A re-evaluation of the Meso-Cenozoic thermo-tectonic evolution of Bogda Shan (Tian Shan, NW China) based on new basement and detrital apatite fission track thermochronology

Bogda Shan is a mountain belt located at the eastern extremity of the Chinese Tianshan and records a complex and debated exhumation history. Previous studies have reported a young Cenozoic thermal history for the exhumation of Bogda Shan, which is in conflict with the observation of preserved Mesozoic erosion surfaces in the area. This study re-evaluates the Meso-Cenozoic thermo-tectonic evolution of Bogda Shan using apatite fission track (AFT) thermochronology. Palaeozoic basement (meta-sandstone) samples collected from the northern and southwestern flanks of the mountain ranges reveal apparent Mesozoic AFT ages ranging from similar to 202 Ma to similar to 97 Ma. Inverse thermal history modelling results reveal slow to moderate basement cooling during the early Mesozoic, corresponding to relatively low levels of exhumation. This accounts for the preservation of low-relief Mesozoic peneplanation surfaces recognized at elevations of similar to 3500-4000 m. None of the presented AFT data and thermal history models show any evidence for significant deep Cenozoic exhumation. In the neighbouring Junggar Basin, a Middle Jurassic sandstone sample records partial resetting of the AFT system during the Cretaceous. This observation conflicts with previous data (from the same Jurassic strata) where complete resetting of the AFT clock during the Cenozoic was suggested. Furthermore, Lower Cretaceous and Palaeogene sediments from the Turpan-Hami Basin show non-reset detrital AFT age populations of similar to 197, similar to 135, and similar to 104 Ma, which are coincident with the main pulses of exhumation recorded in the Chinese North Tianshan. Based on a comprehensive summary of the published data, we argue for a Mesozoic building of the Bogda-Balikun-Harlik mountain chain in the eastern Chinese Tianshan. Subsequent Cenozoic exhumation must have been relatively modest at most (<2 km) as it was not recorded by AFT thermochronology.

Automated summary

This study re-evaluates the thermo-tectonic evolution of the Bogda Shan mountain range using apatite fission track thermochronology. The results suggest slow to moderate basement cooling during the early Mesozoic, explaining the preservation of low-relief Mesozoic erosion surfaces. In addition, partial resetting of the apatite fission track system during the Cretaceous and coincident ages with exhumation pulses in the Chinese North Tianshan were observed. Based on a comprehensive summary of published data, the authors argue for a Mesozoic building of the Bogda-Balikun-Harlik mountain chain and relatively modest Cenozoic exhumation.