Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-c4f8m Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-16T09:04:23.980Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Tectonic evolution of the South Altyn, NW China: constraints by geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic analysis of the Palaeozoic granitic plutons in the Mangya area

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 May 2020

Nan Xu Open the ORCID record for Nan Xu [Opens in a new window] ,
Cai-lai Wu ,
Yuan-Hong Gao ,
Min Lei ,
Kun Zheng  and
Dong Gao
Nan Xu*
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics of MLR, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing100037, China
Cai-lai Wu
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics of MLR, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing100037, China
Yuan-Hong Gao
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics of MLR, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing100037, China
Min Lei
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics of MLR, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing100037, China
Kun Zheng
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics of MLR, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing100037, China
Dong Gao
Affiliation:
Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics of MLR, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing100037, China
*
Author for correspondence: Nan Xu, Email: wucailai@126.com
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The South Altyn Orogenic Belt (SAOB) is one of the most important orogenic belts in NW China, consisting of the South Altyn Continental Block and the Apa–Mangya Ophiolitic Mélange Belt. However, its Palaeozoic tectonic evolution is still controversial. Here, we present petrological, geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data for the Mangya plutons with the aim of establishing the Palaeozoic tectonic evolution. We divide the Early Palaeozoic magmatism in the Apa–Mangya Ophiolitic Mélange Belt into four episodes and propose a plate tectonic model for the formation of these rocks. During 511–494 Ma, the South Altyn Ocean (SAO) was in a spreading stage, and some shoshonite series, I-type granitic rocks were generated. From 484 to 458 Ma, the oceanic crust of the SAO subducted northward, accompanied by large-scale magmatic events resulting in the generation of vast high-K calc-alkaline series, I-type granitic rocks. During 450–433 Ma, the SAO closed, and break-off of the subducted oceanic slab occurred, with the generation of some high-K calc-alkaline series, I–S transitional type granites. The SAOB was in post-orogenic extensional environment from 419 to 404 Ma, and many A-type granites were generated.

Keywords

South Altyn Orogenic BeltMangyaearly Palaeozoiczircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data
Type
Original Article
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 157 , Issue 7 , July 2020 , pp. 1121 - 1143
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2020

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Altherr, R, Holl, A, Hegner, E, Larger, C and Kreuzer, H (2000) High potassium, calc-alkaline I-type plutonism in the European Variscides: northern Vosges (France) and northern Schwarzwald (Germany). Lithos 50, 51–73.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Batchelor, RA and Bowden, P (1985) Petrogenetic interpretation of granitoid rock series using multicationic parameters. Chemical Geology 48, 43–55.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bonin, B (2004) Do coeval mafic and felsic magmas in post-collisional to within-plate regimes necessarily imply two contrasting, mantle and crustal, sources? A review. Lithos 78, 1–24.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cao, YT, Liu, L, Wang, C, Kang, L, Yang, WQ, Liang, S, Liao, XY and Wang, YW (2013) Determination and implication of the HP pelitic granulite from the Munabulake area in the South Altyn Tagh. Acta Petrologica Sinica 29, 1727–39. (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Castillo, PR (2006) An overview of adakite petrogenesis. Chinese Science Bulletin 51, 257–68.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chu, NC, Taylor, RN, Chavagnac, V, Nesbitt, RW, Boella, RM, Milton, JA, German, CR, Bayon, G and Burton, K (2002) Hf isotope ratio analysis using multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: an evaluation of isobaric interference corrections. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry 17, 1567–74.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Defant, MJ and Drummond, MS (1990) Derivation of some modern arc magmas by melting of young subducted lithosphere. Nature 347, 662–5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Drummond, MS and Defant, MJ (1990) A model for trondhjemite–tonalite–dacite genesis and crustal growth via slab melting: Archean to modern comparisons. Journal of Geophysical Research 95, 21503–21.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Foley, SF (1990) Parallels in the origin of the geochemical signatures of island arc volcanics and continental potassic igneous rocks: the role of residual titanites. Chemical Geology 85, 1–18.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Frost, BR and Frost, CD (2008) A geochemical classification for feldspathic igneous rocks. Journal of Petrology 49, 1955–69.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ghani, AA, Searle, M, Robb, L and Chung, SL (2013) Transitional I- and S-type characteristic in the Main Range Granite, Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 76, 225–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gorton, MP and Schandl, ES (2000) From continents to island arcs: a geochemical index of tectonics setting for arc-related and within-plate felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks. The Canadian Mineralogist 38, 1065–73.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Griffin, WL, Wang, X, Jackson, SE, Pearson, NJ, O’Reilly, SR, Xu, XS and Zhou, XM (2002) Zircon chemistry and magma mixing, SE China: in-situ analysis of Hf isotopes, Tonglu and Pingtan igneous complexes. Lithos 61, 237–69.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Guo, ZP, Li, WY, Zhang, ZW, Gao, YB, Zhang, JW, Li, K, Kong, HL and Qian, B (2015) Petrogenesis of Lumanshan granites in Hualong area of southern Qilian Mountain. Constraints from geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotope. Geology in China 42, 864–80 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Han, FB, Chen, BL and Cui, LL (2012) Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb age of intermediate-acid intrusive rocks in Kaladawan area, eastern Altun Mountains, NW China, and its implications. Acta Petrologica Sinica 28, 2277–91 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Hou, KJ, Li, YH, Zou, TR, Qu, XM, Shi, YR and Xie, GQ (2007) Laser ablation–MC–ICP–MS technique for Hf isotope microanalysis of zircon and its geological applications. Acta Petrologica Sinica 23, 2595–604. (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Irvine, TN and Baragar, WRA (1971) A guide to the chemical classification of the common volcanic rocks. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 8, 523–48.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jackson, SE, Pearson, NJ, Griffin, WL and Belousova, EA (2004) The application of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry to in situ U–Pb zircon geochronology. Chemical Geology 211, 47–69.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kang, L, Liu, L, Wang, C, Cao, YT, Yang, WQ, Wang, YW and Liao, XY (2014) Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb dating of Changshagou adakite from the South Altyn UHPM terrane: evidence of the partial melting of the lower crust. Acta Geologica Sinica 88, 1454–65. (in Chinese with English abstract).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kang, L, Xiao, PX, Gao, XF, Xi, RG and Yang, ZC (2016) Chronology, geochemistry and petrogenesis of monzonitic granite and quartz diorite in Mangai Area: its inspiration to early Paleozoic tectonic-magmatic evolution of the southern Altun Tagh. Acta Petrologica Sinica 32, 1731–48 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Kirkland, CL, Smithies, RH, Taylor, RJM, Evans, N and McDonald, B (2015). Zircon Th/U ratios in magmatic environs. Lithos, 212–215, 397–414.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Li, SG, He, YS and Wang, SJ (2013) Process and mechanism of mountainroot removal of the Dabie Orogen: constraints from geochronology and geochemistry of post-collisional igneous rocks. Chinese Science Bulletin 58, 4411–17 (in Chinese with English abstract).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, CH, Wu, CL and Gao, YH (2016) Age, composition, and tectonic significance of Palaeozoic granites in the Altynorogenic belt, China. International Geology Review 58, 131–54.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, CH, Wu, CL, Gao, YH, Lei, M and Qin, HP (2015) Age, composition, and tectonic significance of Palaeozoic granites in the Altyn orogenic belt, China. International Geology Review 58, 131–54.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, H, Wang, GC, Yang, ZJ, Luo, YJ, Cao, R and Huang, WX (2013) Geochronology and geochemistry of the Qiashikansayi basalt and its constraint on the closure progress of the North Altyn Ocean. Acta Geologica Sinica 87, 38–54 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Liu, L, Che, ZC, Wang, Y, Luo, JH, Wang, JQ and Gao, ZJ (1998) The evidence of Sm-Nd isochron age for the Early Paleozoic ophiolite in Mangya area, Altun Mountains. Chinese Science Bulletin 43, 880–3 (in Chinese with English abstract).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, L, Che, ZC, Wang, Y, Luo, JH and Chen, DL (1999) The metrological characters and geotectonic setting of high-pressure metamorphic rock belts in Altun Mountains. Acta Petrologica Sinica 15, 57–64 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Liu, L, Sun, Y, Xiao, PX, Che, ZC, Luo, JH, Chen, DL, Wang, Y, Zhang, AD, Chen, L and Wang, YH (2002) Discovery of ultrahighpressure magnesite –bearing garnet lherzolite (>3.8 GPa) in the Altyn Tagh, Northwest China. Chinese Science Bulletin 47, 881–6.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, L, Kang, L, Cao, YT and Yang, WQ (2015) Early Paleozoic granitic magmatism related to the processes from subduction to collision in South Altyn, NW China. Science China (Earth Sciences) 58, 1513–22 (in Chinese with English abstract).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, L, Wang, C, Chen, DL, Zhang, AD and Liu, JG (2009) Petrology and geochronology of HP–UHP rocks from the South Altyn Tagh, northwestern China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 35, 232–44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, L, Wang, C, Cao, YT, Chen, D, Kang, L, Yang, WQ and Zhu, XH (2012) Geochronology of multi-stage metamorphic events: constraints on episodic zircon growth from the UHP eclogite in the South Altyn, NW China. Lithos 136–139, 10–26.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, L, Yang, JX, Chen, DL, Wang, C, Zhang, CL, Yang, WQ and Cao, YT (2010) Progress and controversy in the study of HP–UHP metamorphic terranes in the West and Middle Central China orogen. Journal of Earth Science – China 21, 581–97.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, L, Zhang, AD, Chen, DL, Yang, JX, Luo, JH and Wang, C (2007a) Implications based on LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages of eclogite and its country rock from Jianggalesayi Area, Altyn Tagh, China. Earth Science Frontiers 14, 98–107.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, L, Zhang, JF, Green Ii, HW, Jin, ZM and Bozhilov, KN (2007b) Evidence of former stishovite in metamorphosed sediments, implying subduction to >350 km. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 263. 180–91.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ludwig, KR (2003) Userʼs manual for Isoplot 3.0: a geochronological toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Berkeley, CA: Berkeley Geochronology Center.Google Scholar
Ma, ZP, Li, XM, Sun, JM, Xu, XY, Lei, YX, Wang, LS and Duan, XX (2009) Discovery of layered mafic–ultramafic intrusion in Changshagou, Altyn Tagh, and its geological implication: a pilot study on its petrological and geochemical characteristics. Acta Petrologica Sinica 25, 793–804 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Maniar, PD and Piccoli, PM (1989) Tectonic discrimination of granitoids. GSA Bulletin 101, 635–43.2.3.CO;2>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Middlemost, EAK (1994) Naming materials in magma/igneous rock system. Earth-Science Reviews 37, 215–24.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nasdala, L, Hofmeister, W, Norberg, N, Martinson, JM, Corfu, F, Dörr, W, Kamo, SL, Kennedy, AK, Kronz, A, Reiners, PW, Frei, D, Kosler, J, Wan, YS, Götze, J, Häger, T, Kröner, A and Valley, JW (2008) Zircon M257 – a homogeneous natural reference material for the ion microprobe U–Pb analysis of zircon. Geostandards & Geoanalytical Research 32, 247–65.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pearce, JA, Harris, NBW and Tinele, AG (1984) Trace element discrimination diagrams for the tectonic interpretation of granitic rocks. Journal of Pertology 25, 956–83.Google Scholar
Pitcher, WS (1983) Granite type and tectonic environment. In Mountain Building Processes (ed. Hsu, K), pp. 19–40. London: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Rickwood, PC (1989) Boundary lines within petrologic diagrams which use oxides of major and minor elements. Lithos 22, 247–63.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rubatto, D (2002). Zircon trace element geochemistry: partitioning with garnet and the link between U–Pb ages and metamorphism. Chemical Geology 184, 123–38.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sajona, FG, Maury, RC, Bellon, H, Cotton, J and Defant, M (1996) High field strength elements of Pliocene–Pleistocene island–arc basalts, Zamboanga Peninsula, Western Mindanao (Philippines). Journal of Petrology 37, 693–726.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Scherer, E, Munker, C and Mezger, K (2001) Calibration of the Lutetium–Hafnium clock. Science 293, 683–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sláma, J, Košler, J, Daniel, JC, Crowley, JL, Gerdes, A, Hanchar, JM, Horstwood, MSA, Morris, GA, Nasdala, L, Norberg, N, Schaltegger, U, Schoene, B, Tubrett, MN and Whitehouse, MJ (2008) Plešovice zircon – a new natural reference material for U–Pb and Hf isotopic microanalysis. Chemical Geology 249, 1–35.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Song, S, Niu, Y, Su, L, Zhang, C and Zhang, L (2014) Continental orogenesis from ocean subduction, continent collision/subduction, to orogen collapse, and orogen recycling: the example of the North Qaidam UHPM belt, NW China. Earth-Science Reviews 129, 59–84.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sun, SS and McDonough, WF (1989) Chemical and isotopic systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. In Magmatism in the Ocean Basins (eds Saunders, AD and Norry, MJ), pp. 313–45. Geological Society of London, Special Publication no. 42.Google Scholar
Taylor, SR and McLennan, S (1985) The Continental Crust: Its Composition and Evolution. Oxford: Blackwell, 312 pp.Google Scholar
Wang, C, Liu, L, Xiao, PX, Cao, YT, Yu, HY, Meert, JG and Liang, WT (2014) Geochemical and geochronologic constraints for Paleozoic magmatism related to the orogenic collapse in the Qimantagh–South Altyn region. Northwestern China. Lithos 202–203, 1–20.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Whalen, JB, Currie, KL and Chappell, BW (1987) A-type granites: geochemical characteristics, discrimination and petrogenesis. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 95, 407–19.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wu, CL, Chen, HJ, Wu, D and Ernstc, WG (2018) Paleozoic granitic magmatism and tectonic evolution of the South Altun block, NW China: constraints from zircon U–Pb dating and Lu–Hf isotope geochemistry. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 160, 168–99.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wu, CL, Gao, YH, Lei, M, Qin, HP, Liu, CH, Li, MZ, Frost, BR and Joseph, LW (2014) Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb dating, Lu-Hf isotopic characteristics and petrogenesis of the Palaeozoic granites in Mangya area, southern Altun, NW China. Acta Petrologica Sinica 30, 2297–323 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Wu, CL, Lei, M, Zhang, X, Chen, HJ, Wu, D and Li, XX (2016) Petrogenesis and zircon Lu-Hf isotopic characteristics of the granites from the southern Altun area, Northwest China. Geology in China 43, 1853–83 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Xu, ZQ, Yang, JS, Zhang, JX, Jiang, M, Li, HB and Cui, JW (1999) A comparison between the tectonic units on the two sides of the Altun sinistral strike fault and the mechanism of lithospheric shearing. Acta Geologica Sinica 73, 193–205 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Yang, JS, Wu, CL and Shi, RD (2002) Sheeted dike swarm in Hongliugou, northwest of the Altun region: evidence for seafloor spreading. Geological Bulletin of China 21, 69–74 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Yu, SY, Li, SZ, Zhang, JX, Peng, YB, Somerville, I, Liu, YJ, Wang, ZY, Li, ZF, Yao, Y and Li, Y (2019) Multistage anatexis during tectonic evolution from oceanic subduction to continental collision: a review of the North Qaidam UHP Belt, NW China. Earth Science Reviews 191, 190–211.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhang, JX, Meng, FC and Yu, SY (2010) Two contrasting HP/LT and UHP metamorphic belts constraint on early Paleozoic orogeny in Qilian–Altun orogeny. Acta Petrologica Sinica 26, 1967–1992 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Zhang, HF, Yu, H, Zhou, DW, Zhang, J, Dong, YP and Zhang, GW (2015) The meta–gabbroic complex of Fushui in North Qinling orogen: a case of syn-subduction mafic magmatism. Gondwana Research 28, 262–75.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhang, JX, Yu, SY and Mattinson, CG (2017) Early Paleozoic polyphase metamorphism in northern Tibet, China. Gondwana Research 41, 267–89.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhang, RY, Zeng, ZC and Zhu, WP (2016) LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating, geochemical features and their geological implications of Paxialayidang plutons on the Southern margin of Altyn Tagh. Geological Review 62, 1283–99 (in Chinese with English abstract).Google Scholar
Zhao, ZF, Dai, LQ and Zheng, YF (2013) Postcollisional mafic igneous rocks record crust–mantle interaction during continental deep subduction. Scientific Reports 3, 3413. doi: 10.1038/srep03413.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Zhao, ZF, Zheng, YF, Zhang, J, Dai, LQ, Li, QL and Liu, XM (2012) Synexhumation magmatism during continental collision: evidence from alkaline intrusives of Triassic age in the Sulu orogen. Chemical Geology 328, 70–88.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zheng, YF (2012) Metamorphic chemical geodynamics in continental subduction zones. Chemical Geology 328, 5–48.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zheng, YF, Xia, QX, Chen, RX and Gao, XY (2011) Partial melting, fluid supercriticality and element mobility in ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks during continental collision. Earth-Science Reviews 107, 342–74.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zheng, YF, Xiao, WJ and Zhao, GC (2013) Introduction to tectonics of China. Gondwana Research 23, 1189–1206.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Supplementary material: File

Xu et al. supplementary material

Table S1

Download Xu et al. supplementary material(File)
File 422.9 KB