Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in
Menu
Find a journal Publish with us Track your research
Search
Cart
  1. Home
  2. Chinese Science Bulletin
  3. Article

Formation age and tectonic environment of the Gantaohe Group, North China Craton: Geology, geochemistry, SHRIMP zircon geochronology and Hf-Nd isotopic systematics

  • Article
  • Geology
  • Open access
  • Published: 19 December 2012
  • Volume 57, pages 4735–4745, (2012)
  • Cite this article
Download PDF

You have full access to this open access article

Chinese Science Bulletin
Formation age and tectonic environment of the Gantaohe Group, North China Craton: Geology, geochemistry, SHRIMP zircon geochronology and Hf-Nd isotopic systematics
Download PDF
  • HangQiang Xie1,2,
  • DunYi Liu1,2,
  • XiaoYan Yin3,
  • HongYing Zhou4,
  • ChongHui Yang1,
  • LiLin Du1 &
  • …
  • YuSheng Wan1,2 

  • 1240 Accesses

  • 42 Citations

  • Explore all metrics

Abstract

The Gantaohe Group is an important early Precambrian unit in the Trans-North China Orogen, North China Craton, and is mainly composed of greenschist-facies metabasalt, meta-sandstone and dolomitic marble. We report whole-rock geochemical compositions and SHRIMP zircon ages as well as LA-ICP-MS Hf-in-zircon isotopeic analyses for metabasalts from the Gantaohe Group. SHRIMP dating yielded a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 2087±16 Ma (MSWD=1.3) for magmatic zircons, but there are also abundant ca. 2.5 Ga inherited zircon xenocrysts. The magmatic zircons shows a large ɛ Hf(t) variation in ɛ Hf(t) from −7.17 to +0.45, suggesting an isotopically highly heterogeneous source for the metabasalt. Chemically all samples show no distinct Zr or Hf anomalies, and some samples show no Nd or Ta anomalies in a primitive mantle-normalized trace element variation diagram, and their whole-rock ɛ Nd(t) values range from 4.0 to −0.8. We suggest that the basalt is formed by partial melting of a depleted mantle source, followed by significant crustal contamination. Field observations, the presence of abundant inherited zircon, as well as isotope and trace elements geochemistry support formation of the Gantaohe Group on top of a continental basement. These data and the regional geology lead us to conclude that the Trans-North China Orogen constituted an intracontinental rift during the Paleoproterozoic that was connected to the Eastern Block since the end of the Archean.

Article PDF

Download to read the full article text

Similar content being viewed by others

A Deep Mantle Source for the Late Neoarchean Metamorphosed Basalts in Eastern Hebei, North China Craton: Insights from Whole-Rock Geochemistry and Sm-Nd Isotopes, and Zircon U-Pb-Hf Isotopes

Article 14 February 2024

New geochronological and geochemical data of the Longsheng mafic-ultramafic suite in northern Guangxi, China, and their implications in Rodinia breakup

Article 15 January 2021

Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb geochronology, geochemistry, and geological significance of dacite in the Zhesang gold district, southeast Yunnan Province, China

Article 21 December 2022

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.
  • Chinese
  • Geochemistry
  • Historical Geology
  • Petrology
  • Precambrian Geology
  • Stratigraphy
Use our pre-submission checklist

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

References

  1. Liu D Y, Nutman A P, Compston W, et al. Remnants of ⩾3800 Ma crust in the Chinese part of the Sino-Korean craton. Geology, 1992, 20: 339–342

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Wu J S, Geng Y S, Shen Q H, et al. Archaean Geology Characteristics and Tectonic Evolution of China-Korea Paleo-Continent (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1998. 212

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bai J, Huang X G, Wang H C, et al. The Precambrian Crustal Evolution of China (in Chinese). 2nd ed. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1996. 259

    Google Scholar 

  4. Zhai M G, Bian A G, Zhao T P. The amalgamation of the supercontinent of North China Craton at the end of Neo-Archaean and its breakup during late Palaeoproterozoic and Meso-Proterozoic. Sci China-Earth Sci, 2000, 43(Suppl): 219–232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Zhai M G, Peng P. Paleoproterozoic events in the North China Craton (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 2007, 23: 2665–2682

    Google Scholar 

  6. Kusky T M, Li J. Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the North China Craton. J Asian Earth Sci, 2003, 22: 383–397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Li J, Kusky T M. A Late Archean foreland fold and thrust belt in the North China Craton: Implications for early collisional tectonics. Gondwana Res, 2007, 12: 47–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Kusky T M. Geophysical and geological tests of tectonic models of the North China Craton. Gondwana Res, 2011, 20: 26–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Wan Y, Dong C, Liu D, et al. Zircon ages and geochemistry of late Neoarchean syenogranites in the North China Craton: A review. Precambrian Res, 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2011.05.001

  10. Zhao G, Wilde S A, Cawood P A, et al. Thermal evolution of Archaean basement rocks from the eastern part of the North China Craton and its bearing ontectonic setting. Int Geol Rev, 1998, 40: 706–721

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Zhao G, Wilde S A, Cawood P A, et al. Archean blocks and their boundaries in the North China Craton: Lithological, geochemical, structural and P-T path constraints and tectonic evolution. Precambrian Res, 2001, 107: 45–73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Zhao G, Sun M, Wilde S A, et al. Late Archean to Paleoproterozoic evolution of the North China Craton: Key issues revisited. Precambrian Res, 2005, 136: 177–202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Zhao G, Kröner A, Wilde S A, et al. Lithotectonic elements and geological events in the Hengshan-Wutai-Fuping belt: A synthesis and implications for the evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. Geol Mag, 2007, 144: 753–775

    Google Scholar 

  14. Zhao G, Wilde S A, Sun M, et al. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages of granitoid rocks in the Lüliang Complex: Implications for the accretion and evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. Precambrian Res, 2008, 160: 213–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Zhao G, Wilde S A, Guo J, et al. Single zircon grains record two Paleoproterozoic collisional events in the North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2010, 177: 266–276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Wilde S A, Zhao G C, Wang K Y, et al. First SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages for Hutuo Group in Wutaishan: Further evidence for Palaeoproterozoic amalgamation of North China Craton. Chin Sci Bull, 2004, 49: 83–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Wilde S A, Cawood P A, Wang K, et al. Granitoid evolution in the Late Archean Wutai Complex, North China Craton. J Asian Earth Sci, 2005, 24: 597–613

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Liu C, Zhao G, Sun M, et al. U-Pb and Hf isotopic study of detrital zircons from the Yejishan Group of the Lüliang Complex: Constraints on the timing of collision between the Eastern and Western Blocks, North China Craton. Sediment Geol, 2011, 236: 129–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Liu S, Zhao G, Wilde S A, et al. Th-U-Pb monazite geochronology of the Lüliang and Wutai Complexes: Constraints on the tectonothermal evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. Precambrian Res, 2006, 148: 205–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Wang Z, Wilde S A, Wang J. Tectonic setting and significance of 2.3-2.1Ga magmatic events in the Trans-North China Orogen: New constraints from the Yanmenguan mafic-ultramafic intrusion in the Hengshan-Wutai-Fuping area. Precambrian Res, 2010, 178: 27–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of Hebei Province. Regional Geology of Hebei Province, Beijing Municipality and Tianjin Municipality (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1989. 741

    Google Scholar 

  22. Wan Y S, Miao P S, Liu D Y, et al. Formation ages and source regions of the Palaeoproterozoic Gaofan, Hutuo and Dongjiao groups in the Wutai and Dongjiao areas of the North China Craton from SHRIMP U-Pb dating of detrital zircons: Resolution of debates over their stratigraphic relationships. Chin Sci Bull, 2010, 55: 1278–1284

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. He X X, Tang S H, Zhu X K, et al. Precise measurement of Nd isotopic ratios by means of multi-collector magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) (in Chinese). Acta Geosci Sin, 2007, 28: 405–410

    Google Scholar 

  24. Ye X J, Zhang Z Q. Separation of Sm and Nd in the determination of Nd ratio: HDEHP separation method (in Chinese). Chin Anal Bull, 1990, 9: 6–9

    Google Scholar 

  25. Williams I S. U-Th-Pb geochronology by ion microprobe. In: Mickibben M A, Shanks III W C, Ridley W I, eds. Applications of Micro Analytical Techniques to Understanding Mineralizing Processes. Rev Econ Geol, 1998, 7: 1–35

  26. Liu D Y, Jian P. 243 Ma UHP and 228 Ma retrograde events of the Shuanghe jadeite quartzite, eastern Dabie mountains: SHRIMP dating, mineral inclusions and zircon REE patterns (in Chinese). Acta Geol Sin, 2004, 78: 211–217

    Google Scholar 

  27. Ludwig K R. Squid 1.02: A User’s Manual. Berkeley Geochronology Centre, Spec Publ 2, 2001. 19

  28. Ludwig K R. User’s Manual for Isoplot/Ex rev. 2.49: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Brekeley Geochronology Center, Spec Publ, 2001. 55

  29. Black L P, Jagodzinski E A. Importance of establishing sources of uncertainty for the derivation of reliable SHRIMP ages. Aust J Earth Sci, 2003, 50: 503–512

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Xu P, Wu F Y, Xie L W, et al. Hf isotopic compositions of the standard zircons for U-Pb dating. Chin Sci Bull, 2004, 49: 1642–1648

    Google Scholar 

  31. Scherer E, Munker C, Mezger K. Calibration of the Lutetium-Hafnium Clock. Science, 2001, 293: 683–687

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Blichert-Toft J, Albarède F. The Lu-Hf isotope geochemistry of chondrites and the evolution of the mantle-crust system. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 1997, 148: 243–258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Vervoort J D, Blichert-Toft J. Evolution of the depleted mantle: Hf isotope evidence from juvenile rocks through time. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 1999, 63: 533–556

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Sun S S, McDonough W F. Chemical and isotopic sysematics of oceanic basalt: implications for mantle composition and processes. In: Saunders A D, Norry M J, eds. Magmatism in the Ocean Basins. London: The Geological Society Publishing House, 1989. 313–345

    Google Scholar 

  35. Xiao L L, Jiang Z S, Wang G D, et al. Metamorphic reaction textures and metamorphic P-T-t loops of the Precambrian Zanhuang metamorphic complex, Hebei, North China (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 2011, 27: 980–1002

    Google Scholar 

  36. Xiao L L, Wu C M, Zhao G C, et al. Metamorphic P-T paths of the Zanhuang amphibolites and metapelites: Constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Paleoproterozoic Trans-North China Orogen. Int J Earth Sci, 2011, 100: 717–739

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Trap P, Faure M, Lin W, et al. The Zanhuang Massif, the second and eastern suture zone of the Paleoproterozoic Trans-North China Orogen. Precambrian Res, 2009, 172: 80–98

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Yang C H, Du L L, Ren L D, et al. Petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Jiandeng potassic granite at the end of the Neoarchean in Zanhuang Complex, North China Craton (in Chinese). Earth Sci Front, 2011, 18: 62–78

    Google Scholar 

  39. Yang C H, Du L L, Ren L D, et al. The age and petrogenesis of the Xuting granite in the Zanhuang Complex, Hebei Province: Constraints on the structural evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen, North China Craton (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 2011, 27: 1003–1016

    Google Scholar 

  40. Wood D A. The application of a Th-Hf-Ta diagram to problems of tectonomagmatic classification and to establishing the nature of crustal contamination of basaltic lavas of the British Tertiary Volcanic Province. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 1980, 50: 11–30

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Du L L, Yang C H, Wang W, et al. The re-examination of the age and stratigraphic subdivision of the Hutuo Group in the Wutai Mountains area, North China Craton: Evidences from geology and zircon U-Pb geochronology (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 2011, 27: 1037–1055

    Google Scholar 

  42. Liu C H, Zhao G C, Sun M, et al. U-Pb and Hf isotopic study of detrital zircons from the Hutuo group in the Trans-North China Orogen and tectonic implications. Gondwana Res, 2011, 20: 106–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Du L L, Yang C H, Guo J H, et al. The age of the base of the Paleoproterozoic Hutuo Group in Wutai Mountains area, North China Craton: SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of basaltic andesite. Chin Sci Bull, 2010, 55: 1782–1789

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Yu J H, Wang D Z, Wang C Y, et al. Ages of the Lüliang Group in the Lüliang Mountains, Shanxi: Evidence from single-grain zircon U-Pb ages (in Chinese). Geol Rev, 1997, 43: 403–408

    Google Scholar 

  45. Liu S W, Zhang J, Li Q G, et al. Geochemistry and U-Pb zircon ages of metamorphic volcanic rocks of the Paleoproterozoic Lüliang Complex and constraints on the evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen, North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2011.07.006

  46. Geng Y S, Wan Y S, Shen Q H, et al. Chronological framework of the early precambrian important events in the Lüliang area, Shanxi Province (in Chinese). Acta Geol Sin, 2000, 74: 216–223

    Google Scholar 

  47. Liu C H, Zhao G C, Sun M, et al. U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of detrital zircons from the Zhongtiao Complex: Constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. Precambrian Res, 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2011.08.007

  48. Li Q G, Liu S W, Wang Z Q, et al. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology of the detrital zircons from the Jiangxian Group in the Zhongtiao Mountain and its tectonic sigificance (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 2008, 24: 1359–1368

    Google Scholar 

  49. Li Q, Chen X, Liu S W, et al. Evaluating the provenance of Metasedimentary rocks of the Jiangxian Group from the Zhongtiao Mountain using whole-rock geochemistry and detrital zircon Hf isotope. Acta Geol Sin, 2009, 83: 550–561

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Sun D Z, Li H M, Lin Y X, et al. Precambrian geochronology, chronotectonic framework and model of chronocrustal structure of the Zhongtiao Mountains (in Chinese). Acta Geol Sin, 1991, 3: 216–231

    Google Scholar 

  51. Zhao F Q. Geochronologic and Geochemical Constraints on The Paleoproterozoic Crustal Evolution of Zhongtiao Mountains from Shanxi Province (in Chinese). Beijing: China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 2006. 161

    Google Scholar 

  52. Diwu C, Sun Y, Yuan H L, et al. U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes for detrital zircons from quartzite in the Paleoproterozoic Songshan Group on the southwestern margin of the North China Craton. Chin Sci Bull, 2008, 53: 2828–2839

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Wan Y S, Liu D Y, Wang S Y, et al. Early precambrian crustal evolution in the Dengfeng area, Henan Province (eastern China): Constraints from geochemistry and SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating (in Chinese). Acta Geol Sin, 2009, 83: 982–999

    Google Scholar 

  54. Liu C, Zhao G C, Sun M, et al. Detrital zircon U-Pb dating, Hf isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry from the Songshan Group in the Dengfeng Complex: Constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. Precambrian Res, 2012, 192–195: 1–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Du L L, Yang C H, Ren L D, et al. Petrology, geochemistry and petrogenesis of the metabasalts of the Hutuo Group, Wutai Mountains, Shanxi, China (in Chinese). Geol Bull Chin, 2009, 28: 867–876

    Google Scholar 

  56. Yan Y Y, Wang R Z. The petro-geochemistry and tectonic setting of metabasalts in the early Proterozoic Hutuo Group (in Chinese). Contrib Geol Miner Resour Res, 1996, 11: 18–26

    Google Scholar 

  57. Guo J J, Ren L D, Bai J. Analysis of the sedimentary setting of the Paleoproterozoic Hutuo Group in the Wutaishan area: Foreland basin or intracontinental rift basin? (in Chinese). Earth Sci Front, 2011, 18: 211–220

    Google Scholar 

  58. Yu J H, Wang D Z, Wang C Y. Geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of the early Proterozoic bimodal volcanic rocks from Lüliang Group, Shanxi Province (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 1997, 13: 59–70

    Google Scholar 

  59. Geng Y S, Wan Y S, Yang C H. The Palaeoproterozoic rift-type volcanism in Lüliangshan area, Shanxi Province, and its geological significance (in Chinese). Acta Geosci Sin, 2003, 24: 97–104

    Google Scholar 

  60. Geng Y S, Wan Y S, Yang C H. Integrated research report on the establishment of Paleoproterozoic system of China: Determination of major Paleoproterozoic geological events and prelimary subdivision of Paleoproterozoic strata in the Lüliang area (in Chinese). Research Report on the Establishment of Major Stratigraphical Stages in China (2001–2005). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2008. 515–533

    Google Scholar 

  61. Liu S W, Li Q G, Zhang L F. Geology, geochemistry of metamorphic volcanic rock suite in Precambrian Yejishan Group, Lüliang mountains and its tectonic implications (in Chinese). Acta Petrol Sin, 2009, 25: 547–560

    Google Scholar 

  62. Li S, Zhao G C, Sun M, et al. Are the South and North Liaohe Groups of North China Craton different exotic terranes? Nd isotope constraints. Gondwana Res, 2006, 9: 198–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Li S, Zhao G C. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon geochronology of the Liaoji granitoids: Constraints on the evolution of the Paleoproterozoic Jiao-Liao-Ji belt in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton. Precambrian Res, 2007, 158: 1–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037, China

    HangQiang Xie, DunYi Liu, ChongHui Yang, LiLin Du & YuSheng Wan

  2. Beijing SHRIMP Center, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037, China

    HangQiang Xie, DunYi Liu & YuSheng Wan

  3. Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037, China

    XiaoYan Yin

  4. Tianjin Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, China Geological Survey, Tianjin, 200170, China

    HongYing Zhou

Authors
  1. HangQiang Xie
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  2. DunYi Liu
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  3. XiaoYan Yin
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  4. HongYing Zhou
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  5. ChongHui Yang
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  6. LiLin Du
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  7. YuSheng Wan
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to YuSheng Wan.

Additional information

This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com

Rights and permissions

This article is published under an open access license. Please check the 'Copyright Information' section either on this page or in the PDF for details of this license and what re-use is permitted. If your intended use exceeds what is permitted by the license or if you are unable to locate the licence and re-use information, please contact the Rights and Permissions team.

About this article

Cite this article

Xie, H., Liu, D., Yin, X. et al. Formation age and tectonic environment of the Gantaohe Group, North China Craton: Geology, geochemistry, SHRIMP zircon geochronology and Hf-Nd isotopic systematics. Chin. Sci. Bull. 57, 4735–4745 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-012-5482-7

Download citation

  • Received: 28 April 2012

  • Accepted: 26 August 2012

  • Published: 19 December 2012

  • Issue Date: December 2012

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-012-5482-7

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Keywords

  • Gantaohe Group
  • SHRIMP zircon dating
  • geochemistry
  • Paleoproterozoic
  • continental rift
  • North China Craton
  • Trans North China Orogen
Use our pre-submission checklist

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Advertisement

Search

Navigation

  • Find a journal
  • Publish with us
  • Track your research

Discover content

  • Journals A-Z
  • Books A-Z

Publish with us

  • Journal finder
  • Publish your research
  • Language editing
  • Open access publishing

Products and services

  • Our products
  • Librarians
  • Societies
  • Partners and advertisers

Our brands

  • Springer
  • Nature Portfolio
  • BMC
  • Palgrave Macmillan
  • Apress
  • Discover
  • Your US state privacy rights
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Help and support
  • Legal notice
  • Cancel contracts here

152.53.39.118

Not affiliated

Springer Nature

© 2025 Springer Nature