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Abstract:A Kubergandian (Kungurian) fusuline fauna from the lower part of the Lugu Formation in the Cuozheqiangma area, central Qiangtang Block is described. This fusuline fauna belongs to the Southern Transitional Zone in palaeobiogeography, and is characterised by the presence of the distinctive bi-temperate genus Monodiexodina and many genera common in lower latitude Tethyan areas such as Parafusulina and Pseudodoliolina. The occurrence of Monodiexodina in the fauna confirms that the seamount-type carbonates of the Lugu Formation did not originate from the Palaeotethys Ocean, but rather from a branch of the Neotethys Ocean after the rifting of the Qiangtang Block from the Tethys Himalaya area in the Artinskian.

Abstract:A new locality bearing ichnofossils of the Cruziana Assemblage Zone-III from the Mussoorie syncline, Lesser Himalaya, is located in rocks of Member-B of the Dhaulagiri Formation, Tal Group, exposed along the Maldewta-Chhimoli fresh road cut section. The site yielded ichnofossils Bergaueria perata, Cochlichnus anguineus, ?Diplocraterion isp., Dimorphichnus obliquus, diplichnitiform Cruziana bonariensis, Diplichnites gouldi, Glockeria isp., Helminthopsis isp., Monomorphichnus lineatus, Phycodes palmatum, Palaeophycus striatus, Planolites beverleyensis, Planolites montanus, Treptichnus cf. T. pedum, scratch marks and an undetermined worm impression. An Early Cambrian age (Cambrian Series 2) is assigned to the ichnofossil-bearing strata based on the stratigraphic position between the Drepanuroides and Palaeoolenus trilobite zones. A revised Cambrian ichnofossil zonation is presented for the Tal Group of the Mussoorie syncline. Together with their occurrence on rippled surfaces, and the lateral displacement of some trackways (due to current action), a sub-aqueous shallow-marine depositional setting is proposed for the rocks of Member-B.

Abstract:The Tanjianshan Group, which was previously divided into a, b, c and d formations, has been controversial for a long time. It mainly distributes in the northern margin of Qaidam Basin and is an important early Paleozoic greenschist facies metamorphic volcanic sedimentary rock formation. Detailed field investigation and zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb dating of the key strata suggest that the original lower part of a Formation (a-1) versus the original middle upper of d Formation (d-3 and d-4), the original upper part of a Formation (a-2) and b Formation versus the original lower part of d Formation (d-1 and d-2) of Tanjianshan Group are contemporaneous heterotopic facies volcanic-clasolite deposit, respectively. The former formations formed during the middle-late Ordovician (463–458 Ma), while the latter ones formed in the late Ordovician (about 445 Ma). The original c formation of Tanjianshan Group, which formed after 430 Ma, is similar to the Maoniushan Formation of Kunlun Mountains and north Qaidam Basin. According to the rules of stratigraphic division and naming, new stratum formations of Tanjianshan Group are re-built and divided into Duancenggou (O1-2td), Zhongjiangou (O2-3tz) and Xitieshan (O3tx) formations. The original c Formation is separated from Tanjianshan Group and is renamed as the Wuminggou Formation (S3-D1w), which shows a discordant contact with underlying Tanjianshan Group and overlying Amunike Formation (D3a). The zircon U-Pb age frequency spectrogram of Tanjianshan Group indicates three prominent peaks of 430 Ma, 460 Ma and 908 Ma, which is consistent with the metamorphic and magmatic crystallization ages obtained from para- and orthogneisses in north Qaidam HP-UHP metamorphic belt, implying that strong Caledonian and Jinningian tectonic and magmatic events have ever happened in North Qaidam.

Abstract:Early Miocene stratigraphy, major structural systems, magmatic emplacement, volcanic eruption, vegetation change and paleo-elevation were analyzed for the Tibetan Plateau after regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:250,000 and related researches, revealing much more information for tectonic evolution and topographic change of the high plateau caused by Indian-Asian continental collision. Lacustrine deposits of dolostone, dolomite limestone, limestone, marl, sandstone and conglomerate of weak deformation formed extensively in the central Tibetan Plateau, indicating that vast lake complexes as large as 100,000–120,000 km2 existed in the central plateau during Early Miocene. Sporopollen assemblages contained in the lacustrine strata indicate the disappearance of most tropical-subtropical broad-leaved trees since Early Miocene and the flourishing of dark needle-leaved trees during Early Miocene. Such vegetation changes adjusted for latitude and global climate variations demonstrate that the central Tibetan Plateau rose to ca. 4,000–4,500 m and the northeastern plateau uplifted to ca. 3,500–4,000 m before the Early Miocene. Intensive thrust and crustal thickening occurred in the areas surrounding central Tibetan Plateau in Early Miocene, formed Gangdise Thrust System (GTS) in the southern Lhasa block, Zedong-Renbu Thrust (ZRT) in the northern Himalaya block, Main Central Thrust (MCT) and Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the southern Himalaya block, and regional thrust systems in the Qaidam, Qilian, West Kunlun and Songpan-Ganzi blocks. Foreland basins formed in Early Miocene along major thrust systems, e.g. the Siwalik basin along MCT, Yalung-Zangbu Basin along GTS and ZRT, southwestern Tarim depression along West Kunlun Thrust, and large foreland basins along major thrust systems in the northeastern margin of the plateau. Intensive volcanic eruptions formed in the Qiangtang, Hoh-Xil and Kunlun blocks, porphyry granites and volcanic eruptions formed in the Nainqentanglha and Gangdise Mts., and leucogranites and granites formed in the Himalaya and Longmenshan Mts. in Early Miocene. The K2O weight percentages of Early Miocene magmatic rocks in the Gangdise and Himlayan Mts. are found to increase with distance from the MBT, indicating the genetic relationship between regional magmatism and subduction of Indian continental plate in Early Miocene.

Abstract:Tectonic and environmental patterns and evolution of the present North Tibetan Plateau (NTP) prior to the India collision with Asia is significant to understand the formation of the Tibetan Plateau and its influence on the environment. In this study, we integrated and analyzed the tectonostratigraphy and the special sedimentary layers whose climatic implications are clear in the NTP. Additionally, we stressed the tectonic and environmental events and their evolutions from the Mesozoic to the Early Cenozoic. Our results show that four tectonic phases, which sequentially took place during the Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Paleogene, played an important role on the formation of the North Tibet. The climate was basically dry and hot from the Triassic to the Eocene and became dry and cool since the Oligocene in this region. The climatic evolution was characterized by a transition from a wet and hot phase during the Triassic - Middle Jurassic, to a dry and hot phase during the Late Jurassic - Eocene. Both phases encompassed 5 wet and hot periods followed by 5 dry and hot climate events, respectively. In addition, we found that the tectonic deformation and the climatic conditions were spatially and temporally different. In detail, in the regions north of the Paleo-Tian Shan and Paleo-Qilian Mts. the tectonic deformation and climatic condition were stronger and wetter than in regions south of the Paleo-Tian Shan and Paleo-Qilian Mts. during the Late Triassic – Jurassic. Whereas in the Cretaceous, the tectonic movement was intensive in the west but steady in the east, and climate was dry in the south but wet in the north of NTP. The formation of the tectonic and climatic patterns in NTP were the consequence of either global climate change or regional tectonics, including the Paleo-Asian Ocean closure and the Qiangtang block, Lhasa block and India plate collision subsequently to Asia. Furthermore, the regional tectonic events occurred before any global climate change and drove the climatic change in the NTP.

Abstract:This article is to review results from scientific drilling and fault-zone trapped waves (FZTWs) at the south Longman-Shan fault (LSF) zone that ruptured in the 2008 May 12 M8 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China. Immediately after the mainshock, two Wenchuan Fault Scientific Drilling (WFSD) boreholes were drilled at WFSD-1 and WFSD-2 sites approximately 400 m and 1 km west of the surface rupture along the Yinxiu-Beichuan fault (YBF), the middle fault strand of the south LSF zone. Two boreholes met the principal slip of Wenchuan earthquake along the YBF at depths of 589-m and 1230-m, respectively. The slip is accompanied with a 100-200-m-wide zone consisting of fault gouge, breccia, cataclasite and fractures. Close to WFSD-1 site, the nearly-vertical slip of ~4.3-m with a 190-m wide zone of highly fractured rocks restricted to the hanging wall of the YBF was found at the ground surface after the Wenchuan earthquake. A dense linear seismic array was deployed across the surface rupture at this venue to record FZTWs generated by aftershocks. Observations and 3-D finite-difference simulations of FZTWs recorded at this cross-fault array and network stations close to the YBF show a distinct low-velocity zone composed by severely damaged rocks along the south LSF at seismogenic depths. The zone is several hundred meters wide along the principal slip, within which seismic velocities are reduced by ~30–55% from wall-rock velocities and with the maximum velocity reduction in the ~200-m-wide rupture core zone at shallow depth. The FZTW-inferred geometry and physical properties of the south LSF rupture zone at shallow depth are in general consistent with the results from petrological and structural analyses of cores and well log at WFSD boreholes. We interpret this remarkable low-velocity zone as being a break-down zone during dynamic rupture in the 2008 M8 earthquake. We examined the FZTWS generated by similar earthquakes before and after the 2008 mainshock and observed that seismic velocities within fault core zone was reduced by ~10% due to severe damage of fault rocks during the M8 mainshock. Scientific drilling and locations of aftershocks generating prominent FZTWs also indicate rupture bifurcation along the YBF and the Anxian-Guangxian fault (AGF), two strands of the south LSF at shallow depth. A combination of seismic, petrologic and geologic study at the south LSF leads to further understand the relationship between the fault-zone structure and rupture dynamics, and the amplification of ground shaking strength along the low-velocity fault zone due to its waveguide effect.

Abstract:In the southern South–North Seismic Zone, China, seismic activity in the Yingjiang area of western Yunnan increased from December 2010, and eventually a destructive earthquake of Ms5.9 occurred near Yingjiang town on 10 March 2011. The focal mechanism and hypocenter location of the mainshock suggest that the Dayingjiang Fault was the site of the mainshock rupture. However, most of foreshocks and all aftershocks recorded by a portable seismic array located close to the mainshock occurred along the N–S-striking Sudian Fault, indicating that this fault had an important influence on these shocks. Coulomb stress calculations show that three strong (magnitude ≥5.0) earthquakes that occurred in the study region in 2008 increased the coulomb stress along the plane parallel to the Dayingjiang Fault. This supports the Dayingjiang Fault, and not the Sudian Fault, as the seismogenic fault of the 2011 Ms5.9 Yingjiang earthquake. The strong earthquakes in 2008 also increased the Coulomb stress at depths of ≤5 km along the entire Sudian Fault, and by doing so increased the shallow seismic activity along the fault. This explains why the foreshocks and aftershocks of the 2011 Yingjiang earthquake were located mostly on the Sudian Fault where it cuts the shallow crust. The earthquakes at the intersection of the Sudian and Dayingjiang faults are distributed mainly along a belt that dips to the southeast at ~40°, suggesting that the Dayingjiang Fault in the mainshock area also dips to the southeast at ~40°.

Abstract:Investigation of the deep geophysical structure of the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt and its relation to the Wenchuan Earthquake is important for the study of earthquakes. By using magnetotelluric sounding profiles of the Luqu–Zhongjiang and Anxian–Suining; seismic sounding profiles of the Sichuan Maowen–Chongqing Gongtan, the Qinghai Huashi Gorge–Sichuan Jianyang, and the Batang–Zizhong; and magnetogravimetric data of the Longmen Mountains region, the deep geophysical?structure of the Songpan–Ganzi block, the western Sichuan foreland basin, and the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt and their relation was discussed. The eastward extrusion of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau thrusts the Songpan–Ganzi block upon the Yangtze block, which obstructs the eastward movement of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The Maoxian–Wenchuan, Beichuan–Yingxiu, and Anxian–Guanxian faults of the Longmen Mountains fault belt dip to northwest with different dip angles and gradually converge in the deeper parts. Geophysical?structure suggests that an intracrustal low-velocity, low-resistivity, and high-conductivity layer is common between the middle and upper crust west of the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt but not in the upper Yangtze block. The Sichuan Basin has a thick low-resistance sedimentary layer on a stable high-resistance basement; moreover, there are secondary paleohighs and depression structures at the lower part of the western Sichuan foreland basin with characteristic of high magnetic anomalies, whereas the Songpan–Ganzi block has a high resisitivity cover of upper crust and continues to a low-resistance layer. Considering the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt as the boundary, there are Bouguer gravity anomalies of “one belt between two zones.” Thus, we infer that there is a corresponding relation between the inferred crystalline basement of the Songpan block and the underlying basin basement of the Longmen Mountains fault belt. Furthermore, there may be an extensive ancient Yangtze block, which is west of the Ruoergai block. In addition, the crust–mantle ductile shear zone under the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt is the main fault, whereas the Beichuan–Yingxiu and Anxian–Guanxian faults at the surface are earthquake faults. The Wenchuan Ms 8.0 earthquake might be attributed to the collision of the Yangtze block and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The eastward obduction of the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and eastward subduction of its deeper part under the influence of the collision of the Indian, Pacific, and Philippine Plates with the Eurasia Plate might have caused the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt to cut the Moho and extend to the middle and upper crust; thus, creating high stress concentration and rapid energy release zone.

Abstract:In this paper we present new zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock major and trace element analyses, and zircon Hf isotopic data for magmatic rocks in the Tuotuohe region of the western segment of the Jinshajiang suture. Our aim is to constrain the Early Permian–Late Triassic tectonic evolution of the region. Zircons from the magmatic rocks of the Tuotuohe region are euhedral–subhedral in shape and display fine-scale oscillatory zoning as well as high Th/U ratios (0.4–4.6), indicating a magmatic origin. The zircon U–Pb ages obtained using LA–ICP–MS are 281 ± 1 Ma, 258 ± 1 Ma, 244 ± 1 Ma, and 216 ± 1 Ma, which indicate magmatism in the Early Permian–Late Triassic. A diorite from Bashihubei (BSHN) has SiO2 = 57.18–59.97 wt%, Al2O3 = 15.70–16.53 wt%, and total alkalis (Na2O + K2O) = 4.46–6.34 wt%, typical of calc-alkaline and metaluminous series. A gabbro from Bashibadaoban (BSBDB) belongs to the alkaline series, and is poor in SiO2 (45.46–54.03 wt%) but rich in Al2O3 (16.19–17.39 wt%) and total alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 5.48–6.26 wt%). The BSHN diorite and the BSBDB gabbro both display an enrichment of LREEs and LILEs and depletion of HFSEs, and they have no obvious Eu anomaly; they have relatively low MgO contents (2.54–4.93 wt%), Mg# values of 43 to 52, and low Cr and Ni contents (8.07–33.6 ppm and 4.41–14.2 ppm, respectively), indicating they differentiated from primitive mantle magmas. They have low Nb/U, Ta/U, and Ce/Pb ratios (1.3–9.6, 0.2–0.8, and 0.1–18.1, respectively), and their initial Hf isotopic ratios range from +9.6 to +16.9 (BSHN diorite) and +6.5 to +12.6 (BSBDB gabbro), suggesting their primary magmas were derived mainly from the partial melting of a mantle wedge that had been metasomatized by subduction fluids. Taking all the new data together, we conclude that the western and eastern segment of the Jinshajiang suture regions underwent identical processes of evolution in the Early Permian–Late Triassic: oceanic crust subduction before the Early Permian, continental collision during the Early–Middle Triassic, and post-collisional extension from the Late Triassic.

Abstract:We report the discovery of an in-situ natural moissanite as an inclusion in the Cr-spinel from the dunite envelope of a chromitite deposit in Luobusa ophiolite, Tibet. The moissanite occurs as a twin crystal interpenetrated by two quadrilateral signal crystals with sizes of 17 μm × 10 μm and 20 μm × 7 μm, respectively. The moissanite is green with parallel extinction. The absorption peaks in its Raman spectra are at 967?971 cm?1, 787?788 cm?1, and 766 cm?1. The absorption peaks in the infra-red spectra are at 696 cm?1, 767 cm?1, 1450 cm?1, and 1551 cm?1, which are distinctly different from the peaks for synthetic silicon carbide. Moissanites have been documented to form in ultra-high pressure, high temperature, and extremely low fO2 environments and their 13C-depleted compositions indicate a lower mantle origin. Combined with previous studies about other ultra-high pressure and highly reduced minerals in Luobusa ophiolite, the in-situ natural moissanite we found indicates a deep mantle origin of some materials in the mantle sequence of Luobusa ophiolite. Further, we proposed a transformation model to explain the transfer process of UHP materials from the deep mantle to ophiolite sequence and then to the supra-subduction zone environment. Interactions between the crown of the mantle plume and mid-ocean ridge are suggested to be the dominant mechanism.

Abstract:The Ashikule volcanic cluster (AVC) in western Kunlun Mountains is located in a graben region at the convergence of the Altun and Kangxiwa fault zones, and consists of more than 10 main volcanoes and dozens of volcanelloes. The Ashi volcano lies in the central part of the volcanic cluster. The lithology, chemical composition and texture of Ashi volcanic rocks were studied in detail, and their implication in magmatic processes was discussed. The phenocrysts in Ashi volcanic rocks consist mainly of plagioclase and pyroxene, and the statistical results of phenocryst contents show that the rocks can be subdivided into two groups. In group A, the content of pyroxene phenocrysts is generally higher than that of plagioclase phenocrysts, but an inverse relation occurs in group B. In TAS diagram, the compositions of both groups fall into the trachyandensite field, but they are obviously concentrated into two clusters. The two clusters exist also in the oxide diagrams. The pyroxene phenocrysts comprise augite, bronzite and hypersthene, and their Mg# histogram shows two peaks. Plagioclase phenocrysts with reaction rim are observed in rocks of both groups. The An values of the core are generally 30–40, and those of the rim are 44–48, which are closer to those of euhedral plagioclases. The bronzites are in equilibrium with the melt, and two sets of magma depths, i.e., 18–25 km and 13–18 km, can be estimated by using thermobarometer proposed by Putirka. The hypersthenes are not in equilibrium with the melt, and can be assigned to xenocrysts. The crystal size distribution (CSD) curves of plagioclase appear as kinked lines indicative of magma mixing. The above analyses show that two magma pockets might exist beneath the Ashi volcano. It is likely that they are connected with each other. The one has more evolved and contains more acidic magma, and the other is a trachyandensite magma pocket characterized by layering. The magma from the upper part of the trachyandensite magma pocket might mix with more acidic magma, resulting in a magma that is more acidic than the magma from the lower part.

Abstract:The Motuo area is located in the east of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis. There outcrops a sequence of high-grade metamorphic rocks, such as metapelites. Petrology and mineralogy data suggest that these rocks have experienced three stages of metamorphism. The prograde metamorphic mineral assemblages (M1) are mineral inclusions (biotite + plagioclase + quartz ± sillimanite ± Fe-Ti oxides) preserved in garnet porphyroblasts, and the peak metamorphic assemblages (M2) are represented by garnet with the lowest XSps values and the lowest XFe# ratios and the matrix minerals (plagioclase + quartz ± K-feldspar + biotite + muscovite + kyanite ± sillimanite), whereas the retrograde assemblages (M3) are composed of biotite + plagioclase + quartz symplectites rimming the garnet porphyroblasts. Thermobarometric computation shows that the metamorphic conditions are 562–714°C at 7.3–7.4 kbar for the M1 stage, 661–800°C at 9.4–11.6 kbar for the M2 stage, and 579–713°C at 5.5–6.6 kbar for the M3 stage. These rocks are deciphered to have undergone metamorphism characterized by clockwise P-T paths involving nearly isothermal decompression (ITD) segments, which is inferred to be related to the collision of the India and Eurasia plates.

Abstract:Located on the northeast margin of the Qiangtang terrane between the Jinshajiang suture zone and Bangonghu-Nujiang suture zone, the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn deposits in the Yushu area of Qinghai Province are representative Pb-Zn deposits of the Pb-Zn-Cu polymetallic mineralization belt in the northern part of the Nujiang-Lancangjiang-Jinshajiang area, which are in the front belt of the Yushu thrust nappe system. The formed environments of these two deposits are different from those of sediment-hosted base metal deposits elsewhere in the world. The authors hold that they were formed during the Indian-Asian continental collision and developed within the fold-thrust belt combined with thrust and strike-slip-related Cenozoic basins in the interior of the collisional zone. Studying on the metallogenic epochs of these two deposits is helpful to the understanding of ore-forming regularity of the regional Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization belt and also to the search for new deposits in this region. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit has been determined by the Rb-Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues, whereas the age of the Mohailaheng deposit has been determined by the Rb-Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues and the Sm-Nd isochron method for fluorite. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit is 35.0±0.0 Ma ((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708807) for sphalerite residues. The age of the Mohailaheng deposit is 32.2±0.4 Ma ((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708514) for sphalerite residues and 31.8±0.3 Ma ((143Nd/144Nd)0=0.512362) for fluorite with an average of 32.0 Ma. Together with the regional geological setting during mineralization, a possible tectonic model for metallogeny of the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn deposits has been established. These two ages are close to the ages of the Pb-Zn deposits in the Lanping and Tuotuohe basins, indicating that it is possible that the narrow 1000-kilometer-long belt controlled by a thrust nappe system on the eastern and northern margins of the Tibetan plateau could be a giant Pb-Zn mineralized belt.

Abstract:The Kendekeke polymetallic deposit, located in the middle part of the magmatic arc belt of Qimantag on the southwestern margin of the Qaidam Basin, is a polygenetic compound deposit in the Qimantag metallogenic belt of Qinghai Province. Multi-periodic ore-forming processes occurred in this deposit, including early-stage iron mineralization and lead-zinc-gold-polymetallic mineralization which was controlled?by later hydrothermal process. The characteristics of the ore-forming fluids and mineralization were discussed by using the fluid inclusion petrography, Laser Raman Spectrum and micro-thermometry methods. Three stages, namely, S1-stage (copper-iron-sulfide stage), S2-stage (lead-zinc-sulfide stage) and C-stage (carbonate stage) were included in the hydrothermal process as indicated by the results of this study. The fluid inclusions are in three types: aqueous inclusion (type I), CO2-aqueous inclusion (type II) and pure CO2 inclusion (type III). Type I inclusions were observed in the S1-stage, having homogenization temperature at 240–320oC, and salinities ranging from 19.8% to 25.0% (wt% NaCl equiv.). All three types of inclusions, existing as immiscible inclusion assemblages, were presented in the S2-stage, with the lowest homogenization temperature ranging from 175 oC to 295oC, which represents the metallogenic temperature of the S2-stage. The salinities of these inclusions are in the range of 1.5% to 16%. The fluid inclusions in the C-stage belong to types I, II and III, having homogenization temperatures at 120–210oC, and salinities ranging from 0.9% to 14.5%. These observations indicate that the ore-forming fluids evolved from high-temperature to low-temperature, from high-salinity to low-salinity, from homogenization to immiscible separation. Results of Laser Raman Spectroscopy show that high density of CO2 and CH4 were found as gas compositions in the inclusions. CO2, worked as the pH buffer of ore-forming fluids, together with reduction of organic gases (i.e. CH4, etc), affected the transport and sediment of the minerals. The fluid system alternated between open and close systems, namely, between lithostatic pressure and hydrostatic pressure systems. The calculated metallogenic pressures are in the range of 30 to 87 Mpa corresponding to 3 km mineralization depth. Under the influence of tectonic movements, immiscible separation occurred in the original ore-forming fluids, which were derived from the previous high-salinity, high-temperature magmatic fluids. The separation of CO2 changed the physicochemical properties and composition of the original fluids, and then diluted by mixing with extraneous fluids such as meteoric water and groundwater, and metallogenic materials in the fluids such as lead, zinc and gold were precipitated.

Abstract:This study focuses on the zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry of the Bairiqiete granodiorite intrusion (rock mass) from the Buqingshan tectonic mélange belt in the southern margin of East Kunlun. The results show that the zircons are characterized by internal oscillatory zoning and high Th/U (0.14–0.80), indicative of an igneous origin. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of zircons from the Bairiqiete granodiorite yielded an age of 439.0 ± 1.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.34), implying that the Bairiqiete granodiorite formed in the early Silurian. Geochemical analyses show that the rocks are medium-K calc-alkaline, relatively high in Al2O3 (14.57–18.34 wt%) and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous. Rare-earth elements have low concentrations (45.49–168.31 ppm) and incline rightward with weak negative to weak positive Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.64–1.34). Trace-element geochemistry is characterized by negative anomalies of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti and positive anomalies of Rb, Th and Ba. Moreover, the rocks have similar geochemical features with adakites. The Bairiqiete granodiorite appears to have a continental crust source and formed in a subduction-related island-arc setting. The Bairiqiete granodiorite was formed due to partial melting of the lower crust and suggests subduction in the Buqingshan area of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.

Abstract:The presence of shale gas has been confirmed in almost every marine shale distribution area in North America. Formation conditions of shale gas in China are the most favorable for marine, organic-rich shale as well. But there has been little research focusing on shale gas in Qiangtang Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where a lot of Mesozoic marine shale formations developed. Based on the survey results of petroleum geology and comprehensive test analysis data for Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, for the first time, this paper discusses characteristics of sedimentary development, thickness distribution, geochemistry, reservoir and burial depth of organic-rich shale, and geological conditions for shale gas formation in Qiangtang Basin. There are four sets of marine shale strata in Qiangtang Basin including Upper Triassic Xiaochaka Formation (T3x), Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation (J2b), Xiali Formation (J2x) and Upper Jurassic Suowa Formation (J3s), the sedimentary types of which are mainly bathyal-basin facies, open platform-platform margin slope facies, lagoon and tidal-flat facies, as well as delta facies. By comparing it with the indicators of gas shale in the main U.S. basins, it was found that the four marine shale formations in Qiangtang Basin constitute a multi-layer distribution of organic-rich shale, featuring a high degree of thickness and low abundance of organic matter, high thermal evolution maturity, many kinds of brittle minerals, an equivalent content of quartz and clay minerals, a high content of feldspar and low porosity, which provide basic conditions for an accumulation of shale gas resources. Xiaochaka Formation shale is widely distributed, with big thickness and the best gas generating indicators. It is the main gas source layer. Xiali Formation shale is of intermediate thickness and coverage area, with relatively good gas generating indicators and moderate gas formation potential. Buqu Formation shale and Suowa Formation shale are of relatively large thickness, and covering a small area, with poor gas generating indicators, and limited gas formation potential. The shale gas geological resources and technically recoverable resources were estimated by using geologic analogy method, and the prospective areas and potentially favorable areas for Mesozoic marine shale gas in Qiangtang Basin are forecast and analyzed. It is relatively favorable in a tectonic setting and indication of oil and gas, shale maturity, sedimentary thickness and gypsum-salt beds, and in terms of mineral association for shale gas accumulation. But the challenge lies in overcoming the harsh natural conditions which contributes to great difficulties in ground engineering and exploration, and high exploration costs.

Abstract:Shale gas is a resource of emerging importance in the energy field. Many countries in the world have been making big financial investments in this area. Carboniferous shale in the eastern Qaidam Basin shows good exploration prospects, but limited research and exploration work for shale oil and gas resources has been undertaken. Geochemical analyses were performed on shale derived from the Upper Carboniferous Hurleg Formation in the eastern Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province, and secondary electron imaging capability of a Field Emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used to characterize the microstructure of the shale. The reservoir and exploitation potential of the studied shale was assessed by comparison with research results obtained from the Barnett Formation shale in Fort Worth Basin, North America and the Basin shale of Sichuan province. The results indicate that the eastern Qaidam Basin Carboniferous shale is high-quality source rock. There are four major microstructural types in the study area: matrix intergranular pores, dissolution pores, intergranular pores, and micro-fractures. The size of the micropores varies from 6–633 nm, the majority of which is between 39–200 nm, with a relatively small number of micro-scale pores ranging from 0.13–1 μm. The pore characteristics of the studied shales are similar to the North American and Sichuanese shales, indicating that they have good reservoir potential. No micropores are present in the organic matter, which is induced by its composition; instead we found an important lamellar structure in the organic matter. These micropores and microfractures are abundant, and are connected to natural visible cracks that form the network pore system, which controls the storage and migration of shale gas. This connectivity is favorable for shale gas exploitation, providing great scientific potential and practical value.

Abstract:The upper reaches of the Yellow River in northeastern Tibetan Plateau are geohazards areas. The evolution of the Yellow River, chronology of some landslides, and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of super large scale and giant landslides within the region are summarized using paleoclimate evidence, and the relationship between the intensive landslide period and climatic changes since the Last Glacial period is analyzed. It is concluded that (1) Super large scale and giant landslides are distributed widely within the region, particularly in the Qunke-Jianzha basin. (2) The chronological sequence of landslides is established by dating the slip zones of landslides and analyzing the relations between landslides and their overlying or underlying loess formations. Five landslide development periods are determined: 53–49 ka BP, 33–24 ka BP, 10–8 ka BP, 5–3.5 ka BP, and the present. (3) These correspond closely to warm and wet periods during the last 100,000 years, i.e., two weak paleosol development stages of Malan loess deposited during the last Glacial period in the Chinese loess Plateau, L1-4 and L1-2 that belong to the marine oxygen isotope stage 3, the last deglacial period, the Holocene Optimum, and the modern global warming period. (4) Landslide triggers may be closely linked to warm and wet periods related to rapid climatic transitions.

Abstract:With the analysis of the sources and formation mechanism of the clay minerals in the sediment core from the Dalianhai lake in the Gonghe Basin, northeastern Tibet-Qinghai Plateau, clay mineral composition proxies, grain-size and carbonate contents have been employed for high-resolution study in order to reconstruct East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) over the northeastern Tibet-Qinghai Plateau during the lastdeglacial. The study also extended to establish a relationship between vegetation cover changes and erosion during the last 14.5 ka with pollen record and clay mineral proxies. Smectite/kaolinite and smectite/(illite+chlorite) ratios allow us to assess hydrolysis conditions in lowlands and/or physical erosion process in highlands of the Gonghe Basin. Before 12.9 Cal ka BP, both mineralogical ratios show low values indicative of strong physical erosion in the basin with a dominant cold and dry phase. After 12.9 Cal ka BP, an increase in both mineralogical ratios indicates enhanced chemical weathering in the basin associated with a warm and humid climate. The beginning of Holocene is characterized by high smectite/(illite+chlorite) and smectite/kaolinite ratios that is synchronous as with deposition of many peat laminae, implying the best warm and humid conditions specifically between 8.0 to 5.5 Cal ka BP. The time interval after 5.0 Cal ka BP is characterized by a return to high physical erosion and low chemical weathering with dry climate conditions in the basin. Comparing variations of clay mineral assemblages with previous pollen results, we observe a rapid response in terms of chemical weathering and physical erosion intensity to a modification of the vegetation cover in the basin.

Abstract:The siliciclastic sediments of the uppermost section of 185 mcd (meters composite depth) from ODP Site 1146 on the northern continental slope of the South China Sea (SCS) were partitioned according to their sources using end-member modeling on grain-size data. The goal was to evaluate the evolution of the East Asian monsoon over the past 2 million years. The siliciclastic sediments were described as hybrids of four end-members, EM1, EM2, EM3, and EM4, with modal grain sizes of 8–22 μm, 2–8 μm, 31–125 μm, and 4–11 μm, respectively. EM1 and EM3 are interpreted as eolian dust and EM2 and EM4 as fluvial mud. The ratio of eolian dust to fluvial mud ((EM1+EM3)/(EM2+EM4)) is regarded as an indicator of the East Asian monsoon. The variation in this ratio not only shows periodical oscillations consistent with oxygen isotope stages, but also exhibits a phased increasing trend corresponding with the phased uplifts of the Tibetan Plateau, indicating that the evolution of the East Asian Monsoon was controlled not only by glacial-interglacial cycles, but also by the phased uplifts of the Tibetan Plateau during the Quaternary.

Abstract:The Zedang and Luobusa ophiolites are located in the eastern section of the Yalung Zangbo ophiolite belt, and they share similar geological tectonic setting and age. Thus, an understanding of their origins is very important for discussion of the evolution of the Eastern Tethys Ocean. There is no complete ophiolite assemblage in the Zedang ophiolite. The Zedang ophiolite is mainly composed of mantle peridotite and a suite of volcanic rocks as well as siliceous rocks, with some blocks of olivine-pyroxenite. The mantle peridotite mainly consists of Cpx-harzburgite, harzburgite, some lherzolite, and some dunite. A suite of volcanic rocks is mainly composed of calc-alkaline pyroclastic rocks and secondly of tholeiitic pillow lavas, basaltic andesites, and some boninitic rocks with a lower TiO2 content (TiO2 < 0.6%). The pyroclastic rocks have a LREE-enriched REE pattern and a LILE-enriched (compared to HFSE) spider diagram, demonstrating an island-arc origin. The tholeiitic volcanic rock has a LREE-depleted REE pattern and a LILE-depleted (compared to HFSE) spider diagram, indicative of an origin from MORB. The boninitic rock was generated from fore-arc extension. The Luobusa ophiolite consists of mantle peridotite and mafic-ultramafic cumulate units, without dike swarms and volcanic rocks. The mantle peridotite mainly consists of dunite, harzburgite with low-Opx (Opx < 25%), and harzburgite (Opx > 25%), which can be divided into two facies belts. The upper is a dunite-harzburgite (Opx < 25%) belt, containing many dunite lenses and a large-scale chromite deposit with high Cr2O3; the lower is a harzburgite (Opx >25%) belt with small amounts of dunite and lherzolite. The Luobusa mantle peridotite exhibits a distinctive vertical zonation of partial melting with high melting in the upper unit and low melting in the lower. Many mantle peridotites are highly depleted, with a characteristic U-shaped REE pattern peculiar to fore-arc peridotite. The Luobusa cumulates are composed of wehrlite and olivine-pyroxenite, of the P-P-G ophiolite series. This study indicates that the Luobusa ophiolite was formed in a fore-arc basin environment on the basis of the occurrence of highly depleted mantle peridotite, a high-Cr2O3 chromite deposit, and cumulates of the P-P-G ophiolite series. We conclude that the evolution of the Eastern Tethys Ocean involved three stages: the initial ocean stage (formation of MORB volcanic rock and dikes), the fore-arc extension stage (formation of high-Cr2O3 chromite deposits and P-P-G cumulates), and the island-arc stage (formation of calc-alkaline pyroclastic rocks).

Abstract:Multi-stage uplift of the Tibetan Plateau during the Cenozoic implies a complex geodynamic process. In this paper, we review main geodynamic models for the uplift of the plateau, and, in particular, analyze the spatio-temporal framework of the Cenozoic deformation structures, which are closely related to the deep geodynamic mechanism for the plateau uplift. From this perspective, significant?change of the deformation regime over the Tibetan Plateau occurred by the middle-late Miocene, while thrust and thrust-folding system under NS compression was succeded by extension or stress-relaxation. Meanwhile, a series of large-scale strike-slip faults commenced or was kinemtically reversed. Based on a systematic synthesis of the structure deformation, magmatism, geomorphological?process and geophysical exploration, we propose a periodical model of alternating crustal compression and extension for episodic uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

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