North China Platform Research Articles

The main old lands in China and assembly of Chinese unified continent

The main old lands in China include the North China Block (NCB), South China Block (SCB) and Tarim Block (TRB), all of which have individual tectonic evolving histories. The NCB experienced complex geological evolution since the early Precambrian onwards, and carries important records from the old continental nuclei, giant crustal growth episode and cratonization (stabilitization), then to the Paleoproterozoic rifting-subduction-accretion-collision with imprints of the Great Oxygen Event (GOE), and to the Late Paleoproterozoic-Neoproterozoic multi-stage rifting representing North China platform tectonic features. The TRB has two-layer basement of the Early Precambrian metamorphic complexes and Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequences. Three till sheets have been reported. The SCB consists of the Yangtze Block (YZB) and Cathaysia Block (CTB) that were cohered in the Neoproterozoic. The YZB recorded tectonic processes of the Early Precambrian crustal growth, 1.0–0.9 Ga and 0.8–0.6 Ga metamorphic-magmatic events, and two Neoproterozoic glaciations. The CTB consists of ca. 1.8 Ga, 1.0 to 0.9 Ga and ca. 0.8 Ga granitic gneisses and metamorphic rocks, indicating there was a vast Precambrian basement. The Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks overlie partly on the basement. That the YZB and CTB have a Neoproterozoic uniform cover layer illustrates the SCB should form, at least, during 1.0–0.9 Ga, corresponding to the Rodinia Supercontinent. The Central Chinese Orogenic System with high-ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks supports a suggestion that the above-mentioned three old lands were collided to assemble a unified Chinese Continent during the Pangea orogenic period.

Regional Geology Background and Minerogenetic Series in Ongniud Banner of Inner Mongolia

Ongniud Banner is located in the northern margin of the North China platform, possessing binary attribute of the greenville period orogenic belt and North China block. The authors reclassify geological unit through the rock stratigraphic correlation and isotope chronology. Achaean strata is mainly composed of quartz schist, chlorite schist, amphibole schist, and the rocks have been highly metamorphosed into the green schist facies, and its single particle zircon U-Pb age is 2645 ±86Ma, so it is assigned to North China block. Proterozoic strata is mainly composed of metamorphic complex including chlorite schist, marble, basalt, amphibolite, plagiogranite and olivine pyroxenolite, and its single particle zircon U-Pb age is 1620±160Ma, so it is assigned to Greenville period orogenic belt. According to 1:50000 stream sediment geochemical elementary assemblage characteristics, the authors discuss the metallogenic endowment and minerogenetic series of geological unit in research area.

Deep-Water Contourite Drifts in the West of North-China Platform

The middle Ordovician of Pingliang area on the west margin of North-China platform is represented by a succession of deep-water sediments in which contourites are well-developed. Contour current deposits are well-developed. The contourites can be classified into:calcarenitic contourite, calcisiltitic contourite and calcilutitic contourite. Three typical contourite successions are recognized: complete contourite succession, incomplete contourite succession and contourite successions consisting only of calcarenitic contourites. According to the palaeocorrent and the palaeogeographic format analyse,carbonate contourite drift in the study area is unfolded crossing northwest-southeast, forwarding from southeast to northwest along the slope, and compared with other contourite drifts, it has some characteristics of coarser-grained sediment, thicker individual layers, and highly developed calcarenitic contourites and so on.

MICROFABRICS IN MESOPROTEROZOIC MICRODIGITATE STROMATOLITES: EVIDENCE OF BIOGENICITY AND ORGANOMINERALIZATION AT MICRON AND NANOMETER SCALES

ABSTRACT Microdigitate stromatolites (MDS) are common in Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic successions but declined and gradually disappeared in Meso- and Neoproterozoic carbonates. The abundance of well-preserved fibrous fabrics and the absence of identifiable microbial fossils in MDS have been taken as evidence of their abiotic origin in carbonate-supersaturated and anoxic Precambrian oceans. Micron- and nanometer-scale features of MDS from the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation (ca. 1.45–1.5 Ga) of the North China platform composed of alternating submillimetric dark and light laminasets are morphologically similar to those reported from elsewhere in the geological record. The dark laminasets are micritic and contain abundant fuzzy-edged micropeloids and filaments. The micropeloids are commonly 10–70 µm in diameter and commonly surrounded by thin (<10 µm) rims composed of amorphous micrite or microsparite (some rims now replaced by silica). The filaments are morphologically similar to the bacterial filaments ...

Chapter 27 Cambrian–Ordovician cephalopod palaeogeography and diversity

Abstract Cephalopods have their earliest occurrence in Late Cambrian shallow-water carbonates on the North China Platform and rapidly dispersed across the globe within the latest Cambrian. Latest Cambrian and initial Ordovician cephalopod occurrences are restricted to the palaeotropical realm. The Ordovician records a unique morphological diversification and expansion of cephalopod habits and habitats which is expressed in a massive morphological diversification and unique palaeogeographical patterns of dispersal. The Ordovician cephalopod diversification was a complex process of appearance and disappearance of higher groups with a specific palaeogeographical signature and a clear selective component. A general Ordovician trend showed decreasing evolutionary turnover rates, increasing number of widespread genera, decreasing proportion of endemic genera, and decreasing beta-diversity. This is interpreted as a result of an increasing ecosystem stability during this time interval.

Slide origin of breccia lenses in the Cambrian of the North China Platform: new insight into mass transport in an epeiric sea

Abstract An oolite in the Furongian (Late Cambrian) Chaomidian Formation in Shandong Province, China, which was deposited on the North China Platform in an epeiric sea, contains several limestone breccia lenses of various dimensions (centimetres to decimetres thick and decimetres to more than 10 metres in length) in an E-trending section. The oolite, which is approximately 40 cm thick, was originally thicker, as indicated by a planar truncation surface that formed by wave abrasion. The breccia lenses in this oolite are generally mound-shaped with a flat base and a convex top. The western margin of the lenses is commonly rounded whereas the eastern margin commonly has a tail (consisting of a rapidly eastwards thinning breccia horizon that gradually ends in a horizon of isolated clasts). Some of the breccia lenses are underlain by a shear zone. The formation of the breccia lenses cannot be easily explained by normal depositional or deformational processes. It is concluded that the lenses represent fragments of a partly consolidated layer, consisting of both rounded and angular platy clasts, which slid down over a very gently inclined sedimentary surface which acted – possibly together with a water film – as a lubricant layer. During transport, the layer broke up into several discrete bodies that formed small ‘highs’ at the sedimentary surface of the shallow epeiric sea. Subsequently, waves partially eroded the lenses, mostly at their margins, producing their mound-shaped form. Sliding of blocks is known from a wide variety of environments in the sedimentary record; however, this is the first description of the sliding of blocks in an epeiric sea. This indicates that such a low-relief submarine carbonate setting is, like its siliciclastic counterparts, susceptible to this process.

Yuzhou Flora—A hidden gem of the Middle and Late Cathaysian Flora

The Yuzhou Flora of the southern North China Platform possesses the typical regional features of the Middle and Late Cathaysian Flora. For a long time during the Permian, this area was located on shoreline marine tidal flats and deltas at low latitudes with a warm and humid climate. Consequently, many successive layers with abundant well-preserved plant fossils and a complete evolutionary sequence were developed. This is a unique and ideal place to study the Middle and Late Cathaysian Flora. We have recognized 111 genera and 307 species from this flora. The rapid morphological evolution and uninterrupted stratigraphic succession of Lobatannularia (Sphenophytes) make this group one of the bases for biostratigraphic divisions of the Permian System of the North China Platform. Ninety percent of Pteridophytes belong to the order Marattiales, which are well developed during the early and middle stages of the Yuzhou Flora but experience a sudden decline during the late stage. Ancient Pteridospermatophytes only flourished during the Middle Permian whereas advanced Peltaspermales are extremely well developed at the end of the early Late Permian. Among them Shenzhouphyllum is one of characteristic elements in the late stage of the Yuzhou Flora. The Cycadophytes evolved relatively early in this area and they differentiated and proliferated during the late Middle to early Late Permian. The number of species of Ginkgophytes is small but this group is extremely abundant, especially in the early Late Permian. The Gigantopteridales (preangiosperms) is a very important and unique group in the Yuzhou Flora. Based upon their venation and leaf architecture, this group can be divided into three evolutionary stages, i.e., appearance and differentiation, first flourishing, and second flourishing and sudden disappearance, which form the basis for biostratigraphic division and correlation of the Permian System of the North China Platform. Based upon the evolutionary trend of venation pattern and leaf architecture, we propose some taxonomic changes at the generic level. The Yuzhou Flora emerged at the middle Early Permian (Zisongian) and suddenly disappeared at the early Late Permian (Wujiapingian). It is later replaced by the Euro-American Zechstein flora in the late Late Permian. The Yuzhou Flora is divided into three (early, middle and late) stages based upon the cyclic development of its plant groups. Five fossil plant assemblage zones are recognized from the Yuzhou Flora based upon the succession of each group and their combined characters in different layers.

Mesoproterozoic biogenic thrombolites from the North China platform

Thrombolites are abundant in the subtidal dolostones of the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation (ca 1.50–1.45 Ga) in the North China platform. Three major components are identified within the thrombolites: irregular mesoclots, micritic matrix and spar-filled voids. The mesoclot generally comprises a relatively organic-rich micritic core and a microsparitic outer layer that consists of fibrous aragonite (pseudocrystals) with less organic matter. In the core of mesoclots, abundant fossilized organic remnants, such as putative coccoidal and filamentous bacteria and mucus- to film-like extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), are closely associated with organominerals including nanoglobules and submicron-scale polyhedrons. In exceptionally well-preserved mesoclots, their outer layers commonly contain micropores displaying as bacterial molds and filamentous bacteria fossils. The matrix of mesoclots consists mainly of micropeloids (20–30 μm in diameter) and minor terrigenous detritus. Some mesoclots have denticulate edges and their matrix shows growth laminations that envelope the outlines of mesoclots. These features indicate that the mesoclots are primary and they were mineralized earlier than the surrounding matrix. The mineralization of mesoclots may have proceeded in two stages: (1) organomineralization of the cores through replacement of organic matter by minute organominerals resulting from anaerobic degradation of bacteria and EPS and (2) inorganic precipitation of the outer layers fostered by an increase in carbonate alkalinity in micro-environment due to organic matter decomposition. The thrombolites from the Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation may have formed through complex interactions between microbes and environments and represent the earliest known Precambrian biogenic thrombolites.

Eocrinoids from the Cambrian Mantou Formation of Dalian, Liaoning

Cambrian echinoderms, especially eocrinoids, have been reported recently from Guizhou and Yunnan provinces of China, such as the Kaili, Balang, and Guanshan faunas. The present paper reports abundant well-preserved eocrinoids from the Cambrian Mantou Formation of Dalian, Liaoning Province. This new discovery provides additional data on the early evolution of Echinodermata. It also gives us a clue as to where to seek the Cambrian soft-bodied fauna on the margin of the North China Platform.

전기고생대 태백산분지 영월층군의 순차층서 연구를 통한 고지리적 추론

전기 고생대 태백산분지 영월층군은 탄산염-규산쇄설성 퇴적암 복합체로서 하부로부터 삼방산층, 마차리층, 와곡층, 문곡층, 영흥층으로 이루어져있다. 영월층군에 대한 순차층서학적 분석에 따르면 중기 캠브리아기에 일어난 범람에 의해 최하부의 규산쇄설성 사질 퇴적암이 우세한 삼방산층이 퇴적되었다. 이어지는 후중기 캠브리아기 ~ 전후기 캠브리아기에 지속적으로 발생한 빠른 해수면 상승으로 마차리층 하부에는 셰일, 입자암, 각력암층을 협재한 사면 혹은 심부 램프 시퀀스가 형성되었다. 후기 캠브리아기 동안 지속된 해수면 상승은 실질적인 퇴적가능공간을 창출하였고, 조하대 환경에 탄산염 퇴적물 공장이 만들어졌으며, 탄산염 대지에는 마차리층을 구성하는 탄산염암이 우세한 조하대 시퀀스가 형성되었다. 마차리층 상부의 와곡층은 후후기 캠브리아기의 완만한 해수면 상승국면에서 만들어진 탄산염 램프 시퀀스로 해석되며, 퇴적 당시에는 리본 탄산염암과 탄산염 역암을 포함하는 이회암으로 구성되었던 것으로 보인다. 와곡층은 퇴적직후에 일차적으로 캠브리아기와 오르도비스기 사이의 해수면 하강국면에서 불안전 백운암화 과정을 거치고, 후에 심부 매몰 속성환경에서 광범위한 백운암화 작용을 받은 것으로 해석된다. 전기 오르도비스기에도 세계적인 해수면 상승과 해침은 지속되었으며, 영월층군의 조하대 램프 퇴적환경은 그대로 유지되어 탄산염 역암층을 협재하는 석회이암과 이회암이 교호하는 전형적인 램프 시퀀스인 문곡층이 형성되었다. 문곡층은 중기 오르도비스기에 퇴적된 것으로 알려진 영흥층에 덮여 있다. 영흥층은 주로 윤회층리를 보이는 조석대지 탄산염암으로 이루어져 있으며, 문곡층의 최상부에서 조하대 퇴적환경이 영흥층의 조석대지 퇴적환경으로 변화한다. 세계적 1차 규모 순차 경계면인 소크(Sauk)와 티피카누(Tippecanoe) 시퀀스의 경계는 영흥층 중부에서 관찰되는 최소퇴적가능공간 부근에서 인지된다. 중기 오르도비스기 초기의 세계적 해수면 하강과 이어지는 해수면의 급격한 상승은 영흥층의 전반적인 상향 천해화 윤회층의 전진퇴적체를 형성하였다. 영월층군이 퇴적된 영월 탄산염 대지의 상대적 해수면 변동곡선을 복원해 보면 같은 태백산 분지의 태백층군이 퇴적된 태백 탄산염 대지의 해수면 변동 곡선과 유사함을 확인할 수 있다. 이것은 두 개의 탄산염 대지가 유사한 조 구조적 운동 역사를 갖는다는 것을 의미하며, 이러한 유사성은 영월층군이 형성된 영월 탄산염 대지가 비록 태백층군이 퇴적된 태백 탄산염 대지와 상이한 퇴적시스템을 갖기는 하지만 상대적으로 가까운 지역에 속해 있었음을 암시한다. 퇴적층서 분석결과에 따르면 영월 탄산염 대지는 태백 탄산염 대지에 비해 상대적으로 열린 천해 환경이었을 것으로 추측된다. 고생대 후기와 중생대 전기에 걸쳐 발생한 북중국지괴와 남중국지괴의 충돌 시기에 영월 탄산염 대지와 태백 탄산염 대지가 복잡한 이동과정을 거쳐 현재의 태백산 분지에 모이게 된 것으로 해석된다. The Yeongweol Group is a Lower Paleozoic mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sequence in the Taebaeksan Basin of Korea, and consists of five lithologic formations: Sambangsan, Machari, Wagok, Mungok, and Yeongheung in ascending order. Sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the group indicates that initial flooding in the Yeongweol area of the Taebaeksan Basin resulted in basal siliciclastic-dominated sequences of the Sambangsan Formation during the Middle Cambrian. The accelerated sea-level rise in the late Middle to early Late Cambrian generated a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic slope or deep ramp sequence of shale, grainstone and breccia intercalations, representing the lower part of the Machari Formation. The continued rise of sea level in the Late Cambrian made substantial accommodation space and activated subtidal carbonate factory, forming carbonate-dominated subtidal platform sequence in the middle and upper parts of the Machari Formation. The overlying Wagok Formation might originally be a ramp carbonate sequence of subtidal ribbon carbonates and marls with conglomerates, deposited during the normal rise of relative sea level in the late Late Cambrian. The formation was affected by unstable dolomitization shortly after the deposition during the relative sea-level fall in the latest Cambrian or earliest Ordovician. Subsequently, it was extensively dolomitized under the deep burial diagenetic condition. During the Early Ordovician (Tremadocian), global transgression (viz. Sauk) was continued, and subtidal ramp deposition was sustained in the Yeongweol platform, forming the Mungok Formation. The formation is overlain by the peritidal carbonates of the Yeongheung Formation, and is stacked by cyclic sedimentation during the Early to Middle Ordovician (Arenigian to Caradocian). The lithologic change from subtidal ramp to peritidal facies is preserved at the uppermost part of the Mungok Formation. The transition between Sauk and Tippecanoe sequences is recognized within the middle part of the Yeongheung Formation as a minimum accommodation zone. The global eustatic fall in the earliest Middle Ordovician and the ensuing rise of relative sea level during the Darrwillian to Caradocian produced broadly-prograding peritidal carbonates of shallowing-upward cyclic successions within the Yeongheung Formation. The reconstructed relative sea-level curve of the Yeongweol platform is very similar to that of the Taebaek platform. This reveals that the Yeongweol platform experienced same tectonic movements with the Taebaek platform, and consequently that both platform sequences might be located in a body or somewhere separately in the margin of the North China platform. The significant differences in lithologic and stratigraphic successions imply that the Yeongweol platform was much far from the Taebaek platform and not associated with the Taebaek platform as a single depositional system. The Yeongweol platform was probably located in relatively open shallow marine environments, whereas the Taebaek platform was a part of the restricted embayments. During the late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic amalgamations of the Korean massifs, the Yeongweol platform was probably pushed against the Taebaek platform by the complex movement, forming fragmented platform sequences of the Taebaeksan Basin.

Geology and ages of porphyry and medium- to high-sulphidation epithermal gold deposits of the continental margin of Northeast China

The continental margin of Northeast China, an important part of the continental margin-related West Pacific metallogenic belt, hosts numerous types of gold-dominated mineral deposits. Based on ore deposit geology and isotopic dating, we have classified hydrothermal gold–copper ore deposits in this region into four distinct types: (1) gold-rich porphyry copper deposits, (2) gold-rich porphyry-like copper deposits, (3) medium-sulphidation epithermal copper–gold deposits, and (4) high-sulphidation epithermal gold deposits. These ore deposits formed during four distinct metallogenic stages or periods, at 123.6 ± 2.5 Ma, 110–104 Ma, 104–102 Ma, and 95.0 ± 2 Ma, corresponding to periods of Cretaceous intermediate–acid volcanism and late-stage emplacement of hypabyssal magmas along the northern margin of the North China platform. The earliest stage of mineralization (123.6 ± 2.5 Ma) corresponds to the formation of medium-sulphidation epithermal copper – gold deposits and was associated with a continental margin magmatic arc system linked to subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasia. This metallogenesis is closely related to high-K calc-alkaline intermediate–acid granite and pyroxene – diorite porphyry magmatism. The second and third stages of mineralization in the study area (110–104 Ma and 104–102 Ma, respectively) correspond to the formation of gold-rich porphyry copper, porphyry-like copper, and high-sulphidation gold deposits, with metallogenesis closely related to sodic or adakitic magmatism. These magmas formed in a continental margin magmatic arc system related to oblique subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasia, as well as mixing of crust-derived remelted granitic and mantle-derived adakitic magmas. During the final stage of mineralization (95.0 ± 2 Ma), metallogenesis was closely related to sodic or adakitic magmatism, with diagenesis and metallogenesis related to the disintegration or destruction of the Pacific Plate, which was subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate during the Mesozoic.

Ventral exoskeletal morphology of the trilobite Neodrepanura premesnili from the Cambrian Kushan Formation, Shandong, China

The polymerid trilobite Neodrepanura (family Damesellidae) is one of the most famous and abundant fossils from the Kushan Formation (Cambrian) of the North China Platform. Recent discovery of the first known complete exoskeleton of Neodrepanura premesnili, together with additional material, allows further description of the butterfly-shaped hypostome and wide doublure in this species. These new materials suggest that N. premesnili had a carnivorous feeding habit.

Depositional processes of the Zhushadong and Mantou formations (Early to Middle Cambrian), Shandong Province, China: roles of archipelago and mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sedimentation on cycle genesis during initial flooding of the North China Platform

AbstractTo understand the depositional processes and environmental changes during the initial flooding of the North China Platform, this study focuses on the Lower to Middle Cambrian Zhushadong and Mantou formations in Shandong Province, China. The succession in the Jinan and Laiwu areas comprises mixed carbonate and siliciclastic deposits composed of limestone, dolostone, stromatolite, thrombolite, purple and grey mudstone, and sandstone. A detailed sedimentary facies analysis of seven well‐exposed sections suggests that five facies associations are the result of an intercalation of carbonate and siliciclastic depositional environments, including local alluvial fans, shallowing‐upward carbonate–siliciclastic peritidal cycles, oolite dominant shoals, shoreface and lagoonal environments. These facies associations successively show a transition from an initially inundated tide‐dominated carbonate platform to a wave‐dominated shallow marine environment. In particular, the peritidal sediments were deposited during a large number of depositional cycles. These sediments consist of lime mudstone, dolomite, stromatolite and purple and grey mudstones. These shallowing‐upward cycles generally resulted from carbonate production in response to an increase of accommodation during rising sea‐level. The carbonate production was, however, interrupted by frequent siliciclastic input from the adjacent emergent archipelago. The depositional cycles thus formed under the influence of both autogenetic changes, including sediment supply from the archipelago, and allogenic control of relative sea‐level rise in the carbonate factory. A low‐relief archipelago with an active tidal regime allowed the development of tide‐dominated siliciclastic and carbonate environments on the vast platform. Siliciclastic input to these tidal environments terminated when most of the archipelago became submerged due to a rapid rise in sea‐level. This study provides insights on how a vast Cambrian carbonate platform maintained synchronous sedimentation under a tidal regime, forming distinct cycles of mixed carbonates and siliciclastics as the system kept up with rising relative sea‐level during the early stage of basin development in the North China Platform.

Paleobiogeography, paleoecology and paleoenvironmental significance of the Cambrian trilobites from the Zanskar region (Zanskar-Spiti-Kinnaur Basin), Northwest Himalaya

In present study the newly recorded latest Middle Cambrian trilobite fauna from the Cambrian succession of the Zanskar region of Zanskar-Spiti-Kinnaur Basin (Tethyan Himalaya) is analyzed critically to assess relationships with other Cambrian faunal elements of equatorial peri-Gondwanaland. The identification of genus Neoanomocarella, Parablackwelderia, Kunmingaspis, Fuchouia, Damesella and Dorypyge from the Cambrian of the Zanskar region and their comparison with those of South China and Australia is significant. It constitutes the basis for assessing the paleobiogeographic affinities during the Cambrian. The latest Middle Cambrian trilobite fauna from Zanskar shows proximity of Indian margin with that of southwest China “outboard” micro-continent. The recovery of analogous Middle Cambrian species i.e., Dorypyge perconvexlis, Fuchouia bulba, Fuchouia cf. oratolimba, Parablackwelderia sp. and Damesella sp. from the Zanskar region (Tethyan Himalaya) suggests a contiguous close proximity with south China and Australia during the latest Middle Cambrian, which supports the model of Meert and Van der Voo (1997) for assembly of Gondwanaland. The presence of Kunmingaspis in Zanskar and similar reports from northwestern Yunnan-Tibetan region, northern Henan, central and southeastern Hubei, north China, western Xinjiang and Yangtze platform reveal a close affinity between the Indian margin and the Yangtze platform during the Middle Cambrian. The trilobite fauna indicates the deeper shelf-shallow slope environment of deposition under fluctuating conditions of relative sea-level. The faunal elements of the Lejopyge acantha and Proagnostus bulbus zones indicate that the sea inundated the northern margin of Zanskar region during the latest Middle Cambrian time (Teta transgression) which is synchronous with globally recognized eustatic events during Lejopyge laevigata Zone.

Application of spatial database in quantitative analysis of litho-paleogeography—A case study of a middle ordovician sequence interval in the Ordos Basin

In the study of sequence stratigraphy and litho-paleogeography, quantitative analysis, precise calculation and detailed comparison of tremendous geological data, such as field profiles, logging records and seismic curves from different areas, are the basic requirements. In order to obtain a more reliable and precise result, this paper presents a novel method that combines spatial database analysis with the single-factor mapping technology to establish sequence stratigraphical succession and to map the Ordovician litho-paleogeography of the Ordos Basin, one of the largest oil-gas bearing basins in North China Platform. By using this method, all of the related basic geological data can be quantitatively analyzed and effectively managed. Various attributes of the basic stratigraphic units and their characters, such as sequence thickness, penecontemporaneous dolostone content, shallow water parget content, and terrigenous material content, can be fully utilized statistically in facies analysis and in mapping. Based on this analysis, this paper has be exerted single-factor isopachous mapping quantitatively for each of the Ordovician sequences in the basin, and finally synthesized multiple factors to reconstruct the litho-paleogeography for each of the sequence intervals. The study shows that the proposed method is quite effective and has a much higher resolution in recognizing litho-paleogeographic subunits compared with traditional ways. For example, in one of the Middle Ordovician sequence intervals (SQ19 in the Lower Majiagou Formation) of the Ordos Basin, the authors have successfully developed a mathematical formula to divide the distribution of various facies units substantially, such as old lands, submarine uplifts, supratidal zones, intertidal zones and subtidal zones.

Chronology, Geochemistry and Tectonic Settings of the Hadamiao Granodiorite on the Northern Margin of the North China Platform

Abstract:The Hadamiao granodiorite, located on the northern margin of the North China platform and acting as the country rock of gold deposits in the Hadamiao region, was formed in the same age and similar tectonic settings with the Hadamiao gold deposit and the large‐scale Bilihe gold deposit in the same area. By using the LA‐ICP‐MS method, the U‐Pb age obtained is 267±1.3 Ma, which represents the crystallized age of the granodiorite, and that of the xenolithic zircon is 442.8±5 Ma. Base on the main elements, it exhibits the features of calc‐alkaline to high‐potassium calc‐alkaline series, low silicon, and quasi‐aluminous I‐type granites, and with high magnesium (Mg#=0.45–0.57) and high sodium contents (Na2O/K2O=0.98–2.29). The SREE values (81.6–110.15 ppm) are relatively low, the fractionations between LREE and HREE are obvious, showing a right‐inclined dispersion in the REE distribution diagram. Compared with the primitive mantle, the rock is relatively rich in LREE (La and Ce), LILE (K, Sr, and Th), and intensively depleted in HFSE (Ti, P, Nb and Ta). The ratios of Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N and the contents of Rb, Nb and Y are relatively low, the Sr values are high (436.35–567.26 ppm), and the Yb contents of most samples are low (1.25–1.8), which indicate the features of typical continental margin arc and adakitic rocks. According to the values of εNd(t) (–2.4 to +0.2) and ISr (0.7028–0.7083), and variations of the La/Sm ratios, the Hadamiao granodiorite was formed from mixing of the thickened molten lower crust and the mantle wedge substances. The rock was related to the southward subduction and accretion of the Paleo‐Asia Ocean in the Late Paleozoic, being Late Paleozoic magma of the continental margin arc formed on the basement of the Early Paleozoic accretion complexes, and showing a trend of turning into adakitic rocks, which indicates their great metallogenic (Au) potential.

Metallogenic Province and Large Scale Mineralization of Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits in China

Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits are one of the most important base–metal deposit types in China, are major sources of Zn, Cu, Pb, Ag, and Au, and significant sources for Co, Sn, Se, Mn, Cd, In, Bi, Te, Ga, and Ge. They typically occur at or near the seafloor in submarine volcanic environments, and are classified according to base metal content, gold content, or host-rock lithology. The spatial distribution of the deposits is determined by the different geological settings, with VMS deposits concentrated in the Sanjiang, Qilian and Altai metallogenic provinces. VMS deposits in China range in age from Archaean to Mesozoic, and have three epochs of large scale mineralization of Proterozoic, Palaeozoic and Mesozoic. Only Hongtoushan Cu–Zn deposit has been recognized so far in an Archaean greenstone belt, at the north margin of the North China Platform. The Proterozoic era was one of the important metallogenic periods for the formation of VMS mineralization, mainly in the Early and Late Proterozoic periods. VMS-type Cu–Fe and Cu–Zn deposits related to submarine volcanic-sedimentary rocks, were formed in the Aulacogens and rifts in the interior and along both sides of the North China Platform, and the southern margin of the Yangtze Platform. More than half of the VMS deposits formed in the Palaeozoic, and three important VMS–metallogenic provinces have been recognized, they are Altai–Junggar (i.e. Ashele Cu–Pb–Zn deposit), Sanjiang (i.e. Laochang Zn–Pb–Cu deposit) and Qilian (i.e. Baiyinchang Cu–Zn deposit). The Triassic is a significant tectonic and metallogenic period for China. In the Sanjiang Palaeo–Tethys, the Late Triassic Yidun arc is the latest arc–basin system, in which the Gacun-style VMS Pb–Zn–Cu–Ag deposits developed in the intra-arc rift basins, with bimodal volcanic suites at the northern segment of the arc.

内蒙狼山新元古代酸性火山岩的发现及其地质意义

Bedded acid volcanic rocks, which preserve blasto-glomeroporphyritic or porphyritic crystals consisting of quartz and albite with clear evidence of alterations and deformations, from the Mesoproterozoic Zha’ertaishan Group in the southwestern section of Langshan, Inner Mongolia were analyzed. Zircons from two acid volcanic rock samples, A8-0 and A14-5, were separated. The zircons exhibited an igneous morphology, oscillatory zonings and relatively high Th/U ratios, and they were mostly prismatic or short prisms either colorless or brown in color, suggesting a magmatic origin. SHRIMP U-Pb dating was carried out and the 20 measurement points obtained from sample A8-0 yielded a weighted average 206 Pb/ 238 U age of 805±5 Ma. Twenty measurements were also taken on the A14-5 sample, but five points (3.1, 6.1, 7.1, 20.1 and 21.1) were discarded because of their higher 206 Pb/ 238 U ages (867.0 ± 10, 829.1 ± 8.0, 849.7 ± 9.8, 839.2 ± 9.7 and 830.7 ± 9.3 Ma, respectively). The remaining 15 points yielded a weighted average 206 Pb/ 238 U age of 814 ± 4.6 Ma. These ages are interpreted as the timing of an acid volcanic eruption and thus represent a Neoproterozoic (805–814 Ma) submarine volcanic eruption in the southwestern section of Langshan, Inner Mongolia. Geochemical data show that the acid volcanic rock is enriched in light rare earth and high field strength elements, but depleted in heavy rare earth and lithophile elements that have well-developed Eu anomalies similar to those of the Neoproterozoic volcanic rocks. These rocks are comparatively depleted in high field strength elements Th, Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, and from the western Yangtze block and Ciwu, Zhejiang, revealing that the acidic magma had erupted in. We suggest that this submarine volcanic eruption is probably related to the breakup of Rodinia in Langshan, Inner Mongolia. This discovery, together with the ages of 814–872 Ma reported for the neighboring terranes of Jinningian deformed granites in the Alax area and the age of 827 Ma for the ultramafic rock (ultramafite) in Jinchuan, as well as the recent report of magma activities during the Neoproterozoic in the North China Platform and adjacent areas, is of significance help in understanding the Rodinia evolution in the western section of Langshan, Inner Mongolia.

Cambrian stratigraphy of the North China Platform: revisiting principal sections in Shandong Province, China

The Cambrian succession in the North China Platform comprises a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sequence, superbly exposed in the southern part of Shandong Province, China. In order to refine the lithostratigraphy of the Cambrian succession, this paper presents detailed sedimentary logs of outcrop sections in the Jinan, Laiwu, Jining, and Linyi areas. The entire succession consists of six lithologic units: Liguan, Zhushadong, Mantou, Zhangxia, Gushan, and Chaomidian formations in ascending order. The upper boundary of the Zhushadong Formation is refined as the base of the first purple mudstone bed of the Mantou Formation. The Mantou Formation is, in turn, bounded at the top by a thick oolitic grainstone bed of the Zhangxia Formation. The upper boundary of the Gushan Formation is placed at the base of a distinct bioclastic grainstone bed of the Chaomidian Formation. The constituent members of the Zhushadong, Mantou, and Chaomidian formations are also refined. Seventeen trilobite biozones are recognized, representing the Cambrian Series 2 to the Furongian.

Growth patterns of the Cambrian microbialite: Phototropism and speciation of Epiphyton

Microbes started constructing shallow marine stromatolitic bioherms in the Archean, but they transferred their role as a major buildup maker to metazoans in Phanerozoic. Microbial buildups often recovered their predominance in the carbonate platform when reefal metazoan communities collapsed. Epiphyton, an extinct taxon of calcified microbe that possessed branching filamentous trichomes, was an important reef builder in the shallow marine carbonate platform during Middle Cambrian, aftermath of an extinction of archaeocyath sponges which were major reef-building sessile organisms in the Early Cambrian. Here we present direct evidence of phototropism of Epiphyton, found from fossilized behavior in micro- and macro-structures of meter-scale microbial bioherms of the Zhangxia Formation (Middle Cambrian), North China Platform, Shandong Province, China. The bioherms consist of stacked growth layers with the inner and outer divisions divided by distinct boundary. The inner division of growth layers of the Epiphyton bioherm is dominated by dense uniform bush-shaped Epiphyton thalli, whereas the curved outer division has layered texture normal to the surface, comprised of elongated and chambered thalli. It suggests that photosynthetic Epiphyton reacted actively to the spatial changes in intensity of sunlight, controlled by angle of illumination on the curved growth surface of the bioherm. The inner and the outer divisions comprise different morpho-types of Epiphyton. The spatial distributions of different morpho-types in variously illuminated divisions of Epiphyton might have caused further speciation of Epiphyton.