Detrital Zircon Geochronology of Early Triassic Strata in the West Qinling Orogen: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean

Abstract

The West Qinling Orogen (WQO) is located in the western part of the Qinling Orogen and in the transition zone of Qilian Orogen, Songpan-Garze Orogen and Yangtze Block, and also the key position of Triassic collision orogenic event. The study of the Early Triassic strata in the WQO is contributed to analyze the closure process of the paleo-Tethys. We conducted LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating studies on detrital zircons to determine the provenance, depositional age, and tectonic setting of the Early Triassic Longwuhe Formation in the Lintan area of the WQO. The results show that the majority of the detrital zircons in the Longwuhe Formation are mainly magmatic origin and have characteristic of crust source zircon. The lowest limit of sedimentation of the Longwuhe Formation is constrained to the Early Triassic, with the youngest detrital zircon age of 253 ± 3 Ma. The ages can be divided into five age groups: 3 346–1 636 Ma, with two peak ages of ca. 2 495 and ca. 1 885 Ma; 1 585–1 010 Ma, with a peak age at ca. 1 084 Ma; 992–554 Ma, with a peak age at ca. 939 Ma; 521–421 Ma, with a peak age at ca. 445 Ma; 418–253 Ma, with a peak age at ca. 280 Ma. Apparently, the sources of the Longwuhe Formation include the northern margin of the WQO, the Qilian Orogen (QLO) and the basement of the southern margin of the North China Block (NCB), of which the ancient basement of the southern margin of the NCB is the main source area of the Longwuhe Formation. Combined with previous studies, we propose that the Longwuhe Formation was formed in a fore-arc basin, which is related to the closure of the A’nyemaqen-Mianlüe Ocean from the Early Permian to Early–Middle Triassic due to the northward subduction-collision of the Yangtze Block (YZB). This also indicates that the A’nyemaqen-Mianlüe Ocean has flat subduction characteristics.

Keywords

West Qinling orogenic belt / Early Triassic / paleo-Tethyan Ocean / geochronology / zircon

References

[] Amelin Y V, Heaman L M, Semenov V S. U-Pb Geochronology of Layered Mafic Intrusions in the Eastern Baltic Shield: Implications for the Timing and Duration of Paleoproterozoic Continental Rifting. Precambrian Research, 1995, 75(1/2): 31-46.

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

[] Bahlburg H, Vervoort J D, DuFrane S A. Plate Tectonic Significance of Middle Cambrian and Ordovician Siliciclastic Rocks of the Bavarian Facies, Armorican Terrane Assemblage, Germany—U-Pb and Hf Isotope Evidence from Detrital Zircons. Gondwana Research, 2010, 17(2/3): 223-235.

[] Belousova E A, Griffin W L, 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.

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

[] Cawood P A, Nemchin A A, Smith M, et al. Source of the Dalradian Supergroup Constrained by U-Pb Dating of Detrital Zircon and Implications for the East Laurentian Margin. Journal of the Geological Society, 2003, 160(2): 231-246.

[] Chen J L, He S P, Wang H L, et al. Zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb Age of Mafic Dykes in the Area between the Qinling and the Qilian Orogenic Belts and Its Geological Implications. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 2006, 25(6): 455 462 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Chen J L, Li H B, Wang H L, et al. LA-ICPMS Zircon U-Pb Dating of a Quartz Diorite Pluton from Wangjiacha, the Junction Area between the Qinling and Qilian Orogenic Belts and Its Tectonic Significance. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 2007, 37(3): 423 431 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Chen J L, Xu X Y, Wang H L, et al. LA-ICPMS Zircon U-Pb Dating of Tangzang Quartz-Diorite Pluton in the West Segment of North Qinling Mountains and Its Tectonic Significance. Geoscience, 2008, 22(1): 45 52 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Chen P, Lin A M. Tectonic Topography and Late Pleistocene Activity of the West Qinling Fault, Northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2019, 176:68-78.

[] Dickinson W R, Beard L S, Brakenridge G R, et al. Provenance of North American Phanerozoic Sandstones in Relation to Tectonic Setting. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 1983, 94(2): 222

[] Dickinson W R, Lawton T F, Gehrels G E. Recycling Detrital Zircons: A Case Study from the Cretaceous Bisbee Group of Southern Arizona. Geology, 2009, 37(6): 503-506.

[] Ding S P, Pei X Z, Liu H B, et al. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of the Xinyang Neoproterozoic Granitoid Gneisses in the Tianshui Area, Western Qinling, and Its Geological Significance. Geology in China, 2006, 33(6): 1217 1225 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Diwu C R, Sun Y, Guo A L, et al. Crustal Growth in the North China Craton at ∼2.5 Ga: Evidence from in situ Zircon U-Pb Ages, Hf Isotopes and Whole-Rock Geochemistry of the Dengfeng Complex. Gondwana Research, 2011, 20(1): 149-170.

[] Diwu C R, Sun Y, Zhang H, et al. Episodic Tectonothermal Events of the Western North China Craton and North Qinling Orogenic Belt in Central China: Constraints from Detrital Zircon U-Pb Ages. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2012, 47:107-122.

[] Dong Y P, Liu X M, Zhang G W, et al. Triassic Diorites and Granitoids in the Foping Area: Constraints on the Conversion from Subduction to Collision in the Qinling Orogen, China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2012, 47:123-142.

[] Dong Y P, Safonova I, Wang T. Tectonic Evolution of the Qinling Orogen and Adjacent Orogenic Belts. Gondwana Research, 2016, 30:1-5.

[] Dong Y P, Sun S S, Yang Z, et al. Neoproterozoic Subduction-Accretionary Tectonics of the South Qinling Belt, China. Precambrian Research, 2017, 293:73-90.

[] Dong Y P, Zhang G W, Zhao X, et al. Geochemistry of the Subduction-Related Magmatic Rocks in the Dahong Mountains, Northern Hubei Province: Constraint on the Existence and Subduction of the Eastern Mianlüe Oceanic Basin. Science in China (Series D: Earth Sciences), 2004, 47(4): 366 377 (in Chinese)

[] Dong Y P, Sun S S, Santosh M, et al. Cross Orogenic Belts in Central China: Implications for the Tectonic and Paleogeographic Evolution of the East Asian Continental Collage. Gondwana Research, 2022, 109:18-88.

[] 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.

[] Gansu Geological Survey Regional Geology of Gansu Province, 2016 Beijing Geological Publishing House 1 752 (in Chinese)

[] Gansu Provincial Geological Bureau 1: 200 000 Hezuo Regional Geological Survey Report, 1972 1 89 Unpublished

[] Gao J M, Pei X Z, Li Z C, et al. LA-ICP-MS zircon LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating and Geochemical Characteristics of the Liushuigou Igneous Complex, Tianshui Area, West Qinling Mountains. Geological Bulletin of China, 2012, 31(9): 1482 1495 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Gao X Y, Pei X Z, Li Z C, et al. Age and Provenance of Upper Shilidun Formation, Lintan, West Qinling Orogen: Constraints from LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Dating of Detrital Zircons. Earth Science, 2019, 44(4): 1389 1414 Earth Science, 44(4): 1389–1405 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Gärtner A, Youbi N, Villeneuve M, et al. The Zircon Evidence of Temporally Changing Sediment Transport—The NW Gondwana Margin during Cambrian to Devonian Time (Aoucert and Smara Areas, Moroccan Sahara). International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2017, 106(8): 2747-2769.

[] Geng Y S, Shen Q H, Ren L D. Late Neoarchean to Early Paleoproterozoic Magmatic Events and Tectonothermal Systems in the North China Craton. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2010, 26(7): 1945 1966 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Geng Y S, Wan Y S, Shen Q H. Early Precambrian Basic Volcanism and Crustal Growth in the North China Craton. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2002, 76(2): 199 208 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Griffin W L, Belousova E A, Shee S R, et al. Archean Crustal Evolution in the Northern Yilgarn Craton: U-Pb and Hf-Isotope Evidence from Detrital Zircons. Precambrian Research, 2004, 131(3/4): 231-282.

[] Grimes C B, John B E, Kelemen P B, et al. Trace Element Chemistry of Zircons from Oceanic Crust: A Method for Distinguishing Detrital Zircon Provenance. Geology, 2007, 35(7): 643-646.

[] Guo J J, Han W F, Li X F. The Cenozoic Tectonic Evolution of the West Qinling: Constraints on the Uplift and Deformation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Earth Science Frontiers, 2009, 16(6): 215-225.

[] Guo J J, Zhao F Q, Li H K. Jinning Collision Granite in the Eastern Part of Central Qilian Mountains and Its Geological Significance. Acta Geoscientica Sinica, 1999, 20(1): 10 15 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Guo P, Liu C Y, Wang J Q, et al. Considerations on the Application of Detrital-Zircon Geochronology to Sedimentary Provenance Analysis. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2017, 35(1): 46 56 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Guo X Q, Yan Z, Wang Z Q, et al. Middle Triassic Arc Magmatism along the Northeastern Margin of the Tibet: U-Pb and Lu-Hf Zircon Characterization of the Gangcha Complex in the West Qinling Terrane, Central China. Journal of the Geological Society, 2012, 169(3): 327-336.

[] He S P, Wang H L, Chen J L, et al. Zircon U-Pb Chronology of Longshan Rock Group by LA-ICP-MS and Its Geological Significance. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2006, 80(11): 1668 1675 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] He S P, Wang H L, Xu X Y, et al. A LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Chronological Study of Zircons from Hongtubu Basic Volcanic Rocks and Its Geological Significance in the East Segment of North Qilian Orogenic Belt. Advances in Earth Science, 2007, 22(2): 143 151 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] He Y H, Chen L, Sun Y, et al. Zircon Chronology of Xinjie Complex in Longxian County and Its Geological Significance. Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Edition), 2005, 35(5): 625 632 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] He Y H, Sun Y, Chen L, et al. Zircon U-Pb Chronology of Longshan Complex by LA-ICP-MS and Its Geological Significance. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2005, 21(1): 125 134 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Heaman L M. Global Mafic Magmatism at 2.45 Ga: Remnants of an Ancient Large Igneous Province?. Geology, 1997, 25(4): 299-302.

[] Hoskin P W O, Schaltegger U. The Composition of Zircon and Igneous and Metamorphic Petrogenesis. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 2003, 53(1): 27-62.

[] Hoskin P W O, Black L P. Metamorphic Zircon Formation by Solid-State Recrystallization of Protolith Igneous Zircon. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 2000, 18(4): 423-439.

[] Hoskin P W O, Ireland T R. Rare Earth Element Chemistry of Zircon and Its Use as a Provenance Indicator. Geology, 2000, 28(7): 627-630.

[] Hsu K J, Wang Q C, Li J L, et al. Tectonic Evolution of Qinling Mountains, China. Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae, 1987, 80(3): 735-752.

[] Jin H J, Li Y C. Trace Fossils and Their Environmental Significance of Permain – Triassic, West Qinling Mountains. Scientia Geologica Sinica, 1995, 30:321 328 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Jin W J, Zhang Q, He D F, et al. SHRIMP Dating of Adakites in Western Qinling and Their Implications. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2005, 21:959 966 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Lai S C, Zhang G W, Pei X Z. Determination of Pipasi Ophiolite in Mianlue Junction Zone of South Qinling and Its Tectonic Significance. Geological Bulletin of China, 2002, 21(S2): 465 470 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Lai S C, Zhang G W, Yang Y C, et al. Petrology and Geochemistry Features of the Metamorphic Volcanic Rocks in Mianxian-Lüeyang Suture Zone, South Qinling. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 1997, 13(4): 563 573 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Lei W Y, Shi G H, Liu Y X. Research Progress on Trace Element Characteristics of Zircons of Different Origins. Earth Science Frontiers, 2013, 20(4): 273 284 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Li J H, Qian X L, Zhai M G. The Tectonic Division of North China Granulite Facies Belt and Its Early Precambrian Tectonic Evolution. Scientia Geologica Sinica, 1997, 32(3): 254 266 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Li L, Meng Q R, Pullen A, et al. Late Permian–Early Middle Triassic Back-Arc Basin Development in West Qinling, China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2014, 87:116-129.

[] Li W Y. Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Ophiolites and Island-Arc-Type Igneous Rocks in the Western Qinling Orogen and the Eastern Kunlun Orogen: Implication for the Evolution of the Tethyan Ocean, 2008 Hefei University of Science and Technology of China 1 154 [Dissertation]

[] Li Z C, Pei X Z, Wei L Y, et al. New Discovery of Neocalamites from the Upper Triassic Daheba Formation in West Qinling, Northwest China. Acta Geologica Sinica: English Edition, 2019, 93(3): 756-757.

[] Lin Q X, Zhang Z Y, Zhang K X, et al. Triassic Lithofacies Paleogeography in the Joint of Qinling, Qilian and Kunlun. Earth Science, 2003, 28:660 669 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Link P K, Fanning C M, Beranek L P. Reliability and Longitudinal Change of Detrital-Zircon Age Spectra in the Snake River System, Idaho and Wyoming: An Example of Reproducing the Bumpy Barcode. Sedimentary Geology, 2005, 182(1/2/3/4): 101-142.

[] Liu D Y, Wilde S A, Wan Y S, et al. New U-Pb and Hf Isotopic Data Confirm Anshan as the Oldest Preserved Segment of the North China Craton. American Journal of Science, 2008, 308(3): 200-231.

[] Liu H B, Pei X Z, Ding S P, et al. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of the Neoproterozoic Granitic Gneisses in the Yuanlong Area, Tianshui City, West Qinling, China, and Their Geological Significance. Geological Bulletin of China, 2006, 25:1315 1320 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Long X P, Yuan C, Sun M, et al. Detrital Zircon Ages and Hf Isotopes of the Early Paleozoic Flysch Sequence in the Chinese Altai, NW China: New Constrains on Depositional Age, Provenance and Tectonic Evolution. Tectonophysics, 2010, 480(1): 213-231.

[] Lu S N, Li H K, Chen Z H, et al. Meso-Neoproterozoic Geological Evolution in the Qinling Orogeny and Its Response to the Supercontinental Events of Rodinia, 2003 Beijing Geological Publishing House 1 194 (in Chinese)

[] Lu S N, Li H K, Xiang Z Q. Advances in the Study of Mesoproterozoic Geochronology in China: A Review. Geology in China, 2010, 37:1002 1013 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Lu S N, Yang C L, Li H K, et al. North China Continent and Columbia Supercontinent. Geoscience Frontiers, 2002, 9:225 233 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Lu X X, Xiao Q H, Dong Y, et al. Tectonic Map of Qinling Granite and Manual, 2000 Beijing Geological Publishing House 1 33 (in Chinese)

[] Ludwig K R. User’s Manual for Isoplot/Ex Version 3.00. A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Berkeley Geochronology Center Special Publication, 2003, 4:1-70.

[] Luo B J. Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Processes of the Indosinian Magmatism in the West Qinling Orogenic Belt, Central China, 2013 Wuhan China University of Geosciences 1 173 [Dissertation]

[] Luo B J, Zhang H F, Xiao Z Q. Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Early Indosinian Meiwu Pluton in West Qinling, Central China. Earth Science Frontiers, 2012, 19:199 213 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Luo G M, Zhang K X, Lin G X, et al. Sedimentary Facies Analysis and Sedimentary Environment Reconstruction from Late Permian to Early Triassic of West Qinling Area. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2007, 25:332 342 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Mattauer M, Matte P, Malavieille J, et al. Tectonics of the Qinling Belt: Build-up and Evolution of Eastern Asia. Nature, 1985, 317(6037): 496-500.

[] Meng Q R, Zhang G W. Timing of Collision of the North and South China Blocks: Controversy and Reconciliation. Geology, 1999, 27(2): 123

[] Nelson D R. An Assessment of the Determination of Depositional Ages for Precambrian Clastic Sedimentary Rocks by U–Pb Dating of Detrital Zircons. Sedimentary Geology, 2001, 141/142:37-60.

[] Niu M L, Zhao Q Q, Wu Q, et al. Magma Mixing Identified in the Guokeshan Pluton, Northern Margin of the Qaidam Basin: Evidence from Petrology, Mineral Chemistry, and Whole-Rock Geochemistry. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2018, 34(7): 1991 2016 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z. Geological evolution and dynamics of the Mianlue-A’nyemaqen Tectonic Zone Central China, 2001 Xi’an Northwest University 1 167 [Dissertation]

[] Pei X Z, Ding S P, Hu B, et al. Definition of the Guanzizhen Ophiolite in Tianshui Area, Western Qinling, and Its Geological Significance. Geological Bulletin of China, 2004, 23(12): 1202 1208 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z, Ding S P, Li Z C, et al. Early Paleozoic Tianshui-Wushan Tectonic Zone of the Northern Margin of West Qinling and Its Tectonic Evolution. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2009, 83:1547 1564 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z, Meng Y, Ding S P, et al. Identification of 2.5 Ga Detrital Zircons from Conjoint Area between Qilian-Qinling Orogenic Belts and Its Geological Implication. Journal of Earth Sciences and Environment, 2007, 29:111 116 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z, Ding S P, Zhang G W, et al. Zircons LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Dating of Neoproterozoic Granitoid Gneisses in the North Margin of West Qinling and Geological Implication. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2007, 81:772 786 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z, Sun R Q, Ding S P, et al. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of the Yanjiadian Diorite in the Eastern Qilian Mountains and Its Geological Significance. Geology in China, 2007, 34:8 16 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z, Ding S P, Zhang G W, et al. The LA-ICP-MS Zircons U-Pb Ages and Geochemistry of the Baihua Basic Igneous Complexes in Tianshui Area of West Qinling. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2007, 50(2): 264-276.

[] Pei X Z, Li Z C, Li R B, et al. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Ages of Detrital Zircons from the Meta-Detrital Rocks of the Early Palaeozoic Huluhe Group in Eastern Part of Qilian Orogenic Belt: Constraints of Material Source and Sedimentary Age. Earth Science Frontiers, 2012, 19(5): 205 224 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z, Liu H B, Ding S P, et al. Geochemical Characteristics and Tectonic Significance of the Meta-Volcanic Rocks in the Liziyuan Group from Tianshui Area, Western Qinling Orogen. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 2006, 30:193 205 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Pei X Z, Zhang G W, Lai S C, et al. Main Geological Features of the Mianlue Tectonic Belt on the Southern Margin of the West Qinling. Geological Bulletin of China, 2002, 21:486 494 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Peng P, Zhai M G. Two Major Precambrian Geological Events of North China Block (NCB): Characteristics and Property. Advance in Earth Sciences, 2002, 17(6): 818 825 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Qian X L. The Nature of the Early Precambrian Continental Crust and Its Tectonic Evolution Model. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 1996, 12:169 178 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Rodrigues J B, Pimentel M M, Dardenne M A, et al. Age, Provenance and Tectonic Setting of the Canastra and Ibiá Groups (Brasília Belt, Brazil): Implications for the Age of a Neoproterozoic Glacial Event in Central Brazil. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 2010, 29(2): 512-521.

[] Rubatto D. Zircon Trace Element Geochemistry: Partitioning with Garnet and the Link between U-Pb Ages and Metamorphism. Chemical Geology, 2002, 184(1/2): 123-138.

[] Shen Q H, Geng Y S, Song B, et al. New Information from the Surface Outcrops and Deep Crust of Archean Rocks of the North China and Yangtze Blocks, and Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2005, 79:616 627 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Shen Q H, Xu H F, Zhang Z Q, et al. Early Precambrian Granulites in China, 1992 Beijing Geological Publishing House 1 235 (in Chinese)

[] Siebel W, Schmitt A K, Danišík M, et al. Prolonged Mantle Residence of Zircon Xenocrysts from the Western Eger Rift. Nature Geoscience, 2009, 2:886-890.

[] Song S G, Yang L M, Zhang Y Q, et al. Qi-Qin Accretionary Belt in Central China Orogen: Accretion by Trench Jam of Oceanic Plateau and Formation of Intra-Oceanic Arc in the Early Paleozoic Qin-Qi-Kun Ocean. Science Bulletin, 2017, 62(15): 1035-1038.

[] Sun J M, Zhu X K. Temporal Variations in Pb Isotopes and Trace Element Concentrations within Chinese Eolian Deposits during the Past 8 Ma: Implications for Provenance Change. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2010, 290(3/4): 438-447.

[] Sun S S, McDonough W F. Chemical and Isotopic Systematics of Ocean Basins: Implications for Mantle Composition and Processes. In: Saunders, A. D., Norry, M. J., eds., Magmatism of the Ocean Basins. Geological Society, London, Special Publication, 1989, 42:313-345.

[] Sun Y G, Zhang G W, Guo A L, et al. Qinling-Kunlun Triple Junction and Isotope Chronological Evidence of Its Tectonoic Process. Geology in China, 2004, 31:373 378 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Thomas W A, Becker T P, Samson S D, et al. Detrital Zircon Evidence of a Recycled Orogenic Foreland Provenance for Alleghanian Clastic-Wedge Sandstones. Journal of Geology, 2004, 112(1): 23-37.

[] 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.

[] Wan Y S, Xu Z Q, Yang J S, et al. The Precambrian High-Grade Basement of the Qilian Terrane and Neighboring Areas: Its Ages and Compositions. Acta Geosicientia Sinica, 2003, 26:319 324 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wang H L, Chen L, Sun Y, et al. Approximately 4.1 Ga of Captive Zircons were Found in the Ordovician Volcanic Rocks in the Western Part of North Qinling. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2007, 52:1685 1694 (in Chinese)

[] Wang H L, He S P, Chen J L, et al. LA-ICP-MS Dating of Zircon U-Pb and Its Tectonic Significance of Maxianshan Granitoid Intrusive Complex, Gansu Province. Acta Geological Sinica, 2007, 81:73 77 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wang H L, Xiao S W, Xu X Y, et al. Geochronology and Significance of the Early Mesoproterozoic Tectono-Magmatic Event in the Western Segment of the North Qinling Mountains, China. Geological Bulletin of China, 2008, 27:1728 1738 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wang J, Zhang H F, Xu C W, et al. Petrogenesis of Granites from Dangchuan Area in West Qinling Orogenic Belt and Its Tectonic Implication. Earth Science (Journal of China University of Geosciences), 2008, 33:474 486 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wang L J, Griffin W L, Yu J H, et al. Precambrian Crustal Evolution of the Yangtze Block Tracked by Detrital Zircons from Neoproterozoic Sedimentary Rocks. Precambrian Research, 2010, 177(1/2): 131-144.

[] Wang M, Pei X Z, Li R B, et al. Early Indosinian High-Mg^# and High-Sr/Y Ratio Granodiorites in the Xiahe Area, West Qinling, Central China: Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications. Lithos, 2019, 332/333:162-174.

[] Wang M, Pei X Z, Li Z C, et al. Genesis of Middle Triassic High-Mg# Quartz Diorites from the Xiahe Area, West Qinling Orogen, Central China, and Their Geodynamic Implications. Journal of Geodynamics, 2021, 143:101805

[] Wang Y C, Pei X Z, Li Z C, et al. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of the Mesoproterozoic Granitic Gneisses at Changningyi of Zhangjiachuan Area on the Eastern Edge of the Qilian Orogenic Belt. Geological Bulletin of China, 2012, 31:1576 1587 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wei F H, Pei X Z, Li R B, et al. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of Early Paleozoic Huangmenchuan Granodiorite in Tianshui Area of Gansu Province and Its Tectonic Significance. Geological Bulletin of China, 2012, 31:1496 1509 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Wei L Y. Sedimentary Facies of the Lower – Middle Triassic Longwuhe Group (T_1–2 L) in the Western Section of the West Qinling Mountains. Geology and Exploration, 2014, 50:1304 1307 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Whitehouse M J, Kamber B S. On the Overabundance of Light Rare Earth Elements in Terrestrial Zircons and Its Implication for Earth’s Earliest Magmatic Differentiation. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2002, 204(3/4): 333-346.

[] Williams I S. Response of Detrital Zircon and Monazite, and Their U-Pb Isotopic Systems, to Regional Metamorphism and Host-Rock Partial Melting, Cooma Complex, Southeastern Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2001, 48(4): 557-580.

[] Wu G L, Meng Q R, Duan L, et al. Early Mesozoic Structural Evolution of the Eastern West Qinling, Northwest China. Tectonophysics, 2014, 630:9-20.

[] Wu Y B, Zheng Y F. Tectonic Evolution of a Composite Collision Orogen: An Overview on the Qinling-Tongbai-Hong’an-Dabie-Sulu Orogenic Belt in Central China. Gondwana Research, 2013, 23(4): 1402-1428.

[] Xiao C H, Chen Z L, Han F B, et al. Provenance and Tectonic Significance of Lower Triassic Clastic Sedimentary Rocks of the West Qinling Orogenic Belt, Central China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2022, 224:105026

[] Xing H Q, Li X W, Xu J F, et al. The Genesis of Felsic Magmatism during the Closure of the Northeastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean: Evidence from the Heri Batholith in West Qinling, China. Gondwana Research, 2020, 84:38-51.

[] Xu W C, Zhang H F, Liu X M. Zircon U-Pb Dating of High Pressure Metamorphictes: Constraints on Age and Tectonics Implications. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2007, 52:1174 1182 (in Chinese)

[] Xu X Y, Chen J L, Gao T, et al. Granitoid Magmatism and Tectonic Evolution in Northern Edge of the Western Qinling Terrane, NW China. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2014, 30:371 389 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Xu X Y, Wang H L, Chen J L, et al. Zircon U-Pb Dating and Petrogenesis of Xinglongshan Group Basic Volcanic Rocks at Eastern Segment of Middle Qilian Mts. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2008, 24:827 840 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yan Y, Lin G, Li Z A. Provenance Tracing of Sediments by Means of Synthetic Study of Shape, Composition and Chronology of Zircon. Geotectonica Et Metallogenia, 2003, 27:184 190 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yan Z, Bian Q T, Korchagin O A, et al. Provenance of Early Triassic Hongshuichuan Formation in the Southern Margin of the East Kunlun Mountains: Constrains from Detrital Framework, Heavy Mineral Analysis and Geochemistry. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2008, 24(5): 1068 1078 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yan Z, Fu C L, Aitchison J C, et al. Triassic Turbidites in the West Qinling Mountains, NW China: Part of the Collisional Songpan-Ganzi Basin or an Active Forearc Basin?. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2020, 194:104366

[] Yan Z Y, Chen L, Xiong X, et al. Observations and Modeling of Flat Subduction and Its Geological Effects. Science China Earth Sciences, 2020, 63(8): 1069-1091.

[] Yan Z, Guo X Q, Fu C L, et al. Petrology, Geochemistry and SHRIMP U-Pb Dating of Zircons from Late Triassic OIB-Basalt in the Conjunction of the Qinling-Qilian-Kunlun Orogens. Earth Science Frontiers, 2012, 19(05): 164 176 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yan Z, Wang Z Q, Li J L, et al. Tectonic Settings and Accretionary Orogenesis of the West Qinling Terrane, Northeastern Margin of the Tibet Plateau. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2012, 28(6): 1808 1828 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yan Z, Guo X Q, Fu C L, et al. Detrital Heavy Mineral Constraints on the Triassic Tectonic Evolution of the West Qinling Terrane, NW China: Implications for Understanding Subduction of the Paleotethyan Ocean. The Journal of Geology, 2014, 122(5): 591-608.

[] Yang L M, Song S G, Allen M B, et al. Oceanic Accretionary Belt in the West Qinling Orogen: Links between the Qinling and Qilian Orogens, China. Gondwana Research, 2018, 64:137-162.

[] Yang R C, Li J B, Fan A P, et al. Research Progress and Development Tendency of Provenance Analysis on Terrigenous Sedimentary Rocks. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2013, 31:99 107 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yang Z, Dong Y P, Liu X M, et al. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of Gabbro in the Guanzizhen Ophiolite, Tianshui, West Qinling, China. Geological Bulletin of China, 2006, 25:1321 1325 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Yong Y, Xiao W J, Yuan C, et al. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Ages of Granitic Plutons from the Eastern Sector of the Central Qilian and Their Geologic Implication. Xinjiang Geology, 2008, 26:62 70 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhai M G. Tectonic Evolution and Metallogenesis of North China Craton. Mineral Deposits, 2010, 29(1): 24 36 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhai M G, Bian A G, Zhao T P. The Amalgamation of the Supercontinent of North China Craton at the End of Neo-Archaean and Its Breakup during Late Palaeoproterozoic and Meso-Proterozoic. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2000, 43(1): 219-232.

[] Zhai M G, Guo J H, Zhao T P. Study Advances of Neoarchaean-Paleoproterozoic Tectonic Evolution in the North China Craton. Progress In Precambrian Research, 2001, 24(1): 17 27 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhai M G, Peng P. Paleoproterozoic Events in the North China Craton. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2007, 23(11): 2665 2682 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang B R, Gao S, Zhang H F, et al. Geochemistry of Qinling Orogenic Belt, 2002 Beijing Science Press 1 187 (in Chinese)

[] Zhang G W. A Discussion on Basic Features of Tectonic Development of Lithosphere of the Qinling Belt. Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Edition), 1991, 21:77 87 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang G W, Dong Y P, Lai S C, et al. Mianlue Tectonics Belt and Mianlue Paleo-Suture on the Southern Margin of the Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt. Science in China (Series D), 2003, 33(12): 1121 1135 (in Chinese)

[] Zhang G W, Dong Y P, Yao A P. The Crustal Compositions, Structures and Tectonic Evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt. Geology of Shaanxi, 1997, 15(2): 1 14 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang G W, Guo A L, Yao A P. Western Qinling-Songpan Continental Tectonic Node in China’s Continental Tectonics. Earth Science Frontiers, 2004, 11:22 32 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang G W, Liu X M. Some Remarks on China Central Orogenic System. Earth Science, 1998, 23:443 448 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang G W, Meng Q R, Yu Z P, et al. Orogenesis and Dynamics of the Qinling Orogen. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 1996, 39(3): 225-234.

[] Zhang G W, Zhang B R, Yuan X C, et al. Qinling Orogenic Belt and Continental Dynamics, 2001 Beijing Science Press 1 855 (in Chinese)

[] Zhang G W, Zheng J K, Dong Y P, et al. The Mianlue Tectonic Zone of the Qinling Orogen and China Continental Tectonics, 2015 Beijing Science Press 1 501 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhang H F, Zhang B R, Harris N, et al. U-Pb Zircon SHRIMP Ages, Geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb Isotopic Compositions of Intrusive Rocks from the Longshan-Tianshui Area in the Southeast Corner of the Qilian Orogenic Belt, China: Constraints on Petrogenesis and Tectonic Affinity. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2006, 27(6): 751-764.

[] Zhang H. The Chronological Study on U-Pb Dating of Modern River Detrital Zircon in North Piedmont of Qinling and Its Geological Indication, 2008 Xi’an Northwest University 1 68 [Dissertation]

[] Zhang Y X, Zeng L, Zhang K J, et al. Late Palaeozoic and Early Mesozoic Tectonic and Palaeogeographic Evolution of Central China: Evidence from U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotope Systematics of Detrital Zircons from the Western Qinling Region. International Geology Review, 2014, 56(3): 351-392.

[] Zhang Z G, Chen J L, Xu X Y, et al. Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Neo-Proterozoic Amphibolites in the Muqitan Formation: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the North Qinling Orogen. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2011, 27:757 769 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhao G C. Metamorphic Evolution of Major Tectonic Units in the Basement of the North China Craton: Key Issues and Discussion. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2009, 25:1772 1792 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhao H G, Liu C Y. Approaches and Prospects of Provenance System Analysis in Sedimentary Basins. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2003, 21:409 415 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[] Zhao Z F. Crustal Evolution of the Precambrian in the Central Northern Quasi Platform, 1993 Beijing Science Press 389 390 (in Chinese)

[] Zheng Y F, Ye K, Zhang L F. Developing the Plate Tectonics from Oceanic Subduction to Continental Collision. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2009, 54(15): 2549-2555.

[] Zhu X Y, Chen F K, Li S Q, et al. Crustal Evolution of the North Qinling Terrain of the Qinling Orogen, China: Evidence from Detrital Zircon U-Pb Ages and Hf Isotopic Composition. Gondwana Research, 2011, 20(1): 194-204.