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The Ar-Ar dating reveals three episodes of basaltic volcanism in eastern Guangdong of SE China since the late Eocene (i.e., 35.5, ~20 and 6.6 Ma). The Miocene alkali olivine basalts (~20 and 6.6 Ma) have OIB-like trace element characteristics, which is coupled with low (Sr/Sr), high ε(t), and high ε(t). In contrast, the late Eocene basalts (35.5 Ma) have overall characteristics of 'Island Arc' basalts with strong negative Ta-Nb-Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle-normalized multi-element diagram with high (Sr/Sr), negative ε(t), and relatively low ε(t). All basalts have unexpectedly high Pb/Pb and Pb/Pb, delineating a DUPAL signature in the sources. The late Eocene Arc-like basalts may reflect contributions of relict ancient metasomatized mantle lithosphere that melted as the result of extension-induced asthenospheric upwelling and heating, whereas the Miocene OIB-like basalts may represent partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle beneath the thickened lithosphere. We propose that the Cenozoic basaltic volcanism in eastern Guangdong records an overall lithospheric thickening process beneath SE China, that is, a continental rift system from its maximum extension in the late Eocene to its waning in the Miocene. This interpretation is consistent with the evolution of the South China Sea, whose origin is most consistent with the development of a passive continental margin. The seafloor spreading of the South China Sea during ~ 32-16 Ma may not result from the effect of the 'Hainan' mantle plume, but rather played a positive role in allowing the mantle plume to express on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium isotopic compositions of profiles through saprolites developed on a diabase in South Carolina, U.S.A., and on a granite in Guangdong, China, allow characterization of the behavior of K isotopes during continental weathering. Saprolites from the diabase profile are heavily weathered with chemical index of alteration (CIA) values up to 95; however, their K isotopic variation is limited, with δ41K ranging from −0.475 ± 0.028‰ in the unweathered diabase to −0.407 ± 0.021‰ for the saprolites. The lack of significant K isotope fractionation mainly reflects the conservative behavior of K in the diabase weathering profile, with >50% of the original K remaining in the saprolites. By contrast, K isotopes are fractionated during granite weathering and correlate with sample depth, CIA, and kaolinite abundance, with δ41K decreasing from −0.493 ± 0.030‰ in the unweathered granites at the bottom to −0.628 ± 0.021‰ in the most weathered saprolite close to the surface. These observations suggest the preference of light K isotopes in saprolites relative to fluids, which is further supported by the overall isotopically heavy nearby stream water samples (δ41K = −0.709 ± 0.017 to −0.339 ± 0.018‰). These results demonstrate that continental weathering plays an important role in the global K isotopic budget through the formation of isotopically heterogeneous rivers and weathered regolith. Recycling of K-rich crustal materials with distinct K isotopic signatures may produce distinct mantle K isotopic end members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coquina beachrock, with a thickness of 10 m and an exposed surface area covering 3.4 km2, is well developed along the southern coast of Haishan Island on the east coast of Guangdong Province, South China. Part of the deposit not treated in this study also extends under the surface of the sea. The coquina beachrock was deposited in a large embayment semi-enclosed by palaeocoastal hills and islands, but with good marine circulation. Holocene strata on Haishan Island demonstrate a mixed carbonate/siliciclastic regime in a series of fining- and deepening-upward shelly limestone successions. Mass accumulations of whole and fragmented mollusc shells are the most remarkable features expressed throughout the series. Coralline red algae are commonly found overgrowing the bivalve bioclasts. Other bioclasts include gastropods, coralline red algae, bryozoans, foraminifera, and scleractinian coral. Cement is well developed within the interstices formed by the bioclasts, showing two or three generations of development. On both a qualitative and quantitative basis, the consecutive coquina series document an overall shallowing-upward pattern of beachrock deposition, which was strongly influenced by marine transgression on Haishan Island. Dating by AMS 14C indicates an age in the Middle to early Late Holocene for these coquina beachrock deposits. Siliciclasts incorporated within the beachrock deposits mainly consist of quartz grains. Not fully hardened, the binding cement is high in calcium carbonate, including aragonite mud, fibrous aragonite and granular calcite. Such carbonate deposits dominated by mollusc bioclasts with quartz grains indicate a pattern of littoral sedimentation. The massive coquina beachrock on the southern coast of Haishan Island formed during Middle to early Late Holocene time, and represents a highstand of sea level from 4000 BP to 2800 BP with short-lived and rapid sea level fall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]