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Mercury (Hg) isotopes display unique mass-independent isotope fractionation (MIF, reported as Δ199Hg), which is primarily generated via Hg photochemical processes in the land-ocean-atmosphere system. Magmatic and hydrothermal processes do not trigger MIF of Hg isotopes, therefore, Hg-MIF signals detected in deep reservoirs (mantle and crust) are theoretically sourced from recycled surface materials. Here, we observed positive Δ199Hg signals (0.10 ± 0.07‰, SD) in Mesozoic porphyry Mo deposits of NE China. These values correspond to the recently reported Δ199Hg signature of Mesozoic epithermal Au Ag systems in NE China (Δ199Hg: 0.11 ± 0.07‰, SD), suggesting that both mineral systems receive large amounts of Hg from subducted marine materials, given that marine Hg has positive Δ199Hg composition. Our study thus provides novel geochemical evidence on the linkage between oceanic plate subduction and metallogeny of various hydrothermal systems at convergent margins. Subduction contributes large amounts of volatiles to arc magmas, which then release metal-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluids of the porphyry to epithermal ore deposit spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Late Jurassic porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in the Erguna Block is reported. • Ore-bearing rocks were derived from the partial melting of the oceanic slab. • Petrogenesis of ore-related rocks related to a flat-slab subduction. The genesis of igneous rocks associated with the newly discovered Xiaokele porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, located in the eastern Erguna Block, NE China, can give insights into the regional geodynamic evolution during the Late Mesozoic. Several ore-bodies have been identified in a granodiorite porphyry stock, which intruded the rhyolite and was subsequently intruded by diorite porphyry and granite porphyry. The U–Pb ages of zircons from rhyolite, mineralized granodiorite porphyry, diorite porphyry and granite porphyry associated with the Xiaokele deposit are 152.5 ± 1.7, 150.0 ± 1.6, 147.9 ± 1.3, and 123.2 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. The rhyolite and granite porphyry have high SiO 2 and low MgO, Cr, Co, and Ni contents. Their isotopic data show negative ε Nd (t) values of −4.76 to −0.87, initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7066 to 0.7134 and positive zircon ε Hf (t) values of 0.33–5.56, indicating that they were derived from a basaltic lower continental crust. The mineralized granodiorite porphyry is characterized by high Sr/Y values and low Y (3.7–8.0) contents, showing adakite affinity. The low K 2 O/Na 2 O (0.51–0.7) ratios, high CaO contents, weakly negative ε Nd (t) (−1.17 to −0.27), and low zircon ε Hf (t) (1.49–5.4) values from the adakitic samples indicate that they were derived from the partial melting of an altered oceanic slab together with assimilation of mantle peridotite and crustal materials. The 148 Ma diorite porphyry has high Mg# (51–58), weakly negative and positive ε Nd (t) (−0.09 to 0.01) values, and lower (87Sr/86Sr) i (0.7055–0.7057) ratios, suggesting an enriched mantle wedge source. Considering the late Mesozoic regional tectonic evolution of the Erguna Block and adjacent area, we propose that the formation of the Xiaokele deposit is linked to the southward flat-slab subduction of the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate during the Later Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The tectonic setting and geodynamic processes of the large-scale Early Cretaceous volcanism in the Great Xing'an Range (GXAR) remain subjects of great debate. The aim of this review is to clarify these issues on the base of a study of previously published geochemical and isotopic data for this region. The compiled data show that the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks were erupted from 145 to 106 Ma, with the main eruptive stage occurring from 130 to 122 Ma. The eruptions in the NE GXAR were generally later than those in the NW GXAR. The compiled geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data for the intermediate-basic volcanic rocks indicate a source in a mantle wedge that had been extensively metasomatized by fluids derived from an oceanic slab, whereas the acid rhyolitic rocks suggest multiple sources in a heterogeneous lower crust. Following our discussion of the possible geodynamic setting of this volcanism, we conclude that the large-scale Early Cretaceous volcanic event in the GXAR was dominated by the tectonic regime of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic plate, which broadly controlled the tectonic evolution of eastern Asia during the Mesozoic. We suggest that the rapid closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous resulted in the thickened continental lithosphere overriding at high velocity the cold subducting oceanic slab. These geological conditions, combined with the possible involvement of an oceanic plateau, might have resulted in the flat-slab subduction of the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic plate beneath the Great Xing'an Range between ca. 150 and 140 Ma. Subsequent heating and dehydration of the oceanic slab, and its transition to the eclogite facies, led to the large-scale sinking of the slab and upwelling of the asthenosphere. This model not only explains the development of a broad (˜900-km-wide and ˜1700-km-long) intracontinental volcanic belt that erupted mainly between 130 and 122 Ma but also accounts for the chain of events that followed: a short and significant regional uplift between ca. 150 and 140 Ma, the contemporaneous foreland folding and thrusting, the basin-and-range-type extensional setting of NE China, and a magmatic gap in the northeastern part of the arc during the Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Multistage igneous rocks identified in the newly discovered Fukeshan porphyry Cu Mo deposit, NE China give new insights into the late-stage southwards subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic slab (MOOS) and Cu Mo mineralization during the late Mesozoic. The U Pb ages of zircons from medium-grained monzogranite, coarse-grained monzogranite, ore-related quartz diorite porphyry, quartz monzonite, ganodiorite porphyry, diorite porphyry and andesitic porphyry associated with the Fukeshan deposit are 192.7 ± 1.9, 192.2 ± 2.7, 148.7 ± 0.8, 148.8 ± 0.9, 144.1 ± 1.1, 144.9 ± 0.9, and 144.8 ± 1.3 Ma, respectively. The Early Jurassic coarse-grained monzogranite, Late Jurassic quartz monzonite and quartz diorite porphyry, and Early Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry are characterized by low Yb and Y contents, and high Sr/Y ratios, indicating adakite affinities. The whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr Nd and zircon Hf isotopic features of the coarse-grained monzogranite and granodiorite porphyry indicate they were derived from the partial melting of a thickened basaltic lower crust. On the other hand, the quartz monzonite and quartz diorite porphyry probably originated from the melting of oceanic crust together with assimilation of enriched mantle and continental crust. The medium-grained monzogranites were possibly derived from a basaltic lower crust at shallower depths, and the diorite porphyry and andesitic porphyry probably originated from a metasomatized mantle source. Considering the Early Jurassic–Early Cretaceous magmatism and regional tectonic evolution of the Erguna Block, we propose that the MOOS was subducted towards the south during the Early Jurassic (195–170 Ma), slab retreat occurred during the early Late Jurassic (165–155 Ma), oceanic ridge subduction took place during the Late Jurassic (150–147 Ma). The final closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean occurred during the Early Cretaceous (145–143 Ma). The southwards subduction of a ridge on the MOOS provided a favorable tectonic setting for Cu Mo mineralization, and this is accordance with the discovery of many Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous porphyry Cu Mo deposits in the eastern part of the Erguna Block. Highlights • Multiple episodes of magmatism during Mesozoic indicated by zircon geochronology • The rocks show different sources: oceanic slab, lower crust and enriched mantle. • The slab-derived rocks indicate a Late Jurassic ridge subduction of the MOOS. • The ridge subduction dominated the generation of porphyry Cu Mo deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Xinlin ophiolitie indicates an ocean between Erguna and Xing'an blocks. • Zircon U–Pb age of 669 Ma for gabbro pegmatite constrains the age of Xinlin ophiolite. • Xinlin ophiolite was accreted onto the Erguna Block due to westward subduction. The Xinlin ophiolite in northeastern China marks the Xinlin–Xiguitu branch of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO), and provides an opportunity to reconstruct the evolution of the Xing'an–Mongolian orogenic belt (XMOB). The main ophiolitic body is composed of mantle peridotites, mafic and ultramafic cumulates, isotropic gabbros, diabase dykes, and massive basaltic lava flows, from base to top. The uppermost pelagic sediment cover is missing and was presumably eroded. The cumulate gabbro yields a concordant zircon U–Pb age of 669 ± 8 Ma and has positive zircon ε Hf (t) values (+10.7 to +15.6). The mafic rocks of the ophiolite have rare earth element (REE) patterns that plot between the compositions of normal (N-) and enriched (E-) mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). The monzogranite that intruded into the Xinlin ophiolite yields a narrow age range (574–571 Ma), and is enriched in light REE and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE). Zircon grains from the monzogranite have negative ε Hf (t) values (−5.6 to −10.0), suggesting the monzogranite was formed by partial melting of the Erguna continental crust, rather than oceanic crust. The geochemical characteristics of the ophiolite and spatially associated younger arc granites show that the Xinlin ophiolite developed at a mid-ocean ridge setting, and was subsequently accreted onto the Erguna continental margin before amalgamation with the Xing'an Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Oulongbuluke Block records ca. 1.5–1.45 Ga and ca. 1.1 Ga magmatic and metamorphic events. • The Oulongbuluke Block was a response to the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. • The Oulongbuluke Block was a response to the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. The Oulongbuluke Block, which is one of several ancient micro-continents on the southeast margin of Tarim in NW China, has been considered a nearly extinct fragment of the Tarim Craton. Here, zircon U-Pb, Lu-Hf isotope, petrologic and geochemical studies were carried out on the migmatites, grey felsic gneisses, mafic granulites and augen granitic gneisses from Wulan County on the eastern margin of the Oulongbuluke Block. Macroscopic and microscopic observations show that the felsic migmatite is mainly composed of plagioclase-rich leucosomes and melanosomes. The plagioclase-rich leucosomes with positive Eu and Sr anomalies occur as layers and veins, showing in situ partial melting features. Zircon U-Pb dating and Hf isotope analyses on the melanosome, grey felsic gneisses, mafic granulites and augen granitic gneisses from the Oulongbuluke Block yield three age populations at 1500–1496 Ma, 1454–1443 Ma and 1113–1104 Ma. The ca. 1.5 Ga magmatic zircon cores of the grey felsic gneiss and melanosome possess ε Hf (t) values between −3.5 and 3.9, with two-stage Hf model ages (T DMC) between 2.4 Ga and 2.0 Ga. The ca. 1.1 Ga zircons from samples of augen granitic gneiss have ε Hf (t) values of −5.2 to 0.5, and the corresponding T DMC values range from 2.2 to 1.9 Ga. Petrological, geochemical and geochronological data suggest that ca. 1.5 Ga magmatic protoliths of grey felsic gneisses were produced by dehydration melting in predominant lower crust setting and experienced metamorphism and anatexis at 1.45 Ga in a rift setting. The precursor magmas of augen granitic gneisses were derived from partial melting of mafic crustal sources in an active continental margin environment. Comparing the tectonothermal events recorded in the Oulongbuluke Block with those in other cratons, the Oulongbuluke Block, Tarim Craton and North China Craton have similar evolutionary histories before the late Mesoproterozoic, suggesting that they were linked together and involved in the assembly and break-up of the Columbia supercontinent. However, the South China Craton, Qilian Block, Oulongbuluke Block, North Qaidam and Tarim Craton were likely temporarily connected during the late Mesoproterozoic-early Neoproterozoic (1.1–0.9 Ga), which corresponded to the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magmatic rocks carry key information to understand the processes of material cycling in the Earth's interior and record crucial clues to reconstruct the important tectonic evolution of the Earth. Therefore, it is of great importance to constrain the magma source (such as origin from crust or mantle, oceanic crust or continental crust, lower or upper continental crust) accurately, which however remains to be unraveled because of the variety magmatic sources and complex magmatic processes. High-precision stable isotopic analyses provide new tools to decipher the genesis of igneous rocks and to reconstruct their associated tectonic settings. Here, we report a pioneering work using integrated O-Hg-Hf-Nd isotopes to understand the genesis of the Early Cretaceous A-type granites and rhyolites from the Paleozoic-Mesozoic accretionary orogen in NE China. Low δ18O zircon values (3.2–5.7‰) of the A-type rocks reveal a magma source affected by meteoric fluids. Their whole-rock negative Δ199Hg values (−0.24 to −0.01‰), which are similar with the terrestrial systems but clearly different from the marine systems, indicate that hydrothermal alteration took place in the continental setting. Positive zircon ε Hf (t) (4.2–10.7) and mainly positive whole-rock ε Nd (t) (−0.5 to 2.4, mean = 1.2 ± 1.0, 1SD) values indicate that the magma source was dominated by juvenile crustal materials. This study suggests an elevated geothermal gradient due to the lithospheric thinning triggered by rollback and foundering of a Paleo-oceanic slab. The specific thermal anomaly caused the remelting of the altered upper continental crust, resulting in the formation of the A-type granites and rhyolites, with the characters of low-δ18O and negative-Δ199Hg values. Our study shows that Hg isotope, coupled with O and Nd Hf isotopes, is a promising tool for petrogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Grenvillian orogeny of Rodinia in Oulongbuluke Block systematically investigated. • Metabasite, augen granitic gneiss, paragneiss ages of 1132 ± 33, 1118 ± 9, 1124 ± 12 Ma. • Peak metamorphic P-T conditions of 4.8–5.8 kbar and 652–700 °C. • Metabasites resemble the geochemical characteristics of Andean arc magmatism. • Oulongbuluke Block likely temporarily connected to Qilian Block and Tarim Craton. Abstract A systematic petrologic, geochemical, and zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic investigation of an ∼1.1 Ga arc magmatism and metamorphism was studied to evaluate the Grenvillian orogeny and assembly of Rodinia in the Oulongbuluke Block in NW China. The peak metamorphic P-T conditions of the paragneiss were restricted to 4.8–5.8 kbar and 652–700 °C based on P-T pseudosection and conventional geothermobarometry. Zircon U-Pb ages of 1132 ± 33 Ma, 1118 ± 9 Ma, and 1124 ± 12 Ma were determined for the metabasite, augen granitic gneiss, and paragneiss, respectively, indicating magmatic intrusion and a metamorphism event in the late Mesoproterozoic. The metabasites exhibited enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depletion of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), resembling the geochemical characteristics of Andean arc magmatism. The whole-rock geochemistry and in-situ zircon ε Hf (t) values of 4.3 and 11.2 suggested that the protolithic mafic magma originated from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle. The low zircon ε Hf (t) values of −5.2 and −0.5 also suggested that the calc-alkaline augen granitic gneisses were derived from the partial melting of a late Paleoproterozoic crustal source. The ∼1.1 Ga arc-related magmatism and metamorphism in the Oulongbuluke Block indicated the occurence of a tectonic-thermal event in an Andean-type active continental margin in the late Mesoproterozoic. In this regard, the Oulongbuluke Block was likely temporarily connected to the Qilian Block and Tarim Craton, forming a single continuous block with similar Grenville age during the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic (1.1–0.9 Ga). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oulongbuluke Block, which is located in the northeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau, has traditionally been considered to be a fragment of the Tarim Craton. Here we present a systematic petrologic, geochemical, and zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic investigation on mafic granulite and migmatite in the Oulongbuluke Block. The mafic granulite is mainly composed of clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole and quartz, with peak metamorphic P-T contions of 6.5–8.8 kbar, 745–770 °C. Macroscopic and microscopic observations provide strong evidence for in situ partial melting of the felsic gneiss involving breakdown of biotite within the Oulongbuluke Block. The Pl-rich leucosomes with positive Eu anomalies and higher Sr contents were generated as the early-formed feldspar cumulate, and the Kfs-rich pegmatite with negative Eu anomalies and lower Sr contents may represent percolating fractionated melt that was trapped during cooling. Zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic analyses on the mafic granulite and migmatite of the Oulongbuluke Block reveal two distinct age populations: the early Paleoproterozoic (∼2.37 Ga) and late Paleoproterozoic (1.93–1.92 Ga). The ∼2.37 Ga magmatic zircon cores of the migmatite have ε Hf (t) values between −4.3 and 0.4, with two-stage Hf model ages (T DMC ) mainly between 2.82 Ga and 3.05 Ga. The age of 1.93–1.92 Ga obtained from the mafic granulite and migmatite is interpreted as the age of Late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism and anatexis. Most of the 1.93–1.92 Ga metamorphic and anatectic zircons have significantly lower 176 Lu/ 177 Hf ratios but higher 176 Hf/ 177 Hf (t) values than the inherited magmatic zircon cores, which demonstrates that both the zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope compositions were significantly reset during metamorphism and anatexis. The late Paleoproterozoic metamorphic and anatectic event coincided with global orogenic events that are recorded in many continental fragments, which suggests their link to the Columbia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The metamafic rocks can be classified into high-Fe and low-Fe groups, and the former is similar to N-MORB and the latter is similar to E-MORB. • The high-Fe and low-Fe groups may have been derived from different parts of a mantle plume. • The Tarim Craton, North China Craton, and North Australia Craton may potentially dominated by the same superplume. In the Mesoproterozoic, there was an epic transition on Earth, the final breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. Understanding the dynamic mechanism responsible for the final breakup of Columbia supercontinent is crucial for establishing Earth's evolution that includes geology, environment and life. However, there is little research on what drove the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. Here we focus on this issue by integrating new zircon U-Pb ages, Lu-Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemical data for metamafic rocks from the Oulongbuluke Block in the southeast of Tarim Craton. These data show that the protoliths of these metamafic rocks were emplaced at ca. 1.37–1.35 Ga and were divided into high-Fe and low-Fe groups. The high-Fe and low-Fe groups show geochemical character similar to normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) and enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB), respectively. The high-Fe group was formed by high degree (7%-9%) partial melting of spinel-phase lherzolite mantle source, whereas the low-Fe group was derived from low degree (5%-6%) partial melting of spinel-phase lherzolite mantle source. We propose that the high-Fe and low-Fe groups may have been derived from magmas from different parts of a mantle plume. The formation of the 1.37–1.35 Ga metamafic rocks in the Oulongbuluke Block may be related to the separation of the Tarim Craton into North and South Tarim cratons, which resulted in the opening of the initial Middle Tarim Ocean Basin. By comparison with the plume-induced Yanliao Rift of North China Craton and McArthur Basin of North Australia Craton, we present that these three cratons may potentially dominated by a superplume, forming circular rift zone and radiating dykes. This superplume triggered the continuous extension to most parts of Columbia and led to the final breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petrogenesis and geodynamic implications of the early Paleozoic adakitic rocks in the North Qilian orogenic belt remain topics of debate. In this study, petrology, zircon U–Pb age and Lu–Hf isotopic composition, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes were carried on both low-Mg and high-Mg adakitic rocks from the North Qilian orogenic belt. These results will provide significant constraints on the evolution of the North Qilian orogenic belt. In general, the low-Mg adakitic granites mainly consist of plagioclase (50–55%), alkali feldspar (20–25%), quartz (20–25%) and biotite (5%). In contrast, the high-Mg adakitic granodiorites are generally composed of alkali feldspar (30–35%), plagioclase (30–45%), quartz (20–25%) and amphibole (∼10%). The low-Mg adakitic granitoids (446–457 Ma) are characterized by high SiO 2 (69–72 wt.%), low Mg # (39–42) and low Cr and Ni contents. However, the high-Mg adakitic granitoids (430–431 Ma) have relatively lower SiO 2 (65–66 wt.%), higher Mg # (50–59) and higher Cr and Ni contents. The low-Mg adakitic rocks have high initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios (0.7068–0.7080), negative ε Nd ( t ) (−2.3 to −3.3) and ε Hf ( t ) values (−6.8 to 1.9) with old zircon Hf model ages (1.2–1.6 Ga). However, the high-Mg adakitic rocks show lower initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios (0.7044–0.7066), higher ε Nd ( t ) (−1.8 to 3.0) and positive ε Hf ( t ) values (2.3–7.7) with younger zircon Hf model ages (0.9–1.1 Ga). These results suggest that the low-Mg rocks were generated by partial melting of thickened crust, whereas the high-Mg rocks were derived from anatexis of delaminated lower crust, which subsequently interacted with mantle magma upon ascent. The data obtained in this study provide significant information about the geological and tectonic processes after the closure of the Qilian Ocean. The continent–continent collision and thickening probably occurred during 440–467 Ma with formation of low-Mg adakitic rocks; and the transition of the tectonic regime from compression to extension probably occurred at ∼430 Ma with formation of high-Mg adakitic rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Spatial differences of Cu and Mo mineralization were observed. • Both Cu and Mo were extracted from a same magmatic source. • F and Cl variation in hydrothermal fluids causes the Cu and Mo separation. The Late Jurassic large Xiaokele porphyry Cu-Mo deposit is newly discovered in the northern Great Xing'an Range, NE China. Both Cu and Mo mineralizations have occurred in the potassic stage and are present in the potassic zone, but only Mo (Cu negligible) mineralization has been developed in the phyllic stage and is present in the phyllic zone. The cause for such temporal and spatial difference of Cu and Mo mineralization at Xiaokele remains unclear. In this study, biotite major element compositions were studied to reveal the magmatic-hydrothermal processes, and the temporal and spatial difference of Cu and Mo mineralization at Xiaokele. Biotite geochemical data show that the magmatic biotites (Bi-I), and the potassic-stage (Bi-II) and phyllic-stage (Bi-III) hydrothermal biotite are Mg-biotites, and that mineralization at Xiaokele occurred under 52–86 MPa (equivalent to 1.95–3.32 km depth). Calculated oxygen fugacity of Bi-I, Bi-II, and Bi-III biotites are all above nickel-nickel oxide (NNO) oxygen buffer, suggesting that these biotites were formed under oxidizing conditions. The decreasing Cl and largely constant F content from Bi-I, Bi-II to Bi-III result in an increasing trend of IV(F/Cl), indicating different elemental behavior between F and Cl during the magmatic-hydrothermal fluid evolution. Given that Cl content is a key Cu-transporting ligand in porphyry type mineral systems, the decreasing Cl content in Bi-III indicates lower Cu transporting capacity in the phyllic stage, resulting in the negligible Cu mineralization in the phyllic zone. Since F is important for Mo transport in hydrothermal systems, we conclude that the constant F content reflects stable Mo transporting capacity in the fluids, resulting in significant Mo mineralization in both the potassic and phyllic zones. Our results show that biotite geochemistry can be used to explain the temporal and spatial distribution of Cu and Mo mineralization in porphyry Cu-Mo systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The South Orogen underwent early post-collision during 1.90–1.85 Ga, followed by late post-collision during 1.80–1.73 Ga. • The North Orogen experienced early post-collision at 1.80–1.73 Ga and then entered the late post-collision at 1.67–1.60 Ga. • Finally, the South Orogen and North Orogen simultaneously entered the initial breakup stage during 1.55–1.47 Ga. The Tarim Craton located in the northwest of China, where the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic extensional magmatism related to the Columbia supercontinent is widely developed. However, the process and time of the extension and initial breakup of the Tarim Craton are still controversial during Paleo-Mesoproterozoic era. In this contribution, we present a systematic petrographic, geochemical, and zircon U-Pb-Hf investigation on Aketashitage granite dykes, Wulan granitic gneisses and Astingbulake metadiabases from the Tarim Craton. Results from our study indicate that the ca. 1.88–1.86 Ga Aketashitage granite dykes belong to I-type granites, which were probably derived from low degree partial melting of thickened Archean crust during early post-collisional setting. The ca. 1.55 Ga Wulan granitic gneisses also show the characteristics of I-type granites, which mainly came from partial melting of mafic lower crust with minor mantle-derived magma input during the rift setting. The ca. 1.55 Ga protoliths of Astingbulake metadiabases show affinity to ocean island basalts and/or continental flood basalts and were produced by partial melting of enriched continental lithospheric mantle under continental rifting setting. In conjunction with previous studies, it can be concluded that the Tarim Craton experienced episodic extension to initial breakup: the South Orogen underwent early post-collisional extension during ca. 1.90–1.85 Ga, followed by late post-collisional extension during ca. 1.80–1.73 Ga; the North Orogen experienced early post-collisional extension at ca. 1.80–1.73 Ga and then entered the late post-collisional extension at ca. 1.67–1.60 Ga; finally, the South Orogen and North Orogen simultaneously entered the initial breakup stage during ca. 1.55–1.47 Ga. Based on a comparison of the global Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.58–1.45 Ga) magmatic activities as a response to the initial break up of the Columbia supercontinent, we suggest that the Tarim Craton (including the Oulongbuluke Block) and North China Craton were close to India, Australia, Yangtze, Siberia, Congo, São Francisco and West African. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent tectonic analysis suggests that the North China Craton consists of two Archean continental blocks, called the Eastern and Western Blocks, separated by the Paleoproterozoic Trans-North China Orogen. Although the published geochronological data are not sufficient to constrain the detailed tectonothermal evolution of the craton, the available Nd isotopic data show some important differences in Nd model ages between the tectonic units. The Eastern Block shows two main Nd model age peaks, one between 3.6 and 3.2 Ga and the other between 3.0 and 2.6 Ga. Limited Nd isotopic data from the Western Block show a large range of model ages between 3.2 and 2.4 Ga. These differences are consistent with the recently-proposed model.The Nd isotopic data from mantle-derived mafic rocks indicate that the mantle beneath the North China Craton was depleted in the Archean, consistent with major crustal growth during this period. In the Paleoproterozoic, however, the mantle-derived mafic rocks show negative #x03B5;Nd(t) values, implying crustal contamination. This may have resulted from subduction and collision between the Eastern and Western Block, implying that the mechanisms of crustal formation and evolution may have been different between the Archean and Paleoproterozoic.The North China Craton was re-activated by addition of mantle-derived magma into the lower crust in the late Mesozoic, resulting in rejuvenation of the lower crust. This indicates that underplating is also an important mechanism for continental addition, although in this case it may not equate to crustal growth, since it was preceded by removal of lithospheric mantle and possible some lower crust. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]