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In this study, we report the first occurrence of Archean Niobium‐enriched mafic dikes in the southern Huangling dome within the Yangtze Block, southern China. Zircon U–Pb dating of three mafic dike samples yielded weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb ages of 2,858 ± 24 Ma (MSWD = 1.14), 2,889 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 0.98), and 2,840 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 0.17), respectively, which are interpreted as the intrusion ages of the dikes. Zircons from the host granodioritic gneiss show different trace element patterns and variable Eu anomalies, and yield an upper intercept age of 2,891 ± 32 Ma. On the basis of previous studies, the 2,891 Ma age is interpreted as the metamorphic recrystallization time caused by late tectono‐thermal events. The mafic dikes possess high Nb contents ranging from 4.7 to 18.4 ppm, which are similar to those reported from Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic Nb‐enriched basaltic rocks occurring worldwide. The Nb‐enriched mafic dikes show HFSE‐depleted patterns with significant negative Zr, Hf, and Ti anomalies, and higher Nb/U (8.29–48.42), Nb/Thpm (0.59–1.71), and Nb/Lapm (0.76–1.34) ratios than "normal" island arc volcanic rocks that are consistent with a subduction zone geochemical affinity. Positive εNd(t) values (+5.0 to +11.8) of the Nb‐enriched mafic dikes point to an extended depleted mantle characterized by elevated Sm/Nd ratio, whereas εNd(t) values (+0.3 to −2.3) and tectonic environment of the host granodioritic rocks, as well as the most widely accepted petrogenetic models of the TTG series indicate enriched mafic crustal sources. Therefore, we propose that the Nb‐enriched mafic dikes were generated from a depleted mantle with an extended history of elevated Sm/Nd ratio that was metasomatized by slab‐derived melts at ca. 2.90–2.85 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stuck in the middle of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean and the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean, the tectonic background of the Great Xing'an Range is ambiguous, especially with the tectonic transition in Early Mesozoic. Previous studies showed a major influence by the closure of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean and the onset of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean subduction on the southern and northern part of the Great Xing'an Range, respectively. However, the Early Mesozoic tectonic setting of the central Great Xing'an Range still needs further discussion. New zircon ages, whole‐rock geochemical data for monzodiorite in the Erdaohe deposit, central Great Xing'an Range, are presented. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a Triassic age of 226 Ma. Monzodiorite displays metaluminous and high‐K calc‐alkaline affinity evidenced by petrologic and geochemical studies. A mixed source of juvenile lower crust with mantle material of the monzodiorite is indicated by its high Mg# (44–61), low SiO2 (50–53 wt%) contents, depletion in Nb and Ta, positive εNd(t) (+2.5 ± 3.0) and zircon εHf(t) (+6.8 ± 8.9), and low ISr values (0.70322–0.70432). Our new geochronological and geochemical data with compiled data of previous research on magmatism from the Xing'an Block and adjacent areas indicate new insights into the Triassic tectonic evolution of the central Great Xing'an Range. The Triassic magmatism in this region is intimately associated with the flat‐slab subduction and slab break‐off of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geodynamic mechanism of the Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks in the southern Lhasa Terrane remains controversial. To constrain the Early Cretaceous petrogenesis and tectonic evolution of the Neo‐Tethyan oceanic slab, we have undertaken zircon U–Pb dating, whole‐rock major and trace element analyses, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic studies of the Cuocun gabbro from the southern Lhasa Terrane. The zircon U–Pb dating yielded an Early Cretaceous crystallization age of 146.9 ± 0.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.77, 2σ). The Cuocun gabbro is enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Sr, and Ba) and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). The initial 87Sr/86Sr value are low (0.70361–0.70460), εNd(t) and εHf(t) values are high and positive (from +5.1 to +6.6 and from +11.0 to 17.0, respectively), and Pb isotope specific value are homogeneous (initial 206Pb/204Pb = 18.163–18.457, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.541–15.632, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.262–38.673). The gabbro originated from the partial melting of a depleted mantle wedge that had reacted with slab‐derived fluids, and the ascending magmas underwent fractional crystallization without significant crustal contamination. Combining our data with those from previous studies of Early Cretaceous magmatism in the southern Lhasa Terrane, we suggest that the Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks (147–130 Ma) in the southern Lhasa Terrane were generated within a continental marginal arc setting related to the rollback of the northwards subducting Neo‐Tethyan oceanic slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timing of closing of the A'nyemaqen Ocean—the north branch of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean—and the subsequent continental collision remain controversial. In this study, detailed geochronological and geochemical analyses of the Baishiya granodiorite porphyries in the Dulan area [eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogen Belt (EKOB)] were conducted. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating analysis revealed that the Baishiya granodiorite porphyries were emplaced during the Late Triassic (~223 Ma) and possess adakitic features, including relatively high SiO2 (67.2–69.0 wt%), Al2O3 (15.2–15.9 wt%), and Sr (416–540 ppm) contents, low Y (10.5–12.3 ppm) and Yb (1.03–1.38 ppm) contents, and high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios. They belong to the high‐K calc‐alkaline series and show significant light rare‐earth element enrichment, minor Eu anomalies, HFSE depletion, and LILE enrichment. The porphyries record a narrow range of (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.709067–0.709920) and ɛNd(t) values (−6.84 to −5.27) with two‐stage model ages (TDM2) ranging from 1,426 to 1,554 Ma. These geochemical features imply that the Baishiya granodiorite porphyries originated from the partial melting of the thickened Mesoproterozoic lower crust by mixing with minor mantle‐derived material. Late Triassic adakitic magmatism in the eastern segment of the EKOB formed in a post‐collisional extension setting due to the closing of the A'nyemaqen Ocean since Early Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tengchong‐Lianghe tin metallogenic district in western Yunnan is an important tin mineralization area in the Sanjiang Tethyan Metallogenic Domain from southwestern China. The Lailishan deposit is one of the largest tin deposits in this district and spatially and temporally associated with Eocene granites. LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS cassiterite U–Pb dating (49.8 ± 2.6 Ma) suggests that the tin mineralization is coeval with the Lailishan granites. The contact between the monzogranite and the syenogranite is gradual and both are weakly peraluminous, with high SiO2, Al2O3, and total alkali contents. They are characterized by negative Eu anomalies and the depletion in high‐field‐strength elements and enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements. Compared with the monzogranite, the syenogranite is more evolved and exhibit 'tetrad effect'. The Lailishan monzogranite was probably derived from the partial melt of the ancient crustal basement from the Tengchong Block under syn‐collisional tectonic setting. The syenogranite was cogenetic with monzogranite and experienced the process of fractional crystallization. The mineralization process is divided into three successive mineralization stages (I–III) in this study. These stages are characterized by the coarse‐grained cassiterite and high temperatures (216–337°C), light brown or colourless cassiterite and moderate temperatures (160–243°C), and dark brown cassiterite and low temperatures (116–199°C) of ore‐forming fluids, respectively. From the Stage I to later stages, both the δ18OH2O and δDSMOW values of fluids are decreasing and shift from magmatic water towards meteoric water, indicating that the ore‐forming fluids derived from granitic melts and mixed over time with meteoric water with the decrease of temperature. The δ34S values of pyrites and pyrrhotites (2.4–5.9‰) and Pb isotopic compositions for pyrites from Lailishan deposit (206Pb/204Pb = 18.687–19.402) are similar with those of Lailishan granites. We propose that the Lailishant in deposit is derived from the Lailishan granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pusangguo is a high‐grade skarn‐type Cu‐dominated polymetallic deposit and the only large‐sized Cu‐Pb‐Zn‐(Co‐Ni) deposit in the Gangdese metallogenic belt (GMB); the magmatic rocks associated with this deposit are poorly documented, and their petrogenesis and geodynamic setting are unclear. To explore these issues, we present zircon U–Pb ages along with Hf isotopic, whole‐rock geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for Pusangguo biotite granodiorite (PBG) and Pusangguo diorite porphyrite (PDP) in this deposit. Zircon U–Pb dating for these rocks indicates that they were emplaced during the Miocene (13.6–14.6 Ma). Geochemically, both PBG and PDP show characteristics of adakites, with intermediate SiO2 (65.55–67.30 wt% and 60.56–58.27 wt%, respectively), relatively high Al2O3 (15.28–15.85 wt% and 17.71–16.71 wt%, respectively) and Sr (599–723 ppm and 687–1,616 ppm, respectively) and low Y and Yb. In addition, they show relatively low ratios of (87Sr/86Sr)i and (206Pb/204Pb)i, (207Pb/204Pb)i and (208Pb/204Pb)i and relatively low values of εNd(t) and εHf(t). The Sr‐Nd‐Pb‐Hf isotopes of PBG and PDP are similar to those of the Miocene adakitic rocks associated with the porphyry–skarn deposits in the GMB, indicating that they were predominantly generated by partial melting of the thickened juvenile Lhasa Terrane lower crust and the PDP were likely to be generated through mixing between the magma parental to the PBG and a mafic end‐member. By combining our results with the previously reported results, we suggest that the model of delamination of the overthickened mantle lithosphere of Lhasa Terrane and convective upwelling of mantle asthenosphere which may involve Indian continental lithosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tan‐Lu Fault Zone is a major fault system in eastern China, and its timing of activity has been the focus of much research. We studied a ductile segment of the Tan‐Lu Fault Zone, the Malongshan Shear Zone, which is located in the Feidong Complex (the southern part of the Zhangbaling Uplift). A dark biotite‐adamellite mylonite has been recognized in the Malongshan Shear Zone, and the mylonitic foliation strikes NNE, consistent with the regional orientation of the Tan‐Lu Fault Zone. The occurrence of abundant syn‐tectonic leucocratic veins within the biotite‐adamellite mylonite indicates that ductile shearing was accompanied by hydrothermal activity. To constrain the timing of deformation along the Malongshan Shear Zone, we dated the biotite‐adamellite mylonite and the leucocratic veins using zircon U–Pb geochronology. The weighted mean ages of zircon grains from the biotite‐adamellite mylonite (159.0 ± 5.5 Ma) and the captured Group 2 (156.3 ± 3.7 Ma and 173.2 ± 4.2 Ma) of leucocratic veins are interpreted as the ages of protoliths of the biotite‐adamellite mylonite during the Jurassic. Additional weighted mean age of the hydrothermal zircon grains (130.9 ± 3.6 Ma) represents the timing of crystallization of the veins. Therefore, the results indicate that the Malongshan Shear Zone (and hence the southern segment of the Tan‐Lu Fault Zone) was active during the Early Cretaceous (~131 Ma). Based on the present results and existing data, we consider that sinistral shearing of the Tan‐Lu Fault Zone during the Early Cretaceous was controlled by oblique subduction of the Pacific Plate at a high angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Altyn Block (SAB), located along the southern margin of the Altyn Tagh in Qaidam Basin, has a significant relationship with the tectonics of the Qaidam Basin basement. This study presents the petrological features, geochemical compositions, and zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope data of four granitic plutons from the eastern segment of the SAB to constrain the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of this region during the Palaeozoic. Basing on previous U–Pb dating results, the zircon U–Pb analysis in this study suggests that Palaeozoic magmatic events can be subdivided into four episodes: Late Cambrian (approximately 502 Ma), Late Ordovician (approximately 444 Ma), Early Devonian, and Middle Permian (approximately 271 Ma). The Palaeozoic granitoids were derived mainly from Neoproterozoic juvenile crustal components, with minor palaeoproterozoic ancient materials. The S‐ and I‐type granitoids in Late Cambrian indicate a compressional tectonic environment with respect to subduction, and A‐type granitoids suggest post‐collision regime. The Late Ordovician granodiorites of A‐type imply typical magmatism within a post‐collision extensional setting. Ascribing to the subduction of Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean during the Devonian, S‐type granites were emplaced in the Early Devonian accompanied with the crust thickening. The Middle Permian magmatic events include a series of S‐type granitoids, demonstrating the setting of oceanic subduction along with the closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenced by the far‐field effect of the India–Eurasia collision during the Cenozoic, the Palaeozoic orogenic belt of the southern Tianshan mountains underwent tectonic activation. This resulted in the transmission of intense compressive deformation to the northern margin of the Tarim Basin, Kuqa Depression, where multiple east–west trending fold–thrust belts are formed. Exactly when the Cenozoic compressive deformation in the southern Tianshan orogenic belt was initiated is controversial. Growth strata are sediments of the syn‐tectonic events, and the age of the bottom boundary of the growth strata effectively constrains the initiation timing of the structural deformation. The Kuqa Depression currently receives sediments from the southern Tianshan mountains, and it is natural to use these Cenozoic strata to decipher the southern Tianshan's uplift history. Based on the detailed structural mapping and structural profile survey of the Kuqa Depression area, the Palaeogene Kumugelimu Formation growth strata in the Kuqa Depression were identified. Based on the magnetic stratigraphic sequence of the Cenozoic established by predecessors, the age of the bottom boundary of the Palaeogene Kumgelimu Formation is assumed to be 42–60.5 Ma. Combined with the analysis of the apatite fission‐track ages of the Mesozoic–Cenozoic clastic sediments in the Kuqa Depression by previous workers, there was an evident uplift and cooling event (~50 Ma) during the Palaeogene in the Kuqa Depression. The Cenozoic compression deformation in the south Tianshan and Kuqa Depression was then concluded to be initiated at approximately 50 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeoproterozoic granites accompanied with granulite‐facies gneisses can be recognized in the Kuandian area, northern Jiao‐Liao‐Ji Belt (JLJB). This study highlights two episodes of Palaeoproterozoic magmatism, identified by granites and biotite monzogranitic gneisses herein. Zircon grains from biotite monzogranitic gneiss with homogeneous oscillatory zoning yielded a U–Pb age of 2,153 ± 16 Ma, in accordance with the age of zircon cores from the monzogranitic gneiss. Zircon grains from the two granites yielded upper intercept ages of 1,892 ± 38 Ma and 1,859 ± 36 Ma respectively. Monzogranitic gneiss samples are enriched in Th, Rb, Pb, U, and REE, but depleted in Sr and P. They have high 1,000 × Ga/Al ratios versus Zr, Ce, Nb, Y contents, which are usually interpreted as the features of classical A‐type granite that originated in a lithospheric extension setting. The ~1.89–1.86 Ga granite samples have relatively high Al, Rb, Th, U and low Sr, Zr, and Hf contents. These features, combined with the observation of minor apatite grains under the microscope are similar with the I‐type granites. In situ zircon Lu–Hf isotopic analyses revealed that ~1.89–1.86 Ga granite had a similar range and TDM2 ages with the monzogranitic gneiss, but with much lower εHf(t) values. The monzogranitic gneiss may have originated from an Archean crust, while the later granite may be derived from melting of the partial melting of the monzogranitic gneiss or the Archean crust that generated the monzogranitic gneiss. The ~1.89–1.86 Ga granites, together with the coeval S‐type granites in the JLJB, represent an orogeny process that may involve a Palaeoproterozoic subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study integrates detrital zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic analysis from 13 sandstone samples from an Upper Cretaceous–Miocene sedimentary sequence in Nepal Himalaya to determine their provenance. These sequences constrain a shifting of provenance from south to north. The U–Pb ages from Upper Cretaceous–Palaeocene strata (Amile Formation) mainly cluster between ~1,860 and 1,400 Ma with a peak at ~1,630 Ma and an absence of grains younger than the Palaeoproterozoic (1,400 Ma) age. The detritus yielded positive detrital zircon ƐHf (t) values (as high as +10). However, the detrital zircon U–Pb ages from Eocene–Miocene sequence cluster at ~500–650, ~700–900, ~1,600–1,850, and ~2,500 Ma, and in addition, they have both positive and negative ƐHf (t) values (+11 to −25). This finding further elucidates that the detritus in the Amile Formation was entirely sourced from India, which changed following the time of the Bhainskati Formation deposition, to a mixture of both Asian and Indian affinities (the Himalayan region). This change in source region marks the possible time of the India–Asia collision during this transition phase, that is, Late Palaeocene–Earliest Eocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ages and source of Late Cretaceous mafic dolerite dykes of the Songliao Basin were determined using geochronological, geochemical, zircon Hf, whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopic, and zircon fission tract. The results show that (a) petrographic data reveal doleritic, poikiloblastic textures, and amygdale structures of the dolerite dykes. (b) LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS U–Pb analysis of zircons yielded an age of 70.0 ± 3.0 Ma of one of these mafic dykes in agreement with the zircon fission track age (69–68 Ma) of host rocks within uncertainty, placing them within the Late Cretaceous. (c) Geochemical researches indicate that the dykes are classified as the alkaline and tholeiitic series according to their major elements and characterized by high Na2O (2.79–4.89 wt.%), TiO2 (1.63–2.71 wt.%), and low K2O (0.46–2.45 wt.%). And they have enrichment of incompatible elements (e.g., K, Ti, Rb, Ba, Th, U, Nb, Ta, and REEs), high Rb/Sr (0.026–0.066), LaN/YbN (3.83–15.93), near‐chondritic HREEs ([Gd/Yb]N = 1.78–3.37), low Sm/Nd (0.202–0.282) ratios, and with negligible Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.98–1.06). The dykes contain relatively low amounts of radiogenic Sr, as shown by (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.7037–0.7045), and have positive values of εNd(t) (3.66–5.40) and εHf (t) (2.66–7.45), suggesting that the mafic dykes have been derived from partial melting of the depleted lithospheric mantle and contaminated by crust in the source region and formed in back‐arc rift settings caused by the subduction of the Pacific Oceanic Plate. All the above indicate large‐scale extensional event in Songliao Basin NE China at about 70 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tight constraint on the closure time of the Irtysh–Zaysan Ocean, a major southwestern branch of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean, is crucial for understanding the final amalgamation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt; however, no agreement has been reached. This study presents new zircon U–Pb ages and whole‐rock geochemical data for the Keluke composite pluton in the Zharma–Saur arc of the northern West Junggar (NW China). The Keluke composite pluton mainly includes the hornblende gabbro, gabbroic diorite, and K‐feldspar granite. The laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the hornblende gabbro and K‐feldspar granite formed at 334 ± 1 Ma and 319 ± 4 Ma, respectively. The gabbroic and dioritic rocks are calc‐alkaline and arc‐related plutonism characterized by strong depletions in Nb–Ta–Ti, thus being the product of the subduction of the Irtysh–Zaysan Ocean. By contrast, the K‐feldspar granite is geochemically similar to the post‐collisional highly fractionated I‐type granite. In particular, when compared with regional magmatic events, the Keluke K‐feldspar granite represents the first stitching plutonism in response to the termination of the Irtysh–Zaisan Ocean, which strongly indicates that the Irtysh–Zaisan Ocean was closed prior to the earliest late Carboniferous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the many orogeny cycles in Central Africa is the Pan‐African orogeny which took place during the Neoproterozoic era. In central Cameroon, the reworked materials are Archean to Palaeoproterozoic rocks of sedimentary and magmatic origin and subsequent granitoids. The metadiorite of Meiganga is a syntectonic magmatic rock, affected by three deformational phases. It is characterized by a schistosity highlighted by a banded structure related to migmatization and made up of green hornblende, biotite, plagioclase, quartz, chlorite, opaques minerals, apatite, zircon, and titanite. Zircon grains of the metadiorite are prismatic or roundish. Internally, they show oscillatory zonation, blurred oscillatory zonation, and sector zoning. Some grains portray an outer cathodoluminescence bright band with blurred oscillatory zonation and which transgress the inner oscillatory domain; zircons contain inclusions or are inclusion free. Laser‐ablation microprobe‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry U–Pb data allow in relation with the internal structure of the zircon to decipher many tectono‐metamorphic steps in the Ediacaran phase of the Pan‐African Orogeny: (a) syntectonic emplacement of the dioritic protolith at 637 ± 5 Ma; (b) syn‐D2 melting process at 623 ± 2 Ma; (c) D3 time interval between 608 ± 2 and 562 ± 6 Ma; and (d) maximum age of the dextral movement of the regional shear zone at 570 ± 8 Ma. Ages founded in the studied metadiorite sample are recorded individually in different area of the Adamawa‐Yadé area of the Central African Fold Belt and the Borborema Province of NE Brazil, showing that the two domains underwent the same tectono‐metamorphic history during the Ediacaran period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesozoic strata in the East Malaya Terrane of Peninsular Malaysia record a long but poorly constrained history of basin evolution. In this study, we report LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb geochronology analyses of detrital zircons in the continental Mesozoic sequences from the Bertangga and Gerek formations of Peninsular Malaysia, with the aim to constrain the depositional ages and provenances of the continental Mesozoic strata as well as the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the East Malaya Terrane. The Bertangga Formation yields populations of U–Pb zircon ages of Jurassic (139 to 194 Ma), Permo−Triassic (226 to 274 Ma), Ordovician−Devonian (372 to 459 Ma), Neoproterozoic (631 to 876 Ma), and Mesoproterozoic−Palaeoproterozoic (1,448 to 2,629 Ma). In contrast, the Gerek Formation yields significant Carboniferous grains, but with an approximate zircon age range relative to the Bertangga Formation. The new data indicate a maximum Late Jurassic depositional age for the previously undated Bertangga Formation. Similarly, young zircon grain ages in the Gerek Formation also indicate a maximum Late Jurassic depositional age. Collectively, these results on detrital zircons correlate well with a regional tectonic uplift and erosion to a tectonic stability of the East Malaya Terrane basin during the Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from a series of clastic and pyroclastic rocks from the Murui Formation in the southern Great Xing'an Range (GXR), NE China, with the aim of constraining the depositional age of this poorly dated unit. These data, combined with the petrographic and sedimentology characteristics of the rocks, are used to constrain the sediment sources and tectonic setting of the provenance and provide wider insight into the tectonic evolution of the southern GXR during the Late Mesozoic. Two lithic arkose samples have dominant age groups at 249–250, 159–160, 136–147, and 394–415 Ma, and 301–323, 278–288, 209–237, and 142–163 Ma, respectively. The U–Pb zircon data constrain the maximum depositional age of the Murui Formation to 136 ± 1 Ma, that is, the Early Cretaceous. A lithic–crystal tuff from the upper Murui Formation yielded zircons with a weighted mean U–Pb age of 136 ± 1 Ma (n = 47, mean square weighted deviation (MSWD) = 2.2), indicating that volcanic activity was contemporaneous with sedimentation of the Murui Formation. U–Pb dating of zircons from a pyromeride in the Baiyingaolao Formation that was erupted unconformably onto the Murui Formation yielded a peak age of ~120 Ma, which constrains the depositional age of the Murui Formation to 120–136 Ma. Further dating of detrital zircons shows a range of ages, indicating the various of sediment origins. The Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks in the GXR served as the principal detrital sources for the Murui Formation in the southern GXR. Grain size and modal analysis of the sediments shows that the depositional environment was a stable intracontinental fluvial setting, and the provenance of the detritus was most likely a magmatic arc. According to stratigraphic contact relations, the Baiyingaolao Formation is supposed to have obvious intervals with lower volcanic strata, which combined with disparities between the southern and northern GXR in terms of the duration of volcanism, magmatic events, and the depositional age of the Murui Formation. We can conclude that the restricted occurrence of the Early Cretaceous detritus between the earlier and later phases of volcanism suggests progressive exhumation of the southern GXR in the Early Cretaceous. These may relate to post‐orogenic extension related to oceanic subduction. The southern GXR remained a site of active sedimentation during the continental extension period across the whole of NE China in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yinshan Block constitutes the northwestern segment of the North China Craton. We characterized the geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotopic composition of a diorite pluton in the Yinshan Block. The zircon U–Pb data yield a protolith formation age of 2535 ± 8 Ma (MSWD = 0.46), followed by recrystallization at 2465 ± 14 Ma or 2431 ± 30 Ma; the granite vein which intruded into the diorite pluton gives a formation age of 2453 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 1.6), according with the recrystallization age of the diorite. These diorites are characterized by moderate Mg# value and MgO, Cr, and Ni content and have relatively low Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios and slightly Eu anomalies and are enriched in LILEs and depletion in high field strength elements. High‐Sr + Ba granites with low K2O/Na2O characteristics are also shown by these diorites, and the εHf(t) of zircons lie between +1.3 and −7.2, imply these diorites are most likely derived from partial melting of a thickened lower crust with minor involvement of enriched mantle. These geochemical and isotopic characteristics suggest the diorite magmas derived from an accreted arc‐related rocks remelting in a low‐pressure environment along the continent margin. Hereby, we propose a supplement to the model of crustal growth and evolution in the Yinshan Block, involving subduction and collision in the Neoarchean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk sand samples and detrital zircons collected from the Atasta and Alvarado beach areas in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico have been analysed for geochemistry and U–Pb ages to constrain their provenance. The index of chemical maturity and SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the Atasta and Alvarado beach sands indicated low compositional maturity. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns and Eu anomalies of the Atasta and Alvarado beach sands suggested that the sands were derived from felsic and intermediate igneous rock types, respectively. A wide range in Th and U contents of the Atasta (~1.0–884 ppm and ~39–883 ppm, respectively) and Alvarado (~13–2,641 ppm and ~21–2,457 ppm, respectively) zircons likely indicates that the detrital zircon populations consist of zircons derived from multiple sources. The total rare earth element (ΣREE) content in the Atasta and Alvarado zircons ranges from ~151 to 2,088 ppm and ~154 to 3,580 ppm, respectively. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of zircons from the two beach areas show slightly depleted light REE (LREE) and enriched heavy REE (HREE), as well as positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies. A few zircons of Alvarado beach lack a Ce positive anomaly but exhibit a distinct Eu anomaly. The differences in REE patterns among zircons between the two beach areas revealed the variations in the type of source terranes, which supplied zircons to the beach areas. The detrital zircon age distribution for the Atasta beach is homogeneous, showing a prominent Proterozoic peak (~596–2,461 Ma; number of samples n = 62) with few Cenozoic (~10.43–65.2 Ma; n = 4) and Palaeozoic (~380–468 Ma; n = 5) zircons. The zircon U–Pb ages of Alvarado beach revealed Cenozoic (~0.25–63.9 Ma; n = 65), Mesozoic (~67.9–181.2 Ma), Palaeozoic (~252–297 Ma), and Proterozoic (~589–1,501 Ma) age clusters with predominant Cenozoic zircons. The comparison of zircon REE chemistry and geochronological data of this study with published data suggests that the source terranes, which supplied zircons to the Atasta beach, were the Chiapas Massif and Oaxacan complexes, whereas the zircons in the Alvarado beach were derived from the nearby Mexican Volcanic Belt and Eastern Alkaline Province. The provenance variation between the two beach areas was also revealed by the dissimilarities in zircon age clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks along the northern Yangtze Block are closely related to the evolution of the Rodinia supercontinent. This paper presents zircon U–Pb dating, whole‐rock geochemistry and Sr‐Nd isotopes of the gabbro–granite association from the Micangshan area, northern Yangtze Block. Zircon LA‐ICP MS U–Pb dating indicates that the tonalite and monzogranite from the Pinghe display identical ages of 869 ± 4 Ma (MSWD = 1.3, 2σ) and 859 ± 8 Ma (MSWD = 1.9, 2σ), respectively. According to the regional geology, the gabbro may be younger. The monzogranite and tonalite display almost identical geochemical features, both of them have high Na2O/K2O ratios, with insignificant negative Eu anomalies, relatively juvenile Sr‐Nd isotopic compositions. The monzogranite has initial (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.703403 to 0.705218, and positive ɛNd(t) values of +1.23 to +2.98. The tonalite have (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.700387 to 0.706222, positive ɛNd(t) values of +1.98 to +7.79, indicating that they were derived from juvenile source. The 860 Ma monzogranite–tonalite association suggests crustal growth event in an active continental margin. The gabbro has low (La/Yb)N ratios (1.80 to 7.61) and total rare earth element contents (∑REE = 44.95 to 83.92 ppm), they have initial (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.701913 to 0.704815, positive ɛNd(t) values of +0.65 to +5.73, indicating an island‐arc affinity. In combination with the other Neoproterozoic igneous rocks along the western and northern margin of the Yangtze Block, we propose that the gabbro and granitoid association from the Micangshan area represent two stage crustal growth events in the active continental margin setting, and these results imply that the Neoproterozoic crustal growth events in the Yangtze Block may be controlled by subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents zircon U–Pb ages and geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic data for acid granites from the Uliastai continental margin, which is located in the Ulaan Tolgoi area of the south‐eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Although most samples have similar calc‐alkaline (K2O/Na2O = 0.55–1.70, average of 1.35) and peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.02–1.20 and A/NK = 1.09–1.87) characteristics, the granodiorites, monzogranites, and alkali feldspar granites exhibit distinct light rare earth element (LREE)/heavy REE (HREE) anomalies, including negative Nb, P, Ti, Sr, and Ba anomalies and negative εNd(t) values. These characteristics indicate that this complex massif comprises lower Early Carboniferous subduction‐related calc‐alkaline granodiorites (348 ± 1 Ma); an upper Early Carboniferous syn‐collisional segment characterized by S‐type, high‐K, calc‐alkaline, and peraluminous monzonitic granites (334 ± 1 Ma); and Late Carboniferous post‐orogenic extensional A2‐type peraluminous alkali feldspar granites (317 ± 1 Ma). Previous studies performed on coeval volcanic rocks and Early Palaeozoic granites in the same area have demonstrated that the Early Carboniferous granodiorites have the same geochemical characteristics as volcanic arc granites (VAGs), thus indicating that the northward subduction of the Hegenshan Ocean may have continued through the Early Carboniferous. The monzogranite and alkali feldspar granites, in conjunction with the Late Carboniferous lagged arc volcanic rocks observed in this area, suggest a syn‐collisional to post‐collisional setting. The new data presented in this study provide constraints on the timing of the transition from island‐arc magmatism to post‐collisional extension‐related magmatism in this region during the later stage of the Early Carboniferous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary record in the Late Palaeoproterozoic‐Neoproterozoic Bayan Obo rift belt can provide critical insight into tectonic evolution of Columbia and the North China Craton. In this study, we present new U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopic analyses from the Bayan Obo Group, the Mesoproterozoic kimberlite, and gabbro to constrain the depositional age and potential provenance information of the Bayan Obo Group. We show that the Dulahala‐Jianshan, Bilute, and Baiyinbaolage formations were deposited at ca. 1.81–1.7 Ga, ca. 1.58–1.35 Ga, and ca. 1.25–1.0 Ga, respectively. Our data suggest the following potential provenance for sediments within the Bayan Obo Group: (a) The Khondalite Belt, Yinshan Block, and crystalline basement complex of the North China Craton to the south were the most potential provenance of the Dulahala and Jianshan formations during the initial deposition of Bayan Obo Group; (b) The Yinshan Block, and crystalline basement complex of the North China Craton, and local intermediate‐acid igneous rocks were the most potential provenance of the Bilute Formation; and (c) the local gabbro and volcanic rocks were the most potential provenance of the Baiyinbaolage Formation. Based on regional geologic constraints and the sedimentary history, we propose that the Northern Marginal Rift System probably represented several distinct rifting events. Furthermore, the Bayan Obo and Huade rift belts were active more recently than 1.0 Ga, which suggests that these rift systems were not only related to the rifting of the Columbia supercontinent. We propose that the Bayan Obo rift belt also records the rifting related to the breakup of Rodinia with the deposition of Qingbaikou System (Tonian) strata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of Late Mesozoic (ca. 130 Ma) A‐type granitic plutons have been identified in Southeast (SE) China. The Lingshan pluton, located in the Gan‐Hang Belt, is a typical one which is mainly composed of coarse‐grained biotite monzogranite in the pluton centre and medium‐ to coarse‐grained syenogranite on the margin. Zircons from three representative samples show U–Pb ages of 132.0 ± 1.3, 134.4 ± 2.1, and 133.0 ± 1.9 Ma, respectively, indicating that the Lingshan pluton were formed in the Early Cretaceous. The Lingshan granites display typical A‐type affinities, with high SiO2, K2O, Na2O + K2O, rare earth element (REE) and high field strength element (HFSE) contents, high Ga/Al and Fe# [FeOT/(FeOT + MgO)] ratios and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents, and apparent depletion of Ba, Sr, Ti, and Eu. The calculated zircon saturation temperatures (TZr) are high, ranging from 841 to 966 °C (mean of 886 °C). The εHf (t) values and TDM2 (Hf) of the Lingshan granites mainly vary from −3.0 to 0.2 and 1.18 to 1.38 Ga, respectively. Consistently, the εNd(t) values vary from −3.9 to −2.8 and TDM2 (Nd) range from 1.16 to 1.26 Ga. These isotopic data indicate that the Lingshan granites were likely to be generated by partial melting of Mesoproterozoic metamorphic basement rocks with the involvement of a certain amount of mantle‐derived materials. Subsequent fractional crystallization processes were also suggested during subsequent magma evolution. We propose that the ca. 130 Ma Lingshan granites together with other coetaneous A‐type granitic rocks from adjacent region indicate a back‐arc extensional setting in SE China during Early Cretaceous. The extension event might be caused by the rollback of paleo‐Pacific Plate which results in upwelling of the asthenosphere and subsequently induces a high degree partial melting of Mesoproterozoic basement sedimentary material, to generate the A‐type granitic plutons along the Gan‐Hang Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Jilin is tectonically subordinate to the Lesser Xing'an Range–Zhangguangcai Range polymetallic metallogenic belt, an important region for Cu–Mo prospecting in NE China. Dozens of large‐scale molybdenum deposits, including Fu'anbu, Chang'anbu, Jide, and Dashihe, have been recently discovered in Central Jilin, whereas porphyry Cu or Cu–Mo deposits have not been found to date. One such example of an intracontinental porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is the Chang'anbu Cu–Mo deposit in Shulan, Jilin Province, hosted in early Yanshanian rocks. Here in this contribution, we described detailed geology based on our field observation and conducted a comparative study on the metallogenic epoch and the ore‐forming sources of the Chang'anbu Cu–Mo deposit by using zircon U–Pb dating and H–O–S–Pb stable isotopes. We propose that the Chang'anbu deposit is rare in the Lesser Xing'an Range–Zhangguangcail Range metallogenic belt and differs from other porphyry deposits that consist solely of Mo, indicating a unique mechanism of metallogenesis. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate emplacement of a granite pluton which is the main metallogenetic rock body during the Early Jurassic (182.10 ± 1.20 Ma). The pluton is spatially and temporally associated with Cu–Mo mineralization and led to large‐scale porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization during the early Yanshanian. Sulphur, Pb, H, and O isotope data suggest that magma generated by subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific oceanic crust was the main ore‐forming source of this deposit (206Pb/204Pb = 18.046–18.734; Pb207/Pb204 = 15.502–15.655; δ34S = 0.3–2‰; δDV–SMOW = −102.2–93.4‰; δ18OV–SMOW = 9.1–11.6‰). The Chang'anbu porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is representative of large‐scale polymetallic metallogenic events in Central Jilin that resulted from magmatism related to crust and mantle melting during the early Yanshanian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ladakh Magmatic Arc (LMA) of trans‐Himalaya was formed due to subduction of the Tethyan Ocean beneath the Eurasian continental plate. This was followed by the Indo‐Eurasian continental collision that gave rise to the Himalayan orogen. In this work, we present results from U–Pb geochronology of zircon of 2 samples from a previously unknown migmatite body within the LMA and one two‐mica granite body that lies adjacent to this migmatite and intrudes the LMA. One sample of mesosome from this migmatite gives a crystallization age of 66.9 ± 1.5 Ma (n = 11 zircon) along with a younger population of zircon (n = 24) giving an age of 62.1 ± 1.3 Ma. This sample also shows the presence of a younger cluster of zircon (n = 7) giving a concordant age of 50.0 ± 2.9 Ma. The other sample of one leucosome contains a cluster of inherited zircon (n = 5) giving a concordant age of 72.86 ± 0.83 Ma. However, the majority of the population (n = 10) gives a concordant crystallization age of 55.31 ± 1.5 Ma. Limited Hf isotopic analysis of the leucosome shows positive εHft values ranging from 7 to 15, comparable to that of the LMA. High and positive εHft values and absence of any Palaeozoic xenocrystic zircon help us infer that the Indian continental crust was not involved in the partial melting and leucosome generation process. Therefore, this event of migmatization predates Indo‐Eurasian collision. By comparing Th/U ratio versus age for both the mesosome and leucosome and their respective age spectra, we infer that this part of the LMA underwent pronounced partial melting between 55 and 60 Ma and generated leucosome till ~50 Ma. The two‐mica granite contains muscovite, indicating its crustal origin. It gives 2 closely spaced age spectra of 38.1 ± 1.1 Ma (n = 7) and 34.31 ± 0.48 Ma (n = 4). This two‐mica granite also contains xenocrysts of Palaeozoic ages. By integrating our studies with earlier works, we infer that this migmatization of the LMA indicates its collision with the Indian plate, prior to Indo‐Eurasian continental accretion, at 55–50 Ma. The two‐mica granite contains xenocrystic material from both the LMA and the Indian continental crust and indicates S‐type granite magmatism related to India–Eurasia continental collision at 35–40 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Solonker zone is widely accepted as the suture between the North China Craton and the Siberia–Mongolia continental plate. The Baolige granite complex is located to the north side of the Solonker Suture and is mainly composed of monzogranite and granite. Zircon U–Pb ages, geochemistry, and Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopic data of the Baolige granites were presented to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic settings. Two monzogranite samples from Baolige yielded weighted mean zircon 206Pb/238U ages of 310.7 ± 2.1 Ma (mean square of weighted deviates (MSWD) = 1.3) and 307.4 ± 1.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.77), whereas the granite intruded into the monzogranite yielded an age of 296.2 ± 2.0 Ma (MSWD = 1.2). Both the Baolige monzogranite and granite contain high contents of SiO2, K2O, and Al2O3, low contents of TiO2, MgO, and CaO, and are peraluminous high‐K calc‐alkaline. These rocks are characterized by enrichments of K, Rb, U, Pb, Th, and light rare earth elements and depletions of Nb, Ta, Ti, and heavy rare earth elements and contain slightly negative or no Eu anomalies, similar to typical arc‐related granitoids. The Ti‐in‐zircon thermometry yielded 650–759 °C for the monzogranite and 645–796 °C for the granite. The monzogranite shows positive zircon εHf(t) values (4.7–13.2) and whole‐rock εNd(t) values (3.6–5.2), with TDM2(Hf) ages of 1,324–557 Ma and TDM2(Nd) ages of 1,015–821 Ma, and ISr of 0.70363–0.70386. The granite shows εHf(t) values of 15.6–20.9 and εNd(t) values of 4.0–5.1, with TDM2(Nd) ages of 957–832 Ma, and ISr of 0.70364–0.70406. Geochemical evidence indicates that the Baolige granite complex is highly fractionated I‐type and was likely formed by partial melting of the Neoproterozoic juvenile crust in a continental arc setting. We concluded that the Paleo‐Asian Ocean may have undergone north‐dipping subduction beneath the Siberia–Mongolia continental plate during the Late Carboniferous, and the subduction may have continued to the Early Permian (ca. 296 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the petrological and geochronological studies of migmatite from an important section of Higher Himalayan Crystalline Sequence of Eastern Himalaya. Migmatites collected from the area characteristically contain biotite‐garnet‐sillimanite‐plagioclase‐K‐feldspar‐quartz as an important mineral assemblage, which has experienced extensive partial melting through dehydration melting reaction involving biotite. In this study, P–T evolution of these migmatites has been constrained through the use of multiequilibrium thermobarometry program winTWQ, conventional thermobarmetry, and pseudosection modelling in the MnNCKFMASHTO model system using Perple_X software. The unification of these three calculations demonstrates that the migmatite experienced peak pressure and temperature at 7.2 ± 0.5 kbar and 775 ± 20 °C, respectively. SHRIMP U–Pb chronological results yield the timing of crustal melting (21 Ma) in the migmatite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New data from mineralogy, geochemistry, zircon U–Pb dating, and Hf isotopes have revealed Late Cretaceous to Eocene magmatic intrusions in the Tengchong terrane and constrained the origin, tectonic setting, and characteristics of tin‐bearing and barren granitoids. We divide the studied granitoids into two groups: (a) the Late Cretaceous Zhinaxiang (70 Ma) and Early Paleocene Dazhupeng (65 Ma) S‐type barren granites and (b) the Eocene Lailishan A2‐type tin‐bearing granite (50 Ma). All these granitoids display Si‐ and K‐rich and calc‐alkaline characteristics and have similar chondrite‐normalized rare earth element patterns. However, geochemical differences do exist between the two groups of granites. The Zhinaxiang and Dazhupeng S‐type granites are slightly peraluminous, enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb and K), and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf), whereas the Lailishan A2‐type granite has higher TFe2O3, high‐field‐strength element content, and Ga/Al ratios. The geochemical and Hf isotopic data indicate that the granites in this study were generated by partial melting of Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks. Due to the subduction of the Neo‐Tethyan Ocean beneath the Eurasian plate, the Zhinaxiang and Dazhupeng S‐type granites were formed in a thickened‐crustal environment, whereas the Lailishan A2‐type granite was emplaced in a post‐collisional extensional setting attributed to slab break‐off. By comparison between tin‐bearing and barren granites, we propose that the Sn mineralization could be related to relatively high‐temperature and low‐pressure crystallization conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly discovered Xingwen porphyry Mo deposit is located in the most southern segment of the Xiaoxing'an Range–Zhangguangcai Range metallogenic belt (XZMB), NE China. The Mo deposit occurs with a granitic complex consisting of monzogranite, porphyritic granite and felsite porphyry. The Zircon U–Pb ages of monzogranite, porphyritic granite and felsite porphyry are 170.3 ± 2.1, 168.5 ± 2.5, and 166.7 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively. The inherited zircons from the monzogranite and porphyritic granite yield U–Pb ages of 239.8 ± 5.8 and 249.4 ± 6.2 Ma, respectively. These ages reveal that the Mo mineralization in the most southern segment of the XZMB took place in the Middle Jurassic, and is consistent with the epoch of the largest Daheishan Mo district in the XZMB. In contrast, Triassic ages of the inherited zircons are consistent with the ages of the Triassic magmatic activities along the E–W trending tectono‐magmatic belt in the northern margin of the North China Craton. The εHf(t) of the monzogranite, porphyritic granite and felsite porphyry change from −17.1 to +6.7 , −16.9 to +2.9, −5.94 to −0.90, respectively. The Hf isotopic compositions indicate that old crustal source, juvenile crustal source or depleted mantle contributed to their origin. When compared with the granite in Daheishan Mo district in XZMB, the εHf(t) probably indicates that the granitic complex in the margin of the Central Asia Orogenic Belt may have more old crustal materials than the granitic complex in the inner region of the Central Asia Orogenic Belt. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Miaoya syenite and carbonatite complex is located in the southern margin of the South Qinling belt, central China. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating reveals that the syenite and carbonatite have crystallization ages of 445.2 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.66) and 434.3 ± 3.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.08), respectively. Both syenite and carbonatite display low ISr values (0.7004 to 0.7053) and depleted εNd(t) values of +1.1 to +5.5, with one-stage Nd model ages of 0.65 to 0.94 Ga. Their zircon εHf(t) values are also similarly positive (+3.1 to +8.9), and one-stage Hf model ages range from 0.71 to 0.92 Ga. Whole-rock geochemistry suggests that the syenite belongs to the shoshonitic series and both syenite and carbonatite show identical REE and trace element patterns. The coeval intrusive ages, similar geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions suggest that the Miaoya carbonatite and associated syenite are genetically related to each other. We consider that the carbonatite could be a final product by protracted fractionation of a CO2-rich alkaline melt. The depleted εNd(t) and zircon εHf(t) isotopes also indicate that the associated syenite and carbonatite could be originated from a mantle-derived magma. The sources are likely composed of dominated HIMU mantle and minor EMI mantle. We propose that the Silurian Miaoya Complex was formed in the extensional rifting setting, associated with the mantle upwelling. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical analyses of the Weitingchagan (WT) pluton in the Dong Ujimqi area, Northeast China, with an aim of determining their ages, petrogenesis and sources, which are important for understanding the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Xing-Meng Orogenic Belt. The WT pluton consists of coarse- to medium-grained porphyritic granites in the core and medium- to fine-grained monzogranites in the rim, contains abundant microgranular enclaves and is intruded by small amounts of muscovite monzogranites. The results of LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating indicate that the WT composite pluton formed during the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian with the ages ranging from 289 Ma to 312 Ma. Petrological and geochemical characteristics of the WT pluton were derived from the partial melting of crustal materials, and the AFC process played an important role in the magmatic evolution. The porphyritic granites are I-type granite, and the monzogranites and muscovite monzogranites are highly fractionated I-type granite. Combined with previous studies on the contemporaneous magma-tectonic activities in the Uliastai Continental Margin, the study suggests that the WT pluton formed in an extensional environment, which may relate to the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taolaituo porphyry-type molybdenum deposit is located in the eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China. The mineralization occurs mainly as veins, lenses and layers within the host porphyry. To better understand the link between the mineralization and the host igneous rocks, we studied samples from the underground workings and report new SHRIMP II zircon U-Pb and Re-Os molybdenite ages, and geochemical data from both the molybdenites and the porphyry granites. Five molybdenite samples yield a Re-Os isochron weighted mean age of 133.0 ± 0.82 Ma, whereas the porphyry granitoids samples yield crystallization ages of 133 ± 1 Ma and 130.4 ± 1.3 Ma. The U-Pb and Re-Os ages are similar, suggesting that the mineralization is genetically related to the Early Cretaceous porphyry emplacement. Re contents of the molybdenites range from 21.74 to 42.45 ppm, with an average of 32.69 ppm, whereas δ34S values vary between 3.7‰ and 4.2‰, which is typical of mantle sulphur. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/ 204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb vary in the ranges of 18.276-18.385, 15.566-15.580 and 38.321-38.382, respectively. The Taolaituo Early Cretaceous granitoids are A-type granites. These observations indicate that the molybdenites and the porphyry granites were derived from a mixed source involving young accretionary materials and enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. A synthesis of geochronological and geological data reveals that porphyry emplacement and Mo mineralization in the Taolaituo deposit occurred contemporaneously with the Early Cretaceous tectonothermal events associated with lithospheric thinning, which was caused by delamination and subsequent upwelling of the asthenosphere associated with intra-continental extension in northeast China. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Penglaitan section, as the Global Stratotype Section for the Guadalupian-Lopingian boundary (GLB), displays continuous deposition with a complete succession of pelagic conodont zones across the GLB. However, there is no reliable radiometric age from the Penglaitan section itself to constrain the GLB. Here, we report SIMS zircon U-Pb ages from two bentonite layers (Bed 7c) in the Penglaitan Global Stratotype Section near the GLB. The sample PL-62-1 yields a weighted mean 238U/206Pb age of 257.1 ± 2.2 Ma, and the sample PL-62-2 yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 257.0 ± 4.2 Ma. Therefore, we consider 257.0-257.1Ma as the age of deposition of Bed 7c (the end of the C. postbitteri postbitteri conodont Zone, ca. 86 cm above the GLB), and, considering the depositional rate of chert, we suggest 258.6Ma as the age of the GLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yingchengzi gold deposit, located 10 km west of Shalan at the eastern margin of the Zhangguangcai Range, is the only high commercially valuable gold deposit in southern Heilongjiang Province, NE China. This study investigates the chronology and geodynamic mechanisms of igneous activity and metallogenesis within the Yingchengzi gold deposit. New zircon U-Pb data, fluid inclusion 40Ar/39Ar dating, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopic analysis is presented for the Yingchengzi deposit to constrain its petrogenesis and mineralization. Zircon U-Pb dating of the granite and diabase-porphyrite rocks of the igneous complex yields mean ages of 471.7 ± 5.5 and 434 ± 15 Ma respectively. All samples are high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonite rocks, are enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, and are depleted in high field strength elements, consistent with the geochemical characteristics of arc-type magmas. The Sr-Nd isotope characteristics indicate that the granite formed by partial melting of the lower crust, including interaction with slab-derived fluids from an underplated basaltic magma. The primary magma of the diabase-porphyrite was likely derived from the metasomatized mantle wedge by subducted slab-derived fluids. Both types of intrusive rocks were closely related to subduction of the ocean plate located between the Songnen-Zhangguangcai Range and Jiamusi massifs. However, fluid inclusion 40Ar/39Ar dating indicates that the Yingchengzi gold deposit formed at ~249 Ma, implying that the mineralization is unrelated to both the granite (~472 Ma) and diabase-porphyrite (~434 Ma) intrusions. Considering the tectonic evolution of the study area and adjacent regions, we propose that the Yingchengzi gold deposit was formed in a late Palaeozoic-Early Triassic continental collision regime following the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. In addition, the Yingchengzi deposit could be classified as a typical orogenic-type gold deposit occuring in convergent plate margins in collisional orogens, and unlikely an intrusion-related gold deposit as reported by previous studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Attic-Cycladic Crystalline Belt in the central Aegean region represents a major tectono-stratigraphic unit of the Hellenides. The essential geological, magmatic and tectono-metamorphic features are well documented. Unresolved questions concern the time of sediment accumulation and litho- and/or tectono-stratigraphic relationships across the study area. In order to address this issue we have studied siliciclastic metasedimentary rocks from Andros Island, northern Cyclades. The sampling strategy aimed at covering the complete age range recorded by the Andros metamorphic succession. Detrital zircon U-Pb dating of nine samples indicates maximum depositional ages of c. 260 Ma for the topmost part of the metamorphic succession and of c. 160-140 Ma for rock sequences below a prominent serpentinite belt that is interpreted to outline a major tectonic contact. These age constraints are in accordance with interpretations suggesting that the metamorphic rocks of Andros represent different tectonic subunits (Makrotantalon Unit and Lower Unit) that are separated by a thrust fault. Modification of the internal structure of the Lower Unit by tectonic stacking can currently not be ascertained. The new data for the Lower Unit corroborate the importance of Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous sediment accumulation for the larger study area. In contrast to some of the neighbouring islands, no evidence for transfer of Late Cretaceous ( c. 80 Ma) material into the Andros sedimentary environment was found. The most striking feature of the zircon populations of the Lower Unit is a remarkable age cluster at 250-200 Ma that documents the importance of Triassic igneous sediment sources. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]