Geochronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotopic compositions of Triassic igneous rocks in the easternmost segment of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China: implications for magmatism and tectonic evolution

The voluminous Triassic igneous rocks in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB) are important for investigations of the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. This study focused on the geochronology and petrogenesis of igneous rocks in the Elashan area with the aim of constraining the regional tectonic evolution. The 238 Ma syenogranites are characterized by high SiO2 contents and marked depletions in Sr and Eu. We conclude that they are highly fractionated I-type granites derived from partial melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crust with significant fractional crystallization. Comparing with contemporaneous granites and mafic rocks, the 236 Ma quartz monzodiorites have moderate MgO (1.5-1.6 wt.%) and SiO2 (61.0-61.9 wt.%) contents and epsilon Hf(t) values (-1.2 to +1.9). They were probably generated by the mixing of Mesoproterozoic lower-crust-derived and enriched lithospheric mantle-derived melts. The 230 Ma appinites have high MgO contents (3.8-6.1 wt.%) and enriched Hf isotopic compositions, and were likely derived from partial melting of lithospheric mantle that had been metasomatized by subduction fluids. We infer that these rocks were emplaced in syn-collisional slab break-off and the later initial post-collisional extensional setting between the BayanHar-Songpan Ganze and East Kunlun terranes. The basement composition, magmatism, and tectonic evolution of the Elashan area are similar to those of the eastern EKOB.

Automated summary

This study investigates the geochronology and petrogenesis of igneous rocks in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, revealing the unique geological characteristics and tectonic evolution of the Elashan area. The 238 Ma syenogranites, 236 Ma quartz monzodiorites, and 230 Ma appinites have distinct origins and formation processes, reflecting changes in tectonic environments and associated magmatic activities. These rocks were likely emplaced during syn-collisional slab break-off and initial post-collisional extensional settings.