Mesozoic multiple magmatic events in Bangor area: Constraints on the tectonic evolution of Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean. (13th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xie, Weiming; Peng, Yinbiao; Lv, Pei; Gao, Xiangyu; Yu, Shengyao
• Is Part Of: Geological journal. Volume 56:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 4557
• Page End: 4593
• Publication Date: 2021-06-13
• Subjects: Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean -- Bangor area -- geochemistry -- geochronology -- granitoids -- southward subduction; Geology -- Periodicals; 551
• DOI: 10.1002/gj.4166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0072-1050

Abstract

Abstract : The Bangor area is located in the middle part of the Bangong–Nujiang Suture Zone (BNSZ), where a large number of Middle Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks are exposed, and is a key area for studying the tectonic evolution of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean (BNO). However, the arc magmatic system triggered by the southward subduction of the BNO has not been systematically identified in the northern margin of the Lhasa Terrane, and the timing of initial subduction and closure is still controversial. In this study, four granite, two amphibolite, and one gabbro samples from the Bangor area yield two clusters intrusive ages of 162–168 Ma and 121–133 Ma. The Stages I and II granites show whole‐rock geochemistry similar to those of continent arc magmatism, characterized by enrichment in large ionic lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Th, Rb, K) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, P, Ti). The Stage I magmatic rocks consist of granodiorite, amphibolite, and gabbro and have similar zircon ε Hf ( t ) values of −10.1 to −3.5, which may be formed by partial melting of enriched mantle wedge related to the southward subduction of the BNO. The Stage II highly differentiated I‐type granites show positive zircon ε Hf ( t ) values of +1.5 to +9.9, which are considered the product of highly differentiated processes via the mixed magma derived from depleted mantle and lower crustal rocks. The Stage II I‐type granites show negative zircon ε Hf ( t ) values of −9.2 to −0.7, which are derived from a mixed magma source generated by partial melting of lower crust and enriched lithospheric mantle. On the basis of data from this study and previous research studies, a four‐stage tectonic evolutionary model of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean is constructed: Stage 1 (190–145 Ma), the northward and southward subduction of BNO formed a series of arc magmatism; Stage 2 (145–135 Ma), a magmatism lull occurred on the north side due to the subduction effect of the ocean plateau, while the southward subduction still continued; Stage 3 (135–116 Ma), the roll‐back of subducted slab enhanced the magmatism in this stage; and Stage 4 (<116 Ma), the closure of BNO lead to the formation of syn‐collisional magmatism. Abstract : The Bangor area is located in the middle part of the Bangong–Nujiang Suture Zone (BNSZ), where a large number of Middle Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks are exposed, and is a key area for studying the tectonic evolution of the Bangong‐Nujiang Tethys Ocean (BNO). However, the arc magmatic system triggered by the southward subduction of the BNO has not been systematically identified in the northern margin of the Lhasa Terrane, and the timing of initial subduction and closure is still controversial. In this study, four granite, two amphibolite, and one gabbro samples from the Bangor area yield two clusters of intrusive ages of 162–168 Ma and 121–133 Ma. The Stage I and II granites show whole‐rock geochemistry similar to those of continent arc magmatism, characterized by enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Th, Rb, K) and depletion in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, P, Ti). The Stage I magmatic rocks consist of granodiorite, amphibolite, and gabbro and have similar zircon ε Hf ( t ) values of −10.1 to −3.5, which may be formed by partial melting of enriched mantle wedge related to the southward subduction of the BNO. The Stage II highly differentiated I‐type granites show positive zircon ε Hf ( t ) values of +1.5 to +9.93, which are considered the product of highly differentiated processes via the mixed magma derived from depleted mantle and lower crustal rocks. The Stage II I‐type granites show negative zircon ε Hf ( t ) values of −9.2 to −0.7, which are derived from a mixed magma source generated by partial melting of lower crust and enriched lithospheric mantle. On the basis of data from this study and previous research studies, a four‐stage tectonic evolutionary model of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean is constructed: Stage 1 (190–145 Ma), the northward and southward subduction of BNO formed a series of arc magmatism; Stage 2 (145–135 Ma), a magmatism lull occurred on the north side due to the subduction effect of the ocean plateau, while the southward subduction still continued; Stage 3 (135–116 Ma), the roll‐back of subducted slab enhanced the magmatism in this stage; Stage 4 (<116 Ma), the closure of BNO lead to the formation of syn‐collisional magmatism.