Geochemistry of the Paleocene Clastic Rocks in Lishui Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin: Implications for Tectonic Background and Provenance

The Lishui Sag, in the East China Sea Shelf Basin, is rich in hydrocarbons, with the major hydrocarbon-bearing layers being the Paleocene Mingyuefeng clastic rocks. Analysis of the implicit geologic background information of these Paleocene clastic rocks using petrological and geochemical methods has significant practical importance. These Paleocene sandstones are mainly lithic arenite, lithic arkose and greywacke, composed of K-feldspar, plagioclase, authigenic clays, silica and carbonates. As continental deposits, Yueguifeng clastic rocks have high aluminosilicate and mafic detritus contents, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng Formations are rich in silica due to an oscillating coastal marine depositional environment. The major element contents of these Paleocene sandstones are low and have a concentrated distribution, indicating that the geochemical composition is non-epigenetic, transformed by sedimentary processes and diagenesis. The Yueguifeng detritus comprises recycled sediments, controlled by moderate weathering and erosion, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng detritus is interpreted as primarily first-cycle materials due to low chemical weathering. In the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene, the Pacific Plate began subducting under the Eurasian Plate, causing an orogeny by plate collision and magma eruption due to the melting of subducted oceanic crust. This resulted in the dual tectonic settings of “active margin” and “continental island arc” in the East China Sea Shelf Basin. During the Late Paleocene, the Pacific Plate margin migrated eastward along with development of the Philippine Ocean Plate, and the tectonic setting of the Lishui Sag gradually turned into a passive continental margin. Detrital sources included both orogenic continental blocks and continental island arcs, and the parent rocks are primarily felsic volcanic rocks and granites.     

Geochemistry of Carboniferous Sandstones (Sardar Formation), East‐Central Iran: Implication for Provenance and Tectonic Setting

Geochemical analysis of sandstones from the Sardar Formation (from two stratigraphic successions) in east-central Iran were used for identification of geochemical characterization of sandstones, provenance and tectonic setting. Sandstones in the two lithostratigraphic successions have similar chemical compositions suggesting a common provenance. Bulk-rock geochemistry analysis of Carboniferous sandstones from Sardar Formation indicates that they are mainly quartz dominated and are classified as quartzarenites, sublitharenites and subarkoses, derived from acid igneous to intermediate igneous rocks. Discrimination function analysis indicates that the sandstones of Sardar Formation were derived from quartzose sedimentary provenance in a recycled orogenic setting. Also, major and trace elements in sandstones of Sardar Formation (e.g., K2O/Na2O vs. SiO2) indicate deposition in a stable passive continental margin (PM). Chemical index of alteration (CIA) for these rocks (> 65%) suggests a moderate to relatively high degree of weathering in the source area.     

Detrital Mode and Geochemistry of the Shurijeh Formation (Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous) in the Central and Western Parts of the Intracontinental Kopet-Dagh Basin, NE Iran: Implications for Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Weathering Processes

Petrographical and geochemical methods were combined to investigate the provenance, geodynamic and weathering history of the Shurijeh sandstones, Kopet-Dagh Basin. The point-counting method and XRF technique are used for modal and geochemical analyses. Based on petrographical examinations, it seems that the Shurijeh sandstones are mainly deposited in the craton interior and recycled orogen belts. In addition to petrographical investigation, geochemical analyses (major oxides and trace elements) of Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rocks reveal that the sedimentation processes are performed in a passive continental margin. Such interpretation is supported with geodynamic and paleogeographical studies of the Kopeh-Dagh basin during this time. The geochemical investigations suggested that the composition of probable source rocks mostly was acidic-intermediate with minor mafic igneous rocks. Based on the above, Paleo-Tethys remnants and their collision-related granitoids, in the south and west of Mashhad, may have been the source area for these rocks. CIA values, which range from 63.8 to 94.9 in samples, are suggesting a moderate to relatively high degree of alteration (weathering) in the source area. Therefore, petrographical and paleogeographical studies of siliciclastic rocks can be used for the provenance, tectonic setting and paleoweathering studies in the source area.     

Petrology and geochemistry of sandstones in the southern Benue Trough of Nigeria： Implications for provenance and tectonic setting

Petrographic and geochemical analyses of three Cretaceous lithostratigraphic sandstone units were undertaken to constrain their provenance and tectonic setting. Petrographic analysis showed that there are differences in composition between the three sandstone bodies, which can be attributed to differences in provenance relief, transport distance and geology of the terrain. Composition of the three lithostratigraphic sandstone bodies fall within the craton interior field.
Framework mode and chemical features indicated their derivation from basaltic volcanics, source rocks during the early rifting stage, and felsic, intermediate and mafic igneous source rocks located at the southeast basement complex terrain, with minor sedimentary components from the uplifted and folded older Cretaceous strata.
The chemical composition of the sandstones is mainly related to source rocks, chemical weathering conditions and transport agents. The source rocks were derived mainly from the southeastern Precambrian basement of Nigeria. Through examination of the sandstones, the tectonic setting was modeled. The Benue Trough belongs to a continental sedimentary basin of the passive margin type.
The tectonic evolution from Albian to Maastrichtain of the trough is contributed to the difference in framework mode and chemical composition of the sandstones. The evolution of the basin was reconstructed in terms of sandstone petrology and geochemistry. The tectonic evolution can be subdivided into three stages from the petrology and geochemistry data. The first stage covers Albian; the second stage the Turonian-Coniacian, and the third stage the Campanian-Maastrichtain. These are the three mega discontinuities in the sandstone composition among these three stages. These three discontinuities signify the influence of tectonism.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987112000266

Major,trace and rare earth element(REE) concentrations of Late Triassic sediments(finegrained sandstones and mudstones) from Hongcan Well 1 in the NE part of the Songpan-Ganzi Basin, western China,are used to reveal weathering,provenance and tectonic setting of inferred source areas. The Chemical Index of Alteration(CIA) reflects a low to moderate degree of chemical weathering in a cool and somewhat dry climate,and an A-CN-K plot suggests an older upper continental crust provenance dominated by felsic to intermediate igneous rocks of average tonalite composition.Based on the various geochemical tectonic setting discrimination diagrams,the Late Triassic sediments are inferred to have been deposited in a back-arc basin situated between an active continental margin(the Kunlun-Qinling Fold Belt) and a continental island arc(the Yidun Island Arc).The Triassic sediments in the study area underwent a rapid erosion and burial in a proximal slope-basin environment by the petrographic data. while the published flow directions of Triassic lurbidites in the Aba-Zoige region was not supported Yidun volcanic arc source.Therefore,we suggest that the Kunlun-Qinling tcrrane is most likely to have supplied source materials to the northeast part of the Songpan-Ganzi Basin during the Late Triassic.     

Provenance of the Early–Middle Devonian Shugouzi Formation in the Quruqtagh, Northeastern Xinjiang: Constraints from Sandstone Geochemistry and Heavy Mineral Analysis

The Early-Middle Devonian Shugouzi Formation in the Quruqtagh block consists mainly of clastic rocks.However,their provenance has been scarcely studied since it was named.Geochemistry of clastic rocks was commonly used to interpret the provenance.Detrital heavy mineral analyses help frame the U-Pb age from zircon grains,integrated with geochemical data from detrital tourmaline and spinels.These techniques were used to characterize components of the sediment flux and define erosion areas in the Qurugtagh block,further providing evidence about the tectonic evolution of the South Tianshan and Tarim plate.The maximum depositional age constrained by detrital zircon dating was Early-Middle Devonian.Multiple diagrams for sedimentary provenance using major and trace elements indicate that continental island arc-related felsic rocks were the major source rocks for the Shugouzi Formation.Detrital tourmalines are dravite and schorl.The results of detrital tourmaline electron probe microanalysis(EPMA)show that the source rocks are mainly metasedimentary rocks and granitoids.The detrital chromian spinels within the sediments are characterized by high chroumium(Cr^#)and varying magnesium(Mg^#).The discrimination plots reveal that these spinels were sourced from island arc magmatic rocks.The laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS)U-Pb chronology of detrital zircons suggests that the sediments were derived mainly from 414-491 Ma and 744-996 Ma magmatic rocks.Paleocurrent restoration,sandstone geochemistry,EPMA,and detrital zircon geochronology indicate that the source rocks were predominantly derived from Late Ordovician and Devonian magmatic rocks and subordinately from recycled Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks.Comprehensive analyses of the source areas suggest that a remnant arc still existed in the Early Devonian and the Shugouzi Formation was deposited in a passive continental margin.     

Provenance of Conglomerate and Sandstone from Early Permian Shoushangou Formation in Xi Ujimqin, Inner Mongolia: Implications for Understanding Paleo-Asian Ocean Subduction

During the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian, a rift was formed by post-collisional extension after ocean closure or an island arc-related basin formed by Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) subduction in the Xi Ujimqin area. Nevertheless, the closure time of the PAO is still under debate. Thus, to identify the origin of the PAO, the geochemistry and U-Pb age of zircons were analyzed for the extra-large deep marine, polymict clastic boulders and sandstones in the Shoushangou Formation within the basin. The analyses revealed magmatic activity and tectonic evolution. The conglomerates include megaclasts of granite (298.8 ± 9.1?Ma) and granodiorite porphyry (297.1 ± 3.1?Ma), which were deposited by muddy debris flow. Results of this study demonstrated that the boulders of granitoids have the geochemistry of typical I-type granite, characterized by low Zr + Nb + Ce + Y and low Ga/Al values. The granitoid boulders were formed in island arc setting, indicating the presence of arc magmatism in the area that is composed of the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian subduction-related granitoid in southern Xi Ujimqin. Multiple diagrams for determining sedimentary provenance using major and trace elements indicate that Shoushangou sediments originated from continental island arc-related felsic rocks. Detrital zircon U-Pb age cluster of 330–280?Ma was obtained, indicating input from granite, ophiolite, Xilin Gol complex, and Carboniferous sources to the south. The basin was geographically developed behind the arc during the Early Permian period because the outcropped intrusive rocks in the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian form a volcanic arc. The comprehensive analyses of source areas suggest that Shoushangou sediments developed in a backarc basin in response to the northward subduction of the PAO. The backarc basin and intrusive rocks, in addition to previously published Late Carboniferous to Early Permian magmatic rocks of arc unit in Xilin Gol, confirm the presence of an Early Permian trench-arc-basin system in the region, represented by the Baolidao arc and Xi Ujimqin backarc basin. This study highlights the importance and potential of combined geochemical and geochronological studies of conglomerates and sandstone for reconstructing the geodynamic setting of a basin.     

Tectonic Units and Their Fundamental Characteristics on the Northern Margin of the Alxa Block

The northern margin of the Alxa block is the junction of a tectonic units. Four first-order tectonic units are distinguished: 1. the Yagan structural zone characteristic of an immature island arc; 2. the Zhusileng-Hangwula structural zone, which was a passive continental margin in the Early Palaeozoic and was transformed into an active continental margin in the Late Palaeozoic;3. the Shalazha structural zone characteristic of a mature island arc; 4. the Nuru-Langshan structural zone, which was a Proterozoic orogenic belt and later evolved into an extensional transtional crust in the Palaeozoic. The above-mentioned tectonic units differ remarkably in sedimentary formations, magmatic rock associations, metamorphism and geochemistry and are bounded by faults between one another.     

Ordovician Proto–basin in South China and its Tectonic Implications: Evidence from the Detrital Zircon U–Pb Ages of the Ordovician in Central Hunan, China

Caledonian orogeny is another important tectonic event in South China Block after the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. With a view to constrain the tectonic evolution and proto–basin in South China, this paper reports the geochemical and zircon U-Pb dating data of the Ordovician strata in central Hunan, South China. Geochemical features and paleocurrent directions suggest that the lower Ordovician deposited in a passive continental margin basin with a provenance of quartzose components and showing an affinity with the Yangtze Block. U-Pb age data for 260 detrital zircons from upper Ordovician identify three major age populations as: 900–1200 Ma, 1400–1800 Ma and 2400–2700 Ma. The detrital zircon age spectrum as well as the paleocurrent directions suggest that upper Ordovician deposited in a foreland basin and showing a close affinity with the Cathaysia Block. It is also suggest that the lower Ordovician continuously accepted the mineral from the Yangtze Block, whereas the provenance of the upper Ordovician sedimentary basin changed from the Yangtze Block to the Cathaysia Block. This change implies a tectonic movement, which caused the transformation of the proto–basin in the Hunan area in SCB from passive continental margin basin to foreland basin probably took place during late Ordovician. This fact also demonstrate that the Caledonian orogeny in South China Block began no later than 453 Ma, and a new crustal evolution model is proposed.     

Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Geochemistry of Ahwaz Sandstone Member (Asmari Formation, Oligo-Miocene), Marun Oilfield, Zagros Basin, SW Iran

The Asmari Formation deposited in the Zagros foreland basin during the OligoceneMiocene. Lithologically, the Asmari Formation consists of limestone, dolomitic limestone, dolomite, argillaceous limestone, some anhydrite(Kalhur Member) and sandstones(Ahwaz Member). This study is based on the analysis of core samples from four subsurface sections(wells Mn-68, Mn-281, Mn-292 and Mn-312) in the Marun Oilfield in the Dezful embayment subzone in order to infer their provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone Member. Petrographical data reveal that the Ahwaz Sandstone comprises 97.5% quartz, 1.6% feldspar, and 0.9% rock fragments and all samples are classified as quartz arenites. The provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone have been assessed using integrated petrographic and geochemical studies. Petrographic analysis reveals that mono- and poly-crystalline quartz grains from metamorphic and igneous rocks of a craton interior setting were the dominant sources. Chemically, major and trace element concentrations in the rocks of the Ahwaz Sandstone indicate deposition in a passive continental margin setting. As indicated by the CIW′ index(chemical index of weathering) of the Ahwaz Sandstone(average value of 82) their source area underwent "intense" recycling but "moderate to high" degree of chemical weathering. The petrography and geochemistry results are consistent with a tropical, humid climate and low-relief highlands.     

兰坪中新生代盆地沉积岩源区构造背景和物源属性研究--砂岩地球化学证据

沉积盆地中砂岩的地球化学成分主要受物源区控制。因此，通过分析砂岩的化学成分可以揭示盆地沉积岩的源区构造背景和物源属性。对兰坪盆地中新生界砂岩的常量成分、稀土和微量元素进行的分析，揭示盆地沉积岩的源区构造背景属被动大陆边缘和大陆岛弧，结合岩相古地理资料认为在中生代以前，盆地东侧可能主要处于被动大陆边缘环境。而西侧则可能以大陆岛弧环境为主，这与区域地质资料相吻合。沉积物源岩的原始物质应来自上地壳，以长英质岩石为主，并有少量安山质岩石和古老沉积物的混入，故兰坪中新生代盆地属典型的大陆型盆地。从而为正确认识古特提斯洋的演化和盆山转换过程提供了强有力的地球化学证据。     

大别山东南麓中新生代碎屑岩地球化学特征及其对物源的制约

位于大别山东南麓的安庆-潜山地区中新生代碎屑岩比较发育,主元素分析表明,砂岩主要为杂砂岩,其次是岩屑砂岩和长石砂岩。根据主元素、微量元素和稀土元素特征值分析结果,中、上三叠统和下、中侏罗统的源岩来源广泛,属于大陆岛弧、活动大陆边缘和被动大陆边缘构造背景,可能反映了前陆盆地物源的二元特征。古近系源岩主要为活动大陆边缘和大陆岛弧构造环境,说明物源仅来自大别山造山带。稀土元素比值及相关系数分析揭示,中晚三叠世黄马青群的源岩主要为宿松群的长英质片岩、浅粒岩以及大别杂岩,侏罗纪磨山组大致类似于大别群的花岗片麻岩,罗岭组与大别群比较类似。显示大别山造山带在中晚三叠世已经隆升并遭受剥露。     

孙吴-嘉荫盆地白垩系淘淇河组-太平林场组砂岩主量元素的地球化学特征

沉积盆地中砂岩的地球化学特征主要受物源区控制,碎屑岩的地球化学成分可揭示沉积物的地质信息.笔者通过对孙吴-嘉荫盆地白垩系淘淇河组-太平林场组砂岩的主量元素地球化学特征分析,结合砂岩薄片碎屑成分统计表明:淘淇河组-太平林场组时期物源区的大地构造背景主要为活动大陆边缘,包括大陆岛弧和大洋岛弧.物源区母岩类型主要为花岗岩,中酸性火山岩及低级变质岩.盆地不同位置物源区的大地构造背景和母岩类型有所不同.结合区域地质资料综合分析认为:在淘淇河组-太平林场组沉积时期,小兴安岭仅在太平林场组时期不是盆地主要物源区,而佳木斯地块一直是盆地东部的一个主要物源区.     

鄂尔多斯盆地晚古生代沉积岩源区构造背景及物源分析

鄂尔多斯盆地周缘物源均来自上地壳,以长英质岩石为主,主要为太古宇、元古宇的各类变火山-沉积岩组成的古老变质岩系,同时具有一定量的花岗岩和碱性玄武岩的混合,但物源成分及南北源区构造背景有所差异。在常量元素及稀土元素组成上,盆地南北物源区的沉积岩在地区及层位之间存在差异,且该变化符合大洋岛弧→大陆岛弧→活动大陆边缘→被动大陆边缘常量元素、稀土元素以及负Eu异常的变化趋势。常量元素变化分析表明盆地北部物源主要来自板块俯冲碰撞地带,与被动大陆边缘环境和活动大陆边缘环境相关,少数为与活动大陆边缘相关的岛弧构造环境有关,到晚古生代中晚期才逐渐与被动大陆边缘环境和活动大陆边缘环境相关。稀土元素对比分析表明,盆地北部物源与太古宙、元古宙的花岗片麻岩、闪长片麻岩、二长花岗岩、变余岩屑砂岩及千枚岩具有亲源性;而盆地南部早—中二叠世长期受被动大陆边缘物源影响,具有高SiO2,低Na2O的特征,这与太古宙—元古宙的太华群、秦岭群、宽坪群等岩系的高SiO2含量,K2O/Na2O>1的特征一致,到晚古生代后期,逐渐与活动大陆边缘物源相关。北秦岭晚古生代山间盆地具有快速混杂堆积的沉积特点,属于盆地外缘,并与鄂尔多斯盆地呈连续过渡的状况,物源上具有继承关系;盆地晚古生代沉积岩中Gd含量及(Gd/Yb)N比值具有随时间迁移的特征,分析表明北部物源区在太原期处于构造快速活动期,而南部物源从山西期才开始进入快速活动期,这与区域构造演化背景一致,即北部物源区抬升要早于南部。     

柴窝铺盆地及其北缘地区中新生代沉积岩源区构造背景和物源属性研究

沉积岩中的碎屑组分及主量元素、微量元素和稀土元素可以反映物源信息,广泛应用于沉积源区的确定、构造背景的分析。通过对柴窝铺盆地及北缘地区侏罗纪至古近纪沉积地层的碎屑岩岩石学和地球化学分析,揭示了盆地沉积岩的原岩来自上地壳,岩性以长英质岩石为主,并混合进了部分安山质及基性岩石。源区构造背景为活动大陆边缘,因其原岩是在大陆岛弧环境下形成的,所以部分构造背景显示为大陆岛弧。本次研究不仅可以为柴窝铺盆地及北天山的构造演化过程及其机制提供有力证据,并且对柴窝铺油气勘探具有一定指导意义。     

鄂尔多斯盆地白垩系洛河组风成砂岩地球化学与物源区特征:以靖边县龙洲乡露头为例

通过镜下观察,岩石常量元素、稀土微量元素含量测定等手段对鄂尔多斯盆地白垩系洛河组风成砂岩进行实验分析,研究其地球化学和物源区特征。确定洛河组风成砂岩地球化学岩石类型为长石砂岩和亚长石砂岩,沉积物的成熟度较高;物源区为被动大陆边缘构造背景占主导地位的再旋回造山带,并含有大陆岛弧的特性;沉积物母岩为变质岩、沉积岩,并含少量的酸性、中基性岩浆岩;物源区气候寒冷干旱,为氧化环境,化学风化程度低。     

虎林盆地北部坳陷中、新生代碎屑岩源区构造背景与物源区分析

虎林盆地北部坳陷地层包括下白垩统裴德组、下云山组、上云山组、珠山组，渐新统虎林组和中新统富锦组。北部坳陷砂岩-泥岩由常量、微量和稀土元素组成，揭示早白垩世砂岩-泥岩源区构造背景为活动大陆边缘，渐新统斗新统砂岩-泥岩多呈现出从活动大陆边缘向大陆岛弧转换的地球化学特征。结合沉积相特征和岩屑所反映的源区岩性特点，认为早白垩世时期物源主要来自于坳陷北部完达山造山带和南部古隆起；渐新统物源则主要来自盆地东北部的完达山造山带，并且碎屑岩的原始物质均来自上地壳。     

云南思茅盆地江城上白垩统勐野井组稀土微量元素特征及地质意义

沉积盆地中碎屑岩的地球化学成分主要受物源区控制,因此,通过分析碎屑岩的化学成分可以揭示盆地沉积岩的源区构造背景和物源属性。思茅盆地上白垩统勐野井组（K2me）细碎屑岩的稀土元素组成分析结果表明,研究区沉积物具有轻稀土元素富集,较平坦的重稀土元素分布模式,以及中等程度 Eu 负异常的总体特征。根据样品的（Hf-La/Th、La/Sc-Co/Th和REE-La/Yb）图解,特征性微量元素比值（La/Sc、Sc/Th、Cr/Th 和 Co/Th）,并结合岩矿薄片分析,认为勐野井组细碎屑岩具有典型的上陆壳特征,源区母岩以长英质岩石为主。微量元素 Cr/Co 结合岩相古地理的分析显示勐野井组细碎屑沉积物应属于近源沉积。通过与不同构造背景下杂砂岩的稀土元素特征对比及主元素（K2O/Na2O-SiO2/Al2O3和SiO2-K2O/Na2O）判别图解,勐野井组细碎屑岩源区构造背景应属被动大陆边缘环境,这与思茅盆地所处的三江造山带构造背景相符。     

西昆仑造山带中带提热艾力组沉积环境 及物源区构造背景

西昆仑造山带中带上石炭统提热艾力组为一套浅变质碎屑岩沉积,四周被三叠纪岩浆岩所包围,研究其沉积环境及物源特征对揭示该区构造背景具有重要的意义。通过野外详细的剖面测制、沉积相标志的观察,结合室内岩矿鉴定和地球化学等综合分析,揭示该套碎屑岩具典型的鲍马序列结构特征,岩性成分成熟度低,主要为一套近物源的斜坡重力流沉积,其物源区较为复杂,主要为切割岩浆弧、过渡岩浆弧和再旋回造山带,源区构造环境为大陆岛弧及活动大陆边缘,表现出活动大陆边缘弧后盆地的沉积特点。     

云南兰坪盆地古近系细碎屑岩地球化学特征及其地质意义

采用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)方法对兰坪盆地古近系104件细碎屑岩样品进行了稀土元素及微量元素分析,结果显示∑LEE含量较高,轻稀土含量较富集、重稀土含量较亏损,显示出明显的"右倾"型配分模式。根据稀土元素和微量元素特征、w(Zr)-w(Th)、La-Th-Sc、Th-Sc-Zr/10等多种沉积构造背景判别图解及多种交叉分析方法,对兰坪盆地古近系细碎屑源岩构造背景进行了详细研究。利用La/Th-Hf和La/Yb-∑REE判别图解对兰坪盆地古近系源岩属性进行了分析,结果表明:兰坪盆地古近系碎屑源岩主要以上地壳长英质岩石为主,并混有少量基性岩,反映其物源区构造背景为早期为大陆岛弧构造背景,至晚期逐渐过渡为被动大陆边缘构造背景。