Neoproterozoic to Cambrian cover series. It experienced different stages of tectonic evolution since its generation, with similarities and dissimilarities to the North and South China Blocks in many aspects. This has brought about complexities in understanding the tectonic processes of crustal growth and reworking in the Tarim Block. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive synthesis on the regional geology and analytical data. Based on the study herein, we constructed its tectonic framework and main evolution stages and its sedimentary-magmatic-metamorphic concurrence to the main tectonic events. In the Archean, the 2.80–2.57Ga Archaean TTG was intruded by the ca.2.53Ga high Ba-Sr granite, leading to the formation of the Archean proto crust of the Tarim. During the Proterozoic, two periods of tectono-metamorphic events occurred in the Orosirian–Statherian period (2.0–1.8Ga) and the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic (1.0–0.9Ga), respectively. They were concurrent with the global assembly of Columbia and Rodinia supercontinents, respectively. Since 760Ma, Tarim and other landmasses started to split from Rodinia in response to the Rodinian breakup. In the middle to late Neoproterozoic, the Rodinia breakup resulted in the diverse and voluminous intriguing igneous activities along the northern margin of the Tarim. In the Early Cambrian, the Tarim Block drifted away from the other parts of Rodinian landmass in response to the Pan-African tectonic event. During the late Neoproterozoic to the Carboniferous, the early Paleozoic Northern Kunlun orogen was produced by collision of the Qaidam with the southern margin of Tarim, whereas in the late Paleozoic the southern Tianshan orogen was brought about due to collision between the Yili terrane and the northern margin of Tarim. In the Permian, a large igneous province occurred in Tarim, which is the last igneous activity in this block.