Middle−Late Triassic southward-younging granitoids: Tectonic transition from subduction to collision in the Eastern Tianshan−Beishan Orogen, NW China

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qigui Mao ◽  
Songjian Ao ◽  
Brian F. Windley ◽  
Zhiyong Zhang ◽  
Miao Sang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Triassic ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Accretionary Complex ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Eastern Tianshan ◽  
Nw China ◽  
Tectonic Transition ◽  
High K ◽  
Closure Mechanism ◽  
Oceanic Slab

To constrain the closure mechanism and time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, we report new geochronological and geochemical data for Triassic granites along a NW−SE corridor from Eastern Tianshan to Beishan, NW China. Seven granites have U-Pb ages that young southwards from 245 Ma to 234 Ma in the Kanguer accretionary complex, to 237 Ma to 234 Ma in the eastern Central Tianshan block, to 229 Ma to 223 Ma in the Liuyuan accretionary complex. Granites in the Kanguer accretionary complex formed by fractional crystallization and are peraluminous, high-K, calc-alkaline, and crust-derived. They have very low MgO (Mg# = 6−9), Cr, and Ni contents, and their high εNd(t) (+3.40) and εHf(t) (+4.49 to +11.91) isotopes indicate that the Dananhu arc crust was juvenile. The Huaniushan pluton in the Liuyuan accretionary complex displays the geochemical signatures of both A1- and A2-type granites (Y/Nb = 0.32−3.39). All other granites in the Central Tianshan block and Liuyuan accretionary complex are aluminous A2-types with high K2O+Na2O, Al, rare earth elements (REE), Zr+Nb+Y, Ga, Fe/Mg, and Y/Nb and remarkable depletions of Eu, Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti. They have a broad range of MgO (Mg# = 9−59), Cr, and Ni contents, Isr (0.70741−0.70945) values, negative εNd (t) (−2.98 to −1.14), and low to moderate εHf(t) (−1.22 to +7.78), which suggests a mixture of mantle and crustal components. These 245−223 Ma granitoids show marked Nb-Ta depletions that point to a subduction origin. Notable enrichments in Nd-Hf isotopes of Late Triassic granites are likely an indication of collision. Integration with previous data enables us to conclude that the delamination of an oceanic slab and mantle upwelling induced partial melting of thickened arc crust during a tectonic transition from a multiple supra-subduction margin to a collisional setting in the Late Triassic.

Late Paleozoic tectonic transition from subduction to post-collisional extension in Eastern Tianshan, Central Asian Orogenic Belt

2019 ◽  
Vol 132 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1756-1774 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.N. Muhtar ◽  
Chang-Zhi Wu ◽  
M. Santosh ◽  
Ru-Xiong Lei ◽  
Lian-Xing Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Crust ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Temporal Relationship ◽  
Late Paleozoic ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Eastern Tianshan ◽  
Tectonic Transition ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
High K ◽  
Quartz Monzonite

Abstract Late Paleozoic large-scale transcurrent tectonics and synkinematic intrusions are prominent features in the Eastern Tianshan segment of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, the spatial and temporal relationship between synkinematic intrusions and crustal-scale shear zones remains unclear. Here we report petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology of the Qiziltag pluton associated with the Kanggur-Huangshan Shear Zone (KHSZ) with a view to characterize the spatial and temporal relationship between synkinematic intrusions and large-scale transcurrent shearing. Field relations and zircon U-Pb ages indicate that the Qiziltag pluton was formed through two stages of magmatism, with earlier stage granitoids (gneissic biotite granite: 288.9 ± 1.9 Ma, biotite monzogranite: 291.5 ± 1.7 Ma, K-feldspar granite: 287.9 ± 3.1 Ma), and later stage bimodal intrusions (biotite quartz monzonite: 278.5 ± 1.8 Ma, gabbro: 278.1 ± 2.3 Ma). The earlier stage granitoids are high-K calc-alkaline, enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, Th, and U), and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). Combined with their depleted isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = +6.29 to +7.48) and juvenile model ages (TDM2 = 450–610 Ma), we infer that the granitoids were derived from juvenile lower crust in a post-collisional tectonic transition (from compression to extension). The structural and temporal features indicate that the earlier stage (ca. 290 Ma) granitoids formed prior to the regional large-scale dextral strike slip. The later stage bimodal intrusions are dominated by biotite quartz monzonite as the felsic member and gabbro as the mafic component. The biotite quartz monzonite is high-K calc-alkaline with enriched LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Rb, Th, and U), and depleted HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), whereas the gabbro is subalkalic with depleted LREEs and HFSEs (e.g., Nb and Ta), resembling normal mid-ocean ridge basalt features. The bimodal intrusions show similar isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = +6.41 to +6.72 and εHf(t) = +9.55 to + 13.85 for biotite quartz monzonite; εNd(t) = +9.13 to +9.69 and εHf(t) = +4.80 to +14.07 for gabbro). These features suggest that the later stage (ca. 280 Ma) bimodal intrusions were derived from partial melting of depleted mantle and anatectic melting of lower crust materials induced by synchronous underplating of basaltic magma in a post-collisional extension. The structural features of the bimodal intrusions indicate that the later stage (ca. 280 Ma) magmatism was coeval with the development of the KHSZ. In conjunction with spatial and temporal evolution of magmatism and sedimentary records of Eastern Tianshan, we infer that transition between the northward closure of the North Tianshan Ocean and subsequent collision between the Central Tianshan Massif and the Qoltag Arc belt occurred at ca. 300 Ma.

Early Cretaceous crust–mantle interaction linked to rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific flat-subducting slab: constraints from the intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks of the northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Jia-Hao Jing ◽  
Hao Yang ◽  
Wen-Chun Ge ◽  
Yu Dong ◽  
Zheng Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Cretaceous ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Ne China ◽  
Asthenospheric Mantle ◽  
High K ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Great Xing’An Range ◽  
Subducting Slab

Abstract Late Mesozoic igneous rocks are important for deciphering the Mesozoic tectonic setting of NE China. In this paper, we present whole-rock geochemical data, zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope data for Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the Tulihe area of the northern Great Xing’an Range (GXR), with the aim of evaluating the petrogenesis and genetic relationships of these rocks, inferring crust–mantle interactions and better constraining extension-related geodynamic processes in the GXR. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the rhyolites and trachytic volcanic rocks formed during late Early Cretaceous time (c. 130–126 Ma). Geochemically, the highly fractionated I-type rhyolites exhibit high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous characteristics. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), with their magmatic zircons ϵHf(t) values ranging from +4.1 to +9.0. These features suggest that the rhyolites were derived from the partial melting of a dominantly juvenile, K-rich basaltic lower crust. The trachytic volcanic rocks are high-K calc-alkaline series and exhibit metaluminous characteristics. They have a wide range of zircon ϵHf(t) values (−17.8 to +12.9), indicating that these trachytic volcanic rocks originated from a dominantly lithospheric-mantle source with the involvement of asthenospheric mantle materials, and subsequently underwent extensive assimilation and fractional crystallization processes. Combining our results and the spatiotemporal migration of the late Early Cretaceous magmatic events, we propose that intense Early Cretaceous crust–mantle interaction took place within the northern GXR, and possibly the whole of NE China, and that it was related to the upwelling of asthenospheric mantle induced by rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific flat-subducting slab.

Release of Uranium from Uraninite in Granites Through Alteration: Implications for the Source of Granite-Related Uranium Ores

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Zhang ◽  
Zhenyu Chen ◽  
Fangyue Wang ◽  
Noel C. White ◽  
Taofa Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Uranium Concentration ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Uranium Deposits ◽  
Bulk Rock ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Alkaline Granite ◽  
Compositional Evolution ◽  
High K ◽  
Backscattered Electron ◽  
Uranium Sources

Abstract Uraninite is the main contributor to the bulk-rock uranium concentration in many U-rich granites and is the most important uranium source for granite-related uranium deposits. However, detailed textural and compositional evolution of magmatic uraninite in granites during alteration and associated uranium mobilization have not been well documented. In this study, textures and geochemistry of uraninites from the Zhuguangshan batholith (South China) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The geochemical data indicate that the Longhuashan and Youdong plutons are peraluminous leucogranite, the Changjiang pluton is highly fractionated high-K calc-alkaline granite, and the Jiufeng pluton belongs to a high-K calc-alkaline association. Uraninites from the Longhuashan and Youdong granites have lower concentrations of ThO2 (0.9–4.0 wt %) and rare earth elements (REE)2O3 (0.1–1.0 wt %) than those from the Changjiang and Jiufeng granites (ThO2 = 4.4–7.6 wt %, REE2O3 = 0.7–5.1 wt %). Uraninites observed in the Longhuashan, Youdong, Changjiang, and Jiufeng granites yielded chemical ages of 223 ± 3, 222 ± 2, 157 ± 1, and 161 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The samples (including altered and unaltered) collected from the Longhuashan, Youdong, and Changjiang granites are characterized by highly variable whole-rock U concentrations of 6.9 to 44.7 ppm and Th/U ratios of 0.9 to 7.0, consistent with crystallization of uraninite in these granites being followed by uranium leaching during alteration. Alteration of uraninite, indicated by altered domains developing microcracks and appearing darker in backscattered electron (BSE) images compared to unaltered domains, results in the incorporation of Si and Ca and mobilization of U. In contrast, the least altered samples of the unmineralized Jiufeng granite have low U concentrations (5.3–16.4 ppm) and high ΣREE/U (13.6–49.4) and Th/U ratios (2.1–5.6), which inhibit crystallization of uraninite, as its crystallization occurs when the U concentration is high enough to exceed the substitution capacity of other U-bearing minerals. These results indicate that the Longhuashan, Youdong, and Changjiang granites were favorable uranium sources for the formation of uranium deposits in this area. This study highlights the potential of uraninite alteration and geochemistry to assist in deciphering uranium sources and enrichment processes of granite-related uranium deposits.

scholarly journals Widespread Permian granite magmatism in Lower Austroalpine units: significance for Permian rifting in the Eastern Alps

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sihua Yuan ◽  
Franz Neubauer ◽  
Yongjiang Liu ◽  
Johann Genser ◽  
Boran Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
High K ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Granite Magmatism ◽  
Austroalpine Unit ◽  
Granite Suite

Abstract The Grobgneis complex, located in the eastern Austroalpine unit of the Eastern Alps, exposes large volumes of pre-Alpine porphyric metagranites, sometimes associated with small gabbroic bodies. To better understand tectonic setting of the metagranites, we carried out detailed geochronological and geochemical investigations on the major part of the porphyric metagranites. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating of three metagranites sampled from the Grobgneis complex provides the first reliable evidence for large volumes of Permian plutonism within the pre-Alpine basement of the Lower Austroalpine units. Concordant zircons from three samples yield ages at 272.2 ± 1.2 Ma, 268.6 ± 2.3 Ma and 267.6 ± 2.9 Ma interpreted to date the emplacement of the granite suite. In combination with published ages for other Permian Alpine magmatic bodies, the new U–Pb ages provide evidence of a temporally restricted period of plutonism (“Grobgneis”) in the Raabalpen basement Complex during the Middle Permian. Comparing the investigated basement with that of the West Carpathian basement, we argue that widespread Permian granite magmatism occurred in the Lower Austroalpine units. They belong to the high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic S-type series on the base of geochemical data. Zircon Hf isotopic compositions of the Grobgneis metagranites show εHf(t) values of − 4.37 to − 0.6, with TDM2 model ages of 1.31–1.55 Ga, indicating that their protoliths were derived by the recycling of older continental crust. We suggest that the Permian granitic and gabbroic rocks are considered as rifted-related rocks in the Lower Austroalpine units and are contemporaneous with cover sediments.

Geochemistry, zircon geochronology, and isotopic systematics of the Zhanbuzhale granites in the East Kunlun, Qinghai Province, northwestern China: implications for the tectonic setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-291
Author(s):  
Hao-Ran Li ◽  
Ye Qian ◽  
Feng-Yue Sun ◽  
Liang Li
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Alkali Feldspar ◽  
Northwestern China ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Qinghai Province ◽  
East Kunlun ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
High K ◽  
Tethys Ocean

The Zhanbuzhale region, in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen of northwestern China, is characterized by large volumes of Phanerozoic granitoid rocks and is an ideal region for investigating the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys system. However, the exact timing of the final closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and initial continental collision remains controversial because of a lack of precise geochronological and detailed geochemical data. In this paper, we report new zircon U–Pb ages and mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical data for samples of Middle Triassic granodiorite and alkali feldspar granite from the Zhanbuzhale region. The zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the granodiorite and alkali feldspar granite formed at 239 and 236 Ma, respectively. The granodiorites are high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous, high Sr content, high Sr/Y ratios, low Y content, and show adakite-like affinities. The alkali feldspar granites display high SiO2, extremely low MgO, and low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y contents as well as low Fe2O3t/MgO ratios, showing metaluminous to peraluminous and high-K calc-alkaline features. Geochemical and petrological characteristics of the alkali feldspar granites suggest that they are highly fractionated I-type granites. The granodiorites and alkali feldspar granites have zircon εHf(t) values ranging from –2.26 to –0.18, and from –2.17 to +2.18, respectively. Together with regional geological data, we propose that the Triassic (approximately 239–236 Ma) granitoids were generated during the later stages of northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic plate, and that the initial stage of collision between the East Kunlun and the Bayan Har–Songpan Ganzi terrane occurred at approximately 236–227 Ma.

Tectonic evolution of the South Altyn, NW China: constraints by geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic analysis of the Palaeozoic granitic plutons in the Mangya area

2020 ◽  
Vol 157 (7) ◽  
pp. 1121-1143
Author(s):  
Nan Xu ◽  
Cai-lai Wu ◽  
Yuan-Hong Gao ◽  
Min Lei ◽  
Kun Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Evolution ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Isotopic Analysis ◽  
Granitic Rocks ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
The South ◽  
Nw China ◽  
Ophiolitic Mélange ◽  
High K ◽  
Continental Block

AbstractThe South Altyn Orogenic Belt (SAOB) is one of the most important orogenic belts in NW China, consisting of the South Altyn Continental Block and the Apa–Mangya Ophiolitic Mélange Belt. However, its Palaeozoic tectonic evolution is still controversial. Here, we present petrological, geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data for the Mangya plutons with the aim of establishing the Palaeozoic tectonic evolution. We divide the Early Palaeozoic magmatism in the Apa–Mangya Ophiolitic Mélange Belt into four episodes and propose a plate tectonic model for the formation of these rocks. During 511–494 Ma, the South Altyn Ocean (SAO) was in a spreading stage, and some shoshonite series, I-type granitic rocks were generated. From 484 to 458 Ma, the oceanic crust of the SAO subducted northward, accompanied by large-scale magmatic events resulting in the generation of vast high-K calc-alkaline series, I-type granitic rocks. During 450–433 Ma, the SAO closed, and break-off of the subducted oceanic slab occurred, with the generation of some high-K calc-alkaline series, I–S transitional type granites. The SAOB was in post-orogenic extensional environment from 419 to 404 Ma, and many A-type granites were generated.

Stratigraphy, geochemistry, and petrology of the Upper Cretaceous volcanic arc sequence north of Istanbul, Pontides, NW Turkey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cemre Ay ◽  
Gürsel Sunal ◽  
Aral I. Okay
Keyword(s):  
Black Sea ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
High Ratio ◽  
Primitive Mantle ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
High K ◽  
Nw Turkey ◽  
Pattern Display

<p>Upper Cretaceous arc-related volcanic and volcanoclastic units overlying the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the Istanbul Zone are a key unit related to the opening of the Black Sea as a back-arc basin. They formed as a result of north dipping subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean beneath Laurasia. We studied the Upper Cretaceous volcanic units north of Istanbul along several stratigraphic sections, and present new geochemical data from the volcanic rocks in order to understand Cretaceous geodynamic evolution of the İstanbul Zone.</p><p>The Upper Cretaceous  volcanic units north of Istanbul are divided into two formations. At the base there is a fore-arc turbidite succession,the İshaklı Formation, which is made up of volcaniclastic sandstone, shale, marl, tuff, debris flow horizons and epiclastic rocks of Turonian age. The İshaklı Formation is conformably overlain by the volcanoclastics,  tuffs, andesite and basalt lavas and agglomerates- the Riva Formation, which represents the arc/ intra-arc series.</p><p>Geochemically, basalts and basaltic andesites of the Riva Formation are low K calc-alkaline to medium-high K calc-alkaline and with magnesium numbers ranging from 32.6% to 51.5% Primitive mantle normalized spider diagram of trace elements show  enrichment in LILE elements (K, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, Th and U) and depletion in HFS elements ( Nb,Ta and Ti) . The high ratio of LILE/ HFS and negative Nb-Ta anomalies indicate that the volcanism evolved in subduction setting. Chondirite-normalized REE pattern display slight negative Eu anomalies and the La/Yb ratios of the samples range between 2,76 and 4,89. Our new geochemical, stratigraphical and the regional geological data suggest that north of Istanbul there was a transition from fore-arc deposition to arc volcanism during the Late Cretaceous opening of the Western Black Sea.  Considering the whole Pontide – Sredna-Gora Upper Cretaceous magmatic arc, it can be stated that calc-alkaline volcanism developed in relation to northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere during the Turonian, and may have passed into high-K calc alkaline and shoshonitic magmatism as a result of the progressive extentional tectonism during the Campanian.</p>

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