Geochronology of Neoproterozoic Plutons and Sandstones in the Western Jiangnan Orogen: a Reappraisal of Amalgamation between Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks in South China

Abstract:

Widespread exposure of Meso–Neoproterozoic strata and abundant Neoproterozoic plutons occur along the Jiangnan orogenic belt, a tectonic suture between the composite Cathaysia and Yangtze Blocks in South China, with remarkable angular unconformities between the Xiajiang Group and the underlying Sibao. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of the basement sedimentary sequences (e.g. Xiajiang Group and Sibao Group) and the relevant granitic pluton (Motianling pluton) provides new information about the pre-Cambrian evolution of the southeastern Yangtze block margin along the western Jiangnan orogen. The depositional age of Sibao Group located in the Southeast Guizhou Province can be constrained at 825-835 Ma by the youngest detrital zircon ages and crystallization age of the intrusive Motianling granitic pluton. The maximum depositional age of the Xiajiang Group is estimated to be ca. 795 Ma. Four main age populations are evident in Sibao Group: 0.83-1.0 Ga, 1.3-1.5 Ga, 1.6-1.8 Ga and 2.2-2.6 Ga. The distinguished age populations in the Xiajiang Group are identical to those in the Sibao Group but lack in ranges of 1.3-1.5 Ga. Local abundant (<0.9 Ga) granitoid outcrops, distant early-Neoproterozoic (0.9-1.0 Ga) components and pre-Neoproterozoic recycled materials from the interior of the Yangtze Block both contribute to the sedimentation of the Neoproterozoic basement sequences. We suggest that a rapid exhumation and uplift occurred after 820 Ma along the southeastern margin of Yangtze Block, and provided abundant detritus to the Neoproterozoic basin between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, after which the assembly process gradually ceased till ca. 800 Ma rather than immediately paused or switched to extension after ca. 820 Ma. Regarding the location of the South China Block in the breakup the Rodinia, it is more reasonable to place Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks on the western margin rather than the center of Rodinia supercontinent during the late-Neoproterozoic time.