Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Triassic A-type granites in southeastern China: insights from zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical compositions of the Luoguyan and Guiyantou granites in northwestern Fujian Province

Triassic A-type granites in eastern South China Block (SCB) are abundant in the Wuyi–Yunkai tectonic domain and provide an important opportunity to explore the early Mesozoic evolution of continental crust of the SE part of the SCB. We carried out U–Pb zircon dating, Lu–Hf isotope analyses of zircon, and whole-rock geochemical analyses for two granitic plutons, the Guiyantou (GYT) and Luoguyan (LGY) granites, from northwestern Fujian Province. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon analyses yielded ages of 232 ± 4 to 231 ± 7 Ma and 221 ± 5 Ma (Middle-Late Triassic) for the GYT and LGY granites. These two granites belong to metaluminous to weakly peraluminous high K calc-alkaline A-type granite that are enriched in K, Al, light rare earth element and Rb, Th, U, and Pb, and depleted in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti. Their rare earth element patterns are highly fractionated with (La/Yb)_N ratios of 2–21 and strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.02–0.31). In situ Hf isotopic analysis of zircon from the GYT and LGY granites yielded ε_Hf(t) values ranging from –11.5 to –1.1, with corresponding two-stage Hf model ages from 1.98 to 1.33 Ga, from which it is inferred that the GYT and LGY magmas formed by partial melting of Proterozoic metasedimentary rock in the Cathaysia block. The two granites were emplaced at 232 and 221 Ma and together with Triassic A-type granites in coastal region of the SCB, which is in agreement with an extensional tectonic setting in the Middle-Late Triassic. We suggest that the Middle-Late Triassic A-type granites in eastern SCB were probably formed in an intracontinental, post-orogenic extensional regime that collision was between the SCB and an ‘unknown block’ or the eastern extension of Indochina block.     

Subduction and collision processes between the North China and South China blocks constrained by the geochronology and geochemistry of the Wuguan Complex in the Qinling orogen,China

ABSTRACT

The Qinling orogen is a key area for understanding the processes of subduction and collision between the South China Block (SCB) and North China Block (NCB). The Wuguan Complex, distributed along the southern margin of the Shangdan suture zone, can provide important constraints on the age of collision between NCB and SCB and the tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen in Late Paleozoic. Detrital zircons from meta-sedimentary rocks of the Wuguan Complex in the Danfeng-Shangnan area have an age spectrum with two main peaks at ~448 Ma and ~819 Ma, and two subordinate peaks at ~938 and ~1440 Ma, respectively, and are interpreted to have been derived from the North Qinling terrane (NQT). The petrographic and geochemical characteristics of the meta-sedimentary rocks indicate that they were deposited in a fore-arc basin along the southern margin of the NQT. The youngest detrital zircons yield a weighted mean age of 378 ± 3 Ma, indicating that the fore-arc deposition was continuing at least to this time, which implies that the Paleo-Qinling Ocean between the NCB and SCB was not finally closed until at least the late Devonian. In combination with regional data, we propose that sedimentary rocks of the Wuguan Complex might once have been a sequence of late Ordovician to late Devonian strata with intercalated mafic rocks, which has been dismembered by the later tectonic activity. It was metamorphosed during northward subduction of the Paleo-Qinling Ocean at ca. 320 Ma, and slowly cooled through ca. 350°C at ca. 247 Ma (muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age). It has recorded the detailed processes of subduction and collision between the NCB and SCB.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions of two types of supracrustal rocks in the Northeastern Sulu UHP terrane: constraints on the surface boundary between South China and North China

ABSTRACT

There are voluminous ultrahigh pressure-related orthogneisses and minor metamorphic supracrustal rocks in the northeastern Sulu UHP terrane (NSL), East China. The tectonic affinities of the supracrustal rocks are crucial for unravelling the deep continental subduction processes and locating the tectonic suture between the South China (SCB) and North China (NCB) blocks. In this contribution, we report new zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data for the supracrustal rocks and metagabbros in the Zeku region of the NSL. In the Zeku region, the supracrustal rocks are spatially associated with granitic gneisses, metagabbros, and eclogites. Detrital zircon U–Pb analyses yield ages between 3.39 and 0.65 Ga that cluster as three major age populations including (1) 2.15–1.68 Ga with two subpeaks at ~1.83 Ga and~1.97 Ga, (2) 2.45–2.15 Ga with a peak at ~2.37 Ga, and (3) 0.79–0.65 Ga. In addition, there is a small age population between 3.39 and 2.61 Ga. The youngest age population of 0.79–0.65 Ga indicates that the Zeku supracrustal rocks must have been deposited after 650 Ma rather than during the Palaeoproterozoic as previously thought. The 210–190 Ma metamorphic ages suggest that the Zeku rocks were affected by Triassic collision–subduction and exhumation. Most of the Archaean-Palaeoproterozoic zircons have negative ε_Hf(t) values and two-stage Hf model ages concentrating at 2.4–3.4 Ga (peak at ~2.9 Ga), indicating that source rocks of these zircons were mainly derived from recycling of ancient crustal material. These ages, together with the Hf isotopic compositions and rock assemblages, indicate that the Zeku supracrustal rocks were mainly derived from the Precambrian basement rocks of the northern Yangzte Block and have a tectonic affinity to the SCB, rather than the NCB. Our results, together with previously published data, suggest that there are two types of supracrustal rocks with different zircon U–Pb ages and tectonic affinities in the NSL. On the basis of new data, we suggest that the surface boundary between the SCB and NCB in the Jiaodong Peninsula is a complicated tectonic mélange zone rather than a single fault.     

The Late Triassic Dengfuxian A-type granite,Hunan Province: age,petrogenesis, and implications for understanding the late Indosinian tectonic transition in South China

The Triassic (Indosinian) granites in the South China Block (SCB) have important tectonic significance for understanding the evolution of Eastern Asia. The Dengfuxian biotite granite in eastern Hunan Province, China, reported in this article, was recognized as Late Triassic (late Indosinian) weakly peraluminous A-type granite with a zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb age of 225.7 ± 1.6 Ma. It is enriched in F, Cs, Rb, Th, high field strength elements, and rare earth elements (REEs) and depleted in Ba, Sr, P, Ti, Nb, and Ta, with high Ga/Al ratios and zircon saturation temperatures. The Dengfuxian biotite granite shows high initial Sr isotope values (0.715932 to 0.716499) and negative ?_Nd(t) (?10.46 to ?9.67) and ?_Hf(t) (?9.92 to ?6.29) values, corresponding to the Nd model ages of 1.79 to 1.85 Ga and the Hf model ages of 1.65 to 1.88 Ga. It is proposed that the Dengfuxian biotite granite was derived from high-temperature partial melting of the Palaeoproterozoic lower crust undergoing granulitization. Some Late Triassic A-type granites were recently identified in the SCB with the ages between 202 and 232 Ma. These A-type granites have the same geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis as Dengfuxian A-type granite, and show A₂-subtype granite affinity. The Late Triassic A-type granite formed a NE-trending granite belt, which is consistent with the main NE-trending faults in the SCB. The formation of these A-type granites was in response to the subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate underneath the SCB, and indicates an extensional tectonic environment in the SCB. Combined with previous studies on tectonic evolution, we suggest that there may be a tectonic transition inside the SCB from compression to extension at least from 225 to 230 Ma.     

Tectonic evolution of a composite collision orogen: An overview on the Qinling–Tongbai–Hong'an–Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt in central China

The formation of collisional orogens is a prominent feature in convergent plate margins. It is generally a complex process involving multistage tectonism of compression and extension due to continental subduction and collision. The Paleozoic convergence between the South China Block (SCB) and the North China Block (NCB) is associated with a series of tectonic processes such as oceanic subduction, terrane accretion and continental collision, resulting in the Qinling–Tongbai–Hong'an–Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt. While the arc–continent collision orogeny is significant during the Paleozoic in the Qinling–Tongbai–Hong'an orogens of central China, the continent–continent collision orogeny is prominent during the early Mesozoic in the Dabie–Sulu orogens of east-central China. This article presents an overview of regional geology, geochronology and geochemistry for the composite orogenic belt. The Qinling–Tongbai–Hong'an orogens exhibit the early Paleozoic HP–UHP metamorphism, the Carboniferous HP metamorphism and the Paleozoic arc-type magmatism, but the three tectonothermal events are absent in the Dabie–Sulu orogens. The Triassic UHP metamorphism is prominent in the Dabie–Sulu orogens, but it is absent in the Qinling–Tongbai orogens. The Hong'an orogen records both the HP and UHP metamorphism of Triassic age, and collided continental margins contain both the juvenile and ancient crustal rocks. So do in the Qinling and Tongbai orogens. In contrast, only ancient crustal rocks were involved in the UHP metamorphism in the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt, without involvement of the juvenile arc crust. On the other hand, the deformed and low-grade metamorphosed accretionary wedge was developed on the passive continental margin during subduction in the late Permian to early Triassic along the northern margin of the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt, and it was developed on the passive oceanic margin during subduction in the early Paleozoic along the northern margin of the Qinling orogen.Three episodes of arc–continent collision are suggested to occur during the Paleozoic continental convergence between the SCB and NCB. The first episode of arc–continent collision is caused by northward subduction of the North Qinling unit beneath the Erlangping unit, resulting in UHP metamorphism at ca. 480–490 Ma and the accretion of the North Qinling unit to the NCB. The second episode of arc–continent collision is caused by northward subduction of the Prototethyan oceanic crust beneath an Andes-type continental arc, leading to granulite-facies metamorphism at ca. 420–430 Ma and the accretion of the Shangdan arc terrane to the NCB and reworking of the North Qinling, Erlangping and Kuanping units. The third episode of arc–continent collision is caused by northward subduction of the Paleotethyan oceanic crust, resulting in the HP eclogite-facies metamorphism at ca. 310 Ma in the Hong'an orogen and low-P metamorphism in the Qinling–Tongbai orogens as well as crustal accretion to the NCB. The closure of backarc basins is also associated with the arc–continent collision processes, with the possible cause for granulite-facies metamorphism. The massive continental subduction of the SCB beneath the NCB took place in the Triassic with the final continent–continent collision and UHP metamorphism at ca. 225–240 Ma. Therefore, the Qinling–Tongbai–Hong'an–Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt records the development of plate tectonics from oceanic subduction and arc-type magmatism to arc–continent and continent–continent collision.     

大别山超高压变质岩折返机制与华北-华南陆块碰撞过程

古地磁研究表明华北和华南陆块的碰撞始于三叠纪初 ,止于晚侏罗世 ;同位素年代学研究及大别山北部中—上侏罗统砾岩层中榴辉岩砾石的发现表明大别山超高压变质岩形成于三叠纪初 ,并在中—晚侏罗世出露于地表。因此 ,超高压变质岩是在陆陆碰撞过程中完成它的折返出露过程。揭示超高压变质岩的折返历史与机制有助于我们认识大陆的碰撞过程。大别山超高压变质岩及其围岩θ t冷却曲线显示超高压变质岩从 80 0℃到 3 0 0℃经历了三个阶段 :( 2 2 6± 3 )～ ( 2 1 9± 7)Ma期间从80 0℃到 5 0 0℃的第一次快速冷却 ,1 80～ 1 70Ma期间从 4 5 0℃到 3 0 0℃的第二次快速冷却 )和介于两者之间的等温过程。这一具有两次快速冷却的θ t曲线已被近年来的若干年代学数据所证实。超高压变质岩的两次快速冷却事件反映了两次快速抬升过程。在东秦岭及苏鲁地体东端发育的同碰撞花岗岩U Pb年龄值为 2 2 5～ 2 0 5Ma,与超高压变质岩第一次快速冷却时代吻合。这种时代耦合关系表明俯冲板片断离可能是超高压变质岩第一次快速抬升和冷却的重要机制。大别山Pb同位素填图揭示出南大别带超高压变质岩具有高反射成因Pb特征 ,因而源于俯冲的上地壳 ;而北大别带超高压变质岩具有低放射成因Pb特征 ,源于俯冲长英质下地壳。这表明在俯     

Eclogite origin and timings in the North Qinling terrane,and their bearing on the amalgamation of the South and North China Blocks

The amalgamation of South (SCB) and North China Blocks (NCB) along the Qinling‐Dabie orogenic belt involved several stages of high pressure (HP)‐ultra high pressure (UHP) metamorphism. The new discovery of UHP metamorphic rocks in the North Qinling (NQ) terrane can provide valuable information on this process. However, no precise age for the UHP metamorphism in the NQ terrane has been documented yet, and thus hinders deciphering of the evolution of the whole Qinling‐Dabie‐Sulu orogenic belt. This article reports an integrated study of U–Pb age, trace element, mineral inclusion and Hf isotope composition of zircon from an eclogite, a quartz vein and a schist in the NQ terrane. The zircon cores in the eclogite are characterized by oscillatory zoning or weak zoning, high Th/U and ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, pronounced Eu anomalies and steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns. The zircon cores yield an age of 796 ± 13 Ma, which is taken as the protolith formation age of the eclogite, and implies that the NQ terrane may belong to the SCB before it collided with the NCB. The ?_Hf(t) values vary from ?11.3 to 3.2 and corresponding two‐stage Hf model ages are 2402 to 1495 Ma, suggesting the protolith was derived from an enriched mantle. In contrast, the metamorphic zircon rims show no zoning or weak zoning, very low Th/U and ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios, insignificant Eu anomalies and flat HREE patterns. They contain inclusions of garnet, omphacite and phengite, suggesting that the metamorphic zircon formed under eclogite facies metamorphic conditions, and their weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 485.9 ± 3.8 Ma was interpreted to date the timing of the eclogite facies metamorphism. Zircon in the quartz vein is characterized by perfect euhedral habit, some oscillatory zoning, low Th/U ratios and variable HREE contents. It yields a weighted mean U–Pb age of 480.5 ± 2.5 Ma, which registers the age of fluid activity during exhumation. Zircon in the schist is mostly detrital and U–Pb age peaks at c. 1950 to 1850, 1800 to 1600, 1560 to 1460 and 1400 to 1260 Ma with an oldest grain of 2517 Ma, also suggesting that the NQ terrane may have an affinity to the SCB. Accordingly, the amalgamation between the SCB and the NCB is a multistage process that spans c. 300 Myr, which includes: the formation of the Erlangping intra‐oceanic arc zone onto the NCB before c. 490 Ma, the c. 485 Ma crustal subduction and UHP metamorphism of the NQ terrane, the c. 430 Ma arc‐continent collision and granulite facies metamorphism, the 420 to 400 Ma extension and rifting in relation to the opening of the Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean, the c. 310 Ma HP eclogite facies metamorphism of oceanic crust and associated continental basement, and the final 250 to 220 Ma continental subduction and HP–UHP metamorphism.     

Early Mesozoic tectonic transition of the eastern South China Block: constraints from Late Triassic Dashuang complex in eastern Zhejiang Province

ABSTRACT

The Mesozoic tectonic transition from the Palaeo-Tethys tectonic regime to the Palaeo-Pacific tectonic regime in the eastern South China Block has long been debated. Geochemical and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic studies were conducted on the Dashuang complex in the eastern Zhejiang Province. The Dashuang complex consists mainly of quartz syenite in the northwestern part and quartz monzonite in the southeastern part. New laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb data show that the quartz syenite, the quartz monzonite, and its chilled margin (fine-grained granite) crystallized at 235 ± 4 Ma, 232 ± 3 Ma, and 230 ± 1 Ma, respectively. The Dashuang complex intrudes into the Chencai Group gneiss that postdated ~646 Ma and underwent anatexis at 443 ± 14 Ma. The quartz monzonite shows A-type granite affinity, characterized by high K₂O + Na₂O and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y, high FeO_T/(MgO + FeO_T) and Ga/Al ratios, an enrichment in light rare earth elements, and depletions in Ba, Sr, and Eu. The quartz monzonite has zircon ε_Hf(t) values of ?14.2 to –11.9 and two-stage model ages of 1788–1922 Ma. Zircon ε_Hf(t) values of the chilled margin (fine-grained granite) and wall rock (gneiss) are scattered (?18.2 to –6.3 and ?19.5 to 10.2). The corresponding two-stage model ages are 1482–2133 Ma and 1184–2471 Ma, respectively. The Dashuang complex was derived mainly from partial melting of Neoproterozoic clastic rocks in the Cathaysia Block. Geochemical data indicate that the quartz monzonite formed in a post-collision extensional environment. These results, considered with previous data, indicate that the transition from the Palaeo-Tethys to the Palaeo-Pacific tectonic regimes of the eastern South China Block occurred during the Late Triassic (225–215 Ma).     

华北陆块对Rodinia超大陆的响应及其特征

研究揭示华北陆块1300-1000Ma和800-650Ma都存在比较弱的岩浆-变质事件，它们可能对应于华南陆块的碰撞（四堡运动）和裂解事件。华北陆块的四堡期蛇绿混杂岩可能只见于新元古代秦岭造山带中。秦岭造山带北缘识别出了一些花岗质分清入体，它们具有碰撞或碰撞后花岗岩的特征。华北陆块北缘的火山沉积岩生活费不具有离散边界杂岩的特征，它们可能揭示了大陆边缘或者大陆伸展过程。华北陆块与800-650Ma事件相关的岩石主要为来自富集地幔的基性岩墙和来自陆内裂谷的沉积岩，它们很可能与Rodinia裂解有关。沉积学和古生物学特征表明元古宙华北陆块不同华南陆块，而与西伯利亚陆块相似。据此可以认为华北陆块是Rodinia超大陆的一部分，它位于超大陆的边缘，可以不与华南陆块紧邻，而与西伯利亚陆地较近。     

Palaeozoic collision between the North and South China blocks,Triassic intracontinental tectonics,and the problem of the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism

The Qinling–Dabie Belt represents the boundary between the North and South China blocks (NCB, SCB, respectively), where ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) rocks are widespread. A structural study in eastern Qinling and zircon LA ICPMS dating of the migmatites that form the core of the Central Qinling Unit allows us to argue that continental collision occurred in the Silurian, before 400 Ma. In the Late Palaeozoic, from the Devonian to the Permian, the northern margin of SCB experienced a continental rifting. From the Late Permian to Middle Triassic, northward continental subduction of SCB is responsible for the development of a high-pressure metamorphism. The age of the UHP metamorphism remains unsettled yet. A two-time genesis, Early Palaeozoic and Early Triassic, is often preferred, but a single Palaeozoic age followed by a Triassic resetting cannot be ruled out.     

华北东南缘荆山花岗岩成因及其构造意义

对华北东南缘荆山花岗岩进行了锆石U?Pb定年、微量元素和Hf同位素分析,全岩主微量元素和Sr?Nd同位素分析.LA?ICP?MS锆石U?Pb定年结果表明,荆山花岗岩形成于晚侏罗世(160.9±0.8～161.6±1.5 Ma).残留锆石的U?Pb年龄主要为三叠纪和新元古代,分别与大别-苏鲁造山带超高压变火成岩的变质年龄...     

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

ABSTRACT

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

Late Mesozoic magmatism in the Jiaodong Peninsula,East China:Implications for crust-mantle interactions and lithospheric thinning of the eastern North China Craton

A section from the Linglong gold deposit on the northwestern Jiaodong Peninsula,East China,containing Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks from mafic and intermediate dikes and felsic intrusions,was chosen to investigate the lithospheric evolution of the eastern North China Craton(NCC).Zircon U-Pb data showed that low-Mg adakitic monzogranites and granodiorite intrusions were emplaced during the Late Jurassic(～145 Ma) and late Early Cretaceous(112-107 Ma),respectively;high-Mg adakitic diorite and mafic dikes were also emplaced during the Early Cretaceous at～139 Ma and ～118 Ma,and 125-145 Ma and 115-120 Ma,respectively.The geochemical data,including whole-rock major and trace element compositions and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes,imply that the mafic dikes originated from the partial melting of a lithospheric mantle metasomatised through hydrous fluids from a subducted oceanic slab.Low-Mg adakitic monzogranites and granodiorite intrusions originated from the partial melting of the thickened lower crust of the NCC,while high-Mg adakitic diorite dikes originated from the mixing of mafic and felsic melts.Late Mesozoic magmatism showed that lithosphere-derived melts showed a similar source depth and that crust-derived felsic melts originated from the continuously thickened lower crust of the Jiaodong Peninsula from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous.We infer that the lower crust of the eastern NCC was thickened through compression and subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath the NCC during the Middle Jurassic.Slab rollback of the plate from ～160 Ma resulted in lithospheric thinning and accompanied Late Mesozoic magmatism.     

Types,characteristics, and time–space distribution of molybdenum deposits in China

Molybdenum exploration activity in China has accelerated tremendously during the past decade owing to the continuous, increasing demand for Earth resources. China possesses the largest Mo reserves in the world (exceeding 19.6 Mt). The major ore deposits are of porphyry, porphyry–skarn, skarn, vein, and sedimentary types. Porphyry molybdenum deposits contain 77.5% of the Chinese Mo reserves, with lesser amounts in porphyry–skarns (13%), skarns (5.1%), and veins (4.4%). Exploitation of sedimentary-type molybdenum deposits thus far has been uneconomical. The six Mo provinces are in the Northeast China, Yanliao, Qinling–Dabie, middle–lower Yangtze River Valley, South China, and Sanjiang areas. We recognize six ore-forming periods: (1) Precambrian (>541 Ma), (2) Palaeozoic (541–250 Ma), (3) Triassic (250–200 Ma), (4) Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (190–135 Ma), (5) Cretaceous (135–90 Ma), and (6) Cenozoic (55–12 Ma). The abundance of Mo ore deposits in China reflects the occurrence of multiple periods of tectonism, involving interactions between the Siberian, North China, Yangtze, India, and Palaeo-Pacific plates. Precambrian molybdenum deposits are related to Mesoproterozoic volcanism in an extensional setting. Palaeozoic Cu–Mo deposits are related to calc-alkaline granitic plutons in an island arc or a continental margin setting. Triassic Mo deposits formed in the syn-collision–postcollision tectonic setting between the Siberian and North China plates and between the North China and Yangzi plates. Jurassic–Early Cretaceous molybdenum deposits formed along the eastern margin of Asia and are associated with the palaeo-Pacific plate-subduction tectonic setting. Cretaceous Mo deposits are related to high-K calc-alkaline granitic rocks and formed in a lithospheric thinning setting. Cenozoic molybdenum deposits formed in a collision setting between the Indian and Eurasian continents and the subsequent extensional setting.     

Episodic Mesozoic constructional events of central South China: constraints from lines of evidence of superimposed folds,fault kinematic analysis,and magma geochronology

ABSTRACT

The South China block (SCB), located in the convergence zones of the western Pacific subduction tectonic domain and Tethyan tectonic domain, has experienced complex tectonic processes, including the continent–continent collision caused by the closure of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean, and the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. However, due to complex intracontinental deformation and abundant magmatism, there are serious divergences in the corresponding records of the tectonic transformation from Palaeo-Tethys to Palaeo-Pacific. We have analysed the map-scale superimposed fold system developed in central SCB and also inverted the palaeo-stress field based on the fault–slip vectors. On this basis, the deformation styles and superposition mechanism of two-stage folds were recovered to establish the tectonic stress field in early Mesozoic and tectono-magmatic events by combining the chronology of the accompanying syntectonic magma. The early E–W/WNW-trending folds and Triassic magmatic system were identified; these were controlled by the NE–SW-trending compressive stress field, to coordinate with the collisions between the SCB and the Indochina block in the southwest, and the North China block in the north. The late NE/NNE-trending folds superimposed on the early folds in an orthogonal way to form a large-scale dome-basin superimposed fold system, which were controlled by the WNW–ESE-trending compressive stress field. According to the strata relations involved in deformation and the chronology data of magmatic rocks, it could be determined that NE/ENE-trending folds would be formed during the Mid- to Late Jurassic, corresponding to the westward subduction events of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. The establishment of the large-scale superimposed fold styles and the identification of fold deformation in the Triassic and Jurassic are important for understanding the early Mesozoic tectonics of South China, and even for all East Asia continent. In particular, it can provide important temporal and spatial constraints to explain the complex deformation process and geodynamic settings of South China in the early Mesozoic.     

燕山运动与东亚构造体制的转变

构造体制转变的本质是动力学体系的转变。东亚构造体制的转变是从一个汇聚碰撞的动力学体系转变为一个活动大陆边缘的动力学体系。其核心问题是古太平洋板块开始向新生的亚洲大陆下俯冲。在这一独特的动力学体系转变过程中 ,产生了陆缘俯冲消减增生杂岩带 ,火山弧和相关的表壳变形等一系列标志。文中强调以自然的、显著的、易于识别的标志———火山弧的出现代表东亚构造域动力学体系的转变 ;指出翁文灏命名的燕山运动A幕———髫髻山组火山岩下的不整合 ( ( 16 0± 5 )Ma前 )和B幕———张家口组火山岩下的不整合 ( ( 13 5± 1)Ma前 )代表这一转变。也就是说 ,燕山运动是东亚构造体制转变的产物 ,其出现有着深刻的地球动力学背景     

Provenance of detrital zircons in the Late Triassic Sichuan foreland basin: constraints on the evolution of the Qinling Orogen and Longmen Shan thrust-fold belt in central China

In this article, we present in situ U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope data for Upper Triassic detritus in the Sichuan region of northwestern South China, which was a foreland basin during the Late Triassic. The aim is to determine the provenance of sediments in the foreland basin and to constrain the evolution of the surrounding mountain belts. U–Pb age data for the Late Triassic detrital zircons generally show populations at 2.4–2.6 Ga, 1.7–1.9 Ga, 710–860 Ma, 410–460 Ma, and 210–300 Ma. By fitting the zircon data into the tectonic, sedimentologic, and palaeographic framework, we propose that the north Yangtze Block and South Qinling–Dabie Orogen were the important source areas of sediments in the northern part of the foreland basin, whereas the Longmen Shan thrust-fold belt was the main source region for detritus in other parts of the foreland basin. The South Qinling–Dabie Orogen could also have served as a physical barrier to block most detritus shed from the southern North China Block into the foreland basin during the sedimentation of the Xujiahe Formation. Our results also reveal that part of the flysch from the eastern margin of the Songpan–Ganzi region had been displaced into the Longmen Shan thrust-fold belt before the deposition of the foreland basin sediments. In addition, the Lu-Hf data indicate that Phanerozoic igneous rocks in central China show insignificant formation of the juvenile crust.     

华北燕山带:构造、埃达克质岩浆活动与地壳演化(英文)

埃达克质火成岩在中国东部,包括燕山带是很常见的,一般认为它们是下地壳不均匀的镁铁质岩石及/或富集的上地幔岩石在高压(≥1.5 GPa)下部分熔融的结果。在燕山带内埃达克岩浆的形成有一个很长的时间(约190～80 Ma),然而岩浆活动的峰期却与约170～130 Ma间有基底岩石卷入的陆壳收缩期相一致。尽管埃达克质岩浆活动的历史很长,但那种把岩浆活动与岩石圈的拆沉效应相联系的模式似乎是不适当的。在该带内,埃达克质与非埃达克质岩浆活动有一部分是同时的,而且在地理分布上也是相间的,这说明了在下地壳和上地幔岩石的部分熔融中成分是相当不均匀的。侏罗纪及白垩纪熔融作用的热源应当是与古太平洋板块俯冲相关的中生代板底垫托的玄武岩浆。除了局部例外,在燕山带,埃达克质岩浆活动的终结和碱性岩浆活动的开始约在130～120 Ma,在此时期收缩作用使东亚大达200万km~2以上的地区发生了NW—SE向的区域性伸展作用。强烈的地壳伸展仅局限于华北克拉通北缘分布的少数几个变质核杂岩中。陆壳的伸展减薄合理地解释了130～120 Ma间发生高压埃达克质熔融条件的终结,尽管还有局部年轻的埃达克火山活动(约120～80Ma)可以在伸展规模有限而厚的地壳依然存在的地区继续出现。燕山区早白垩世的碱性侵入体中的锆石不存在前寒武纪?     

Anatexis constraints on the post-collisional evolution of the Sulu Orogen,China: evidence from pegmatite veins in migmatite

ABSTRACT

The widespread migmatites in the northwestern part of the Sulu Orogen, China, indicate regional anatexis that is of great significance when discussing the tectonic evolution of this continental orogenic belt. Cathodoluminescence (CL) images, U–Pb ages, and in situ trace element compositions of zircons from four pegmatite veins within these migmatites provide clear evidence for the nature of the post-collisional evolution of the Sulu Orogen. The inherited zircon cores reveal that the protoliths of the migmatites were middle Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks (810–620 Ma) of the South China Block. The protoliths underwent two partial melting events. The mantle domains of the inherited zircons record a Late Triassic (222.0–204.0 Ma) partial melting event that occurred during the exhumation and retrograde metamorphism, after ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism. Subsequent newly grown zircons record a Middle–Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (164.1–125.5 Ma) anatexis event, indicating that the late Mesozoic anatexis started before ca. 164.1 Ma, reached a peak at ca. 152.1 Ma, and ceased at ca. 125.5 Ma. Combined with previous results of studies on the Sulu orogen, the late Mesozoic anatexis suggested that the thickened crust of the Sulu Orogen had started to become unstable before 164.1 Ma. The duration of ~164.1–137 Ma corresponds to a period of transition in the tectonic regime of the Sulu Orogen, enabling the early high-temperature ductile deformation. After ca. 137 Ma, the tectonic regime was fully transformed into extension and the Sulu Orogen underwent rapid thinning and collapse, thus leading to the late medium–low temperature ductile deformation (137–121 Ma) and laying the foundations for the large-scale magmatic emplacement during the late Early Cretaceous (127–115 Ma). These two partial melting events together promoted the rapid exhumation of the Sulu UHP rocks.     

Late Ordovician high-Mg adakitic andesite in the western South China block: evidence of oceanic subduction

The Early Palaeozoic was an important period in the geologic evolution of the South China block (SCB), marking the intracontinental orogen in the Wuyi-Yunkai region. One salient feature of the western SCB is the absence of Early Palaeozoic oceanic subduction-related magmatism. Here, we report the first known occurrence of Late Ordovician andesites from the Shimian area, western SCB. Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb dating reveals that the andesites formed at ca. 451 Ma. They have geochemical features of high-Mg adakitic andesite (HMAA) and are characterized by low K₂O (1.09–2.24 wt.%) and Th (2.50–5.65 ppm) and high MgO (4.02–6.91 wt.%) and Mg# (56–71). Furthermore, their zircon grains display positive ε_Hf(t) (+11.4 to +19.6) and low δ¹⁸O (4.72–6.20‰) values. The andesites are interpreted to have been derived from partial melting of a peridotitic mantle wedge in an oceanic subduction setting and subsequent fractional crystallization. Integrating previous studies of the Qinling-Dabie orogenic belt with the data presented in this contribution, we suggest that the SCB was probably involved in the Early Palaeozoic Andean-type orogeny along the Gondwanan proto-Tethyan margin.