Southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt Research Articles

Structural anatomy of the newly recognized Paleozoic Dacaotan composite mélange belt: Implications for the subduction-accretion processes in the North Tianshan Ocean, southwestern Central Asian Orogenic belt

The North Tianshan Belt occupies a pivotal geological position within the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, making it an ideal location to unravel the long-term evolutionary history of the North Tianshan Ocean. However, how, and when the Tianshan oceanic basin was finally consumed and closed remains highly debated. To resolve these questions, here, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of the different litho-tectonic assemblages of the Dacaotan composite mélange belt in the North Tianshan Belt. Using detailed geological mapping, structural analyses, rock associations, and new geochemical and geochronological data, we divide the Dacaotan composite mélange belt into three litho-tectonic assemblages: (1) the southern sedimentary forearc (ca. 423–398 Ma) assemblage that is characterized by relatively coherent and well-bedded flysch sequences; (2) the central supra-subduction zone-type ophiolitic mélange assemblage (ca. 468–461 Ma) consisting of petrogenetically linked upper mantle and oceanic crustal components, which are exposed as tectonic slices or blocks within a serpentinite and sedimentary matrix; and (3) the northern accreted ocean plate stratigraphy mélange assemblage (ca.448–398 Ma) that is composed of accreted trench-fill turbidites, seamounts (OIB-like basic rocks) and ocean floor rocks (MORB-like basic rocks) dispersed in a sandy to pelitic matrix. Post-kinematic pluton and dyke reveal that the final accretionary event was completed prior to ca. 371 Ma. In conjunction with the spatial–temporal configurations of the different litho-tectonic assemblages, we conclude that the North Tianshan Ocean underwent bi-directional subduction and intra-oceanic subduction events during the Early Paleozoic. Our findings suggest the final consumption of the North Tianshan Ocean basin occurred before the Latest Devonian, resulting in the formation of the ultimate suture between the Central Tianshan Block and the North Tianshan Belt along the Kanggguertag-Dacantao composite mélange belt.

Early Neoproterozoic magmatism in the Central Tianshan Block, China: Implications for its tectono-magmatic evolution and relationship to Rodinia

As an important ancient continental constituent of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), the Central Tianshan Block (CTB) is indispensable to improving our understanding of the early evolution and architectural framework of this orogenic belt. Here, we present new zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes, as well as bulk-rock geochemistry, for amphibolite, gneissic granite, and augen granite from several localities in the CTB. Zircon U–Pb ages of ten samples demonstrate that the protolith of the amphibolite, gneissic granite, and augen granite formed in the early Neoproterozoic (from 905.9 ± 4.8 Ma to 940.0 ± 4.5 Ma). Geochemically, the early Neoproterozoic amphibolite is depleted in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, but enriched in light REE (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), similar to arc-related basalt. The gneissic granites from the Shardland area and the Alatage area, and gneissic granites and augen granites from the Xingxingxia area are enriched in SiO2, Na2O + K2O, LREE, and LILE, and depleted in heavy REE (HREE) and high field strength elements (HFSE), exhibiting an I-type granite affinity. Zircons from the amphibolite in the Shardland area exhibit positive εHf(t) values of +1.7 to +4.9 and TDM1 model ages of 1.27–1.39 Ga, indicating that the protolith crystallized from a mantle-derived magma. Zircons from the gneissic granites in the Shardland area, the Alatage area and the Xingxingxia area have εHf(t) values that range from –5.9 to +7.3 and TDM2 model ages of 1.33–2.17 Ga, indicating that the granites may have been derived from partial melting of ancient continental crust that contained compositionally variable juvenile material. These new results, combined with previous studies, indicate that early Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks are well-developed throughout the CTB and formed along a subduction-related continental arc. The CTB and other microcontinents of the southwestern CAOB may have been located proximal to the northern margin of the Tarim Craton during the early Neoproterozoic, thereby representing the active continental margin of the circum-Rodinia subduction–accretion system.

Hot subduction in the southern Paleo-Asian Ocean: Insights from clinopyroxene chemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb isotopes of Carboniferous volcanics in West Junggar

The chemical evolution and pressure–temperature conditions of subduction zone magmatism along ancient suture zones in orogenic belts can provide important information regarding plate convergence processes in paleo-oceans. Carboniferous magmatism in West Junggar is key to understanding the tectonothermal and subduction history of the Junggar Ocean, which was a branch of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, as well as the accretionary processes in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). We undertook a geochronological, mineralogical, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb isotopic study of volcanic rocks from the Baikouquan area of West Junggar. We used these data to determine the petrogenesis, mantle source, and pressure–temperature conditions of these magmas, and further constrain the subduction and tectonic history of the Junggar Ocean. The studied volcanic rocks yielded zircon U–Pb ages of 342–337 Ma and are characterized by enrichments of large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs), and depletions in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), indicative of an island arc affinity. The volcanic rocks have positive ƐNd(t) (5.83–7.04) and ƐHf(t) (13.47–15.74) values, 87Sr/86Sr(t) ratios of 0.704023–0.705658, and radiogenic 207Pb/204Pb(t) and 208Pb/204Pb(t) ratios at a given 206Pb/204Pb(t) ratio, indicative of a depleted mantle source contaminated by subduction-related materials. Geochemical modeling calculations indicate that ≤1% of a subduction component comprising fluid and sediment melt could have generated the source of the parental melts of the Baikouquan volcanic rocks. Clinopyroxene phenocrysts in the volcanic rocks are classified as high- and low-Ti clinopyroxene, and pressure–temperature calculations suggest the host rocks formed at high temperatures (∼1300 °C) and shallow to moderate depths (<2 GPa). The magma was probably generated by hot and hydrous melting in a mantle wedge in response to subduction of young, hot oceanic lithosphere. The present results, combined with published data, suggest that the Baikouquan volcanic rocks record a transition in tectonic setting from normal cold to anomalous hot subduction of young oceanic lithosphere close to a mid-ocean ridge. This indicates ridge subduction began shortly after 337 Ma. Our results provide new insights into the tectonomagmatic evolution during intra-oceanic subduction prior to ridge subduction.

Heterogeneous mush-dominated plumbing system and mantle sources of alkaline lamprophyres in Tuoyun Basin, SW Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Lamprophyres are spatially and temporally widespread in continental belts, but their magmatic differentiation process and melting dynamic mechanisms remain subjects of debate. In this study, we report mineral chemistry, bulk-rock compositions, and Sr-Nd-O isotopes of the alkaline lamprophyres (including monchiquite and camptonite) from the Tuoyun Basin of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Based on the P-T estimates, transcrustal magmatic reservoirs from the lower crust to upper crust are revealed for monchiquite and camptonite. These magmatic reservoirs were potentially connected, and the magmatic recharge and mixing processes that occurred were recorded by zoned clinopyroxene and amphibole. The diverse crystal populations are suggested to have originated from multiple batches of magmas, which were then involved in forming the subsequent magmas. The Sr-Nd isotopic compositions are relatively depleted, with (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70390−0.70452 and εNd(t) = 5.46−6.49 for the monchiquite, while the values for camptonite are 0.70391−0.70463 and 4.71−5.02. Moreover, the olivine in situ O isotopes in the monchiquite show δ18OV-SMOW values of 4.81‰−5.40‰, which are comparable to those of the mantle peridotite. Compared with the experimental melts, a hybridized mantle source of hydrous peridotite + silica-depleted pyroxenite is proposed, and partial melting of this component was induced by the upwelling asthenosphere. Ultimately, our study highlights the critical role of the magmatic plumbing system and hydrous mantle source in the formation of Tuoyun lamprophyres.

Polyphase deformation of staurolite-bearing metapelite in the Chinese Altai: Recording a Devonian-Permian tectonic regime switch in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Recent studies revealed that the Chinese Altai may have experienced two major tectonothermal events in the Devonian and Permian but their mutual relationships remain poorly constrained. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of macro- and micro-structural features of the Ordovician schists that were subjected to Barrovian-type metamorphism in the Chonghuer area of the northwestern Chinese Altai. Field structural and microstructural analyses revealed that metamorphic foliation S1 was folded by the recumbent fold F2, forming the sub-horizontal foliation S2. The S2 fabric was later reworked by the D3 transpressional shearing along the narrow sillimanite-bearing zone to form the foliation S3. Monazite U–Pb ages obtained from the staurolite schist located close to the D3 shear zone, as well as the zircon U–Pb ages from both folded and unfolded pegmatites that cross-cut granite, indicate that the D3 deformation took place during the Permian period, approximately 257–250 Ma. The EBSD study of quartz in the matrix and staurolite porphyroblasts conducted along the NE-SW cross-section allowed us to: 1) constrain the medium-temperature D2 and high-temperature D3 regimes and, 2) reconstruct foliation intersection axis (FIA) patterns both inside and outside the D3 deformation zone. The FIA between Devonian D1 and D2 preserved in staurolite porphyroblast was initially oriented in a N–S direction, which was ultimately reoriented to a NW-SE direction after undergoing the D3 shear deformation. This result is further reinforced by the numerical stochastic modelling, which quantifies the influence of the Permian HT sinistral transpression on the reworking of the Devonian FIA fabrics. Micro-structural data of this study verifies the significant tectonic switch from the Devonian E-W contraction to the Permian NNW-SSE transpression. Quantitative EBSD-based FIA analysis proves to be an effective approach for the structural analysis of polycyclic orogenic systems.

Mid-Neoproterozoic tectonic switch from orogeny to intraplate extension in NW Tarim Craton: New evidence from a composite dike of the Aksu Group

It is widely acknowledged that the Tarim Craton plays a crucial role in the supercontinent Rodinia. However, the timing and regime of the Neoproterozoic orogeny, as well as the subsequent tectonic evolution along the northern margin of the Tarim Craton, remain contentious. Recent research has revealed a composite dike in the Aksu blueschist terrane located in the NW Tarim, which sheds new light on the pivotal Neoproterozoic tectonic transition. This dike comprises deformed granites and undeformed diabases, resulting from two-episode igneous events shortly after the orogenic metamorphism. The granites exhibit S-type affinities, with high silica, calcic-alkalic, and peraluminous compositions. Enriched isotopic signatures and diagnostic inherited zircons suggest that they derived from the metasedimentary rocks of the accretionary complex. Conversely, the following diabase dike displays tholeiitic affinity, right-sloping REE patterns, enriched LILEs, and a pronounced depletion of high-field-strength elements. Moderately enriched Sr-Nd isotopes and chondrite-akin Hf isotopes of these diabases imply that they were likely derived from partial melting of the metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Zircon U-Pb chronological results reveal that the crystallization of these granites occurred at around 780 Ma. When combined with the maximum depositional age of protolith of the Aksu Group metapsammite obtained by detrital zircon dating, the metamorphic age of the Aksu blueschist terrane is limited to a short duration of 800–780 Ma, which is similar to the syn-orogenic metamorphism and crustal melting in the NE Tarim margin constrained to 830–790 Ma. Structural and petrological analysis suggests that the granites underwent deformation and dynamic recrystallization, while the diabases did not. This likely reflects the post-orogenic processes followed by the extrusion of mafic dike swarm associated with lithospheric stretching. The composite dike highlights a rapid tectonic shift from orogeny to intraplate extension during the mid-Neoproterozoic (780–760 Ma). Widespread late Neoproterozoic intraplate mafic and A-type granitic magmatism occurred in the Tarim and its adjacent blocks (Central Tianshan, Yili, and Kazakhstan) along the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, indicating that these blocks shared a similar geodynamic evolution related to the breakup of Rodinia.

Early Cambrian oceanic crust in the Chinese North Tianshan: Evidence of the earliest subduction system within the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The long-lived accretion of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt is directly related to the subduction and demise of multiple Paleozoic oceanic basins. However, the evolution of those different oceans, and their relationships, remain poorly constrained. In this paper, we report on an Early Cambrian ophiolite discovered in the North Tianshan suture, China, which represents the oldest oceanic crustal fragments documented in the North Tianshan belt. Two gabbroic blocks collected from the Gangou ophiolitic mélange yielded consistent zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 521 Ma. These gabbros have similar whole-rock major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions to those of gabbroic oceanic crust from mid-ocean ridges. In addition, high-An (∼92) plagioclase and high-Mg# (∼91) clinopyroxene indicate that the gabbros crystallized under hydrous conditions, likely in a subduction-related setting. Our data and those for Early Cambrian subduction-related ophiolites in the Junggar, Western Tianshan, and Beishan orogenic belts record the development of the earliest, large-scale, subduction system within the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, which was probably associated with assembly of Gondwana. This system may have also connected the Early Cambrian subduction systems between the Western Tianshan and Beishan belts.

Multivariate analyses in paleobiogeography of Devonian rugose corals for revealing the multiple accretionary processes of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Biogeographic analysis has been applied on the globe- or orogen-scale tectonic evolution. The scarcity of paleobiogeographic study cases caused a debate as to the Late Paleozoic detailed accretion and convergence process of collages in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. This contribution presents contrasting biota characteristics of the Early and Middle Devonian rugose corals in the Dananhu-Harlik Arc. By the multivariate analyses of the Early and Middle Devonian rugose coral faunas from series of the tectonic units in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and neighboring areas, we reveal that two distinct paleobiogeographic units, namely, the Boreal and Tethyan Realms, were separated by the North Tianshan Ocean and Kalamaili Ocean in the Early and Middle Devonian, respectively. It means that the Dananhu-Harlik Arc experienced a paleobiogeographic change from the Boreal Realm in the Early Devonian to the Tethyan Realm in the Middle Devonian. Comprehensively considering the coral paleobiogeography, paleomagnetism, magmatism, provenance and distribution of ophiolites in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, we speculate that the basal controlling factors of the Devonian coral paleobiogeographic pattern in the CAOB are the geographical isolation caused by the presence of oceanic basins, and the Mongolia and Kazakhstan Collages were separated by the North Tianshan Ocean sandwiched between the Dananhu-Harlik Arc and Central Tianshan Block during the Silurian to Early Devonian. In the Middle Devonian, the bidirectional and roll-back subduction of the North Tianshan Ocean caused the Dananhu-Harlik Arc separated from the Mongolia Collage by the Kalamaili Ocean and further moved towards the eastern Kazakhstan Collage. It caused the change of the rugose coral paleobiogeographic pattern in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The terminal convergence of Dananhu-Harlik Arc and Kazakhstan Collage occurred before the Latest Devonian and subsequently led to the formation of a new collage sandwiched by the Junggar-Kalamaili and South Tianshan Oceans.

Yanshanian–Himalayan geodynamic transformation of the northwestern Junggar Basin, southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), and its significance for petroleum accumulation

The northwestern Junggar Basin in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt is a typical petroliferous basin. The widely distributed reservoirs in Jurassic–Cretaceous strata indicate that the region records Yanshanian–Himalayan tectonic activity, which affected the accumulation and distribution of petroleum. The mechanism of this effect, however, has not been fully explored. To fill the knowledge gap, we studied the structural geology and geochemistry of the well-exposed Wuerhe bitumen deposit. Our results indicate that deformation and hydrocarbon accumulation in the northwestern Junggar Basin during the Yanshanian–Himalayan geodynamic transformation involved two main stages. During the Yanshanian orogeny, a high-angle extensional fault system formed in Jurassic–Cretaceous strata at intermediate to shallow depths owing to dextral shear deformation in the orogenic belt. This fault system connected at depth with the Permian–Triassic oil–gas system, resulting in oil ascending to form fault-controlled reservoirs (e.g., a veined bitumen deposit). During the Himalayan orogeny, this fault system was deactivated owing to sinistral shear caused by far-field stress related to uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. This and the reservoir densification caused by cementation formed favorable hydrocarbon preservation and accumulation conditions. Therefore, the secondary oil reservoirs that formed during the Yanshanian–Himalayan tectonic transformation and the primary oil reservoirs that formed during Hercynian–Indosinian orogenies form a total and complex petroleum system comprising conventional and unconventional petroleum reservoirs. This might be a common feature of oil–gas accumulation in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and highlights the potential for petroleum exploration at intermediate–shallow depths.

Tectonic evolution of circum-Rodinia subduction: Evidence from Neoproterozoic A-type granitic magmatism in the Central Tianshan Block, northwest China

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks associated with the assembly and configuration of the Rodinia supercontinent are widely distributed in the Central Tianshan Block, southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), northwest China. The Central Tianshan Block is an important geological unit in tectonic reconstructions of the CAOB and Rodinia. However, the early Neoproterozoic tectonic framework and evolution of the Central Tianshan Block are poorly understood. Here we present a geochronological, mineral and whole-rock geochemical, and Nd–Hf isotopic study of early Neoproterozoic augen granites from the Bingdaban area. In situ zircon U–Pb dating shows that the augen granites have crystallization ages of 1002–992 Ma. The augen granites have high SiO2 (70.46–76.24 wt%) and K2O (3.36–4.96 wt%) contents, and FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) ratios (0.76–0.84), low Mg# values (29–39), slightly enriched light rare earth element patterns, enriched large-ion lithophile elements, depleted high-field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), and high 10,000 × Ga/Al ratios (2.3–8.3) and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents (256–408 ppm). The augen granites have geochemical features typical of A2-type granites, variable εNd(t) values of –1.64 to +6.87 and Nd model ages of 1.78–1.08 Ga, and zircon εHf(t) values of −1.96 to +6.42 with Hf model ages of 1.98–1.48 Ga. These data indicate the granites had a juvenile crustal-dominated source, with subordinate input of ancient crustal components, and formed in a subduction-related extensional setting. The extension might have been related to slab break-off beneath Rodinia. The early Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the Central Tianshan and adjacent microcontinental blocks in the southwestern CAOB formed at or near an active continental margin, possibly part of the circum-Rodinian subduction zone during or after the assembly of Rodinia. Similar Neoproterozoic magmatism in the Central Tianshan and Yili blocks suggests that they had a comparable crustal evolution and a close tectonic and paleogeographic relationship during the Neoproterozoic. However, significant age and isotopic differences characterize the Central Tianshan–Yili blocks and Tarim Craton, suggesting that the Central Tianshan–Yili blocks were not separated from the Tarim Craton during the early Neoproterozoic.

Late Carboniferous bimodal volcanic rocks of the West Junggar Terrane, NW China: Implications for the postcollisional tectonic setting of the southwestern CAOB

ABSTRACT The West Junggar terrain (WJT), as a crucial part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is distributed with numerous igneous rocks, which provide critical information for crustal growth. However, the closure of the Junggar Ocean (JO) and the beginning of the postcollisional tectonic stage of the WJT have been controversial. This study delimited the regional lithologic units based on remote sensing geological mapping and recognized a series of bimodal volcanic rocks (BVR) in Hala’alate Mountain of the WJT. LA-ICP‒MS zircon U‒Pb geochronology and geochemistry were used to discuss the petrogenesis of the BVR and determine the stage of regional tectonic evolution. Geochronological results yield crystallization ages of 302 ± 4 Ma, 298 ± 2 Ma, 304 ± 1 Ma, and 303 Ma± 2 Ma for the basaltic andesite, basalt, and two rhyolitic samples, respectively. Basalts and basaltic andesites are calc-alkaline, and display enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs). Notably, basaltic andesites in this area were once misjudged as sanukitoids owing to their low contents of Mg#, Ni, Cr, and other characteristics that are inconsistent with the typical definition of sanukitoids. The rhyolites are A2-type granitoids with high SiO2 contents and are depleted in Nb, Ta, P, Ti, and Sr, showing enriched LREE patterns with negative Eu anomalies. These features indicate that the magma of the mafic end-member of the BVR is derived from the partial melting of the depleted lithospheric mantle, whereas the felsic end-member magma can be associated with the remelting of the lower crust due to the upwelling and underplating of mafic magma. In combination with previous studies of simultaneous basic dikes and felsic rocks, a postcollisional tectonic stage was proposed for the WTJ during the late Carboniferous, suggesting that the JO was closed.

Early-Middle Devonian adakitic magmatism generated by slab retreat in southern West Junggar, NW China: implications for tectonic correlation with central and East Kazakhstan

ABSTRACT The West Junggar terrane (WJT) is known to tectonically correlate with the Central and East Kazakhstan terrane; however, the Middle Palaeozoic magmatism has rarely been reported in the southern WJT, leading to significant uncertainties on the tectonic evolution and correlation of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Here, we present the adakitic quartz diorites with zircon U-Pb ages of 390–394 Ma in the Alashankou region to demonstrate the presence of Early-Middle Devonian magmatism in the southern WJT for the first time. They are characterized by low Yb (1.00–1.41 ppm) and Y (8.9–14.4 ppm) but high Sr (301.5–475.9 ppm), Sr/Y (23–41), and (La/Yb)N (8.1–11) values, typical of modern adakites. As suggested by the relatively high SiO2 (64.96–67.71 wt.%), moderate K2O (1.53–3.19 wt.%), but low MgO (1.56–2.31 wt.%), TiO2 (0.28–0.42 wt.%), Cr (≤13.7 ppm), Co (2.7–9.9 ppm), Ni (8.0–18.7 ppm), and Th (3.7–4.8 ppm) concentrations as well as the high positive ɛHf(t) values (+5.6 to +10.3) and low Nb/Ta ratios, the adakitic quartz diorites were probably generated by the partial melting of a slightly thickened lower crust, which consisted mainly of the Ediacaran-Middle Palaeozoic intra-oceanic arc rocks in the southern WJT. Combined with regional data, our new results support that the southern WJT probably evolved as the eastern extension of the Kazakhstan Early-Middle Devonian outer volcanic belt during the Middle Palaeozoic. The Early-Middle Devonian tectonic extension and resultant lower crust melting may thus be related to the slab retreat of the Junggar-Balkhash Ocean.

Rodingites in the Darbut Ophiolitic Mélange, West Junggar: New Insights into Rodingitization and Tectonic Evolution

The Darbut ophiolitic mélange is located in the central West Junggar area, southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), and rodingites are widespread within serpentinized peridotites in the mélange. Here, we conducted field, structural, mineralogical, and geochemical investigations of the Darbut rodingites for the first time to constrain their metasomatic processes. Rodingites usually occur as strongly sheared blocks surrounded by chloritic blackwall, and their preferred axial surface orientations are subparallel to the serpentinite foliations. Based on the petrology and geochemistry of these metasomatic rocks, two stages of metasomatic processes, namely rodingitization and derodingitization, were recognized: (1) rodingitization of gabbroic protolith was characterized by the input of Ca and the release of Si, K, Na, and LILE; this stage was related to the diapiric emplacement of the Darbut ophiolitic mélange in the Late Carboniferous; and (2) derodingitization of rodingites led to the replacement of Ca-rich minerals by chlorite, accompanied by Mg increase, and depletions of Ca and REE; the derodingitization stage occurred under enhanced CO2/H2O ratio conditions and was likely associated with regional postcollision volcanism in the Early Permian. Hence, the rodingite in the Darbut ophiolitic mélange provides important fingerprints recording the tectonic evolution.

Late Carboniferous intrusions along the Kalamaili suture zone, southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB): implications for a tectonic switch from subduction to collision

ABSTRACT A tectonic switch from subduction to collision and/or arc–arc collision is a key issue for understanding accretionary orogenic processes. We present new U-Pb ages, geochemistry, whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotope data for a suite of late Carboniferous intrusive rocks along the Kalamaili suture zone of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and demonstrate their petrogenesis and the transition of their tectonic settings. Zircon U-Pb dating for the gabbros, diorites, granodiorites, and monzogranites yields ages of 317–301 Ma. The gabbros (311 Ma) were likely derived from partial melting of a mixed source of depleted MORB-like asthenospheric mantle with minor old crustal material; the diorites (301 Ma) from the mixed depleted lithospheric mantle and crustal components; the granodiorites (303 Ma) from the mixed mantle- and crust-derived magmas; and the monzogranites (317 Ma) from melting of the newly underplated basaltic lower crust. Combined with previous data, we have grouped all the intrusive rocks along the Kalamaili suture zone into three phases: 350–340 Ma, 330–320 Ma, and 320–300 Ma. The first phase consists of tholeiitic and high-K calc-alkaline granites, the second phase is composed of high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites with strong deformation, and the third phase comprises voluminous and various rock types (mainly mafic and felsic, including many A-type granites), revealing a magmatic flare-up. The magmatic associations and evolution from the first to the third phase, together with regional geology, suggest a tectonic transition from subduction/accretion (350–340 Ma) through syn-collision (330–320 Ma) to post-collision (or post-accretionary, 320–300 Ma), respectively. This study provides new magmatic evidence for the switch from subduction to collision (arc-arc collision) along the Kalamaili suture zone in the southwestern CAOB.

Episodic magmatism in the Dananhu arc, eastern Tianshan: Implications for the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the North Tianshan Ocean

ABSTRACT The North Tianshan Ocean represents a critical southwestern segment of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and is crucial for understanding accretionary and collisional processes of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Dananhu arc belt, an important porphyry Cu deposit metallogenic belt in the eastern North Tianshan, records Paleozoic episodic magmatism. However, the tectonic affinity and evolution processes of the Dananhu arc belt are still open to debate. Here, geochronology, major and trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions for magmatic rocks are conducted to reveal the ages, petrogenesis, and tectonic settings of these magmatic rocks in the Dannanhu arc belt. The Carboniferous dacite (328 Ma) and gneissic granite (310 Ma) show high-K calc-alkaline, enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Rb, Th, and U), depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, and Ti), depleted isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = 1.3-3.4; εHt(t) = 0.5-12.5) and juvenile Nd-Hf model ages. Combining these Carboniferous magmatic rocks with the features of high Sr-Ba granitoid and Sr-Nd isotopic decoupling, we suggest that these Carboniferous rocks were probably formed through fractional crystallization of partial melting of mantle wedge that had been metasomatized by melts from subducted sediments in a forearc setting. The early Permian granites (289-276 Ma) show high K2O+Na2O (6.9-8.9 wt.%), low MgO (0.06-0.15 wt.%) contents, high positive zircon εHt(t) (10.5 to 12.1) and whole-rock εNd(t) (4.4-5.5) values, suggesting that the early Permian granites were derived from juvenile lower crust in a post-collisional setting. Our geochronological and geochemical data, together with published data, reveal that high flux arc magmatism with age peaks at ca. 431 and 332 Ma is consistent with porphyry copper mineralization in the Dananhu arc belt, implying a close genetic relationship. The final closure of the North Tianshan Ocean was constrained to the late Carboniferous and early Permian.

Petrogenesis of Early Permian basalts in the Turpan-Hami basin, NW China: Implications for the spatial limits of the Tarim mantle plume

Controversies remain as to the area of the Tarim Large Igneous Province (TLIP), in particular, the relationship between extensive Permian magmatism in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and the activity of Tarim plume. Here we report the geochronological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the Permian basalts from the Turpan-Hami (Tu-Ha) basin, located in southwestern CAOB. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yielded an age of 298.4 ± 2.6 Ma, temporally close to that of the Tarim plume. The basalts could be classified into lower porphyritic basalt with phenocrysts of plagioclase, olivine, minor clinopyroxene, and upper aphyric basalts. Geochemically, the former is characterized by relatively higher Na2O + K2O (3.97–5.13 wt%), low (La/Yb)N (∼2) and depleted Sr-Nd values [εNd(t)= +8.2 to +8.7; (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7032–0.7034], whereas the latter have lower Na2O + K2O (4.19–4.43 wt%) content, higher (La/Yb)N (∼4–6) and more enriched Sr-Nd values [εNd(t)= +4.6 to +6.2; (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7033–0.7048]. The compositional variation of plagioclase phenocrysts and pressure estimation (∼7kbar) indicate that Tu-Ha magmas were stored and evolved in a lower crustal magma chamber which experienced at least one-time magma replenishment. The estimated mantle potential temperature (1270–1480 °C) in Tu-Ha basin is similar to MOR, with no obvious thermal anomaly. Furthermore, higher Na/Ti ratio of quartz-normative Tu-Ha basalts suggest a shallower melting depth for Tu-Ha basin than central area of TLIP, which against a typical plume model. These characteristics alongside regional geologic records collectively suggest that the formation of Permian Tu-Ha basalts is more closely linked post-orogenic extension, implying that the extensive Permian magmatism in the CAOB is unrelated to the Tarim plume.

Late Mesozoic intracontinental deformation and magmatism in the Chinese Tianshan and adjacent areas, Central Asia

Abstract The Tianshan Range–Junggar Basin– Kalamaili Range system represents the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt and is a natural laboratory for studying intracontinental deformation processes. Its current topography is a product of the farfield effects of the Cenozoic India-Asia collision. However, the Mesozoic topographic and tectonic evolution of the Tianshan and Kalamaili Ranges and their impacts on the Junggar Basin remain enigmatic due to the scarcity of data. Here, we present a comprehensive synthesis of sedimentological and geochronological data on these ranges and adjacent basins to reconstruct the intracontinental evolution from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. Based on field observations and seismic profile analysis, we identified several unconformities within the late Mesozoic strata in the Tianshan Range and the Junggar Basin. Detrital zircon U-Pb dating results for Lower Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous sandstones of the eastern and southern Junggar Basin, with published paleocurrent data, reveal a complex intracontinental topographic evolution. Moreover, tuffaceous gravels and tuff samples yielded weighted mean zircon 206Pb/238U ages of 156.5 ± 3.2 Ma and 156.3 ± 2.2 Ma, respectively, which indicates the presence of contemporary magmatic activity. The deformation and magmatism mentioned above were possibly related to multi-plate convergence in East Asia during the late Mesozoic. This study provides new insights into the late Mesozoic tectonic-magmatic evolution of the Tianshan Range and its adjacent areas.

A Partial Molten Low‐Velocity Layer Atop the Mantle Transition Zone Beneath the Western Junggar: Implication for the Formation of Subduction‐Induced Sub‐Slab Mantle Plume

AbstractDeep subduction of plate generally could induce a partial molten low‐velocity layer (LVL) atop the mantle transition zone (MTZ) around the subduction zone. But the effects of the LVL to its upper lithosphere are less known, especially at the oceanward direction of subducted slab. Here, we image the seismic velocity structure atop the MTZ by matching the synthetics and the observed triplicated P‐ and SH‐wave waveforms recorded by Xinjiang seismic network from four earthquakes in the southwestern Siberia. Our observations reveal a partial molten LVL atop the MTZ beneath the western Junggar (WJ) in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The SH‐wave velocity drop for the LVL is −5.6% which is larger than −4.4% of the P‐wave when its thickness is 29 km. It is inferred that the subducted Paleo‐Asian oceanic plate induces hydrous MTZ materials underneath the subducted slab to upwell to the upper mantle, and form the partial molten LVL. Combined with previous geophysical and geological results, we propose a new geodynamical process involving the lithosphere and MTZ underneath the subducted slab: the melt in the LVL is likely to upwell through slab window, which could be triggered by mid‐oceanic ridge subduction or self‐sustained buoyancy. This mode could account for the contemporaneous break‐off fossil oceanic plate, ocean island basalts‐type rocks, extensive A‐type granitoids, adakite, and porphyry Cu‐Au in the WJ during the late Carboniferous to early Permian.

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.

Perspective of Permian porphyry Cu-Au mineralization in Chinese Western Tianshan: Constraints from sulfide Re-Os dating and trace element study of the Kuruer deposit, Xinjiang

Western Tianshan along the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt is well-endowed with epithermal and porphyry Au-Cu deposits. The Kuruer Cu-Au deposit, recently discovered in the eastern part of Western Tianshan, represents a transition from a high-sulfidation epithermal to a porphyry system. In this contribution, we explored the capacity of chalcopyrite to record direct mineralization time and fluids evolution in the Kuruer deposit, by presenting Re-Os isotopic data and the concentration range of 16 trace elements obtained through LA-ICP-MS. The chalcopyrite Re-Os isochron age of 256 ± 12 Ma (MSWD = 2.6) is comparable within error with the U–Pb age of the ore-causative albite porphyry which demonstrates a Permian porphyry-epithermal system instead of the previously proposed Carboniferous epithermal mineralization. The initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.81 ± 0.17 for chalcopyrite implies mixing between crust and mantle. Both pyrite and chalcopyrite can host trace elements in considerable amounts, where pyrite primarily hosted Co, As, Au, V, and Bi, but chalcopyrite concentrated more Zn, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Mo. The study also highlighted systematic variation of trace element concentrations and Cd/Zn ratios in chalcopyrite and pyrite that can be powerful indicators of fluid phase separation and fluid mixing with meteoric water.