The Yanbian Terrane (Southern Sichuan Province, SW China): A Neoproterozoic arc assemblage in the western margin of the Yangtze Block

The magmatic and tectonic history of the Yangtze Block and its possible affinity with other Neoproterozoic arc terranes are important elements in the reconstruction of Neoproterozoic plate tectonics. The Yanbian Terrane in the western margin of the Yangtze Block is a typical arc assemblage composed of a flysch-type sedimentary sequence intruded by gabbroic and granodioritic plutons. The sedimentary sequence consists chiefly of tuffaceous material with interlayered chert, sandstone, and pillow basalts. Laser ablation ICP-MS U–Pb dating of detrital zircons from the sandstones yield ages as young as 840 Ma. The Gaojiacun and Lengshuiqing mafic intrusions are dated at 812 ± 3 Ma and 806 ± 4 Ma, respectively, using the SHRIMP zircon U–Pb technique. Geochemical data show that both the Gaojiacun and Lengshuiqing intrusions have arc signatures, with ɛNd(t) values of +1.5 to +6.0, initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.705–0.706 and pronounced negative Nb–Ta and Zr–Hf anomalies. Their geochemical variations are best explained by fractional crystallization without major crustal contamination. The Yanbian Terrane represents a typical arc assemblage formed on the western edge of the Yangtze Block during Neoproterozoic time. The sedimentary sequence was deposited in an oceanic setting, probably in a back arc basin environment. The depleted, subduction-modified lithospheric mantle wedge above the subduction zone was the source of melts from which the mafic plutons were crystallized. This scenario suggests subduction of oceanic lithosphere eastward (present-day orientation) underneath the Yangtze Block.