Middle-lower Crust Research Articles

The magmatic plumbing beneath the Wudalianchi volcanic region, northeast China, is recharged by magma reservoirs under Keluo volcano

The intraplate magmatic systems of the Wudalianchi potassic volcanic region in northeast China have historically exhibited eruption activity, and there is evidence that they retain the potential for future eruptions. However, the characteristics of this complex volcanic region remain debated and poorly understood due to the relatively low resolution of existing crustal tomography. Here we present a high-resolution shear-wave velocity model of the crust and uppermost mantle obtained by applying full-waveform ambient noise tomography to data recorded at 106 recently deployed broadband seismic stations. Our results reveal two vertical low-velocity anomalies discovered beneath the Nuominhe and Keluo volcanoes, which appear to be magma ascending pathways connecting a mantle source and crustal reservoirs. A horizontally interconnected low-velocity zone in the middle-lower crust indicates a magmatic migration pathway transporting potassium-rich melts directly among the potassic volcanic units. In addition, the Wudalianchi volcano is likely recharged by deeper and larger crustal magma reservoirs under the Keluo volcano. The unique geometries of the magmatic plumbing systems provide valuable seismic evidence for the volcanic eruption dynamics and potential volcanic hazards.

Reworking of a Caledonian (Early Paleozoic) granodiorite porphyry in a collisional zone in South China and its contribution for tungsten mineralization

A newly discovered ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry in the Chuankou tungsten (W) ore field is the largest W deposit formed during the Indosinian (Triassic) collision event in South China. As such, its genesis and relationship to W mineralization in the region remains ambiguous. Zircon U–Pb dating demonstrates that the Chuankou granodiorite porphyry was emplaced at 436.1 ± 0.8 Ma, predating the Triassic W mineralization in the ore field. The granodiorite porphyry is characterized by low Zr + Nb + Ce + Y concentrations (100–294 ppm), 10000 Ga/Al values (2.09–2.62), indicating that it is a weakly fractionated I-type granite. Variably negative εHf(t) values of −10.2 to −2.48 and TDM2 values of 2.06–1.06 Ga suggest crystallization from a partial melt of amphibolite, with minor contributions of metasedimentary rock in the middle–lower crust during the Caledonian collisional event. Given its low degrees of differentiation, the Chuankou granodiorite porphyry is inferred to have low mineralization potential. The presence of abundant fluorite in the granodiorite porphyry, coupled with elevated whole-rock F contents (0.4–4.1 wt%), suggests that volatile (F) involvement in Indosinian W mineralization might partially originate from the Caledonian granodiorite porphyry. Furthermore, the elevated whole-rock W contents, which exceeds those of granites related to W mineralization from regional (including Indosinian granites in the Chuankou W ore field), and other regions worldwide, indicate that W in the granodiorite porphyry was likely added to the ore-forming fluids during Indosinian magmatic–hydrothermal events. Consequently, we infer that W in the Caledonian Chuankou granodiorite porphyry was mobilized by F-rich fluids and potentially served as a partial source for the Indosinian mineralization.

Supra-subduction thickening of a continental back-arc: Ediacaran–early Cambrian (Baikalian) metamorphism in the NE Baidrag block (Mongolian Collage)

In-situ monazite geochronology with P–T modelling of Barrovian-type metasediments was carried in the Burd Gol zone, NE Baidrag block. The P–T peak recorded by Grt−Sil migmatite is ∼780 °C, 7.5 kbar; by Grt–St–Ky gneiss ∼690 °C, 10 kbar and by Grt schist ∼590 °C, 8 kbar. Monazite ages related to metamorphic peaks indicate diachronous burial events, c. 570–565 Ma for the Grt–Sil migmatite, c. 565–560 Ma for the Grt–St–Ky gneiss, and at c. 538 Ma for the Grt schist. Tonian Grt–St schist recorded new monazite crystallization at c. 546–543 Ma. By c. 545–542 Ma, the Grt–Sil migmatite and Grt–St–Ky gneiss experienced exhumation to ∼5 kbar, while the Grt schist underwent burial. Further exhumation is dated by xenotime, rutile and monazite alteration down to c. 515 Ma. The data suggest a prolonged orogenic cycle initiated by burial of distal orogenic core to the depths of ∼35 km at c. 570–565 Ma while the proximal continental margin was buried at c. 545–538 Ma. The higher-grade core was subsequently exhumed to the middle crust at c. 550–540 Ma and the orogenic activity ceased at c. 515 Ma. The difference in metamorphic gradients around 570–560 Ma, with ∼27–28 °C/km for the Grt–Sil migmatite and ∼18–19 °C/km for the Grt–St–Ky gneiss suggests lateral variations as a result of localized juxtaposition of migmatite-magmatite lower-middle crust with colder regions. A new model shows the Burd Gol zone as a progressively thickened and exhumed continental back-arc system beneath the supracrustal 590–570 Ma continental back-arc represented by the adjacent Ulziit Gol unit. The data provide important constraint on the timing and mechanisms of orogenic Baikal cycle at the margin of the Siberian Craton.

Eocene tearing and fragmentation of Indian lithosphere beneath the Woka rift, southern Tibet

When and how the syncontractional N-S−trending rifts formed in the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau are crucial, yet unsolved issues that could help establish the interplay between geodynamic evolution and uplift of the plateau. Recent geophysical observations indicate that although Indian lithosphere tearing is the most likely trigger for rift formation, the timing of this tearing remains uncertain. To address this issue, we studied the Woka rift, which represents a typical N-S−trending rift in southern Tibet. Our results show that granitoids from the hanging wall and footwall of the Woka rift have significantly different magma crystallization temperatures (770−860 °C versus 650−750 °C) and crustal thickness (∼40 km versus ∼60 km) during the Eocene. These differences were most likely linked to tearing of the Indian lithosphere. The integration of crustal thickness trends and bedrock emplacement depth from the Eocene to the Oligocene suggest that the hanging wall exhumed at a faster rate than the footwall. From this information, it is clear that the Woka rift did not undergo E-W extension during this period. Integrating data from geophysics, thermochronology, mantle-derived, N-S−trending dikes, and adakitic rocks, we propose that Indian lithospheric tearing and fragmentation during the Eocene caused weakening of the Tibetan middle-lower crust rather than directly triggering surface extension of the Woka rift. This study has significant implications for the deep lithospheric processes and surface responses in the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau.

Multi-stage leucogranite emplacement in the Yalashangbo dome in northern Himalaya: Trigger and consequence of faulting along the South Tibet Detachment System

Leucogranitic dikes emplaced at the lower-middle crust are particularly widespread in the Himalayas. How the magmatic activities evolved in relation to faulting along the Southern Tibetan Detachment system (STDS) remains debated. In this study, we investigate the multi-stage leucogranitic emplacement in relation to the structural evolution of the detachment fault in the Yalashangbo dome through detailed macro- and microscopic structural observations, LA-ICP-MS monazite U-Th-Pb dating, and whole-rock geochemical analysis of the leucogranitic dikes. We identified late syn- and post-kinematic granitic dikes from the dome. Timing of dominant STDS faulting is constrained from 27 to 17 Ma. Based on synthesis of geochronological and geochemical results of the present and previous studies, we suggest that two dominant stages of granitic emplacement occurred from Eocene to Miocene along the High Himalayas. An early stage of leucogranitic activity was probably ascribed to partial melting of mafic juvenile lower crust due to heating related to asthenosphere upwelling as the result of slab tearing or break-off during the Indian subduction. Emplacement of the leucogranitic melts subsequently softened the middle and lower crust and triggered the initiation of detachment faulting along the STDS as early as ca. 35 Ma. The large-scale detachment faulting likely led to intensive localized decompression melting of the lower crust. Contemporaneous detachment faulting in the lithospheric mantle allowed heat transfer from the asthenosphere to the lower crust, enhancing lower crustal melting and leading to generally higher crystallization temperatures in the late syn-kinematic granites than the post-kinematic ones.

Three-Dimensional Electrical Structure and Metallogenic Background of the Southeastern Hubei Ore Concentration Area

The Southeastern Hubei Ore Concentration Area (SHOCA) is located in the west section of the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt in China, and it is a significant copper and iron mining region in China. Here, 117 pieces of magnetotelluric array data were used to obtain a three-dimensional resistivity model of the SHOCA and to investigate the relationship between the deep electrical features and the genesis of mineral deposits. The model shows that the Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt exhibits high-resistivity characteristics, representing Mesozoic granites and high-pressure to ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks. There are several low-resistivity anomalies in the upper crust of the SHOCA, which are connected to the widespread low-resistivity anomaly in the middle-lower crust. Near the Yangxin-Changzhou Fault, there is evidence of an electrical gradient zone. The Xiangfan-Guangji Fault, located at the south margin of the Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt, also exhibits distinct high- and low-resistivity boundaries at the upper crust. However, the Yangtze Fault and the Tancheng-Lujiang Fault manifest as resistivity gradient zones at the lithospheric scale. These faults are connected the low-resistivity anomaly in the middle to lower crust, possibly serving as upwelling channels of deep thermal fluids, exerting control over shallow diagenesis and mineralization processes. The low-resistivity anomaly in the middle to lower crust of the SHOCA is explained as partial melting resulting from the mixing of crustal and mantle materials. These low-resistivity anomalies play a role as source components in the mineralization system, where mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids migrate upward along intra-basin faults, exerting control over the distribution of shallow mineral deposits.

The Trans-Crustal Evolution of Miocene Magmatism Parental to Epithermal Mineralization in the Sierra Madre del Sur, Southern Mexico

Abstract Arc-related volcanism results from the interplay of magmatic processes occurring in trans-crustal systems that consolidate over time in a given location. Trans-crustal systems comprise extensive networks of magma reservoirs and conduits at different depths, wherein melts cyclically differentiate and segregate before reaching the surface. The study of these systems provides valuable insights into crustal-scale phenomena, such as the evolution of the continental crust and the formation of metallogenic regions. In this study, we address the trans-crustal magmatic evolution of lower Miocene magmatism parental to several intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposits in the eastern Sierra Madre del Sur igneous province, southern Mexico. Using a multi-methodological approach, we document changes over ca. 1.1 Myr in the magmatic system that fed andesitic-to-felsic volcanism in this region. We employ whole-rock REE ratios and λ parameters—which are used to quantify the shape of a REE pattern—to track the involvement of pressure-sensitive minerals in the deep-crustal magmatic evolution. The andesitic rocks consist of lava flows, porphyries, and dikes that collectively show REE patterns suggestive of control by fractionated or residual (i.e. in crustal melting) amphibole and/or clinopyroxene. In contrast, the felsic rocks consist of rhyolitic–dacitic ignimbrites, domes, and dikes that show contrasting REE patterns suggestive of control by plagioclase, clinopyroxene, amphibole, and/or garnet. The distinct pressure-sensitive mineral assemblages in the andesitic and felsic rocks indicate that the locus of deep-crustal magma evolution varied within the middle–lower crust. These magmas were episodically injected into ephemeral shallow crustal reservoirs (shortly?) before being erupted, inducing a progressive thermomechanical maturation of the middle–upper crust. Meanwhile, low degrees of crustal assimilation occurred as recorded by Mesozoic inherited zircon ages and Sr–Nd–Pb radiogenic isotopes. An extensive middle–lower crustal magma evolution has been linked to the formation of porphyry Cu deposits (i.e. ‘fertile’ magmatism). Given that intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposits may be genetically linked with porphyry Cu deposits, the documented processes could have contributed to the formation of epithermal deposits in the region. However, magmatic fertility proxies resemble those from infertile magmas worldwide. Since these proxies have been exclusively applied to porphyry-type deposits, our results highlight the importance of developing new geochemical exploration tools applicable to a wider range of ore deposits.

Metasomatism of the continental crust and its impact on surface uplift: Insights from reactive‐transport modelling

AbstractHigh‐elevation, low‐relief continental plateaus are major topographic features and profoundly influence atmospheric circulation, sediment transport and storage, and biodiversity. Although orogenic surface‐uplift mechanisms for modern continental plateaus near known plate margins like Tibet are well‐characterized, they cannot account for examples in intracontinental settings like the Colorado Plateau. In contrast to canonical plate‐tectonic uplift mechanisms, broad‐scale hydration‐induced metasomatism of the lower crust has been suggested to reduce its density and increase its buoyancy sufficiently to contribute to isostatic uplift. However, the relationships between key petrophysical properties in these environments are not fully quantified, which limits application of this model. Here, we develop a series of petrological models that describe the petrological and topographic effects of fluid–rock interaction in non‐deforming continental crust of varying composition. We apply an open‐system petrological modelling framework that utilizes reactive‐transport calculations to determine the spatial and temporal scales over which mineralogic transformations take place compared with the magnitude of infiltration of aqueous fluids derived from devolatilization of subducting oceanic lithosphere. The buoyancy effect of hydration‐induced de‐densification is most significant for metabasic lower crust, intermediate for metapelitic crust, and minimal for granodioritic crust. We apply these results to a case study of the ~2 km‐high Colorado Plateau and demonstrate that under ideal conditions, hydration of its lower–middle crust by infiltrating aqueous fluids released by the Farallon slab during Cenozoic low‐angle subduction could have uplifted the plateau surface by a maximum of ~1 km over 16 Myr. However, realistically, although hydration likely has a measurable effect on surface tectonics, the uplift of orogenic plateaus is likely dominantly controlled by other factors, such as lithospheric delamination.

Connection between tectonothermal events of the Yakutian kimberlite province and assembly of the Siberian craton

The tectonic framework of the Siberian craton is still under debate. It is generally assumed that the Markha and Daldyn terranes collided at 2.2–2.1 Ga and the final assembly of the Siberian craton occurred at 1.9–1.8 Ga. However, previous study on zircons from xenoliths of the Zapolyarnaya pipe, which is located in the Upper Muna kimberlite field and close to the boundary between the Markha and Daldyn terranes, do not show tectonothermal evidence younger than 2.7 Ga. To clarify the tectonothermal evolution of the Siberian craton, we present U-Pb ages and Hf isotope data of zircons from crustal xenoliths in the Novinka and Komsomolskaya Magnitnaya kimberlite pipes in the Upper Muna field. The zircon ages confirm only one major tectonothermal event at 2.7 Ga in the Upper Muna field, which doubts the existence of the collision zone between the Markha and Daldyn terranes. The middle-lower crust beneath the Upper Muna field is mainly composed of mafic and intermediate granulites and experienced long-term cooling. The negative values of εHf(2.7) suggests ignorable addition of juvenile component during partial melting of the Paleoarchean crust at 2.7 Ga. Compared with crustal xenoliths from other kimberlite pipes in the Yakutian diamondiferous province, the crust of the Anabar province shows vertical and lateral heterogeneity and the absence of a relationship between the crustal reworking degree and the main collision zones. We propose that the widespread 2.7 and 1.9 Ga tectonothermal events in the Anabar tectonic province were associated with the episodic rise of superplumes, which not only caused the crustal growth and reworking but also facilitated collision and amalgamation of terranes.

From source to surface: clues from garnet-bearing Carboniferous silicic volcanic rocks, Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal

This work investigates the relationships between partial melting, melt extraction, pluton growth and silicic volcanism in garnet-bearing felsic volcanic rocks that were extruded in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, at ca. 345 Ma. The garnets are of peritectic origin, displaying textural and chemical features of disequilibrium crystallization during partial melting reactions involving biotite at high temperatures (up to 870 °C) in the middle-lower crust. Major element composition suggests compositional equilibrium with the entrained and pinitized peritectic cordierite, but reveals some subsequent homogenization by diffusion. Trace element maps and spot analyses of garnet show, nonetheless, significant trace element variations, reflecting biotite and Y-REE-P-rich accessory phase breakdown during partial melting reactions. Peritectic garnet and cordierite growth resulted in the preservation of Th- and Y-rich prograde suprasolidus monazite, which constrains the timing of partial melting of the metapelitic protolith at ca. 356.8 ± 2.4 Ma. The zircon cargo further shows that a significant amount of zircon crystals from previously crystallized felsic melts were also remobilized and erupted. These were likely stored in an upper crustal pluton that grew episodically since ca. 390 Ma during voluminous melt generation periods within the middle to lower crust, which also resulted in voluminous volcanism. The geochemical trends of the felsic volcanic rocks reflect the entrainment of xenoliths of peritectic garnet, cordierite and feldspar, and as such, the garnet-bearing felsic volcanic rocks represent an erupted mixture of a lower-temperature (ca. 770 °C) silicic melt and autocrysts, and peritectic phases and zircon crystals from previously crystallized and stored felsic melts.

Early cretaceous multi-stage extension in the North Dabie complex in the eastern central China: insights from structural and geochronological data

A dominantly NW-SE directed extensional tectonics in the Early Cretaceous significantly reworked the Late Permian-Triassic orogenic framework of the Dabie orogenic belt. The North Dabie complex (NDC) is the principal domain recording this tectonic event. However, the precise structure-kinematic architectures, particularly those observed in the ductile regime, along with the respective time scales for different extensional stages, have not been adequately established. This significantly impedes our comprehensive understanding of the extensional style and deformation history in the North Dabie complex. To better address these issues, we conducted a systematic structural study and LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of the pre-, syn-, and post-kinematic intrusions and syn-kinematically metamorphosed high-grade gneisses/migmatites of the NDC. Our results demonstrate that the extensional deformation in the NDC may initiate at ca. 144 Ma, which is characterized by a pervasive NW-SE oriented coaxial plastic flow in the ductile regime of the middle-lower crust. A large-scale detachment processing zone subsequently started activating at ca. 140 Ma at the upper-middle level of the middle crust, and concentratedly accommodated the extensional strain by top-to-NW ductile shearing. Locally, there was uprising of sub-magmatic flow in the atatexite-diatexite from the deeper lower crust taking place in the manner of top-to-outward shearing as early as ca. 137 Ma. This composite process of extension manifests vertical strain partitioning across the ductile middle-lower crusts and progressive strain localization during the lithospheric thinning. The NW-SE orientation dominated extensional tectonics was strongly driven by the westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate during the Late Mesozoic.

Geophysical constraints on continental rejuvenation in central China: Implications for outward growth of the Tibetan Plateau

Continental rejuvenation results from the tectonic reactivation of crustal structures and lithospheric reworking by mantle flow. Geochemical observations and field mapping have traditionally provided the primary evidence for the secular evolution of crustal composition and tectonic processes during continental rejuvenation. Nonetheless, the impact of continental rejuvenation on the observed present-day strain rate and orogenic-scale lithospheric structure has not been well constrained. The pre-existing E-W−trending Central China Orogenic Belt has been overprinted by the N-S−trending Central Longitudinal Seismic Belt and constitutes the intracontinental West Qinling Syntaxis in central China, where the tectonic setting changes eastward from contraction to extension. Combining updated global positioning system data and high-resolution crustal seismic tomography, we reveal a modern continental rejuvenation process within the West Qinling Syntaxis in central China. The northward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau’s weak lithospheric layer (middle-lower crust and lithospheric mantle) of southwestern China relative to the rigid Sichuan Basin/Ordos Block of the eastern West Qinling Syntaxis results in regional dextral shearing that shapes the Central Longitudinal Seismic Belt and defines the eastern Tibetan Plateau margin. The pre-existing E-W−trending Central China Orogenic Belt has been preserved above the brittle-ductile transition zone, and the northward movement of the deep lithospheric layer drives the deformation of the upper crust in the West Qinling Syntaxis. Our results, along with previous studies, suggest the presence of an intracontinental lithospheric interchange structure in central China. The continental rejuvenation of the West Qinling Syntaxis results from a combination of fault reactivation in the upper crust (Stage I, Eocene−Oligocene) and reworking of the deep lithosphere (Stage II, middle−late Miocene) related to the plateau-wide shift in stress accommodation ultimately driven by the redistribution of mass outward from the central Tibetan Plateau. At present, the transition zone between the high- and low-velocity anomalies along the Central Longitudinal Seismic Belt not only shapes the landscape boundary but controls the size and recurrence interval of earthquakes within the West Qinling Syntaxis in central China.

A lower crust shear zone facilitates delamination and continental subduction under the Apennines

Physical properties and structure of the lithosphere are the first step to constrain the evolution of mountain belts. Here we show detailed shear wave velocity profiles of the lithosphere in the Apennines that clarify a controversial aspect of continental subduction: the intricate mechanism of crust delamination from the downgoing plate. From the analysis of complete and dense teleseismic Receiver Function data set, we find that the delamination of the continental lithosphere is favored by the development of a low seismic shear wave velocity zone in the middle-lower crust. We observe a double Moho below the external portions of the present mountain range, suggesting the progressive formation of the shallow interface. The delamination edge is located in the forearc, far eastward than expected, implying that the re-equilibration of the thermal unbalance, generated by the mantle substitution, may last 10-7 Myr.

Detailed crustal deformation in the Ailaoshan Orogenic Belt revealed by receiver functions from a dense array

The Ailaoshan Orogenic Belt (AOB), located at the southeastern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau, is an ideal place for investigating the mechanisms of lateral growth of Tibet. Using the data recorded by a dense seismic array across the Ailaoshan belt, we investigate the detailed lateral variations of crustal anisotropy on the basis of Pms phase of receiver functions. Remarkable crustal anisotropy is observed throughout this study region with a mean delay time of 0.33 ± 0.19 s, indicating the anisotropy primarily originates in the middle-lower crust. The fast directions beneath the AOB including the Ailaoshan-Red River shear zone (ARRSZ) and its western low-grade metamorphic unit generally align with the NW-SE strike of ARRSZ. The weak anisotropy in the South China Block (SCB) argues that the block is relatively stable, with limited internal deformation. Meanwhile, the anisotropy beneath the western boundary of the SCB is strong, and the N-S oriented fast direction is influenced by both the crustal stress and Xiaojiang Fault. Combining the high Vp/Vs and significant lateral variations of crustal anisotropy parameters, we suggest that the strike-slip motion along the ARRSZ induces the partial melting and pronounced anisotropy in the middle-lower crust of AOB, without the presence of crustal flow. The differences between crustal and mantle anisotropy indicate crust-mantle decoupling deformation of the AOB, supporting the block extrusion model occurring only in the crustal scale as the primary deformation pattern.

The lithospheric cycle of ore-forming ingredients and the resultant recurrent ‘flare-ups’ of porphyry Cu deposits: Examples from the Yidun Arc, eastern Tibet

The porphyry Cu deposits with distinct mineralisation ages frequently occur as recurrent ‘flare-ups’ in a narrow region; however, the reasons controlling their occurrence are still debated. The eastern Yidun Arc in eastern Tibet produced a cluster of porphyry Cu deposits of the late Triassic and late Cretaceous ages, making it the ideal location for conducting this research. As a result, we use the late Triassic Xuejiping Cu–(Au) and late Cretaceous Hongshan–Hongniu Cu–Mo deposits as research objects, compiling new and published geochronological, elemental, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data from their ore-forming porphyries to shed light on the above issue. The zircon U–Pb ages of the Xuejiping and Hongshan–Hongniu porphyries are 217.8 – 217.9 Ma and 78.7 Ma, respectively, and display adakitic characteristics. The Xuejiping porphyries present enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes (0.70529 – 0.70590, −3.30 – −1.09, 0.40 – 2.20, respectively), low (Gd/Yb)N (2.24 – 3.20) and Nb/Ta (12.8 – 15.9) ratios, relatively high Nb (14.9 – 20.0 ppm) and Zr/Sm (23.4 – 41.5) values, indicating their origin in the partial melting of enriched mantle that is metasomatised by slab-melts and fluids in subduction zone. Furthermore, the Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry is adakitic, like the late Triassic igneous rocks in this area. Its Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes (0.69873 – 0.70996, −10.7 – −6.72, −14.9 – −0.50, respectively) are close to the isotopic evolution line of the late Triassic Xuejiping intrusions and show a trend towards the regional crystalline basement, which signify that the Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry mainly originated from the late Triassic juvenile crust, with some contributions from crystalline basement. One highly fractionated sample (i.e. HZK17-11-76) has extremely evolved Sr–Nd isotopes (0.70996 and −10.7, respectively), indicative of assimilation of sedimentary rocks. The new genetic models of the late Triassic and late Cretaceous porphyries in the Geza Arc show that the westward subduction of the Garzê–Litang oceanic crust in the late Triassic triggered the occurrence of the highly oxidised and Cu–S–H2O rich adakitic melts in the middle–lower crust, which evolved to amphibole cumulates and porphyry Cu–(Au) deposits (i.e. Xuejiping) in the upper crust. In the late Cretaceous, the extensional environment triggered the re-melting of late Triassic juvenile cumulates and Mo-rich crystalline basement, resulting in Cu–Mo–S–H2O-rich, highly oxidised magma. Through fractional crystallisation and assimilation of Mo-rich sedimentary rocks, the magma eventually transformed into Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry-(skarn) type Cu–Mo deposits. In summary, we conclude that the periodic recycling of the ore-forming ingredients on a lithospheric scale from slab subduction to post-subduction periods controls the recurrent ‘flare-ups’ of PCDs in this confined area.

Stepwise decrease in strike-slip rate along the eastern Altyn Tagh Fault and its relation to the Qilian Shan thrust system, northeastern Tibetan Plateau

As the northern boundary fault the Tibetan Plateau, the slip-rate decrease pattern of the eastern Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) and its relation to the neighboring Qilian Shan thrust system remain unclear. In this study, high-resolution topographic data have been acquired by using the UAV-based LiDAR and Structure from Motion (SfM) technique. Using OSL dating ages obtained from terraces, we constrained the strike-slip rates at four locations along the eastern ATF, ranging from ∼7 mm/yr to ∼1 mm/yr. In combination with previous observations, a stepwise decrease pattern in strike-slip rate along the eastern ATF has been proposed in this study. To confirm this conclusion, sandbox experiments were conducted to simulate the simultaneous deformation involving the sinistral slip of the eastern ATF and the crustal shortening in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The role of ductile middle-lower crust was examined by comparative experiments (Models 1 and 2). In Model 1, without a ductile middle-lower crust, the wedge translated forward as a rigid block until reaching the frontal thrust, resulting in an almost uniform slip rate along the strike-slip fault. In Model 2, with a ductile middle-lower crust, the slip rate exhibited rapid decrease while passing each thrust belt, forming a stepwise decrease pattern rather than a gradient decrease; The compressional deformation was accommodated by a series of thrust belts that were active simultaneously, consistent with the late Quaternary simultaneous activity of the thrust belts within the Qilian Shan thrust system. Our modeling results suggested coupled growth between the eastern ATF and the Qilian Shan thrust system, and that a ductile middle-lower crust played important role in dispersing deformation into parallelly distributed thrust belts.

Petrological insights into connections between the S- and I-type magmatic associations in metamorphic core complexes: a case study of the Çataldağ metamorphic core complex (NW Turkey)

As one of the Cordilleran-type metamorphic core complexes in the western Anatolian extensional province and the broader Aegean region, the Çataldağ metamorphic core complex is composed of a granite-gneiss-migmatite complex and a synkinematic pluton, bounded by a detachment fault zone. The plutonic rocks within the footwall of the Çataldağ metamorphic core complex consist of Eo-Oligocene anatectic S-type leucogranites associated with gneiss-migmatite complex forming the core rocks and an I-type synkinematic pluton that emplaced into the core rocks in the Early Miocene. This paper presents the petrography, mineral chemistry, major-trace element geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions of the Çataldağ I-type synkinematic pluton. It discusses the magma source evolution from the Eo-Oligocene to the Early Miocene and their relations to the Çataldağ metamorphic core complex formation by comparing two contrasting granitic associations from a petrological perspective. The Çataldağ I-type synkinematic pluton primarily comprises porphyritic granodiorite, granite, and peripheral rocks including evolved granite and pegmatite dikes. Thermobarometry calculations estimate crystallisation conditions of approximately 795 °C at 1–2 kbar (averaging 1.5 kbar), corresponding to a shallow crustal magma chamber (⁓5 km deep). The pluton is metaluminous to slightly peraluminous and of a high-K calc-alkaline character. The 87Sr/86Sr(i) and εNd values of the studied samples range from 0.70684 to 0.70772 and from −6.1 to −2.3, respectively. Pb isotopic compositions are 18.74–19.29 for 206Pb/204Pb, 15.69–15.78 for 207Pb/204Pb, and 38.89–39.39 for 208Pb/204Pb. Geochemical modelling shows that a large amount of metasomatised lithospheric mantle-derived melt component (up to 70%) and a minor crustal component (<50%) contributed to the source region of the magma. The combination of isotopic data and thermodynamic modelling suggests that the compositional variations within the pluton were primarily the result of open system processes, predominantly the assimilation of crustal rocks with a dominance of fractional crystallisation. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic signatures and trace element characteristics of I-type pluton, as well as their comparisons with those of S-type leucogranites within the Çataldağ core complex, indicate heterogeneous magma sources, evolving from crust-dominated to mantle-dominated magma from Eo-Oligocene to the early Miocene, reflecting mantle upwelling beneath NW Anatolia. We infer that the long-lived, mantle-driven Eocene plutonic activity that preceded the development of core complexes may have led to thermal weakening, melting, and crustal flow in the lower-middle crust beneath NW Anatolia, facilitating the formation of the granite-gneiss-migmatite complex during the incipient phase of extension in the Eo-Oligocene. Coinciding with the rapid exhumation of the S-type granite and migmatite complex, the formation and emplacement of I-type synkinematic pluton along the detachment fault zone of the Çataldağ core complex were developed as a result of asthenospheric upwelling driven by lithospheric removal processes. This inferred lithospheric removal was triggered by Hellenic slab rollback affecting the entire western Anatolia since the Oligocene. The transition from S- to I-type granites observed in the Çataldağ core complex and other Aegean massifs may indeed be a manifestation of the intensity or accumulation of this crustal extension.

Extent of the lower crustal flow constrained by the rheological structure at the eastern boundary of the Chuan-Dian Rhombus Block

The Chuan-Dian Rhombus Block is the main channel for materials escaping southeastward from the Tibetan Plateau. Verifying the extent of the lower crustal flow and its impact on the lithospheric deformation, isostatic state, and seismicity in the Chuan-Dian Rhombus Block is of vital importance. Based on data from the China Seismic Experimental Site, the current study analyzes the rheological structure of the eastern boundary of the Chuan-Dian Rhombus Block (i.e., the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang Fault System). The results reveal a low-viscosity zone of 1020 Pa∙s, with a thickness of approximately 20 km in the middle–lower crust beneath the Xianshuihe fault. The low-viscosity zone extends southward and gradually thins until it basically disappears at the Xiaojiang fault. Our results indicate that the extent of the lower crustal flow is restricted in the Xianshuihe fault and the northernmost part of the Anninghe–Zemuhe fault and does not extend to the Xiaojiang fault. The crust of the Xianshuihe fault is notably thickened and in an isostatic disequilibrium state. The Xiaojiang fault maintains a relatively thick seismogenic layer and isostatic equilibrium.

High-resolution lithospheric structure of continental China from joint inversion of surface wave and gravity data

The lithospheric structure of continental China has been previously determined by seismic travel time tomography, surface wave tomography, and joint inversion of body wave and surface wave data. However, due to the inherent limitations of seismic data, the lithospheric structure of continental China is still not well resolved in the shallow part and in some regions where the station coverage is relatively sparse. In this study, we aim at improving the lithospheric structure by joint inversion of seismic surface wave data and satellite gravity data to take advantage of the uniform distribution and complementary strength of the gravity data. The empirical relationship between velocity and density is used as a bridge for joint inversion of surface wave and gravity data. The joint inversion shear-wave velocity Vs (density) model, named as USTClitho1.0g, can fit both surface wave and gravity data well. This high-resolution Vs model can better fit the active airgun source seismic arrival times and better delineate some features in continental China, such as the velocity contrast across the north–south gravity lineament (NSGL), the lithosphere thinning in eastern China, the crustal footprint of the Hainan mantle plume, the likely magma chamber beneath volcanos in northeast China, the middle-lower crust low velocity layer beneath the Tibetan plateau, and the tearing of subducted Indian mantle lithosphere. Our joint inversion Vs model can provide a reference model for geosciences in continental China and surrounding areas.

Preliminary magnetotelluric investigation of crustal magma plumbing system beneath the Wulanhada volcanic field, northern China: Implications for the Magma reservoir and pathway

The Wulanhada Volcanic Field (WVF) in northern China consists of a few tens of well-preserved monogenetic volcanoes, where Holocene eruptions have occurred, but is rarely known. Understanding the internal structure of the crustal magma plumbing system beneath the WVF is of great significance for the study of volcanic eruption mechanisms and the assessment of volcanic risks and hazards. We present the crustal electrical resistivity models across the WVF obtained from two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) inversion of magnetotelluric profile data, which show some robust and meaningful features. Two high-resistivity anomalies (>1000 Ω·m) occupy almost the entire upper and middle crust. They may serve as an impermeable barrier to impede the ascent of deep magmatic fluids and/or melts. However, there is also a sub-vertical anomaly with moderate resistivity separating two high-resistivity anomalies. We inferred that it may represent a crustal-scale buried fault that provided a pathway for magma ascent during past eruptions and controlled the spatial distribution of the Holocene volcanic group in the WVF. A remarkably high-conductivity anomaly (3–10 Ω·m) in the middle-lower crust is explained to be the presence of ~0.8–7.5% partial melts. It may represent a magma reservoir that exists as a crystal-rich mush zone. Considering the presence of the magma reservoir and pathway beneath the WVF, the volcanic risks and hazards of future eruptions should not be ignored. The results shed light on the structure of the buried volcanic edifice in the WVF and need to be verified by more specific work in the future.