Eastern Jiangnan Orogen Research Articles

Transpression in the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen and its implications for ductile deformation process and regional Tectonics of the South China block

The transpressive deformation in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen during the Early Paleozoic is the structural response to the oblique convergence of the Yangtze-Cathaysia blocks, and this relationship is critical for understanding the tectonics of South China. The Jiangwan–Huangshan shear zone (JHSZ) and Baiji–Sanyang shear zone (BSSZ) exhibit NEE–SSW-trending oblique dextral and sinistral shearing, respectively, and their evolution resulted in local E–W dextral strike-slip shearing. Most kinematic vorticity values range from 0.4 to 0.81, which implies that the JHSZ and BSSZ deformed under the contribution of both pure-shear and simple-shear components, suggesting complicated deformation histories for those orogenic shear zones. The quartz and feldspar deformation mechanisms, opening angles and lattice preferred orientation (LPO) patterns of the quartz c-axis fabrics suggest shear deformation temperatures between 400 and 550 °C in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen. Locally deformation occurred under high-temperature (>600 °C) conditions. Combined with previous data and regional geology, these findings indicate that the shearing deformation in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen accommodated the oblique convergence between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks during the Early Paleozoic, which was possibly caused by the final assembly of Gondwana.

Genetic association between carbonates and gold precipitation mechanisms in the Jinshan deposit, eastern Jiangnan orogen

Carbonates have been traditionally regarded as post-ore minerals in hydrothermal deposits, but they can also occur in pre- and syn-ore stages. However, the genetic relationships between multistage carbonates and gold precipitation mechanisms remain unclear. The Jinshan gold deposit, the largest gold deposit in the eastern Jiangnan orogen, is characterized by the occurrence of abundant hydrothermal carbonates. The nature of the carbonates, especially their association with gold precipitation, was examined in this study through petrographic and geochemical analyses as well as geochemical modeling. Field and petrographic work recognized four paragenesis stages in the Jinshan deposit: (1) quartz (Q1)-carbonate, (2) pyrite-quartz (Q2), (3) gold-polysulfide-quartz (Q3)-carbonate, and (4) chlorite-quartz (Q4)-carbonate. Carbonates associated with gold mineralization are mainly present in the first and third stages. Among them, the first-stage carbonates are pre-ore ankerites (Ank1), which are generally crosscut by syn-ore sulfides. Such carbonates mostly occur in altered host rocks that are characterized by bleaching. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses revealed that chlorite was consumed while ankerite was produced, and Fe contents of the host rocks remained generally unchanged during alteration. Consequently, ankerite (Ank1) is interpreted to have been generated by the interaction of CO2-bearing fluids and chlorite in the host rocks. Geochemical modeling revealed that both Fe-bearing chlorite and ankerite (Ank1) can lead to gold precipitation by triggering sulfidation, but ankerite has higher chemical reactivity and therefore is kinetically favorable for more efficient gold deposition. Syn-ore carbonates were mainly formed in the third stage, primarily consisting of ankerite (Ank2) with minor calcite, and they were coprecipitated with native gold, galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite. Two stages of carbonates shared similar δ13CVPDB values and Pb, Zn, and Cu contents but different Ca, Mg, Mn, and Sr contents, indicating they formed at different stages of the same hydrothermal event. Geochemical modeling demonstrated that pH increases, as indicated by the formation of syn-ore carbonates, together with the consumption of S due to the precipitation of pyrite and arsenopyrite in the second stage, resulted in the decrease of Au, Pb, Zn, and Cu solubility in aqueous fluids. This would have led to the coprecipitation of native gold with galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite, forming the general small-scale but commonly occurring native gold−polysulfide veins in the hydrothermal gold deposits. Consequently, both pre- and syn-ore carbonates in the Jinshan deposit were genetically associated with efficient Au-polymetallic deposition through distinct mechanisms. Pre-ore carbonates caused the large-scale bleaching of the host rocks, while syn-ore carbonates were closely related to native gold−polysulfides, and they can both be used as exploration indicators for the Jinshan deposit and other similar hydrothermal gold deposits worldwide.

Apatite geochemical composition of Mesozoic granitoids in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, S. China: insights into petrogenesis and intrinsic magmatic variables

ABSTRACT The geochemical compositions of apatite are commonly used to provide reliable constraints on the intrinsic magmatic variables of the parental magma. There is a widespread distribution of Mesozoic granitic rocks in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen (EJNO), which include I-type and A-type granitoids. This study aims to investigate the geochemical composition of apatite in 11 representative I-type and A-type granitic intrusions from the EJNO to understand their petrogenesis, intrinsic magmatic variables, and polymetallic mineralization potential. The results show that apatites in these granitoids were characterized by oscillatory zonation and homogeneous texture, and exhibited high F, and low Cl contents, as well as high REE, Y, and Th contents, indicating magmatic origin. These apatites were divided into two groups depending on their geochemical characteristics and original rock types. In Group I apatites (in the I-type granitoids), the absence of an abrupt change in major and trace element concentrations from the core to the rim of the apatite crystals, combined with their low levels of MgO, Sr, and HREY (HREE+Y), serves as evidence to classify the I-type granitoids as low Sr-Y adakitic granitoids with a low Mg#, which can be attributed to the partial melting of the thickened lower crust. In Group A apatites (in the A-type granites), the normal increase in incompatible elements from the core to the rim, as well as the presence of a flat REE pattern with pronounced Eu anomalies, can be attributed to crystal fractionation of plagioclase, allanite, and zircon. Furthermore, Group I apatites have higher SO3, Cl, and molar OH/F and Cl/F ratios compared to Group A apatites. Quantitative calculation by apatite-melt partitioning and modelling suggests that the I-type granitic magmas were more volatile-rich and more oxidized than A-type granitic magmas. Taken together, based on the relationship between the intrinsic magmatic variables and the behaviour of ore-forming elements, our study demonstrates that early I-type granitoids of the EJNO have a strong W-Mo-Cu polymetallic mineralization potential, while late A-type granites may possess rare metal mineralization potential.

Geochronology and geochemistry of basalts from the Yingchuan Formation, eastern Jiangnan Orogen: Implications for the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block

The Neoproterozoic magmatism along the Jiangnan Orogen preserves significant information for understanding the tectonic evolution of the South China Block (SCB). We conducted a systematic zircon U–Pb geochronological and whole‐rock geochemical study on the basalts from the Yingchuan Formation in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, SCB. The basalts yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 817 ± 13 Ma, enriched in Rb, Th, U, LREE and HFSE (e.g., Zr and Ti). The basalts have positive εNd(t) (+1.9 to +2.1) and high (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.69853–0.70737), indicating a slightly depleted mantle source. The high La/Nb (2.14–2.35) and La/Ta (28.6–33.3) ratios indicate a lithospheric mantle source for the basalts. Their high Ba/Yb (7.85–44.3) and Th/Yb (0.59–0.74) ratios and high absolute Nb contents (7.64–11.6 ug/g) indicate that the lithospheric mantle source has been metasomatized by melts and fluids derived from a subducted slab. The basalts are characterized by (La/Yb) N ratios (3.0–3.5) and Sm/Nd ratios (0.24–0.26), comparable to intra‐continental back arc basin basalts (BABBs). Their Ta/Yb (0.14–0.16) and Th/Yb (0.59–0.74) ratios are similar to those of Okinawa Trough basalts and contemporary mafic rocks formed in the back‐arc basin in the Jiangnan Orogen. Combined with their source features, we propose that the basalts were formed in a back‐arc basin setting. The identification of BABBs from the Yingchuan Formation shows that there were Neoproterozoic back‐arc basins in the south‐eastern Yangtze Block, indicating that the final assembly between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks did not occur before ca. 817 Ma.

Intra‐continental Orogeny: Insights from Magnetotelluric Data into the Mesozoic Uplift History of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen in South China

AbstractDespite extensive efforts to understand the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen in South China, the orogenic process and its mechanism remain a matter of dispute. Previous geodynamic studies have mostly focused on collisional orogeny, which is commonly invoked to explain the Jiangnan Orogen. However, it is difficult for such hypotheses to reconcile all the geological and geophysical data, especially the absence of ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic rocks. Based on the magnetotelluric data, we present a group of resistivity models produced through the combination of two ‐dimensional and three‐dimensional inversions, revealing the geo‐electrical structures of Jiangnan and a typical collisional orogen. In our models, the resistive crust is separated into three parts by a prominent conductive layer with opposite dipping directions on both sides. A special thrust‐nappe system, which is different from that developed in a typical collisional process, is revealed in the Jiangnan Orogen. This structure suggests a process different from the simple collisional orogeny. To interpret our observations, an ‘intra‐continental orogeny’ is proposed to address the development of the Jiangnan Orogen in the Mesozoic. Furthermore, this ‘reworked’ process may contain at least two stages caused by the decoupling of the lithosphere, which is revealed by an extra conductive layer beneath Jiangnan.

Timing and Provenance Transition of the Neoproterozoic Wuling Unconformity and Xihuangshan Unconformity of the Yangtze Block: Responses to Peripheral Orogenic Events

Middle Neoproterozoic sedimentary strata are widely distributed on the periphery of the Yangtze Block. In the western Jiangnan Orogen, they are divided into the Lengjiaxi and Banxi groups by the “Wuling unconformity,” and the Banxi Group is further divided into the Madiyi Formation and Wuqiangxi Formation by the “Xihuangshan unconformity.” However, the timing and tectonic significance of the Wuling and Xihuangshan unconformities remain unclear, which hampers our understanding of the Precambrian tectonic evolution of the Yangtze Block. Zircon U–Pb dating and Lu–Hf isotopic analysis were performed on the sedimentary rocks above and below the two unconformity boundaries in the western Jiangnan Orogen. These data were used to trace sedimentary provenance and provide new insights into the basin evolution and tectonic significance of the unconformities. Combined with previous studies, the Wuling unconformity is bracketed to have formed between ~830 and 813 Ma, and the provenance of the sediments above the unconformity remained unchanged. The detrital zircons from the upper parts of the Lengjiaxi Group and lower parts of the Banxi Group show the primary peak ages of 800–1000 Ma, 1.0–1.30 Ga, 1.40–1.90 Ga, and 2.30–2.60 Ga, and the provenance mainly derived from the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block, Cathaysia Block, and Jiangnan Orogen. The provenance from the Cathaysia Block occurred in the upper part of the Lengjiaxi Group, indicating that the Yangtze Block and Cathaysia Block merged in the western Jiangnan Orogen earlier than the formation time of the Wuling unconformity (~830–813 Ma) and the collisional time in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen (~820–800 Ma). Thus, the collision between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks may have undergone a scissor-like closure process from west to east. The formation time of the Xihuangshan unconformity was at ~800–779 Ma. The field contact relationships changed from an angular unconformity to a disconformity and then to conformity, from north to south, indicating that the Xihuangshan unconformity was controlled by tectonic movement in the north. The provenance of the sedimentary strata changed above the Xihuangshan unconformity. The detrital zircon age peaks of the upper Banxi Group are 755–1000 Ma, 1.90–2.10 Ga, and 2.35–2.70 Ga, and the detritus were derived from the northern margin of the Yangtze Block and the Jiangnan Orogen. This unconformity is coeval with that of the ~800–780 Ma collisional orogeny at the northern and northwestern margins of the Yangtze Block. Thus, the Xihuangshan unconformity is likely a response to the collision orogeny in the northern and northwestern margins of the Yangtze Block and induces the transition of sedimentary provenance.

Petrogenesis of the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous granites in the Taiping–Huangshan area, north‐eastern Yangtze Block, China

Yanshanian magmatisms are intensive in the eastern Jiangnan orogen and can be divided into early (150–136 Ma) and late (136–120 Ma) stages. About these granitic rocks, the petrogenesis and associated tectonic setting are still hotly debated. The Taiping–Huangshan complex, a representative granitic rock in this region, is selected to perform geochemical studies. Three lithologic units have been identified in the Taiping–Huangshan complex: granodiorite, monzogranite, and alkali‐feldspar granite with zircon U–Pb dating results of 149–144 Ma, 148 Ma, and 135–131 Ma, respectively, belonging to the early stage for the granodiorite and monzogranite, and late stage for the alkali‐feldspar granite. The granodiorite and monzogranite have similar major and trace element characteristics with intermediate‐acidic SiO2 contents ranging from 65.9 to 69.7 wt.%, low Mg# values of 35.8–38.4, enriched LREE, Pb, Th, and U contents, and weak Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.71–0.79). The alkali‐feldspar granite is characterized by high SiO2 contents (73.3–76.6 wt.%), low Mg# (2.6–10.0), enriched Th, U, Ta, Pb, and Nd, depleted high‐field‐strength elements, and pronounced negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.01–0.19). The granodiorite and monzogranite have consistent εHf(t) (−5.38 to −9.41) and δ18O (7.18‰ to 11.00‰) values, while the alkali‐feldspar granite has elevated εHf(t) values (−0.96 to −6.48) and δ18O values (6.27‰ to 8.34‰). Integrated geochemical characteristics and batch partial melting modelling constrain that the early stage granitic rocks derived from ca. 8% batch melting of the Neoproterozoic juvenile crust, and the late‐stage granites derived from a similar crust source with a little contribution from mantle. From early to late stage, the tectonic setting translated from post‐orogenic to anorogenic and the later corresponded to a back‐arc extensional setting as increasing of the slab subducted angle of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate.

Petrogenesis of two types of gabbro from Neoproterozoic Fuchuan ophiolite complex, Jiangnan Orogen: Implication for a Japan Sea‐like back‐arc basin

AbstractThe Neoproterozoic Fuchuan ophiolite complex (FCO) represents the lithospheric remnant of the back‐arc basin in the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton. However, the nature and development of this back‐arc system are still confusing. This study focuses on the tholeiitic gabbros in the FCO, which can be divided into enriched and depleted types according to their geochemical characteristics. Enriched gabbros (843 ± 5 Ma) in the FCO are characterized by left‐sloping rare earth element (REE) patterns and relatively low εHf(t) (mostly in the range of 4.6–7.8). In contrast, depleted gabbros are slightly younger (838 ± 5 Ma) and isotopically more depleted (εHf(t) mostly in 7.7–11.8) than enriched gabbros, exhibiting flat REE patterns. Based on geochemical variations and numerical modeling, the primary magmas of enriched gabbros were generated by a low degree (~14 %) partial melting of the melt‐modified depleted mantle. In contrast, the more depleted isotopic composition and variable Ba/Th and V/Yb ratios of depleted gabbros suggest that their magmas have originated from a higher degree (~14–26 %) partial melting of the fluid‐modified residual depleted mantle. Considering that the most ~860–830 Ma magmatism in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen is calc‐alkaline, the Neoproterozoic back‐arc basin where the FCO formed could be sialic and built on the thinning continental crust, resembling the Japan Sea. The occurrences of tholeiitic gabbros in the FCO thus provide crucial insights into the opening of the back‐arc basin in the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton. The changes of mantle source nature and metasomatic agent reflect the upwelling of the depleted asthenosphere and oceanward retreading of the continental arc during the back‐arc opening. Consequently, the early continental arc in the southeastern Yangtze Craton may have been transformed into a new island arc, resembling the formation of the northeast Honshu arc during the Miocene.

Structural and rheological features of the northeastern Sanyang shear zone in the eastern Jiangnan orogen: Indications for early Paleozoic orogeny in the South China Block

The N55°E−trending Sanyang shear zone is located in the eastern Jiangnan orogen, and the northeastern junction between the Cathaysia and Yangtze blocks is the key to understanding the evolution of the South China Block (SCB) for early Paleozoic crustal reworking. Most shear-sense indicators (e.g., asymmetric folds, porphyroclasts, S–C fabrics, and mica fish) indicate that the Sanyang shear zone is characterized mainly by oblique sinistral shear and locally by dextral shear. Mineral deformation behavior, quartz C-axis fabrics, and the Kruhl thermometer demonstrate that shear deformation developed under high greenschist-to low amphibolite facies conditions with temperatures ranging from 450 to 550 °C. Differential stresses deduced from recrystallized quartz grain sizes were approximately 22.4–46.5 MPa, and strain rates were on the order of 10−9 to 10−10 S−1. Three dimensional (3D) strain ellipsoid measurements and the Flinn diagram of the Sanyang shear zone indicate that all samples yield oblate and flattened strain ellipsoids, which imply a contractional regime. The kinematic vorticity (Wk) 0.716–0.999, estimated by using 3D strain ellipsoid-based methods, indicates a high simple shear contribution in the shear zone. All structural, strain, and vorticity analyses suggest that the Sanyang shear zone experienced general shear with transpression. The numerical estimates allow kinematic modeling of the Sanyang shear zone, which provides important information about the structural framework for the SCB. The development of the Sanyang shear zone was a response to the oblique convergence of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks during the early Paleozoic orogeny.

Ephemeral Magma Reservoirs During the Incremental Growth of the Neoproterozoic Jiuling Composite Batholith in South China

AbstractLarge‐volume magma bodies in the crust are crucial to magmatic differentiation and intracrustal mass redistribution. Their magmatic residence timescales during solidification in the upper crust reflect the intensity of magmatic activity and control the formation of economic deposits. Here we explore the use of zircon crystal size distributions (CSDs) and oxygen isotopic diffusion modeling to constrain the magmatic timescales of the four main intrusions of the Neoproterozoic Jiuling composite batholith in eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China. We present laser‐ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb ages and co‐registered secondary ion mass spectrometry zircon O isotopes for the four main intrusions. The dating results show that the intrusions were emplaced at 826–810 Ma, with a few inherited zircon domains in the range of 3,800–3,835 Ma. The magmatic zircon grains/rims commonly have wide δ18O variations from 5.9‰ to 13.1‰, and magmatic centers have similar δ18O ranges (3.9‰–12.2‰) to those of inherited zircon domains (3.8‰–11.4‰). The application of zircon CSD measurements reveals short zircon crystallization timescales and thus possible magmatic residence times in the order of 103–104 yr, consistent with the maximum residence times (18–47 kyr, as an upper limit) constrained by zircon oxygen isotopic diffusion modeling. This study of such ephemeral reservoirs provides unique insights into the state of magmas and the processes that occur within magma reservoirs.

Coexisting Early Cretaceous arc-type and OIB-type mafic magmatic rocks in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China Block: Implications for paleo-Pacific plate subduction

Mafic magmatic rocks can provide important information about the nature of mantle source, material recycling, and mechanism of crust–mantle interaction. However, owing to the scarcity of such rocks, the nature and evolution of the Late Mesozoic mantle source beneath southeastern China have not been well constrained. Here, we present data on zircon UPb ages, whole-rock major and trace elements, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes for two types of simultaneous mafic intrusive rocks from the eastern Jiangnan Orogen (EJNO), with the aim of providing insights into their petrogenesis and the relationship of extensive Late Mesozoic magmatism in southeastern China and subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. The Qukou diabases (~ 128 Ma) show a subalkaline affinity and have a mean Mg# value of 53.4. They exhibit arc-like trace-element distribution patterns, namely, enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), Ba, Th, and U, and depletion in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, as well as moderately radiogenic Sr and chondritic Nd isotopic compositions, with 87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7057–0.7063 and εNd(t) = −1.01 to 1.13. In contrast, the Yangboping gabbros (~ 125 Ma) belong to alkaline basalt and have a mean Mg# value of 56.8. They present OIB-like trace-element characteristics, show enrichment in LREEs, Sr, and Ba, and no depletion in Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ti, and possess highly radiogenic Sr and weakly nonradiogenic Nd isotopes of 87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7096–0.7114 and εNd(t) = −0.97 to −0.11. These geochemical features suggest that the Qukou diabases were generated by partial melting of a pyroxenitic source region, and this pyroxenitic mantle source was formed via the metasomatism by HFSE-depleted hydrous melts of subducted slab-derived terrigenous sediments, whereas the Yangboping gabbros were generated from a metasomatite that formed by metasomatic reaction between depleted MORB mantle and subducted slab-derived HFSE-enriched hydrous melts, in which the ratios of altered oceanic crust-derived melts to sediment-derived melts were 90:10–60:40. The differences in trace-element and isotopic compositions of these two types of mafic magmatic rocks suggest that their mantle sources were metasomatized by hydrous melts from different depths: the HFSE-depleted hydrous melts were from the shallow depths (<80 km), whereas the HFSE-enriched melts were from the greater depths (>200 km), indicating that the subducted oceanic slab would have founded/broken off to provide enough heat to melt the subducted oceanic crust. Consequently, we propose that the flat-slab subduction and slab break-off model of the paleo-Pacific plate was the most likely geodynamic mechanism for Late Mesozoic magmatism in the South China Block.

Redox states and protoliths of Late Mesozoic granitoids in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen: Implications for W, Mo, Cu, Sn, and (Au) mineralization

• Late Mesozoic granites in eastern Jiangnan Orogen include 154–136 and 136–126 Ma. • Zircon and biotite parameters reveal redox state of Late Mesozoic granitoids. • Early stage granitoids originate from metasedimentary & volcanic–sedimentary rocks. • Late stage granitoids originate from anatexis with various mantle-derived melts. • Magmatic redox states and protoliths controlled the diverse mineralization . Late Mesozoic magmatism is extensively developed in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen and is closely related to W, Mo, Cu, Au, and Sn mineralization. Late Mesozoic granitoids show various petrological and mineralizing features that vary spatially (northern Jiangxi Province and southern Anhui Province) and temporally (early stage: 154 to 136 Ma, late stage: 136 to 126 Ma). In this study, we analyzed zircon trace element data from four Late Mesozoic granitoids. Together with published zircon trace element data and biotite compositions from granitoids in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen and W–Sn, Mo and Cu deposits, we use these data to determine the magmatic redox state of the Late Mesozoic granitoids, which is useful in determining mineralization competency and is instructive during exploration. The results show that early stage granitoids of southern Anhui Province are oxidized, characterized by high zircon Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ (median = 278), Ce/Nd (median = 17.1), and Eu N /Eu N * (median = 0.42) ratios, and high biotite Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ ratios (median = 0.23) and X Mg values (median = 0.48). The late stage granitoids of southern Anhui Province are relatively reduced, showing lower zircon Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ (median = 49.7), Ce/Nd (median = 12.7), and Eu N /Eu N * (median = 0.16) ratios, and lower biotite Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ ratios (median = 0.11) and X Mg values (median = 0.38). The early stage granitoids of northern Jiangxi Province show a somewhat reduced redox state. They have comparatively low zircon Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ (median = 17.28), Ce/Nd (median = 4.50), and Eu N /Eu N * (median = 0.17) ratios, and comparatively low biotite Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ ratios (median = 0.07, N = 160) and X Mg values (median = 0.35). The late stage granitoids of northern Jiangxi Province are strongly reduced, characterized by low zircon Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ (median = 17.03), Ce/Nd (median = 0.72), and Eu N /Eu N * (median = 0.02) ratios, and low biotite Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ ratios (median = 0.06) and X Mg values (median = 0.25). Geochemical and isotopic data reveal that early stage granitoids in northern Jiangxi Province were sourced from Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, whereas those in southern Anhui Province originated from Neoproterozoic volcanic–sedimentary sequences. The late stage granitoids in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen formed under an extensional regime and were generated by anatexis with various mantle inputs. The results suggest that early stage granitoids of southern Anhui Province have the potential for Cu (>1 Mt) and Mo (>0.3 Mt) mineralization, whereas late stage granitoids are related to W, Cu (<1 Mt), and Mo (<0.3 Mt). In northern Jiangxi Province, the highly evolved and relatively reduced early stage granitoids have more potential to form large- to super-large-scale W mineralization, with subordinate Cu (<1 Mt) and Mo (<0.3 Mt) mineralization, whereas the similarly reduced and evolved late stage granitoids are closely associated with large- to super-large-scale Sn and W mineralization, with subordinate Cu (<1 Mt) and Mo (<0.3 Mt) mineralization. Different magmatic redox states and protoliths have controlled diverse mineralization in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen.

Petrogenesis of Neoproterozoic rare metal granite-pegmatite suite in Jiangnan Orogen and its implications for rare metal mineralization of peraluminous rock in South China

Recent studies have demonstrated the Mesozoic explosive metallogeny of rare metals in China; however, Precambrian rare metal mineralization event is rarely reported or studied. The Jiangnan Orogen (JO) is a well-preserved Neoproterozoic orogenic belt in South China, and although it abounds with a huge amount of Neoproterozoic granitoids, lacks the equivalent amount granitic pegmatite. In this study, the geology, mineralogy, whole-rock composition, zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope compositions of the Fanjingshan granite and surrounding rare metal pegmatites, and bulk composition of sedimentary wall rocks of the Taojinhe Formation in Guizhou province, western Jiangnan Orogen (JO), were studied to reveal the petrogenesis of the granite and pegmatite and the source relationship of the pegmatite with the Paleozoic and Mesozoic rare metal ore deposits in South China. The Fanjingshan granite and pegmatite both show Sn-Ta-Nb mineralization and have consistent zircon U-Pb ages of ca. 830 Ma, indicating the existence of the Neoproterozoic rare metal granite-pegmatite suite in the JO. The geology, mineralogy, whole-rock composition and zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope study results demonstrate that the Fanjingshan rare metal pegmatite belongs to the Li-P-B-Sn-Ta-Nb granitic pegmatite in the Chemical composition-Mineral assemblage-Structural geology (CMS) classification (Dill, 2016), and has close spatial–temporal and source-differentiation connections with the Fanjingshan granite. The petrography and whole-rock composition studies revealed that the Taojinhe formation was formed by the deposition of mature and immature source materials from acidic igneous rocks in a continental arc setting. Comparison of the Hf isotope compositions of the Fangjingshan granite-pegmatite suite with those of the Fangjinshan Group and the high Li, Sn, Rb, W, Ta and Nb background concentrations in the Taojinhe Formation support the conclusion that the Taojinhe Formation was a contributing source to the granite-pegmatite suite. A comparative study of the Fanjingshan granite with synchronous S-type granitoids revealed that the granitoids in the eastern and western JO have distinct sources and degrees of differentiation, indicating the limited ore-forming potential of the Neoproterozoic granitoids in the eastern JO. The Fanjingshan rare-metal granite-pegmatite suite has consistent Hf isotope model ages of 1.6–2.3 Ga with the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Nb-Ta ± Sn-W ± Be-Li ore deposits in South China, indicating a common origin from the Paleoproterozoic crust and the source inheritance of the western JO from the Cathaysia Block.

Rectifying the Neoproterozoic Stratigraphic Framework of Eastern Jiangnan Orogen, Southeast China

AbstractStudies on the metamorphic and related magmatic rocks within the Jiangnan Orogen, southern China, are important to understand the formation and evolution of this Neoproterozoic orogen because they can provide evidence for revealing the tectonic evolution of the South China Block. Following on from earlier attempts at stratigraphic correlation and creating a framework for the low‐grade metamorphosed basement, new first‐hand information on the composition and deformation of the East Jiangnan Orogen basement indicates that the sedimentary rocks in the north are composed of the sequential Shangxi Group (Gp) and the overlying Likou Gp, with a clear regional unconformity in between. The Likou Gp includes the Zhentou Formation (Fm.) and the Dengjia Fm., with the previously named Puling Fm. only basalt interbeds within the Dengjia Fm. The Xucun granodiorite pluton of ∼830 Ma intrudes the Shangxi Gp, thereby resulting in a 100 m‐wide hornfels zone within the wall rocks, indicating that the formation of the group occurred earlier than that of the pluton. By contrast, the southern metamorphic rocks of the Xikou Gp and the overlying Jingtan Fm. are flaky, disordered, and strongly deformed. The Jingtan Fm. is roughly equivalent to the Heshangzhen Gp and includes the Zhoujiacun conglomerates in the lower part and a rhyolite in the upper part with interbedded basalt. This assessment of Neoproterozoic stratigraphic sequences and magmatic rocks in the east of the Jiangnan Orogen differs from and rectifies previous studies, emphasizing that explanation of analytical results, particularly geochronology, should be consistent with facts gathered in the field.

Post-collisional ca. 800 Ma A-type felsic volcanic rocks in the eastern Jiangnan orogen, South China

Abstract Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the Jiangnan orogen can provide important information to unravel the tectonic evolution of the South China Block and are thus important for the reconstruction of Rodinia. Dacites and rhyolites in the Shangshu region, the eastern Jiangnan orogen, contain zircon grains with U-Pb ages of ca. 800 Ma. These felsic rocks have high Ga/Al ratios (2.3–3.7) and HFSE and HREE contents relative to the primitive mantle, thus resembling A-type granitoids. Dacites have negative zircon eHf(t) values (–2.8 to –18.7), indicative of derivation from primary magmas generated by partial melting of ancient continental crust. In contrast, rhyolites show positive eHf(t) values (+1.9 to +8.8) and are explained as derived from partial melting of juvenile lower mafic crust. Felsic volcanic rocks in Shangshu were formed in a post-orogenic extension setting shortly after the final amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks at around 830 Ma. Combining our results with the previously published ones, we demonstrate that the 800 Ma extension-related magmatic activity was likely the earliest phase of the Neoproterozoic rifting in the South China Block. The tectonic transition from continental collision to a post-orogenic setting should have occurred after ca. 800 Ma.

Early Palaeozoic deformation features and tectonic implications in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Constraints from structural analysis of north–north‐east ductile shear zones and relevant dating

The north–north‐east‐trending (NNE) shear zones, which are defined by the Jiekou shear zone and Huangmao shear zone, are located in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen. This article provides kinematics, geochronological data, and dynamics on the Jiekou and Huangmao shear zones and serves as a reference for understanding the tectonic evolution in the South China Block during the Early Palaeozoic orogeny. All shearing signatures show that the Huangmao shear zone is dextral, and the Jiekou shear zone is sinistral. Both shear zones have certain genetic connections. The rocks from the Jiekou and Huangmao shear zones are metamorphosed and deformed into protomylonite and mylonite. Results of the deformation fabrics of feldspar and quartz and quartz c‐axis fabric analysis indicate that the ductile deformation temperatures of the Jiekou shear zone sinistral shearing are ~400–500°C. Dextral shearing with medium–high temperature (450–550°C) is mainly recorded in the Huangmao shear zone. In combination with the previous geochronology, NNE‐trending sinistral and dextral shearing in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen occurred at 465–430 Ma, coeval with the Early Palaeozoic orogeny. Therefore, the geodynamics of the NNE‐trending shear zones is related to a major strain transformation from NW to WNW, which is remotely affected by the intracontinental convergence of Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks during the Early Palaeozoic orogeny.

Petrogenesis of the Late Mesozoic gabbros in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Characteristics of the lithospheric mantle

As we know, mantle‐derived mafic rocks can be used to effectively trace the nature of the mantle source and constrain the regional tectonic setting and evolution. Recently, a Late Mesozoic mafic intrusive body (Huangmao pluton) has been found in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen (EJO). In this study, we investigate this pluton using petrography, whole‐rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, and geochronology. The Huangmao pluton is primarily composed of a fine‐grained gabbro‐diabase, which is characterized by consistent SiO2, MgO, Fe2O3T, and TiO2 contents. These gabbros exhibit continental crust‐like trace element signatures, i.e., enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE), Pb, and light rare earth elements (LREE), but depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE). In addition, the Huangmao gabbros have moderate initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.7065–0.7080) and slightly negative to weakly positive εNd(t) value (−2.06 to +0.84). Finally, U–Pb zircon dating confirms that the Huangmao pluton was emplaced in the Late Jurassic (152.6 ± 3.1 Ma). Through an integrated geochemical analysis, these Late Mesozoic gabbros were genetically originated from an enriched lithospheric mantle source, which formed by a metasomatic reaction between mantle peridotite and sediment‐derived felsic melt. Consequently, the lithologies of the metasomatite were predominantly pyroxenites with a small amount of pyroxene‐rich peridotites. Considering the large distance between the modern trench and the EJO, the flat‐slab subduction and rollback model of the palaeo‐Pacific Plate is the most reasonable interpretation of the geodynamic setting that resulted in Late Mesozoic magmatism in the EJO.

Sedimentary Facies, Provenance and Geochronology of the Heshangzhen Group: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China

AbstractThe Neoproterozoic Jiangnan orogen plays an important role in the study of the Precambrian tectonic evolution of South China. The tectonic nature of the Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins is still controversial, due to poor understanding of the sedimentary sequences and the lack of geochronological data. Here, we present sedimentological, provenance and geochronological data from the Heshangzhen Group in the eastern Jiangnan orogen. Sedimentological analysis shows that the Luojiamen Formation was deposited in a submarine fan, and the overlying Hongchicun Formation was deposited in front of a fan delta. The youngest detrital zircons constrain the lower Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations with ages of 827.3 ± 8.4 Ma and 825 ± 12 Ma, respectively. The sandstones of the Luojiamen Formation are characterized by a large number of intermediate to felsic volcanic grains, suggesting a volcanic arc source. In contrast, quartz and sedimentary lithic grains increase in the Hongchicun Formation, showing a new input from a collisional orogenic source. Detrital zircon from six sandstone samples in the Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations yield similar age spectra of 930–820 Ma with a peak at ca. 845–860 Ma, with one main cluster at 930–820 Ma. Detrital zircons of 930–845 Ma show a positive value of ∊Hf (t) (+2.4 to +11, mean +7.6), which is similar to the volcanic arc of the nearby Shuangxiwu Group. There are a minor group of zircons with U‐Pb ages ranging from 820 Ma to 845 Ma from the middle part of the Luojiamen Formation and Hongchicun Formation, with ∊Hf (t) values between –20 to +2.4, which are consistent with the characteristics of the Shuangqiaoshan Group. within light of the bidirectional paleocurrents in the Luojiamen Formation, it is speculated that the zircons of 820–845 Ma were recycled from the Shuangqiaoshan Group, which is derived from a continental arc to the northwest. Our data suggests that the Luojiamen Formation was formed in an inter‐arc basin, while the Hongchicun Formation was formed in an accretionary wedge‐top basin. When juxtaposed with the conglomeratic characteristics at the bottom of the Luojiamen Formation, it is believed that the unconformity represented by the ‘Shen Gong Movement’ reflects the rapid erosion and accumulation process of island arc volcanic material. The disconformity between the Luojiamen and Hongchicun formations is the imprint of transition from inter‐arc basin to accretionary wedge‐top basin, which represents the collision between the Shuangxiwu arc and the Yangtze Plate.

Geochronology, Geochemistry, Whole Rock Sr‐Nd and Zircon Hf‐O Isotopes of the Early Neoproterozoic Volcanic Rocks in Jiangshan, Eastern Part of the Jiangnan Orogen: Constraints on Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

AbstractThis paper presents the results of combined studies of geochronology, geochemistry, whole rock Sr‐Nd and zircon Hf‐O isotopes carried out upon the rhyodacite and ignimbrite of Shangshu village, Shangyu town and Shanghupeng village of Jiangshan City in Zhejiang Province, along the northwestern side of the Jiangshan–Shaoxing suture. SHRIMP zircon U‐Pb dating of samples in the three areas yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 842.8 ± 6.9 Ma and 850.0 ± 7.3 Ma, 839 ± 9 Ma and 832.2 ± 8.1 Ma, 828.3 ± 8.5 Ma and 836.9 ± 9.9 Ma, respectively. These ages are older than the volcanic rocks of the Shangshu Formation dated at around 780 Ma distributed in Fuyang City, Hangzhou City, Kaihua County, etc. The volcanic rocks generally have high SiO2 (54.08–76.80 wt%) and Al2O3 (12.40–21.31 wt%), low Fe2O3 (0.68–8.92 wt%), MgO (0.29–2.49 wt%), CaO (0.12–2.86 wt%), TiO2 (0.10–1.59 wt%) and P2O5 (0.01–0.39 wt%), with variable total alkalis (K2O + Na2O =5.42–8.29 wt%). There exists a clear negative correlation between SiO2 and P2O5. The volcanic rocks have A/CNK ratios of 1.03–2.77 and thus are peraluminous. They are characterized by enrichment in LREE, Rb, Ba, Zr, Hf, K, Th, La, U and depletion in Nb, Sr, P, Ti, with distinct LREE and HREE fractionation of (La/Yb)N values of 5.68–11.67, and with a moderate negative Eu anomaly (&amp;Eu=0.58–0.89). Whole‐rock geochemical data shows that the Jiangshan volcanic rocks are possibly I‐type granitic rocks, even though they have some characteristics of A&amp;S‐type granites due to the magma fractional crystallization and water‐rock interaction. Zircon δ18O values are 3.97‰–5.49‰ (average 4.50‰), 2.90‰–5.21‰ (average 4.32‰) for ignimbrite from Shangshu village section, and Shanghupeng village section, respectively. They are slightly lower than the average δ18O values of igneous zircons in equilibrium with mantle magmas (5.3 ± 0.6‰ (2σ)), the lower δ18O value also demonstrating the presence of high temperature water‐rock interactions. The ignimbrite rocks have positive ∊Nd(t) (4.02, 3.37, 3.91, 4.74, 2.85, 4.39, totals from the three areas) and ∊Nd(t) (in‐situ zircon) (4.3–14.6, a weighted mean of 8.4; 6.6–12.7, a weighted mean of 9.0; 8.1–12.0, a weighted mean of 9.5, respectively, from the three areas). In conjunction with the trace element studies, they indicate that the source region of the Jiangshan volcanic rocks was mainly composed of juvenile lower crustal material, mixed with some mantle‐sourced magma. Detailed elemental and isotopic data suggest that the Jiangshan volcanic rocks were formed in a continental arc setting. There is a series of ca. 860–830 Ma volcanic rocks formed in a back‐arc extensional setting in the southern margin of the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, along the northwest side of the Jiangshan–Shaoxing suture. The first stage rift‐related anorogenic magmatism may have occurred as early as ca. 860 Ma in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen.

Geochronology, petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the early Cretaceous granitoids in the Jingde-Guangde area, Anhui province, South China

The eastern Jiangnan Orogen comprises two tectonic units: the initial defined Jiangnan Orogen (IJO) and the eastern extension area of the Jiangnan Orogen (EEJO). Ten granitoid intrusions with ages from 152 to 130 Ma in the EEJO, were selected for integrated studies. Therein, I-type granodiorites and monzogranites (152–135 Ma) had SiO2 contents of 62.5–69.0 wt%, total alkali contents of 6.2–7.9 wt%, and a narrow range of A/CNK (0.91–1.03). They also showed enrichment of LILE, depletion in HFSE, slightly Eu negative anomalies. I-A transform-type monzogranites and K-feldspar granites (135–130 Ma) exhibited a systematic higher SiO2 (64.6–74.5 wt%) and total alkali contents of 7.8–10.1 wt%, but low Al2O3 (13.42–15.75 wt%), Fe2O3T (1.29–4.00 wt%), MgO content (0.16–1.32 wt%) with more significant Eu and Sr negative anomalies. Whole rock εNd(t) and 87Sr/86Sr(t) values of the granodiorite-monzogranites fall into the ranges of −8.8 to −6.1 and 0.7080–0.7112, respectively. Their εHf(t) and δ18O values are from −11.4 to −3.1 and 7.12‰ to 10.03‰. The monzogranites and K-feldspar granites show relatively higher εNd(t) values (−6.1 to −5.4) and narrow 87Sr/86Sr(t) ratios (0.7086–0.7104). Their εHf(t) and δ18O values range from −9.3 to −3.3 and 7.23‰ to 10.09‰. These rocks dominantly derived from partial melting of the early Neoproterozoic accretionary crust, indicating that the EEJO should belong to the Jiangnan Orogen. The presence of I-A transform-type rocks implies that the tectonic geodynamic frame transformed from compression to extension might have took place at 135 Ma.