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Mayer Kangri metamorphic complexes in Central Qiangtang (Tibet, western China): implications for the Triassic–early Jurassic tectonics associated with the Paleo-Tethys Ocean

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Abstract

The Mesozoic orogeny in Central Qiangtang Metamorphic Belt, northern Tibet, provides important insights into the geological evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. However, the Triassic–early Jurassic tectonics, particularly those associated with the continental collisionstage, remains poorly constrained. Here we present results from geological mapping, structural analysis, P–T data, and Ar–Ar geochronology of the Mayer Kangri metamorphic complex. Our data reveal an E–W-trending, ~2 km wide dome-like structure associated with four successive tectonic events during the Middle Triassic and Early Jurassic. Field observations indicate that amphibolite and phengite schist complexes in this complex are separated from the overlying lower greenschist mélange by normal faulting with an evident dextral shearing component. Open antiform-like S2 foliation of the footwall phengite schist truncates the approximately north-dipping structures of the overlying mélange. Microtextures and mineral chemistry of amphibole reveal three stages of growth: Geothermobarometric estimates yield temperatures and pressures of 524 °C and 0.88 GPa for pargasite cores, 386 °C and 0.34 GPa for actinolite mantles, and ~404 °C and 0.76 GPa for winchite rims. Peak blueschist metamorphism in the phengite schist occurred at ~0.7–1.1 GPa and ~400 °C. Our Ar–Ar dating of amphibole reveals rim-ward decreasing in age bands, including ~242.4–241.2 Ma, ≥202.6–196.8, and 192.9–189.8 Ma. The results provide evidence for four distinct phases of Mesozoic tectonic evolution in Central Qiangtang: (1) northward oceanic subduction beneath North Qiangtang (~244–220 Ma); (2) syn-collisional slab-break off (223–202 Ma); (3) early collisional extension driven by buoyant extrusion flow from depth (~202.6–197 Ma); and (4) post-collision contraction and reburial (195.6–188.7 Ma).

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Young Scientist Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41402177) and “the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities”, (Grant No. 2652014004). Field work was supported by a project issued by the China Geological Survey (CGS): “Tectonic attributes of the basement of the South Qiangtang Mesozoic–Cenozoic basin” (Grant No. 1212011221115).

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  1. School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China

    Yixuan Wang, Xiao Liang, Genhou Wang & Guoli Yuan

  2. Department of Geosciences, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, 72074, Tübingen, Germany

    Paul D. Bons

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  1. Yixuan Wang
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Wang, Y., Liang, X., Wang, G. et al. Mayer Kangri metamorphic complexes in Central Qiangtang (Tibet, western China): implications for the Triassic–early Jurassic tectonics associated with the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 107, 757–776 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-017-1526-1

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