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Mongol-Okhotsk Orogenic Belt is the last main orogen that constructs modern tectonic framework of northeastern Asia. It has recorded the long-term evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean (MOO) from its Early Paleozoic initial opening, through the Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic subduction, to its Mesozoic final closure, leading to the amalgamation of the Siberian Craton (SIB) and North China-Amuria Block (NCC-AMB). Opening of the MOO can be traced to the early stage of the Early Paleozoic. Northward subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic slab beneath the southern margin of the SIB initiated in the Silurian, whereas the southward subduction beneath the northern margin of the NCC-AMB started in the Late Devonian. The bidirectional subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic slab resulted in pulse arc magmatism, with three main peaks in the earliest Carboniferous, Late Permian, and Late Triassic-Early Jurassic. In the Late Triassic, the collision between the AMB and Western Mongolian Blocks led to the bending of the Western Mongolian Blocks, which caused the initial closure of the MOO in its western segment. Due to the clockwise rotation of the SIB and counterclockwise rotation of the NCC-AMB, the MOO showed a scissor-like closure from west to east. The final closure of the MOO occurred in the Middle-Late Jurassic, which also resulted in the formation of the Mongol Orocline. Since then, the amalgamation of blocks in northeastern Asia has finished, and the northeastern Asian continent went into the intraplate evolutional stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleoproterozoic banded iron formation (BIF) iron ore of the Zhengjiapo region of the Changyi metallogenic belt, Eastern Block of North China Craton contains abundant coexisting antiperthite and mesoperthite textures. The antiperthite and mesoperthite occur in felsic domains of the Zhengjiapo BIF ore and enable derivation of peak temperature metamorphic conditions. Thermodynamic phase modeling shows that equilibrium conditions of corresponding textures, considering the related mineral assemblage of Pl + Qz + Kfs + Mag + Opx + L, are in the range of 870–940 °C and 5.0–6.8 kbar. Ternary feldspar thermometry using reintegrated compositions of antiperthite and mesoperthite in the felsic domain of the studied BIF iron ore reveals even higher peak metamorphic temperatures of 1045–1080 °C. The ultra-high temperature–low pressure conditions of Precambrian BIF have not yet been reported from the North China Craton. The documented ultra-high temperature metamorphism of the Zhengjiapo BIF iron ore in the Changyi metallogenic belt indicates that the BIF was involved in the collision-related tectonic process during Paleoproterozoic to have occurred in the Jiao-Liao-Ji orogenic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metapelites of the Fenzishan Group were formed in a back-arc basin of an active continental margin. • Three age groups of detrital zircon: ∼ 3019–2816 Ma, 2761–2610 Ma and ∼ 2261–2128 Ma. • The minimum depositional age of metapelite precursor is ∼ 2261 – 2128 Ma. • Apatite U-Pb age ∼ 1923 – 1893 Ma reflects to the post peak collisional metamorphism. • Metapelites record the UHT metamorphism, showing an anticlockwise P-T path. Metapelites from the Fenzishan Group of the Zhengjiapo banded iron formation (BIF) iron mine studied have undergone high-pressure and ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism. The rocks occur in the Changyi metallogenic belt that belongs to the Jiaobei terrane, Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton. P-T estimates using pseudosection modeling, mineral compositio isopleths and two-feldspar geothermometry of observed mesoperthite and antiperthite intergrowth textures of Bt-Grt-Mag-Amp gneisses, three different metamorphic stages were obtained: A prograde stage M1 at ∼ 600–610 °C/5.5–6.1 kbar, a peak metamorphic stage M2 at ∼ 899–1062 °C/8.6–9.15 kbar, an early retrograde stage M2́at 780–792 °C/8.6–9.15 kbar and a retrograde decompression stage M3 at 466–493 °C/4.5–5.8 kbar. Thus an anticlockwise trajectory can be defined indicating that granulite facies UHT-metamorphic peak conditions have been reached, followed by fast cooling during rapid exhumation. Geochemical characteristics of the metapelites indicate that the Fenzishan Group of the Zhengjiapo BIF iron mine was formed in a back-arc basin system of an active continental margin in a convergent/collisional geological setting.. Magmatic U-Pb ages (LA-ICP-MS) of detrital zircon from metapelites are ∼ 3096 – 2816 Ma and 2761 – 2610 Ma, indicating a source of the Archean basement which delivered clastic material for pelitic protolith. A zircon age of ∼ 2261 – 2128 Ma constrains the minimum depositional age of the metapelitic precursor, while an apatite U-Pb age of ∼ 1923 – 1893 Ma dating demonstrates a metamorphic age of ∼ 1923 – 1893 Ma, is indicated to represent a late Paleoproterozoic post peak metamorphic event that corresponds to the collision of the Jiao-Liao-Ji orogenic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern Alxa orogenic belt, located in the middle segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is a junction between the North China Craton, Tarim Craton and Mongolian microcontinents. However, its Permo-Carboniferous tectono-palaeogeographic evolution has not been well established. In this study, new zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic data for the Permo-Carboniferous clastic rocks were used to address the above issue. Based on our dating work and fossil assemblages, we confirmed that the Amushan, Maihanhada, Aqide and Haersuhai formations were formed in the late Carboniferous to early Permian, early to middle Permian, middle Permian and late Permian periods, respectively. The Amushan Formation sandstone in the Zhusileng area contains abundant Palaeozoic zircons (with age peaks at 440 Ma, 475 Ma and 539 Ma) and some Precambrian zircons. These zircon ages and the southeast transgressive direction suggest the provenance to be the local Zhusileng–Hangwula block and the nearby Yagan continental margin. The zircon age pattern with a high proportion of detrital zircons much older than the depositional time and no detrital zircons close to the depositional time suggest an extensional basin depositional setting. The clastic rocks of the Maihanhada, Aqide and Haersuhai formations inherited the source for the Amushan Formation, with a greatly increased input of Permo-Carboniferous volcanic rocks with post-collision or intraplate chemical affinity. Accordingly, a Permo-Carboniferous extensional stage was suggested. Finally, a tectono-palaeogeographic model was reconstructed for the northern Alxa orogenic belt, evolving from a late Carboniferous transgression with crustal extension to early to middle Permian rapid basin filling and a late Permian marine regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructing the Late Palaeozoic tectonic process of the Hegenshan Ophiolite Belt is critical for evaluating the protracted accretion and collision history of the south‐eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Carboniferous–Permian sedimentary rocks near the Erenhot area are key to revealing the evolutionary history of the Hegenshan Ocean. In this study, new stratigraphic, geochemical, and detrital zircon U–Pb age analyses were conducted on three Carboniferous–Early Permian strata (viz., Halatumiao, Amushan, and Benbatu formations). Deposition of the Halatumiao Formation began around 313 Ma, inferred from a zircon U–Pb age from a lower tuff layer. The end of deposition is constrained by two later intrusive high‐K granite plutons that give ages of 277–285 Ma. The predominant detrital zircon group in these strata is characterized by ages of 340–290 Ma, high positive εHf(t) values, and juvenile TDM2 ages, which suggest adjacent and unitary juvenile provenances. The Halatumiao Formation mainly consists of blackish fine‐grained sedimentary rocks with a thickness of 6–7 km implying a high sedimentation rate and a stable hydrodynamic condition. Thus, the Halatumiao Formation most likely indicates the existence of a deep and wide ocean basin under an effect of long‐lived and continuous extension. The Amushan Formation has a comparable depositional age to the Halatumiao Formation, based on three detrital zircon Palaeozoic age populations with peaks of 317, 389, and 441 Ma, but contains more complex provenances. The Benbatu Formation has an earlier deposition age between ca. 324 and 314 Ma. Its detrital zircons yield a predominant age group at around 410–440 Ma but lack syn‐sedimentary Late Palaeozoic age. Unlike the Halatumiao Formation, the two other formations are considerably smaller in terms of their deposition thickness and outcrop area. The transition from Benbatu to Amushan and Halatumiao formations records the development of a gradually deeper and wider ocean basin in response to a back‐arc extensional setting from the Late Carboniferous to the Early Permian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Gubaoquan doleritic dike swarm intruded at ∼282–286 Ma. • The Early Permian paleomagnetic pole for the Beishan region is obtained. • No broad ocean existed between Beishan and Dunhuang in the Early Permian. • The southern CAOB presented a WNW-ESE distributed paleogeography in the Early Permian. To provide further constraints on the tectonic transition and paleogeography of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) during the late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic, a paleomagnetic study has been conducted on the Early Permian Gubaoquan doleritic dike swarm in the Beishan region, NW China. Rock magnetic analyses coupled with scanning electron microscope observation show that titanium-poor magnetite is the main magnetic remanence carrier without obvious alteration. Plagioclase 40Ar/39Ar dating results reveal that the doleritic dike swarm intruded at ∼282–286 Ma, having undergone no intense posterior thermal overprint. Characteristic remanent magnetizations with single reverse polarity are isolated, constituting eight independent directional groups. The isolated remanence is suggested to be primary and averages out the paleosecular variation based on several lines of evidence. Hereby, an Early Permian paleomagnetic pole for the Beishan region is calculated at 82.8°N, 285.6°E, A 95 = 9.2° with N = 8 direction groups. This new pole fills spatially the Early Permian paleomagnetic data gap in the southern CAOB. The comparison with published contemporaneous paleomagnetic poles in the southern CAOB indicates that (1) the Early Permian paleomagnetic poles of the Beishan region and Dunhuang Block are indistinguishable, indicating insignificant relative movement since then, negating a broad Early Permian ocean between them; (2) the southern CAOB presented a WNW-ESE distributed paleogeography with either a residual ocean or a rift basin in its eastern part in the Early Permian; (3) large-magnitude strike-slip displacements have played a key role in the tectonic activity of the southern CAOB since the Early Permian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southeastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), which records the collision of the North China Block (NCB) with the South Mongolian microcontinent, is a key area for reconstructing the tectonic history of the CAOB. Controversy persists regarding the timing of the final structural amalgamation of the region; therefore, it remains unclear whether the Late Paleozoic thick volcanic successions were generated in a subduction or post-orogenic environment. Redefining the age of the formation and analyzing the geochemical compositions of these volcanic rocks can provide clues regarding the regional tectonic evolution during the Late Paleozoic and place constraints on the closure time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. In this study, we present geochemical, geochronologic, and Sr-Nd isotopic data for 29 volcanic rock samples from the Elitu Formation in Xianghuangqi, central Inner Mongolia. The Elitu volcanic rocks have latest early-to-middle Permian ages between 272 and 268 Ma. Most of the mafic-intermediate and felsic rocks show K-normal and high-K calc-alkaline characteristics. Melting is considered to be due to large scale upwelling of the metasomatic lithospheric mantle and different degrees of melting of the thickened lower crust. The northern margin of the NCB, which represents the southeastern boundary of the CAOB, records transtensional and, subsequently, extensional tectonics associated with late Carboniferous to middle Permian volcanic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dabie Shan in central East China is a collisional orogenic belt suturing the North China and Yangtze blocks. It was formed by Jurassic-Early Cretaceous continental collision, following the Triassic closure of the northernmost paleo-Tethyan Ocean. In the area, at least ten porphyry Mo systems have been discovered, including two giant ones, with a total reserve of > 3 Mt Mo metal. The porphyry-type Mo mineralization mainly occurred during 156–110 Ma, in the post-collisional extension setting. The location of Mo deposit is controlled by NW- and NNE-trending faults, mostly in the south of the Gui-Mei Fault suturing the North China and Yangtze blocks. Mo mineralization is generally associated with the Yanshanian high-K calc-alkaline metaluminous-peraluminous granitic intrusions, with orebodies being located in the intrusions and/or host-rocks. The hydrothermal ore-forming process generally includes four stages, with the initial ore-forming fluids being featured by high temperature, high salinity and CO 2 -rich. Geochemical signatures indicate that the ore-causative magmatism in the Dabie Shan mainly originated from either the northern or southern Dabie complex, but mixed with the Precambrian rocks of the North China block, except for the Tianmugou porphyry system which shares more similar geological and geochemical characteristics with the porphyry Mo deposits in eastern Qinling Orogen. We also develop a scissor-style intracontinental subduction model to interpret the differences in spatial distribution, geneses, and geochemical and geological characteristics between the Mo deposits in Dabie Shan and Qinling Orogen. In our model, the basement of the North China Block southwardly underthrusted beneath the Dabie Shan, possibly along the Gui-Mei Fault; whilst the basement of the Yangtze Block northwardly underthrusted beneath the Qinling Orogen; and the inferred Minggang-Xinyang fault zone served as a dextral strike-slip fault zone in the North China Block, but acted as a sinistral transpressional fault zone within the orogenic area. Compared to the subduction- or Endako- and rift- or Climax-types of porphyry Mo deposits, the porphyry Mo deposits in the Dabie Shan are unique because of their crustal source for the magma and ore-forming materials, and as such are assigned to the Dabie- or collision-type. Hence we develop a new global tectonic model for porphyry Mo deposits of three types, showing their genetic tectonic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical data and Sr–Nd isotopic data are presented for volcanic rocks from the lower Permian Dashizhai Formation. These rocks are widely distributed in the south-eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt in central Inner Mongolia, China. The volcanic rocks mainly consist of basaltic andesite and rhyolite, subordinate dacite and local andesite, and exhibit bimodal geochemical features. The results of zircon U–Pb dating indicate that the volcanic rocks formed during the early Permian (292–279 Ma). The mafic volcanic rocks belong to low-K tholeiitic to medium-K calc-alkaline series. These mafic volcanic rocks are also characterised by moderately enriched light rare earth element (LREE) patterns; high abundances of Th, U, Zr and Hf; negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies; initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios of 0.70514–0.70623; and positive ε Nd (t) values (+1.9 to +3.8). These features indicate that the mafic volcanic rocks were likely derived from the high-percentage partial melting of subduction-related metasomatised asthenospheric mantle. The felsic rocks show an A-type affinity, with enrichments in alkalis, Th, U and LREEs. The felsic rocks are depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta and Ti and exhibit moderately LREE-enriched patterns (La N /Yb N = 2.09–6.45) and strongly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu ∗ = 0.04–0.25). These features, along with the positive ε Nd ( t ) values (+2.6 to +7.7) and young T DM2 ages (T DM2 = 435–916 Ma), indicate that the felsic rocks were likely derived from a juvenile crustal source that mainly consisted of juvenile mid-ocean ridge basalt -related rocks. The volcanic association in this study and in previously published work widely distributed in central Inner Mongolia. The observations in this study suggest that the lower Permian volcanic rocks formed in an identical tectonic environment. The regional geological data indicate that the bimodal volcanic rocks from the lower Permian Dashizhai Formation in the study area formed in an extensional setting that was likely related to post-collisional delamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Early Paleozoic acid volcanic sequence has been recently detected southeast of Sonid Zuoqi in central Inner Mongolia to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in this area. First, the volcanic rocks have zircon U–Pb ages of 439–445 Ma. They are characterized by (a) a high silica content, moderate alkali content and low iron content; (b) enrichment in light rare earth elements, depletion of heavy rare earth elements, and negative Eu anomalies; and (c) negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. Finally, the volcanic samples yield ε Hf (t) values of − 4.7 to + 9.2 with T DM2 ages of 835–1724 Ma. For petrogenesis, they were possibly arc derived, from predominant juvenile materials with subordinate ancient continental crust. Combined with previous studies, the Early Paleozoic Sonid Zuoqi arc magmatism can be divided into three stages: a primitive arc stage represented by 464–490 Ma low-K, calcic granitoids; a normal continental arc stage represented by 439–445 Ma medium-K, calcic to calcic-alkalic plutons and volcanic rocks and a syn-collisional stage represented by 423–424 Ma high-K granites. Furthermore, the timing and tectonic settings of the above magmatic rocks show similarities to those in Xilinhot and other areas of the northern Early to Mid-Paleozoic orogenic belt (NOB), although the rock assemblies and their proportions vary more or less in different areas. Accordingly, the NOB that formed on this arc was probably attributed to the northward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean beginning at ~ 500 Ma, which experienced this type of arc development and was terminated by a soft collision before the Late Devonian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tectonic setting of the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) during the Late Paleozoic has been debated for many years. Provenance analysis of Permo-Carboniferous sedimentary rocks can effectively address this issue. In this study, eight sandstone samples were collected for zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses combined with petrographic analysis. Framework petrography and zircon morphology suggest that the samples were from recycled orogen of an igneous origin. Carboniferous rocks, with a significant age peak at 432 Ma and ε Hf (t) values of − 9.0 to 13.6, were mainly derived from Early to Mid-Paleozoic magmatic rocks and deposited in a piedmont zone, namely, the margin of an inland sea. Permian rocks, mostly with age peaks at 445 Ma and/or 280 Ma and ε Hf (t) values of − 25.2 to 11.4, dominantly originated from a pre-existing Early to Mid-Paleozoic magmatic arc and Late Paleozoic igneous rocks. These rocks formed in restricted basins of the piedmont and intermountain zones. Based on zircon spectral discrimination, sedimentary environmental analysis, and previous studies, this study supports the interpretation that the southeastern CAOB entered stages of extension and rifting during the Late Paleozoic. In the end, this study proposes a tectonic-paleogeographic reconstruction to explain the tectonic evolution of the southeastern CAOB and the exhumation–transportation–deposition processes between the basins and ranges developed in this orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Altaid tectonic collage extends over Central Asia, exposing numerous accretionary orogens that can account for the Palaeozoic continental crust growth. A pluridisciplinary approach, using geochronological, geochemical, structural and palaeomagnetic tools was carried out to unravel the architecture and the evolution of West Junggar (Northwestern China), a segment of the Altaid Collage. A polycyclic geodynamic evolution is inferred and includes: (1) an Early Palaeozoic cycle, characterized by the closure of two oceanic basins bounded by island-arc systems; (2) an Early Devonian subduction jamming resulting in a minor-scale collision documented by thrusting, syntectonic sedimentation and subsequent crutal thinning associated with alkaline magmatism; (3) a Late Palaeozoic cycle, driven by the evolution of two opposite subduction zones developed upon the Early Palaeozoic basement. Detailed structural analysis and paleomagnetic data provide constraints for the late evolution of Junggar in the frame of the development of the Late Palaeozoic Kazakh orocline, which led to oblique subduction and transpression in the West Junggar accretionary complex. Progressive buckling of the Kazakh orocline further resulted in Late Carboniferous to Permian wrench tectonics, and lateral displacement of lithotectonic units. Block rotations that continued after the Late Triassic are due to diachronous intraplate reactivation. This scenario mirrors the Palaeozoic geodynamics of the Altaid Collage. Multiple Early Palaeozoic collisions of intra-oceanic arcs and micro continents have contributed to the formation of the Kazakhstan Microcontinent. Since the Late Palaeozoic, subductions formed around this microcontinent and the final oblique closure of oceanic domains resulted in the transcurrent collage of Tarim and Siberia cratons. Palaeozoic strike-slip faults were later reactivated during Mesozoic intracontinental tectonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qiangma gold deposit is hosted in the > 1.9 Ga Taihua Supergroup metamorphic rocks in the Xiaoqinling terrane, Qinling Orogen, on the southern margin of the North China Craton. The mineralization can be divided as follows: quartz-pyrite veins early, quartz-polymetallic sulfide veinlets middle, and carbonate-quartz veinlets late stages, with gold being mainly introduced in the middle stage. Three types of fluid inclusions were identified based on petrography and laser Raman spectroscopy, i.e., pure carbonic, carbonic-aqueous (CO 2 –H 2 O) and aqueous inclusions. The early-stage quartz contains pure carbonic and CO 2 –H 2 O inclusions with salinities up to 12.7 wt.% NaCl equiv., bulk densities of 0.67 to 0.86 g/cm 3 , and homogenization temperatures of 280−365 °C. The early-stage is related to H 2 O–CO 2 ± N 2 ± CH 4 fluids with isotopic signatures consistent with a metamorphic origin (δ 18 O water = 3.1 to 5.2‰, δD = − 37 to − 73‰). The middle-stage quartz contains all three types of fluid inclusions, of which the CO 2 –H 2 O and aqueous inclusions yield homogenization temperatures of 249−346 °C and 230−345 °C, respectively. The CO 2 –H 2 O inclusions have salinities up to 10.9 wt.% NaCl equiv. and bulk densities of 0.70 to 0.98 g/cm 3 , with vapor bubbles composed of CO 2 and N 2 . The isotopic ratios (δ 18 O water = 2.2 to 3.6‰, δD = − 47 to − 79‰) suggest that the middle-stage fluids were mixed by metamorphic and meteoric fluids. In the late-stage quartz only the aqueous inclusions are observed, which have low salinities (0.9−9.9 wt.% NaCl equiv.) and low homogenization temperatures (145−223 °C). The isotopic composition (δ 18 O water = − 1.9 to 0.5‰, δD = − 55 to − 66‰) indicates the late-stage fluids were mainly meteoric water. Trapping pressures estimated from CO 2 –H 2 O inclusions are 100−285 MPa for the middle stage, suggesting that gold mineralization mainly occurred at depths of 10 km. Fluid boiling and mixing caused rapid precipitation of sulfides and native Au. Through boiling and inflow of meteoric water, the ore-forming fluid system evolved from CO 2 -rich to CO 2 -poor in composition, and from metamorphic to meteoric, as indicated by decreasing δ 18 O water values from early to late. The carbon, sulfur and lead isotope compositions suggest the hostrocks within the Taihua Supergroup to be a significant source of ore metals. Integrating the data obtained from the studies including regional geology, ore geology, and fluid inclusion and C–H–O–S–Pb isotope geochemistry, we conclude that the Qiangma gold deposit was an orogenic-type system formed in the tectonic transition from compression to extension during the Jurassic−Early Cretaceous continental collision between the North China and Yangtze cratons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Orogen in central China preserves the records of a complex geological and tectonic history, and also carries abundant mineral resources. Previous investigations on the Qinling Orogen have identified that the final transition from the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean to a continental orogen occurred in the Triassic, although the timing of the oceanic closure and the tectonic affinity of the Triassic Qinling belt have been poorly constrained. In this contribution, we compile the palaeomagnetic data and geological evidence related to sedimentation, magmatism and mineral systems. The palaeomagnetic data show that the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean in the Qinling Orogen gradually closed westward during the Triassic, terminating in the beginning of the Jurassic. Triassic strata are widely developed in the Qinling Orogen and conformably overlie the Permian strata. They are composed of carbonates and siliciclastic rocks that were strongly deformed and weakly metamorphosed during the Late Triassic to Late Jurassic. The Triassic magmatic rocks are dominated by I-type granitoids, with subordinate S-type and alkaline granites and minor carbonatite dykes, with a clear northward transition in lithology and geochemical features from the Mian-Lue Suture. Different types of Triassic mineral systems have been reported from this region, including sedimentary-hosted epizonogenic hydrothermal Hg-Sb, Pb-Zn ± Ag, Au deposits, metamorphic hydrothermal lodes of Au, Ag-Pb-Zn, Mo-Au and Mo, magmatic hydrothermal systems including porphyry Mo, breccia pipe Au, and carbonatite-hosted Mo deposits. We infer that the Triassic Qinling Orogen witnessed synchronous oceanic plate subduction in the west and continental linkage in the east, with a transition from oceanic basin to continental orogen through gradual subduction-related consumption of the oceanic plate. The Palaeo-Tethys Ocean closed in a westward scissor-like fashion in the Triassic and continental collision and extensive crustal shortening in the Jurassic, following which post-collisional extension occurred in the Early Cretaceous. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Qinling region in central China, hosting several tens of Mesozoic magmatic-hydrothermal Mo deposits, is one of the largest molybdenum belts in the world. The Zhifang Mo deposit is hosted in volcanic rocks of the Xiong'er Group in the Waifangshan area, Qinling Orogen. Previous studies variously correlated the mineralization in this deposit with Yanshanian magmatism or Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic volcanic-hydrothermal events. The orebodies are associated with quartz veins and controlled by subsidiary faults of the Machaoying Fault. The ore-forming process can be divided into the early, middle and late stages and is characterized by quartz-pyrite, quartz-polymetallic sulphide and quartz-carbonate veins, respectively. The early-stage quartz is structurally deformed, suggesting a compressional tectonic regime; the middle-stage sulphides fill the fractures of the early-stage assemblages and show no deformation, suggesting a tensional setting; the late-stage veins mostly infill the open-space fissures. Three types of fluid inclusions (FIs) are identified at the Zhifang deposit: H2O-NaCl (W-type), CO2-rich (C-type) and daughter mineral-bearing inclusions (S-type). Fluid inclusions of early-stage quartz homogenize between 380 and 470 °C, with salinities ranging from 0.4 to 9.6 wt.% NaCl equiv., whereas the late-stage calcite contains only the W-type FIs with homogenization temperatures of lower than 240 °C, and salinities of 0.4-8.7 wt.% NaCl equiv. This indicates that the ore fluid system evolved from CO2-rich, probably metamorphic hydrothermal to CO2-poor, meteoric fluid. All three types of FIs can be observed in the middle-stage quartz, and even in the microscopic domain of a crystal, suggesting that this heterogeneous association was trapped from a boiling fluid system. These FIs homogenized at temperatures ranging from 250 to 360 °C and display two salinity clusters of <18.5 and 29.1-29.9 wt.% NaCl equiv. These results suggest that metal precipitation resulted from fluid boiling. The estimated trapping pressures of FIs range from 101 to 285 MPa, suggesting an alternating lithostatic-hydrostatic fluid system, which was controlled by a fault-valve at the depth of 10 km. The δ34S values of ore minerals from the Zhifang Mo deposit show a range between −11.8‰ and 6.0‰, with a bimodal distribution. The early-stage pyrite has a positive δ34S value of 6.0‰ that is similar to the host rocks of the Xiong'er Group and the Taihua Supergroup, suggesting that the wall rocks contributed much of the sulphur to the early-stage pyrite during fluid-rock interaction. However, the δ34S values of the middle-stage sulphides have negative mean and restricted range from −11.8‰ to −4.5‰. The widespread rutile grains coexisting with molybdenite in the middle-stage correlate the negative δ34S values with relatively oxidized fluids. We consider phase separation as an efficient mechanism for ore-fluid oxidation and molybdenum deposition based on fluid inclusions and sulphur isotope data. Geological, fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope data of the Zhifang Mo deposit suggest that the Mo mineralization is unrelated to the Yanshanian magmatism or the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic volcanic-hydrothermal event. Here we propose that the Zhifang Mo deposit may be considered as an orogenic mineral system, with its formation in an active continental margin related to the northward subduction of the Mian-Lue oceanic plate during the Triassic. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dashui porphyry granitoids in the western Qinling Orogen are spatially associated with the Dashui gold deposit, but their ages and tectonic setting have not been well defined yet in previous studies. This paper reports the results and understandings obtained from our original study in geochronology and isotope and element geochemistry. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating yielded ages of 213.7 ± 2.7 Ma for granitic stock and 215.1 ± 2.5 and 210.2 ± 1.6 Ma for granitic dikes. The granitoids are characterized by high LREE but low HREE and HFSE. They have (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios of 0.706 to 0.709 and εNd(t) values of −5.3 to −7.6. The majority of zircons in the Dashui granitoids have εHf(t) values ranging from −6.2 to 6.7 and TDM2(Hf) ages from 743 to 1464 Ma. The isotope signatures, together with La/Y and Mg# values, show that the magmas are mainly sourced from partial melting of a subducted slab, and possibly assimilated immature sediments during upward migration. Thus, the Dashui granitoids most likely formed in a volcanic arc where supra-subduction zone melts assimilated lower crustal material no later than 215 Ma. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Jilin Province lies along the eastern edge of the Xing–Meng orogenic belt of northeast China. At least 10 Mo deposits have been discovered in this area, making it the second-richest concentration of Mo resources in China. To better understand the formation and distribution of porphyry Mo deposits in the area, we investigated the geological characteristics of the deposits and applied zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotope dating to constrain the age of mineralization. Our new geochronological data show the following: the Jidetun Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 164.6–167.1 Ma, an isochron age of 168 ± 2.5 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 165.9 ± 1.2 Ma; the Houdaomu Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 167.4–167.7 Ma, an isochron age of 168 ± 13 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 167.5 ± 1.2 Ma; and the Chang’anpu Mo deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for granodiorite porphyry of 166.9 ± 1.5 Ma (N = 16). These new age data, combined with existing molybdenite Re–Os dates, show that intense porphyry Mo mineralization was coeval with magmatism during the Middle Jurassic (167.8 ± 0.4 Ma,r> 0.999). The geotectonic mechanisms responsible for Mo mineralization were probably related to subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath the Eurasian continent. Combining published molybdenite Re–Os and zircon U–Pb ages for northeast China, the Mo deposits are shown to have been formed during multiple events coinciding with periods of magmatic activity. We identified three phases of mineralization, two of which had several stages: the Caledonian (485–480 Ma); the Indosinian comprising the Early–Middle Triassic (248–236 Ma) and Late Triassic (226–208 Ma) stages; and the Yanshanian phase comprising the Early–Middle Jurassic (202–165 Ma), Late Jurassic–early Early Cretaceous (154–129 Ma), and Early Cretaceous (114–111 Ma) stages. Although Mo deposits formed during each phase/stage, most of the mineralization occurred during the Early–Middle Jurassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based mainly on field geological observation and geochronologic data, six tectonic units have been recognized in western Inner Mongolia (China), including, from south to north: North China Craton (NCC), Southern Orogenic Belt (SOB), Hunshandake Block (HB), Northern Orogenic Belt (NOB), South Mongolia microcontinent (SMM), and Southern margin of Ergun Block (SME), suggesting that the tectonic framework of the CAOB in western Inner Mongolia is characterized by an accretion of different blocks and orogenic belts. The SOB includes, from north to south, fold belt, mélange, arc-pluton belt, and retroarc foreland basin, representing a southern subduction–collision system between the NCC and HB blocks during 500–440Ma. The NOB consists also of four units: arc-pluton belt, mélange, foreland molasse basin, and fold belt, from north to south, representing a northern subduction–collision system between the HB and SMM blocks during 500–380Ma. From the early Paleozoic, the Paleo-Asian oceanic domains subducted to the north and the south, resulting in the forming of the SOB and the NOB in 410Ma and 380Ma, respectively. This convergent orogenic system, therefore, constrained the consumption process of the Paleo-Asian Ocean in western Inner Mongolia. A double subduction–collision accretionary process is the dominant geodynamic feature for the eastern part of the CAOB during the early to middle Paleozoic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Granitoids play an important role in deciphering both crustal growth and tectonic evolution of Earth. In the eastern end of the Yinshan–Yanshan belt of North China Craton, the Yiwulüshan massif is a typical region that presents the tectonic evolution features of this belt. Our field work on the host rocks has demonstrated two phases of opposite tectonics: compressional and extensional, however, the deformation is almost invisible in the intrusive rocks. To improve the understanding of the tectonic evolution of the Yiwulüshan massif and the Late Mesozoic tectonics of East Asia, a multidisciplinary study has been carried out. In this study, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and gravity modeling have been applied on these Jurassic plutons (Lüshan, Jishilazi and Guanyindong), which intrude into the Yiwulüshan massif. According to laboratory measurements and microscopic observations on thin sections, the AMS of the Yiwulüshan massif is characterized by secondary fabrics, indicating that the intensive post solidus deformation has reset the (primary) magmatic magnetic fabrics. A relatively gentle NW dipping magnetic foliation has been identified with two distinct groups of magnetic lineations of N34°E and N335°E orientations, namely LM1 and LM2, relatively. Gravity modeling reveals a southward thinning of the massif with a possible feeding zone rooted in the northern part of the massif. Integrating all results from structural observation, geochronological investigation, AMS measurement and gravity modeling, two tectonic phases have been identified in the Yiwulüshan massif, posterior to the Jurassic (180–160Ma) magmatism in the Yinshan–Yanshan area. The early one concerns a Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (~141Ma) compressional event with a top-to-the-south to southwest sense of shear. The second one shows an Early Cretaceous (~126Ma) NW–SE ductile extensional shearing. At that time, sedimentary basins widened and Jurassic plutons started to be deformed under post solidus conditions. In fact, the NW–SE trend of the maximum stretching direction is a general feature of East Asian continent during Late Mesozoic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With a cratonic nucleus, the North China Craton (NCC) experienced a complex tectonic evolution with multiphase compressional and extensional events during Mesozoic times. Along the northern part of the NCC, the Yinshan–Yanshan fold and thrust belt was a typical intraplate orogen. Jurassic and Cretaceous continental sedimentation, magmatism, widespread intraplate characterize the Yinshan–Yanshan orogenic belt. The geodynamic significance of these tectonic events is still in dispute. In the western part of the Liaoning province, the Yiwulüshan massif crops out at the eastern end of the Yinshan–Yanshan orogenic belt. The Yiwulüshan massif presents an elliptical domal shape with a NE–SW striking long axis. The structural evolution of this massif brings new insights for the understanding of the Mesozoic plutonic–tectonic history of the NCC. A multidisciplinary study involving structural geology, geochronology, Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) and gravity modeling have been carried out. The presentation of the new results splits into two parts. Part I (this paper) deals with field and laboratory structural observations, and presents the main geochronological results. The AMS, gravity modeling data will be provided in a companion paper (Part II). The early compressional deformation (D1) corresponds to a Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous southward thrusting. The subsequent deformation is related to the Early Cretaceous exhumation of the Yiwulüshan massif. A detailed structural analysis allows us to distinguish several deformation events (D2, D3, and D4). The Cretaceous extensional structures, such as syntectonic plutons bounded by ductile normal faults, metamorphic core complexes, and half-graben basins are recognized in many places in East Asia. These new data from the Yiwulüshan massif constitute a link between Transbaikalia, Mongolia, North China and South China, indicating that NW–SE extensional Mesozoic tectonics occurred throughout the entire region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is known for its massive Phanerozoic generation of juvenile crust. The tectonic evolution of the CAOB during the late Paleozoic era is still debated. The Eastern Erenhot ophiolite complex (EOC) has been recognized as one of the numerous late Paleozoic ophiolitic blocks in the southeastern part of the CAOB. Zircon U-Pb dating on rhyolite and plagiogranite from the EOC yielded a tight range of ages from 360 to 348 Ma, indicating that the complex formed in the early Carboniferous. The primitive mantle-normalized spider diagram of rhyolites (ε Nd (t) values of +6.8 and +7) and basalts almost overlaps. Such rhyolites may have been derived from partial melting of juvenile basaltic rocks during the initial opening of the Erenhot–Hegenshan oceanic basin. All of the plagiogranites exhibit similar trace element behaviours of High Field-Strength Elements, such as U, Zr and Hf, and Large Ion Lithophile Elements, such as Ba and Rb, to these of gabbros. These plagiogranites were considered products of episodes of partial melting of hydrous gabbros during ocean floor spreading. We conclude that the northern subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean stopped before 360 Ma and the southeastern CAOB experienced extension during the late Paleozoic era. The Erenhot–Hegenshan Ocean, which is comparable to the present Red Sea, originated from syn-collisional crustal thickening, subsequent lithosphere extension, and upwelling of the asthenosphere during orogenic quiescence with an age of 20 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Magnetic fabrics of the two plutons can be divided into primary magmatic and secondary post-solidus ones. • The magma probably intruded into the weak zone within the Sibao group, then laterally and upward accreted to construct dome shaped plutons. • S-type granitic magma emplacement probably marked the latest stage of the Jiangnan Orogeny. The Neoproterozoic S-type granitic plutons, distributed along the suture zone of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, play an important role in the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogeny. However, few studies had focused on the scientific issues on the physical construction process of these plutons, therefore, we carried out multidisciplinary approaches on the Sanfang and Yuanbaoshan plutons in the western Jiangan Orogenic Belt to figure out the construction mechanism of these plutons. Zircon Hf and U-Pb dating indicates that the magma, originated from the crustal partial melting, was crystallized at ca. 830 Ma. Field investigation shows that the plutons are dome shaped, and the inclinations of bedding/foliation of the country rocks, the Sibao group, gradually decreases away from the contact zone with pluton boundaries. A top-to-the–E kinematic sense was observed in the eastern margin of the Yuanbaoshan pluton. Both the textural analysis and AMS measurement reveal primary magmatic and secondary general top-to-the-W/NW post-solidus fabrics. The Bouguer gravity modeling reveals that the feeder zone probably locates in the southern part of each pluton and these two plutons are connected at depth. According to the primary magmatic fabric patterns, deep geometric shape as well as structural features of the country rocks, we propose that crustal partial melting magma probably initially intruded into the pre-existing mechanically weak (fold/fault) zone of the Sibao group, and meanwhile laterally and upward accreted to progressively construct the dome-shape plutons. The intrusion of ca. 850–820 Ma S-type granites in the Jiangnan region possibly marked the latest stage of the Jiangnan Orogeny. However, the timing and mechanism of the post-solidus deformation are not well constrained, the proposed interpretations remain hypothetical yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Pyrite and arsenopyrite display complex textural and compositional evolution. • Pyrite incorporates significant amounts of refractory Au, up to 1.02 wt.%. • Arsenopyrite incorporates significant amounts of refractory Au, up to 1.75%. Apy3 was formed at 325–385 °C based on arsenopyrite geothermometer. Abstract The Axi deposit is the largest low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit in Chinese Western Tianshan, Central Asian Orogenic Belt. In this contribution, combined petrological observations, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and X-ray backscattered electron images (BSE) have been conducted on Fe-S-As minerals to reveal their textural and compositional evolution. Pyrite and arsenopyrite are ubiquitous. Their texture and composition show gradual changes with time. Four generations of pyrite can be identified, named Py1, Py2, Py3 and Py4 from early to late. The coarse-grained, euhedral to subhedral Py1 (mostly 100–300 μm) from the quartz-chalcedony stage is the earliest, and predates gold mineralization. Sometimes they contain silicate and arsenopyrite (Apy1) inclusions. Compositionally, they are enriched in Pb (up to 0.60 wt%), but depleted in As (0.06–7.61 wt%, mostly <0.30 wt%) and Au (0.01 wt%–0.25 wt%, mostly <0.10 wt%). Subhedral to anhedral Py2 grains (50–1000 μm) coexist with other sulfides such as chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite in the quartz-polymetallic sulfides stage. They are unusually rich in Au (with a mean value of 0.06 wt%), Ag (with a mean value of 0.04 wt%), Cu (with a mean value of 0.21 wt%) and As (with a mean value of 3.06 wt%), implying a syn -mineralization feature. Subsequent Py3 occurs as very fine-grained disseminations of euhedral crystals (10–50 μm) in quartz-polymetallic sulfides stage and carbonate-quartz stage. They display clear oscillatory zoning and contain arsenopyrite (Apy3), sphalerite and Sb-Te mineral inclusions. Their Au content vary greatly from 0.02 wt% to 1.02 wt%, with corresponding As content varying from 0.07 wt% to 8.28 wt%. The post-mineralization Py4 crystals (30–5000 μm) mainly occur as foliated, sheaf, or radiaxial aggregates in carbonate-quartz stage. They have the lowest Au (with a mean value of 0.04 wt%), As (with a mean value of 0.32 wt%), Co (with a mean value of 0.04 wt%) and Ni (with a mean value of 0.04 wt%) concentrations, although dramatically high S contents (with a mean value of 52.72 wt%). Correspondingly, there are three generations of arsenopyrite: Apy1 (20–50 μm) and Apy3 (3–15 μm) mainly occur as inclusions in Py1 and Py3, respectively, whereas the latest Apy4 (<5–60 μm) can occur either as serrated grains surrounding Py4 or overgrowth Py1 and Py3, or as individual euhedral to sub-euhedral grains. They also contain considerable, but much higher Au contents than pyrite, with the values of 0.6 wt%–1.1 wt% for Apy1, 0.18 wt%–1.32 wt% for Apy3 and 0.50 wt%–1.75 wt% for Apy4, respectively. Besides, they also contain considerable amounts of trace elements such as Co, Zn, Pb, Sb and Se. Arsenopyrite geothermometer constrains the ore-forming temperature responsible for Apy3 formation to 325–385 °C. Our result reveals that significant invisible gold accommodated by sulfides is the main cause of refractory ores at the Axi deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maoniushan Formation in the northern part of the North Qaidam Orogen (NQO), NW China, contains key information on a Paleozoic change in tectonic setting of the NQO from compression to extension. Here, new zircon U–Pb, petrological, and sedimentological data for the lower molasse sequence of the Maoniushan Formation are used to constrain the timing of this tectonic transition. Detrital zircons yield U–Pb ages of 3.3–0.4 Ga with major populations at 0.53–0.4, 1.0–0.56, 2.5–1.0, and 3.3–2.5 Ga. The maximum depositional age of the Maoniushan Formation is well constrained by a youngest detrital zircon age of ∼409 Ma. Comparing these dates with geochronological data for the region indicates that Proterozoic–Paleozoic zircons were derived mainly from the NQO as well as the Oulongbuluk and Qaidam blocks, whereas Archean zircons were probably derived from the Oulongbuluk Block and the Tarim Craton. The ∼924, ∼463, and ∼439 Ma tectonothermal events recorded in this region indicate that the NQO was involved in the early Neoproterozoic assembly of Rodinia and early Paleozoic microcontinental convergence. A regional angular unconformity between Devonian and pre-Devonian strata within the NQO suggests a period of strong mountain building between the Oulongbuluk and Qaidam blocks during the Silurian, whereas an Early Devonian post-orogenic molasse, evidence of extensional collapse, and Middle to Late Devonian bimodal volcanic rocks and Carboniferous marine carbonate rocks clearly reflect long-lived tectonic extension. Based on these results and the regional geology, we suggest that the Devonian volcano-sedimentary rocks within the NQO were formed in a post-orogenic extensional setting similar to that of the East Kunlun Orogen, indicating that a major tectonic transition from compression to extension in these two orogens probably commenced in the Early Devonian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xu-Huai thrust-and-fold belt, located in the southeastern margin of the North China Block, consists mainly of thrust and folded pre-Mesozoic strata. Its geodynamic evolution and tectonic setting are topics of long debate. This paper provides new evidence from geological mapping, structural analysis, and making balance cross-sections, with restoration of cross-sections. Results suggest that this belt was subjected to two-phase deformation, including an early-phase regional-scale NW-ward thrust and fold, and a late-phase extension followed by the emplacement of dioritic, monzodioritic porphyrites dated at 131–135 Ma and locally strike-slip shearing. According to the mapping, field observations and drill-hole data, three structural units were distinguished, namely, (1) the pre-Neoproterozoic crystalline basement in the eastern segment, (2) the nappe unit or the thrust-and-fold zone in the central segment, which is composed of Neoproterozoic to Ordovician carbonate rocks and Carboniferous-Permian coal-bearing rocks, about 2600 m thick, and (3) the western frontal zone. A major decollement fault has also been identified in the base of the nappe unit, on which dozen-meter to km-scale thrust-and-fold bodies were commonly developed. All pre-Mesozoic depositional sequences were involved into a widespread thrust and fold event. Six uncompetent-rock layers with biostratigraphic ages (Nanjing University, 1996) have been recognized, and each uncompetent-rock layer occurred mainly in the top of the footwall, playing an important role in the development of the Xu-Huai thrust-and-fold belt. Geometry of the major decollement fault suggests that the nappe unit of this belt was rooted in its eastern side, near the Tan-Lu Fault Zone. Two geological cross-sections were chosen for structural balancing and restoration. From the balanced cross-sections, ramp-flat and imbricated faults as well as fault-related folds were identified. A shortening of 20.6–29.6 km was obtained from restoration of balanced sections, corresponding to a shortening rate of 43.6–46.4%. This shortening deformation was likely related to the SE-ward intracontinental underthrust of the North China Block beneath the South China Block during the Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the petrogenesis and geodynamic mechanism of the Early Permian igneous rocks widely distributed in the Inner Mongolia–Daxing'an Orogenic Belt (IMDOB) is crucial for understanding the tectonic evolution of the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. In this study, a combined study of petrology, geochronology, and geochemistry of Early Permian volcanic–plutonic rocks from the Uliastai continental margin, northern IMDOB, was conducted aiming to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. The U Pb zircon data for the magmatic zircons indicate that the Baoligaomiao Formation (BG Fm.) volcanic rocks, including felsic and mafic rocks, erupted at approximately 298–285 Ma, and quartz monzonite porphyries that intruded the BG Fm. were emplaced at approximately 292 Ma. The mafic volcanic rocks exhibit intraplate nature with basaltic compositions transitional between the calc-alkaline and shoshonite series. The geochemical behavior and isotopic data of these volcanic rocks reflect a depleted lithospheric mantle source metasomatized by fluids released from the stagnant slab. Felsic volcanics and quartz monzonite porphyries show affinities with A-type granites and are derived from the partial melting of juvenile crustal materials. Moreover, we suggest that the Early Permian magmatism formed in a post-collisional extensional setting, which is the continuation of the Late Carboniferous extension and was induced by the lithospheric collapse after the slab break-off of the Hegenshan Ocean. Notably, the felsic rocks formed after 290 Ma, with affinity changing from A 2 -type to A 1 -type granite, and approximately 288 Ma mafic volcanic rocks exhibited intraplate characteristics. These changes, combined with the development of coeval bimodal volcanic rocks and dike swarms, suggest that the tectonic setting at the end of the Early Permian in the northern IMDOB may have gradually transferred to an intraplate environment. • Mafic rocks were derived by melting of depleted lithospheric mantle. • Felsic rocks with depleted Hf isotopes record the reworking of juvenile crust. • They formed in a post-collisional setting after the closure of Hegenshan Ocean. • Tectonic setting transferred to an intraplate extension in the late Early Permian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-thickened hot orogenic crust is often considered a necessary condition for the formation of continental metamorphic core complexes (MCCs). However, the discovery of MCCs in the Liaodong Peninsula, where the crust has a normal thickness (~ 35 km), challenges the universality of this scenario. Therefore, we implement a series of 2-D numerical thermo-mechanical modeling experiments in which we investigate the conditions of MCC formation in normal crusts, as well as the relationships between the underlying mechanisms and the syn-rift basin evolution. In these experiments, we explore the impact of the lithostratigraphic and thermo-rheological structure of the crust. We also examine the lithosphere thickness, strain softening, extension rate, and surface erosion/ sedimentation processes. The experiments demonstrate that high thermal gradients and crustal heterogeneities result only in a symmetric spreading dome, which is geometrically incompatible with the observations of the MCCs in the Liaodong Peninsula. According to our further findings, the strain softening should play a key role in the development of asymmetric strain localization and domal topography uplift, while synchronous surface erosion controls the polarity of the syn-rift basin. The synthetic model data are compatible with the geological observations and cooling history based on the thermo-chronology for the eastern part of the East Asia during the late Mesozoic to the early Cenozoic. The model-predicted P-T-t paths are essentially different from those inferred for the other known MCCs, confirming the exceptional character of the MCC formation in the wide rift system of the East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eastern Erenhot ophiolitic complex (EOC) is one of the numerous fragments of oceanic lithosphere in southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. It is composed dominantly of serpentinized ultramafic rocks with subordinate gabbros, mafic lavas and minor plagiogranite dikes. Zircons from two gabbros and one plagiogranite yielded weighted mean 206 Pb/ 238 U ages of 354.2 ± 4.5 Ma, 353.3 ± 3.7 Ma and 344.8 ± 5.5 Ma. These ages suggest that the oceanic crust of the EOC formed in a maximum time period of 10 Ma, and that the plagiogranite may have formed later than the gabbroic section. An undeformed and unmetamorphosed dioritic porphyry dike intruded in the Carboniferous strata near the EOC has an intrusive age of 313.6 ± 2.9 Ma and provides a possible younger minimum time limit for the formation of the early Carboniferous ophiolitic complex. All the mafic rocks have similar chondrite normalized REE patterns characterized by moderate depletion in LREE with (La/Yb) N (0.20–0.75) similar to normal middle oceanic ridge basalt (N-MORB). The PM-normalized trace element patterns of the gabbros and massive basalts are also reasonably consistent, essentially similar to those of N-MORB except for some enrichment in LILE (e.g. Rb, Ba) and slightly negative Ti anomalies. The plagiogranite samples are characterized by lower K 2 O (0.45–0.73 wt%) comparable with oceanic plagiogranite. They have LREE-enriched, chondrite-normalized REE patterns with varying Eu anomalies and the trace elements (e.g. Rb, Y, Nb) show similarity to volcanic arc granite. These geochemical features of the EOC show a similar volcanic arc affinity, suggesting that they form in a back-arc-type environment. Their origin is attributed to asthenospheric upwelling and further lithospheric extension during early Carboniferous, formed as a consequence of slab breakoff on collision of the northern early to mid-Paleozoic orogenic terrane and the Hunshandake Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Western Tianshan along the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt is well-endowed with epithermal and porphyry Au-Cu deposits. The Kuruer Cu-Au deposit, recently discovered in the eastern part of Western Tianshan, represents a transition from a high-sulfidation epithermal to a porphyry system. In this contribution, we explored the capacity of chalcopyrite to record direct mineralization time and fluids evolution in the Kuruer deposit, by presenting Re-Os isotopic data and the concentration range of 16 trace elements obtained through LA-ICP-MS. The chalcopyrite Re-Os isochron age of 256 ± 12 Ma (MSWD = 2.6) is comparable within error with the U–Pb age of the ore-causative albite porphyry which demonstrates a Permian porphyry-epithermal system instead of the previously proposed Carboniferous epithermal mineralization. The initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.81 ± 0.17 for chalcopyrite implies mixing between crust and mantle. Both pyrite and chalcopyrite can host trace elements in considerable amounts, where pyrite primarily hosted Co, As, Au, V, and Bi, but chalcopyrite concentrated more Zn, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Mo. The study also highlighted systematic variation of trace element concentrations and Cd/Zn ratios in chalcopyrite and pyrite that can be powerful indicators of fluid phase separation and fluid mixing with meteoric water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South China Block is situated in the Eastern Asian margin. Since the Neoproterozoic, its tectonic evolution was constrained by successive consumption-closure processes of the Paleo-South China, Proto-Tethys, Paleo-Tethys, and Paleo-Pacific oceans. Studies suggest that this block was initially formed by the Neoproterozoic assembly of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks following the subduction-accretion of the Paleo-South China Ocean. Then after, it experienced three tectonic-magmatic events in the Phanerozoic. Among these events, the Late Mesozoic tectonism-magmatism was linked with the consumption of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean, while the Silurian and Early to Middle Triassic events took place in intracontinental settings that were related to far-field effects of the closure of the remote Proto-Tethys and Paleo-Tethys oceans, respectively. The subduction-accretion of the Paleo-South China Ocean, and collision at 980–820 Ma between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks formed the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt and the Proto-South China Continent, followed by a rifting tectonics and bimodal volcanism at 810–760 Ma. From 760 Ma to 460 Ma, the South China Block was situated under shore, shallow sea to slope depositional environments. During Late Ordovician to Early Devonian (460–400 Ma), an intracontinental orogeny occurred mainly in the Cathaysia Block as a response to the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Shortly afterwards, this block underwent a stable carbonate deposition during Early Devonian- Middle Triassic (400–230 Ma) and was thus under a shore or shallow sea environment. In the Middle-Late Triassic (240–220 Ma), the South China Block was affected by the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, intracontinental deformation and S-type granitic magmatism. During the Cretaceous, a multi-stage basin-and-range framework occurred in the western shore of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to better understand the late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), we carried out structural and geochronological studies on the poorly investigated Xiaergou and Wulasitai shear zones around and in the Chinese Central Tianshan. The Xiaergou shear zone is the connecting segment between the North Tianshan Fault and Main Tianshan Shear Zone along the northern margin of the Yili - Central Tianshan blocks, it strikes NW-SE with a width of ~3–5 km and shows predominant dextral kinematics. Zircon U–Pb ages of pre- and syn-kinematic granitic dykes within the Xiaergou shear zone indicate that the dextral shearing was active at ~312-295 Ma. The Wulasitai shear zone is a high-strain belt occurring in the interior of the Central Tianshan block, it extends NW-SE for more than 40 km with variable widths of ~1–5 km, steep mylonitic foliations and sub-horizontal stretching lineation are well developed and various kinematic indicators suggest prevailing sinistral shearing. New biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages of two meta-sedimentary rocks, together with the published metamorphic zircon ages constrain the timing of the sinistral shearing at ~312-301 Ma. Our new results combined with the previous studies reveal that the dextral strike-slip shear zones framing the Central Tianshan formed almost simultaneously in the latest Carboniferous (~310 Ma) and lasted until the middle to late Permian. They resulted from the eastward tectonic wedging and relative rotations between continental blocks in the SW CAOB. The sinistral shearing of the Wulasitai shear zone within the Central Tianshan was likely generated due to differential eastward motions of the northern and southern parts of the Central Tianshan. • Xiaergou ductile strike-slip shear zone links the North Tianshan Fault and Main Tianshan Shear zone. • Wulasitai ductile sinistral strike-slip shear zone occurs inside the Central Tianshan block. • Ductile strike-slip shear zones around and in Central Tianshan initiated synchronously at ~310 Ma. • Ductile strike-slip shear zones in SW CAOB denotes its eastward wedging in between Siberia and Tarim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]