Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chuan-Bing Xu, Ji-Peng Zeng, Qiang Wang, Xiu-Zheng Zhang, Quan Ou, Jun Wang, Lu-Lu Hao, Yiwei Chen
Summary: This study investigates the timing and mechanism of crustal thickening and initial surface uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. Based on geological analysis of granite porphyries and quartz monzonites from the Qoima Co area, the researchers suggest that continental subduction and melange underplating may have been responsible for the observed processes.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xiugen Fu, Jian Wang, Hengye Wei, Xinglei Feng, Shengqiang Zeng, Yuhong Zeng, Ying Nie
Summary: This article reports new zircon U-Pb ages of the Devonian-Permian sedimentary rocks in the central Qiangtang, revealing changes in sedimentary provenances over time. The study found that the Devonian and Carboniferous strata in the Qiangtang terrane have similar age spectra, indicating a Gondwana affinity. The research also provides insights into the uplift process of the Central Uplift in the Qiangtang terrane.
JOURNAL OF ASIAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xijun Ni, Qiang Li, Tao Deng, Limin Zhang, Hao Gong, Chao Qin, Jingsong Shi, Fuqiao Shi, Shubing Fu
Summary: Yuomys are medium-sized rodents from low elevation areas in China. Two new species of Yuomys were discovered in the Gemusi pull-apart basin in the Hengduan Mountains and the Chake Basin in Yunnan Province. These findings suggest that these species lived in low elevation forest environments during the early middle Eocene.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geology
Guoqing Xia, Chihua Wu, Ahmed Mansour, Xin Jin, Haisheng Yi, Gaojie Li, Qiushuang Fan, Zhiqiang Shi, Julian B. Murton, Junling Pei, Juan Pedro Rodriguez-Lopez
Summary: Intermittent cryospheric processes occurred in the midlatitude Northern Hemisphere during the late Eocene and Eocene-Oligocene transition, as evidenced by the presence of frost marks, ice-rafted debris (IRD), and glendonites in the Lunpola Basin of the central Tibetan Plateau. These cryospheric deposits, dated to approximately 36.2-31.8 Ma, provide robust continental evidence for the influence of the global cold snap EOT-1 on already glacierized high-altitude mountains, resulting in the development of ice fields, ice caps, and valley glaciers with proglacial lake systems.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bo-Chuan Zhang, Jian-Jun Fan, Hai-Yong Liu, An-Bo Luo, Hang Li
Summary: In this study, the Eocene palaeogeomorphology and uplift process of the Central Tibetan Plateau, specifically the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes, were investigated through the analysis of Eocene rhyolites in the Wuma area. The results reveal that the Wuma rhyolites have an age range of 40-39 Ma and were formed through partial melting of the lower crust. Comparative analysis with magmatic rocks from other regions suggests that the Northern Lhasa terrane had a thinner crust during the late Eocene compared to the Southern-Central Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes. Additionally, based on the theory of Airy isostatic compensation, it is speculated that the Northern Lhasa terrane had a lower altitude while the Southern-Central Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes had a higher altitude during the late Eocene, indicating a palaeogeomorphology of two mountains and one basin. Furthermore, the analysis of magmatic rocks suggests that the crust of the Northern Lhasa terrane underwent thickening and surface uplift during the late Eocene, possibly due to lower crustal channel flow.
Article
Geography, Physical
Gui-chun Wu, Zhan-sheng Ji, Gary G. Lash, Jian-xin Yao
Summary: Prior to their extinction at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, conodonts were diverse and abundant during Norian time. The faunal turnovers at the base of the Norian and the Alaunian confirm that the end-Triassic mass extinction was prolonged. Investigation of Norian conodonts is important for understanding the end Triassic mass extinction event and Late Triassic palaeobiogeography. The geographic distribution of Norian conodonts suggests the separation of Eastern Tethys into northern Tethys and southern Tethys realms.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhongbao Zhao, Haijian Lu, Shiguang Wang, Haibing Li, Chao Li, Dongliang Liu, Jiawei Pan, Yong Zheng, Minkun Bai
Summary: Research indicates that the relatively low and flat topography of the Qiangtang Terrane (QT) in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) was mostly formed before 40 million years ago. The QT experienced multiple-stage uplift processes, controlled by crustal thickening before 40 million years ago and lithospheric mantle delamination during the Oligocene.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geology
Huanhuan Yang, Juxing Tang, Yang Song, John Dilles, Francis Sousa, Bin Lin
Summary: This study presents new apatite fission track (AFT) and apatite (U-Th)/He (AHe) data to reveal the uplift and exhumation history of the Duolong ore district. The ages show rapid exhumation between 65 and 35 Ma, followed by slower exhumation since 35 Ma. Heterogeneous surface uplift of the Qiangtang terrane is observed, with Central Qiangtang experiencing uplift in the Early Cretaceous and the Duolong ore district showing evidence of exhumation during that period. Large-scale uplift and exhumation from the Palaeocene to Eocene correlates with the rapid exhumation in the Duolong ore district between 65 and 35 Ma, and uplift and exhumation at the edge of the Qiangtang terrane since the Eocene resulted in the present elevation of the Duolong ore district.
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Qiang Ke, Tao Hong, Xing-Wang Xu, Hao Li, Xiao-Xue Tong, Lian-Hui Dong, Ting-Bin Fan, Hang Li, Yu-Hao Li
Summary: The felsic igneous rocks in the Songxi area are likely generated by partial melting of a thickened lower crust, with isotopic data suggesting they formed in a continental margin arc setting. The integration of new and existing data allows for the conclusion that some sediment-derived granites form in a continental arc setting, unrelated to continental collision. This study provides insights into the tectonic processes and crustal evolution of the western Tibetan Plateau during the Early Cretaceous.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yue Qi, Qiang Wang, Gang-Jian Wei, Derek A. Wyman, Xiu-Zheng Zhang, Wei Dan, Le Zhang, Ya-Nan Yang
Summary: The formation of post-collisional mantle-derived rocks in the Tibetan Plateau, particularly in the northern Qiangtang Terrane, has been studied. The origins of silica-undersaturated magmas and the mechanisms responsible for variable silica activity in these rocks have been investigated. The analysis of the Bamaoqiongzong volcanic rocks provides insights into the formation processes, indicating partial melting of carbonated phlogopite-lherzolite. Fractional crystallization and magma mixing in a magmatic plumbing system played a role in the formation of the olivine leucitites-trachybasalts-phonolites suite.
JOURNAL OF PETROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yang Song, Wei Chen, Shaogang Wei, Xudong Ma, Miao Sun, Qingping Liu
Summary: The research indicates that Jurassic continental arc magmatism in the southern Qiangtang Terrane has relatively homogeneous Sr-Nd isotopic compositions, along with a wide range of Hf isotopic compositions. Different intrusive rocks in the area have different geochemical characteristics, suggesting derivation from a common parent magma but experiencing different magmatic processes. The fractionation of igneous garnet and amphibole played a significant role in driving the continental arc towards silica-rich compositions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shengyin Zhang, Ming Shao, Tao Wang, Yu Pei, Bo Chen
Summary: This study investigates the formation mechanism of carbonate-rich deposits and their linkage with the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau through the analysis of carbonate-rich cores from the Upper Youshashan Formation in the Qaidam Basin. The results show that carbonate minerals consist mainly of Fe-dolomite and calcite and are positively correlated with the carbonate oxygen isotope value. Chemical weathering, aquatic organism burgeoning, and lake alkalinization promote the widespread precipitation of carbonate rocks in the study area. Sulfate-reducing bacteria play a key role in the genesis of lacustrine dolomite.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiaohui Zeng, Tingting Gong, Han Zhao, Fuhao Xiong
Summary: This study investigates lamprophyre dykes in the northern Qiangtang terrane of central Tibet, providing new petrological, geochronological, geochemical, and zircon Lu-Hf isotopic data. The results suggest that these dykes were derived from an enriched mantle source, metasomatized by subduction-related fluids and sediment-derived melts. The findings contribute to a better understanding of mantle metasomatism and tectonic evolution.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liang Liu, Lijun Liu, Jason. P. Morgan, Yi-Gang Xu, Ling Chen
Summary: The type of lithosphere subducted between India and Tibet has been a subject of debate, with suggestions ranging from completely continental to entirely oceanic or a mixture of the two. This study uses numerical models to explore the nature and density structure of the lost lithosphere and shows that Tibetan tectonism away from the Himalayan syntaxis is consistent with the initial indentation of a craton-like terrane followed by the subduction of a buoyant tectonic plate with a thin crust.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jingyi Wei, Yongli Wang, Gen Wang, Zhifu Wei, Wei He, Ting Zhang, Xueyun Ma, Pengyuan Zhang, He Ma, Xiaoli Yu, Shangkun Li, Lun Li
Summary: In this study, sediments from the Nangqian Basin were analyzed to investigate the depositional history and climate change during the Eocene. The results showed that variations in compound-specific carbon isotopes and lipid biomarkers were associated with paleoclimate and terrestrial inputs. Comparison with other records indicated that climate variations in the Nangqian Basin during the Eocene were mainly controlled by global climate change and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ming Lei, Jian-Lin Chen, Ji-Feng Xu, Yun-Chuan Zeng, Qiu-Wei Xiong
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA BULLETIN
(2020)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xi-Jun Liu, Zhi-Guo Zhang, Ji-Feng Xu, Wen-Jiao Xiao, Yu Shi, Xiao-Han Gong, Zhen-Jiang Tan, Rui Li
GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Chuan Zeng, Ji-Feng Xu, Feng Huang, Ming-Jian Li, Qin Chen
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA BULLETIN
(2020)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zheng-Yu Yang, Xiao-Han Gong, Ji-Feng Xu, Xi-Jun Liu, Zhi-Guo Zhang, Hai-Long Zhou
GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hui-Qiang Xing, Xiao-Wei Li, Ji-Feng Xu, Xuan-Xue Mo, Wei Shan, Hong-Xia Yu, Jun-Qiang Hu, Xiong-Fei Huang, Guo-Chen Dong
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ye Tian, Feng Huang, Jifeng Xu, Baodi Wang, Han Liu, Yunchuan Zeng, Xijun Liu, Changqi Yang, Hongxia Yu, Yaqian Wen, Zhao Zhang, Liying Zhang, Yutong Zhang
Summary: Southern Tibet is a key region for studying the magmatism during the collision between India and Asia. The Lianxiang gabbros provide an ideal opportunity to investigate the initial slab break-off, with geochemical characteristics suggesting a shallow asthenospheric mantle source. N-MORB-type rocks are proposed to reflect the tearing of the Neo-Tethyan slab, with variations in the process of slab break-off between western and eastern southern Tibet possibly due to different lithospheric structures and compositions.
GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Geology
Yunchuan Zeng, Mihai N. Ducea, Jifeng Xu, Jianlin Chen, Yan-Hui Dong
Summary: This study used clinopyroxene compositions and zircon Hf-O isotopes to investigate the formation mechanism of Eocene adakitic rocks from the Qiangtang block in central Tibetan Plateau. Results suggest that the origin of these rocks is likely from foundered and eclogitized lower crust rather than subducted upper crust. The mantle-like zircon isotopes support a mafic source hypothesis. Surface uplift in central Tibet may not be significant due to weak crust as a response to lithosphere removal.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Sheng-Sheng Chen, Wei-Ming Fan, Ren-Deng Shi, Ji-Feng Xu, Ke Yang, Zheng Pan
Summary: This study presents an analysis of volcanic rocks from the Yunzhug area in northern Lhasa, providing insights into an important stage of tectono-magmatic events in the region. The rocks consist of high-K affinity A-type rhyolites and andesites, originating from a mixed mantle source with contributions from continental crust melting.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Feng Huang, Zhao Zhang, Jifeng Xu, Xiyao Li, Yunchuan Zeng, Rong Xu, Xijun Liu, Liying Zhang, Man Zhang, Changqi Yang, Liangliang Zhang, Hongxia Yu, Xuli Yang
Summary: A suite of Early Jurassic mafic volcanic rocks from the Sk2 Borehole in the Songliao Basin, NE China, show geochemical signatures consistent with formation in a back-arc extensional setting. These rocks likely formed in response to lithospheric extension triggered by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yun-Chuan Zeng, Ji-Feng Xu, Jian-Lin Chen, Bao-Di Wang, Feng Huang, Xiao-Ping Xia, Ming-Jian Li
Summary: This study presents new geochronological and geochemical data, confirming the presence of Early Cretaceous ophiolite within the Bangong-Nujiang Suture Zone and supporting a new model for the evolution of the Meso-Tethys Ocean.
Article
Geology
Yangyang Feng, Wei Fu, Zuohai Feng, Jianwen Yang, Zhongyang Li, Xingwen Le, Saisai Li, Meng Feng, Chunzeng Wang, Jifeng Xu
Summary: The study presents a deep-seated granitic pluton in western South China, known as the Xidamingshan granite pluton, which is associated with mineralization in the region. Geological dating indicates the pluton's formation during the Late Cretaceous period, temporally linked to the mineralization, exhibiting typical S-type granite characteristics.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geology
De-Xin Kong, Kang Cao, Ji-Feng Xu, Jie Li, Wei Li
Summary: This study investigates the behavior of molybdenum isotopes in magmatic-hydrothermal systems in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau of China. The results show that the molybdenum isotopic compositions in the Pulang deposit differ from those in the Disuga and Lannitang areas, with pyrite having higher values than chalcopyrite and molybdenite. The presence of micron-scale molybdenite inclusions in chalcopyrite from the Pulang deposit may contribute to the comparable Mo isotope values between the two minerals.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bo Xu, Zeng-Qian Hou, William L. Griffin, Yongjun Lu, Elena Belousova, Ji-Feng Xu, Suzanne Y. O'Reilly
Summary: The study of geochemical characteristics of apatite associated with porphyry deposits provides insights into the origin of copper and gold mineralization and the transport of metals in magmatic fluids. The higher concentrations of Cl and S in apatites from fertile porphyries compared to barren ones suggest a derivation from pre-enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle affected by previous oceanic subduction. This study highlights the importance of refertilization of suprasubduction lithospheric mantle for the formation of fertile porphyry deposits in post-subduction settings.
AMERICAN MINERALOGIST
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xijun Liu, Ji-Feng Xu, Paterno R. Castillo, Wenjiao Xiao, Yu Shi, Zhiguo Zhang, Xuan-Ce Wang, Songjian Ao, Baohua Wang, Rongguo Hu, Xuefa Shi, Hongxia Yu, Pengde Liu, Yujia Song
Summary: The study reveals the differences between Pacific-type and Indian-type mantle domains in the upper mantle, both of which can be traced back to either the early Paleozoic or Neoproterozoic, with the Indian-type mantle domain influenced by plate tectonics, while the Pacific-type mantle domain may originate from Earth's primordial mantle.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Chuan Zeng, Ji-Feng Xu, Jian-Lin Chen, Bao-Di Wang, Feng Huang
Summary: This study investigates the paleo-crustal thickness and elevation of western Tibet from the Cretaceous to Eocene using geochemical methods. The findings show that the northern Lhasa Block and southern Qiangtang Block had similar paleo-crustal thickness during the Late Cretaceous. However, by the mid-Eocene, the Qiangtang Block had reached its present-day thickness and elevation, which was not caused by the underthrusting of Indian crust. The study suggests that the western and central Qiangtang Block had a similar tectonomagmatic evolution during the early Paleogene, resulting in the formation of a continuous proto-plateau in central Tibet. Furthermore, the underthrusting of the Indian lithosphere beneath the western Qiangtang Block after Eocene had minimal impact on further crustal thickening and uplift.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)