Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Zircon U-Pb Age, Geochemistry and geological implication of the 255 Ma Alkali-rich dykes from Ulungur Area, North Xinjiang

  • Published:
Journal of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Alkali-rich dykes of the Late Permian in Ulungur (乌伦古) area are representative products of granitic magmatism in the evolution of the Paleozoic orogenic belt in the East Junggar (准噶尔), North Xinjiang (新疆). We selected two representative samples for geochemical analysis (major and trace elements), and twenty-two zircon grains for zircon dating. Isoplot (ver3.0) was used to calculate isotopic age and make concordia diagrams. This study shows that the trachy porphyry dykes, featuring low concentration of Al2O3, CaO, MgO and high alkali contents, are metaluminous alkaline rock and belong to A-type granitoids. The dykes have low concentration of the REE and incompatible elements, and the REE patterns show clear negative Eu anomalies (δEu=0.74–0.58), enriched LREE (LREE/HREE>4, (La/Yb)N=5.97–4.63) and undifferentiated HREEs. Similar normalized REE and incompatible element patterns are also showed in the dykes from Yemaquan (野马泉) and granites from Ulungur, suggesting that they are possibly originated from the same source and formed in the same tectonic environment, but the trachy porphyry dykes are more evolved. The age of the trachy porphyry dykes is 255.3±2.4 Ma, which is probably the crystallization time of the trachy porphyry. The dykes formed in late-orogenic phase of post-collision process or within-plate environment, which suggested that the trachy porphyry dykes possibly crystallized in the transition period during which the tectonic setting changed from post-collision to within-plate environment. So we consider that the age when the post-collision ended and the crustal cratonization begun in the East Junggar is 255 Ma, Late Permian.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References Cited

  • Batchelor, R. A., Bowden, P., 1985. Petrogenetic Interpretation of Granitoid Rock Series Using Multicationic Parameters. Chemical Geology, 48(1–4): 43–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Black, L. P., Kamo, S. L., Allen, C. M., et al., 2004. Improved 206Pb/238U Microprobe Geochronology by the Monitoring of a Trace-Element Related Matrix Effect: SHRIMP, ID-TIMS, ELA-ICP-MS, and Oxygen Isotope Documentation for a Series of Zircon Standards. Chemical Geology, 205: 115–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boynton, W. V., 1984. Cosmochemistry of the Rare Earth Elements: Mete-Orite Studies. Developments in Geochemistry, 2: 63–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, G. N., 1990. The A-Type Granitoids: A Review of Their Occurrence and Chemical Characteristics and Speculations on Their Petrogenesis. Lithos, 26: 115–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, G. N., 1992. Chemical Subdivision of the A-Type Granitoids: Petrogenetic and Tectonic Implications. Geology, 20: 641–644, doi:10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0641:CSOTAT>2.3.CO;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feng, Q. W., Li, J. T., Liu, J. F., et al., 2012. Ages and Geological Significance of the Dark Dykes Emplaced in the Karamay Pluton and Adjacent Area, in Western Junggar, Xinjiang, NW China: Evidence from LA-ICP-MS Zircon Chronology and Ar-Ar Amphibole Chronology. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 28(7): 2158–2170 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gan, L., Tang, H. F., Han, Y. J., 2010. Geochronology and Geochemical Characteristics of the Yemaquan Granitic Pluton in East Junggar, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 26(8): 2374–2388 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Han, B. F., Ji, J. Q., Song, B., et al., 2006. Late Paleozoic Vertical Growth of Continental Crust around the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, China (Part I): Timing of Post-Collisional Plutonism. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 22(5): 1077–1086 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Han, B. F., 2007. Diverse Post-Collisional Granitoids and Their Tectonic Setting Discrimination. Earth Science Frontiers, 14(3): 64–72 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Han, B. F., Guo, Z. J., He, G. Q., 2010. Timing of Major Suture Zones in North Xinjiang, China: Constraints from Stitching Plutons. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 26(8): 2233–2246 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, A. C., Allen, C. M., Bryan, S. E., et al., 2004. ELA-ICP-MS U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of Regional Volcanism Hosting the Bajodela Alumbrera Cu-Au Deposit: Implications for Porphyry-Related Mineralization. Mineralium Deposita, 39: 46–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hong, D. W., Wang, S. G., Han, B. F., et al., 1995. The Tectonic Environment Classification and Identification Signs of Alkali Granite. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 25(4): 418–426 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jung, S., Mezger, K., Hoernes, S., 1998. Petrology and Geochemistry of Syn- to Post-Collisional Metaluminous A-Type Granites-A Major and Trace Element and Nd-Sr-Pb-O-Isotope Study from the Proterozoic Damara Belt, Namibia. Lithos, 45: 147–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z. H., Han, B. F., Song, B., 2004. SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb Dating of the Ertaibei Granodiorite and Its Enclaves from Eastern Junggar, Xinjiang, and Geological Implications. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 20(5): 1263–1270 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J. Y., Yuan, K. R., 1996. A Discussion on the Genesis and Tectonic Setting of Alkali Granites in the Wulungu Alkali-Rich Granite Belt, Xinjiang. Guilin Institute of Technology, 2(3): 257–272 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, S., Yuan, K. R., 1995. The Geological Characteristics of Wulungu High-Alkline Granite Belt, Xinjiang. Journal of Guilin Institute of Technology, 15(3): 243–251 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Z. Q., Han, B. F., Ji, J. Q., et al., 2005. Ages and Geochemistry of the Post-Collisional Granitic Rocks from Eastern Alataw Mountains, Xinjiang, and Implications for Wertical Crustal Growth. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 21(3): 623–639 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig, K. R., 2003. User’s Manual for ISOPLOT 3.00: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel. Berkeley Geochronology Center (Spec. 4): 71

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce, J. A., 1982. Trace Element Characteristics of Lavas from Destructive Plate Boundaries. In: Thorpe, R. S., ed., Orogenic Andesites and Related Rocks. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester. 525–548

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce, J. A., Lippard, S. J., Roberts, S., 1984. Characteristics and Tectonic Significance of Super-Subduction Zone Ophiolites. In: Kokelaar, B. P., Howells, M. F., eds., Marginal Basin Geology. The Geological Society, London, Special Publication, 16: 77–94, doi:10.1144/GSLSP.1984.016.01.06

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu, L., Wei, C. J., Lou, Y. X., et al., 2007. Characteristics and Petrogenetic Simulation of Leucogranitic Veins in the Altay High-Grade Metamorphic Zones, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 26(1): 27–34 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J. B., Xu, X., 2006. Post-Collisional Tectonic Evolution and Metallogenesis in Northern Xinjiang, China. Acta Geologica Sinica, 80(1): 23–31 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J. B., Wang, L. J., Wang, Y. W., et al., 2006. Yemaquan Gold Deposits: A Structurally-Controlled-Altered-Dyke Type in Eastern Junggar, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 22(9): 2349–2359 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S. G., Han, B. F., Hong, D. W., et al., 1994. Geochemistry and Tectonic Significance of Alkali Granites along Ulungur River, Xinjiang. Scientia Geologica Sinica, 29(4): 373–383 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y. W., Wang, J. B., Long, L. L., et al., 2012a. Tectonic Evolution Stages of North Xinjiang and Tectonic Types of Porphyry-Epithermal Deposit. Geology in China, 39(3): 695–716 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y. W., Wang, J. B., Wang, L. J., et al., 2012b. The Tuerkubantao Ophiolite Melange in Xinjiang, NW China: New Evidence for the Erqis Suture Zone. Geoscience Frontiers, 3(5): 587–602, doi:10.1016/j.gsf.2012.02.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whalen, J. B., Currie, K. L., Chappell, B. W., 1987. A-Type Granites: Geochemical Characteristics, Discrimination and Petrogenesis. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 95(4): 407–419

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y. B., Zheng, Y. F., 2004. Study on the Genetic Mineralogy of Zircon and Its Restricting for Explanation of U-Pb Age. Chinese Science Bulletin, 49(16): 1589–1604 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xin, J. G., Yuan, K. R., Liu, J. Y., 1995. The Alkali Granites and Their Genesis and Tectonic Significance in the North Area of the East Junggar, Xinjiang. Gerotectonica et Metallogenia, 19(3): 214–226 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, Q. Q., Ji, J. Q., Han, B. F., et al., 2008. Petrology, Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Intermediate to Mafic Dykes in Northern Xinjiang since Late Paleozoic. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 24(5): 977–996 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, G. X., Li, Y. J., Si, G. H., et al., 2010. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Dating of Kubusunan Granodiorite and the Enclaves from Kalamaili Area in Eastern Junggar, Xinjiang, and Its Geological Implications. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 35(4): 597–610, doi:10.3779/dqkx.2010.075 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, D. Y., Gao, Y., Su, H. M., et al., 2007. The Zaheba-High-Alkali Granites, Their Mineral Chemistry and Physico-Chemical Conditions in the North Part of the East Junggar, Xinjiang. Mineral. Petrol., 27(4): 30–38 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, Z. H., Wang, Z. G., Zou, T. R., 1996. Study on Petrogenesis of Alkali-Rich Intrusive Rocks of Ulungur, Xinjiang. Geochimica, 25(3): 205–220 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, J., Ji, J. Q., Han, B. F., et al., 2008. 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology of Mafic Dykes in North Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 24(5): 997–1010 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, N. W., Guo, X. C., He, G. L., 2012. LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb Ages of Two Types of Ore-Bearing Dykes in the Tuokuzibayi Gold Ore District in Habahe Area of Xinjiang and Geological Significance. Geological Bulletin of China, 31(5): 707–715 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Gemmology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China

    Yanfei Chen  (陈言飞) & Yu Shi  (石煜)

  2. Beijing Institute of Geology for Mineral Resources, Beijing, 100012, China

    Yanfei Chen  (陈言飞), Yuwang Wang  (王玉往), Jingbin Wang  (王京彬), Rufu Ding  (丁汝福) & Yu Shi  (石煜)

  3. School of Earth Sciences and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China

    Yuelei Yuan  (袁月蕾)

Authors
  1. Yanfei Chen  (陈言飞)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yuwang Wang  (王玉往)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jingbin Wang  (王京彬)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Rufu Ding  (丁汝福)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yuelei Yuan  (袁月蕾)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yu Shi  (石煜)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yanfei Chen  (陈言飞).

Additional information

This study was supported by the Major State Basic Research Program of China (No. 2007CB411304), and the Crisis Mine Project of China National Geological Survey (No. 200699105).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chen, Y., Wang, Y., Wang, J. et al. Zircon U-Pb Age, Geochemistry and geological implication of the 255 Ma Alkali-rich dykes from Ulungur Area, North Xinjiang. J. Earth Sci. 24, 519–528 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-013-0346-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-013-0346-x

Key Words

Search

Navigation