Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Thermal history and exhumation processes in the Chinese South Tianshan: constraints from 40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th)/He ages

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
International Journal of Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Chinese South Tianshan (CSTS) on the southwestern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is a vital tectonic location to elucidate the links between the prevailing Cimmerian collisional orogenic process and uplift mechanisms in the whole CAOB. To constrain the CSTS exhumation processes, we determined systematic zircon U–Pb, biotite and K-feldspar 40Ar/39Ar and apatite (U-Th)/He ages of plutons from Hark and Erbin Mountains in the CSTS and the Bachu Uplift in the Tarim Basin (for comparative study). The results reveal spatial and temporal disparities in the CSTS thermal history and exhumation processes, which can be classified into three stages. Stage I (P1): intrusive bodies experienced magmatic cooling episodes after emplacement, revealing a deeper emplacement location for the pluton in Hark Mountain than in Erbin Mountain and the Bachu Uplift. Stage II (P2-K): Hark Mountain experienced rapid cooling and exhumation processes (3.0 °C/Ma, 0.14 mm/year) compared with the Erbin Mountain (2.0 °C/Ma, 0.09 mm/year) and Bachu Uplift (1.8 °C/Ma, 0.07 mm/year), resulted from the Qiangtang-Kunlun collision and Qiangtang-Lhasa collision in the south. Stage III (Cz): Rapid Cenozoic exhumation in the CSTS weakened eastward; the latest and most rapid uplift occurred in Hark Mountain to the west (8.6 Ma, 5.5 °C/Ma), after the eastern Ouxidaban pluton (31.1 Ma) and Erbin Mountain (56.4 Ma, 0.8 °C/Ma), possibly related to the remote effects of the India-Eurasia collision. Further, the northern Bachu Uplift could have been rigid enough that could transmit the driving forces in southern Eurasia from south to north during the Cenozoic.

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

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alexeiev DV, Biske YS, Djenchuraeva AV, Kröner A, Getman OF (2019) Late Carboniferous (Kasimovian) closure of the South Tianshan Ocean: no Triassic subduction. J Asian Earth Sci 173:54–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen MB, Windley BF, Chi Z (1993) Palaeozoic collisional tectonics and magmatism of the Chinese Tien Shan, central Asia. Tectonophysics 220(1–4):89–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BGMRXUAR (Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region) (1993) Regional geology of Xinjiang Uygyr autonomous region. Geological Publishing House, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Cawood PA, Kroner A, Collins WJ, Kusky T, Mooney WD, Windley BF (2009) Earth accretionary orogens through Earth history. In: Cawood PA, Kroner A (eds) Earth accretionary systems in space and time. Geological Society of London, pp 1–36 (Special Publications)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang J, Qiu NS (2017) Apatite low-temperature thermochronometry and applications to Tarim Basin in the Northwestern China. Earth Sci Front 24(03):79–93 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang J, Qiu NS, Li JW (2012) Tectono-thermal evolution of the northwestern edge of the Tarim Basin in China: constraints from apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronology. J Asian Earth Sci 61:187–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang J, Li D, Min K, Qiu NS, Xiao Y, Wu H, Liu N (2019) Cenozoic deformation of the Kalpin fold-and-thrust belt, southern Chinese Tian Shan: new insights from low-T thermochronology and sandbox modeling. Tectonophysics 766:416–432

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charreau J, Gilder S, Chen Y, Sp D, Avouac JP, Sen S, Jolivet M, Li YG, Wang WM (2006) Magnetostratigraphy of the Yaha section, Tarim Basin (China): 11 Ma acceleration in erosion and uplift of the Tian Shan mountains. Geology 34(3):181–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng ZG, Zhang ZC, Xie QH, Hou T, Ke S (2018) Subducted slab-plume interaction traced by magnesium isotopes in the northern margin of the Tarim Large Igneous Province. Earth Planet Sci Lett 489:100–110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cherniak DJ, Watson EB (2001) Pb diffusion in zircon. Chem Geol 172(1):5–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Grave J, Buslov MM, Van den Haute P (2007) Distant effects of India-Eurasia convergence and Mesozoic intracontinental deformation in Central Asia: Constraints from apatite fission-track thermochronology. J Asian Earth Sci 29(2):188–204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding WL, Lin CS, Qi LX, Huang TZ, Yu TX (2008) Structural framework and evolution of Bachu uplift in Tarim basin. Earth Sci Front 15(2):242–252 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Du ZL, Wang QC (2007) Mesozoic and Cenozoic uplifting history of the Tianshan region: insight from apatite fission track. Acta Geol Sin 81(8):1081–1101 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Du ZL, Wang QC, Zhou XH (2007) Mesozoic and Cenozoic uplifting history of the Kuqa-South Tianshan Basin-Mountain System from the evidence of apatite fission track analysis. Acta Petrol Mineral 26(5):399–408 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumitru T, Zhou D, Chang EZ, Graham SA, Hendrix MS, Sobel ER, Carroll A (2001) Uplift, exhumation, and deformation in the Chinese Tian Shan. Geol Soc Am Mem 194:71–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans NJ, Byrne JP, Keegan JT, Dotter LE (2005) Determination of Uranium and Thorium in Zircon, Apatite, and Fluorite: application to laser (U-Th)/He thermochronology. J Anal Chem 60:1159–1165

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farley KA (2000) Helium diffusion from apatite: general behavior as illustrated by Durango fluorapatite. J Geophy Res Solid Earth 105(B2):2903–2914

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farley KA, Wolf RA, Silver LT (1996) The effects of long alpha-stopping distances on (U-Th)/He ages. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 60(21):4223–4229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flowers RM, Ketcham RA, Shuster DL, Farley KA (2009) Apatite (U–Th)/He thermochronometry using a radiation damage accumulation and annealing model. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 73(8):2347–2365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fu FQ, McInnes BIA, Evans NJ, Davies PJ (2010) Numerical modeling of magmatic–hydrothermal systems constrained by U-Th–Pb–He time–temperature histories. J Geochem Explor 106(1):90–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao J, Li MS, Xiao XC, Tang YQ, He GQ (1998) Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Tianshan Orogen, northwestern China. Tectonophysics 287(1–4):213–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao J, Long LL, Klemd R, Qian Q, Liu DY, Xiong XM, Su W, Liu W, Wang YT, Yang FQ (2009) Tectonic evolution of the South Tianshan orogen and adjacent regions, NW China: geochemical and age constraints of granitoid rocks. Int J Earth Sci 98(6):1221–1238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao J, Klemd R, Qian Q, Zhang X, Li JL, Jiang T, Yang YQ (2011) The collision between the Yili and Tarim blocks of the Southwestern Altaids: geochemical and age constraints of a leucogranite dike crosscutting the HP–LT metamorphic belt in the Chinese Tianshan Orogen. Tectonophysics 499(1):118–131

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gillespie J, Glorie S, Xiao WJ, Zhang ZY, Collins AS, Evans N, McInnes B, De Grave J (2017) Mesozoic reactivation of the Beishan, southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: insights from low-temperature thermochronology. Gondwana Res 43:107–122

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glorie S, De Grave J (2016) Exhuming the Meso-Cenozoic Kyrgyz Tianshan and Siberian Altai-Sayan: a review based on low-temperature thermochronology. Geosci Front 7(2):155–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Golonka J (2004) Plate tectonic evolution of the southern margin of Eurasia in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Tectonophysics 381(1–4):235–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gou LL, Zhang LF (2016) Geochronology and petrogenesis of granitoids and associated mafic enclaves from Xiate in Chinese Southwest Tianshan: implications for early Paleozoic tectonic evolution. J Asian Earth Sci 115:40–61

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunnell Y, Gallagher K, Carter A, Widdowson M, Hurford AJ (2003) Denudation history of the continental margin of western peninsular India since the early Mesozoic–reconciling apatite fission-track data with geomorphology. Earth Planet Sci Lett 215(1):187–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harrison TM, Duncan I, McDougall I (1985) Diffusion of 40Ar in biotite: temperature, pressure and compositional effects. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 49:2461–2468

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He BZ, Jiao CL, Xu ZQ, Cai ZH, Liu SL, Zhang JX, Li HB, Zhang M (2015) Distribution and migration of the Phanerozoic palaeo-uplift in the Tarim Basin, NW China. Earth Sci Front 22(03):277–289 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hendrix MS (2000) Evolution of Mesozoic Sandstone Compositions, Southern Junggar, Northern Tarim, and Western Turpan Basins, Northwest China: a detrital record of the Ancestral Tian Shan. J Sediment Res 70(3):520–532

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hendrix MS, Graham SA, Carroll A, Sobel ER, McKnight CL, Schulein BJ, Wang ZX (1992) Sedimentary record and climatic implications of recurrent deformation in the Tian Shan: evidence from Mesozoic strata of the north Tarim, south Junggar, and Turpan basins, Northwest China. Geol Soc Am Bull 104:53–79

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hendrix MS, Dumitru TA, Graham SA (1994) Late Oligocene-early Miocene unroofing in the Chinese Tian Shan: an early effect of the India-Asia collision. Geology 22(6):487–490

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang BC, Piper JDA, Peng ST, Liu T, Li Z, Wang QC, Zhu RX (2006) Magnetostratigraphic study of the Kuche Depression, Tarim Basin, and Cenozoic uplift of the Tian Shan Range, Western China. Earth Planet Sci Lett 251(3):346–364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang H, Zhang ZC, Zhang DY, Du HX, Ma TL, Kang JL, Xue CJ (2011) Petrogenisis of Late Carboniferous to Early Permian granitoid plutons in the chinese South Tianshan: implication for crutal accretion. Acta Geol Sin 85(08):1305–1333 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang H, Zhang ZC, Santosh M, Zhang DY, Wang T (2015) Petrogenesis of the Early Permian volcanic rocks in the Chinese South Tianshan: implications for crustal growth in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Lithos 228–229:23–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang H, Wang T, Tong Y, Qin Q, Ma XX, Yin JY (2020) Rejuvenation of ancient micro-continents during accretionary orogenesis: insights from the Yili Block and adjacent regions of the SW Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Earth-Sci Rev 208:103255

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IGCAGS (Institute of Geology og Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences) (2006) 1:2,500,000 Geological map of the Western China and adjacent regions. Geological Publishing House, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Jia CZ, Chen HL, Yang SF, Lu HF, Zhou ZY (2003) Late Cretaceous uplifting process and its geological response in Kuqa Depression. Acta Petrolei Sin 24(3):1–5 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jolivet M, Dominguez S, Charreau J, Chen Y, Li Y, Wang Q (2010) Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic history of the central Chinese Tian Shan: reactivated tectonic structures and active deformation. Tectonics 29:TC6019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jong KD, Wang B, Faure M, Shu LS, Cluzel D, Charvet J, Ruffet G, Chen Y (2009) New 40Ar/39Ar age constraints on the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the western Tianshan (Xinjiang, northwestern China), with emphasis on Permian fluid ingress. Int J Earth Sci 98(6):1239–1258 (Springer Verlag)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kapp P, DeCelles PG, Gehrels GE, Heizler M, Ding L (2007) Geological records of the Lhasa-Qiangtang and Indo-Asian collisions in the Nima area of central Tibet. GSA Bull 119(7–8):917–933

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ketcham RA (2005) Forward and inverse modeling of low-temperature thermochronometry data. Rev Mineral Geochem 58(1):275–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li JB (2010) Late Paleozoic sedimentray basin and tectonic evolution in southwestern Tianshan Mountain, Xinjiang. Doctoral Thesis, Chengdu Universiy of Technology (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Li HL, Qiu NS, Jin ZJ, He ZL (2005) Geothermal history of Tarim Basin. Oil Gas Geol 26(05):613–617 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Su W, Kong P, Qian YX, Zhang KY, Zhang ML, Chen Y, Cai XY, You DH (2007) Zircon U-Pb ages of the Early Permian magmatic rocks in the Tazhong-Bachu region, Tarim Basin by LA-ICP-MS. Acta Petrol Sin 23(05):1097–1107 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li ZL, Chen HL, Song B, Li YQ, Yang SF, Yu X (2011) Temporal evolution of the Permian large igneous province in Tarim Basin in northwestern China. J Asian Earth Sci 42(5):917–927

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li GM, Cao MJ, Qin KZ, Evans NJ, McInnes BIA, Liu YS (2014) Thermal-tectonic history of the Baogutu porphyry Cu deposit, West Junggar as constrained from zircon U-Pb, biotite Ar/Ar and zircon/apatite (U–Th)/He dating. J Asian Earth Sci 79:741–758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lippolt HJ, Leitz M, Wernicke RS, Hagedorn B (1994) (Uranium + thorium)/helium dating of apatite: experience with samples from different geochemical environments. Chem Geol 112(1):179–191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu QY, Dai JX, Jin ZJ, Li J (2009) Geochemistry and genesis of natural gas in the foreland and plateform of the Tarim Basin. Acta Geol Sin 83(01):107–114 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu HQ, Xu YG, Zhong YT, Luo ZY, Mundil R, Riley TR, Zhang L, Xie W (2019) Crustal melting above a mantle plume: insights from the Permian Tarim Large Igneous Province, NW China. Lithos 326–327:370–383

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lovera OM, Richter FM, Harrison TM (1989) The 40Ar/39Ar thermochronometry for slowly cooled samples having a distribution of diffusion domain sizes. J Geophy Res 94(B12):917–935

    Google Scholar 

  • Lü HH, Chang Y, Wang W, Zhou ZY (2013) Rapid exhumation of the Tianshan Mountains since the early Miocene: evidence from combined apatite fission track and (U-Th)/He thermochronology. Sci China Earth Sci 56(12):2116–2125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lü M, Tang LJ, Yu TX, Yang Y, Cao ZC, Yue Y (2014) Palaeotectonic framework of the Early Paleoic in Bachu uplift, Tarim basin. J China Univ Min Technol 43(01):99–106 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig KR (2003) Isoplot 3.0: a geochronological toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Berkeley Geochronology Center, California

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo M, Zhu WB, Zheng BH, Zhu XQ (2012) Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Kuqa Basin: evidence from apatite fission-track data. Earth Sci J China Univ Geosci 37(5):893–902 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma LT, Zhang ZC, Dong SY, Zhang S, Zhang DY, Huang H (2010) Geology and geochemisty of the Yingmailai granitic intrusion in the southern Tianshan and its inplications. Earth Sci J China Univ Geo 35(6):908–920 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma Y, Zhang ZC, Huang H, Santosh M, Cheng ZG (2016) Petrogenesis of the Bashisuogong bimodal igneous complex in southwest Tianshan Mountains, China: implications for the Tarim Large Igneous Province. Lithos 264:509–523

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pirajno F, Mao J, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Chai F (2008) The association of mafic–ultramafic intrusions and A-type magmatism in the Tian Shan and Altay orogens, NW China: implications for geodynamic evolution and potential for the discovery of new ore deposits. J Asian Earth Sci 32(2):165–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu N, Wang J, Mei Q, Jiang G, Tao C (2010) Constraints of (U-Th)/He ages on early Paleozoic tectonothermal evolution of the Tarim Basin. China Sci China Earth Sci 53(7):964–976

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu N, Jiang G, Mei Q, Chang J, Wang S, Wang J (2011) The Paleozoic tectonothermal evolution of the Bachu Uplift of the Tarim Basin, NW China: constraints from (U–Th)/He ages, apatite fission track and vitrinite reflectance data. J Asian Earth Sci 41(6):551–563

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu N, Chang J, Li J, Li W, Yun L, Li H (2012) New evidence on the Neogene uplift of South Tianshan: constraints from the (U–Th)/He and AFT ages of borehole samples of the Tarim basin and implications for hydrocarbon generation. Int J Earth Sci 101(6):1625–1643

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ratschbacher L, Hacker BR, Calvert A, Webb LE, Grimmer JC, McWilliams MO, Ireland T, Dong S, Hu J (2003) Tectonics of the Qinling (Central China): tectonostratigraphy, geochronology, and deformation history. Tectonophysics 366(1):1–53

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reiners PW, Farley KA (2001) Influence of crystal size on apatite (U–Th)/He thermochronology: an example from the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming. Earth Planet Sci Lett 188(3–4):413–420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwab M, Ratschbacher L, Siebel W, McWilliams M, Minaev V, Lutkov V, Chen F, Stanek K, Nelson B, Frisch W (2004) Assembly of the Pamirs: Age and origin of magmatic belts from the southern Tien Shan to the southern Pamirs and their relation to Tibet. Tectonics 23:TC4002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shuster DL, Flowers RM, Farley KA (2006) The influence of natural radiation damage on helium diffusion kinetics in apatite. Earth Planet Sci Lett 249(3):148–161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spiegel C, Kohn B, Belton D, Berner Z, Gleadow A (2009) Apatite (U–Th–Sm)/He thermochronology of rapidly cooled samples: the effect of He implantation. Earth Planet Sci Lett 285(1–2):105–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su W, Gao J, Klemd R, Li J, Zhang X, Li XH, Chen N, Zhang L (2010) U-Pb zircon geochronology of Tianshan eclogites in NW China: Implication for the collision between the Yili and Tarim blocks of the southwestern Altaids. Eur J Mineral 22:473–478

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su BX, Qin KZ, Sakyi PA, Li XH, Yang YH, Sun H, Tang DM, Liu PP, Xiao QH, Malaviarachchi SPK (2011) U-Pb ages and Hf–O isotopes of zircons from Late Paleozoic mafic–ultramafic units in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: tectonic implications and evidence for an Early-Permian mantle plume. Gondwana Res 20(2):516–531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun JM, Li Y, Zhang ZQ, Fu BH (2009) Magnetostratigraphic data on Neogene growth folding in the foreland basin of the southern Tianshan Mountains. Geology 37(11):1051–1054

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Hinsbergen DJJ, Lippert PC, Dupont-Nivet G, McQuarrie N, Doubrovine PV, Spakman W, Torsvik TH (2012) Greater India Basin hypothesis and a two-stage Cenozoic collision between India and Asia. Proc Natl Acad Sci 109(20):7659–7664

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang B, Cluzel D, Shu L, Faure M, Charvet J, Chen Y, Meffre S, Jong KD (2009a) Evolution of calc-alkaline to alkaline magmatism through Carboniferous convergence to Permian transcurrent tectonics, western Chinese Tianshan. Int J Earth Sci 98(6):1275–1298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Q, Li S, Du Z (2009b) Differential uplift of the Chinese Tianshan since the Cretaceous: constraints from sedimentary petrography and apatite fission-track dating. Int J Earth Sci 98(6):1341–1363

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang F, Zhu R, Hou Q, Zheng D, Yang L, Wu L, Shi W, Feng H, Sang H, Zhang H, Liu Q (2014a) 40Ar/39Ar Thermochronology on Central China Orogen: Cooling, uplift and implication for orogeny dynamics. In: Jourdan F, Mark DF, Verati C (eds) Advances in 40Ar/39Ar Dating: from Archaeology to Planetary Sciences. Special Publications, Geological Society, Londan, pp 189–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang F, Zhu R, Hou Q, Zheng D, Yang L, Wu L, Shi W, Feng H, Sang H, Zhang H, Liu Q (2014b) 40Ar/39Ar Thermochronology on Central China Orogen: cooling, uplift and implications for orogeny dynamics. In: Jourdan F, Mark DF, Verati C (eds) Advances in 40Ar/39Ar dating: from archaeology to planetary sciences. Special Publications, Geological Society, Londan, pp 189–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Cai K, Sun M, Xiao W, De Grave J, Wan B, Bao Z (2018) Tracking the multi-stage exhumation history of the western Chinese Tianshan by apatite fission track (AFT) dating: Implication for the preservation of epithermal deposits in the ancient orogenic belt. Ore Geol Rev 100:111–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wartho JA, Kelley SP, Brooker RA, Carroll MR, Lee MR (1999) Direct measurement of Ar diffusion profiles in a gem-quality Madagascar K-feldspar using the ultra-violet laser ablation microprobe (UVLAMP). Earth Planet Sci Lett 170(1):141–153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wei X, Xu YG (2011) Petrogenesis of Xiaohaizi syenite complex from Bachu area. Tarim Acta Petrol Sin 27(10):2984–3004 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Windley BF, Allen MB, Zhang C, Zhao ZY, Wang GR (1990) Paleozoic accretion and Cenozoic redeformation of the Chinese Tien Shan Range, central Asia. Geology 18(2):128–131

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolf RA, Farley KA, Silver LT (1996) Helium diffusion and low-temperature thermochronometry of apatite. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 60(21):4231–4240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xia X, Sun M, Zhao G, Li H, Zhou M (2004) Spot zircon U-Pb isotope analysis by ICP-MS coupled with a frequency quintupled (213 nm) Nd-YAG laser system. Geochem J 38(2):191–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xia L, Xu X, Li X, Ma Z, Xia Z (2012) Reassessment of petrogenesis of Carboniferous-Early Permian rift-related volcanic rocks in the Chinese Tianshan and its neighboring areas. Geosci Front 3(4):445–471

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiang D, Zhang Z, Xiao W, Zhu W, Zheng D, Li G, Zheng B, Song D, Han C, Pang J (2019) Episodic Meso-Cenozoic denudation of Chinese Tianshan: evidence from detrital apatite fission track and zircon U-Pb data, southern Junggar Basin margin, MW China. J Asian Earth Sci 175:199–212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao W, Windley BF, Hao J, Zhai M (2003) Accretion leading to collision and the Permian Solonker suture, Inner Mongolia, China: termination of the central Asian orogenic belt. Tectonics 22(6):8.1-8.20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao W, Windley BF, Allen MB, Han C (2013) Paleozoic multiple accretionary and collisional tectonics of the Chinese Tianshan orogenic collage. Gondwana Res 23(4):1316–1341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu XH (2004) Formation of paleo-uplift and petroleum occurrence in Tarim Basin. J Tongji Univ 32(4):461–465 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu ZQ, He BZ, Zhang CL, Zhang JX, Wang ZM, Cai ZH (2013) Tectonic framework and crustal evolution of the Precambrian basement of the Tarim Block in NW China: new geochronological evidence from deep drilling samples. Precambrian Res 235:150–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu YG, Wei X, Luo ZY, Liu HQ, Cao J (2014) The Early Permian Tarim Large Igneous Province: main characteristics and a plume incubation model. Lithos 204:20–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yakubchuk A (2004) Architecture and mineral deposit settings of the Altaid orogenic collage: a revised model. J Asian Earth Sci 23(5):761–779

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang G, Qian XL (1995) Mesozoic-Cenozic uplift of the Tian Shan intraplate orogenic belt: evidence from zircon and apatite fission track dating. Acta Sci Nat Univ Pekin 31(4):473–478 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang SF, Chen HL, Cheng XG, Xiao AC, Zhou YZ, Lu HF, Jia CZ, Wei GQ (2003) Cenozoic uplift and unroofing of Southern Tien Shan, China. J Nanjing Univ (Nat. Sci.) 39(01):1–8 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang SF, Li ZL, Chen HL, Xiao WJ, Yu X, Lin XB, Shi XG (2006) Discovery of a Permian quartz syenitic porphyritic dyke from the Tarim basin and its tectonic implications. Acta Petrol Sin 22(05):1405–1412 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang SF, Yu X, Chen HL, Li ZL, Wang QH, Luo JC (2007a) Geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of Permian Xiaohaizi ultrabasic dyke in Bachu area. Tarim Basin Acta Petrol Sin 23(05):1087–1096 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang SF, Li Z, Chen H, Santosh M, Dong CW, Yu X (2007b) Permian bimodal dyke of Tarim Basin, NW China: geochemical characteristics and tectonic implications. Gondwana Res 12(1):113–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang YT, Guo ZX, Song CC, Li XB, He S (2015) A short-lived but significant Mongol-Okhotsk collisional orogeny in latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous. Gondwana Res 28(3):1096–1116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang L, Chen W, Zhang B, Yin JY, Sun JB, Li J, Yu S, Yang J, Yuan X (2016) Ages and geochemistry of the Erbeng granite in southern Tianshan orogenic belt, Xinjiang: new constraints on the tectonic evolution of the southern Tianshan Ocean. Geol Bull China 35(1):152–166 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin A, Nie S, Craig P, Harrison TM, Ryerson FJ, Qian XL, Yang G (1998) Late Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the southern Chinese Tian Shan. Tectonics 17(1):1–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yin J, Chen W, Hodges KV, Xiao W, Cai K, Yuan C, Sun M, Liu LP, van Soest MC (2018a) The thermal evolution of Chinese central Tianshan and its implications: insights from multi-method chronometry. Tectonophysics 722:536–548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yin J, Chen W, Xiao W, Long X, Tao N, Liu LP, Yuan C, Sun M (2018b) Tracking the multiple-stage exhumation history and magmatic-hydrothermal events of the West Junggar region, NW China: evidence from 40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th)/He thermochronology. J Asian Earth Sci 159:130–141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu X (2009) Magma evolution and deep geological processes of Early Permian Tarim large igneous province. Doctoral Thesis, Zhejiang Univ. (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Yu S, Chen W, Evans NJ, McInnes BIA, Yin J, Sun J, Li J, Zhang B (2014) Cenozoic uplift, exhumation and deformation in the north Kuqa Depression, China as constrained by (U–Th)/He thermochronometry. Tectonophysics 630:166–182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhai QG, Jahn BM, Zhang RY, Wang J, Su L (2011a) Triassic subduction of the Paleo-Tethys in northern Tibet, China: evidence from the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of eclogites and blueschists of the Qiangtang Block. J Asian Earth Sci 42(6):1356–1370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhai QG, Zhang RY, Jahn BM, Li C, Song SG, Wang J (2011b) Triassic eclogites from central Qiangtang, northern Tibet, China: petrology, geochronology and metamorphic P-T path. Lithos 125(1):173–189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang C, Zheng DM, Li JH (2001) Attribute of paleozoic structures and its evolution characteristics in Keping fault-uplift. Oil Gas Geo 22(04):314–318 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang L, Ai Y, Li X, Rubatto D, Song B, Williams S, Song S, Ellis D, Liou JG (2007) Triassic collision of western Tianshan orogenic belt, China: evidence from SHRIMP U-Pb dating of zircon from HP/UHP eclogitic rocks. Lithos 96(1):266–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ZY, Zhu WB, Shu LS, Wan JL, Yang W, Su JB, Zheng BH (2009) Apatite fission track thermochronology of the Precambrian Aksu blueschist, NW China: implications for thermo-tectonic evolution of the north Tarim basement. Gondwana Res 16:182–188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang CL, Li ZX, Li XH, Xu YG, Zhou G, Ye HM (2010) A Permian large igneous province in Tarim and Central Asian orogenic belt, NW China: results of a ca. 275 Ma mantle plume? GSA Bull 122(11–12):2020–2040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang CL, Zou HB, Li HK, Wang HY (2013) Tectonic framework and evolution of the Tarim Block in NW China. Gondwana Res 23(4):1306–1315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang B, Chen W, Sun JB, Yu S, Yin JY, Li J, Zhang Y, Liu XY, Yang L, Yuan X (2016) The thermal history and uplift process of the Ouxidaban pluton in the south Tianshan orogen: evidence from Ar–Ar and (U–Th)/He. Sci China Earth Sic 59:349–361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang B, Chen W, Liu J, Yin J, Sun J (2019a) Thermochronological insights into the intracontinental orogeny of the Chinese western Tianshan orogen. J Asian Earth Sci 194:103927

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, He DF, Liu CL (2019b) Three-dimensional geological stucture and genetic mechanism of the Bachu uplift in the Tarim Basin. Earth Sci Front 26(01):134–148 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao S, Chen W, Zhang B, Sun J, Shen Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Y (2019) Mesozoic and Cenozoic exhumation history and magmatic-hydrothermal events of the central Tianshan Mt. Range, NW China: evidence from (U–Th)/He and 40Ar/39Ar dating. J Asian Earth Sci 194:104057

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng J, Griffin WL, O’Reilly SY, Zhang M, Liou JG, Pearson N (2006) Granulite xenoliths and their zircons, Tuoyun, NW China: insights into southwestern Tianshan lower crust. Precambrian Res 145(3):159–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhong L, Wang B, de Jong K, Zhai Y, Liu H (2019) Deformed continental arc sequences in the South Tianshan: new constraints on the early Paleozoic accretionary tectonics of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Tectonophysics 768:228169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu ZX, Li JY, Dong LH, Zhang XF, Hu JW, Wang KZ (2008) The age determation of Late Carboniferous intrusions in Mangqisu region and its constraints to the closure of oceanic basin in south Tianshan, Xinjiang. Acta Petrol Sin 24(12):2761–2766 ((in Chinese with English abstract))

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 42002168, 41773046, 41688103), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. 2020M670400), China Geological Survey (No. DD20190004) and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Research Fund (No. YYWF201707). We thank engineer Liu Xinyu for help during 40Ar/39Ar analytical testing. These authors thank Dr. Zhang Bin for the help with data interpretation. This manuscript benefitted from the discussion with Dr. Zhao Shuangfeng. Finally, we thank two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions which greatly improved the paper.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Isotope Thermochronology, Key Laboratory of Deep Dynamic, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037, China

    Wen Zhang, Wen Chen, Jingbo Sun, Ze Shen & Yan Zhang

Authors
  1. Wen Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Wen Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jingbo Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ze Shen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yan Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wen Chen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, W., Chen, W., Sun, J. et al. Thermal history and exhumation processes in the Chinese South Tianshan: constraints from 40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th)/He ages. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 110, 1575–1592 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-021-02031-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-021-02031-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation