The Hudesheng mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Oulongbuluke Block, Qinghai Province, NW China: chronology, geochemistry, isotopic systematics and tectonic implications

Abstract

AbstractThe Hudesheng mafic–ultramafic intrusions are located in the Oulongbuluke Block, north of the Qaidam Block in Qinghai Province, NW China. We carried out a detailed study of the intrusions, including field observations, petrology, zircon U–Pb geochronology, Lu–Hf isotopes, bulk-rock major- and trace-element geochemistry, and mineral compositions, to provide a better understanding of their properties and the regional tectonic evolution. Zircon U–Pb dating on gabbro and pyroxenite samples yielded ages of 465 and 455 Ma, respectively. Geochemical data, in conjunction with the field observations and petrological features, suggest that the complex is Alaskan-type and the magma was derived from a depleted mantle source that was hydrous picritic basalt in composition and influenced by crustal contamination and slab-derived fluid metasomatism. Based on all the chronological, petrological, mineralogical and geochemical and regional geological data, we conclude that the palaeo-ocean closed diachronously from west to east between the Qaidam and Oulongbuluke blocks, and that the ocean in the east of the North Qaidam region closed after ∼455 Ma.