Late Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic Tectonic Evolution of the SW Yangtze Block, South China: Evidence from U-Pb Geochronology and Lu-Hf Isotopes of Detrital Zircons from Sedimentary Rocks

Abstract

In situ zircon U-Pb geochronological and Lu-Hf isotope studies of detrital zircons from Late Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic sedimentary units on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block have important implications for the tectonic evolution of the Yangtze Block. The Huili Group contains zircons whose ages are mainly Late Archean to Mesoproterozoic (2 650–2 450, 2 100–1 800, and 1 350–1 150 Ma). The Dengxiangying Group has one major age population of 1 900–1 600 Ma, and two subordinate age populations of 1 350–1 100 and 2 300–2 000 Ma. Yanbian Group sedimentary rocks have a zircon age population mainly in the range of 970–850 Ma, contemporaneous with the ages of widespread arc-related magmatism in the western Yangtze Block. Combining these results with previous work, the Huili and Dengxiangying groups were most likely deposited during ca. 1 160 to 1 000 Ma in an intra-continental rift basin setting, while the Yanbian Group accumulated during >920 to 782 Ma in a back-arc basin setting at the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block. In addition, all these results further suggest a tectonic transition from a continental rift basin to a convergent environment at the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block at 1 000–970 Ma.

Keywords

Late Mesoproterozoic / Early Neoproterozoic / zircon / U-Pb age / Lu-Hf isotope / southwestern Yangtze Block / geochronology

References

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

[] BGMRSP Bureau of GeologyMineral Resources of the Sichuan Province. . Regional Geological Survey of People’s Republic of China: The Huili Sheet (G-48-XIII; Geological Part), Scale 1: 200 000, 1970 Beijing Geology Publishing House (in Chinese)

[] Cawood P A, Hawkesworth C J, Dhuime B. Detrital Zircon Record and Tectonic Setting. Geology, 2012, 40(10): 875-878,

[] Chen W T, Sun W H, Zhou M F, et al.. ca. 1 050 Ma Intra-Continental Rift-Related A-Type Felsic Rocks in the Southwestern Yangtze Block, South China. Precambrian Research, 2018, 309: 22-44,

[] Chen W T, Sun W H, Wang W, et al.. “Grenvillian” Intra-Plate Mafic Magmatism in the Southwestern Yangtze Block, SW China. Precambrian Research, 2014, 242: 138-153,

[] Chen W T, Zhou M F, Zhao X F. Late Paleoproterozoic Sedimentary and Mafic Rocks in the Hekou Area, SW China: Implication for the Reconstruction of the Yangtze Block in Columbia. Precambrian Research, 2013, 231: 61-77,

[] Chen Q, Sun M, Zhao G C, et al.. Episodic Crustal Growth and Reworking of the Yudongzi Terrane, South China: Constraints from the Archean TTGs and Potassic Granites and Paleoproterozoic Amphibolites. Lithos, 2019, 326: 1-18,

[] Chen Q, Sun M, Long X P, et al.. Provenance Study for the Paleozoic Sedimentary Rocks from the West Yangtze Block: Constraint on Possible Link of South China to the Gondwana Supercontinent Reconstruction. Precambrian Research, 2018, 309: 271-289,

[] Cui X Z, Wang J, Sun Z M, et al.. Early Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.36 Ga) Post-Collisional Granitoids in Yunnan, SW China: Implications for Linkage between Yangtze and Laurentia in the Columbia Supercontinent. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2019, 169: 308-322,

[] DeGraaff-Surpless K, Graham S A, Wooden J L, et al.. Detrital Zircon Provenance Analysis of the Great Valley Group, California: Evolution of an Arc-Forearc System. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2002, 114(12): 1564-1580,

[] Deng S X. . The Evolution of Metamorphism and Geochemistry for the Cangshan and Julin Groups in Central Yunnan, China, 2000 Guangzhou Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences 41-49 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Du L L, Guo J H, Nutman A P, et al.. Implications for Rodinia Reconstructions for the Initiation of Neoproterozoic Subduction at ∼860 Ma on the Western Margin of the Yangtze Block: Evidence from the Guandaoshan Pluton. Lithos, 2014, 196/197: 67-82,

[] Fedo C M, Sircombe K N, Rainbird R H. Detrital Zircon Analysis of the Sedimentary Record. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 2003, 53(1): 277-303,

[] Fisher C M, Vervoort J D, Hanchar J M. Guidelines for Reporting Zircon Hf Isotopic Data by LA-MC-ICPMS and Potential Pitfalls in the Interpretation of these Data. Chemical Geology, 2014, 363: 125-133,

[] Geng Y S, Kuang H W, Liu Y Q, et al.. Subdivision and Correlation of the Mesoproterozoic Stratigraphy in the Western and Northern Margins of Yangtze Block. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2017, 91(10): 2151-2174 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Geng Y S, Yang C H, Wang X S, et al.. . Evolution of Metamorphic Basement in Western Margin of Yangtze Carton, 2008 Beijing China University of Geosciences Press (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Greentree M R, Li Z X. The Oldest Known Rocks in South Western China: SHRIMP U-Pb Magmatic Crystallisation Age and Detrital Provenance Analysis of the Paleoproterozoic Dahongshan Group. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2008, 33(5): 289-302,

[] Greentree M R, Li Z X, Li X H, et al.. Late Mesoproterozoic to Earliest Neoproterozoic Basin Record of the Sibao Orogenesis in Western South China and Relationship to the Assembly of Rodinia. Precambrian Research, 2006, 151(1/2): 79-100,

[] Guan J L, Zheng L L, Liu J H, et al.. Zircons SHRlMP U-Pb Dating of Diabase from Hekou, Sichuan Province, China, and Its Geological Significance. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2011, 85(4): 482-490 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Guo J W, Zheng J P, Ping X Q, et al.. Paleoproterozoic Porphyries and Coarse-Grained Granites Manifesting a Vertical Hierarchical Structure of Archean Continental Crust beneath the Yangtze Craton. Precambrian Research, 2018, 314: 288-305,

[] Han Q S, Peng S B, Polat A, et al.. Petrogenesis and Geochronology of Paleoproterozoic Magmatic Rocks in the Kongling Complex: Evidence for a Collisional Orogenic Event in the Yangtze Craton. Lithos, 2019, 342/343: 513-529,

[] Hui B, Dong Y P, Cheng C, et al.. Zircon U-Pb Chronology, Hf Isotope Analysis and Whole-Rock Geochemistry for the Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic Yudongzi Complex, Northwestern Margin of the Yangtze Craton, China. Precambrian Research, 2017, 301: 65-85,

[] Hui B, Dong Y P, Liu G, et al.. Origin of Mafic Intrusions in the Micangshan Massif, Central China: Implications for the Neoproterozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Northwestern Yangtze Block. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2020, 190: 104132,

[] Hu J, Liu X C, Chen L Y, et al.. A ∼2.5 Ga Magmatic Event at the Northern Margin of the Yangtze Craton: Evidence from U-Pb Dating and Hf Isotope Analysis of Zircons from the Douling Complex in the South Qinling Orogen. Chinese Science Bulletin., 2013, 58: 3564-3579, in Chinese)

[] Hu Z C, Zhang W, Liu Y S, et al.. “Wave” Signal-Smoothing and Mercury-Removing Device for Laser Ablation Quadrupole and Multiple Collector ICPMS Analysis: Application to Lead Isotope Analysis. Analytical Chemistry, 2015, 87(2): 1152-1157,

[] Kong L Y, Guo P, Wan J, et al.. Detrital Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopes of Mesoproterozoic Metasedimentary Rocks in Dabie Orogen and Its Geological Significance. Earth Science, 2022, 47(4): 1333-1348 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Li F H, Tan J M, Shen Y L, et al.. . The Pre-Sinian in the Kangdian Area, 1988 Chongqing Chongqing Publishing House 396 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Li X H, Li W X, Li Z X, et al.. Amalgamation between the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks in South China: Constraints from SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Ages, Geochemistry and Nd-Hf Isotopes of the Shuangxiwu Volcanic Rocks. Precambrian Research, 2009, 174(1/2): 117-128,

[] Li X H, Li Z X, Ge W C, et al.. Neoproterozoic Granitoids in South China: Crustal Melting above a Mantle Plume at ca. 825 Ma?. Precambrian Research, 2003, 122(1/2/3/4): 45-83,

[] Li X H, Li Z X, Sinclair J A, et al.. Revisiting the “Yanbian Terrane”: Implications for Neoproterozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Western Yangtze Block, South China. Precambrian Research, 2006, 151(1/2): 14-30,

[] Li Z X, Li X H, Kinny P D, et al.. Geochronology of Neoproterozoic Syn-Rift Magmatism in the Yangtze Craton, South China and Correlations with other Continents: Evidence for a Mantle Superplume that Broke up Rodinia. Precambrian Research, 2003, 122(1/2/3/4): 85-109,

[] Li Z X, Li X H, Zhou H W, et al.. Grenvillian Continental Collision in South China: New SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Results and Implications for the Configuration of Rodinia. Geology, 2002, 30(2): 163,

[] Lin J, Yang A, Lin R, et al.. Review on in situ Isotopic Analysis by LA-MC-ICP-MS. Journal of Earth Science, 2023, 34(6): 1663-1691,

[] Liu B, Zhai M G, Zhao L, et al.. Zircon U-Pb-Hf Isotope Studies of the Early Precambrian Metasedimentary Rocks in the Kongling Terrane of the Yangtze Block, South China. Precambrian Research, 2019, 320: 334-349,

[] Liu G C, Li J, Qian X, et al.. Geochronological and Geochemical Constraints on the Petrogenesis of Late Mesoproterozoic Mafic and Granitic Rocks in the Southwestern Yangtze Block. Geoscience Frontiers, 2021, 12(1): 39-52,

[] Liu K, Lu G M, Wang Z Z, et al.. The Paleoproterozoic Bimodal Magmatism in the SW Yangtze Block: Implications for Initial Breakup of the Columbia Supercontinent. Lithos, 2019, 332: 23-38,

[] Liu P W, Zhang J B, Ding X Z, et al.. Geochronology and Tectonic Significance of Neoproterozoic Volcanic Rocks from Yanbian Group in Western Yangtze Block. Earth Science, 2023, 48(12): 4508-4526 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Liu Y S, Gao S, Hu Z C, et al.. Continental and Oceanic Crust Recycling-Induced Melt-Peridotite Interactions in the Trans-North China Orogen: U-Pb Dating, Hf Isotopes and Trace Elements in Zircons from Mantle Xenoliths. Journal of Petrology, 2010, 51(1/2): 537-571,

[] Lu G M, Wang W, Ernst R E, et al.. Petrogenesis of Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Mafic Rocks in the Southwestern Yangtze Block of South China: Implications for Tectonic Evolution and Paleogeographic Reconstruction. Precambrian Research, 2019, 322: 66-84,

[] Ludwig K R. . ISOPLOT 3.00: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel, 2003 Berkeley, California Berkeley Geochronology Center Special Publication 39

[] Meng E, Liu F L, Du L L, et al.. Petrogenesis and Tectonic Significance of the Baoxing Granitic and Mafic Intrusions, Southwestern China: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Dating and Lu-Hf Isotopes, and Whole-Rock Geochemistry. Gondwana Research, 2015, 28(2): 800-815,

[] Peng M, Wu Y B, Wang J, et al.. Paleoproterozoic Mafic Dyke from Kongling Terrain in the Yangtze Craton and Its Implication. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2009, 54(6): 1098-1104,

[] Pettijohn F J, Potter P E, Siever R. Sand and Sandstone, Second Edition. EOS, 1988, 69(35): 821,

[] Sun W H, Zhou M F, Zhao J H. Geochemistry and Tectonic Significance of Basaltic Lavas in the Neoproterozoic Yanbian Group, Southern Sichuan Province, Southwest China. International Geology Review, 2007, 49(6): 554-571,

[] Sun W H, Zhou M F. The ∼860-Ma, Cordilleran-Type Guandaoshan Dioritic Pluton in the Yangtze Block, SW China: Implications for the Origin of Neoproterozoic Magmatism. The Journal of Geology, 2008, 116(3): 238-253,

[] Sun W H, Zhou M F, Gao J F, et al.. Detrital Zircon U-Pb Geochronological and Lu-Hf Isotopic Constraints on the Precambrian Magmatic and Crustal Evolution of the Western Yangtze Block, SW China. Precambrian Research, 2009, 172(1/2): 99-126,

[] Wang K, Li Z X, Dong S W, et al.. Early Crustal Evolution of the Yangtze Craton, South China: New Constraints from Zircon U-Pb-Hf Isotopes and Geochemistry of ca. 2.9–2.6 Ga Granitic Rocks in the Zhongxiang Complex. Precambrian Research, 2018, 314: 325-352,

[] Wang L J, Yu J H, Griffin W L, et al.. Early Crustal Evolution in the Western Yangtze Block: Evidence from U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotopes on Detrital Zircons from Sedimentary Rocks. Precambrian Research, 2012, 222/223: 368-385,

[] Wang M X, Nebel O, Wang C Y. The Flaw in the Crustal ‘Zircon Archive’: Mixed Hf Isotope Signatures Record Progressive Contamination of Late-Stage Liquid in Mafic-Ultramafic Layered Intrusions. Journal of Petrology, 2016, 57(1): 27-52,

[] Wang J Q, Shu L S, Santosh M. U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotopes of Detrital Zircon Grains from Neoproterozoic Sedimentary Rocks in the Central Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Implications for Precambrian Crustal Evolution. Precambrian Research, 2017, 294: 175-188,

[] Wang W, Zhou M F, Zhao X F, et al.. Late Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic Rift Successions in SW China: Implication for the Yangtze Block-North Australia-Northwest Laurentia Connection in the Columbia Supercontinent. Sedimentary Geology, 2014, 309: 33-47,

[] Wang X C, Li X H, Li W X, et al.. The Bikou Basalts in the Northwestern Yangtze Block, South China: Remnants of 820–810 Ma Continental Flood Basalts?. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2008, 120(11/12): 1478-1492,

[] Wang Z J, Wang J, Deng Q, et al.. Paleoproterozoic I-Type Granites and Their Implications for the Yangtze Block Position in the Columbia Supercontinent: Evidence from the Lengshui Complex, South China. Precambrian Research, 2015, 263: 157-173,

[] Wu G Y. Division of the Precambrian in South China in the Light of Key Geological Events. Journal of Stratigraphy, 2006, 30(3): 271-286 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wu Y B, Gao S, Zhang H F, et al.. Geochemistry and Zircon U-Pb Geochronology of Paleoproterozoic Arc Related Granitoid in the Northwestern Yangtze Block and Its Geological Implications. Precambrian Research, 2012, 200–203: 26-37,

[] Yan Z K, Yan C Y, Shao C J, et al.. Evolution of Basin-Range Pattern in Southwest Margin of Yangtze Block during Late Triassic to Early Jurassic: Evidence of Detrital Zircon U-Pb Geochronology from Chuxiong Basin. Earth Science, 2023, 48(4): 1259-1270 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yu J H, O’Reilly S, Wang L J, et al.. Where was South China in the Rodinia Supercontinent? Evidence from U-Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopes of Detrital Zircons. Precambrian Research, 2008, 164: 1-15,

[] Yuan Y W, Fei G C, Zheng L, et al.. U-Pb Age and Lu-Hf Isotope of Detrital Zircons, Geochemical Characteristics and Geological Significance for Zhuwo Formation Meta-Sedimentary Rocks in Ke’eryin Region, Western Sichuan. Earth Science, 2022, 47(8): 2902-2924 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang C H, Gao L Z, Wu Z J, et al.. SHRIMP U-Pb Zircon Age of Tuff from the Kunyang Group in Central Yunnan: Evidence for Grenvillian Orogeny in South China. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2007, 52(7): 818-824 (in Chinese)

[] Zhang J B, Ding X Z, Liu Y X, et al.. Geochronology and Geological Implication in the Two Episodes of Meso-Neoproterozoic Magmatism in the Southwestern Yangtze Block. Journal of Earth Science, 2020, 31(6): 1216-1228,

[] Zhang J B, Ding X Z, Liu Y X. Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb Ages, Geochemistry and Nd-Hf Isotopes of ∼1.0 Ga A-Type Felsic Rocks in the Southwestern Yangtze Block, South China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications. Journal of Earth Science, 2023, 34(2): 504-517,

[] Zhang L J, Ma C Q, Wang L X, et al.. Discovery of Paleoproterozoic Rapakivi Granite on the Northern Margin of the Yangtze Block and Its Geological Significance. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2011, 56(3): 306-318,

[] Zhao X F, Zhou M F, Li J W, et al.. Late Paleoproterozoic to Early Mesoproterozoic Dongchuan Group in Yunnan, SW China: Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Yangtze Block. Precambrian Research, 2010, 182(1/2): 57-69,

[] Zhao G C. Jiangnan Orogen in South China: Developing from Divergent Double Subduction. Gondwana Research, 2015, 27(3): 1173-1180,

[] Zhao J H, Li Q W, Liu H, et al.. Neoproterozoic Magmatism in the Western and Northern Margins of the Yangtze Block (South China) Controlled by Slab Subduction and Subduction-Transform-Edge-Propagator. Earth-Science Reviews, 2018, 187: 1-18,

[] Zhao J H, Zhou M F. Geochemistry of Neoproterozoic Mafic Intrusions in the Panzhihua District (Sichuan Province, SW China): Implications for Subduction-Related Metasomatism in the Upper Mantle. Precambrian Research, 2007, 152(1/2): 27-47,

[] Zhao J H, Zhou M F. Neoproterozoic Adakitic Plutons and Arc Magmatism along the Western Margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. The Journal of Geology, 2007, 115(6): 675-689,

[] Zhao J H, Zhou M F. Melting of Newly Formed Mafic Crust for the Formation of Neoproterozoic I-Type Granite in the Hannan Region, South China. The Journal of Geology, 2009, 117(1): 54-70,

[] Zhao J H, Zhou M F, Wu Y B, et al.. Coupled Evolution of Neoproterozoic Arc Mafic Magmatism and Mantle Wedge in the Western Margin of the South China Craton. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 2019, 174(4): 36,

[] Zhao J H, Zhou M F, Yan D P, et al.. Reappraisal of the Ages of Neoproterozoic Strata in South China: No Connection with the Grenvillian Orogeny. Geology, 2011, 39(4): 299-302,

[] Zheng J P, Griffin W L, O’Reilly S Y, et al.. Widespread Archean Basement beneath the Yangtze Craton. Geology, 2006, 34(6): 417,

[] Zheng Y F, Zhang S B, Zhao Z F, et al.. Contrasting Zircon Hf and O Isotopes in the Two Episodes of Neoproterozoic Granitoids in South China: Implications for Growth and Reworking of Continental Crust. Lithos, 2007, 96(1/2): 127-150,

[] Zhou G Y, Wu Y B, Li L, et al.. Identification of ca. 2.65 Ga TTGs in the Yudongzi Complex and Its Implications for the Early Evolution of the Yangtze Block. Precambrian Research, 2018, 314: 240-263,

[] Zhou J L, Li X H, Tang G Q, et al.. ca. 890 Ma Magmatism in the Northwest Yangtze Block, South China: SIMS U-Pb Dating, in-situ Hf-O Isotopes, and Tectonic Implications. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2018, 151: 101-111,

[] Zhou M F, Kennedy A K, Sun M, et al.. Neoproterozoic Arc-Related Mafic Intrusions along the Northern Margin of South China: Implications for the Accretion of Rodinia. The Journal of Geology, 2002, 110(5): 611-618,

[] Zhou M F, Ma Y X, Yan D P, et al.. The Yanbian Terrane (Southern Sichuan Province, SW China): A Neoproterozoic Arc Assemblage in the Western Margin of the Yangtze Block. Precambrian Research, 2006, 144(1/2): 19-38,

[] Zhou M F, Yan D P, Wang C L, et al.. 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, 2006, 248(1/2): 286-300,

[] Zhu Y, Lai S C, Qin J F, et al.. Petrogenesis and Geochemical Diversity of Late Mesoproterozoic S-Type Granites in the Western Yangtze Block, South China: Co-Entrainment of Peritectic Selective Phases and Accessory Minerals. Lithos, 2020, 352/353: 105326,

[] Zhu W G, Zhong H, Li Z X, et al.. SIMS Zircon U-Pb Ages, Geochemistry and Nd-Hf Isotopes of ca. 1.0 Ga Mafic Dykes and Volcanic Rocks in the Huili Area, SW China: Origin and Tectonic Significance. Precambrian Research, 2016, 273: 67-89,

[] Zhu Y, Lai S C, Qin J F, et al.. Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications of Neoproterozoic Gabbro-Diorites, Adakitic Granites, and A-Type Granites in the Southwestern Margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2019, 183: 103977,

[] Zhu Y, Lai S C, Qin J F, et al.. Neoproterozoic Peraluminous Granites in the Western Margin of the Yangtze Block, South China: Implications for the Reworking of Mature Continental Crust. Precambrian Research, 2019, 333: 105443,

[] Zong K Q, Liu Y S, Gao C G, et al.. In situ U-Pb Dating and Trace Element Analysis of Zircons in Thin Sections of Eclogite: Refining Constraints on the Ultra High-Pressure Metamorphism of the Sulu Terrane, China. Chemical Geology, 2010, 269(3/4): 237-251,