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Copyright of Coal Geology & Exploration is the property of Xian Research Institute of China Coal Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB) volcanic tuffs are widely distributed in the East Palaeo‐Tethys region, but their age and origin have been controversial. The Permian–Triassic deep‐water sediments in the northeastern margin of South China are favourable research objects, and we report new results from the PTB deep basin sediments in the Susong area, Anhui Province, in this paper. Two volcanic tuffs are found in the Zuoshan PTB in the Zuoshan section, and Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U–Pb zircon dating indicates that the upper and lower tuffs are 251.3 ± 1.7 Ma and 252.3 ± 2.1 Ma, respectively. The PTB age is 251.6 Ma according to a numerical interpolation method of the average deposition rate of the PTB. Fusulinids and non‐fusulinid foraminifers in the limestone overlying the lower tuff define the rock as end‐Permian. Zircon trace elements show that both tuffs are sourced from felsic volcanism in continental arc background, and their source magmas were derived from the continental crust. Zircons of PTB age from the upper tuff on the bottom of the Triassic have negative εHf(t) value from −8.02 to −3.75, and the Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic two‐stage model ages of 1502–1780 Ma, showing that their source rocks were only derived from the remelting of the Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic continental crust. The zircons from the lower tuff on the top of the Permian show two types, including negative εHf(t) values from −6.48 to −1.25 and Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic two‐stage model ages of 1350–1679 Ma, and positive εHf(t) values from +3.98 to +10.15, and Neoproterozoic two‐stage model ages of 629–1023 Ma, indicating that their sources were derived from the reworking of the Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic continental crust and early Neoproterozoic depleted mantle joined in juvenile crust growth in the northern margin of the South China Block at the beginning of the collision between the South China and North China blocks. The initial collision started no later than 252.3 Ma and developed significantly from east to west. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongxiang tungsten–copper deposit is a large W–Cu deposit located in the northeast of Jiangxi province in south China. Previous studies have mainly considered the geochemical and isotopic attributes of the ore deposit, but information is still lacking on the genesis and setting of Dongxiang W–Cu mineralization-related intrusive rocks. This paper presents systematic elements and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data of the Dongxiang granodiorite porphyry. The Dongxiang granodiorite porphyry is intermediate–acidic in composition, with SiO2 contents of 60.00–75.16 wt.%, Al2O3 contents of 10.15–18.53 wt.%, an K2O contents of 2.95–4.28 wt.%. The REEs content ranges from 64.2 to 198.1 ppm, with LREE/HREE ratios of 7.67–17.47. It is characterized by adakitic geochemical affinities with high Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios but low Y and Yb contents. A slight Eu anomaly, extreme depletion in Y and Yb, relatively low MgO content, and relatively high 207Pb/204Pb ratios together indicate that the Dongxiang granodiorite porphyry was likely derived from partial melting of the thickened lower continental crust. Based on zircon εHf(t) values (−11.8–−4.5), two-stage Hf model ages (1.33–1.94 Ga), and the regional geological setting, it can be inferred that Dongxiang granodiorite porphyry magma is mainly derived from Neoproterozoic juvenile crust with the involvement of Paleoproterozoic ancient crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a brief introduction of the spatial distribution, rock types and formation ages of the late Mesoarchean-early Neoarchean (2.6~3.0 Ga) rocks in some key areas of the North China Craton, this paper summarizes the ages and geochemical and Nd-Hf-O isotopic compositions of the granitoids all over the craton. The late Mesoarchean-early Neoarchean basement shows the following features: (1) The late Mesoarchean-early Neoarchean magmatism is almost continuous, with a peak period of 2.70~2.75 Ga; (2) The late Mesoarchean-early Neoarchean rocks widely occur in the North China Craton, mainly in the Eastern Ancient Terrane, the Central Ancient Terrane and the Southern Ancient Terrane; (3) The intrusive rocks are mainly tonalite in composition, with trondhjemite, granodiorite, K-rich granite and gabbro-diorite; (4) The supracrustal rocks are commonly small in scale and scatter in granitoids. The rock types are mainly meta-basaltic rocks. In some areas, there are meta-komatiites, meta-andesitic-dacitic rocks and meta-clastic sedimentary rocks; (5) 2.6 Ga can be regarded as the boundary between the early and late Neoarchean in the North China Craton; (6) TTG rocks show large Sr/Y and La/Yb variations, plotting in the high-, medium- and low-pressure TTG areas in the Sr/Y-Y and La/Yb-Yb diagrams. Except for a few K-rich granites, the late Mesoarchean-early Neoarchean rocks are commonly depleted in Nd-Hf isotope compositions, with the magmatic zircon being similar in O isotope composition to that of the Archean magmatic zircon worldwide; (7) Many regions have similar geological characteristics, but some regions show great uniqueness. The research futher supports the understanding that, similar to many other typical cratons worldwide, the late Mesoarchean-early Neoarchean is the most important period of continental accretion in the North China Craton, and the main difference is that the North China Craton underwent a strong and widespread magmatotectonothermal event at the end of the Neoarchean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devonian is a critical period for reversal of arc polarity and transition of continental margins from passive to active settings in the northern margin of the North China Block (NCB). However, the evolution processes during this period are still poorly constrained due to limited distributions of Devonian magmatism and sedimentary records in the NCB. In this paper, we present new zircon U–Pb geochronological, whole‐rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data of some recently identified Devonian volcanic rocks from the Jiefangyingzi area in the northeastern margin of the NCB. The Jiefangyingzi volcanic rocks display a bimodal composition and consist predominantly of amphibolite (meta‐basaltic andesite) and meta‐rhyolite and rhyolitic tuff with minor meta‐andesite. New SHRIMP and LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating results show that the volcanic rocks erupted during the early‐middle Devonian period (397–389 Ma). Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data indicate that the mafic‐intermediate components were mainly derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source, and the parental magma experienced fractional crystallization during magma ascent. The felsic rocks were mainly originated by partial melting of ancient lower continental crust, with mixing of some mantle‐derived mafic magmas. The occurrence of Devonian bimodal volcanic rocks, combined with the Devonian alkaline magmatic belt, suggesting that the northern margin of the NCB was a post‐collisional extension environment during the early‐middle Devonian period. In addition, the Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic results of the Devonian felsic volcanic rocks suggest that the Jiefangyingzi area is located in the North China Craton (NCC) rather than the Bainaimiao arc belt, and the orogen‐craton boundary between the northern NCC and Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is located in some areas north to the Jiefangyingzi area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Lesser Xing'an–Zhangguangcai Range is located in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Early Mesozoic igneous rocks in this area can place constraints on the crustal growth mechanism in the Northeastern China. This paper reports a suite of Late Triassic high‐Mg diorites and mafic dikes from the southern Lesser Xing'an–Zhangguangcai Range. The mafic dikes have younger zircon U–Pb ages of 195 ± 2 Ma. They display intermediate SiO2 (50.58% to 58.20%) and high Na2O/K2O ratios of 1.90 to 3.20, low A/CNK ratios of 0.75 to 0.84, low (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7045 to 0.7046, and high εNd(t) values of +3.1 to +3.5. Most zircons in the mafic dikes exhibit positive εHf(t) values from +8.6 to +16.0, with single‐stage Hf model ages ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 Ga in combination with their enrichment in LREE and LILEs and depletion in HFSEs. They are considered to be formed by melting of metasomatized subarc lithosphere mantle. The diorite and quartz diorite have older zircon U–Pb ages of 200 ± 3 and 202 ± 2 Ma, respectively. They have SiO2 = 54.45% to 61.18%, Al2O3 = 17.16% to 19.10%, TiO2 = 0.74% to 1.13%, and Mg# = 46.6 to 49.5, and they also display moderately depleted Sr–Nd (εNd(t) = +2.3 to +4.3) and zircon Lu–Hf (εHf(t) = +8.6 to +16.0) isotopic compositions. These features suggest that they were formed by melting of juvenile arc crust in active continental margin. Considering the occurrence of the contemporaneous and latter igneous rocks in the Zhangguangcai Range, we argue that the diorite, quartz diorite, and mafic dikes from the Lengshan area were also related to the westward subduction of Palaeo‐Pacific Plate (Izanagi Plate) beneath the Eurasian Plate. The strike‐like fault along the eastern margin of the Songneng–Zhuangguangcai Block may play an important role in the genesis of diorite melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A‐type granite is a favorable rock for the study of crustal evolution, crust‐mantle interaction and metallogenesis. However, the origin of A‐type granite remains controversial. In this study, we report high‐precision Ca isotopic compositions of a co‐genetic suite of A‐type granites from the Lower Yangtze River Belt (LYRB) in eastern China. Our results show that the δ44/40Ca of the A‐type granites ranges from 0.55 ± 0.11‰ to 1.44 ± 0.06‰, and is negatively correlated with CaO, Sr and Ba contents and Eu/Eu*, indicating that the Ca isotope fractionation of A‐type granites is dominated by plagioclase and potassium feldspar. There is kinetic fractionation of Ca isotopes during A‐type granite magma evolution. Sample BSL‐7, the least evolved sample, revealed that it had a low δ44/40Ca of 0.59‰, which is significantly lower than that of the upper continental crust (δ44/40Ca = 0.71–0.72‰) and the bulk silicate earth (δ44/40Ca = 0.94‰). The low δ44/40Ca can be best explained by partial melting of the enriched mantle metasomatized by subduction material. Combined with the geodynamic background of the LYRB, we propose that the formation of A‐type granites in the LYRB originates from partial melting of the enriched mantle, triggered by early Cretaceous ridge subduction of the Pacific and Izanagi plates. Plain Language Summary: A‐type granite is an important rock type in the study of continental evolution. However, the genesis of A‐type granite has been debated. We try to constrain the origin of A‐type granites by Ca isotopes. The Ca isotopic composition of plagioclase and potassium feldspar in A‐type granites is obviously different, which makes Ca isotopes can be used to trace the magmatic evolution of A‐type granites. In addition, the Ca isotope compositions of different magma source areas vary widely. Therefore, Ca isotopes have great potential to restrict the source feature of A‐type granite magmas. Key Points: The fractionation of Ca isotopes of A‐type granites is dominated by plagioclase and potassium feldsparThere is kinetic fractionation of calcium isotopes during A‐type granite magma evolutionThe ridge subduction model can well explain the genesis of A‐type granites in the LYRB [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sandstone-type uranium deposit of the Kelulun Depression is the first industrially valuable uranium deposit discovered in the Hailar Basin. This study performed a systematic examination of 17 sandstone samples from the Yimin Formation in the Kelulun Depression based on various analytical techniques. The findings of the current study were synthesized with previous research to investigate the impact of the redox conditions and the tectonic background of the source area, as well as the paleoclimatic evolution of the Yimin Formation on uranium mineralization. The elemental Mo, U/Th, V/Cr, Ni/Co, and V/(V + Ni) ratios indicate that the paleowater was in an oxygen-rich environment during the deposition of the Yimin Formation. Additionally, the C-value, Sr/Cu, Al2O3/MgO, and Rb/Sr ratios indicate that the Yimin Formation was formed in a paleoclimate characterized by arid-to-semi-arid conditions. The geochemical characteristics of the observed elements indicated that the sediment source of the Yimin Formation was mainly felsic rocks from the upper continental crust, the weathering of the rock was weak, and the tectonic background was a passive continental margin. Coffinite is distributed in the form of cementation and stellates within or around pyrite crystals, and uranium-titanium oxide is mostly distributed in an irregular granular distribution in the biotite cleavage fractures of the study area. In summary, the findings of this study reveal that the tectonic settings, provenance, uranium source, paleoclimate, and oxygen-rich paleowater of the Yimin Formation have important geological significance for the large-scale uranium mineralization of the Kelulun Depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The volcano-plutonic complex was mainly generated by the partial melting of lower crust. • Mantle delamination generated heterogeneous magma and thus a variety of deposits. • Intracontinental tectonic transformation controlled the porphyry emplacement. The Yao'an Pb–Ag–Au deposit is located far from the present-day margin of the Yangtze Craton, providing an excellent example for studying the genesis of porphyries and associated polymetallic mineralization in intracontinental transpression settings. In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic data of the Yao'an porphyries in the intracontinental zone, combined with research data published for the Machangqing and Beiya ore-bearing porphyries in the cratonic margin, were used in this paper. Four-phase felsic rocks (∼33 Ma) and later mafic rock (∼31 Ma) were recognized in the Yao'an district. Of these, the third-phase syenite porphyry had a genetic link with Pb–Ag–Au mineralization, which occurred within the second-phase volcanic rocks and Mesozoic strata. In addition, the Yao'an porphyry showed high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7087–0.7094) and enriched Nd (ε Nd (t) = −10.53 to −12.60) isotopic composition, with a wide range of zircon Hf (ε Hf (t) = −8.39 to −13.2) and δ 18O values (6.28 ‰–9.20 ‰). These features suggest that the Yao'an porphyries were produced by partial melting of an ancient lower crust mixed with continental lithospheric-mantle-derived melt, which are differed from the magma source of the Beiya and Machangqing porphyries. Given the nature sources of the porphyries, we conclude that the spatial variation of metal associations changing from the Cu ± Au ± Mo system at the cratonic margin to the Pb–Ag–Au deposits in the intracontinental zone in the western Yangtze Craton was likely controlled by different magma sources. The delamination of an overthickened continental lithospheric mantle in an intracontinental transpression setting was a geodynamic trigger for porphyry magma generation, ascent, and emplacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhenium is an extremely rare critical metal element in Earth's continental crust. Owing to its extremely high melting point and heat-stable crystalline structure, rhenium is an essential component of alloy materials used in high-performance aircraft engines. Demand for rhenium resources is therefore growing. Currently, most rhenium is produced as a byproduct of molybdenum mining in porphyry copper–molybdenum deposits. Research has therefore focused on the enrichment characteristics of rhenium in this type of deposit, with little attention paid to rhenium in other types of deposits. This study reports the occurrence state and enrichment mechanism of rhenium in the Qianjiadian sandstone-type uranium deposit in the Songliao Basin, Northeast China. Sequential extraction revealed that the average proportions of different forms of rhenium are as follows: water-soluble (57.86%) > organic-sulfide-bound (13.11%) > residual (12.26%) > Fe/Mn oxide-bound (10.67%) > carbonate-bound (6.10%). Combining mineralogical analysis techniques such as SEM-EDS, EMPA, and XRD, it has been established that rhenium does not occur as a substitute in sulfides (e.g., molybdenite) or uranium minerals in various types of deposits. Instead, it is mainly adsorbed onto clay minerals and Fe-Ti oxides, and in a small number of other minerals (pyrite, organic matter, and pitchblende). Rhenium is similar to redox-sensitive elements such as uranium and vanadium, and it is transported in a water-soluble form by oxidizing groundwater to the redox transition zone for enrichment. However, unlike uranium, which generally forms as uranium minerals, rhenium is mainly adsorbed and enriched onto clay minerals (kaolinite and interlayered illite–smectite). Most of the rhenium in sandstone-type uranium deposits occurs in an ion-adsorption state, and is easily leached and extracted during in-situ leaching mining of uranium ores. This type of deposit demonstrates excellent production potential and will become a crucial recoverable resource for future rhenium supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Crustal thickness and Poisson's ratio are two key parameters for investigating tectonic setting and evolution. The H- k technique has become popular to determinate their values in recent years. However, if a complex structure exists in the crust, the reverberated phases from different depths may interfere with each other, resulting in reduction or even absence of the PpPs phase from the Moho, such that the H- k algorithm may not reveal unambiguous estimates of these two parameters. In this paper, the H- k technique is applied to process a synthetic receiver function for a test case, the result of which is compared with that from direct picking of the time delays of the converted and reverberated phases. Then we process the observational data recorded at two stations in eastern Tibet, determine the crustal thickness and the velocity ratio using the two methods, compare the result with that obtained by Xu et al. at the same location, and analyse the potential causes for discrepancy as well as the reliability of the two methods. Finally, the crustal thickness and the Poisson's ratio in eastern Tibet and Sichuan Basin are determined from the receiver functions recorded at 51 broad-band stations, using the two different methods. The results indicate that the crustal thickness from the time delays is thicker than that from the H- k algorithm near the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, and the crustal Poisson's ratio in the rigid Sichuan Basin from the time delays ranges from 0.26 to 0.28, which are more reasonable than that from the H- k (0.28 to 0.34). Additionally, the Poisson's ratio under the faults from the time delays is found to be higher than those on the two sides, which is consistent with the tectonic background and previous study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism behind the destabilization of the North China Craton (NCC) remains a contentious topic among researchers. Large-scale Cretaceous adakitic magmatism in the NCC offers insights into the decratonization process. This study focuses on the Huashan and Laoniushan plutons located in the Lesser Qinling on the southern margin of the NCC and compiles published data for coeval adakitic rocks to investigate the role of water in adakitic rock petrogenesis during the peak destruction of NCC. Both the Huashan and Laoniushan plutons exhibit adakitic signatures, including high Sr (193–1080 ppm), low Yb (<14.8 ppm) and Y (<1.24 ppm) concentrations, as well as high Sr/Y (18–100) and La/Yb (24–58) ratios. The zircon Hf–O isotope compositions suggest that the primary source for the Huashan and Laoniushan plutons is the mafic lower crust of NCC. Nevertheless, there are significant differences in trace element characteristics between the two plutons. Specifically, the Huashan pluton displays higher Na2O/K2O ratios, lower levels of Rb, Rb/Sr, Nb, Ta content, and a weak Eu anomaly in comparison to the Laoniushan pluton. These variations in geochemical attributes cannot be accounted for by mechanisms like mantle-derived magma mixing, crustal contamination, or fractional crystallization processes. Instead, these disparities are attributed to distinct modes of crustal anatexis, involving both water-fluxed and dehydration melting. Subsequently, we conducted thermodynamic simulations of the melting process of mafic lower crust under different pressure (0.5–1.5 GPa) and water content conditions (1–3 wt.%). The simulation results suggest that the Huashan pluton is most likely formed through water-fluxed melting in a scenario with normal crustal thickness (1 GPa). On the other hand, the Laoniushan pluton might have originated from dehydration melting under normal crustal thickness and pressure conditions. Notably, high pressure (>1.5 GPa) is not necessary for the formation of intracontinental adakitic rocks. The release of water from metasomatized lithospheric mantle and subsequent hydration of the lower continental crust triggers extensive adakitic magmatism in the NCC. These findings emphasize the significance of deep water cycling in understanding large-scale magmatic events and illuminate the decratonization mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk rock composition of granitoids reflects the composition of their source and the conditions of partial melting, which are functions of the geodynamic setting in which they formed. Granitoids in active continental margins (continental arcs) are dominated by calc-alkaline rocks with subordinate alkaline compositions, although how these different magma compositions formed is not well understood. Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks are widely distributed along the western margin of the Yangtze Block in South China to form the >1000-km long Panxi continental arc system, which is dominated by granitoids with minor mafic–ultramafic and intermediate plutons. The granitoids are subdivided into sodic and potassic variants that occur as belts along the western and eastern sides of the continental arc, respectively. Sodic granitoids from the western part consist of tonalite, granodiorite, and monzogranite with crystallisation ages ranging from 870 Ma to 740 Ma. They have low K2O/Na2O ratios (0.1–1.0) and high Na2O contents (3.5–6.7 wt%), high but variable SiO2 (61–75 wt%) concentrations, and negative to positive whole-rock εNd(t) values (−1.7 to +2.9). Zircon grains from the sodic granitoids have εHf(t) values ranging from +0.3 to +9.6 and δ18O from 3.90‰ to 7.71‰. The potassic granitoids from the eastern side consist of monzogranite and syenogranite with crystallisation ages from 820 Ma to 790 Ma. They have high K2O/Na2O ratios (0.6–2.2), K2O (2.6–5.9 wt%) and SiO2 contents (69–78 wt%), but whole-rock εNd(t) (−0.9 to +2.9) and zircon εHf(t) (+1.8 to +12.9), and δ18O values (2.98‰ to 6.41‰) similar to those of the sodic granitoids. The isotopic compositions of both the sodic and potassic granitoids are similar to those of spatially- and temporally-related mantle-derived (mafic to ultramafic) rocks, and are considered to have been derived from juvenile mafic continental crust. Phase equilibrium modelling shows that the H2O content of the granitoid source rocks played a key role in their petrogenesis, both in lowering solidus temperatures and in controlling the compositions of the derived partial melts. Our results indicate that calc-alkaline sodic granitoids can be formed by water-fluxed melting of juvenile mafic crust at 750–900°C and 9–12 kbar in which the required H2O was derived from the dewatering of underplating mafic arc magmas. By contrast, the potassic granitoids were generated by fluid-absent (H2O-undersaturated) partial melting of a similar juvenile mafic source at 725–900°C and 6–9 kbar. We conclude that the sodic granitoids were derived from partial melting of the newly-formed mafic lower crust in the continental arc, whereas the potassic granitoids were likely generated in the back-arc setting induced by upwelling of asthenospheric mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the largest petroliferous basin in northeast (NE) China, Songliao Basin preserves continuous Cretaceous sedimentary‐volcanic records, providing an excellent opportunity to recover the palaeo‐environment. The Yingcheng Formation in the Songliao Basin contains ample gas reservoirs that attract widespread attention. Whereas the timing, petrogenesis and geodynamic mechanism of the volcanic rocks in the Yingcheng Formation are still controversial, which largely constrain our understanding of the formation and evolution of the Songliao Basin. Here, we present an integrated investigation of zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope, as well as whole‐rock elements and Sr‐Nd isotopes data for a suite of rhyolites of Yingcheng Formation from the SK2 Borehole of NE China. Zircon U–Pb age dating results of nine samples have yielded a concentrated age of ~110 Ma. These Yingcheng rhyolites are characterized by high SiO2 (66–78 wt%) and alkali (Na2O + K2O = 7.80–11.70 wt%) content, high 10000*Ga/Al (1.26–3.82, mostly >2.6) and FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) ratios (0.81–0.95), which show geochemical affinities with A‐type rhyolites. They have relatively low Y/Nb (0.69–1.78, average 1.19) and Rb/Nb (1.58–6.52, average 4.34) ratios, suggesting that the Yingcheng volcanic samples belong to A1‐type rhyolites which formed in an intraplate environment. These Yingcheng rhyolites show depleted Nd‐Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = 2.43–4.87 and zircon εHf(t) = 4.22–9.88) comparable with the Early Cretaceous A‐type and I‐type rhyolites in the Songliao Basin, suggesting that they were originated from a juvenile continental crust. They were most likely derived from the partial melting of anhydrous lower crust instead of differentiation of mantle‐derived or mixing with alkaline basaltic magma, due to their low Mg# and absence of the coeval mafic rocks. Combined with the previous studies, A‐type rhyolites in the Yingcheng Formation erupted lasting at least 10 Myr and were widely distributed in the rifts of the Songliao Basin. We propose that the Yingcheng rhyolites were most likely generated from the rollback of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate in the Early Cretaceous, thus highlighting the significance of the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate during the secular evolution of the Songliao Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and evolution of the ancient continental crust are crucial issues in solid-earth geology which are commonly associated with global tectonic events and the formation of economically valuable magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits. The Cathaysia Block, one of the ancient continents in Southeast Asia, can be subdivided into two parts: the West Cathaysia Block and the East Cathaysia Block. Unlike the East Cathaysia Block, no Precambrian rocks are exposed in the West Cathaysia Block, constraining further understanding of the formation and evolution of this block. In this study, a total of four hundred and thirty-three zircon U-Pb dating analyses and two hundred and eighteen Lu-Hf isotopic analyses on zircon grains from the Jurassic Dengfuxian granites and Ordovician Tanghu granites, Nanling Range, were carried out. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yields mean average 206Pb/238U ages of 152.6 ± 2.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.6) and 442.4 ± 1.7 Ma (MSWD = 3.8), which are regarded as the rock-forming age for the Jurassic Dengfuxian granites and Ordovician Tanghu granites, respectively. The 207Pb/206Pb ages of the inherited zircons from the Jurassic Dengfuxian granites and Ordovician Tanghu granites range from 522 Ma to 3395 Ma, hosting two major peaks at the 0.9–1.0 Ga and 2.4–2.5 Ga. In contrast to the East Cathaysia Block, the West Cathaysia Block lacks the age peak of 1.8–1.9 Ga, indicating that the West Cathaysia Block was not influenced by the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent in the Paleo-Proterozoic. In combination with the Lu-Hf isotopes, we proposed that the crust evolution of the West Cathaysia Block in Archean is dominated by juvenile crustal growth events, and dominated by the crustal reworking since the Proterozoic. The long duration of crustal reworking in the West Cathaysia Block resulted in the enrichment of lithophile elements (e.g., W, Sn, Nb, and Ta) in the crust of that region. Therefore, the Jurassic granites in the Nanling Range, which are mainly derived from the partial melting of Proterozoic basement rocks, became associated with large-scale tungsten polymetallic mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hannuoba basalt, located in the northern margin of the North China Craton, is a typical intra-continental basalt with ocean island basalt-like geochemical features and has been extensively studied. However, its origin and deep processes, such as magma mixing and crystallization conditions, are still unclear. To further understand the mechanisms leading to the compositional heterogeneity and magmatic processes of Hannuoba basalt at crustal and/or mantle depth, in situ major element, trace element, and 87Sr/86Sr compositional heterogeneity of four representative plagioclase crystals in three Hannuoba tholeiite samples, as well as whole-rock major and trace element data, are reported. According to the petrographic characteristics, the basalts are divided into fine-grained and coarse-grained groups. The anorthite content in plagioclase of samples varies in a small range (56–64%), but the content of trace elements in plagioclase from the coarse-grained samples is generally higher than that of the fine-grained samples. Clinopyroxene-melt equilibrium thermobarometer and plagioclase-clinopyroxene magnesium and rare earth element exchange thermometers show that the magma for the two types of basalt was stored and crystallized at a similar depth, and crystallized within a 20 °C (fine-grained basalt) and 50 °C (coarse-grained basalt) temperature window, which may be a reason for the grain size diferences between the two types of basalts. We found that 87Sr/86Sr of all the studied plagioclase crystals varied from 0.70333 ± 0.00018 (2SE) to 0.70556 ± 0.00031 (2SE), a much large range than the whole rock of Hannuoba basalts reported previously and consistent with that of Cenozoic basalts in North China. Therefore, at least two kinds of melts with significant differences in isotope and minor heterogeneity in major and trace elements are injected into each magma plumbing system. The content of trace elements in the Hanuoba tholeiite is between the Hanuoba alkaline basalt and the lower crust, which may be explained by the mixing of the alkaline basalt and the lower crust, but the low 87Sr/86Sr (<0.704) characteristics of plagioclase cannot be derived from alkaline basalts, because trace element abundances in the plagioclase are not in equilibrium with the alkaline basalt. Therefore, we believe that the compositional heterogeneity of Hannuoba tholeiitic basalt is caused by the mixing of heterogeneous lower crust rather than different mantle-derived melts. In turn this indicates that the contribution of the continental lower crust to the continental basalt is more complicated than previously recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on whole-rock major- and trace-elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the Aolunhua adakitic monzogranite porphyries from the Xilamulun district in the southern Great Xing'an Range, Northeast (NE) China. The high-K calc-alkaline Aolunhua monzogranite porphyries are characterized by high Sr/Y ratios (34.59–91.02), Sr (362–809 ppm), and low Y contents (7.66–10.5 ppm), respectively. These rocks also show slightly enriched Sr and Nd isotopes ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7051–0.7058; εNd(t) = −2.98–0.92), with young two-stage model ages (T2DM = 0.84–1.16 Ga). Such a signature indicates that these rocks were most likely formed by partial melting of juvenile mafic lower crust. Based on equilibrium melting and batch-melting equations, we performed incompatible trace elements modeling. Low FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) values indirectly reflect these adakitic rocks were derived from an oxidizing source related to magnesian granitoids. The decreasing content of TiO2, Fe2O3, Nb/Ta ratio, and moderately negative Eu anomalies suggest that minimal fractionation of Fe–Ti oxides and plagioclase may have occurred in their evolutionary history. The result shows that the Aolunhua adakitic porphyries and coeval adakitic intrusive rocks in this area had not experienced extensive fractional crystallization and were derived from 20%–40% partial melting of lower continental crust, which was composed of ~25%–40% and 5%–20% garnet-bearing amphibolite, respectively. Integrating with rock assemblages and regional tectonic evolutionary history in this regime, high (Sm/Yb)SN (SN—source normalized data, normalized to mafic lower continental crust with Yb = 1.5 ppm and Sm/Yb = 1.87 for continental adakite) and low YbSN ratios suggest that these rocks were generated in an extensional environment related to lithospheric delamination without crustal thickening. The collision between North China and Siberian cratons around 160 Ma blocked the westward movement of the lithosphere as a result of the subduction of Pacific plate, which then led to lithospheric delamination induced by asthenospheric upwelling and underplating. Subsequently, partial melting of mafic lower crust caused by mantle upwelling resulted in the Early Cretaceous magmatic activities of adakitic rocks and associated Mo mineralization in the southern Great Xing'an Range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SE China is regarded as one of the most important mineral resource bases in China. The spatio‐temporal distribution of the magmatism and mineralization in the area has a distinct pattern due to the uneven intensity of crust–mantle interactions. We analysed gravity, magnetic and magnetotelluric (MT) data from the study area. The lithosphere in the north‐eastern and coastal parts of South China features intense magnetic, low resistivity anomalies and low density of lithospheric mantle material components. Meanwhile, the crust in the Nanling region features high resistivity and low magnetic granitic pluton. As we view from the north‐east to the south‐west, the crust–mantle interaction in SE China weakens unevenly and the magmatic origins for ore‐forming are progressively shallow. In the continental margin area, the subducted plate partially melted and rose along deep faults, interacting with the lithospheric mantle, which created conditions for the formation of the large porphyry Cu deposits. In the inland Nanling region, the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate has subducted to a considerable depth, the influence of deep disturbances was diminished, and therefore the metallogenic magmas of W–Sn deposits are dominated by continental crust remelting granites. While the tectonic environment of the Pb–Zn–Ag polymetallic deposits is in a transitional zone between porphyry Cu deposits and W–Sn deposits, small amounts of femic magma mixed with large amounts of granitic magma to form the mineralized granites. The geophysical data provide corresponding evidence to support the mineralization dynamics model based on oblique Pacific subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mesozoic, the age of Paleo‐Pacific plate that flatly subducted beneath the South China was ∼80 Ma, resulting in a cold and dense oceanic slab. The transition process from flat to steep subduction of this old slab and factors that affect it are still unclear. Using 2‐D thermomechanical numerical models, we investigate the dependence of the transition mode on the size of TOC (length and thickness) and the subduction rate. The results indicate that under low subduction rates (e.g., 1 cm/yr), even a 100‐km long eclogitized TOC can induce slab delamination beneath continental lithosphere. The maximum subduction rate for slab delamination to occur increases with an increasing length or thickness of TOC. However, when the subduction rate is over a certain critical value (e.g., ≥4 cm/yr), oceanic slab rolls back. The presence of the TOC delays the initial rollback time, as compared to cases with no TOC. In addition, with a TOC of small size (e.g., 100‐km length and 20‐km thickness) under a certain range of subduction rate, an 80‐Ma old slab can maintain a long‐lasting flat subduction. The comparisons between the numerical results and global plate motion models indicate that the northwestward motion of South China Block since ca. 195 ± 5 Ma induced the delamination of oceanic slab. The arrival of the TOC in the Paleo‐Pacific Plate to the continental arc should be later than the previously estimated ca. 250 Ma. Determination of the TOC size requires three‐dimensional simulations and more detailed geological records. Key Points: The maximum subduction rate for slab delamination to occur increases with an increasing length or thickness of the thickened oceanic crustThe arrival time of the thickened oceanic crust to the continental arc of the South China Block is expected to be later than ca. 250 MaThe size of the thickened oceanic crust can be estimated from the arrival time of the thickened oceanic crust and the subduction rate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern Paleo-Tethyan Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan–Song Ma orogenic belt in the Southeast Tibetan Plateau represents the tectonic boundary between the Indochina and South China blocks. Regional Cenozoic lithospheric strike-slip movements caused by the India–Asia collision have modified many of the pristine geological records associated with the Indosinian orogeny. The lack of reliable petrological evidences, particularly of high-pressure (HP) metamorphism, has hindered the tracing of the evolutionary history of the Paleo-Tethyan orogenic belt. We report the mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology and thermodynamic modelling of eclogite lenses/blocks and their host garnet–phengite schists from the Song Ma Suture Zone of Northwest Vietnam and reveal their protolith origins and metamorphic evolution. The eclogites are geochemically similar to mid-ocean ridge basalt, showing weak depletions in high field-strength elements, positive to slightly negative whole-rock ɛNd(t) ratios (−1.69 to +5.15) and slightly high 87Sr/86Sr(t) ratios (0.70466–0.70834). The igneous protolith of the eclogites formed in the late Silurian (425.4 ± 3.6 Ma; igneous zircon dating, 638–459 Ma TDM dating), which makes them the oldest known mid-ocean ridge mafic rocks in an ancient Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. Various eclogites preserve similar peak mineral assemblages (garnet + omphacite + phengite + rutile + quartz ± epidote/clinozoisite ± kyanite ± winchite) under indistinguishable peak conditions. Their prograde P–T trajectories show a uniform pattern of progressive heating and weak compression along a geothermal gradient of 8°C–10°C/km, indicating a warm subduction setting at a low angle that contrasts with the cold oceanic subduction recorded in the adjacent Paleo-Tethyan suture zones. Combined with detrital U–Pb ages from previous studies, our geochronological data indicate that the host schists originated from continental crust within the South China Block and underwent a pervasive Triassic HP metamorphism related to the Indosinian orogeny. The eclogites and host schists yielded HP metamorphic ages of 239–234 Ma and retrogressive amphibolite-facies metamorphic ages of 231–229 Ma, suggesting rapid cooling (14.0°C–21.6°C/Myr) and exhumation (6.4 km/Myr) from the mantle to the crust. The Song Ma eclogites and their host schists formed when the final ocean closure transitioned to the initial Indochina–South China collision. The Song Ma eclogites and their host schists provide essential information on the opening and closure of the eastern Paleo-Tethys and the subsequent amalgamation of Southeast Asian continental fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different olivine fabrics in ultramafic rocks have been widely used to discuss past tectonic settings, given that the olivine fabrics vary with pressure, temperature and water content. However, there are no research related to whether and how the olivine fabrics transform at different metamorphic stages in a natural rock during the process of deep subduction and exhumation. Yinggelisayi garnet lherzolites from South Altyn have experienced deep continental subduction and exhumation. The garnet lherzolites contain well‐preserved residual protolith minerals, and near‐peak (M1), granulite‐facies retrograde (M2), and amphibolite‐facies retrograde (M3) metamorphic mineral assemblages. Olivine grains in M1 formed at P‐T conditions of 2.52–3.08 GPa, 1,095–1,136°C and low water contents (183–213 ppm H/Si), and showed [010] axes sub‐normal to the foliation and [001] axes subparallel to the lineation, which is characteristic of B‐type fabric ((010)[001]). Olivine grains in M2 formed at P‐T conditions of 1.31–1.80 GPa, 851–893°C and also low water contents (93–139 ppm H/Si), and exhibited [010] axes sub‐normal to the foliation and [100] axes subparallel to the lineation, which is characteristic of A‐type fabric ((010)[100]). These observations suggest that olivine fabrics in high pressure‐ultrahigh pressure metamorphosed ultramafic rocks are different in the near‐peak and retrograde metamorphic stages, and also that the olivine fabrics can be transformed during deep continental subduction and exhumation. Therefore, the dispersed or no clear olivine fabric is probably caused by multi‐stage deformation and metamorphism, and the distinct olivine fabrics can also be used as a clue to identify geological processes and better understand metamorphism and deformation during subduction and exhumation. Plain Language Summary: According to the previous research that different olivine fabrics developed under various temprerature, pressure, stress and water content, we try to discuss the transformation of olivine fabric at different metamorphic stages with different P‐T conditions in metamorphic ultramafic rocks. The Yinggelisayi garnet lherzolites from South Altyn, NW China contain residual protolith minerals, and three stages of metamorphic minerals which include the near‐peak (M1), granulite‐facies (M2) retrograde, and amphibolite‐facies (M3) retrograde metamorphic minerals base on the petrography and mineral composition. And then, we analyzed olivine fabrics in the near‐peak (M1) and early retrograde metamorphic stages (M2). Results showed that the olivine in M1 during deep subduction of the continental crust developed the B‐type olivine fabric and the olivine in M2 during exhumation developed the A‐type olivine fabric. Key Points: Yinggelisayi garnet lherzolites contain residual protolith inclusions and three stages of metamorphic mineralsOlivine in the garnet lherzolites exhibited different fabrics during deep subduction and exhumation of the continental crustOlivine fabrics will be dispersed at multi‐stage deformation and metamorphism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TTG (tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite) rock suites are major building blocks of the Archean continental crust and their timing of formation and petrogenetic evolution are important keys to understanding the growth of continents in the Early Earth. Here we investigate trondhjemites from the Qiangxi Complex in the North China Craton and present petrological, geochemical and zircon U–Pb, REE and Lu–Hf data to understand the timing of their formation and petrogenetic history. The trondhjemites in our study belong to typical Archean Na‐rich TTG rocks and their geochemical features are similar to high‐Al TTG rocks. The geochemical characteristics of these rocks and the associated amphibolite indicate derivation from a subduction‐related hydrous basalt. The magmatic zircon grains from the trondhjemite samples show a peak 207Pb/206Pb age around 2,515 Ma. Magmatic zircon in the associated amphibolite also shows a similar age representing the timing of the protolith formation. Both the trondhjemites and amphibolite also contain metamorphic zircon grains which constrain the timing of metamorphism as 2,451–2,490 Ma, suggesting high‐grade metamorphism closely following the magmatism, associated with the assembly of the microblocks in the NCC. The geochemical characteristics and zircon age data presented in this study, in conjunction with those in previous studies from the Qiangxi Complex, suggest subduction‐related arc building occurred dominantly during 2.6–2.5 Ga. The Lu‐Hf isotope data from zircon grains in the trondhjemite and amphibolite samples of this study show dominantly positive εHf(t) values, indicating that the protolith magma was derived from juvenile components or depleted mantle. Our new results in conjunction with the data reported in earlier studies indicate a major crust‐building event through multiple magmatism during Neoarchean. The depleted mantle ages (TDM) of zircon in our samples range from 2,857 Ma to 2,605 Ma indicating that active subduction might have initiated in the late Mesoarchean, with the peak of magmatism during 2.6–2.5 Ga, followed by metamorphism at ca. 2.45–2.49 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐K calc‐alkaline granitoids play a key role in understanding the formation and evolution of the continental crust. Herein, we present new laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic, whole‐rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic data of early Jurassic high‐K calc‐alkaline granitoids in the Zhanggunagcai Range, NE China. In situ zircon U–Pb dating shows that the granodiorite‐monzogranite‐granite (GMG) suite was emplaced at ca. 192–187 Ma. They are high‐K calc‐alkaline and weakly peraluminous, similar to the geochemical characteristics of I‐type granites. The GMG suite has lower bulk‐rock initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7037–0.7042, slightly positive εNd(t) values of +1.10 to +1.87 and highly positive zircon εHf(t) values of +5.3 to +10.9. This result suggests a major contribution of juvenile crust to the magma source. The tetrad rare earth element patterns and highly negative Eu anomalies of samples with high SiO2 contents indicate that fractional crystallization plays an important role in the genesis. Together with data in the literature, we infer that the early Jurassic granitic rocks have been formed by partial melting of juvenile arc crust associated with the westward subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Magnetotelluric profile stretching northward from the Wulungu Depression (on the northern margin of the Junggar Basin) to the Dulate arc (crossing the Zhaheba–Aermantai ophiolite belt) was carried out in an attempt to probe the crustal structure and properties of the East Junggar, NW China. Along the profile, the inversion model was used to determine the electrical structure of the crust and uppermost mantle. The results revealed that the crust of the eastern Junggar Basin is composed of the shallow low resistivity layer and underlying high resistivity bodies. There is a crustal detachment in the basement: the upper layer is a Hercynian folded basement and the lower is a Precambrian basement. The Zhaheba complex is characterized by relatively high resistivity, with a thickness of ~5 km, the bottom controlled by the Zhaheba–Aermantai fault. The crust of the Yemaquan arc is composed of the residual continental crust, characterized by stable resistance. The exposed intrusive rocks are characterized by irregular resistors. The crust of the Dulate arc is characterized by relatively low resistivity. The shallow low resistivity layers represent the Zhaheba depression composed of the Devonian-Permian volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The crustal conductive anomalies are related to the magmatism and mechanism of metal deposits in the post-collision period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct a high-resolution shallow 3-D seismic model in the top 10 km of the upper crust in the continental China, with constraints of P polarization, Rayleigh wave ellipticity and receiver function obtained from records of 3848 seismic stations. Our 3-D seismic model has a spatial resolution of 0.6–1.2° in the north–south seismic belt and the trans-north China orogen, and 1–2° in the rest of the continental China (except the Tarim basin and the southwest Tibet). The seismic model exhibits low velocity anomalies of deposits in major sedimentary basins and high velocity anomalies of crustal bedrocks in young orogenic belts and old tectonic blocks. The inferred sediment thickness maps display thick deposits in major sedimentary basins, some compacted sediments in the intermontane basins in young orogenic belts and little sediments in old tectonic blocks. We also discuss compaction effects of the sediments and implications of tectonic history and geological evolution of the major basins in the continental China based on the inferred seismic models. This study provides an effective mean of seismic imaging through joint inversion of various seismic constraints and establishes a framework of seismic data sharing for future studies in the seismological community in a first step of developing a China Seismological Reference Model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new regional models, denoted CLAS, of the Chinese lithospheric field, combining the long-wavelength information provided by satellite-derived models: CHAOS-6, MF7, LCS-1 and NGDC720, and an extremely high-quality compilation of 97 994 aeromagnetic survey data with 10 km × 10 km resolution for shorter wavelength. The models are estimated using a depleted basis of global spherical harmonic functions centred on China. CLAS models are determined include harmonic degrees up to 400. Although some accuracy of aeromagnetic data is lost in order to balance the consistent of two data sets, the results show that CLAS models have a high correlation with the satellite models at low-degree terms (degree correlation > 0.9) but with more power at high-degree terms, reflecting more features of the lithospheric field in continental China. Examples of improvement include Changbai mountains, Sichuan Basin and Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. CLAS models have good agreement (coherence > 0.9) with Chinese aeromagnetic data at wavelength down to about 100 km (corresponding to spherical harmonic degree n  = 400), filling the usual gap between satellite models and aeromagnetic data. Comparison with aeromagnetic data filtered at 100 km gives good agreement (correlation > 0.95). The residuals between CLAS models and aeromagnetic data are still large (rms > 70 nT), but with most of misfits arising from shorter wavelength fields that the model cannot fit at degree up to 400; such misfit could be reduced by increasing the model degree. We provide a geological example of how the inclusion of satellite data can change the geological conclusions that can be drawn from the magnetic information. However, the two data sets are not completely consistent, future models should start from a reanalysis of the aeromagnetic data and its line levelling to ensure consistency with the satellite model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out an integrated study of zircon U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopes and geochemistry on the paragneisses and amphibolites from the Chencai area, South China. The detrital zircon ages of four paragneisses range from 2974 to 501 Ma with the main peak at ca. 820 Ma. The detrital materials with Neoproterozoic age may derive from the Jiangnan Orogen and those of Palaeo–Mesoproterozoic age may come from the Wuyi terrane. The youngest age indicates that the protoliths of the paragneisses were formed after ca. 501 Ma. The εHf(t) values (−20.6 to +20.9) of the detrital zircons suggest that the detrital materials of the protoliths are composed of old crustal and juvenile materials. The geochemical characteristics suggest that the protoliths of the paragneisses are greywackes, which formed in an active continental margin or continental island arc environment. The metamorphic ages of the three amphibolites are 428 ± 4, 430 ± 4, and 438 ± 3 Ma. The protoliths of the amphibolites are tholeiites, which can be divided into two groups. Group 1 is characterized by low ∑REE contents and (La/Yb)N ratios showing left‐inclined REE patterns and Nb, Ta depletion which resembles N‐MORB. Group 2 has higher ∑REE contents and (La/Yb)N ratios, with Eu negative anomalies showing affinity to E‐MORB. The data show that the Chencai Group is composed of oceanic crust remnants and continental crust materials, indicating it should be a subduction accretionary complex rather than a metasedimentary sequence and thus it cannot be regarded as the Precambrian basement of the Cathaysia Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bayan Har Group in Quanshuigou area of the northern Tibetan Plateau is regionally subdivided into three litho‐stratigraphic units, namely, the upper, middle, and lower formations. In this study, we report geochemical data for the fine‐grained sandstones from the upper formation aiming to constrain their source area weathering, provenance, palaeoenvironment, and tectonic setting. The fine‐grained sandstones exhibit similar contents of SiO2 and Al2O3 relative to upper continental crust (UCC) and Post‐Archean Australian Shale and classified as wacke on log (SiO2/Al2O3)–log (Fe2O3/K2O) diagram. The trace elements are characterized by the depletion of the transition elements compared with the UCC. The chondrite‐normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns demonstrate enrichment of light REE (LREE) and depletion of heavy REE (HREE) with LREE/HREE varying from 7.99 to 10.28, as well as distinctive negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.63–0.73). The high index of compositional variability values indicates the fine‐grained sandstones are compositionally immature and first cycled. The low chemical index of alteration and plagioclase index of alteration values of the samples indicate the weak source weathering condition. Additionally, the characteristics of A–CN–K plot reveal that K‐metasomatism occurred after burial. A series of palaeoenvironment indexes imply that the Bayan Har Group was deposited in a oxic/suboxic marine–terrestrial transitional environment. On the basis of the newly established DF1–DF2 discrimination functions as well as other tectonic setting discrimination plots, we speculate that the Bayan Har Basin was a back‐arc basin during the Late Triassic. [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]

We present the results of our study on 16 Cretaceous granitoid plutons along the south‐east coast of continental China. The zircon U–Pb ages and the bulk‐rock Rb–Sr isochron age (R2 = 0.935) indicate that the granitoids represent the last episode of magmatism (119–92 Ma) associated with the paleo‐Pacific Plate subduction beneath continental China. These granitoids show large compositional variation that is to a first‐order consistent with varying extents of magma evolution, which is best expressed by a large SiO2/MgO range and correlated trends of SiO2/MgO with the abundances and ratios of major and trace elements. The correlated Nd (εNd(t) = −6.1 to −1.2) and Hf (εHf(t) = −4.7 to +3.4) isotopic variation reflects parental magma compositional differences as a result of varying sources and processes. The Nd–Hf isotope data indicate that these granitoids were produced by mature continental crust melting with significant mantle input (~20–60%). Rhyolite‐MELTS modelling shows that relative to the less evolved (i.e., low SiO2/MgO) granitoid plutons, the progressively more evolved (i.e., varying larger SiO2/MgO) plutons can be explained by varying extents (~24% to 67%) of fractional crystallization. The origin of the magmas parental to the granitoids is best explained by a two‐stage process: (a) subducting slab dehydration‐induced mantle wedge melting for basaltic magmas and (b) ascent and underplating/intrusion of the basaltic magmas caused the mature crustal melting for the granitoid magmas. The systematic northward decrease in εNd(t) and εHf(t) suggests progressively more enriched crustal material towards the north, but it may very well indicate northward crustal thickening, permitting a greater extent of crustal assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The West Qinling Orogenic Belt (WQOB) is a major portion of the Qinling‐Dabie‐Sulu Orogen and holds essential information for understanding the protracted evolution of the north‐eastern branch of the Paleo‐Tethys in East Asia. In this study, we report our petrological, geochemical, and geochronological study on the five Triassic granitoid plutons of West Qinling with emphasis on the poorly studied Jiaochangba pluton with zircon U–Pb ages of 217.5 ± 1.6 Ma and 215.2 ± 1.2 Ma. The new data and the existing data on the other four plutons support the view that the West Qinling granitoids represent a magmatic response to the continental collision of the Yangtze Block (YB) with the North China Craton (NCC) in the Triassic. Like the other four plutons, the Jiaochangba pluton shows strong light rare earth element (REE) enrichment and weak heavy REE depletion ([La/Sm]N ≈ 7.14 ± 1.89; [Sm/Yb]N ≈ 4.63 ± 1.85) with varying negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* ≈ 0.65 ± 0.20). In the N‐MORB normalized diagram, all the samples show relative enrichment in Rb, Pb, U, and K with negative Nb, Ta, P, and Ti anomalies, resembling those of the model continental crust. The Jiaochangba pluton has relatively lower (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.7062 to 0.7081), higher εNd(t) (−6.91 to −2.09), and εHf(t) (−5.57 to −0.14) than mature continental crust, which are consistent with their source being dominated by lower crust with significant mantle contributions. Mantle‐derived melt, which formed from partial melting of mantle wedge peridotite facilitated by dehydration of the subducted/subducting Mianlue ocean crust, provide the required heat for the crustal melting while also contributing to the compositions of these granitoids. Evolution of such parental magmas in open system crustal magma chambers with continued evolution/replenishment and crustal contamination and assimilation give rise to the observed petrological and geochemical characteristics of these granitoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Taihang Mountain region located within the Trans‐North China Orogen is one of the major Mesozoic metallogenic belts in the North China Craton and carries varied polymetallic mineralization associated with multiple magmatic pulses. Here, we investigate the Zhijiazhuang skarn iron deposit from this region through petrological, geochemical, zircon U–Pb geochronological and Lu–Hf isotopic studies of the associated granitoids to constrain the ages, petrogenesis, and process of mineralization. Zircon U–Pb dating shows multiple pulses of magmatism with three major peaks at 134, 129, and 125 Ma as well as some scattered spot ages of 121, 118, and 112 Ma consistent with regional multistage magmatic events during the Early Cretaceous. Zircon Hf data display negative εHf (t) values from −21.7 to −7.8 and two‐stage crustal model ages (TDMC) in the range of 1,680–2,560 Ma, indicating magma derivation from reworking of late Neoarchean to early Paleoproterozoic crustal materials possibly with minor lithospheric mantle input. Geochemical data indicate I‐type adakitic signature for the intrusion, suggesting the involvement of subduction‐related components. The adakitic rocks identified in this study originated from a mixture of crustal and lithospheric mantle components followed by upper crustal fractional crystallization. Collectively, the data suggest that the granitoids were formed by interaction of crust–mantle materials through partial melting of a thickened or delaminated lower continental crust and lithospheric mantle corresponding to the peak event of lithospheric thinning and craton destruction of the North China Craton. The tectonics is correlated with the westward subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate. Combined with information from previous studies associated with porphyry–skarn‐type deposits in the whole Taihang Mountain region, we correlate the multiple phases of magmatism and mineralization of the deposit to the peak event of lithospheric thinning and destruction of the North China Craton, and the Zhijiazhuang skarn iron deposit was likely generated by the interaction of magmas and fluids with the dolomitic wall rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To understand fully the role of amphibole in the fractionation of Nb/Ta during arc magma evolution, we conducted experiments with mid-K and high-K basalts to determine amphibole/melt Nb, Ta and Ti partition coefficients (DNb, DTa and DTi) at variable conditions of bulk TiO2, P, T, H2O and fO2. The experimental results show that, at crustal pressures, amphibole is the most important crystalline phase in hydrous basaltic systems. The amphibole/melt Nb, Ta, and Ti partitioning results are 0.16-0.90 for DNb, 0.13-0.68 for DTa, 1.81-10.63 for DTi and 0.76-2.81 for DNb/DTa. Bulk TiO2 and fO2 show no observable effects. T and H2O, in addition to the compositions of amphibole and melt, are the main affecting factors. DNb, DTa, DTi and DNb/DTa increase with decreasing temperature, amphibole Mg# and melt H2O content and increasing melt polymerization. During cooling and crystallization of arc magmas at crustal pressures, amphibole Mg# decreases and melt polymerization increases, leading to significant increase in amphibole/melt DNb, DTi and DNb/DTa. Nb/Ta fractionation in evolved melts will thus be enhanced with crystallization progress. Meanwhile, melt H2O content will increase with the degree of crystallization, which slows down the increase in these D values. Therefore, the trend and extent of Nb/Ta fractionation in the melt by amphibole critically depends on temperature and melt H2O content. Only low temperatures or low H2O contents at high temperatures lead to high D values. For arc magmas with an average H2O of ~3.9wt %, DNb and DNb/DTa are in general >0.40 and >1.20, respectively, which explains why amphibole fractionation results in lower Nb/Ta ratios in evolved arc magmas. The bulk Nb/Ta fractionation trend during arc magma evolution appears to be generally controlled by fractional crystallization of amphibole. Experimental and modeling results suggest that amphibole is a main fractionating phase during arc magma evolution and continental crust formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesozoic granitoids are widespread in the Qinling-Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt. Precise U-Pb dating on these granitoids can reveal the evolution of the continental collision orogen and thus provide information on the nature of magma sources. This study presents zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating and whole-rock geochemical analyses for two intrusions at Changba and Huangzhuguan in western Qinling. Zircon U-Pb ages for central and marginal phases of the Huangzhuguang intrusion are 214±1 Ma and 213±3 Ma, respectively. Zircons from the Changba intrusion yield a dominant cluster with an U-Pb age of 213±2 Ma. Collectively, these ages are younger than ages of 220 to 240 Ma for ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism due to the continental collision between the South China Block and the North China Block, corresponding to syn-exhumation magmatism. Some inherited zircons occur in the Changba intrusion, yielding a weighted mean of 206Pb/238U ages at 757±14 Ma. This indicates that the Changba intrusion has the crustal source of mid-Neoproterozoic ages and a tectonic affinity to the South China Block. Geochemically, the two intrusuons are both rich in LILE and LREE but depleted in HFSE and HREE, similar to arc-type igneous rocks. The Huangzhuguang intrusion exhibits linear correlations between SiO2 and the other major oxides, implying chemical evolution from a cognate magma source. It contains mafic enclaves, suggesting possible mixing of felsic-mafic magmas. The Changba granite is rich in Si and K but poor in Fe and Mg as well as has a high value of Fe*, suggesting strong differentiation of granitic magma. Therefore, the two intrusions were derived from the Late Triassic anatexis of the continental crust of different compositions in the northern margin of South China Block. This process may be coupled with exhumation of the subducted continental crust in the stage of late collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneath the Tibet plateau, the deficit of crustal thickening with respect to what is expected from the plate tectonic constraints is thought to be absorbed either by lateral extrusion or by vertical rock-mass transfer. To nourish the unsettled debate of the relative importance of these two processes, we propose a new approach, based on the S-to- P and the P-to- S wave conversions, enabling the precise determination of the seismic velocities. The weighted amplitudes of the direct conversion and of reverberations are stacked at their predicted arrival times for various values of layer thickness and v P/ v S ratio separately for two sets of P- and S-receiver functions. For each set of receiver functions, coherent stack gives the v P/ v S ratio and thickness for the considered layer (the grid search stacking method). The values of v P/ v S ratio and layer thickness are functions of the velocity used for stacking the set of receiver functions, but using the P- and S-receiver functions allows us to solve this indetermination and to find the effective parameters of the layer: velocity v S, v P/ v S ratio and thickness. We use a bootstrap resampling of the receiver function data sets to estimate the parameters uncertainties. For the Southern Lhasa Block, the migrated sections of both P- and S-receiver functions (Hi-CLIMB experiment data) show a layer in the lower crust that may be related to the lower Indian crust underplated beneath Tibet. With the grid search stacking method, high shear wave velocities ( v S∼ 4.73 km s–1) and low v P/ v S ratios (∼1.69) are detected in this layer. Such values are typical for high-grade eclogites, and the low v P/ v S ratio precludes the confusion with mafic granulites. There is no evidence for partial eclogitization near and south of the Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture, and the about 19 km thick eclogitic layer extends northwards only to about the middle of the Lhasa terrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin and significance of the tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) units and the familiar metabasite xenoliths they host in the Yangtze Craton, China, remain controversial, and resolving these issues is important if we are to understand the evolution of the early Yangtze Craton. We focused on biotite–tremolite schist xenoliths in the Archean TTG units of the Kongling high-grade metamorphic terrane, and U–Pb dating of their zircons yielded 207Pb/206Pb ages of ca. 3.00 Ga, which provides a minimum age for the formation of the pre-metamorphic basic igneous rock. The host TTGs and late intrusive granitic dikes yield three groups of upper intercept ages at 2.87–2.88, 2.91–2.94, and 3.07 Ga, and a concordant age at 2.94 Ga, which suggest that the Yangtze continental nucleus underwent three important metamorphic–magmatic events in the Mesoarchean at ca. 3.00, 2.94, and 2.87 Ga. The biotite–tremolite schists have high ratios of K2O/Na2O and high contents of CaO, Cr, and Ni, thus showing the characteristics of high-K calc-alkaline island-arc volcanic rocks (basalt–andesite) that form by the partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The data also provide further proof that a Mesoarchean metamorphic basement exists in the Yangtze Plate. Derivation of the magmatic protoliths of the biotite–tremolite schist enclaves from an oceanic crust during slab subduction, and the presence of these xenoliths within the TTG suite, indicate the existence of the initiation of plate tectonics during the Mesoarchean (≤2.94 Ga). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]