Characteristics of the Late Mesozoic Tectonic Evolution of the South China Block and Geodynamic Implications

Characteristics of the Late Mesozoic Tectonic Evolution of the South China Block and Geodynamic Implications
Author: Wei Wei
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2013
Genre:
ISBN:

The vast distribution and long duration of the Late Mesozoic magmatism in the eastern part of South China presents a unique case in the world. This offers a natural laboratory to study the process of magma genesis, the magma emplacement mode, the relationship between magmatism and tectonics, the geodynamic role on the magma emplacement and lithospheric evolution. Since 50's, particularly 90's of the last century, geoscientists have made important efforts in geological cartography and carried out numerous studies with remarkable scientific achievements, building a solid background to understand the tectonic evolution of the South China Block (SCB). However, certain fundamental questions mentioned above remain unsolved and/or are in hot debate. In order to make progress in these scientific issues, we have carried out in a multi-disciplinary study in the Late Mesozoic Qingyang-Jiuhua massif, Hengshan massif and Fujian coastal zone according to their distance with respect to the paleo subduction zone of the Paleo-Pacific plate, the ages of granitic massifs and related tectonics, including field observation on the structure geology, micro-observation on thin section, U-Pb dating on monazite, AMS, paleomagnetism, gravity modeling and P condition concern the granite emplacement. In the view of deformation in these granitic massifs and their country rocks, mode and influence of regional tectonics on the emplacement, though each studied zone reveals its distinguished characteristics, they show some intrinsic and common relationships between them. With our new results and integrating previous data, in this thesis, we discuss the tectonic context of emplacement of these Late Mesozoic magmatic massifs and the geodynamic evolution of the SCB., We propose a 3-step geodynamic model: (1) during 145-130 Ma period, the Paleo-Pacific plate subducted northwestwardly, the West Philippines micro-continent, approaching to SCB, important subduction-related arc volcanism was produced in the coastal areas of Southeast China coast (Zhejiang-Fujian-Guangdong), forming a back-arc extension tectonic system in SCB; (2) during 130-110 Ma period, due to the collision between the West Philippines microcontinent and SCB, the compressional tectonic structures were developed in the Changle-Na'ao coastal zone, producing ductile deformation zones. However, the inland of the eastern part of SCB was under a NW-SE extensional tectonic regime; (3) during 105-90 Ma period, a new subduction zone was developed in the SE flank of the West Philippines micro-continent, the subducting slab reached the Changle-Nan'ao tectonic belt, with the possible break-off of slab, the asthenospheric ascent was responsible for the important emplacement of plutonic massifs and dykes. The tectonics of the eastern part of SCB was characterized by a general extensional system in this period. This tectonic pattern has been significantly disturbed by the Oligocene-Eocene opening of the South China sea,and the Miocene shortening of the SCB margin in Taiwan. Of course, this model should be improved by more geological, geophysical and geochemical investigations.

Late Mesozoic extensional tectonics in south China

Late Mesozoic extensional tectonics in south China
Author: Wenbin Ji
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014
Genre:
ISBN:

Late Mesozoic extensional structures are widespread in eastern Eurasia (from Transbaikalia region in Russia to inland South China). They constitute the largest crustal extensional province in the world. This thesis selected extensional structures developed in three different tectonic settings in the South China block. Detailed studies including structural geology, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and geochronology (zircon and titanite U-Pb, monazite U-Th-Pb, and mica Ar-Ar) were conducted. The expression of these extensional structures is not the same for each area: (1) the Tongbai-Dabie HP/UHP orogenic belt along the northern edge of the South China block was reworked by Cretaceous extensional antiform or metamorphic core complex. Coeval with migmatization and syntectonic magmatism, the extensional regime started at ca. 145 Ma, and approached its climax at ca. 130 Ma that was signaled by removal of the orogenic root. Locally, a late (110-90 Ma) extensional event was also recorded; (2) the Dayunshan-Mufushan batholith intruding the Neoproterozoic Jiangnan orogen is composed of two phases of granitic intrusions with Late Jurassic (ca. 150 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (ca. 132 Ma) ages, respectively. The late pluton emplaced under a NW-SE extensional setting corresponding to the Early Cretaceous crustal thinning process, with a detachment fault developed along its western margin; (3) the Huangling anticline within the Yangtze craton is a nearly N-S striking asymmetric dome formed between the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. The sedimentary cover on the two flanks was involved in a series of oppositely-directed collapse folding and layer-parallel slipping. These examples of Cretaceous extensional structures in different tectonic levels (exhumation of middle-lower crust by strong stretching, syn-tectonic emplacement of granitic pluton with limited stretching, deformation of sedimentary cover under a weak extension) indicates that South China also was involved into the regional extensional regime coeval with the destruction of the North China craton. These results provide first-hand new structural evidence for further discussing the temporal-spatial framework and geodynamic setting of the Cretaceous extensional tectonics on the eastern margin of Eurasia.

The Tectonics of China

The Tectonics of China
Author: Tianfeng Wan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 508
Release: 2012-01-19
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642118682

"The Tectonics of China: Data, Maps and Evolution" presents the regional geological and petroleum surveys of China, the author's original tectonic data, and research results of Chinese and international scientists (more than 1500 references) from the last three decades. It examines the main developments of geological evolution, a series of tectonic events in the overall geological history, 13 tectonic maps of the entire continent of Asia in different tectonic epochs, and a general discussion of the main tectonic characteristics of the Chinese continental plate. This book also intensively discusses the Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonics and intraplate deformations, which control the majority of ore deposits and oil-gas reservoirs and have a tremendous influence on the climates and natural disasters on the continent. Some important tectonic theory problems are discussed, such as the mechanisms of the widespread intraplate deformation, the variation of lithosphere thickness, the existence of mantle plumes, the dynamic mechanisms for global tectonics, and the author's proposed hypotheses on mantle plumes and meteorite impacts. The book is intended for researchers and geologists working at universities, on geological surveys, for mining or petroleum companies, and for graduate students of geology and mineral resources. Tianfeng Wan is Professor at the China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China.

Aspects of the Tectonic Evolution of China

Aspects of the Tectonic Evolution of China
Author: J. Malpas
Publisher: Geological Society of London
Total Pages: 372
Release: 2004
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781862391567

This volume provides accounts of up-to-date research by Chinese and international geological teams on key aspects of the tectonic evolution of China and its surrounding areas. The papers describe the formation of the geological terranes that make up this part of east Asia, place constraints on plate tectonic models for their assembly and provide accounts of unique geological feature of the subcontinent.

The Geology and Tectonic Settings of China's Mineral Deposits

The Geology and Tectonic Settings of China's Mineral Deposits
Author: Franco Pirajno
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 689
Release: 2012-08-13
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400744447

Extensive descriptions of a wide range of key or world-class mineral deposits of China are presented in the context of the country’s general geology, tectonic units and mineral systems and their geodynamic evolution within the tectonic framework of the Asian continent. This comprehensive overview, incorporating the latest geological concepts, is the first such coverage written in English by a western expert, and will be of benefit to mineral explorers and miners, as well as to research scientists and students in institutions of higher education. In his compilation of this compendium of Chinese geology and mineral systems, Franco Pirajno draws on first-hand knowledge of China’s geology and mineral deposits gained in numerous field visits and research projects with Chinese colleagues from various academic institutions over the past 18 years. First time that a western-based book on China’s geology and mineral deposits is published Appropriate for use by the mineral exploration industry Modern English-language geological and mineral deposits information on China Most useful to Western (and Chinese) geoscientists

Characteristics of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic Geological Structure Development in North and South China

Characteristics of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic Geological Structure Development in North and South China
Author: Huang Chen-Hui
Publisher:
Total Pages: 319
Release: 1968
Genre:
ISBN:

The book is a summarization of a part of the field and laboratory work of the Research Laboratory of Structural Geology, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, from 1963 to 1965. The book is divided into three parts. The first part is the general discussion. The history of tectonic development in Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras in North and South China is divided into stages, and the geodynamic method is applied to analyze the tectonic deformation and the sedimentary facies and lava activities it controls in the various stages, and on the basis of this analysis, several viewpoints are proposed concerning the leading factors in the tectonic development. The second part is separate discussions. The primary characteristics of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic development in the five major stages in North and South China are investigated. The third part is special discussions. It deals mainly with the division of the Triassic tectonic movement in South China into different stages, the major types of Mesozoic tectonics, the relationship between lava activities and tectonics since the Triassic Period, and the tectonic characteristics of the South China platform. Finally, the litho-chemical characteristics of the Mesozoic volcanic rocks in East China and their relationship to tectonic geology are clarified. (Author).

Precambrian Geology of China

Precambrian Geology of China
Author: Mingguo Zhai
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 389
Release: 2015-08-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3662478854

This book is the first contribution to the overview of Precambrian geology of China. It covers Precambrian geology of the North China Craton, the South China Craton and the Tarim Craton, as well as other smaller blocks in the Chinese orogenic belts. It provides systematic concepts of the Chinese paleo-continents and incorporates the most up-to-date achievements. Edited by many of the active researchers working at the forefront of the related fields, it contributes greatly to the international Precambrian geology community and would be of interest to geoscientists working in the research field of geology of China and Precambrian geodynamics.

Geology of North-West Borneo

Geology of North-West Borneo
Author: C.S. Hutchison
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 445
Release: 2005-10-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080460895

The book is a comprehensive compilation of all aspects of the geology of Northwest Borneo (Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah) and the contiguous South China and Sulu Seas. The sedimentary formations are described, their palaeontology tabulated and ages discussed. Stratigraphic charts illustrate their relationships across the whole region. Detailed geological maps of selected areas are accompanied by cross sections based on outcrop patterns and drilling and seismic data offshore. Palaeocurrent maps are presented and the palaeogeography for different ages described and sedimentary provenance discussed. Descriptions of the ophiolite sequences, volcanic and plutonic rocks are accompanied by tables of selected chemical analyses and geochemical plots and their tectonic significance discussed. All radiometric data are tabulated and discussed. Regional structures and the predominantly Tertiary tectonics are described. In Sarawak the mountains are constructed of Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene greenschist facies shaly turbiditic Rajang Group, uplifted before the end of the Eocene. In Sabah the Western Cordillera is constructed of Eocene to Lower Miocene sandy turbidite uplifted in the Late Miocene and Pliocene. Miocene intrusion of Mount Kinabalu and uplift of the Cordillera is related to collision at the Northwest Borneo Trough. Gold, antimony, mercury and copper deposits are described and the tectonic setting of oil and gas deposits discussed. * Correlation tables, descriptions and ages of all major sedimentary formations of Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah* Petrology, geochemistry and ages of all volcanic and plutonic formations of North West Borneo and their tectonic significance* Economic geology including the geological setting of offshore oil and gas deposits