Tectonic Affinity Research Articles

Did a Late Paleoproterozoic-Early Mesoproterozoic Landmass Exist in the Eastern Cathaysia Block? New Evidence from Detrital Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Sedimentary Indicators

The South China Craton comprises the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks and is one of the largest Precambrian continental blocks in East Asia. However, the early geological and geographical evolution of the Cathaysia block is relatively poorly understood, due to the sparse exposure of pre-Neoproterozoic rocks and reworking during Phanerozoic polyphase magmatism and metamorphism. In this contribution, we carried out detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and sedimentary analyses on five Proterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks collected from the northeastern Cathaysia block, which belong to the previously defined Chencai, Mayuan, and Mamianshan Groups (strata). LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results of the detrital zircons show various ~1.85–1.35 Ga maximum depositional ages. They are significantly older than the previously constrained Neoproterozoic formation ages of these Proterozoic strata of northeastern Cathaysia, suggesting that their deposition and formation were probably initiated as early as the late Paleoproterozoic. Provenance analyses reveal that the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic detrital zircons with igneous-origin were derived from in situ contemporary crystalline basements in eastern Cathaysia. In addition, by implication, the easternmost part of Cathaysia was probably an emerged area (i.e., the “proto-Cathaysia Land”) under active erosion. It had a ~NWW orientation and provided detrital sediments to the neighboring marine basin (i.e., the Cathaysia Sea) during the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic. Finally, the Paleoproterozoic evolution of Cathaysia was involved in the assembly of the Nuna supercontinent. Our results, together with the published data, reveal a distinct late Paleoproterozoic (~1.8 Ga) detrital zircon age peak, which seems to support the view that eastern Cathaysia had close tectonic affinities with terranes such as the Precambrian terranes of current northern India, in the framework of the Nuna supercontinent reconstruction.

Tectonic affinity of the Zhusileng–Hangwula Belt in the northern Alxa area: Evidence from the zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of the Mesoproterozoic (~1.4 Ga) igneous rocks

Precambrian rocks are necessary to understand the tectonic and crustal evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, especially the tectonic affinities of embedded microcontinents. We conducted a combined analysis of whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotope on the Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks from the Zhusileng–Hangwula Belt of the northern Alxa area to investigate its tectonic affinity. The zircon ages show that the gneissic granites, metagabbro, and amphibolite formed at 1,433–1,424 Ma, 1,383, and 1,373 Ma, respectively. Furthermore, zircon xenocrysts from the rhyolite in the Zhusileng area exhibit a206Pb/238U ages cluster at about 1.4 Ga. Geochemically, the gneissic granites are high‐potassium calc‐alkaline granitoids and exhibit light rare earth element‐enriched pattern, pronounced significant negative Eu anomalies, negative Nb–Ta anomalies, positiveεHf(t) values (3.2–11.3), and young two‐stage model ages (2.21–1.46 Ga), indicating that they were derived from a magma source of rapid reworking of juvenile mantle‐derived materials with a limited ancient crustal contamination. The FeOT, CaOm and MgO contents of mategabbros and amphibolite are high, but their total rare earth elements are relatively low (TREE = 31.45–32.74). They are characterized by relatively positive zirconεHf(t) values (5.3–11.0), and very young two‐stage model ages (1.98–1.49 Ga), indicating that they were generated from the depleted mantle. Our geochemical data suggest that these Mesoproterozoic rocks in the Zhusileng–Hangwula Belt are consistent with the formation period and tectonic environment of juvenile basement rocks from the Central Tianshan Arc and southern Beishan Orogenic Belt, whereas a Mesoproterozoic correlation with the Tarim Craton is highly unlikely. Thus, we believe that the Zhusileng–Hangwula Belt has an analogous tectonic evolution and a close affinity with the Central Tianshan Arc and southern Beishan Orogenic Belt during the Mesoproterozoic.

Geochronology of a Paleoproterozoic metamorphic complex in the Shuangsheng area of Inner Mongolia: constraints on crustal evolution

ABSTRACT The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) contains many microblocks, and their Precambrian basement origin and crustal evolution are disputed. This study focuses on the geochronology of metamorphic complexes from the Shuangsheng area, southeastern Inner Mongolia. Combined with regional geological data, we discuss the tectonic attribution of the metamorphic complexes and provide geochronological evidence for regional crustal evolution and tectonic affinity. From the Shuangsheng area, the Pingandi metamorphic complex and Baolige metamorphic complex are composed of greenschist–amphibolite facies metamorphic intrusive rocks and metamorphic supracrustal rocks, mainly including tremolite rock, chlorite rock, actinolitite (gneissic) plagioamphibolite, actinolitite schist, marble, and feldspar quartzite. Zircon U-Pb geochronology analysis of actinolitite and plagioamphibolite suggests that there were two intermediate-acid magmatic events (2500–2400 Ma and 2050–1980 Ma), one basic magmatic event (1860 Ma), and three metamorphic events (1930–1890 Ma, 1815–1785 Ma and 1740–1730 Ma). Based on comparisons with the regional Precambrian chronological spectrum, geotectonically, Precambrian geological records from the Shuangsheng area should belong to the basement of the Bainaimiao Arc Terrane (BAT). Each segment of the BAT shows consistent Precambrian chronological frameworks, which indicates that the BAT has a unitive Precambrian basement. The basement underwent crustal growth during 3.0–2.4 Ga and 2.1–1.4 Ga and multistage crustal reconstruction between 2.75 and 0.55 Ga, which is different from the crustal evolution of the North China Craton, northeast Gondwana continent, and Tarim Craton. In the early Palaeozoic, the Precambrian material provided varying source contributions to the arc crust of the BAT through crust–mantle interaction.

Cambrian intra-oceanic subduction within the southern branch of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean: Constraints from rhyolites in the Lajishan suture, NE Tibetan Plateau

The South Qilian suture in the Qilian Orogen is an early Paleozoic belt that developed as a result of closure of the southern branch of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean. It is characterized by widespread Cambrian intermediate-basic volcanic rocks which record the early-stage evolution of the paleo-ocean basin. However, Cambrian evolution of the paleo-ocean basin remains controversial due to the lack of research on the age and tectonic affinity of these volcanic rocks. In this study, we identified rhyolites from the intermediate-basic volcanic rocks in the South Qilian suture. They occur as pebbles in the breccias, or as veins and interlayers within the intermediate-basic volcanic rocks. Zircon U-Pb datings yield ages of 514.0 ± 2.8 Ma, 521 ± 4 Ma, 523 ± 5 Ma, and 513 ± 9 Ma for four rhyolites, respectively. The Cambrian rhyolites show variable La/Sm ratios and Rb contents and positive zircon εHf(t) values (+6.8 to +14.6) and whole-rock εNd(t) values (+2.1 to +4.6), suggesting that they were derived from partial melting of juvenile mafic crust. They also have high Al2O3 and CaO contents, as well as low K2O and trace element concentrations, which are similar to those of oceanic arc rhyolite. These early Cambrian oceanic arc rhyolites, along with the SSZ-type ophiolite (ca. 530–520 Ma) to the north and late-stage granitoid intrusions (ca. 474–450 Ma), indicate that the southern branch of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean experienced southward intra-oceanic subduction during the early Cambrian-early Ordovician period.

Evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean: Constraints from detrital zircons of the Paleozoic to Triassic clastic rocks in the Qiangtang terrane, Tibetan Plateau

• The Longmuco-Shuanghu-Lancangjiang suture zone represents an in situ relic of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. • The northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere was continuous at least during the Late Devonian to Triassic. • The collision between the North and South Qiangtang subterranes began at ∼ 225 Ma. The Qiangtang terrane, which is divided into the North and South Qiangtang subterranes, is a key unit to study the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in the Tibetan Plateau. Here we present new detrital zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic data from a Paleozoic-Triassic sedimentary succession in the Qiangtang terrane. This new dataset is used to unravel the tectonic affinity of the North and South Qiangtang subterranes and the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Detrital zircons from the Paleozoic-Triassic sedimentary succession in the North Qiangtang subterrane are generally poorly rounded, indicating short transported distance. They yielded variable U-Pb ages ranging from 3399 Ma to 233 Ma with major age peaks of 358 Ma and 266–248 Ma, and ε Hf (t) values of −18.6 to 19.3. These features reveal that these detrital zircons were most likely derived from arc magmatic rocks, which were associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere. By contrast, detrital zircons from the Paleozoic sedimentary succession in the South Qiangtang subterrane are characterized by sphericity and ellipsoid, with most Th/U values > 0.1. They yielded U-Pb ages of 3624–321 Ma and three consistent age peaks of 549–527 Ma, 973–940 Ma and 2504–2470 Ma. They display ε Hf (t) values ranging from –33.4 to 26.2, with a cluster of −20.0 to 10.0. These features are similar to those of the detrital zircon grains from the South Qiangtang, Lhasa, and Himalaya terranes, as well as the Indian Gondwana. Detrital zircon ages data suggest that the North and South Qiangtang subterranes were derived from the Yangtze block and Gondwana, respectively. Available data indicate that the northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere was continuous at least during the Late Devonian to Triassic. The collision between the North and South Qiangtang subterranes was initiated at ∼ 225 Ma.

Jurassic subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate in Southeast Asia: New insights from the igneous and sedimentary rocks in West Borneo

The tectonic affinity of West Borneo and its relationship with the East Asia continental margin are key issues for unraveling SE Asia tectonics. New zircon U-Pb and Hf-O isotopes and whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data of the igneous and associated sedimentary rocks in West Borneo document the development of Early (∼200–185 Ma) and Late (∼160–145 Ma) Jurassic arc-like igneous rocks. In the Kuching Zone and South Schwaner Mountains, the Jurassic mafic-intermediate igneous rocks are characterized by enrichment in LILEs, depletion in HFSEs, εHf(t) = +0.6 – +11.6, δ18O = 4.97–5.61‰, εNd(t) = −2.5∼+2.4, (206Pb/204Pb)i = 18.71–19.37 and (208Pb/204Pb)i = 38.75–39.58. They originated from a sediment-modified mantle wedge source in a supra-subduction zone setting. The Jurassic granitoids shared consistent elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf-O isotopic signatures with εHf(t) = +1.7∼ +15.6, δ18O = 4.97–6.01‰, εNd(t) = −1.1 ∼ +4.2, with Δ8/4 = 22.5–51.9 and Δ7/4 = 5.8–14.3, arguing for a juvenile crust-dominated origin. Detritus from the associated sedimentary rocks in the Kuching Zone and South Schwaner Mountains was largely derived from the nearby Jurassic magmatic arc. Their detrital zircon age patterns are comparable to those from the East Malaysia-Indochina and Sibu zone, but distinctive from those in SE Borneo. Integrating all data with those from regional surveys, the igneous and sedimentary rocks in the South Schwaner Mountains are suggested to commence in the earliest Jurassic or even Triassic. West Borneo might be the eastward extension of the Triassic Sundaland. The western Kuching Zone and western South Schwaner Mountains represent the southmost part of the active Jurassic Andean-type East Asian continental margin. The westward subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate was initiated around the earliest Jurassic at ∼200 Ma or earlier.

Paleo-Mesoproterozoic magmatic-sedimentary events in eastern Bainaimiao micro-block: Implications for Precambrian tectonic evolution of a fragment from Columbia supercontinent

Identifying tectonic positions and origins of Precambrian micro-blocks within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is essential for revealing global paleogeography and evolution of the early Earth. The Bainaimiao micro-block in the southeastern CAOB preserves multistage geologic records which can better reveal Precambrian tectonic history of micro-blocks within the Phanerozoic accretionary orogenic belt. This study presents integrated research of geochronology, geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotopes on the Chenjiatun metamorphic complex in the eastern Bainaimiao micro-block, which consists of meta-sedimentary rocks (plagioclase gneisses and mica schists), amphibolites and two-mica granites. The protoliths of amphibolites, two-mica granites and meta-sedimentary rocks were formed at 1.75 Ga, 1.38 Ga and 1.39–1.34 Ga, respectively, suggesting that they represent Paleo-Mesoproterozoic basement of the Bainaimiao micro-block. The detrital zircon age spectra of meta-sedimentary rocks show two representative age peaks at 1.80 Ga and 1.40 Ga, with zircon Hf isotopes varying from −11.11 to +10.67. Characteristic mostly positive zircon Hf isotopes and geochemical features of the Chenjiatun complex indicates that the Bainaimiao micro-block probably has tectonic affinity with the Laurentia-Baltica continent. Paleoproterozoic amphibolites with positive εHf(t) (+5.67 to +15.42) were derived from metasomatized mantle wedge mixed with sediment melts. They are characterized by arc-like geochemistry such as high Th/Yb (0.73–2.77), enrichment in LILEs and depletion in HFSEs (eg. Nb and Ta), similar to coeval arc magmatism in the Laurentia-Baltica continent, which indicate the Bainaimiao micro-block was possibly in a subduction convergent setting in the late Paleoproterozoic. By contrast, Mesoproterozoic two-mica granites, with mostly positive εHf(t) (−0.29 to +11.53), belong to typical S-type granites and could be generated from partial melting of meta-pelites with participation peritectic garnets. These two-mica granites, together with ∼1.40 Ga juvenile A-type grantioids from nearby and other Precambrian micro-blocks in the southern CAOB, exhibit relatively high alkalis and HFSEs contents, young Hf model ages (1.50–1.40 Ga) and were generated at high-temperature environment. These findings reveals that the Bainaimiao micro-block was in an extensional setting at 1.40 Ga coeval with the breakup evolution of the Columbia supercontinent.

Permian-Triassic granites of the Schladming complex (Austroalpine basement): Implications for subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in the Eastern Alps

Permian magmatic activity is widespread in the Austroalpine Unit stretching from Eastern Alps to the Western Carpathians and Pannonian region, the link between magmatism and the subduction of Paleo-Tethys Ocean is not well constrained up to now. Here, we report, for the first time, a Middle Triassic granite in the Austroalpine basement, which is at odds with a common opinion of the passive margin setting of this unit. The Tweng and Schladming Complexes representing a Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic magmatic arc were intruded by Permian and Triassic granites, related to back-arc extension triggered by the subduction of Paleo-Tethys Ocean. To reveal the tectonic affinity of these granitic rocks, we systematically analyzed their zircon geochronology and whole-rock geochemistry. The zircon U-Pb data show that the Tweng granitic gneisses and leucogranites were formed at 261 Ma and 244 Ma, respectively. The Schladming granitic gneisses were formed at 244–241 Ma, their εHf(t) values (-0.9 to + 5.6) indicate their derivation from the lower crust and involved continent material. Geochemically, the granitic rocks from the Tweng Complexes have common features with subduction-related continental arc andesitic affinity. The granitic gneisses of Tweng and Schladming Complexes show A-type granite-affinity with high zircon crystallization temperatures of 784–835 ℃ and 781–818 ℃, respectively, whereas the Tweng leucogranites exhibit I-type granite characteristics and low zircon crystallization temperatures of 720–724 ℃. The geochemical features suggest that the Tweng granitic gneisses and leucogranites originated from the lower crust, while the Tweng leucogranites are explained by remelting of Tweng granitic gneisses, and interacted with subduction-related fluids. Therefore, we propose that the Permian-Triassic granitic rocks of Tweng and Schladming Complexes were formed in a back-arc setting during the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, which finally resulted in the opening of the Meliata oceanic back-arc basin during Middle Triassic times.

Precambrian tectonic affinity of the Beishan Orogenic Belt: Constraints from Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks

The Precambrian metasedimentary rocks that are extensively distributed in the Beishan Orogenic Belt (BOB) can provide crucial geological information to constrain its tectonic affinity and geological evolution. Field investigation, zircon U–Pb dating and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses were conducted in combination for investigating them. Detrital zircon U–Pb dating shows that a quartzite sample of the Beishan Complex yields the youngest age at ca. 1710 Ma, with a major age peak at 1828–1778 Ma. Five quartzite samples from the Gudongjing Group and Pingtoushan Formation exhibit similar detrital zircon age distributions mainly from the late Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic, with the youngest ages at ca. 953 Ma, ca. 1000 Ma, ca. 978 Ma, ca. 960 Ma and ca. 985 Ma. Considering the 1.4 Ga granitoids and age peak of the early Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, the supracrustal rocks within the Beishan Complex were probably deposited during the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.7–1.4 Ga). Moreover, owing to the presence of ca. 933–871 Ma granitoids, the deposition ages of the Gudongjing Group and Pingtoushan Formation can be constrained during the early Neoproterozoic (ca. 953–933 Ma). The metasedimentary rocks, the same as the Meso-Neoproterozoic granitic magmatism, support the existence of a Precambrian microcontinent in the BOB. The early Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks have continuous detrital zircon ages during the Mesoproterozoic, mainly with positive εHf(t) values. Integrated with the magmatic records of ca. 0.9 Ga and ca. 1.4 Ga, we believe that the Precambrian basement of the BOB could be a fragment drifted from the Fennoscandia of the Baltica Craton. Field investigation revealed that carbonate rocks, mature sandstones and siltstones primarily comprise the protoliths of the early Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, implying the sedimentation in a passive continental margin. However, an almost contemporaneous granitic magmatism was formed in a continental arc setting associated with the assembly of Rodinia. Therefore, it can be inferred that the BOB could be located in the periphery of the Rodinia supercontinent, where the sedimentation of the passive continental margin occurred at its outboard position.

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.

Geology of the Simlipal Volcano-sedimentary Basin of Singhbhum Revisited: A Simplistic Interpretation

Abstract The status of the Proterozoic volcano-sedimentary Simlipal complex (covering latitudes 21°14’-22°20’N and longitudes 86°03’-86°35’E) of Singhbhum, eastern India remains unclear till date. The Simlipal complex has classically been designated to represent three layers of alternate spilitic volcanics and quartzite deposited in a geosyncline that unconformably overlies the meta-sedimentary Singhbhum Group of rocks. The study of the authors (entailing digital elevation map) bring out that the concentric ring-like outcrop pattern of Simlipal complex is only topography-controlled and repetitive bands of quartzite and volcanics do not exist. Further, it has been documented that the Simlipal complex comprises basemental weakly metamorphosed quartzite-phyllite (~450m thick) heterolith unit (proposed Lulung Formation), which is followed upward by fresh, sub-horizontal (~250m thick) volcanic unit (proposed Barehipani Formation) with local presence of peridotite-gabbro, and finally to quartz arenite unit (~150m thick) as the topmost layer (proposed Jurunda Formation). The heterolith unit (proposed Lulung Formation) has been envisaged as a part of the older Singhbhum Group. The basaltic rocks (Barehipani Formation) correspond to calc-alkaline tectonic affinity based on geochemistry. We propose an arc-subduction related setting for the Simlipal complex which may be further confirmed through detailed major/trace elements and isotopic studies.

Mafic-ultramafic suite from the Karwar Block, SW India: Implications for Mesoarchean geodynamics

Archean mafic–ultramafic rocks provide important clues on the tectonic and crust building processes in the early Earth. The Western Dharwar Craton (WDC) and the Karwar Block (KB) in southern Peninsular India preserve some of the oldest records of craton building processes in the Archean Earth. The tectonic affinity of the Karwar Block that lies at the western periphery of the WDC remains uncertain. Here we present the results from an integrated study of a mafic–ultramafic rock suite from this block using petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb and Lu-Hf data. These rocks occur as deformed and dismembered units within basement granitic gneiss. The primary igneous minerals such as pyroxene and plagioclase show variable degrees of alteration. The rocks show negative Nb anomalies and prominent Pb enrichment. The uniform enrichment of Th and U over Nb-Ta indicates the influence of metasomatic fluids in the mantle wedge. The geochemical data indicate that these rocks were derived from basaltic magmas generated within a subduction metasomatised mantle wedge in an intra-oceanic arc setting without any significant crustal contamination. U-Pb isotope analysis of zircon grains from the metapyroxenite shows upper intercept ages of 3172 to 3213 Ma and weighted mean ages of 3170 to 3203 Ma. A metagabbro sample yielded upper intercept age of 2792 Ma and the 207Pb/206Pb spot ages in another sample range up to 3202 Ma. Zircon U-Pb data suggest that the mafic–ultramafic suite formed at ca. 3.2 Ga and were overprinted by 2.7 Ga thermal event. The εHf(t) values are all positive and range between 0.73 and 6.02, suggesting that the magma was derived dominantly from Mesoarchean juvenile (depleted mantle) sources. We propose a tectonic model that involves a subduction-accretion stage followed by suturing of the ancient continental nuclei.

Geochemical Characteristics of Hydrothermal Volatiles From Southeast China and Their Implications on the Tectonic Structure Controlling Heat Convection

Hot springs and igneous rocks are present widely in southeast China, influenced by the subduction of the Western Pacific and Philippine Sea Plates. This study reports on new data of chemical compositions and He–Ne–C isotopes for gas samples from representative hot springs and wells in the Guangdong and Fujian provinces to identify the origin of hydrothermal volatiles and provide insight into geothermal tectonic affinities. The primary hydrothermal volatile component from southeast China is atmospheric N2, with a volumetric percentage of 82.19%–98.29%. It indicates medium-low temperature geothermal systems where geothermal fluids suffered a shallow circulation in closed fracture systems. Low CO2 and CH4 contents and their depleted δ13C values confirmed the small number of deep-derived components in the study area. However, spatially discernible geochemical characteristics imply enhanced hydrothermal fluid convection in the adjacent area of the two provinces, including the Fengshun, Zhangzhou, Longyan, and Sanming geothermal fields. Specifically, the He–Ne isotopes from this area exhibit mantle He contribution of more than 10% and mantle heat flow accounts for more than half of the total heat flow. Moreover, according to the thermal background calculations, the highest heat flow value of 77.7 mW/m2 is indicated for the Zhangzhou geothermal area and the lowest value of 54.7 mW/m2 is indicated for the Maoming geothermal area. Given the epicenter distributions and the corresponding earthquake magnitudes, the NE-trending faults are heat-control tectonic structures and their intersections with the NW-trending faults provided expedite channels for geothermal fluids rising to the surface. Therefore, the preferred development potential of geothermal resources can be expected in the adjacent area of the two provinces where two sets of active faults crossed. This study provides critical information on understanding the geothermal distribution controlled by the tectonic structure in southeast China.

Biostratigraphic constraints on the age of Neoproterozoic glaciation in North China

Neoproterozoic glacial deposits are important stratigraphic markers for correlation of the Neoproterozoic successions in both regional and interregional scales due to their worldwide distribution and rightfully isochronous nature. Importantly, numerous studies have suggested that Neoproterozoic glaciations are closely related to the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent and, consequently, provide an important clue for discussing the tectonic affinity of those Precambrian continents as well. Typically, the Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequence along the southwestern margins of the North China Craton contains a unique glacial deposit, named the Luoquan Formation, but this deposit is poorly documented for its age. Shaanxilithes is an important index fossil for late Ediacaran due to its limited stratigraphic in terminal Neoproterozoic with wide distribution on a global scale. Here, we report the new occurrences of the late Ediacaran index fossil Shaanxilithes from the Dongpo Formation along the southwestern margin of North China Craton, which not only extends the palaeogeographic distribution of Shaanxilithes but also provide the convincing evidence for determining the late Ediacaran age of the Dongpo Formation. Hence the conformably underlying glacial deposits of Luoquan Formation is constrained to pre- Shaanxilites in age. On the NCC and Qaidam Block, Ediacaran Glacial deposits and related Shaanxilithes- bearing marine siliciclastics always disconformably overlie Mesoproterozoic successions and disconformably contact with the overlying Cambrian (Stage 3) phosphorict rocks. These common tectonostratigraphic characteristics and unconformities allow us to suggest that the Qaidam Block share close tectonic affinities with the NCC during the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian period. • New occurrences of Shaanxilithes expand its palaegeographic distribution and biostratigraphic utility. • The Dongpo Formation is late Ediacaran in age, and the underlying Luoquan diamictite must be older. • The Qaidam Block shared a closer tectonic affinity with the North China Craton during the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian period. Neoproterozoic glacial deposits commonly serve as important stratigraphic markers at interregional scales and provide significant insights into our understanding of the extreme climate during this period. More importantly, these glacial deposits are probably related to the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent and, consequently, are tectonically significant. The Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequence along the southwestern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) typically contains a unique glacial deposit, named the Luoquan Formation, but this deposit is poorly documented for its age. Here, we report new occurrences of the late Ediacaran index fossil Shaanxilithes from the Dongpo Formation along the southwestern margin of the NCC, which not only extends the palaeogeographic distribution of Shaanxilithes but also provides convincing evidence for the late Ediacaran age of the Dongpo Formation. Hence, the conformably underlying glacial deposits of the Luoquan Formation is constrained to pre- Shaanxilithes in age. In both the NCC and Qaidam Block, the Shaanxilithes -bearing marine siliciclastic rocks consistently disconformably underlie the Cambrian (Stage 3) phosphoric deposits and conformably overlie the characteristic Neoproterozoic glacial deposits that are unconformably underlain by the Mesoproterozoic successions. From this perspective, we re-evaluate the potential tectonic affinity of these Precambrian tectonic units as mentioned above.

An orocline in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is the largest accretionary orogen in the world with considerable Phanerozoic juvenile crustal growth. The eastern segment of the CAOB is occupied by NE China and its adjacent areas, which locates in a triangle area surrounded by Siberian Craton to the northwest, North China Craton (NCC) to the south and Pacific oceanic plate to the east. Therefore, the NE China is a key area to study the geological evolution of multiple tectonic systems and overprinting, which has become a hot research topic. In the past five decades, especially the last two decades, there have been many detailed geological investigations carried out and a lot of new data reported in NE China. A progress has been achieved in tectonic evolution, however, there are still many open questions and arguments dealing with the tectonic models, correlation of tectonic units, amalgamation of different blocks and their tectonic affinity. In this study, we did a detailed review of the tectonic evolution of NE China and regional comparison and correlation of the different tectonic units in the eastern segment of CAOB. We re-subdivided NE China into two old blocks of Erguna block (EB) and Jiamusi block (JB) with Precambrian basement and three accretionary terranes of Xing'an accretionary terrane (XAT), Songliao accretionary terrane (SAT) and Zhangguangcai accretionary terrane (ZGCAT), which are separated from each other by the Xinlin-Xiguitu suture (XXS), Hegenshan-Heihe suture (HHS), Longfengshan suture (LFS) and Mudanjiang-Yilan suture (MYS), respectively. The ZGCAT is dominantly composed of early Paleozoic magmatic arc materials and minor late Paleozoic igneous rocks with an old Yichun mini-block, while the SAT consists dominantly of the late Paleozoic magmatic rocks with two small old blocks of the Xilinhot and Longjiang mini-blocks. According to the tectonic correlation and comparation of different tectonic units, we established a new orocline tectonic model for the eastern CAOB: 1) the XAT and ZGCAT accreted to the southern (present position) margin of Ereendavaa-Erguna-Mamyn block (EEMB) and Bureya-Jiamusi-Khanka block (BJKB) with the closure of Xinlin-Xiguitu-Heilongjiang ocean during the early Paleozoic; 2) Subsequently, the SAT accreted to the southern (present position) margin of integrated XAT-ZGCAT terrane with the closure of Hegenshan-Nenjiang-Longfengshan ocean during the late Paleozoic. These initially W-E linear shaped accretionary orogenic belts were ultimately bent southward through Paleozoic time and constituted a huge Paleozoic orocline, NE China Orocline, which collided with NCC by a scissor-like style closure of Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) from west to east along the Solonker-Xar Moron-Changchun-Yanji suture (SXCYS) during the late Permian-middle Triassic. The NE China Orocline, together with Tuva-Mongol Orocline and Kazakhstan Orocline in the western CAOB, constituted a huge multiple orocline tectonic system in the CAOB during the Paleozoic era. Our study will contribute to the understanding on tectonic evolutions of CAOB and the NE Asian, and suggests that the orocline should be a common tectonic model for accretionary orogeny. • NE China consists of two Precambrian blocks and three Paleozoic accreted terranes. • A new orocline tectonic model is established for first time in NE China. • Blocks in NE China had been integrated in later Early Carboniferous.

Mesoproterozoic (∼1.4 Ga) magmatism in the Liaoyuan Accretionary Belt, NE China: New implications for tectonic affinity and crustal evolution of microcontinents along the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Mesoproterozoic granitic magmatism has been identified in the middle and western part of the southern margin of Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), but rarely reported from the eastern part. In this study, Mesoproterozoic granitic rocks were identified in the Liaoyuan Accretionary Belt (LAB), an area located in the northeast China, within the eastern part of the southern CAOB. Information obtained from these samples is likely to elucidate the current understanding of the Precambrian evolution in this area. The five granitic rocks yielded zircon U–Pb weighted mean ages between 1321 ± 43 Ma and 1388 ± 31 Ma. These samples are characterized by high SiO2 (69.30–77.51 wt%), MgO (1.96–2.34 wt%), Fe2O3 (3.48–3.82 wt%), and Cr (40–80 ppm) contents, moderate Al2O3 contents (11.23–15.80 wt%), and high Mg# values (45–56). Furthermore, they are rich in light rare earth elements (LREEs), Zr, and Hf, but depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), Nb, Ta, and Ti. Moreover, they also exhibit significant negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.25–0.84). In addition, the samples have high Zr + Ce + Y + Nb contents (300–497 ppm) indicating A-type granite affinities. The zircons depicted positive εHf(t) values (3.31 to 11.1, average value of 7.5) with two stage model ages (TDM2) varying from 1480 Ma to 2128 Ma. Based on the above data, it was concluded that the Mesoproterozoic granitic rocks in this area were derived from partial melting of juvenile crust with addition of mantle-derived materials. The granites were emplaced in an extensional setting caused by roll back or break off of subducted oceanic slab. Juvenile ∼ 1.4 Ga granitic rocks, like these in the LAB, were also preserved in other microcontinents along the southern CAOB. Their geochemical characteristics are comparable to rocks derived from contemporaneous igneous activity in Laurentia and Baltica, but not those in the North China, Tarim or the Siberian Cratons. Based on the present and previous studies, the microcontinents that preserved the juvenile ∼ 1.4 Ga rocks might belong to a continental terrane in the periphery of the Columbia supercontinent and show tectonic affinity with the combined Laurentia–Baltica landmass.

Precambrian and Early Palaeozoic metamorphic complexes in the SW part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Ages, compositions, regional correlations and tectonic affinities

Precambrian metamagmatic complexes of the Zhingeldy and Kendyktas blocks of the Zheltau and Chu-Kendyktas terranes of the SW part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) consist of predominant Neoproterozoic orthogneisses with the estimated protolith ages of ca. 790–800 Ma, and subordinate epidote and garnet amphibolites, metabasalts and metadolerites of the lower metamorphic grades. The orthogneisses are characterized by negative εNd(t) values of −12 to −4 with Nd model ages of 2.3–1.7 Ga, indicating their protoliths could have formed by a reworking of the Palaeoproterozoic crustal materials. Precambrian metavolcanic rocks in the studied region are rhyolites with the estimated crystallization ages of ca. 800–830 Ma, and are associated with metabasalts. Metasedimentary complexes in the studied region consist of intensively retrogressed garnet-mica schists interlayered with marmorized limestones, metasilicic rocks, epidote and garnet amphibolites and strongly altered eclogites. The inferred protoliths of the garnet-mica schists are terrigenous rocks accumulated during the latest Ediacaran – middle Cambrian and formed from Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.0 Ga) and to a lesser extent Palaeoproterozoic felsic source rocks (ca. 1.6–1.7 Ga and ca. 2.5 Ga). The garnet-mica schists of the Kendyktas block have negative εNd(t) of −13.4 and a model age tNd(DM) of 2.2 Ga, implying formation of their protolith from Palaeoproterozoic crustal source. The studied Zheltau and Chu-Kendyktas terranes from the SW part of the CAOB have much in common in terms of Precambrian and Early Palaeozoic evolution and chemical compositions of the key rock types. The presence of the Early Precambrian rocks (Zheltau terrane), an abundance of the Late Mesoproterozoic (1000–1100 Ma) detrital zircons in the Ediacaran-Cambrian metasedimentary complexes and a wide distribution of the Late Neoproterozoic magmatism, are distinctive features of the studied terranes. We refer such Precambrian terranes of the western CAOB to the Ulutau-Moyunkum group where tectono-magmatic evolution is consistent with that observed from the northern part of the Tarim craton. Our results also aid comprehensive correlation of metamorphic complexes of the Precambrian terranes from the SW CAOB.

Reconstructing the Lancang Terrane (SW Yunnan) and implications for early Paleozoic Proto-Tethys evolution at the northern margin of Gondwana

The Lancang Group in SW Yunnan constitutes a pivotal component of the continental margin bounding the Proto- and Paleo-Tethys oceans, yet its formation timing, composition and tectonic affinity remain ill-defined. In this contribution, we present new zircon U-Pb age and whole-rock geochemistry data from volcanic and sedimentary rock units, which are compiled with published data, to refine the depositional age, provenance and nature of the group and its host terrane. The Lancang Group consists of five formations, two of which (Manlai and Huimin) contain abundant metavolcanic rocks. The metavolcanic rocks show a secular change in geochemistry, from EMORB-like calc-alkaline series of the ca. 495 Ma Manlai Formation, to arc-like high-K series of the Huimin Formation. Five metavolcanic samples from the Huimin Formation yielded zircon U-Pb ages between 478 ± 5 Ma and 442 ± 5 Ma. The late Cambrian-Ordovician arc magmatism is related to an active continental margin setting associated with subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. The time-integrated geochemical variation shown by the volcanic rocks likely reflects evolving maturity of the arc system. The youngest detrital zircon ages of the five formations, in conjunction with age constraints from the interbedded volcanic rocks, suggest that the Lancang Group was largely accumulated during the early Paleozoic. The Lancang Terrane is reconstructed as a continental block, which formed part of the magmatically-active margin of the Proto-Tethys during the early Paleozoic. Provenance analysis based on detrital zircon age spectra and Hf isotope data indicates Gondwana affinities of the terrane. Furthermore, xenocrystic zircon ages and zircon Hf and whole-rock Nd model ages from igneous rocks support presence of Neoarchean-Mesoproterozoic basement underlying the terrane. The reconstructed Lancang Terrane bears important implications for understanding the configuration of the northern margin of Eastern Gondwana and the relationship between the Proto- and Paleo-Tethys oceans.

Zircon and monazite U-Pb ages of the Mashan Complex of the Jiamusi Block of NE China: a link to Gondwana?

ABSTRACT The tectonic affinities of the microcontinents in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt of NE China, particularly the Jiamusi Block, have been hotly debated in the last decade. The Mashan Complex, which is the oldest exposed basement of the Jiamusi Block and consists of khondalitic rocks (felsic granulite, marble, and graphite schist) and orthogneisses, is the key geological unit to look into the tectonic affinity of the Jiamusi Block. In this study, we carried out LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating on zircon and monazite minerals from the granitic gneisses in the Mashan Complex, to constrain the affinity of the Jiamusi Block. Magmatic zircons from two granitic gneisses yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 517 ± 7 Ma and 527 ± 4 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as the protolith ages. These age data verify a late Pan-African magmatic event in the Jiamusi Block. Metamorphic zircons from one granitic gneiss gave a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 510 ± 3 Ma, which constrained the metamorphic time of the Mashan Complex. This metamorphic age is further supported by monazite dating results – the monazites from three granitic gneiss samples yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 489 ± 3 Ma, 498 ± 3 Ma, and 500 ± 3 Ma, respectively, which represented the metamorphic recrystallization ages of these monazites. These data consistently indicate a regional metamorphic event immediately after the late Pan-African magmatism in the Jiamusi Block. Our new data, combined with previously published late Pan-African geochronological data from the Jiamusi Block, support that the Jiamusi Block has an affinity to the Gondwana.

Geochronology and petrogenesis of Triassiclow‐Timafic intrusions in Funing: Implications for the tectonic evolution of Nanpanjiang Basin,SWChina

The Nanpanjiang Basin, one of the largest Triassic turbidite basins in the South China Block, has long been disputed with respect to its tectonic affinity. To better understand the tectonic processes of the basin, we conducted geological mapping, geochronological, and geochemical studies on the mafic intrusions (the Anding group) in Funing emplaced within the southern Nanpanjiang Basin. The Anding group mafic intrusions in Funing consist of gabbronorite and gabbroic diorite, and they are characterized by low TiO2(0.54–1.18 wt%) and Ti/Y ratios (162–222), low (La/Yb)CNratios (3.28–4.19), flat REE patterns, pronounced negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies. These mafic intrusions can be further divided into two subgroups: the Group 1 at 244 ± 3 Ma and the Group 2 at 224 ± 2 Ma. The Group 1 exhibits negative Eu anomalies, high Th/Hf ratios (1.61–1.91), high (87Sr/86Sr)iratios (0.708710–0.711843), and lowεNd(t) values (−6.70 to −7.82), while the Group 2 exhibits positive Eu anomalies, lower Th/Hf ratios (1.05–1.07), lower (87Sr/86Sr)iratios (0.708397–0.708425) and higher εNd(t) values (−3.28 to −3.21). Both the Group 1 and Group 2 are derived from partial melting of spinel‐bearing lithospheric mantle and formed at an intracontinental back‐arc setting. These results, combined with regional considerations, support a new model that the Triassic Nanpanjiang Basin is an intracontinental back‐arc extensional basin triggered by the westward subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate, and the Triassic magmatism in Funing was a response to the extension.