Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous tectonic evolution of the Great Xing’an Range: geochronological and geochemical evidence from granitoids and volcanic rocks in the Erguna Block,NE China

ABSTRACT

The late Mesozoic magmatic record within the Erguna Block is critical to evaluate the tectonic history and geodynamic evolution of the Great Xing’an Range, NE China. Here, we provide geochronological and geochemical data on Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous plutonic-volcanic rocks in the northern Erguna Block and discuss their origin within a regional tectonic framework. Late Mesozoic magmatism in the Erguna Block can be divided into two major periods: Late Jurassic (162–150 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (140–125 Ma). Late Jurassic quartz monzonite and dacite show adakite characteristics such as high Al₂O₃, high Sr, and steeply fractionated REE patterns. Contemporary granitoids and rhyolites are also characterized by strong enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and significant depletion in heavy rare earth elements (HREE), but with more pronounced negative Eu anomalies. Early Cretaceous trachytes and monzoporphyries exhibit moderate LREE enrichment and relatively flat HREE distributions. Coeval granites and rhyolites have transitional signatures between A-type and fractionated I-type felsic rocks. Both Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous rocks have distinctive negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies, and positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values, suggesting that these magmas were derived from partial melting of Meso-Neoproterozoic accreted lower crust, although melting occurred at a variety of crustal levels. The transition from adakite to non-adakite magmatism reflects continued crustal thinning from Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. Our data, together with recently reported isotopic data for plutonic and volcanic rocks, as well as geochemical data, in NE China, suggest that Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous magmatism in the Erguna Block was possibly induced by post-collisional extension after closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean.     

Rb–Sr dating of sulfides and S–Pb isotopic study of the Bayanbaolege Ag polymetallic deposit,Inner Mongolia,NE China

The large-scale Bayanbaolege Ag polymetallic deposit is situated in the Tuquan–Linxi Fe-Sn-Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag metallogenic sub-belt in eastern slopes of the southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China. The sulfide-quartz vein-type orebodies in the deposit are hosted primarily in the Early Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry and Late Permian strata. Three primary paragenetic stages of veining have been identified: (I) arsenopyrite- pyrite-quartz stage, (II) pyrite-sphalerite-quartz stage, and (III) galena-silver minerals (pyrargyrite, argentite, and pearceite)-calcite stage. The Rb–Sr dating of sulfides yielded an isochron age of 129.9 ± 2.9 Ma (MSWD = 2.1) for the sphalerite, which constrains the mineralization age to the Early Cretaceous. Rb and Sr concentrations in the sulfides ranged from 0.0940 to 1.0294 ppm and 0.0950–3.3818 ppm, respectively. The initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr value of the sphalerite was 0.70852 ± 0.00018, indicating that the mineralized materials were derived from the mixed crust-mantle source area. S isotope analysis showed that the δ³⁴S values of the sulfide samples varied in a narrow range, from −1.5‰ to +1.3‰ (mean −0.65‰), indicating a magmatic S source. Pb isotopic ratios of the sulfides (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.306–18.416, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.524–15.605, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.095–38.479) and the granodiorite porphyry (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.341–18.933, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.539–15.600, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.134–38.944) reflect that the ore-forming materials originated from contemporaneous magma with Early Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry. This study of the Bayanbaolege deposit and other hydrothermal deposits in the area provides compelling evidence that the widespread Mesozoic magmatism and mineralization in the southern Great Xing’an Range occurred in an intracontinental extensional tectonic setting, which was associated with the westward subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate.     

Petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks of the Manketouebo Formation in the Wuchagou region,central Great Xing’an Range,NE China,and tectonic implications: geochronological,geochemical, and Hf isotopic evidence

ABSTRACT

This study presents new whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry, zircon U–Pb ages, and Hf-isotope compositions for volcanic rocks from the Manketouebo Formation of the central Great Xing’an Range, NE China. These data provide precise ages and information on the petrogenesis and source of the magmas that formed this formation, furthering our understanding of the geodynamic setting of the large-scale late Mesozoic magmatism in the Great Xing’an Range and other areas in NE China. The Manketouebo Formation in the study area is dominated by rhyolites and rhyolitic tuffs with minor trachydacites. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that these volcanic rocks formed between 143 and 139 Ma. The volcanic rocks contain high silica (66.70–79.91 wt.%) and total alkali (5.93–9.72 wt.%) concentrations, and low concentrations of MgO (0.08–1.15 wt.%), total FeO (0.68–4.50 wt.%), and CaO (0.10–2.56 wt.%). They are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Rb, Th, and U) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti, and P) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), indicating that they are similar to highly fractionated I-type igneous rocks. All of the magmatic zircons from the analysed samples have high initial ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios (0.282900–0.283093), positive ε_Hf(t) values (7.48–14.19), and young Hf two-stage model ages (954–344 Ma) that suggest the primary magma that formed the volcanic rocks of the Manketouebo Formation was derived from the partial melting of Neoproterozoic to Phanerozoic juvenile crustal material, indicating in turn that significant crustal growth occurred at this time within the Xing’an Terrane. These data, combined with previous research into the spatial–temporal distribution of Mesozoic volcanic rocks in NE China, suggest that the Early Cretaceous magmatism in the Great Xing’an Range was influenced by both the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate and the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. This was a crucial period in the transformation from the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean to the Palaeo-Pacific tectonic regimes. In summary, the early stages of Early Cretaceous magmatism in this area were related to the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean, whereas the later stages of magmatism in this area and elsewhere in NE China were related to the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate.     

Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous tectonic evolution of the Bayanhushuo area,southern Great Xing’an Range,NE China: constraints from zircon U–Pb geochronological and geochemical data of volcanic and subvolcanic rocks

This study presents new zircon U–Pb geochronology, geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotopic data of volcanic and subvolcanic rocks that crop out in the Bayanhushuo area of the southern Great Xing’an Range (GXR) of NE China. These data provide insights into the tectonic evolution of this area during the late Mesozoic and constrain the evolution of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. Combining these new ages with previously published data suggests that the late Mesozoic volcanism occurred in two distinct episodes: Early–Middle Jurassic (176–173 Ma) and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (151–138 Ma). The Early–Middle Jurassic dacite porphyry belongs to high-K calc-alkaline series, showing the features of I-type igneous rock. This unit has zircon ε_Hf(t) values from +4.06 to +11.62 that yield two-stage model ages (T_DM2) from 959 to 481 Ma. The geochemistry of the dacite porphyry is indicative of formation in a volcanic arc tectonic setting, and it is derived from a primary magma generated by the partial melting of juvenile mafic crustal material. The Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks belong to high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonite series and have A₂-type affinities. These volcanics have ε_Hf(t) and T_DM2 values from +5.00 to +8.93 and from 879 to 627 Ma, respectively. The geochemistry of these Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks is indicative of formation in a post-collisional extensional environment, and they formed from primary magmas generated by the partial melting of juvenile mafic lower crust. The discovery of late Mesozoic volcanic and subvolcanic rocks within the southern GXR indicates that this region was in volcanic arc and extensional tectonic settings during the Early–Middle Jurassic and the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, respectively. This indicates that the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate was undergoing subduction during the Early–Middle Jurassic, and this ocean adjacent to the GXR may have closed by the Late Middle Jurassic–Early Late Jurassic.     

Nature and significance of the late Mesozoic granitoids in the southern Great Xing’an range,eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT

Abundant late Mesozoic granitic rocks are widespread in the southern Great Xing’an Range (GXAR), which have attracted much attention due to its significance for the Mesozoic tectonic evolution in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, controversy has still surrounded the late Mesozoic geodynamic switching in the continental margin of east China, especially the spatial and temporal extent of the influence of the Mongol-Okhotsk and Palaeo-Pacific tectonic regimes. In order to better understand the Late Mesozoic evolutionary history of the southern GXAR, a number of geochemical, geochronological, and isotopic data of the granitoids in this region are collected. Magmatism in the southern GXAR can be divided into six phases: Late Carboniferous (325–303 Ma), Early-Middle Permian (287–260 Ma), Triassic (252–220 Ma), Early Jurassic (182–176 Ma), Late Jurassic (154–146 Ma), and Early Cretaceous (145–111 Ma). Mesozoic magmatic activities in the southern GXAR peaked during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, accompanied by large-scale mineralization. Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic evidence of these granitic rocks suggested they were likely originated from a mixed source composed of lower crust and newly underplated basaltic crust. Assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) or crustal contamination possibly occurred in the magma evolution, and a much more addition of juvenile component to the source of the Early Cretaceous granitoids than that of Late Jurassic. The closure of Mongol-Okhotsk ocean and the break-off of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic slab at depth in the Jurassic triggered extensive magmatism and related mineralization in this region. The Jurassic intrusive activities was affected by both the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate and the closure of Mongol-Okhotsk ocean. Less influence of the Mongol-Okhotsk tectonic regime on the Early Cretaceous magmatism, whereas, in contrast the Palaeo-Pacific tectonic regime possibly continued into the Cenozoic.     

Genesis of the Late Mesozoic Great Xing’an Range Large Igneous Province in eastern central Asia: A Mongol–Okhotsk slab window model

The late Mesozoic Great Xing’an Range Large Igneous Province (XRLIP), with an area of >3 × 10⁵ km², is a prominent, enigmatic feature in eastern central Asia. The province is characterized by extensive within-plate magmatism, including a >4 km-thick sequence of volcanic rocks and voluminous plutons emplaced during an interval of ~40 million years from Late Jurassic through Early Cretaceous times (~150–110 Ma). The igneous activities are characterized by widespread adakitic rocks, alkalic basalts, and A-type granitoids with largely intraplate geochemical signatures, emplaced in a normal continental crustal setting. A Mongol–Okhotsk ridge subduction model is proposed for petrogenesis of the igneous rocks. Partial melting of young, hot, subducting oceanic slabs close to the ridge formed the adakitic rocks. A slab window that opened during ridge subduction triggered alkalic basaltic to A-type granitic and minor calc-alkaline magmas, as well as large-scale, metallogenic mineralization and subsequent basin formation.     

Fluid Inclusions,C–H–O–S Isotope and Geochronology of the Bujinhei Pb–Zn Deposit in the Southern Great Xing'an Range of Northeast China: Implication for Ore Genesis

The Bujinhei Pb–Zn deposit is located in the southern Great Xing'an Range metallogenic belt. It is a representative medium‐ to high‐temperature hydrothermal vein type deposit controlled by fractures, and orebodies hosted in the Permian Shoushangou Formation. The hydrothermal mineralization is classified into three stages: pyrite ± arsenopyrite–quartz (Stage 1), polymetallic sulfide–quartz (Stage 2), and polymetallic sulfide–calcite (Stage 3). Fluid inclusion petrography, laser Raman analyses and microthermometry indicate that the liquid‐rich aqueous inclusions (L) and vapor‐rich CO₂ ± CH₄–H₂O inclusions (C) occur in the Stage 1 and as medium‐ to high‐ temperature and low‐ to medium‐salinity NaCl–H₂O–CO₂–CH₄ hydrothermal fluids. The liquid‐rich (L) and rare vapor‐rich CO₂ ± CH₄–H₂O inclusions (C) occur in the Stage 2 with medium‐temperature and low‐salinity NaCl–H₂O ± CO₂ ± CH₄ hydrothermal fluids. The exclusively liquid‐rich (L) fluid inclusions are observed in the Stage 3, and the hydrothermal fluid belongs to medium‐temperature and low‐salinity NaCl–H₂O hydrothermal fluids. The results of hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses indicate that ore‐forming fluids were initially derived from the magmatic water and mixed with local meteoric water in the late stage (δ¹⁸O_H2O‐SMOW = 6.0 to 2.2‰, δD_SMOW = ?103 to ?134‰). The carbon isotope compositions (?18.4‰ to ?26.5‰) indicate that the carbon in the fluid was derived from the surrounding strata. The sulfur isotope compositions (5.7 to 15.2‰) indicate that the ore sulfur was also primarily derived from the strata. The ore vein No. 1 occurs in fractures and approximately parallel to the rhyolite porphyry; orebodies have a close spatial and temporal relationship with the rhyolite porphyry. The rhyolite porphyry yielded a crystallization age of 122.9  ± 2.4 Ma, indicating that the Bujinhei deposit may be related to the Early Cretaceous magmatic event. Geochemical analyses reveal that the Bujinhei rhyolite porphyry is high in K₂O and peraluminous, and derived from an acidic liquid as a result of strong interaction with hydrothermal fluid during the late magmatic stage; it is similar to A2‐type granites, and formed in a backarc extensional environment. These results indicate that the Bujinhei Pb–Zn deposit was a vein type system that formed in Early Cretaceous and influenced by the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic system. Bujinhei deposit is a representative hydrothermal vein type deposit on the genetic types, and occurs on the western slope of the southern Great Xing'an Range. The ore‐forming fluids were medium‐ to high‐temperature and low‐to medium‐salinity NaCl–H₂O–CO₂–CH₄ hydrothermal fluids, which became medium‐temperature and low‐salinity NaCl–H₂O hydrothermal fluids in later stages, and came from magmatic water and mixed with meteoric water, whereas the ore‐forming materials were mainly derived from the surrounding strata. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the Bujinhei deposit formed at the period of late Early Cretaceous, potentially in a backarc extensional environment influenced by the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic system.     

Petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous low-Mg adakitic rocks along the southernmost margin of the North China Craton: implications for late Mesozoic crustal evolution

This article reports systematic zircon U–Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotopic data for the Early Cretaceous Jialou granitoids along the southernmost margin of the North China Craton (NCC), adjacent to the Tongbai Orogen. These results will provide significant constrains on the crustal evolution of the southern margin of the NCC. Zircon U–Pb analyses, using laser ablation–multicollector–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, indicate that the Jialou granitoids were emplaced at ~130 Ma. The granitoids have high SiO₂, K₂O, Al₂O₃, Sr, and Ba contents, high Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios, and low concentrations of MgO, Y, and heavy rare earth elements, indicating a low-Mg adakitic affinity. They have relatively high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.707464–0.708190) and negative εNd(t) values (–11.8 to –15.2), similar to those of the Palaeoproterozoic lower crust in the NCC. These geochemical and isotopic features indicate that the Jialou low-Mg adakitic rocks were derived by partial melting of mafic Palaeoproterozoic lower crust of the NCC at >50 km depth, leaving behind a garnet amphibolite residue. The petrogenesis of the Jialou low-Mg adakitic rocks, plus the petrogenesis of Mesozoic granitoids and lower crustal xenoliths entrained in the Late Jurassic Xinyang volcaniclastic diatreme, suggests that the continental crust along the southern margin of the NCC was thickened during the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, but thinned after 130 Ma. We propose that crustal thickening was caused by a late Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous intra-continental orogeny, rather than continent–continent collision between the NCC and the Yangtze Craton. We also suggest that crustal thinning and Early Cretaceous magmatism were related to subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate, rather than post-orogenic collapse of the Qinling–Tongbai–Dabie Orogen.     

Zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopic compositions of Mesozoic granitoids in southern Qiangtang,Tibet: Implications for the subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean

The southern Qiangtang magmatic belt was formed by the north-dipping subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean during Mesozoic. To better understand the petrogenesis, time–space distribution along the length of this belt, 21 samples of several granitoid bodies, from west to east, in the Bangong Co, Gaize, Dongqiao and Amdo areas were selected for in-situ zircon U–Pb dating, Hf isotopic and whole-rock chemical analyses. The results suggest a prolonged period of magmatic activity (185–84 Ma) with two major stages during the Jurassic (185–150 Ma) and the Early Cretaceous (126–100 Ma). Both the Jurassic and Cretaceous granitoids are high-K calc-alkaline I-type rocks, except the Cretaceous two-mica granite from Amdo in the east, which belongs to S-type. The granitoids are generated from different source materials as indicated by zircon Hf isotopic compositions. The Bangong Co and Dongqiao granitoids show high zircon ε_Hf(t) values of − 1.3–13.6 with younger T_DM^C ages of 293–1263 Ma, suggesting a relatively juvenile source; whereas the Gaize and Amdo granitoids have low ε_Hf(t) values of − 16.1–2.9 with older T_DM^C ages of 999–2024 Ma, indicating an old crustal contribution. These source rocks melt at different P–T conditions as suggested by Sr/Y ratio and T_Zr. The Sr/Y ratio of both stage granitoids increases with decreasing age. However, the T_Zr of the Jurassic granitoids decreases, whereas the T_Zr of the Cretaceous granitoids increases with decreasing age. The contrasting geochemical signatures of these granitoids may be controlled by the varying contribution of slab-derived fluids involved in the generation of the Jurassic and Cretaceous granitic magmas; i.e. increasing amount of fluids in the Jurassic, whereas decreasing amount of fluids in the Cretaceous. Therefore, it is proposed that the Jurassic and Cretaceous magmatism may be related to subduction and closure of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean, respectively. The age pattern of the Jurassic and Cretaceous granitoids suggests an oblique subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean and a diachronous collision between the Lhasa and Qiangtang blocks.     

Genesis of Pb–Zn Mineralization Beneath the Xiangshan Uranium Orefield,South China: Constraints from H–O–S–Pb Isotopes and Rb–Sr Dating

The volcanic‐hosted Xiangshan uranium orefield is the largest uranium deposit in South China. Recent exploration has discovered extensive Pb–Zn mineralization beneath the uranium orebodies. Detailed geological investigation reveals that the major metallic minerals include pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite, whilst the major non‐metallic minerals include quartz, sericite, and calcite. New δ¹⁸O_fluid and δD_fluid data indicate that the ore‐forming fluids were mainly derived from magmatic, and the sulfide δ³⁴S values (2.2–6.9‰) suggest a dominantly magmatic sulfur source. The Pb isotope compositions are homogeneous (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.120–18.233, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.575–15.698, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.047–38.446). The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of sulfide minerals range from 0.7197 to 0.7204, which is much higher than volcanic rocks and fall into the range of metamorphic basement. Lead and strontium isotopic compositions indicate that the metallogenic materials probably were derived from metamorphic basement. Pyrite Rb–Sr dating of the ores yielded 131.3 ± 4.0 Ma, indicating that the Pb–Zn mineralization occurred in the Early Cretaceous.     

Early Cretaceous Adakitic Rocks in the Northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China: Implications for the Final Closure of Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean and Regional Extensional Setting

A large amount of igneous rocks in NE China formed in an extensional setting during Late Mesozoic. However, there is still controversy about how the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean and the Paleo-Pacific Ocean effected the lithosphere in NE China. In this paper, we carried out a comprehensive study for andesites from the Keyihe area using LA-ICP-MS zircon UPb dating and geochemical and Hf isotopic analysis to investigate the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of these andesites. The U-Pb dating yields an Early Cretaceous crystallization age of 128.3±0.4 Ma. Geochemically, the andesites contain high Sr(686–930 ppm) and HREE contents, low Y(11.9–19.8 ppm) and Yb(1.08–1.52 ppm) contents, and they therefore have high Sr/Y(42–63) and La/Yb(24–36) ratios, showing the characteristics of adakitic rocks. Moreover, they exhibit high K_2O/Na_2O ratios(0.57–0.81), low Mg O contents(0.77–3.06 wt%), low Mg# value(17–49) and negative εHf(t) values(-1.7 to-8.5) with no negative Eu anomalies, indicating that they are not related to the oceanic plate subduction. Based on the geochemical and isotopic data provided in this paper and regional geological data, it can be concluded that the Keyihe adakitic rocks were affected by the Mongol-Okhotsk tectonic regime, forming in a transition setting from crustal thickening to regional extension thinning. They were derived from the partial melting of the thickened lower crust. The closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean may finish in early Early Cretaceous, followed by the collisional orogenic process. The southern part region of its suture belt was in a post-orogenic extensional setting in the late Early Cretaceous.     

Tectonic nature of the NE Asian continental margin during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous: constraints from the geochronology and geochemistry of igneous rocks in the NE North China Craton

ABSTRACT

This paper presents geochronological, geochemical, and zircon Hf–O isotope data for late Mesozoic intrusive rocks from the northeastern North China Craton (NCC), with the aim of constraining the late Mesozoic tectonic nature of the NE Asian continental margin. U–Pb zircon data indicate that the Late Mesozoic magmatism in the northeastern NCC can be subdivided into two stages: Late Jurassic (161 ? 156 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (125 ? 120 Ma). Late Jurassic magmatism consists mainly of monzogranites. These monzogranites display high Sr/Y ratios and the tetrad effect in their REE, respectively, and have negative ε_Hf(t) values (?22.6 to ?15.8). The former indicates that the primary magma was generated by partial melting of thickened NCC lower crust, the latter suggests that the monzogranites were crystallized from highly fractionated magma, with the primary magma derived from partial melting of lower continental crust. Combined with the spatial distribution and rock associations of the Late Jurassic granitoids, we conclude that the Late Jurassic magmatism in the eastern NCC formed in a compressional environment related to oblique subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasia. The Early Cretaceous magmatism consists mainly of granitoids and quartz diorites. The quartz diorites formed by mixing of melts derived from the mantle and lower crust. The coeval granitoids are classified as high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous series. Some of the granitoids are similar to A-type granites. The granitoid ε_Hf(t) values and T_DM2 range from ?14.3 to ?1.4 and 2089 to 1274 Ma, respectively. These values indicate that their primary magma was derived from partial melting of lower crustal material of the NCC, but with a contribution of mantle-derived material. We therefore conclude that Early Cretaceous magmatism in the northeastern NCC occurred in an extensional environment related to westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath Eurasia.     

Mesozoic Bimodal Volcanic Suite in Zhalantun of the Da Hinggan Range and Its Geological Significance： Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf Isotopic Constraints

1 Introduction Mesozoic volcano-intrusive rocks are widely distributed in the Da Hinggan Range of northeastern China, and are considered as one of the most spectacular geological sights in eastern Asia. Recently, studies on granites with high εNd(t) values and Phanerozoic crustal growth in the Centra Asian Orogenic Belt have greatly promoted fundamental research into the geology of this area (Jahn et al., 2000, 2001, 2004; Wu et al., 2000, 2002, 2003). However, work on the eruption time,…     

A porphyry-skarn metallogenic system in the Lesser Xing’an Range,NE China: Implications from U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of the Luming Mo and Xulaojiugou Pb–Zn deposits

The Luming porphyry Mo deposit and the Xulaojiugou skarn Pb–Zn deposit are located in the southeast Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China. They are about 15 km apart, and are both related to monzogranite. Mo orebodies in the Luming deposit are hosted within the medium- to fine-grained monzogranite, while Pb–Zn orebodies in the Xulaojiugou deposit are hosted by the contact zone between the medium-grained monzogranite and the marbles of the early Cambrian Qianshan Formation.LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the ore-related monzogranite in the Luming deposit yields crystallization age of 180.7 ± 1.6 Ma, and the medium-grained and porphyritic monzogranites from the Xulaojiugou deposit yield crystallization ages of 181.2 ± 1.1 Ma and 179.9 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. Analyses of seven molybdenite samples from the Luming deposit display Re–Os isochron age of 177.9 ± 2.6 Ma. These results indicate that the mineralization in the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits occurred at about 181–178 Ma. These two deposits are genetically linked and belong to a porphyry-skarn metallogenic system. Combined with the previously reported geochronological data for ore deposits in adjacent areas, we consider that the early Jurassic is an important epoch for Mo and Pb–Zn mineralization in the Lesser Xing’an Range.The monzogranites from the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits are enriched in and Rb, Th, U, Pb and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and are depleted in Ba, Nb, Ta, P, Ti and Eu. They have positive ε_Hf(t) values of 1.0–4.0 with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 868–1033 Ma. Whole-rock Sr and Nd isotopes show restricted ranges of initial compositions, with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i between 0.706346 and 0.707384 and ε_Nd(t) between −3.5 and −1.8. These data indicate that their primary magmas originated from the partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle which had been metasomatized by subducted slab-derived fluids/melts. The early Jurassic magmatic–metallogenic events in the Lesser Xing’an Range are interpreted as a response to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.     

Geochronology and Geochemistry of Early Cretaceous Granitic Plutons in the Xing’an Massif, Great Xing’an Range, NE China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

In this study, we present zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemical data and Hf isotopic compositions for the Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons in Xing'an Massif, Great Xing'an Range, which can provide important information in deciphering both Mesozoic magmatism and tectonic evolution of NE China. The zircon U-Pb dating results indicate that alkali feldspar granite from Meiguifeng pluton was emplaced at ～145 to 137 Ma, and granite porphyry of Arxan pluton was formed at ～129 Ma. The Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons have similar geochemical features, which are characterized by high silica, total alkalis, differentiation index, with low P_2O_5, CaO, MgO, TFe_2O_3 contents. They belong to high-K calc-alkaline series, and show weakly peraluminous characteristics. The Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons are both enriched in LREEs and LILEs(e.g., Rb, Th, U and K), and depleted in HREEs and HFSEs(e.g., Nb, Ta and Ti). Combined with the petrological and geochemical features, the Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons show highly fractionated I-type granite affinity. Moreover, the Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons may share a common or similar magma source, and they were probably generated by partial melting of Neoproterozoic high-K basaltic crust. Meanwhile, plagioclase, K-feldspar, biotite, apatite, monazite, allanite and Ti-bearing phases fractionated from the magma during formation of Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons. Combined with spatial distribution and temporal evolution, we assume that the generation of Early Cretaceous Meiguifeng and Arxan plutons in Great Xing'an Range was closely related to the break-off of Mudanjiang oceanic plate. Furthermore, the Mudanjiang Ocean was probably a branch of Paleo-Pacific Ocean.     

Age and Tectonic Setting of Mesothermal Magmatic Hydrothermal Vein‐Type Pb–Zn–(Ag) Mineralization in the Xiaohongshilazi Deposit,Central Jilin Province,Northeast China

The Xiaohongshilazi deposit located in central Jilin Province, Northeast China, is a newly discovered and medium‐scale Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit with ore reserves of 34,968 t Pb, 100,150 t Zn, and 158 t Ag. Two‐stage mineralization has been identified in this deposit. Stratiform volcanic‐associated massive sulfide (VMS) Pb–Zn mineralization interbedding with the marine volcanic rocks of the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian Daheshen Formation was controlled by the premineralization E–W‐trending faults. Vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization occurs within or parallel to the granodiorite and diorite porphyries controlled by the major‐mineralization N–S‐trending faults that cut the stratiform mineralization and volcanic rocks. To constrain the age of vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization and determine the relationship between mineralization and magmatism, we conducted LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating on zircon from the ore‐bearing granodiorite and diorite porphyries and Rb–Sr dating on metal sulfide. Granodiorite and diorite porphyries yield zircon U–Pb weighted‐mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 203.6 ± 1.8 Ma (Mean Standard Weighted Deviation [MSWD] = 1.8) and 225.6 ± 5.1 Ma (MSWD = 2.3), respectively. Sulfides from four vein‐type ore samples yield a Rb–Sr isochron age of 195 ± 17 Ma (MSWD = 4.0). These results indicate a temporal relationship between the granodiorite porphyry and vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization. The granodiorite associated with vein‐type mineralization has high SiO₂ (68.99–70.49 wt.%) and Na₂O (3.9–4.2 wt.%; Na₂O/K₂O = 1.07–1.10) concentrations, and A/CNK values of 0.95–1.04; consequently, the intrusion is classified as a high‐K, calc‐alkaline, metaluminous I‐type granite. The granodiorite porphyry is enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Th, U, and K) and light REE and is depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) and heavy REE, indicating that it represents a subduction‐related rock that formed at an active continental margin. Furthermore, the granodiorite porphyry has Mg# values of 31–34, indicating a lower crustal source. Based on petrological and geochemical features, we infer that the ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyry was derived from the partial melting of the lower crust. In summary, mineralization characteristics, cross‐cutting relationships, geochronological data, and regional tectonic evolution indicate that the region was the site of VMS Pb–Zn mineralization that produced stratiform orebodies within the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian marine volcanic rocks of the Daheshen Formation, followed by mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization associated with granodiorite porphyry induced by the initial subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasia Plate during the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic.     

The earliest Jurassic A-type granite in the Nanling Range of southeastern South China: petrogenesis and geological implications

The tectonic transition from the palaeo-Tethyan to palaeo-Pacific dynamic domains in the South China Block (SCB) is still a matter of debate. The A-type granites collected from the southeastern SCB offered an opportunity to illustrate this tectonic transition. This article records a set of petrographic, geochronological, and geochemical data for the Wengong granitic pluton from the eastern Nanling Range. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating shows a crystallization age of 196.9 ± 4.4 Ma with ε_Hf(t) values ranging from +2.1 to +7.7. The samples have high SiO₂, Zr+Nb+Ce+Y, FeOt/MgO, Ga/Al, and Y/Nb and are depleted in Nb–Ta, Zr–Hf, Ba, Sr, Ti, and Eu, similar to those of the A₂-type granite. Their initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range from 0.70885 to 0.70983 and the ε_Nd(t) values range from ?2.9 to ?1.1, close to those of the Early Palaeozoic mafic rocks in the southeastern SCB. The Wengong A₂-type granite was derived from partial melting of the mafic rocks underplated into the lower crust during the Early Palaeozoic.

The Mesozoic A-type granites in the southeastern SCB can be subdivided into 229–215 Ma (Late Triassic), 197–152 Ma (Jurassic), and 135–92 Ma (Cretaceous). They differ in geochemical and spatial distribution characteristics. The Late Triassic A-type granites were formed in the post-collision extensional setting associated with the palaeo-Tethyan dynamic domain, whereas the Cretaceous A-type granites were under the control of the palaeo-Pacific dynamic domain. The A-type granites were hardly exposed during the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. The Jurassic A-type granites were formed in the intra-plate extensional setting, a response to the tectonic transition from the palaeo-Tethyan to palaeo-Pacific dynamic domains. Thus, the occurrence of the Wengong A₂-type granite indicates that this tectonic transition possibly initiated at the earliest Early Jurassic.     

Geochemistry,zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating of the Taolaituo porphyry Mo deposit in the Central Great Hinggan Range: implications for the geodynamic evolution of northeastern China

The Taolaituo porphyry‐type molybdenum deposit is located in the eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China. The mineralization occurs mainly as veins, lenses and layers within the host porphyry. To better understand the link between the mineralization and the host igneous rocks, we studied samples from the underground workings and report new SHRIMP II zircon U–Pb and Re–Os molybdenite ages, and geochemical data from both the molybdenites and the porphyry granites. Five molybdenite samples yield a Re–Os isochron weighted mean age of 133.0 ± 0.82 Ma, whereas the porphyry granitoids samples yield crystallization ages of 133 ± 1 Ma and 130.4 ± 1.3 Ma. The U–Pb and Re–Os ages are similar, suggesting that the mineralization is genetically related to the Early Cretaceous porphyry emplacement. Re contents of the molybdenites range from 21.74 to 42.45 ppm, with an average of 32.69 ppm, whereas δ³⁴S values vary between 3.7‰ and 4.2‰, which is typical of mantle sulphur. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vary in the ranges of 18.276–18.385, 15.566–15.580 and 38.321–38.382, respectively. The Taolaituo Early Cretaceous granitoids are A‐type granites. These observations indicate that the molybdenites and the porphyry granites were derived from a mixed source involving young accretionary materials and enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. A synthesis of geochronological and geological data reveals that porphyry emplacement and Mo mineralization in the Taolaituo deposit occurred contemporaneously with the Early Cretaceous tectonothermal events associated with lithospheric thinning, which was caused by delamination and subsequent upwelling of the asthenosphere associated with intra‐continental extension in northeast China. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Geochronological framework of Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Great Xing’an Range,NE China,and their geodynamic implications

Mesozoic volcanic rocks are widespread throughout the Great Xing’an Range, NE China. However, precise data constraining the exact eruption ages are limited, especially for those from the southern Great Xing’an Range, which severely hampers our understanding of the petrogenesis and geodynamics of these rocks. In this paper, we report precise in situ LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb age measurements for these volcanic rocks. Volcanic rocks in the southern Great Xing’an Range were divided into four units from bottom to top, namely, the Manketouebo, Manitu, Baiyingaolao and Meiletu formations. The previous studies suggested that these volcanic rocks were mainly formed in the Late Jurassic. Our data demonstrate that the Manketouebo formation erupted during Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time, whereas the other formations are all of Cretaceous age. The southern Great Xing’an Range age dataset, along with recently obtained precise ages for volcanic rocks from the northern Great Xing’an Range indicate that Mesozoic volcanism throughout the Great Xing’an Range commenced in Late Jurassic, but peaked during the Cretaceous. They formed under an extensional tectonic setting which resulted from closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean and subsequent orogenic collapse. The globally elevated mantle temperature in Cretaceous may provided thermal contributions to the generation of the volcanisms.     

Geochronological framework and Pb, Sr isotope geochemistry of the Qingchengzi Pb–Zn–Ag–Au orefield, Northeastern China

The Qingchengzi orefield in northeastern China, is a concentration of several Pb–Zn, Ag, and Au ore deposits. A combination of geochronological and Pb, Sr isotopic investigations was conducted. Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb ages of 225.3 ± 1.8 Ma and 184.5 ± 1.6 Ma were obtained for the Xinling and Yaojiagou granites, respectively. By step-dissolution Rb–Sr dating, ages of 221 ± 12 Ma and 138.7 ± 4.1 Ma were obtained for the sphalerite of the Zhenzigou Zn–Pb deposit and pyrargyrite of the Ag ore in the Gaojiabaozi Ag deposit, respectively. Pb isotopic ratios of the Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.38 to 18.53) are higher than those of the Pb–Zn ores (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.66 to 17.96; Chen et al. [Chen, J.F., Yu, G., Xue, C.J., Qian, H., He, J.F., Xing, Z., Zhang, X., 2005. Pb isotope geochemistry of lead, zinc, gold and silver deposit clustered region, Liaodong rift zone, northeastern China. Science in China Series D 48, 467–476.]). Triassic granites show low Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.12 to 17.41, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.47 to 15.54, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.51 to 37.89) and metamorphic rocks of the Liaohe Group have high ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.20 to 24.28 and 18.32 to 20.06, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.69 to 16.44 and 15.66 to 15.98, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.29 to 38.61 and 38.69 to 40.00 for the marble of the Dashiqiao Formation and schist of the Gaixian Formation, respectively).Magmatic activities at Qingchengzi and in adjacent regions took place in three stages, and each contained several magmatic pulses: ca. 220 to 225 Ma and 211 to 216 Ma in the Triassic; 179 to 185 Ma, 163 to 168 Ma, 155 Ma and 149 Ma in the Jurassic, as well as ca. 140 to 130 Ma in the Early Cretaceous. The Triassic magmatism was part of the Triassic magmatic belt along the northern margin of the North China Craton produced in a post-collisional extensional setting, and granites in it formed by crustal melting induced by mantle magma. The Jurassic and Early Cretaceous magmatism was related to the lithospheric delamination in eastern China. The Triassic is the most important metallogenic stage at Qingchengzi. The Pb–Zn deposits, the Pb–Zn–Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi, and the gold deposits were all formed in this stage. They are temporally and spatially associated with the Triassic magmatic activity. Mineralization is very weak in the Jurassic. Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi was formed in the Early Cretaceous, which is suggested by the young Rb–Sr isochron age, field relations, and significantly different Pb isotopic ratios between the Pb–Zn–Ag and Ag ores. Pb isotopic compositions of the Pb–Zn ores suggest binary mixing for the source of the deposits. The magmatic end-member is the Triassic granites and the other metamorphic rocks of the Liaohe Group. Slightly different proportions of the two end-members, or an involvement of materials from hidden Cretaceous granites with slightly different Pb isotopic ratios, is postulated to interpret the difference of Pb isotopic compositions between the Pb–Zn–(Ag) and Ag ores. Sr isotopic ratios support this conclusion. At the western part of the Qingchengzi orefield, hydrothermal fluid driven by the heat provided by the now exposed Triassic granites deposited ore-forming materials in the low and middle horizons of the marbles of the Dashiqiao Formation near the intrusions to form mesothermal Zn–Pb deposits. In the eastern part, hydrothermal fluids associated with deep, hidden Triassic intrusions moved upward along a regional fault over a long distance and then deposited the ore-forming materials to form epithermal Au and Pb–Zn–Ag ores. Young magmatic activities are all represented by dykes across the entire orefield, suggesting that the corresponding main intrusion bodies are situated in the deep part of the crust. Among these, only intrusions with age of ca. 140 Ma might have released sufficient amounts of fluid to be responsible for the formation of the Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi.Our age results support previous conclusions that sphalerite can provide a reliable Rb–Sr age as long as the fluid inclusion phase is effectively separated from the “sulfide” phase. Our work suggests that the separation can be achieved by a step-resolution technique. Moreover, we suggest that pyrargyrite is a promising mineral for Rb–Sr isochron dating.