South Tianshan Ocean Research Articles

Age and provenance of the Baluntai arc-related complex (NW China): Implications for the middle Silurian − Early Carboniferous accretionary tectonics of the Central Tianshan arc in the southern Altaids

The Central Tianshan, in the southern Altaids, is characterized by abundant gneiss–schist complexes. The origins and tectonic affinities of these complexes have been controversial in the past two decades. This systematic detrital zircon study used geological mapping of the Baluntai Complex (BC) in the middle section of the Central Tianshan to address these issues. Geological mapping revealed that the BC is a thrust stack that formed by a series of top-to-north thrust faults. Our 1135 concordant U-Pb detrital zircon dating results suggest that the gneisses, schists, and metasandstones of the BC were formed during the Middle Silurian to Early Carboniferous (ca. 433–346 Ma), rather than the Precambrian, as previously assumed. Detrital zircon age provenance of these samples suggests that they are sourced from a continental arc. Combining our new data, we concluded that the BC was generated in the arc-related basins by the northward subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean and that the Central Tianshan was a typical Japan-type arc in the middle and late Paleozoic.

Petrogenesis of Carboniferous-Permian Granitoids in the Kumishi Area of Tianshan, China: Insights into the Geodynamic Evolution Triggered by Subduction and Closure of the South Tianshan Ocean

Petrogenesis of Carboniferous-Permian Granitoids in the Kumishi Area of Tianshan, China: Insights into the Geodynamic Evolution Triggered by Subduction and Closure of the South Tianshan Ocean

Deciphering sources of lode gold deposits in the South Tianshan, NW China: Insights from Pb isotope systematics

The Tianshan hosts numerous giant and world-class lode gold deposits, forming one of the world’s largest gold provinces. However, the sources of gold remain equivocal. Herein, we present a comprehensive Pb isotopic investigation of the Precambrian basement, Neoproterozoic mafic dykes, and the Lower Paleozoic sequences of the South Tianshan in NW China. These data were compared with existing Pb isotope datasets from major lode gold deposits and coeval granitoid and mantle-related rocks, to trace the sources of gold and constrain the relative contributions from potential reservoirs. Gold-bearing sulfides from major lode gold deposits have relatively uniform Pb isotopic ratios, which are significantly different from regional coeval granitoid and mantle-related rocks. Conversely, the Pb isotopic characteristics from gold-bearing sulfides are comparable to those from the Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, showing well-defined linear relations. Binary mixing modeling shows that the Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks might have contributed 70% to 90% for the source of Pb and, by inference other metals. Integrating geochemical and isotopic features from major lode gold deposits in the region, we propose that it invokes fertilization of ancient Au archives during metamorphic volatilization in the deep crust during subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean. Following the final closure of the South Tianshan Ocean, the regional tectonic uplift and thermal effect during widespread granitoids emplacement associated with the amalgamation of the Tarim with Kazakhstan-Yili terranes, mobilizing the deep roots of the fertilized ancient Au reservoirs, leading to the formation of the gold deposit hosted in fault systems of the South Tianshan.

Using detrital zircons to constrain the late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the adjacent tectonic domains of the Tarim Craton, NW China

Late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of adjacent tectonic domains of the Tarim Craton is vital for understanding the basin-mountain coupling and dynamical mechanisms of the Paleo-Asian and Tethys tectonic systems as well as hydrocarbon exploration and development. U−Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotope analyses of detrital zircons of the Late Paleozoic sedimentary successions from three sections across the Tarim basin enable comprehensive identification of provenance changes and reconstruction of the tectonic evolutionary history of the Tarim Basin in the late Paleozoic. A total of 248, 499, and 470 valid ages were obtained for detrital zircon samples from the Kuqa Section in the northern margin of the Tarim Basin; the Xiaohaizi Section in the platform area; and the Aitegou Section in the southwestern margin of the Tarim Basin, respectively. Each age interval corresponds to the geotectonic thermal events of the opening–subduction–closing of the surrounding oceans and the collage/collision of terranes/island arcs. Based on detailed age spectral analysis and other evidence, we propose a tectonic evolutionary model that encompasses the northern and southwestern margins of the Tarim Basin. The South Tianshan Ocean closed completely in the late Carboniferous, resulting in the collision of the Tarim Basin with the Yili–Middle Tianshan Terranes no later than 315 Ma. In the southwestern part of the Tarim Basin, the Tianshuihai Terrane began to approach in the late Carboniferous, gradually amalgamated with the southwestern margin of the Tarim Basin, and finally wholly collided with the Tarim Basin at the end of the Permian, making the Tarim Basin an entirely terrestrial basin. The southwestern Tarim Basin was not an open passive continental margin in the Carboniferous–Permian but a retro-arc basin.

Magnetic fabric and sedimentological constraints on the paleocurrent changes within the early devonian strata from the northwestern Tarim, China

The magnetic fabric technique is widely used to measure the direction of paleocurrent and paleostress due to its speediness, precision, and cheapness. However, correlating unique magnetic fabric patterns in weakly deformed rocks with hydrodynamic or tectonic regimes remains challenging. The Early Devonian sedimentary rocks in the Keziertage Formation have well-preserved sedimentary structures and were deformed by the Cenozoic non-plunging fold. This sequence offers a prime opportunity to explore the relationship between magnetic fabric evolution, paleocurrents, and weakly deformation. Furthermore, the paleocurrent characteristics of the Keziertage Formation reflect the provenance changes during the opening of the South Tianshan Ocean. Here, we report 120 sedimentary structure-based paleocurrents and 382 magnetic fabric data from the Keziertage Formation in the Kalpin area, Xinjiang. We find that: (1) During the weakly deformation stage, the minimum axis of susceptibility's imbrication direction serves as a reliable indicator for detecting paleocurrents at the coarse sandstone layer with well-developed cross-bedding; (2) While the maximum axis of susceptibility is more consistent with the tectonic stress rather than paleocurrents. Consequently, the complexity of magnetic fabric needs to be clearly verified when it is applied in the weakly deformed strata. In the northwest margin of Tarim, both the minimum susceptibility axes of magnetic fabrics and sedimentary structures indicate a shift in the paleocurrent direction, transitioning from southwest to northeast in the mid-to-upper Keziertage Formation. This indicates significant channel changes, potentially linked to a regional change in provenance due to the Early Devonian opening of the South Tianshan Ocean.

Extremely low δ56Fe in arc tholeiites linked to ferrocarbonate recycling: Implications for Fe enrichment in the Awulale Arc, Central Asia

Recycling of Fe-rich materials through subduction may affect the element budgets and redox properties of the mantle, thus influencing the differentiation trends and mineralization types of mantle-derived magmas. However, the effects of different recycled Fe-rich materials on the mantle are dependent on their lithologies, which are still poorly constrained. Stable Fe isotopes can act as useful tracers for distinguishing among different recycled Fe-rich lithologies, and their imprints may be documented in mantle-derived magmas. This study focuses on the Fe isotopes of ferrobasalts and the associated dacites and magnetite ores in the Chagangnuoer Fe deposit of the Awulale Arc, Central Asia, to identify recycled Fe-rich materials and explore the Fe enrichment mechanism in continental arcs. Our results indicate that the ferrobasalts and dacites possess the lowest known δ56Fe, −0.40‰ ± 0.04‰ (2SE), among their counterparts worldwide. The low δ56Fe signatures are considered to originate from a hybridized mantle source, which may have been modified by recycled ferrocarbonates. The recycled ferrocarbonates may have melted during the decompressional heating stage of the slab subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean, coupled with asthenospheric upwelling under “wet” mantle conditions. The addition of ferrocarbonate melts to the mantle might have decreased the oxygen fugacity of the mantle wedge to below the fayalite−magnetite−quartz buffer, accounting for the Fe enrichment in arc tholeiites and large-scale Fe mineralization along the Awulale. Notably, our study reveals a novel carbonate recycling pathway in the cold subduction zones, where ferrocarbonates were subducted into the mantle and then recycled by the upwelling asthenosphere to mix with the fluid-metasomatized mantle through mantle convection.

The Wulanmoren Accretionary Complex Unravels Early Devonian to Late Triassic Multiple‐Arc Amalgamation in the Tianshan Orogen (NW China)

AbstractReconstructing the tectonic architecture of the southern Altaids is of great importance to piece together the continental growth history of the Central Asian continent. In this paper, we address the subduction‐accretion process of the Paleo‐Tianshan Ocean, one branch of the South Tianshan Ocean, in the southern Altaids, through a detailed geological and geochemical investigation of the Wulanmoren Accretionary Complex (WAC). The WAC is composed of ophiolitic mélanges, ocean plate stratigraphy mélanges, and turbiditic coherent units. In this study, we present key geological, petrological, and geochemical evidence indicating back‐arc and ocean island affinity of the igneous rocks of the WAC. Zircon U‐Pb dates of these rocks ages range between 380.2 ± 1.3 and 302.0 ± 5.3 Ma. The sedimentary matrix units of the mélanges were deposited in the Early Devonian (∼405 Ma) to the Late Triassic (∼222 Ma), rather than Silurian strata as previously thought. However, the ages of some detrital zircons in the sedimentary matrix are Precambrian, pointing to a complex evolution involving multiple ocean island terrains and island arcs of different ages that accreted from the mid‐Paleozoic to the Early Mesozoic.

Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Ahetala Granodiorite in South Tianshan Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang: New Constraints on the Tectonic Evolution of the South Tianshan Ocean

The Ahetala granodiorite is located in the western section of the South Tianshan Orogenic Belt (STOB), which is of great significance regarding the dispute on the closing date of the South Tianshan Ocean (STO) and the tectonic evolution of STOB. To determine the tectonic setting and petrogenesis, the study of petrography, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology, and major and trace elements analyses are carried out for Ahetala granodiorite. Based on LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating, the granodiorite was emplaced at 282.1 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.11). Geochemically, Ahetala granodiorite is characterized by metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.86–0.87), rich alkali (K2O + Na2O = 6.80–7.13), which belongs to high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite. They are enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE (LREE/HREE = 9.02–13.89) and exhibit insignificant Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.94–0.97). Ahetala granodiorite is enriched in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., K, Sr, Ba) and depleted in high field-strength elements (e.g., Ta, Ti, Nb, P). The Nb/Ta values (10.97–18.10), Zr/Hf values (39.41–40.19), and Mg# (54.87–56.02) of the granodiorite and the MgO content of biotites (13.42–14.16), the M value (M = Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)) of amphiboles (0.68–0.75), suggest that granodiorite originates from the crustal contamination of the mantle-derived magmas. Combined with regional geological background, previous research, and the nature of the Ahetala granodiorite, we suggest that Ahetala granodiorite was emplaced at a transitional stage of the volcanic arc (syn-collision) to post-collision setting and the South Tianshan Ocean was closed in the Early Permian.

Final closure of the Paleo Asian Ocean basin in the early Triassic

The timing of the final welding of the southern Altaids to construct Pangea is a matter of debate which has led to considerable uncertainty regarding the configuration of northeast Pangea and the reconstruction of proto-Asia. Here we investigate the provenance of sediments deposited within a fore-arc accretionary basin located close to the Akeyazi low temperature ultra-high pressure metamorphic complex in the South Tianshan Orogenic Belt. Detrital zircon U-Pb analysis of sandstones yields a maximum depositional age in the early Triassic (around 231.7 million years ago) with a major early Permian peak and few Precambrian records. Bulk-rock composition and zircon Hf isotopic analysis, combined with a compilation of existing data, indicate the early Triassic sediment received additional detritus from the distal juvenile East Tianshan Arc region, rather than from any proximate tectonic units or an intra-oceanic arc. Available data suggests that the South Tianshan Ocean, an accessory ocean basin to the Paleo-Asian Ocean, could close in the early Triassic.

Forced Cenozoic continental subduction of Tarim craton-like lithosphere below the Tianshan revealed by ambient noise tomography

AbstractThe possibility that craton-like lithosphere may undergo subduction during convergence of major tectonic plates is still poorly investigated. We addressed this issue using ambient noise tomography of the Tarim Basin and the Tianshan (Central Asia). Our S-wave velocity model reveals a flat-lying high-velocity anomaly beneath the Tarim Basin in the 45–60 km depth range, consistent with intrusion of mafic rocks at the base of the lower crust above a depleted lithospheric mantle, as expected after interaction of the lithosphere with a mantle plume. This high-velocity anomaly can be followed northward, steeply dipping (∼45°) beneath the Tianshan, which indicates that the Tarim craton-like lithosphere was subducted to mantle depths. It is connected with a fast P-wavespeed anomaly in the upper mantle, interpreted as a relict of the South Tianshan Ocean. A long period of tectonic quiescence, after the closure of the South Tianshan Ocean and before the Cenozoic tectonic rejuvenation of the Tianshan, suggests a minor role of oceanic slab pull in controlling continental subduction. The major player is instead the northward push of India within the framework of Cenozoic India-Asia convergence. We conclude that forced subduction can be experienced not only by thinned continental crust but also by a strong craton-like lithosphere.

A newly defined, long-lived Paleozoic intra-oceanic arc in the South Tianshan (NW China): Implications for multiple accretionary tectonics in the southern Altaids

AbstractThe South Tianshan Orogenic Belt marks the final assembly of the southern Altaids and the Karakum-Tarim Cratons. Integrated petrological, geochemical, and geochronological studies were carried out on the Akeyazi high-alumina basaltic lavas (HABs) and their host sandstones from the southern margin of the Central Tianshan Block. Given their relative high alumina contents (Al2O3 > 16 wt%) and geochemical similarity to basalts from modern arcs (e.g., Aleutian, Kamchatka, Izu, and Honshu arc), the Akeyazi basaltic lavas are classified as HABs. The Akeyazi HABs are distinguished by strong enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and negative Nb-Ta anomalies. Furthermore, their mid-oceanic ridge basalt (MORB)-like Sr-Nd-Hf (87Sr/86Sr(i) ~0.705766, εNd(t) ~+2.5, εHf(t) ~+9.5), along with arc-like trace element patterns, indicate a petrogenesis derived from a mantle wedge metasomatized by pelagic, sediment-derived melts (2%–5% melts mixed, as confirmed by melt modeling). Zircon U-Pb ages of Akeyazi HABs and associated arc-related gabbros suggest that they were mainly erupted during ca. 415 Ma. Moreover, host sandstones of Akeyazi HABs exhibit a unimodal distribution with a peak at 480–410 Ma in the detrital zircon spectrum, which is notably distinct from those of the Central Tianshan Block, South Tianshan Accretionary Complex, and North Tarim Craton, each of which is multimodal. The maximum depositional age (MDA) of the meta-sandstones is 351.0 ± 4.3 Ma, with the weighted average of three oldest Paleozoic grains at 502 ± 26 Ma. Collectively, our data, for the first time, discloses an intra-oceanic arc setting from ca. 502–351 Ma during the northward subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean, which further reveals the history of multiple episodes of accretion in the southern Altaids.

Spatial and temporal variations of geochemical and isotopic compositions of Paleozoic magmatic rocks in the Western Tianshan, NW China: A magmatic response of the Advancing and Retreating Subduction

• Two significant late Paleozoic magmatic “flare-up” events (ca. 340–355 Ma and 310–290 Ma) occurred in the West Tianshan. • These magmatic activities reflect two stages of crust-mantle interaction in extensional settings. • They recorded tectonic switching (advancing and retreating subduction) in ancient accretionary orogens. The transition from advancing to retreating subduction is a fundamental process at convergent plate boundaries, recognition of which is critical to understand the tectonic evolution of the accretionary orogens. To explore subduction transition, this study presents an integrated study of zircon U-Pb age and bulk-rock geochemistry, as well as whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf-O isotopes for the late Paleozoic granitic rocks in the Western Tianshan of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The late Paleozoic granitic rocks consist mainly of early Carboniferous (∼344 Ma) I-type granites and late Carboniferous to early Permian (∼311–294 Ma) A-type granites. This magmatism reflects two stages of crust-mantle interaction that were probably formed in an extensional environment. Our data, combined with previous data, suggest that the magmatic rocks of the Western Tianshan originated from and emplaced within contrasting geotectonic settings causing crustal architecture to change variably in space and time. The simultaneous increase of (La/Yb) N ratios and decrease of εNd(t) values in the late Silurian to early Carboniferous and early to late Carboniferous correspond to two periods of advancing subduction, which led to two periods of magmatic lull in late Devonian and early to late Carboniferous. Conversely, the decrease of (La/Yb) N and increase of εNd(t) values in the early Carboniferous and late Carboniferous to early Permian record two periods of retreating subduction (slab roll-back). These episodes of retreating subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean possibly caused the formation of the Adengtao and Wusun Mountains back-arc basin and the coeval magmatic flare-up.

Late Paleozoic deformation and tectonic significance of the South Central Tianshan Shear Zone, Kawabulake area, East Tianshan, NW China: Constraints from quartz fabrics and geochronologic data

The South Central Tianshan Shear Zone occurs along the southern margin of the Central Tianshan Block (CTB), NW China. This shear zone contains important information about the history of the amalgamation of various plates in the southwestern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. This study focuses on the deformation of the South Central Tianshan Shear Zone within the Kawabulake area in East Tianshan and provides insights into the late Paleozoic tectonic history of this region. Field observations indicate that the shear zone records at least two ductile deformation events (D1 and D2), where D1 is a sinistral strike-slip deformation event and D2 is dextral strike-slip. The shear zone contains four giant tectonic lenses that were formed during the D2 event. Microstructures and quartz crystallographic preferred orientation patterns indicate that D1 and D2 both occurred under low temperature conditions. We constrained the timing of deformation using mica 40Ar/39Ar and zircon U–Pb approaches. The timing of D1 deformation is constrained in the range of 400–290 Ma and the early and late stages of D2 deformation occurred at ca. 290 and 276–270 Ma, respectively. Regional comparisons indicate that D1 resulted from the clockwise rotation of the Tarim Craton and the oblique subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean crust beneath the CTB, the early stage of D2 was the result of the oblique collision between the Tarim Craton and the CTB, and the late stage of D2 records the convergence of the Tarim Craton and plates north of the CTB.

Paleozoic Subduction‐Accretion in the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Insights From the Wuwamen Accretionary Complex of the Chinese South Tianshan

AbstractAccretionary complexes are a major component of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and are important for understanding its architecture and evolution. The Wuwamen accretionary complex in the Chinese South Tianshan contains a tectonic mélange that witnessed the dynamic evolution from early accretion to final collision of the western CAOB with the Tarim Craton. We present geochronological and geochemical studies on the exotic blocks and metasedimentary matrix of the tectonic mélange in order to refine the subduction‐accretion processes in the CAOB. Geochemical and age data reveal that the exotic blocks are of diverse origins, including arc‐related granite and arc basalt‐like garnet amphibolite from the upper plate, and MORB‐like amphibolite from the subducting slab. The blocks underwent subduction‐related high‐temperature metamorphism between ca. 397 and 340 Ma. Detrital zircons in the metasedimentary matrix are dominated by Paleozoic ages corresponding to the continuous arc magmatism in the Yili‐Central Tianshan Block. This finding is consistent with the accretion of the Wuwamen complex on the southern margin of the Yili‐Central Tianshan Block above the northward subducting South Tianshan Ocean. A ca. 307 Ma post‐accretion granite dyke intruded the Wuwamen complex, thereby providing a minimum age limit for its terminal accretion. In conjunction with subduction‐related magmatism, metamorphism, and sedimentation, the accretion of the Wuwamen accretionary complex was active during the early Ordovician to the late Carboniferous. Our new results reiterate that long‐lasting accretionary processes in the South Tianshan Ocean and the terminal collision due to its closure exert a major control on the architecture of the southwestern CAOB.

Formation of Late Ordovician marine red beds: A case study of Sandbian deposits in the Tarim Basin, Northwest China

The late Ordovician was an important transition interval between the mid-Ordovician biological radiation and end-Ordovician extinction. Marine red beds (MRB) of Late Ordovician are distributed worldwide, including in the Americas, South Africa, England, and China. Among them, the conditions that contributed to the widespread Katian MRB was a combination of terrigenous input, cool-water settings, sediment oxidation, volcanic material input, and seasonal aridity. In contrast, Hirnantian MRB have a more limited distribution, and their occurrence might be related to regional tectonic settings and icehouse conditions. Sandbian MRB are distributed worldwide, but are relatively poorly studied. Even though Sandbian MRB are very similar in some characteristics to the Katian MRB, we don't know which factors were important to their formation and how these were related to marine environmental change and tectonic evolution. The Dawangou section near Kalping in the Tarim Basin of northwest China is an important global reference section for the auxiliary GSSP of the Middle–Late Ordovician boundary and for Sandbian through early Katian biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy. Diffuse reflection spectroscopy, major and trace element analysis, rare earth element analysis, and sedimentology were employed to study the interval of Sandbian MRB in the Kanling Formation (within the N. gracilis graptolite zone) relative to underlying and overlying deposits. The red-colored strata have elevated total Fe and hematite contents, whereas the grey and grey-green samples have much a lower total Fe and a significant lack of hematite and goethite. The total Fe content for strata within the Sandbian MRB varies with the clay content. The AlFe correlation within the Sandbian MRB is 0.9, whereas it is 0.6 for the non-red sediments. The Th/U ratio is much higher in the red-colored beds (averaging 7.0) relative to the underlying and overlying sediments (averaging 4.4). However, a redox proxy of Ni/Co ratios does not exhibit a significant difference between the underlying and overlying sediments (averages of 2.6 and 2.8) and the reddish Sandbian MRB interval (average of 2.6). The results indicated that the Sandbian marine red beds of the Tarim were formed during conditions of marine oxygenation that helped form and preserve the iron oxide. However, the regional distribution and aspects of the sediment geochemistry imply that another essential process for the formation of these Sandbian MRB was the influx of terrestrial iron-rich sediments from the exposed uplifts into the mixed shelf regions; and that this influx was partly governed by the regional patterns of southward subduction of the South Tianshan ocean and of northward subduction of the Altyn to the margins of the Tarim block.

Development of a complex arc–back-arc basin system within the South Tianshan Ocean: Insights from the Wuwamen ophiolitic peridotites

Ophiolites within the South Tianshan orogenic belt directly record the nature and tectonic evolution of the South Tianshan Ocean (STO), which is key for understanding the accretionary history of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Here we present petrological and Os isotopic data for the Wuwamen mantle peridotites from the South Tianshan orogenic belt, which provide new insights into the tectonic origin of this ophiolite and evolution of the STO. The lherzolites have low spinel Cr# (0.1–0.2), similar to those of fertile oceanic or continental peridotites that have undergone low degrees of melting. However, the extremely high Na2O (1.5–1.8 wt%) and Al2O3 (5.5–6.2 wt%) contents of the clinopyroxenes are atypical of oceanic peridotites, and resemble those of subcontinental peridotites. The harzburgites have more refractory compositions, suggesting higher degrees of melt extraction. Both the lherzolites and harzburgites have low initial 187Os/188Os ratios (< 0.121), which reflect Proterozoic melt depletion and a long-term lithospheric evolution. These data confirm an ancient subcontinental lithospheric mantle origin for the Wuwamen peridotites. The replacive dunites have moderate spinel Cr# (0.3–0.4), reduced Os and enriched 187Os/188Os (0.142–0.160), indicative of reaction between host lherzolites and percolating mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-type melts with radiogenic Os isotopic signatures, presumably in a subduction-related setting. This and the associated back-arc basin basalt (BABB)–type mafic crust suggest the Wuwamen ophiolite formed in a continental margin back-arc setting. A comparison with other ophiolites in the South Tianshan orogenic belt further indicates that a complex arc–back-arc system existed along the southern margin of the Central Tianshan, which was associated with northward subduction within the STO.

Tracing tectonic processes from oceanic subduction to continental collision through detrital zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope data: An example from the Chinese West Tianshan Orogen

Combining detrital zircon (DZ) U-Pb age and Lu-Hf isotope data is important in revealing the tectonic evolution of ancient orogens. Here, we conducted DZ U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope research on 7 modern river sand samples collected from the northern Chinese West Tianshan Orogen (CWTO). The DZs from modern river sands yield ages 340 to 320 Ma and reflect Mesozoic magmatism in the northern Yili Block (YB). In addition, the DZs reflected disproportionate contributions from the source area, which might be affected by the zircon fertility and erodibility of the source rocks. These newly obtained data, together with compiled DZ U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope data from other modern river sands and ancient sedimentary rocks in the CWTO, are used to constrain the subduction and closure history of the southwestern part of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The εHf(t) values of 500 to 450 Ma zircons from the southern YB and Central Tianshan Block display a fanning trend (changing from a narrow to a wide range over time), indicating a crustal thickening event at ∼ 450 Ma. The closure of the North Tianshan Ocean was completed when the YB and an immature/nascent island arc collided in the latest Carboniferous. The South Tianshan Ocean (STO) subducted bidirectionally beneath the Yili–Central Tianshan Block (YCTB) and the Tarim Craton starting at 460 Ma. Slab rollback or retreat of the STO in the northern Tarim Craton starting at 440 Ma caused the opening of several small diachronous back-arc basins. The fanning trend of εHf(t) values indicates that collision between the YCTB and the Tarim Craton occurred at 320 to 310 Ma.

Early Carboniferous high-silica granites in the Kalejun Mountains, Chinese western Tianshan: Petrogenesis, tectonic setting and geodynamic implications for the South Tianshan Ocean

ABSTRACT Early Carboniferous granitoids, distributed in the Yining and Central Tianshan blocks, Chinese western Tianshan, are important for deciphering their tectonic contexts and evolutionary history of the South Tianshan Ocean. Here we present LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages, in situ Hf isotopic data, and whole-rock geochemical data of the monzogranites and syenogranites from the Kalejun Mountains, southern part of the Yining Block, aiming to constrain their petrogenesis and geodynamic background. The results reveal that these monzogranites and syenogranites were emplaced at 356 Ma and 344 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, they are characterized by high SiO2 (68.74–75.76 wt.%) and K2O (4.58–6.18 wt%), low MgO (0.14–0.76 wt.%) and P2O5 (0.04–0.24 wt.%) contents. In addition, they are depleted in Ba, Sr, Eu, Ti, Nb, and Zr, and enriched in Rb, Cs, Th, and U. These features indicate that the Kalejun granites are high-silica I-type granites. The low positive εHf(t) values (+1.1 to +8.2) and old model ages (1294 to 827 Ma) of the studied zircons imply that the parental magma of these granites were derived from the reworking of Proterozoic basement with minor involvement of juvenile materials. Combined with the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous magmatic activities in the Yining and Central Tianshan blocks (e.g. the discovery of A-type bubble rhyolites and high-Mg andesites), it is suggested that the Kalejun granites were likely related to the roll-back of the South Tianshan oceanic slab. Finally, we argue that the subduction of South Tianshan Ocean probably terminated at the end of the Early Carboniferous.

Early Devonian tectonic conversion from contraction to extension in the Chinese Western Tianshan: A response to slab rollback

Abstract Extensive angular unconformities that occur across the Tianshan Orogen provide insight into the Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. This study presents new geochronological and geochemical data to unravel the age and origin of a pronounced angular unconformity in the Baluntai domain of the Chinese Western Tianshan. The angular unconformity separates a ductilely deformed metamorphic complex from overlying unmetamorphosed sequences. Detrital zircon age spectra suggest that the sedimentary samples received detritus from both the Precambrian basement and contemporaneous igneous rocks in the Central Tianshan and Yili blocks. The youngest detrital and metamorphic zircons in metasediments from the metamorphic complex reveal that their protoliths were deposited at ca. 419 Ma, and subsequently overprinted by metamorphism and ductile deformation at ca. 409 Ma. Along with ca. 532–407 Ma metavolcanics and foliated intrusions, the metamorphic complex constitutes a diachronous stratigraphic unit deposited during early Cambrian to late Silurian times, rather than a Precambrian basement as previously thought. The youngest detrital zircon age data from siliciclastic samples immediately above the angular unconformity constrain their deposition to ca. 407–397 Ma. In conjunction with a ca. 406 Ma rhyolitic tuff in the lower terrestrial siliciclastic unit and an early Carboniferous paleontological age of carbonates in the upper shallow-marine unit, it is suggested that the overlying unmetamorphosed sequences were accumulated during the early Devonian to the early Carboniferous. Thus, the angular unconformity in the Baluntai domain was formed between ca. 409 and 407 Ma. New and already published geochemical data reveal that the early Paleozoic (ca. 530–410 Ma) and late Paleozoic (ca. 410–320 Ma) igneous rocks are mainly medium- to high-K calc-alkaline I-type granitoids, which exhibit typical subduction-related geochemical signatures despite contrasting structural features. These geochronological and geochemical results are in accordance with those of similar early Devonian angular unconformities and Paleozoic igneous rocks in the southern Yili Block. The early Paleozoic igneous rocks display highly scattered zircon εHf(t) values, while the late Paleozoic rocks show a progressively increasing trend toward more positive values, attributed to slab rollback of the northward subducting South Tianshan Ocean under the Yili and Central Tianshan blocks. Thus, we propose that the formation of the angular unconformity was caused by tectonic conversion from contraction to extension due to slab rollback during the early Devonian. This study highlights the significance of geological and geochronological investigations of angular unconformities in the context of associated episodic magmatism and slab behavior in order to unravel distinct tectonic processes in the long-lived accretionary evolution of the Chinese Western Tianshan.

Formation of the Neoproterozoic Rifting Depression Groups of the Tarim Basin and its Hydrocarbon Potential: Responded to the Initial Opening of the Proto‐Tethy Ocean

AbstractThe largest and superimposed Tarim basin developed on the one of the three bigger craton, Tarim Craton, in China. The early Paleozoic is the heyday of its development and cratonization, and then changes to the different property basin. The reserved sedimentary strata of Neoproterozoicare recognized mainly in the local of outcrops periphery orogenic belts, but drilling core in the basin reveals them seldom. The proto‐type of the initial Tarim Basinis always a mystery. The vast desert, huge‐thickness of sedimentary strata, multiple tectonic movements, and a low quality of deep data are the keys to getting to know him. We comprehensive field outcrops, wells, seismic reflection profiles with higher SNRs and aeromagnetic data, recognized about 20 normal fault‐controlled rifting depressions of the Cryogenian and Ediacaran, which scattered throughout the basin, and developed on the Precambrian metamorphic and crystalline basement. The structural framework is clearly different from that of the overlying Phanerozoic. The rifting depressions consist of mainly half grabens, symmetrical troughs and horst‐grabens. From the northeast to southwest of the basin, they are divided into three rifting depression groups (RDG) with the WNW, ENE, and NW‐trends that are mainly controlled by normal faults. From the Cryogenian to Ediacaran, most of the main inherited faults to active and eventually ceased at the end of the Ediacaran or Early Cambrian, while subsidence centers appeared and migrated eastward along the faults. They formed under the NNE‐SSW oriented and NNW‐SSE‐oriented extensional paleo‐stress fields (relative to the present) during the Neoproterozoic, and were accompanied by clockwise shearing. According to the analysis of the activities of syn‐sedimentary faults, filling sediments, magmatic events, and coordination with aeromagnetic anomalies, the tectonic properties of the fault depressions are different and are primarily continental rifts or intra‐continental fault‐controlled basins. The formation of the rifting depression was associated with the initial opening of the South Altun‐West Kunlun Ocean and the South Tianshan Ocean, which were located at the northern and southern margins of the Tarim Block, respectively, in response to the break‐up of the Supercontinent Rodinia and the initial opening of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean.Inthe RDG developedfluvial, shallow marine and carbonate platform facies, accompanied with multiple phases of magma activities and glaciations during the Cryogenian and Ediacaran. The structural architectures of interfaces between the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian are mainly angular and parallel unconformities in the RDG. Over the parallel unconformities in the RDGs are beneficial for the organic‐rich and /or phosphorites of the Yuertus Formation of the Lower Cambrian. The main fault belts of RDGs also controlled the small platform margin and slope break belt of in the Cambrian. The Neoproterozoic and the Lower Cambrian petroleum systems of the basin might be controlled by the RDGs in the initiation of the Tarimcraton.