Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Characteristics, timing, and offsets of the middle-southern segment of the western boundary strike-slip fault of the Songliao Basin in Northeast China

  • Research Paper
  • Published:
Science China Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

As the west boundary fault of the Songliao Basin and the eastern margin of the Da Hinggan Mountains, the Nenjiang-Balihan fault is located in the central part of Northeast China. It is traditionally considered to be a huge deep-seated NNE-striking fault, characterized by a normal fault or detachment fault displacement. The field investigation resulted in the finding of ductile shear zones in the Lingxia and Louzidian areas, the middle and southern sectors of the fault system. The authors conducted measurements of structural elements in the field, micro-structural studies, finite strain measurements, a study on preferred crystal orientations of quartz determined by Electron Back Scatter Diffraction and muscovite 40Ar/39Ar chronology of the deformed rocks in the ductile shear zone. The results show that the deformation features of the Lingxia and Louzidian ductile shear zones are similar, and that they represent one continuous fault, i.e., the middle-southern segment of the Nenjiang-Balihan Fault, which experienced a sinistral strike-slip ductile shearing in the Early Cretaceous (∼130 Ma). By measuring the displacement of the Xar Moron River suture and Wolegen Group on both sides of the Nenjiang-Balihan Fault, it is found that the cumulative strike-slip offset of the fault is about 40–50 km.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Regional Geology of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1991

    Google Scholar 

  2. Xie M Q. Amalgamating Plate Tectonic and Its Droved Mechanism-tectonic Evolution of Northeast China and Adjacent Area (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 2000

    Google Scholar 

  3. Zhang X Z, Yang B J, Wu F Y, et al. The lithosphere structure in the Hingmong-Jihei (Hinggan-Mongolia-Jilin-Heilongjiang) region, northeastern China (in Chinese with English abstract). Chin Geol, 2006, 33: 816–823

    Google Scholar 

  4. Wang X S, Zheng Y D, Wang T. Strain and shear types of the Louzidian ductile shear zone in southern Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2007, 50: 487–495

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Sengör A M C, Natal’in B A. Paleotectonics of Asia: Fragments of a synthesis. In: Yin A, Harrison M, eds. The Tectonic Evolution of Asia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. 486–641

    Google Scholar 

  6. Wang C W, Jin W, Zhang X Z, et al. New conception of the Late Paleozoic tectonics in the Northeastern China and adjacent areas (in Chinese with English abstract). J Stratigr, 2008, 32: 119–136

    Google Scholar 

  7. Fu W Z, He R Z. Structural characteristics of earthquakes in Songliao basin and its peripheral regions (in Chinese with English abstract). Glob Geol, 1999, 18: 95–100

    Google Scholar 

  8. Qin Z H. Character comparison of Jiufengshan Group formation on the two sides of Nenjiang fault and coal exploration (in Chinese with English abstract). Coal Technol, 1999, 18: 31–33

    Google Scholar 

  9. Zhang Z F, Ge C B. Discussion on deep structure features and geoteotonicst in the Eastern Part of Inner Mongolia (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Inner Mongolia, 2000, (3): 6–18

  10. Zhao W Z, Li J Z. Control of basement faults on hydrocarbon accumulation in southern Songliao basin (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2004, 25: 1–6

    Google Scholar 

  11. Chen H Z, Yu Z Y, Xu X Y, et al. Characteristics of Nenjiang fracture Structure and the relation between this fracture and earthquake activity (in Chinese with English abstract). Seismol Res Northeast China, 2004, 20: 43–49

    Google Scholar 

  12. Yang C X, Wang G H, Chen J. The Hongshan-Balihan Fault Zone, Inner Mongolia—Its geologic features and seismicity (in Chinese with English abstract). J Seismol Res, 1984, 7: 391–398

    Google Scholar 

  13. Wang Y F, Cui W Y, Sun C Z. The Louzidian-Dachengzi detachment fault and its tectonic evolution, south of Chifeng, Iner Mongolia. In: Qian X L, ed. Studies of Extentional Tectonics (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1994. 99–108

    Google Scholar 

  14. Han B F, Zheng Y D, Gang J W, et al. The louzidian normal fault near Chifeng, Inner Mongolia: Master fault of a quasi-metamorphic core complex. Int Geol Rev, 2001, 43: 254–264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Shao J A, Zhang L Q, Jia W, et al. Harkin metamorphic core complex in Inner Mongolia and its upwelling mechanism (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2001, 17: 283–290

    Google Scholar 

  16. Fang S, Zhu H S, Zhu H Z, et al. Evolution of the Kalaqin fault-uplifts at southern fringe of North China platform (in Chinese with English abstract). China Geol, 2001, 28: 5–11

    Google Scholar 

  17. Zhang X H, Li T S, Pu Z P, et al. 40Ar-39Ar ages of Louzidian-Dachengzi ductile shear zone in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia and its tectonic significance. Chin Sci Bull, 2002, 47: 1292–1297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Liu W, Yang J H, Li C F. Thermochronology of three major faults in the Chifeng area, Inner Mongolia of China (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2003, 19: 717–728

    Google Scholar 

  19. Wang X S, Zheng Y D. 40Ar/39Ar age constraints on the ductile deformation of the detachment system of the Louzidian core complex, southern Chifeng, China (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Rev, 2005, 51: 574–582

    Google Scholar 

  20. Wang X S, Zheng Y D, Liu Y L, et al. The formation age of the chloritized zone in the Louzidian extensional detachment fault south of Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China (in Chinese). Prog Nat Sci, 2006, 16: 902–906

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Han G Q, Liu Y J, Jin W, et al. The distribution of Xar Moron River Fault within the Songliao Basin (in Chinese with English abstract). China Geol, 2009, 36: 1010–1020

    Google Scholar 

  22. Han G Q, Liu Y J, Wen Q B, et al. The study on characteristics of structural deformation for the Lingxia Ductile shear zone of Neijing-Balihan Fault Belt in Northeastern China (in Chinese with English abstract). J Jilin Univ (Earth Sci Ed), 2009, 39: 397–405

    Google Scholar 

  23. Zhong Z Q, Guo B L. Tectonite and Micro-structure (in Chinese). Wuhan: China University of Geology Press, 1991

    Google Scholar 

  24. Ji M, Hu L, Liu J L, et al. Dynamic recrystallization and metamorphic conditions of main rock-forming minerals (in Chinese with English abstract). Earth Sci Front, 2008, 15: 226–233

    Google Scholar 

  25. Stipp M, Stunitz H, Heilbronner R, et al. The eastern Tonale fault zone: A ‘natural laboratory’ for crystal plastic deformation of quartz over a temperature range from 250 to 700°C. J Struct Geol, 2002, 24: 1861–1884

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Yang T N, Xu H S. Mechanisms of dynamic recrystallization: Recognition from natural tectonites (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Bull China, 2008, 27: 1459–1467

    Google Scholar 

  27. Fry N. Random point distributions and strain measurements in rocks. Tectonophysics, 1979, 6: 89–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Stone D, Schwerdtner W M. Total strain within a major mylonite zone, southern Canadian Shield. J Struct Geol, 1981, 3: 193–194

    Google Scholar 

  29. Siddans A W, Henry B, Kligfield R. Finite strain patterns and their significance in Permian rocks of the Alpes Maritimes (France). J Struct Geol, 1984, 6: 339–368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Zheng Y D, Chang Z Z. Finite Strain Measurement and Ductile Shear Zones (in Chinese with English abstract). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1985

    Google Scholar 

  31. Zheng Y D, Wang T. Kinematics and dynamics of the Mesozoic orogeny and late-orogenic extensional collapse in the Sino-Mongolian border areas. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2005, 48: 849–862

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Wang Y B, Liang M H, Huo Q Z, et al. The study of the limit deformation measurement with deformation feldspar in granite areas (in Chinese with English abstract). Northwest Geol, 2004, 37: 19–24

    Google Scholar 

  33. Liu J L, Cao S Y, Zou Y X, et al. EBSD analysis of rock fabrics and its application (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Bull China, 2008, 27: 1638–1645

    Google Scholar 

  34. Ji S C. Dislocation splitting in the main rock-forming minerals and its rheological implications (in Chinese with English abstract). Geoscience, 1988, 2: 516–523

    Google Scholar 

  35. Ji S C. Tectonic significance of partial melting (1): Experiment study on transition of deformation mechanism (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Geosci Sin, 1988, 4: 347–356

    Google Scholar 

  36. Qi J Z, Qi X X, Chen F Y. Characteristics of the Nangang-Gaogongdao ductile shear zone in the south Su-Lu high-pressure metamorphic belt and EBSD fabric analysis of quartz (in Chinese with English abstract). Chin Geol, 2005, 32: 287–298

    Google Scholar 

  37. Passchier C W, Trouw R A J. Micro-tectonics. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, 2005. 25–111

    Google Scholar 

  38. Wijbrans J R, Pringle M S, Koppers A A P, et al. Argon geochronology of small samples using the Vulkaan argon laserprobe. Proc Kon Acad Wet, 1995, 98: 185–218

    Google Scholar 

  39. Hinsbergen D J J van, Straathof G B, Kuiper K F, et al. No vertical axis rotations during Neogene transpressional orogeny in the NE Gobi Altai: Coinciding Mongolian and Eurasian early Cretaceous apparent polar wander paths. Geophys J Int, 2008, 173: 105–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Liu Y J, Neubauer F, Genser J, et al. 40Ar/39Ar ages of the blueschist facies pelitic schists from Qingshuigou in the Northern Qilian Mountains, Western China. Island Arc, 2006, 15: 187–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Liu Y J, Genser J, Neubauer F, et al. 40Ar/39Ar mineral ages from basement rocks in the Eastern Kunlun Mountains, NW China and their tectonic implications. Tectonophysics, 2005, 398: 199–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Lo C H, Lee C Y. 40Ar/39Ar method of K-Ar age determination of geological samples using the Tsing-Hua Open-Pool Reactor (THOR). J Geol Soc China, 1994, 37: 143–164

    Google Scholar 

  43. Huang J Q, Ren J S, Jiang C F, et al. The Geologic Evolution, China (in Chinese with English abstract). Beijing: Science Press, 1980. 1–124

    Google Scholar 

  44. Wang H Z. The main stages of crustal development of China. Earth Sci—J Wuhan Coll Geol, 1982, 7: 155–178

    Google Scholar 

  45. Li C Y, Wang Q, Liu X Y, et al. Specification of Asian Tectonic Map (1:8000000) (in Chinese). Beijing: SinoMaps Press, 1982. 1–49

    Google Scholar 

  46. Wang Q, Liu X Y, Li J Y. Plate Tectonics between Cathaysia and Angaraland in China (in Chinese). Beijing: Peking University Press, 1991. 1–151

    Google Scholar 

  47. Wang Y J, Fan Z Y. Discovery of Permian radiolarians in ophiolite belt on northern side of Xar Moron River, Nei Mongol and its geological significance (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Palaeontol Sin, 1997, 36: 58–69

    Google Scholar 

  48. Wang Y, Fan Z Y, Fang S, et al. New geological date discovered in the north bank of Xar Moron river and their tectonic significance (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Inner Mongolia, 1999, (1): 6–28

  49. Li J Y, Gao L M, Sun G H, et al. Shuangjingzi middle Triassic syn-collisional crust-derived granite in the east Inner Mongolia and its constraint on the timing of collision between Siberian and Sino-Korean Paleo-plates (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2007, 23: 565–582

    Google Scholar 

  50. Sun D Y, Wu F Y, Zhang Y B, et al. The final closing time of the west Lamulun River-Changchun-Yanji plate suture zone: Evidence from the Dayushan granitic pluton, Jilin Province (in Chinese with English abstract). J Jilin Univ (Earth Sci Ed), 2004, 34: 174–181

    Google Scholar 

  51. Wu F Y, Zhao G C, Sun D Y, et al. The Hulan Group: Its role in the evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt of NE China. J Asian Earth Sci, 2007, 30: 542–556

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Miao L C, Liu D Y, Zhang F Q. Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb ages of the “Xinghuadukou Group” in Hanjiayuanzi and Xinlin areas and the “Zhalantun Group” in Inner Mongolia, Da Hinggan Mountains. Chin Sci Bull, 2007, 52: 1112–1134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Yang X L. Geological Characteristics and Study of Detrital Zircon Geochronology of Epimetamorphic Rock Series in Zhalantun Area (in Chinese with English abstract). Master Dissertation. Changchun: Jilin University, 2007. 1–66

    Google Scholar 

  54. Zhao C J, Peng Y J, Dang Z X, et al. Structural Skeleton and Earth’ s Crust Evolution in Eastern Jilin and Heilongjiang (in Chinese). Shenyang: Liaoning University Press, 1996. 144–201

    Google Scholar 

  55. Yao D Q. Strike-slip shearing and nappe structure in the eastern sector of the northern margin of the Sino-Korean Platform (in Chinese with English abstract). Reg Geol China, 1989, 262–268

  56. Zhang H. Discussion on the horizontal displacement of Dunhua-Mishan fault zone (in Chinese with English abstract). Mem Shenyang Ins Geol Mineral Res China Acad Geol Sci, 1993, (2): 35–43

  57. Wang X F, Li Z J, Chen B L, et al. Tancheng-Lujiang Fault Zone (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2000

    Google Scholar 

  58. Zhao Y L, Liu Y J, Han G Q, et al. 3D finite element simulation on sinistral strike-slip of Dunhua-Mishan fault (in Chinese with English abstract). Glob Geol, 2009, 28: 310–317

    Google Scholar 

  59. Wang Y. The onset of the Tan-Lu fault movement in eastern China: Constraints from zircon (SHRIMP) and 40Ar/39Ar dating. Terra Nova, 2006, 18: 423–431

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Chen X H, Wang X F, Zhang Q, et al. Geochronologic study of the formation and evolution of the Tan-Lu fault zone (in Chinese with English abstract). J Jilin Univ (Earth Sci Ed), 2000, 30: 215–220

    Google Scholar 

  61. Wang Y S, Zhu G, Song C Z, et al. 40Ar-39Ar geochronology records of transition from strike-slip to extension in the Tan-Lu fault zone on eastern terminal of the Dabie Mountains (in Chinese with English abstract). Chin J Geol, 2006, 41: 242–255

    Google Scholar 

  62. Zhang Q, Zhu G, Liu G S, et al. Sinistral transpressive deformation in the northern part of Zhangbaling uplift in the Tan-Lu fault zone and its 40Ar/39Ar dating (in Chinese with English abstract). Earth Sci Front, 2008, 15: 234–249

    Google Scholar 

  63. Zhang Y Q, Dong S W. Mesozoic tectonic evolution history of the Tan-Lu fault zone, China: Advances and new understanding (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Bull China, 2008, 27: 1371–1390

    Google Scholar 

  64. Zhu G, Xie C L, Wang Y S, et al. Tan-Lu high-pressure strike-slip ductile shear zone and its 40Ar-39Ar dating (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2005, 21: 1687–1702

    Google Scholar 

  65. Zhu G, Niu M L, Liu G S, et al. 40Ar/39Ar dating for the strike-slip movement on the Feidong part of the Tan-Lu Fault Belt (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Geol Sin, 2005, 79: 303–316

    Google Scholar 

  66. Zhu G, Song C Z, Wang D X, et al. Studies on 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology of strike-slip time of the Tan-Lu fault zone and their tectonic implications, Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2001, 44: 1002–1009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Dou L R, Song J G, Wang Y. Chronology of the formation of the northern Tan-Lu fault zone and its implication (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Rev, 1996, 42: 508–513

    Google Scholar 

  68. Yin C J, Peng Y J, Wang Y S, et al. New evidences of chronology of rift belt of Yitong-Shulan (in Chinese with English abstract). Jilin Geol, 2005, 24: 6–15

    Google Scholar 

  69. Sun X M, Liu Y J, Sun Q C, et al. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology evidence of strike-slip movement in Dunhua-Mishan fault zone (in Chinese with English abstract). J Jilin Univ (Earth Sci Ed), 2008, 38: 965–972

    Google Scholar 

  70. Han G Q, Liu Y J, Franz N, et al. The chronology of L-Type tectonite from Nierji Area in the Northern-Middle Segment of the western boundary fault of Songliao Basin and its tectonic implications (in Chinese with English abstract). J Jilin Univ (Earth Sci Ed), 2012, in press

  71. Li W M, Takasu A, Liu Y J, et al. 40Ar/39Ar ages of the high-P/T metamorphic rocks of the Heilongjiang Complex in the Jiamusi Massif, northeastern China. J Miner Petrol Sci, 2009, 104: 110–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Wu F Y, Yang J H, Lo C H, et al. The Heilongjiang Group: A Jurassic accretionary complex in the Jiamusi Massif at the western Pacific margin of northeastern China. Island Arc, 2007, 16: 156–172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Zhao Y L, Liu Y J, Li W M, et al. High-pressure metamorphism in the Mudanjiang area, southern Jiamusi massif: Petrological and geochronological characteristics of the Heilongjiang complex, China (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol Bull China, 2010, 29: 243–253

    Google Scholar 

  74. Maruyama S, Seno T. Orogeny and relative plate motions: Example of the Japanese Islands. Tectonophysics, 1986, 127: 305–329

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Maruyama S, Isozaki Y, Kimura G, et al. Paleogeographic maps of the Japanese Islands: Plate tectonic synthesis from 750 Ma to the present. Island Arc, 1997, 6: 121–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Sun X M, Wang S Q, Wang Y D, et al. The structural feature and evolutionary series in the northern segment of Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 2010, 26: 165–176

    Google Scholar 

  77. Liu D L, Chen F J, Guan D F, et al. A study on lithospheric dynamics of the origin and evolution in the Songliao Basin (in Chinese with English abstract). Sci Geol Sin, 1996, 31: 397–407

    Google Scholar 

  78. Ma L, Yang J L, Ding Z G. Songliao Basin—An intercontinental sedimentary basin of the combination type. In: Zhu X, ed. Chinese Sedimentary Basins. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1989. 78–87

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Earth Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130061, China

    GuoQing Han, YongJiang Liu, Wei Li & ChenYue Liang

  2. Department Geology and Geography, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, A-5020, Austria

    GuoQing Han, Franz Neubauer & Johann Genser

  3. State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China

    YunXin Zou

  4. Inner Mongolia Exploration Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Hohhot, 010010, China

    YunXin Zou

Authors
  1. GuoQing Han
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. YongJiang Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Franz Neubauer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Johann Genser
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. YunXin Zou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Wei Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. ChenYue Liang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to YongJiang Liu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Han, G., Liu, Y., Neubauer, F. et al. Characteristics, timing, and offsets of the middle-southern segment of the western boundary strike-slip fault of the Songliao Basin in Northeast China. Sci. China Earth Sci. 55, 464–475 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-012-4362-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-012-4362-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation