Origin of the Alxa Block,western China: New evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of the Longshoushan Complex

The NW–SE trending Longshoushan is in the southwestern margin of the Alxa Block, which was traditionally considered the westernmost part of the North China Craton (NCC). Precambrian crystalline basement exposed in the Longshoushan area was termed the “Longshoushan Complex”. This complex's formation and metamorphism are significant to understand the geotectonics and early Precambrian crustal evolution of the western NCC. In this study, field geology, petrology, and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes of representative orthogneisses and paragneisses in the Longshoushan Complex were investigated. U–Pb datings reveal three Paleoproterozoic magmatic episodes (ca. 2.33, ca. 2.17 and ca. 2.04 Ga) and two subsequent regional metamorphic events (ca. 1.95–1.90 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga) for metamorphic granitic rocks in the Longshoushan Complex. U–Pb dating of the detrital magmatic zircons from two paragneisses yields concordant ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages between 2.2 Ga and 2.0 Ga, and a small number of metamorphic zircon rims provide a ca. 1.95 Ga metamorphic age, suggesting that the depositional time of the protolith was between 2.0 and 1.95 Ga and that the sedimentary detritus was most likely derived from the granitic rocks in the Longshoushan Complex itself. Zircon Lu–Hf isotopic analyses indicate that nearly all magmatic zircons from ca. 2.0 Ga to ca. 2.17 Ga orthogneisses have positive εHf(t) values with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DMC) ranging from 2.45 to 2.65 Ga (peak at ca. 2.5 Ga), indicating that these Paleoproterozoic granitic rocks were derived from the reworking of the latest Neoarchean–early Paleoproterozoic juvenile crust. Detrital magmatic zircons from two paragneisses yield scattered ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, εHf(t) and T_DMC values, further indicating that the sedimentary detritus was not only derived from these plutonic rocks but also from other unreported or denuded Paleoproterozoic igneous rocks. The ca. 2.15 Ga detrital magmatic zircons from one paragneiss have negative εHf(t) values with T_DMC ranging from 2.76 to 3.04 Ga, indicating another important crustal growth period in the Longshoushan region. These data indicate that the Longshoushan Complex experienced Neoarchean–Early Paleoproterozoic crustal growth, approximately ca. 2.3–2.0 Ga experienced multiphase magmatic events, and approximately ca. 1.95–1.90 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga experienced high-grade metamorphic events. The sequence of tectonothermal events is notably similar to that of the main NCC. Together with the datasets from an adjacent area, we suggest that the western Alxa Block was most likely an integrated component of the NCC from the Neoarchean to the Paleoproterozoic.     

Detrital zircons from Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the Yili Block: Constraints on the affinity of microcontinents in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Yili Block is one of the Precambrian microcontinents dispersed in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data of Neoproterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks (the Wenquan Group) are presented to constrain the tectonic affinity and early history of the Yili Block. The dating of detrital zircons indicates that both the lower and upper Wenquan Groups have two major populations with ages at 950–880 Ma and 1600–1370 Ma. Moreover, the upper Wenquan Group has two minor populations at ~ 1100 Ma and 1850–1720 Ma. According to the youngest age peaks of meta-sedimentary rocks and the ages of related granitoids, the lower Wenquan Group is considered to have been deposited during the early Neoproterozoic (900–845 Ma), whereas the upper Wenquan Group was deposited at 880–857 Ma. The zircon ε_Hf (t) values suggest that the 1.85–1.72 Ga source rocks for the upper Wenquan Group were dominated by juvenile crustal material, whereas those for the lower Wenquan Group involved more ancient crustal material. For the 1.60–1.37 Ga source rocks, however, juvenile material was a significant input into both the upper and lower Wenquan Groups. Therefore, two synchronous crustal growth and reworking events were identified in the northern Yili Block at ca. 1.8–1.7 Ga and 1.6–1.3 Ga, respectively. After the last growth and reworking event, continuous crustal reworking took place in the northern Yili Block until the early Neoproterozoic. Comparing the age patterns and Hf isotopic compositions of detrital zircons from the Yili Block and the surrounding tectonic units indicates that the Yili Block has a close tectonic affinity to the Chinese Central Tianshan Block in the Precambrian. The Precambrian crustal evolution of the Yili Block is distinct from that of the Siberian, North China and Tarim Cratons. Such difference therefore suggests that the Yili Block and the Chinese Central Tianshan Block may have been united in an isolated Precambrian microcontinent within the CAOB rather than representing two different blocks rifted from old cratons on both sides of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.     

U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in detrital zircon from Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the northern Yangtze Block: Implications for Precambrian crustal evolution

A combined study of Lu–Hf isotopes and U–Pb ages for detrital zircons from sedimentary rocks can provide information on the crustal evolution of sedimentary provenances, and comparisons with potential source regions can constrain interpretations of paleogeographic settings. Detailed isotopic data on detrital zircons from Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the northern part of the Yangtze Block suggest that these rocks have the maximum depositional ages of ~ 750 Ma, and share a similar provenance. In their source area, units of late Archean (2.45 to 2.55 Ga) to Paleoproterozoic (1.9 to 2.0 Ga) U–Pb ages made up the basement, and were overlain or intruded by magmatic rocks of Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages (740 to 900 Ma). Hf isotopic signatures of the detrital zircons indicate that a little juvenile crust formed in the Neoarchean; reworking of old crust dominates the magmatic activity during the Archean to Paleoproterozoic, while the most significant juvenile addition to the crust occurred in the Neoproterozoic. Only the Neoproterozoic zircon U–Pb ages can be matched with known magmatism in the northern Yangtze Block, while other age peaks cannot be correlated with known provenance areas. Similar zircon U–Pb ages have been obtained previously from sediments along the southeastern and western margins of the Yangtze Block. Thus, it is suggested that an unexposed old basement is widespread beneath the Yangtze Block and was the major contributor to the Neoproterozoic sediments. This basement had a magmatic activity at ~ 2.5 Ga, similar to that in North China; but zircon Hf isotopes suggest significant differences in the overall evolutionary histories between the Yangtze and North China.     

U–Pb age and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons from the Southeastern North China Craton: Meso- to Neoarchean episodic crustal growth in a shifting tectonic regime

The North China Craton (NCC) represents one of only a few cratonic nuclei on the globe with a geological history extending back to the Eoarchean. However, extensive ca. 2.5 Ga crustal reworking has destroyed a considerable portion of the pre-existing crustal record, hindering the investigation of tectonothermal evolution prior to 2.5 Ga. The Huoqiu Complex (HQC), located at the southeastern margin of the NCC, preserves the vestiges of crustal components that survived the ca. 2.5 Ga tectonothermal events, which provide the opportunity to investigate the Meso- to Neoarchean episodic crustal evolution of the NCC. Here we present results from in-situ detrital zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotope analyses on zircons from three paragneisses in three drill cores that cut through the basement of the HQC. In combination with published data, the concordant age spectra of the detrital zircons in the paragneisses yield ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 2343–3997 Ma that cluster into two principal age populations with peaks at 3015 and 2755 Ma. One zircon grain dated at 3997 ± 8 Ma with 98% concordance provides new evidence for 4.0 Ga components in the NCC. The ε_Hf(t) values of all zircons range from − 5.2 to + 6.5, with most of the spots (n = 31 of 47) showing positive values, indicating at least two episodes of juvenile continental crustal growth at 3.01 Ga and 2.75 Ga. The older episode is recorded only in few ancient cratons, suggesting limited crustal accretion occurred globally at a time of subdued mantle-derived magmatism. In contrast, the younger episode is coincident with a global rise in magmatic activity in the early Neoarchean. The geochemical and geochronological data suggest that the 3.01 Ga juvenile crust was likely generated in an island-arc subduction system, whereas the 2.75 Ga crustal rocks were probably formed during magmatic underplating and subsequent partial melting of lower crustal mafic rocks. Consequently, a tectonic transition is suggested from a compressive to an extensional setting along the southeastern margin of the NCC between 3.01 and 2.75 Ga. This sequence of events heralds a shift, from a mixture of net crustal growth and crustal reworking during multiple short-lived magmatic pulses, to fragmentation and dispersal of the early continental nucleus within 260 Ma.     

Zircon ages and Nd–Hf isotopes in UHT granulites of the Ider Complex: A cratonic terrane within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in NW Mongolia

The Ider Complex of the Tarbagatai Block in northwestern Mongolia is part of a Precambrian microcontinental terrane in the Central Asian Orogen Belt and has experienced a polymetamorphic tectono-metamorphic evolution. We have investigated an enderbitic gneiss, derived from a quartz diorite and a charnockite, derived from a leucogranite, and zircon SHRIMP data reveal late Archaean protolith ages of 2520–2546 Ma for these rocks. Metamorphic overgrowth on these zircons as well as newly-formed metamorphic zircons document a high-temperature metamorphic event (T = 930–950 °C) at about 1855–1860 Ma. Nd whole-rock isotopic systematics show these and other gneisses of the Ider Complex straddling the CHUR-line in a Nd isotope evolution diagram, suggesting both crustal reworking and input of some juvenile material, with Nd model ages ranging between ca. 2.5 and 3.1 Ga. Hf-in-zircon isotopic data provide a similar pattern and also yielded Archaean Hf crustal model ages. The metamorphic zircons seem to have inherited their Hf isotopic composition from the igneous grains, suggesting a complex process of dissolution, transportation, and re-precipitation involving a fluid phase during high-grade metamorphism. The zircon age patterns do not make it possible to unambiguously assign the Tarbagatai Block to any of the cratons bordering the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, since age peaks at ca. 2520–2550 and ca. 1860 Ma are common in the Siberian, North China and Tarim cratons.     

Crustal formation in the Nanling Range,South China Block: Hf isotope evidence of zircons from Phanerozoic granitoids

Granitic rocks are the principle agent of crustal differentiation, therefore their origins yield important information on crustal formation and reworking. An extensive survey of zircon Hf isotopes from granitic rocks in a large region can provide a profile of crustal characteristics that may be further linked to previous crustal evolution. In this study, we measured U–Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions of zircon grains extracted from twenty-five Jurassic, five Triassic and two Ordovician granitic plutons from the Nanling Range, South China Block (SCB). Combined with the published Lu–Hf isotopic data for the granitic rocks in the studied and adjacent areas, three domains with different crustal formation histories have been identified in the southern part of the SCB: eastern side, middle part and western side. The eastern side extends to the coastal area of the SCB, with dominant Hf crustal model ages (T_DM2) in zircons falling within the range of 2.2–1.6 Ga. The middle part is partly coincided with the low-Nd model age belt proposed by Chen and Jahn (1998), with zircon Hf T_DM2 ranging from 1.6 to 1.0 Ga. The western side covers the westernmost Nanling Range and the western end of the Jiangnan orogen, in which the granitoids have zircon Hf T_DM2 model ages spanning 2.2–1.8 Ga. The Paleo- to Meso-Proterozoic model ages of the Phanerozoic granitoids in the Nanling Range imply a long-term crustal reworking. Zircons from the western and eastern sides have an average ε_Hf(155 Ma) at around −10, about 4 epsilon units lower than the middle part (ε_Hf(155 Ma) = −6). Hf T_DM2 histogram from the western Nanling Range is similar to that of the Neoproterozoic granitoids in northern Guangxi Province to the west but much lower to the granites in the middle part to the east. The eastern side has a broader range of Hf model ages in zircons, with the main peak low to ca 1.6 Ga, suggesting the reworking of Mesoproterozoic crust. However, granitoids in the middle part have zircon Hf T_DM2 ages at 1.6–1.0 Ga, which indicates the incorporation of younger crust materials into the magma sources. The Hf model ages of granitoids, as well as four zircon xenocrysts with ages around 920 Ma within the Mesozoic granitoids in the middle part, indicate that the middle part has similar crustal features with the eastern Jiangnan orogen. We propose that this low T_DM2 granite belt is probably part of the early Neoproterozoic arc-continent collision belt between different continents (possibly Yangtze and Cathaysia) during the early assembling processes, while the granitoids in the western and eastern sides have similar crustal compositions.     

Detrital zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotope constrains on the generation and reworking of Precambrian continental crust in the Cathaysia Block,South China: A synthesis

The South China Block, consisting of the Yangtze and the Cathaysia blocks, is one of the largest Precambrian blocks in eastern Asia. However, the early history of the Cathaysia Block is poorly understood due largely to intensive and extensive reworking by Phanerozoic polyphase orogenesis and magmatism which strongly overprinted and obscured much of the Precambrian geological record. In this paper, we use the detrital zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotope datasets as an alternative approach to delineate the early history of the Cathaysia Block. Compilation of published 4041 Precambrian detrital zircon ages from a number of (meta)sedimentary samples and river sands exhibits a broad age spectrum, with three major peaks at ~ 2485 Ma, ~ 1853 Ma and ~ 970 Ma (counting for ~ 10%, ~ 16% and ~ 24% of all analyses, respectively), and four subordinate peaks at ~ 1426 Ma, ~ 1074 Ma, ~ 780 Ma and ~ 588 Ma. Five of seven detrital zircon age peaks are broadly coincident with the crystallisation ages of ~ 1.89–1.83 Ga, ~ 1.43 Ga, ~ 1.0–0.98 Ga and ~ 0.82–0.72 Ga for known igneous rocks exposed in Cathaysia, whereas, igneous rocks with ages of ~ 2.49 Ga and ~ 0.59 Ga have not yet been found. The Hf isotopic data from 1085 detrital zircons yield Hf model ages (T_DM^C) between ~ 4.19 Ga and ~ 0.81 Ga, and the calculated εHf(t) values between − 40.2 and 14.4. The Archean detrital zircons are exclusively oval in shape with complicated internal textures, indicating that they were sourced by long distance transportations and strong abrasion from an exotic Archean continent. In contrast, the majority of detrital zircons in age between ~ 1.9 and ~ 0.8 Ga are euhedral to subhedral crystals, indicative of local derivation by short distance transportations from their sources. The oldest crustal basement rocks in Cathaysia were most likely formed by generation of juvenile crust and reworking of recycled Archean components in Late Paleoproterozoic at ~ 1.9–1.8 Ga, rather than in the Archean as previously speculated. Reworking and recycling of the continental crust are likely the dominant processes for the crustal evolution of Cathaysia during the Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic time, with an intervenient period of significant generation of juvenile crust at ~ 1.0 Ga.Precambrian crustal evolutions of the Cathaysia Block are genetically related to the supercontinent cycles. By comparing detrital zircon data from Cathaysia with those for other continents, and integrating multiple lines of geological evidence, we interpret the Cathaysia Block as an orogenic belt located between East Antarctica, Laurentia and Australia during the assembly of supercontinent Columbia/Nuna at ~ 1.9–1.8 Ga. The Cathaysia Block amalgamated with the Yangtze Block to form the united South China Block during the Sibao Orogeny at ~ 1.0–0.89 Ga. The Laurentia–Cathaysia–Yangtze–Australia–East Antarctica connection gives the best solution to the paleo-position of Cathaysia in supercontinent Rodinia. The significant amount of ~ 0.6–0.55 Ga detrital zircons in Cathaysia and West Yangtze have exclusively high crustal incubation time of > 300 Ma, indicating crystallisation from magmas generated dominantly by crustal reworking. This detrital zircon population compares well with the similar-aged zircon populations from a number of Gondwana-derived terranes including Tethyan Himalaya, High Himalaya, Qiangtang and Indochina. The united South China–Indochina continent was likely once an integral part of Gondwanaland, connected to northern India by a “Pan-African” collisional orogen.     

Crustal recycling through intraplate magmatism: Evidence from the Trans-North China Orogen

The North China Craton (NCC) preserves the history of crustal growth and craton formation during the early Precambrian followed by extensive lithospheric thinning and craton destruction in the Mesozoic. Here we present evidence for magma mixing and mingling associated with the Mesozoic tectonic processes from the Central NCC, along the Trans-North China Orogen, a paleo suture along which the Eastern and Western Blocks were amalgamated at end of Paleoproterozoic. Our investigations focus on two granitoids – the Chiwawu and the Mapeng plutons. Typical signatures for the interaction of mafic and felsic magmas are observed in these plutons such as: (1) the presence of diorite enclaves; (2) flow structures; (3) schlierens; (4) varying degrees of hybridization; and (5) macro-, and micro-textures. Porphyritic feldspar crystals show numerous mineral inclusions as well as rapakivi and anti-rapakivi textures. We present bulk chemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and REE data, and Lu–Hf isotopes on the granitoids, diorite enclaves, and surrounding basement rocks to constrain the timing of intraplate magmatism and processes of interaction between felsic and mafic magmas. Our LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb data show that the pophyritic granodiorite was emplaced at 129.7 ± 1.0 Ma. The diorite enclaves within this granodiorite show identical ages (128.2 ± 1.5 Ma). The basement TTG (tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite) gneisses formed at ca. 2.5 Ga coinciding with the major period of crustal accretion in the NCC. The 1.85 Ga age from zircons in the gabbro with positive Hf isotope signature may be related to mantle magmatism during post-collisional extension following the assembly of the Western and Eastern Blocks of the NCC along the Trans-North China Orogen. Our Hf isotope data indicate that the Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic basement rocks were derived from complex sources of both juvenile magmas and reworked ancient crust, whereas the magma source for the Mesozoic units are dominantly reworked basement rocks. Our study provides a window to intraplate magmatism triggered by mantle upwelling beneath a paleosuture in the North China Craton.     

Formation and evolution of Precambrian continental lithosphere in South China

An overview is presented for the formation and evolution of Precambrian continental lithosphere in South China. This is primarily based on an integrated study of zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotopes in crustal rocks, with additional constraints from Re–Os isotopes in mantle-derived rocks. Available Re–Os isotope data on xenolith peridotites suggest that the oldest subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath South China is primarily of Paleoproterozoic age. The zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope studies reveal growth and reworking of the juvenile crust at different ages. Both the Yangtze and Cathaysia terranes contain crustal materials of Archean U–Pb ages. Nevertheless, zircon U–Pb ages exhibit two peaks at 2.9–3.0 Ga and ~ 2.5 Ga in Yangtze but only one peak at ~ 2.5 Ga in Cathaysia. Both massive rocks and crustal remnants (i.e., zircon) of Archean U–Pb ages occur in Yangtze, but only crustal remnants of Archean U–Pb ages occur in Cathaysia. Zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in the Kongling complex of Yangtze suggest the earliest episode of crustal growth in the Paleoarchean and two episodes of crustal reworking at 3.1–3.3 Ga and 2.8–3.0 Ga. Both negative and positive ε_Hf(t) values are associated with Archean U–Pb ages of zircon in South China, indicating both the growth of juvenile crust and the reworking of ancient crust in the Archean. Paleoproterozoic rocks in Yangtze exhibit four groups of U–Pb ages at 2.1 Ga, 1.9–2.0 Ga, ~ 1.85 Ga and ~ 1.7 Ga, respectively. They are associated not only with reworking of the ancient Archean crust in the interior of Yangtze, but also with the growth of the contemporaneous juvenile crust in the periphery of Yangtze. In contrast, Paleoproterozoic rocks in Cathaysia were primarily derived from reworking of Archean crust at 1.8–1.9 Ga. The exposure of Mesoproterozoic rocks are very limited in South China, but zircon Hf model ages suggest the growth of juvenile crust in this period due to island arc magmatism of the Grenvillian oceanic subduction. Magmatic rocks of middle Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages are widespread in South China, exhibiting two peaks at about 830–800 Ma and 780–740 Ma, respectively. Both negative and positive ε_Hf(t) values are associated with the middle Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages of zircon, suggesting not only growth and reworking of the juvenile Mesoproterozoic crust but also reworking of the ancient Archean and Paleoproterozoic crust in the middle Neoproterozoic. The tectonic setting for this period of magmatism would be transformed from arc–continent collision to continental rifting with reference to the plate tectonic regime in South China.     

Neoarchean convergent margin tectonics associated with microblock amalgamation in the North China Craton: Evidence from the Yishui Complex

Archean tectonic history of the North China Craton (NCC) involved complex processes of amalgamation of microcontinents along multiple subduction zones prior to the consolidation of the major crustal blocks and their assembly into unified cratonic architecture. Here we report a suite of granitoids, diabase, metabasalts, volcanic tuff, banded iron formations and quartzite from the Yishui Complex along the southern margin of the Jiaoliao microblock within the Eastern Block of the NCC. The geochemical features of the magmatic suite are consistent with calc-alkaline magmatism in a convergent margin setting. In tectonic discrimination diagrams, the mafic suite shows variable IAB, MORB and OIB affinities typical of rocks formed in an arc-related subduction environment. Zircon grains in most of the rocks from Yishui Complex display core–rim texture with the cores showing magmatic crystallization and the narrow structureless rims corresponding to metamorphic overgrowth. The ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of magmatic zircons show 2504 ± 19 Ma for the volcanic tuff, 2581 ± 21 Ma for the granitoid, 2501 ± 19 Ma for the metavolcanics, 2537 ± 38 Ma for the pyroxenite, and 2506 ± 13 Ma for the diabase. Metamorphism is constrained from the 2451 ± 18 Ma and 2466 ± 23 Ma age groups in the metavolcanics and (meta-) pyroxenites. Zircons from BIF show multiple population with the oldest showing a spot age of 2503 Ma, followed by a number of distinct groups of Paleoproterozoic zircons corresponding to later thermal events. The oldest population of magmatic zircons from the quartzite shows ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb mean age of 2495 ± 24 Ma. The dominantly positive εHf(t) values of the magmatic zircons from the Yishui suite are broadly consistent with a depleted mantle source with only minor input of crustal components. Their Hf crustal residence ages (T_DM^C) range from 2586 to 3181 Ma and Hf depleted mantle model ages (T_DM) are in the range of 2548–2927 Ma. The data indicate that magma production involved Meso- to Neoarchean juvenile sources within a continental arc setting, suggesting the Jiaoliao microblock as one of the ancient continental nuclei in the NCC. We trace the continuity of a Neoarchean subduction system along the western and southern margins of the Jiaoliao microblock with convergence of the Qianhuai and Xuhuai microblocks towards the Jiaoliao microblock with subduction–accretion–collision during the Archean–Proterozoic transition.     

Phanerozoic reactivation of the Archean North China Craton through episodic magmatism: Evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes from the Liaodong Peninsula

The Archean lithospheric root of the North China Craton (NCC) has been considerably eroded and modified by Phanerozoic magmatic processes. Here we investigate the decratonization of the NCC through U–Pb and Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from Cenozoic basalts in the Liaodong Peninsula using ion-probe and MC-ICPMS techniques. The U–Pb zircon geochronology identifies three zircon populations: Precambrian, Paleozoic and Mesozoic. The Precambrian zircons yield ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages of 2275–2567 Ma with a peak at around 2.5 Ga. They define a U–Pb discordia with upper intercept ages of 2447 ± 50 Ma to 2556 ± 50 Ma and a wide range of Hf T_DM ages with a mode at 2.7–2.8 Ga. Our results clearly demonstrate the presence of an Archean lower crust in the Liaodong region. The Paleozoic zircons from the Liaodong region lack the clear internal zoning and are subhedral to rounded in shape, and yield a narrow ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U concordant ages of 419–487 Ma with a weighted mean age of 462 ± 16 Ma. The Mesozoic zircons predominantly show crystallization in the early Cretaceous and yield a relatively large range in ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages from 100 to 138 Ma (n = 53) with a peak around 120 Ma. Three samples give indistinguishable weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 120 ± 5 Ma, 120 ± 4 Ma and 121 ± 2 Ma. These early Cretaceous zircons have enriched Hf isotope compositions with ε_Hf(t) values from ?26 to ?16. Our results provide important constraints on episodic magmatism during the Phanerozoic in the Liaodong region, which led to substantial reactivation of the Archean basement of the North China Craton.     

LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircons from the Jining Complex,North China Craton and its tectonic significance

LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating and cathodoluminescene (CL) image analysis were carried out to determine the protolith and metamorphic ages of high-grade Al-rich gneisses, named as “khondalites”, from the Jining Complex of the North China Craton (NCC). The analytical results of more than 200 detrital zircon grains from the khondalites show three main age populations: 2060 Ma, 1940 Ma and 1890 Ma. These data indicate that the provenance of the Jining khondalites is Paleoproterozoic in age, but not Archean as previously suggested, and the sediments were derived from a provenance different from the Eastern Block and the Yinshan Terrane of the NCC. The nearly concordant youngest age of 1842 ± 16 Ma (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age) for the detrital zircons is interpreted as the maximum depositional age of the khondalites. Overgrowth rims of detrital zircons yield an age of 1811 ± 23 Ma, which we interpret as the metamorphic age. The new age data are consistent with the recent three-fold tectonic subdivision of the NCC and support that the Eastern and Western Blocks collided at ∼1.8 Ga to form the coherent NCC.     

Zircon ages and Hf isotopic constraints on sources of clastic metasediments of the Slyudyansky high-grade complex,southeastern Siberia: Implication for continental growth and evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

We present results of combined in situ U–Pb dating of detrital zircons and zircon Hf and whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions for high-grade clastic metasedimentary rocks of the Slyudyansky Complex in eastern Siberia. This complex is located southwest of Lake Baikal and is part of an early Paleozoic metamorphic terrane in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Our new zircon ages and Hf isotopic data as well as whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions provide important constraints on the time of deposition and provenance of early Paleozoic high-grade metasedimentary rocks as well as models of crustal growth in Central Asia. Ages of 0.49–0.90 Ga for detrital zircons from early Paleozoic high-grade clastic sediments indicate that deposition occurred in the late Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic, between ca. 0.62–0.69 and 0.49–0.54 Ga. Hf isotopic data of 0.82–0.69 Ga zircons suggest Archean and Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.7–2.8 and 2.2–2.3 Ga; Hfc = 2.5–3.9 Ga) sources that were affected by juvenile 0.69–0.82 Ga Neoproterozoic magmatism. An additional protolith was also identified. Its zircons yielded ages of 2.6–2.7 Ga, and showed high positive ε_Hf(t) values of +4.1 to +8.0, and Hf model ages t_Hf(DM) = t_Hfc = 2.6–2.8 Ga, which is nearly identical to the crystallization ages. These isotopic characteristics suggest that the protolith was quite juvenile. The whole-rock Nd isotopic data indicate that at least part of the Slyudyansky Complex metasediments was derived from “non-Siberian” provenances. The crustal development in the eastern CAOB was characterized by reworking of the early Precambrian continental crust in the early Neoproterozoic and the late Neoproterozoic–early Paleozoic juvenile crust formation.     

The building of an Archean microcontinent: Evidence from the North China Craton

Continents on the early earth are considered to have been built through the accretion of microterranes, oceanic arcs and plateaus. The North China Craton (NCC), envisaged in recent models as a collage of several microblocks which were amalgamated along multiple zones of ocean closure during the late Neoarchean, provide a typical case to investigate the origin and amalgamation of microcontinents through convergent margin processes. Here we report a suite of magmatic rocks developed at the periphery of one of these microblocks, the Jiaoliao Block, that forms part of the composite Eastern Block of the NCC. We integrate our new data with those from various parts of this microblock to elucidate the mechanism of continent building in the Archean. We present petrological, geochemical and zircon U–Pb geochronological and Lu-Hf isotopic data from the magmatic suite that belongs to the Yishui Complex. Geochemically, the felsic units of the suite straddle from monzonite through granodiorite to granite with dominantly metaluminous affinity, magnesian composition and arc-related features. The metagranites, TTG gneisses and charnockites are characterized by negative Nb-Ta anomalies and positive K and Pb anomalies. The diorites and gabbros display negative anomalies of Th-U, Nb-Ta and Zr-Hf and positive anomalies at Ba, Pb and Sm with negative Eu anomalies and minor positive Ce anomalies, attesting to arc-related features. In the tectonic discrimination diagrams, the rocks plot in the volcanic arc field, indicating arc-related origin in subduction setting.Zircon grains from all the rocks display core–rim texture with the cores showing magmatic crystallization and the narrow structureless rims corresponding to metamorphic overgrowth. The magmatic zircons from the metagranites show upper intercept ages or ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb weighted mean ages of 2505 ± 29 Ma and 2569 ± 20 Ma to 2513 ± 27 Ma, those from the TTG gneisses show 2535 ± 17 Ma to 2546 ± 39 Ma, from charnockites display 2543 ± 20 Ma–2555 ± 15 Ma, and diorite and gabbro show 2587 ± 15 Ma and 2516 ± 13 Ma respectively. The zircon rim ages of 2472 ± 23 Ma, 2457 ± 35 Ma, 2545 ± 30 Ma and 2511 ± 35 Ma suggest the timing of metamorphism (ca. 2.55–2.45 Ga). Magmatic zircons with slightly older ages of ca. 2.73 Ga, 2.64 Ga also occur suggesting multiple magmatic pulses. The Lu-Hf isotopic data show positive εHf(t) values ranging from 0.2 to 5.7 for metagranites, with Hf model ages of 2602–2815 Ma (T_DM) and 2658–3002 Ma (T_DM^C), whereas for TTG gneisses, the positive εHf(t) values are up to 6.5 and display dominant Mesoarchean Hf model ages with limited early Neoarchean Hf model ages. Charnockite samples show positive εHf(t) values 2.3–5.7 and display the Hf model ages ranging from 2601 Ma to 2772 Ma (T_DM) and 2658 Ma to 2904 Ma (T_DM^C). Diorite and gabbro also show positive εHf(t) (2.3–6.9) and yield Hf model ages of 2625–2788 Ma (T_DM) and 2647 Ma to 2903 Ma (T_DM^C). The Hf isotopic data indicate that the magmas were derived from Neoarchean-Mesoarchean juvenile sources.Integrating our data with those from the entire Jiaoliao microblock reveals vestiges of Hadean crust involved in building the Eoarchean nucleus of this microblock. Vigorous convergent margin processes ranging from Mesoarchean to late Neoarchean with multiple pules of arc magmatism associated with subduction tectonics led to further growth of continental crust, culminating in paired high temperature and high pressure metamorphism during late Neoarchean – early Paleoproterozoic transition.     

Mesoproterozoic magmatic events in the eastern North China Craton and their tectonic implications: Geochronological evidence from detrital zircons in the Shandong Peninsula and North Korea

Whether any Grenvillian magmatic records are preserved in the North China Craton (NCC) is a key issue to understand the Proterozoic tectonic evolution of the NCC and its correlation to the supercontinent Rodinia. Meso- to Neo-proterozoic sedimentary series is well exposed in the NCC, but magmatic events in this period, especially of 1.3–1.0 Ga, have seldom been reported. New U–Pb isotopic dating and Hf isotopic composition analyses have been carried out in this study using SIMS and LA–ICP-MS methods on detrital zircons from sandstones of the Tumen Group in the Shandong Peninsula and quartz sandstones of the Sangwon System in the Phyongnam Basin, North Korea. The age populations of the detrital zircons of the Tumen Group are at ~ 2.5 Ga, ~ 1.85 Ga, ~ 1.7 Ga, ~ 1.58 Ga, ~ 1.5 Ga, ~ 1.36 Ga and ~ 1.2 Ga and those of the Sangwon System are at 1.88–1.86 Ga, ~ 1.78 Ga, 1.62–1.58 Ga, 1.46–1.41 Ga, ~ 1.32 Ga, ~ 1.17 Ga and ~ 980 Ma. Most of the age peaks of Neoarchean and Proterozoic correspond to the significant tectonic-magmatic-thermal events previously recognized in the NCC, revealing that the main provenances of the Tumen Group and the Sangwon System are Early Precambrian basement and Late Paleo- to Meso-proterozoic magmatic rocks of the NCC. Furthermore, the youngest detrital zircon ages of ~ 1.1 Ga from the Tumen Group and 984 Ma from the Sangwon System, as well as 910 Ma Rb–Sr whole rock isochron age of a limestone from the Tumen Group and 899 Ma mafic sills intruding the Sangwon System suggest that both groups were deposited in the Neoproterozoic, coevally with the Qingbaikou System in the Yanliao Aulacogen. The common zircon ages of 1.3–1.0 Ga from the Tumen Group and the Sangwon System, as well as the contemporaneous Penglai and Yushulazi Group in the eastern margin of the NCC, indicate that during the deposition of these sediments there have been significant contributions from Grenvillian magmatic rocks in the eastern NCC. This may provide clues to understand the possible relationship of the NCC and the supercontinent Rodinia. Moreover, the positive εHf (t) and ~ 2.8 Ga crust model ages of detrital magmatic zircons of 2.8–2.4 Ga suggest that there have been significant crustal growth at ~ 2.8 Ga in the eastern margin of the NCC, same as in other areas of the NCC.     

Provenances of the Mesozoic sediments in the Ordos Basin and implications for collision between the North China Craton (NCC) and the South China Craton (SCC)

To constrain the provenance of the Ordos Basin and the evolution history of the Qinling Orogen Belt from the Triassic to the Jurassic, 10 samples from the Dongsheng area and 28 samples from the Yan’an area were analyzed for U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd isotopic compositions. The results indicate that Middle Jurassic sediments in the Dongsheng area were derived from the Khondalite Belt, Langshan Mountain and the Yinshan Terrane. Mesozoic sediments in the Yan’an area consist of two parts. One part is derived from the North China Craton (NCC), which has U–Pb age groups of ∼1.8 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga, and Hf model ages of ∼2.8 Ga. The other part is derived from the Qilian–Qinling Orogenic Belt, which has U–Pb age groups of 600–1500 Ma and 100–500 Ma, and Nd and Hf isotopic model ages of less than 2.2 Ga. Combining the U–Pb ages with the Hf and Nd isotopic model ages, Mesozoic detrital zircons with U–Pb age groups of ∼1.8 Ga and ∼2.5 Ga in the Yan’an area are found to also be derived from the Khondalite Belt, Langshan Mountain and the Yinshan Terrane, not from the Trans-China Orogen Belt. From the late–Late Triassic sediments of the Yan’an area, the low average values of the Hf (2.03 Ga) and Nd (2.03 Ga) model ages and the characteristic age population of 600–1500 Ma reveal that the main collision or continental subduction between the NCC and the South China Craton (SCC) occurred in the late–Late Triassic. After the main collision or continental subduction, the proportion of sediments from the Qinling–Qilian Orogenic Belt began to decrease (recorded in the early Jurassic samples), which may be in response to the gradual slowing of the uplift speed of the Qinling Orogenic Belt. In the early-middle Jurassic, the sediments have a main U–Pb age population of 100–500 Ma, low detrital zircon Hf model ages (average value is 1.17 Ga) and low whole rock Nd model ages (average value is 1.13 Ga), which suggests that the Qilian–Qinling Orogenic Belt may have a fast uplift history in the early-middle Jurassic.     

Mid-Neoproterozoic crustal evolution of the northeastern Yangtze Block: Evidence from the felsic-gneiss xenoliths hosted in the Donghai Cenozoic basalts

Crustal xenoliths can provide new insights into the unexposed crust, and those from the northeastern Yangtze Block have rarely been studied. This paper reports U–Pb–Hf isotopes and trace-element compositions of zircons from six felsic xenoliths hosted by the Neogene alkali basalts in the Donghai region (i.e. Anfengshan and Pingmingshan) of the Sulu orogen in central eastern China. The xenoliths are mainly composed of orthoclase and quartz, or orthoclase and natrolite, with accessory minerals of Fe–Ti oxides and zircon. Most zircon grains show core-rim structures, with the cores and rims being magmatic and metamorphic in origin, respectively. The zircon cores mainly yield ages of ca. 827–794 Ma, while the zircon rims give ages of ca. 232–212 Ma. We interpret the zircon core ages as the time of an early Mid-Neoproterozoic magmatic event in the northeastern Yangtze Block and the zircon rim ages as the time of collision between the Yangtze and North China Blocks. Our data suggest that much more ca. 830–800 Ma magmatic records are possibly preserved in the unexposed deep crust, and the early Mid-Neoproterozoic is an important era for the crust evolution of the northeastern Yangtze Block. The new zircon Hf isotopic analyses show that the Anfengshan sample (south of Donghai) has zircon ε_Hf (820 Ma) values ranging from −15.3 to −9.4, and two-stage Hf model ages of 2.66–2.30 Ga; the Pingmingshan sample (southeast of Donghai) has zircon ε_Hf (820 Ma) values ranging from −1.4 to +3.8, and two-stage Hf model ages of 1.80–1.47 Ga. These data suggest that ancient crust as old as Neoarchean to Mesoproterozoic was involved in the early Mid-Neoproterozoic magmatism. Combined with the previously reported zircon U–Pb–Hf results of the exposed rocks, it is highlighted that crustal recycling was dominant in the early Mid-Neoproterozoic (ca. 830–800 Ma) magmatism, whereas both crustal recycling and addition of mantle-derived melts were significant in the late Mid-Neoproterozoic (ca. 800–720 Ma) magmatism in the northeastern Yangtze Block.     

Late Paleozoic provenance shift in the south-central North China Craton: Implications for tectonic evolution and crustal growth

U–Pb geochronologic and Hf isotopic results of seven sandstones collected from Late Carboniferous through Early Triassic strata of the south-central part of the North China Craton record a dramatic provenance shift near the end of the Late Carboniferous. Detrital zircons from the Late Carboniferous sandstones are dominated by the Early Paleozoic components with positive ε_Hf(t) values, implying the existence of a significant volume of juvenile crust at this age in the source regions. Moreover, there are also three minor peaks at ca. 2.5 Ga, 1.87 Ga and 1.1–0.9 Ga. Based on our new data, in conjunction with existing zircon ages and Hf isotopic data in the North China Craton (NCC), Central China Orogenic Belt (CCOB) and Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), it can be concluded that Early Paleozoic and Neoproterozoic detritus in the south-central NCC were derived from the CCOB. Zircons with ages of 1.9–1.7 Ga were derived from the NCC. However, the oldest components can't be distinguished, possibly from either the NCC or the CCOB, or both. In contrast, detrital zircons from the Permian and Triassic sandstones are characterized by three major groups of U–Pb ages (2.6–2.4 Ga, 1.9–1.7 Ga and Late Paleozoic ages). Specially, most of the Late Paleozoic zircons show negative ε_Hf(t) values, similar to the igneous zircons from intrusive rocks of the Inner Mongolia Paleo-Uplift (IMPU), indicating that the Late Paleozoic detritus were derived from the northern part of the NCC. This provenance shift could be approximately constrained at the end of the Late Carboniferous and probably hints that tectonic uplift firstly occurred between the CCOB and the NCC as a result of the collision between the South and North Qinling microcontinental terranes, and then switched to the domain between the CAOB and the NCC. Additionally, on the basis of Lu–Hf isotopic data, we reveal the pre-Triassic crustal growth history for the NCC. In comparison among the three crustal growth curves obtained from modern river sands, our samples, and the Proterozoic sedimentary rocks, we realize that old components are apparently underestimated by zircons from the younger sedimentary rocks and modern river sands. Hence, cautions should be taken when using this method to investigate growth history of continental crust.     

Petrology,geochemistry and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes of the Cretaceous dykes in the central North China Craton: Implications for magma genesis and gold metallogeny

The Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), a Paleoproterozoic suture that amalgamates the Western and Eastern Blocks of the North China Craton (NCC), witnessed extensive magmatism and metallogeny during Mesozoic, associated with intraplate tectonics and differential destruction of the cratonic lithosphere. Here we investigate a suite of porphyry dykes surrounding the Mapeng batholith in the Fuping Complex within the TNCO in relation to the Mesozoic gold and molybdenum mineralization. The major element chemistry of these dykes show a range of SiO₂ (57.92 to 69.47 wt.%), Na₂O (3.20 to 4.77 wt.%), K₂O (3.12 to 4.60 wt.%) and MgO (0.51 to 3.67 wt.%), together with high concentration of LREE and LILE, and relatively low contents of HREE and HFSE. The rocks display (La/Yb)_N = 13.53–48.11, negative Nb, Ta, Th, U and Zr anomalies, and distinctly positive Ba, K and Sm anomalies. The mineralogy and geochemistry of the porphyry dykes indicate the rocks to be high-K calc-alkaline, and I-type, with adakitic features similar to those of the adjacent Mapeng batholith. The source magma for these rocks was derived from a mixture of reworked ancient continent crust and juvenile mantle materials. The zircon U–Pb data from these rocks show ages in the range of 124 to 129 Ma, broadly coinciding with the emplacement age of the Mapeng intrusion. The inherited zircons of ca. 2.5, 2.0 and 1.8 Ga in the dykes represent capture from the basement rocks during melting. The zircon Lu–Hf isotopic compositions show negative ε_Hf(t) values varying from − 27.8 to − 11.3, with Hf depleted model ages (t_DM) ranging from 1228 Ma to 1918 Ma and Hf crustal model ages (t_DM^C) of 1905 Ma to 2938 Ma, suggesting that the Mesozoic magmatism and associated metallogeny involved substantial recycling of ancient basement rocks of the NCC. We present an integrated model to evaluate the genesis of the porphyry systems and their relation to mineralization. We envisage that these dykes probably acted as stoppers (impermeable barriers) that prevented the leakage and run-off of the ore-bearing fluids, and played a key role in concentrating the gold and molybdenum mineralization.     

Zircon U–Pb age,Hf isotopic compositions and geochemistry of the Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granite Pluton and Taoyuan mafic–felsic Complex at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block

This work presents an integrated study of zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope along with whole-rock geochemistry on Silurian Fengdingshan I-type granites and Taoyuan mafic–felsic intrusive Complex located at the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block, filling in a gap in understanding of Paleozoic I-type granites and mafic-intermediate igneous rocks in the eastern South China Craton (SCC). The Fengdingshan granite and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro are dated at 436 ± 5 Ma and 409 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The Fengdingshan granites display characteristics of calc-alkaline I-type granite with high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7093–0.7127, low εNd(t) values ranging from −5.6 to −5.4 and corresponding Nd model ages (T_2DM) of 1.6 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from −2.7 to 2.6 and model ages of 951–1164 Ma. The Taoyuan mafic rocks exhibit typical arc-like geochemistry, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta. They have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7053–0.7058, εNd(t) values of 0.2–1.6 and corresponding T_2DM of 1.0–1.1 Ga. Their zircon grains have εHf(t) values ranging from 3.2 to 6.1 and model ages of 774–911 Ma. Diorite and granodiorite from the Taoyuan Complex have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7065–0.7117, εNd(t) values from −5.7 to −1.9 and Nd model ages of 1.3–1.6 Ga. The petrographic and geochemical characteristics indicate that the Fengdingshan granites probably formed by reworking of Neoproterozoic basalts with very little of juvenile mantle-derived magma. The Taoyuan Complex formed by magma mixing and mingling, in which the mafic member originated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Both the Fengdingshan and Taoyuan Plutons formed in a post-orogenic collapse stage in an intracontinental tectonic regime. Besides the Paleozoic Fengdingshan granites and Taoyuan hornblende gabbro, other Neoproterozoic and Indosinian igneous rocks located along the southeastern and western margin of the Yangtze Block also exhibit decoupled Nd–Hf isotopic systemics, which may be a fingerprint of a previous late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic oceanic subduction.