Subduction of a fossil slow–ultraslow spreading ocean: a petrology-constrained geodynamic model based on the Voltri Massif,Ligurian Alps,Northwest Italy

Slow–ultraslow spreading oceans are mostly floored by mantle peridotites and are typified by rifted continental margins, where subcontinental lithospheric mantle is preserved. Structural and petrologic investigations of the high-pressure (HP) Alpine Voltri Massif ophiolites, which were derived from the Late Jurassic Ligurian Tethys fossil slow–ultraslow spreading ocean, reveal the fate of the oceanic peridotites/serpentinites during subduction to depths involving eclogite-facies conditions, followed by exhumation.

The Ligurian Tethys was formed by continental extension within the Europe–Adria lithosphere and consisted of sea-floor exposed mantle peridotites with an uppermost layer of oceanic serpentinites and of subcontinental lithospheric mantle at the rifted continental margins. Plate convergence caused eastward subduction of the oceanic lithosphere of the Europe plate and the uppermost serpentinite layer of the subducting slab formed an antigorite serpentinite-subduction channel. Sectors of the rather unaltered mantle lithosphere of the Adria extended margin underwent ablative subduction and were detached, embedded, and buried to eclogite-facies conditions within the serpentinite-subduction channel. At such P–T conditions, antigorite serpentinites from the oceanic slab underwent partial HP dehydration (antigorite dewatering and growth of new olivine). Water fluxing from partial dehydration of host serpentinites caused partial HP hydration (growth of Ti-clinohumite and antigorite) of the subducted Adria margin peridotites. The serpentinite-subduction channel (future Beigua serpentinites), acting as a low-viscosity carrier for high-density subducted rocks, allowed rapid exhumation of the almost unaltered Adria peridotites (future Erro–Tobbio peridotites) and their emplacement into the Voltri Massif orogenic edifice. Over in the past 35 years, this unique geologic architecture has allowed us to investigate the pristine structural and compositional mantle features of the subcontinental Erro–Tobbio peridotites and to clarify the main steps of the pre-oceanic extensional, tectonic–magmatic history of the Europe–Adria asthenosphere–lithosphere system, which led to the formation of the Ligurian Tethys.

Our present knowledge of the Voltri Massif provides fundamental information for enhanced understanding, from a mantle perspective, of formation, subduction, and exhumation of oceanic and marginal lithosphere of slow–ultraslow spreading oceans.     

Jurassic–Cretaceous tectonic evolution of Southeast China: geochronological and geochemical constraints of Yanshanian granitoids

We report results of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry-based dating, as well as the analysis of bulk-rock major and trace elements, and Sr–Nd isotopes to address the genesis and tectonic settings of the Yanshanian granitoids in neighbouring sections of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Anhui provinces (the WZG region) within the Yangtze block. Geochronological results indicate that intense magmatic activity took place during Jurassic to Cretaceous time in the WZG region. Three episodes can be clearly distinguished by their bulk-rock geochemistry. (1) Early–Middle Jurassic granitoids (180–170 Ma) have high Sr and low Yb content, high ?_Nd(t) and low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and weakly negative Eu anomalies. These granitoids are strongly enriched with LREE, Rb, K, and Th but are depleted of HREE, Nb, and Ta. (2) Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous granitoids (165–140 Ma) have relatively low Sr and low Yb contents, as well as low ?_Nd(t) and high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, with characteristics similar to those of the Early–Middle Jurassic granitoids in terms of the rare earth element and trace element patterns. (3) Early Cretaceous granitoids (140–120 Ma) have extremely low Sr and high Yb concentrations, as well as high SiO₂ but low MgO, CaO, and Al₂O₃ content, with strong negative anomalies in Eu, Ba, Sr, P, and Ti. These characteristics indicate that the WZG Jurassic granitoids were related to northwestward subduction of the Izanagi plate, whereas the Early Cretaceous granitoids formed in a within-plate extensional setting. The time of transition between the two tectonic environments can be constrained to ～140 Ma. This tectonic transition may be attributed to progressive slab roll-back of the Izanagi plate. The presence of two A-type granite belts in the WZG region probably reflects lithospheric thinning. The NE trend of the A-type granite belts indicates that this extension in Southeast China was controlled by underflow of the Izanagi plate.     

Geochronology and provenance of detrital zircons from late Palaeozoic strata of central Jilin Province,Northeast China: implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Here we present new U–Pb and Hf isotopic data for detrital zircons obtained from six samples of late Palaeozoic units from central Jilin Province, Northeast China, and use these data and sedimentary formations to constrain the late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern segment of the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The majority of the detrital zircons from the six samples are euhedral–subhedral and exhibit oscillatory zoning, indicating a magmatic origin. Zircons from sandstones in the Devonian Wangjiajie and Xiaosuihe formations yield seven main age populations (399, 440, 921, 1648, 1864, 1911, and 2066 Ma) and two minor age populations (384 and 432 Ma), respectively. Zircons from a quartz sandstone in the Carboniferous Luquantun Formation yield four age populations (~332, 363, 402, and 428 Ma), and zircons from quartz sandstones of the Permian Shoushangou, Fanjiatun, and Yangjiagou formations yield age populations of 265, 369, 463, 503, and 963 Ma; 264, 310, 337, 486, and 529 Ma; and 262, 282, 312, 338, 380, 465, and 492 Ma, respectively. These data, together with the ages of magmatic zircons from interbedded volcanics and biostratigraphic evidence, as well as analysis of formations, give rise to the following conclusions. (1) The Wangjiajie and Xiaosuihe formations were deposited in an extensional environment during Middle and Middle–Late Devonian time, respectively. The former was sourced mainly from ancient continental material of the North China Craton with minor contributions from newly accreted crust, while the latter was sourced mainly from newly accreted crust. (2) The Luquantun Formation formed in an extensional environment during early–late Carboniferous time from material sourced mainly from newly accreted crust. (3) The Shoushangou, Fanjiatun, and Yangjiagou formations formed during a period of rapid uplift in the late Permian, from material sourced mainly from newly accreted crust.     

Irregular western margin of the Yangtze block as a cause of variation in tectonic activity along the Longmen Shan fault zone,eastern Tibet

On 12 May 2008 and 20 April 2013, respectively, the devastating magnitude 7.9 (Wenchuan) and magnitude 7.0 (Ya’an) earthquakes struck the southwestern Longmen Shan fault zone (LMSFZ), the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. These events were notable because they occurred in a heavily populated area and resulted in severe damage and loss of life. Here we present an integrated analysis of potential field anomalies and a crustal-scale seismic reflection image to investigate the crustal structure and some tectonic relationships associated with these devastating events. Our results show that the western margin of the Yangtze crustal block possesses an irregular margin that extends westward beyond the LMSFZ to the northeast and merges gradually with the LMSFZ to the southwest. We interpret this variation in deep structure to create a lateral heterogeneity in the local stress regime that explains the observed variations in fault geometry and slip distribution, as well as seismicity, of the LMSFZ. This structural complexity results in a differential build-up of stress as the Tibetan Plateau is being extruded eastward. Thus, the results of this research can help identify potential natural hazard zones and focus efforts on hazard mitigation.     

东秦岭—大别造山带南、北缘晚白垩世以来构造演化的石英ESR年代学研究

运用α石英热活化ESR定年法对东秦岭—大别造山带南、北缘58件样品进行了研究。结果显示,东秦岭—大别造山带南、北缘ESR年龄范围主要集中在晚白垩世以来(99.2～3.4 Ma)。结合区域地质事实分析,晚白垩世以来,东秦岭—大别造山带南缘的构造演化可划分为73.1～52.3 Ma伸展断陷期、39.1～27.2 Ma伸展-挤压的转换期和22.8～3.4 Ma挤压期;东秦岭—大别造山带北缘的构造演化可划分为89～70.1 Ma挤压隆升期、61.6～43.2 Ma伸展断陷期、37.2～22.6 Ma伸展-挤压的转换期和15.6～3.9 Ma挤压期。东秦岭—大别造山带南缘和北缘新生代构造演化特征基本相同,但是受多种因素控制,东秦岭—大别造山带南、北缘晚白垩世的构造演化存在较大差异。ESR测年结果与东秦岭—大别造山带南、北缘已有的地质事实相吻合,验证了ESR测年的可靠性。     

库车坳陷中部构造分层差异变形特征和构造演化

基于地表露头调查、地震资料解释、钻井及与盐相关的构造样式分析,对库车坳陷中部构造变形特征进行研究。结果表明:库车坳陷中部具有南北分带、东西分段、垂向分层的变形特征。以库姆格列木群膏盐岩为界可以分为盐上构造层、盐构造层、盐下构造层及基底构造层4层结构。该区域主要发育收缩构造样式及盐构造样式,盐上构造层、盐构造层及盐下构造层的构造样式及分布具有明显差异。盐上层主要发育逆冲断层及褶皱,盐岩层则以盐流动构造样式为主,盐下层则发育逆冲叠瓦断层等大规模推覆构造。研究区具有明显的分段变形特征,可划分为博孜—却勒构造段、大北—西秋构造段、克深—西秋构造段、克拉3—东秋构造段,其差异性主要表现为地表线性褶皱带分布、盐构造样式、盐下构造变形的差异。区域构造演化剖面研究表明库车坳陷主要经历了中生代伸展坳陷盆地(三叠纪—白垩纪)、新生代早期"挠曲"盆地(古近纪—中新世)及新生代晚期前陆盆地(上新世—第四纪)的演化过程。现今构造主要形成于库车组沉积的中晚期。     

Hydrodynamic Evolution and Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Dabashan Foreland Thrust Belt,China

There are two plays in the Dabashan foreland tectonic belt: the upper and the lower plays. The lower play experienced one sedimentary hydrodynamic stage, two burial hydrodynamic stages, two tectonic hydrodynamic stages and two infiltration hydrodynamic stages from the Sinian to the Cenozoic, while the upper play had one sedimentary hydrodynamic stage, one burial hydrodynamic stage, two tectonic hydrodynamic stages and one infiltration hydrodynamic stage from the Permian to the Cenozoic. Extensive flows of both sedimentary water, including hydrocarbons, and deep mantle fluid occurred in the Chengkou faults during collision orogeny in the Middle-Late Triassic Indosinian orogeny, and fluid flow was complicated during intracontinental orogeny in the Middle-Late Jurassic. In addition to these movements, infiltration and movement of meteoric water took place in the Chengkou faults, whereas in the covering-strata decollement tectonic belt, extensive sedimentary water flow (including hydrocarbons) occurred mainly in the Zhenba and Pingba faults. During the stage of rapid uplift and exhumation from the Cretaceous to the Cenozoic, the fluid flow was characterized mainly by infiltration of meteoric water and gravity-induced flow caused by altitude difference, whereas sedimentary water flow caused by tectonic processes was relatively less significant. Sedimentary water flow was more significant to the lower play in hydrocarbon migration and accumulation during collision orogeny in the Middle-Late Triassic Indosinian orogeny, but its influence is relatively slight on the upper play. On one hand, hydrodynamics during intracontinental orogeny in the Middle-Late Jurassic adjusted, reformed or oven destroyed oil reservoirs in the lower play; on the other hand, it drove large amounts of hydrocarbons to migrate laterally and vertically and is favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation. Infiltration hydrodynamics mainly adjusted and destroyed oil reservoirs from the Cretaceous to the Cenozoic.     

Geochemistry of Permian Mafic Igneous Rocks from the Napo‐Qinzhou Tectonic Belt in Southwest Guangxi,Southwest China: Implications for Arc‐Back Arc Basin Magmatic Evolution

The Napo-Qinzhou Tectonic Belt (NQTB) lies at the junction of the Yangtze, Cathaysia and Indochina (North Vietnam) Blocks, which is composed of five major lithotectonic subunits: the Qinzhou-Fangcheng Suture Zone (QFSZ), the Shiwandashan Basin (SB), the Pingxiang-Nanning Suture Zone (PNSZ), the Damingshan Block (DB) and the Babu-Lingma Suture Zone (BLSZ). On the basis of geochemical compositions, the Permian mafic igneous rocks can be divided into three distinct groups: (1) mafic igneous rocks (Group 1) from the Longjing region in the PNSZ and Hurun region in the BLSZ, which are characterized by intermediate Ti, P and Zr with low Ni and Cr contents; (2) mafic igneous rocks (Group 2) from the Naxiao and Chongzuo region in the DB, characterized by low-intermediate Ti, P and Zr with high Ni and Cr concentrations; and (3) mafic igneous rocks (Group 3) from the Siming region in the Jingxi carbonate platform of the northwestern margin of the NQTB, with intermediate-high Ti, P and Zr and low Ni and Cr contents. The Group 1 rocks yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 250.5±2.8 Ma and are geochemically similar to basalts occurring in back-arc basin settings. The Group 2 rocks exhibit geochemical features to those basalts in island arcs, whereas the Group 3 rocks show geochemical similarity to that of ocean island basalts. All three groups are characterized by relatively low εNd(t) values (–2.61 to +1.10) and high initial 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios (0.705309–0.707434), indicating that they were derived from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle and experienced assimilation, fractional crystallization, and crustal contamination or mixing during magmatic evolution. Accordingly, we propose the existence of an arc-back arc basin system that developed along the NQTB at the border of SW Guangxi Province (SW China) and northern Vietnam, and it was formed by continued northwestward subduction of the Cathaysian (or Yunkai) Block under the Yangtze Block, and northeastward subduction of the Indochina Block beneath the Yangtze Block during Permian time.     

Xiba Granitic Pluton in the Qinling Orogenic Belt,Central China: Its Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

Xiba granitic pluton is located in South Qinling tectonic domain of the Qinling orogenic belt and consists mainly of granodiorite and monzogranite with significant number of microgranular quartz dioritic enclaves. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb isotopic dating reveals that the quartz dioritic enclaves formed at 214±3 Ma, which is similar to the age of their host monzogranite (218±1 Ma). The granitoids belong to high-K calc-alkaline series, and are characterized by enriched LILEs relative to HFSEs with negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, and right-declined REE patterns with (La/Yb)N ratios ranging from 15.83 to 26.47 and δEu values from 0.78 to 1.22 (mean= 0.97). Most of these samples from Xiba granitic pluton exhibit εNd(t) values of ?8.79 to ?5.38, depleted mantle Nd model ages (TDM) between 1.1 Ga and 1.7 Ga, and initial Sr isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr)i from 0.7061 to 0.7082, indicating a possible Meso- to Paleoproterozoic lower crust source region, with exception of samples XB01-2-1 and XB10-1 displaying higher (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.779 and 0.735, respectively, which suggests a contamination of the upper crustal materials. Quartz dioritic enclaves are interpreted as the result of rapid crystallization fractionation during the parent magmatic emplacement, as evidenced by similar age, texture, geochemical, and Sr-Nd isotopic features with their host rocks. Characteristics of the petrological and geochemical data reveal that the parent magma of Xiba granitoids was produced by a magma mingling process. The upwelling asthenosphere caused a high heat flow and the mafic magma was underplated into the bottom of the lower continent crust, which caused the partial melting of the lower continent crustal materials. This geodynamic process generated the mixing parent magma between mafic magma from depleted mantle and felsic magma derived from the lower continent crust. Integrated petrogenesis and tectonic discrimination with regional tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen, it is suggested that the granitoids are most likely products in a post-collision tectonic setting.     

柴达木周缘金属矿床成因类型、成矿规律与成矿系列

位处青藏高原东北部、古亚洲构造域与特提斯构造域结合部位的柴达木盆地周缘地区,是一个具有复杂构造演化历史的多旋回复合造山区.同时,该区也是我国重要的、极富潜力的金属成矿带.在综合分析以往多年工作成果基础之上,较系统总结研究了区域成矿地质构造背景、区域构造演化、主要矿床类型、区域成矿规律与成矿系列.结果表明:该区地质构造演化主要经历了前寒武纪古陆形成、早古生代造山、晚古生代—早中生代造山和中新生代叠复造山等4个构造旋回.其中,早古生代和晚古生代—早中生代构造旋回与区内金属成矿关系密切;总结出6个主要矿床成因类型,分属于拉伸裂解构造背景的喷气-沉积矿床组合(包括VMS型、SEDEX型)和与造山过程有关的造山矿床组合(包括斑岩型、矽卡岩型、热液脉型、造山带型金矿等);该区成矿作用具有多期、多矿种和多类型的特点,初步总结划分出5个金属矿床成矿系列,即与新元古代—寒武纪裂解有关的铜多金属矿床成矿系列、与奥陶—志留纪裂解有关的铜钴铅锌多金属矿床成矿系列、与晚加里东陆-陆碰撞有关的金多金属矿床成矿系列、与晚古生代裂解有关的铜多金属矿床成矿系列、与晚华力西—印支期造山有关的铁铜铅锌金多金属矿床成矿系列.