Dunhuang Block Research Articles

Discovery of Neoproterozoic Rocks in the Dunhuang Block: Clues to Correlation with Rodinia

Acta Geologica Sinica - English EditionVolume 94, Issue 4 p. 1310-1311 Research Advance Discovery of Neoproterozoic Rocks in the Dunhuang Block: Clues to Correlation with Rodinia Tingyi WANG, Tingyi WANG State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorChunrong DIWU, Corresponding Author Chunrong DIWU diwuchunrong@nwu.edu.cn State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaCorresponding author. E-mail: diwuchunrong@nwu.edu.cnSearch for more papers by this authorJian ZHAO, Jian ZHAO State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorBaoping GAN, Baoping GAN State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaSearch for more papers by this author Tingyi WANG, Tingyi WANG State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorChunrong DIWU, Corresponding Author Chunrong DIWU diwuchunrong@nwu.edu.cn State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaCorresponding author. E-mail: diwuchunrong@nwu.edu.cnSearch for more papers by this authorJian ZHAO, Jian ZHAO State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorBaoping GAN, Baoping GAN State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069 ChinaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 10 August 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.14579Citations: 2AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume94, Issue4Special Issue: Honor of Professor LI Tingdong's 90th BirthdayAugust 2020Pages 1310-1311 RelatedInformation

Middle Cambrian granites in the Dunhuang Block (NW China) mark the early subduction of the southernmost Paleo-Asian Ocean

The formation and evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) were closely associated with the opening and closure of the so-called “Paleo-Asian Ocean” (PAO). The subduction of the southern PAO is expected to have resulted in widespread Paleozoic arc magmatism in the southernmost CAOB. However, the precise location and timing of such subduction remain uncertain. The Dunhuang Block (DHB) in the southernmost CAOB is thought to have recorded such subduction. In this contribution, we report the results of the zircon U–Pb ages, Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemical data for the Lianghu, Dapokouzi, and Xiaowan plutons in the northeastern DHB, NW China. Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that these plutons formed at ca. 510 Ma (the Middle Cambrian) and may represent the oldest arc-related magmatism in the DHB. Geochemically, the Dapokouzi pluton is characterized by high SiO2 (70.7–71.2 wt%), Na2O (5.11–5.26 wt%), Al2O3 (15.5–15.6 wt%), and Sr (730–733 ppm) contents, high Sr/Y (380–398) ratios, moderate Mg# (49–50) values, low MgO (0.61 wt%), K2O (2.00–2.01 wt%) and Y (1.84–1.93 ppm) contents, and weakly positive Eu (1.39–1.44) anomalies, indicating geochemical affinities of adakitic rocks. They have positive εHf(t) values (+11.2 to +13.9) close to the depleted mantle line and young two-stage model ages (TDM2 = 571–742 Ma). All the geochemical characteristics show that the Dapokouzi pluton was derived from the remelting of juvenile crust with addition of minor metasomatized mantle-derived materials and a residue phase dominated by garnet-bearing amphibolite. Similarly, the Lianghu and Xiaowan plutons have high SiO2 (70.2–74.4 wt%) and Al2O3 (12.8–14.3 wt%), low MgO (0.61–1.01 wt%) with Mg# values of 35–43 and K2O (0.43–1.55 wt%) contents. Compared to the Dapokouzi pluton, they exhibit low Sr (121–155 ppm) and Y (15.3–23.1 ppm) contents, low Sr/Y (5.25–9.54) ratios and Cr-Ni-Co concentrations, and pronouncedly positive εHf(t) values (+11.0 to +14.7), indicating that the magmas originated from the remelting of juvenile lower crust followed by significant fractional crystallization at relatively shallow crustal depths. Data from this and previous studies convincingly suggest the DHB was located in a thickened continental arc setting during the early Paleozoic, probably related to the early subduction of the PAO lithosphere. Crustal thickening, as indicated by the geochemical signature of the Dapokouzi pluton, was most likely associated with the underplating of mantle-derived mafic magmas during the slab subduction. This study therefore highlights that the subduction of the southern PAO might have initiated prior to 510 Ma, possibly dating back to the early Cambrian.

Formation and stabilization of the Dunhuang Block, NW China: Constraints from the Late Paleoproterozoic A-type granites of the Dunhuang Complex

The geochemical composition and temporal evolution of A-type granites may hold key information regarding critical geodynamic processes that occurred during the evolution of the continental crust. Moreover, these aspects may provide an indication of when orogenic processes ended and craton formation/stabilization began in Early Precambrian blocks. In this study, we report the results of zircon U–Pb ages, Hf isotope data and whole-rock geochemistry for the Proterozoic Huoyanshan potassic granites in the Dunhuang Block, northwest China. Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the Huoyanshan granites were emplaced at ca. 1791–1786 Ma, representing a Late Paleoproterozoic magmatism event. The granites have high SiO2 (70.71–72.20 wt%), total alkali contents (K2O + Na2O = 8.81–8.96 wt%; K2O/Na2O = 1.57–1.66), TiO2/MgO ratios (2.19–2.57), low CaO (0.77–1.27 wt%), MgO contents (0.12–0.16 wt%), and Mg# values (7.72–8.67), with A/CNK ratios of 0.96–1.04, pointing to alkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous affinities. These granites are characterized by high total rare-earth element concentrations (∑REE = 419–755 ppm) and variable (La/Yb)N values (8–24) with significantly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.31–0.42). The primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns suggest that the Huoyanshan plutons are depleted in Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti, but enriched in Rb, Th, and Pb. Additionally, the granites have a high zirconium saturation temperature of 855–897 °C, with an average of 878 °C. These geochemical characteristics indicate that Huoyanshan potassic granites are an aluminous A-type granite, and further classified as A2-type. Together with the zircon Hf isotope data (εHf(t) = −11.21 to −2.76), indicates that these granites were generated from a crustal source. The heterogeneous Hf isotope compositions in zircons are principally caused by the disequilibrium melting of Zr-bearing sources. In addition, two-stage Hf model ages of zircons from the granites are ca. 2.6–3.1 Ga and plot on the average crustal evolution trend of Archean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneiss (~2.5 to 3.0 Ga) in the Dunhuang Block. Thus, we propose that A-type granites in the study area were generated from the disequilibrium partial melting of Archean tonalitic to granodioritic rocks under high-temperature and low-pressure conditions according to their low Al2O3 + CaO + Na2O + K2O (molar) values and high 10000 × Ga/Al values (>2.9). Subsequently, the magma experienced prominent fractional crystallization of K-feldspar, plagioclase, orthopyroxene, and/or magnetite. Our results, withavailabledata, suggest that the Huoyanshan granites formed in a tectonic transform regime within a collisional to extensional setting, and serve as a precursor for the formation and stabilization of the Dunhuang Block during the Late Paleoproterozoic. Furthermore, it is probable that the post-collisional magmatism event at ca. 1.79 Ga in the Dunhuang Block was closely related to the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent.

Geochronology and Petrogenesis of the Late Paleozoic Yulinhe Granodiorite in the Dunhuang Block, Western China

Geochronology and Petrogenesis of the Late Paleozoic Yulinhe Granodiorite in the Dunhuang Block, Western China

Paleozoic Sanweishan arc in the northern Dunhuang region, NW China: The Dunhuang block is a Phanerozoic orogen, not a Precambrian block

The Dunhuang region is located to the south of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and connecting the Tarim Craton westerly and North China Craton easterly, respectively. It is an important position for understanding the geodynamics and tectonic framework of Central Asia. However, the issue about whether it is a Phanerozoic orogen or a Precambrian block is still controversial. Magmatic arcs are the most prominent and laterally persistent structural elements of orogenic belts and used to reconstruct now-disrupted orogenic belts. This paper concerns the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of andesitic-dacitic-rhyolitic volcaniclastic rocks and dacitic porphyries in the Sanweishan area, northern Dunhuang region. Volcaniclastic rocks overlie the metasedimentary rocks by fault and dacitic porphyries intrude into the metasedimentary rocks. The calc-alkaline signature and relative enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements of volcaniclastic rocks and dacitic porphyries seemingly favor a subduction setting. Zircon U-Pb dating results reveal the deposition at 424–414 Ma for volcaniclastic rocks and emplacement at ca. 364 Ma for dacitic porphyries. The coeval granitoid plutons in the Sanweishan area show arc geochemical signature and are originated from partial melting of the subducted sediments based on the available data. Paleozoic volcanic-subvolcanic rocks and plutons in this area probably represent a magmatic arc developed on the accretionary complex, resembling the arc magmatic rocks formed in the Nankai complex, SW Japanese Island arc. Our results provide constraints on the existence of the Paleozoic magmatic arc in the northern Dunhuang region and suggest the so-called “Dunhuang block” is virtually a Phanerozoic orogen rather than a Precambrian block.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of granitoids from western North Altun, Northwest China

The Altun orogenic belt in northwest China is part of the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The North Altun ophiolitic mélange belt is an important tectonic unit within the Altun orogenic belt that contains voluminous early Paleozoic granitoids. In this study, we report the petrological features, geochemical compositions, and zircon UPb and Hf isotope data of three granitic plutons from the western segment of the North Altun ophiolitic mélange belt. Zircon UPb dating yields magmatic crystallization ages of 499, 493 and 496 Ma for samples of granodiorite, quartz diorite and syenogranite, respectively. The granitoids have metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and medium-K to high-K calc–alkaline characteristics and display relative enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Th, U, K) and light rare earth elements (LREE) and relative depletions in Nb, Ta, Sr, P and Ti, suggesting an arc-related origin. The granodiorites (499 Ma) have positive zircon εHf(t) values ranging from +1.87 to +6.59 with two-stage Hf model ages (TDMC) of 1.05 to 1.35 Ga, implying that the granodiorites were derived from juvenile crust. The quartz diorites (493 Ma) have similar Hf isotopic characteristics to the granodiorites (εHf(t) = +2.59 to +6.04, TDMC = 1.08 to 1.30 Ga), indicating derivation from juvenile crust. The syenogranites (496 Ma) have high total REE and K2O contents, and low zircon εHf(t) values (−1.69 to +1.54), suggesting that they were derived mainly from juvenile crust mixed with ancient crustal materials. Combined with data from previous studies, we conclude that magmatism in the North Altun ophiolitic mélange belt can be subdivided into three episodes: Episode 1 (520–470 Ma) granitoids are related to subduction; Episode 2 (460–425 Ma) granitoids formed in a continent–continent collisional setting; and Episode 3 (<420 Ma) granitoids are post-collisional granites. Our results are consistent with south-directed subduction of the North Altun oceanic lithosphere beneath the Central Altun Block during the early Paleozoic (520–460 Ma), which was followed by collision with the Dunhuang Block.

First report of coupled Early Permian paleomagnetic and geochronologic data from the Dunhuang block (NW China), and implications for the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Asian ocean

In order to better understand the tectonic relationship between the Dunhuang block (DHB) and its adjacent blocks, and to constrain the timing of the closure of the Paleo-Asian ocean, a combined geochronologic and paleomagnetic investigation has been undertaken on Early Permian tuff, basalt flows and sandstones from the Shuangbaotang Formation in the northwestern part of the DHB. U-Pb zircon dating indicates that the age of the strata is between 280.6 ± 2.9 Ma and 291.4 ± 2.6 Ma. Thermal demagnetization of a three-component isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), and Curie point experiment suggest that magnetite dominates in the rock samples analyzed. In addition, there is a minor amount of hematite in some sandstones. Stepwise thermal demagnetization successfully isolated stable characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) from 11 tuff layers, two lava flows and nine sandstone beds. Two components were isolated from all samples: a lower temperature component (LTC) and a higher temperature component (HTC). The LTC is near the direction of the present-day geomagnetic field and produced a negative fold test, indicating it is a viscous remanent magnetization in the present-day geomagnetic field. Most of the HTC are reverse polarity (Normal = 4, reverse = 158), which is in accordance with the Kiaman Reversed Superchron that spans the Late Carboniferous-Permian interval. In addition, the HTC of all studied sites passed the fold and reverse tests, suggesting that they likely represent primary remanent magnetization. The tilt-corrected mean direction from all sites (tuff, basalts and sandstones) is Ds = 1.7°, Is = 43.1°, ks = 403, α95 = 1.5°, N = 22. The mean paleopole of the site-mean direction-corresponded VGPs lies at 74.5°N, 268.5°E with A95 = 1.6°. Considering the consistent inclination values recorded among the studied tuff, basalts and sandstones, and the low degrees of anisotropy within all samples, we suggest that there is no significant inclination shallowing caused by depositional compaction in the sedimentary layers of the studied section. Taking into account the results from this study as well as previous Late Paleozoic paleomagentic studies from adjacent tectonic blocks, we conclude that the DHB formed part of the amalgamated Dunhuang-North China-Alxa-Qaidam mega-block during the Early Permian, but was separated from the Tarim block by a small ocean (here named the Qiemo-Xingxingxia paleo-ocean) at this time. A comparison of the Early Permian paleolatitudes of these and other adjacent blocks suggest that the Paleo-Asian ocean (sensu lato) was still open at this time. Combined with other geological evidence, a paleogeographic reconstruction of the Paleo-Asian ocean has been reconstructed for the Early Permian.

Mineralogy, geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of the Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphic rocks from the Aketashitage area, southeastern Tarim Craton

The key to understanding the generation of mantle-derived magma and the formation of new continental crust is the recognition of the granulite-facies metamorphism, associated partial melting, and coeval magmatism that are documented in active continental margins. We firstly present a combined analysis of petrography, mineral chemistry, zircon U-Pb ages and hafnium (Hf) isotopes, in addition to whole-rock geochemistry on the garnet-biotite gneisses (Grt-Bi gneisses) and mafic granulites from the Aketashitage area, southeastern Tarim Craton. The implications of this analysis are discussed with respect to the thermal and tectonic evolution of the Tarim Craton. The Grt-Bi gneisses and mafic granulites are strongly peraluminous in composition and have flat REE patterns with negative Eu anomalies that are identical to those from the middle crust but higher than lower continental crust. Both the Grt-Bi gneisses and the mafic granulites have negative Nb-Ta anomalies, slightly positive Zr-Hf anomalies, and pronounced positive spikes in U and Pb. The characteristics in whole-rock geochemistry and mineral compositions indicate that the Grt-Bi gneisses and mafic granulites have the same source locality, which is most likely the garnet-bearing middle crust. The retrograde metamorphic P-T estimates for the Grt-Bi gneisses and mafic granulites are T = 574 °C; P = 7.0 kbar and T = 715 °C; P = 7.0 kbar, respectively. SIMS zircon U-Pb dating results reveal a large spread in metamorphic ages (2036–1962 Ma) for these granulite-facies rocks, interpreted to be the consequence of a large amount of magmas being added to the crust in an uninterrupted manner. Zircon Hf isotopes are characterized by variable but mostly negative εHf (t) values (−18.2 to −0.6), reasonably uniform Hf isotopic compositions, and highly variable TDMC model ages between 2628 and 3599 Ma, representing a long-lived reworking of the preexisting crust. Our data, along with available geological evidences, lead us to propose a model for the evolution of the Dunhuang Block in the Paleoproterozoic. That is, the southeastern margin of the Tarim Craton, the Dunhuang Block was possibly an active continental margin during the Paleoproterozoic. The steep subduction of oceanic slab resulted in the thickening of the continental crust, which in turn caused the crust anatexis. The increase in asthenosphere high heat flow and the intrusion of mantle-derived magma induced extensive heating, which preceded the granulite-facies metamorphism and coeval magmatism in the middle crust of the southern Tarim Craton.

Origin and Palaeozoic reworking of the Central Tianshan Block, southern CAOB: Constraints from provenance analysis of metasedimentary rocks in northern Xinjiang Province and adjacent region

There are several Precambrian microcontinents in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Across these microcontinents, there are many metasedimentary rocks which were not all deposited in the Precambrian. We report on a field‐based petrological and zircon geochronological study of metasedimentary rocks from the Tianshan and Beishan orogens, southern CAOB, in order to reveal the Precambrian affinity and Palaeozoic reworking. Most metasedimentary rocks in the Central Tianshan Block (CTB) and Dunhuang arc accretionary system reveal Palaeozoic records of arc accretion, collision, and postcollisional processes. The zircon age patterns of these metasedimentary rocks in the CTB show strong affinity to the Tarim Craton, whereas those of the Dunhuang arc accretionary system suggest a Mongolian affinity. The CTB constituted an independent microcontinent during the Palaeozoic accretionary process and was transformed into a Japan‐type arc until it became amalgamated with the Tarim Block in the late Permian. In contrast, the Dunhuang Block shows a probable Mongolian affinity and was a stable unit during the late Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic until the beginning of CAOB orogenesis.

Paleozoic subduction-related magmatism in the Duobagou area, Dunhuang block: Constrained by zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry of metaigneous rocks

The Dunhuang block, situated at the junction of the Tethyan domain, Tarim craton, North China craton and the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), consists mainly of Archean–early Mesoproterozoic basement rocks and Paleozoic metamorphic and magmatic rocks. In this study we performed systematic analyses on the Duobagou metaigneous rocks, including zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry, to discuss the evolutionary history of the Dunhuang block and the surrounding continental fragments during the Paleozoic.

Continental origin of the Gubaoquan eclogite and implications for evolution of the Beishan Orogen, Central Asian Orogenic Belt, NW China

The Gubaoquan eclogite occurs in the Paleozoic Beishan Orogen of NW China. Previously it has been interpreted as a fragment of subducted oceanic crust that was emplaced as a mélange within continental rocks. Contrary to this, we demonstrate that the Gubaoquan eclogite protolith was a Neoproterozoic basic dyke/sill which intruded into Proterozoic continental rocks. The SHRIMP UPb zircon dating of the metamorphic rims of the Gubaoquan eclogite yields an age 466±27Ma. Subdued heavy rare earth element abundances and lack of negative Eu anomalies of the metamorphic zircon domains confirm that this age represents eclogite facies metamorphism. The host augen orthogneiss has a UPb zircon age of 920±14Ma, representing the timing of crystallization of the granitic protolith. A leucogranitic vein which intrudes the eclogite has a UPb zircon age of 424±8.6Ma. This granitic vein marks the end of high-grade metamorphism in this area.The overcomplication of tectonic history of the Beishan Orogen is partially caused by inconsistent classifications and nomenclature of the same rock units and arbitrary subdivisions of Precambrian blocks as individual microcontinents. In an attempt to resolve this, we propose a simpler model that involves the partial subduction of the northern passive margin of the Dunhuang Block beneath the active continental margin developing on the Mazongshan-Hanshan Block to the north. Ocean closure and continental collision during the Late Ordovician resulted in continental thickening and eclogite facies metamorphism recorded by the mafic dykes/sills (now the Gubaoquan eclogite). In the light of the new data, the tectonothermal evolution of the Beishan Orogen is reviewed and integrated with the evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Nature and provenance of the Beishan Complex, southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The ages and origins of metasedimentary rocks, which were previously mapped as Precambrian, are critical in rebuilding the orogenic process and better understanding the Phanerozoic continental growth in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Beishan Complex was widely distributed in the southern Beishan Orogenic Collage, southernmost CAOB, and their ages and tectonic affinities are still in controversy. The Beishan Complex was previously proposed as fragments drifted from the Tarim Craton, Neoproterozoic Block or Phanerozoic accretionary complex. In this study, we employ detrital zircon age spectra to constrain ages and provenances of metasedimentary sequences of the Beishan Complex in the Chuanshanxun area. The metasedimentary rocks here are dominated by zircons with Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic age (~1160–2070 Ma), and yield two peak ages at 1454 and 1760 Ma. One sample yielded a middle Permian peak age (269 Ma), which suggests that the metasedimentary sequences were deposited in the late Paleozoic. The granitoid and dioritic dykes, intruding into the metasedimentary sequences, exhibit zircon U–Pb ages of 268 and 261 Ma, respectively, which constrain the minimum deposit age of the metasedimentary sequences. Zircon U–Pb ages of amphibolite (274 and 216 Ma) indicate that they might be affected by multi-stage metamorphic events. The Beishan Complex was not a fragment drifted from the Tarim Block or Dunhuang Block, and none of cratons or blocks surrounding Beishan Orogenic Collage was the sole material source of the Beishan Complex due to obviously different age spectra. Instead, 1.4 Ga marginal accretionary zones of the Columbia supercontinent might have existed in the southern CAOB, and may provide the main source materials for the sedimentary sequences in the Beishan Complex.

FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF THE DUNHUANG BLOCK

Dunhang Block is located between the North China and the Tarim Cratons (Figure). It is bounded by the Beishan Orogenic Belt to the north and Altyn Tagh Orogenic Belt to the south, respectively; in the west the Qiemo-Xingxingxia fault separates the block from Tarim Craton, and in the east the Altyn Tagh Fault separates it from the Alxa block of western part of the North China Craton. Although Archean-Paleoproterozoic basement rocks, which are referred to as Milan Complex, exposed along the Northern Altyn Tagh Orogenic Belt, some researchers suggested that their rock associations, metamorphisms and evolutionary history present obviously different with those of the Dunhuang Complex in Dunhuang region, Gansu Provence, thus the Milan Complex should be excluded from the Dunhuang Block, and is considered as basement rocks of the southwestern Tarim Craton.

Paleozoic adakitic rocks in the northern Altyn Tagh, northwest China: Evidence for progressive crustal thickening beneath the Dunhuang Block

To constrain the Phanerozoic crustal evolution of the Dunhuang Block, new whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data were determined for three Paleozoic granitic plutons in the northern Altyn Tagh, northwest China. Zircon U–Pb dating of these plutons, including gneissic granite, mylonitic granite and augen gneiss, yielded Middle Devonian to Early Carboniferous crystallization ages of 358±4Ma, 382±4Ma and 332±2Ma, respectively. The gneissic granites are characterized by a small SiO2 variation (69.11–70.33wt.%) with moderate K2O (3.07–3.55wt.%), Na2O (3.61–4.08wt.%), low Fe2O3T (2.25–2.84wt.%) and MgO (1.04–1.25wt.%). The granites are weakly peraluminous with moderate aluminium saturation indexes (ASI=1.02–1.08) and exhibit the geochemical features of high-K calc-alkaline igneous rocks. Although the major element contents of the mylonitic granites and the augen gneisses are different from those of the gneissic granites, all three plutons show similar REE patterns and trace element variations. Rocks from these plutons are all LREE-enriched and show relatively flat HREE patterns with pronounced depletions in Ba, Nb, Ta, Ti and negative Eu anomalies. Moreover, the rocks are characterized by high Sr (330.7–656ppm), low Yb (0.513–1.521ppm) and Y (5.199–13.73ppm), and thus have high Sr/Y ratios (32–122), showing geochemical affinities of adakitic rocks. Their negative εHf(t) values, low MgO, Cr, Co and Ni contents indicate a continental crust origin without significant involvement of mantle-derived materials. The negative Eu anomalies, low Yb and Y contents of these granitic rocks reveal that plagioclase and garnet are major residue minerals in the magma source. All the geochemical characteristics demonstrate that these adakitic plutons were produced by partial melting of thickened lower crust at relatively shallow depths under high amphibolite or granulite facies and did not reach the eclogite facies. Combining this with the formation ages, we suggest that the southern margin of the Dunhuang Block was thickened during the late Paleozoic. The gradual variations in the (La/Yb)N ratios of these rocks indicate that the continental crust of the southern Dunhuang Block was progressively thickened from the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous. This thickening process was most likely triggered by continental collision between the Dunhuang Block and the Central Altyn massif.

Paleoproterozoic subduction-related magmatism and crustal evolution of the Dunhuang Block, NW China

The Precambrian basement rocks of the Tarim Craton, NW China, occur mostly along the margins of the craton. These rocks have been metamorphosed under amphibolite-facies or granulite-facies, particularly in the Dunhuang and Kuluketage Blocks, whose crustal evolution and paleographic relationship are still unclear. This study presents in-situ zircon U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotopes and whole-rock elemental compositions for the Paleoproterozoic meta-felsic and mafic rocks in the NE Altyn Tagh area in order to constrain the Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal events of the Dunhuang Block and to further investigate its relation to the Kuluketage Block. The meta-felsic rocks have a crystallization age of ∼1.96Ga. Their zircon εHf(t) values vary from −0.5 to +7.2, with TDM1 model ages from 2.4 to 2.1Ga, suggesting that their parental magmas were mainly derived from juvenile sources, with a relatively small contribution from pre-existing ancient materials. The meta-felsic rocks have geochemical affinities with typical high-Al TTG generated by slab melting except for the extremely low Cr/Ni ratios. The steeply negative slope of their REE patterns indicates that garnet and/or hornblende extraction was involved in the magma generation process. The ∼2.06 meta-mafic rocks have slightly variable positive εHf(t) values (0 to +3.4), corresponding to fairly uniform TDM1 model ages of 2.4–2.3Ga. These results indicate that their parental magma was sourced mainly from juvenile components with minor old materials. The meta-mafic rocks have nearly flat REE patterns that bear a remarkably close resemblance to E-MORB, but the depletion in Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Th is typical of arc rocks. The wide range of zircon εHf(t) values from the meta-felsic and mafic rocks indicates that the Dunhuang Block experienced both crustal growth and crustal reworking during the Paleoproterozoic. In both the Dunhuang and Kuluketage Blocks, plenty of early Precambrian basement rocks experienced comparable magmatism and metamorphism. However, the Dunhuang Block has a crust-formation age peaked at ∼2.83Ga, and it experienced intensive tectono-thermal events in Paleoproterozoic. These events are nearly absent in the Kuluketage Block. The discrepancy implies that the Dunhuang and Kuluketage Blocks were probably unrelated terranes before Paleoproterozoic.

Late Cenozoic transpressional mountain building directly north of the Altyn Tagh Fault in the Sanweishan and Nanjieshan, North Tibetan Foreland, China

For many tectonicists, the structural development of the northern Tibetan Plateau stops at the Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF). This study challenges that assumption. Structural field observations and remote sensing analysis indicate that the Sanweishan and Nanjieshan basement cored ridges of the Archean Dunhuang Block, which interrupt the north Tibetan foreland directly north of the ATF, are bound and cut by an array of strike-slip, thrust and oblique-slip faults that have been active in the Quaternary and remain potentially active. The Sanweishan is a SE-tilted block that is bound on its NW margin by a steep south-dipping thrust fault that has also accommodated sinistral strike-slip displacements. The Nanjieshan consists of parallel, but offset basement ridges that record NNW and SSE thrust displacements and sinistral strike-slip. Regional folds characterize the extreme eastern Nanjieshan and appear to have formed above blind thrust faults which break the surface further west. Previously published magnetotelluric data suggest that the major faults of the Sanweishan and Nanjieshan ultimately root to the south within conductive zones that are inferred to merge into the ATF. Therefore, although the southern margin of the Dunhuang Block focuses significant deformation along the ATF, the adjacent cratonic basement to the north is also affected. Collectively, the ATF and structurally linked Sanweishan and Nanjieshan fault array represent a regional asymmetric half-flower structure that is dominated by non-strain partitioned sinistral transpression. The NW-trending Dengdengshan thrust fault system near Yumen City appears to define the northeastern limit of the Sanweishan-Nanjieshan block, which may be regionally viewed as the most northern, but early-stage expression of Tibetan Plateau growth into a slowly deforming, mechanically stiff Archean craton.

Metamorphic evolution and SIMS U-Pb geochronology of the Qingshigou area, Dunhuang block, NW China: Tectonic implications of the southernmost Central Asian orogenic belt

Garnet-bearing mafic granulite and amphibolite exposed as lenses, boudins, or interlayers within metasediments in the Qingshigou area, Dunhuang block, southernmost Central Asian orogenic belt, record important information for understanding the tectono-metamorphic evolution of subduction and collision zones in the southern Central Asian orogenic belt during the mid-Paleozoic. Three stages of metamorphic assemblages (M1, M2, M3) are recognized in the high- and medium-pressure mafic granulite and amphibolite. In the high-pressure mafic granulite, the prograde assemblage (M1) is represented by inclusion minerals (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz) preserved in garnet porphyroblasts; the metamorphic peak assemblage (M2) is characterized by garnet porphyroblasts and matrix minerals (garnet + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz ± zircon ± titanite); and the retrograde assemblage (M3) is marked by coronitic symplectite (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz ± magnetite) rimming the garnet porphyroblasts. In the medium-pressure mafic granulite, the prograde assemblage (M1) of hornblende + plagioclase + quartz is included in the garnet porphyroblasts; the peak assemblage (M2) consists of garnet + orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz ± zircon ± titanite (M2) in the matrix; and the retrograde assemblage (M3) of hornblende + orthopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz (M3) surrounds the garnet porphyroblasts. In the amphibolite, the prograde assemblage (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz + ilmenite) is preserved as inclusions in garnet (M1); the peak assemblage (M2) is composed of garnet + hornblende + plagioclase + quartz ± zircon ± titanite; and the retrograde assemblage (M3), consisting of hornblende + biotite + plagioclase + quartz + epidote + magnetite, rings the garnet porphyroblasts. Geothermobarometric calculations suggest that the metamorphic pressure-temperature paths pass from 568 °C and 8.8 kbar through 607 °C and 10.6 kbar and 861 °C and 16.9 kbar and finally to 598 °C and 4.4 kbar for the high-pressure mafic granulite; from 756 °C and 9.0 kbar through 750–874 °C and 9.3–11.6 kbar to 675 °C and 4.7 kbar for the medium-pressure mafic granulite; and from 686 °C and 7.6 kbar through 715–766 °C and 10.6–11.2 kbar to 671 °C and 5.6 kbar for the amphibolite, and the paths show clockwise pressure-temperature loops typical of an orogenic process. The metamorphic peak of the high-pressure mafic granulite lies in the eclogite facies, which is indicative of a subduction zone environment. High-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb dating of metamorphic zircon indicates that the metamorphism occurred in the Early Silurian (ca. 430 Ma) and lasted for at least 65 m.y. This study reveals a possible southward subduction history of a branch of the Paleo–Asian Ocean, the Liuyuan Ocean, from the Silurian to Late Devonian, which may be an important event in the accretionary history of the Central Asian orogenic belt.

The Dunhuang block is a Paleozoic orogenic belt and part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), NW China

The Dunhuang region is located in the east of the Tarim Craton and has long been considered as part of a Precambrian terrane of the Tarim or North China Craton. Aiming to further understand the tectonic evolution of the Dunhuang region and its relations with the adjacent tectonic units, this study is to investigate the metamafic rocks in the Sanweishan area, Dunhuang region, and in turn to summarize the tectono-thermal events and re-examine the tectonic characteristics of the region.The metamafic rocks in the Sanweishan area include three types of amphibolites. They are garnet–clinopyroxene amphibolites, garnet-free amphibolites and garnet–mica amphibolites. The whole-rock major and trace element compositions suggest that their protoliths probably are E-MORB type tholeiitic basalts with some crustal addition. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb data of the garnet–clinopyroxene amphibolite and the garnet-free amphibolite yielded lower intercept ages of 410±11Ma and 403±8Ma, respectively, while the garnet–mica amphibolite gave three metamorphic ages of 441±3Ma, 408±12Ma and 370±2Ma. Three suites of metamorphic conditions have been estimated at 1.14–1.55Gpa and 458–548°C, 0.67–0.82Gpa and 590–600°C, and 0.47–0.66Gpa and 557–586°C for garnet–clinopyroxene amphibolite, using different mineral thermobarometers, which illustrate a collisional orogeny-related clockwise P–T path. Integrated with the study on the high-pressure granulite in the Mogutai area, it can be inferred that the metamafic rocks in the Sanweishan area obviously experienced amphibolite–facies metamorphism at ca. 410–400Ma, and they could also underwent high-grade metamorphism at ca. 440–430Ma. Therefore, we suggest that the E–W-trending collisional orogeny of ca. 440–400Ma could sweep cross the Dunhuang region.The Dunhuang region records multiple tectono-thermal events occurring at ca. 3.1–2.5Ga, ca. 2.3–1.6Ga, ca. 440–400Ma and ca. 370–310Ma. However, compared with the limited exposure of the Precambrian complex, the Early Silurian–Late Carboniferous (ca. 440–310Ma) orogeny-related metamorphic and magmatic rocks are widely distributed in the Dunhuang region, making up nearly 70% of the total exposure. Thus, it is proposed that the geological bodies in the Dunhuang region were mainly produced by a Paleozoic orogeny and represent a Paleozoic orogen, while the limited Precambrian complex probably is a microcontinental fragment or part of the margin of the Tarim or North China Cratons that was involved in this Paleozoic orogeny during the Early Silurian–Late Carboniferous. We infer that the Dunhuang orogenic belt is part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), and thus the CAOB probably extends beyond the Beishan orogenic collage and southward into the Dunhuang region.

Age, composition, and tectonic significance of Palaeozoic granites in the Altyn orogenic belt, China

ABSTRACTWe examined the petrography, litho-geochemistry, and geochronology of granite plutons in the Altyn orogenic belt, northern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, to investigate the geodynamic history of the belt. The granites are peraluminous, with variable chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns but generally similar trace element compositions; all are depleted in Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti, and enriched in Rb, Th, Ta, Zr, and Hf. Their U–Pb zircon ages record multiple magmatic episodes between 500 and 404 Ma (north Altyn block (NAB)), 522 and 432 Ma (central Altyn block (CAB)), and 483 and 226 Ma (south Altyn block (SAB)). We propose a geodynamic model for the Altyn orogenic belt. Prior to 467 Ma, the north Altyn Ocean subducted southward below the NAB. The north Altyn region saw a change from subduction to collision between the Dunhuang block and the NAB during 467–450 Ma. The collision lasted until 430 Ma and was followed by post-collisional extension until 400 Ma. Farther south, the central Altyn Ocean subducted northwards beneath the CAB, resulting in 520–500 Ma granitic magmatism and leading to collision of the south Altyn micro-block (SAMB) with the CAB. Deep subduction of SAMB crust below the CAB resulted in granite intrusions during 490–455 Ma. The SAMB–CAB collision gave way to post-collisional extension, slab break-off, and delamination during 450–430 Ma. Bidirectional subduction of the south Altyn Ocean after ~485 Ma, dominated by southward subduction, continued until 456 Ma. Closure of the south Altyn Ocean led to continent–continent collision between the SAMB and the Qaidam block at 450–430 Ma, followed after ~410 Ma by repeated break-offs of slab segments until 337 Ma. Subsequent intrusions formed at 264–226 Ma in a setting of either post-collisional extension or sinistral strike-slip.

Geochemical and geochronological evidence for a former early Neoproterozoic microcontinent in the South Beishan Orogenic Belt, southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The South Beishan Orogenic Belt (SBOB) in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is thought to be an eastern extension of the Eastern Tianshan Orogen. Up to now, it has been suggested to consist of a well-preserved Paleozoic magmatic and sedimentary sequence with a possible former Neoproterozoic microcontinent. We provide new geochemical and geochronological data for gneissic granites of the SBOB in order to constrain its tectonic evolution and setting. The gneissic granitoids belong to the high-K, calc-alkaline series and are characterized by an enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), a depletion of Nb, Ta, Ti, Sr, and Ba and a positive Pb anomaly. The petrography and geochemical signatures reveal a possible I-type granite affinity and are in accordance with typical Andean Arc granites. Zircon grains, yielding 206Pb/238U magmatic crystallization ages of 933±2Ma and 900–890Ma for the Shibanshan and Huaniushan arc granites, respectively, manifest the former presence of an early Neoproterozoic Precambrian microcontinent in the SBOB. Zircon ɛHf(t) values range from −16.1 to 10.2, indicating that juvenile material and reworked ancient crust were involved in the source of the gneissic granites. Furthermore, in conjunction with studies of the adjacent regions, the results of the present study suggest that the former Precambrian microcontinent in the SBOB neither belonged to the nearby Dunhuang Block nor the Tarim Craton, but has a common affinity with the Central Tianshan Arc Terrane. It is also suggested that the 900–890Ma plutons originated from the mixing of juvenile material with older crust in an Andean-type active continental arc setting during the assembly of Rodinia. Thus the SBOB plays a key role in understanding the tectonic evolution of the CAOB.