Low-temperature thermochronology constraints on the mesozoic-cenozoic exhumation of the Huangling massif in the Middle Yangtze Block, Central China

Abstract

The Huangling (黄陵) massif is an important area to understand the tectonic evolution of the northern Middle Yangtze Block. Integrating previously published thermochronology data with new zircon and apatite fission track, and apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronometry, the Meso-Cenozoic exhumation history of the Huangling massif has been quantitatively studied. Based on the data and the time-temperature thermal history modelling results, the exhumation process of the Huangling massif can be divided into four stages: the slow cooling stage during 200-150 Ma; the rapid cooling event at ca. 150-80 Ma; a period of relative thermal stability during ca. 80-40 Ma, and an increase in cooling thereafter. Two rapid cooling/exhumation indicate two tectonic events in the northern Middle Yangtze Block. The rapid exhumation between ca. 150-80 Ma is likely related to a wide range Cretaceous intra-continental reactive and deformation in the eastern China. The accelerated cooling after ca. 40-30 Ma may result from a far-field effect of the India-Asia collision.

Keywords

fission track / exhumation / thermochronology / Huangling massif / Yangtze Block

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