Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-8bhkd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-08T17:33:18.982Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Mid-Neoproterozoic magmatism in the South Qilian Belt, NE Tibetan Plateau and its tectonic implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 May 2022

Yu Qin
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Northern Taibai Str. 229, Xi’an710069, China School of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an716000, China
Xiaoli Zhang*
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Northern Taibai Str. 229, Xi’an710069, China
Qiao Feng
Affiliation:
Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Depositional Mineralization & Sedimentary Minerals, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao266590, China
Xi Zhang
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an716000, China
Yun Liu
Affiliation:
Geological Exploration Institute of Shandong Zhengyuan, China Metallurgical Geology Bureau, Ji’nan250014, China
Yu Kang
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Northern Taibai Str. 229, Xi’an710069, China
Yan Chen
Affiliation:
Qinghai Oilfield Branch PetroChina, Dunhuang736202, China
Pengju Chu
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an716000, China
Yuexiang Yang
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an716000, China
Lingchuan Tian
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an716000, China
Longxue Li
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an716000, China
*
Author for correspondence: Xiaoli Zhang, Email [email protected]

Abstract

Widely distributed Mid-Neoproterozoic mafic rocks of the Qilian – Qaidam – East Kunlun region record the tectonic evolution of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. This study presents whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes for the Xialanuoer gabbros of the central South Qilian Belt (SQB). Zircon laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb dating indicates that the gabbros were emplaced at ca. 738 Ma, indicating they are contemporaneous with mafic magmatism elsewhere in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The gabbros have low SiO2, Cr and Ni contents and Mg# values, are relatively enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREEs) and depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb and Ta), have no positive Zr or Hf anomalies and have relatively high Nb/Ta but low Nb/La ratios. These data indicate that the Xialanuoer gabbros formed from calc-alkaline basaltic magmas that were originally generated by the partial melting of an enriched mantle of type-I (EMI-type) enriched region of the lithospheric mantle, underwent little to no crustal contamination prior to their emplacement, and have within-plate basalt geochemical affinities. Combining these data with the presence of widespread contemporaneous continental rift-related magmatism and sedimentation in the North Qilian, Central Qilian, South Qilian, Quanji, North Qaidam and East Kunlun regions suggests that the northeastern Tibetan Plateau underwent Mid-Neoproterozoic continental rifting, which also affected other Rodinian blocks (e.g. Tarim, South China, Australia, North America and Southern Africa).

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Albarède, F, Scherer, EE, Blichert-Toft, J, Rosing, M, Simionovici, A and Bizzarro, M (2006) γ-ray irradiation in the early Solar System and the conundrum of the 176Lu decay constant. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70, 1261–70.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Andersen, T (2002) Correction of common lead in U-Pb analyses that do not report 204Pb. Chemical Geology 192, 59–79.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bai, CD, Zhuan, SP, Mao, ZF, Chen, YY and Li, J (2019) LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages, geochemical characteristics and geotectonic significance of the metamorphosed volcanic rocks in Neoproterozoic Balongonggaer formation in Tianjun County, Southern Qilian mountain. Geological Review 65, 756–71.Google Scholar
Barth, MG, McDonough, WF and Rudnick, RL (2000) Tracking the budget of Nb and Ta in the continental crust. Chemical Geology 165, 197–213.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
BGMRQH (1997) Regional Geology of Qinghai Province (Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of Qinghai Province). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 300 pp.Google Scholar
Bienvenu, P, Bougault, H, Joron, JL, Treuil, M and Dmitriev, L (1990) MORB alteration: rare-earth element/non-rare-earth hygromagmaphile element fractionation. Chemical Geology 82, 1–14.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bouvier, A, Vervoort, JD and Patchett, PJ (2008) The Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotopic composition of CHUR: constraints from unequilibrated chondrites and implications for the bulk composition of terrestrial planets. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 273, 48–57.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chen, DL, Liu, L, Sun, Y and Liou, JG (2009) 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 35, 259–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chu, NC, Taylor, RN, Chavagnac, V, Nesbitt, RW, Boella, RM, Milton, JA, German, CR, Bayon, G and Burton, K (2002) Hf isotope ratio analysis using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: an evaluation of isobaric interference corrections. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry 17, 1567–74.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Corfu, F, Hanchar, JM, Hoskin, PWO and Kinny, P (2003) Atlas of zircon textures. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 53, 469–500.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ernst, RE and Buchan, KL (2003) Recognizing mantle plumes in the geological record. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 31, 469–523.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Frimmel, HE, Zartman, RE and Späth, A (2001) The Richtersveld igneous complex, South Africa: U-Pb zircon and geochemical evidence for the beginning of Neoproterozoic continental breakup. Journal of Geology 109, 493–508.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fu, CL, Yan, Z, Wang, ZQ, Buckman, S, Aitchison, JC, Niu, ML, Cao, B, Guo, XQ, Li, X, Li, Y and Li, J (2018) Lajishankou ophiolite complex: implications for paleozoic multiple accretionary and collisional events in the South Qilian Belt. Tectonics 37, 1321–46.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Griffin, WL, Pearson, NJ, Belousova, E, Jackson, SE, Van Achterbergh, E, O’Reilly, SY and Shee, SR (2000) The Hf isotope composition of cratonic mantle: LAM-MC-ICPMS analysis of zircon megacrysts in kimberlites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 64, 133–47.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Griffin, WL, Wang, X, Jackson, SE, Pearson, NJ and O’Reilly, SY (2002) Zircon geochemistry and magma mixing, SE China: in-situ analysis of Hf isotopes, Tonglu and Pingtan igneous complexes. Lithos 61, 237–69.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Günther, D and Hattendorf, B (2005) Solid sample analysis using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. TrAC – Trends in Analytical Chemistry 24, 255–65.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hou, QY, Zhang, HF, Zhang, BR, Zhao, ZD and Zhu, YH (2005) Pb and Nd isotopic compositions of basement and granitoid in the Qilianshan: constraints on tectonic affinity. Earth Science – Journal of China University of Geosciences 30, 62–70.Google Scholar
Jenner, GA, Foley, SF, Jackson, SE, Green, TH, Fryer, BJ and Longerich, HP (1993) Determination of partition coefficients for trace elements in high pressure-temperature experimental run products by laser ablation microprobe-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LAM-ICP-MS). Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 57, 5099–103.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ji, B, Li, X, Huang, B, Wang, L and Wang, G (2020) Zircon U-Pb dating and geochemistry of basalt in Guaizhangshan group from the southern Danghe mountains in south Qilian and its tectonic setting. Geology in China 25, 1–21.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ji, B, Yu, J, Li, X, Huang, B and Wang, L (2018) The disintegration of Balonggongge’er formation and the definition of lithostratigraphic unit in Danghenanshan area of South Qilian mountain: evidence from petrology and chronology. Geological Bulletin of China 37, 621–33.Google Scholar
Li, DL, Sun, DL, Zhao, ZY, Sun, J, Yang, ZZ, Tian, Z, Li, XM and Yang, BZ (2018) A discussion on the geological characteristics and formation time of Balonggongga’er formation in Xiawu area of Qinghai province. Geological Bulletin of China 37, 635–41.Google Scholar
Li, HK, Lu, SN, Wang, HC, Xiang, ZQ and Zhen, JK (2003) Geochronological framework of the Neoproterozoic major geological events in the northern margin of the Qaidam basin. Geological Survey and Research 26, 28–37.Google Scholar
Li, M, Wang, C, Li, R, Meert, Jg, Peng, Y and Zhang, J (2019) Identifying late Neoproterozoic–early Paleozoic sediments in the South Qilian Belt, China: a peri-Gondwana connection in the northern Tibetan Plateau. Gondwana Research 76, 173–84.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Li, S, Zhao, S, Liu, X, Cao, H, Yu, S, Li, X, Somerville, I, Yu, S and Suo, Y (2018) Closure of the Proto-Tethys ocean and early Paleozoic amalgamation of microcontinental blocks in East Asia. Earth-Science Reviews 186, 37–75.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Li, ZX, Bogdanova, SV, Collins, AS, Davidson, A, De Waele, B, Ernst, RE, Fitzsimons, ICW, Fuck, RA, Gladkochub, DP, Jacobs, J, Karlstrom, KE, Lu, S, Natapov, LM, Pease, V, Pisarevsky, SA, Thrane, K and Vernikovsky, V (2008) Assembly, configuration, and break-up history of Rodinia: a synthesis. Precambrian Research 160, 179–210.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liao, H, Hu, DG, Zhang, XJ, Yu, WL and Guo, T (2014) Zircon U-Pb age for granite of the Ordovician formation and its tectonic significance in the southern Qilian. Journal of Geomechanics 20, 293–8.Google Scholar
Ling, W, Gao, S, Zhang, B, Li, H, Liu, Y and Cheng, J (2003) Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the northwestern Yangtze Craton, South China: implications for amalgamation and break-up of the Rodinia Supercontinent. Precambrian Research 122, 111–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, XM, Gao, S, Diwu, CR, Yuan, HL and Hu, ZC (2007) Simultaneous in-situ determination of U-Pb age and trace elements in zircon by LA-ICP-MS in 20 μm spot size. Chinese Science Bulletin 52, 1257–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liu, Y, Liu, XM, Hu, ZC, Diwu, CR, Yuan, HL and Gao, S (2007) Evaluation of accuracy and long-term stability of determination of 37 trace elements in geological samples by ICP-MS. Acta Petrologica Sinica 23, 1203–10.Google Scholar
Lu, S, Li, H, Zhang, C and Niu, G (2008) Geological and geochronological evidence for the Precambrian evolution of the Tarim Craton and surrounding continental fragments. Precambrian Research 160, 94–107.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lu, SN, Yu, HF, Jin, W, Li, HK and Zhen, JK (2002) Microcontinents on the eastern margin of Tarim paleocontinent. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica 21, 318–26.Google Scholar
Ludwig, K (2003) ISOPLOT 3.0: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Berkeley, California: Berkeley Geochronology Center.Google Scholar
Ma, W, Jia, JT, Li, WF, Ma, YJ, Lei, XQ, Ren, EF and Xu, B (2017) LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age of gabbro from Yangkang area in South Qilian and its geological significance. Northwestern Geology 50, 75–82.Google Scholar
Mao, J, Zhang, Z, Yang, J, Song, B, Wu, M and Zuo, G (1997) Dating of single-grain zircon for Precambrian strata in western part of North Qilian Mountains. Chinese Science Bulletin 42, 1414–17.Google Scholar
McClellan, E and Gazel, E (2014) The Cryogenian intra-continental rifting of Rodinia: evidence from the Laurentian margin in eastern North America. Lithos 206–207, 321–37.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Meschede, M (1986) A method of discriminating between different types of mid-ocean ridge basalts and continental tholeiites with the Nb-Zr-Y diagram. Chemical Geology 56, 207–18.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Niu, GZ, Huang, G, Deng, CS, Xu, Y, Chen, T, Ji, C and Li, WJ (2016) LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages of metamorphic volcanic rocks in Balonggongge’er formation of South Qilian mountain in Qinghai province and their geological significance. Geological Bulletin of China 35, 1442–7.Google Scholar
Park, JK, Buchan, KL and Harlan, SS (1995) A proposed giant radiating dyke swarm fragmented by the separation of Laurentia and Australia based on paleomagnetism of ca. 780 Ma mafic intrusions in western North America. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 132, 129–39.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pearce, JA (1982) Trace element characteristics of lavas from destructive plate boundaries. In Andesites: Orogenic Andesites and Related Rocks (ed Thorpe, RS), pp. 525–48. New York: Wiley.Google Scholar
Pearce, JA and Cann, JR (1973) Tectonic setting of basic volcanic rocks determined using trace element analyses. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 19, 290–300.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pearce, JA and Norry, MJ (1979) Petrogenetic implications of Ti, Zr, Y, and Nb variations in volcanic rocks. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 69, 33–47.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peng, Y, Yu, S, Li, S, Zhang, J, Liu, Y, Li, Y and Santosh, M (2019) Early Neoproterozoic magmatic imprints in the Altun-Qilian-Kunlun region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: response to the assembly and breakup of Rodinia supercontinent. Earth-Science Reviews 199, 102954.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pfänder, JA, Münker, C, Stracke, A and Mezger, K (2007) Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf in ocean island basalts: implications for crust-mantle differentiation and the fate of Niobium. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 254, 158–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Powell, CMA, Preiss, WV, Gatehouse, CG, Krapez, B and Li, ZX (1994) South Australian record of a Rodinian epicontinental basin and its mid-Neoproterozoic breakup (∼700 Ma) to form the Palaeo-Pacific Ocean. Tectonophysics 237, 113–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Preiss, WV (2000) The Adelaide geosyncline of south Australia and its significance in Neoproterozoic continental reconstruction. Precambrian Research 100, 21–63.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Qin, Y (2018) Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution in the South Qilian Orogen. Xi’an: Northwest University, 153 pp.Google Scholar
Qin, Y, Feng, Q, Chen, G, Chen, Y, Zou, KZ, Liu, Q, Jiao, QQ, Zhou, DW, Pan, LH and Gao, JD (2018) Devonian post-orogenic extension-related volcano-sedimentary rocks in the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, NW China: implications for the Paleozoic tectonic transition in the North Qaidam Orogen. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 156, 145–66.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Qin, Y, Zhang, XL, Feng, Q, Zhang, X, Gao, JD and Chen, Y (2021) Paleozoic tectonic transition of the North Qilian Belt in the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, NW China: insights from detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and sedimentology. Geological Journal 56, 5531–49.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ren, JH, Liu, YQ, Zhou, DW, Feng, Q, Zhang, K, Dong, ZL and Qin, PL (2010) Geochemical characteristics and LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of basic dykes in the Xiaomiao area, Eastern Kunlun. Journal of Jilin University 40, 860–8.Google Scholar
Ren, JH, Zhang, K, Liu, YQ, Zhou, DW and Feng, Q (2011) Geochemical characteristics and zircon dating of basalt-gabbro from the South Jinshuikou area, Eastern Kunlun. Journal of Northwest University 41, 101–6.Google Scholar
Rubatto, D (2002) Zircon trace element geochemistry: partitioning with garnet and the link between U-Pb ages and metamorphism. Chemical Geology 184, 123–38.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rudnick, RL and Gao, S (2003) Composition of the Continental Crust. Amsterdam: Elsevier Inc.Google Scholar
Saunders, AD, Rogers, G, Marriner, GF, Terrell, DJ and Verma, SP (1987) Geochemistry of Cenezoic volcanic rocks, Baja California, Mexico: implications for the petrogenesis of post-subduction magmas. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 32, 223–45.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Song, SG, Niu, YL, Su, L and Xia, XH (2013) Tectonics of the North Qilian orogen, NW China. Gondwana Research 23, 1378–401.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Song, TZ, Liu, JD, Li, J, Zhang, XY, Liang, KX and Zhen, Y (2016) LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age of gabbro and basalt in the Baimuxia area of North Qilian and its geological significance. Northwestern Geology 49, 33–42.Google Scholar
Su, JP, Hu, NG, Zhang, HF and Fu, GM (2004) Single zircon U-Pb dating and geological significance of the Diaodaban western segment of Northern Qilian Mountain. Geological Science and Technology Information 23, 12–14.Google Scholar
Sun, SS and McDonough, WF (1989) Chemical and isotopic systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. In Magmatism in the Ocean Basins (eds AD Saunders and MJ Norry), pp. 313–45. Geological Society of London, Special Publication no. 42.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tseng, CY, Yang, HY, Wan, Y, Liu, D, Wen, DJ, Lin, TC and Tung, KA (2006) Finding of Neoproterozoic (∼775 Ma) magmatism recorded in metamorphic complexes from the North Qilian orogen: evidence from SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating. Chinese Science Bulletin 51, 963–70.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tung, KA, Yang, HY, Liu, DY, Zhang, JX, Yang, HJ, Shau, YH and Tseng, CY (2013) The Neoproterozoic granitoids from the Qilian block, NW China: evidence for a link between the Qilian and South China blocks. Precambrian Research 235, 163–89.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Turner, S and Hawkesworth, C (1995) The nature of the sub-continental mantle: constraints from the major-element composition of continental flood basalts. Chemical Geology 120, 295–314.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wan, L, Zeng, Z, Asimow, PD, Zeng, Z, Peng, L, Xu, D, Wei, Y, Liu, W, Lu, C and Chang, W (2019) Mid-Neoproterozoic mafic rocks in the western Jiangnan orogen, South China: intracontinental rifting or subduction? Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 185, 104039.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, L, Li, XM, Hu, ZG, Yang, C, Guo, LF, Yan, HZ, Ge, RC and Ji, B (2019) Zircon U-Pb dating and geochemistry of Kebasitao basalt from the middle part of southern Danghe mountains in Southern Qilian and its geological implication. Geotectonica et Metallogenia 43, 1069–77.Google Scholar
Wang, R, Xu, Z, Santosh, M, Xu, X, Deng, Q and Fu, X (2017) Middle Neoproterozoic (ca. 705–716 Ma) arc to rift transitional magmatism in the northern margin of the Yangtze block: constraints from geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes. Journal of Geodynamics 109, 59–74.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, XC, Li, ZX, Li, J, Pisarevsky, SA and Wingate, MTD (2014) Genesis of the 1.21 Ga Marnda Moorn large igneous province by plume-lithosphere interaction. Precambrian Research 241, 85–103.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, XC, Li, ZX, Li, XH, Li, QL and Zhang, QR (2011) Geochemical and Hf-Nd isotope data of Nanhua rift sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks indicate a Neoproterozoic continental flood basalt provenance. Lithos 127, 427–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, YL, Zhang, CJ and Xiu, SZ (2001) Th/Hf-Ta/Hf identification of tectonic setting of basalts. Acta Petrologica Sinica 17, 414–21.Google Scholar
Weaver, BL (1991) The origin of ocean island basalt end-member compositions: trace element and isotopic constraints. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 104, 381–97.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wiedenbeck, M, Allé, P, Corfu, F, Griffin, WL, Meier, M, Oberli, F, Von Quadt, A, Roddick, JC and Spiegel, W (1995) Three natural zircon standards for U-Th-Pb, Lu-Hf, trace element and REE analyses. Geostandards Newsletter 19, 1–23.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wilson, M (1989) Igneous Petrogenesis. Dordrecht: Springer.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Winchester, JA and Floyd, PA (1977) Geochemical discrimination of different magma series and their differentiation products using immobile elements. Chemical Geology 20, 325–43.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wingate, MTD, Campbell, IH, Compston, W and Gibson, GM (1998) Ion microprobe U-Pb ages for Neoproterozoic basaltic magmatism in south-central Australia and implications for the breakup of Rodinia. Precambrian Research 87, 135–59.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wu, FY, Yang, YH, Xie, LW, Yang, JH and Xu, P (2006) Hf isotopic compositions of the standard zircons and baddeleyites used in U-Pb geochronology. Chemical Geology 234, 105–26.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Xia, LQ, Li, XM, Yu, JY and Wang, GQ (2016) Mid-late Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic volcanism and tectonic evolution of the Qilianshan, NW China. GeoResJ 9–12, 1–41.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Xiao, WJ, Windley, BF, Yong, Y, Yan, Z, Yuan, C, Liu, CZ and Li, JL (2009) Early Paleozoic to Devonian multiple-accretionary model for the Qilian Shan, NW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 35, 323–33.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Xu, WC, Zhang, HF and Liu, XM (2007) U-Pb zircon dating constraints on formation time of Qilian high-grade metamorphic rock and its tectonic implications. Chinese Science Bulletin 52, 531–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Xu, X, Song, SG, Su, L, Li, ZX, Niu, YL and Allen, MB (2015) The 600–580 Ma continental rift basalts in North Qilian Shan, northwest China: links between the Qilian-Qaidam block and SE Australia, and the reconstruction of East Gondwana. Precambrian Research 257, 47–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Xu, XY, Wang, HL, Chen, JL, He, SP, Wu, P and Gao, T (2008) Zircon U-Pb dating and petrogenesis of Xinglongshan group basic volcanic rocks at eastern segment of Middle Qilian Mts. Acta Petrologica Sinica 24, 827–40.Google Scholar
Xu, YJ, Du, YS, Cawood, PA, Guo, H, Huang, H and An, ZH (2010) Detrital zircon record of continental collision: assembly of the Qilian Orogen, China. Sedimentary Geology 230, 35–45.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Xu, ZQ, He, BZ, Zhang, CL, Zhang, JX, Wang, ZM and Cai, ZH (2013) Tectonic framework and crustal evolution of the Precambrian basement of the Tarim Block in NW China: new geochronological evidence from deep drilling samples. Precambrian Research 235, 150–62.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yan, Z, Aitchison, J, Fu, C, Guo, X, Niu, M, Xia, W and Li, J (2015) Hualong complex, South Qilian terrane: U-Pb and Lu-Hf constraints on Neoproterozoic micro-continental fragments accreted to the northern Proto-Tethyan margin. Precambrian Research 266, 65–85.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yan, Z, Fu, CL, Aitchison, J, Niu, M, Buckman, S and Cao, B (2019) Early Cambrian Muli arc–ophiolite complex: a relic of the Proto-Tethys oceanic lithosphere in the Qilian Orogen, NW China. International Journal of Earth Sciences 108, 1147–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yang, JH, Du, YS, Cawood, PA and Xu, YJ (2009) Silurian collisional suturing onto the southern margin of the North China craton: detrital zircon geochronology constraints from the Qilian Orogen. Sedimentary Geology 220, 95–104.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yang, JS, Wu, CL, Zhang, JX, Shi, RD, Meng, FC, Wooden, J and Yang, HY (2006) Protolith of eclogites in the north Qaidam and Altun UHP terrane, NW China: earlier oceanic crust? Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 28, 185–204.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yu, SY, Zhang, JX, Qin, HP, Sun, DY, Zhao, XL, Cong, F and Li, YS (2015) Petrogenesis of the early Paleozoic low-Mg and high-Mg adakitic rocks in the North Qilian orogenic belt, NW China: implications for transition from crustal thickening to extension thinning. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 107, 122–39.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhang, CL, Zou, HB, Li, HK and Wang, HY (2013) Tectonic framework and evolution of the Tarim block in NW China. Gondwana Research 23, 1306–15.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhang, GD, Xu, ZQ, Gong, J, Fen, J, Han, YB, Zhang, JW, Zhou, Y and Huang, Z (2016) Geochronology and significance of intermediate-acid intrusive rocks in Quanji area, Gangcha, Qinghai. Geological Journal of China Universities 22, 113–26.Google Scholar
Zhang, YQ, Song, SG, Yang, LM, Su, L, Niu, YL, Allen, MB and Xu, X (2017) Basalts and picrites from a plume-type ophiolite in the South Qilian accretionary belt, Qilian Orogen: accretion of a Cambrian oceanic plateau? Lithos 278–281, 97–110.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhou, J, Li, XH, Ge, W and Li, ZX (2007) Age and origin of middle Neoproterozoic mafic magmatism in southern Yangtze block and relevance to the break-up of Rodinia. Gondwana Research 12, 184–97.CrossRefGoogle Scholar