Zircon and Monazite Ages Constraints on Devonian Magmatism and Granulite-Facies Metamorphism in the Southern Qaidam Block: Implications for Evolution of Proto- and Paleo-Tethys in East Asia

Abstract

High-temperature magma generation process and granulite-facies metamorphism can provide important information about mantle-crustal interaction and tectonic evolution. The strongly peraluminous monzonite pluton, the Jinshuikou cordierite granite on the southern margin of the Qaidam Block, can provide important information about the mantle-crustal interaction and constraints on tectonic transition from Proto-Tethys to Paleo-Tethys. This pluton develops enclaves of mafic granulite, amphibolite and quartzofeldspathic rocks, and is cut by massive monzonitic leuco-granite veins. Zircon and monazite U-Pb dating for the cordierite granite, the granulite enclaves and a massive monzonitic leuco-granite vein reveal that the cordierite granitic magma was generated from Mesoproterozoic continental crust with protolith derived from a provenance that was composed of >2.8 Ga old recycled crustal materials and recorded a ~1.7 Ga magmatic event. The continental crust underwent low-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism at ~380 Ma ago, whereas the cordierite granite magmas was generated and emplaced during 380 Ma, followed by intrusion of the massive monzonitic leuco-granite vein at circa 370–330 Ma. These data suggest that after the final closure of Proto-Tethys Ocean spreading along the southern Qaidam Block at ~420 Ma, break-off of the subducted slab or delamination of the lower crustal base and upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle beneath the southern Qaidam Block occurred before the Mid-Devonian, and that the initiation of the Paleo-Tethys tectonics might initiate near the end of Early-Carboniferous in the East Kunlun-Qaidam region, East Asia.

Keywords

zircon and monazite U-Pb geochronology / cordierite peraluminous granite / low pressure granulite / Proto- and Paleo-Tethys evolution / East Kunlun-Qaidam

References

[1] Andersen T. Correction of Common Lead in U-Pb Analyses that do not Report 204Pb. Chemical Geology, 2002, 192(1/2): 59-79.

[2] Angiolini L., Balini M., Garzanti E., . Gondwanan Deglaciation and Opening of Neotethys: The Al Khlata and Saiwan Formations of Interior Oman. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 2003, 196(1/2): 99-123.

[3] Ba J., Chen N.-S., Wang Q. Y., . Nd-Sr-Pb Isotopic Compositions of Cordierite Granite on Southern Margin of the Qaidam Block, NW China, and Constraints on Its Petrogenesis, Tectonic Affinity of Source Region and Tectonic Implications. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2012, 37: 80-92.

[4] Barbarin B. Genesis of the Two Main Types of Peraluminous Granitoids. Geology, 1996, 24 4 295

[5] Barbarin B. A Review of the Relationships between Granitoid Types, Their Origins and Their Geodynamic Environments. Lithos, 1999, 46(3): 605-626.

[6] Belousova E., Griffin W., OʼReilly S. Y., . Igneous Zircon: Trace Element Composition as an Indicator of Source Rock Type. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 2002, 143(5): 602-622.

[7] Black R., Liegeois J. P. Cratons, Mobile Belts, Alkaline Rocks and Continental Lithospheric Mantle: The Pan-African Testimony. Journal of the Geological Society, 1993, 150(1): 89-98.

[8] Blakey R. C. Gondwana Paleogeography from Assembly to Breakup—A 500 m.y. Odyssey. Resolving the Late Paleozoic Ice Age in Time and Space. Geological Society of America Special Papers, 2008, 441: 1-28.

[9] Bureau of GeologyMineral Resources of Qinghai Province Stratigraphy (Lithostratic) of Qinghai Province. China University of Geosciences Press, Wuhan, 1997, 104-111.

[10] Chang C. F., Pan Y. S., Zheng X. L. The Tectonics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, 1982, 1-91.

[11] Chen B. W., Wang Y. B. Some Characteristics of the Orogenic Belts in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Journal of Southeast Asian Earth Sciences, 1996, 237-242.

[12] Chen D. L., Liu L., Sun Y., . Geochemistry and Zircon U-Pb Dating and Its Implications of the Yukahe HP/UHP Terrane, the North Qaidam, NW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2009, 35(3/4): 259-272.

[13] Chen N.-S., Sun M., Wang Q. Y., . EMP Chemical Ages of Monazites from Central Zone of the Eastern Kunlun Orogen: Records of Multi-Tectonometamorphic Events. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2007, 52(16): 2252-2263.

[14] Chen N.-S., Wang Q. Y., Chen Q., . Components and Metamorphism of the Basements of the Qaidam and Oulongbuluke Micro-Continental Blocks, and a Tentative Interpretation of Paleocontinental Evolution in NW-Central China. Geoscience Frontiers, 2007, 14(1): 43-55.

[15] Chen N.-S., Li H. M., He L., . Polygonal Rule for Assessing the Discordant U-Pb Data of Single-Grain Zircon by TIMS: Taking High-Grade Metamorphic Rocks from Dabie and East Kunlun Mountains as Examples. Geological Science and Technology Information, 2002, 21(3): 24-29.

[16] Chen N.-S., Sun M., He L., . Precise Timing of the Early Paleozoic Metamorphism and Thrust Deformation in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2002, 47(13): 1130-1133.

[17] Chen N.-S., Li X. Y., Wang X. Y., . SHRIMP U-Pb Ages of Zircon from Neoproterozoic Meta-Granite in North Kunlun Unit on the Southern Margin of the Qaidam Block. Geological Bulletin of China, 2006, 25(11): 1311-1314.

[18] Chen N.-S., Li X. Y., Zhang K. X., . Lithological Characteristics of the Baishahe Formation to the South of Xiangride Town, Eastern Kunlun Mountains Information, and Its Age Constrained from Zircon Pb-Pb Dating. Geological Science and Technology Information, 2006, 25(6): 1-7.

[19] Chen N.-S., Sun M., Wang Q. Y., . The Implication of Zircon U-Pb Dating and Tectonic Evolution in the Middle Section of East Kunlun Orogenic Belt. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2008, 38(6): 657-666.

[20] Chen N.-S., Zhu J., Wang G. C., . Metamorphic Petrological Features of High-Grade Metamorphic Microlithons in Qingshuiquan Region, Eastern Section of Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Zone. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 1999, 24(2): 116-120.

[21] Chen Y. X., Pei X. Z., Li R. B., . Zircon U-Pb Age of Xiaomiao Formation of Proterozoic in the Eastern Section of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt. Geoscience, 2011, 25(3): 510-521.

[22] Chen Y. X., Pei X. Z., Li Z. C., . Geochronology, Geochemical Features and Geological Significance of the Granitic Gneiss in Balong Area, East Section of East Kunlun. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2015, 31(8): 2230-2244.

[23] Clemens J. S-Type Granitic Magmas—Petrogenetic Issues, Models and Evidence. Earth-Science Reviews, 2003, 61(1/2): 1-18.

[24] Cui M. H., Meng F. C., Wu X. K. Early Ordovician Island Arc of Qimantag Mountain, Eastern Kunlun: Evidences from Geochemistry, Sm-Nd Isotope and Geochronology of Intermediate-Basic Igneous Rocks. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2011, 27(11): 3365-3379.

[25] Davies J. H., von Blanckenburg F. Slab Breakoff: A Model of Lithosphere Detachment and Its Test in the Magmatism and Deformation of Collisional Orogens. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 1995, 129: 85-102.

[26] Dewey J. F., Shackleton R. M., Chengfa C., . The Tectonic Evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 1988, 327(1594): 379-413.

[27] Feng J. Y., Pei X. Z., Yu S. L., . The Discovery of the Mafic-Ultramafic Melange in Kekesha Area of Dulan County, East Kunlun Region, and Its LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Age. Geology in China, 2010, 37(1): 28-37.

[28] Feng Q., Yu Q., Fu S. T., . U-Pb Age of Detrital Zircons and Its Geological Significance from Maoniushan Formation in the Wulan County, Northern Margin of Qaidam Basin. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2015, 33(3): 486-499.

[29] Ferrari O. M., Hochard C., Stampfli G. M. An Alternative Plate Tectonic Model for the Palaeozoic–Early Mesozoic Palaeotethyan Evolution of Southeast Asia (Northern Thailand-Burma). Tectonophysics, 2008, 346-365.

[30] Finger F., Roberts M. P., Haunschmid B., . Variscan Granitoids of Central Europe: Their Typology, Potential Sources and Tectonothermal Relations. Mineralogy and Petrology, 1997, 67-96.

[31] Gao Y. L., Wu X. N., Zuo G. C., . The Characteristics and Tectonic Significance of Ophiolite First Discoved in the East Kunlun Area. Bulletin of Xiʼan Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, 1988, 21: 17-28.

[32] Garzanti E., Sciunnach D. Early Carboniferous Onset of Gondwanian Glaciation and Neo-Tethyan Rifting in South Tibet. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 1997, 148(1/2): 359-365.

[33] Gehrels G., Kapp P., DeCelles P., . Detrital Zircon Geochronology of Pre-Tertiary Strata in the Tibetan-Himalayan Orogen, 2011.

[34] Geng H. Y., Sun M., Yuan C., . Geochemical and Geochronological Study of Early Carboniferous Volcanic Rocks from the West Junggar: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2011, 42(5): 854-866.

[35] Gu F. B. Geological Characteristics of East Kunlun and Tectonic Evolution in Late Palaezoic–Mesozoic Era. Qinghai Geology, 1994, 1: 4-14.

[36] He D. F., Dong Y. P., Liu X. M., . Tectono-Thermal Events in East Kunlun, Northern Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology. Gondwana Research, 2016, 30: 179-190.

[37] Hsü K. J., Pan G. T., Sengör A. M. C. Tectonic Evolution of the Tibetan Plateau: A Working Hypothesis Based on the Archipelago Model of Orogenesis. International Geology Review, 1995, 37(6): 473-508.

[38] Hu J., Liu Y., Xiao X. Q., . Geochemical Characters and Geological Implications of Volcanic Rocks from Maoniushan Formation in Amunick Mountain of Northern Qaidam. Northwestern Geology, 2016, 49(4): 73-83.

[39] Huang H., Niu Y. L., Nowell G., . Geochemical Constraints on the Petrogenesis of Granitoids in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Northern Tibetan Plateau: Implications for Continental Crust Growth through Syn-Collisional Felsic Magmatism. Chemical Geology, 2014, 370: 1-18.

[40] Jiang C. Y., Ling J. L., Zhou W., . Petrogenesis of the Xiarihamu Ni-Bearing Layered Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusion, East Kunlun: Implications for Its Extensional Island Arc Environment. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2015, 31(4): 1117-1136.

[41] Kou G. C., Feng J. W., Luo B. R., . Zircon U-Pb Dating and Geochemistry of the Volcanic Rocks from Maoniushan Formation in Amunike Area, Qinghai Province, and Its Geological Implications. Geological Bulletin of China, 2017, 36(2/3): 275-284.

[42] Kusky T. M., Bradley D. C., Donley D. T., . Controls on Intrusion of Near-Trench Magmas of the Sanak-Baranof Belt, Alaska, during Paleogene Ridge Subduction, and Consequences for Forearc Evolution. In: Sisson, V. B., Roeske, S., Pavlis, T. L., eds., Geology of a Transpressional Orogen Developed during a Ridge—Trench Interaction along the North Pacific Margin. Geological Society of America Special Paper, 2003, 371: 269-292.

[43] Li H. K., Lu S. N., Xiang Z. Q., . SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Age of the Granulite from the Qingshuiquan Area, Central Eastern Kunlun Suture Zone. Geoscience Frontiers, 2006, 13(6): 311-321.

[44] Li H. K., Lu S. N., Zhao F. Q., . Geochronological Framework of the Neoproterozoic Major Geological Events in the Northern Margin of the Qaidam Basin. Geoscience, 1999, 13(2): 224-225.

[45] Li J. B., Wan S. C., Li Z. H. Geological and Geochemistry Characteristics of Volcanics in the Late Paleozoic Maoniushan Formation in Amunike Area of Northern Qaidam Basin. Northwestern Geology, 2017, 50(3): 47-53.

[46] Li S. Z., Zhao S. J., Liu X., . Closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and Early Paleozoic Amalgamation of Microcontinental Blocks in East Asia, 2017.

[47] Li S. Z., Li T., Zhao S. J., . Proto-Tethys Ocean in East Asia (V): Attribute of Contientnal Margin and Microcontinental Assembly in the West Segment of the Northern Proto-Tethys Tectonic Domain. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2017, 33(6): 1633-1652.

[48] Li S. Z., Zhao S. J., Yu S., . Proto-Tehtys Ocean in East Asia (II): Affinity and Assmbly of Early Paleozoic Micro-Continental Blocks. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2016, 32(9): 2628-2644.

[49] Li S. Z., Li X. Y., Zhao S. J., . Global Early Paleozoic Orogens (III): Intracontinental Orogen in South China. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 2016, 46(4): 1005-1025.

[50] Li S. Z., Yang Z., Zhao S. J., . Global Early Paleozoic Orogens (I): Collision Type Orogeny. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 2016, 46(4): 945-967.

[51] Li S. Z., Yang Z., Zhao S. J., . Global Early Paleozoic Orogens (II): Subduction-Accretionary-Type Orogeny. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 2016, 46(4): 968-1004.

[52] Li S. Z., Yang Z., Zhao S. J., . Global Early Paleozoic Orogens (IV): Plate Reconstruction and Supercontinent Carolina. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 2016, 46(4): 1026-1041.

[53] Liu B., Ma C. Q., Jiang H. A., . Early Paleozoic Tectonic Transition from Ocean Subduction to Collisional Orogeny in the Eastern Kunlun Region: Evidence from Huxiaoqin Mafic Rocks. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2013, 29(6): 2093-2106.

[54] Liu B., Ma C. Q., Zhang J. Y., . Petrogenesis of Early Devonian Intrusive Rocks in the East Part of Eastern Kunlun Orogen and Implication for Early Palaeozoic Orogenic Processes. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2012, 28(6): 1785-1807.

[55] Liu S. B., Li J. B., Li Y. P., . Geochemical Characteristics of the Volcanic Rocks from the Maoniushan Formation in the Dadakenwulashan Pb-Zn Deposit, Eastern Kunlun and Its Significance. Northwestern Geology, 2016, 49: 11-24.

[56] Liu Y. C., Ye Y. F. New Understanding of the High-Grade Metamorphic Rocks in Jingshuikou Region, Eastern Kunlun Mountains. Qinghai Geology, 1998, 2: 18-26.

[57] Long X. P., Jin W., Ge W. C., . Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Geological Implications of the Granitoids in Jinshuikou, East Kunlun, NW China. Geochimica, 2006, 35(4): 333-345.

[58] Lu L., Wu Z. H., Hu D. G., . Zircon U-Pb Age for Rhyolite of the Maoniushan Formation and Its Tectonic Significance in the East Kunlun Mountains. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2010, 26(4): 1150-1158.

[59] Lu S. N., Li H. K., Wang H. C., . Detrital Zircon Population of Proterozoic Metasedimentary Strata in the Qinling-Qilian-Kunlin Orogen. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2009, 25(9): 2195-2208.

[60] Lu S. N., Li H. K., Zhang C. L., . Geological and Geochronological Evidence for the Precambrian Evolution of the Tarim Craton and Surrounding Continental Fragments. Precambrian Research, 2008, 160(1/2): 94-107.

[61] Lu S. N., Yu H. F., Li H. K., . Precambrian Key Geological Events in Northwestern China and Global Tectonic Implications: Studies on Key Issues of Precambrian Geology in China, 2006, 1-206.

[62] Lu S. N., Yu H. F., Zhao F. Q., . Preliminary Study of Precambrian Geology in the North Tibet-Qinghai Plateau, 2002, 1-125.

[63] Ludwig K. R. User’s Manual for Isoplot, EX Version 3.0: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel, 2003.

[64] Ma C. Q., Xiong F. H., Yin S., . Intensity and Cyclicity of Orogenic Magmatism: An Example from a Paleo-Tethyan Granitoid Batholith, Eastern Kunlun, Northern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2015, 31(12): 3555-3568.

[65] Mattern F., Schneider W. Suturing of the Proto-and Paleo-Tethys Oceans in the Western Kunlun (Xinjiang, China). Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2000, 18(6): 637-650.

[66] Meng F. C., Cui M. H., Wu X. K., . Heishan Mafic-Ultramafic Rocks in the Qimantag Area of Eastern Kunlun, NW China: Remnants of an Early Paleozoic Incipient Island Arc. Gondwana Research, 2015, 27(2): 745-759.

[67] Meng F. C., Cui M. H., Wu X. K., . Magmatic and Metamorphic Events Recorded in Granitic Gneisses from the Qimantag, East Kunlun Mountains, Northwest China. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2013, 29(6): 2107-2122.

[68] Meng F. C., Zhang J. X., Cui M. H. Discovery of Early Paleozoic Eclogite from the East Kunlun, Western China and Its Tectonic Significance. Gondwana Research, 2013, 23(2): 825-836.

[69] Meng F. C., Tian G. K., Duan X. P., . Evidence from Garnet for Genesis of Garnet-Cordierite-Granite in the Jinshuikou Area, Eastern Segment of the East Kunlun Mountains. Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, 2018, 37(2): 192-204.

[70] Metcalfe I. Origin and Assembly of Southeast Asian Continental Terranes. In: Audley-Charles, M. G., Hallam, A., eds., Gondwana and Tethys. Geological Society of London Special Publication, 1988, 37: 101-118.

[71] Metcalfe I. Gondwanaland Origin, Dispersion, and Accretion of East and Southeast Asian Continental Terranes. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 1994, 7(3/4): 333-347.

[72] Metcalfe I. Gondwanaland Dispersion, Asian Accretion and Evolution of Eastern Tethys. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 1996, 43(6): 605-623.

[73] Metcalfe I. Gondwana Dispersion and Asian Accretion: An Overview, 1999, 9-28.

[74] Metcalfe I. Palaeozoic and Mesozoic Tectonic Evolution and Palaeogeography of East Asian Crustal Fragments: The Korean Peninsula in Context. Gondwana Research, 2006, 9(1/2): 24-46.

[75] Metcalfe I. Tectonic Framework and Phanerozoic Evolution of Sundaland. Gondwana Research, 2011, 19(1): 3-21.

[76] Metcalfe I. Gondwana Dispersion and Asian Accretion: Tectonic and Palaeogeographic Evolution of Eastern Tethys. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2013, 66: 1-33.

[77] Mo X. X., Luo Z. H., Deng J. F., . Granitoids and Crustal Growth in the East-Kunlun Orogenic Belt. Geological Journal of China Universities, 2007, 13(3): 403-414.

[78] Molnar P., Burchfiel B. C., Zhao Z. Y., . Geologic Evolution of Northern Tibet: Results of an Expedition to Ulugh Muztagh. Science, 1987, 235(4786): 299-305.

[79] Pamic J., Lanphere M., Belak M. Hercynian I-Type and S-Type Granitoids from the Slavonian Mountains (Southern Pannonian Basin, Northern Croatia). Neues Jahrbuch Fur Mineralogie-Abhandlungen, 1996, 171(2): 155-186.

[80] Pan G. T., Wang L. Q., Li R. S., . Tectonic Model of Archipelagic Arc-Basin Systems: The Key to the Continental Geology. Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology, 2012, 32(3): 1-19.

[81] Pan Y. S. Discovery and Evidence of the Fifth Suture Zone of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Acta Geophysica Sinica, 1994, 37(2): 184-192.

[82] Pan Y. S. Geological Evolution of the Karakorum and Kunlun Mountains, 1996, 1-288.

[83] Pan Y. S., Fang A. M. Formation and Evolution of the Tethys in the Tibetan Plateau. Chinese Journal of Geology, 2010, 45(1): 92-101.

[84] Pan Y. S., Kong X. R. Evolution of the Lithosphere Structures of Tibet Plateau and Its Geodynamics, 1998, 1-428.

[85] Pan Y. S., Zhou W. M., Xu R. H., . Geological Characteristics and Evolution of the Kunlun Mountains Region during the Early Paleozoic. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 1996, 39(4): 337-347.

[86] Qi S. S., Song S. G., Shi L. C., . Discovery and Its Geological Significance of Early Paleozoic Eclogite in Xiarihamu-Suhaitu Area, Western Part of the East Kunlun. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2014, 30(11): 3345-3356.

[87] René M., Holtz F., Luo C., . Biotite Stability in Peraluminous Granitic Melts: Compositional Dependence and Application to the Generation of Two-Mica Granites in the South Bohemian Batholith (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic). Lithos, 2008, 102(3/4): 538-553.

[88] Rossi J. N., Toselli A. J., Saavedra J., . Common Crustal Source for Contrasting Peraluminous Facies in the Early Paleozoic Capillitas Batholith, NW Argentina. Gondwana Research, 2002, 5(2): 325-337.

[89] Rottura A. D. M. A. P. L., . Relationships between Intermediate and Acidic Rocks in Orogenic Granitoid Suites: Petrological, Geochemical and Isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb) Data from Capo Vaticano (southern Calabria, Italy). Chemical Geology, 1991, 153-176.

[90] Santosh M., Kusky T. M. Origin of Paired High Pressure-Ultrahigh-Temperature Orogens: A Ridge Subduction and Slab Window Model. Terra Nova, 2009, 22(1): 35-42.

[91] Santosh M., Kusky T. M., Wang L. Supercontinent Cycles, Extreme Metamorphic Processes, and Changing Fluid Regimes. International Geology Review, 2011, 53(11/12): 1403-1423.

[92] Schwab M., Ratschbacher L., Siebel W., . Assembly of the Pamirs: Age and Origin of Magmatic Belts from the Southern Tien Shan to the Southern Pamirs and Their Relation to Tibet, 2004.

[93] Şengör A. M. C., Kidd W. S. F. Post-Collisional Tectonics of the Turkish-Iranian Plateau and a Comparison with Tibet. Tectonophysics, 1979, 55(3/4): 361-376.

[94] Şengör A. M. C., Natalʼin B. A. Palaeotectonics of Asia: Fragments of a Synthesis, 1996, 486-640.

[95] Şengör A. M. C., Yılmaz Y., Sungurlu O. Tectonics of the Mediterranean Cimmerides: Nature and Evolution of the Western Termination of Palaeo-Tethys. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 1984, 17(1): 77-112.

[96] Shi R. D., Yang J. S., Wu C. L., . Island Arc Volcanic Rocks in the North Qaidam UHP Metamorphic Belt. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2004, 78(1): 53-64.

[97] Song S. G., Niu Y. L., Su L., . Tectonics of the North Qilian Orogen, NW China. Gondwana Research, 2013, 23(4): 1378-1401.

[98] Song S. G., Niu Y. L., Su L., . Continental Orogenesis from Ocean Subduction, Continent Collision/Subduction, to Orogen Collapse, and Orogen Recycling: The Example of the North Qaidam UHPM Belt, NW China. Earth-Science Reviews, 2014, 129: 59-84.

[99] Song S. G., Niu Y. L., Su L., . Adakitic (Tonalitic-Trondhjemitic) Magmas Resulting from Eclogite Decompression and Dehydration Melting during Exhumation in Response to Continental Collision. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2014, 130: 42-62.

[100] Song S. G., Zhang L. F., Niu Y. L., . Geochronology of Diamond-Bearing Zircons from Garnet Peridotite in the North Qaidam UHPM Belt, Northern Tibetan Plateau: A Record of Compl.x Histories from Oceanic Lithosphere Subduction to Continental Collision. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2005, 234(1/2): 99-118.

[101] Song S. G., Zhang L. F., Niu Y. L., . Evolution from Oceanic Subduction to Continental Collision: A Case Study of the Northern Tibetan Plateau Based on Geochemical and Geochronological Data. Journal of Petrology, 2006, 47: 435-455.

[102] Stampfli G., Marcoux J., Baud A. Tethyan Margins in Space and Time. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology. Palaeoecology, 1991, 373-409.

[103] Stampfli G. M., Borel G., von Raumer J., . Terrane Accretion in the Variscan Domain, 2000, 167-169.

[104] Stampfli G. M., Borel G. D. A Plate Tectonic Model for the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Constrained by Dynamic Plate Boundaries and Restored Synthetic Oceanic Isochrons. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2002, 196(1/2): 17-33.

[105] Stöcklin J. The Tethys Paradox in the Plate Tectonics. In: Van der Voo, R., Scotese, C. R., Bonhommet, N., eds., Plate Reconstructions from Palaeozoic Palaeomagnetism. Geodynamics Series, 1984, 12: 27-28.

[106] Süess E. Are Great Ocean Depths Permanent. Natural Science, 1893, 2: 180-187.

[107] Sylvester P. J. Post-Collisional Strongly Peraluminous Granites. Lithos, 1998, 29-44.

[108] Tan S. X., Bai Y. S., Chang G. H., . Discovery and Geological Significance of Metamorphic and Intrusive Rock (System) of Qimantage Region in Jinning Epoch. Northwestern Geology, 2004, 37(1): 69-73.

[109] Thompson A. B., Connolly J. A. D. Melting of the Continental Crust: Some Thermal and Petrological Constraints on Anatexis in Continental Collision Zones and Other Tectonic Settings, 1995, 15565-15579.

[110] Tian G. K., Meng F. C., Fan Y. Z., . The Characteristics of Early Paleozoic Post-Orogenic Granite in the East Kunlun Orogeny: A Case Study of Dagangou Granite. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 2016, 35(3): 371-390.

[111] Tozer E. T. Tethys, Thetis, Thethys, or Thetys? What, Where, and When was It?. Geology, 1989, 17(10): 882-884.

[112] van der Voo R. Paleomagnetism of the Atlantic, Tethys and Iapetus Oceans, 1993, 1-411.

[113] Vavra G., Schmid R., Gebauer D. Internal Morphology, Habit and U-Th-Pb Microanalysis of Amphibolite-to-Granulite Facies Zircons: Geochronology of the Ivrea Zone (Southern Alps). Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 1999, 134(4): 380-404.

[114] von Raumer J. F., Stampfli G. M. The Birth of the Rheic Ocean—Early Palaeozoic Subsidence Patterns and Subsequent Tectonic Plate Scenarios. Tectonophysics, 2008, 9-20.

[115] Wan Y. S., Li R. W., Wilde S. A., . UHP Metamorphism and Exhumation of the Dabie Orogen, China: Evidence from SHRIMP Dating of Zircon and Monazite from a UHP Granitic Gneiss Cobble from the Hefei Basin. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2005, 69(17): 4333-4348.

[116] Wang G., Sun F. Y., Li B. L., . Petrography, Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusion in Xiarihamu Cu-Ni Deposit from East Kunlun, with Implications for Geodynamic Setting. Earth Science Frontiers, 2014, 21(6): 381-401.

[117] Wang G. C., Wang Q. H., Jian P., . Zircon SHRIMP Ages of Precambrian Metamorphic Basement Rocks and Their Tectonic Significance in the Eastern Kunlun Mountains, Qinghai Province, China. Geoscience Frontiers, 2004, 11(4): 482-490.

[118] Wang G. C., Zhang T. P., Liang B., . Composite Ophiolitic Mélange Zone in Central Part of Eastern Section of Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Zone and Geological Significance of “Fault Belt in Central Part of Eastern Section of Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Zone”. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 1999, 24(2): 129-133.

[119] Wang M. J., Song S. G., Niu Y. L., . Post-Collisional Magmatism: Consequences of UHPM Terrane Exhumation and Orogen Collapse, N. Qaidam UHPM Belt, NW China. Lithos, 2014, 181-198.

[120] Wang X. X., Hu N. G., Wang T., . Late Ordovician Wanbaogou Granitoid Pluton from the Southern Margin of the Qaidam Basin: Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb Age, Hf Isotope and Geochemistry. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2012, 28(9): 2950-2962.

[121] Wang Y. S., Chen J. N. Metamorphic Belts and Metamorphism of Qinghai Province and the Other Adjaction Regions. Geological Publishing House, 1987, 1-248.

[122] Wickham S. M., Oxburgh E. R., Reading H. G., . Low-Pressure Regional Metamorphism in the Pyrenees and Its Implications for the Thermal Evolution of Rifted Continental Crust [and Discussion]. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 1987, 321(1557): 219-242.

[123] Williams I. S. U-Th-Pb Geochronology by Ion Microprobe, 1998, 1-35.

[124] Williams I. S., Buick I. S., Cartwright I. An Extended Episode of Early Mesoproterozoic Metamorphic Fluid Flow in the Reynolds Range, Central Australia. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2004, 14(1): 29-47.

[125] Xiao W. J., Han F. L., Windley B. F., . Multiple Accretionary Orogenesis and Episodic Growth of Continents: Insights from the Western Kunlun Range, Central Asia. International Geology Review, 2003, 45(4): 303-328.

[126] Xiao X. C., Tang Y. Q., Gao Y. L. Reexposition on Plate Tectonics of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, 1986, 14: 7-19.

[127] Xiong Q., Zheng J. P., Griffin W. L., . Zircons in the Shenglikou Ultrahigh-Pressure Garnet Peridotite Massif and Its Country Rocks from the North Qaidam Terrane (Western China): Meso–Neoproterozoic Crust-Mantle Coupling and Early Paleozoic Convergent Plate-Margin Processes. Precambrian Research, 2011, 187(1/2): 33-57.

[128] Xiong Q., Zheng J. P., Griffin W. L., . Decoupling of U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotopes and Trace Elements in Zircon from the UHP North Qaidam Orogen, NE Tibet (China): Tracing the Deep Subduction of Continental Blocks. Lithos, 2012, 155: 125-145.

[129] Xu Y. L., Ba J., Wang Q. Y., . LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Age of the Halihadeshan Granite Gneiss in Northeastern Dulan, Qinghai, and Its Tectonic Implications. Geological Bulletin of China, 2011, 30(7): 1037-1042.

[130] Yang J. S., Robinson P. T., Jiang C. F., . Ophiolites of the Kunlun Mountains, China and Their Tectonic Implications. Tectonophysics, 1996, 258: 215-231.

[131] Yin A., Harrison T. M. Geologic Evolution of the Himalayan-Tibetan Orogen. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 2000, 28(1): 211-280.

[132] Yin H. F., Zhang K. X., Chen N.-S., . Regional Geological Report of Donggji Cuona Lake Map (Scale 1: 250 000) of the People’s Republic of China, 2003, 1-457.

[133] Yu N., Jin W., Ge W. C., . Geochemical Study on Peraluminous Granite from Jinshuikou in East Kunlun. Global Geology, 2005, 24(2): 123-128.

[134] Yu S., Li S. Z., Zhao S. J., . Long History of a Grenville Orogen Relic—The North Qinling Terrane: Evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt from Rodinia to Gondwana. Precambrian Research, 2015, 271: 98-117.

[135] Yu S. Y., Zhang J. X., Del Real P. G. Geochemistry and Zircon U-Pb Ages of Adakitic Rocks from the Dulan Area of the North Qaidam UHP Terrane, North Tibet: Constraints on the Timing and Nature of Regional Tectonothermal Events Associated with Collisional Orogeny. Gondwana Research, 2012, 21(1): 167-179.

[136] Yu S. Y., Zhang J. X., Mattinson C. G., . Paleozoic HP Granulite-Facies Metamorphism and Anatexis in the Dulan Area of the North Qaidam UHP Terrane, Western China: Constraints from Petrology, Zircon U-Pb and Amphibole Ar-Ar Geochronology. Lithos, 2014, 198/199: 58-76.

[137] Yuan G. B., Wang H. C., Li H. M., . Zircon U-Pb Age of the Gabbros in Luliangshan Area on the Northern Margin of Qaidam Basin and Its Geological Implication. Progress of Precambrian Research, 2002, 25(1): 37-40.

[138] Yuan H. L., Gao S., Liu X. M., . Accurate U-Pb Age and Trace Element Determinations of Zircon by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 2004, 28(3): 353-370.

[139] Zhang B. R., Gao S., Zhang H. F., . Geochemistry of Qinling Orogenic Belt, 2002, 1-188.

[140] Zhang C., van Roermund H., Zhang L. F., . A Polyphase Metamorphic Evolution for the Xitieshan Paragneiss of the North Qaidam UHP Metamorphic Belt, Western China: In-situ EMP Monaziteand U-Pb Zircon SHRIMP Dating. Lithos, 2012, 136–139: 27-45.

[141] Zhang C., Zhang L. F., Roermund H. V., . Petrology and SHRIMP U-Pb Dating of Xitieshan Eclogite, North Qaidam UHP Metamorphic Belt, NW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2011, 42(4): 752-767.

[142] Zhang G. B., Ellis D. J., Christy A. G., . UHP Metamorphic Evolution of Coesite-Bearing Eclogite from the Yuka Terrane, North Qaidam UHPM Belt, NW China. European Journal of Mineralogy, 2009, 21(6): 1287-1300.

[143] Zhang G. B., Zhang L. F., Song S. G., . UHP Metamorphic Evolution and SHRIMP Geochronology of a Coesite-Bearing Meta-Ophiolitic Gabbro in the North Qaidam, NW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2009, 35(3/4): 310-322.

[144] Zhang G. B., Song S. G., Zhang L. F., . The Subducted Oceanic Crust within Continental-Type UHP Metamorphic Belt in the North Qaidam, NW China: Evidence from Petrology, Geochemistry and Geochronology. Lithos, 2008, 104(1/2/3/4): 99-118.

[145] Zhang G. B., Zhang L. F., Christy A. G. From Oceanic Subduction to Continental Collision: An Overview of HP-UHP Metamorphic Rocks in the North Qaidam UHP Belt, NW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2013, 63: 98-111.

[146] Zhang J. M., Wang Q. Y., Xu H. Q., . Discovery and Geological Significance of Metamorphic and Intrusive Rock (System) of Kayakedengtage Region Intruded into Jinshuikou Paleo-Proterozic Rock. Northwestern Geology, 2012, 45(3): 13-19.

[147] Zhang J. X., Mattinson C. G., Meng F. C., . Polyphase Tectonothermal History Recorded in Granulitized Gneisses from the North Qaidam HP/UHP Metamorphic Terrane, Western China: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2008, 120(5/6): 732-749.

[148] Zhang J. X., Mattinson C. G., Yu S. Y., . U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of Coesite-Bearing Eclogites from the Southern Dulan Area of the North Qaidam UHP Terrane, Northwestern China: Spatially and Temporally Extensive UHP Metamorphism during Continental Subduction. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2010, 28(9): 955-978.

[149] Zhang J. X., Meng F. C., Wan Y. S., . Early Paleozoic Tectono-Thermal Event of the Jinshuikou Group on the Southern Margin of Qaidam: Zircon U-Pb SHRIMP Age Evidence. Geological Bulletin of China, 2003, 22(6): 397-404.

[150] Zhang J. X., Yu S. Y., Li Y. S., . Subduction, Accretion and Closure of Proto-Tethyan Ocean: Early Paleozoic Accretion/Collision Orogeny in the Altun-Qilian-North Qaidam Orogenic System. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2015, 31(12): 3531-3554.

[151] Zhang Y. L., Hu D. G., Shi Y. R., . SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb Ages and Tectonic Significance of Maoniushan Formation Volcanic Rocks in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China. Geological Bulletin of China, 2010, 29(11): 1614-1618.

[152] Zhao S. J., Li S. Z., Liu X., . The Northern Boundary of the Proto-Tethys Ocean: Constraints from Structural Analysis and U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of the North Qinling Terrane. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2015, 113: 560-574.

[153] Zhu X. H., Chen D. L., Liu L., . Geochronology, Geochemistry and Significance of the Early Paleozoic Back-Arc Type Ophiolite in Lüliangshan Area, North Qaidam. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2014, 30(3): 822-834.

[154] Zhu Y. H., Zhang K. X., Wang G. C., . Evolution of Ophiolite, Magma and Tectonic Magma in Eastern Kunlun Compound Orogenic Belt, 2002, 104-105.

[155] Zhu Y. H., Lin Q. X., Jia C. X., . SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb Age and Significance of Early Paleozoic Volcanic Rocks in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Qinghai Province, China. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2006, 49(1): 88-96.

[156] Zhu Y. H., Zhang K. X., Pan Y. M., . Determination of Different Ophiolitic Belts in Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Zone and Their Tectonic Significance. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 1999, 24(2): 134-138.

[157] Zonenshain L. P., Kuzmin M. I., Kononov M. V. Absolute Reconstructions of the Paleozoic Oceans. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 1985, 74(1): 103-116.