Petrology,geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb geochronology of the Zambezi Belt in Zimbabwe: Implications for terrane assembly in southern Africa

The Zambezi Belt in southern Africa has been regarded as a part of the 570-530 Ma Kuunga Orogen formed by a series of collision of Archean cratons and Proterozoic orogenic belts.Here,we report new petrological,geochemical,and zircon U-Pb geochronological data of various metamorphic rocks(felsic to mafic orthogneiss,pelitic schist,and felsic paragneiss) from the Zambezi Belt in northeastern Zimbabwe,and evaluate the timing and P-T conditions of the collisional event as well as protolith formation.Geochemical data of felsic orthogneiss indicate within-plate granite signature,whereas those of mafic orthogneiss suggest MORB,ocean-island,or within-plate affinities.Metamorphic P-Testimates for orthogneisses indicate significant P-T variation within the study area(700-780 C/6.7-7.2 kbar to 800-875 C/10-11 kbar) suggesting that the Zambezi Belt might correspond to a suture zone with several discrete crustal blocks.Zircon cores from felsic orthogneisses yielded two magmatic ages:2655±21 Ma and 813士5 Ma,which suggests Neoarchean and Early Neoproterozoic crustal growth related to within-plate magmatism.Detrital zircons from metasediments display various ages from Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic(ca.2700-750 Ma).The Neoarchean(ca.2700-2630 Ma) and Paleoproterozoic(ca.2200-1700 Ma) zircons could have been derived from the adjacent Kalahari Craton and the Magondi Belt in Zimbabwe,respectively.The Choma-Kalomo Block and the Lufilian Belt in Zambia might be proximal sources of the Meso-to Neoproterozoic(ca.1500-950 Ma) and early Neoproterozoic(ca.900-750 Ma) detrital zircons,respectively.Such detrital zircons from adjacent terranes possibly deposited during late Neoproterozoic(744-670 Ma),and subsequently underwent highgrade metamorphism at 557-555 Ma possibly related to the collision of the Congo and Kalahari Cratons during the latest Neoproterozoic to Cambrian.In contrast,670-627 Ma metamorphic ages obtained from metasediments are slightly older than previous reports,but consistent with~680-650 Ma metamorphic ages reported from different parts of the Kuunga Orogen,suggesting Cryogenian thermal events before the final collision.     

U–Pb ages of detrital zircons within the Inthanon Zone of the Paleo-Tethyan subduction zone,northern Thailand: New constraints on accretionary age and arc activity

U–Pb dating of detrital zircons was performed on mélange-hosted lithic and basaltic sandstones from the Inthanon Zone in northern Thailand to determine the timing of accretion and arc activity associated with Paleo-Tethys subduction. The detrital zircons have peak ages at 3400–3200, 2600–2400, 1000–700, 600–400, and 300–250 Ma, similar to the peaks ages of detrital zircons associated with other circum-Paleo-Tethys subduction zones. We identified two types of sandstone in the study area based on the youngest detrital zircon ages: Type 1 sandstones have Late Carboniferous youngest zircon U–Pb ages of 308 ± 14 and 300 ± 16 Ma, older than associated radiolarian chert blocks within the same outcrop. In contrast, Type 2 sandstones have youngest zircon U–Pb ages of 238 ± 10 and 236 ± 15 Ma, suggesting a Middle Triassic maximum depositional age. The youngest detrital zircons in Type 1 sandstones were derived from a Late Carboniferous–Early Permian ‘missing’ arc, suggesting that the Sukhothai Arc was active during sedimentation. The data presented within this study provide information on the development of the Sukhothai Arc, and further suggest that subduction of the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic plate beneath the Indochina Block had already commenced by the Late Carboniferous. Significant Middle Triassic arc magmatism, following the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian arc activity, is inferred from the presence of conspicuous detrital zircon U–Pb age peaks in Type 2 sandstones and the igneous rock record of the Sukhothai Arc. In contrast, only minimal arc activity occurred during the Middle Permian–earliest Triassic. Type 1 sandstones were deposited between the Late Permian and the earliest Triassic, after the deposition of associated Middle–Late Permian cherts that occur in the same mélanges and during a hiatus in Sukhothai Arc magmatism. In contrast, Type 2 sandstones were deposited during the Middle Triassic, coincident with the timing of maximum magmatism in the Sukhothai Arc, as evidenced by the presence of abundant Middle Triassic detrital zircons. These two types of sandstone were probably derived from discrete accretionary units in an original accretionary prism that was located along the western margin of the Sukhothai Arc.     

Precambrian to Paleozoic zircon record in the Siviez-Mischabel basement (western Swiss Alps)

U–Pb zircon analyses from three meta-igneous and two metasedimentary rocks from the Siviez-Mischabel nappe in the western Swiss Alps are presented, and are used to derive an evolutionary history spanning from Paleoarchean crustal growth to Permian magmatism. The oldest components are preserved in zircons from metasedimentary albitic schists. The oldest zircon core in these schists is 3.4 Ga old. Detrital zircons reveal episodes of crustal growth in the Neoarchean (2.7–2.5 Ga), Paleoproterozoic (2.2–1.9 Ma) and Neoproterozoic (800–550 Ma, Pan-African event). The maximum age of deposition for the metasedimentary rocks is given by the youngest detrital zircons within both metasedimentary samples dated at ~490 Ma (Cambrian-Ordovician boundary). This is in the age range of two granitoid samples dated at 505 ± 4 and 482 ± 7 Ma, and indicates sedimentation and magmatism in an extensional setting preceding an Ordovician orogeny. The third felsic meta-igneous rock gives a Permian age of intrusion, and is part of a long-lasting Variscan to post-Variscan magmatic activity. The zircons record only minor disturbance of the U–Pb system during the Alpine orogeny.     

U-Pb SHRIMP zircon dating of andesite from the Dolomite area (NE Italy): geochronological evidence for the early onset of Permian Volcanism in the eastern part of the southern Alps

The Athesian Volcanic District (AVD), a thick sequence of andesitic to rhyolitic lava and ignimbrite, overlies both the Variscan basement of the Dolomites and, where present, the continental basal conglomerate of Upper Carboniferous(?) to Early Permian age. This volcanic activity is known to mark the margin of the intra-Pangea megashear system between Gondwana and Laurasia, the onset age of which is determined in this study.SHRIMP U-Pb dating on zircon from Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck (Isarco/Eisack valley) basaltic andesite yields an age of 290.7 ± 3 Ma, providing the oldest record of andesite volcanic activity yet documented in the AVD. Two younger dates (279.9 ± 3.3 and 278.6 ± 3.1 Ma) obtained for the andesitic necks of M. dei Ginepri (Eores/Aferer valley) and Col Quaternà (western Comelico), respectively, probably represent a second pulse of andesite magmatic activity.Near Chiusa/Klausen, the volcanoclastic deposits at the bottom of the Funes/Villnöss valley volcano-sedimentary complex only contain detrital zircons, dated at 469 ± 6 Ma; these probably derive from erosion of Paleozoic porphyroids. Other zircons from the same sediments and inherited cores of magmatic andesite crystals give Paleoproterozoic (1953.6 ± 22.1, 1834.6 ± 69.3, 1773.6 ± 25.1 Ma), Early Neoproterozoic (1015 ± 14 Ma) and Late Neoproterozoic (728.4 ± 9.6, 687.6 ± 7.6 Ma) ages. These ancient detrital and inherited zircon ages fit the model that envisages the Dolomite region as being tectonically coherent with Africa, at least until the Lower Permian.     

U-Pb age of detrital zircons from neoproterozoic placers of the Erementau-Niyaz massif as a reflection of stages of Precambrian tectono-magmatic evolution of northern Kazakhstan

A typical feature of the Precambrian complexes of the Kokshetau, Ishkeolmess, Erementau-Niyaz, and Aktau-Dzhungaria massifs of Northern and Central Kazakhstan is the presence of the end Mesoproterozoic-beginning of the Neoproterozoic quartzite-schist sequences in these sections. The lower and upper parts of these sequences are mostly composed of schists with interlayers of quartzites and marbles and of quartzitic sandstones, respectively. It is suggested that the quartzite-schist sequences represent the sub-platform cover of a large continental block and were formed in the regressive basin with widely abundant facies of submarine deltas and a littoral shoal. The presence of horizons and the lenses enriched in zircon-rutile heavy concentrate with the amount of accessory minerals of 10-70% characterizes the quartzite-schist sections of the Kokshetau and Erementau-Niyaz massifs. The U-Pb age of zircons from one such locality in the central part of the Erementau-Niyaz massif was analyzed by LA-ICP-MS. The Concordia ages of zircons are in the intervals 1041 ± 13-1519 ± 14, 1623 ± 14-1931 ± 14, and 2691 ± 14-2746 ± 14 Ma. One age was 2850 ± 14 Ma. The age distribution is characterized by clear peaks of 1.08, 1.20. 1.34, 1.46, 1.65, 1.89, and 2.70 Ga and weak peaks of 1.13 and 1.68 Ga. The age of the majority of zircons ranges from 1309 ± 14 to 1519 ± 14 Ma. Our data indicate that mostly Neoproterozoic rocks with a subordinate role of Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean complexes served the feeding sources for the quartzite-schist sequence of the Erementau-Niyaz massif. The Mesoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic events identified for the detrital zircons of the Erementau-Niyaz massif are completely manifested only in Laurentia. In the first approximation, these events coincide with the assembly and breakup of the Columbia/Nuna supercontinent (～1650–1580 and 1450–1380 Ma) and assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent (1300–900 Ma).     

小兴安岭“晚古生代”地层的时代与物源：地质与碎屑锆石 U-Pb 年代学证据

本文对出露于小兴安岭的"晚古生代"红山组和黑龙宫组进行了碎屑锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年,旨在准确限定红山组和黑龙宫组的沉积时限,并揭示其物源组成。样品中大多数锆石呈自形—半自形,显示典型的岩浆生长环带或条痕状吸收,暗示其岩浆成因。研究结果显示,采自红山组标准剖面泥板岩中的碎屑锆石42个分析点产生以下年龄峰值:747、807、849、903、956、1 167和1 811 Ma,表明红山组沉积于747 Ma之后;采自伊春地区黑龙宫组泥板岩中的碎屑锆石97个分析点产生以下年龄峰值:700(发生Pb丢失)、805、902、1 764、2 446和2 467Ma,确定黑龙宫组沉积于805Ma之后。近年来在该地区"晚古生代"地层中碎屑锆石的定年结果显示普遍存在561 Ma年龄,鉴于红山组和黑龙宫组中缺乏上述锆石年龄组合,认为研究区的红山组和黑龙宫组的形成时代分别为747~561 Ma和805~561 Ma,时代置于新元古代。基于两组碎屑锆石的年龄频数和区域地质年代学资料的对比分析,两个地层单元中出现大量新元古代岩浆锆石,证明研究区可能存在新元古代岩浆事件,岩浆产物为两组地层提供物源;而中—古元古代碎屑锆石的存在,同时暗示该区沉积时地表或地表浅部应存在更为古老的前寒武纪残片。     

Permian age of the Wudaogou Group in eastern Yanbian: detrital zircon U–Pb constraints on the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean in Northeast China

The Wudaogou Group in eastern Yanbian, Northeast China, plays a key role in constraining the timing and eastward termination of the Solonker–Xra Moron River–Changchun Suture, where the Palaeo-Asian Ocean closed. The Wudaogou Group consists of schist, gneiss, amphibolite, metasedimentary, and metavolcanic rocks, all of which underwent greenschist- to epidote–amphibolite-facies regional metamorphism, with some hornfels resulting from contact metamorphism. To determine the age of deposition, the timing and grade of metamorphism, and the tectonic setting of the Wudaogou Group, we investigated the petrography and geochronology of the metamorphic rocks in this group. Zircons from the metasedimentary rocks of this group can be divided into metamorphic zircons and detrital zircons of magmatic origin. U–Pb ages of metamorphic zircons dated by LA-ICP-MS vary from 249 ± 4 to 266 ± 4 Ma, approximating the age of regional metamorphism in the eastern Yanbian area. Detrital zircons yield U–Pb ages ranging from 253 ± 5 to 818 ± 5 Ma, and indicate that the provenance of the Wudaogou Group experienced four tectonic–thermal events between 818 and 253 Ma: Neoproterozoic (ca. 818–580 Ma), Cambro–Ordovician (ca. 500–489 Ma), Devonian–Carboniferous (ca. 422–300 Ma), and middle–late Permian (ca. 269–253 Ma). The youngest detrital zircon, with a U–Pb age of 253 ± 5 Ma, defines the maximum depositional age of the Wudaogou Group. The presence of the Cambro-Ordovician and Neoproterozoic detrital zircons implies that the source of the Wudaogou Group had an affinity with Northeast China, which leads us to conclude that the Solonker–Xra Moron River–Changchun Suture extends from Wangqing to Hunchun in eastern Yanbian, and that the Palaeo-Asian Ocean may have closed at the end of the Permian or Early Triassic period.     

滇中新元古代澄江组层型剖面锆石U-Pb年代学及其地质意义

澄江组是华南新元古代地层中的重要地层单元之一,其确切沉积时限对于建立和完善华南新元古代区域地层格架具有关键意义。对滇中澄江组层型剖面顶部的凝灰岩夹层进行高精度SHRIMP锆石U-Pb定年研究,获得3组有效的206Pb/238U加权平均年龄值,其分别为(819±14)Ma(MSWD=0.15)、(781±11)Ma(MSWD=0.24)和(725±11)Ma(MSWD=0.65)。其中,最年轻的一组年龄值(725±11)Ma被解释为澄江组顶部凝灰岩夹层的形成时间,可以代表滇中澄江组的顶界年龄,从而进一步确认澄江组的沉积时限为800～725 Ma。结合相关研究资料,证实澄江组与开建桥组、莲沱组的沉积时限基本相当,三者与下冰期长安组不存在对比关系,而应与冰期前板溪群的上部进行对比。此外,推测两组年龄值较老的锆石可能是与新元古代罗迪尼亚(Rodinia)超大陆裂解有关的幕式岩浆活动的记录。     

Age and nature of Cryogenian diamictites at Aksu,Northwest China: implications for Sturtian tectonics and climate

The Neoproterozoic succession in the Aksu region of northwestern China forms an unconformable boundary with the lower Precambrian Aksu basement group and consists of the Qiaoenbrak, Yuermeinak, Sugetbrak, and Chigebrak Formations. The two lowermost units include distinct glaciogenic diamictites that indicate distinct episodes of glaciation. In this study, we report the LA-ICP-MS U–Pb ages of detrital zircons and geochemical data from the lower Neoproterozoic strata. The age of the detrital zircon constrains the maximum depositional age to between 769 ± 10 and 727 ± 8 Ma for the Qiaoenbrak diamictites, which are associated with the Kaigas glaciation that occurred during the early Cryogenian period. The youngest detrital zircon age of 719 ± 9 Ma corresponds to the maximum depositional age of the Yuermeinak diamictites, which are associated with the Sturtian glaciation. The detrital zircons from the lower Neoproterozoic strata in the Aksu area indicated four peak ages of 2484, 1948, 861, and 647–581 Ma, which are consistent with the major tectonic episodes in the Tarim Block. The peak age of 2484 Ma represents an Archaean basement, which participated in the worldwide continental nuclei growth event from the late Neoarchaean to the early Palaeoproterozoic. The peak age of 1948 Ma may be associated with the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent, and the 861 and 647–581 Ma are likely associated with the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent. The combination of geological and geochemical characteristics between the Qiaoenbrak Formation and Aksu Group indicates that the Qiaoenbrak Formation may be penecontemporaneous with the Aksu Group in an active continental margin tectonic setting. Following the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent, the margin of the Aksu evolved into a passive margin and the Yuermeinak and Sugetbrak Formations were deposited.     

Evolution and provenance of Neoproterozoic basement and Lower Paleozoic siliciclastic cover of the Menderes Massif (western Taurides): Coupled U–Pb–Hf zircon isotope geochemistry

In the Menderes Massif (western Taurides) a Neoproterozoic basement comprising metasediments and intrusive granites is imbricated between Paleozoic platform sediments. U–Pb–Hf zircon analyses of Menderes rock units were performed by us using LA-ICP-MS. The U–Pb detrital zircon signal of the Neoproterozoic metasediments is largely consistent with a NE African (Gondwana) provenance. The oldest unit, a paragneiss, contains significant amounts (~ 30%) of Archean-aged zircons and εHf (t) values of about a half of its Neoproterozoic zircons are negative suggesting contribution from Pan-African terranes dominated by reworking of an old crust. In the overlying, mineralogically-immature Core schist (which is still Neoproterozoic), the majority of the detrital zircons are Neoproterozoic, portraying positive εHf (t) values indicating derivation from a proximal juvenile source, resembling the Arabian–Nubian Shield.The period of sedimentation of the analyzed metasediments, is constrained between 570 and 550 Ma (Late Ediacaran). The Core schist sediments, ~ 9 km thick, accumulated in less than 20 My implying a tectonic-controlled sedimentary basin evolved adjacent to the eroded juvenile terrane. Granites, now orthogneisses, intruded the basin fill at 550 Ma, they exhibit ± 0 εHf (t = 550 Ma) and T_DM ages of 1.4 Ga consistent with anatexis of various admixtures of juvenile Neoproterozoic and Late Archean detrital components. Granites in the northern Arabian–Nubian Shield are no younger than 580 Ma and their εHf (t) are usually more positive. This implies that the Menderes does not represent a straightforward continuation of the Arabian–Nubian Shield.The lower part of the pre-Carboniferous silisiclastic cover of the Menderes basement, comprises a yellowish quartzite whose U–Pb–Hf detrital zircon signal resembles that of far-traveled Ordovician sandstones in Jordan (including 0.9–1.1 Ga detrital zircons), supporting pre-Triassic paleorestorations placing the Tauride with Afro-Arabia. The detrital signal of the overlying carbonate-bearing quartzitic sequence indicates contribution from a different source: the majority of its detrital zircons yielded 550 Ma and ± 0 εHf (t = 550 Ma) values identical to that of the underlying granitic gneiss implying exposure of Menderes-like granites in the provenance.260–250 Ma lead-loss and partial resetting of the U–Pb system of certain zircons in both basement and cover units was detected. It is interpreted as a consequence of a Permian–Early Triassic thermal event preceding known Triassic granitoid intrusions.     

西藏双湖古近纪唢呐湖组碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄与古海拔高度

青藏高原北部古近纪晚期大面积发育唢呐湖组湖相沉积,主要为砖红色、棕色、灰白色泥灰岩、泥岩、粉砂岩互层,夹石膏层和灰岩,广泛出露于羌塘中部、可可西里、东昆仑南部,形成时代为41.1±0.8~32.5!0.3Ma,向可可西里东部过渡为雅西错群。对双湖采坑唢呐湖组上部湖相沉积地层进行详细观测和系统取样,对泥灰岩和粘土岩样品选碎屑锆石作LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb同位素测年,对不同层位泥灰岩、粘土岩、灰岩样品作碳、氧同位素分析,结合区域地质相关资料,良好揭示了碎屑锆石来源、沉积地貌环境及古海拔高度。双湖采坑唢呐湖组碎屑锆石绝大部分为岩浆锆石,统计分析碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄,发现存在4期峰值,分别为280~200Ma、780~830Ma、1920~1790Ma、2600~2360Ma;对比区域地质和岩浆岩测年资料,推断晚二叠世—三叠纪(280~200Ma)碎屑锆石主要来自于羌中隆起岩浆岩,新元古代中期(~800Ma)、古元古代晚期(~1800Ma)、太古宙末期—古元古代初期(~2500Ma)碎屑锆石主要来自于东昆仑造山带。双湖采坑碎屑锆石部分测点U-Pb同位素呈线性分布,交点年龄及谐和年龄为1883!51~1837!12Ma、2483!24~2520!37Ma,对应东昆仑造山带早前寒武纪2期岩浆热事件年龄。根据唢呐湖组湖相沉积空间分布和碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄统计分布,推断青藏高原北部古近纪晚期发育自北向南流动的古水系,古洪流将东昆仑造山带出露地表的前寒武纪基底岩浆锆石自北向南长距离搬运,汇聚于双湖古湖盆并沉积于唢呐湖组。根据双湖采坑唢呐湖组湖相沉积碳同位素和氧同位素,估算双湖古湖盆35~34Ma古海拔高度为3427~3510m,这与应用Airy均衡模式根据地壳厚度和密度变化估算的古海拔高度在误差范围内基本吻合。     

First fission-track dating of zircons from Mesozoic complexes of the Crimea

The fission-track dating of detrital zircon from Mesozoic terrigenous complexes of the Crimean mountains has been carried out for the first time. A young zircon population from the Tavria Group of sandstones of the Yaman ravine was dated at 220.1 ± 12.6 Ma, and the zircon population from the same deposits of the Crimea’s southern coast, at 193.6 ± 13.1, 167.1 ± 12.1, and 154.0 ± 10.2 Ma. Sandstones from the lowermost parts of the Demerdzhi Formation on Mount Yuzhnaya Demerdzhi comprise the Middle Jurassic young zircon population (169.9 ± 8.6 Ma). The age of the young zircon population from the Chenka Formation in the region of the Settlement of Observatoriya corresponds to the initial Middle Jurassic (178.9 ± 9.1 Ma). The timing of the cooling of the Mount Kastel massif was established at 149.0 ± 10.9 Ma. In all the considered cases, the age of terrigenous complexes is close to the age of enclosed zircons. Volcanic and/or magmatic rocks that formed synchronously with accumulation of terrigenous complexes in the sedimentary basin are likely to have been sources of zircons. Hence, the data obtained allow the timing of the Triassic-Jurassic magmatism in the Crimean mountains to be refined and three stages of magmatism to be distinguished: Late Triassic (Carnian?), poorly expressed Early Jurassic, and Middle Jurassic (Aalenian-Bathonian).     

Initial accretion of the North Qinling Terrane to the North China Craton before the Grenville orogeny: constraints from detrital zircons

Whether the North Qinling Terrane (NQT) was accreted to the North China Craton (NCC) in the Proterozoic is still a matter of debate. We report the first detrital zircon study from the Baishugou Formation, which forms the uppermost part of the Mesoproterozoic Guandaokou Group, at the southernmost NCC margin. Detrital zircons from carbonaceous silty phyllite in the lower part of the Baishugou Formation yield U–Pb ages peaking at ca. 2500 Ma, with minor peaks at ca. 2300–2000, 1800, and 1600 Ma, and εHf(t) values ranging from ?10.8 to +9.1. These zircons are considered to have been sourced from the NCC. In contrast, the middle-to-upper part of the formation contains detrital zircons which yield an age group ranging from 1800 to 1000 Ma, with peaks at 1800, 1500, 1300, and 1100 Ma; the zircons with ages of 1500–1300 Ma dominantly have εHf(t) values greater than +5 and the majority plot along the depleted mantle evolution curve. The striking difference between the U–Pb ages of the detrital zircons from the upper and lower parts of the formation suggests a shift in provenance. Magmatism at 1500–1300 Ma has not been reported from the southern margin of the NCC but has been discovered in the NQT. Hence, we deduce that the zircons from the upper part of the formation were primarily derived from the NQT, where an episode of crustal growth and magmatism is recorded between 1500 and 1100 million years. The variable sediment provenances imply that the NCC and NQT could be connected during the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic. The pattern of detrital zircon ages in the new sediments from the Baishugou Formation is distinct from those in the Kuanping Group and the Palaeozoic Erlangping Complex, which are at present sandwiched between the NCC and the NQT. The detrital zircons from these two groups are dominated by an age peak at ca. 1000 Ma, which is formed as the result of amalgamation of the NQT and the Rodinia Supercontinent during the Grenville orogeny. It is possible that the new sediments of the Baishugou Formation were deposited before Grenville orogeny.     

The U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons from Hainan Island,South China: implications for sediment provenance and the crustal evolution

In situ U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic of detrital zircons from beach sediments of Yalong Bay were analyzed to trace sedimentary provenance and reveal the crustal evolution of Hainan Island in South China. The grain size distribution of the sediments displays a clear single-peak feature, indicating the sediments were formed under the same condition of hydrodynamic force. The detrital zircons had Th/U ratios of greater than 0.1, and REE pattern displayed a positive Ce anomaly and a negative Eu anomaly, indicating that these zircons are predominantly of magmatic origin. The U–Pb spectrum of detrital zircons mainly peaked at the Yanshanian (96–185 Ma), Hercynian–Indosinian (222–345 Ma) and Caledonian (421–477 Ma). A portion of the detrital zircons were of Neoproterozoic origin (728–1,003 Ma), which revealed that the basement in the eastern region of Hainan Island was mainly of Neoproterozoic, with rare Archean materials. The positive ε _Hf(t) values (0 to +10.1) of the Neoproterozoic detrital zircons indicated that the juvenile crust grew in the southeastern Hainan Island mainly during the Neoproterozoic period. The Neoproterozoic orogeny in the southeastern part of the island (0.7–1.0 Ga) occurred later than in the northwestern region of the island (1.0–1.4 Ga). Importantly, the Grenvillian orogeny in the southeastern area of Hainan Island shared the same timing with that of the western Cathaysia Block; i.e., both areas concurrently underwent this orogenic event, thereby forming a part of the Rodinia supercontinent. Afterwards, the crust experienced remelting and reworking during the Caledonian Hercynian–Indosinianand Yanshanian accompanied by the growth of a small amount of juvenile crust.     

Sedimentary record of Jurassic northward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean: insights from detrital zircons

The subduction polarity and related arc–magmatic evolutional history of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean, which separated the South Qiangtang terrane to the north from the North Lhasa terrane to the south during the Mesozoic, remain debated. This study tries to reconstruct the subduction and evolution of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean on the basis of U–Pb and Hf isotopic analyses of detrital zircons in samples from sedimentary rocks of the middle-western section of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone in Gerze County, central Tibet. The Middle Jurassic Muggargangri Group in the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone was deposited in a deep-sea basin setting on an active continental margin. The Late Jurassic strata, such as the Sewa Formation, are widely distributed in the South Qiangtang terrane and represent deposition on a shelf. The Early Cretaceous Shamuluo Formation in the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone unconformably overlies the Muggargangri Group and was probably deposited in a residual marine basin setting. The detrital zircons of the Muggargangri Group contain seven U–Pb age populations: 2.6–2.4 Ga, 1.95–1.75 Ga, 950–900 Ma, 850–800 Ma, 650–550 Ma, 480–420 Ma, and 350–250 Ma, which is similar to the age populations in sedimentary rocks of the South Qiangtang terrane. In addition, the age spectra of the Shamuluo Formation are similar to those of the Muggargangri Group, indicating that both had a northern terrane provenance, which is conformed by the north-to-south palaeocurrent. This provenance indicates northward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic crust. In contrast, two samples from the Sewa Formation yield variable age distributions: the lower sample has age populations similar to those of the South Qiangtang terrane, whereas the upper possesses only one age cluster with a peak at ca. 156 Ma. Moreover, the majority of the late Mesozoic detrital zircons are characterized by weakly positive εHf(t) values that are similar to those of magmatic zircons from arc magmatic rocks in the South Qiangtang terrane. The findings, together with information from the record of magmatism, indicate that the earliest prevalent arc magmatism occurred during the Early Jurassic (ca. 185 Ma) and that the principal arc–magmatic stage occurred during the Middle–Late Jurassic (ca. 170–150 Ma). The magmatic gap and scarcity of detrital zircons at ca. 140–130 Ma likely indicate collision between the Qiangtang and Lhasa terranes. The late Early Cretaceous (ca. 125–100 Ma) magmatism on both sides of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone was probably related to slab break-off or lithospheric delamination after closure of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean.     

Detrital Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and Provenance of Bayan Obo Group, Northern Margin of North China Craton: New Implications for the Position of NCC in Rodinia

The paleoposition of North China Craton in Rodinia has long been in controversial. This paper mainly focuses on the U–Pb geochronological studies of detrital zircons obtained from Bayan Obo Group exposed in the Shangdu area, Inner Mongolia, aiming to provide more information for interprating this problem. Based on the acquired data, this paper comes to the following conclusions. Firstly, the depositional age of Bayan Obo Group might be from Meso– to Neoproterozoic according to the zircons U–Pb dating results. The lower succession of this group, namely Dulahala and Jianshan formations deposited between 1800 and 1650 Ma. The Halahuogete and Bilute formations deposited between 1500 and 1350 Ma. For Baiyinbaolage and Hujiertu formations, their depositional age was 1250–900 Ma. Secondly, for the provenance of Bayan Obo Group, this paper believes detrital zircons with age of 2.51–2.71 Ga and 2.00–2.48 Ga were from Guyang, Xi Ulanbulang and Zhuozi area; the Khondalite Belt provided detrital zircons with age of 1.95–1.80 Ga; zircons with age of 1.60–1.75 Ga might come from granitic rocks in Miyun Area. The magmatism after 1.60 Ga was rarely recorded in the NCC, therefore those zircons with ages younger than 1.60 Ga might come from outside of NCC. The magmatism with the same age existed in Baltic, Amazonia and Laurentia. Based on previous paleomagnetic researches, this paper proposes that NCC might receive detritus from Baltic during 1560–1350 Ma and had affinity with Laurentia and Amazonia at ～0.9 Ga in Rodinia. Baltic, Amazonia and Laurentia might be potential provenances for non–NCC detritus in Bayan Obo Group.     

Chronological constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Chinese Tianshan Orogen through detrital zircons from modern and palaeo-river sands

The Chinese Tianshan Orogen marks prolonged and complicated interactions between the southwestern Palaeo-Asian Ocean and surrounding blocks. New and previously published detrital zircon chronological data from modern and palaeo-river sands were compiled to reveal its tectonic evolution. It is characterized by predominant Palaeozoic as well as minor Mesozoic and Precambrian detrital zircon ages with a multimodal characteristic. The oldest Phanerozoic zircon population (peaking at 475 Ma) is a result of subduction and closure of the early Palaeozoic Terskey Ocean. However, the absence of this peak in the Chinese North and southern South Tianshan suggests that subductions of the North and South Tianshan oceans may not have initiated until the Late Ordovician with subsequent 460–390 and 360–320 Ma arc magmatism. Similar to the magmatic suite in classic collisional orogens, the youngest massive 320–270 Ma magmatism is suggested to be post-collisional. The North and South Tianshan oceans therefore probably had their closure to form the Chinese Tianshan Orogen during the late Carboniferous. The weak Mesozoic intra-plate magmatism further rejects a late Permian–Triassic Tianshan Orogen due to a lack of extensive syn- and post-collisional magmatism. Moreover, diverse Precambrian detrital zircon age patterns indicate that the surrounding blocks have distinct evolutionary processes with short-term amalgamation during the Meso- to Neoproterozoic.     

北山造山带破城山地区冰碛岩沉积时代、物源及构造意义：来自碎屑锆石U- Pb年代学及Lu- Hf同位素的约束

出露于北山造山带的洗肠井群为新元古代晚期的冰川沉积,记录了前寒武纪演化过程的重要信息。本文对北山破城山地区的洗肠井群进行了野外地质、碎屑锆石U-Pb年代学与Lu-Hf同位素研究。结果显示破城山地区的洗肠井群具有冰碛岩的特征,其中泥质粉砂岩和含冰碛砾石粉砂—细砂岩最年轻的碎屑锆石年龄分别为579±12 Ma和574±8 Ma,结合洗肠井群与上覆下寒武统双鹰山组为平行不整合接触关系,可精确限定洗肠井群的形成时代为埃迪卡拉纪晚期。洗肠井群碎屑岩具有单一的碎屑锆石年龄峰值(635～631 Ma),且该时期锆石的两阶段Hf模式年龄主要集中于1.52～0.60 Ga,显示中元古代地壳的再造与新生地壳的特征,其与天山造山带的塔里萨依组具有明显的相似性。洗肠井群碎屑锆石中还出现～0.9 Ga和～1.4 Ga的年龄,与北山造山带内部发育的中—新元古代的岩浆事件相当。且洗肠井群的冰碛砾石主要为白云岩、硅质白云岩和极少量的石英岩,与其下部呈断层接触的蓟县系平头山组和长城系古硐井群的岩性组合相一致,由此可见洗肠井群的碎屑物质很可能来源于北山造山带自身。同时认为洗肠井群冰碛岩为中高纬度地区冰川与水流冲刷共同作用...     

Evolution of exhumation and erosion in western West Gondwanaland as recorded by detrital zircons of late Neoproterozoic and Cambrian sedimentary rocks of NW and Central Argentina

The evolution of the provenance areas for Late Neoproterozoic, Cambrian and Early Ordovician sedimentary and meta-sedimentary rocks of north central and northwest Argentina is discussed using 123 maximum ages of detrital zircons from 42 samples from this and previously published studies. Most detrital zircon ages fall into two groups: 1,200–900 Ma and 670–545 Ma. These ages are essentially identical for the non- to very low grade metamorphic late Neoproterozoic to Early Cambrian Puncoviscana Formation and the low to high grade metamorphic rocks of Eastern Sierras Pampeanas. Hence, both units are related to similar provenance areas at the same time of sedimentation. The time span from zircon crystallization in the Earth’s crust to exhumation and erosion may be very long. This is important when determining maximum ages of sedimentary rocks. Variation of zircon maxima may also be influenced by concurrent sedimentary cover of proposed provenance areas. For the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic zircon age group, an active mountain range of the southwest Brazilian Sunsás orogen is the most probable provenance area. The younger, late Neoproterozoic zircons are related to the continuously developing mountains of the Brasiliano orogen of southwest and south central Brazil. Young zircons, up to 514 Ma, from fossil-bearing Puncoviscana and Suncho Formation outcrops are related to late Early Cambrian volcanism contemporaneous with sedimentation. This situation continues through the Late Cambrian to the Early Ordovician, but the Sunsás orogen provenance diminishes as possible Río de la Plata craton origins become important.     

伊犁果子沟地区新元古代冰成沉积的碎屑锆石 LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年龄及其地质意义

为了对新疆果子沟地区塔里萨依组冰成沉积进行时代限定及前寒武纪地质演化讨论,开展了碎屑锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年工作。碎屑锆石最年轻年龄介于620~610 Ma和580~572 Ma之间,表明塔里萨依组冰成杂砾岩代表了埃迪卡拉纪时期的产物,而且在一次大冰期中发生了2次的小冰期旋回,同库鲁克塔格地区的汉格尔乔克组冰碛砾岩对应。碎屑锆石年龄谱没有反映出1000~700 Ma的年龄分布,但这个年龄段相关的岩浆活动在伊犁以北至温泉地区被广泛发现。而在年龄谱中大量存在的650~600 Ma年龄,本区附近却没有相关岩浆活动记录的报道,结合本区同库鲁克塔格地区新元古代冰期沉积存在的相似性,说明塔里萨依组冰期沉积物可能接收了更远的"伊犁块体"以南地区的物源。同时探讨了650~600 Ma岩浆活动可能与"伊犁块体"同塔里木板块分离,向哈萨克斯坦板块聚合有关。