Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

U-Pb geochronology of detrital and inherited zircons in the Yidun arc belt, eastern Tibet Plateau and its tectonic implications

  • Published:
Journal of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper reports geochronological data of detrital zircons from the country rock and sedimentary xenoliths of the Cilincuo pluton (79±0.7 Ma) in the southern Yidun arc belt and the inherited zircons from the Late Triassic granites in the eastern Yidun arc belt, eastern Tibet Plateau. Detrital zircons ages from the sedimentary xenoliths have four prominent peaks at 2.5–2.4 Ga, 1.9–1.8 Ga, 480–400 Ma, and 350–300 Ma, whereas those from the country rock exhibit another four prominent peaks at 1.9–1.8 Ga, 850–700 Ma, 480–400 Ma, and 300–250 Ma. Based on comparison with age data from previous studies, we suggest that the sedimentary xenoliths are from the Lanashan Formation and the major provenance of them is Qiangtang Block, Zhongza massif and South China Block, whereas the country rock belongs to the Lamaya Formation and the major provenance of them is similar to those of the neighbouring Songpan-Garzê terrane. In addition, the inherited zircons from the Late Triassic granites in the eastern Yidun arc belts have a prominent Neoproterozoic age population (900–700 Ma), which suggests that there is an old basement with west Yangtze Craton affinity beneath the Triassic sediments. Combining with previous studies, we propose that the provenances of the formations vary from the Lanashan Formation to the Lamaya Formation which may indicate a record of the final closure of the Garzê-Litang Ocean.

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 Cited

  • BGMRSP (Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of Sichuan Province), 1991. Regional Geology of Sichuan Province. Geological Memoirs of PRC Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 1–730 (in Chinese with English Summary)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruguier, O., Lancelot, J. R., Malavieille, J., 1997. U-Pb Dating on Single Detrital Zircon Grains from the Triassic Songpan-Ganze Flysch (Central China): Provenance and Tectonic Correlations. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 152(1–4): 217–231. doi:10.1016/s0012-821x(97)00138-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burchfiel, B. C., Chen, Z. L., 2012. Tectonics of the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau and Its Adjacent Foreland. Memoir of the Geological Society of America, 210: 1–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deng, F., Jia, D., Luo, L., et al., 2008. The Contrast between Provenances of Songpan-Garze and Western Sichuan Foreland Basin in the Late Triassic: Clues to the Tectonics and Palaeogeography. Geological Review, 54(4): 561–573 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng, J., Wang, Q. F., Li, G. J., et al., 2014. Tethys Tectonic Evolution and Its Bearing on the Distribution of Important Mineral Deposits in the Sanjiang Region, SW China. Gondwana Research, 26(2): 419–437. doi:10.1016/j.gr.2013.08.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding, L., Yang, D., Cai, F. L., et al., 2013. Provenance Analysis of the Mesozoic Hoh-Xil-Songpan-Ganzi Turbidites in Northern Tibet: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Eastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Tectonics, 32(1): 34–48. doi:10.1002/tect.20013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Enkelmann, E., Weislogel, A., Ratschbacher, L., et al., 2007. How was the Triassic Songpan-Ganzi Basin Filled? A Provenance Study. Tectonics, 26(4): 1–24. doi:10.1029/2006tc002078

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fei, C. G., Li, Y. G., Wen, C. Q., 2009. Geochemical Characteristics and Tectonic Implication of Granites in the Xiangcheng-Daocheng, Sichuan Province. Journal of Mineral and Petrology, 29: 88–95 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gehrels, G., Kapp, P., DeCelles, P., et al., 2011. Detrital Zircon Geochronology of Pre-Tertiary Strata in the Tibetan-Himalayan Orogen. Tectonics, 30(5): 1–27. doi:10.1029/2011tc002868

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guynn, J., Kapp, P., Gehrels, G. E., et al., 2012. U-Pb Geochronology of Basement Rocks in Central Tibet and Paleogeographic Implications. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 43(1): 23–50. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2011.09.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He, D. F., Zhu, W. G., Zhong, H., et al., 2013. Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Elemental and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopic Geochemistry of the Daocheng Granitic Pluton from the Yidun Arc, SW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 67/68: 1–17. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2013.02.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hennig, D., Lehmann, B., Frei, D., et al., 2009. Early Permian Seafloor to Continental Arc Magmatism in the Eastern Paleo-Tethys: U-Pb Age and Nd-Sr Isotope Data from the Southern Lancangjiang Zone, Yunnan, China. Lithos, 113(3/4): 408–422. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2009.04.031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou, Z. Q., Qu, X. M., Yang, Y. Q., 2001. Collision Orogeny in the Yidun Arc: Evidence from Granites in the Sanjiang Region, China. Acta Geologica Sinica, 75: 484–497 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hou, Z. Q., Yang, Y. Q., Wang, H. P., et al., 2003. Collision-Orogenic Processes and Mineralization Systems of the Yidun Arc. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 345 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, Z. C., Liu, Y. S., Gao, S., et al., 2008. Improved in Situ Hf Isotope Ratio Analysis of Zircon Using Newly Designed X Skimmer Cone and Jet Sample Cone in Combination with the Addition of Nitrogen by Laser Ablation Multiple Collector ICP-MS. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 27(9): 1391–1399. doi:10.1039/c2ja30078h

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leng, C. B., Huang, Q. Y., Zhang, X. C., et al., 2014. Petrogenesis of the Late Triassic Volcanic Rocks in the Southern Yidun Arc, SW China: Constraints from the Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf Isotopes. Lithos, 190/191: 363–382. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2013.12.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leng, C. B., Zhang, X. C., Hu, R. Z., et al., 2012. Zircon U-Pb and Molybdenite Re-Os Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf Isotopic Constraints on the Genesis of the Xuejiping Porphyry Copper Deposit in Zhongdian, Northwest Yunnan, China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 60: 31–48. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2012.07.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, C. J., Diao, Z. Z., Zhang, Z. G., 1996. Tethyan Geology of Western Sichuan and Eastern Tibet. Southwest Jiaotong University Press, Chengdu. 148 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Y. S., Hu, Z. C., Zong, K. Q., et al., 2010. Reappraisement and Refinement of Zircon U-Pb Isotope and Trace Element Analyses by LA-ICP-MS. Chinese Science Bulletin, 55(15): 1535–1546. doi:10.1007/s11434-010-3052-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe, I., 2013. Gondwana Dispersion and Asian Accretion: Tectonic and Palaeogeographic Evolution of Eastern Tethys. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 66: 1–33. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2012.12.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mo, X. X., Lu, F. X., Shen, S. Y., et al., 1993. Sanjiang Tethyan Volcanism and Related Mineralization. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 267 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pan, G. T., Chen, Z. L., Li, X. Z., 1997. Geological-Tectonic Evolution in the Eastern Tethys. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 218 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Peng, T. P., Wilde, S. A., Wang, Y. J., et al., 2013. Mid-Triassic Felsic Igneous Rocks from the Southern Lancangjiang Zone, SW China: Petrogenesis and Implications for the Evolution of Paleo-Tethys. Lithos, 168/169: 15–32. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2013.01.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pullen, A., Kapp, P., Gehrels, G. E., et al., 2008. Triassic Continental Subduction in Central Tibet and Mediterranean-Style Closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Geology, 36(5): 351–354. doi:10.1130/g24435a.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pullen, A., Kapp, P., Gehrels, G. E., et al., 2011. Metamorphic Rocks in Central Tibet: Lateral Variations and Implications for Crustal Structure. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 123(3/4): 585–600. doi:10.1130/b30154.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qu, X. M., Hou, Z. Q., Zhou, S. G., 2002. Geochemical and Nd, Sr Isotopic Study of the Post-Orogenic Granites in the Yidun Arc Belt of Northern Sanjiang Region, Southwestern China. Resource Geology, 52(2): 163–172. doi:10.1111/j.1751-3928.2002.tb00128.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, A. J., Fowler, A. P., Phillips, D., et al., 2005c. Thermochronology of the Yidun Arc, Central Eastern Tibetan Plateau: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar K-Feldspar and Apatite Fission Track Data. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 25(6): 915–935. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2004.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, A. J., Wilson, C. J. L., Liu, S., 2005b. Structural Evidence for the Permo-Triassic Tectonic Evolution of the Yidun Arc, Eastern Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Structural Geology, 27(1): 119–137. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2004.06.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, A. J., Wilson, C. J. L., Phillips, D., et al., 2005a. Mesozoic Cooling across the Yidun Arc, Central-Eastern Tibetan Plateau: A Reconnaissance 40Ar/39Ar Study. Tectonophysics, 398(1/2): 45–66. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2005.01.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, A. J., Wilson, C. J. L., Shun, L., et al., 2007. Mesozoic Plutons of the Yidun Arc, SW China: U/Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopic Signature. Ore Geology Reviews, 31(1–4): 88–106. doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2004.11.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song, X. Y., Zhou, M. F., Cao, Z. M., et al., 2004. Late Permian Rifting of the South China Craton Caused by the Emeishan Mantle Plume? Journal of the Geological Society, 161(5): 773–781. doi:10.1144/0016-764903-135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, B. Q., Wang, W., Chen, W. T., et al., 2013a. Constraints of Detrital Zircon U-Pb Ages and Hf Isotopes on the Provenance of the Triassic Yidun Group and Tectonic Evolution of the Yidun Terrane, Eastern Tibet. Sedimentary Geology, 289: 74–98. doi:10.1016/j.sedgeo.2013.02.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, B. Q., Zhou, M. F., Chen, W. T., et al., 2013b. Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Triassic Volcanic Rocks in the Northern Yidun Terrane, Eastern Tibet. Lithos, 175/176: 285–301. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2013.05.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, B. Q., Zhou, M. F., Li, J. W., et al., 2011. Late Triassic Porphyritic Intrusions and Associated Volcanic Rocks from the Shangri-La Region, Yidun Terrane, Eastern Tibetan Plateau: Adakitic Magmatism and Porphyry Copper Mineralization. Lithos, 127(1/2): 24–38. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2011.07.028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Q. W., Wang, K. M., Han, Z. Z., et al., 2008. Granites and Related Mineralization in Western Sichuan. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 1–303 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Weislogel, A. L., 2008. Tectonostratigraphic and Geochronologic Constraints on Evolution of the Northeast Paleotethys from the Songpan-Ganzi Complex, Central China. Tectonophysics, 451(1–4): 331–345. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2007.11.053

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weislogel, A. L., Graham, S. A., Chang, E. Z., et al., 2006. Detrital Zircon Provenance of the Late Triassic Songpan-Ganzi Complex: Sedimentary Record of Collision of the North and South China Blocks. Geology, 34(2): 97–100. doi:10.1130/g21929.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weislogel, A. L., Graham, S. A., Chang, E. Z., et al., 2010. Detrital Zircon Provenance from Three Turbidite Depocenters of the Middle-Upper Triassic Songpan-Ganzi Complex, Central China: Record of Collisional Tectonics, Erosional Exhumation, and Sediment Production. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 122(11/12): 2041–2062. doi:10.1130/b26606.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, L., Xu, Y. G., Xu, J. F., et al., 2004. Chemostratigraphy of Flood Basalts in the Garzê-Litang Region and Zongza Block: Implications for Western Extension of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, SW China. Acta Geologica Sinica––English Edition, 78(1): 61–67. doi:10.1111/j.1755-6724.2004.tb00675.x

    Google Scholar 

  • Yan, Q. R., Wang, Z. Q., Liu, S. W., et al., 2005. Opening of the Tethys in Southwest China and Its Significance to the Breakup of East Gondwanaland in Late Paleozoic: Evidence from SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Analyses for the Garzê Ophiolite Block. Chinese Science Bulletin, 50(3): 256–264. doi:10.1007/bf02897536

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yao, X. L., Zhou, J. Y., 1998. Petrography and Tectonic Significance of Volcanic Rock of Lamaya Formation of Yidun Group in West Sichuan. Acta Geologica Sichuan, 18(2): 92–96 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, M. F., Yan, D. P., Kennedy, A. K., et al., 2002. SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Geochronological and Geochemical Evidence for Neoproterozoic Arc-Magmatism along the Western Margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 196(1/2): 51–67. doi:10.1016/s0012-821x(01)00595-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, M. F., Yan, D. P., Wang, C. L., et al., 2006. Subduction-Related Origin of the 750 Ma Xuelongbao Adakitic Complex (Sichuan Province, China): Implications for the Tectonic Setting of the Giant Neoproterozoic Magmatic Event in South China. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 248(1/2): 286–300. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2006.05.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zi, J. W., Cawood, P. A., Fan, W. M., et al., 2012. Generation of Early Indosinian Enriched Mantle-Derived Granitoid Pluton in the Sanjiang Orogen (SW China) in Response to Closure of the Paleo-Tethys. Lithos, 140/141: 166–182. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2012.02.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Earth Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China

    Tao Wu

  2. School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Tao Wu, Long Xiao & Changqian Ma

  3. State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 470074, China

    Changqian Ma

Authors
  1. Tao Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Long Xiao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Changqian Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tao Wu.

Electronic supplementary material

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wu, T., Xiao, L. & Ma, C. U-Pb geochronology of detrital and inherited zircons in the Yidun arc belt, eastern Tibet Plateau and its tectonic implications. J. Earth Sci. 27, 461–473 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0675-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0675-5

Key words

Search

Navigation