Provenance of the Late Permian Xuanwei Formation in the Upper Yangtze Block: Constraints from the Sedimentary Record and Tectonic Implications

Xuanwei Formation is composed of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone, with local conglomerate. However, its provenance and tectonic setting have been scarcely studied. In this paper, we use sedimentology, electron probe microanalysis(EPMA), and detrital zircon dating to investigate its source area and depositional tectonic setting. The facies assemblages indicate that it formed in alluvial fan and fluvial river sedimentary environments. The strata thicknesses and facies distribution indicate that the sediment supply was from the west. The results of EPMA show that chromian spinels within the sediments are characterized by high Cr# and varying Mg#. Discrimination plots suggest that these spinels were sourced from large igneous province(LIP) 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 from intermediate–acid igneous rocks dating back to 251–260? Ma. We could, therefore, conclude that the provenance of the Xuanwei Formation is from Emeishan basalt and synchronous felsic igneous rocks, which is consistent with the composition of the detrital framework. The detrital zircon dates also suggest that felsic magmatism occurred during the Late Permian, not after the eruption of the Emeishan basalt. Based on the sedimentary successions and provenance analysis, the tectonic setting for Xuanwei Formation deposition was a volcanic rifted margin.     

Early‐Middle Paleozoic Andes‐type Continental Margin in the Chifeng Area,Inner Mongolia: Framework,Geochronology and Geochemistry and Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Three tectonic units have been recognized in the Chifeng area, Inner Mongolia, from north to south, including the Qiganmiao accretionary prism, Jiefangyingzi arc belt and Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin, which formed an Andeantype active continent margin during the early to middle Paleozoic. The Qiganmiao accretionary prism is characterized by a mélange that consists of gabbro, two-mica quartz schist and basic volcanic rock blocks and heterogeneously deformed marble matrix. Two zircon U-Pb ages of 446.0±6.3 Ma and 1104±27 Ma have been acquired and been interpreted as the metamorphic and forming ages for the gabbro and two-mica quartz schist, respectively. The prism formed during the early to middle Paleozoic southward subduction of the Paleo Asian Ocean(PAO) and represents a suture between the North China craton(NCC) and Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB). The Jiefangyingzi arc belt consists of pluton complex and volcanic rocks of the Xibiehe and Badangshan Formations, and Geochronology analysis indicates that the development of it can be divided into two stages. The first stage is represented by the Xibiehe Formation volcanic rocks, which belong to the subalkaline series, enriched LREE and LILE and depleted HFSE, with negative Eu anomalies, and plot in the volcanic arc field in discrimination diagrams. These characters indicate that the Xibiehe Formation results from to the continental arc magmatic activity related to the subduction of the PAO during 400–420 Ma. Magmatism of the second stage in 380–390 Ma consists of the Badangshan Formation volcanic rocks. Geochemistry analysis reveals that rhyolite, basaltic andesite and basalt of the Badangshan Formation were developed in continental margin arc setting. Moreover, the basaltic andesite and basalt display positive Sr anomalies, and the basalt have very low Nb/La values, suggesting that fluid is involved in magma evolution and the basalts were contaminated by continental crust. The sequence of Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin is characterized by proximity, coarseness and large thickness, similar to the proximity molasses basin. According to our field investigation, geochronological and geochemical data, combined with previous research in this area, a tectonic evolutionary model for Andes-type active continental margin of the CAOB has been proposed, including a development of the subduction-free PAO before 446 Ma, a subduction of the PAO and arc-related magmatism during 446–380 Ma, and formation of a molasse basin during 380–360 Ma.     

Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Magmatic Rocks from Zedong Ophiolite, Eastern Yarlung-Zangbo Suture Zone, Tibet

The Yarlung Zangbo suture zone extends more than2000 km along southern Tibet and marks the boundary between the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia.The Zedong terrane has been not suggested to represent the vestige of such an intra-oceanic arc developed within the Neo-Tethys Ocean,as a result of the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean during the Late Jurassic.In this study,we present detailed geochemical and geochronological data of various types of magmatic rocks widely exposed in the Zedong terrane to constrain the formation age and tectonic setting of the Zedong terrane.We found that the Zedong volcanic rocks belong to high K2O calc-alkaline series,whereas the diabase and gabbro plotted in the low-K calcalkline.The basalt rocks are highly enriched in LREE and LILE,but strongly depleted in HFSE,indicating they were derived from a metasomatized mantle.Both gabbros and diabase have similar N-MORB geochemistry indicates that the cumulates were produced from MOR setting.Zircons from four samples,including the basalt rocks(158-161Ma)are older than the gabbro(131 Ma),certificate the gabbro are as the vein intrude into the basalt rocks.This suggests that the volcanic eruption and plutonic emplacement were coevally developed in the Zedonghave similar positiveεHf(t)values(+2.0 to+15.6)and(+8.6 to+18.4),indicating they were stemmed from similarly depleted mantle sources,same with the gabbro and granitic rocks from the Gangdese arc.Therefore,we proposed that the basalt rocks in the Zedong terrane were formed through partial melting of the mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-released fluids/melts.A part of hydrous basalts were underplated in the thickened lower crust beneath the Zedong terrane,which gave rise to the cumulate and granitic rocks.This suggests that the Zedong terrane represents a slice of the active continental margin developed on the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane as a result of the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean during the Late Jurassic,although a possible intra-oceanic arc setting cannot be excluded.     

Geochemistry of the Caledonian basic volcanic rocks at the south margin of the Qinling orogenic belt, and its tectonic implications

The geochemistry of the basic volcanic rocks at the south margin of the Qinling orogenic belt(SMQOB) suggests that they were formed in an intraplate tectonic setting.The REE distribution patterns show these rocks are strongly enriched in LREE with high ∑REE, and their trace elements geochemistry is similar to that of contimental flood basalt.All the above evidence suggests that the Caledonian basic volcanic rocks in the SMQOB were tholeiitic basalts formed in an intraplate spreading-initial rift tectonic setting.The characteristics of regional geology and geochemistry indicate that there was an intraplate spreading-rift tectonic setting between the South Qingling block and the Yangtze block in the Caledonian epoch.The dynamic spreading in this district began in the Early Caledonian and then the intraplate spreadinginitial rifts were formed in the Late Caledonian.As a result of spreading of the Tethys and geodynamic processes in deep mantle ,the Mianlue-Huashan oceanic basin was formed between the Qinling block and the Yangtze block in Devonian,and the Qinling microplate was separated from the northern part of the Yangtze plate.     

Magma Origin and Evolution of Tengchong Cenozoic Volcanic Rocks from West Yunnan,China: Evidence from Whole Rock Geochemistry and Nd‐Sr‐Pb Isotopes

Tengchong Cenozoic volcanics that have record key information on the tectonic evolution and mantle features of the southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau are of great importance because of its unique eruption history spanning the entire Quaternary period. Magma origin and evolution of Tengchong Cenozoic volcanic rocks were studied on the basis of Nd-Sr-Pb isotope and major and trace element data from different eruptions in the Ma’anshan area. Different samples within one eruption show relative identical lithologies, chemical and isotopic compositions. However, the geochemical features for the five eruptions are distinct from each other. These volcanic rocks show low Mg# values (<45), moderate to high fractionation of LREEs and HREEs, and enrichment of Pb and Ba and depletion of Nb. Tengchong Cenozoic volcanic rocks were derived from an enriched mantle based on Nd-Sr-Pb isotopic studies. And lines of evidence show that crustal contamination should be involved before the eruption of different periods of Tengchong Cenozoic volcanic rocks. Older subducted components may be responsible for adakite recycling at various stages of evolution, which results in the origin of the enriched mantle source magma accounting for the isotopic features of Tengchong Cenozoic volcanic rocks. Segregated primitive magma pulsating injected into magma chamber, fractional crystallized and contaminated with crust component. Finally, magmas with distinct chemical and isotopic compositions for each eruption formed. The extension of the northeast segment of the Yingjiang tectonic belt triggered the pulsating eruption of the Cenozoic volcanics in the Tengchong area.     

SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Age of the Ka''erjiao Intrusion in the Sawur Region in West Junggar,Xinjiang

Acid intrusions are widespread in the Sawur region, Xinjiang. The Ka'erjiao intrusion is mainly composed of albite granite porphyry, K-feldspar granite porphyry, ivernite and granite porphyry. Being a transitional product between magma intrusion and eruption in the Sawur region, the Ka'erjiao intrusion was formed at the telophase of the late Carboniferous to the begining of early Permian as determined by the SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating, with an age of 302.6±7.6 Ma (1σ). The intrusion consists of alkali-enriched rock, whose REE distribution patterns are of the LREE enrichment type, theδEu value is low and Nd, Sr, Pb isotopes reflect its mantle source characteristics. Theδ18O value of intrusion is low as a result of isotope exchange with meteoric water. The geochemical characteristics show that it was formed in a post-collisional tectonic setting. Taking combined considerations of current studies of A-type granites and Permian volcanic rocks, we think that in the telophase of the late Carboniferous to the beginning of the early Permian, the Sawur region was within the extension or compressional to extensional period of a post-collisional stage. The Ka'erjiao intrusion from mantle sources can confirm the vertical continental crust growth in the late Paleozoic. The Sawur region in west Junggar is consistent with east Junggar in post-collisional tectonic evolution process.     

SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Age of the Ka''erjiao Intrusion in the Sawur Region in West Junggar,Xinjiang

Acid intrusions are widespread in the Sawur region, Xinjiang. The Ka'erjiao intrusion is mainly composed of albite granite porphyry, K-feldspar granite porphyry, ivernite and granite porphyry. Being a transitional product between magma intrusion and eruption in the Sawur region, the Ka'erjiao intrusion was formed at the telophase of the late Carboniferous to the begining of early Permian as determined by the SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating, with an age of 302.6±7.6 Ma (1σ). The intrusion consists of alkali-enriched rock, whose REE distribution patterns are of the LREE enrichment type, theδEu value is low and Nd, Sr, Pb isotopes reflect its mantle source characteristics. Theδ18O value of intrusion is low as a result of isotope exchange with meteoric water. The geochemical characteristics show that it was formed in a post-collisional tectonic setting. Taking combined considerations of current studies of A-type granites and Permian volcanic rocks, we think that in the telophase of the late Carboniferous to the beginning of the early Permian, the Sawur region was within the extension or compressional to extensional period of a post-collisional stage. The Ka'erjiao intrusion from mantle sources can confirm the vertical continental crust growth in the late Paleozoic. The Sawur region in west Junggar is consistent with east Junggar in post-collisional tectonic evolution process.     

SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Age of the Ka''''erjiao Intrusion in the Sawur Region in West Junggar,Xinjiang

Acid intrusions are widespread in the Sawur region, Xinjiang. The Ka'erjiao intrusion is mainly composed of albite granite porphyry, K-feldspar granite porphyry, ivernite and granite porphyry. Being a transitional product between magma intrusion and eruption in the Sawur region, the Ka'erjiao intrusion was formed at the telophase of the late Carboniferous to the begining of early Permian as determined by the SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating, with an age of 302.6±7.6 Ma (1σ). The intrusion consists of alkali-enriched rock, whose REE distribution patterns are of the LREE enrichment type, theδEu value is low and Nd, Sr, Pb isotopes reflect its mantle source characteristics. Theδ18O value of intrusion is low as a result of isotope exchange with meteoric water. The geochemical characteristics show that it was formed in a post-collisional tectonic setting. Taking combined considerations of current studies of A-type granites and Permian volcanic rocks, we think that in the telophase of the late Carboniferous to the beginning of the early Permian, the Sawur region was within the extension or compressional to extensional period of a post-collisional stage. The Ka'erjiao intrusion from mantle sources can confirm the vertical continental crust growth in the late Paleozoic. The Sawur region in west Junggar is consistent with east Junggar in post-collisional tectonic evolution process.     

Chronology and Geochemistry of Mesozoic Volcanic Rocks in the Linjiang Area,Jilin Province and their Tectonic Implications

Zircon U-Pb ages and geochemical analytical results are presented for the volcanic rocks of the Naozhigou, Ergulazi, and Sidaogou Formations in the Linjiang area, southeastern Jilin Province to constrain the nature of magma source and their tectonic settings. The Naozhigou Formation is composed mainly of andesite and rhyolite and its weighted mean 206Pb/238U age for 13 zircon grains is 222±1 Ma. The Ergulazi Formation consists of basaltic andesite, basaltic trachyandesite, and andesite, and six grains give a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 131±4 Ma. The Sidaogou Formation consists mainly of trachyandesite and rhyolite, and six zircon grains yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 113±4 Ma. The volcanic rocks have SiO2=60.24%–77.46%, MgO=0.36%–1.29% (Mg#=0.32–0.40) for the Naozhigou Formation, SiO2=51.60%–59.32%, MgO=3.70%–5.54% (Mg#=0.50–0.60) for the Ergulazi Formation, and SiO2=58.28%–76.32%, MgO=0.07%–1.20% (Mg#=0.14–0.46) for the Sidaogou Formation. The trace element analytical results indicate that these volcanic rocks are characterized by enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), relative depletion in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and high field strength elements (HFSEs, Nb, Ta, and Ti), and negative Eu anomalies. Compared with the primitive mantle, the Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Linjiang area have relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7053-0.7083) and low εNd(t) values (?8.38 to ?2.43), and display an EMII trend. The late Triassic magma for the Naozhigou Formation could be derived from partial melting of a newly accretional crust with the minor involvement of the North China Craton basement and formed under an extensional environment after the collision of the Yangtze Craton and the North China Craton. The Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks for the Ergulazi and Sidaogou Formations could be formed under the tectonic setting of an active continental margin related to the westward subduction of the Izanagi plate.     

Tectonic Framework of Late Paleozoic Intrusions in Xingxingxia: Implications for Final Closure of South Tianshan Ocean in East Tianshan

This work carried out systematic geological field investigation, petrography observation, zircon geochronology and whole rock geochemistry on Late Paleozoic intrusions in the Xingxingxia region near the Xinjiang-Gansu provincial boundary, western China, aiming to constrain the Late Paleozoic tectonic framework of the Xingxingxia region and the final closure time of South Tianshan Ocean in the East Tianshan. The Xingxingxia area is located in the east part of the Tianshan orogen, and adjacent to the north of the Tarim Basin. The Late Paleozoic magma activities in the Xingxingxia region can be mainly divided into three stages. The first stage includes intrusive magma activities under a collision setting between Late Ordovician to the Late Devonian. The second stage is intrusive magma activities under a subduction setting during(304±3)–(278±3) Ma, and the third stage involves intrusive magma activities under a collision and post-collision setting during(268±5)–(259.9±2.6) Ma. The final suture zone of South Tianshan Ocean should be between the Central Tianshan Block and South Tianshan accretionary complex. Based on previous work, both the first stage magma activities(i.e., intrusive magmatic activities between the Late Ordovician to Late Devonian) and the Hongliuhe ophiolitic complex indicate a close event between Central Tianshan Block and South Tianshan Accretionary Complex. The 304±3 Ma dioritic metamorphic gneiss of the XingX ingxia complex and the 278±3 Ma diorite are all island arc calc-alkaline rocks, the 289±3 Ma gabbro is island arc tholeiitic gabbro formed by magma from metasomatic enrichment mantle. All these results indicate that the second stage of magmatic activities is under a subduction setting. The third stage magma activities i.e. the granitic magma activities of(268±5)–(259.9±2.6) Ma occurred at a transitional setting from compressional to post-collision extensional tectonic setting. Thus, around(268±5)–(260±3) Ma, the final closure of the South Tianshan Ocean occurred and the Tianshan orogen shifted into the intracontinental evolution stage. During and after the closure process, a wide range of metamorphism and large dextral strike-slip faults developed.     

Tectonic Setting of the Kadiri Schist Belt, Andhra Pradesh, India

Plate tectonic activity has played a critical role in the development of petrotectonic associations in the Kadiri schist belt. The calc alkaline association of basalt, andesite, dacite and rhyolite(BADR) is the signature volcanic rock suite of the convergent margin. The N-S belt has gone below the unconformity plane of Cuddapah sediments. In the northern part geochemical and structural attributes of the Kadiri greenstone belt is studied along with microscopic observations of selected samples. Harker diagram plots of major elements generally indicate a liquid line of descent from a common source, such that BADR rocks are derived from a common parent magma of basaltic to andesitic composition. These calc-alkaline volcanic rocks are formed at convergent margins where more silicic rocks represent more highly fractionated melt. All the litho-units of this greenstone belt indicate crush and strain effects. The stretched pebbles in the deformed volcanic matrix with tectonite development along with associated greenschist facies metamorphism, alteration and hydration is remarkable. Flow foliation plane with N-S strike and very low angle(5° to 10°) easterly dip and N-S axial planar schistosity formed due to later phase isoclinal folding can be clearly identified in the field. Basic intrusives are quite common in the surrounding area. All the observations including the field setting and geochemistry clearly demonstrate ocean-continent subduction as the tectonic environment of the study area.     

SHRIMP Geochronology of Volcanics of the Zhangjiakou and Yixian Formations, Northern Hebei Province, with a Discussion on the Age of the Xing＇anling Group of the Great Hinggan Mountains and Volcanic Strata of the Southeastern Coastal Area

A zircon U-Pb geochronological study on the volcanic rocks reveals that both of the Zhangjiakou and Yixian Formations, northern Hebei Province, are of the Early Cretaceous, with ages of 135-130 Ma and 129-120 Ma, respectively. It is pointed out that the ages of sedimentary basins and volcanism in the northern Hebei -western Liaoning area become younger from west to east, i. e. the volcanism of the Luanping Basin commenced at c. 135 Ma, the Luotuo Mount area of the Chengde Basin c. 130 Ma, and western Liaoning c. 128 Ma. With a correlation of geochronological stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, we deduce that the Xing‘anling Group, which comprises the Great Hinggan Mountains volcanic rock belt in eastern China, is predominantly of the early-middle Early Cretaceous, while the Jiande and Shimaoshan Groups and their equivalents, which form the volcanic rock belt in the southeastern coast area of China, are of the mid-late Early Cretaceous, and both the Jehol and Jiande Biotas are of the Early Cretaceous, not Late Jurassic or Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. Combining the characteristics of the volcanic rocks and, in a large area, hiatus in the strata of the Late Jurassic or Late Jurassic-early Early Cretaceous between the formations mentioned above and the underlying sequences, we can make the conclusion that, in the Late Jurassic-early Early Cretaceous, the eastern China region was of high relief or plateau, where widespread post-orogenic volcanic series of the Early Cretaceous obviously became younger from inland in the west to continental margin in the east. This is not the result of an oceanward accretion of the subduction belt between the Paleo-Pacific ocean plate and the Asian continent, but rather reflects the extension feature, i.e. after the closure of the Paleo-Pacific ocean, the Paleo-Pacific ancient continent collided with the Asian continent and reached the peak of orogenesis, and then the compression waned and resulted in the retreating of the post-orogenic extension from outer orogenic zone to inner part (or collision zone). The determination of the eruption age of the volcanics of the Zhangjiakou Formation definitely constrains the switch period, which began in the Indosinian and finished in the Yanshanian, that is, 140-135 Ma. The switch is concretely the change from the approximate E-W Paleo-Asian tectonic system to the NE to NNE Pacific system, and the period is also the apex of a continent-continent collision and orogenesis of subduction, being consumed and eventually disappearing of the Paleo-Pacific ancient continent, and all the processes commenced in the Indosinian. While the following post-orogenic large-scale eruption in the Early Cretaceous marks the final completeness of the Paleo-Pacific structure dynamics system.     

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.     

Integration of zircon and apatite U–Pb geochronology and geochemical mapping of the Wude basalts(Emeishan large igneous province):A tool for a better understanding of the tectonothermal and geodynamic evolution of the Emeishan LIP

Radiogenic isotopic dating and Lu–Hf isotopic composition using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS)of the Wude basalt in Yunnan province from the Emeishan large igneous province(ELIP)yielded timing of formation and post-eruption tectonothermal event.Holistic lithogeochemistry and elements mapping of basaltic rocks were further reevaluated to provide insights into crustal contamination and formation of the ELIP.A zircon U–Pb age of 251.3±2.0 Ma of the Wude basalt recorded the youngest volcanic eruption event and was consistent with the age span of 251-263 Ma for the emplacement of the ELIP.Such zircons hadε_Hf(t)values ranging from7.3 to+2.2,identical to those of magmatic zircons from the intrusive rocks of the ELIP,suggesting that crust-mantle interaction occurred during magmatic emplacement,or crust-mantle mixing existed in the deep source region prior to deep melting.The apatite U–Pb age at 53.6±3.4 Ma recorded an early Eocene magmatic superimposition of a regional tectonothermal event,corresponding to the Indian–Eurasian plate collision.Negative Nb,Ta,Ti and P anomalies of the Emeishan basalt may reflect crustal contamination.The uneven Nb/La and Th/Ta values distribution throughout the ELIP supported a mantle plume model origin.Therefore,the ELIP was formed as a result of a mantle plume which was later superimposed by a regional tectonothermal event attributed to the Indian–Eurasian plate collision during early Eocene.     

Geochemical Characteristics of Early Permian Pyroclastic Rocks in the Jimunai Basin,West Junggar,Xinjiang(NW China): Implications for Provenance and Tectonic Setting

During the Late Paleozoic, West Junggar(Xinjiang, NW China) experienced a shift in tectonic setting from compression to extension. Ha'erjiao is an important area for investigating collisional structures, post–collisional structures, and magmatic activities. Based on the petrological and geochemical characteristics of pyroclastic and other volcanic rocks in the Permian Kalagang Formation from the borehole ZKH1205 in the Jimunai Basin, the main types of source rock for the pyroclastic rocks deposited in the basin are identified and their implications for the Early Permian tectonic setting examined. The abundance of basalt and andesite lithic fragments in the pyroclastic rocks, together with the REE characteristics and the contents of transition and high field strength elements show that the source rocks were chiefly intermediate–basic volcanic rocks. High ICV values, low CIA values, low Rb/Sr ratios, low Th/U ratios and the mineralogical features suggest weak chemical weathering of the source rocks; the geochemical patterns of the pyroclastic rocks might not only have been impacted by crustal contamination but also might be related to the nature of the magma from the source area. The geochemical properties of the pyroclastic rocks distinguish them from arc-related ones, and such samples plot in the within-plate basalt(WPB) field in some diagrams. This is consistent with the formation background of the Early Permian volcanic rocks in this region.     

Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Early–Midlle Permian Arc–Related Volcanic Rocks in Central Jilin: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Eastern Segment of Central Asian Orogenic Belt

This paper presents age and geochemical data of a recently identified Late Paleozoic volcanic sequence in central Jilin Province, with aims to discuss the petrogenesis and to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in this area. Firstly, the volcanic rocks have zircon U-Pb ages of 290–270 Ma. Secondly, they are characterized by(a) ranging in composition from the low-K tholeiite series to high-K calc-alkaline series;(b) enrichment in light rare earth elements and depletion of heavy rare earth elements, with negative Eu anomalies; and(c) negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. Finally, the volcanic rocks yield εHf(t) values of +7.1 to +17. These data suggest that the central Jilin volcanic rocks were possibly derived from predominant partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle that might have been modified by subducted slab–derived fluids. Combined with previous studies, the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic magmatism in Central Jilin can be divided into two stages:(a) a volcanic arc stage(290–270 Ma) represented by low-K to high–K, tholeiite to calc–alkaline plutons and(b) a syn–collisional stage(260–240 Ma) represented by high-K calc–alkaline I-type granites. Furthermore, the timing and the tectonic setting of the above magmatic rocks show that the arc was probably produced by the northward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and that the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean occurred prior to the Early Triassic.     

Apatite Fission-Track Thermochronology in the Tamusu Area, Bayingobi Basin, NW China, and its Geological Significance

The Bayingobi basin is located in the middle of Central Asia Orogenic Belt, at the intersection of Paleo-Asian Ocean and Tethys Ocean, as well as the junction of multiple tectonic plates. This unique tectonic setting underpins the basin''s intricate history of tectonic activity. To unravel the multifaceted tectono-thermal evolution within the southwestern region of the basin and to elucidate the implications of sandstone-hosted uranium mineralization, granitic and clastic rock samples were collected from the Zongnai Mts. uplift and Yingejing depression, and apatite fission track (AFT) dating and thermal history simulation analysis were performed. AFT dating findings reveal that the apparent ages of all samples fall within the range of 244 Ma to 112 Ma. In particular, the bedrock of the Zongnai Mts. and Jurassic detrital apatite fission tracks have undergone complete annealing, capturing the uplift-cooling age. Meanwhile, the AFT ages of Cretaceous detrital rocks are either equivalent to or notably exceed the age of sedimentary strata, signifying the cooling age of the provenance. A comprehensive examination of AFT ages and palaeocurrent direction analyses suggests that the Cretaceous source in the Tamusu area predominantly originated from the central and southern sectors of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. However, at a certain juncture during the Late Early Cretaceous, the Cretaceous provenance expanded to include the northern part of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. Based on the results of thermal history simulations and previous studies, it is considered that the Tamusu area has undergone four distinct tectonic uplift events since the Late Paleozoic. The first is the Late Permian to Early Triassic (260–240 Ma), which is associated with the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and the accretionary orogeny within the Alxa region. The second uplift event took place in the Early Jurassic (190–175 Ma) and corresponded to intraplate orogeny following the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The third uplift event is the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (160–120 Ma), which is linked to the East Asia''s position as the convergence center of multiple tectonic plates during this period. The fourth uplift event is linked to the Late Early Cretaceous (112–100 Ma), driven either by the westward subduction of the eastern Pacific plate or the mantle upwelling resulting from the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere subduction and slab break-off. The primary stress orientation for the first three tectonic uplift phases approximated a nearly SN direction, while the fourth stage featured a principal stress direction of NW. The fourth tectonic uplift event of the Late Early Cretaceous and basaltic eruption thermal event during this period likely exerted a significant influence on the formation of the Tamusu sandstone-hosted uranium deposit.     

Sedimentary Evolution of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in Cenozoic and its Response to the Uplift of the Plateau

We have studied the evolution of the tectonic lithofacies paleogeography of Paleocene–Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau by compiling data regarding the type, tectonic setting, and lithostratigraphic sequence of 98 remnant basins in the plateau area. Our results can be summarized as follows. (1) The Paleocene to Eocene is characterized by uplift and erosion in the Songpan–Garzê and Gangdisê belts, depression (lakes and pluvial plains) in eastern Tarim, Qaidam, Qiangtang, and Hoh Xil, and the Neo-Tethys Sea in the western and southern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. (2) The Oligocene is characterized by uplift in the Gangdisê–Himalaya and Karakorum regions (marked by the absence of sedimentation), fluvial transport (originating eastward and flowing westward) in the Brahmaputra region (marked by the deposition of Dazhuka conglomerate), uplift and erosion in western Kunlun and Songpan–Garzê, and depression (lakes) in the Tarim, Qaidam, Qiangtang, and Hoh Xil. The Oligocene is further characterized by depressional littoral and neritic basins in southwestern Tarim, with marine facies deposition ceasing at the end of the Oligocene. (3) For the Miocene, a widespread regional unconformity (ca. 23 Ma) in and adjacent to the plateau indicates comprehensive uplift of the plateau. This period is characterized by depressions (lakes) in the Tarim, Qaidam, Xining–Nanzhou, Qiangtang, and Hoh Xil. Lacustrine facies deposition expanded to peak in and adjacent to the plateau ca. 18–13 Ma, and north–south fault basins formed in southern Tibet ca. 13–10 Ma. All of these features indicate that the plateau uplifted to its peak and began to collapse. (4) Uplift and erosion occurred during the Pliocene in most parts of the plateau, except in the Hoh Xil–Qiangtang, Tarim, and Qaidam.     

Opaque Mineralogy as a Tracer of Magmatic History of Volcanic Rocks:an Example from the Neogene-Quaternary Harrat Rahat Intercontinental Volcanic Field, North Western Saudi Arabia

The Neogene-Quaternary Harrat Rahat volcanic field is part of the major intercontinental Harrat fields in western Saudi Arabia.It comprises lava flows of olivine basalt and hawaiite,in addition to mugearite,benmorite,and trachyte that occur mainly as domes,tuff cones and lava flows.Based on opaque mineralogy and mineral chemistry,the Harrat Rahat volcanic varieties are distinguished into Group I(olivine basalt and hawaiite) and Group II(mugearite,benmorite and trachyte).The maximum forsterite content(~85) is encountered in zoned forsteritic olivine of Group I,whereas olivine of Group II is characterized by intermediate(Fo=50),fayalitic(Fo=25) and pure fayalite in the mugearite,benmorite and trachyte,respectively.The more evolved varieties of Group II contain minerals that show enrichment of Fe2+,Mn2+and Na+that indicates normal fractional crystallization.The common occurrence of coarse apatite with titanomagnetite in the benmorite indicates that P5+becomes saturated in this rock variety and drops again in trachyte.Cr-spinel is recorded in Group I varieties only and the Cr#(0.5) suggests lherzolite as a possible restite of the Harrat Rahat volcanics.The plots of Cr# vs.the forsterite content(Fo) suggest two distinct trends,which are typical of mixing of two basaltic magmas of different sources and different degrees of partial melting.The bimodality of Harrat Rahat Cr-spinel suggests possible derivation from recycled MORB slab in the mantle as indicated by the presence of high-Al spinel.It is believed that the subcontinental lithospheric mantle was modified by pervious subduction process and played the leading role in the genesis of the Harrat Rahat intraplate volcanics.The trachytes of the Harrat Rahat volcanic field were formed most probably by melting of a lower crust at the mantle-crust boundary.The increase in fO2 causes a decrease in Cr2 O3,and Al2 O3,and a strong increase in the proportion of Fe3+and Mg# of spinel crystallizing from the basaltic melt at T ~1200°C.The olivine-pyroxene and olivine-spinel geothermometers yielded equilibrium temperature in the range of 935-1025°C,whereas the range of <500-850°C from single-pyroxene thermometry indicates either post crystallization reequilibrium of the clinopyroxene,or the mineral is xenocrystic and re-equilibrated in a cooling basaltic magma.     

Differentiation Mechanism and Evolution of High-level Magma Chamber at Xiangshan,China

The calc-alkaline volcanic magmas,which formed the Mesozoic uraniferous volcanic complex of Xiangshan,resulted from partial melting of the mixture of lower crust and enriched mantle with a high mixing proportion in a specific tectonic setting such as active continental margin or ocean-continent collision zone.The preliminary concentrations of Uand Th occur in low-degree par-tial melts.Only small part of these melts was rapidly extracted and erupted and most intruded into the high-level magma chamber(depth:12-13 km) of the compressed upper lithosphere ,in which occurred a strong differentiation which would resulted in strong preconcentrations of the high-hygromagmaphile elements U and Th associated with strong depletion of the 3-d transition ele-ments Ti,Sc,Co,Zr,etc.At the final stage of subduction of the West-Pacific-Kula plate towards the Asian continental plate,the regional tectonic environment was transformed from a compressive in-to a tensional setting.The strongly differentiated,U(and Th) enriched silicic alkalic magmas in high level magma chamber extensively erupted,extruded and intruded.The hydrothermal fluids released as a result of late volcano-degassing and dewatering during crystallization-solidification of magmas,re-sulted in the remobilization,leaching,migration and reconcentration of uranium ,which had been preconcentrated in volcanic rocks.Therefore,specific regional petrogeochemical criteria are expected for the uraniferous volcanic series.