East Kunlun Orogenic Research Articles

Multiple generations of garnet and their genetic significance in the Niukutou cobalt-rich Pb-Zn-(Fe) skarn deposit, East Kunlun orogenic belt, western China

The Niukutou deposit, situated within the Qimantagh ore-concentrated area of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), represents a typical skarn-type Pb-Zn-(Fe) deposit that is also associated with cobalt (Co) mineralization. The main ore minerals include galena, sphalerite, magnetite, hematite, Co-bearing arsenopyrite, cobaltite and glaucodot. This study conducted geochronological and chemical composition analyses of multi-generational garnets from the deposit, aiming to elucidate their genetic significance in the mineralization process. Field and mineralogical observations indicate the presence of three generations of garnets: Grt-I, Grt-II, and Grt-III. The earliest garnet generation (Grt-I) formed during the prograde stage, typically in garnet skarns, and is often replaced by epidote. The second generation (Grt-II), which coexists with pyroxene, also formed during the prograde stage, whereas the third generation (Grt-III) is associated with pyrrhotite stockworks, suggesting its formation during the sulfide stage. Using in-situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, garnets yield ages of approximately 230–234 Ma, which aligns with the age of 231.8 ± 7.5 Ma obtained from hydrothermal titanite in the deposit. These ages, combined with those of the previous studies, indicate major magmatic and metallogenic activity of 220–240 Ma in the Qimantagh area. Each generation of garnets displays oscillatory zoning characterized by alternating andradite and grossular compositions. The variations in Sn and high field-strength element (HFSE) contents across different garnet generations indicate an increasing trend in oxygen fugacity as mineralization progresses. The high Sn contents in the Niukutou garnets provide geochemical clues for the potential of Sn-W mineralization in this deposit, which should pay attention to in future exploration. Additionally, the high As concentrations in the Niukutou garnets suggest an As-rich hydrothermal fluid, which, owing to the stronger affinity of cobalt for sulfarsenides over sulfides, provides a geochemical indicator for the formation of abundant Co-bearing sulfarsenides rather than cobaltiferous sulfides in the deposit.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the Triassic monzogranite from the central segment of the East Kunlun Orogen, NW China

The Triassic granitoids in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB) are crucial for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. This study presents zircon U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf isotopes, whole-rock major and trace elements, and Sr–Nd isotope compositions from monzogranite plutons in the central segment of EKOB to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic evolution. These monzogranites are dominant composed of mineral assemblages of K-feldspars, plagioclase, minor biotite and accessory minerals. U–Pb dating of zircons from the Xinle South (XLS), Nanshankou (NSK) and Changgou South (CGS) plutons yield ages of 251 Ma, 232 Ma and 221 Ma, respectively. The studied monzogranites have relatively high SiO2 and Al2O3, but have low contents of TiO2, Fe2O3T, MgO relative to the coeval granodiorites. These monzogranites are classified as fractionated I-type granites, ranging from calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline compositions. Their negative εNd(t) values (−4.2 to −6.3) and zircon εHf(t) values (−6.1 to −9.3) suggest that magma generation occurred through partial melting of ancient lower crust, followed by extensive fractional crystallization. Integrating our new data with regional geological evidence, we propose that the Early Triassic XLS monzogranite emplaced in a localized extensional environment linked to the northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic plate. In contrast, during the post-collisional extensional phase of the Late Triassic, the formation of the NSK and CGS monzogranite plutons was directly influenced by asthenospheric upwelling, lower crust delamination, and subsequent continental rifting.

Geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic implications for the petrogenesis of the late Silurian Shitoukengde mafic–ultramafic intrusion in the East Kunlun Orogen, NW China

The Shitoukengde mafic–ultramafic intrusion is the host of the second-largest sulfide deposit after the Xiarihamu Ni-Co deposit in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), northern Tibet Plateau, China. Despite several studies, the age, petrogenesis, and the cause of low Ni-tenor for this intrusion remain poorly constrained. In this study, zircons separated from the pyroxenite at Shitoukengde yield a SHRIMP U-Pb age of 418.9 ± 3.1 Ma, corresponding to the widespread magmatism of the late Silurian to early Devonian in the EKOB. Whole-rock major and trace element compositions indicate that fractional crystallization played a key role in controlling the magma composition and element distribution within the intrusion. Mafic-ultramafic rocks of the intrusion, particularly peridotite, have highly variable and exceptionally elevated (87Sr/86Sr)i and negative ɛNd(t) values. Some samples from the Shitoukengde intrusion exhibit initial Sr-Nd isotope ratios that overlap with those from the Xiarihamu intrusion, while others (e.g., peridotite) display higher (87Sr/86Sr)i values than those observed in the latter. The unusual Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of the Shitoukengde intrusion could be attributed to the assimilation of Mg-rich carbonate within a deep-seated magma chamber. This contamination process facilitates the crystallization of olivine, consequently reducing Ni content in residual magma. Furthermore, the contamination of Mg-rich carbonate may promote oxygen fugacity and thus enhance the solubility of sulfur while restricting the sulfide saturation in the magma. We thus propose that the extensive contamination of Mg-rich carbonate is a key factor contributing to the relatively low Ni-tenor observed at Shitoukengde.

Late Triassic extension of thickened lithosphere of the East Kunlun orogenic Belt, northern Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from the geochemistry and geochronology of mafic magmatism

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (E-KOB) evolved into an extensional tectonic setting with plenty of mafic magmatism after the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. However, the deep tectonic system and geodynamic processes in this context still need further clarification. The detailed field geological, petrological, geochronological and geochemical works carried out on the Yeniugou gabbros in this study could provide key evidence for clarifying this issue. The gabbros are predominantly composed of clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, olivine and ilmenite. Zircon U–Pb dating results suggest that their formation at ca. 209–207 Ma. Characterized by a relatively low SiO2 content and a moderate total alkaline content, these rocks are classified as alkalic to subalkaline series. High values of Mg# (42.2–59.4) and high concentrations of compatible elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni) suggest that their parent magma was generated through high partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source. The left-leaning rare earth element distribution patterns, combined with the characteristic spikes of Nb-Ta, indicate that they were originated from the lithospheric mantle metasomatized by subducting components. The positive zircon εHf(t) values (0.1–5.7), along with elevated Nb/La ratios (0.45–0.67), further confirm a small amount of asthenosphere mantle contribution. Elevated Zr/Y ratios, plus a slightly positive correlation between Alz and TiO2 in clinopyroxene, imply that they formed within an extensional setting, where the upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle provided heat for partial melting of the metasomatic lithospheric mantle. Combined with previous data, we suggest that E-KOB underwent delamination of thickened lithosphere in the late Triassic, following the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean.

Constraints of Reservoir Pressure and H2O on Pre-eruptive Melt Accumulation and Migration under Water-Rich Systems Based on the Volcanic–Plutonic Connection in the East Kunlun Orogen, Northern Tibet Plateau

Abstract In recent years, the volcanic–plutonic relationship has been a contentious topic among researchers. Based on this issue, they have delved deeper into the constraints of magma reservoir pressure and H2O on pre-eruptive melt accumulation and migration. We selected granodiorite, tonalite, and rhyolite in the Dehailonggang volcanic–plutonic complex to investigate the volcanic–plutonic connection and constraints of reservoir pressure and H2O on the pre-eruptive melt accumulation and migration in water-rich systems. Granodiorite, tonalite, and rhyolite exhibit temporal–spatial similarities (247 Ma) and the same magmatic origin consisting of ca. 75–80% enriched mantle materials mixed with ca. 20–25% lower crustal materials. TESCAN integrated mineral analyzer (TIMA) shows that both granodiorite and tonalite display a typical cumulate texture. The bulk–rock compositional complementary of the granodiorite, tonalite, and rhyolite, coupled with in situ geochemical signatures of feldspars and zircons, feldspar CSD, and rhyolite–MELTS modeling, indicate that (1) the granodiorite represents the crystal cumulate formed after crystal–melt phase separation of the original mush (OM) in the magma reservoir; (2) the interstitial melt of the OM was extracted, migrated, and ultimately erupted as the rhyolite; (3) the tonalite serves as an intermediate product resulting from the phase separation from the OM to the rhyolite. Rhyolite–MELTS modeling reveals that in water-rich environments, an increase in reservoir pressure (prior to reaching overpressure threshold) can lead to a reduction in melt viscosity. This, in turn, accelerates mechanical compaction and phase separation processes, ultimately shortening the pre-eruptive melt aggregation timescale. In contrast, it is noteworthy that H2O has a relatively minor influence on phase separation in such water-rich systems (> 4 wt. %). This study demonstrates the volcanic–plutonic genetic coupling and highlights the significance of reservoir pressure in controlling the dynamics of pre-eruptive melt within water-rich systems.

Resource potential evaluation of magmatic cobalt and nickel in the east Kunlun metallogenic belt, northwest of China through a geological-constrained convolutional neural network model

In the Kunlun orogenic belt of the East Kunlun region, several magmatic sulfide deposits of cobalt–nickel type, such as Xiarihamu and Shitoukengde, have been discovered along the Kunlun fault. The area still holds significant mineral exploration potential. This paper proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN) model based on geological constraints. When constructing the CNN model, a layer is added to restrict the magnesium-iron ratio content of mafic–ultramafic rocks in the convolutional layer, based on the characteristics of mafic–ultramafic rocks in cobalt–nickel deposits. This layer acts as a hard constraint to filter mafic–ultramafic rocks in the evidence layer, providing theoretical interpretability to the data-driven CNN model. To ensure sample balance in the prediction data and prevent overfitting during the model prediction process, a sliding window method is adopted to expand the positive samples. Predictive models are established before and after sample expansion, and ROC is used to evaluate the predictive models. Based on research into the metallogenic geological background and metallogenic model of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, combined with multi-source geological, geophysical, and geochemical data, a geological-constrained CNN model was used to analyze the mineralization potential of magmatic cobalt–nickel deposits in the study area. The research results show that the accuracy of the geology-constrained CNN model is 92.1 %, indicating excellent predictive performance. The results, highly consistent with known deposits, suggest that the model’s predictions can be used for resource potential assessment of magmatic cobalt–nickel deposits in the East Kunlun metallogenic belt in northwest China.

New Discovery of the Jinshui Tin Deposit in the Middle Section of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Northwestern China: Mineralization Age and Exploration Significance

New Discovery of the Jinshui Tin Deposit in the Middle Section of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Northwestern China: Mineralization Age and Exploration Significance

Discovery and Significance of Layered Chromite Mineralization in Mafic-Ultramafic Rocks from the Gayahe Area of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Northwestern China

Discovery and Significance of Layered Chromite Mineralization in Mafic-Ultramafic Rocks from the Gayahe Area of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Northwestern China

Post-collisional reworking of juvenile mafic lower crust for the petrogenesis of late Triassic adakitic rocks in the East Kunlun Orogen

The East Kunlun Orogen (EKO), a major component of the Greater Tibetan Plateau, provides an excellent natural laboratory to investigate the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean (also known as the A'nyemaqen Ocean in the EKO). We present a combined study of in situ zircon UPb ages and LuHf isotopic compositions, and whole-rock major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the post-collisional Xiangjia granodiorite at the eastern end of the EKO. Zircon UPb dating indicates that the Xiangjia granodiorites were emplaced at 225.0–217.1 Ma. Relict zircon cores yield ages of 267.5–239.5 Ma. These granodiorites are calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, and depleted in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb and Ta) and heavy rare earth elements. They yield trace element characteristics that are typical of adakitic rocks, including high Sr (493–590 ppm) and low Yb (0.74–1.12 ppm) and Y (8.83–12.24 ppm) contents, high Sr/Y (40.47–63.64) and (La/Yb)N (11.81–30.91) ratios, and positive Eu anomalies. The UPb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of the relict zircon cores and whole-rock SrNd isotopic compositions of the Xiangjia adakitic rocks are similar to those of the mafic arc magmatic rocks formed during the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, suggesting they originated from the reworking of juvenile mafic lower crust. Phase equilibrium modelling suggests that the contemporaneous adakitic rocks from Xiangjia and other areas in the EKO are likely the products of partial melting of the juvenile mafic arc rocks under granulite-facies conditions at 10–11 kbar and 934–951 °C, possibly related to slab break-off in a post-collisional setting.

2D and 3D textures of sulfide ores from the Shitoukengde Ni-Cu sulfide deposit, East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China: implications for the growth of orthopyroxene oikocrysts and formation of globular ores

2D and 3D textures of sulfide ores from the Shitoukengde Ni-Cu sulfide deposit, East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China: implications for the growth of orthopyroxene oikocrysts and formation of globular ores

Geochronological and sulfide geochemical evidence for gold mineralization related to post-collisional magmatism in the Wulonggou goldfield of the East Kunlun Orogen, northern Tibet

The relationships among magmatism, orogeny, and gold mineralization in lode gold deposits have been controversial for a long time. The East Kunlun Orogen in northern Tibet has experienced a complex Paleo-Tethyan tectono-magmatic evolution and hosts the largest Wulonggou lode gold deposits (>120 t). The Shuizhadonggou-Huanglonggou (SZDG-HLG) gold deposit is the largest in the Wulonggou goldfield and is an excellent candidate for solving the controversy through detailed field observations, magmatic and hydrothermal mineral in-situ U-Pb dating, and gold-bearing sulfide in-situ trace elements and sulfur-lead isotopes. Gold mineralization in the SZDG-HLG deposit includes sulfide disseminations and minor amounts of small quartz-sulfide veins in hydrothermal alteration assemblages along a ductile shear zone. Gold mineralization can be divided into four stages based on crosscutting relationships and associated alteration assemblages. U-Pb ages from magmatic zircon, hydrothermal rutile, and hydrothermal monazite support field relationships that gold mineralization was later than the ductile deformation but synchronous with the post-collisional porphyries. Gold mineralization evolved from high to low temperatures (560℃ to less than 300℃), accompanied by markedly decreased sulfur fugacities (–6.3 to –12.5) and oxygen fugacities (–20.7 to –40.5). The gradual increase of sulfur isotopes (δ34S) from stage 1 (–0.9 to 1.8 ‰ in Py1a) to stage 3 (up to 8 ‰) is ascribed to sulfide precipitation from a finite fluid reservoir, while the sharp decrease of δ34S values in stage 4 (down to –24 ‰) is caused by the fluid oxidation. The negative covariations of δ34S and Se/S values, positive correlations between Au and chalcophile elements (As, Sb, Te, and Bi) in most sulfides, and overlapping lead isotopes of sulfides and Late Triassic granodiorite-diorite confirm a post-collisional magmatic gold and sulfur source. This study demonstrates that lode gold deposits in Phanerozoic orogens having similar characteristics to their counterparts in Archean metamorphic terranes can be genetically related to post-collisional magmatism.

Cobalt remobilization during tectonic–hydrothermal overprinting: A case from the Tuolugou Co(–Au) deposit in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China

Stratiform Cu-Co deposits hosted in (meta-) sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks contribute two-thirds of the global Co supply. However, the mechanisms driving Co remobilization during tectonic-hydrothermal overprinting events remain poorly understood. As a dominant Co repository, pyrite can provide valuable insights into mineralization history due to its refractory nature. Here, we present the first micro-analytical investigation of pyrite from the Tuolugou Co(–Au) deposit in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt. Ore textures indicate that Co mineralization is attributed to two distinct stages: primary enrichment and subsequent overprinting processes. The former is characterized by pyrite (PyI with up to 3.92 wt% Co) remnants exhibiting oscillatory zones, while the latter is marked by deformation of pyrite (PyII) ores. Three overprinting episodes, namely Da, Db, and Dc, are further distinguished according to varying extents of deformation and mineral assemblages. The Da is characterized by synkinematic PyIIa (up to 4.18 wt% Co) augens, which were most likely formed via pressure–solution mechanism. The Db is represented by polygonal PyIIb (up to 4.75 wt% Co) and siegenite with 120° triple–point junctions. The random orientation and rare intragrain misorientation of cobaltiferous sulfides at Db suggest their formation by recrystallization without plastic strains. The Dc resulted in the formation of Co ± As–rich PyIIc (up to 5.36 wt% Co) along with minor occurrence of cobaltite–gersdorffite, pyrrhotite (up to 1.25 wt% Co), and marcasite (up to 1.28 wt% Co). The PyIIc replacing PyI underscores the role of fluid-coupled dissolution and precipitation during fluid–rock interactions in the formation of these cobaltiferous sulfide assemblages at Dc. The presence of PyIIc infilling within the PyI fissures, in conjunction with the transition from siegenite to cobaltite–gersdorffite, suggests a shift towards low fO2 and low temperature conditions under relatively brittle setting. There is a discernible disparity in sulfur isotope compositions between the two mineralization stages. The PyI exhibits a narrow range of δ34SV–CDT values from –2.14 to 1.35 ‰, indicating a magmatic sulfur origin. In contrast, PyII displays a wide δ34SV–CDT range of –5.22 to 6.16 ‰, suggesting an involvement of strata sulfur during the overprinting stage. Monazite U-Pb dating has effectively constrained two mineralization events. The ca. 453 Ma age implies a potential correlation of the primary Co mineralization with the Late Ordovician to Early Silurian exhalative-syngenetic processes in a Proto–Tethyan-related post–collisional extension setting. Conversely, the ca. 190 Ma age indicates that Co remobilization was instigated by the early Mesozoic ductile–brittle deformation associated with the Paleo-Tethyan orogenesis. Finally, geochemical modeling was performed by simulating the interaction of a Co-rich acidic, reducing fluid with typical quartz-albitite rocks. The simulations demonstrate the appearance of independent Co minerals such as Co-pentlandite during the reaction progression, greatly supporting ore upgrading via tectonic-hydrothermal overprinting.

Genesis of the sediment-hosted Qukuleke Au deposit in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China: Constraints from geology, apatite U–Pb age, and C–O–S–Pb isotopes

Genetic classification of sediment-hosted Au deposits is often disputed in many orogenic belts around the world. The marine sediment-hosted Qukuleke Au deposit (>5 t Au) is an example of this, which has been attributed to orogenic or intrusion-related type. This paper addresses its metallogeny through detailed geologic and petrographic studies, together with apatite U–Pb dating and C–O–S–Pb isotopes.The hydrothermal paragenesis at Qukuleke is divided into three stages (I to III): Stage I (pre-ore) sheeted quartz veins; Stage II (main ore) pervasive sericite ± carbonate ± apatite ± pyrite ± arsenopyrite alteration associated with quartz–calcite ± stibnite veins; Stage III (post-ore) barren calcite veins. LA-ICP–MS hydrothermal apatite U–Pb dating on Stage II disseminated Au ore yielded 208.1 ± 6.5 Ma, coeval with the Late Triassic post-collisional intrusions from the periphery of Qukuleke deposit. Carbon–oxygen isotopes of Au–Sb ore-related hydrothermal calcite show that the hydrothermal fluids were derived from the marine carbonate ore host with considerable magmatic input. Lead–sulfur isotopes of the Au–Sb ore-related are consistent with those of coeval intrusions around the deposit, but different from those of the local sedimentary strata. Our age and geochemical data suggest the presence of a magma source that supplied the hydrothermal fluids, sulfur and metals for the mineralization. Combining the low sulfide content and the Au–As–W–Sb–Mo assemblage characteristics, the Qukuleke is best classified as a sediment-hosted intrusion-related Au deposit. Considering also the discovery of the large coeval Qukukekedong Au deposit nearby, we propose that Late Triassic intrusion-related Au system is a high-potential exploration target in the western EKOB.

Lithospheric influence on metallogenesis in the East Kunlun Orogen: Insights from isotopic and geochemical mapping

This study examines the influence of lithospheric architecture on regional metallogenesis, using geological and geochemical data from the East Kunlun Orogen (EKO). We explore how specific lithospheric components and structures affect the formation of orogenic gold and various polymetallic mineral deposits. The study reveals that metallogenic processes in the EKO initially targeted sources within the metasomatized-enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) and reactivated lower crust during the Paleozoic era.Lithospheric architecture, shaped by crust-mantle interactions occurred in the Early Mesozoic led to variations in the sizes of orogenic gold deposits between the eastern and western EKO. In the west, smaller gold deposits are linked to moderate mantle underplating and slightly enriched SCLM. Gold-bearing fluids released by mantle devolatilization mixed with metamorphism fluid in collision stage, contributing to the formation of these deposits. In contrast, the eastern EKO hosts larger gold deposits, resulting from significantly enriched SCLM. Extensive lithospheric thinning process in post-collision stage lead to the mixing of gold-bearing mantle-derived and magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. Fertilized magma differentiation potentially increases gold concentrations in this region.Additionally, Triassic-era melting of the lower crust led to diverse mineralization types in porphyry-skarn-epithermal deposit systems. Key findings include the role of juvenile fertile lower crustal materials in forming copper polymetallic deposits, the importance of metamorphic basement reworking for molybdenum and tungsten deposits, and the influence of lead and zinc leaching from old sedimentary rocks on the formation of silver‑lead‑zinc deposits. This study broadens our understanding of the geological factors influencing metallogenesis and provides a framework for future exploration and research in regions with similar lithospheric architectures.

Electrical characteristics of ore-forming intrusion No. 2 in the Xiarihamu magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt

The Xiarihamu magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit is situated within the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt and consists of four intrusions. While the estimated Ni resources of intrusion No. 1 exceed 1.2 million tons, the resource potential of other intrusions remains unknown. One significant factor contributing to this knowledge gap is the lack of effective detection and localization methods for concealed intrusions. To address this issue, we conducted an electromagnetic study focusing on intrusion No. 2. Due to the substantial topographic relief in the survey area, the conventional artificial-source electromagnetic method presented limitations in data acquisition. Consequently, we employed the short-offset transient electromagnetic method for data acquisition. A group-network observation mode was utilized to reconstruct the electrical structure of intrusion No. 2 through data inversion. Our results reveal a predominant high-resistivity background within the survey area. Rocks including granite, biotite gneiss, gabbro, and pyroxenite exhibit high resistivities, whereas mineralized ultramafic rocks show lower resistivities due to the presence of sulfides. The detection of concealed conductive bodies serves as a crucial indicator for deep mineral exploration. The distribution characteristics of low-resistivity anomalies indicate that the mafic bodies extend deeper towards the southwest, with mineralized pyroxenites observed beneath the gabbros. The results also suggest a gradual weakening of mineralization from the northeast to the southwest, with conductive mineralized anomalies existing at considerable depths beneath the known exposed intrusion. These findings highlight promising prospecting potential and provide valuable insights into the formation of intrusions within the Xiarihamu deposit, supporting resource exploration in similar deposits.

Petrogenesis of Late Triassic adakitic plutons in the East Kunlun Orogen, Northern Tibet: Geodynamic implications for the Paleo-Tethyan orogeny and crustal evolution

Adakitic rocks found within continental arcs are pivotal in unraveling the geodynamic processes and tectonic evolution of East Kunlun Paleo-Tethyan orogen. We present an integrated study on the petrography, zircon U-Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes of newly identified Late Triassic adakitic plutons in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), Northern Tibet, aiming to constrain their petrogenesis and geodynamic implications. These plutons comprise by mylonitized granite, monzogranite, granodiorite and dioritic porphyrite, exhibiting consistent zircon U-Pb ages of approximately 204–212 Ma. They have high SiO2, K2O and Sr (average of 479 ppm) contents, but low contents of Y (5.6–18 ppm) and Yb (0.5–1.0 ppm) with high Sr/Y ratios (17–63), resembling adakitic rocks. These adakitic rocks can be classified into high-Mg (Mg#= ∼51) and low-Mg groups (Mg#= ∼35), although they all display enriched large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements but depleted high field strength elements. The studied low-Mg adakitic rocks have low MgO (∼0.68 wt%) and Cr (∼35 ppm) with enriched zircon Hf isotopes (εHf(t) = − 1.16 t 2.44), suggesting their derivation by partial melting of thickened juvenile crust. Conversely, the high-Mg adakitic rocks exhibit high MgO (∼1.94 wt%) and Cr (∼61 ppm) with relatively high zircon εHf(t) values (−0.68 to 4.95), indicating their derivation from foundered crustal root with subsequent interaction with enriched mantle-derived magma. Tectonic reconstructions suggest that the formation of these Late Triassic adakitic rocks occurred in a post-collisional extension setting and the East Kunlun Paleo-Tethyan Ocean closed no later than Norian.

Metabasites from the Central East Kunlun Orogenic Belt Inform a New Suture Model for Subduction and Collision in the Early Paleozoic Proto-Tethys Ocean

The discovery of eclogite outcrops in the East Kunlun Orogen Belt (EKOB) has confirmed the existence of an Early Paleozoic HP-UHP metamorphic belt. However, the protoliths and metamorphic histories of widespread metabasites remain poorly constrained. We collected three types of metabasites from the central part of EKOB. We present an integrated study of petrography, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotopes, estimated P–T conditions, and zircon U-Pb isotope ages. The results show that amphibolites and retrograde eclogites have clockwise P–T paths with peak conditions of, respectively, 11–12 kbar and 675–695 °C, and 21.5–22.2 kbar and 715–750 °C. Zircon dating of metabasites from Dagele yields Late Ordovician (~449 Ma) to Early Silurian (~440 Ma) protolith ages and Early Devonian (~414 Ma) amphibolite facies metamorphic ages. Retrograde eclogites from east Nuomuhong have a protolith age of ~902 Ma and metamorphic ages of ~418 Ma, consistent with other eclogites from East Kunlun. Our data suggest that the protoliths of Dagele metabasites represent arc-type magmatism during the subduction of a small back-arc oceanic basin. Instead, the protoliths of retrograde eclogites are Neoproterozoic tholeiitic basalts emplaced into continental crust and subsequently deeply subducted. We develop a new model for Early Paleozoic subduction and collision in the East Kunlun region, emphasizing the role of ‘dominant’ and ‘secondary’ suture boundaries. This model helps explain the ages and metamorphic histories of the metabasites studied here and offers new perspectives on the evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.

Recycling of Paleo-Tethyan oceanic crust: Geochemical record from Early–Middle Triassic igneous rocks in the East Kunlun Orogen in western China

Abstract Deciphering the contribution of crustal materials to generation of mafic arc igneous rocks at different subduction stages is of great significance to unravel the fate of the subducted paleo-oceanic crust. Here we present an integrated geochemical study on two types of early Mesozoic mafic arc igneous rocks from the East Kunlun Orogen. Zircon U-Pb isotopic analyses yield ages of 252–248 Ma for lamprophyres and 239–238 Ma for diorite porphyries. All the samples display arc-like trace element distribution patterns, high zircon δ18O values, and variably low zircon εHf(t) values. However, significant geochemical distinctions exist in terms of trace element concentrations, radiogenic isotopes, and other geochemical variations between them. The Early Triassic lamprophyres are characterized by significant enrichment in fluid-mobile trace elements and weakly enriched whole-rock Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes, whereas the Middle Triassic diorite porphyries show high contents of light rare earth elements, Th, Zr, and Hf, and more enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes. Furthermore, the lamprophyres exhibit remarkably higher ratios of Ba/Th, Ba/La, K/La, and Sr/Nd and slightly higher ratios of La/Sm, Th/Yb, and Th/La than mid-oceanic-ridge basalt (MORB), while the diorite porphyries display higher La/Sm, Th/Yb, Th/Nd, and Th/La ratios compared to normal MORB but closer to those of seafloor sediments. Taken together, these differences can be attributed to the incorporation of two distinct slab liquids into their mantle sources, including oceanic slab-derived aqueous solutions and minor sediment-derived hydrous melts for the formation of the lamprophyres, and sediment-derived hydrous melts for the formation of the diorite porphyries. As a result, we suggest the lamprophyres were generated during the Early Triassic subduction of the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic crust, while the diorite porphyries may be generated due to rollback of the subducting oceanic slab in response to the closure of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean basin. Therefore, the studied Early–Middle Triassic mafic igneous rocks provide important evidence for the recycling of the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic slab at different stages.

Syn- and post-collisional mafic igneous rocks from the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt: Implications for recycling of subducting continental crust during the Silurian-Devonian

Syn- to post-collisional mafic igneous rocks are widely distributed along continental collision orogenic belts and can be used to constrain the nature of the orogenic mantle and relevant chemical geodynamic processes during orogenesis. However, there is uncertainty about the mechanisms of recycling of continental crustal materials in continental subduction channels. We report chronological and geochemical data for syn- and post-collisional mafic dikes from the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), western China, which provide insights into the processes of geochemical transfer and geodynamic evolution of this fossil orogen. Zircon UPb dating of the mafic dikes yields ages of 433 Ma and 409–407 Ma, corresponding to syn- and post-collisional magmatism, respectively. The rocks exhibit typical arc-like trace-element characteristics and weakly enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, as well as variable zircon O isotopic compositions. These geochemical characteristics are comparable to those of Neoproterozoic paragneiss influenced by Early Paleozoic metamorphism associated with high–ultrahigh-pressure eclogitization in the EKOB and indicate that paragneiss-derived hydrous melts were likely involved in the mantle source of the studied mafic igneous rocks during continental collision. This qualitative interpretation is supported by quantitative modeling of the geochemical transfer in the continental subduction zone. We propose that the syn-collisional mafic igneous rocks were formed during the continental collision between Central Kunlun and South Kunlun Belts, whereas the post-collisional mafic igneous rocks formed in an extensional regime associated with orogenic lithosphere thinning and asthenospheric upwelling.

Mo-Mg isotopes trace the role of serpentinite in generating arc magmatism

Serpentinite-derived components play an important role in chemical cycling in subduction zones. However, it is difficult to identify recycled serpentinite in subarc mantle due to the overprinting of other slab components, and how serpentinite contributes to arc magmatism is poorly understood. Here we report Mo and Mg isotopic compositions of Early Paleozoic Qushiang arc mafic rocks in the East Kunlun orogen. The Qushiang mafic rocks have variable δ98Mo values of −0.50‰ to 0.78% and δ26Mg values of −0.31‰ to −0.05‰. These features, combining with arc-type trace element distribution patterns, enriched SrNd isotopes, and variable zircon HfO isotopes, suggest the incorporation of different subducting components in their mantle source. Some mafic rocks show high δ98Mo values together with low Mo/Ce ratios and enriched SrNd isotopes, suggesting the contribution of subducted sediment (SSD)-derived melts. Additionally, light Mo isotopes are also identified in mafic rocks, which are closely related to depleted SrNd isotopes. These features are mainly inherited from the subducted dehydrated altered oceanic crust (SAOC)-derived melts. More importantly, the coexisting and significantly high δ26Mg and δ98Mo values of these rocks could not be explained by the SSD or SAOC components, but require serpentinite components in the subarc mantle source. Our study reveals that combined Mo and Mg isotopic studies are potential tools for tracing serpentinite recycling, and provides new insight into the mechanisms by which different subducting components contribute to arc magmatism.