We report a new eusauropod dinosaur, Huashanosaurus qini gen. et sp. nov., based on a partial skeleton recovered from a bed in the Lower to Middle Jurassic Wangmen Formation (Fm.) from Huqiu Quarry near Mingjiang River, Ningming County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. The new taxon can be diagnosed by the following autapomorphies: posterior process of the ulna hook-shaped; the cross-section of the proximal part of the ulna crescent-shaped; groove structure present at the posterodistal surface of the fibula. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that H. qini is later-diverging than the Middle Jurassic Shunosaurus. Previous work showed that the Wangmen Fm. is early Early Jurassic in age whereas the new eusauropod discovery indicates that the Wangmen Fm. is probably somewhat younger Early–Middle Jurassic in age. The find increases the diversity of Jurassic eusauropods in China.

As a highly coupled aggregate of tectonism, magmatism, and metamorphism, a gneiss dome is usually taken as a vital window for understanding the crustal internal structure and the exchange of material and energy during orogenic exhumation. The Qinghe gneiss dome located in the eastern Chinese Altai orogen, lies in Qinghe County, Xinjiang, records important information of late accretionary orogeny associated with continental uplift and crustal growth. According to the field investigation, the dome shows core–mantle–margin domains, in which the core is composed of migmatized granite and gneiss, the mantle consists of banded gneiss, schist, and leptynite, and the margin has rock assemblages of phyllite, schist, and meta-sandstone. From the margin to the core, the dome can be divided into chlorite–sericite, andalusite–staurolite, sillimanite–biotite, and sillimanite–garnet metamorphic zones, recording progressive metamorphism. Detailed structural analyses in the Qinghe gneiss dome indicate progressive deformation from the margin to the core. Internal and external detachment faults are clarified, with the former characterized by inflow and outward migration of crustal material and the latter marked by brittle-ductile deformation with a lineation indicating lateral slip of the upper wall when the dome uplifted. Based on these faults, upper, middle, lower structural layers are observed from the outer to inner domains of the dome. Considering the general geological background and new data, the Qinghe gneiss dome probably predominantly underwent early ductile shear deformation and late heat-flow diapirism in the early Permian, closely related to upwelling of asthenosphere mantle that resulted from slab break-off in the extensional tectonic setting.

The Litang fault zone is an important seismogenic structure along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. It caused the M7¼ earthquake in Litang in 1948 AD. The fault zone intersects the Sichuan–Tibet transportation corridor and poses a serious risk to its safe operation. This study, utilizing high-resolution remote sensing interpretation, field geological verification, UAV photogrammetry, UAV LiDAR, paleoearthquake trench excavation, and AMS ¹⁴C and OSL dating methods, reveals the geometric structure, slip rates, paleoearthquake sequence, and earthquake rupture segmentation of the Litang fault zone; analyzes the rupture distribution range of the 1729 AD Litang earthquake and estimates its magnitude. The study indicates that the Litang fault zone is a relatively immature strike-slip fault, which has developed as a new active fault zone within the Northwestern Sichuan sub-block during the southeastward material migration of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. This reflects a transformation in the deformation model of the Northwestern Sichuan sub-block crust from the ‘Rigid Block’ model to the ‘Continuous Deformation’ model.

The North China Craton (NCC) experienced significant lithospheric thinning of over 100 km during the Mesozoic, accompanied by extensive magmatic activity and extensional tectonics. However, the timing and mechanism of this thinning remain the subjects of debate. This study presents zircon U-Pb ages, Hf isotopic data and whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of the Guanshui monzonites and diorites in the eastern NCC. Zircon U-Pb dating reveals that both rock types formed at ca. 130 Ma. The monzonites, characterized by high Mg^# (50.9–57.9), low Nb/U ratios (2.53–3.89) and depleted isotopic compositions, suggest derivation from asthenospheric mantle modified by slab-derived fluids. The diorites, distinguished by low SiO₂ (49.5–50.8), high Mg^# (66.7–68.5) and an EM2-type enriched mantle isotopic signature, point to a lithospheric mantle source modified by subducted sediment melts. The coexistence of monzonites and diorites suggests a transition in magma source from lithospheric to asthenospheric mantle, implying that lithospheric thinning may have commenced around 130 Ma. The destruction of the NCC was likely driven by localized, small-scale drip-style detachment processes, rather than wholesale lithospheric removal.

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau possesses the thickest continental crust on Earth, yet the timing of its formation remains debated. In this study, we conducted zircon U-Pb isotopic dating, geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic analyses on the Xuexiumaer biotite quartz monzonite porphyry (BQMP) sampled from the Lake Dajia area in southern Gangdese. This study aims to estimate the paleo-crustal thickness beneath this region during the early India-Asia collision stage using whole-rock Sr/Y and (La/Yb)_N ratios as proxies. Results reveal that the Xuexiumaer BQMP was formed at ~51 Ma in a collisional tectonic setting following Neo-Tethyan slab breakoff, and is an I-type granitoid derived primarily from partial melting of juvenile mafic lower crust with subordinate ancient crustal input. The estimated paleo-crustal thickness in the Lake Dajia area at ~51 Ma is less than 40 km. This indicates that although the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau had already undergone significant crustal thickening and attained an exceptionally thick crust (>50 km) prior to the India–Asia collision as demonstrated by previous studies, some regions still maintained a crust only slightly thicker than the average continental crust (~35 km) at the initial collision stage. This limited crustal thickening likely resulted from underplating of subduction-related mafic magma at the mantle-crust boundary.

The pervasively distributed granitoids in South China contributed greatly to regional polymetallic mineralization, including tungsten, tin, copper, gold, rare metals, and rare earth elements (REEs). To ascertain the dynamic backgrounds, rock types and genesis of the parent rocks related to the Early–Middle Jurassic ionic rare earth mineralization, typical deposits at Muzishan, Xiahu, and Zudong were investigated by conducting petrographic, geochronologic, whole-rock geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope analyses, which found that the parent rocks from the Muzishan deposit were the A1-type K-feldspar granite (~195 Ma), from the Zudong deposit were the A2-type monzogranite (~171 Ma), and from the Xiahu deposit were the I-type monzogranite (~167 Ma). All the three granitic rocks underwent different degrees of fractionation, with the Xiahu granite experiencing the highest degree, followed by the Zudong granite, and the Muzishan granite undergoing the lowest degree. The Muzishan granite was concluded to be formed under an intraplate extensional tectonic regime influenced by the hotspots or the mantle plume. The Zudong granite was formed in a post-arc extensional setting related to subduction–collision–rollback of the paleo-Pacific Plate, which caused upwelling of the asthenosphere, thinning of the lithosphere, and partial melting of crustal materials. The Xiahu granite was generated under a transitional tectonic setting of extension and compression, triggered by delamination and rollback of the paleo-Pacific Plate.

Multiple instances of the Late Cretaceous granodiorites within the Anglonggangri region of the northwestern Lhasa Block were identified, their petrogenesis were explored and mineralization potential were assessed. The zircon U-Pb dating of the Anglonggangri granodiorites revealed ages of 82.8 and 80.8 Ma. Granodiorite samples have SiO₂ contents of 64.36–68.33 wt%, with high Sr/Y (55–95) and A/CNK ratios (0.99–1.06). Zircon ε_Hf(t) values range from –0.3 to +16.2. Two granodiorite samples have (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values of 0.7034 and 0.7043 and positive ε_Nd(t) values of 3.51 and 3.83. These geochemical properties indicate that they are adakitic rocks formed by partial melting of the juvenile thickened lower crust, slightly contaminated with material from the mantle due to the small-scale delamination of the lower crust. The zircons in the granodiorites have moderate Ce/Nd (2.5–43), logfO₂ (–20.0 to –9.6), and ΔFMQ (–1.28 to +4.00) values; low (Ce/Nd)/Y (0.001–0.049) ratios; and high Dy/Yb (0.17–1.16) ratios, which indicate that these granodiorites exhibit moderate oxygen fugacity and lower magma water content than the Miocene Gangdese porphyry copper deposits associated with high-Sr/Y granites. Their ability to create porphyry-type copper deposits could have been hampered by their low magma water content and moderate oxygen fugacity.

The Suzhou granitic pluton is the first identified Nb-Ta-rich granite in China. To reveal the genetic link between the sequence of magmatic and hydrothermal evolution and Nb-Ta mineralization in different intrusive phases of the Suzhou granite, whole-rock geochemistry, geochemistry and U-Th-Pb dating of monazite was analyzed. The unique geochemical characteristics show that the Suzhou pluton can be discriminated as an A-type granite. LA-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb dating of monazite in both the medium- and coarse-grained biotite granite (MBG) and the fine-grained biotite granite (FBG) indicates that the granite formed between 124 and 127 Ma. Based on geochemical characteristics and mineral textures, the MBG (Mnz-Ia) and FBG (Mnz-Ib) monazites are classified as magmatic monazites; another monazite (Mnz-II) from the MBG formed during a magmatic-hydrothermal transitional stage. Nb-Ta in the Suzhou pluton gradually concentrated during fractional crystallization and alteration of Ti-rich minerals and biotite. Ultimately, with the involvement of F-Li-rich fluid, Nb-Ta mineralization occurred during the magmatic–hydrothermal transition. The Suzhou pluton is considered part of a 600-km- and NE–SW-trending Nb-rich A-type granite belt together with other Early Cretaceous A-type granites in the Jiangnan Orogen that offers prospects of a new target for Nb-Ta prospecting.

Metallogenic research on structural levels can reveal vertical patterns of mineralization and facilitate the deep exploration of economic minerals. However, research focusing on the correlation between structural levels and mineralization remains limited. In this study, we summarize the deformation patterns and associated mineral deposits observed at different crustal levels (i.e., surface, shallow, middle, and deep structural levels, corresponding to depths of <2, 2–8, 8–15, and >15 km, respectively). Furthermore, we examine the genetic association between structural levels and metallogenesis, demonstrating that distinct structural levels are linked to specific types of mineralization. Key factors that vary across crustal levels include temperature, pressure, and fluid circulation. Ore-forming processes involve interactions between structures and fluids under varying temperatures and pressures. Structural levels influence mineralization by controlling the temperatures, pressures, and deformation mechanisms that drive the activation, migration, and enrichment of ore-forming materials.

The Jinchuan magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposit is the largest single Ni sulfide deposit in the world. It consists primarily of orebody-24 in segment I, and orebody-1 and orebody-2 in segment II. The contents of platinum-group elements (PGE) in these orebodies decrease significantly from west to east across the deposit. However, the PGE characteristics of platinum-group minerals (PGM) and alloys, as well as their roles during mineralization in different orebodies, remain unclear. In this study, PGM and alloy occurrences in orebody-24 and orebody-2 had been observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and spherical-aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (Cs-STEM). The PGE contents were analyzed by SEM–EDS for submicron-scale PGM and alloys. The results show that olivine in lherzolite mainly hosts PGM of PtTe and PdBi₂, whereas pyroxene contains small amounts of PdBiTe. Pyrrhotite predominantly hosts (Ir-Rh-Pt)AsS, Pd(BiTe), and other PGM, as well as PtSn and PtOs alloys. Pentlandite mainly encloses Pd(BiTe), PdBi/PdBi₂ and other PGM, as well as PtSn and PtFe alloys. Chalcopyrite primarily encloses PdBi/PdBi₂, and other PGM, along with PtSn and IrOs. Distinct distribution patterns of PGE in PGM and alloys had been observed between different orebodies. Orebody-24 contains more (Ir-Rh-Pt)AsS minerals and PtFe/PtSn alloy grains, whereas orebody-2 has a higher proportion of Pt- and Pd-bearing PGM. The presence of euhedral alloys in silicate minerals from orebody-24 suggests that its parent magma had a higher PGE content before sulfide saturation than that of orebody-2. More than 90% of PGM and alloys in both orebody-24 and orebody-2 contain Pt and Pd, emphasizing their contributions to the elevated Pt and Pd concentrations. The different PGE distributions of PGM and alloys in the two orebodies suggest that thermodynamic conditions (fO₂ and fS₂) and semimetals, especially As, play critical roles in controlling PGE behavior and occurrence.

The Dabaoshan porphyry Cu deposit (420 kilotons (kt) of Cu @ 0.36%) is located in South China. The newly discovered Cu orebodies are hosted in the dacite porphyry adjacent to a granodiorite porphyry. The alteration and mineralization timing and stages of the porphyry Cu deposit were not well-constrained. In this study, we combine field mapping, petrography, whole-rock geochemistry, hydrothermal rutile U-Pb dating and Cu isotopes to synthesize an ore model at Dabaoshan. In situ hydrothermal rutile U-Pb dating yields an age of 159 ± 13 Ma, which brackets the timing of porphyry Cu mineralization. From top to bottom, the alteration zones in Dabaoshan are divided into quartz-sericite, biotite, chlorite-epidote, and chlorite-sericite subzones. Veins are classified into four stages (Stage 1 to 4) with Stage 4 quartz-sericite-chalcopyrite veins being the main Cu ore-bearing veins. The mineralized dacite porphyry has high SiO₂, but low MgO, CaO, and Na₂O contents. The chalcopyrite hosted in veins exhibits δ⁶⁵Cu = values ranging from –1.29‰ to 0.51‰. Such copper isotope fractionation is attributed to vapor-brine phase separation, and mixing of fluids from different geochemical reservoirs. The timing of Cu mineralization and hydrothermal alteration support that the Jurassic granodiorite porphyry is an ore-forming intrusion at Dabaoshan.

The Gejiu tin-copper-(tungsten) (Sn-Cu-(W)) polymetallic district is located in the southwest of the W-Sn metallogenic belt in the western Youjiang Basin, Yunnan, Southwest China. Abundant W minerals have been identified in the region via exploration. However, metallogenic sources and evolution of W remain unclear, and the existing metallogenic model has to be updated to guide further ore prospecting. Elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic data for scheelites assist in the determination of sources and evolution of the W-mineralizing fluids and metals in the district. Based on field geological survey, the scheelites in the Gejiu district can be categorized into three types: altered granite (Type I), quartz vein (Type II) from the Laochang deposit, and skarn (Type III) from the Kafang deposit. Types I and II scheelites have low molybdenum (Mo) and strontium (Sr) contents, and Type II scheelite has lower Sr contents than Type I as well as higher Mo and Sr contents than Type III scheelites. Varying Mo contents across the scheelite types suggests that the oxygen fugacity varied during ore accumulation. Type I and Type II scheelites exhibit similar rare earth elements (REE) patterns; Type III scheelite contains lower REE content, particularly HREE, compared with the other scheelites. All scheelites exhibit negative Eu anomalies in the chondrite-normalized REE patterns. As the W-mineralization and two-mica granite share close spatial and temporal relationships, the negative Eu anomalies were likely inherited from the two-mica granite. Type I and Type II scheelites display varied (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_{82 Ma} (0.7090–0.7141) and ε_Nd(82 Ma) (from –9.9 to –5.4) values, similar to those of granite. However, Type III scheelite exhibits lower (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_{82 Ma} (0.7083–0.7087) and lower ε_Nd(82 Ma) (from –10.5 to –6.9) values than the two-mica granite. This indicates that the two-mica granite alone did not provide the ore-forming fluids and metals and that the Type III scheelite ore-forming fluids likely involved external fluids that were probably derived from carbonate rocks. The implication is that highly differentiated two-mica granites were the source of primary W-bearing metals and fluids, which is consistent with earlier research on the origin of Sn ore-forming materials.

Compared to discrete continental marginal basins, the mechanisms of hydrocarbon migration and enrichment in transform continental marginal basins are poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the main source rocks, reservoirs, and vertical migration pathways within the Rovuma (RB) and Tanzania (TB) basins in East Africa utilizing drilling, logging, seismic, and geochemical data. The results indicate that the enhanced preservation conditions of the Lower Jurassic source rocks in the southwest could lead to the discovery of large natural gas fields in the southern TB and RB. The primary reservoir is a deep-water turbidite sandstone. Due to topographic differences, the expanse of the turbidite sandstones in the RB is significantly larger than those in Tanzania. The main vertical migration pathways are the western boundary fault zone of the Kerimbas Graben (WBFZ) and the Seagap fault zone (SFZ). In the RB, natural gas migrates vertically along the WBFZ and preferentially accumulates in the deep-water turbidite sandstones of the footwall under the control of the fluid potential. Conversely, in the southern TB, the deep natural gas first migrates upward along the SFZ, then moves along the shallow branch faults in the sandstones on both sides of the SFZ.

The relationship between marine transgression and the distribution of lacustrine organic matter has restricted shale oil and gas exploration for decades. In this study, the research objective is to analyze the sedimentary environment and evaluate its influence on organic matter in transgressive lacustrine shale. The study uses various analyses including total organic carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), trace element and isotope analysis. Finally, the study proposes an enrichment model for organic matter. The lacustrine shale of the second member of the Funing Formation (E₁f²) is divided into three sequences. The results indicate that the depositional environment of the organic matter during this period was an arid and humid, reduced, closed, rift lake basin. In the first sequence, high salinity resulted from increased evaporation, leading to low primary biological productivity. At this time, the lake basin belonged to a salinized closed lake basin. Intermittent transgressions began in the second sequence, with the deep lake area still being dominated by a reducing environment. The third sequence saw the environment evolve into a closed lake basin characterized by a warm and humid freshwater environment with high primary productivity. Marine transgressions introduce a substantial amount of marine plankton, nutrient elements, as well as more CO₂ and CO₃^2– into the lake, leading to increased primary productivity. The sedimentary model for transgressive lacustrine source rocks proposed here serves as an example for similar transgressive lake basins.

The origin of tight reservoirs in the Yanchang Formation of the Ordos Basin and their relationship with hydrocarbon charging remain unclear. Based on petrological observations, physical property analysis, fluid inclusion system analysis and in situ U-Pb dating, the sequence of tight sandstone reservoir densification and oil charging was determined. Through petrological observations, fluid inclusion analysis and physical property analysis, it is concluded that compaction and cementation are the primary causes of reservoir densification. When the content of calcite cement is less than or equal to 7%, compaction dominates densification; otherwise, cementation becomes more significant. However, determining the exact timing of compaction densification proved challenging. Microscopic observations revealed that oil charging likely occurred either before or during the densification of the reservoir. According to in situ U-Pb dating and the porosity evolution curve, cementation densification occurred between 167.0 ± 20.0 Ma and 151.8 Ma. Temperature measurements of the aqueous inclusions indicate that oil charging occurred between 125.0 and 96.0 Ma, suggesting that densification preceded oil charging. This study provides valuable insights for the future exploration of tight oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin.

Pore structure directly affects the occurrence and migration of shale hydrocarbon, and the lack of research on the mechanism of the pore structure is an important reason for the hindrance of shale hydrocarbon exploration. By analysing the geochemistry and reservoir characteristics of Jurassic lacustrine shales in Sichuan Basin, this study recovers their paleoenvironments and further discusses paleoenvironmental constraints on pore structure. The results show that the Lower Jurassic lacustrine shales in the Sichuan Basin are in a warm and humid semi-anoxic to anoxic lake environment with high productivity, a strong stagnant environment, and a rapid sedimentation rate, with water depths ranging from about 11.54–55.22 m, and a mixture of type II/III kerogen is developed. In terms of reservoir characteristics, they are dominated by open-slit pores, and the pores are relatively complex. The percentage of mesopores is the highest, while the percentage of macropores is the lowest. Further analysis shows that paleoclimate controls the overall pore complexity and surface relaxation of shales by influencing the weathering rate of mother rocks. Paleoredox conditions control the proportion and complexity of shale pores by influencing TOC content. The research results will provide theoretical basis for improving the exploration efficiency of lacustrine shale resources and expanding exploration target areas.

This study systematically investigates the concentration of ²²²Rn in geothermal fluids and the distribution of geothermal radon mineral water in Shandong Province, with the aim of elucidating formation mechanisms and influencing factors. The findings indicate that the overall abundance of ²²²Rn in geothermal fluids across the region is relatively low. Geothermal radon mineral water is primarily located within banded thermal reservoirs associated with bedrock fracture structures in the Ludong and Luxi uplift geothermal zones. The study reveals that the ionic composition, radioactivity intensity, and extent of water-rock interactions exert only effects in the concentration of ²²²Rn in geothermal fluids. The formation of geothermal radon mineral water is predominantly governed by “fracture-controlled” mechanisms, with thermal reservoir lithology, fracture tectonics, and seismic activity serving as key determinants. Additionally, the enrichment of ²²²Rn in geothermal fluids is influenced by factors such as geothermal fluid temperature, depth of occurrence, cap rock thickness, and alteration processes. The genetic mechanisms of geothermal radon mineral water can be categorized into two types: ‘native’ and ‘composite’. These findings provide critical insights into the exploration and development of geothermal radon mineral water resources in Shandong and similar regions.

The Carboniferous, an important coal-forming period in geological history, was characterized by extensive vegetation and high oxygen levels. Evidence suggests frequent wildfires took place during this time, especially in peatlands. However, the control mechanisms for changes in wildfire activity in peatlands during this period remain unclear. In this study, evidence from the Gzhelian in the Ordos Basin, such as the inertinite/vitrinite (I/V) ratio, indicated varying wildfire frequencies. Climate indicators (CaO/MgO and CaO/MgO·Al₂O₃) revealed that high-frequency wildfires mainly occurred in warm and humid climates. Based on former age constraints, we deduced that orbital cycles (long eccentricity) controlled the climate influence on peatland wildfires during the Gzhelian. Higher eccentricity brought more sunshine and rainfall, creating warmer, wetter peatlands conducive to vegetation growth, which increased fuel loads and led to more wildfires. Global Gzhelian wildfire records show that wildfires occurred mainly in tropical regions with abundant vegetation, reinforcing the idea that fuel loads drove fire activity. While wildfires can release mercury (Hg), the frequent volcanic activity during this period likely contributed significantly to Hg enrichment.

In the Fatira (Abu Zawal) mine area, located in the northern Eastern Desert of Egypt, fieldwork and mineralogical analysis, integrated with machine learning techniques applied to Landsat-8 OLI, ASTER, and Sentinel-2 multi-spectral imagery (MSI) data delineate gold-sulfide mineralization in altered rocks. Gold (Au) anomalies in hydrothermal breccias and quartz veins are associated with NE-oriented felsite dykes and silicified granitic rocks. Two main alteration types are identified: a pyrite-sericite-quartz and a sulfide-chlorite-carbonate assemblage, locally with dispersed free-milling Au specks. Dimensionality reduction techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA), enabled mapping of alteration types. Sentinel-2 PC125 composite images offered efficient lithological differentiation, while supervised classifications, i.e., the support vector machine (SVM) of Landsat-8 yielded an accuracy of 88.55% and a Kappa value of 0.86. ASTER mineral indices contributed to map hydrothermal alteration mineral phases, including sericite, muscovite, kaolinite, and iron oxides. Results indicate that post-magmatic epigenetic hydrothermal activity significantly contributed to the Au-sulfide mineralization in the Fatira area, distinguishing it from the more prevalent orogenic gold deposits in the region.