Deciphering high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism and anatexis within a collisional orogeny can provide crucial constraints on geodynamic evolution and melt activity during subduction and exhumation.Combining pe...Deciphering high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism and anatexis within a collisional orogeny can provide crucial constraints on geodynamic evolution and melt activity during subduction and exhumation.Combining petrographic observations,mineral chemistry,REE in Grt-Cpx thermobarometry,and previous work,at least four stages are suggested for the metamorphic evolution of the mafic granulites in the South Altun,including the protolith stage,the high-pressure granulite-facies stage(909-1037℃and 17.3-30 kbar),medium-pressure granulite-facies overprint(9.1-11.9 kbar and 753-816℃),and subsequent late amphibolite-greenschist-facies metamorphism.Zircon U-Pb dating shows that the mafic granulites underwent high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism at 497.2±3.7 Ma,while the leucosome formed at 498.2±2.9 Ma.Thus,the leucosomes from the host mafic granulite may have been formed at the high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphic event.The characteristics of zircon morphology,mineral inclusions,low Th/U values,HREE enrichment,and negative Eu anomalies indicate that these zircons from the leucosome were formed from the metamorphic melts.The characteristics of whole-rock major and trace elements as well as Hf isotopic features of zircons between the leucosomes and the host mafic granulite indicate that the melt may have been generated by the partial melting of the host mafic granulite.展开更多
The Altun faulted Zone has been focused by lots of geologists for many years because it lies in a boundary area of several main tectonic units in the western China and is a geographically northern boundary line of Tib...The Altun faulted Zone has been focused by lots of geologists for many years because it lies in a boundary area of several main tectonic units in the western China and is a geographically northern boundary line of Tibet plateau.The latest achievements show that the Altun faulted zone is not only a Cenozoic strike\|slip faulted system but also an orogenic zone which underwent mutually subduction\|collision among paleo\|plates (or terrains) in its early stage and consists of geological bodies of different ages and tectonic environments. Based on the results of geological characteristics,petrology, geochemistry and isotopic dating, the Altun Orogenic Zone can be divided into four tectonic units and is considered to have undergone five stages during its tectonic evolution.The four tectonics units are :(1) Abei metamorphic block, which consists of Archean metamorphic complex of granulite facies;.(2) Hongliugou—Lapeiquan tectonic melange belt, which is composed of ophiolite blocks(belt), OIB blocks, pelagic silicalite, shallow\|bathyal sedimentary rock blocks and high\|pressure metamorphi c rock blocks. (3) Milanhe—Jinyanshan island\|arc block, which consists of mid\|uplifting belt and the south and north active margins. The uplifting belt is composed of metasandstone, marble, overlying thick stromatolite (Jinyanshan Group of Jixian System). Metamorphic rocks of 450Ma occur in both south and north hactive margin. Post\|collision bimodal volcanic rocks and A\|type granite occur in the middle and the north side.(4) Apa—Mangya tectonic melange belt, which consists of ophiolite(including ultramafic rocks, gabbro, plagiogranite and basalt) and flysch and eclogite of late Ordovician.展开更多
The Altun and North Qaidam Mountains at the northern margin of Qinghai\|Tibet plateau are separated by the Altyn Tagh sinistral strike\|slip fault, which is one of the largest strike\|slip fault systems in the world a...The Altun and North Qaidam Mountains at the northern margin of Qinghai\|Tibet plateau are separated by the Altyn Tagh sinistral strike\|slip fault, which is one of the largest strike\|slip fault systems in the world and was considered as the key element in the escape tectonics model for Euraisa\|India continent\|continent collision.Recently,the eclogites within quratzifeldspathic gneisses or pelitic gneisses characterized by amphibolite\|facies paragenesis were discovered in the Altun and the North Qaidam Mountains(Fig.1). They occur as lens or boundins within the Altun Group and Dakendaban Group respectively which previously were considered as metamorphic basement of Tarim block and Qaidam block. Our studies indicate that the eclogites outcrop in both the Altun and North Qaidam Mountains show similar occurrences, associated country rocks, rock and mineral assemblages, p\|T\% estimates, geochemistryand protolith feature and ages of peak metamorphism (see table) . The garnet\|omphacite\|phengite geothermobarometer gave equilibrium condition of \%p\%=2 8～3 0GPa and t =820～850℃ for the Altun eclogite and p =2 8GPa and \%t\%=730℃ for North Qaidam eclogite respectively(Fig..2). These p\|T conditions are in the coesite stability field. Moreover, Po lycrystalline quartz pseudomorphs after coesite have been identified in the Dulan area, North Qaidam Mountains (Song et al, in review). Therefore, these features suggest that both eclogites of Altun and North Qaidam Mountains probably are a same HP\|UHP metamorphic belt formed from the same of Early Paleozoic age deep subduction and collision, and subsequently displaced by the Altyn Tagh fault.The case is similar to the Dabie\|Sulu HP\|UHP metamorphic zone which was truncated by the Tanlu sinistral strike\|slip fault and splitted it into two distincts, the Dabie region and Sulu region. These correlations support an about 350～400km displacement of the Altyn Tagh sinistral strike\|slip fault (Fig.1).展开更多
The Altun (or Altyn Tagh) fault displays a geometry of overlapping of linear and arcuate segments and shows strong inhomogeneity in time and space. It is a gigantic fault system with complex mechanical behaviours incl...The Altun (or Altyn Tagh) fault displays a geometry of overlapping of linear and arcuate segments and shows strong inhomogeneity in time and space. It is a gigantic fault system with complex mechanical behaviours including thrusting, sinistral strike slip and normal slip. The strike slip and normal slip mainly occurred in the Cretaceous—Cenozoic and Plio-Quaternary respectively, whereas the thrusting was a deformation event that has played a dominant role since the late Palaeozoic (for a duration of about 305 Ma). The formation of the Altun fault was related to strong inhomogeneous deformation of the massifs on its two sides (in the hinterland of the Altun Mountains contractional deformation predominated and in the Qilian massif thrust propagation was dominant). The fault experienced a dynamic process of successive break-up and connection of its segments and gradual propagation, which was synchronous with the development of an overstep thrust sequence in the Qilian massif and the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. With southward propagation of the thrust sequence and continued uplift of the plateau, the NE tip of the Altun fault moved in a NE direction, while the SW tip grew in a SW direction.展开更多
Altun fault is regarded as a large\|scale sinistral strike\|slip fault, it is composed of several faults with the different character, and there is a special geological structure in the fault belt, and they constitute...Altun fault is regarded as a large\|scale sinistral strike\|slip fault, it is composed of several faults with the different character, and there is a special geological structure in the fault belt, and they constitute the northwestern margin fault belt of the Qinghai\|Tibetan plateau. In order to investigate the deep crust structure in the Altun region, layers which Tarim lithosphere subducted beneath the Qinghai\|Tibetan plateau, the forward structure of the subduction plate and the scale of the plate subduction, a deep seismic reflection profile was designed. Data collection work of the deep seismic reflection profile across Altun fault was completed during 24/8/1999 to 25/9/1999. The profile locates in Qiemo county, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the southern end of the profile stretches into Altun Mountains, the northern end locates in the Tarim desert margin. The profile is nearly SN trending and crosses the main Altun fault. The profile totally is 145km long, time record is 30 seconds, the smallest explosive amount is 72～100kg, the biggest explosive amount reaches 200～300kg, the explosive distance is 800m, and detectors are laid at a 50m distance.展开更多
This paper discusses the relationships between granitic magmatism and gold mineralization and the exhumation history of the Dapinggou gold deposit in northern Altun, NW China based on the geochronological data, includ...This paper discusses the relationships between granitic magmatism and gold mineralization and the exhumation history of the Dapinggou gold deposit in northern Altun, NW China based on the geochronological data, including zircon U-Pb ages, Rb-Sr isochron age and 40Ar-39Ar dating and MDD modeling data. The main granitic magmatism age in this area is attained from the ID TIMS U-Pb geochronology of zircons from the Kuoshibulak granite, the biggest granite in the northern Altun area, which gives a concordant age of 443±5 Ma in the Late Ordovician. Zircon ID TIMS U-Pb geochronology of the West Dapinggou biotite granite west of the Dapinggou gold deposit gives concordant ages around 485±10 Ma, representing the early stage of Ordovician magmatism. The Rb-Sr isochron age (487±21 Ma) of 6 quartz inclusion samples from quartz veins in this gold deposit is very close to that of the West Dapinggou granite. MDD modeling of step heating 40Ar-39Ar data of K-feldspar from the same West Dapinggou biotite granite gives a rapid cooling history from 300℃ to 150℃ during 200-185 Ma. According to the age data and the geological setting of this area, we conclude that the Dapinggou gold deposit was formed at the early stage of the Early Paleozoic granitic magmatism in northern Altun, and exhumed in the Early Jurassic due to the normal faulting of the Lapeiquan detachment. The Early Paleozoic magmatism may provide heat source and produce geological fluids, which are very important for gold mineralization. Exhumation in the Mesozoic caused the uplift of the deposit towards the ground surface.展开更多
Western Altun in Xinjiang is an important area,where lithium(Li)-bearing pegmatites have been found in recent years.However,the complex terrain and harsh environment of western Altun exacerbates in prospecting for Li-...Western Altun in Xinjiang is an important area,where lithium(Li)-bearing pegmatites have been found in recent years.However,the complex terrain and harsh environment of western Altun exacerbates in prospecting for Li-bearing pegmatites.Therefore,remote-sensing techniques can be an effective means for prospecting Li-bearing pegmatites.In this study,the fault information and lithologyical information in the region were obtained using the median-resolution remotesensing image Landsat-8,the radar image Sentinel-1 and hyperspectral data GF-5.Using Landsat-8 data,the hydroxyl alteration information closely related to pegmatite in the region was extracted by principal component analysis,pseudoanomaly processing and other methods.The high spatial resolution remote-sensing data WorldView-2 and WorldView-3 short-wave infrared images were used and analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA),the band ratio method and multi-class machine learning(ML),combined with conventional thresholds specified the algorithms used to automatically extract Li-bearing pegmatite information.Finally,the Li-bearing pegmatite exploration area was determined,based on a comprehensive analysis of the faults,hydroxyl alteration lithology and Li-bearing pegmatite information.Field investigations have verified that the distribution of pegmatites in the central part of the study area is consistent with that of Li-bearing pegmatites extracted in this study.This study provides a new technique for prospecting Li-bearing pegmatites,which shows that remote-sensing technology possesses great potential for identifying lithium-bearing pegmatites,especially in areas that are not readily accessible.展开更多
Studying the metallogenic age of Dapinggou gold deposit may provide important material not only for the study of metallization and the further prospecting of gold deposits but also for research into tectonic evolution...Studying the metallogenic age of Dapinggou gold deposit may provide important material not only for the study of metallization and the further prospecting of gold deposits but also for research into tectonic evolution in the Altun area. In this study, we used Rb-Sr isotopic dating method of fluid inclusion in the Au-bearing quartz, combining field investigation, REE, sulfur isotopes, lead isotopes, strontium isotopes and hydrogen-oxygen isotope, to determine the metallogenic age of the Dapinggou gold deposit. The only newly-discovered medium-sized gold deposit in the northern Altun area, Dapinggou gold deposit, is controlled by a ductile shear zone. It is characterized by mainly altered mylonite-types with a little K-feldspar quartz vein-types. Data from REE, sulfur isotopes, lead isotopes and strontium isotopes show that the source materials of the deposit were derived mainly from the metamorphic rocks. The data from the inclusion and hydrogen-oxygen isotope indicate that the ore-forming fluid came mainly from dynamic metamorphic water and partly from remelting magmatic water, with a little influence from meteoric water. The density of the ore-forming fluid is 0. 791 - 0. 971g/cm^3 and it contains 2.36 %-5.5 % salinity, The gold deposit was formed at 1.61-2.68 km below the surface at a temperature of 198--290 ℃ and a pressure of （420-700） × 10^5 Pa. The isotopic age from the Rb-Sr isochron of fluid inclusion in quartz is 487 Ma, which indicates that the mineralization occurred in the early Caledonian epoch. The study on the metallogenic age of Dapinggou gold deposit may provide important material not only for the study of metallization and the further prospecting of gold deposits but also for research into tectonic evolution in the Altun area.展开更多
The Tula A2-subtype granite pluton is located between the Altun fault and its branching fault. According to the geological, geochemical, REE and trace elements characteristics, it belongs to the A2 （PA） subtype gran...The Tula A2-subtype granite pluton is located between the Altun fault and its branching fault. According to the geological, geochemical, REE and trace elements characteristics, it belongs to the A2 （PA） subtype granite. The SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating gives a result of 385.2±8.1 Ma, which is located between the Middle and Late Devonian in the international stratigraphic chart, and can be regarded as the crystallization age of the Tula granite. The study indicates that the Tula area was in a local extensional environment in the end of the Middle Devonian, and that environment was probably related to the synchronized strike-slip activity of the Altun fault.展开更多
Structural, microstructural analysis is done on the Altun fault zo ne and fault rocks. The major characteristics of faulting are summarized. Micros tructural observation reveals a complicated evolution of the fault zo...Structural, microstructural analysis is done on the Altun fault zo ne and fault rocks. The major characteristics of faulting are summarized. Micros tructural observation reveals a complicated evolution of the fault zone. Much at tention is paid to the microstructural observation and dynamic analysis of fault ing. The occurrence of phengite grains suggest abnormally high pressure conditio ns during ductile deformation and metamorphism, while the occurrence of muscovit e-chlorite mineral assemblage suggest a low temperature and low pressure condit i on. Micro-component analysis on the inter-grown muscovite and chlorite grains gives similar information. It is concluded that the first deformation along the Altun fault zone is a type of ductile shearing, forming mylonites and mylonitic rocks along the fault zone. A post-Jurassic deformation is primarily suggested by the involvement of the l atest tectonic units (Jurassic) in the ductile deformation.The early tectonic ev ent involves deformation and metamorphism under conditions in the upper crust, w ith T-P conditions varying to a large extent (T-270℃ ～350℃; P-0.005GPa～0. 43GPa), which may be attributed to the extra tectonic stresses.展开更多
A set of ENE\|trending fault which locates in the rigid Tarim massif and flexible Qilian massif in the same dynamic system of the uplift of the Qinghai—Tibetan plateau is referred to as the Altun Fault (ALF). ALF dis...A set of ENE\|trending fault which locates in the rigid Tarim massif and flexible Qilian massif in the same dynamic system of the uplift of the Qinghai—Tibetan plateau is referred to as the Altun Fault (ALF). ALF displays a linear geometry or a geometry of overlapping of linear and arcuate segments and a growth and development process of the breakdown segment\|by\|segment, connection segment\|by\|segment and propagation gradually (northeastward migration of the northeast tip, southwestward growth of the southwest tip). The formation of the Altun fault began in the middle or upper Carboniferous. It was characteristic of the sinistral strike\|slip\|thrust before Eocene, of the thrust\|sinistral strike\|slip during Oligocene—Miocene, and of the normal slip, and thrust\|sinistral strike\|slip simultaneously since Miocene.展开更多
The formation of strath and strath terrace is closely related to tectonic uplift in the drainage basin. Based on the investigation of straths at Yandantu and Changcaogou on the eastern segment of the northern margin f...The formation of strath and strath terrace is closely related to tectonic uplift in the drainage basin. Based on the investigation of straths at Yandantu and Changcaogou on the eastern segment of the northern margin fault of Altun, and in combination with the paleoclimatic data, the tectonic uplift since late Epipleistocene as revealed by stream terraces at the two places is discussed. At Yandantu, three levels of stream terraces(T 1, T 2 and T 3)have developed since 16ka BP, where T 1, T 3 and T 2 are fill terraces and the buried major straths are exposed. The ages of three treads are dated to be about 16.1ka BP, 12.8ka BP and 6.2ka BP, respectively. The three terraces reflect three tectonic uplift events, while the ages of the treads represent the occurrence time of these events. The stream is still beveling the bedrock and widening the channel at present, and the modern strath is being generated. The uplift rate is 4.8～4.5mm/a since 16.1 ka BP in this area. From 12.8ka B.P to 6.2ka BP, The uplift rate was 6.4mm/a. The uplift rate is 3.1mm/a since 6.2ka BP. At Changcaogou, four levels of stream terraces(T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 1′)have developed since 7ka BP. All of them are fill terraces. There are buried straths under the deposits. The buried major strath is exposed on T 3 and T 2 and the minor strath on T 1′and T 1. The ages of treads of the three terraces (T 3, T 2 and T 1′) are 7 ka BP, 3 ka BP and 2.5 ka BP, respectively. The four terraces reflect two uplift events induced by tectonic activities. One occurred in about 7 ka BP, and the other in 3ka BP. The uplift rate is 5.9mm/a since 7.0 ka BP at Changcaogou. From 7ka BP to 3ka BP, the uplift rate was 7.0mm/a, and since 3ka BP till now, the uplift rate is 4.7 mm/a.展开更多
The discovery of deep bedrock gas reservoirs in Altun forelands in the Qaidam Basin has expanded a newfield of natural gas exploration and development in China.Since then,it has always been believed that the storage s...The discovery of deep bedrock gas reservoirs in Altun forelands in the Qaidam Basin has expanded a newfield of natural gas exploration and development in China.Since then,it has always been believed that the storage space of this kind of gas reservoirs is composed of well-developed dual media of matrix pores and fractures,but the practices of such gas reservoir development began to be in contradiction with this cognition.In order to achieve a better understanding of the storage space and the main controlling factors of reservoir formation in this bedrock gas reservoir,it is necessary to investigate the dissolved increased pores characteristics and the forced fractures characteristics in the bedrock gas reservoir.Then,based on the data such as cores and cast thin sections in the bedrock intervals in the Dongping 1 and Jiantan 1 blocks,the main storage space types of deep bedrock gas reservoirs in Altun forelands were analyzed,then the main controlling factors of favorable target reservoirs in these blocks were put forward,and in combination with the regional geological background,the geological understandings of favorable target reservoirs and potential reserves were deepened in this study area.The following research results were achieved.(1)The lithology of the bedrock gas reservoirs in this area consists of calc-alkaline igneous rocks and gneiss suite regional metamorphic rocks.Matrix pores are not developed,and their development degree is mainly controlled by faults.Main effective storage spaces and permeable channels are structural fractures and dissolution fractures.(2)The main controlling factors of target reservoir formation include lithology,tectonic effect,weathering,intrusive dikes,and on the whole the rule of ternary-control is followed,namely prevalent lithologyedominant stressesehydrocarbon accumulations in the structural higher parts.(3)The potential zones of reservoir formation include the following 5 types:tectonically stress concentrated tensionetorsional zones,contact zones between lithologic interfaces of intrusive body,weathering zones of compressing uplift,slope sediment zones near circumscribed erosion area,para-conformity or unconformity interface.展开更多
By using the SLC(Single-Link Cluster)method,this study worked in three respects:(a)set up three-dimensional(3-D)SLC software that can deal with a large catalogue of earthquakes and analyze the characteristics of earth...By using the SLC(Single-Link Cluster)method,this study worked in three respects:(a)set up three-dimensional(3-D)SLC software that can deal with a large catalogue of earthquakes and analyze the characteristics of earthquakes’ clustering and scattering in time-space:(b)defined several parameters to describe the distinguishing feature for the SLC frame and developed a technique to calculate the 3-D SLC frames and these parameters with gradual time-sliding,and inspected their variations with time,especially before large events; and(c)by using these means,treated the earthquake catalogue in the top area of the Kunlun-Altun-Arc as well as some valuable results that had been obtained.展开更多
The newly discovered three alkali\|rich intrusive rock belts in the Mt. Kunlun Mt. Altun region of southern Xinjiang are the Lapeiquan\|Yitunbulak alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt, the Gez\|Taxkorgan alkali\|rich intr...The newly discovered three alkali\|rich intrusive rock belts in the Mt. Kunlun Mt. Altun region of southern Xinjiang are the Lapeiquan\|Yitunbulak alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt, the Gez\|Taxkorgan alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt and the Beilisai\|Abulash alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt. The former two belts were formed during the Yanshanian period, and the third one was formed during the Himalayan period, which is the youngest alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt in China. The discovery of the alkali\|rich intrusive rock belts is of great significance in shedding light on the history of tectono\|magmatic activities in this region.展开更多
The REE patterns of the basic volcanic rocks in Mangya area, Altun, are slight rich in LREE with (La/Ya)-N=1.69-3.20, (La/Sm)-N=1.37-1.87, other trace element ratios of the rocks are Th/Ta≈1 (for a few samples greate...The REE patterns of the basic volcanic rocks in Mangya area, Altun, are slight rich in LREE with (La/Ya)-N=1.69-3.20, (La/Sm)-N=1.37-1.87, other trace element ratios of the rocks are Th/Ta≈1 (for a few samples greater than 1.5), Nb/Y=0.34-0.62, Ti/Y=310-443 (on the average: 381), Ti/V=37-62, Zr/Nb=9.4-12.4, Sr/Rb=12-80 (on the average: 37), and Nb/Th=7.7-16.8. These features are similar to that of E-MORE or OIB. The ε Nd(t) value, being 3.95- 4.12, shows that the source of the volcanic rocks is derived from depleted asthenosphere mantle mixed with materials from enriched mantle. These, together with the information of geological setting and rock assemblages, indicate that the basic volcanic rocks are of ophiolite. The Sm-Nd isotope ages for the eight basic volcanic rock samples construct a straight line with good correlation, and the calculated isochron age is (481.3±53) Ma. Besides, the eight calculated ε Nd(t) and model ages are close to each other, which suggests that they are homologous, so the isochron is not a mixed line. In the meantime, the isochron age ((481.3±53) Ma) is lower than the model ages (T DM=1 004-1 534 Ma) of the samples, suggeting that the isochron age represents the formation age of the basic volcanic rocks and the ophiolite belt in Mangya area, Altun is formed in the early Paleozoic (Cambrian-Ordovician). In spite of the greater uncertainty of the age, it is still reliable because it is consistent with the age constrained by the regional strata.展开更多
Ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphism refers to metamorphism that has occurred at pressures for the stability of coesite. The polycrystalline quartz inclusions showing the characteristic texture within garnets of eclo...Ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphism refers to metamorphism that has occurred at pressures for the stability of coesite. The polycrystalline quartz inclusions showing the characteristic texture within garnets of eclogites indicates the pre-existence of coesites under the peak meta-morphic condition. The unusual exsolution textures in om-pacites and apatites, and the pressure estimations of phengite-bearing eclogites have been taken to provide further proof of eclogite formation under the UHP conditions. Combined with the fact that coesites have been observed in country rocks of eclogites in North Qaidam Mountains, another UHP metamorphic belt cut by the large-scale strike-slip fault in the Altun-North Qaidam area of China is confirmed.展开更多
A study on petrography and mineral chemistry of granitic gneiss from the Yinggeli-sayi area in the Altun Mountains of the northwestern China demonstrates that the granitic gneiss experienced a complicated multi-stage ...A study on petrography and mineral chemistry of granitic gneiss from the Yinggeli-sayi area in the Altun Mountains of the northwestern China demonstrates that the granitic gneiss experienced a complicated multi-stage metamorphism. The peak-stage mineral assemblage is garnet+perthite(before exsolution)+titanite(before exsolution)+kyanite+zoisite +quartz/ coesite clinopyroxene with minor apatite and rutile. The exsolution of rod-like plagioclase +amphibole is contained within the core part of coarse-grained titanite, and the Si value per unit formula of the titanite is estimated to be 1.032—1.047, which implies that the titanite contains Si with six-fold coordination and the precursor titanite is hence of supersilicic titanite and suggests that the CaSi2O5 component in the titanite is 3.1%—4.7%. The P-T condition of peak metamorphism is estimated to be 3.7—4.3GPa at 1000. High-Al titanite inclusions are also found in the garnet. All of these suggest that the granitic gneiss underwent UHP metamorphism. The granitic gneiss has SiO2 content (> 70%), Al2O3 (12.58%—14.08%), high K2O content (>5%) with Na2O/K2O ratio of 0.4—0.6, LREE-enriched patterns with (La/Yb)N ratio of 4.3—9.1 and large negative Eu anomaly (d Eu = 0.06—0.59), which indicate that the protolith of the granitic gneiss is the product of anatexis of the middle or upper crustal rock. The UHP granitic gneiss, together with the inter-beds of UHP metamorphic garnet lherzolite and garnet-bearing intermediate-basic gneiss in the outcrops, suggests that they all might undergo continental deep subduction, which will have im-portant bearing for further discussion of the dynamic mechanism of the formation and exhuma-tion of the rocks in this region.展开更多
SINCE high-pressure metapelitic rocks have been discovered in the Beiketan area of eastern Al-tun Mountains,a set of eclogite has been recognized in south of Jianggesayi,western Altun.The eclogite,associated with quar...SINCE high-pressure metapelitic rocks have been discovered in the Beiketan area of eastern Al-tun Mountains,a set of eclogite has been recognized in south of Jianggesayi,western Altun.The eclogite,associated with quartz-garnet-clinopyroxenite and metamorphosed retrogradelyto garnet-amphibolite partially,is exposed in the Proterozoic meso- to hypometamorphic rocksand can be traced eastward to northwest of Mangya asbestos deposit,for about 200展开更多
The Altun tectonic zone is an important left-handed strike-slip fault zone on the Asian continent. Recent studies reveal that the left-handed strike slip of this fault zone was developed not only in the Cenozoic, but ...The Altun tectonic zone is an important left-handed strike-slip fault zone on the Asian continent. Recent studies reveal that the left-handed strike slip of this fault zone was developed not only in the Cenozoic, but also during the Late Ordovician. The fault zone is mainly composed of Proterozoic schists, volcanics, quartzites and carbonate rocks bearing stromatolites. The overlying strata are dominated by plateform carbonate rocks and展开更多
基金financially supported by the Basic Foundation of Tianjin University of Commercethe Fund from the Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics of Ministry of Natural Resources(J2306)。
文摘Deciphering high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism and anatexis within a collisional orogeny can provide crucial constraints on geodynamic evolution and melt activity during subduction and exhumation.Combining petrographic observations,mineral chemistry,REE in Grt-Cpx thermobarometry,and previous work,at least four stages are suggested for the metamorphic evolution of the mafic granulites in the South Altun,including the protolith stage,the high-pressure granulite-facies stage(909-1037℃and 17.3-30 kbar),medium-pressure granulite-facies overprint(9.1-11.9 kbar and 753-816℃),and subsequent late amphibolite-greenschist-facies metamorphism.Zircon U-Pb dating shows that the mafic granulites underwent high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism at 497.2±3.7 Ma,while the leucosome formed at 498.2±2.9 Ma.Thus,the leucosomes from the host mafic granulite may have been formed at the high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphic event.The characteristics of zircon morphology,mineral inclusions,low Th/U values,HREE enrichment,and negative Eu anomalies indicate that these zircons from the leucosome were formed from the metamorphic melts.The characteristics of whole-rock major and trace elements as well as Hf isotopic features of zircons between the leucosomes and the host mafic granulite indicate that the melt may have been generated by the partial melting of the host mafic granulite.
文摘The Altun faulted Zone has been focused by lots of geologists for many years because it lies in a boundary area of several main tectonic units in the western China and is a geographically northern boundary line of Tibet plateau.The latest achievements show that the Altun faulted zone is not only a Cenozoic strike\|slip faulted system but also an orogenic zone which underwent mutually subduction\|collision among paleo\|plates (or terrains) in its early stage and consists of geological bodies of different ages and tectonic environments. Based on the results of geological characteristics,petrology, geochemistry and isotopic dating, the Altun Orogenic Zone can be divided into four tectonic units and is considered to have undergone five stages during its tectonic evolution.The four tectonics units are :(1) Abei metamorphic block, which consists of Archean metamorphic complex of granulite facies;.(2) Hongliugou—Lapeiquan tectonic melange belt, which is composed of ophiolite blocks(belt), OIB blocks, pelagic silicalite, shallow\|bathyal sedimentary rock blocks and high\|pressure metamorphi c rock blocks. (3) Milanhe—Jinyanshan island\|arc block, which consists of mid\|uplifting belt and the south and north active margins. The uplifting belt is composed of metasandstone, marble, overlying thick stromatolite (Jinyanshan Group of Jixian System). Metamorphic rocks of 450Ma occur in both south and north hactive margin. Post\|collision bimodal volcanic rocks and A\|type granite occur in the middle and the north side.(4) Apa—Mangya tectonic melange belt, which consists of ophiolite(including ultramafic rocks, gabbro, plagiogranite and basalt) and flysch and eclogite of late Ordovician.
文摘The Altun and North Qaidam Mountains at the northern margin of Qinghai\|Tibet plateau are separated by the Altyn Tagh sinistral strike\|slip fault, which is one of the largest strike\|slip fault systems in the world and was considered as the key element in the escape tectonics model for Euraisa\|India continent\|continent collision.Recently,the eclogites within quratzifeldspathic gneisses or pelitic gneisses characterized by amphibolite\|facies paragenesis were discovered in the Altun and the North Qaidam Mountains(Fig.1). They occur as lens or boundins within the Altun Group and Dakendaban Group respectively which previously were considered as metamorphic basement of Tarim block and Qaidam block. Our studies indicate that the eclogites outcrop in both the Altun and North Qaidam Mountains show similar occurrences, associated country rocks, rock and mineral assemblages, p\|T\% estimates, geochemistryand protolith feature and ages of peak metamorphism (see table) . The garnet\|omphacite\|phengite geothermobarometer gave equilibrium condition of \%p\%=2 8～3 0GPa and t =820～850℃ for the Altun eclogite and p =2 8GPa and \%t\%=730℃ for North Qaidam eclogite respectively(Fig..2). These p\|T conditions are in the coesite stability field. Moreover, Po lycrystalline quartz pseudomorphs after coesite have been identified in the Dulan area, North Qaidam Mountains (Song et al, in review). Therefore, these features suggest that both eclogites of Altun and North Qaidam Mountains probably are a same HP\|UHP metamorphic belt formed from the same of Early Paleozoic age deep subduction and collision, and subsequently displaced by the Altyn Tagh fault.The case is similar to the Dabie\|Sulu HP\|UHP metamorphic zone which was truncated by the Tanlu sinistral strike\|slip fault and splitted it into two distincts, the Dabie region and Sulu region. These correlations support an about 350～400km displacement of the Altyn Tagh sinistral strike\|slip fault (Fig.1).
文摘The Altun (or Altyn Tagh) fault displays a geometry of overlapping of linear and arcuate segments and shows strong inhomogeneity in time and space. It is a gigantic fault system with complex mechanical behaviours including thrusting, sinistral strike slip and normal slip. The strike slip and normal slip mainly occurred in the Cretaceous—Cenozoic and Plio-Quaternary respectively, whereas the thrusting was a deformation event that has played a dominant role since the late Palaeozoic (for a duration of about 305 Ma). The formation of the Altun fault was related to strong inhomogeneous deformation of the massifs on its two sides (in the hinterland of the Altun Mountains contractional deformation predominated and in the Qilian massif thrust propagation was dominant). The fault experienced a dynamic process of successive break-up and connection of its segments and gradual propagation, which was synchronous with the development of an overstep thrust sequence in the Qilian massif and the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. With southward propagation of the thrust sequence and continued uplift of the plateau, the NE tip of the Altun fault moved in a NE direction, while the SW tip grew in a SW direction.
文摘Altun fault is regarded as a large\|scale sinistral strike\|slip fault, it is composed of several faults with the different character, and there is a special geological structure in the fault belt, and they constitute the northwestern margin fault belt of the Qinghai\|Tibetan plateau. In order to investigate the deep crust structure in the Altun region, layers which Tarim lithosphere subducted beneath the Qinghai\|Tibetan plateau, the forward structure of the subduction plate and the scale of the plate subduction, a deep seismic reflection profile was designed. Data collection work of the deep seismic reflection profile across Altun fault was completed during 24/8/1999 to 25/9/1999. The profile locates in Qiemo county, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the southern end of the profile stretches into Altun Mountains, the northern end locates in the Tarim desert margin. The profile is nearly SN trending and crosses the main Altun fault. The profile totally is 145km long, time record is 30 seconds, the smallest explosive amount is 72～100kg, the biggest explosive amount reaches 200～300kg, the explosive distance is 800m, and detectors are laid at a 50m distance.
文摘This paper discusses the relationships between granitic magmatism and gold mineralization and the exhumation history of the Dapinggou gold deposit in northern Altun, NW China based on the geochronological data, including zircon U-Pb ages, Rb-Sr isochron age and 40Ar-39Ar dating and MDD modeling data. The main granitic magmatism age in this area is attained from the ID TIMS U-Pb geochronology of zircons from the Kuoshibulak granite, the biggest granite in the northern Altun area, which gives a concordant age of 443±5 Ma in the Late Ordovician. Zircon ID TIMS U-Pb geochronology of the West Dapinggou biotite granite west of the Dapinggou gold deposit gives concordant ages around 485±10 Ma, representing the early stage of Ordovician magmatism. The Rb-Sr isochron age (487±21 Ma) of 6 quartz inclusion samples from quartz veins in this gold deposit is very close to that of the West Dapinggou granite. MDD modeling of step heating 40Ar-39Ar data of K-feldspar from the same West Dapinggou biotite granite gives a rapid cooling history from 300℃ to 150℃ during 200-185 Ma. According to the age data and the geological setting of this area, we conclude that the Dapinggou gold deposit was formed at the early stage of the Early Paleozoic granitic magmatism in northern Altun, and exhumed in the Early Jurassic due to the normal faulting of the Lapeiquan detachment. The Early Paleozoic magmatism may provide heat source and produce geological fluids, which are very important for gold mineralization. Exhumation in the Mesozoic caused the uplift of the deposit towards the ground surface.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of the China Geological Survey(DD20190173)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Institute of Mineral Resources,the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(KK2102)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42172332)the Chinese Geological Survey Project(DD20190379)。
文摘Western Altun in Xinjiang is an important area,where lithium(Li)-bearing pegmatites have been found in recent years.However,the complex terrain and harsh environment of western Altun exacerbates in prospecting for Li-bearing pegmatites.Therefore,remote-sensing techniques can be an effective means for prospecting Li-bearing pegmatites.In this study,the fault information and lithologyical information in the region were obtained using the median-resolution remotesensing image Landsat-8,the radar image Sentinel-1 and hyperspectral data GF-5.Using Landsat-8 data,the hydroxyl alteration information closely related to pegmatite in the region was extracted by principal component analysis,pseudoanomaly processing and other methods.The high spatial resolution remote-sensing data WorldView-2 and WorldView-3 short-wave infrared images were used and analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA),the band ratio method and multi-class machine learning(ML),combined with conventional thresholds specified the algorithms used to automatically extract Li-bearing pegmatite information.Finally,the Li-bearing pegmatite exploration area was determined,based on a comprehensive analysis of the faults,hydroxyl alteration lithology and Li-bearing pegmatite information.Field investigations have verified that the distribution of pegmatites in the central part of the study area is consistent with that of Li-bearing pegmatites extracted in this study.This study provides a new technique for prospecting Li-bearing pegmatites,which shows that remote-sensing technology possesses great potential for identifying lithium-bearing pegmatites,especially in areas that are not readily accessible.
文摘Studying the metallogenic age of Dapinggou gold deposit may provide important material not only for the study of metallization and the further prospecting of gold deposits but also for research into tectonic evolution in the Altun area. In this study, we used Rb-Sr isotopic dating method of fluid inclusion in the Au-bearing quartz, combining field investigation, REE, sulfur isotopes, lead isotopes, strontium isotopes and hydrogen-oxygen isotope, to determine the metallogenic age of the Dapinggou gold deposit. The only newly-discovered medium-sized gold deposit in the northern Altun area, Dapinggou gold deposit, is controlled by a ductile shear zone. It is characterized by mainly altered mylonite-types with a little K-feldspar quartz vein-types. Data from REE, sulfur isotopes, lead isotopes and strontium isotopes show that the source materials of the deposit were derived mainly from the metamorphic rocks. The data from the inclusion and hydrogen-oxygen isotope indicate that the ore-forming fluid came mainly from dynamic metamorphic water and partly from remelting magmatic water, with a little influence from meteoric water. The density of the ore-forming fluid is 0. 791 - 0. 971g/cm^3 and it contains 2.36 %-5.5 % salinity, The gold deposit was formed at 1.61-2.68 km below the surface at a temperature of 198--290 ℃ and a pressure of （420-700） × 10^5 Pa. The isotopic age from the Rb-Sr isochron of fluid inclusion in quartz is 487 Ma, which indicates that the mineralization occurred in the early Caledonian epoch. The study on the metallogenic age of Dapinggou gold deposit may provide important material not only for the study of metallization and the further prospecting of gold deposits but also for research into tectonic evolution in the Altun area.
文摘The Tula A2-subtype granite pluton is located between the Altun fault and its branching fault. According to the geological, geochemical, REE and trace elements characteristics, it belongs to the A2 （PA） subtype granite. The SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating gives a result of 385.2±8.1 Ma, which is located between the Middle and Late Devonian in the international stratigraphic chart, and can be regarded as the crystallization age of the Tula granite. The study indicates that the Tula area was in a local extensional environment in the end of the Middle Devonian, and that environment was probably related to the synchronized strike-slip activity of the Altun fault.
文摘Structural, microstructural analysis is done on the Altun fault zo ne and fault rocks. The major characteristics of faulting are summarized. Micros tructural observation reveals a complicated evolution of the fault zone. Much at tention is paid to the microstructural observation and dynamic analysis of fault ing. The occurrence of phengite grains suggest abnormally high pressure conditio ns during ductile deformation and metamorphism, while the occurrence of muscovit e-chlorite mineral assemblage suggest a low temperature and low pressure condit i on. Micro-component analysis on the inter-grown muscovite and chlorite grains gives similar information. It is concluded that the first deformation along the Altun fault zone is a type of ductile shearing, forming mylonites and mylonitic rocks along the fault zone. A post-Jurassic deformation is primarily suggested by the involvement of the l atest tectonic units (Jurassic) in the ductile deformation.The early tectonic ev ent involves deformation and metamorphism under conditions in the upper crust, w ith T-P conditions varying to a large extent (T-270℃ ～350℃; P-0.005GPa～0. 43GPa), which may be attributed to the extra tectonic stresses.
文摘A set of ENE\|trending fault which locates in the rigid Tarim massif and flexible Qilian massif in the same dynamic system of the uplift of the Qinghai—Tibetan plateau is referred to as the Altun Fault (ALF). ALF displays a linear geometry or a geometry of overlapping of linear and arcuate segments and a growth and development process of the breakdown segment\|by\|segment, connection segment\|by\|segment and propagation gradually (northeastward migration of the northeast tip, southwestward growth of the southwest tip). The formation of the Altun fault began in the middle or upper Carboniferous. It was characteristic of the sinistral strike\|slip\|thrust before Eocene, of the thrust\|sinistral strike\|slip during Oligocene—Miocene, and of the normal slip, and thrust\|sinistral strike\|slip simultaneously since Miocene.
文摘The formation of strath and strath terrace is closely related to tectonic uplift in the drainage basin. Based on the investigation of straths at Yandantu and Changcaogou on the eastern segment of the northern margin fault of Altun, and in combination with the paleoclimatic data, the tectonic uplift since late Epipleistocene as revealed by stream terraces at the two places is discussed. At Yandantu, three levels of stream terraces(T 1, T 2 and T 3)have developed since 16ka BP, where T 1, T 3 and T 2 are fill terraces and the buried major straths are exposed. The ages of three treads are dated to be about 16.1ka BP, 12.8ka BP and 6.2ka BP, respectively. The three terraces reflect three tectonic uplift events, while the ages of the treads represent the occurrence time of these events. The stream is still beveling the bedrock and widening the channel at present, and the modern strath is being generated. The uplift rate is 4.8～4.5mm/a since 16.1 ka BP in this area. From 12.8ka B.P to 6.2ka BP, The uplift rate was 6.4mm/a. The uplift rate is 3.1mm/a since 6.2ka BP. At Changcaogou, four levels of stream terraces(T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 1′)have developed since 7ka BP. All of them are fill terraces. There are buried straths under the deposits. The buried major strath is exposed on T 3 and T 2 and the minor strath on T 1′and T 1. The ages of treads of the three terraces (T 3, T 2 and T 1′) are 7 ka BP, 3 ka BP and 2.5 ka BP, respectively. The four terraces reflect two uplift events induced by tectonic activities. One occurred in about 7 ka BP, and the other in 3ka BP. The uplift rate is 5.9mm/a since 7.0 ka BP at Changcaogou. From 7ka BP to 3ka BP, the uplift rate was 7.0mm/a, and since 3ka BP till now, the uplift rate is 4.7 mm/a.
基金supported by the Major S&T Special Project of PetroChim Company Limited"Research and application of key exploration and development technologies for constructing highland oilgas fields in the Qaidam Basin"(No.2016-E-01).
文摘The discovery of deep bedrock gas reservoirs in Altun forelands in the Qaidam Basin has expanded a newfield of natural gas exploration and development in China.Since then,it has always been believed that the storage space of this kind of gas reservoirs is composed of well-developed dual media of matrix pores and fractures,but the practices of such gas reservoir development began to be in contradiction with this cognition.In order to achieve a better understanding of the storage space and the main controlling factors of reservoir formation in this bedrock gas reservoir,it is necessary to investigate the dissolved increased pores characteristics and the forced fractures characteristics in the bedrock gas reservoir.Then,based on the data such as cores and cast thin sections in the bedrock intervals in the Dongping 1 and Jiantan 1 blocks,the main storage space types of deep bedrock gas reservoirs in Altun forelands were analyzed,then the main controlling factors of favorable target reservoirs in these blocks were put forward,and in combination with the regional geological background,the geological understandings of favorable target reservoirs and potential reserves were deepened in this study area.The following research results were achieved.(1)The lithology of the bedrock gas reservoirs in this area consists of calc-alkaline igneous rocks and gneiss suite regional metamorphic rocks.Matrix pores are not developed,and their development degree is mainly controlled by faults.Main effective storage spaces and permeable channels are structural fractures and dissolution fractures.(2)The main controlling factors of target reservoir formation include lithology,tectonic effect,weathering,intrusive dikes,and on the whole the rule of ternary-control is followed,namely prevalent lithologyedominant stressesehydrocarbon accumulations in the structural higher parts.(3)The potential zones of reservoir formation include the following 5 types:tectonically stress concentrated tensionetorsional zones,contact zones between lithologic interfaces of intrusive body,weathering zones of compressing uplift,slope sediment zones near circumscribed erosion area,para-conformity or unconformity interface.
基金This project was sponsored by the United Earthquake Science Foundation (93068), China
文摘By using the SLC(Single-Link Cluster)method,this study worked in three respects:(a)set up three-dimensional(3-D)SLC software that can deal with a large catalogue of earthquakes and analyze the characteristics of earthquakes’ clustering and scattering in time-space:(b)defined several parameters to describe the distinguishing feature for the SLC frame and developed a technique to calculate the 3-D SLC frames and these parameters with gradual time-sliding,and inspected their variations with time,especially before large events; and(c)by using these means,treated the earthquake catalogue in the top area of the Kunlun-Altun-Arc as well as some valuable results that had been obtained.
文摘The newly discovered three alkali\|rich intrusive rock belts in the Mt. Kunlun Mt. Altun region of southern Xinjiang are the Lapeiquan\|Yitunbulak alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt, the Gez\|Taxkorgan alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt and the Beilisai\|Abulash alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt. The former two belts were formed during the Yanshanian period, and the third one was formed during the Himalayan period, which is the youngest alkali\|rich intrusive rock belt in China. The discovery of the alkali\|rich intrusive rock belts is of great significance in shedding light on the history of tectono\|magmatic activities in this region.
文摘The REE patterns of the basic volcanic rocks in Mangya area, Altun, are slight rich in LREE with (La/Ya)-N=1.69-3.20, (La/Sm)-N=1.37-1.87, other trace element ratios of the rocks are Th/Ta≈1 (for a few samples greater than 1.5), Nb/Y=0.34-0.62, Ti/Y=310-443 (on the average: 381), Ti/V=37-62, Zr/Nb=9.4-12.4, Sr/Rb=12-80 (on the average: 37), and Nb/Th=7.7-16.8. These features are similar to that of E-MORE or OIB. The ε Nd(t) value, being 3.95- 4.12, shows that the source of the volcanic rocks is derived from depleted asthenosphere mantle mixed with materials from enriched mantle. These, together with the information of geological setting and rock assemblages, indicate that the basic volcanic rocks are of ophiolite. The Sm-Nd isotope ages for the eight basic volcanic rock samples construct a straight line with good correlation, and the calculated isochron age is (481.3±53) Ma. Besides, the eight calculated ε Nd(t) and model ages are close to each other, which suggests that they are homologous, so the isochron is not a mixed line. In the meantime, the isochron age ((481.3±53) Ma) is lower than the model ages (T DM=1 004-1 534 Ma) of the samples, suggeting that the isochron age represents the formation age of the basic volcanic rocks and the ophiolite belt in Mangya area, Altun is formed in the early Paleozoic (Cambrian-Ordovician). In spite of the greater uncertainty of the age, it is still reliable because it is consistent with the age constrained by the regional strata.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 49902018 and 49732070)the National Key Project for Basic Research on Tibetan Plateau (Grant No. G1998040800)the Key Project of the Ministry of Land and Resources
文摘Ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphism refers to metamorphism that has occurred at pressures for the stability of coesite. The polycrystalline quartz inclusions showing the characteristic texture within garnets of eclogites indicates the pre-existence of coesites under the peak meta-morphic condition. The unusual exsolution textures in om-pacites and apatites, and the pressure estimations of phengite-bearing eclogites have been taken to provide further proof of eclogite formation under the UHP conditions. Combined with the fact that coesites have been observed in country rocks of eclogites in North Qaidam Mountains, another UHP metamorphic belt cut by the large-scale strike-slip fault in the Altun-North Qaidam area of China is confirmed.
基金This work was supported jointly by the National Key Basic Research and Development Project of China (Grant No.G1999075508) the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40372088, 49972063, 140032010)+1 种基金 Ministry of Education's Teacher Fund (Grant No. 40133020) the Opening Fund of Key Laboratory of Lithosphere tectonic, Deep Level Process and Exploration of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan.
文摘A study on petrography and mineral chemistry of granitic gneiss from the Yinggeli-sayi area in the Altun Mountains of the northwestern China demonstrates that the granitic gneiss experienced a complicated multi-stage metamorphism. The peak-stage mineral assemblage is garnet+perthite(before exsolution)+titanite(before exsolution)+kyanite+zoisite +quartz/ coesite clinopyroxene with minor apatite and rutile. The exsolution of rod-like plagioclase +amphibole is contained within the core part of coarse-grained titanite, and the Si value per unit formula of the titanite is estimated to be 1.032—1.047, which implies that the titanite contains Si with six-fold coordination and the precursor titanite is hence of supersilicic titanite and suggests that the CaSi2O5 component in the titanite is 3.1%—4.7%. The P-T condition of peak metamorphism is estimated to be 3.7—4.3GPa at 1000. High-Al titanite inclusions are also found in the garnet. All of these suggest that the granitic gneiss underwent UHP metamorphism. The granitic gneiss has SiO2 content (> 70%), Al2O3 (12.58%—14.08%), high K2O content (>5%) with Na2O/K2O ratio of 0.4—0.6, LREE-enriched patterns with (La/Yb)N ratio of 4.3—9.1 and large negative Eu anomaly (d Eu = 0.06—0.59), which indicate that the protolith of the granitic gneiss is the product of anatexis of the middle or upper crustal rock. The UHP granitic gneiss, together with the inter-beds of UHP metamorphic garnet lherzolite and garnet-bearing intermediate-basic gneiss in the outcrops, suggests that they all might undergo continental deep subduction, which will have im-portant bearing for further discussion of the dynamic mechanism of the formation and exhuma-tion of the rocks in this region.
文摘SINCE high-pressure metapelitic rocks have been discovered in the Beiketan area of eastern Al-tun Mountains,a set of eclogite has been recognized in south of Jianggesayi,western Altun.The eclogite,associated with quartz-garnet-clinopyroxenite and metamorphosed retrogradelyto garnet-amphibolite partially,is exposed in the Proterozoic meso- to hypometamorphic rocksand can be traced eastward to northwest of Mangya asbestos deposit,for about 200
文摘The Altun tectonic zone is an important left-handed strike-slip fault zone on the Asian continent. Recent studies reveal that the left-handed strike slip of this fault zone was developed not only in the Cenozoic, but also during the Late Ordovician. The fault zone is mainly composed of Proterozoic schists, volcanics, quartzites and carbonate rocks bearing stromatolites. The overlying strata are dominated by plateform carbonate rocks and
