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Highlights • The 848 Ma anorthosite was found in the E-Jiangnan ophiolite and the 860–830 Ma intermediate-felsic rocks display active margin signature. • The 870–860 Ma ophiolite shows N- and E-MORB features and the 817 Ma K-granite marks the collision event. • Identification of western suture zone and the timing of final assembly of South China proposed as 830–800 Ma. Abstract The Jiangnan orogenic belt in South China, formed by the collision of the Yangtze and Cathaysia sub-blocks, represents a key to reconstruct the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. Here we investigated the Fuchuan ophiolite mélange and Shexian magmatic units in the eastern Jiangnan belt, and report the first findings of anorthosite and leucogranite that are dated at 848 ± 4 and 840 ± 5 Ma, respectively. The anorthosites yield positive εNd(t) values (2.3–4.2) and lower initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.704616–0.704679), along with zircon εHf(t) of ∼9.2, suggesting a depleted mantle contribution with minor crustal assimilation. The mafic-ultramafic rocks and anorthosite within the Fuchuan ophiolite display N-MORB & E-MORB signatures, likely generated in back-arc marginal sea spreading center and metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. The intermediate-felsic igneous suites from Shexian area in the eastern margin of the Zhanggong Terrane were formed at 850–830 Ma and display continental-arc-related geochemical features. Zircons within these rock suites mostly show εHf(t) values of 3–12, whereas inherited grains yielded negative εHf(t) values with model ages of 2.7–1.9 Ga, implying an active continental marginal environment. Overall relations and data indicate that the disrupted Fuchuan mafic-ultramafic rocks, anorthosite and leucogranite constitute the remnants of an 860–830 Ma ophiolite, whereas the northwestward subduction beneath the Zhanggong terrane occurred at ca. 870–860 Ma to ca. 830 Ma. A ca. 817 Ma muscovite-bearing K-granitic pluton dated at 817 ± 5 Ma emplaced in a post-collisional setting constrains the upper age limit of continental assembly along the Shaoxing- Jiangshan- Pingxiang- Qidong-Quanzhou- Longsheng-Yongfu fault zone. The timing of the final assembly of South China occurred at 830–800 Ma as referred from a collisional-type granitic magmatism ca. 830–815 Ma and an external dynamic process of uplifting-erosion-transpotation-deposition presented by the regional-scale unconformity with ages 820–795 Ma. Age and nature of the Jiangnan orogenic belt, along with sedimentary records and paleomagnetic constraints, indicate that the South China Block was possibly located along the northern Rodinia margin, adjacent to the Tarim and northwestern Australia blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Neoproterozoic sedimentation during 863–820 and 797–780 Ma. • Regional angular unconformity constrains the Jiangnan orogeny to have lasted until ca. 820–800 Ma. • A multi-phase crustal evolution model is proposed for the Jiangnan Orogen. Abstract The Neoproterozoic amalgamation and timing of collision between the Yangtze and Cathaysia sub-blocks along the Jiangnan Orogen in South China remain disputed. With a view to constrain the crustal evolution in this major orogen, here we present new results from petrology, geochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology and Lu-Hf isotopes, on a suite of meta-sedimentary rocks from the Shuangqiaoshan Group and tuffaceous rock from the Liantuo Formation in the Jiuling terrane of central Jiangnan Orogen. Magmatic zircon grains in meta-sedimentary and sedimentary samples from the bottom to top part of the lower and upper Shuangqiaoshan groups constraints the deposition during 863–820 Ma and 797–780 Ma, respectively. The unconformities were formed during 820–797 Ma, reflecting the final amalgamation of Yangtze with Cathaysia sub-blocks along the central Jiangnan Orogen. Our data also identify four major events at 1000–800, 1500–1900, 1900–2200, 2300–2600 Ma. The Neoproterozoic detrital zircons in the lower Shuangqiaoshan Group possess variable εHf(t) values of −44.0 to +13.4. Combined with the geochemical features, these data suggest that the lower Shuangqiaoshan Group was deposited in a back-arc basin with a mixed provenance of granitic and felsic volcanic components, whereas the upper Shuangqiaoshan Group was formed in a rift basin with more granitic or felsic components in the source region. Integrating the results presented in this study with those from previous works, a five-stage crustal evolution model is proposed for the Neoproterozoic Jiangnan Orogen involving (1) intra-oceanic subduction beneath the Huaiyu oceanic island arc (1000–880 Ma), (2) collision between Huaiyu arc and Yangtze Sub-block (880–860 Ma), (3) back-arc extension beneath the Yangtze Sub-block (860–830 Ma), (4) collision between Cathaysia and Yangtze sub-blocks (830–800) and (5) intracontinental rifting throughout South China Block (800–750 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan orogenic belt in South China have been debated in the context of plate subduction-collision versus mantle plume. Here we present new results from petrology, whole rock geochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology and Hf isotopes, on three magmatic suites ranging in composition from felsic to mafic from the Jiuling terrane of the central Jiangnan orogenic belt in the southeastern margin of Yangtze Block. Suite 1 including meta-diorites and meta-basites are dated at 849.9 ± 4.9, 848.8 ± 4.5 and 846.3 ± 3.5 Ma. The meta-diorites and some of the meta-basites display enrichment of LREE, Rb and K and depletions of Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, with distinctive geochemical features of continental arc setting. The εHf(t) values of zircons from meta-diorites range from 0.17 to 6.10. The other meta-basites have LREE depleted REE patterns, similar to N-MORB and intra-oceanic island arc settings, suggesting a fore-arc environment. Suite 2 consists of foliated granitoids dated at 816.8 ± 4.2, 814.6 ± 3.6, 812.5 ± 3.5 and 810.3 ± 3.5 Ma, with the A/CNK values >1.1, and are classified as post-collisional granites in the Rb/(Y + Nb) diagram. Zircon grains from the granitoids show εHf(t) values in the range of −1.99 to 8.49 and Hf model ages of 1835–1041 Ma. Suite 3 is composed of meta-diabase dated at 792.1 ± 2.8 Ma, with zircon εHf(t) values of 8.46–13.83. This suite shows E-MORB REE patterns, and plot within continental rift field. Their zircon Hf model ages mainly clustered at 1046–811 Ma, indicating magma sourced through partial melting of early Neoproterozoic lithosphere mantle. These data suggest that the three Neoproterozoic Jiuling magmatic suites in the Jiuling terrane correlate with (1) the continental arc, fore-arc, (2) collision and (3) continental rift settings in the interval from 850 Ma to 790 Ma. These tectonic settings are consistent with a geodynamic process from the oceanic subduction beneath the Yangtze Block (850 Ma), collision between Cathaysia and Yangtze Blocks (820 Ma) and intracontinental rift (790 Ma). This tectono-magmatic cycle in the Jiangnan orogenic belt is >200 Ma later than the global Grenville orogeny in response to Rodinia supercontinent assembly, and challenges some of the existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debate on whether the Early Paleozoic tectono-magmatic event in South China is related to a subduction–collision or an intracontinental orogen has been lasted for decades within the geoscience community. This study deals with LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock chemistry, rare earth elements, trace elements and Hf isotopes from granitoid samples collected in the Yunkai domain in order to better constrain the Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block. The weighted mean 206 Pb/ 238 U ages for eight samples range from 426 Ma to 443 Ma, representing the crystallization ages of the magma. Fourteen samples were analyzed for geochemistry, all of which are characterized by a peraluminous signature with A/CNK values greater than 1.0. The REE geochemistry reveals enrichment in light rare earth element. LREE/HREE values range from 2.81 to 30.36 and (La/Yb) N vary from 1.23 to 55.14 (mean of 14 analyses is 14.69). All the samples exhibit distinct negative Ba, Sr and Nb anomalies and enrichment in Rb, Th, U and Pb. Hf isotopic analyses indicate negative εHf (t) values mainly ranging from − 3 to − 12, corresponding to two model age distributing from 1637 Ma to 2208 Ma. The geochemical analyses indicate that the Silurian granitic magmas in the Yunkai domain were derived from partial melting of crustal materials with little or no input of mantle source. These new data support the intracontinental subduction model already proposed to account for the Early Paleozoic tectonic, metamorphic and magmatic event of South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between two tectono-magmatic events during Early and Late Mesozoic periods in the Nanling Belt of South China remains debated. Here we present zircon U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry of granitic intrusions from Zhuguangshan in the Nanling Belt. The zircon data exhibit two magmatic episodes with 206 Pb/ 238 U ages of ca. 230 Ma and 150 Ma, representing the Indosinian (Early–Middle Triassic period) and Early Yanshanian (Jurassic–Cretaceous period) events, respectively. The Indosinian granites are characterized by strongly peraluminous nature with high A/CNK values (> 1.1), whereas the Early Yanshanian granites are weakly peraluminous (average A/CNK value of 1.06). Although the Early Yanshanian granites bear higher HREE contents and lower LREE/HREE ratios, the two-phase granites show enrichment in LREE, Rb, Th, U and Pb, depletion in Eu and negative Ba, Sr, Nb and Ti anomalies. All samples show variably negative ε Hf (t) values (− 5 to − 16) with two-stage Hf model ages clustered around 1.8–2.1 Ga. Our data indicate that the two-phase granitic magmas were generated from the partial melting of early Paleoproterozoic basement rocks with no input of mantle material. Combined with other geological evidence, we infer that the Indosinian tectono-magmatic event was closely related to intracontinental orogeny triggered by collisions along the boundaries of South China Craton, in relation to processes associated with the E–W trending Tethys tectonic domain. We envisage that the Early Yanshanian event might be a response to the back-arc extension of NW-directed paleo-Pacific plate subduction. The Nanling Belt is a critical zone that records the transformation from Tethys to paleo-Pacific tectonic regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiangnan Orogen and Cathaysia Block constitute integral components in the geological framework of the South China Craton. However, the tectonic attributes of these two regions remain controversial. In this study we present LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf isotopes, and major and trace elements data from a suite of clastic rocks. Two hundred and forty seven zircon U–Pb ages obtained from the Neoproterozoic meta-sandstones in western Jiangnan Orogen define three major age populations: 2564–2395 Ma, 2068–1849 Ma and 963–730 Ma, corresponding to the early Paleoproterozoic crustal growth, amalgamation of the supercontinent Columbia and tectonics associated with Rodinia. Two hundred and forty three zircon U–Pb age data from Cambrian and Ordovician sandstones in the western Cathaysia yield five age populations: 2626–2392 Ma, 2050–1518 Ma, 1173–904 Ma, 857–708 Ma and 630–502 Ma, which can be correlated to the Neoarchean–early Paleoproterozoic continental growth, the tectono-thermal events associated with the Columbia supercontinent, the assembly and breakup of Rodinia, as well as the Pan-African event. The 630–502 Ma population correlates with the assembly of Gondwana supercontinent during late Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic, although direct geological evidence for this event has not yet been reported from this region. These results suggest that the western Jiangnan belt and western Cathaysia Block have distinct crustal evolution histories albeit with close affinities. The REE geochemisty and Lu–Hf isotope data also indicate that the provenances of the Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic detritus in western Jiangnan belt and western Cathaysia are mostly composed of reworked crustal materials. The metamorphic rims of zircon grains with core–rim structures yield ages of 912–891 Ma and 853–835 Ma, suggesting two phases of metamorphic events during Neoproterozoic in the source areas. These two events are likely associated with the tectonics related to the collision of Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in the western and eastern segments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late Early Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic tectonic events in South China have been central to the debate over plate subduction versus intracontinental orogeny. Here we present zircon U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry of six representative granitic plutons from South China. The zircon data show two groups with 206 Pb/ 238 U ages of ca. 430 Ma and 225 Ma, representing the crystallization ages of magma. The six plutons investigated in this study are characterized by peraluminous nature with high A/CNK values (> 1.1) and the presence of aluminous minerals like muscovite. They exhibit enrichment in LREE, depletion in Eu, negative Ba, Sr, Nb and Ti anomalies and enrichment in Rb, Th, U and Pb. All samples show variably negative ε Hf (t) values (− 2 to − 16) with two-stage Hf model ages clustered around 1.5–1.8 Ga. These data indicate that both the Early Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic granitic magmas were generated by the partial melting of early-middle Paleoproterozoic basement rocks without significant input of mantle material. The distribution of all the plutons with ages around 430 Ma and 225 Ma are unrelated to subduction tectonic regime. Combining with other geological evidence, our study suggests that the tectono-magmatic events during late Early Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic were largely related to intracontinental orogeny triggered by interactions between the Yangtze and Cathaysia continental blocks. The far-field stress propagation derived from the South China plate boundary might have played a crucial role as the primary cause of the stress field within the continental interior of the South China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiangnan orogenic belt in South China defines a subduction-collisional zone between the Yangtze and the Cathaysia blocks. The eastern part of this belt comprises the oceanic Huaiyu terrane, the northeast Jiangxi suture zone and the continental Jiuling terrane. We report zircon U–Pb and Hf isotope data and whole rock geochemistry on the arc magmatic rocks of andesite and basalt occurring as olistostromal blocks, as well as conglomerate in the Dengshan Group above the unconformity between cover sequence and the volcanic arc units. The andesites yield weighted mean ages of 864 Ma, 868 and 871 Ma, whereas the detrital zircons from the conglomerate yield a major age population of 863–810 Ma (peak of 833 Ma), with two minor ones of 1120–940 Ma (peak at 960 Ma) and 1780–1560 Ma (1670 Ma). A post-ca. 810 Ma depositional age is thus suggested for the Dengshan Group. The influx of olistostromal deposits into the Dengshan Group must post-date the youngest detrital zircon age of 810 Ma and is possibly related to the widespread Nanhua rifting associated with the breakup of Rodinia. Furthermore, the age distribution of detrital zircons from the phyllite associated with the arc units compared to its depositional age also suggest a convergent setting, and those from the conglomerate are plotted into a similar field. The andesite and basaltic trachyandesite have LREE enriched patterns, with minor negative Eu anomaly, and negative Nb, Ta, Cs and Ti anomalies. However, the basalt displays only minor LREE enrichment, with no Eu anomaly, and almost flat spidergram trace element patterns, except for a minor positive Sr, Ba and Ti anomaly and negative Rb anomaly. The andesite and basaltic trachyandesite are all plotted in the field of volcanic arc, suggesting an arc setting. The basalt is plotted between EMROB and volcanic arc domains, suggesting magma generation from metasomatised sub-arc sources with subducted oceanic components. The Hf isotopic data on zircons from the andesite yield positive ɛ Hf( t ) values of 2.79–15.51 and late Mesoproterozoic model ages, suggesting that the Neoproterozoic arc sources include reworking of subducted late Mesoproterozoic materials. Our results show that the amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in the eastern part occurred at some time between ca. 864 Ma and ca. 810 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] N-MORB type basalts are identified from the west Jiangnan orogenic belt. [•] Ca. 863Ma Mafic suites in the eastern and western segments of the belt show arc related signatures. [•] Amalgamation of Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks in the eastern part after ca. 863Ma, followed by breakup at ca. 790Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] 854Ma mafic–ultramafic rocks from west Jiangnan Orogen were emplaced in arc setting. [•] 830–820Ma S-type Yuanbaoshan granite pluton was emplaced in syn-collisional setting. [•] The assembly age of the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks is constrained at ca. 850–830Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A suite of Paleozoic granitoids in Central Tianshan was studied for both geochemistry and geochronology in an effort to constrain their origin and tectonic setting. We combined LA-ICP-MS dating of zircon, standard geochemical analyses and Hf-isotopic studies of zircon to develop our tectonic model. Based on our analysis, the granitoids formed in three distinctive stages: ~450–400Ma, ~370–350Ma and ca. 340Ma. The first stage (450–400Ma) granitoids exhibit metaluminous, magnesian, high-K to shoshonitic characteristics of I-type granitoids (arc-setting), that are enriched in LREE relative to HREE with high (La/Yb)CN values, show negative Eu anomaly and are depleted in Nb, Ta and Ti. This phase of granitoid emplacement was most likely related to the southward subduction of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean beneath the Tarim block and the subsequent Central Tianshan arc. In contrast, the second stage granitoids (370–350Ma) are distinctly different and are classified as calc-alkaline or shoshonitic plutons with a weak positive Eu anomaly. Within the second stage granitoids, it appears that the earlier (~365Ma) granitoids fit within the A-type field whereas the younger (~352Ma) granitoids plot within the post-collisional potassic field. These granitoids formed during collisions between Central Tianshan and the Tuha terrane that occurred along the northern margin of Central Tianshan. Lastly, the ca. 340Ma granitoids are typical of volcanic arc granitoids again that probably formed during the northward subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean beneath the Central Tianshan landmass or the subsequent southward subduction of the residual Paleo-Tianshan Ocean. The Hf isotopic data of zircons from all the studied granitoids were pooled and yielded three prominent Hf TDM C model age populations: ca. 2400Ma, ca. 1400Ma and ca. 1100Ma. The Hf-data shows a significant input of juvenile crust in addition to crustal recycling. We interpret these three phases of juvenile crustal addition to phases of global growth of continental crust (~2400Ma), the addition of juvenile crust during the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent (~1400Ma) and the assembly of Rodinia (~1100Ma). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The bimodal association of basalts and rhyolites in the Hongshankou area of the East Tianshan area (NW China) provides an important suite to investigate magma petrogenesis and tectonics evolution in a convergent margin setting. In this study we present petrological, geochemical and zircon U–Pb geochronological data from the basalts and rhyolites. Zircons from the basalts yield crystallization ages of 347.1±3.9Ma whereas those from the rhyolites are dated as 344.4±1.9 and 345.0±2.5Ma. The major and trace element signatures of basalts suggest high alumina basalt (HAB) as the source magma which was generated from metasomatised asthenosphere mantle. Both the mafic and felsic rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), and are depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE). Broadly homogenous Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotopic compositions of mafic and felsic rocks are also characteristic. The basalts display a distinct enrichment in incompatible elements and positive εNd(345Ma) (from +5.87 to +8.25). We envisage a subduction-related origin to account for the LILE enrichment with arc-like melts (enriched in Th and LREE and depleted in Nb, with εNd(345Ma)>+6) produced through the partial melting of a depleted-mantle source, and the involvement of minor crustal component. The rhyolites also display high εNd(345Ma) (from +6.35 to +8.53). Consequently, we suggest a mixing process between a source similar to mid-ocean ridge basalt (depleted end-member mantle) and arc-like magmas for the petrogenesis of the mafic rocks, whereas the rhyolites are best interpreted to have formed by fractional crystallization from the parental magma of the basalts. Several lines of evidence from elemental and isotopic geochemistry suggest a close genetic relationship between the mafic and felsic rocks in the Hongshankou bimodal suites. We propose that the essentially bimodal character of this complex reflects the features of back-arc extensional magmatism, induced by the subduction of the Junggar plate during the Late Paleozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The unified South China Block, comprising the Yangtze Block to the northwest and the Cathaysia Block to the southeast, has been central to recent studies on the Precambrian crustal evolution and position of South China in Proterozoic supercontinents. Here we present results from detailed U–Pb geochronology, Lu–Hf isotopes and rare earth geochemistry on zircons from three Ordovician and Devonian sandstone samples of southeastern Yangtze, together with those from a granodiorite sample and three Triassic sandstone samples in northeast and southeast Cathaysia. The southeastern Yangtze Block is characterized by extensive tectono-thermal events during 850–730Ma and 470–410Ma, which corresponded to the breakup of Rodinia and the Caledonian orogenic event, respectively. Major zircon populations with ages of 2800–2500Ma, 1990–1580Ma and 1260–920Ma are recorded from southeastern Yangtze, which are correlated, respectively, with the Neoarchean crustal growth, and histories of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Columbia and Neoproterozoic Rodinia supercontinents. In contrast, zircon U–Pb ages from southeast Cathaysia reveal prominent magmatic events during 2630–2300Ma, 2030–1770Ma and 280–190Ma, correlated with Neoarchean continental growth and the tectonothermal regimes associated with the history of the Columbia supercontinent as well as the Indosinian movement. The sector-zoned zircons from the granodiorite in northeast Cathaysia yielded weighted mean ages of 846.7±9.8Ma and 826.4±7.6Ma and positive ɛHf values, constraining the initial breakup of South China at ca. 848 Ma and extensive rift-related magmatism at ca. 826Ma. The Hf data suggest important episodes of juvenile magmatic addition at 3.1–2.8Ga and 2.4–1.5Ga for Yangtze, and at 3.3–2.3Ga for Cathaysia, indicating the existence of older crustal components in South China. The Hf data suggest that most zircons in both the blocks were derived from crustal magmas. Our results suggest distinct crustal evolution histories for the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks albeit with close affinities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Late Carboniferous to Permian marks an important phase of terrane amalgamation through accretion–collision in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Tianshan Belt forms part of this sequence, where the post-collisional event generated an E–W trending bimodal volcanic zone that extends for ca. 500km from the southern Bogda Mt. to the easternmost Tianshan Belt. Here we report the petrology, geochemistry and geochronology of the bimodal volcanic rocks to characterize the post-collisional tectonic evolution in Late Paleozoic. The major element chemistry of the basalt and rhyolite samples indicates a bimodal high-K calc-alkaline affinity. The basalts are characterized by high abundance in TiO2, Th, U and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta and P, together with slight enrichment in LREE contents and low HFSE/LREE ratios. The rhyolites show a close affinity to aluminous A-type granites, with enrichment in K+Na, Zr, Ce, Y, and depletion in P, Nb, Ta and Ti. They also exhibit fractionated REE patterns with prominent negative Eu anomalies. The petrographic and geochemical data suggest that this bimodal rock series was generated in a post-collisional setting. The mafic rocks are likely derived from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Assimilation of different crustal components played a minor role in the genesis of these basaltic rocks. The LA-ICP-MS analysis on zircons from four rhyolites and two basalts yielded similar ages ranging from 295.8±2.8 to 293.3±1.7Ma, suggesting an Early Permian event. Zircons from the basalts show a wide εHf(t) range from −0.49 to +13, whereas those from the rhyolites show two groups of εHf(t) values: from −5 to 3 and from 6 to 12, suggesting a mixing of crust–mantle material. The magmatic zircons from the bimodal volcanic rocks yielded two peaks of TDM2 between 600–820Ma and 1160–1360Ma, probably representing two significant episodes of continental crust growth. The bimodal volcanic rocks are correlated with the early stage of post-collision. Our results suggest that vertical crustal growth through mantle-derived magmas in post-collisional setting also played a major role in the construction of the CAOB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports some new results from U–Pb geochronological, Hf isotopic and REE geochemical studies of detrital zircons in the Ordovician sandstones from South Jiangxi within Cathaysia. 426 groups of U–Pb age determinations define five major age populations: 2560–2380Ma (a peak of 2460Ma), 1930–1520Ma (a peak of 1700Ma), 1300–900Ma (a major peak at 970Ma and two subordinate peaks at 1250Ma and 1130Ma), 850–730Ma (a prominent peak of 780Ma) and 670–530Ma (a major peak at 540Ma and a subordinate peak at 650Ma). We also report zircon U–Pb concordia age of 3.96Ga, which is the oldest age so far obtained from Cathaysia. The age peak at 2460Ma correlates with similar ages reported for Neoarchean global continental growth. The 1930–1520Ma population broadly overlaps with the time of amalgamation and disruption of the Columbia supercontinent. The major age peak at 970Ma and two secondary peaks at 1250Ma and 1130Ma reflect multiple tectonothermal events associated with the assembly of Rodinia. Similar ages are widely reported from the South China Craton (SCC). Our study reveals that the 850–730Ma population is consistent with the breakup period of Rodinia, suggesting that the SCC within Rodinia began to break up since 850Ma. Geologically, the evidence for this breakup event is widespread and presented by Neoproterozoic granites, bimodal igneous rocks, basic dyke swarms and formation of continental rift type basins. Our study also reveals a 670–530Ma population that correlates well with the assembly of Gondwana during end Neoproterozoic. However, direct geological evidence for this event has not yet been found within the studied area. Furthermore, the Hf isotopic model age data suggest two major stages of crustal evolution within Cathaysia. The first is the event dated at 1.6–2.8Ga and the second one at 3.5–3.9Ga. The zircons show a large range of εHf(t) values from +8.64 to −30.54, suggesting that they have different origins with a similar age of crystallization. The fact that most detrital zircons show negative εHf(t) values suggests the ancient provenances of Cathaysia were dominated by reworked crustal materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the southern Chinese Tianshan, the southernmost part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), widespread ophiolitic mélanges form distinct tectonic units that are crucial for understanding the formation of the CAOB. However, the timing of tectonic events and the subduction polarity are still in controversy. In order to better understand these geological problems, a comprehensive study was conducted on the Heiyingshan ophiolitic mélange in the SW Chinese Tianshan. Detailed structural analysis reveals that the ophiolitic mélange is tectonically underlain by sheared and weakly metamorphosed pre-Middle Devonian rocks, and unconformably overlain by non-metamorphic and undeformed lower Carboniferous (Serpukhovian) to Permian strata. The igneous assemblage of the mélange comprises OIB-like alkali basalt and andesite, N-MORB-like tholeiitic basalt, sheeted diabase dikes, cumulate gabbro and peridotite. Mafic rocks display supra-subduction signatures, and some bear evidence of contamination with the continental crust, suggesting a continental marginal (back-arc) basin setting. Zircons of a gabbro were dated at 392±5Ma by the U–Pb LA-ICP-MS method. Famennian–Visean radiolarian microfossils were found in the siliceous matrix of the ophiolitic mélange. Mylonitic phyllite which displays northward-directed kinematic evidence yielded muscovite 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of 359±2Ma and 356±2Ma. These new data, combined with previously published results, suggest that the mafic protoliths originally formed in a back-arc basin in the Chinese southern Tianshan during the late Silurian to Middle Devonian and were subsequently incorporated into the ophiolitic mélange and thrust northward during the Late Devonian to early Carboniferous. Opening of the back-arc basin was probably induced by south-dipping subduction of the Paleo-Tianshan Ocean in the early Paleozoic, and the Central Tianshan block was rifted away from the Tarim block. Closure of the back-arc basin in the early Carboniferous formed the South Tianshan Suture Zone and re-amalgamated the two blocks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports new results on the petrology, geochronology and geochemistry of two km-scale high-pressure granulite exposures, namely the Weiya and the Yushugou granulites, that occur in the central and southern Tianshan Paleozoic sub-belts, respectively. Petrological and geochemical results suggest that the Weiya and the Yushugou granulites are different in both the rock types and geological structures. The protolith of the Weiya granulite is basic to intermediate rocks, and that of the Yushugou granulite is basic rocks; the former is distributed as fault-bounded blocks within the Precambrian schist-gneiss, and the latter occurs as thrust slabs in the allochthonous ophiolitic mélange. Observation of deformation structures provides some evidence for two-phase ductile deformation of the Tianshan granulites, characterized by deformed garnet-pyroxene and deformed feldspar-quartz microstructures, corresponding to rheological conditions of the lower crustal level and of the middle crustal level, respectively. The deformation structures also indicate that the Weiya granulite was involved in the late stage retrograde metamorphism forming new amphibole, following a thrusting movement toward the north and ductile deformation of feldspar-quartz grains. The Yushugou granulite underwent strong ductile shearing during the Silurian–Devonian interval. Three stages of metamorphism are recorded by mineral assemblages of the Weiya granulite: M1=Pl+Qtz+Bt, M2=Cpx+Grt+Pl+Qtz+Atp±Opx, and M3=Amp+Ep+Pl+Bt+Qtz, in contrast to a two-stage metamorphic history of the Yushugou granulite: M1=Cpx+Grt+Pl±Hyp, M2=Amp+Pl+Qtz±Bt. The P–T condition estimates suggest that the Weiya granulite was formed between 910–1025 °C and 1.08–1.12 GPa, and underwent retrograde metamorphism at 650–670 °C, while the peak metamorphism of the Yushugou granulite took place between 800–870 °C and 0.88–1.13 GPa. Geochemical characteristics (major, REE and incompatible elements) of the Weiya and Yushugou granulites indicate that their protoliths were formed in a volcanic arc setting, implying that a late Precambrian active continental margin may have existed in the study area. The Sm–Nd isochron dating for the Weiya granulite suggests that the peak metamorphism occurred at 538±24 Ma, which was likely related to the ancient plate subduction. The 40Ar/39Ar dating on amphibole grains separated from the Weiya granulite yielded a plateau age of 432±1 Ma for the retrograde metamorphism, which represents an exhumation age, suggesting a significant early Paleozoic tectonothermal event. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports the finding that the trace elements of small ion radius, big specific gravity and high potential form the accumulative series in fault rocks, instead of divergence series. Systematic sampling test and mass equilibrium analysis of intrusive, tectonic and metamorphic complexes penetrating the core complex (MCC) in the Xingzu area of north Jiangxi, China.

Discusses a study on the geochemical features of the two Early Paleozoic ophiolite zones in the central-southern Tianshan region in China and the central Tianshan igneous rock belt between them. Relics distributed along the Aqqikkudug-Weiya zone; Units in which the Tianshan belt can be divided; Composition of ophiolite sequence.

Abstract: Kazakhstan is one of the largest continental assemblages within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. It was formed by accretion and amalgamation of several continental fragments and island arcs during early Paleozoic. The Aktau – Wenquan domain is one important continental constituent within the Kazakhstan and is located in the northeast of the Kazakhstan. Late Ordovician arc-type magmatic rocks were recently recognized from the Wenquan Group, which is long known to be Paleoproterozoic. Our investigation in the southern Wenquan area (NW China) suggests that within the Wenquan Group, foliated magmatic rocks are largely different from the amphibolite in terms of petrographic texture, protolith age, geochemical composition and Sm-Nd model age. New SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages were determined for two deformed diorites, one gabbro enclave and a monzodiorite dyke at 466±4–447±6Ma, 462±5Ma and 450±9Ma, respectively. Zircons of the monzodiorite dyke contain inherited cores of ∼1000 to ∼1400Ma. The new geochemical analyses and literature data show that the magmatic rocks are of subduction-related calc-alkaline affinity. The εNd(t) values range from −2.0 to 0.8 and Nd model ages from 1.0 to 1.2Ga, indicating variable involvement of Proterozoic crust in the generation of the Early Paleozoic magmatic rocks. Consequently, these rocks were mostly likely emplaced in a continental arc environment, probably in the northern margin of the Aktau – Wenquan continental domain. Regional comparison suggests that this arc magmatism could probably be linked with the Karamai and/or North Balkhash accretionary wedges, and resulted from subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash oceanic lithosphere during Middle to Late Ordovician. Subsequent continental – arc collision and continuing accretion during Middle – Late Paleozoic in north of the Kazakhstan overprinted the structure of Early Paleozoic active continental margin in the Aktau – Wenquan domain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Kuruktag uplift is located to the north of the Tarim Block, NW China. At the western end of the Kuruktag uplift, mafic dykes crop out in the Korla area, which were rarely subjected to deformation and metamorphism in contrast to their metamorphic wall-rocks that were strongly deformed and metamorphosed to amphibolite facies. A SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age of 634Ma was obtained for a spessartite dyke, documenting the youngest known igneous activity associated with rifting in the Tarim Block during the Neoproterozoic. Most samples of the Korla mafic dykes show clear enrichments in Th, La, and variable depletions in Nb, Ta and Ti, except for samples 08T-14 and 08T-19 that display incompatible element distribution patterns similar to those of OIB without obvious depletions in Nb, Ta and Ti. The geochemical signatures suggest that the Korla mafic dykes were formed in an intra-plate setting and their primary magama was possibly produced by partial melting of a sub-continental lithospheric mantle that has been metasomatized by previous subduction processes, and then heated by a rising mantle plume. In combination with previous geochronological data of Neoproterozoic igneous rocks throughout the Tarim Block, at least three pulses of magmatic activity, from ca. 830 to 800Ma, from ca. 790 to 740Ma and from ca. 650 to 615Ma, are recognized, which reveal that multiple episodes of rifting occurred within the Tarim Block, implying that the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent in the Tarim Block may have been a long-lasting process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]