Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Elemental geochemistry and Nd isotopic characteristics of the metasedimentary rocks from the metamorphic belt in central Jiangxi: Provenance and tectonically environmental constraints

  • Published:
Chinese Journal of Geochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The metamorphic belt in central Jiangxi, located in the compound terrain within the Cathaysia, Yangtze Block and Caledonian fold zone of South China, is composed dominantly of meta-argillo-are-naceous rocks, with minor amphibolite. These rocks underwent amphibolite-facies metamorphism. The meta-argillo-arenaceous rocks show large variations in major element composition, but have similar REE patterns and trace element composition, incompatible element and LIE enrichments [high Th/Sc (0.57−3.59), La/Sc (1.46−12.4), La/Yb (5.84−19.0)] and variable Th/U ratios, with ΣREE=129−296µg/g, δEu=0.51−0.86, and (La/Yb)N=3.95−12.9. The Nd isotopic model agest DM of these rocks vary from 1597 to 2124 Ma. Their143Nd/144Nd values are low [ɛNd(0)=−11.4 to −15.8]. Some conclusions have been drawn as follows: (1) The metamorphic rocks in central Jiangxi Province are likely formed in a tectonic environment at the passive continental margin of the Cathaysia massif. (2) The metamorphosed argillo-arenaceous rocks are composed dominantly of upper crustal-source rocks (Al- and K-rich granitic or/and sedimentary rocks of Early Proterozoic), which experienced good sorting, slow deposition and more intense chemical weathering. (3) According to the whole-rock Sm-Nd isochron ages (1113±49 to 1199±26 Ma) of plagioclase-amphibole (schist) and Nd isotopic model aget DM (1597−2124 Ma) of meta-argillo-arenaceous rocks, the metamorphic belt in central Jiangxi Province was formed during the Middle Proterozoic (1100−1600 Ma).

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

  • Bhatia M. R. and Crook K. A. W. (1986) Trace element characteristics of graywackes and tectonic setting discrimination of sedimentary basins [J].Contrib. Mineral Petrol. 92, 181–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Camire G. E., Lafleche M. R., and Ludden N. J. (1993) Archean metasedimentary rocks from the northwestern Pontiac subprovince of the Canadian shield: Chemical characterization, weathering and modeling of the source areas [J].Precambrian Research. 62, 285–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen C. H., Jhan B. M., Lee T. et al. (1990) Sm-Nd isotopic geochemistry of sediments from Taiwan and implications for the tectonic evolution of Southeast China [J].Chem. Geol. 88, 317–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Diyun (1994)The Source of Ore-Forming Materials and Genesis Study of Volcanic U (Ag, Mo) Deposits in North Wuyi Mountains [D]. Nanjing, Nanjing University (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Jianfen (1989) The sediment source and Nd isotopic composition of low-grade metamorphic rocks and sediments from South Anhui [J].Bulletin of Science. 20, 1572–1574 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Condie K. C. (1993) Chemical composition and evolution of the upper continental crust: Contrasting results from surface samples and shales [J].Chemical Geology. 104, 1–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Condie K. C. and Wronkiewicz D. J. (1990a) Evolution of the Kaapvaal craton: The Cr/Th ratio in pelites as an index of craton maturation [J].Earth Planet Science Letter. 97, 256–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Condie K. C. and Wronkiewicz D. J. (1990b) A new look at the Archaean-Proterozoic boundary sediments and the tectonic setting constraint. InPrecambrian Continental Crust and Its Economic Resources [C] (ed. Naqvi S. M.). pp. 61–83. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Condie K. C., Boryta M. D., Liu Jinzhong et al. (1992) The origin of khondalites: Geochemical evidence from the Archean to early Proterozoic granulite belt in the North China craton [J].Precambrian Research. 59, 207–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crichton J. G. and Condie K. C. (1993) Trace elements as source indicators in cratonic sediments: A case study from the Early Proterozoic Libby Creek Group, southeastern Wyoming [J].Journal of Geology.101, 319–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Den Guohui (1997) Characteristics of amphibolite in Yaoxu, Dongxiang-Maquan, Yujiang region and its significance [J].Geological Science and Technology of Jiangxi. 24, 20–24 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng Jiarui and Zhang Zhiping (1998) Late Precambrian tectonic framework in Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangxi [J].Geological Review. 44, 561–566 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fedo C. M., Eriksson A. K., and Krogstad E. (1996) Geochemistry of shales from the Archean (∼3.0 Ga) Buhwa greenstone belt, Zimbabwe: Implications for provenance and source-area weathering [J].Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 60, 1751–1763.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Floyd P. A. and Leveridge B. E. (1987) Tectonic environment of the Devonian mode and geochemical evidence from turbiditic sandstones [J].J. Geol. Soc. 144, 531–542.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia D., Fonteilles M., and Moutte J. (1994) Sedimentary fractionations between Al, Ti, and Zr and the genesis of strongly peraluminous granites [J].J. Geol. 102, 411–412.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs A. K., Montgomery C. W., O-Day P. A. et al. (1986) The Archean-Proterozoic transition: Evidence from the geochemistry of metasedimentary rocks of Guyana and Montana [J].Geochim. Cosmochimica Acta. 50, 2125–2141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gromet L. P., Dymek R. F., Haskin L. A. et al. (1984) The “North American Shale Composite”: Its compilation major and trace element characteristics [J].Geochim. Cosmochimical Acta. 48, 2469–2482.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harnois L. (1988) The CIW index: A new chemical index of weathering [J].Sed. Geology. 55, 319–322.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He Gaopin (1986) The research method for the original rocks of metamorphic rocks [J].J. Changchun Geol. Univ. 4, 31–35 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Gongren and Liu Congqiang (2002) Geochemistry of amphibolites from the Zhoutan Group, Jiangxi Province: Implications for the tectonic settings [J].Acta Mineralogica Sinica. 22, 335–342 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Gongren and Zhang Bangtong (1998a) Neodymium isotope composition and source materials of the meta-basement in central Jiangxi Province [J].Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica. 17, 35–39 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Gongren, Liu Congqiang, Zhang Bangtong et al. (2004) Geochemical characteristics of meta-argillo-arenaceous rocks from the metamorphic rock belt in central Jiangxi Province and its geological significance [J].Geochimica. 33, 118–130 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Gongren, Zhang Bangtong, and Wang Changhua (1997) First determination of the Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks in Xiangshan, central Jiangxi Province [J].Regional Geology of China. 16, 222–224 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Gongren, Zhang Bangtong, and Wang Xiangyun (1998b) Mineralogy, petrology and isotopic geochemistry of the Proterozoic amphibolites from Xiangshan, central Jiangxi Province [J].Geochimica. 27, 217–229 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Gongren, Zhang Bangtong, and Yu Ruilian (1999a) A study on Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isochron ages of the central Jiangxi metamorphic belt [J].Geological Review. 45, 129–134 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Gongren, Zhang Bangton, and Yu Ruilian (1999b) Petrology, age and geochemistry of the Proterozoic amphibolites from Xiangshan, central Jiangxi Province [J].Chinese Journal of Geochemistry. 18, 139–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Jieyuan (1992) The Sm-Nd isochron ages measuring of rocks and mineral [J].Bulletin of Nuclear Industry, Beijing Geological Academy.10, 35–37 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • McLennan S. M. (1989) Rare-earth elements in sedimentary rocks: Influence of provenance and sedimentary processes [J].Mineral. Soc. Amer. Rev. Mineral. 21, 169–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • McLennan S. M. and Taylor S. R. (1991) Sedimentary rocks and crustal evolution: Tectonic setting and secular trends [J].Journal of Geology. 99, 1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLennan S. M., Hemming S. R., and Taylor S. R. (1995) Early Proterozoic crustal evolution: Geochemical and Nd-Pb isotopic evidence from metasedimentary rocks, southwestern North America [J].Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 59, 1153–1177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLennan S. M., Hemming S. R., McDaniel D. K. et al. (1993) Geochemical approaches to sedimentation, provenance and tectonics. InProcesses Controlling the Composition of Clastic Sediments [C] (eds. Johnsson M. L. and Basu A.). Geol. Soc. Amer. Spec. Paper.284, 21–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • McLennan S. M., Taylor S. R., McCulloch M. T. et al. (1990) Geochemical and Nd-Sr isotopic composition of deep-sea turbidites: Crustal evolution and plate tectonic association [J].Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta. 54, 2015–2050.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naqvi S. M., Sawkar R. H., Subba R. D. V. et al. (1988) Geology, geochemistry and tectonic setting of Archean graywackes from Karnataka Nucleus, India [J].Precambrian Res. 39, 193–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nesbitt H. W. and Young G. M. (1982) Early Proterozoic climates and plate motions inferred from major element chemistry of lutites [J].Nature. 299, 715–717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pettijohn E. J. (1975)Sedimentary Rocks (3rd ed) [M]. pp. 628. Harper & Row, Publishers Inc, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reimer T. O., Condie K. C., and Georgi A. (1985) Petrography and geochemistry of granitoid and metamorphite pebbles from the Early Archean Moodies Group, Barberton Mountainland/South Africa [J].Precambrian Research. 29, 383–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shui Tao, Xu Butai, Ling Ruhua et al. (1988)Metamorphic Basement Geology in Zhejiang and Fujian Province [M]. pp. 140. Science Press, Beijing (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor S. R. and Mclennan S. M. (1985)The Continental Crust: Its Composition and Evolution [M]. pp. 9–56. Blackwell, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor S. R. and Mclennan S. M. (1995) The geochemical evolution of the continental crust [J].Rev. Geophys. 33, 241–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Renmin, He Gaopin, Chen Zhengzheng et al. (1987)The Distinguishing Diagram for the Original Rocks of Metamorphic Rocks [M]. pp. 41–45. Geological Publishing House, Beijing (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Winkler H. G. F. (1976)The Genetic of Metamorphic Rocks [M]. pp. 100–105. Science Press, Beijing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wronkiewicz D. J. and Condie K. C. (1989) Geochemistry and provenance of sediments from the Pongola Supergroup, South Africa: Evidence for a 3.0-Ga-old continental craton [J].Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 53, 1537–1549.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu Butai (1989) A study on isotope, rare-earth element geochemistry and geological chronology of metamorphic rocks from volcanic region in the East of Zhejiang [J].Zhejiang Geology. 5, 52–58 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • York D. (1969) Least-squares fitting of a straight line with correlated errors [J].Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 5, 320–324.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu Dagan, Ai Guigen, Huang Guofu et al. (1999) Isotopic age features and their geological implication of the Zhoutan Group in Jiangxi [J].Acta Geoscientia Sinica. 20, 195–200 (in Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 550002, Guiyang, China

    Hu Gongren, Liu Congqiang & Tang Hongfeng

  2. Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, 362021, Quanzhou, China

    Hu Gongren & Yu Ruilian

  3. State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research, Nanjing University, 210093, Nanjing, China

    Hu Gongren & Zhang Bangtong

Authors
  1. Hu Gongren
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Liu Congqiang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhang Bangtong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Tang Hongfeng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yu Ruilian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This project was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40272038) and the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (No. D0310017).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hu, G., Liu, C., Zhang, B. et al. Elemental geochemistry and Nd isotopic characteristics of the metasedimentary rocks from the metamorphic belt in central Jiangxi: Provenance and tectonically environmental constraints. Chin. J. Geochem. 24, 37–50 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02869687

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02869687

Key words

Search

Navigation