Late Cretaceous redbeds from the Gan-Hang Belt in Southeast China: petrography and geochemistry implications for provenance,source weathering,and tectonic setting

ABSTRACT

The distinct basin and range tectonics in Southeast China were generated by crustal extension associated with subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate during the late Mesozoic. Compared with adjacent granitoids of the ranges, the redbeds of the basins have not been well characterized. In this article, provenance, source weathering, and tectonic setting of the redbeds are investigated by petrographic and geochemical studies of sandstones from the Late Cretaceous Guifeng Group in the Yongchong Basin, Southeast China. Detrital grains are subangular to subrounded, poorly sorted, and rich in lithic fragments. Variable Chemical Index of Alternation values (59.55–79.82, avg. 66.79) and high Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) values (0.67–3.08, avg. 1.40) indicate an overall low degree of chemical weathering and rapid physical erosion of source rocks. Such features are consistent with an active extension tectonic setting. Other chemical indices (e.g. Al₂O₃/TiO₂, Th/U, Cr/Th, Th/Sc, Zr/Sc) also suggest significant first-cycle sediment input to the basin and a dominant felsic source nature. Thus, the Guifeng Group possibly underwent moderate to low degrees of weathering upwards. Sandstone framework models and geochemical characteristics suggest the provenance was likely a combination of passive margin (PM) and active continental margin (ACM) with minor continental island arc (CIA) tectonic settings. Sediment derivation from Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks and Cambrian to Triassic granitoids indicates PM provenance, whereas sediments derived from Jurassic to Cretaceous granitoids suggest ACM and CIA nature. Therefore, the Late Cretaceous redbeds were deposited in a dustpan-like half-graben basin under the back-arc extension regime when Southeast China was possibly influenced by northwestward subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath East Asia.     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Late Cretaceous redbeds in the Gan-Hang Belt,southeast China: implications for provenance,source weathering,and tectonic setting

ABSTRACT

The distinct basin and range tectonics in southeast China were generated in a crustal extension setting during the late Mesozoic. Compared with the adjacent granitoids of the ranges, the redbeds of the basins have not been well characterized. In this article, provenance, source weathering, and tectonic setting of the redbeds are investigated by petrographic and geochemical studies of sandstone samples from the Late Cretaceous Guifeng Group of the Yongchong Basin in the Gan-Hang Belt, southeast China. Detrital grains are commonly subangular to subrounded, poorly sorted, and are rich in lithic fragments. The variable pre-metasomatic Chemical Index of Alternation (CIA* = 62–85), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW = 70.90–98.76, avg. 85.62), Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA = 60.23–98.35, avg. 79.91), and high Index of Compositional Variability (ICV = 0.67–3.08, avg. 1.40) values collectively suggest an overall intermediate degree of chemical weathering and intense physical erosion of the source rocks, but a relatively decreased degree of chemical weathering during the late stage (Lianhe Formation) of the Guifeng Group is observed. Several chemical ratios (e.g. Al₂O₃/TiO₂, La/Th, Cr/Th, Th/Sc, Zr/Sc) also suggest a dominant felsic source nature, significant first-cycle sediment supply, and low sedimentary recycling. Such features are consistent with active extension tectonic setting. Sandstone framework models and geochemical characteristics suggest the provenance is related to passive margin (PM), active continental margin (ACM), and continental island arc (CIA) tectonic settings. Sediment derivation from the Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks and Silurian–Devonian granites indicates a PM provenance, whereas sediments derived from the Early Cretaceous volcanic-intrusive complexes suggest an ACM and CIA nature. Therefore, the Late Cretaceous redbeds were deposited in a dustpan-like half-graben under the back-arc extension regime when southeast China was possibly influenced by northwestward subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath East Asia.     

Geochemistry and provenance of the Miocene sandstones of the Surma group from the Sitapahar anticline,Southeastern Bengal Basin,Bangladesh

Geochemical composition (major and trace elements) of Miocene sandstones of the Surma Group exposed in Sitapahar anticline, Southeastern Bengal Basin was determined to reveal their provenance, tectonic setting and source area weathering conditions. The sandstones are sub-arkosic, sub-lithic and greywacke in composition with abundant low-grade metamorphic, sedimentary lithics (mainly chert with some shale fragments), low feldspars and little volcanic detritus. Compared to the average sandstone value, the Surma Group sandstones are depleted in CaO and enriched in Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ and Na₂O. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values for the Miocene Surma Group sandstones vary from 57 to 73 with an average of 65, indicating low to moderate weathering of the source areas. The geochemical characteristics suggest an active continental margin to passive margin setting for the Surma Group sandstones; preserve the signatures of a recycled provenance that is agreement with sandstone petrography and derivation of these sandstones from felsic source rocks.     

Geochemistry of lower Jurassic shales of the Shemshak Formation, Kerman Province, Central Iran: Provenance, source weathering and tectonic setting

Lower Jurassic shales of the Shemshak Formation of Kerman Province, Central Iran, were analyzed for major and selected trace elements to infer their provenance, intensity of palaeoweathering of the source rocks and tectonic setting. Plots of shales on Al₂O₃ wt.% versus TiO₂ wt.% diagram and Cr (ppm) versus Ni (ppm) diagram indicate that acidic (granitic) rocks constitute the source rocks in the provenance. Average CIA, PIA and CIW values (84%, 92%, 93%, respectively) imply intense weathering of the source material. Plots of shales on bivariate discriminant function diagram reveal an active continental margin setting for the provenance. The inferred tectonic setting for the Lower Jurassic shales of the Shemshak Formation of Kerman Province is in agreement with the tectonic evolutionary history of the Central Iran during the Jurassic period.     

Geochemistry of shales from the Upper Miocene Samh Formation,north Marsa Alam,Red Sea,Egypt: implications for source area weathering,provenance, and tectonic setting

The Upper Miocene shales of the Samh Formation, North Marsa Alam along the Egyptian Red Sea coastal plain were analyzed for major and selected trace elements to infer their provenance, weathering intensity, and tectonic setting. The Samh Formation consists of sandstone underlies by shale and marl intercalations. The Samh shales are texturally classified as mudstones. Mineralogically, these shales consist mainly of smectite and kaolinite, associated with non clay minerals (abundant quartz and trace of plagioclase, microcline, and halite). Compared to post-Archaean Australian shales (PAAS), the Samh shales are highly enriched in SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ and depleted in TiO₂, P₂O₅, Na₂O, MgO, and K₂O contents. The K₂O/Al₂O₃ ratio values indicate predominance of clay minerals over K-bearing minerals. Trace elements like zirconium (Zr), Cr, Pb, Sc, Rb, and Cs are positively correlated with Al₂O₃ indicating that these elements are likely fixed in K-feldspars and clays. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA), and Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) values indicate moderate to intense weathering of the source material in a semiarid climate. The geochemistry results suggest that the Samh shales were deposited in a passive margin of a synrift basin and derived from felsic (granitic) source rocks. The inferred tectonic setting for the Upper Miocene Samh shales in Marsa Alam is in agreement with the tectonic evolutionary history of the Eastern Desert of Egypt during the Upper Miocene.     

Geochemical Signatures of Karlad Lake Sediments,North Kerala: Source Area Weathering and Provenance

In the present study, the lake floor sediments of the Karlad lake, located at higher elevation in Wayanad region of north Kerala, were analyzed for textural characteristics, organic matter, calcium carbonate, major oxides and trace elements. This study was carried out to infer the chemical composition, provenance and intensity of chemical weathering of the source rocks in the lake catchment area. Textural studies signify that lake floor sediments are predominantly as clays (38.75%) followed by sand (36.36%) and silt (25.19%) fractions. The C/N ratio of the lake sediments signify that the sediments are both autochthonous and allochthonous in origin. The major oxides average content reveals the order of abundance as follows; SiO₂ > Al₂O₃ > Fe₂O₃ > TiO₂ > MgO > CaO > K₂O > P₂O₅ > Na₂O > MnO. Moreover, the various weathering indices such as Chemical Index of Alteration (CIAAvg. 93.5%), PlagioclaseIndex of Alteration (PIA- Avg. 95.6%) and Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW- Avg. 95.76%) suggest an intense chemical weathering of the source area. The A-CN-K diagram is also corroborating the same. Various provenance discrimination diagrams reveal that the sediments are derived from the mafic source rocks.     

Provenance and weathering history of the maastrichtian shale member of the Patti Formation,southern Bida Basin,Nigeria

The present study is focused on the geochemical characterization and provenance of the shale member of the Maastrichtian Patti Formation which is well represented at the centre of the southern Bida Basin in Nigeria. The major element composition of the studied shales and clays compare favourably with the reference shales, however, the trace elements vary slightly. Application of binary plot of TiO₂ versus Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃/TiO₂ ratios of the studied shale samples show mixed mafic to felsic igneous sources. The chemical composition (plot of SiO₂ versus Log (K₂O/Na₂O) indicates active to passive continental margin province, however, a minor derivation from recycled provenance is probable. Intense chemical weathering based on the high values of Chemical Index Alteration (CIA), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) and Zr values obtained from the shale and clay samples a warm humid condition is suggested. The high values also probably suggest predominance of clay minerals and low feldspar. This is supported by the XRD (X-Ray Diffractometer) data which indicates predominance of kaolinite in the samples.     

内蒙古阿鲁科尔沁旗陶海营子剖面林西组地球化学特征及其对物源-构造背景的制约

大兴安岭中南段上二叠统林西组发育厚层的暗色泥页岩,是区域上重要的上古生界生烃层系之一。阿鲁科尔沁旗陶海营子剖面是林西组的典型剖面之一,本文以该剖面为研究对象,对取自该剖面林西组的10件砂、泥岩样品进行主量元素、微量元素和稀土元素测试分析。剖面样品元素分析和物源判别函数（F₁-F₂）、Ni-TiO₂、La/Th-Hf图解判别结果表明,陶海营子剖面林西组沉积物来源多样,主要来源于上地壳长英质火成物源区和石英岩沉积物源区,还有少量来自中、基性岩火成物源区。剖面样品微量元素PAAS（后太古庙澳大利亚页岩）标准化蛛网图、稀土元素球粒陨石标准化配分模式图、K₂O/Na₂O-SiO₂、Zr/Th、TiO₂-（TFe₂O₃+MgO）图解、物源构造背景判别函数（F₁-F₂）''的分析判别和剖面样品与不同构造环境砂岩地球化学参数对比结果表明,陶海营子剖面林西组物源构造背景具有被动大陆边缘、活动大陆边缘和大陆岛弧特征,构造背景较复杂。综合分析可知,陶海营子剖面林西组物源主要为被动大陆边缘背景下的火成岩、石英质沉积岩,以及活动大陆边缘和大陆岛弧背景下的火成岩。结合前人相关研究成果,推测兴蒙造山带内伸展作用背景下的晚石炭世-二叠纪岩浆型被动陆缘沉积建造和与俯冲背景有关的古生代弧岩浆岩应该是陶海营子剖面林西组的主要物源。     

扬子地块西缘峨山新元古代A2型花岗闪长岩的成因及构造意义

在扬子地块西缘出露有大量的新元古代岩浆岩,这些岩石对于重建罗迪尼亚超大陆有着重要的意义。本文对云南峨山岩体的花岗闪长岩和似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩开展了详细的岩石学、岩石地球化学和年代学研究,结果表明,似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩侵位于826.6±2.5 Ma,而花岗闪长岩有着较年轻的结晶年龄818.3±2.8 Ma,花岗闪长岩比似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩有着更低的SiO₂含量,但是更高的Al₂O₃、MgO、Fe₂O₃、TiO₂和P₂O₅含量。在稀土元素配分曲线和微量元素蛛网图上,两种岩性呈现出相似的特征,都是具有右倾的稀土元素配分样式,呈现出Eu负异常,相对于大离子亲石元素（LILEs）更亏损高场强元素（HFSEs）。似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩富集Nd同位素组分,而花岗闪长岩与之有着相似的Nd同位素值。地球化学数据显示可能的岩石学成因是变质火成岩源区在826 Ma时发生部分熔融形成了峨山似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩并且残留下来了一个麻粒岩化的源区;麻粒岩源区在818 Ma时再次发生部分熔融形成了具有A型属性的峨山花岗闪长岩。结合前人的数据和本文的研究,认为扬子西缘在新元古代时期是一个活动大陆边缘,而华南地块当时在罗迪尼亚的位置更可能是在边缘而不是中心。     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang formation shales in the Yangtze platform,South China: Implications for depositional setting of shales

Geochemical compositions of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation shales in the southeastern Yangtze Platform margin were investigated for provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional environment. The shale samples are characterized by higher abundances of large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Ba, and Pb), lower abundances of high field strength elements (Cr, Sc, and Co) and transition elements (Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta) relative to average shale. North American shale composition (NASC) -normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are observed, with negative Ce anomalies, negative Eu anomalies, and positive Y anomalies. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) varies from 68.67–74.93. Alkali and alkaline element contents and CIA values suggest that the source rocks have undergone moderate weathering. The index of compositional variability (ICV), Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios vary from 0.53 to 1.07, 5.31 to 8.18 and 0.52–1.02, respectively. ICV values and relationships between Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios indicate negligible sedimentary recycling. The Al₂O₃/TiO₂ (14–26) and TiO₂/Zr (56–77) ratios imply that the source rocks of the investigated shales had intermediate igneous compositions. However, Cr/V ratios and a La/Th–Hf discrimination diagram suggest that the intermediate compositional signal of the source rocks was derived from a mixture of 75% mafic and 25% felsic igneous rocks rather than intermediate igneous rocks. The major source was the Jiangnan continental island arc with bimodal igneous rocks, lying to the south of the study area, together with a contribution from granites and gneisses uplifted and eroded in the Yangtze Block. Discrimination of tectonic setting using major and trace elements indicates that the source rocks originated in a transitional setting from active continental to passive margin, consistent with the failed intracontinental rift model for the evolution of the South China plate. The Niutitang Formation shales were deposited in a rift basin setting under conditions of anoxic bottom water in a redox-stratified water column, with organic-rich shales prospective for shale-gas production being found in deep-water downslope and basin environments rather than the shallow-water shelf.     

Melting of subducted continent: Element and isotopic evidence for a genetic relationship between Neoproterozoic and Mesozoic granitoids in the Sulu orogen

Zircon U-Pb and hornblende Ar-Ar ages, major and trace elements, and Sr, Nd and O isotope compositions of Neoproterozoic and Mesozoic granitoids from the Wulian region in the Sulu orogen of China demonstrate that post-collisional granitoids were generated by Early Cretaceous melting of subduction-thickened continental crust that has geochemical affinities to Neoproterozoic protolith of ultrahigh-pressure metaigneous rocks that were derived from the Yangtze Block. The Mesozoic granitoids share the following features with the Neoproterozoic granites: (1) occurrence of Neoproterozoic U-Pb ages in zircon; (2) strong LREE enrichment but HFSE (Nb, P and Ti) depletion; (3) variable δ¹⁸O values for constituent minerals; (4) significantly negative ε_Nd(t) values with Paleoproterozoic Nd model ages. Thus the two ages of granitoids have a genetic relationship in source nature. However, they differ significantly in both the O isotope composition of zircon and the concentration ratios of fluid-mobile to fluid-immobile elements. These differences are interpreted to reflect differences in the depth of magma sources, and in the nature of subsequent water-rock alteration. The Neoproterozoic granites were derived from hydration melting of Paleoproterozoic crust during breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia at ca. 780 to 740 Ma along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block, with subsequent overprinting of high-T meteoric-hydrothermal alteration and rifting-induced low-¹⁸O magmatism. In contrast, the Mesozoic granitoids were derived from dehydration melting of subduction-thickened crust that was unaffected by meteoric-hydrothermal alteration. The source of the Mesozoic granitoids may be coeval middle-lower crustal counterparts of the Neoproterozoic granites.     

Geochemical fingerprints and pebbles zircon geochronology: Implications for the provenance and tectonic setting of Lower Cretaceous sediments in the Zhucheng Basin (Jiaodong peninsula,North China)

This paper conducts a petrogeochemical analysis of the Lower Cretaceous Laiyang Group’s sandstones, compares the results with the Neoproterozoic and Mesozoic intrusive rocks in the southern Sulu Orogen (also called the Jiaonan Orogen), and performs an LA-ICP-MS zircon geochronology analysis of the granitic gneisses in the conglomerates of the Laiyang Group and the intrusive rocks in the Jiaonan Orogen. The results show that the major element proportions of the Longwangzhuang Formation (LWZ Fm) and Qugezhuang Formation (QGZ Fm) of the Laiyang Group in the Zhucheng Basin are similar. The values of various indices for the LWZ Fm are similar to the average sandstone content of active continental margins, whereas, the values for the QGZ Fm are similar to those of continental island arcs. The comparison shows that the REE characteristics of the LWZ Fm and QGZ Fm of Laiyang Group are similar to those of the Neoproterozoic granitic gneisses in the Jiaonan Orogen but obviously different from those of the Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks. A tectonic setting discrimination diagram reveals that the provenance of the Laiyang Group includes features of active continental margins and continental island arcs. A number of indicators, e.g., the sandstone type, the Chemical Index of Alteration, the Chemical Index of Weathering, the Plagioclase Index of Alteration and the Index of Chemical Constituent Variation, indicated that the sandstones did not undergo intense weathering and were deposited near the source area. The zircon ages of the granitic gneiss material in the conglomerates at the base of the Laiyang Group are 790 ± 8.4 Ma, close to the ages of the Neoproterozoic granitic gneiss in the Jiaonan Orogen (739–819 Ma), and very different from the ages of the Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks. Combining with paleocurrent directions, geochemical character, the Neoproterozoic granitic gneisses in the Jiaonan Orogen may represent the primary provenance of the Laiyang Group in the Zhucheng Basin. During the depositional period of the Laiyang Group, the source rocks did not experience intense weathering, which indicated the Jiaonan Orogen experienced rapid uplift during this time, and coincided with the high exhumed rate of 2.0 km Ma ^?1 from before ca. 128 to 123 Ma in Jiaonan Orogen. The rapid subsidence during the formation of the Laiyang Group in the Zhucheng Basin and the rapid uplift of the Jiaonan Orogen are the result of a single regional extensional event associated with the lithospheric thinning and destruction of North China and peripheral cratons.     

Petrological and geochemical characteristics of mafic rocks from the Neoproterozoic Sugetbrak Formation in the northwestern Tarim Block,China

The Neoproterozoic Sugetbrak Formation in the Aksu area, which is located at the northwest margin of Tarim Block, comprises mafic rocks and provides key records of the evolution of the Rodinia supercontinent. However, the genetic relationship among these mafic rocks exposed in different geographical sections are still unclear. In this study, the petrology, geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry of the mafic rocks exposed in the Aksu-Wushi and Yuermeinark areas have been studied in some ...     

东昆仑中段万宝沟群玄武岩的形成时代和构造意义

万宝沟群位于柴达木地块南缘、东昆仑造山带中段,主要由溢流相玄武岩、火山和陆源碎屑岩以及灰岩组成。万宝沟玄武岩可以分为两类:高Ti碱性玄武岩和低Ti拉斑玄武岩,前者具有高的Ti/Y(502~660)、Nb/Y(0.8~1.6)值和Ti O2含量(2.76%~4.97%),与OIB类似;后者具有相对低的Ti/Y(383~439)、Nb/Y(0.3~0.4)值和Ti O2含量(1.80%~2.49%),与E-MORB类似。SIMS锆石年代学结果表明万宝沟玄武岩形成于新元古代(762±2 Ma)。野外地层和地球化学特征显示万宝沟玄武岩可能形成于大陆裂谷或者初始洋盆环境,代表Rodinia超大陆裂解的峰期阶段。     

Discovery of Cryogenian interglacial source rocks in the northern Tarim,NW China: Implications for Neoproterozoic paleoclimatic reconstructions and hydrocarbon exploration

The Neoproterozoic Earth witnessed major global glaciation events with significant impact on paleoclimate and life evolution. The Tarim Craton in China preserves the records of four glaciation events during the Neoproterozoic which were correlated with the global glaciations, the nature and impact of these with respect to Neoproterozoic paleoclimatic–paleogeographic reconstructions remain unresolved. Here we report the discovery of a suite of source rocks from northeastern Tarim in which the strata formed during 655–635 Ma, corresponding to the interglacial period between the Sturtian and Marinoan diamictites. These source rocks are dominated by black shales and mudstones of up to 300 m thickness, and are characterized by high content of organic matter with TOC (total organic carbon) of 0.46%–3.5% (average 1.64%), vitrinite reflectance R_o of 1.28%–1.60%, and kerogen carbon isotope δ¹³C value between −28.58‰ and −31.89‰. Biomarker compounds indicate that the organic matter in these saprolite source rocks are made up of microorganisms such as algae and bacteria. The Pr and Ph values indicate a weak reducing–oxidizing environment, and most values of CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration) are >68, suggesting an interglacial temperate paleoclimate. The La/Th–Hf and Co/Th–La/Sc relationship suggests that the provenance of these rocks is mainly mixed felsic/mafic rocks. In the Tarim basin, these source rocks comprise an area of up to 90,000 km² within Cryogenian rifts as inferred from seismic reflection profiles. Based on zircon UPb ages of volcanic rocks underlying the shale units, it is inferred the source rock formed during the temperate Sturtian glaciation events with subsequent extensive biotic recovery and high productivity.     

Neoproterozoic granitic gneiss offshore the Shandong Peninsula of Eastern China: the eastward extension of the Sulu Orogenic Belt

The Sulu Orogenic Belt in eastern China has experienced a multistage tectonic evolutionary history. However, its geological evolution has not yet been corroborated by sufficient direct evidence from basement rocks. Chaolian Island on the Qianliyan Uplift provides an opportunity to study the formation and evolution of the Sulu Orogenic Belt using direct geochronological and geochemical evidence. We determined that the characteristic mineral assemblage in the study region is quartz + K-feldspar + perthite + biotite + muscovite. The samples are silica- (SiO₂ = 72.8%–75.8%) and alkali-rich (ALK(Na₂O+K₂O) = 8.7%–9.3%), with high iron-magnesium ratios (FeO*/(FeO*+MgO) = 0.92–0.96) and low CaO and MgO concentrations. Furthermore, they are rich in large-ion lithophile elements K, Rb, Ba, and U, but depleted in high field strength elements Nb, Ta, and Zr. They exhibit high Ga/Al values (Ga × 10⁴/Al = 3.33–3.74) and significant fractionation between light and heavy rare earth elements. The samples are A-type granites. In the discrimination diagrams for granite genesis types, the samples plotted in the post-orogenic A2-type granite region. Secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) zircon U–Pb dating results indicated that the granitic gneiss formed ~782.6–802.3 Ma (Middle Neoproterozoic), consistent with the timing of the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent on the northeastern margin of the Yangtze Plate. Comparing geochemical characteristics and zircon U–Pb ages of the A-type granitic gneisses of the Sulu Orogenic Belt, the Qianliyan Uplift appears to be an extension of the belt across the ocean and is affiliated with the Yangtze Plate. The granitic gneiss on Chaolian Island is related to the formation of a mantle superplume during the breakup of Rodinia, and the northeastern margin of the Yangtze Plate during the Middle Neoproterozoic was located in a back-arc extension setting induced by the subduction of oceanic plates.     

Mesoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic transition: Geochemistry, provenance and tectonic setting of clastic sedimentary rocks on the SE margin of the Yangtze Block, South China

The SE margin of the Yangtze Block, South China is composed of the Mesoproterozoic Lengjiaxi Group and the Neoproterozoic Banxi Group, with Sinian- and post-Sinian-cover. A geochemical study was undertaken on the Mesoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic clastic sediments in order to delineate the characteristics of the sediment source and to constrain the tectonic development and crustal evolution of South China.Our results show that the Mesoproterozoic clastic sediments have a dominant component derived from a metavolcanic-plutonic terrane, with a large of mafic component. There is a minor contribution of mafic rocks and older upper crustal rocks to the provenance. Strong chemical weathering in the source area occurred before transport and deposition. The provenance for the Neoproterozoic clastic sediments was most likely old upper continental crust composed of tonalite–granodiorite-dominated, tonalite–granodiorite–granite source rocks, which had undergone strong weathering and/or recycling. A minor component of older K-rich granitic plutonic rocks and younger volcanogenic bimodal rocks is also indicated.Based on the regional geology, the geochemical data and the inferred provenance, the Mesoproterozoic Group is interpreted as a successive sedimentary sequence, deposited in an extensional/rifting back-arc basin, adjacent to a >1.80 Ga continental margin arc-terrane. The progressive extension/rifting of the back-arc basin was followed by increasing subsidence and regional uplift during continental marginal arc-continent (the Cathaysian Block) collision at 1.0 Ga caused the deposition of the Neoproterozoic Group into back-arc to retro-arc foreland basin. Therefore, the depositional setting of the Proterozoic clastic sediments and associated volcanic rocks within the back-arc basin reflected basin development from an active continental margin (back-arc basin), with extension or rifting of the back-arc basin, to a passive continental margin.     

Sm–Nd isotope geochemistry of metamorphic volcano-sedimentary successions in the São Gabriel Block,southernmost Brazil: evidence for the existence of juvenile Neoproterozoic oceanic crust to the east of the Rio de la Plata craton

Juvenile Neoproterozoic dioritic, tonalitic, trondhjemitic and granodioritic gneisses in the São Gabriel block, southern Brazil, have been identified by geochronologic studies. Age proposals for associated (ultra-)mafic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks, however, range from Archean to Neoproterozoic. Whole rock Sm–Nd analyses presented here support a Neoproterozoic age for these rocks. TDM model ages of the (ultra-)mafic metavolcanic rocks range between 0.65 and 1.35 Ga with ɛNd(t) positive values between 3.16 and 6.87; TDM model ages of metasedimentary and metavolcanoclastic rocks vary between 0.77 and 1.19 Ga with ɛNd(t) values between 1.2 and 6.23; tonalitic calc-alkaline gneisses show ɛNd(t) values of 4.34 and 6.3 and TDM model ages of 0.89 and 0.72 Ga, respectively. A late-kinematic granite (Santa Zélia granite) display slightly negative ɛNd(t) values (−1.6) and a higher TDM model age of about 1.4 Ga. These data support the existence of Meso/Neoproterozoic juvenile oceanic crust and island arc rocks during the Brasiliano orogenic events. The main source rocks of the metasedimentary units are previously formed juvenile rocks. The data also indicate minor assimilation of older crustal material and/or contamination of the melts by radiogenic Nd released from older rocks on the subducting slab. Existence of widespread old sialic crust in the subduction zone environment, however, can be ruled out indicating important orogenic accretion between 0.9 and 0.7 Ga. A geotectonic model for the São Gabriel block and the eastern margin of the Rio de la Plata craton comprises eastward subduction and following accretion of an intra-oceanic island arc between 0.9 and 0.8 Ga and a subsequent westward subduction with formation of an active continental margin at the eastern margin of the Rio de la Plata craton between 0.8 and 0.7 Ga. We postulate that the juvenile rocks of São Gabriel block represent relics of a Neoproterozoic ocean between the Rio de la Plata craton and a continental block (Encantadas block) possibly derived from the Kalahari craton. Subduction and arc accretion began roughly coeval with the initial stages of the break-up of Rodinia (0.9 Ga) and indicate a peripheric Rio de la Plata craton in relation to the Rodinia supercontinent with evolution from a passive margin to an active margin in the beginning of the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano orogenic events.     

Geochronology,geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Laozhaishan dolerite sills in the southeastern margin of the North China Craton and their geological implication

The configuration of the North China craton (NCC) in the Rodinia supercontinent still remains controversial due to few reliable Neoproterozoic magmatism records. Here we report early Neoproterozoic dolerite sill swarms in the Laozhaishan region in the southeastern margin of the NCC. These sills intrude the Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks (Wangshan, Gouhou and Shijia Formations), and are up to several hundred meters in thickness and >30 km in length. Baddeleyites separated from several representative dolerite samples show SIMS ²⁰⁷Pb-²⁰⁶Pb ages varying from 912 ± 4 Ma to 916 ± 4 Ma, which are consistent with concordant zircons U-Pb age of 913 ± 10 Ma. Geochemically, the Neoproterozoic dolerite samples have relatively low rare earth elements (REEs) contents and show weak positive Eu anomalies. Moreover, these dolerite rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb and Ba) and some high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, U, Nd, Ti, Gd) and depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and several HFSEs (e.g., Zr, Th), with geochemical affinities to within-plate tholeiitic basalts. The REE patterns, whole-rock ε_Nd(t) (t = 913 Ma) values varying from −0.60 to +3.12, and in-situ ε_Hf (t) (t = 913 Ma) values between +4.50 to +12.85 suggest that these dolerites were generated by mantle plumes, in which some enriched components were involved. In the context of assembly, growth and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent, together with the recognition of ~913 Ma dolerite swarms in the NCC as well as nearly coeval rift-related magmatism recorded elsewhere on the globe such as the Congo craton and the São Francisco craton, we conclude that the NCC has involved in the evolution of Rodinia and the widespread dolerite swarms indicate the breakup of Rodinia.     

U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic record of zircons from the late Neoproterozoic and Silurian–Devonian sedimentary rocks of the western Yangtze Block: Implications for its tectonic evolution and continental affinity

The relationship of the Yangtze Block with other continental blocks of the Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinents is hotly debated. Here we report U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data for zircons from the latest Neoproterozoic Yanjing Group and the overlying Silurian–Devonian rocks on the western margin of Yangtze Block, which provide critical constraints on the provenance of these sediments and further shed light on the crustal evolution and tectonic affinity of the western Yangtze Block in the context of Rodinia and the subsequent Gondwanaland. Mica schist from the middle part of the Yanjing Group contains dominant Neoproterozoic detrital zircons (0.72–0.80 Ga) with a pronounced age peak at 0.75 Ga. Based on the euhedral to subhedral shapes, high Th/U ratios and exclusively positive εHf(t) values (+ 6 to + 14) for the zircon crystals, and the lack of ancient zircons, we consider the sediments as products of proximal deposition near a Neoproterozoic subduction system in western Yangtze. Combined with the age of rhyolite from the lower part of the Yanjing Group, these strata were estimated to have been deposited in a period between 0.72 and 0.63 Ga. In contrast, the Silurian–Devonian sediments exhibit dominant Grenvillian ages (0.9–1.0 Ga), with middle Neoproterozoic (0.73–0.85 Ga), Pan-African (0.49–0.67 Ga) and Neoarchean (~ 2.5 Ga) age populations, suggesting a significant change of sedimentary provenance and thus a different tectonic setting. Although the shift occurred in the Silurian, the age spectra turn to be consistent along the western margin of the Yangtze Block until the Devonian, indicating persistence of the same sedimentary environment. However, the related provenance of these Paleozoic sediments cannot be found in South China. The presence of abundant Grenvillian, Pan-African and Neoarchean ages, along with their moderately to highly rounded shapes, indicates the possibility of exotic continental terrane(s) as a possible sedimentary provenance. Considering the potential source areas around the Yangtze Block when it was part of the Rodinia or Gondwana, we suggest that the source of these Paleozoic sediments had typical Gondwana affinities such as the Himalaya region, north India, which is also supported by their stratigraphic similarity, newly published paleomagnetic data and the tectono-thermal events of northwestern fragments of Gondwana. This implies that after a prolonged subduction in the Neoproterozoic, the western margin of the Yangtze Block began to incorporate into the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent and was able to accept sediments from northwestern margin of Gondwanaland as a result of early Paleozoic orogeny.