Central Asian Orogenic Belt Research Articles

Fine Crust‐Mantle Structure of the Major Tectonic Boundaries Between the North China Craton and Central Asian Orogenic Belt Revealed From Rayleigh Wave Phase Velocities and Receiver Functions

AbstractThe Tanlu Fault Zone (TLFZ) and Chifeng‐Kaiyuan Fault (CKF) serve as tectonic boundaries between the North China Craton (NCC) and the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Clarifying the refined structure of these tectonic boundaries is crucial for understanding the relationships between the tectonic units and the heterogeneity in the destruction of the NCC. In this study, two linear seismic arrays were deployed across these tectonic boundaries. Based on the phase velocity dispersion and receiver functions extracted from the seismic arrays, the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm was employed for the joint inversion of the S‐wave velocity (Vs) in the crust and uppermost mantle. The Vs model was then used to correct the time differences in common conversion point (CCP) stacking. The CCP stacking results indicate that the boundary faults TLFZ and CKF are both whole‐crustal faults that separate the NCC and CAOB. The Vs structure showed a significant low‐velocity anomaly in the mantle beneath the NCC, with intense seismic activity within the crust. This suggests that the NCC was affected by the subduction of the Western Pacific, leading to crustal and mantle destruction. In contrast, the CAOB exhibited a clear high‐velocity anomaly with relatively stable crustal structures. We believe that the NCC and CAOB have undergone structural modification and destruction due to the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the activities of the TLFZ since the Late Mesozoic. During the Cenozoic, the region east of the TLFZ experienced more significant destruction in the NCC than the other adjacent tectonic units.

Co-Ni distribution and Re-Os isotopic age of the Wuxing complex in the Central Asian orogenic Belt: Implications for sulfide mineralization in Alaskan-type complexes

Alaskan-type mafic–ultramafic complexes have been recognized as potential hosts of magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits. However, the distribution and controlling factors of ore-forming metal elements like Co and Ni within these complexes remain poorly understood. This study offers comprehensive petrological observations and quantifies the Co and Ni contents of silicate minerals and sulfides in the Wuxing complex, the oldest Alaskan-type complex hosting a distinctive PGE-rich Ni-Cu sulfide deposit in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Co-rich minerals, including cobaltite and pentlandite, occur as inclusions or interstitial grains in other mineral phases. Among the sulfide assemblages (pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite), pentlandite exhibits the highest 3.59 ∼ 5.98 wt.% of Co and 28.7 ∼ 32.7 wt.% of Ni contents, with the Co contents being 2 to 10 times higher than those in magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits. Clinopyroxene and hornblende in the Wuxing complex display lower Co and Ni contents compared to those in sulfide-free rocks of typical Alaskan-type complexes. This could be ascribed to the reduction in Co and Ni contents in evolved magmas following sulfide segregation. Additionally, lack of olivine and chromite crystallization would elevate Co and Ni contents in silicate magma and promote the sulfide mineralization in the Wuxing complex. The Re-Os isotopic dating in ore samples at 596 Ma, combined with previously zircon U-Pb ages of 510 ∼ 517 Ma, reveals that long-term magmatism would facilitate mineralization in the Wuxing complex. Our investigations provide a new insight of mineral crystallization for understanding of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide mineralization in Alaskan-type complexes.

Quartz texture and the chemical composition fingerprint of ore-forming fluid evolution at the Bilihe porphyry Au deposit, NE China

Abstract Quartz is widely distributed in various magmatic-hydrothermal systems and shows variable textures and trace element contents in multiple generations, enabling quartz to serve as a robust tracer for monitoring hydrothermal fluid evolution. This study demonstrates that integrated high-resolution SEM-CL textures and trace element data of quartz can be used to constrain physicochemical fluid conditions and trace the genesis of quartz in porphyry ore-forming systems. The Bilihe deposit is a gold-only porphyry deposit located in the Central Asian orogenic belt, NE China. Four quartz generations were distinguished following a temporal sequence from early-stage dendritic quartz, unidirectional solidification textured quartz (UST quartz), gray banded vein quartz (BQ), to late-stage white calcite vein quartz (CQ), with the Au precipitation being mostly related to dendritic quartz, UST quartz, and BQ. The well-preserved dendritic quartz with sector-zoned CL intensities and euhedral oscillatory growth zones crystallized rapidly during the late magmatic stage. The relatively low Al contents of dendritic quartz were interpreted to be related to contemporaneous feldspar or mica crystallization, while the high-Ti contents indicate high-crystallization temperatures (~750 °C). The comb-layered UST quartz displays heterogeneous, patchy luminescence with weak zoning, hosts coeval melt and fluid inclusions, and retains the chemical characteristics of magmatic dendritic quartz. High-Ti and low-Al contents of UST quartz suggest a formation at relatively high temperatures (~700 °C) and high-pH conditions. Three sub-types can be defined for hydrothermal BQ (BQ1, BQ2, and BQ3) based on contrasting CL features and trace element contents. The Al contents increase from BQ1 to BQ2 followed by a drop in BQ3, corresponding to an initial decrease and subsequent increase in fluid acidity. Temperature estimates of BQ decrease from BQ1 (635 °C) to BQ3 (575 °C), which may, however, be disturbed by high growth rates and/or high-TiO2 activities. The CQ typically displays a CL-bright core and CL-dark rim with oscillating CL intensities and is characterized by the lowest Ti and highest Al, Li, and Sb contents compared to the other quartz types, which suggests a deposition from more acidic and lower temperature fluids (~250 °C). Trace element patterns indicate that a coupled Si4+ ↔ (Al3+) + (K+) element exchange vector is applicable to dendritic quartz, UST quartz, and BQ. By contrast, charge-compensated cation substitution of Si4+ ↔ (Al3+, Sb3+) + (Li+, Rb+) is favored for CQ. The comparison with compiled trace element data of quartz from other porphyry Au, Cu, and Mo deposits worldwide suggests that Ti, Al, Li, K, and Ge concentrations, as well as Al/Ti and Ge/Ti ratios, have the potential to discriminate the metal fertility of porphyry mineralization.

Constraints on the subduction and closure of the Hegenshan Ocean: Magmatic and sedimentary records from central Inner Mongolia, China

Petrological, geochronological, and geochemical data from the volcano-sedimentary sequences, granitoids, and ophiolite relics of central Inner Mongolia, China, were used to reconstruct the subduction and final closure of the Hegenshan Ocean. Geochronological dating and compilation reveal four phases (ca. 360−355 Ma, 348−320 Ma, 320−310 Ma, and 310−275 Ma) of magmatism in the Uliastai continental margin. The ca. 356 Ma I-type Halatumiao granodiorite and Amanwusu ophiolite relics are subduction-related, and the Halatumiao granodiorite provides solid evidence of the northward subduction of the Hegenshan Ocean beneath the Uliastai continental margin at ca. 360−355 Ma. The ca. 348−320 Ma and 320−310 Ma volcanic rocks and granitoids constitute two linear magmatic belts roughly parallel to the Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt, which record two phases of continental arc magmatism in the Uliastai continental margin. Overall, the ca. 360−310 Ma arc magmatism shows landward migration and then oceanward migration in the Uliastai continental margin, which indicates advancing subduction and subsequent slab steepening of the Hegenshan Ocean. By contrast, the ca. 310−275 Ma magmatic rocks are dominated by I- and A-type felsic volcanic rocks, granites, and dikes, which are post-accretionary, extension-related, and pervasive in the Uliastai continental margin and Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt. A provenance shift was identified between the Benbatu and Amushan formations of the Amanwusu area of the Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt. The early detritus was derived from the early Paleozoic rocks in the Sonid Zuoqi arc belt, whereas the late detritus originated from the Early Carboniferous ophiolite relics in the Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt. The provenance shift and emplacement of pervasive extension-related magmatic rocks imply a Late Carboniferous closure of the Hegenshan Ocean. The Late Carboniferous oceanic closure event in the north of the southeast Central Asian Orogenic Belt is also evidenced by the transition of Hf isotopic composition of zircons dated between ca. 360−310 Ma and 310−275 Ma.

Age and tectonic setting of the Bambukoy tin-bearing volcano-plutonic assemblage (Barguzin–Vitim superterrane of the Central Asian orogenic belt)

Age and tectonic setting of the Bambukoy tin-bearing volcano-plutonic assemblage (Barguzin–Vitim superterrane of the Central Asian orogenic belt)

Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf-O isotopes of Neoproterozoic orthogneisses in the Jiamusi Block, NE China: Implications for tectonic origin and secular crustal evolution

There is a considerable debate as to when and how the continental crust has evolved to its present state. Existing studies of crustal evolution have focused on large cratons, whereas microcontinents within accretionary orogenic belts have been conspicuously neglected. The controversial definition of tectonic origins and lack of Precambrian basement rocks of microcontinents, lead to an equivocal issue of their secular crustal evolution processes. Here we present zircon U-Pb ages and Hf-O isotopes, as well as whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic data for the newly discovered Neoproterozoic orthogneisses from the Jiamusi Block of NE China in the easternmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircons from the orthogneisses recorded two episodes of magmatism at 896–886 Ma and 752–726 Ma. Combined with zircon Hf-O isotopes and REE patterns, the peak of the late Pan-African metamorphism is proved to occur at 566–565 Ma, demonstrating the linkage between the Jiamusi Block and the Kuunga-Pinjarra interior orogen of East Gondwana. In conjunction with compiled zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic data of Neoproterozoic-Mesozoic granitoids, a new crustal evolution model has been established for the Jiamusi Block, which defines a continuous rather than an episodic crustal growth pattern during the Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic, as well as four stages of crustal reworking at 940–880 Ma, 780–660 Ma, 560–460 Ma, and 340–240 Ma. The enhanced and reduced rates of crustal growth during the progressive period are related to the assembly-breakup and collision phases of supercontinent cycles, respectively. Our study along with previous researches on eastern CAOB not only highlights that the Phanerozoic accretionary orogen underwent diverse forms of crustal growth with most of the continental crust formed during the Precambrian, but also provides an example to show the heterogeneity of the lower continent and the complexity of global secular crustal evolution.

East Asian winter monsoon intensification over the Northwest Pacific Ocean driven by late Miocene atmospheric CO2 decline.

East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) activity has had profound effects on environmental change throughout East Asia and the western Pacific. Much attention has been paid to Quaternary EAWM evolution, while long-term EAWM fluctuation characteristics and drivers remain unclear, particularly during the late Miocene when marked global climate and Asian paleogeographic changes occurred. To clarify understanding of late Miocene EAWM evolution, we developed a high-precision 9-million-year-long stacked EAWM record from Northwest Pacific Ocean abyssal sediments based on environmental magnetism, sedimentology, and geochemistry, which reveals a strengthened late Miocene EAWM. Our paleoclimate simulations also indicate that atmospheric CO2 decline played a vital role in this EAWM intensification over the Northwest Pacific Ocean compared to other factors, including central Asian orogenic belt and northeastern Tibetan Plateau uplift and Antarctic ice-sheet expansion. Our results expand understanding of EAWM evolution from inland areas to the open ocean and indicate the importance of atmospheric CO2 fluctuations on past EAWM variability over large spatial scales.

The Shalap Mélange of the Salairian Alambay Ophiolite Zone (Northwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt), Geological Structure and Compositional Features of Amphibolites and Greenstone Basalts

The Alambay ophiolite zone (AOZ) is located in the axial part of the Early Paleozoic Salair orogen and includes the northern extension of the Alambay-Kaim zone, Salair and Altai Mountains. The Shalap area of the AOZ is predominantly composed of clastic mélange with occasional serpentine mélange. The geological and geochemical studies showed that in the Shalap mélange there are basalt blocks of the Alambay formation whose petrogeochemical features are similar to those of the oceanic island basalts (OIB). Metamorphic rocks of the Angurep complex, represented by garnet and non-garnet amphibolites, form a tectonic slab which is a part of the accretionary complex east of the Shalap mélange area. Metamorphic rocks also form blocks in the Shalap mélange. The amphibolites of the Angurep complex are similar in their petrogeochemical features to the basalts of intraoceanic island arcs. The Shalap mélange is a fragment of the Salairian Cambrian paleosubduction zone. The subduction and exhumation processes in this paleosubduction zone terminated by the 500 Ma time stage.

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.

Geology and genesis of the Aqishan Pb-Zn deposit, NW China: Insights from mineralogy, geochemistry, and in situ U-Pb geochronology

The unique ore-forming processes and the key factors responsible for formation of skarn deposits are still obscure, and challenges exist in the determination of timing of Pb-Zn skarns owing to lacking suitable mineral chronometers. Here we present detailed paragenesis, bulk geochemistry, in situ U-Pb dating of zircon and garnet, and garnet oxygen isotopes together with in situ zircon Hf-O isotopes from the newly discovered Aqishan Pb-Zn deposit in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), northwest China. This comprehensive data set revealed a Late Carboniferous subduction-related distal Pb-Zn skarn system associated with the granitic magmatism. Pre-ore stage garnets are generally subhedral to euhedral with oscillatory zoning and show slightly fractionated rare earth element patterns with positive Eu anomalies that point to an infiltration metasomatism origin under high water/rock ratios. The syn-ore stage sphalerite is typically enriched in Mn and Cd and has moderate Zn/Cd ratios (337–482), with a formation temperature of 265 °C to 383 °C, which indicate magmatic-hydrothermal signatures. The isocons defined by P2O5 decipher that the principal factors for skarn formation were elevated activities of Fe, Ca, and Si species, where remobilization of Pb metals, meanwhile, contributed to ore-forming budgets to mineralizing fluids. SIMS U-Pb dating of zircons from granite porphyry that occurs distal to the skarns and Pb-Zn orebodies shows that these intrusions emplaced at ca. 311.3–310.6 Ma, recording the subduction of the Paleo-Tianshan oceanic plate. Hydrothermal garnets in close textural association with Pb-Zn sulfides yield indistinguishable in situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages of 310.5 ± 4.1 Ma. Whole-rock geochemistry and in situ zircon Hf-O isotopes (δ18O = 4.6‰–6.0‰) indicate that the granite porphyry was derived from partial melting of juvenile crust and influenced by subducted oceanic crust. Oxygen isotope compositions of garnets (δ18O = 8.0‰–9.0‰) demonstrate that the equilibrated ore fluids were inherited from fluid-rock interactions between a primary magmatic water and host tuff rocks. Our study highlights the application of garnets as a potential robust U-Pb geochronometer and isotopic tracer of ore fluids in skarn mineralizing systems in subduction-related arc environments.

Formation mechanisms of Fe-dominated versus Fe polymetallic deposits in the West Tianshan, NW China: A magnetite perspective

The West Tianshan in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is one of important Fe belts in China, where many submarine volcanogenic iron-oxide deposits constitute the Awulale metallogenic belt. The Dunde deposit is a Fe-Zn-Au deposit, whereas Chagangnuoer, Zhibo, and Beizhan are Fe-dominated deposits. To examine the factors controlling the formation of Fe polymetallic deposits, the texture and chemical composition of magnetite from the Dunde deposit were studied in detail and compared with those of other deposits in the same belt. The Dunde deposit magnetite can be divided into Mag-1, Mag-2, and Mag-3, which correspond to stages of retrograde, sulfide, and carbonate stages, respectively. They have experienced oxy-exsolution and coupled dissolution and reprecipitation (CDR), forming multiple generations of magnetite. The exsolution of gahnite in Mag-1 and 10 times higher Zr, Hf, Sc, Ta, Nb, Mn, and Zn contents in the all stages of magnetite than those of Fe-dominated deposits, indicating the Dunde magnetite was crystallized from high-temperature, high-salinity, Fe-Zn-rich fluids. The similar chalcophile element contents in host volcanic rocks between Dunde and other deposits indicate host volcanic rocks are not the reason for Zn enrichment in Dunde. The higher Mg + Mn and Si + Al contents in Dunde magnetite than magnetite of other deposits indicate stronger fluid-rock interaction. Extensive CDR texture in Mag-1 and Mag-2 and lower Zn in secondary magnetite indicate that Zn leached from Zn-rich magnetite may have also contributed to the formation of sphalerite in sulfide stage. Our study has demonstrated that high-temperature, high-salinity, Fe- and Zn-rich primary fluids, a higher degree of fluid-rock interaction, and repeated fluid infiltration are key factors controlling the formation of Fe-Zn polymetallic deposits, such as the Dunde deposit in West Tianshan.

Two episodes of Early Palaeozoic high-pressure metamorphism in North Balkhash ophiolite zone (Central Kazakhstan, western Central Asian Orogenic Belt): Evidence for tectonic evolution of Junggar–Balkhash Ocean

The structure of serpentinite mélange of the North Balkhash ophiolite zone (Central Kazakhstan; west Central Asian Orogenic Belt) is ascertained to be high-grade formations assigned to epidote-glaucophane eclogites and garnet blueschists, and their varieties. The rocks follow a clockwise ‘subduction-type’ evolution with the estimated near–peak metamorphic conditions of 1.6–1.9 GPa and 500–560 °C. 40Ar39Ar phengite ages of ∼491 Ma and ∼ 465 Ma obtained for the eclogites and garnet blueschists, respectively, are interpreted to reflect the near-peak to shortly retrograde stages of rock evolution and to record the late Cambrian and Middle Ordovician episodes of high-pressure re-equilibration in the North Balkhash zone. Protoliths of the eclogites were N-MORB-like mafic rocks, which comprised structurally different (from the lower gabbroic to the upper dolerite/basalt) parts of pre-late Cambrian oceanic crust and were formed in the spreading centre setting at the expense of depleted mantle source. Protoliths of the garnet blueschists and associated rocks were represented by volcanogenic–sedimentary, predominantly mafic, complexes (tuffaceous sandstones, greywackes), an accumulation of which and subsequent involvement into subduction occurred at ∼478–465 Ma in the intra-oceanic (fore-arc) setting. Zircon core ages indicate formation of the source of the protoliths of the garnet blueschists occurred in the 509–478 Ma range. A comprehensive correlation of the metamorphic and igneous formations of the North Balkhash zone with those assigned to the adjacent complexes of the southern part of the West Junggar area (NW China) suggested their mutual Early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution within the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean.

Sulfide Copper‐Iron Isotopic Fractionation During Formation of the Kalatongke Magmatic Cu‐Ni Sulfide Deposit in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

AbstractCopper and iron isotopic signatures in sulfide and silicate minerals are important genetic indicators in magmatic sulfide deposits. Kalatongke is a large‐scale magmatic Cu‐Ni sulfide deposit in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and one that experienced multiple stages of magmatism and contamination. It is an ideal deposit in which to study Cu‐Fe isotopic fractionation during multiple stages of magmatism and sulfide mineralization processes. The Kalatongke sulfide orebodies are hosted by three small mafic intrusions in which pyroxene and sulfides (pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite) are the most common Fe‐rich minerals, and chalcopyrite is the dominant Cu‐rich mineral. Sulfide liquid and silicate melt ▵56FeSul‐Sil (0.03–0.19‰) and ▵65CuCcp‐Sil (−0.78–0.74‰) values are indicative of non‐equilibrium fractionation. Most of the Cu isotope compositions in the sulfide ores at Kalatongke can be modeled as subduction‐ metasomatized, oxidized mantle source‐derived silicate melt (initial δ57Fe = 0.15‰, δ65Cu = −0.07‰) that underwent lower crustal contamination, and then reacted with silicate melt, having an R factor of 100–1,000. Rapid silicate melt and sulfide liquid Fe isotope exchange and re‐equilibration between chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite in the massive ores is reflected in the similarity of their δ56Fe values. Sulfide in disseminated ores shows a range of Fe isotope ratios, influenced by the proportions of monosulfide solid solution (MSS) and intermediate solid solution (ISS) formed. Copper isotopes can be utilized to characterize crustal contamination and silicate melt‐sulfide liquid interaction, while the Fe isotope ratios of sulfide minerals record sulfide liquid segregation and evolution in magmatic sulfide deposits.

Petrogenesis and Economic Potential of the Sangong Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusion in the Eastern Tianshan, Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraints from Mineral, Whole-Rock, and PGE Geochemistry

Petrogenesis and Economic Potential of the Sangong Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusion in the Eastern Tianshan, Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraints from Mineral, Whole-Rock, and PGE Geochemistry

Apatite Fission‐Track Thermochronology in the Tamusu Area, Bayingobi Basin, NW China, and its Geological Significance

AbstractThe Bayingobi basin is located in the middle of Central Asia Orogenic Belt, at the intersection of Paleo‐Asian Ocean and Tethys Ocean, as well as the junction of multiple tectonic plates. This unique tectonic setting underpins the basin's intricate history of tectonic activity. To unravel the multifaceted tectono‐thermal evolution within the southwestern region of the basin and to elucidate the implications of sandstone‐hosted uranium mineralization, granitic and clastic rock samples were collected from the Zongnai Mts. uplift and Yingejing depression, and apatite fission track (AFT) dating and thermal history simulation analysis were performed. AFT dating findings reveal that the apparent ages of all samples fall within the range of 244 Ma to 112 Ma. In particular, the bedrock of the Zongnai Mts. and Jurassic detrital apatite fission tracks have undergone complete annealing, capturing the uplift‐cooling age. Meanwhile, the AFT ages of Cretaceous detrital rocks are either equivalent to or notably exceed the age of sedimentary strata, signifying the cooling age of the provenance. A comprehensive examination of AFT ages and palaeocurrent direction analyses suggests that the Cretaceous source in the Tamusu area predominantly originated from the central and southern sectors of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. However, at a certain juncture during the Late Early Cretaceous, the Cretaceous provenance expanded to include the northern part of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. Based on the results of thermal history simulations and previous studies, it is considered that the Tamusu area has undergone four distinct tectonic uplift events since the Late Paleozoic. The first is the Late Permian to Early Triassic (260–240 Ma), which is associated with the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the accretionary orogeny within the Alxa region. The second uplift event took place in the Early Jurassic (190–175 Ma) and corresponded to intraplate orogeny following the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The third uplift event is the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (160–120 Ma), which is linked to the East Asia's position as the convergence center of multiple tectonic plates during this period. The fourth uplift event is linked to the Late Early Cretaceous (112–100 Ma), driven either by the westward subduction of the eastern Pacific plate or the mantle upwelling resulting from the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere subduction and slab break‐off. The primary stress orientation for the first three tectonic uplift phases approximated a nearly SN direction, while the fourth stage featured a principal stress direction of NW. The fourth tectonic uplift event of the Late Early Cretaceous and basaltic eruption thermal event during this period likely exerted a significant influence on the formation of the Tamusu sandstone‐hosted uranium deposit.

Switching From Subduction Zone Advance to Retreat Explains the Late Paleozoic Evolution of the East Junggar System, Central Asian Orogenic Belt

AbstractThe geodynamic evolution of the East Junggar is examined by means of satellite imaging and field‐based structural studies, U‐Pb zircon geochronology and analysis of potential field geophysical data in the Yemaquan arc and the Dulate back‐arc systems. The northern Yemaquan arc shows a pervasive WNW–ESE steep S1 foliation that is related to the exhumation of Armantai ophiolitic mélange in an F1 antiformal structure. The bedding of the Dulate sequences is folded by N–S‐trending F1 upright folds that are preserved in low strain domains. The timing of D1 is estimated between 310 and 280 Ma. During D2, previously folded Dulate sequences were orthogonally refolded by E–W‐trending F2 upright folds, resulting in Type‐1 basin and dome interference pattern and pervasive E–W trending S2 cleavage zones. The age of D2 is constrained to be 270–250 Ma based on the dating of syn‐tectonic pegmatites and deposition of syn‐orogenic sedimentary rocks. The boundary between the Yemaquan arc and Dulate back‐arc basin experienced reactivation through D2 dextral transpressive shear zones. The D1 fabrics are the consequence of the closure of the Dulate back‐arc basin due to the advancing mode of Kalamaili subduction. Almost orthogonal Permian D2 fabrics were generated by the N–S shortening of the East Junggar and the northward movement of the Junggar Block indenter. This D2 deformation was associated with the anticlockwise rotation of the southern limb of the Mongolian Orocline, the scissor‐like closure of the northerly Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean and the collision of the Mongolian and the Tarim–North China craton collages.

Devonian to Mississippian strata of the Shine Jinst region revisited: Facies development and stratigraphy in southern Mongolia (Gobi Altai Terrane)

AbstractThis report provides new stratigraphical and facies data from Devonian and Carboniferous rocks in the Shine Jinst region (Trans Altai Zone, southern Mongolia) with a special focus on the Lower Devonian Chuluun Formation, the Middle Devonian Tsagaankhalga Formation, and the Upper Devonian to Mississippian Heermorit Member of the Indert Formation. Facies development in the Shine Jinst region exhibits a fundamental break in the carbonate platform evolution in the Lower Devonian as reef building organisms were affected by a major regression and deposition of several metres-thick conglomerates at the base of the Tsakhir Formation (Lower Devonian). The overlying Hurenboom Member of the Chuluun Formation is composed of fossiliferous limestones. Reef building organisms, such as colonial corals and stromatoporoids show low diversity and exhibit limited vertical growth and lateral extension of individuals. Thus, they do not represent a real reef as proposed in previous publications but biostromal limestones instead. One reason might be the isolated position of the Shine Jinst region between an unknown continent and a volcanic arc in the early Middle Devonian that hampered the successful colonization in shallow-water areas. Bivalves of the Alatoconchid family were once grouped into reef builders or biostrome builders and they are known only from Permian rocks. The found bivalve biostomes in Mongolia may represent precursors, which would document the oldest record of Alatoconchids found in the world. Remarkable thicknesses of massive crinoidal grainstones (“encrinites”) are documented in many parts of the succession, which suggest rather stable environmental conditions of a carbonate ramp setting at different times. The occurrence of thick-bedded conglomerates in the Shine Jinst section is not restricted to the Lochkovian to Pragian interval (Tsakhir Formation), but also occurs in the Eifelian. A thick-bedded conglomerate, which is interpreted to represent braided fluvial or fan-delta to shallow-marine deposits occurs at the base of the Tsagaankhaalga Formation. A steep relief associated with uplift and volcanism seems to be a realistic scenario for deposition of these sediments. This succession points to a remarkable tectonic uplift or sea-level fall in the Middle Devonian. Conodont findings of the studied section confirm the occurrence of time-equivalent strata of the Choteč Event, the Dasberg Crisis, and the Hangenberg Event found elsewhere in the world, which are described from Mongolia for the first time. Sedimentological descriptions, revised biostratigraphical data, and U-Pb dating by LA ICP-MS of some volcaniclastic rocks from the Chuluun Formation are presented in this report. The studied section records a complex interaction of sedimentation, regional tectonics, sea-level changes and coeval volcanism, which is very similar to other regions in Mongolia. The new data provide the background for further scientific studies in this region. This is a contribution to the Special Series on “The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) during Late Devonian: New insights from southern Mongolia”, published in this journal.

Evidence from adakitic rocks for a switch in magmatic source at ca. 460 Ma in the Karamaili Ocean of East Junggar, NW China

Early Paleozoic magmatism can preserve critical geological records related to subduction-accretion in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Here, we report new geochemical, geochronological and isotopic results for diorites-granitoids in the Karamaili region of East Junggar, Northwest China. These rocks record high Sr, but low Y and Yb contents, with high Sr/Y ratios but low La/Yb ratios, and can be divided into low-silica adakite and high-silica adakite. All samples are with typical features of subduction-related magmas and show relatively juvenile Sr, Nd and Hf isotopic ratios. Zircon LA-ICP-MS UPb ages are between 468 ± 4 Ma and 441 ± 5 Ma. The low-silica adakite has relatively high Mg# and Cr, Co and Ni contents, implying a possible mantle origin. The Hongliuxia diorite (low-silica adakite) has relatively high Th contents and Th/Yb ratios, but records lower ɛNd(t) (+4.1) and ɛHf(t) (+8.9 − +12.2) values than those of the granitoids (high-silica adakite), implying the low-silica adakite was influenced by the subduction of sediments. The low-silica adakite likely originated from partial melting of a mantle wedge, metasomatized by subduction-related fluids and sediments, whereas the high-silica adakite was likely derived from partial melting of juvenile mafic lower crust. There is little involvement of garnet in the magma source, consistent with fluid-flux melting at pressures between 10 and 12.5 kbar (corresponding to 30–40 km depth). We suggest that the increase in Nd and Hf isotopic ratios at ∼460 Ma may imply that subduction began to retreat at this time in the Karamaili Ocean during evolution of the CAOB.

The Beginning of a Wilson Cycle in an Accretionary Orogen: The Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean Opened Assisted by a Devonian Mantle Plume

AbstractThe opening of oceans within accretionary orogens is important for understanding the Wilson cycle. The Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean (MOO) began opening within the early Paleozoic accretionary collage of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), representing a world‐class example to constrain the geodynamic history of ocean opening in accretionary orogens, but the kinematics and mechanisms associated to this process are highly debated. We report on a newly‐discovered bimodal volcanic suite and associated volcanic‐sediments that comprise part of the Altay‐Sayan Rift System, which indicate a widespread Early Devonian extensional event within the CAOB. This extension regime is attributed to a Devonian mantle plume, which is thought to have impinged upon and weakened the lithosphere of the Early Paleozoic collage, and drove the opening of the MOO. Opening of the MOO suggests continent breakup in accretionary orogens tends to focus along intervening weak orogenic lithosphere between the rigid microcontinents.

Sources of the Upper Proterozoic Terrigenous Deposits in the Northwestern Part of the Argun Massif, Central Asian Fold Belt: Results of U–Th–Pb Geochronological and Sm–Nd Isotopic-Geochemical Studies

Sources of the Upper Proterozoic Terrigenous Deposits in the Northwestern Part of the Argun Massif, Central Asian Fold Belt: Results of U–Th–Pb Geochronological and Sm–Nd Isotopic-Geochemical Studies