Tectonic Controls on Magmatic Tempo in an Active Continental Margin: Insights From the Early Cretaceous Syn-Tectonic Magmatism in the Changle-Nan'ao Belt, South China

The cause of magmatic tempo in an active plate margin remains controversial, partly due to lack of structural analysis. During 130-105 Ma, the magmatism in the South China Block (SCB) was significantly reduced (lull) and restricted around the Changle-Nan'ao Belt (CNB) while the magmatism was highly active (flare-up) in North China. For unveiling the tectonic role on magmatism, a multidisciplinary study including field and microscopic structural observations, magnetic fabric measurement (AMS), and zircon/monazite dating was conducted on the plutons with oriented minerals in the CNB. Structural analysis and AMS results show a highly clustered NE-striking vertical foliation developed during the emplacement indicating a syn-emplacement NW-SE shortening regime. The geochronology results confirm that the emplacement occurred during 130-105 Ma. Regional geologic correlation indicates that the collision between the Dangerous Grounds-West Philippines Block and SCB was responsible for this shortening regime. The collected depleted zircon epsilon Hf(t) data suggest that a possible collision-triggered slab break-off caused the syn-collisional magmatic activity around the CNB. This study shows that the magmatic lull in the SCB was coeval with a crustal shortening regime due to the arrival of a microcontinent carried by the subduction slab, while the magmatic flare-up was coeval with an extensional regime due to the subduction roll-back and retreat as evidenced by the Cretaceous evolution of the SCB before and after the collision and that of North China which is unaffected by the collision. The cause of magmatic tempo in the continental margin is largely due to the tectonic evolution of underlain subduction slabs.

Automated summary

The magmatic tempo in an active plate margin is influenced by the tectonic evolution of underlain subduction slabs. This study reveals that the collision between the Dangerous Grounds-West Philippines Block and the South China Block (SCB) caused a shortening regime, leading to a decrease in magmatic activity in the CNB. It demonstrates the importance of tectonic processes in controlling magmatism in continental margin.