Bidirectional Subduction Research Articles

Where and when the Palaeo-Asian Ocean was closed: new evidence from the Tuquan ophiolite

The Solonker Suture marks the location of the final collision in the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, but is obscured at the western margin of the Songliao Basin. The recently discovered Tuquan ophiolite is an important fragment within the Solonker Suture. The analysis of samples from the Tuquan ophiolite using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating gave chronological data with weighted mean 206 Pb/ 238 U ages from 279 ± 6 to 265 ± 5 Ma, which we interpret to represent the formation age of the Tuquan ophiolite from the late Cisuralian to Guadalupian. The geochemistry of the Tuquan ophiolite shows the characteristics of a supra-subduction zone. We suggest that it represents an important bidirectional subduction event involving the oceanic crust of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean beneath the Mongolia Block and the North China Craton during the early to late Permian. Integrating these findings with previous research indicates that the final subduction of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean persisted until at least the late Permian. Our study provides further insights indicating that the Tuquan ophiolite could be regarded as the eastern extension of the Solonker Suture, providing new constraints on the evolution of the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Petrogenesis and Sc mineralization potential of the early Silurian Halaguole Alaskan-type complex in the East Kunlun orogenic belt

The Alaskan-type complexes are known for their unique annular lithologic zoning structure and are products of an island arc environment. The Halaguole mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Kunlun orogenic belt, as reported in this study, exhibit characteristics of an Alaskan-type complex. The complex is composed of peridotite, pyroxenite, and gabbro, with well-defined annular lithological zoning from the core to the margin. The Halaguole mafic–ultramafic intrusions were formed during the Early Silurian period, specifically ranging from 437 Ma to 440 Ma according to Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results. They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE), revealing positive europium (Eu) anomalies and negative niobium (Nb) anomalies. All of these characteristics indicate that they are products of an island arc environment. Based on analysis of zircon’s εHf(t) value (0.25 to 5.14) and model age (TDM1) (842.19 to 1034.61 Ma), it can be deduced that the intrusions originated from an enriched mantle source. The dominant mineral compositions within the Halaguole intrusions include olivine, clinopyroxene, amphibole, biotite, and spinel. With the absence of orthopyroxene, the compositions of these minerals are similar to Alaskan-type complexes. The contents of olvine, biotite, and spinel suggest that the parental melt of these intrusions is an aqueous basaltic magma with island arc properties. The Halaguole mafic–ultramafic intrusions likely formed through partial melting of the mantle wedge metasomatized by fluids from the subduction zone. This process was accomplished by fractional crystallization of magma. Combining the findings of previous research with the evidence presented in this study, it can be deduced that the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean occurred during the Early Silurian. Furthermore, it is evident that the Wanbaogou basaltic plateau in the Southern Kunlun Belt (SKB) underwent bidirectional subduction in a north–south direction. Notably, the samples from pyroxene peridotite and gabbro exhibit a significant concentration of Sc, ranging from 41.5 to 224.5 ppm, exceeding industrial grade levels and indicating excellent potential for Sc mineralization.

Paleozoic subduction of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean plate: constraints from Ordovician–Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks in the northern Beishan orogenic collage, NW China

The subduction history of the Hongshishan Ocean within the Beishan orogenic collage is crucial to our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean. We describe the petrography, age and geochemistry of an Ordovician–Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary succession that provides a record of the subduction history of the Hongshishan Ocean. We obtained early Ordovician zircon U–Pb ages (482 ± 6 and 472 ± 2 Ma) from the Xianshuihu Formation. The youngest weighted mean detrital zircon age from the Yuanbaoshan Formation is 421.0 ± 8.8 Ma. Most detrital zircons have prominent age peaks at 900–840 and 543–462 Ma, suggesting a main source from the southern Mongolian microcontinent. Volcanic rocks from the Baishan Formation yielded weighted mean ages of 300.3–299.3 Ma. During the Ordovician–Devonian, some volcanic arcs formed on the northern side of the Hongshishan–Baiheshan–Erlegen Ula ophiolitic belt, indicating that the Hongshishan Ocean had a northward subduction polarity. During the Carboniferous, continental arcs were well developed on both sides of the Hongshishan–Baiheshan–Erlegen Ula belt, suggesting bidirectional subduction. An archipelago of multiple arcs of the Hongshishan Ocean resembles that of the West Pacific Ocean. The change in subduction polarity can be attributed to the characteristics of multi-oceanic accretion.

Structural anatomy of the newly recognized Paleozoic Dacaotan composite mélange belt: Implications for the subduction-accretion processes in the North Tianshan Ocean, southwestern Central Asian Orogenic belt

The North Tianshan Belt occupies a pivotal geological position within the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, making it an ideal location to unravel the long-term evolutionary history of the North Tianshan Ocean. However, how, and when the Tianshan oceanic basin was finally consumed and closed remains highly debated. To resolve these questions, here, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of the different litho-tectonic assemblages of the Dacaotan composite mélange belt in the North Tianshan Belt. Using detailed geological mapping, structural analyses, rock associations, and new geochemical and geochronological data, we divide the Dacaotan composite mélange belt into three litho-tectonic assemblages: (1) the southern sedimentary forearc (ca. 423–398 Ma) assemblage that is characterized by relatively coherent and well-bedded flysch sequences; (2) the central supra-subduction zone-type ophiolitic mélange assemblage (ca. 468–461 Ma) consisting of petrogenetically linked upper mantle and oceanic crustal components, which are exposed as tectonic slices or blocks within a serpentinite and sedimentary matrix; and (3) the northern accreted ocean plate stratigraphy mélange assemblage (ca.448–398 Ma) that is composed of accreted trench-fill turbidites, seamounts (OIB-like basic rocks) and ocean floor rocks (MORB-like basic rocks) dispersed in a sandy to pelitic matrix. Post-kinematic pluton and dyke reveal that the final accretionary event was completed prior to ca. 371 Ma. In conjunction with the spatial–temporal configurations of the different litho-tectonic assemblages, we conclude that the North Tianshan Ocean underwent bi-directional subduction and intra-oceanic subduction events during the Early Paleozoic. Our findings suggest the final consumption of the North Tianshan Ocean basin occurred before the Latest Devonian, resulting in the formation of the ultimate suture between the Central Tianshan Block and the North Tianshan Belt along the Kanggguertag-Dacantao composite mélange belt.

Cretaceous evolution of the Lhasa-Qiangtang Orogen: insights from mafic igneous rocks

ABSTRACT The compositional changes of successively emplaced mafic magmatites provide insights into the evolution of orogenic belts, particularly the transformation processes and properties of the orogenic lithospheric mantle. Herein, we present new zircon U‒Pb ages and Lu‒Hf isotopes, as well as whole-rock major, trace element, and Sr – Nd isotope compositions from three mafic intrusions in the Asuo area, central Tibet, to clarify the evolution of the Lhasa – Qiangtang Orogenic Belt (LQOB). These mafic intrusions can be classified into calc-alkaline basalts and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements and depleted in high-field strength elements. Significant differences in the whole-rock trace element compositions, Sr – Nd isotope values, and U – Pb ages stratify them into two groups, namely Groups I and II, of which Group I rocks (ca. 105 Ma) show lower87Sr/88Sri = (0.70694–0.70701), [Sm/Yb]N = (1.51–1.54) and higher εNd (t) = (−0.74 to −0.61) than Group II (ca. 97–95 Ma) (87Sr/88Sri = 0.70759–0.70870; εNd (t) = –4.58 to −3.75; [Sm/Yb]N = 2.43–2.94). These features indicate that the mantle source exhibits a progressive increase in the proportion of garnet, along with significant addition of subduction-related components into the primary melts. One scenario for producing such trace element patterns and gradually enriched radioactive isotope signatures involves the extensive heating of an oceanic slab beneath the LQOB by upwelling asthenosphere, which leads to the extensive melting of sediments within the slab. Identification of ca. 105–95 Ma Asuo mafic rocks suggests their formation in a post-collisional setting with additional heat input from the deep mantle. These results provide new evidence supporting the occurrence of the Lhasa – Qiangtang collision within the framework of north-south bidirectional subduction.

Lithospheric electrical structure of the Alxa Block, NW China, southern central Asian Orogenic Belt, revealed by 2D inversion of magnetotelluric data

The Alxa Block, situated between the Tarim and North China cratons, is essential to understand the tectonics of northwest China. It has undergone several tectonic cycles, including rifting from northern Gondwana in Neoproterozoic, subduction-accretion of the Paleo-Asian Ocean during Paleozoic, and intracontinental deformation in Mesozoic. Broadband magnetotelluric data covering a frequency range of 320 Hz to ∼ 10000 s was collected along two NW-SE trending lines across major tectonic units of the Alxa region to investigate the deep structures of the Alxa Block. By applying the nonlinear conjugate gradient (NLCG) inversion approach, two-dimensional (2D) electrical resistivity models were obtained at a 100 km depth. These findings indicate that the Zhusileng-Hangwula and Zongnaishan-Shalazhashan tectonic zones have high resistivity in their lower crust and upper mantle, with an overall layered high-low–high resistivity pattern. The upper crust of the Nuru-Langshan tectonic zone is primarily characterized by high resistivity values, whereas the lower crust and upper mantle contain a large-scale low-resistivity (or conductive) zone that is likely the result of partial melting. The large-scale Early–Middle Jurassic nappe structures may be connected to sub-horizontal low-resistivity anomalies in the shallow strata, which are located up to 20 km below the Yagan and Zhusileng–Hangwula tectonic zones. Below the Engger Us fault, two low-resistivity bands are interpreted as the product of bidirectional subduction and final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The Alxa Block may have subducted southwards beneath the Ordos Block, as suggested by a clear low-resistivity anomaly between the two blocks. Furthermore, partial melting may have happened for high-conductivity bodies in the upper mantle based on the modified Archie formula’s evaluation of their melting degree.

A late Carboniferous transition from subduction to collision: Tectono-sedimentary evidence from southern Junggar, NW China

The Carboniferous to Permian tectono-sedimentary evolution of the southern Junggar area brings new insights into understanding the subduction-collision processes in the northern Tianshan region. Integrating geophysics, geochemistry, and geochronology approaches, this study investigates the Carboniferous–Permian strata in the southern Junggar Basin. The results have revealed three distinct tectono-stratigraphic evolutionary stages, each marked by a distinctive volcano-sedimentary sequence. The Early Carboniferous strata suggest intense volcanic activities in the southern Junggar area. During the Late Carboniferous, the southern Junggar Basin was controlled by normal faulting in an extensional setting, receiving sedimentary inputs from the Junggar terrane. The Lower Permian, unconformably overlying the Upper Carboniferous, was shaped by an extensional regime and is comprised by volcano-clastic sequences that received detritus from the Yili-Central Tianshan block. These findings indicate that a Late Carboniferous forearc basin developed in the southern Junggar area, and it evolved into a post-collisional rift in the Early Permian. This period marked a dynamic shift from bidirectional subduction (rollback) to the detachment of the North Tianshan oceanic slab. We propose that the collision between the Yili-Central Tianshan block and the Junggar terrane, along with the closure of the North Tianshan Ocean, likely occurred in the Late Carboniferous (ca.306–303 Ma).

Pn Velocity and Anisotropy Tomography With Nonuniform Grid Beneath the Ryukyu–Taiwan–Philippines Region

AbstractTo enhance our comprehension of the dynamic processes associated with complex plate subduction, volcanic magmatism, and lithosphere deformation beneath the Ryukyu–Taiwan–Philippines region, we utilized nonuniform inversion grids for Pn velocity and anisotropy tomography, and obtained the uppermost mantle structure of this area. The results demonstrate remarkable characteristics: cold oceanic subducting plates display high Pn velocities, whereas volcanic arcs, the extinct mid‐ocean ridge in the South China Sea, and the Palawan region exhibit low Pn velocities. The extinct mid‐ocean ridge also displays a low‐velocity anomaly, indicating that residual heat persists even after approximately 15 million years since seafloor spreading. The occurrence of a discontinuous low‐velocity beneath the Ryukyu arc supports the presence of a slab window at approximately 123°E. The volcanic arcs of all subduction zones within the study area displayed trench‐parallel Pn anisotropy. The observed Pn fast directions beneath the Taiwan orogenic belt are consistent with crustal anisotropy, providing evidence for the crust–mantle coupled deformation. Moreover, our results shed light on the deep structural characteristics of the complex subduction zones beneath the Philippines region. Plate subduction causes partial melting due to dehydration; then, the melt ascends and accumulates at the uppermost mantle, showing low Pn velocities. However, the low‐velocity anomaly is not widely distributed but corresponds to a narrow band. In particular, the east–west bidirectional subduction of the Philippines and Negros formed separate low‐velocity anomalies. Low Pn velocities and trench‐parallel anisotropy indicate the location of different subduction zones and finely characterize their impact on the uppermost mantle structure.

Geochronology, geochemistry, and geological significance of early Jurassic intrusive rocks in the Lesser Xing'an- Zhangguangcai Range, northeast China.

The Lesser Xing'an-Zhangguangcai Range of northeast China is located in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), which records intense magmatism during the Mesozoic. The petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of the Early Jurassic intrusive rocks in this region are unclear. In this paper, we present new zircon U-Pb age and whole-rock geochemical data for these intrusive rocks to investigate their origins and tectonic setting. Zircon U-Pb dating suggests these intrusive rocks were emplaced during the Early Jurassic (197-187 Ma). The granites are enriched in silica and alkali, and depleted in MgO and CaO. They are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, and have high A/CNK values and low zircon saturation temperatures (TZr ~ 779°C), suggesting they are highly fractionated I-type granites derived by partial melting of lower crustal materials. The granites exhibit negative Nb, Ta, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies due to fractional crystallization. The diorites and gabbros have low SiO2 contents and high Mg# values, and are enriched in light rare earth and large-ion lithophile (Ba, K, and Sr) elements, and depleted in heavy rare earth and high field strength (Nb, Ta, and Ti) elements. The geochemical characteristics show that the mafic magmas were derived by partial melting of mantle that had been metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. Based on the geochemical characteristics of coeval intrusive rocks and the regional geological setting, we suggest the Early Jurassic intrusive rocks in the Lesser Xing'an-Zhangguangcai Range were formed along an active continental margin, possibly as a result of bidirectional subduction of the Mudanjiang Oceanic plate between the Jiamusi and Songnen-Zhangguangcai Range massifs.

Bidirectional subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean: constraints from geochronology and geochemistry of S-type granites from Baoshan Block in western Yunnan (SW China)

Understanding the tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean is important for exploring the initial assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent. The closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean represents the end of convergence along the northern edge of Eastern Gondwana. However, the timing and processes of the closing of the ocean have different interpretations. This work focuses on the Early Paleozoic granitic rocks in the Baoshan Block, SW China to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Zircons from the Pinghe and Zhen'an granitic plutons yield concordant U–Pb ages from 489.8 to 467.7 Ma. The bulk-rock geochemical features suggest that these samples are high-K calc-alkaline, S-type granites enriched in light rare earth elements and depleted in heavy rare earth elements. With obvious negative Eu anomalies and high K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios (1.01–2.57), they are enriched in large ion lithophile elements and depleted in high field strength elements. These rocks were therefore derived from partial crustal melting associated with subduction of the converging plate. Previous studies on the Changning–Menglian suture zone have suggested that the Early Paleozoic magmatic activity in the Baoshan Block was related to the westward subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Combined with the Early Paleozoic subduction-related magmatic activity to the east, it is therefore suggested that the Changning–Menglian Ocean experienced bidirectional subduction.

Geochemistry and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of Paleozoic granitoids along the Solonker suture zone in Inner Mongolia, China: Constraints on bidirectional subduction and closure timing of the Paleo-Asian Ocean

The closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean resulted in formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) accompanied by considerable Phanerozoic juvenile crustal growth. As an international frontier topic, whether the Solonker suture zone is the site of final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and records the terminal evolution of the CAOB in Inner Mongolia is still in controversial. This study presents the geochemistry and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of granitoids along the Solonker suture zone to constrain the subduction and closure processes of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Granitoids from the Xilinhot area in the northern accretionary zone comprise diorites and granodiorites with LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb ages of 316 ± 2 Ma, 302 ± 2 Ma, 285 ± 2 Ma and 243 ± 4 Ma, positive εHf(t) values of +2.39 to +13.31 and TDM2 model ages of 481–1191 Ma. The ca. 316–285 Ma granitoids were formed by fractional crystallization of regional coeval calc-alkaline basaltic magma in an arc-related setting and the ca. 243 Ma granitoid was generated mainly from partial melting of dominant basaltic source rocks and minor metagraywackes in the northward subduction-related setting. The granitoids from the Linxi area in the southern accretionary zone include muscovite monzogranites and monzogranites with LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb ages of 525 ± 6 Ma, 274 ± 2 Ma and 261 ± 4 Ma. The ca. 525 Ma muscovite monzogranites have negative zircon εHf(t) values of −19.36 to −13.61 with TDM2 model ages of 2348–2711 Ma. They were generated from partial melting of Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic supracrustal materials. The ca. 274–261 Ma monzogranites show negative zircon εHf(t) values ranging from −10.48 to −0.66 with TDM2 model ages of 1335–1942 Ma. They were derived from remelting of Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic supracrustal materials in the southward subduction zone along the northern active margin of the North China Craton. Combining our results with existing data, we infer that the early Paleozoic southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean started before ca. 525 Ma, and the northward subduction zone lasted to ca. 243 Ma, which implies the bidirectional subduction of the ocean lasted at least until ca. 243 Ma. Our work suggests that along the Solonker suture zone, the regional amalgamation may have occurred after ca. 243 Ma, which closed the Paleo-Asian Ocean.

Mesozoic felsic magmatism along the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone, Tibet: Temporospatial variations and tectonic implications

The subduction history and closure of the Meso-Tethys Ocean have not yet been well constrained using data from felsic rocks along the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone. Here we present geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data from Early Jurassic–Late Cretaceous felsic rocks in the Laguo Co area of central Tibet. We combine our results with published data from coeval felsic rocks to explore the temporospatial variations in magmatism and the implications for subduction in and closure of the Meso-Tethys Ocean. The studied rocks include 182–180 Ma granodiorite, 109 Ma granite porphyry, and 68 Ma rhyolite, and zircon grains from each yield different εHf(t) values (+8.9 to +14.0, −5.5 to +0.7, and −4.9 to +1.1, respectively). The rocks have low-K tholeiitic to medium-K calc-alkaline compositions, low Y and Yb contents, and positive Sr anomalies. These data suggest an oceanic source for the Early Jurassic granodiorite and a crustal source for the Cretaceous granite porphyry and rhyolite, as well as a tectonic transition from an oceanic arc during the Early Jurassic to continental collision during the Cretaceous. The temporospatial variation in felsic magmatism corresponds to intra-oceanic subduction, bidirectional subduction, oceanic ridge or flat subduction, slab rollback, slab breakoff or sinking, and lithospheric delamination. The timing of closure of the Meso-Tethys Ocean is constrained to the Jurassic–Cretaceous, as evidenced by the major differences of the magma sources and formation processes between the Jurassic and Cretaceous felsic rocks. Finally, we present a model showing that oceanic closure occurred earlier in the east and north and later in the west and south.

Late Triassic initial closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean in the western segment: Constraints from sedimentological, detrital zircon ages and paleomagnetic evidence

The Mesozoic evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean (MOO) has significantly affected the configuration of the modern Asian continent. Although a scissor-like closure of the MOO has long been proposed, when and how the MOO closed are still hotly debated, especially the timing of initial closure of the MOO in its western segment, hindering our understanding of both the evolution of the MOO and tectonics of the northern Asian continent. In order to uncover the timing of initial closure of the MOO, we performed a multidisciplinary study in sedimentology, detrital zircon U-Pb dating and paleomagnetic on the Late Triassic clastic strata from the Tarvagatay Block and the Amuria Block (AMB) on the both sides of the Mongol-Okhotsk Suture. The upper Triassic strata on both sides of the suture were dominated by plant fossil-bearing alluvial-fluvial facies sediments, which unconformably overlain pre-Triassic geological units, indicating a terrestrial setting after the closure of the MOO. Detrital zircon U-Pb dating results revealed consistent age distribution patterns for samples from both sides of the suture with a predominant peak at ∼253–251 Ma and a secondary peak at ∼359–357 Ma, representing two main arc magmatic events during the bidirectional subduction of the MOO in the Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous and Late Permian-Early Triassic. Coeval Late Triassic paleomagnetic poles were obtained from the northern AMB and Tarvagatay Block, revealing a comparable paleolatitude of the AMB (∼31–33°) and Tarvagatay Block (∼32–34°) in the Late Triassic, arguing for that the western segment of the MOO should have closed at the Late Triassic. The compilation of sedimentology, detrital zircon U-Pb dating, magmatic and paleomagnetic evidence provides integrated constraints on the Late Triassic initial closure of the MOO in its western segment.

Tectonic Transition from Passive to Active Continental Margin of Nenjiang Ocean: Insight from the Middle Devonian-Early Carboniferous Granitic Rocks in Northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China

Northeast China occupies the majority of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, which mainly consists of continental blocks and accretionary terranes. The Devonian was a tectonic quiet period in the NE China region due to a lack of tectono-magmatism, but the tectonic background of this period has been unclear, especially for the Hegenshan-Heihe Suture between Xing’an and Songliao accretionary terranes, which represents the Paleozoic Nenjiang Ocean (a branch ocean of the eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean). Here we report granitic rocks from the Woluohe area, Northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China, to constrain the tectonic process of the transition from the Devonian quiet period to the Early Carboniferous active tectonic period. Three granitic rock samples produce zircon U-Pb ages of 389 Ma, 368 Ma, and 351 Ma, belonging to the Middle and Late Devonian and Early Carboniferous, respectively. They have high Si, Al, K, and Na contents, but with low Mg, Fe, and Ti contents, together with positive Hf isotopic features and low molar Al2O3/(MgO+FeOT) ratios, we suggest that they were derived from partial melting of lower crustal igneous rocks. Meanwhile, the narrow major element variation at odd with the fractionation process and their negative Nb and Ta anomalies imply the obvious contribution of crustal. Comprehensive tectonic setting analysis shows all samples are in calc-alkali magmatic series with rightward fractionated REE and trace element patterns that are enriched in LREE and LILE and depleted in HREE and HFS, indicating a subduction-related magmatic arc setting. Considering the regional tectonic setting and the small scale of the Devonian plutons, we suggest a limited subduction tectonic setting during the quiet period of the northern Great Xing’an Range, which might indicate the beginning of an initial northwestward subduction of the Nenjiang Oceanic lithosphere beneath the Xing’an Accretionary Terrane in the Middle Devonian, accelerated subduction in the Late Devonian, and bidirectional subduction in the Early Carboniferous.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the early Paleozoic granites in the Lincang granitic batholith, southwestern China: Constraints from geochronology, geochemistry and Hf isotopes

This study presents the recently discovered Wulao Shan Ordovician granite within the Lincang granitic batholith, discusses its geochemical affinity, genesis, and tectonic significance, and interprets the proto-Tethys orogenic model in southwest Yunnan. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb analyses indicate a crystalline age of 473.0 ± 2.9 Ma for the Wulaoshan gneissic granite. Geochemical analyses show that the Wulaoshan granite exhibits relatively high SiO2 concentrations (73.4–77.3 wt.%), strong peraluminous properties (ASI > 1.1), strongly Eu-negative anomalies, light and heavy rare earth fractionation, and relative Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti depletion. SiO2 and P2O5 exhibit a strong negative correlation, whereas Rb and Y-Th with a positive correlation. The magmatic zircons have negative εHf(t) values of -5.47∼2.74. Petrographic observations and whole-rock geochemical and isotopic analyses imply no aluminum-rich minerals such as cordierite, indicating that the Wulaoshan granite is a highly fractionated, high-temperature I-type granite, which may have formed via partial melting of the magnesian-iron igneous crust. Additionally, K-feldspar, plagioclase, and biotite within the granite samples may have undergone intense fractional crystallization. The Wulao Shan gneissic granite is an arc granite associated with subduction, indicating that the Lincang Block underwent proto-Tethys subduction. This finding provides evidence for proto-Tethys subduction down to the Lincang-Simao block and further supports the bidirectional subduction model of the proto-Tethys.

Divergent double subduction of Bangong-Nujiang Ocean revealed by high-resolution magnetotelluric data at 86°E in the northern Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau was mainly produced by the assembly of several terranes resulting from ocean closure and continental collision. The formation and evolution of the Bangong-Nujiang Ocean (BNO) played a prominent role in the Tibetan Plateau accretion before the Cenozoic collision between the Indian and Eurasian continents. The closure mode of the BNO between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes has been controversial, involving subduction polarity, i.e., regarding whether there was only northward subduction beneath the Qiangtang terrane or both southward and northward subduction beneath the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes. To resolve this issue, a dense broadband magnetotelluric (MT) profile transecting the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone (BNS) at 86°E was completed. After standardized data processing and analysis, geological interpretation can be performed on the two-dimensional (2-D) inversion results of the MT data. Through a large number of inversion experiments, we obtained a reliable lithospheric electrical structure beneath the BNS and its adjacent regions. Our results show that the upper crust in our study area is featured by high resistivity overall, but it is cut by several fault zones, indicating that it may be influenced by the late strike-slip fault caused by the India-Asia collision. The middle-lower crust of the northern Lhasa terrane is highly conductive and may represent juvenile crust. The existence of a northward and southward inclined electrical gradient zone in the BNS may indicate that the BNO was closed by north-south bidirectional subduction.

Magmatic records of subduction and closure of the Meso-Tethys Ocean in the northern-central Tibetan Plateau

The evolution of the Tethys Ocean has received much research attention; however, the timing and subduction mechanisms involved in the closure of the Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethys Ocean remain poorly constrained. In this study, we present geological, geochronological, geochemical, and zircon isotopic data from Cretaceous magmatic rocks and combine these with previously published data within the central Bangong-Nujiang suture zone in the north-central Tibetan Plateau. The integrated data update the regional tectonic framework and enable a comprehensive geodynamic model to be developed for the subduction and ocean closure events. In detail, temporal and spatial variations in the Jurassic−Cretaceous magmatism reflect the influence of the northward subduction of the Dongqiao-Amdo oceanic basin and the bidirectional subduction of the Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethys oceanic crust. The evolution of the Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethys Ocean further involved initial intra-ocean subduction, slab rollback, and flat subduction, as evidenced by two phases of north-south migration of magmatism at ca. 190−160 and 160−130 Ma and a magmatic hiatus at 160−140 Ma. The ocean closed during a two-stage process, including the closure of the Dongqiao-Amdo oceanic basin to the north and the Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethys Ocean to the south. The Dongqiao-Amdo oceanic basin closed soon after ca. 180 Ma, accompanied by continent-continent collision between the Amdo microcontinent and the South Qiangtang terrane. The Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethys Ocean closed at 130−120 Ma, corresponding to a period of waning magmatism. This closure represented complete oceanic closure and caused an arc-continent collisional event involving the Baingoin magmatic arc, the Amdo microcontinent, and the Lhasa terrane. The Lower Cretaceous terrestrial strata and their basal unconformity mark the final closure of the ocean, and the Early Cretaceous ocean islands might have formed before ca. 130 Ma.

Low-velocity anomaly in the lithosphere of eastern Central Tianshan imaged with seismic waveform fitting

As one of the most important active intracontinental orogenic belts in the world, the Tianshan has experienced the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, rejuvenation, and intracontinental orogeny caused by the far-field effect of the India-Eurasia collision. Here, based on the delayed seismic waveforms recorded by the China National Seismic Network (CNSN) from local and teleseismic earthquakes, we find an obvious low-velocity anomaly (LVA) of 6% at depths of 35–110 km, which is just beneath the eastern Central Tianshan, near the highest peak of Yilianhabierga Mountain. We constrain the lateral distribution of the LVA with arrival delays of teleseismic P waves, and the vertical distribution and velocity contrast of the LVA with waveform fitting of local seismic P waves. Combined with previous results, the LVA could be related to the rejuvenation of the Tianshan caused by the India-Eurasia plate collision. After the bidirectional subduction of the Tarim lithosphere and Junggar lithosphere into the Tianshan upper mantle, the hot upwelling asthenosphere filled the space in which the delaminated lithosphere was previously occupied. Then, the hot upwelling asthenosphere heated the lithosphere and resulted in the partial melting of the accretionary wedge, which is normally believed to have high water content. Our results can provide important insight into the lithospheric deformation processes and tectonic evolution in the Tianshan.

Crust and upper mantle electrical structure of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt revealed by the MT line from Zhangwu County to East Ujimqin Banner

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt is bounded on the north by the Siberian Craton and on the south by the North China Craton and the Tarim Craton. It is one of the largest Phanerozoic accretionary orogenic belts on Earth. Since the early Paleozoic, its eastern part has experienced the compound orogenesis and mineralization of three major tectonic systems: the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, the closure of the Mongolian–Okhotsk Ocean, and the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. From Zhangwu County in the south to East-Ujimqin Banner in the north, a 500 km magnetotelluric profile adjacent to Northeast China has been studied. With 100 sites of magnetotelluric data processing and analysis, we apply a two dimensional inversion in TE and TM modes and obtain a resistivity model up to a 100 km depth. We have discovered two high-resistivity anomalies with opposite dip directions in the upper mantle on both sides of the Solonker Suture Zone, which provide an evidence of the bi-directional subduction pattern of the oceanic crust and the position of the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. In addition, the whole study area presents an approximate basin-range coupling relationship. In the northern part of the study area, the low-resistivity anomalies below it have an apparent north-dipping characteristic, which may be related to the asthenosphere upwelling from west to east. In addition, they may be related to the upwelling of mantle materials, and provide sources of ore-forming material for the Baiyinnuoer mining area through post-collision extension. In the central part of the study area, there are several large-scale high-resistivity anomalies below the Baolidao Belt. The different dip directions reveal the experiences of several subductions and collisions. In the southern part of the study area, the Bainaimiao Belt is located between the southern margin of the Songliao Basin and the northern margin of North China Craton. The main resistivity anomalies below are all south-dipping.Graphical

Tectonic evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt, Central China – new evidence from geochemical, zircon (U-pb) geochronology and HF isotopes

The paper deals with a review of tectonic evolution in different regions of China with the help of different techniques and models. Tectonic evolution shows that in the shallow layers of China the structural impact is not solid, and huge structural zones are deficient within the list and incline zones where the principal wretchedness and delicate slant zones framed. The Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB) situated between the North China Craton (NCC) and the Yangtze Craton (YZC) is made from the Northern Qinling Belt (NQB) and the Southern Qinling Belt (SQB). The Hf isotopic creations of zircons from the different rocks recommend that the NQB most likely created on the cellar of the southern NCC. The stones in the SQB show zircon age spectra and Hf-isotope structures like those in the northern YZC, recommending a nearby proclivity. We thusly decipher the SQB to have created on the cellar of the northern YZC. Incorporating the new information in this investigation with those from past works, we propose another structural model for the development and advancement of the QOB during late Mesoproterozoic to early Paleozoic including the accompanying significant occasions: (1) Late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic (Grenvillian) toward the north subduction of the Songshugou Ocean; Early-center Neoproterozoic (870-800 Ma) bidirectional subduction and impact; Middle Neoproterozoic (∼800-710 Ma) post-crash expansion; Middle-late Neoproterozoic (710-600 Ma) inside plate augmentation; Late Neoproterozoic-early Paleozoic (600-520 Ma) opening of the Shangdan Ocean; and Early Paleozoic (520-420 Ma) subduction-crash. We accordingly follow in any event two unmistakable Wilson cycles in the QOB.