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Late Mesozoic granites are present throughout the Jiaodong Peninsula in eastern China, but the petrogenesis of these granites, the magma sources, and the geodynamic setting of the magmatism remain unclear. This paper presents new zircon U–Pb geochronological and Lu–Hf isotopic and whole‐rock geochemical data for the Late Jurassic Queshan pluton in the Shandong Peninsula, an area that represents the boundary between the Jiaobei and Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) terranes. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating yields Late Jurassic ages from 158 ± 1 to 153 ± 1 Ma for the pluton in addition to a small number of inherited zircons that yield ages that cluster at 2410, 1831–1776, 750, and 209–202 Ma. Zircons from different samples have similar 176Hf/177Hf values (0.281926–0.282255) and variably negative εHf (t) values that range from −26.5 to −15.1 (weighted mean of −22.9 ± 0.9). The corresponding two‐stage Hf model ages range from 2,869 to 2,154 Ma, with a weighted mean value of 2,645 ± 54 Ma. These data indicate that the magmas that formed the Queshan pluton were derived from multiple sources, including the lower crust of the North China (NCC) and Yangtze (YC) cratons, as well as collision‐related alkaline rocks. The whole‐rock geochemical compositions of the samples indicate that the granites are weakly peraluminous, are high‐K and calc‐alkaline with I‐type affinities, and have high contents of Sr, low contents of Y and Yb, high (La/Yb)N and Sr/Y values, and positive Eu anomalies (δEu = 1.20–1.65), indicating an adakitic affinity. This indicates that the Queshan granites formed from magmas generated by partial melting of a thickened region of the crust (>50 km) associated with eclogite, garnet amphibolite, or amphibolite residual material. The genesis of the Late Jurassic granites are also likely to have been influenced by the collisional orogeny between the NCC and YC and continued subduction of the Izanagi Plate. Thickening of the lower crust associated with this continental collisional event occurred before the magmatism, with further compression and thickening of the lower crust caused by the low‐angle subduction of the Izanagi Plate beneath northeastern China being the main geodynamic driver of the formation of the granites in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiapigou gold ore belt is located in the northeastern corner of the wedge‐shaped North China Craton and is hosted by Neoarchean basement gneiss and amphibolite, along with late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic granitoids. In this paper, whole‐rock major and trace element geochemistry together with zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope compositions are reported for Late Permian to Triassic igneous rocks from the gold belt. The dominant population of zircons in all these rocks shows oscillatory growth zoning in CL images, and relatively high Th/U ratios (0.10–5.23) that are indicative of a magmatic origin. Zircon U–Pb data indicate that the igneous rocks formed during two major phases: ca. 252 Ma and ca. 230–213 Ma. Geochemically, the Late Permian (ca. 252 Ma) diorites are high‐K calc‐alkaline in composition and low total Fe2O3, MgO, and CaO contents, and represented by enrichment in LILEs relative to HFSEs and HREEs, all of which are indicative of a postcollision high‐K calc‐alkaline granite affinity. In contrast, the Late Triassic (ca. 230–213 Ma) igneous rocks are mainly quartz syenite porphyries, felsites, and granodiorites, and are variable medium‐ to high‐K calc‐alkaline series and exhibit a negative Eu anomaly with A‐type affinities, indicating an extensional environment. In addition, in situ Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from four dated samples reveal that they have εHf(t) values of −3.0 to +2.2, with two‐stage model (TDM2) ages range from 964 to 1,210 Ma, indicating that they probably originated from the partial melting of a dominantly Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic crustal source. On the basis of the geochemical data and regional geological investigations, we further propose that the Jiapigou gold ore belt in the Late Permian was formed in a postcollisional tectonic setting, whereas an extensional tectonic setting in the Late Triassic that caused lithospheric thinning during a postorogenic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Precambrian magmatism in the Archean–Palaeoproterozoic basement Yudongzi Complex is critical for understanding the early crustal formation and evolutionary history of the Yangtze Block in the South China Craton. In this paper, combined zircon UPb geochronological, zircon Hf isotopic, and whole‐rock geochemical studies are carried out on the granitoid gneisses from the Yudongzi Complex, north‐western Yangtze Block. The magmatic zircons from the granitoid gneiss yield a UPb upper intercept age of 2,477±18 Ma, interpreted as the crystallization age of the granitoid gneiss. The granitoid gneiss samples are characterized by high Al2O3 contents, moderate to high Sr/Y, (La/Yb)N and Na2O/K2O ratios, no obvious Eu and Sr anomalies, and depleted Nb, Ta, and Ti values that are similar to those of Archean trondhjemite–tonalite–granodiorite (TTG) suites, indicating that the investigated rocks belonging to TTG‐series rocks. They display pronounced enriched‐LREE patterns with high La/Yb values and relatively high Zr/Sm and Eu/Eu* but low Nb/Ta and Dy/Yb ratios, implying that these rocks were formed by partial melting within amphibolite‐facies conditions with mainly residual amphibole, garnet, and accessory rutile in the magma source. These rocks also display apparently low MgO, Mg#, Ni, and Cr contents, suggesting derivation from partial melting of thickened ancient lower crust. Zircon εHf(t) values from the granitoid gneiss sample vary from −10.1 to −6.9 with TDM2 of ca. 3.59–3.40 Ga, what demonstrates their crustal source nature as well. Thus, taking all these factors together, we propose that the ca. 2.48 Ga granitoid gneisses in the Yudongzi Complex might have been produced by partial melting of ancient crust material under amphibolite‐facies conditions, with primarily residual assemblages of amphibole, garnet, and attached rutile. Taking together our new data and such from previous studies, the Yangtze Block has been probably involved into a significant reworking of ancient crust event during the Early Palaeoproterozoic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Banjing tungsten deposit, which has been discovered recently, is located in the northernmost part of the Dabu pluton, southern Jiangxi Province, China. In this study, zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating of the fine‐grained porphyritic biotite granite indicate that it was formed in the early Yanshanian (159.4 ± 2.5 Ma–161.6 ± 0.8 Ma). Whole‐rock geochemical studies have shown the fine‐grained porphyritic biotite granite has SiO2 of 75.82%–76.84%, Al2O3 12.50%–12.87%, MgO 0.07%–0.20%, and CaO 0.64%–1.09%, with A/CNK of 1.017–1.038. It has a total rare earth elements content of 93.9–118.9 ppm with strong negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.021–0.081). The biotite granite is enriched in Rb, Th, U, Nd and depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ti. These data suggest the Dabu pluton belongs to S‐type granite. This pluton has ISr of 0.71212–0.72929 and εNd(t) from −9.60 to −10.62 with Nd model ages concentrated in 1732–1838 Ma. These isotopic data in combination with zircon Hf isotopes suggest the biotite granite originated from partial melting of the Middle Proterozoic metamorphic supracrustal rocks in South China, with a minor contribution from juvenile crust. Meanwhile, this study has obtained Re–Os isochron ages of the intrusion‐related and quartz vein‐type molybdenum mineralization are 156.3 ± 2.7 Ma and 157.0 ± 1.1 Ma in the Banjing tungsten deposit, respectively. Sericite from the greisen‐type tungsten‐molybdenum ore has an 40Ar–39Ar plateau age of 156.4 ± 1.0 Ma, interpreted as the formation age of this deposit. Collectively, the Banjing tungsten deposit is considered as a product of the early Yanshanian large‐scale peak mineralization in South China, which was formed in an extensional intracontinental environment caused by the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neoproterozoic granites along the western margin of the Yangtze Block are crucial for understanding the evolution of the Rodinia supercontinent and crust–mantle interaction. Based on a regional geological survey, this study analyses the zircon U–Pb geochronology, Lu–Hf isotope, whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopes, and geochemistry of the Maoniushan granites along the western margin of the Yangtze Block and discusses the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution history of the Mianning–Maoniushan belt. The results show that the Maoniushan granites belong to calc‐alkaline weak peraluminous monzogranite. The granites are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (i.e., Rb, Sr, Cs, and Ba) but relatively depleted in high‐field‐ strength elements (i.e., Nb, Ta, U, and Th). The zircon saturation temperature (TZr) ranges from 628 to 766°C, and the weighted average 206Pb/238U ages of zircon range from 771 ± 30 to 759 ± 26 Ma. The εHf(t) values range from −2.0 to +7.2, with TDM2 model ages ranging from 1,797 to 1,208 Ma. The whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotopic data show (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7039–0.7093, and the εNd(t) values range from +1.25 to +1.76 with TDM2 model ages ranging from 1,303 to 1,344 Ma. These findings indicate the presence of deep Mesoproterozoic crustal materials in the source area. The Maoniushan monzogranites belong to I‐type granite, which is formed by the partial melting of the basic rocks and pelites in the ancient lower crust due to the metasomatism of fluids from the subducted oceanic crust. The Maoniushan monzogranites may be formed in the process of transformation from regional thickening to thinning under the oceanic crust subduction setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guide Basin, located in the West Qinling orogen of central China, is a typical geothermal field. However, the granodiorites occurring in the Zhacanggou area have been poorly restricted. Herein, we report new isotopic compositions of whole‐rock major‐trace elements, zircon U–Pb, and Lu–Hf, on the host granodiorites and their microgranular enclaves (MEs) in the Zhacanggou area. Zircon U–Pb dating for the host rocks (porphyritic granodiorite and granodiorite) revealed ages of 230.5 ± 1.4 Ma and 229.0 ± 1.6 Ma, similar to those (230.5 ± 1.5 Ma and 231.4 ± 1.4 Ma) of the MEs. Zircon Hf isotope analyses for the granodiorite and MEs yielded εHf(t) values from −11.0 to −1.5 and from −7.8 to −0.7, with corresponding TDM2 ages of 1,355–1,959 and 1,304–1,755, respectively. The MEs possess plagioclase phenocrysts, acicular apatites, and chilled borders. They were characterized by relatively low SiO2 (58.39–65.24 wt%) and high Cr, Ni, and MgO contents, leading to relatively high Mg# values (44–59) and low Sr/Y (14.23–19.84) ratios. The host granodioritic rocks show similar adakitic geochemical characteristics with SiO2 = 64.23–68.57 wt%, MgO = 1.29–2.22 wt%, Mg# = 48–53, Sr = 340–596 ppm, Y = 11.3–13.7 ppm, Sr/Y = 28.39–47.89, and no obvious Eu anomalies. These geochemical and isotopic data, combined with the mineralogical features, indicate that the granodiorites in the Zhacanggou area were produced by the mixing of high‐Mg# melts originating from an enriched lithospheric mantle source, and felsic magmas deriving by the partial melting of the normal lower continental crust with the tectonic regime transition from a syn‐collision to a post‐collision setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early Jurassic Kaoshan medium‐ and fine‐grained syenogranites emplaced along the Yitong–Shulan Fault Zone in the southern part the Zhangguangcai Range, central Jilin Province, intruded Middle Triassic granitoids and Carboniferous‐Devonian intrusive rocks. They have medium‐ and fine‐grained textures and contain K‐feldspar, quartz, plagioclase, and biotite. They are peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.13–1.20) and have high values of SiO2 (74.60–75.82 wt%), total alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 8.28–9.18 wt%), light rare earth elements (20.89–56.14 ppm), large‐ion lithophile elements, and FeO/MgO = 2.78–5.93. In contrast, they feature low values of CaO (0.40–0.49 wt%), TiO2 (0.05–0.14 wt%), P2O5 (0.02–0.04 wt%), Sr (24.20–62.59 ppm), heavy rare earth elements (5.14–11.80 ppm), high‐field‐strength elements, and δEu (0.41–0.76), and the calculated zircon saturation temperatures (Tzr) range from 804 to 870°C, all of which are similar to the geochemical signatures of anorogenic A1‐type granites. Zircon U–Pb geochronology analyses from the medium‐ and fine‐grained syenogranites yield concordia ages of 193.18 ± 0.95 Ma (MSWD = 6.7, n = 18) and 190.29 ± 0.92 Ma (MSWD = 8.7, n = 17), respectively, and belong to the Early Jurassic Sinemurian stage. In situ Hf isotope analyses of dated zircons yield εHf(t) values ranging from +17.0 to +9.7 and Hf model ages (TDMC) of 225–614 Ma. Their whole‐rock (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.704740–0.704133) and εNd(t) values (+2.8 to +0.2) are similar to those of many coeval A2‐type granites in this region, and they form an A‐type granite assemblage. Consequently, the Kaoshan medium‐ and fine‐grained syenogranites were probably derived from partial melting of juvenile lower crust and might be related to the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The West Qinling Orogen, which forms the western part of the Qinling Orogenic Belt, is characterized by the voluminous distribution of Triassic granitoids. Here, we investigate the Baguashan monzogranite which hosts numerous mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs). We present zircon U–Pb–Hf and whole‐rock geochemical as well as Sr–Nd isotopic data of the monzogranites and MMEs with a view to gain insights on the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. Zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating yields ages of 219.0 ± 1.7 Ma and 219.5 ± 1.6 Ma for the MMEs, and 214.2 ± 1.3 Ma for the host monzogranite, suggesting formation from coeval magmas. The host monzogranites show high SiO2, Rb, Ba, and Th contents, but low TiO2, MgO, P2O5 values, with A/CNK of <1.1. Zircon grains from monzogranites show εHf(t) values in the range of −6.3 to +3.2 with corresponding two‐stage Hf model ages (TDM2) of 1.39–2.25 Ga. The MMEs are mostly elliptical or spherical in shape and have lower SiO2 and Th contents, but higher MgO, TiO2, and CaO, and εHf(t) values ranging from −6.1 to +5.7 with TDM2 of 1.17–2.23 Ga. The Sr–Nd isotopic data for MMEs and monzogranites show (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios ranging from 0.7059 to 0.7069 and low εNd(t) values ranging from −6.07 to −4.18, suggesting a crustal origin. Based on the relatively homogeneous Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, we suggest that the MMEs represent magma mixing, and the mafic magma injected into the felsic magma chamber was probably derived by the reworking of mafic lower crust with a contribution of juvenile materials. We propose a model involving delamination of thickened lower crust below the West Qinling Orogen after the collision between the North China Block and the South China Block in the Late Triassic. Subsequently, the lower crust was partially melted by the heat input from the upwelling asthenosphere and produced the mafic magma. Partial melting of the ancient metamorphic rocks generated the granitic magma. The interaction of mafic and felsic magmas occurred within a post‐collisional tectonic setting in the Late Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geochemical differences of magmatic rocks can be influenced by melt source and magmatic processes, including partial melting, fractional crystallization and magma mixing. New whole‐rock geochemical analyses, zircon U–Pb ages and Hf‐isotope data on granitoids from the Qingshanbao complex in the Longshoushan belt highlight a significant Late Ordovician–Early Silurian magmatic episode during the collision between the Alxa and Qilian‐Qaidam blocks, in which magma mixing was a fundamental process. The Qingshanbao complex comprises K‐feldspar granite, granodiorite and diorite emplaced coevally from 442 to 433 Ma. They exhibit peraluminous to metaluminous I‐type features, are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs). Chondrite‐normalized REE patterns are fractionated (LaN/YbN = 10.2–34.9) with weakly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.66–0.94). The 176Lu/177Hf zircon two‐stage model ages (TDM2) and the εHf(t) on zircons extracted from the K‐feldspar granite (1613–2,316 Ma, εHf(t) = −14.4 to −3.0) and granodiorite (1640–2015 Ma, εHf(t) = −9.6 to −3.6) suggest they were formed by the mixing of melts produced by the melting of Mesoproterozoic crustal materials, most likely meta‐basic rocks from the Longshoushan Group, and to a lesser extent mantle materials. In contrast, zircons in the diorite yield TDM2 ages ranging from 964 to 1767 Ma and εHf(t) values of −5.5 to 7.1, implying melting of depleted mantle rocks with subordinate participation of lower crust materials. We suggest that the Qingshanbao complex was emplaced when the North Qilian area was in a transitional stage from a compressional to an extensional environment as early as approximately 442 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Elashan magmatic belt is located at the eastern margin of the East Kunlun orogenic belt (E‐KOB) in northwestern China, where voluminous magmatism occurred during the Late Permian to Late Triassic. Mid‐Triassic volcanism produced the Xilikete Formation, which shows a geochemistry similar to that of highly fractionated I‐type (HFI) volcanic rocks. These rocks are characterized by high SiO2 (73.82–74.97 wt%), differentiation index (DI; 91.01–94.69), and alkalis (e.g., high K2O + Na2O, with K2O/Na2O ratios greater than 1.0) and by enrichment in some large‐ ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, K, and Pb) and depletion in other LILEs (e.g., Ba and Sr) as well as some high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti); these features confirm that they are HFI volcanic rocks. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the volcanic rocks were emplaced at ~239 Ma. These zircons have εHf(t) values ranging from −2.26 to +0.36, with two‐stage model ages (TDM2) of 1,441–1,221 Ma, indicating a magma source that involved partial melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crust accompanied by a minor juvenile mantle component. The ~240 Ma magmatism in the E‐KOB was probably developed in response to subduction of the Palaeo‐Tethys oceanic plate. Previous studies indicate that a tectonic transformation from subduction to continental collision occurred at ~240 Ma. Combining these data with regional geological observations, we conclude that the Daheba volcanic rocks formed in an active continental margin setting related to the subduction of the Palaeo‐Tethys oceanic plate beneath the E‐KOB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present in‐situ zircon laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U–Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes of the Mugagangri monzogranite in the southern margin of the Qiangtang Block, Tibet, western China. The zircons yield a U–Pb age of ca. 123 Ma. The hornblende‐bearing monzogranite shows metaluminous to weak peraluminous and high‐K calc‐alkaline characteristics exemplified by high silica (SiO2 = 67.57–70.57 wt%), high aluminium (Al2O3 = 14.68–15.78 wt%), high potassium (K2O = 4.00–5.14 wt%), high alkali (K2O + Na2O = 7.88–8.62 wt%), and low calcium contents (CaO = 1.72–2.17 wt%), with the aluminium saturation index (A/CNK) ranging from 0.98 to 1.09, suggesting that the Mugagangri monzogranite is a metaluminous to weak peraluminous I‐type high‐K calc‐alkaline granite. Geochemically, similar to the arc magmas, the monzogranite is enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements, and relatively depleted in high‐field‐strength elements. The monzogranite displays relatively high (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.70972–0.71240), uniform εNd(t) values (−2.24 to −3.40), variable zircon εHf(t) values (−14.1 to +8.0), and high radiogenic Pb isotopic values (206Pb/204Pb = 18.588–18.790, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.616–15.642, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.838–39.053). These geochemical characteristics indicate that the monzogranite was derived from a mixed source comprising ancient crustal and mantle materials, and experienced fractional crystallization during emplacement. We propose that the parental magma of the Mugagangri monzogranite was most likely generated during northward subduction of the Bangong Co‐Nujiang Meso‐Tethys Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous granitoid suites exposed in the Qilian orogen, NE Tibetan Plateau preserve important records of the tectonic evolution of this orogen. Here we present zircon U–Pb, zircon rare earth elements (REEs), and whole‐rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data on Niuxinshan granitoids in the North Qilian orogen, with a view to constrain their petrogenesis and timing of emplacement, as well as to gain new insights into the Early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Qilian orogen. Zircon U–Pb data show multiple concordant ages of ~517, 455–425, 397–389, and 351–319 Ma for syenogranite, and ages of ~758 and 724 Ma together with some scattered Early Mesozoic discordant ages for porphyritic granite, suggesting episodic magmatism from Neoproterozoic to Early Mesozoic. Zircon ∑REEs range from 276.43 to 4,582.32 ppm, and are characterized by depletion of light REEs (LREEs) and enrichment heavy REEs (HREEs) with negative Eu anomalies, indicating a mixture of magmatic and hydrothermal zircons. Whole‐rock geochemical data show similar variation of LREEs, large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs), HREEs, and high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs) with zircon REEs, with Eu, Ba, P, and Ti negative anomalies and Rb, U, and Pb positive anomalies. Based on their formation ages, two groups of granitoids are identified. Group I rocks (Early Palaeozoic) are represented by I‐type granites whereas Group II rocks (Early Mesozoic) are of S‐type. Whole‐rock Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes display (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.707085–0.709591, εNd(t) values of −5.3 to −2.3, εHf(t) values of −2.2 to 0, and two‐stage model (Nd and Hf) ages of 1.6–1.4 Ga for Group I rocks, and of 0.728156–0.734113, −9.4 to −9.3, −10.6 to −6.9, and 2.1–1.9 Ga for Group II rocks. Accordingly, we infer that the magma for Group I was sourced from the partial melting of basaltic protoliths in the mafic lower crust and underwent fractional crystallization. Group II was derived from metasedimentary protoliths through reworking of ancient Palaeoproterozoic crustal components. Integrating the results from this study with those from previous studies on Niuxinshan granitoids, we argue that the southward subduction model of the North Qilian Ocean beneath the Qilian Block during the Early Palaeozoic might be a more reasonable scenario. However, the Early Mesozoic magmatic event reported here remains equivocal in the North Qilian orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the Shaziling pluton in the Jiuyishan area, Ningyuan County, Hunan Province crystallised at 151.9 ± 1.1 to 154.1 ± 1.2 Ma, indicating that it was emplaced during the Late Jurassic. The Shaziling pluton is metaluminous to peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.93–1.09), and has high silica and alkali contents, low Ca and Mg contents, and K2O/Na2O and FeO*/MgO ratios of 1.37–2.65 (mean = 1.80) and 5.43–15.33 (mean = 7.14), respectively. The total rare earth element (REE) content varies from 186.75 to 413.17 ppm, and the pluton is enriched in light REEs and shows negative Eu anomalies (0.095–0.224). It is enriched in the large‐ion lithophile elements Rb and Th, and depleted in Ni, Cr, Eu, Ti, V, P, and Sr. The pluton yields Ga/Al ratios of 245–582 ppm (mean = 350 ppm) and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents of 256.8–630.7 ppm (mean = 441.95 ppm), similar to A‐type granites. The Shaziling pluton has a high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio (Sri = 0.71603–0.71817), and low εNd(t) (−6.8 to −7.4) and εHf(t) (4.8 to −14.2) values. The granitic magmas were produced by partial melting of crustal material, along with a mantle contribution. The Nd and Hf model ages are 1546–1498 and 1756–1061 Ma, respectively, suggesting that the source rocks separated from the mantle reservoir during the Mesoproterozoic. The Shaziling pluton was formed in an intracontinental extensional environment related to subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granitoids and their mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) provide important insights into magmatic activity and tectonic evolution associated with accretionary orogens. Here we investigate the origin of Middle Triassic granodiorites and MMEs in the central segment of the eastern Kunlun Orogen (EKLO) in NW China, which is an important region to evaluate the history of closure of the Paleo–Tethys, through zircon U–Pb geochronology, major and trace element geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate the coeval formation of granodiorites and their MMEs during the Anisian (ca. 245 Ma). The granodiorites are calc‐alkaline and metaluminous with high SiO2 contents and Mg# values. They are characterized by enrichment of LREEs and LILEs, and depletion of Nb, Ta, and Ti. Their Sr–Nd –Hf isotopic compositions indicate that the magmas were derived from enriched mantle and Paleoproterozoic basement. The monzodioritic‐dioritic MMEs exhibit low SiO2 contents and high Al2O3 and MgO with high Mg# values, enrichment in LREEs and LILEs, and depletion in HFSEs with negative Nb, Ta, Ti, and P. In contrast, the gabbroic MMEs show higher Mg# values and Cr contents. Both types of MMEs have Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions similar to the host granodiorites, and originated from mixing of lower crust‐ and enriched mantle‐derived magmas. The mantle‐derived sources were metasomatized by slab‐derived melts. The Middle Permian to Middle Triassic magmatism, metamorphism, sedimentation, and tectonics in the EKLO suggest northward subduction of the Paleo–Tethys Ocean as represented by the A'nyemaqen Ocean. The magma mixing that generated the Anisian granodiorites and MMEs was likely associated with slab break‐off of the Paleo–Tethys Ocean. The formation of the Anisian magmatic rocks in the EKLO suggest that the cessation of subduction of the Paleo–Tethys Ocean and onset of collision took place during the late stage of Middle Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Ordovician Pingliang Formation in the Guanzhuang section, located in the south‐western Ordos Basin, North China, contains several K‐bentonite layers, which are important for understanding the tectonic evolution of the south‐western Ordos Basin. This study provides new geochemical and SIMS U–Pb geochronological data for the K‐bentonites to establish the Ordovician high‐resolution chronostratigraphic framework for the Ordos Basin and to provide temporal constraints of major volcanic–magmatic activity. K‐bentonites in the succession yield U–Pb zircon ages of 457.6 ± 3.8 Ma and 454.8 ± 3.8 Ma (2σ analytical uncertainty), showing a depositional age in the Sandbian Stage (Late Ordovician). The result is consistent with the biostratigraphic and astrochronologic framework, achieving the intercalibration of different dating methods. The discrimination diagrams of whole‐rock Na2O+K2O against SiO2 and Zr/TiO2 against Nb/Y and Th/Yb against Nb/Yb and Th‐Hf‐Ta indicate that the K‐bentonites have obvious arc affinities. Based on the geological background, we conclude that the K‐bentonites in the south‐western Ordos Basin were mainly deposited during the development of the North Qilian‐North Qinling volcanic arc in the Sandbian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wuliji'Oboo fluorite deposit is a newly discovered deposit hosted by volcanic rocks of the Early Cretaceous Baiyin'gaolao Formation, which are located in the Great Xing'an Range. Fluorite orebodies within this area are controlled by the NNE‐trending faults. The ΣREE of fluorite samples ranges from 19.18 to 361.22 ppm, with an average of 131.14 ppm. The homogenization temperatures are concentrated in the ranges of 100–150°C and 230–350°C, while the salinity is concentrated in 0.3–1.0 and 2.0–4.5 wt.% NaCl eqv., and the density has ranges of 0.92–0.96 and 0.75–0.8 g/cm3, respectively. The δDV‐SMOW values of fluid inclusions within the fluorite range between −122.3‰ and −105.6‰ with a mean of −115.36‰. The δ18OV‐SMOW of fluorite ranges from −12.0 to −8.5‰, average is −9.9‰. Sm–Nd isotopic data on the fluorite ore yield an isochron age of 122 ± 15 Ma and have ɛNd(t) values ranging from +3.15 to +4.16 and (87Sr/86Sr)i values ranging from 0.704907 to 0.705765. In this contribution, field, petrologic, and geochemical data lead us to the following salient findings: (a) The ore consists of fluorite, quartz, and calcite, with host rock alteration that includes silicification, calcitization, and sericitization. The major element data reveal that the host rocks are a series of highK calc‐alkaline rhyolite. The REEs suggest that F‐rich fluids in this region might have experienced a long‐distance migration. The Tb/Ca‐Tb/La diagram confirms a hydrothermal origin for the deposit. (b) Petrographic evidence and fluid inclusions in the fluorites indicate that this deposit might have two ore‐forming stages. The ore‐forming fluids can be attributed to a NaCl‐H2O‐F system with moderate‐low temperature, low salinity, and low density and have a meteoric water source, with water/rock reaction as the main mechanism for fluorite precipitation. (c) The deposit was formed in an anorogenic within‐plate extensional tectonic setting related to the lithospheric thinning occurring after the Mongolian–Okhotsk Ocean closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassic magmatic rocks provide significant insights in understanding of mantle composition, evolution, and interaction with crust. Potassic magmatism along the Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan Paleo‐Tethyan suture has drawn much attention. Whereas igneous intrusion in the Simao terrane, west to Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan potassic magmatic belt has rarely been investigated. Hence, we present zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope and whole‐rock geochemistry for the Lianhuashan pluton. Zircon U–Pb dating from monzonite and quartz monzonite porphyry yield ages of 33.6 ± 0.2 and 33.5 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Monzonites are characterized by high K2O (4.93–5.16%) and K2O/Na2O (1.46–1.71), high Y (22.90–23.80 ppm), and Yb (1.87–2.21 ppm), relatively enrichment of light rare earth element (LREE). Zircons from monzonites show εHf(t) values ranging from −1.1 to +0.6 and crustal model ages (TDMC) between 1.04 and 1.15 Ga. These geochemical features suggest that parent magmas of the rocks originated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Quartz monzonite porphyries are characterized by high Sr (836.00–1,529.00 ppm), Sr/Y (70.85–99.93) and La/Yb (32.31–49.83), low Y (11.80–15.60 ppm), and Yb (0.95–1.30 ppm), enrichment in LREE and depletion in heavy rare earth elements (HREE). Quartz monzonite porphyries have higher Mg#, MgO, Ni, and Cr contents than the lower crust‐derived adakite‐like rocks. It is suggested that they were derived by variable degree of mixing between lower‐crustal melts and mafic magmas. Based on petrology and geochemistry features, the following evolution process are concluded. During the Neoproterozoic, metasomatic‐enriched mantle magma resulted from the bisubduction of oceanic plate; meanwhile, the crust thickened, and juvenile lower crust formed. During late Eocene, hot asthenosphere upwelled and K‐rich mafic magmas resulted from the decompression of delamination, followed by magmatism emplacing, crystallizing, and the forming of the Lianhuashan pluton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Heyu fluorite ore district is newly discovered in the East Qinling metallogenic belt (EQMB), central China. In this district, the large Madiu fluorite deposit contains five Mesozoic granite‐hosted orebodies. The deposit may have formed at shallow depth and occurred as continuous veins controlled by a series of N‐S‐ or NE‐trending, steeply dipping faults. The fluorite mineralization can be divided into two stages (I and II). Fluid inclusions in stage I fluorite homogenized at 132.2°C to 342.5°C (peak at 170°C–210°C) with salinities of 0.18 to 4.43 wt% NaCl equiv, whilst those in stage II fluorite homogenized at 122.2°C to 305.7°C (peak at 130°C–170°C) and salinities of 0.18 to 3.71 wt% NaCl equiv. Raman spectroscopic analysis of the fluid inclusions reveals that they comprise predominantly H2O. The rare earth element (REE) characteristics indicate that the deposit is of hydrothermal origin. The δ18OH2O (−8.8‰ to −0.5‰) and δDH2O (−69.0‰ to −61.9‰) values show a subhorizontal trend, suggesting that the oxygen isotopic compositions were modified by fluid–rock interactions. Fluid inclusion and stable isotopic data suggest that the ore‐forming fluids belong to a meteoric water‐sourced, medium–low temperature, and low salinity NaCl–H2O system. Initial fluorite 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.708879–0.709682) resemble those of the Heyu batholith. The water–rock reaction, which leached Ca from the host rock and increased the fluid pH, was likely causative to the ore precipitation. Geochemical and mineralization features suggest that the Madiu fluorite deposit is best classified as a fault‐controlled hydrothermal vein‐type fluorite deposit. The Sm–Nd isochron age of 118.9 ± 7.8 Ma and its regional age correlation suggest that the fluorite mineralization occurred under regional extension or lithospheric thinning setting and that the fluorite mineralization was an important component of the Early Cretaceous mineralization event in the EQMB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook an integrated approach incorporating whole‐rock geochemistry and detrital zircon U‐Pb geochronology from Permian sedimentary rocks in the Solonker area of central Inner Mongolia, China with the aim of constraining the tectonic evolution of the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Geochemical analysis reveals a close relationship between the sedimentary and volcanic rock suites in the study region. Detrital zircons from seven samples collected from the Zhesi Formation yield U‐Pb ages that cluster around 309–275 Ma and 464–435 Ma, with two main age peaks of ~452 and ~288 Ma. However, additional detrital zircons with ages in the range of 2,634–543 Ma are sparse and with no obvious age peaks. The results suggest that the deposition of the Zhesi Formation occurred from the Middle to the Late Permian and from two major age provenances: the Precambrian basement of the North China Plate (~1,880 Ma and ~2,520 Ma) and the Paleozoic Southern orogenic belt along the northern margin of North China (~288 Ma and ~452 Ma). In this contribution, we suggest that the Zhesi Formation in the Solonker area formed in response to the Early to Middle Permian subduction tectonic setting of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean (PAO), probably formed in a forearc basin and that the final closure of the PAO occurred after the Late Permian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern Heilongjiang Province, NE China, is located in the eastern CAOB (Central Asian Orogenic Belt). Previous studies suggest that subduction of the Mudanjiang and Paleo‐Pacific oceans had been initiated in this area during the early Mesozoic. However, research on the Mesozoic volcanic rocks is insufficient, limiting our understanding of the relationship between magmatism and subduction process. To solve the problem, seven volcanic rocks in the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range and the Jiamusi Block were collected for zircon U–Pb dating (SHRIMP) and whole‐rock geochemical analysis. Most samples from the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range are Jurassic in age (189–178 Ma), including andesite, trachyandesite, trachydacite, and rhyolite. The andesitic to trachytic rocks were generated by magma mixing at an active continental margin, whereas the rhyolite is highly fractionated I‐type. All the samples from the Jiamusi Block and one basaltic andesite from the Lesser Xing'an Range are late Early Cretaceous in age (ca. 100 Ma) and were formed in a back‐arc extensional setting (roll‐back). Fractional crystallization was important in the generation of most Cretaceous rocks (basalt to trachydacite). However, magma mixing or crustal contamination was required to explain some andesites from the Jiamusi Block showing extremely low Cr, Ni, and Mg#. When integrated with the coeval blueschist‐facies metamorphism, the Early Jurassic volcanism indicates an active continental margin in the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range due to the westward subduction of the Mudanjiang Ocean. After the closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean, two NE/NNE trending sinistral strike‐slip faults in NE China were triggered, accompanied by the slab roll‐back of the Paleo‐Pacific oceanic plate. The Jurassic continental arc and accretionary complexes in NE China were cut through by the two strike‐slip faults and bended to form small oroclines. At ca. 100 Ma, numerous accretionary complexes were accreted along the eastern margin of the CAOB, further forcing the retreat of trench and slab roll‐back. The late Early Cretaceous intra‐continental volcanism was generated in the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range and Jiamusi Block during this roll‐back process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Palaeozoic granitoid rocks represent a volumetrical component of the eastern part of the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc belt of the East Tianshan and preserve useful information about the tectonomagmatic history of this region. The Hongshi intrusion primarily consists of granodiorite, which intrudes the Ordovician–Silurian Daliugou Formation in the Kalatag area. Zircon U–Pb dating of magmatic zircons from the granodiorite was formed at 426.6 ± 2.3 Ma, suggesting that the intrusion was emplaced in the Middle Silurian. Geochemically, granodiorite belongs to the metaluminous calc‐alkaline I‐type granitoids associated with a narrow range of SiO2 concentration (63.53–67.71 wt.%), A/CNK values ranging from 1.01 to 1.12. They have high Ba, LREE, and LILE contents and low abundance of HREE and HFSE. These samples displayed MgO contents of 1.38–1.52 wt.%, resulting in low K2O/Na2O ratios of 0.11–0.33 and intermediate Mg# values of 29.03–37.31, with high Sr/Y, La/Yb, and Ba/Th ratios, positive εNd(t) (6.60 to 7.95) and εHf(t) (13.1–16.0), low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.704113–0.704312), and low Nb/U and Ta/U ratios. These features indicated that the parental magma of the granodiorite was probably derived from a juvenile crust with no significant mantle component involvement. Based on the regional geology and geochemical evidence, the Hongshi granodiorite is considered to have formed in an arc setting, associated with the northward subduction of the young Kangguer Ocean slab beneath the Dananhu island arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xierqu is a skarn Fe–Cu deposit associated with porphyritic diorite, in the Kalatag district of eastern Tianshan, China. The diorite yields a sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe U–Pb zircon date of 391 ± 3 Ma interpreted as its age of emplacement. Major element geochemistry shows that the diorite is a calc‐alkaline assaying 16.7–19 wt.% of Al2O3, with Mg# values of 56.8–67.1, and Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O) (A/CNK) values of 0.55–0.94. Trace element characteristics of the diorite show that it is enriched in Ba, K, and Sr and depleted in Nb, Ta, and Ti, with a positive Eu (1.18–1.44) anomaly and high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios. Sr–Nd isotopic analyses yielded positive εNd(t) values ranging from 7.1 to 9.8 with low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.703806 to 0.703856. These geochemical and isotopic characteristics indicate that the diorite is adakite‐like emplaced in an island‐arc setting and resulted from partial melting of subducted oceanic crust in a mantle wedge during the Devonian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiamusi Block is an important tectonic unit in the Chinese segment of the CAOB. Its eastern margin became an active continental margin in the period of Late Carboniferous. However, the tectonic affinity of this section has not been resolved yet. The Early Permian andesites within the Erlongshan Formation in the eastern Jiamusi Block provide a critical record for the active continental margin setting. Precise LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb zircon dating on four andesite samples gave ages of 280 ± 3 Ma, 282 ± 3 Ma, 286 ± 4, and 284 ± 2 Ma, respectively, defining an Early Permian age for the crystallization of the andesites. The andesites have medium‐K and calc‐alkaline compositions, with variable SiO2 (54.70–57.46 wt%), TiO2 (0.87–1.12 wt%), TFe2O3 (6.52–8.13 wt%), MgO (2.62–3.33 wt%), Al2O3 (15.96–17.83 wt%), Na2O (3.28–4.10 wt%), and K2O (1.16–1.95 wt%) contents. They are relatively enriched in LREEs ((La/Yb)N = 5.0–7.1) and LILEs (e.g., Ba, Th, Sr, and U), deleted in HREEs and HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, Zr, and Y) and have weak or no Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.87–1.02). These geochemical features indicate that the andesites within the Erlongshan Formation originated from an active continental margin setting, and their magma source was produced by partial melting of a mantle material that had been metasomatized by subduction‐related melts and subsequently underwent the removal of mafic minerals and accumulation of plagioclase. Integrated with previous studies on the igneous and sedimentary rocks, we thus propose that the Jiamusi Block was in an active continental margin setting in the period of the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian (310–280 Ma), and it is more likely related to the subduction of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late Archaean witnessed a critical transition of the composition of the continental crust from predominantly sodic tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorites (TTGs) to a combination of TTGs and increasing proportion of potassic calc‐alkaline granitoids. This shift is also well recorded in the Zanhuang Complex located in the central part of the North China Craton (NCC). In this work, we present a detailed geochemical study of these granitoids and subdivide them into four groups, that is, TTGs, sanukitoids, crustal‐sourced granitoids, and hybrid granitoids. The TTGs in the Zanhuang Complex may have formed at a longer and earlier period during ~2.7 to ~2.5 Ga as the first stage. They show typical TTG characteristics, such as high SiO2, Na2O, and Sr/Y and depletion of Nb, Ta, Ti, and HREE. The TTGs are interpreted to have formed in a subduction‐related environment. The other three groups of granitoids formed at a shorter and later stage. The sanukitoid sample shows high MgO and Mg# and other geochemical signatures of typical Archaean sanukitoid affinity, yielding a weighted mean zircon 207Pb/206Pb age of 2,517 ± 5 Ma as the crystallization age. The sanukitoid magma derived from partial melting of a hydrous mantle peridotite source metasomatized by slab‐derived melts or fluids. The crustal‐sourced granitoids, including a new sample (~2,510 Ma) in this work, the Jiandeng granite (~2,490 Ma), and the Huangcha/Wangjiazhuang granite (2,488 to 2,517 Ma) show signatures of a mainly crustal source such as high SiO2 and K2O, low MgO and Mg# values, and weakly peraluminous. The hybrid granitoids represented by the Haozhuang granitoid (2,511 to 2,528 Ma) are characterized by enrichment in both incompatible (LILE and LREE) and compatible (Mg, Ni, and Cr) elements and may have formed by mixing/contamination of multiple magmas or sources. The temporal and spatial distributions of these groups of granitoids indicate that the Zanhuang Complex experienced a subduction–collision event between the Fuping arc and the Eastern Block of the NCC at the end of Archaean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sadaigoumen Mo deposit is a typical porphyry‐type deposit which is located in the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), China. Mineralization of the deposit mainly occurs as finely disseminated within the host granites. To get a better understanding of the ore‐forming process of the deposit and the genetic link between mineralization and host igneous rocks, we report LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb and whole‐rock major and trace elements data from the magmatic rocks which are exposed in the mining area. LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb analyses yield weighed mean ages of 239.5 ± 0.58 Ma for alkali‐feldspar granites and 1872.8 ± 5.1 Ma for porphyritic granodiorite. The porphyritic granodiorite, which was previously considered to be part of the Hongqiyingzi Group, is redefined as Palaeoproterozoic highly fractionated I‐type granites: (1) They have high contents of SiO2 (69.57–72.21 wt.%) and Al2O3 (13.24–13.90 wt.%) and high Na2O + K2O (up to 7.1 wt.%) and FeOT/MgO values (6.7 to 7.7), and (2) significant depletion of Eu, Sr, Ba, P, and Ti elements; (3) compared with typical A‐type granites, they have lower Ga (around 20.5 ppm) and 10000 × Ga/Al values (around 2.8); the Triassic alkali‐feldspar granite samples also show highly fractionated I‐type geochemical signatures with high Na2O + K2O (8.40–8.50 wt.%), FeO*/MgO (12.67–13.49), and Ga/Al (2.58–2.81) ratios. The higher ∑REE values (>199.69 ppm) and depletions of Nb, Ta, and Ba make it different from typical A‐type granites. By comparative analysis of geochemical data, we believed that the ca. 1872.8 Ma porphyritic granodiorite formed in a tectonic environment resembling that of magmatic arc granites and the ca. 239.5 Ma alkali‐feldspar granite formed in syn‐collisional settings which is related to closure of Palaeo‐Asian Ocean. Our new data, combined with previous studies, allow us to speculate that the Triassic alkali‐feldspar granite is directly related to the Mo mineralization in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently discovered Bulage Pb–Zn deposit is located in the central part of the Erlianhot–Dongwuqi Metallogenic Belt (eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt) in Inner Mongolia, China. The ore bodies of the deposit are hosted in alkali feldspar granite and in dacitic crystal tuff within Unit 2 of the Carboniferous Baoligaomiao Formation. The Bulage deposit is a low to moderate temperature hydrothermal vein‐type deposit and is controlled by fractures. The hydrothermal mineralization can be divided into three stages: early (quartz + specularite ± magnetite), middle (quartz + sphalerite + galena ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite), and late (calcite ± quartz + sphalerite + galena). The deposit contains liquid‐rich two‐phase (VL‐type) and pure‐liquid (L‐type) fluid inclusions. The initial ore‐forming fluids are attributed to the low to moderate temperature and low salinity of a NaCl–H2O system. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of quartz and calcite indicate that the ore‐forming fluids were dominated by meteoric water with minor contributions of magmatic water. The quartz diorite, monzonite porphyry, and alkali feldspar granite in the deposit yield LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages of 305–300 Ma. These high‐K calc‐alkaline I‐type granitoids are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, Cs, and K) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) and are depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The primary magma of these granitoids was derived from the partial melting of lower crust. The parental magma of the quartz diorite may have provided part of the ore‐forming material and acted as a heat source for mineralization. Therefore, we infer that the Bulage Pb–Zn deposit was formed as a result of the southward subduction of the Paleo–Asian Ocean beneath the North China Craton during the Late Carboniferous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dacaoping and Sadaigoumen Mo deposits were recently discovered along the northern margin of the North China Craton. The newly determined Re–Os isochronous age of molybdenite from the Dacaoping Mo deposit is ca. 147 Ma, and the Re–Os model age of molybdenite from the Sadaigoumen Mo deposit is ca. 248 Ma, which represents two of their respective mineralization stages. Combined with previous data, we suggest four phases of mineralization in the Dacaoping and Sabagaogoumen Mo deposits; these phases are 248, 236, 147, and 140 Ma. The Early Triassic monzogranite and Early Cretaceous granodiorite in the Dacaoping Mo deposit and the Middle Triassic monzogranite in the Sabagaogoumen Mo deposit are I‐type granite with similar geochemical characteristics. The Triassic granites formed in a collisional–post‐collisional setting between the North China Plate and the Siberian Plate, and the Cretaceous granodiorite formed from the rapid thinning of the lithosphere. The partial melting of the lower crust is the main reason for their formation, and small amounts of mantle‐derived components were added. Compared to other Mo deposits in the region, we can further divide these Mo deposits into three phases, namely, (a) Triassic (ca. 248–223 Ma), (b) Early–Middle Jurassic (ca. 187–165 Ma), and (c) Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (ca. 155–130 Ma), which are consistent with the times of magmatic activity. These activities occurred during the collision and post‐collision between the North China Plate and the Siberian Plate after the Paleo‐Asian Ocean's closure, intracontinental orogeny, and rapid thinning of the lithosphere, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole‐rock major‐trace elemental, whole‐rock Sr–Nd, and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic analyses have been carried out on two suites of Early Cretaceous granitic dykes in the western Dabie Orogen (Central China) with the aim of addressing their petrogenesis and geodynamic significance. LA‐ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the E‐W‐trending granitic dykes have emplacement ages of 133.9 ± 1.6 and 132.8 ± 1.0 Ma, while the NW‐trending granitic dykes have emplacement ages of 121.4 ± 0.9 and 120.5 ± 0.7 Ma. These rocks have high concentrations of SiO2 and K2O, belonging to the high‐K calc‐alkaline and shoshonitic series. They are metaluminous to peraluminous and are mainly fractionated I‐type granite. The E‐W‐trending granites have moderate initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70614 to 0.70878) and negative εNd(t) values varying from −16.2 to −17.2 with two‐stage Nd model ages of 2.20 to 2.43 Ga. They exhibit a narrow range of zircon εHf(t) values (−22.34 to −23.70) with two‐stage Hf model ages of 2.31 to 2.36 Ga. These isotopic signatures suggest a homogeneous crustal source without significant magma contamination or mixing. The NW‐trending granites have initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging from 0.70774 to 0.71034 and negative εNd(t) values varying from −10.9 to −9.5 with two‐stage Nd model ages of 1.69 to 1.80 Ga. They yield variable zircon εHf(t) values of −17.06 to −0.39 with two‐stage Hf model ages of 1.07 to 1.99 Ga, implying heterogeneous crustal signatures with minor mantle materials involved. Combining the geological, geochemical, and isotopic evidences, the E‐W‐trending granitic dykes are considered to be derived from partial melting of crustal materials under normal thickness during a transitional period following the tectonic collapse, while the NW‐trending granitic dykes resulted from crust melting in an extensional setting, most likely induced by the asthenospheric upwelling. Our results support that the western Dabie Orogen could have experienced S‐N‐directed compression (pre. 133 Ma), S‐N‐directed extension (ca. 133 Ma), and general E‐W‐directed extension (ca. 120 Ma). We propose that the Dabie Orogen has experienced tectonic collapse of the thickened lower crust and also has been affected by the subduction of the Izanagi (or Palaeo‐Pacific) Plate during the Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Derbur lead–zinc deposit is located in the Derbugan metallogenic belt in the north‐western portion of the Mesozoic Hailaer‐Genhe volcanic basin in the northern Great Xing'an Range. This deposit occurs in the Middle Jurassic intermediate–mafic volcanic rocks of the Tamulangou Formation and is spatially and temporally associated with acidic pyroclastic rocks. The host rocks are bedded trachyandesite and rhyolitic lithic‐crystal tuffs, and basaltic‐andesitic aplite veins are associated with the ore body. Because the deposit is a hypabyssal low‐temperature hydrothermal Pb–Zn deposit associated with volcanism, to determine the precise petrogenesis of the volcanic rocks, this study analysed the zircon U–Pb ages of the trachyandesite and rhyolitic lithic‐crystal tuffs, the Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic geochemistry of the trachyandesite and basaltic‐andesitic aplite, and the whole‐rock geochemistry of all three rock types. The results showed that the trachyandesite and basaltic‐andesitic aplite belong to the shoshonitic series and have similar whole‐rock and isotopic geochemical characteristics, including enrichments in large‐ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements and depletions in high‐field‐strength elements. They also have low initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.705007–0.705240 and εNd(t) values of +0.6 to +1.7, with model ages (TDM) of 699–883 Ma. The ratios of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb vary from 18.438 to 18.476, 15.570 to 15.577, and 38.254 to 38.320, respectively, with μ values of 9.40–9.41. In contrast, the rhyolitic lithic‐crystal tuffs are characterized by high SiO2 contents (73.44–79.48 wt.%); low Al2O3 (11.36–12.53 wt.%), TiO2 (0.14–0.18 wt.%), and K2O + Na2O (3.48–3.89 wt.%, Na2O ≤ K2O) contents; and low Mg# values (0.17–0.41), indicating that they belong to the calc–alkaline series. Additionally, they have relatively low REE contents and strong Sr depletions. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating of the trachyandesite and rhyolitic lithic‐crystal tuffs indicates that their ages are 167.0 ± 2.0 Ma and 164.8 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively. We conclude that the trachyandesite and the basaltic‐andesitic aplite were derived from the partial melting of lower crustal material assimilated by a depleted lithospheric mantle that was subsequently metasomatized by subducted slab‐derived fluids. The rhyolitic lithic‐crystal tuffs likely originated from the partial melting of accreted lower crust. In summary, because the acidic volcanism was accompanied by increasingly felsic volcanism, bimodal volcanic rocks were produced. Among volcanogenic deposits, bimodal volcanic rocks are the most favourable ore‐hosting rocks, and ore‐forming materials were contributed by the magmatic system. These processes created conditions conducive to the formation of large‐scale Ag, Pb, and Zn mineralization in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed petrological, whole‐rock geochemical, and zircon Hf isotopic researches were conducted on the Late Carboniferous–Triassic sedimentary rocks in the Bogda region to evaluate the effects of weathering, sorting, and alteration, as well as to understand their provenance and tectonic setting. These rocks show variable major element compositions, but most are generally similar to post‐Archean Australian shales. The relatively narrow range of TiO2–Zr variation and good correlation between Th/Sc and Zr/Sc signify no obvious sorting and recycling of the sedimentary rocks. The relatively high index of compositional variability (0.8–3.1) and low chemical index of alteration values (44.4–76.4) of the sedimentary rocks indicate that they are immature and probably undergo weak to moderate chemical weathering. In the chondrite‐normalized diagrams, almost all the samples are distinguished by moderately enriched light rare earth element and flat heavy rare earth element patterns with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.5–0.8). In conjunction with their Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, La/Th, Zr/Al2O3, TiO2/Zr, Co/Th, and La/Sc ratios, we infer that the major sources of these sedimentary rocks were the intermediate–acidic igneous rocks from the North Tianshan and Yili–Central Tianshan. Combining the orientation of the Bogda region in the Palaeozoic that was roughly perpendicular to the Tianshan and/or East Junggar orogens with the sedimentologic, petrologic, and tectonic researches, we suggest that the Bogda region was a rift basin that occurs at high angles to the orogenic belt. On the other hand, the zircons from these sediments have minor Precambrian grains (<0.2%), positive εHf(t) values (mostly +7.1–+15.0) and young 2‐stage Hf model ages (major peak <1,000 Ma), suggesting that a juvenile continental crust exists as the basement of the Junggar Basin. The geochemical data reveal weakly to moderately weathering of the source, compositionally immature and poorly sorted.The rift model appears as the most likely geodynamic interpretation of the Bogda region.The juvenile continental crust exists as the basement of the Junggar Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of a combined study of detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology and bulk‐rock elemental geochemistry on late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian clastic sedimentary rocks from South Jiangxi within Cathaysia. These clastic rocks are characterized by moderate chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of 73 and high Th/U ratios (>3.8), indicating moderate weathering of the source area. The relatively high index of compositional variability (ICV = 0.62–1.30) values indicates a source compositionally dominated by immature material that lacks alumina‐rich minerals. Bulk‐rock major and trace element systematics on discrimination diagrams are consistent with the source provenance being felsic‐intermediate igneous rocks of ancient continental crust origin. The geochemistry is also consistent with the clastic sedimentary rocks being deposited in a setting at or in the vicinity of passive continental margins. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages of the clastic rocks record five major age populations: 2,614–2,376 Ma (peak at ca. 2,482 Ma), 1,953–1,353 Ma, 1,000–900 Ma (peak at ca. 958 Ma), 850–730 Ma (peaks at ca. 845 and 763 Ma), and 685–571 Ma (peak at ca. 635 Ma). The age data provide a record of igneous activity in the source provenance: the 2,482 Ma peak is consistent with the global Neoarchean continental crust growth; the 1,953–1,353 Ma population correlates with the period of assembly and breakup of the Columbia supercontinent; the prominent peak at ca. 958 Ma corresponds to a common thermal–tectonic event associated with the assembly of Rodinia, and the 850–730 Ma population is consistent with the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. The ca. 850 Ma age is indicative of initial stage of Rodinia breakup in South China. Our data also reveal a 670–530 Ma population that correlates well with the Pan‐African event associated with the formation of the Gondwana supercontinent, although no direct geological evidence for this event has been found within the SCB. Moreover, complex zircon morphology and comparisons of detrital zircon U–Pb age spectra in a global context suggest the late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian sedimentary rocks in the Cathaysia Block must have sourced from an exotic source with magmatic activities of late Archean, Grenvillian, and Pan‐African ages, which do not outcrop in the Cathaysia Block or adjacent regions and need to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tongcheng ultrapotassic rocks intrude in Mesoproterozoic limestones in Chongxin County, Gansu Province, China, at the south‐western margin of the Ordos Block. They are characterized by high K2O and Al2O3 but low SiO2, FeOT, MgO, and CaO. The ultrapotassic rocks are relatively depleted in Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, and Hf and enriched in the large‐ion lithophile elements Rb, Ba, and Th. Zircons from the ultrapotassic rocks yield an Early Cretaceous U–Pb age of 120 Ma. The slightly enriched whole‐rock Sr and Nd isotopic compositions ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.705–0.706; εNd = −4.9 to −5.2) indicate an enriched lithospheric mantle source. Combined with regional tectonic data, the Tongcheng ultrapotassic rocks were generated in an extensional environment, which were caused by the upwelling of asthenospheric mantle. Subduction of the palaeo‐Pacific Plate in Early Cretaceous resulted in large‐scale lithospheric thinning in the eastern North China Craton (NCC), which may have also occurred in the western part of the NCC, but the scale of thinning was smaller compared with that of the eastern NCC. [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]