palaeomagnetic data, late precambrian magnetostratigraphy and tectonic evolution of eastern china
TRANSCRIPT
Precambrian Research, 29 (1985) 65--75 65 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam -- Printed in The Netherlands
P A L A E O M A G N E T I C D A T A , L A T E P R E C A M B R I A N M A G N E T O S T R A T I G R A P H Y AND T E C T O N I C E V O L U T I O N OF E A S T E R N C H I N A
ZHANG HUIMIN and ZHANG WENZHI
Tianjin Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Tianjin 300170 (People's Republic of China)
(Received May 16, 1984; revision accepted July 13, 1984)
ABSTRACT
Zhang, H. and Zhang, W., 1985. Palaeomagnetic data, late Precambrian magnetostrati- graphy and tectonic evolution of eastern China. Precambrian Res., 29:65--75.
In this paper middle and upper Proterozoic (1900--1600 Ma) APW paths are presented for North and South China based on palaeomagnetic results obtained from the Jixian, Yangzi Gorges, Shennongjia and Fuzhou areas in eastern China. Two or three "loops" are present; the second of these has an age of about 1000--800 Ma and is probably roughly equivalent to the Sveconorwegian and Grenville loops. APW paths, loops, reversed polari- ty zones and pole positions, combined with geological data, permit definition of several markers that are useful in regional correlation. These form the basis for a proposed strati- graphic subdivision of the middle and upper Proterozoic in China. A tentative palaeogeo- graphic map has been drawn for the North China and Yangzi Blocks for the period from 1700 Ma to 600 Ma.
INTRODUCTION
There are significant geological disparit ies be tween Nor th and Sou th China. Research on the evo lu t ionary relat ionships be tween these areas is o f great impor t ance in establishing an integrated t ec ton i c and palaeogeographic picture. This paper is mainly conce rned wi th the relevance of pa laeomagnet ic da ta to these problems. In recent years the au thors and Li Pu (Zhang Wenzhi and Li Pu, 1980; Zhang Huimin et al., 1983} have made pre l iminary sys- t emat ic studies o f late Precambr ian rocks ranging in age f rom 1900 Ma to 600 Ma. These studies have been carried ou t at Jixian, Yangzi Gorges, Shennongj ia and in the F u z h o u area where there is good exposure and the s t ruc ture is relatively simple. These sect ions are suitable for measuremen t o f r emanen t magne t iza t ion in the rocks. T h e y are also the s t r a to type and para- s t r a to type sections for middle and upper Pro te rozo ic rocks in China (Chen J inbiao et al., 1980; Wang, Yulen et al., 1980; Zhao Zigiang et al., 1980; Chen J inbiao et al,, 1981) .
0301-9268/85/$03.30 © 1985 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.
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SAMPLING AND METHODS
To obtain formation-mean palaeom~lnetic data, we sampled at least three sites in each formation and mainly sampled specimens of strongly magnetized rocks such as red sandstones, purple or purplish-red argillaceous dolostones and marls. Natural remanent magnetization of all samples was measured with a JR4 spinner magnetometer having a noise level of about 3.10 -s emu. Alter- nating field demagnetization was applied to all specimens at about 200--600 Oe. Some specimens were subjected to thermal demagnetization at 300 to 500°C after AF cleaning. The results show that red silty fine grained sand- stones, purple, red argillaceous dolostones etc. have comparatively stable directions of magnetization; they possibly represent stable magnetization acquired during diagenesis or shortly afterwards (Table I).
RESULTS
Based on palaeomagnetic results from the Jixian, Yangzi Gorges, Shen- nongjia and Fuzhou areas, the apparent polar wander (APW) paths are similar, moving from Africa and the North Atlantic Ocean to the Northern
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69
Pacific (Fig. 1). It is possible that the two blocks had similar drift-histories during the middle and upper Proterozoic. Thus it may be possible to carry out magnetostratigraphic correlations between the two blocks.
Two or three " loops" have been recognized in the paths. One is the Yangzhuang--Taizi loop, with an age of about 1500--1300 Ma. Another is the Xiamaling--Macaoyan loop, which is between about 1000 and 800 Ma. A possible third one is the Qiaotou--Gucheng loop, spanning the period from about 750--700 Ma. The second loop can be approximately correlated with the Sveconorwegian loop (1000--800 Ma} in northwestern Europe and the Grenville loop {1000--800 Ma) in North America (Piper, 1980; Peso- hen and Neuvonen, 1981). These may provide data for intercontinental correlation.
Figure 2 shows changes of palaeolatitude in the mid- and upper Protero- zoic of eastern China. In this period bo th blocks were mainly situated in low and intermediate latitudes between the equator and 40 ° . The North China block reached 62 ° N in the Jingeryu stage o f the Qingbaikou Period. During that period the Fuzhou area was also above 50 ° N for part of the time. Palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental indicators in sedimentary rocks at that t ime are consistent with the inferred palaeolatitudes of the various stages. Some carbonate units that are rich in stromatolites were located in tropical to subtropical latitudes, e.g., the Gaoyuzhuang, Wumishan and Yemahe~qhicaohe Formations. Most of the dark, fine clastics and mud- stones appear to have been deposited in middle latitudes, e.g., the Taizi, Songziyan, Xiamaling and Datangpo Formations. Some manganiferous, iron-
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Fig. 2. Palaeolatitude diagram for Yangzi Gorges, Shennongjia, Jixian and Fuzhou Areas. 1. Shennongjia and Yangzi Gorges sections; 2. Jixian and Fuzhou sections. Symbols Pt, Jy, etc. are same as Table I.
70
rich and phosphatic strata formed in regions of low palaeolatitude. The Nantuo and Gucheng tiUites of the Sinian Period appear to have been deposit- ed in low palaeolatitudes, consistent with data from some co-eval tillites on other continents (McWilliams and McElhinny, 1980 ).
Recognit ion of Precambrian polarity reversals is quite complex. Reversed polarity zones were established here according to the recognized concepts and techniques. They have been found in the Qiaotou and Gucheng For- mations of Sinian age in the Fuzhou and Shennongjia regions, respective- ly. Reversed polarity was also detected in the Jixian section in the Teiling Formation which is about 1200--1000 Ma old. The Qiatou and Gucheng reversed polari ty zones are approximately the same age and may serve as an important marker for magnetostratigraphic correlation between North and South China in the Sinian Period.
IMPLICATIONS OF RESULTS
Directions of magnetization and polarity characteristics provide impor- tant data relating to the sequential history of the Earth's magnetic field and the relative positions of crustal blocks. The record of magnetization in the Precambrian can potentially provide data comparable to those provided by fossil metazoa in the Phanerozoic. In fact the s tudy of remanent magnetiza- tion is complex because of superimposed influences of dlatsrophism, mag- matism and other thermal events throughout the long intervals o f geologic time. In general, the older the rocks, the more complex the history is likely to be.
Studies of APW paths, especially " loops" , pole positions, palaeolatitudes and reversed polarity zones, taken in conjunction with geochronological palaeontological and geological data (Chen Jinbiao et al., 1980; Wang Yulen et al., 1980; Zhao Ziqiang et al., 1980), suggest that a few magnetostrati- graphic marker beds might be present. Such markers may permit detailed correlations over wide areas.
Several such marker beds are shown in the magnetostratigraphic correla- t ion scheme (Table II):
(1) Yangzhuang--Taizi magnetic marker bed. The evidence is: (a) they are located at the first " l o o p " (Fig. 1); (b) they have similar pole positions and palaeolatitudes. The pole position of the Yangzhuang Formation is
= 60 ° E, ~ = 17 ° N and $ p = 35 ° N. The data for the Taizi Formation are k = 53°E, ~ = 7°N and Sp = 32°N; (c) according to U--Pb age determina- tions the age of the Taizi Formation is 1332 Ma and the age of the Yang- zhuang Format ion is bracketed between about 1350 and 1450 Ma according to data from the overlying and underlying units; and (d) both formations occur at the base of a sedimentary sequence and are overlain by a huge thickness of stromatolit ic dolostones. Thus the Yangzhuang and Taizi Formations could serve as one of the major markers for correlation of the Jixian and Shennongjia sections;
71
(2) Xiamaling--Dayanpin magneto-biologic marker. The main lines of support for this marker are: (a) both units are situated in the second " loop" (Fig. 1); (b) their pole positions and palaeolatitudes are similar. The pole position for the Xiamaling Format ion is ~ = 200 ° E, ~ = 29 ° N and ~ p = 23 ° N. For the Dayanpin Format ion the corresponding data are ~ = 191 ° E, ~ = 35 ° N and $ p = 24 ° N; (c) s tromatoli te assembages are similar in carbonates of the two units; and (d) both formations were deposited during a fairly tectonically active period;
(3) Changlongshan--Diaoyutai marker. Data are: (a) both units are situated, palaeomagnetically, in the terminal part of the Xiamaling " l o o p " (Fig. 1); (b) they have similar pole positions and palaeolatitudes, ~ = 243 ° E and 239 ° E, ~ = 60 ° N and 61 ° N, ~p = 19 ° N and 22 ° N, respectively; (c) l i thology and stratigraphic con tex t are identical; (d) Chuaria-type mega- fossils have been found in both units; and (e) the Changlongshan Format ion has a glauconite K--At age of 855 Ma, the Diaoyutai Format ion has a K--At age of 818 Ma from the same mineral, and
(4) Qiaotou--Gucheng reversed polarity marker. Relevant data include the following: (a) both units have reversed polari ty or antiparallel reversals (Ray and Park, 1969; Elston and Bressles, 1980); (b) the palaeomagnetic pole positions fall on the third " loop" . The ages of the overlying units are approximately the same. The Datangpo Format ion has a Rb--Sr isochron age of about 728 Ma; the lower part of the Changlingzi Format ion has a Rb--Sr isochron age of c. 723 Ma; and (d) worm traces occur in the upper part of the Changlingzi Format ion as do metazoa, Chuaria and worm traces in the Doushantuo and Dengying Formations.
These markers provide a framework for correlations such as that shown in Table II, for the middle and upper Proterozoic of China. They also provide a means of correlating between the Jixian and Yangzi Gorges type sections in North China and areas in South China. The whole Jixian section, the upper part of the Nanfen Formation of the Fuzhou section and the Sinian section of the Yangzi Gorges represent the complete succession of the middle and upper Proterozoic of China.
EVOLUTION OF THE TWO BLOCKS IN EASTERN CHINA
Palaeomagnetism has emerged as an impor tant tool in tectonic studies, particularly those concerned with ancient plate tectonics. It can provide in- formation relevant to the positions of cont inental blocks and palaeogeo- graphic reconstruct ions (Morel and Irving, 1978; Habicht, 1979; Piper, 1982).
The following is a discussion of the tectonic evolution of the North China and Yangzi blocks during the period from 1700 Ma to 600 Ma in the light of magnetostratigraphic correlations discussed above. Assuming an axial geo- centric dipole in the geologic past then: (1) during the same period of geological history the palaeopole position of cont inents-or tec tonic blocks
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73
wi th in c o n t i n e n t s m u s t be the same; APW pa ths o f c o n t i n e n t s or b locks re f lec t the i r m o v e m e n t s relat ive to the pa laeopo le ; (2) the pa l aeo l a t i t ude o f a sampl ing site in a b lock shows the l a t i tude o f the c o n t i n e n t o r b lock a t t h a t t ime ; and (3) based o n the p resen t geograph ic d i s t r ibu t ion , the a s s u m p t i o n o f m i n i m u m relat ive c o n t i n e n t a l m o v e m e n t (Morel and Irving, 1978) , is used to r e c o n s t r u c t the pa l aeogeograph ic pos i t ion and d i rec t ions o f move- m e n t o f c o n t i n e n t a l b locks .
Using these a s s u m p t i o n s a pa l aeogeograph ic h i s to ry fo r the Nor th China and Yangzi b locks has been a t t e m p t e d in Fig. 3. The longi tudes o f the b locks in the r e cons t ruc t i ons are unce r t a in and are m e a n t on ly to p o r t r a y relat ive dis tances .
(1) D a h o n g y u - - L u a n s h i g o u F o r m a t i o n s (c. 1700 Ma). In this per iod {Fig. 3a) the two b locks in eas te rn China are cons idered to have been s o m e w h a t separa ted , to have lain in middle la t i tudes and to have been a r ranged near ly paral lel to the longi tude .
(2) G a o y u z h u a n g , D a w o k e n g and Kuongsh i shan F o r m a t i o n s to the Wumishan , Y e m a h e , Wenshuihe and Sh icaohe F o r m a t i o n s (Fig. 3b, c and d). In this per iod the two blocks were close t oge the r wi th no large ro t a t i ona l
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k ; O" - - ~ . L . . . . . . . . . .
Fig. 3. Palaeogeographic distribution scheme of North China Block and Yangzi Block from c. 1700---600 Ma ago. 1. North China Block ; 2. Yangzi Block. 1. Dahongyu--Luanshigou stage, b. Gaoyuzhuang--Kuangshishan stage, c. Yangzhuang-- Taizi stage, d. Wumishatr-Shicaohe stage, e. Hongshuizhuang--Songziyan stage, f. Xia- maling--Dayanpin stage, g. Jingeryu--Macaoyan stage, h. Qiaotou--Gucheng stage, i. Changlingzi--Datangpo, Nantuo and Doushantuo stage, j. Ganjingzi and Nanguanling-- Dengying stage, k. Lower Cambrian Xingji--Shuijintuo stage•
74
or drift movements. They lay within 0--30 ° N in what was probably a tropical to subtropical environment. This milieu was suitable for develop- ment of huge thicknesses of stromatolitic carbonates (mainly dolostones) in the Yanshan rift zone of the North China block (Chen Jinbiao, 1983) and along a passive continental margin on the northern edge of the Yangzi block.
(3) Hongshuizhuang and Songziyan Formations to the Changlingzi, Datangpo, Nantuo and Doushantuo Formations (Fig. 3e--i). During the period of deposition of the Jingyeru Formation and Macaoyan Group to the time of deposition of the Changlingzi--Nantuo and Doushantuo Formations the North China block drifted into higher latitudes up to 62 ° N but the Yangzi block was for the most part in latitudes between 0 and 20 ° N. This is considered to be the period of greatest separation o f the two blocks during the middle and upper Proterozoic. Such significant differences in palaeo- latitude of the two blocks should be reflected in the sedimentary facies produced. As an example, the Jingeryu Formation and Nanfen Formation consist of a relatively thin but widely distributed succession of carbonates and shales. These lithofacies are very widespread and lack significant amounts of organic remains in carbonates. They axe interpreted as open sea sediments, deposited in deeper water under relatively cool climatic conditions. The Macaoyan Group, on the other hand, consists mostly of thick carbonate breccias overlain by dolomitic stromatolite reefs. These deposits are con- sidered to represent warm climatic conditions.
During deposition of the Changlingzi, Datangpo, Nantuo and Doushantuo Formations, the North China block was located at about 55 ° N and the Yangzi block in low latitudes between 0 and 25 ° N. The Changlingzi Forma- tion is mostly sandy and argillaceous sediments deposited in subtidal and lower energy environments; it contains worm traces and Acanthophytae, the Datangpo Formation of the Yangzi block is a relatively thin manganiferous shale and dolostone succession thought to reflect warmer climates. During deposition of the Nantuo Formation, however, there was a dramatic cooling of climate in low latitudes to form extensive tillites. Several sedimentary cycles from till to outwash deposits were formed in the Shennongjia area.
This period is characterised by significant tectonic movements leading to many breaks in sedimentation and the development of several unconformi- ties. Examples of these movements include the Qinyu Uplift in North China and the Wuling orogeny in South China.
(4) During the stage from the Dengyioing, Nanguanling and Ganjinzi Formations up to the Early Cambrian (Fig. 3j and k) the North China and Yangzi blocks were in closer proximity. Thick carbonates were deposited during this period and the crust was generally more stable.
CONCLUSIONS
In this paper we have used palaeomagnetic data to facilitate middle and upper Proterozoic stratigraphic correlations and relationships between North
75
C h i n a a n d Y a n g z i b l o c k s in e a s t e r n C h i n a . T h e s e d a t a a p p e a r t o b e in fa i r a c c o r d a n c e w i t h g e o l o g i c a l e v i d e n c e . I t s h o u l d b e n o t e d , h o w e v e r , t h a t t h e d a t a a n d i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s a r e o f a p r e l i m i n a r y n a t u r e a n d wi l l no d o u b t c h a n g e as t h e d a t a b a s e is e x p a n d e d a n d i m p r o v e d . T h e y d o sugges t , h o w - eve r , t h a t p a l a e o m a g n e t i c a n d m a g n e t o s t r a t i g r a p h i c d a t a have g r e a t p o t e n - t i a l f o r r e s o l v i n g p r o b l e m s in P r e c a m b r i a n s t r a t i g r a p h y a n d t e c t o n i c s .
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We a r e g r a t e f u l to P r o f . W a n g H o n g z h e n g f o r c o n s t r u c t i v e r e v i e w s t h a t s i g n i f i c a n t l y i m p r o v e d t h e p a p e r . We a lso t h a n k C h e n H u i l i a n g fo r im- p r o v i n g t h e Eng l i sh v e r s i o n o f t h e m a n u s c r i p t .
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