“Crustal splitting and the emplacement of Pyrenean lherzolites and granulites”—A reply to M.W. Fischer

The emplacement of Pyrenean lherzolites is a fascinating problem to tackle because of the unusual location of the lherzolites within sediments and the numerous constraints which are currently available on the Pyrenean belt (plates kinematics, petrology, structural geology, geochemistry, geophysics). Our model [1] represents an attempt to integrate the emplacement of lherzolites within the geodynamic evolution of the Pyrenees. However, on the basis of imprecise statements and observations, and neglecting or quoting incorrectly several previous works. Fischer [2] considers that we failed to address a number of problems relevant to the evolution of the North Pyrenean Fault Zone. Most of his comments find an answer in a careful reading of our article; nevertheless the following points must be clearly emphasized.     

Synchronous uplift of the lower crust of the Ivrea Zone and of Southern Calabria and its possible consequences for the Hercynian orogeny in Southern Europe

Along the border of the Adriatic microplate, pre-Alpine granulite-facies rocks from the deepest crust are outcropping at only two places: in the Ivrea Zone of the Southern Alps and in Southern Calabria. In these two areas the main features of the present crustal structures, i.e. overlapping of large continental crustal and upper mantle segments, are interpreted as resulting from their Hercynian geodynamic evolutions.The tilted, nearly complete crustal sections in both areas display very similar lithological sequences and experienced a common geological evolution, as deduced from petrological and radiometric dates. At the end of Hercynian time (～295 m.y.), the Ivrea body and the lower crustal rocks of Southern Calabria were contemporaneously sheared off from the upper mantle and uplifted into intermediate crustal levels, where they slowly cooled during Mesozoic time. The tectonic uplift was accompanied by granitoid plutonism and andesitic to rhyolitic volcanism, which continued after the Hercynian uplift.Considering the presently similar crustal structures and the Upper Carboniferous and Permian geological evolutions along the whole Adriatic plate boundary, the Ivrea Zone and Southern Calabria are used to resolve the pre-Alpine history of the boundary zone between the Adriatic and the Central European block: the uplift of the lower crustal/upper mantle flakes of the Adriatic block was due to flat overthrusting of these flakes on the continental crust of “Central Europe”. The material of the Central European crust underthrust (subducted) thereby melted during the re-equilibration of the geotherms which had been disturbed by the subduction process; this led to an extensive calc-alkaline plutonism and volcanism of crustal origin along the Adria boundary. In this boundary region, the overlying uppermost crustal levels (“Schiefergebirgsstockwerk”) were synchronously folded (“Asturian phase”) in response to the overlapping of the deeper crustal levels. Subsequently to the orogeny, the mountain chain was eroded and molasse basins developed on the overthrust Adriatic crustal segment during the Lower Permian.In this model, the granulite-facies flakes of the Ivrea Zone and of Southern Calabria are interpreted as pre-Hercynian lower crustal segments which were thrust into the middle crust during the Hercynian orogeny, thus giving rise to wave velocity inversions in the crust. Further, it is proposed that similar geodynamic processes have played a role in the genesis of the Conrad discontinuity which is present in many parts of the Hercynian fold belt. But only in the Ivrea Zone and in Southern Calabria the crustal discontinuities formed in Hercynian time were uplifted to the surface as a result of Alpine reactivation of the Adriatic boundary zone and due to their special positions in the bends of the Alpine-Apennine-Maghrebide mountain system.According to the present knowledge of the Carboniferous paleogeography and of the orogenic evolution on both sides of the Adria sufure zone, this fault zone was located within the European continent. Its role during the Hercynian orogeny is discussed envisaging two possibilities: an A-subduction zone or a subfluence zone (in the sense of Behr and Weber).     

Age and significance of the North Pyrenean metamorphism

³⁹Ar-⁴⁰Ar and ⁸⁷Rb-⁸⁷Sr studies of some metamorphic minerals from the North Pyrenean zone indicate that they crystallized about 92–104 m.y. ago on the east, 85 m.y. or older on the west. An amphibole from a lherzolite in the eastern area gives a plateau age at 103 m.y. The North Pyrenean metamorphism is shown to be a thermal effect of forcible lherzolite emplacement along the North Pyrenean zone. This latter process is related to the early breakup of the Europe-Iberia plate during the middle Cretaceous time.     

Implications of the seismic structure for the orogenic evolution of the Pyrenean Range

The dynamic evolution of the Pyrenees is discussed in the light of geophysical data. Recent deep seismic sounding have revealed the crustal structure of the Pyrenees which is used to test the different evolutionary models proposed until now.The crustal thickness of the Paleozoic Axial Zone (PAZ) and the North Pyrenean Zone (NPZ) differ by more than 10 km, ranging from about 30 km in the NPZ to 40–50 km in the PAZ. The transition from PAZ to the NPZ, identified at the surface as the North Pyrenean Fault (NPF), is sharp at depth and marked by a vertical step, at least in the eastern half of the range. The NPZ is characterized by additional throws and dips of the Moho in the east whereas in the west a heterogeneous middle to lower crust is encountered, with high velocity anomalies. The seismic results suggest that the PAZ and the NPZ belong to different plates, the NPF being the plate boundary. These results are inconsistent with evolutionary models involving lithospheric subduction or crustal doubling and intracratonic rifting with the main tectonic lineations following NNE-SSW directions. They rather suggest that after a period of extension, two main orogenic events took place: a phase involving shearing and thinning which affected mainly the present-day NPZ and a later compressive phase which explains the building up of the chain, the thickening of the crust and the enhancement of a pre-existing difference in crustal thickness between the European and Iberian plates.     

Crustal thickness beneath the Tanlu fault zone and its tectonic significance based on two-layer H-κ stacking

Tanlu fault zone(TLFZ)is the largest active fault zone in eastern China.It is characterized by complex tectonic evolution and multiple faults and marks the boundary between the North and South China blocks.An in-depth understanding of the distinct crustal structures of both parts of the TLFZ will provide valuable insights into the lithospheric and crustal thinning in eastern China,extensive magmatism since the Mesozoic,and formation mechanisms of metallogenic belts along the Yangtze River.In this study,a two-layer H-κ stacking approach was adopted to estimate the thicknesses of the sediment and crystalline crust as well as the corresponding vp/vs ratios based on high-quality teleseismic P-wave receiver functions recorded by permanent and temporary stations in and around the TLFZ.The geological units in the study region were delineated,especially the crustal structures beneath extensive sedimentary basins on both sides of the TLFZ.The following conclusions can be drawn:(1)The crustal thickness in and around the TLFZ greatly varies depending on the segment.In the northern segment,the crust is relatively thin beneath the eastern part of the Songliao Basin,a broad uplift of the Moho can be observed,and the Moho descends from south to north.The crust below the central and southern segments becomes thinner from west to east.The thickness of the crust is less than 30 km toward the eastern side of the boundary between the Jiangsu and Anhui provinces,that is,significantly thinner than in other areas.In terms of the vp/vs ratios,high anomalies were detected in the central-southern segments of the TLFZ,indicating the upwelling of deep mantle magma via deep faults.(2)Positive isostatic gravity anomalies were observed in the eastern part of the northern segment of the TLFZ and in the eastern part of the Suwan segment.The crustal thickness is smaller than that obtained from the Airy model of isostasy.This suggests that the lower crust in this area may have experienced intensive transformation processes,which may be related to crustal thinning(caused by crustal extension)and the strong uplift of the mantle in eastern China.The isostatic gravity anomalies between the eastern and western parts of the TLFZ indicate that the fault zone plays a dominant role in controlling the development of the deep crustal structure.(3)Significant crustal thinning was observed beneath the eastern part of the boundary between the Jiangsu and Anhui provinces in the southern segment of the TLFZ,suggesting that this area is prone to lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton.Due to the subduction,compression,and retreat of the Paleo-Pacific Plate during the Yanshanian Period as well as the dehydration of subducting oceanic crust(within subduction zones),the asthenosphere and oceanic crust in eastern China partially melted,resulting in mantle enrichment.The basic magma from the mantle is accumulated at the base of the crust,leading to magmatic underplating.In areas with weak topography toward the east of the TLFZ,magma rises to the upper crust and surface,resulting in the enrichment of multiple'metal deposits in this area.     

太行山构造带壳幔结构分段性特征

分别利用纯S波波形反演和T函数法计算了太行山构造带及其邻近地区100km以上的壳幔剪切波速度结构,结果显示太行山构造带在南、中、北段的壳幔结构存在明显差异。南段邢台邯郸地区地壳中比较突出的特点是下地壳存在一个厚度近10km的低速层;中段石家庄—保定地区靠近山脉的各台地壳结构相对比较稳定,越向盆地区发展,结构愈加复杂化;北段到达北京地区,由于该区是太行山与燕山构造带的交汇地区,中下地壳出现薄高低速转换层位,呈现不稳定状态。沿太行山构造带东缘是地震活动带-河北平原地震带,通过对比速度结构与地震空间分布,发现不同区段小震分布特点与地下低速或不稳定结构关系密切。结合该区域上地幔速度结构特征,认为太行山中段与华北地区中新生代以来的岩石圈大规模减薄运动关系密切,而南北两段当前地幔物质比较活跃,构造运动相对更为强烈。     

Platinum-group element micronuggets and refertilization process in Lherz orogenic peridotite (northeastern Pyrenees,France)

Highly siderophile elements (Platinum-group elements, Au and Re) are currently assumed to reside inside base metal sulfides (BMS) in the convecting upper mantle. However, fertile lherzolites sampled by Pyrenean orogenic peridotite massifs are unexpectedly rich in 0.5–3 µm large micronuggets of platinum-group minerals (PGM). Among those, sulfides from the laurite-erlichmanite series (Ru, Os(Ir)S(As)₂), Pt–Ir–Os alloys and Pt–Pd–Te–Bi phases (moncheite–merenskyite) are predominant. Not only the BMS phases but also the PGM micronuggets must be taken into account in calculation of the PGE budget of orogenic fertile lherzolites. Laurite is a good candidate for equilibrating the whole-rock budget of Os, Ir and Ru while accounting for supra-chondritic Ru/Ir_N. Textural relationships between PGMs and BMS highlight heterogeneous mixing between refractory PGMs (laurite/Pt–Ir–Os alloys) inherited from ancient refractory lithospheric mantle and late-magmatic metasomatic sulfides precipitated from tholeiitic melts. “Low-temperature” PGMs, especially Pt–Pd bismuthotellurides should be added to the list of mineral indicators of lithosphere refertilization process. Now disseminated within fertile lherzolites, “lithospheric“ PGMs likely account for local preservation of ancient Os model ages (up to 2 Ga) detected in BMS by in-situ isotopic analyses. These PGMs also question the reliability of orogenic lherzolites for estimating the PGE signature of the Primitive Silicate Earth.     

太行山重力梯级带的密度结构及其地质解释

斜贯中国东部地区的大兴安岭 -太行山 -武陵山重力梯级带是一条地壳深部构造变异带。选择与其中段———太行山重力梯级带相垂直的阜平 -定州剖面 ,利用人工地震测深与布格重力异常资料 ,进行了地壳 -上地幔密度反演分析。结果表明 ,该剖面的地壳 -上地幔密度分布具有明显的不均匀性。总体特征是剖面西部密度较低 ,东部密度较高 ,地壳厚度的横向变化基本上决定了布格重力异常梯级带的形成。结合华北地区的中新生代构造演化 ,认为太行山重力梯级带是燕山期以后形成的 ,它与板块之间的相互作用及上地幔热物质的运动相关     

A petrologic model for the constitution of the upper mantle and crust of the Koolau shield,Oahu, Hawaii,and Hawaiian magmatism

A petrological model for the uppermost upper mantle and crust under the Koolau shield to a depth of about 60 km has been derived on the basis of petrology of the upper mantle and crustal xenoliths in nephelinites of the Honolulu Volcanic Series. Three main xenolith suites exist in the Koolau shield: dunites, spinel lherzolites, and garnet-bearing pyroxenites. On the basis of mineralogy, it is inferred that the dunites represent cumulates in shallow crustal tholeiitic magma chambers, the spinel lherzolites form a thick (～ 40 km) layer in the upper mantle, and the garnet pyroxenite suite occurs as veins and stringers in the spinel lherzolites at about 60 km depth.The eruption sequence in a Hawaiian volcano, i.e., tholeiite → transitional basalt → alkali basalt, is generated by partial melting of a volatile-bearing garnet-lherzolite part of a lithospheric plate as it rides over a hot spot. If the tholeiite, transitional, and alkali basalts of Hawaiian volcanoes are generated at the same depth, then the observed sequence of lavas requires replenishment of the source area with volatiles and gradual decrease of the degree of partial melting with time. Post-erosional olivine nephelinites are produced from isotopically distinct, deeper source area, which may be the asthenosphere.     

Dynamics of thinning and destruction of the continental cratonic lithosphere: Numerical modeling

Thinning of the cratonic lithosphere is common in nature, but its destruction is not. In either case, the mechanisms for both thinning and destruction are still widely under debate. In this study, we have made a review on the processes and mechanisms of thinning and destruction of cratonic lithosphere according to previous studies of geological/geophysical observations and numerical simulations, with specific application to the North China Craton (NCC). Two main models are suggested for the thinning and destruction of the NCC, both of which are related to subduction of the oceanic lithosphere. One is the “bottom-up” model, in which the deeply subducting slab perturbs and induces upwelling from the hydrous mantle transition zone (MTZ). The upwelling produces mantle convection and erodes the bottom of the overriding lithosphere by the fluid-melt-peridotite reaction. Mineral compositions and rheological properties of the overriding lithospheric mantle are changed, allowing downward dripping of lithospheric components into the asthenosphere. Consequently, lithospheric thinning or even destruction occurs. The other is the “top-down” model, characterized by the flat subduction of oceanic slab beneath the overriding cratonic lithosphere. Dehydration reactions from the subducting slab would significantly hydrate the lithospheric mantle and decrease its rheological strength. Then the subduction angle may be changed from shallow to steep, inducing lateral upwelling of the asthenosphere. This upwelling would heat and weaken the overriding lithospheric mantle, which led to the weakened lithospheric mantle dripping into the asthenosphere. These two models have some similarities, in that both take the subducting oceanic slab and relevant fluid migration as the major driving mechanism for thinning or destruction of the overriding cratonic lithosphere. The key difference between the two models is the effective depth of the subducting oceanic slab. One is stagnation and flattening in the MTZ, whereas the other is flat subduction at the bottom of the cratonic lithosphere. In the NCC, the eastern lithosphere was likely affected by subduction of the Izanagi slab during the Mesozoic, which would have perturbed the asthenosphere and the MTZ, and induced fluid migration beneath the NCC lithosphere. The upwelling fluid may largely have controlled the reworking of the NCC lithosphere. In order to discuss and analyze these two models further, it is crucial to understand the role of fluids in the subduction zone and the MTZ. Here, we systematically discuss phase transformations of hydrous minerals and the transport processes of water in the subduction system. Furthermore, we analyze possible modes of fluid activity and the problems to explore the applied feasibility of each model. In order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms for thinning and destruction of cratonic lithosphere, we also consider four additional possible dynamic models: extension-induced lithospheric thinning, compression-induced lithospheric thickening and delamination, large-scale mantle convection and thermal erosion, and mantle plume erosion. Compared to the subduction-related models presented here, these four models are primarily controlled by the relatively simple and single process and mechanism (extension, compression, convection, and mantle plume, respectively), which could be the secondary driving mechanisms for the thinning and destruction of lithosphere.     

渤海海峡及周边区域地壳结构的层析成像特征

渤海海峡是连接中国东部山东半岛和辽东半岛的重要途径,其跨海通道的地壳稳定性研究受到高度关注.本文利用地震层析成像方法重建三维P波速度模型,揭示了渤海海峡及周边区域地壳和上地幔的构造特征.结果表明,渤海海峡的速度结构存在明显的非均匀性,海峡北部地壳速度较高,结构较为完整,断层活动不明显,与现今较弱的地震活动相吻合,但是地壳底部存在低速薄层,它有可能成为地壳和上地幔之间的滑脱带,需要开展进一步的研究加以确认.相比之下,海峡南部地壳速度偏低,附近区域地震活动频繁,与张家口—蓬莱断裂带通过于此有着密切的联系,该断裂持续不断的地震活动对海峡南部的地壳结构产生了较大的影响.在渤海南部,郯庐断裂带东、西两侧的地壳结构明显不同,西侧速度偏高,东侧至渤海海峡速度偏低,这一特征可能与此地区广泛发育的断层和地震活动有关.另外,受华北克拉通破坏及地幔上涌的影响,渤海地区地壳深部和上地幔速度偏低,郯庐断裂带及渤海海峡附近显示出深部热流的活动迹象,反映了岩石圈减薄和软流圈的局部抬升.     

Vertical tectonism in oceanic fracture zones

Anomalous topographic highs are found along many large oceanic fracture zones, frequently in the form of transverse ridges elongated parallel to the fractures both within and outside of the transform zone. These crustal highs are one or more kilometers shallower than the adjacent “normal” crust of equivalent age. Their elevation is frequently higher than the axial zone of lithospheric accretion. Geophysical and petrological data from the Vema, St. Paul, Romanche (Atlantic Ocean), Owen (Indian Ocean), Alula (Gulf of Aden), and other fracture zones suggest that the anomalous transverse ridges are not the result of excess volcanism, but rather of tectonic uplift of upper mantle and crustal blocks.Factors which may determine vertical tectonism along fracture zones include: (1) horizontal thermal conduction across a fracture zone from a lithospheric accreting segment; (2) viscodynamic forces operating in a fracture zone close to its intersection with an accreting segment; and (3) compressional and tensional horizontal stresses operating along a fracture zone, and created by several causes, the major one being small changes in the direction of spreading. Among these various factors, compressional and tensional horizontal stresses are probably the main cause of vertical tectonism in fracture zones. During the vertical motion of upper mantle/crustal blocks, ultramafic rocks, due to their physical properties, are uplifted preferentially.One of the implications of fracture zone vertical tectonism is that the age/depth of the crust relationship may not apply in regions with large fracture zones. In one well-documented case, a transverse crustal block at the Romanche fracture zone subsided during the last 5 m.y. at an average rate more than one order of magnitude faster than crust of equivalent age.     

Significance of lherzolite at the Etang de Lherz,central Pyrenees,southern France

Geologic relationships in the central Pyrenees of southern France demonstrate that lherzolite has been emplaced, as a plastic solid, into middle or upper Cretaceous calcareous rocks; that it has been eroded and clastic peridotite debris deposited in rocks of approximately the same age as those it intruded; and that it has also been juxtaposed against Cretaceous limestone or marble along or within the North Pyrenean fault zone. There are at least three types of late Cretaceous lherzolite breccias known from this region.Metamorphism of the country rock and penetrative deformation of the lherzolite and marble took place during shearing. Shearing was accompanied by an important period of motion (perhaps 85–100 m.y. ago) along the North Pyrenean fault and an associated thermal event which involved temperatures of 400 ± 100°C. Cretaceous metamorphism along the North Pyrenean fault zone was not due to forcible primary hot intrusion of lherzolite.     

Sr–Nd isotope ratios of gabbroic and dioritic rocks in a Cretaceous-Paleogene granite terrain, Southwest Japan

Abstract Whole‐rock chemical and Sr and Nd isotope data are presented for gabbroic and dioritic rocks from a Cretaceous‐Paleogene granitic terrain in Southwest Japan. Age data indicate that they were emplaced in the late Cretaceous during the early stages of a voluminous intermediate‐felsic magmatic episode in Southwest Japan. Although these gabbroic and dioritic rocks have similar major and trace element chemistry, they show regional variations in terms of initial Sr and Nd isotope ratios. Samples from the South Zone have high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7063–0.7076) and low initial Nd isotope ratios (?_Nd, ?2.5 to ?5.3); whereas those from the North Zone have lower initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (usually less than 0.7060) and higher Nd isotope ratios (?_Nd, ?0.8 to + 3.3). Regional variations in Sr and Nd isotope ratios are similar to those observed in granitic rocks, although gabbroic and dioritic rocks tend to have slightly lower Sr and higher Nd isotope ratios than granitic rocks in the respective zones. Limited variations in Sr and Nd isotope ratios among samples from individual zones may be attributed partly to a combination of upper crustal contamination and heterogeneity of the magma source. Contamination of magmas by upper crustal material cannot, however, explain the observed Sr and Nd isotope variations between samples from the North and South Zones. Between‐zone variations would reflect geochemical difference in magma sources. The gabbroic and dioritic rocks are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE), showing similar normal‐type mid‐ocean ridge basalt (N‐MORB) normalized patterns to arc magmas. Geochronological and isotopic data may suggest that some gabbroic and dioritic rocks are genetically related to high magnesian andesite. Alternatively, mantle‐derived mafic or intermediate rocks which were underplated beneath the crust may be also plausible sources for gabbroic and dioritic rocks. The magma sources (the mantle wedge and lower crust) were isotopically more enriched beneath the South Zone than the North Zone during the Cretaceous‐Paleogene. Sr and Nd isotope ratios of the lower crustal source of the granitic rocks was isotopically affected by mantle‐derived magmas, resulting in similar initial Sr and Nd isotope ratios for gabbroic, dioritic and granitic rocks in each zone.     

Numerical simulation of the detachment dynamics in North China Basin

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华北东部晚中生代伸展构造作用

本文在对华北东部晚中生代变质核杂岩、原型裂陷盆地群分布特征研究的基础上,结合区域地壳和上地幔的地球物理场特征,分析了变质核杂岩构造、裂陷盆地群的主要控制因素和岩石圈巨大减薄作用的形成机理,阐明了华北东部晚中生代的构造演化受太平洋板块俯冲效应、扬子板块碰撞挤压和软流圈大规模上涌联合作用的控制,而地表、中－上地壳分界和Moho界面是深部地质过程和浅部地质构造之间耦合的关键界面.     

渤海湾地区壳幔结构重磁综合研究

渤海湾盆地是华北克拉通破坏的中心,其东部渤海海域深部结构研究对认识华北克拉通破坏范围及动力学过程具有重要意义.为此,本文选取自河北新城经天津静海沿东南方向进入渤海海域的剖面进行重磁反演,研究其地壳结构特征.通过对该地区文献调研及2010年渤海海陆联测初步结果建立初始模型,结合本地区密度、磁化率特征进行二度半体重磁异常反...     

Subduction and retreating of the western Pacific plate resulted in lithospheric mantle replacement and coupled basin-mountain respond in the North China Craton

The North China Craton (NCC) witnessed Mesozoic vigorous tectono-thermal activities and transition in the nature of deep lithosphere. These processes took place in three periods: (1) Late Paleozoic to Early Jurassic (～170 Ma); (2) Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (160–140 Ma); (3) Early Cretaceous to Cenozoic (140 Ma to present). The last two stages saw the lithospheric mantle replacement and coupled basin-mountain response within the North China Craton due to subduction and retreating of the Paleo-Pacific plate, and is the emphasis in this paper. In the first period, the subduction and closure of the Paleo- Asian Ocean triggered the back-arc extension, syn-collisional compression and then post-collisional extension accompanied by ubiquitous magmatism along the northern margin of the NCC. Similar processes happened in the southern margin of the craton as the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys ocean and collision with the South China Block. These processes had caused the chemical modification and mechanical destruction of the cratonic margins. The margins could serve as conduits for the asthenosphere upwelling and had the priority for magmatism and deformation. The second period saw the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk ocean and the shear deformation and magmatism induced by the drifting of the Paleo-Pacific slab. The former led to two pulse of N-S trending compression (Episodes A and B of the Yanshan Movement) and thus the pre-existing continental marginal basins were disintegrated into sporadically basin and range province by the Mesozoic magmatic plutons and NE-SW trending faults. With the anticlockwise rotation of the Paleo-Pacific moving direction, the subduction-related magmatism migrated into the inner part of the craton and the Tanlu fault became normal fault from a sinistral one. The NCC thus turned into a back-arc extension setting at the end of this period. In the third period, the refractory subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) was firstly remarkably eroded and thinned by the subduction-induced asthenospheric upwelling, especially those beneath the weak zones (i.e., cratonic margins and the lithospheric Tanlu fault zone). Then a slightly lithospheric thickening occurred when the upwelled asthenosphere got cool and transformed to be lithospheric mantle accreted (～125 Ma) beneath the thinned SCLM. Besides, the magmatism continuously moved southeastward and the extensional deformations preferentially developed in weak zones, which include the Early Cenozoic normal fault transformed from the Jurassic thrust in the Trans-North Orogenic Belt, the crustal detachment and the subsidence of Bohai basin caused by the continuous normal strike slip of the Tanlu fault, the Cenozoic graben basins originated from the fault depression in the Trans-North Orogenic Belt, the Bohai Basin and the Sulu Orogenic belt. With small block size, inner lithospheric weak zones and the surrounding subductions/collisions, the Mesozoic NCC was characterized by (1) lithospheric thinning and crustal detachment triggered by the subduction-induced asthenospheric upwelling. Local crustal contraction and orogenesis appeared in the Trans-North Orogenic Belt coupled with the crustal detachment; (2) then upwelled asthenosphere got cool to be newly-accreted lithospheric mantle and crustal grabens and basin subsidence happened, as a result of the subduction zone retreating. Therefore, the subduction and retreating of the western Pacific plate is the outside dynamics which resulted in mantle replacement and coupled basin-mountain respond within the North China Craton. We consider that the Mesozoic decratonization of the North China Craton, or the Yanshan Movement, is a comprehensive consequence of complex geological processes proceeding surrounding and within craton, involving both the deep lithospheric mantle and shallow continental crust.     

Age of amphibolites associated with alpine peridotites in the Dinaride ophiolite zone,Yugoslavia

Amphibolites associated with alpine peridotites in the Central Ophiolite zone in Yugoslavia have K-Ar ages of 160–170 m.y. These amphibolites and associated peridotites underwent deep-seated metamorphism prior to tectonic emplacement into the sedimentary-volcanic assemblage of the Dinarides. The alpine peridotites and associated local rocks of the ophiolite suite are interpreted as Jurassic oceanic crust and upper mantle.     

华北地区地震和深部构造关系及其破裂机制探讨

华北地区的地震活动格外活跃, 其地壳深部构造的独特性决定了其地震活动性。 多条地学断面和地震剖面等地球物理研究表明, 华北地区的地震带(即活动构造带)一般均存在低速体或上地幔上隆; 华北强震区的地球物理详细勘测发现, 强震区也都存在低速体或上地幔上隆。 应用应力摩尔圆和库伦破裂准则, 利用上涌模型和地壳减薄模型研究地壳岩石破裂机制, 结果表明, 存在上地幔上隆和低速体的地区的地壳岩石比其它地区更易于发生破裂。 华北地区的地壳深部构造决定了地震的空间分布格局。