A review of the metallogeny and tectonics of the Lachlan Orogen

Future mineral exploration within eastern Australia will be enhanced by resolving the tectonic evolution of the Lachlan Orogen to establish the spatial and temporal terrane distribution of the various mineral deposits. The Lachlan Orogen, from north-eastern Tasmania through to central and eastern New South Wales, is host to a number of major mineral deposit styles—including orogenic gold (e.g. Stawell, Ballarat, Bendigo), volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (e.g. Woodlawn, Currawong), sediment-hosted Cu–Au (e.g. Cobar Basin deposits), porphyry Au–Cu (e.g. Cadia, Parkes, Cowal) and granite-related Sn (e.g. Ardlethan, Beechworth). Each of these mineral deposit styles is a sensitive and diagnostic indicator of the prevalent tectonic environment during their formation. In this review, we briefly summarise the deposit- to large-scale factors that define the diverse metallogenic evolution of the Lachlan Orogen. This overview is intended to “set the scene” for subsequent specialist papers published in this thematic issue on the metallogeny and tectonics of the Lachlan Orogen in south-east Australia.     

祁连山东段的元古宙陇山群

陇山群是从祁连山东段原“牛头河群”哑岩系下部分解出来的变质岩系，它包括从下到上的大理岩和片麻岩两个岩组。依其片麻岩组先后同位素年代学的研究，主要最早一组年龄值为８１３－８１１Ｍａ，相当中－上元古代。作者从该岩群的出露和展布，认为在构造体系上，它属祁连山带的基底隆起部分，并讨论了赋存在片麻岩组内陈家调铁铜矿床的特征及其地质意义。     

Timing of orogenic events in the Lachlan Orogen

A substantial database of ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages, collected recently from micas in western and central Victoria, has been used in several recent papers as support for continuous, diachronous deformation across western and central Victoria lasting through much of the Early Palaeozoic. This paper reviews these ages, together with field evidence collected over the last ten years. It provides an alternative interpretation, that mica growth and overgrowth in western Victoria was not continuous but episodic, occurring at ca 455 Ma, 440 Ma and 425 Ma, with little or no mica growth recorded from between these times. These ages have been obtained from mica in regional cleavage, crenulation cleavage and in quartz veins, and from across the entire width of the Stawell and Bendigo structural zones of western Victoria. A sharp change in mica ages occurs at the Mt William Fault, east of which no mica growth older than about 380 Ma is recorded. Several ages used in support for diachronous deformation are not related to deformation: an ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of 417 Ma from Chewton is from the aureole of a Devonian granite, and an age of 410 Ma from the Melbourne Zone is shown to contain a substantial amount of inherited mica. If it is accepted that mica growth can be used to date deformation, then the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages indicate episodic, not continuous, deformation in western Victoria (Stawell and Bendigo Zones). The sharp decrease in the deformation age in the Melbourne Zone, east of the Mt William Fault, agrees well with field evidence that shows continuous sedimentation in the Melbourne Zone in the period (Ordovician to mid‐Early Devonian) during which the Stawell and Bendigo zones were undergoing deformation. Some correlation also exists between the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages from western Victoria and well‐constrained deformational events in the eastern Lachlan Orogen. The pattern of deformation has important corollaries in any model that attempts to understand what drives the deformation. While plate convergence must be the ultimate driving force, the pattern is quite inconsistent with deformation of a crust that was being drawn progressively into subduction zones, as proposed in recently published models. Rather, the observed pattern suggests that deformation happened in several very brief events, probably on semi‐rigid plates.     

New seismic images of the crust in the central Trans-Hudson Orogen of Saskatchewan

A reprocessing program to enhance the correlation between the surface geology and the seismic data has been completed for seismic line 9 (eastern 100 km) and line 10 in the central region of the Trans-Hudson Orogen of Saskatchewan, Canada. The new seismic images through lateral continuity of reflectivity provide sufficient detail to resolve the discrepancy between the low-dipping, layer-parallel and dextral-reverse nature of the Sturgeon-Weir shear zone (line 9) observed in the field and its steeply dipping (apparent) normal displacement character interpreted on the basis of the initial processing. Furthermore, the new interpretation provides a strong confirmation of the role of Pelican Thrust as a major detachment zone — the main `sole thrust' — along which juvenile allochthons have been carried across the Archaean microcontinental block. The images are also refined enough to suggest: (a) a boundary within the Pelican Thrust between its internal and external suites; (b) a possible boundary separating a lower (older?) Archaean basement from its upper (younger?) counterpart; and (c) sub-Moho events (M2) which reveal possible involvement of the upper mantle in the collisional tectonic process in addition to the well defined Moho (M1) which probably represents the youngest of the post-collisional detachments.     

Basement geology of the southern Thomson Orogen

Abstract

The diverse geological and geophysical data sets compiled, interrogated and interpreted for the largely undercover southern Thomson Orogen region reveal a Paleozoic terrane dominated by deformed metasedimentary rocks intruded by S- and I-type granites. An interpretive basement geology map and synthesis of geochronological constraints allow definition of several stratigraphic packages. The oldest and most widespread comprises upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician metasedimentary rocks deposited during the vast extensional Larapinta Event with maximum depositional ages of ca 520 to ca 496 Ma. These units correlate with elements of the northern Thomson Orogen, Warburton Basin and Amadeus Basin. The degree of deformation and metamorphism of these rocks varies across the region. A second major package includes Lower to Middle Devonian volcanic and sedimentary units, some of which correlate with components of the Lachlan Orogen. The region also includes a Middle to Upper Ordovician package of metasedimentary rocks and a Devonian or younger package of intermediate volcaniclastic rocks of restricted extent. Intrusive units range from diatremes and relatively small layered mafic bodies to batholithic-scale suites of granite and granodiorite. S-type and I-type intrusions are both present, and ages range from Ordovician to Triassic, but late Silurian intrusions are the most abundant. Two broad belts of intrusions are recognised. In the east, the Scalby Belt comprises relatively young (Upper Devonian) intrusions, while in the west, the Ella Belt is dominated by intrusions of late Silurian age within a curvilinear, broadly east–west trend. The stratigraphic distributions, characteristics and constraints defined by this interpretive basement mapping provide a basic framework for ongoing research and mineral exploration.     

Crustal architecture of the Thomson Orogen in Queensland inferred from potential field forward modelling

The basement rocks of the poorly understood Thomson Orogen are concealed by mid-Paleozoic to Upper Cretaceous intra-continental basins and direct information about the orogen is gleaned from sparse geological data. Constrained potential field forward modelling has been undertaken to highlight key features and resolve deeply sourced anomalies within the Thomson Orogen. The Thomson Orogen is characterised by long-wavelength and low-amplitude geophysical anomalies when compared with the northern and western Precambrian terranes of the Australian continent. Prominent NE- and NW-trending gravity anomalies reflect the fault architecture of the region. High-intensity Bouguer gravity anomalies correlate with shallow basement rocks. Bouguer gravity anomalies below –300 µm/s² define the distribution of the Devonian Adavale Basin and associated troughs. The magnetic grid shows smooth textures, punctuated by short-wavelength, high-intensity anomalies that indicate magnetic contribution at different crustal levels. It is interpreted that meta-sedimentary basement rocks of the Thomson Orogen, intersected in several drill holes, are representative of a seismically non-reflective and non-magnetic upper basement. Short-wavelength, high-intensity magnetic source bodies and colocated negative Bouguer gravity responses are interpreted to represent shallow granitic intrusions. Long-wavelength magnetic anomalies are inferred to reflect the topography of a seismically reflective and magnetic lower basement. Potential field forward modelling indicates that the Thomson Orogen might be a single terrane. We interpret that the lower basement consists of attenuated Precambrian and mafic enriched continental crust, which differs from the oceanic crust of the Lachlan Orogen further south.     

The composition and structure of the deep crust of the Capricorn Orogen

Understanding how the Australian continent came together requires an understanding of structure in all levels of the lithosphere. Deep seismic reflection profiles across several Proterozoic orogens have revealed entirely buried tectonic elements, termed seismic provinces. Although undoubtedly important, the nature of these seismic provinces is typically not well characterised. The Capricorn Orogen is one such region, where the upper crust is relatively well known from geological and geophysical studies, but much of the deep crust is buried beneath Proterozoic basins. Here we combine geophysical datasets, including active and passive source seismic data and gravity data, to image the density, seismic velocity and compositional structure of the deep crust of the Capricorn Orogen. Crustal structure interpreted from deep seismic reflection studies is re-scaled using velocity information from receiver function studies. This modified geometry is used to construct a density model that satisfies Bouguer gravity data. Finally, after correcting for temperature and pressure dependencies, the velocity and density information is used to generate a compositional model of the orogen. This model indicates a varied structure with at least four distinct blocks between the Yilgarn and Pilbara cratons, bounded by major shear zones. We suggest that this variation is linked to multiple accretion events during the amalgamation of the West Australian Craton.     

Tectonic evolution of the Lachlan Orogen,southeast Australia: Historical review,data synthesis and modern perspectives

The Lachlan Orogen,like many other orogenic belts,has undergone paradigm shifts from geosynclinal to plate-tectonic theory of evolution over the past 40 years. Initial plate-tectonic interpretations were based on lithologic associations and recognition of key plate-tectonic elements such as andesites and palaeo-subduction complexes. Understanding and knowledge of modern plate settings led to the application of actualistic models and the development of palaeogeographical reconstructions, commonly using a non-palinspastic base. Igneous petrology and geochemistry led to characterisation of granite types into ‘I’ and ‘S’, the delineation of granite basement terranes, and to non-mobilistic tectonic scenarios involving plumes as a heat source to drive crustal melting and lithospheric deformation. More recently, measurements of isotopic tracers (Nd, Sr, Pb) and U–Pb SHRIMP age determinations on inherited zircons from granitoids and detrital zircons from sedimentary successions led to the development of multiple component mixing models to explain granite geochemistry. These have focused tectonic arguments for magma genesis again more on plate interactions. The recognition of fault zones in the turbidites, their polydeformed character and their thin-skinned nature, as well as belts of distinct tectonic vergence has led to a major reassessment of tectonic development. Other geochemical studies on Cambrian metavolcanic belts showed that the basement was partly backarc basin- and forearc basin-type oceanic crust. The application of ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar geochronology and thermochronology on slates,schist and granitoids has better constrained the timing of deformation and plutonism,and illite crystallinity and b_o mica spacing studies on slates have better defined the background metamorphic conditions in the low-grade parts. The Lachlan deformation pattern involves three thrust systems that constitute the western Lachlan Orogen, central Lachlan Orogen and eastern Lachlan Orogen. The faults in the western Lachlan Orogen show a generalised east-younging (450–395 Ma), which probably relates to imbrication and rock uplift of the sediment wedge, because detailed analyses show that the décollement system is as old in the east as it is in the west. Overall, deformation in the eastern Lachlan Orogen is younger (400–380 Ma), apart from the Narooma Accretionary Complex (ca 445 Ma). Preservation of extensional basins and evidence for basin inversion are largely restricted to the central and eastern parts of the Lachlan Orogen. The presence of dismembered ophiolite slivers along some major fault zones, as well as the recognition of relict blueschist metamorphism and serpentinite-matrix mélanges requires an oceanic setting involving oceanic underthrusting (subduction) for the western Lachlan Orogen and central Lachlan Orogen for parts of their history. Inhibited by deep weathering and a general lack of exposure, the recent application of geophysical techniques including gravity, aeromagnetic imaging and deep crustal seismic reflection profiling has led to greater recognition of structural elements through the subcrop, a better delineation of their lateral continuity, and a better understanding of the crustal-scale architecture of the orogen. The Lachlan Orogen clearly represents a class of orogen, distinct from the Alps, Canadian Rockies and Appalachians, and is an excellent example of a Palaeozoic accretionary orogen.     

秦-祁-昆造山带元古宙副变质岩层碎屑锆石年龄谱研究

根据秦-祁-昆造山带中北大河岩群、湟源岩群、化隆岩群、金水口岩群、陡岭岩群和秦岭岩群等副变质岩层碎屑锆石年龄谱资料,这些原定为古元古代的地层,至少包括测年样品在内的部分地层的时代应属中元古代或新元古代初期.研究资料还显示上述碎屑岩层具有大量中元古代早期的物源,而古元古代蚀源物质较匮乏.因此,上述副变质岩层显示出相近的碎屑锆石年龄谱特征.     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Gudongjing Group in Beishan OrogenSCIEI北大核心CSCD

增生造山带中陆源碎屑岩物源区特征的研究可为解剖造山带结构甚至大陆地壳的形成和演化提供关键证据。北山造山带中部的古硐井群被认为是前寒武纪稳定沉积盖层,是北山造山带存在微陆块的重要依据。本文围绕古硐井群的物源区特征,进行了碎屑颗粒和重矿物统计、全岩主微量元素地球化学分析、碎屑锆石U-Pb年代学和Hf同位素测试。古硐井群碎屑岩的碎屑颗粒多呈棱角状,主要为石英、长石,同时含大量硅质岩碎屑和一定数量的火山岩碎屑;重矿物组成以褐铁矿、锆石、白钛石、尖晶石为主,角闪石、电气石、辉石次之,暗示物源区可能存在蛇绿岩、增生杂岩。全岩主量元素以高硅、高铝、富碱、低锰为特征,结合REE、Cr、Co、Sc和Th等惰性元素含量特征共同指示了长英质的物源区。最年轻的碎屑锆石年龄为443.9±13Ma,表明古硐井群最大沉积时限为晚奥陶世。碎屑锆石的年龄高度集中于470Ma附近,且该区间锆石ε_Hf(t)值多为正值,指示物源区存在大量新生地壳物质。本文推测古硐井群可能形成于增生楔楔顶盆地;研究结果支持北山造山带是古生代持续增生造山的产物这一认识。     

西天山造山带构造单元划分及古生代洋陆转换过程

西天山造山带位于哈萨克斯坦—准噶尔板块与卡拉库姆—塔里木板块的结合部,是由一系列前寒武纪微陆块、古生代洋壳残片及陆缘弧相互拼贴而成的多聚合带、多成矿带,其独特的造山-成矿过程受到了国内外的广泛关注。本文通过构造单元划分与编图,建立了古生代西天山造山带的构造格架,认为古生代西天山造山带的构造演化依次经历了:罗迪尼亚大陆裂解与北天山早古生代多岛洋盆形成阶段(Z-O_2),北天山早古生代多岛洋盆闭合与南天山洋盆开始形成阶段(O_3-S),南、北天山洋晚古生代洋盆形成与发展阶段(D-C_1),南、北天山晚古生代洋盆全面闭合与天山碰撞造山带形成阶段(C1-C_2)和碰撞后板内演化阶段(C_2-P)。     

江南造山带东段东源含钨岩体的岩石化学、矿物学特征研究

东源岩体主要由花岗闪长岩、二长花岗岩、正长花岗岩构成。长石绢云母化、碳酸盐化作用较强,黑云母发生白云母化和轻微绿泥石化蚀变。锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年获得岩体的成岩年龄为晚侏罗世-早白垩世((146.7±4.1)Ma);含有大量新元古代的继承锆石,加权平均年龄为(770.2±9.7)Ma。岩体中黑云母为镁质黑云母,显示寄主岩为壳幔混合来源。岩石地球化学特征总体表现为高钾钙碱性系列-橄榄粗玄岩系列,准铝质-过铝质,相对高的Sr、Ba含量,低Y和Yb,弱的Eu异常(δEu=0.74~0.83),富集轻稀土和大离子亲石元素,亏损高场强元素。初始87Sr/86Sr比值为0.7124,εNd(t)值为–5.53。东源岩体的地球化学特征表现出埃达克质岩的亲缘性,类似于加厚下地壳部分熔融产生的熔体。锆石εHf(t)值为–13.0~–7.0,变化较大。结合区域地质和构造演化,认为在晚侏罗世-早白垩世(约146.7 Ma),古太平洋板块向欧亚大陆的俯冲使先前交代的岩石圈地幔发生部分熔融,幔源岩浆底侵到壳幔过渡带附近,导致下地壳部分熔融,可能与少量的幔源岩浆发生岩浆混合作用,形成了东源岩体。     

Cross‐structures in the Lachlan Orogen: The Lachlan Transverse Zone example

The Lachlan Transverse Zone is a major yet subtle west‐northwest‐trending structure that cuts across the Tasmanides of southeastern Australia. It extends from the western part of the Olepoloko Fault in the west, where it marks the boundary between the Delamerian and Thomson Orogens, across the Lachlan Orogen into the Sydney Basin where it is represented by dykes and intrusions. The western part of the Lachlan Transverse Zone is defined by west‐northwest‐trending faults. In the Eastern Belt of the Lachlan Orogen, it is defined as a corridor of west‐northwest‐trending folds and faults that disrupt major folds and faults which constitute the regional grain of the orogen. The Lachlan Transverse Zone was active in the development of the Lachlan Orogen since at least the Middle Ordovician period. It has influenced the partitioning of upper crustal extensional and contractional deformation, the intrusion of igneous bodies as well as the distribution of copper‐gold deposits in the Eastern Belt of the orogen. The Lachlan Transverse Zone appears to be an extension of the Proterozoic Amadeus Transverse Zone, as well as an extension of a west‐northwest‐trending transform segment in the Tasman Line that controlled the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian breakup of cratonic Australia. For these reasons, we suggest that the Lachlan Transverse Zone represents the reactivation of a fundamental crustal weakness in the cratonic lithosphere that propagated into younger Neoproterozoic to Palaeozoic lithosphere of oceanic and continental character.     

西天山小哈拉军山富钛磁铁矿辉长岩的岩石成因及其构造环境

天山造山带晚古生代构造争议部分源于对晚古生代岩浆岩的岩石成因及其构造环境认识不足。本文对西天山小哈拉军山辉长岩进行了系统的矿物学、岩石学、地球化学和年代学研究,以探讨其岩石成因、地幔源区特征及其形成的构造背景。锆石U-Pb定年分析结果显示小哈拉军山辉长岩形成于早二叠世早期(295±3Ma)。该辉长岩富含钛磁铁矿(含量高达8vol%以上),并且主要造岩矿物如斜长石、单斜辉石、角闪石均显示出富Fe-Ti的特征,表明其形成于富Fe-Ti的岩浆体系。岩相学特征显示,小哈拉军山辉长岩的斜长石结晶早于单斜辉石和角闪石,由角闪石成分估算的岩浆水含量相对较低,暗示了相对干的初始岩浆体系,并且单斜辉石的Al-Ti含量关系显示出板内岩浆的特征,均表明该辉长岩并非岛弧岩浆产物,应形成于拉张构造环境,因此西天山地区在早二叠世早期已处于碰撞后伸展阶段。另外,该辉长岩的全岩富集大离子亲石元素和轻稀土元素,相对亏损重稀土和高场强元素,全岩εNd(t)略亏损(2.34～3.30),Sr同位素比值变化较大(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr=0.7045～0.7067),表明岩浆来源于富集的地幔源区,可能与造山带形成之前的俯冲板片组分的交代富集相关。由于西天山地区在早二叠世已处于造山后的伸展阶段,是塔里木大火成岩省范围内地幔柱活动最易于表现的地区,而小哈拉军山辉长岩与相邻的哈拉达拉富V-Ti磁铁矿层状辉长岩具有相似的岩浆源区和矿化特征,并具有密切的时空关系,很可能都为塔里木早二叠世地幔柱活动的产物。     

Blueschist metamorphism during accretion in the Lachlan Orogen, south-eastern Australia

Low‐T, intermediate to high‐P assemblages indicative of the prehnite–pumpellyite, greenschist and blueschist facies are preserved in mélange zones and slivers of oceanic crust within two major fault zones of the turbidite‐dominated Lachlan Orogen. In one of these fault zones (Governor Fault Zone), blueschists occur as Franciscan‐like blocks in a serpentinite/talc matrix that is interleaved with phyllites and slates, and structurally overlain by a fault slice or duplex of predominantly pillow basalt, chert, and turbidite. The blueschist metavolcanics are interpreted to have formed at < 450 °C and at a depth of approximately 21–27 km. The presence of blue amphibole in the blocks, rinds and matrix indicate that the metavolcanics were emplaced in the matrix prior to blueschist metamorphism. Blocks and matrix were partially exhumed, interleaved with tectonic slices of phyllite and slate, and subsequently folded at about 10–12 km depth, inferred from b_o values of the dominant mica fabric in the phyllites and slates. Metamorphic P–T is highest in the structurally lowest slice (mélange zone) and lowest in the overlying ophiolitic fault slice, suggestive of an accretionary burial metamorphic pattern formed by underplating of the mélange. In the other fault zone (Heathcote Fault Zone), blueschists transitional to greenschist facies are interpreted to have formed at < 450 °C and at a depth of approximately 15–21 km. They occur as blocks in serpentinite/talc‐matrix mélange and are also associated with fault slices of oceanic crust. Textural and mineralogical evidence suggests that the protoliths for the blueschists in both fault zones were boninitic pillow lavas. The metamorphic facies and patterns, and the structural and lithological associations, can be interpreted in terms of disruption of oceanic crust and overlying sediments during subduction, and formation of serpentinite‐matrix mélange overprinted by blueschist metamorphism either prior to or during underplating of the mélange and duplex formation. The presence of blueschist metavolcanics indicate that these processes occurred at considerable depth. These interpretations have implications for the evolution of large‐scale fault zones in noncollisional, convergent oceanic settings.     

东昆仑早古生代变质演化:来自浪木日石榴斜长角闪岩的记录SCIEI北大核心CSCD

东昆仑造山带近年来被厘定为早古生代高压-超高压变质带。带内广泛出露早古生代的中-高级变质基性岩,这些岩石记录了不同的变质温压和多期的变质年龄,是反演和制约东昆仑早古生代变质演化的重要样品。本文选取东昆仑浪木日地区的石榴斜长角闪岩为研究对象,开展了变质岩石学及锆石年代学研究。石榴斜长角闪岩呈团块状出露在黑云二长片麻岩中,主要组成矿物为石榴子石、角闪石、斜长石、透辉石和石英,含少量黑云母、绿泥石、金红石、钛铁矿和榍石。石榴子石变斑晶的核部含有绿帘石、角闪石、斜长石、金红石和石英包裹体,其成分从核部到边部,锰铝榴石逐渐降低、钙铝榴石和Mg/(Mg+Fe;)比值逐渐升高,为进变质作用形成的环带。岩石中的矿物结构关系和成分特征显示其经历了进变质、峰期变质和退变质三个阶段的变质演化,变质温压分别为:T≈610℃和P≈6.5kbar、T≈700℃和P≈10.5kbar以及T≈650℃和P≈4.5kbar。这三阶段的变质作用构成顺时针的变质P-T轨迹,指示岩石经历进变质升温升压至峰期阶段,随后经历近等温降压的退变质阶段。同时该P-T轨迹特征表明岩石形成于俯冲-碰撞的构造背景。对石榴斜长角闪岩中的锆石进行SIMS U-Pb定年,得到492.8±5.1Ma的谐和年龄。锆石的形态特征与典型的变质锆石一致,其内包裹的石榴子石、角闪石和斜长石组合与岩石的峰期矿物组合一致。因此,锆石在峰期变质阶段结晶,所测年龄~493Ma为角闪岩相峰期变质年龄。本文研究的石榴斜长角闪岩与该区高压-超高压榴辉岩在野外产状、P-T轨迹和变质年龄等方面密切相关,暗示ca.490Ma是该区高压-超高压变质作用的一个重要时间节点。石榴斜长角闪岩和榴辉岩之间的变质差异,表明东昆仑早古生代经历了多阶段的变质作用,不同岩石记录了原特提斯洋俯冲-碰撞过程的不同阶段。本文获得的变质P-T轨迹和变质年龄可为进一步探究东昆仑早古生代高压-超高压变质作用提供限定。     

秦岭造山带东段秦岭岩群的年代学和地球化学研究

对东秦岭地区的陕西省洛南县、宁陕县、长安县和河南省淅川县出露的四个秦岭岩群变质岩进行的岩石学和地球化学研究表明,样品主要由变质火山岩和变质沉积岩组成.详细的锆石U-Pb定年结果显示三个正变质岩均形成于新元古代早期(971～843Ma),而副变质岩中富集大量新元古代碎屑锆石,根据最年轻的谐和年龄(859Ma)和早古生代的变质年龄,推测其沉积时代为新元古代中晚期.因此,北秦岭南部的秦岭岩群的变质岩主要由新元古代早期的火成岩和新元古代中晚期的沉积岩组成.变质作用主要发生在加里东期,局部有燕山期的变质作用叠加.指示北秦岭的造山作用主要发生在早古生代.岩石地球化学研究还显示秦岭岩群的新元古代火山岩均形成于火山弧构造环境,沉积岩沉积于大陆弧-活动大陆边缘环境,指示秦岭造山带在新元古代早期是一个火山弧.秦岭岩群的火山岩和沉积岩在形成时代和构造环境方面与扬子克拉通西缘的特征非常相似,表明位于北秦岭造山带的秦岭岩群应归属于扬子克拉通陆块,是扬子北缘的一个大陆边缘弧.     

秦岭造山带内宁陕断裂带构造演化及其意义

宁陕断裂是秦岭造山带内部发育的一条近东西向区域性断裂。研究表明,宁陕断裂运动学性质为左行走滑,变形早期为韧性变形,晚期叠加脆性变形。早期变形形成的同变形变质矿物的⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar定年结果显示,变形时代为169~162Ma左右,属于秦岭造山带碰撞后陆内变形阶段产物。宁陕左行走滑断裂的存在暗示着在中晚侏罗世之前,现今南秦岭构造带很可能分属于两个不同的构造单元。宁陕断裂北西侧具有古老变质基底,并有大量早中生代花岗岩体侵入;南东侧只发育中上元古宙浅变质火山-沉积组合,发育晚元古宙-早古生代基性侵入岩脉及一些碱性岩脉。中晚侏罗世-早白垩世期间,围绕着扬子地块西缘和北缘,发生过左行走滑变形,这可能与扬子地块在这个时期的顺时针旋转相关。     

秦岭造山带主要构造岩石地层单元的构造性质及其大地构造意义

秦岭造山带由三大套构造岩石地层单位所构成，即１、二类不同的前寒武纪基底岩系；２、晚元古代－中三叠世主造山时期受板块构造和垂向增生构造控制的相关构造岩石地层单元；３、中新生代后造山期的陆内断陷与前陆和后陆盆地沉积及广泛的花岗岩浆活动。它们反映着秦岭带三个主要演化时期，在不同构造体制下的三种不同的基本地壳物质组成与结构。它们记录着秦岭造山带长期发展历史中的不同演化阶段的多种造山作用及其不同动力学机制的丰富信息。