Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:Gigantspinosaurus sichuanensis is one of the six Stegosauria genera discovered from the Sichuan basin, which preserves the first skin impressions of stegosaurs around the world and a huge pair of ‘comma’ -shaped parascapular spines kept in situ, and being named after the latter feature. The holotype was firstly named and reported in an abstract of a lecture by Ouyang, 1992, since when it has never been detailed studied and the taxonomic position of Gigantspinosaurus is also vague. The morphological redescription shows that G. sichuanensis is a medium-sized stegosaur, with external mandibular foramen developed. The ratio of femur to humerus is large, and the intersacral fenestrae are big. According to the wear degree of teeth, the holotype of G. sichuanensis is regarded as an adult individual. On the basis of the recent data matrix of stegosaurs and the characters revisions of G. sichuanensis, its phylogenetic position has been determined again. By our detailed morphological and phylogenetic analysis, G. sichuanensis is considered to inherit some primitive traits, but it is more derived than Huayangosaurus, and located in a transitional position between Huayangosaurus and Tuojiangosaurus, as a kind of evolved stegosaurs. The ancestors of Stegosauria are small and quadruped, with primitive ornithopod-like skull, and grow leaf-shaped teeth, a large number of bone plates.

Abstract:The Zedong ophiolites in the eastern Yarlung–Zangbo suture zone of Tibet represent a mantle slice of more than 45 km2. This massif consists mainly of mantle peridotites, with lesser gabbros, diabases and volcanic rocks. The mantle peridotites are mostly harzburgite, lherzolite; a few dike-like bodies of dunite are also present. Mineral structures show that the peridotites experienced plastic deformation and partial melting. Olivine (Fo89.7–91.2), orthopyroxene (En88–92), clinopyroxene (En45–49Wo47–51Fs2–4) and spinel [Mg#=100×Mg/(Mg+Fe)]=49.1–70.7; Cr#=(100×Cr/(Cr+Al)=18.8–76.5] are the major minerals. The degree of partial melting of mantle peridotites is 10%–40%, indicating that the Zedong mantle peridotites may experience a multi–stage process. The peridotites are characterized by depleted major element compositions and low REE content (0.08–0.62 ppm). Their “spoon–shaped” primitive–mantle normalized REE patterns with (La/Sm)N being 0.50–6.00 indicate that the Zedong ultramafic rocks belong to depleted residual mantle rocks. The PGE content of Zedong peridotites (18.19–50.74 ppb) is similar with primary mantle with Pd/Ir being 0.54–0.60 and Pt/Pd being 1.09–1.66. The Zedong peridotites have variable, unradiogenic Os isotopic compositions with 187Os/188Os=0.1228 to 0.1282. A corollary to this interpretation is that the convecting upper mantle is heterogeneous in Os isotopes. All data of the Zedong peridotites suggest that they formed originally at a mid-ocean ridge (MOR) and were later modified in supra–subduction zone (SSZ) environment.

Abstract:The Gangdese magmatic belt formed during Late Triassic to Neogene in the southernmost Lhasa terrane of the Tibetan plateau. It is interpreted as a major component of a continental margin related to the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab beneath Eurasia and it is the key in understanding the tectonic framework of southern Tibet prior to the India-Eurasia collision. It is widely accepted that northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust formed the Gangdese magmatic belt, but the occurrence of Late Triassic magmatism and the detailed tectonic evolution of southern Tibet are still debated. This work presents new zircon U-Pb-Hf isotope data and whole-rock geochemical compositions of a mylonitic granite pluton in the central Gangdese belt, southern Tibet. Zircon U-Pb dating from two representative samples yields consistent ages of 225.3±1.8 Ma and 229.9±1.5 Ma, respectively, indicating that the granite pluton was formed during the early phase of Late Triassic instead of Early Eocene (47–52 Ma) as previously suggested. Geochemically, the mylonitic granite pluton has a sub-alkaline composition and low-medium K calc-alkaline affinities and it can be defined as an I-type granite with metaluminous features (A/CNK<1.1). The analyzed samples are characterized by strong enrichments of LREE and pronounced depletions of Nb, Ta and Ti, suggesting that the granite was generated in an island-arc setting. However, the use of tectonic discrimination diagrams indicates a continental arc setting. Zircon Lu-Hf isotopes indicate that the granite has highly positive εHf(t) values ranging from +13.91 to +15.54 (mean value +14.79), reflecting the input of depleted mantle material during its magmatic evolution, consistent with Mg# numbers. Additionally, the studied samples also reveal relatively young Hf two-stage model ages ranging from 238 Ma to 342 Ma (mean value 292 Ma), suggesting that the pluton was derived from partial melting of juvenile crust. Geochemical discrimination diagrams also suggest that the granite was derived from partial melting of the mafic lower crust. Taking into account both the spatial and temporal distribution of the mylonitic granite, its geochemical fingerprints as well as previous studies, we propose that the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab beneath the Lhasa terrane had already commenced in Late Triassic (~230 Ma), and that the Late Triassic magmatic events were formed in an active continental margin that subsequently evolved into the numerous sub-terranes, paleo-island-arcs and multiple collision phases that form the present southern Tibet.

Abstract:The Jiajiwaxi pluton in the southern portion of the West Kunlun Range can be divided into two collision–related intrusive rock series, i.e., a gabbro–quartz diorite–granodiorite series that formed at 224±2.0 Ma and a monzonitic granite–syenogranite series that formed at 222±2.0 Ma. The systematic analysis of zircon U-Pb geochronology and bulk geochemistry is used to discuss the magmatic origin (material source and thermal source), tectonic setting, genesis and geotectonic implications of these rocks. The results of this analysis indicate that the parent magma of the first series, representing a transition from I-type to S-type granites, formed from thermally triggered partial melting of deep crustal components in an early island–arc–type igneous complex, similar to an I-type granite, during the continental collision orogenic stage. The parent magma of the second series, corresponding to an S-type granite, formed from the partial melting of forearc accretionary wedge sediments in a subduction zone in the late Palaeozoic–Triassic. During continued collision, the second series magma was emplaced into the first series pluton along a central fault zone in the original island arc region, forming an immiscible puncture-type complex. The deep tectonothermal events associated with the continent–continent collision during the orogenic cycle are constrained by the compositions and origins of the two series. The new information provided by this paper will aid in future research into the dynamic mechanisms affecting magmatic evolution in the West Kunlun orogenic belt.

Abstract:Detailed facies analysis of the Neogene successions of the Pishin Belt (Katawaz Basin) has enabled documentation of successive depositional systems and paleogeographic settings of the basin formed by the collision of the northwestern continental margin of the Indian Plate and the Afghan Block. During the Early Miocene, subaerial sedimentation started after the final closure of the Katawaz Remnant Ocean. Based on detailed field data, twelve facies were recognized in Neogene successions exposed in the Pishin Belt. These facies were further organized into four facies associations i.e. channels, crevasse splay, natural levee and floodplain facies associations. Facies associations and variations provided ample evidence to recognize a number of fluvial architectural components in the succession e.g., low-sinuosity sandy braided river, mixed-load meandering, high-sinuosity meandering channels, single-story sandstone and/or conglomerate channels, lateral accretion surfaces (point bars) and alluvial fans. Neogene sedimentation in the Pishin Belt was mainly controlled by active tectonism and thrusting in response to the oblique collision of the Indian Plate with the Afghan Block of the Eurasian Plate along the Chaman-Nushki Fault. Post Miocene deformation of these formations successively caused them to contribute as an additional source terrain for the younger formations.

Abstract:Volcanism along the northwest boundary of the Arabian Plate found in the Gaziantep Basin, southeast Turkey, is of Miocene age and is of alkaline and calc-alkaline basic composition. The rare earth element data for both compositional series indicates spinel–peridotite source areas. The rare earth and trace elements of the alkaline lavas originate from a highly primitive and slightly contaminated asthenospheric mantle; those of the calc-alkaline lavas originate from a highly heterogeneous, asthenospheric, and lithospheric mantle source. Partial melting and magmatic differentiation processes played a role in the formation of the petrological features of these volcanics. These rocks form two groups on the basis of their 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd isotopic compositions in addition to their classifications based on their chemical compositions (alkaline and calc-alkaline). These isotopic differences indicate a dissimilar parental magma. Therefore, high Nd isotope samples imply a previously formed and highly primitive mantle whereas low Nd isotope samples may indicate comparable partial melting of an enriched heterogeneous shallow mantle. Other isotopic changes that do not conform to the chemical features of these lavas are partly related to the various tectonic events of the region, such as the Dead Sea Fault System and the Bitlis Suture Zone.

Abstract:The apatite fission track dating of samples from the Dabashan (i.e., the Langshan in the northeastern Alxa Block) by the laser ablation method and their thermal history modeling of AFT ages are conducted in this study. The obtained results and lines of geological evidence in the study region indicate that the Langshan has experienced complicated tectonic-thermal events during the the Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic. Firstly, it experienced a tectonic-thermal event in the Late Cretaceous (~90–70 Ma). The event had little relation with the oblique subduction of the Izanagi Plate along the eastern Eurasian Plate, but was related to the Neo-Tethys subduction and compression between the Lhasa Block and Qiangtang Block. Secondly, it underwent the dextral slip faulting in the Eocene (~50–45 Ma). The strike slip fault may develop in the same tectonic setting as sinistral slip faults in southern Mongolia and thrusts in West Qinling to the southwest Ordos Block in the same period, which is the remote far-field response to the India-Eurasia collision. Thirdly, the tectonic thermal event existed in the late Cenozoic (since ~10 Ma), thermal modeling shows that several samples began their denudation from upper region of partial annealing zone (PAZ), and the denudation may have a great relationship with the growth of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to the northeast. In addition, the AFT ages of Langshan indicate that the main body of the Langshan may be an upper part of fossil PAZ of the Late Cretaceous (~70 Ma). The fossil PAZ were destroyed and deformed by tectonic events repeatedly in the Cenozoic along with the denudation.

Abstract:Large-scale magmatism affected the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt during post-collisional lateral tectonic extension in the Cretaceous, which was suggested to account for the widespread deformation and migmatization in the Tongbai-Dabie complexes. However, it cannot explain the most deformations in the shear zones. The northwest-southeast shear zones are developed around or wrapped the Tongbai-Dabie complexes. They play an important role for the interpretation of the tectonic evolution of the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt. By a systematically observation and description of the geometry and kinematics of these shear zones, we found that the shear zones to the north dip NE and have a uniform sinistral shear sense, the shear zone to the south dips SW and has a uniform dextral shear sense, and the shear zones at the core are sub-horizontal and have a uniform top-to-NW sense of shear. Combining with the comparison of previous and our geochronological studies, we interpret these associations as indicating that these shear zones were originally a single, more flat-lying and sub-horizontal shear zone with a uniform top-to-NW shear sense before the folding-doming of the Tongbai-Dabie complexes and suggest that the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt experienced a uniform top-to-NW orogen-parallel extension in the ductile lithosphere before the widespread magmatism in the Cretaceous.

Abstract:In this study, plagiogranites in the Diyanmiao ophiolite of the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (Altaids) were investigated for the first time. The plagiogranites are composed predominantly of albite and quartz, and occur as irregular intrusive veins in pillow basalts. The plagiogranites have high SiO2 (74.37–76.68wt%) and low Al2O3 (11.99–13.30wt%), and intensively high Na2O (4.52–5.49wt%) and low K2O (0.03–0.40wt%) resulting in high Na2O/K2O ratios (11.3–183). These rocks are classified as part of the low-K tholeiitic series. The plagiogranites have low total rare earth element contents (∑REE)(23.62–39.77ppm), small negative Eu anomalies (δEu=0.44–0.62), and flat to slightly LREE-depleted chondrite-normalized REE patterns ((La/Yb)N=0.68–0.76), similar to N-MORB. The plagiogranites are also characterized by Th, U, Zr, and Hf enrichment, and Nb, P, and Ti depletion, have overall flat primitivemantle-normalized trace element patterns. Field and petrological observations and geochemical data suggest that the plagiogranites in the Diyanmiao ophiolite are similar to fractionation-type plagiogranites. Furthermore, the REE patterns of the plagiogranites are similar to those of the gabbros and pillow basalts in the ophiolite. In plots of SREE–SiO2, La–SiO2, and Yb–SiO2, the plagiogranites, pillow basalts, and gabbros show trends typical of crystal fractionation. As such, the plagiogranites are oceanic in origin, formed by crystal fractionation from basaltic magmas derived from depleted mantle, and are part of the Diyanmiao ophiolite. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of zircons from the plagiogranites yielded ages of 328.6±2.1 and 327.1±2.1Ma, indicating an early Carboniferous age for the Diyanmiao ophiolite. These results provide petrological and geochronological evidence for the identification of the Erenhot–Hegenshan oceanic basin and Hegenshan suture of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.

Abstract:Exsolution microstructures in olivine grains from dunite units in a few selected tectonic environments are reported here. They include lamellae of clinopyroxene and clinopyroxene-magnetite intergrowth in the Gaositai and Yellow Hill Alaskan-type complexes, clinopyroxene-magnetite intergrowth in the K?z?lda? ophiolite, and chromite lamellae in the Hongshishan mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex. These lamellae commonly occur as needle- or rod-like features and are oriented in olivine grains. The host olivine grains have Fo contents of 92.5–92.6 in the Gaositai complex, 86.5–90.1 in the Yellow Hill complex, 93.2–93.4 in the K?z?lda? ophiolite and 86.9–88.3 in the Hongshishan complex. Clinopyroxene in the rod-like intergrowth exsolved in olivine grains in the Gaositai and Yellow Hill is diopside with similar major element compositions of CaO (23.6–24.3wt%), SiO2 (52.2–54.0wt%), Al2O3 (0.67–2.15wt%), Cr2O3 (0.10–0.42wt%) and Na2O (0.14–0.26wt%). It falls into the compositional field of hydrothermal clinopyroxene and its origin is thus probably related to reaction between dunite and fluids. The enrichment of the fluids in Ca2+, Fe3+, Cr3+ and Na+, resulted in elevated concentrations of these cations in olivine solid solutions via the reaction. With decreasing temperature, the olivine solid solutions altered to an intergrowth of magnetite and clinopyroxene. The Fe3+ and Cr3+ preferentially partitioned into magnetite, while Ca2+ and Na+ entered clinopyroxene. Since the studied Alaskan-type complexes and ophiolite formed in a subduction environment, the fluids were probably released from the subducted slab. In contrast, the exsolved chromite in olivine grains from the Hongshishan complex that formed in post-orogenic extension setting can be related to olivine equilibrated with Cr-bearing liquid. Similarly, these lamellae have all been observed in serpentine surrounding olivine grains, indicating genetic relations with serpentinization.

Abstract:The first carbonatite dyke at Bayan Obo is well exposed on the surface for a length and width of approximately 60 m and 1.1–1.5 m, respectively. Along its strike, the fenitized H1 (Qs) and H2 (Cs) quartzite is replaced by Na-amphiboles, aegirines, and alkali-feldspars, intermittently stretching as far away as 800 m in length. Based on petrographical characteristics, the dyke’s fenitized wall rocks are divisible into different zones: (1) outer, (2) middle, and (3) inner. The outer zone is 5–17 m from the NW margin of the dyke. The middle zone is located at 3.5–5 m from the NW margin of the dyke. The inner contact zone is located between direct contact with the dyke and 3.5 m from the dyke. In the outer zone, upon visual examination, no evidence of outcrop fenitization was found and the major elemental rock composition is nearly identical to the unaltered H1 and H2 lithologies. In the thin sections, however, small amounts of Na-amphibole and phlogopite are present. Despite relatively poor development throughout the 5 m of fenitization, the wall rocks have retained at least a small geochemical signature comparable to the original sedimentary protolith. The fenites occurring in the inner zone exhibit distinct variations, not only for the sharp contact at the outcrop scale, but also for variations in major, rare earth elements (REE), and trace elements and Sm-Nd isotope composition. The wall rocks within 3.5 m have undergone strong fenitization, inheriting the geochemical signature derived from the carbonatite dyke. Fenitization in the middle zone was not as strong, at least compared to the inner zone, but was stronger than the outer zone. Compared to some trace elements and REEs, the major elements are relatively immobile during fenitization. The Sm-Nd isotope data for the carbonatite dyke and the adjacent fenitized wall rocks, where the Sm and Nd originate solely from the dyke, plots as a six-point isochron with an age of 1308±56 Ma. This age is identical to that of ore-bearing dolomite carbonatite and the related ore-forming events, indicating that there may be a petrogenetic link between the two. Based on Sr and Nd isotope compositional data, the first carbonatite dyke may be derived from an enriched mantle.

Abstract:The West Mine of the Bayan Obo deposit, located in the northern-central part of Inner Mongolia, China, is enriched in Nb, rare earth elements and iron (Nb-REE-Fe) mineral resources. This paper presents a combined method to explore metallogenic correlation of the Nb-REE-Fe mineralization at the Bayan Obo West Mine. The method integrates factor analysis and Back Propagation (BP) neural network technology into processing and modeling of geological data. In this study, the Nb and REE contents of samples were transformed into discrete values to analyze the correlations among the metallogenic elements. The results show weak mineralization correlations between Nb and REEs. Nb and U are closely related in the geochemical patterns, while Fe is closely related to both Th and Mn. LREEs are an important factor for the mineralization of the Bayan Obo deposit, while Fe and Nb can be considered as the results of passive mineralization. On the basis of a metallogenic correlation analysis, the factors affecting the Fe-REE-Nb mineralization were extracted, and the Nb mineralization model was established by the BP neural network. Based on the BP neural network data computing, the variability of the Nb concentration displays a coupled multi-factor nonlinear relationship, which can be used to reveal the inherent metallogenic elemental regularities and predict the degree of element mineralization enrichment in the mining area.

Abstract:The uncommon Mg-rich and Ti-poor Zhaoanzhuang serpentine-magnetite ores within Taihua Group of the North China Craton (NCC) remain unclear whether the protolith was sourced from ultramafic rocks or chemical sedimentary sequences. Here we present integrated petrographic and geochemical studies to characterize the protoliths and to gain insights on the ore-forming processes. Iron ores mainly contain low-Ti magnetite (TiO2 ~0.1wt%) and serpentine (Mg#=92.42–96.55), as well as residual olivine (Fo=89–90), orthopyroxene (En=89–90) and hornblende. Magnetite in the iron ores shows lower Al, Sc, Ti, Cr, Zn relative to that from ultramafic Fe-Ti-V iron ores, but similar to that from metamorphic chemical sedimentary iron deposit. In addition, interstitial minerals of dolomite, calcite, apatite and anhydrite are intergrown with magnetite and serpentine, revealing they were metamorphic, but not magmatic or late hydrothermal minerals. Wall rocks principally contain magnesian silicates of olivine (Fo=83–87), orthopyroxene (En=82–86), humite (Mg#=82–84) and hornblende [XMg=0.87–0.96]. Dolomite, apatite and anhydrite together with minor magnetite, thorianite (Th-rich oxide) and monazite (LREE-rich phosphate) are often seen as relicts or inclusions within magnesian silicates in the wall rocks, revealing that they were primary or earlier metamorphic minerals than magnesian silicates. And olivine exists as subhedral interstitial texture between hornblende, which shows later formation of olivine than hornblende and does not conform with sequence of magmatic crystallization. All these mineralogical features thus bias towards their metamorphic, rather than magmatic origin. The dominant chemical components of the iron ores are SiO2 (4.77–25.23wt%), Fe2O3T (32.9–80.39wt%) and MgO (5.72–27.17wt%) and uniformly, those of the wall rocks are also SiO2 (16.34–48.72wt%), MgO (16.71–33.97wt%) and Fe2O3T (6.98–30.92wt%). The striking high Fe-Mg-Si contents reveal that protolith of the Zhaoanzhuang iron deposit was more likely to be chemical sedimentary rocks. The distinct high-Mg feature and presence of abundant anhydrite possibly indicate it primarily precipitated in a confined seawater basin under an evaporitic environment. Besides, higher contents of Al, Ti, P, Th, U, Pb, REE relative to other Precambrian iron-rich chemical precipitates (BIF) suggest some clastic terrestrial materials were probably input. As a result, we think the Zhaoanzhuang iron deposit had experienced the initial Fe-Mg-Si marine precipitation, followed by further Mg enrichment through marine evaporated process, subsequent high-grade metamorphism and late-stage hydrothermal fluid modification.

Abstract:Long-standing controversy persists over the presence and role of iron–rich melts in the formation of volcanic rock-hosted iron deposits. Conjugate iron–rich and silica–rich melt inclusions observed in thin-sections are considered as direct evidence for the presence of iron-rich melt, yet unequivocal outcrop-scale evidence of iron-rich melts are still lacking in volcanic rock-hosted iron deposits. Submarine volcanic rock-hosted iron deposits, which are mainly distributed in the western and eastern Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, are important resources of iron ores in China, but it remains unclear whether iron-rich melts have played a role in the mineralization of such iron ores. In this study, we observed abundant iron-rich agglomerates in the brecciated andesite lava of the Heijianshan submarine volcanic rock–hosted iron deposit, Eastern Tianshan, China. The iron-rich agglomerates occur as irregular and angular masses filling fractures of the host brecciated andesite lava. They show concentric potassic alteration with silicification or epidotization rims, indicative of their formation after the wall rocks. The iron-rich agglomerates have porphyritic and hyalopilitic textures, and locally display chilled margins in the contact zone with the host rocks. These features cannot be explained by hydrothermal replacement of wall rocks (brecciated andesite lava) which is free of vesicle and amygdale, rather they indicate direct crystallization of the iron-rich agglomerates from iron-rich melts. We propose that the iron-rich agglomerates were formed by open-space filling of volatile-rich iron-rich melt in fractures of the brecciated andesite lava. The iron-rich agglomerates are compositionally similar to the wall-rock brecciated andesite lava, but have much larger variation. Based on mineral assemblages, the iron-rich agglomerates are subdivided into five types, i.e., albite-magnetite type, albite-K-feldspar-magnetite type, K-feldspar–magnetite type, epidote-magnetite type and quartz-magnetite type, representing that products formed at different stages during the evolution of a magmatic-hydrothermal system. The albite-magnetite type represents the earliest crystallization product from a residual iron-rich melt; the albite-K-feldspar-magnetite and K-feldspar-magnetite types show features of magmatic-hydrothermal transition, whereas the epidote-magnetite and quartz-magnetite types represent products of hydrothermal alteration. The occurrence of iron-rich agglomerates provides macroscopic evidence for the presence of iron-rich melts in the mineralization of the Heijianshan iron deposit. It also indicates that iron mineralization of submarine volcanic rock-hosted iron deposits is genetically related to hydrothermal fluids derived from iron-rich melts.

Abstract:The Zhaxikang Pb-Zn-Ag-Sb deposit, the largest polymetallic deposit known in the Himalayan Orogen of southern Tibet, is characterized by vein-type mineralization that hosts multiple mineral assemblages and complicated metal associations. The deposit consists of at least six steeply dipping vein-type orebodies that are hosted by Early Jurassic black carbonaceous slates and are controlled by a Cenozoic N–S-striking normal fault system. This deposit records multiple stages of mineralization that include an early period (A) of massive coarse-grained galena–sphalerite deposition and a later period (B) of Sb-bearing vein-type mineralization. Period A is only associated with galena–sphalerite mineralization, whereas period B can be subdivided into ferrous rhodochrosite–sphalerite–pyrite, quartz–sulfosalt–sphalerite, calcite–pyrite, quartz–stibnite, and quartz-only stages of mineralization. The formation of brecciated galena and sphalerite ores during period A implies reworking of pre-existing Pb–Zn sulfides by Cenozoic tectonic deformation, whereas period B mineralization records extensive open-space filling during ore formation. Fluid inclusion microthermometric data indicate that both periods A and B were associated with low–medium temperature (187–267°C) and low salinity (4.00–10.18% wt. NaCl equivalent) ore-forming fluids, although variations in the physical–chemical nature of the period B fluids suggest that this phase of mineralization was characterized by variable water/rock ratios. Microprobe analyses indicate that Fe concentrations in sphalerite decrease from period A to period B, and can be divided into three groups with FeS concentrations of 8.999–9.577, 7.125–9.109, 5.438–1.460 mol.%. The concentrations of Zn, Sb, Pb, and Ag within orebodies in the study area are normally distributed in both lateral and vertical directions, and Pb, Sb, and/or Ag concentrations are positive correlation within the central part of these orebodies, but negatively correlate in the margins. Sulfide S isotope compositions are highly variable (4‰–13‰), varying from 4‰ to 11‰ in period A and 10‰ to 13‰ in period B. The Pb isotope within these samples is highly radiogenic and defines linear trends in 206Pb/204Pb vs. 207Pb/204Pb and 206Pb/204Pb vs. 208Pb/204Pb diagrams, respectively. The S and Pb isotopic characteristics indicate that the period B orebodies formed by mixing of Pb–Zn sulfides and regional Sb-bearing fluids. These features are indicative of overprinting and remobilization of pre-existing Pb–Zn sulfides by Sb-bearing ore-forming fluids during a post-collisional period of the Himalayan Orogeny. The presence of similar ore types in the north Rhenish Massif that formed after the Variscan Orogeny suggests that Zhaxikang-style mineralization may be present in other orogenic belts, suggesting that this deposit may guide Pb–Zn exploration in these areas.

Abstract:The newly discovered Paodaoling porphyry Au deposit from the Guichi region, Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (LYRB), contains >35 tons of Au at an average grade of ~1.7 g/t. It is a porphyry ‘Au-only’ deposit, as revealed by current exploration in the depths, mostly above ?400 m, which is quite uncommon among coeval porphyry mineralization along the LYRB. Additionally, there are also Cu-Au bearing porphyries and barren alkaline granitoids in the Paodaoling district. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of the Cu-Au-bearing porphyries yield an age of 141–140 Ma, falling within the main magmatic stage of the LYRB, whereas the barren granites give an age of 125–120 Ma, coeval with the regional A-type granites. The Cu-Au-bearing porphyries are LILE-, LREE-enriched and HFSE-depleted, typical of arc magmatic affinities. The barren granites are HFSE-enriched, with lower LREE/HREE ratios and pronounced negative Eu anomalies. The Cu-Au-bearing porphyries in the Paodaoling district have high oxygen fugacities and high water content. Pyrite sulfur isotopes of the Paodaoling gold deposit indicate a magmatic-sedimentary mixed source for the ore-forming fluids. Based on the alteration and poly-metal zonation of the deepest exploration drill hole from the Paodaoling Au deposit, we propose that Cu ore bodies could lie at depth beneath the current Au ore bodies. The magmatism and associated Cu-Au mineralization of the Paodaoling district are likely to have formed in a subduction setting, during slab rollback of the paleo-Pacific plate.

Abstract:The uranium deposits in the Tuanyushan area of northern Qaidam Basin commonly occur in coal-bearing series. To decipher the U-enrichment mechanism and controlling factors in this area, a database of 72 drill cores, including 56 well-logs and 3 sampling wells, was examined for sedimentology and geochemistry in relation to uranium concentrations. The results show that coal-bearing series can influence uranium mineralization from two aspects, i.e., spatial distribution and dynamic control. Five types of uranium-bearing rocks are recognized, mainly occurring in the braided river and braided delta sedimentary facies, among which sandstones near the coals are the most important. The lithological associations of sandstone-type uranium deposits can be classified into three subtypes, termed as U-coal type, coal-U-coal type, and coal-U type, respectively. The coal and fine siliciclastic rocks in the coal-bearing series confined the U-rich fluid flow and uranium accumulation in the sandstone near them. Thus, the coal-bearing series can provide good accommodations for uranium mineralization. Coals and organic matters in the coal-bearing series may have served as reducing agents and absorbing barriers. Methane is deemed to be the main acidolysis hydrocarbon in the U-bearing beds, which shows a positive correlation with U-content in the sandstones in the coal-bearing series. Additionally, the δ13C in the carbonate cements of the U-bearing sandstones indicates that the organic matters, associated with the coal around the sandstones, were involved in the carbonation, one important component of alteration in the Tuanyushan area. Recognition of the dual control of coal-bearing series on the uranium mineralization is significant for the development of coal circular economy, environmental protection during coal utilization and the security of national rare metal resources.

Abstract:The Khorat Plateau on the Indochina Terrane is known to have formed during the closure of the Tethys Ocean, although the origin of its potash mineral deposits is a topic of current debate. Data from a borehole on Savannakhet Basin is used in this study to re-define the evaporation processes of the study area. Geochemical analyses of halite from various borehole-derived evaporite strata have elucidated the fluid sources from which these ores formed. Measured δ11B indicated that ore deposits formed primarily due to evaporation of seawater, although non-marine fluids affected the later stages of the evaporation process. Fluctuations in B and Br concentrations in carnallite- and sylvite-rich strata indicate the influence of fresh water. Boron concentration in carnallite unit indicated the influence of hydrothermal fluids. From the relative timings of these various fluid influxes, the evolution of these evaporates can be divided into four stages: (1) an initial marine evaporation at the beginning of the deposit’s formation, where seawater (and minor fresh water) trapped on the uplifted Khorat Plateau produced sediments and salts with Br contents lower than those of normal marine-derived evaporites; (2) a transgression stage, where seawater recharged the basin; (3) a hydrothermal infiltration stage, which was coeval with the late Yanshan movement; and (4) a stage of fresh water supply, as recorded by fluctuations in B and Br contents, inferring intermittent fresh water influx into the basin. Thus, although evaporites on the Savannakhet Basin primarily formed via marine evaporation, they were also influenced to a significant degree by the addition of non–marine fresh water and hydrothermal fluids.

Abstract:The Late Cenozoic basins in the Weihe–Shanxi Graben, North China Craton are delineated by northeast-striking faults. The faults have, since a long time, been related to the progressive uplift and northeastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau. To show the relation between the basins and faults, two Pliocene–Pleistocene stratigraphic sections (Chengqiang and Hongyanangou) in the southern part of the Nihewan Basin at the northernmost parts of the graben are studied herein. Based on the sedimentary sequences and facies, the sections are divided into three evolutionary stages, such as alluvial fan-eolian red clay, fan delta, and fluvial, with boundaries at ~2.8 and ~1.8 Ma. Paleocurrent indicators, the composition of coarse clastics, heavy minerals, and the geochemistry of moderate–fine clastics are used to establish the temporal and spatial variations in the source areas. Based on features from the middle-northern basin, we infer that the Nihewan Basin comprises an old NE–SW elongate geotectogene and a young NW–SE elongate subgeotectogene. The main geotectogene in the mid-north is a half-graben bounded by northeast-striking and northwest-dipping normal faults (e.g., Liulengshan Fault). This group of faults was mainly affected by the Pliocene (before ~2.8–2.6 Ma) NW–SE extension and controlled the deposition of sediments. In contrast, the subgeotectogene in the south was affected by northwest-striking normal faults (e.g., Huliuhe Fault) that were controlled by the subsequent weak NE–SW extension in the Pleistocene. The remarkable change in the sedimentary facies and provenance since ~1.8 Ma is possibly a signal of either weak or strong NE–SW extension. This result implies that the main tectonic transition ages of ~2.8–2.6 Ma and ~1.8 Ma in the Weihe–Shanxi Graben are affected by the Tibetan Plateau in Pliocene–Pleistocene.

Abstract:In situ terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) exposure dating using 10Be is one of the most successful techniques used to determine the ages of Quaternary deposits and yields data that enable the reconstruction of the Quaternary glacial history of the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding mountain ranges. Statistical analysis of TCN 10Be exposure ages, helps to reconstruct the history of glacial fluctuations and past climate changes on the Tibetan Plateau, differences in the timing of glacier advances among different regions. However, different versions of the Cosmic-Ray-prOduced NUclide Systematics on Earth (CRONUS-Earth) online calculator, which calculates and corrects the TCN ages of Quaternary glacial landforms, yield different results. For convenience in establishing contrasts among regions, in this paper, we recalculate 1848 10Be exposure ages from the Tibetan Plateau that were published from 1999 to 2017 using version 2.3 of the CRONUS-Earth calculator. We also compare the results obtained for 1594 10Be exposure ages using different versions (2.2, 2.3 and 3.0) of the CRONUS-Earth calculator. The results are as follows. (1) Approximately 97% of the exposure ages are less than 200 ka. A probability density curve of the exposure ages suggests that greater numbers of oscillations emerge during the Holocene, and the peaks correspond to the Little Ice Age, the 8.2 ka and 9.3 ka cold events; the main peak covers the period between 12 and 18 ka. (2) In most areas, the newer versions of the calculator produce older 10Be exposure ages. When different versions of the CRONUS-Earth calculator are used, approximately 29% of the 10Be exposure ages display maximum differences greater than 10 ka, and the maximum age difference for a single sample is 181.1 ka.

Abstract:The palaeo-atmospheric CO2 concentration (pCO2) variation in the Yumen, Gansu Province during the middle Cretaceous has been reconstructed using the newly established plant photosynthetic gas exchange mechanistic model, and the results show that the pCO2 values are in the range of about 550–808 ppmv. The present pCO2 values are higher than the pCO2 results (531–641 ppmv) of the previous study according to the Recent standardization of the stomatal ratio method, and much lower than the pCO2 results (882–1060 ppmv) according to the Carboniferous standardization of the stomatal ratio method. The present pCO2 variation is not only within the error range of GEOCARBⅡ and GEOCARB Ⅲ but also is similar to the reconstructed results based on the biochemistry and carbon isotope models. Besides, the present Brachyphyllum specimens were collected from four consecutive horizons of the upper Zhonggou Formation of the Hanxia Section, and the reconstructed pCO2 exhibits the reconstructed pCO2 exhibits a decline trend during the late Aptian to early Albian. This decline variation is probably associated with the Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAE1b) and the Cold snap event. With the combination of pCO2 during the Albian to Cenomanian recovered by the plant photosynthetic gas exchange mechanistic model, the pCO2 showed a prominent increase during the late Aptian to early Cenominian, which indicates a response to the greenhouse warming during the middle Cretaceous. Therefore, the mechanical model of the plant photosynthetic gas exchange shows a relatively strong accuracy in the reconstruction of the pCO2 and can reflect a strong relation between the atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climatic events.

Abstract:

Abstract:The East Asian geological setting has a long duration related to the superconvergence of the Paleo-Asian, Tethyan and Paleo-Pacific tectonic domains. The Triassic Indosinian Movement contributed to an unified passive continental margin in East Asia. The later ophiolites and I-type granites associated with subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate in the Late Triassic, suggest a transition from passive to active continental margins. With the presence of the ongoing westward migration of the Paleo-Pacific Subduction Zone, the sinistral transpressional stress field could play an important role in the intraplate deformation in East Asia during the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic, being characterized by the transition from the E-W-trending structural system controlled by the Tethys and Paleo-Asian oceans to the NE-trending structural system caused by the Paleo-Pacific Ocean subduction. The continuously westward migration of the subduction zones resulted in the transpressional stress field in East Asia marked by the emergence of the Eastern North China Plateau and the formation of the Andean-type active continental margin from late Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (160-135 Ma), accompanied by the development of a small amount of adakites. In the Late Cretaceous (135-90 Ma), due to the eastward retreat of the Paleo-Pacific Subduction Zone, the regional stress field was replaced from sinistral transpression to transtension. Since a large amount of late-stage adakites and metamorphic core complexes developed, the Andean-type active continental margin was destroyed and the Eastern North China Plateau started to collapse. In the Late Cretaceous, the extension in East Asia gradually decreased the eastward retreat of the Paleo-Pacific subduction zones. Futhermore, a significant topographic inversion had taken place during the Cenozoic that resulted from a rapid uplift of the Tibet Plateau resulting from the India-Eurasian collision and the formation of the Bohai Bay Basin and other basins in the East Asian continental margin. The inversion caused a remarkable eastward migration of deformation, basin formation and magmatism. Meanwhile, the basins that mainly developed in the Paleogene resulted in a three-step topography which typically appears to drop eastward in altitude. In the Neogene, the basins underwent a rapid subsidence in some depressions after basin-controlled faulting, as well as the intracontinental extensional events in East Asia, and are likely to be a contribution to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract: