Abstract
The China Central Orogenic System (CCOS), extending in an east-west direction in the middle part of China, is composed of the Early Paleozoic Altyn-North Qilian-North Qaidam-East Kunlun-North Qinling-North Tongbai orogens in the west and the Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic South Tongbai-Hong’an-Dabie-Sulu orogens in the east. They were produced by oceanic subduction and continental subduction/collision during the closure of the Proto-Tethys and the Paleo-Tethys oceans, respectively. Different types of metamorphic rocks with various ages are extensively exposed in these orogens, and they were produced at different geothermal gradients in different stages during the tectonic evolution of convergent continental margins, making them ideal targets to reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of the Eastern Tethys tectonic domain. In this article, an integrated study of metamorphic temperature (T)-pressure (P)-time (t) records is presented for metamorphic rocks along the CCOS, aiming to ascertain the change of metamorphic T/P ratios in both time and space, and then shed light on the tectonic evolution of the East Tethys tectonic domain in association with the thermal state change of convergent continental margins. The results indicate that despite the difference in metamorphic ages, metamorphic rocks in different orogens show a common trend with clockwise P-T-t paths. With respect to plate convergence for subduction and collision, regional metamorphism is categorized into three stages: (1) an early convergent stage, corresponding to low T/P Alpine-type blueschist- to eclogite-facies high-P to ultrahigh-P metamorphism; (2) a later convergent stage, corresponding to the medium T/P Barrovian-type medium-P amphibolite to high-P granulite-facies metamorphism; and (3) a post-convergent stage, corresponding to the high T/P Buchan-type low-P amphibolite to MP granulite-facies metamorphism. Nonetheless, a few metamorphic rocks only record a two-sage metamorphic evolution, with an early Barrovian-type high-P granulite-facies metamorphism and a late Buchan-type low-P granulite-facies metamorphic overprinting. In modern convergent plate margins, Alpine-type metamorphism mainly occurs in the stages of oceanic subduction and continental collision, Barrovian-type metamorphism takes pace in both stages of crustal thickening during continental hard collision and slab exhumation when continental subduction zones have evolved from compressional to extensional regimes, and Buchan-type metamorphism occurs in intracontinental rifting stage after the plate convergence. Therefore, the tectonic evolution of convergent continental margins can be reconstructed by combining metamorphic T/P ratios with their corresponding metamorphic facies series and metamorphic timing of metamorphic rocks. Based on the reported metamorphic rocks of different types and ages along the CCOS, it appears that the continental subduction/collision occurred at 500–490 Ma in the Altyn-North Qinling-North Tongbai orogens but 450–430 Ma in the North Qaidam-East Kunlun orogens, and the intracontinental rifting occurred at 460–450 Ma in the Altyn-North Qinling-North Tongbai orogens but 410–400 Ma in the North Qaidam-East Kunlun orogens, respectively, in the western Proto-Tethys domain. For the eastern Paleo-Tethys domain, in contrast, the continental subduction/collision occurred at 250–220 Ma and post-collisional intracontinental rifting occurred at 140–120 Ma. Furthermore, metamorphic evolution from low T/P ratios in the subduction/collision stage to high T/P ratios in the intracontinental rifting stage needs 40–60 Myr in the Proto-Tethys domain but about 110 Myr in the Paleo-Tethys domain. For the two different orogenic domains, therefore, the convergent continental margins underwent a common tectonic evolution from warm collision/cold subduction to hot rifting, which starts from continental subduction/collision characterized by the formation of medium-P amphibolite to high-P granulite facies series or high-P to ultrahigh-P eclogite facies series in compressional regimes, through exhumation of the deeply subducted crustal rocks, and terminates with intracontinental rifting featured by high-T to ultrahigh-T granulite facies series in extensional regimes.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agard P, Vitale-Brovarone A. 2013. Thermal regime of continental subduction: The record from exhumed HP-LT terranes (New Caledonia, Oman, Corsica). Tectonophysics, 601: 206–215
Bader T, Ratschbacher L, Franz L, Yang Z, Hofmann M, Linnemann U, Yuan H. 2013. The heart of China revisited, I. Proterozoic tectonics of the Qin mountains in the core of supercontinent Rodinia. Tectonics, 32: 661–687
Bader T, Zhang L, Li X. 2019. Is the Songshugou complex, Qinling Belt, China, an eclogite facies Neoproterozoic ophiolite? J Earth Sci, 30: 460–475
Bader T, Zhang L, Li X, Xia B, Franz L, de Capitani C, Li Q. 2020. High-P granulites of the Songshugou area (Qinling Orogen, east-central China): Petrography, phase relations, and U/Pb zircon geochronology. J Metamorph Geol, 38: 421–450
Ballato P, Uba C E, Landgraf A, Strecker M R, Sudo M, Stockli D F, Friedrich A, Tabatabaei S H. 2011. Arabia-Eurasia continental collision: Insights from late Tertiary foreland-basin evolution in the Alborz Mountains, northern Iran. GSA Bull, 123: 106–131
Beall A P, Moresi L, Stern T. 2017. Dripping or delamination? A range of mechanisms for removing the lower crust or lithosphere. Geophys J Int, 210: 671–692
Bi H, Whitney D L, Song S, Zhou X. 2022. HP-UHP eclogites in the East Kunlun Orogen, China: P-T evidence for asymmetric suturing of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Gondwana Res, 104: 199–214
Bi H Z, Song S G, Yang L M, Allen M B, Qi S S, Su L. 2020. UHP metamorphism recorded by coesite-bearing metapelite in the East Kunlun Orogen (NW China). Geol Mag, 157: 160–172
Bird P. 1979. Continental delamination and the Colorado Plateau. J Geophys Res, 84: 7561–7571
Brown M. 2009. Metamorphic patterns in orogenic systems and the geological record. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ, 318: 37–74
Brown M, Johnson T. 2018. Secular change in metamorphism and the onset of global plate tectonics. Am Mineral, 103: 181–196
Brown M, Johnson T E. 2019. Metamorphism and the evolution of subduction on Earth. Amer Mineral, 104: 1065–1082
Cao D, Cheng H, Zhang L, Wang K. 2018. Origin of atoll garnets in ultrahigh-pressure eclogites and implications for infiltration of external fluids. J Asian Earth Sci, 160: 224–238
Butler J P, Beaumont C, Jamieson R A. 2013. The Alps 1: A working geodynamic model for burial and exhumation of (ultra) high-pressure rocks in Alpine-type orogens. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 377–378: 114–131
Butler J P, Beaumont C, Jamieson R A. 2014. The Alps 2: Controls on crustal subduction and (ultra) high-pressure rock exhumation in Alpine-type orogens. J Geophys Res-Solid Earth, 119: 5987–6022
Cao Y T, Liu L, Chen D L, Wang C, Yang W Q, Kang L, Zhu X H. 2017. Partial melting during exhumation of Paleozoic retrograde eclogite in North Qaidam, western China. J Asian Earth Sci, 148: 223–240
Castelli D, Rolfo F, Compagnoni R, Xu S. 1998. Metamorphic veins with kyanite, zoisite and quartz in the Zhu-Jia-Chong eclogite, Dabie Shan, China. Island Arc, 7: 159–173
Chen D L, Sun Y, Liu L, Zhang A D, Luo J H, Wang Y. 2005. Metamorphic evolution of the Yuka eclogite in the North Qaidam, NW China: Evidences from the compositional zonation of garnet and reaction texture in the rock (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 21: 1039–1048
Chen D, Deloule E, Cheng H, Xia Q, Wu Y. 2004. Multi-isotopic system geochronology of low temperature eclogite from Huangzhen, Southern Dabie Terrain. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 47: 931–942
Chen D, Ren Y, Gong X, Liu L, Gao S. 2015. Identification and its geological significance of eclogite in Songshugou, the North Qinling (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 31: 1841–1854
Cheng H, DuFrane S A, Vervoort J D, Nakamura E, Li Q, Zhou Z. 2010. The Triassic age for oceanic eclogites in the Dabie orogen: Entrainment of oceanic fragments in the continental subduction. Lithos, 117: 82–98
Cheng H, King R L, Nakamura E, Vervoort J D, Zheng Y F, Ota T, Wu Y B, Kobayashi K, Zhou Z Y. 2009. Transitional time of oceanic to continental subduction in the Dabie orogen: Constraints from U-Pb, Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd and Ar-Ar multichronometric dating. Lithos, 110: 327–342
Cheng H, King R L, Nakamura E, Vervoort J D, Zhou Z. 2008. Coupled Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd geochronology constrains garnet growth in ultrahigh-pressure eclogites from the Dabie orogen. J Metamorph Geol, 26: 741–758
Cheng H, Zhang C, Vervoort J D, Li X, Li Q, Wu Y, Zheng S. 2012. Timing of eclogite facies metamorphism in the North Qinling by U-Pb and Lu-Hf geochronology. Lithos, 136–139: 46–59
Chopin C. 1984. Coesite and pure pyrope in high-grade blueschists of the Western Alps: A first record and some consequences. Contrib Mineral Petrol, 86: 107–118
Cox A, Hart R B. 1986. Plate Tectonics: How It Works. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications. 392
Deng L P, Liu Y C, Groppo C, Rolfo F, Yang Y, Gu X F, Wang A D. 2021. New constraints on P-T-t path of high-T eclogites in the Dabie orogen, China. Lithos, 384–385: 105933
Dong J, Wei C J, Clarke G L, Zhang J X. 2018. Metamorphic evolution during deep subduction and exhumation of continental crust: Insights from felsic granulites in South Altyn Tagh, West China. J Petrol, 59: 1965–1990
Dong J, Wei C J, Zhang J X. 2019. Ultra high temperature metamorphism of mafic granulites from South Altyn Orogen, West China: A result from the rapid exhumation of deeply subducted continental crust. J Metamorph Geol, 37: 315–338
Dong J, Wei C, Song S. 2022. Deep subduction and exhumation of microcontinents in the Proto-Tethys realm: Evidence from metamorphism of HP-UHT rocks in the North Qinling Orogen, central China. Gondwana Res, 104: 215–235
Dong J, Wei C. 2021. Multi-stage metamorphism of the South Altyn ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, west China: Insights into tectonic evolution from continental subduction to arc-backarc extension. J Petrol, 62: egab082
Dong Y P, He D F, Sun S S, Liu X M, Zhou X H, Zhang F F, Yang Z, Cheng B, Zhao G C, Li J H. 2018. Subduction and accretionary tectonics of the East Kunlun orogen, western segment of the Central China Orogenic System. Earth-Sci Rev, 186: 231–261
Dong Y P, Zhang G, Neubauer F, Liu X, Genser J, Hauzenberger C. 2011. Tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen, China: Review and synthesis. J Asian Earth Sci, 41: 213–237
Duretz T, Gerya T V, May D A. 2011. Numerical modelling of spontaneous slab breakoff and subsequent topographic response. Tectonophysics, 502: 244–256
England P C, Thompson A B. 1984. Pressure-temperature-time paths of regional metamorphism I. Heat transfer during the evolution of regions of thickened continental crust. J Petrol, 25: 894–928
Erdman M E, Lee C T A. 2014. Oceanic- and continental-type metamorphic terranes: Occurrence and exhumation mechanisms. Earth-Sci Rev, 139: 33–46
Faryad S W, Cuthbert S J. 2020. High-temperature overprint in (U)HPM rocks exhumed from subduction zones; A product of isothermal decompression or a consequence of slab break-off (slab rollback)? Earth-Sci Rev, 202: 103108
Frisch W, Meschede M, Blakey R C. 2011. Plate Tectonics: Continental Drift and Mountain Building. Berlin Herdelburg: Springer-Verlag. 212
Gai Y S, Liu L, Zhang G W, Wang C, Liao X Y, Yang W Q, Kang L, Ma T, Cao Y T. 2022b. Differential exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic terranes: A case study from South Altyn Tagh western China. Gondwana Res, 104: 236–251
Gai Y, Liu L, Zhang G, Wang C, Liao X, Kang L, Yang W, Ma T. 2022a. Tracking the multi-stage metamorphism and exhumation history of felsic gneisses in the South Altyn ultra-high pressure metamorphic belt, Western China. J Asian Earth Sci, 236: 105318
Gao X Y, Zhang Q Q, Zheng Y F, Chen Y X. 2017. Petrological and zircon evidence for the Early Cretaceous granulite-facies metamorphism in the Dabie orogen, China. Lithos, 284–285: 11–29
Gao X Y, Zheng Y F, Chen Y X. 2011. U-Pb ages and trace elements in metamorphic zircon and titanite from UHP eclogite in the Dabie orogen: Constraints on P-T-t path. J Metamorph Geol, 29: 721–740
Gerya T V, Stöckhert B, Perchuk A L. 2002. Exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks in a subduction channel: A numerical simulation. Tectonics, 21: 6
Gögüş O H, Pysklywec R N. 2008. Near-surface diagnostics of dripping or delaminating lithosphere. J Geophys Res, 113: 2007JB005123
He C S, Zheng Y F. 2018. Seismic evidence for the absence of deeply subducted continental slabs in the lower lithosphere beneath the Central Orogenic Belt of China. Tectonophysics, 723: 178–189
Holt A F, Condit C B. 2021. Slab temperature evolution over the lifetime of a subduction zone. Geochem Geophys Geosyst, 22: e2020GC009476
Houseman G A, McKenzie D P, Molnar P. 1981. Convective instability of a thickened boundary layer and its relevance for the thermal evolution of continental convergent belts. J Geophys Res, 86: 6115–6132
Hu R G, Wijbrans J R, Brouwer F M, Bai X J, Qiu H N. 2020. Constraints on retrograde metamorphism of UHP eclogites in North Qinling Central China, from 40Ar/39Ar dating of amphibole and phengite. Gondwana Res, 87: 83–106
Jamieson R A, Beaumont C. 2013. On the origin of orogens. GSA Bull, 125: 1671–1702
Jessup M J, Langille J M, Cottle J M, Ahmad T. 2016. Crustal thickening, Barrovian metamorphism and exhumation of midcrustal rocks during doming and extrusion: Insights from the Himalaya NW India. Tectonics, 35: 160–186
Korenaga J. 2013. Initiation and evolution of plate tectonics on Earth: Theories and observations. Annu Rev Earth Planet Sci, 41: 117–151
Lei T, Li Z H, Liu M. 2019. Removing mantle lithosphere under orogens: Delamination versus convective thinning. Geophys J Int, 219: 877–896
Li M, Han Z Z, Xu H, Zhang H, Lai Z Q. 2014. Metamorphic PTt path of eclogites from Qianliyan Island in the South Yellow Sea and its tectonic implications. Earth Sci—J China Univ Geoscie, 39: 1289–1300
Li W C, Chen R X, Zheng Y F, Hu Z. 2014. Dehydration and anatexis of UHP metagranite during continental collision in the Sulu orogen. J Metamorph Geol, 32: 915–936
Li X P, Zheng Y F, Wu Y B, Chen F K, Cong B, Li Y L. 2004. Low-T eclogite in the Dabie terrane of China: Petrological and isotopic constraints on fluid activity and radiometric dating. Contrib Mineral Petrol, 148: 443–470
Li Z, Li Y, Wijbrans J R, Yang Q, Qiu H N, Brouwer F M. 2018. Metamorphic P-T path differences between the two UHP terranes of Sulu orogen eastern China: Petrologic comparison between eclogites from Donghai and Rongcheng. J Earth Sci, 29: 1151–1166
Li Z, Peng Y, Yu S, Li Y, Yao Y, Zhao X, Gao X. 2020. Subduction and exhumation of Luliangshan eclogite in the North Qaidam northern Tibet: Constraints from petrology geochemistry and phase equilibrium modelling. Geol J, 55: 6580–6605
Li Z H, Liu M, Gerya T. 2016. Lithosphere delamination in continental collisional orogens: A systematic numerical study. J Geophys Res-Solid Earth, 121: 5186–5211
Liao X, Liu L, Wang Y, Cao Y, Chen D, Dong Y. 2016. Multi-stage metamorphic evolution of retrograde eclogite with a granulite-facies overprint in the Zhaigen area of the North Qinling Belt China. Gondwana Res, 30: 79–96
Lin Y H, Zhang L F, Ji J Q, Wang Q J, Song S G. 2010. 40Ar/39Ar isochron ages of lawsonite blueschists from Jiuquan in the northern Qilian Mountain NW China and their tectonic implications. Chin Sci Bull, 55: 2021–2027
Lin Y H, Zhang L F. 2012. Petrology and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the lawsonite-bearing blueschist and eclogite from the Qingshuigou blueschist belt in North Qilian Mountains in NW China and their tectonic implication (in Chinese). Acta Geol Sina, 86: 1503–1524
Liou J G, Zhang R Y. 2003. Ultrahigh- pressure metamorphic rocks. Encycl Phys Sci Technol, 22: 227–244
Liu F L, Gerdes A, Xue H M. 2009. Differential subduction and exhumation of crustal slices in the Sulu HP-UHP metamorphic terrane: Insights from mineral inclusions trace elements U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope analyses of zircon in orthogneiss. J Metamorph Geol, 27: 805–825
Liu J B, Ye K, Sun M. 2006. Exhumation P-T path of UHP eclogites in the Hong, an area, western Dabie Mountains, China. Lithos, 89: 154–173
Liu L, Liao X, Wang Y, Wang C, Santosh M, Yang M, Zhang C, Chen D. 2016. Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the North Qinling Orogenic Belt in Central China: Insights on continental deep subduction and multiphase exhumation. Earth-Sci Rev, 159: 58–81
Liu L, Liao X, Zhang C, Chen D, Gong X, Kang L. 2013. Multi-metamorphic timings of HP-UHP rocks in the North Qinling and their geological implications (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 29: 1634–1656
Liu L, Sun Y, Xiao P, Che Z, Luo J, Chen D, Wang Y, Zhang A, Chen L, Xiao P, Wang Y. 2002. Discovery of ultrahigh-pressure magnesite-bearing garnet lherzolite (>3.8 GPa) in the Altyn Tagh, Northwest China (in Chinese). Chin Sci Bull, 47: 657–662
Liu L, Wang C, Cao Y T, Chen D L, Kang L, Yang W Q, Zhu X H. 2012. Geochronology of multi-stage metamorphic events: Constraints on episodic zircon growth from the UHP eclogite in the South Altyn NW China. Lithos, 136–139: 10–26
Liu L, Wang C, Chen D L, Zhang A D, Liou J G. 2009. Petrology and geochronology of HP-UHP rocks from the South Altyn Tagh northwestern China. J Asian Earth Sci, 35: 232–244
Liu L, Zhang J F, Cao Y T, Green H W, Yang W Q, Xu H J, Liao X Y, Kang L. 2018. Evidence of former stishovite in UHP eclogite from the South Altyn Tagh western China. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 484: 353–362
Liu L, Zhang J, Green II H W, Jin Z, Bozhilov K N. 2007. Evidence of former stishovite in metamorphosed sediments implying subduction to >350 km. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 263: 180–191
Liu L, Zhou D, Wang Y, Chen D. 1996. Study and implication of the high-pressure felsic granulite in the Qinling complex of East Qinling. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 39(Suppl.): 60–68
Liu X C, Jahn B M, Hu J, Li S Z, Liu X, Song B. 2011. Metamorphic patterns and SHRIMP zircon ages of medium-to-high grade rocks from the Tongbai orogen, central China: Implications for multiple accretion/collision processes prior to terminal continental collision. J Metamorph Geol, 29: 979–1002
Liu X C, Jahn B M, Liu D Y, Dong S W, Li S Z. 2004a. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating of a metagabbro and eclogites from western Dabieshan (Hong, an Block), China, and its tectonic implications. Tectonophysics, 394: 171–192
Liu X C, Wu Y B, Gao S, Peng M, Wang J, Wang H, Gong H J, Yuan H L. 2012a. Triassic high-pressure metamorphism in the Huwan shear zone: Tracking the initial subduction of continental crust in the whole Dabie orogen. Lithos, 136–139: 60–72
Liu X C, Jahn B M, Cui J, Li S, Wu Y, Li X H. 2010. Triassic retrograded eclogites and Cretaceous gneissic granites in the Tongbai Complex, central China: Implications for the architecture of the HP/UHP Tongbai-Dabie-Sulu collision zone. Lithos, 119: 211–237
Liu X C, Jahn B M, Dong S, Lou Y, Cui J. 2008. High-pressure metamorphic rocks from Tongbaishan, central China: U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar age constraints on the provenance of protoliths and timing of metamorphism. Lithos, 105: 301–318
Liu X C, Li S Z, Jahn B M. 2015. Tectonic evolution of the Tongbai-Hong, an orogen in central China: From oceanic subduction/accretion to continent-continent collision. Sci China Earth Sci, 58: 1477–1496
Liu X, Lou Y, Dong S. 2005. P-T path of low- temperature eclogites from the Tongbaishan area(in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 21: 1081–1093
Liu X, Wei C, Li S, Dong S, Liu J. 2004b. Thermobaric structure of a traverse across western Dabieshan: Implications for collision tectonics between the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons. J Metamorph Geol, 22: 361–379
Liu X, Wu Y, Gao S, Liu Q, Wang H, Qin Z, Li Q, Li X, Gong H. 2012b. First record and timing of UHP metamorphism from zircon in the Xitieshan terrane: Implications for the evolution of the entire North Qaidam metamorphic belt. Am Mineral, 97: 1083–1093
Liu Y C, Gu X F, Li S G, Hou Z H, Song B. 2011. Multistage metamorphic events in granulitized eclogites from the North Dabie complex zone, central China: Evidence from zircon U-Pb age, trace element and mineral inclusion. Lithos, 122: 107–121
Liu Y C, Li S, Gu X, Xu S, Chen G. 2007. Ultrahigh-pressure eclogite transformed from mafic granulite in the Dabie orogen, east-central China. J Metamorph Geol, 25: 975–989
Luo T, Leng W. 2021. Thermal structure of continental subduction zone: High temperature caused by the removal of the preceding oceanic slab. Earth Planet Phys, 5: 1–6
Meng F C, Zhang J X. 2008. Contemporaneous ofearly Palaeozoic granite and high temperature metamorphism, North Qaidam Mountains, western China (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Petrol Sin, 24: 1585–1594
Okay A I, Xu S T, Sengor A M C. 1989. Coesite from the Dabie Shan eclogites, central China. Eur J Mineral, 1: 595–598
Peacock S M. 1993. The importance of blueschist→eclogite dehydration reactions in subducting oceanic crust. GSA Bull, 105: 684–694
Peacock S M. 1995. Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks and the thermal evolution of continent collision belts. Isl Arc, 4: 376–383
Peacock S M. 1996. Thermal and petrologic structure of subduction zones. Geophys Monograph, 96: 119–133
Ren Y F, Chen D L, Kelsey D E, Gong X K, Liu L, Zhu X H, Yang S J. 2018. Metamorphic evolution of a newly identified Mesoproterozoic oceanic slice in the Yuka terrane and its implications for a multi-cyclic orogenic history of the North Qaidam UHPM belt. J Metamorph Geol, 36: 463–488
Ren Y F, Chen D L, Kelsey D E, Gong X K, Liu L. 2017. Petrology and Geochemistry of the lawsonite (pseudomorph)-bearing eclogite in Yuka terrane, North Qaidam UHPM belt: An eclogite facies metamorphosed oceanic slice. Gondwana Res, 42: 220–242
Ren Y, Chen D, Hauzenberger C, Liu L, Liu X, Zhu X. 2016. Petrology and geochronology of ultrahigh-pressure granitic gneiss from South Dulan, North Qaidam belt, NW China. Int Geol Rev, 58: 171–195
Simon M, Pitra P, Yamato P, Poujol M. 2023. Isothermal compression of an eclogite from the Western Gneiss Region (Norway). J Metamorph Geol, 41: 181–203
Sizova E, Hauzenberger C, Fritz H, Faryad S W, Gerya T. 2019. Late Orogenic heating of (ultra)high pressure rocks: Slab rollback vs. slab breakoff. Geosciences, 9: 499
Smith D C. 1984. Coesite in clinopyroxene in the Caledonides and its implications for geodynamics. Nature, 310: 641–644
Sobolev N V, Shatsky V S. 1990. Diamond inclusions in garnets from metamorphic rocks: A new environment for diamond formation. Nature, 343: 742–746
Song S G, Bi H Z, Qi S S, Yang L M, Allen M B, Niu Y, Su L, Li W. 2018. HP-UHP metamorphic belt in the east Kunlun Orogen: Final closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and formation of the Pan-North-China continent. J Petrol, 59: 2043–2060
Song S G, Yang J S, Xu Z Q, Liou J G, Shi R D. 2003. Metamorphic evolution of the coesite-bearing ultrahigh-pressure terrane in the North Qaidam, Northern Tibet, NW China. J Metamorph Geol, 21: 631–644
Song S G, Zhang L F, Niu Y L, Su L, Jian P, Liu D. 2005. Geochronology of diamond-bearing zircons from garnet peridotite in the North Qaidam UHPM belt, Northern Tibetan Plateau: A record of complex histories from oceanic lithosphere subduction to continental collision. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 234: 99–118
Song S G, Zhang L F, Niu Y L, Wei C J, Liou J G, Shu G M. 2007. Eclogite and carpholite-bearing metasedimentary rocks in the North Qilian suture zone, NW China: Implications for Early Palaeozoic cold oceanic subduction and water transport into mantle. J Metamorph Geol, 25: 547–563
Song S G, Niu Y L, Su L, Zhang C, Zhang L F. 2014. Continental orogenesis from ocean subduction, continent collision/subduction, to orogen collapse, and orogen recycling: The example of the North Qaidam UHPM belt, NW China. Earth-Sci Rev, 129: 59–84
Song S G, Zhang L F, Niu Y L, Song B, Zhang G B, Wang Q J. 2004. Zircon U-Pb SHRIMP ages of eclogites from the North Qilian Mountains, NW China and their tectonic implication. Chin Sci Bull, 49: 848–852
Soret M, Larson K P, Cottle J, Ali A. 2021. How Himalayan collision stems from subduction. Geology, 49: 894–898
Stern R J. 2007. When and how did plate tectonics begin? Theoretical and empirical considerations. Chin Sci Bull, 52: 578–591
Syracuse E M, van Keken P E, Abers G A. 2010. The global range of subduction zone thermal models. Phys Earth Planet Inter, 183: 73–90
Tackley P J. 2000. Mantle convection and plate tectonics: Toward an integrated physical and chemical theory. Science, 288: 2002–2007
Tang L, Santosh M, Dong Y, Tsunogae T, Zhang S, Cao H. 2016. Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the North Qinling orogenic belt: Evidence from geochemistry, phase equilibrium modeling and geochronology of metamorphosed mafic rocks from the Songshugou ophiolite. Gondwana Res, 30: 48–64
Tavani S, Granado P, Corradetti A, Camanni G, Vignaroli G, Manatschal G, Mazzoli S, Muñoz J A, Parente M. 2021. Rift inheritance controls the switch from thin- to thick-skinned thrusting and basal décollement re-localization at the subduction-to-collision transition. GSA Bull, 133: 2157–2170
Thompson A B, England P C. 1984. Pressure-temperature-time paths of regional metamorphism, II. Their inference and interpretation using mineral assemblages in metamorphic rocks. J Petrol, 25: 929–955
Ueda K, Gerya T V, Burg J P. 2012. Delamination in collisional orogens: Thermomechanical modeling. J Geophys Res, 117: B08202
Vanderhaeghe O. 2012. The thermal–mechanical evolution of crustal orogenic belts at convergent plate boundaries: A reappraisal of the orogenic cycle. J Geodyn, 56–57: 124–145
van Staal C, Zagorevski A. 2020. Accretion, soft and hard collision: Similarities, differences and an Application from the Newfoundland Appalachian Orogen. Geosci Canada, 47: 103–118
Wang C, Liu L, Yang W Q, Zhu X H, Cao Y T, Kang L, Chen S F, Li R S, He S P. 2013. Provenance and ages of the Altyn Complex in Altyn Tagh: Implications for the early Neoproterozoic evolution of northwestern China. Precambrian Res, 230: 193–208
Wang H, Wu Y B, Gao S, Zheng J P, Liu Q, Liu X C, Qin Z W, Yang S H, Gong H J. 2014. Deep subduction of continental crust in accretionary orogen: Evidence from U-Pb dating on diamond-bearing zircons from the Qinling orogen, central China. Lithos, 190–191: 420–429
Wang L, Kusky T M, Polat A, Wang S, Jiang X, Zong K, Wang J, Deng H, Fu J. 2014. Partial melting of deeply subducted eclogite from the Sulu orogen in China. Nat Commun, 5: 5604
Wang Q, Zhao J, Zhang C, Yu S, Ye X, Liu X. 2022. Paleozoic post-collisional magmatism and high-temperature granulite-facies metamorphism coupling with lithospheric delamination of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China. Geosci Front, 13: 101271
Wang T, Zheng J, Scott J M, Ping X, Ma Q, Xiong Q, Zhang S. 2022. Coronitic and symplectitic textures in metatroctolite reveal the transition from magmatism to granulite-facies metamorphism in the Early Paleozoic Tongbai orogen, Central China. J Petrol, 63: egac060
Wang Z X, Chen R X, Zheng Y F, Xia Q X, Wang Z M, Yin Z Z, Hu Z. 2021. Contrasting zircon and garnet behaviors during metamorphic transformation from eclogite to granulite facies: Constraints from orogenic metabasites from North Qaidam in northern Tibet. J Asian Earth Sci, 220: 104924
Wei C J, Li Y J, Yu Y, Zhang J S. 2010. Phase equilibria and metamorphic evolution of glaucophane-bearing UHP eclogites from the Western Dabieshan Terrane, Central China. J Metamorph Geol, 28: 647–666
Wei C J, Qian J H, Tian Z L. 2013. Metamorphic evolution of medium-temperature ultra-high pressure (MT-UHP) eclogites from the South Dabie orogen, Central China: An insight from phase equilibria modelling. J Metamorph Geol, 31: 755–774
Wei C, Cui Y, Tian Z. 2015. Metamorphic evolution of LT-UHP eclogite from the south Dabie orogen, central China: An insight from phase equilibria modeling. J Asian Earth Sci, 111: 966–980
Whitney D L, Evans B W. 2010. Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. Am Mineral, 95: 185–187
Wu C L, Yang J S, Wooden J L, Liou J G, Li H B, Shi R D, Meng F C, Persing H, Meibom A. 2002. Zircon SHRIMP dating of granite from Qaidamshan, NW China. Chin Sci Bull, 47: 418–422
Wu F Y, Wan B, Zhao L, Xiao W J, Zhu R X. 2020. Tethyan geodynamics. Acta Petrol Sin, 36: 1627–1674
Wu H Q, Feng Y M, Song S G. 1993. Metamorphism and deformation of blueschist belts and their tectonic implications, North Qilian Mountains, China. J Metamorph Geol, 11: 523–536
Wu Y B, Gao S, Liu X C, Wang J, Peng M, Gong H J, Yuan H L. 2011. Two-stage exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks from the western Dabie Orogen, central China. J Geol, 119: 15–31
Wu Y B, Gao S, Zhang H F, Yang S H, Jiao W F, Liu Y S, Yuan H L. 2008. Timing of UHP metamorphism in the Hong, an area, western Dabie Mountains, China: Evidence from zircon U-Pb age, trace element and Hf isotope composition. Contrib Mineral Petrol, 155: 123–133
Wu Y B, Hanchar J M, Gao S, Sylvester P J, Tubrett M, Qiu H N, Wijbrans J R, Brouwer F M, Yang S H, Yang Q J, Liu Y S, Yuan H. 2009. Age and nature of eclogites in the Huwan shear zone, and the multi-stage evolution of the Qinling-Dabie-Sulu orogen, central China. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 277: 345–354
Wu Y B, Zheng Y F. 2013. Tectonic evolution of a composite collision orogen: An overview on the Qinling-Tongbai-Hong’an-Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt in central China. Gondwana Res, 23: 1402–1428
Xiang H, Zhang L, Zhong Z Q, Santosh M, Zhou H W, Zhang H F, Zheng J P, Zheng S. 2012. Ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism and anticlockwise P-T-t path of Paleozoic granulites from north Qinling-Tongbai orogen, Central China. Gondwana Res, 21: 559–576
Xiang H, Zhong Z Q, Li Y, Qi M, Zhou H W, Zhang L, Zhang Z M, Santosh M. 2014. Sapphirine-bearing granulites from the Tongbai orogen, China: Petrology, phase equilibria, zircon U-Pb geochronology and implications for Paleozoic ultrahigh temperature metamorphism. Lithos, 208–209: 446–461
Xiong L, Zhang G, Song S, Liu S, Feng D, Chang F. 2023. Eclogite in the East Kunlun Orogen, northwestern China: A record of the Neoproterozoic breakup of Rodinia and early Paleozoic continental subduction. GSA Bull, https://doi.org/10.1130/B36890.1
Xu S T, Okay A I, Ji S Y, Sengor A M C, Su W, Liu Y C, Jiang L L. 1992. Diamond from the Dabie Shan metamorphic rocks and its implication for tectonic setting. Science, 256: 80–82
Yang J S, Liu F L, Wu C L, Xu Z Q, Shi R D, Chen S Y, Deloule E, Wooden J L. 2005. Two ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic events recognized in the Central Orogenic Belt of China: Evidence from the U-Pb dating of coesite-bearing zircons. Int Geol Rev, 47: 327–343
Yang J S, Liu F L, Wu C L, Wan Y S, Zhang J X, Shi R D, Chen S Y. 2003. Two ultrahigh pressure metamorphic events recognized in the Central orogenic belt of China: Evidence from the U-Pb dating of coesite-bearing zircons (in Chinese with English abstract). Acta Geol Sin, 77: 463–477
Yang J S, Xu Z Q, Song S G, Zhang J X, Wu C L, Shi R D, Li H B, Brunel M. 2001. Discovery of coesite in the North Qaidam Early Palaeozoic ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, NW China. Sciences de la Terre et des Planets, 333: 719–724
Yang J S, Xu Z Q, Zhang J X, Song S G, Wu C L, Shi R D, Li H B, Brunel M. 2002. Early Palaeozoic North Qaidam UHP metamorphic belt on the north-eastern Tibetan plateau and a paired subduction model. Terra Nova, 14: 397–404
Yu H F, Lu S N, Liu Y C, Xiu Q Y, Li Q. 2002. Composing of the Altyn Tagh Formation-complex and its tectonic signification. Geol Bull China, 21: 834–840
Yu S Y, Peng Y B, Zhang J X, Li S Z, Santosh M, Li Y S, Liu Y, Gao X, Ji W, Lv P, Li C, Jiang X, Qi L, Xie W, Xu L J. 2021. Tectono-thermal evolution of the Qilian orogenic system: Tracing the subduction, accretion and closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Earth-Sci Rev, 215: 103547
Yuan H Q, Wang J, Hattori K, Yang Y C, Liu J L, Xie Z P. 2023. Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism and P-T-t path of the Yangkou eclogites and granitic gneisses from the central Sulu orogenic belt, eastern China, based on phase equilibria modelling. Int Geol Rev, 65: 2113–2130
Zhang C, Zhang L F, van Roermund H, Song S G, Zhang G B. 2011. Petrology and SHRIMP U-Pb dating of Xitieshan eclogite, North Qaidam UHP metamorphic belt, NW China. J Asian Earth Sci, 42: 752–767
Zhang G B, Ellis D J, Christy A G, Zhang L F, Niu Y L, Song S G. 2009. UHP metamorphic evolution of coesite-bearing eclogite from the Yuka terrane, North Qaidam UHPM belt, NW China. Eur J Mineral, 21: 1287–1300
Zhang J X, Mattinson C G, Meng F C, Wan Y S. 2005b. An Early Palaeozoic HP/HT granulite-garnet peridotite association in the south Altyn Tagh, NW China: P-T history and U-Pb geochronology. J Metamorph Geol, 23: 491–510
Zhang J X, Mattinson C G, Meng F C, Yang H J, Wan Y S. 2009. U-Pb geochronology of paragneisses and metabasite in the Xitieshan area, north Qaidam Mountains, western China: Constraints on the exhumation of HP/UHP metamorphic rocks. J Asian Earth Sci, 35: 245–258
Zhang J X, Mattinson C G, Yu S Y, Li J P, Meng F C. 2010. U-Pb zircon geochronology of coesite-bearing eclogites from the southern Dulan area of the North Qaidam UHP terrane, northwestern China: Spatially and temporally extensive UHP metamorphism during continental subduction. J Metamorph Geol, 28: 955–978
Zhang J X, Meng F C, Wan Y S. 2007a. A cold Early Palaeozoic subduction zone in the North Qilian Mountains, NW China: Petrological and U-Pb geochronological constraints. J Metamorph Geol, 25: 285–304
Zhang J X, Meng F C, Yu S Y, Chen W, Chen S Y. 2007b. Ar-Ar geochronology of blueschist and eclogite in the north Altyn Tagh HP/LT metamorphic belt and their regional tectonic implication (in Chinese with English abstract). Geol China, 34: 558–564
Zhang J X, Meng F C. 2006. Lawsonite-bearing eclogites in the north Qilian and north Altyn Tagh: Evidence for cold subduction of oceanic crust. Chin Sci Bull, 51: 1238–1244
Zhang J X, Yang J S, Mattinson C G, Xu Z Q, Meng F C, Shi R D. 2005c. Two contrasting eclogite cooling histories North Qaidam HP/UHP terrane western China: Petrological and isotopic constraints. Lithos, 84: 51–76
Zhang J X, Yang J S, Xu Z Q, Meng F C, Li H B, Shi R D. 2002. Evidence for UHP metamorphism of eclogites from the Altun Mountains. Chin Sci Bull, 47: 751–755
Zhang J X, Yu S, Mattinson C G. 2017. Early Paleozoic polyphase metamorphism in northern Tibet China. Gondwana Res, 41: 267–289
Zhang J, Zhang Z, Xu Z, Yang J, Cui J. 1999. The ages of U-Pb and Sm-Nd for eclogite from the western segment of Altyn Tagh tectonic belt. Chin Sci Bull, 44: 2256–2259
Zhang J, Meng F, Yang J. 2005a. A new HP/LT metamorphic terrane in the northern Altyn Tagh western China. Int Geol Rev, 47: 371–386
Zhang J, Zhang Z, Xu Z, Yang J, Cui J. 2001. Petrology and geochronology of eclogites from the western segment of the Altyn Tagh northwestern China. Lithos, 56: 187–206
Zhang L, Chen R X, Zheng Y F, Hu Z, Yang Y, Xu L. 2016. Geochemical constraints on the protoliths of eclogites and blueschists from North Qilian northern Tibet. Chem Geol, 421: 26–43
Zhang L, Wang Q, Song S. 2009. Lawsonite blueschist in Northern Qilian NW China: P-T pseudosections and petrologic implications. J Asian Earth Sci, 35: 354–366
Zhang Q Q, Gao X Y, Chen R X, Zheng Y F. 2020. Granulites record the tectonic evolution from collisional thickening to extensional thinning of the Tongbai orogen in central China. J Metamorph Geol, 38: 265–295
Zhang Q Q, Gao X Y, Zheng Y F. 2021. Construction of P-T-t paths for eclogite in the Tongbai orogen by combining phase equilibria modelling with zircon inclusion composition. J Metamorph Geol, 39: 947–976
Zhang R Y, Liou J G, Shu J F. 2002. Hydroxyl-rich topaz in high-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure kyanite quartzites with retrograde woodhouseite from the Sulu terrane eastern China. Am Mineral, 87: 445–453
Zhang R Y, Liou J G, Huberty J M, Xu H, Maki K, Jahn B M, Iizuka Y. 2011. Origin and metamorphic evolution of garnet clinopyroxenite from the Sulu UHP terrane China: Evidence from mineral chemistry and microstructures. In: Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism. Amsterdam: Elsevier. 151–185
Zhang W X, Wu Y B, Zhou G Y, He Y, Liu X C, Hu P, Chang H, Liu C Y H. 2021. Crustal architecture of the southern Tongbai orogen central China: Insight from migmatites and post-collisional granites. Lithos, 404–405: 106439
Zhang Z M, Zhang J F, You Z D, Shen K. 2005. Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic P-T-t path of the Sulu orogenic belt eastern central China. Acta Petrol Sin, 21: 257–270
Zhao X, Fu L B, Santosh M, Wei J H, Chen J J. 2022. The growth and evolution of continental crust contributed by multiple sources in the East Kunlun Orogen during Early Paleozoic. Earth-Sci Rev, 233: 104190
Zhao Y J, Wu Y B, Liu X C, Gao S, Wang H, Zheng J P, Yang S H. 2016. Distinct zircon U-Pb and O-Hf-Nd-Sr isotopic behaviour during fluid flow in UHP metamorphic rocks: Evidence from metamorphic veins and their host eclogite in the Sulu Orogen China. J Metamorph Geol, 34: 343–362
Zheng Y F, Fu B, Li Y L, Wei C S, Zhou J B. 2001. Oxygen isotope composition of granulites from dabieshan in eastern China and its implications for geodynamics of yangtze plate subduction. Phys Chem Earth Part A-Solid Earth Geodesy, 26: 673–684
Zheng Y F, Zhou J B, Wu Y B, Xie Z. 2005. Low-grade metamorphic rocks in the Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt: A passive-margin accretionary wedge deformed during continent subduction. Int Geol Rev, 47: 851–871
Zheng Y F, Ye K, Zhang L F. 2009. Developing the plate tectonics from oceanic subduction to continental collision. Chin Sci Bull, 54: 3347–3353
Zheng Y F, Xiao W J, Zhao G. 2013a. Introduction to tectonics of China. Gondwana Res, 23: 1189–1206
Zheng Y F, Zhao Z F, Chen Y X. 2013b. Continental subduction channel processes: Plate interface interaction during continental collision. Chinese Sci Bull, 58: 4371–4377
Zheng Y F, Chen Y X, Dai L Q, Zhao Z F. 2015. Developing plate tectonics theory from oceanic subduction zones to collisional orogens. Sci China Earth Sci, 58: 1045–1069
Zheng Y F, Chen Y X. 2016. Continental versus oceanic subduction zones. Natl Sci Rev, 3: 495–519
Zheng Y F, Chen R X. 2017. Regional metamorphism at extreme conditions: Implications for orogeny at convergent plate margins. J Asian Earth Sci, 145: 46–73
Zheng Y F, Zhao Z F, Chen R X. 2019. Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt: Compositional inheritance and metamorphic modification. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ, 474: 89–132
Zheng Y F, Chen R X. 2021. Extreme metamorphism and metamorphic facies series at convergent plate boundaries: Implications for supercontinent dynamics. Geosphere, 17: 1647–1685
Zheng Y F, Gao P. 2021. The production of granitic magmas through crustal anatexis at convergent plate boundaries. Lithos, 402–403: 106232
Zheng Y F. 2022. Earth System Science of Convergent Plate Margins (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press. 194
Zheng Y F, Chen Y X, Chen R X, Dai L Q. 2022. Tectonic evolution of convergent plate margins and its geological effects. Sci China Earth Sci, 65: 1247–1276
Zheng Y F. 2023. Plate tectonics in the twenty-first century. Sci China Earth Sci, 66: 1–40
Zhou G S, Zhang J X, Li Y S, Lu Z L, Mao X H, Teng X. 2019. Metamorphic evolution and tectonic implications of the granulitized eclo-gites from the Luliangshan terrane in the North Qaidam ultrahigh pressure metamorphic belt NW China: New constraints from phase equilibrium modeling. J Earth Sci, 30: 585–602
Zhou L G, Xia Q X, Zheng Y F, Chen R X. 2011. Multistage growth of garnet in ultrahigh-pressure eclogite during continental collision in the Dabie orogen: Constrained by trace elements and U-Pb ages. Lithos, 127: 101–127
Zhou W, Chang F, Huang B, Xia B, Fu D, Chi Fru E, Li H, Lü X, Mao C. 2023. Oceanic subduction to continental collision in the NE Proto-Tethys revealed by early Paleozoic eclogites with high-temperature granulite-facies overprinting in the East Kunlun orogenic belt northern Tibet. GSA Bull, https://doi.org/10.1130/B36718.1
Zhu L, Chen R X, Zheng Y F, He Q, Xia Q X, Wang Z M. 2022. Multistage growth of garnet fingerprints the behavior and property of metamorphic fluids in a Paleotethyan oceanic subduction zone. Lithos, 430–431: 106851
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to the two anonymous reviewers for their insightful and constructive comments. This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 92155306).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zhang, Q., Gao, X., Chen, R. et al. Metamorphic evolution of the East Tethys tectonic domain and its tectonic implications. Sci. China Earth Sci. 66, 2686–2711 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-023-1209-6
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-023-1209-6