The Pamir Plateau is situated at the northwestern edge of the India–Eurasia Plate collision zone, making it a key region for studying continental collision and plateau uplift. The deep structure and dynamic processes of this region have long been of great scientific interest. This paper synthesizes recent advancements in the application of geophysical techniques to investigate the deep structure of the Pamir Plateau. The study focuses on the heterogeneity of the crust and lithosphere, the morphology of the Moho and the double Moho structure, the depth variations of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), and the complex features of the mantle transition zone (MTZ). The results indicate that the deep tectonic structure of the Pamir region is closely associated with subduction of the Indian Plate, the southward compression of the Asian lithosphere, and lateral tectonic interactions from the Tarim Basin, which jointly drive the region's uplift and deformation. The paper further examines the deep interactions between the Pamir Plateau and adjacent regions. Additionally, the study discuss key controversies in current research, such as the spatial relationship between the Moho and deep seismic zones, the mechanisms of lithosphere delamination, and its effects on shallow structural deformation, etc.

The Pamir Plateau, located in the western syntaxis of the Tibetan Plateau, is a critical region for understanding continental collision dynamics and associated metallogenic processes. First, on the basis of the spherical coordinate system, Bouguer gravity anomalies were derived from satellite gravity data covering the Pamir Plateau and adjacent regions. A three-dimensional density structure model spanning crustal to upper mantle depths (0–200 km) was subsequently inverted through an advanced three-dimensional physical property inversion methodology. Finally, the depth of the Moho surface in the study area was calculated using an interface inversion method with variable density, which was improved on the basis of the Parker–Oldenburg formula. Our results reveal significant lateral density variations: Moho depths exhibit a mirror-image relationship with surface topography, and steep Moho gradients align with major tectonic boundaries, indicating deep structural controls on crustal thickening and plateau uplift. The Pamir uplift was driven by crustal thickening, mantle upwelling following slab break-off, and erosion-isostatic feedback. Lateral extrusion of Pamir material, constrained by the rigid Tarim Basin, further shapes the plateau's asymmetric topography. High-density anomalies at mid-crustal depths correlate with magmatic intrusions and fault systems, providing pathways for ore-forming fluids. The spatial associations of porphyry Cu-Au and skarn Fe deposits with Moho depth underscore the importance of crust–mantle interactions in mineralization.

The Pamir Plateau, at the northwestern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, is a key region for investigating continental collision and plateau uplifting. To probe its deep structure, we collected seismic data from 263 stations across 11 research projects. We applied cross-correlation to noise data and extracted surface wave dispersion data from cross-correlation functions. The extracted dispersion data were subsequently inverted using a 3-D transdimensional Bayesian inversion method (rj-3DMcMC). The inversion result reveals several crustal low-velocity zones (LVZs). Their formation is likely related to crustal thickening, the exposure of gneiss domes, and thicker sedimentary sequences compared to surrounding areas. In the lower crust and upper mantle, the LVZs in southern Pamir and southeastern Karakoram evolve into high-velocity zones, which expand northeastward with increasing depth. This suggests northward underthrusting of the Indian Plate. We also analyzed the Moho using both the standard deviation of S-wave velocity and the S-wave velocity structure. Results show that significant variations in velocity standard deviation reliably delineate the Moho interface.

Crustal thickness and Poisson's ratio are key indicators of regional isostasy and material composition. Using teleseismic waveform data from 126 permanent stations and 179 temporary stations in the Pamir–West Tianshan region, we obtain the crustal thickness and average Poisson's ratio by the h–κ stacking method. The results show that the crust of the Pamir Plateau is thick in the middle and thin on its eastern and western sides, while the West Tianshan region exhibits a “thin–thick–thin” distribution from south to north. The mountainous regions have thicker crust compared to the intermountain basins which feature relatively thinner crust in West Tianshan. Based on the isostasy state analysis of the Airy model, the equilibrium curves of the Pamir and the West Tianshan are similar. The distribution of Poisson's ratio in the study area is characterized by several east–west oriented bands, forming a “high–low–high” distribution pattern as a whole. Joint geophysical and geochemical studies indicate that regions with high Poisson's ratio often have phenomena such as lithospheric subduction and Moho offsets, these areas also display characteristics such as low velocity, high conductivity, and high surface heat flow, which may be related to local melting materials in the middle and lower crust.

The Langrial iron ore deposits, located in the villages of Dubran and Darkot in Hazara, Pakistan, were evaluated using remote sensing, magnetic, and geochemical investigations. Data from ASTER, Landsat-8, and Sentinel-2 satellites were utilized and processed through techniques such as band ratio analysis, band compositing, and NDVI masking to reduce vegetation effects and to delineate various lithological units and mineralogical signatures within the study area. Magnetic anomalies revealed multiple levels of iron mineralization, with the hematite zone showing the most significant potential for high-grade iron ore. Geochemical analyses confirmed the presence of iron, along with minerals such as chromium, calcium, magnesium, and lead. In Dubran, mean iron concentrations are recorded at 370.94 mg/kg, whereas in Darkot, they reach up to 2052 mg/kg. The integration of remote sensing, magnetic, and geochemical data delineates key mineralized zones in the various parts of the study area. This research highlights the importance of combining geophysical and geochemical methodologies to refine mineral exploration efforts. The findings enhance our understanding of the Langrial iron ore deposits and highlight their economic potential for sustainable mining practices. This study will contribute to meeting the growing demand for iron ore resources and reducing Pakistan's reliance on imports, thereby promoting the sustainable development of local industries.

The boundary zones of compressive orogenic belts are particularly susceptible to active landslides due to high topographic relief and intense erosion. The Nurek section of Vakhsh River, located on the western margin of the Pamir orogenic belt, is characterized by complex terrain and severe water erosion. Therefore, the identification and interpretation of potential landslides are significant for regional hazard risk assessment. This study uses Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data and the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) method to evaluate the potential landslides from October 2017 to December 2023 in this river section, which is prone to frequent landslide occurrences. The results show that six potential landslides were identified, mainly concentrated on the west bank of the river, only one exhibited an annual line of sight (LOS) deformation rate exceeding 50 mm/year. Two-dimensional deformation analysis indicates a strong association with terrain relief, influenced by rainfall and soil conditions. Numerical simulations of mass movement indicate a low likelihood of the landslide transitioning into rapid or full-scale failures under experimental conditions. This study provides a timely riverbank landslide evaluation workflow using InSAR and numerical modeling, which can be widely applied to other steep riverbanks in Central Asia where in-situ monitoring is insufficient.

Two new species in two new genera of the Family Pachymeridiidae are described: Daohugoucoris punctatus gen. et sp. nov. and Subtilicoris actuarius gen. et sp. nov., both from the Middle Jurassic strata of the Jiulongshan Formation in Daohugou, Ningcheng, Inner Mongolia, China. Until now, eight genera and species of the Pachymeridiidae from the late Mesozoic strata in northeastern China have been reported and this study provides a genus-level identification key for them. The two newly-discovered genera exhibit significant differences in their membranous wing venations. Based on this, we summarize all known types of wing venations in Pachymeridiidae and find that the wing venation exhibits multiple distinct phenotypes within the family, rendering it an unstable characteristic. Thus, even in the late Mesozoic, it was not a reliable taxonomic trait for higher taxa within the fossil Pentatomomorpha. This research enriches the species diversity of Pachymeridiidae and deepens our understanding of wing venation characteristics in fossil Pentatomomorpha.

Larger benthic foraminifera during the Eocene within the Tethyan realm played a crucial role in regional biostratigraphy. In the Middle East, particularly in Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, nummulitids are key constituents of nummulitic limestone reservoirs, making the taxonomic identification of this structurally complex group vital for biostratigraphic and petroleum applications. This review focuses on the genus Gaziryina of the nummulitids, clarifying its taxonomic status, biostratigraphic utility, and paleobiogeographic significance using biometric data from published literature. Previously misidentified as Nummulites pulchellus, Gaziryina species have been systematically reassessed based on biometric data from published literature. The findings confirm Gaziryina as a distinct genus comprising two species: Gaziryina basatinensis (late Lutetian–Bartonian, SBZ15-18a) and Gaziryina pulchellus (late Bartonian–Priabonian, SBZ18a/b-20). Morphological characters (test shape, size progression, chamber configuration, protoconch enlargement) and ontogenetic trends (tight to lax) indicate a phylogenetic transition where Gaziryina basatinensis evolved into Gaziryina pulchellus, consistent with Cope's rule. Paleobiogeographic reconstruction indicates a probable origin in the southern Neo-Tethys, likely the Western Desert of Egypt, with subsequent dispersal across the northern and southeastern Tethys. These findings confirm Gaziryina as a key biostratigraphic marker, necessitating further research on its evolution and biostratigraphic framework.

There is no consensus on the tectonic evolution of the western Jiangnan Orogen (WJO) during 770–750 Ma. Thus, we reported zircon trace elements and U-Pb-Hf-O isotopes and whole-rock geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic tuff located in Longsheng, northern Guangxi, in the WJO, to decipher their origin and tectonic setting. The SIMS U-Pb zircon age yields a concordia age of 772.1 ± 3.8 Ma, suggesting that the tuff layer formed at 770 Ma. Geochemical data of the tuff and its zircon exhibit continental arc signatures. Oxygen isotopes of the zircon show normal mantle zircon δ¹⁸O zircon values of 4.59‰–5.50‰ with an average of 5.24‰. The zircon yielded positive ε_Hf(t) values of 1.8–5.8 with two-stage model ages of 1.32–1.55 Ga. Based on these data and previous studies, the magma source for the tuff is inferred to have originated from the partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic juvenile crust, as the pre-existing arc materials and mixing with the mantle source under the extensional setting during 770–750 Ma triggered by the slab break-off. We infer that the presence of contemporaneous OIB-type and arc-like magmatism at ca. 770–750 Ma along the WJO was related to the slab break-off.

The Dharwar Craton (DC) in India consists of three distinct Archean blocks. Previous research suggests that the Central Dharwar Block (CDB) experienced a geological history (3.3–2.5 Ga) comparable to the Western Dharwar Craton (WDC). However, 3.0–2.7 Ga geological records are missed in the CDB. This study identified the 2.85 Ga gabbroic xenoliths within the Closepet batholith in the CDB. The ∼2.85 Ga inherited zircons and zircon Hf model ages in CDB further provide evidence for this significant magmatic event. The gabbroic xenoliths are characterized by E-MORB REE patterns and Nb, Ta, and Ti depletions, together with high radiogenic isotopic signatures, including zircon Hf (ε_Hf(t)_min = –3.2), whole-rock Nd (ε_Nd(t) = –0.8–0.7), and Pb isotopes (κ = 4.9–7.9), indicating derivation from a slightly enriched mantle source. Additionally, they have high Nb (4.41 to 4.73 ppm), low Ti/V (23.4 to 22.5), and elevated Th/Yb (0.38 to 0.61). All these suggest a subduction-related back-arc basin setting. Coupled with widespread early Neoarchean subduction-related igneous rocks in the DC, the 2.85 Ga gabbroic magmatism signifies that the DC had transitioned into a tectonic stage dominated by lateral movement of continental blocks around 2.85 Ga, corresponding to global ∼2.85 Ga magmatic events.

Many Late Cretaceous–Early Paleocene high-silica igneous rocks, associated with Pb-Zn-Ag deposits, were identified in western part of southern Lhasa terrane. The Dajiacuodong muscovite granite as one of the high-silica granites was dated by zircon U-Pb method and determined for whole-rock major and trace elements and zircon trace elements. Combined with previous data of other high-silica igneous rocks, petrogenesis, tectonic setting, and factors controlling Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization were studied. The muscovite granite emplaced at 68.2 ± 0.3 Ma and is peraluminous. All high-silica igneous rocks are S-type and whole-rock CaO, Na₂O, and Rb-Sr-Ba and zircon Hf isotopic compositions show that they were formed by partial melting of meta-sedimentary protoliths from the Lhasa terrane basement. Roll-back of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab caused melting of the mantle wedge is the trigger for partial melting of basement. Zircon trace elements indicate that the high-silica igneous rocks are reduced and H₂O- and F-enriched. These geochemical features and magma sources of the high-silica igneous rocks are comparable with the W-Sn deposit related granites. Shallow emplacement of high-silica granites and coeval volcanic eruption induced rapid escape of fluids. This caused inefficiency of hydrothermal–magmatic interaction, which are reasons to form Pb-Zn-Ag rather than W-Sn deposits.

Rocks in the Cathaysia Block record multiple tectonic events and provide a window to understand the evolution of the South China Block. This study reports geochronological, geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data for gneiss, granite, and migmatite in Zhenghe. The gneiss yielded an upper intercept age of 1,942 Ma, reflecting reworking of protolith. The migmatites formed at 399 Ma, slightly earlier than the granite (∼392 Ma). Melanosomes displayed nearly flat chondritenormalized rare earth element patterns, along with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i and ε_Nd(t) values of 0.7062–0.7155 and –11.0 to 0.3, exhibiting a lower crustal affinity. Geochemical characteristics of the leucosome and granite differed from those of the melanosome, and the degree of element enrichment or depletion was higher. The Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of granite and leucosome were different, but both suggest a crustal origin. In addition, the gneiss revealed a Mesozoic tectono–metamorphic overprint, likely related to crust thickening. Our research suggests that late Paleozoic anatexis resulted from collision between the Gondwana continent and the West Cathaysia Block. Underthrusting of the East Cathaysia Block beneath the West Cathaysia Block contributed to Mesozoic orogeny. Our new data document Paleoproterozoic reworking, Paleozoic anatexis, and Triassic metamorphism, providing novel insights into evolution of the Cathaysia Block.

Zircon crystals, which form directly from igneous melts, are invaluable for probing the deep crustal basement and provide crucial insights into its composition and evolution. Supercontinent cycles, including the formation and breakup of Columbia, Rodinia, and Gondwana, play a pivotal role in shaping global magmatic and metamorphic records, and deciphering magmatic patterns is critical for unraveling the complex interplay between tectonics and magmatism. This study investigates U-Pb geochronology and trace/rare earth element (REE) compositions of zircons from the Early Cretaceous Tethyan Himalaya Igneous Province, revealing critical insights into Precambrian–Paleozoic magmatic and tectonic evolution. Dominant Paleoproterozoic (2498 Ma, 1912 Ma) and Neoproterozoic (826–762 Ma) zircon populations confirm the existence of the Precambrian basement. Neoproterozoic magmatism shows decoupling between light and heavy REE (LREE/HREE) and europium anomalies (Eu/Eu* = Eu_N/(Sm_N × Gd_N)^1/2) during the 826–762 Ma and 725–702 Ma intervals, indicating that the Rodinia margin evolved from Andean-style subduction to continental collision. Early Paleozoic magmatism correlates with Pan-African orogenesis and subsequent Proto-Tethyan Ocean subduction beneath the Indian Craton. Neo-Tethyan initiation (ca. 273 Ma) is evidenced by 200–300 Ma zircons which exhibit (1) absence of LREE/HREE–Eu/Eu* crustal thickness correlations, and (2) a thermal peak at 273 Ma.

Recently identified hydrothermal monazite from the Sidaogou deposit in the Liaodong Peninsula, is co-genetic with gold-bearing ore minerals and thus can serve as ideal proxy for dating the gold-mineralization event. Our study effectively solved the dilemma of lack of any accurate age for the Sidaogou deposit. The Sidaogou deposit is hosted mainly by Paleoproterozoic metamorphic rocks of the Liaohe Group, and hydrothermal monazite therein occurs within voids or along micro-fractures in syn-ore pyrite and quartz. First in situ SIMS U-Th-Pb isotope data on this monazite from the Sidaogou deposit yielded an inverse Concordia age of 184 ± 20 Ma, which is much younger than an ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar age of 1858.9 ± 25.4 Ma obtained on muscovite from the host rock (Gaixian Formation), thus supporting a prominent Early Jurassic gold mineralization event in the Wulong gold field, which is distinct from previously established Early Cretaceous gold mineralization, held responsible for the nearby large Wulong gold deposit. Our new findings make it possible, together with previous studies, to formulate a model for the Early Jurassic magmatic–hydrothermal gold system in the area, for which a compressional setting during the westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the North China Craton is postulated.

The Xialonggang Pb-Zn-Sb deposit is a newly discovered large-scale polymetallic deposit within the Tethyan Himalayan metallogenic belt. Although significant prospecting breakthroughs have been made at Xialonggang in recent years, the geology and mineralization process are poorly understood. This study conducted monazite U-Pb geochronology, fluid inclusion, and O-H-S isotope of the Xialonggang Pb-Zn-Sb deposit. Analytical results indicate that the ore-forming fluids constituted a H₂O-NaCl-CO₂-CH₄-N₂ system characterized by moderate temperatures (261–314°C) and moderate to low salinities (2.9–8.9 wt% NaCl eqv.). The early-stage fluids exhibited signatures close to magmatic fluids, while the late-stage fluids showed characteristics indicative of mixing between magmatic fluids and meteoric water. Sulfur isotope analysis (mainly range primarily from 1.2‰ to 6.44‰, with one sphalerite up to 8.19‰) revealed that a predominantly deep-sourced sulfur composition with minor contribution from sedimentary strata. This study demonstrates that the Xialonggang Pb-Zn-Sb deposit is controlled by the NE-trending fault system. A hydrothermal circulation system driven by substantial deep-seated magmatic heat, leached materials from the surrounding strata. The hydrothermal fluids migrated upwards along the fault system, filling the NE-trending tensional fractures to form a hydrothermal vein-type Pb-Zn-Sb deposit.

Porphyry-skarn deposits are genetically associated with multistage intrusive complexes. However, their ore fertility varies markedly, as exemplified by the coexistence of mineralized and barren intrusions within a single pluton. The factors controlling this disparity, particularly whether high oxygen fugacity (fO₂) and volatile-rich magmas are essential, remain poorly constrained. This study investigates the Fengyan Zn-Pb-Mo deposit in the central Fujian region by comparing geochronological and geochemical features of ore-associated granite porphyry and barren monzogranite. SIMS zircon U-Pb dating reveals the mineralized intrusion crystallized at 142.5 ± 1.6 Ma, significantly later than the barren monzogranite (150.3 ± 1.3 Ma). The ore-associated porphyry exhibits higher magma temperatures and sulfur contents, yet lower fO₂ and water content relative to the barren monzogranite. Hf-O isotopes reveal greater mantle input in the ore-related granite porphyry (ε_Hf(t) = –11.5 to –7.5; δ¹⁸O = 6.50‰ to 7.11‰) than in the ore-barren monzogranite (ε_Hf(t) = –16.0 to –9.5; δ¹⁸O = 6.81‰ to 8.00‰). Furthermore, elevated fO₂ and volatile-rich conditions are not prerequisites for Zn-Pb-Mo mineralization, implying other factors are key. The barren rock formed during low-angle subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate, whereas the mineralized porphyry originated during slab rollback and lithospheric extension. This study highlights that medium–low fO₂ (mean ΔFMQ +0.39 in granite porphyry vs. +1.80 in monzogranite), volatile-poor magmatic systems in extensional settings can form significant mineralization, offering new insights for exploration in central Fujian and analogous regions.

Geogas survey is an unconventional geochemical prospecting method that has proven particularly effective in exploring concealed ore deposits. However, its application in covered areas has been questioned due to the lack of a confirmed geogas formation mechanism. Investigating the sources of geogas anomalies can help clarify this mechanism. This study focuses on the Bairendaba silver-polymetallic deposit, located in a grassland-covered area. Tracer research was conducted on lead isotope compositions in the mining area by analyzing various solid media (soil, rocks, ores) and geogas samples. The results revealed considerable differences in lead isotope compositions between background geogas samples and solid media. Furthermore, the lead isotope compositions of anomalous geogas samples differed markedly from those of background samples. These anomalous samples are located closer to the ore body, suggesting that ore-derived lead is incorporated into the geogas. The anomalous lead in geogas is inferred to originate from deep, concealed ore bodies. This study provides a theoretical basis for applying geogas surveys in mineral exploration within covered terrains.

The Sawayaerdun gold deposit is the only extremely large deposit occurring in the giant gold metallogenic belt of the Central Asian Tianshan Orogenic Belt. Breakthroughs in deep and peripheral exploration are of great significance for the sustainable development of the region. In this study, a comprehensive prospecting and exploration model for gold exploration in the high-cold and high-altitude areas of the southwestern Tianshan Mountains was developed by systematically evaluating the metallogenic geological conditions of the deposit and integrating geological, geochemical, and geophysical exploration multi-source data. Both the shallow metamorphic carbonaceous fine clastic rock and ductile shear zones controlled the Au-mineralized zone. Moreover, mineralized alteration, Au-Sb-As element chemical anomalies, high magnetic anomalies, and medium-high values from low-wave impedance were also important components of the model. Three-dimensional (3-D) geological attribute models of various ore-controlling factors were established, revealing the spatial distribution patterns of the deep structural frameworks and hidden mineralization. Geostatistical methods were used to delineate the three edges and two deep-mineral exploration areas. A comprehensive evaluation showed that anomalous variables were well confirmed in geological understanding, highlighting the effectiveness and accuracy of the predictions. These results are significant for deep-edge exploration.

The Upper Triassic successions in the Qiangtang Basin are critical targets for petroleum exploration, yet the key factors controlling OM (organic matter) enrichment in the Bagong Formation source rocks remain unclear. The source rock characteristics and sedimentary environments of the Bagong Formation in the Upper Triassic from well QS9 in the eastern North Qiangtang Basin were analysed through organic geochemistry and major and trace element data, and the factors governing OM enrichment were identified. The results reveal that the TOC content ranges from 0.29% to 2.20% (avg. 1.13%). Organic matter from land plants and plankton is characterized by type II₂ kerogen but is close to type III kerogen. Organic matter is thermally mature to highly mature. The palaeoclimate shifted from hot with intense weathering to warm with humid moderate weathering. The depositional environments were marine and oxic–suboxic water conditions, with oxidation in the lower part and suboxidation in the upper part. OM enrichment is controlled by the evolution of the sedimentary environment (climate, sea level, and clastic input) and local reducing conditions. This conclusion provides a clear scientific basis for petroleum exploration and high-quality source rock prediction of the Bagong Formation source rocks in the study area.

Deep burial and intense tectonic compression in the Kuqa Foreland Basin, NW China, have paradoxically allowed for the preservation of primary pores in deep clastic reservoirs. This study investigates this mechanism through numerical simulation, quantitatively restoring the porosity and pore pressure evolution in the Lower Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation. The analysis reveals the evolution of overpressure has played a significant inhibitory and preservative role in the reduction of porosity in these reservoirs. Overall, the process exhibits similarities across these areas. In the early and middle stages of overpressure formation, it suppressed and slowed the porosity reduction caused by both vertical loading and lateral tectonic compression. In the late stage, overpressure preserved the remaining reservoir porosity. However, the magnitude of porosity preservation and inhibition by overpressure varies in different structural locations. In the southern and northern parts of the Keshen area, the values show little variation, ranging from 1.95% to 1.98%. In contrast, the values are significantly higher in the southern parts of the Dabei and Bozi areas compared to their northern counterparts, with ranges of 2.35% to 3.67% and 1.03% to 1.65%, respectively. These findings provide a new framework for understanding deep reservoir preservation and guide future hydrocarbon exploration.

As shallow salt lake resources are increasingly exploited, deep confined brine has become a strategic alternative due to its widespread distribution and significant reserve potential. However, unfavorable reservoir characteristics, particularly low permeability and poor recovery efficiency, have historically rendered these deposits uneconomic, restricting their utilization. Taking the Mahai Salt Lake in the Qaidam Basin as a representative case, this study investigates the structural controls on brine enrichment through an integrated approach. Previous long-term metallogenic studies and exploration data indicate occurrences of an extensional fault zone favorable for brine accumulation. Therefore, we applied InSAR deformation analysis to assess coseismic and postseismic surface responses. Combined with radon-222 emanation mapping, our findings reveal a strong spatial correlation between high-productivity brine boreholes and active fault systems. The existence of active faults enhance brine migration and storage, provided that the target reservoirs have substantial halite thickness and maintain relatively low clay-silt content.