Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493

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Chemie der Erde

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Geochemistry of Silurian–Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of the Ulaanbaatar

terrane, Hangay–Hentey belt, central Mongolia: Provenance, paleoweathering,
tectonic setting, and relationship with the neighbouring Tsetserleg terrane
Narantuya Purevjav, Barry Roser ∗
Department of Geoscience, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu, Matsue 690-8504, Japan

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The Hangay–Hentey belt is situated in the central Northern Mongolia, and forms part of the Central
Received 28 August 2012 Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). It is internally subdivided into seven terranes, the largest of which are
Accepted 18 March 2013 the neighbouring Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes. These coeval terranes are mainly composed of
Silurian–Devonian accretionary complexes and Carboniferous turbidites. Proposals for their depositional
Keywords: setting range from passive margin through to island arc. A suite of 19 Ulaanbaatar terrane sandstones and
Hangay–Hentey belt
mudrocks (Gorkhi and Altanovoo Formations) were collected with the aim of constraining their proven-
Ulaanbaatar terrane
ance, source weathering, and depositional setting based on whole-rock major and trace element data, and
Tsetserleg terrane
Mongolia
for comparison with the neighbouring Tsetserleg terrane. New REE analyses were also made of 35 sam-
Sedimentary geochemistry ples from the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes. Geochemically the Ulaanbaatar sandstones are classed
Provenance as wackes, and most of the mudstones as shales. Geochemical parameters suggest an immature source,
Tectonic setting similar to that of the Tsetserleg terrane. Geochemical contrasts between sandstones and mudrocks in
CAOB the Ulaanbaatar sediments are small, and trends on element – Al2 O3 variation diagrams are weak. Com-
parison with average upper continental crust (UCC), major element discriminant scores, and immobile
element ratios (Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, Ce/Sc, Ti/Zr) indicate a uniform average source composition between dacite
and rhyolite. Maximum Chemical Index of Alteration value in the Ulaanbaatar terrane is ∼65 after cor-
rection for K-metasomatism, indicating minimal weathering in a tectonically active source, similar to
that of the Tsetserleg terrane. REE data in both terranes show moderate LREE enrichment and flat HREE
segments, with negative Eu anomalies somewhat less than those in UCC and PAAS. Chondrite-normalized
patterns are very similar to that for average Paleozoic felsic volcanic rock, supporting the relatively felsic
source indicated by immobile trace element ratios. Tectonic setting discriminants (K2 O/Na2 O–SiO2 /Al2 O3 ,
La–Th–Sc, Th–Sc–Zr) indicate an evolved continental island arc (CIA; A2) environment for both terranes,
similar to several other CAOB suites of similar age. This common arc source was situated within the
Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean during Silurian–Lower Carboniferous time. The present-day Aleutian arc is a
possible modern analogue of the depositional setting.
© 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction The Hangay–Hentey belt is cut into two segments by a

The Hangay–Hentey belt occupies a roughly 200–300 km wide
by 1000 km long portion of central and eastern Mongolia (Fig. 1),
and forms part of the long-lived and geologically complex Central
Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) (Kelty et al., 2008). The CAOB is one of
the largest orogenic belts in the world, and initially formed during
Phanerozoic continental growth, lying between the Siberian Craton
in the north, the Tarim Block, and the North China Craton in the
south (Sengör et al., 1993; Sengör and Natal’in, 1996; Badarch et al.,
2002; Natal’in, 2007; Kelty et al., 2008; Kurihara et al., 2009).
∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +81 852 326452; fax: +81 852 326459.
E-mail address: roser@riko.shimane-u.ac.jp (B. Roser).
northwest-striking Cenozoic fault system (Badarch et al., 2002;
Dorjsuren et al., 2006; Dorjsuren and Bujinlkham, 2007; Tsukada
et al., 2010), with the Hangay sub-belt lying in the southwest,
and the Hentey sub-belt in the northeast (Fig. 1). Internally the
Hangay–Hentey belt as a whole is divided into seven terranes
(Tomurtogoo, 2002), the largest of which are the Tsetserleg and
Ulaanbaatar terranes (Fig. 1). Both terranes consist mainly of
Silurian–Carboniferous sedimentary rocks, the nature and proven-
ance of which have been controversial, with a wide variety of
conflicting depositional models proposed. These range from cra-
tonic derivation and passive margin deposition, through to arc
models.
The tectonic evolution of the Hangay–Hentey belt has been
explained by models including deposition in an oceanic gulf,

0009-2819/$ – see front matter © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2013.03.003
482 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493

102 E
94 E
96 E 108 E 114 E
Bolnai Fault Hangay - Hentey
belt
Precambrian on
kh
Lower Paleozoic - Or ne
n e rra
48 N ha an
NeoProterozoic a vk Terr n Te
TarvagatayTerrane Z ha Ulaanbaatar t
Rocks air
lth Terrane en
As
ra
SH e am
n ne
H
Te
rra Li
1
ian
sa
g l
Za at go
g-
Ha
2 Tsetserleg
Ada
Mon
ra Terrane in
Ma
aT
er
ra
ne
s
ock SC
zoic R
44 N aleo
er P
nd Upp MONGOLIA
er a
Clastic basin Low
TB NC
Ophiolite
Cratonic block
Carbonate rocks SC Siberian Craton NC North China Craton
Island arc Strike-slip fault
1 Study area TB Tarim Block Study areas
Cenozoic fault
2 Purevjav & Roser 2012 H Harhorin Terrane SH Southern Hentey Terrane

Fig. 1. Location of Mongolia, the Hangay–Hentey basin, the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes, and the study area (modified after Badarch et al., 2002; Rojas-Agramonte
et al., 2011; Wainwright et al., 2011; Purevjav and Roser, 2012).

accretionary wedges, an Andean-type continental margin, and
intra-oceanic arcs (Sengör and Natal’in, 1996; Ruzhentsev and
Mossakovskiy, 1996; Zorin, 1999; Badarch et al., 2002; Tomurtogoo,
2002; Jahn et al., 2004; Tomurtogoo et al., 2005; Kelty et al., 2008;
Orolmaa et al., 2008; Bussien et al., 2011). Several recent stud-
ies have shown that detrital zircon U/Pb ages in the Tsetserleg
and Ulaanbaatar terranes fall in a very narrow range from Silu-
rian to Carboniferous, with very little (if any) contribution from
older sources such as the Siberian craton (Kelty et al., 2008; Bussien
et al., 2011), strongly supporting deposition in a fore-arc setting in
a Silurian to Permian subduction environment. Most of these stud-
ies have been based on geological and structural evidence, isotope
geochemistry, and geochronology.
Major element, trace element and earth element (REE) analysis
of sedimentary rocks has become a key component in provenance
studies in the last few decades. The major elements are useful
for constraining source weathering, tectonic setting, and proven-
ance (e.g. Nesbitt and Young, 1984; Bhatia and Crook, 1986; Roser
and Korsch, 1988), as are abundances and ratios of trace ele-
ments (Taylor and McLennan, 1985; McLennan et al., 1993). The
REE are valuable in constraining provenance as they are immobile
and hence retain source signatures (McLennan, 1989; McLennan
et al., 1993; Condie, 1993; Armstrong-Altrin et al., 2012). REE are
adsorbed on clays, leading to higher concentrations in mudrocks,
and lower concentrations in sandstones due to quartz and feldspar
dilution. However, despite such dilution, REE patterns and param-
eters are inherited from the source, and are not modified en route.
Studies of the sedimentary geochemistry of the Hangay–Hentey
belt are limited. However, a recent study of petrographic and geo-
chemical provenance signatures in Tsetserleg terrane sandstones
and mudstones (Purevjav and Roser, 2012) strongly supports an
arc setting for that part of the Hangay–Hentey belt.
In this paper we focus on the geochemical composition of sand-
stones and mudrocks in the Ulaanbaatar terrane of the Hentey
sub-belt, in an effort to constrain its provenance, source weathering
history, and tectonic setting of deposition, as a contribution to ter-
rane analysis in the region. These factors are evaluated using major,
trace, and rare earth element (REE) data, weathering indices, ele-
mental ratios, and other well-established geochemical indicators.
We also present new REE data for selected Tsetserleg samples, and
compare the geochemical characteristics of these two adjacent ter-
ranes. The results suggest that the Ulaanbaatar terrane was also
deposited in an arc environment, and that the geochemical signa-
tures of the two terranes differ only slightly.
2. Geological outline
The Hangay–Hentey belt is sandwiched by the “V” shaped
Tuva-Mongolia massif, and formed part of the early Mongolia-
Okhotsk Ocean, in the heart of the CAOB (Natal’in, 2007; Kelty
et al., 2008). The Precambrian Tuva-Mongolia massif is composed
of Paleoproterozoic gneiss, amphibolite, metamorphic rocks and
Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks. The Hangay–Hentey belt
is mainly composed of Silurian to Carboniferous sedimentary rocks,
including sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, and chert, along with
minor lenses of limestone containing remains of corals and bra-
chiopods (Kashiwagi et al., 2004; Kurihara et al., 2009). The belt
is sub-divided into seven terranes, namely the Zag-Haraa, Tset-
serleg, Kharkhorin, Asralthairkhan, Ulaanbaatar, South Hentey and
Adaatsag terranes (Tomurtogoo, 2002; Dorjsuren et al., 2006). The
Zag-Haraa and Tsetserleg terranes lie within the Hangay sub-belt
in the southwest, whereas the remainder occur within the Hentey
sub-belt in the northeast (Fig. 1). Among these, the Ulaanbaatar and
Tsetserleg terranes are coeval, and are structurally and lithostrati-
graphically correlative (Kurihara et al., 2009).
The Ulaanbaatar terrane in the Hentey sub-belt abuts the Tset-
serleg terrane to the west, and occupies an extensive area in
the basin of the Tuul River and the headwaters of the Herlen
River. Tectonically, the Ulaanbaatar terrane is in fault contact
with the Southern Mongolian block, Tsetserleg terrane and the
Asralthairkhan terrane (Tomurtogoo, 2002; Dorjsuren et al., 2006;
Kurihara et al., 2009; Tsukada et al., 2010). Structurally, the Ulaan-
baatar terrane is similar to the Tsetserleg terrane in many respects,
consisting of a thick pile of volcanic-terrigenous sedimentary
rocks. The Ulaanbaatar terrane is composed of a Silurian–Devonian
accretionary complex and Carboniferous turbidites, and is mainly
composed of sandstones and mudstones, with lesser bodies of
chert, and lenses of limestone and basaltic rocks. The Devonian part
 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493
of the sequence also contains numerous jasper layers (Takahashi
et al., 2004; Dorjsuren et al., 2006; Minjin et al., 2006; Tsukada
et al., 2010).
The Ulaanbaatar terrane is subdivided into four lithostrati-
graphic units, although these have not been formally defined
(Kurihara et al., 2009), and their ages are generally not well known.
Kurihara et al. (2009) cautioned against the use of the term “For-
mation” for these units, because they do not comprise regular and
coherent rock sequences, and the contact relationships between
them are unclear. However, the term Formation is used here for
convenience, as followed by Kurihara et al., 2009), to be compat-
ible with earlier studies. The units comprise the metamorphosed
and sheared Sergelen Formation (Lower Devonian; Minjin et al.,
2006), and the less-metamorphosed Gorkhi, Altanovoo and Orgioch
Formations. Detailed geological and paleontological description of
the Gorkhi Formation by Kurihara et al. (2009) clearly established
an accretionary complex origin for that unit, and latest Silurian to
early Carboniferous age. The Gorkhi sediments occur as repeated
tectonic slices floored by cherts or basaltic rocks of OIB affinity
(Tsukada et al., 2006), passing upwards into hemipelagic shales and
terrigenous turbidites (Kurihara et al., 2009).
The Altanovoo Formation comprises a thick sequence of coarse-
grained “flysch” sandstone and mudstone (Minjin et al., 2006;
Kurihara et al., 2009). The age is not well known, but is partly con-
strained by previously reported early Carboniferous bryozoan and
brachiopod faunas (Minjin et al., 2006). The overlying Orgioch For-
mation consists of similar sediments of early to late Carboniferous
age (Minjin et al., 2006).
Importantly, Kurihara et al. (2009) also correlated the Gorkhi
Formation with the Erdenetsogt Formation in the Tsetserleg ter-
rane. The Tsetserleg and Jargalant Formations in the latter terrane
were also described as shallow-marine cover deposits resting
on the accretionary complex, correlative with the Altanovoo and
Fig. 2. Geological map and sample locations in the Ulaanbaatar terrane, Hentey basin (modified after Badarch et al., 1998; Tomurtogoo, 2003; Dorjsuren et al., 2006; Dorjsuren
(2012; pers. comm., 2013).
483
Orgioch Formations in the Ulaanbaatar terrane. These correlations
suggest deposition of both terranes in a single accretionary com-
plex.
3. Sampling and analysis
Nineteen fresh samples were collected from outcrops of the
Ulaanbaatar terrane in the eastern Hangay–Hentey belt (Fig. 2).
Four sandstones were collected from the Gorkhi Formation, and 15
samples (7 sandstones, 8 mudrocks) from the Altanovoo Formation.
Samples were manually chipped into 1–2 cm pieces using a
hydraulic splitter, removing any deleterious material (weathered
surfaces or veins). The chipped samples (50–100 g) were washed
repeatedly in deionized distilled water to remove surface dust, and
oven-dried at 110 ◦ C for 24 h prior to milling. Samples were crushed
using a ROCKLABS model RC tungsten carbide ring mill.
Loss on ignition (LOI) values were determined by ignition in
a muffle furnace at 1020 ◦ C for more than 2 h. The ignited pow-
ders were then used for preparation of glass fusion beads for
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The XRF analysis was carried
out at Shimane University, using a Rigaku RIX 2000 spectrome-
ter equipped with a Rh-anode tube. Major elements and 14 trace
elements (Ba–Zr) were determined from glass fusion beads, which
were prepared with an alkali flux (80% lithium tetraborate, 20%
lithium metaborate), in a sample to flux ratio of 2:1 (Kimura and
Yamada, 1996). Instrument conditions, calibration and corrections
for spectral interferences followed the methodology of Kimura and
Yamada (1996). Four additional trace elements (La, As, Zn, Cu) were
determined from pressed powder pellets, using conventional peak
over background methods.
Thirty-five samples were selected for REE and ultratrace analy-
sis (Th, U, Hf, Ta). Of these, ten samples were from the Ulaanbaatar
terrane, and 25 from the Tsetserleg terrane (samples from Purevjav
484 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493

and Roser, 2012). The Tsetserleg samples were analyzed so that
comparison between the two terranes could made be based on the
combined major, trace and rare-earth element data. The REE anal-
yses were made by Activation Laboratories, Ontario, Canada, using
solution ICP-MS, using their Code 4B2-Std (11+) Trace Element
Fusion ICP/MS (WRA4B2) package.
4. Results
Individual major and trace element XRF analyses of the Ulaan-
baatar terrane sediments are listed in supplementary data Table S1,
on an anhydrous normalized basis. REE analyses of the Ulaanbaatar
and Tsetserleg samples are given in supplementary data Table S2.
Lithotype averages in the Gorkhi and Altanovoo Formations are
listed in Table 1, along with overall sandstone and mudrock (silt-
stone and mudstone) averages for the Tsetserleg terrane (data from
Purevjav and Roser, 2012), and average upper continental crust
(UCC) from Rudnick and Gao (2005).
Supplementary data related to this article can be found, in the
online version, at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2013.03.003
4.1. Major elements
the mudrocks (Fig. 3), suggesting hydrodynamic separation of alu-
minous clays and quartz during deposition. Both Na2 O (Fig. 3) and
CaO (R = −0.44) also show negative correlation with Al2 O3 , suggest-
ing concentration of plagioclase in the sandstones relative to the
mudrocks. Average Na2 O contents in Gorkhi and Altanovoo sand-
stones (4.65 and 4.31 wt%, respectively) and Tsetserleg sandstones
(4.32 wt%) are greater than in UCC (3.27 wt%) and Altanovoo and
Tsetserleg mudrocks (3.82 and 3.36 wt%). Average CaO contents are
all lower than in UCC (Table 1).
The remaining major elements (TiO2 , MgO (Fig. 3), K2 O, Fe2 O3 ,
and P2 O5 ) all show weak positive correlations with Al2 O3 , suggest-
ing that these elements are bound in both lithic fragments and clays.
Average concentrations of these major elements in the Ulaanbaatar
terrane are generally similar to or slightly lower than those in the
Tsetserleg terrane or UCC (Table 1).
On the oxide-Al2 O3 Harker variation diagrams (Fig. 3) the Ulaan-
baatar sediments all lie within the field of the larger Tsetserleg
dataset. However, for many elements the Ulaanbaatar samples lie
nearer the lower bound of the Tsetserleg trend. The Altanovoo suite
also shows more uniform composition and clearer sorting trends
(linear correlations) than the Tsetserleg sediments. The Gorkhi
sandstones also lie on the Altanovoo trend (Fig. 3).

Average SiO2 values in Gorkhi and Altanovoo sandstones are
67.52 and 66.56 wt% respectively, whereas Altanovoo mudrocks
average 65.43 wt%, comparable to Tsetserleg terrane sandstone
and mudstones (67.97 and 65.78 wt%, respectively) and UCC
(66.60 wt%) (Table 1). As expected, SiO2 contents show negative
correlation with Al2 O3 , and some contrast between sandstones and
4.2. Trace elements
Most of the trace elements (Nb, Th, V, Rb (Fig. 4), As, Ga, Cu, La, Ni,
Pb, Sc, Y, and Zn) in the Altanovoo suite show moderate positive cor-
relations with Al2 O3 , suggesting association with aluminosilicate
clay phases (chlorite, illite). Average abundances of these elements

Table 1
Average whole-rock major and trace element compositions of sandstones and mudrocks from the Ulaanbaatar terrane of this study (anhydrous normalized basis) compared
to the Tsetserleg terrane (data from Purevjav and Roser, 2012) and UCC (Rudnick and Gao, 2005).

Terrane Ulaanbataar Tsetserleg UCC

Fmtn Gorkhi Altanovoo Rudnick and Gao (2005)

Lithology sst sst mst sst mst

n 4 7 8 42 52

Major elements (wt%)

SiO2 67.52 66.56 65.43 67.97 65.78 66.60
TiO2 0.58 0.61 0.69 0.63 0.71 0.64
Al2 O3 16.03 16.49 17.46 15.70 17.00 15.40
Fe2 O3 4.05 4.40 4.74 4.29 5.04 5.04
MnO 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.08 0.08 0.10
MgO 1.23 1.55 1.83 1.39 1.60 2.48
CaO 2.72 2.62 1.66 2.28 1.89 3.59
Na2 O 4.65 4.31 3.82 4.32 3.36 3.27
K2 O 2.99 3.19 4.10 3.17 4.34 2.80
P2 O5 0.17 0.18 0.21 0.17 0.21 0.15

Trace elements (ppm)

Ba 789 705 747 804 950 628
Ce 57 54 55 60 70 63
Cr 10 7 6 18 18 92
Ga 17 19 22 18 22 18
Nb 8 9 12 10 14 12
Ni 5 5 6.9 7 11 47
Pb 17 18 22 17 18 17
Rb 74 90 127 88 129 84
Sc 7.9 10 11.1 10.8 11.1 14
Sr 751 540 301 433 409 320
Th 8.4 9.5 11.9 8.9 11.3 11
V 72 76 83 76 87 97
Y 18 20 25 23 28 21
Zr 269 209 163 237 264 193
La 22 21 31 25 34 31
As 6 7 13 6 8 5
Zn 66 76 104 76 93 67
Cu 8 14 22 10 15 28
ICV 1.01 1.01 0.97 1.03 1.00 1.16
CIA 51 53 57 52 56 51
 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493 485

80 8

SiO2 Na2O
75
R=-0.82 6 R=-0.67

70

wt%
4
65
Tsetserleg sst
Tsetserleg mst 2
60 Altanovoo sst
Altanovoo mst
Gorkhi sst
55 0
12 14 16 18 20 12 14 16 18 20
1.2 4

TiO2 MgO
R=0.80 3 R=0.77
0.8
wt%

0.4
1

0.0 0
12 14 16 18 20 12 14 16 18 20

wt% Al 2O3 wt% Al 2O3

Fig. 3. Harker variation diagrams for selected major elements (anhydrous-normalized basis) in the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes. Tsetserleg data are from Purevjav
and Roser (2012).

in the Altanovoo sandstones are lower than in Altanovoo mudrocks
(Table 1). Two elements (Sr and Zr) show clear negative correla-
tion with Al2 O3 (Fig. 4). Average Zr concentrations in Gorkhi and
Altanovoo sandstones (269 and 209 ppm, respectively) are sim-
ilar to Tsetserleg sandstones and mudrocks (237 and 264 ppm),
whereas the Altanovoo mudrock average is lower (163 ppm) and
less than in UCC (Table 1). The higher Zr abundances in Altanovoo
sandstones relative to the mudrocks suggest preferential concen-
tration of detrital zircon in the former. The pattern for Sr (Fig. 4)
is similar to that seen in more quartzofeldspathic sediments else-
where, in which calcic plagioclase is more common in sandstones
than in interbedded mudrocks, and the mudrocks are enriched in
Ca- and Sr-deficient clay weathering products (e.g. Torlesse and
Greenland Groups, New Zealand; Roser, 2000).
On trace element-Al2 O3 variation diagrams (Fig. 4), the Ulaan-
baatar sediments all lie within the distribution of the Tsetserleg
data, as also shown by the major elements (Fig. 3). Some elements
(e.g. Nb, Th, V, Rb (Fig. 4), Ni, Rb, Ba, Sc, Y, and La) lie nearer the lower
bound of the Tsetserleg trend, and the Altanovoo suite shows more
uniform composition and clearer sorting trends. These features sug-
gest some contrasts in composition exist between the Ulaanbaatar
and Tsetserleg terranes.
4.3. Rare earth elements
Average REE contents of Ulaanbaatar terrane Altanovoo mud-
stones (168.8 ppm) are only slightly greater than in companion
sandstones (Table 2). Sandstones from the Altanovoo and Gorkhi
Formations have REE contents ranging from 114.2 to 171.3 ppm
(average 146.6 ppm) and 129.3 to 196.0 ppm (av. 161.7) respec-
tively (Table S2 and Table 2). Average REE abundances in
the Tsetserleg lithotypes are similar, ranging from 150.7 ppm
in Erdenetsogt sandstones to 207.7 ppm in Tsetserleg Forma-
tion sandstones. In all three Tsetserleg formations, average REE
contents in the mudrocks are greater than in their companion
sandstones (Table 2). With the exception of Altanovoo sandstones,
lithotype REE averages in both terranes are greater than in UCC
(148.1 ppm).
Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are moderately fraction-
ated, with variable negative Eu anomalies, and flat HREE (Fig. 5).
LaN /YbN ratios in the two terranes range from 6.78 to 12.50, and
Eu/Eu* from 0.63 to 0.97 (Table S2). HREE show almost flat distri-
butions, with GdN /YbN ratios ranging from 1.34 to 1.81. Although
the REE patterns overall resemble UCC (Fig. 5), lithotype LaN /SmN
averages for all except Gorkhi sandstones are generally less frac-
tionated (average LaN /SmN 3.64–3.95; Table 2) than in UCC (4.15).
Average lithotype Eu/Eu* values (Table 2) range from 0.64 (Jargalant
mudrocks) to 0.85 (Gorkhi sandstones), and thus the magnitudes
of the Eu anomalies are generally smaller than in UCC (Eu/Eu* 0.65,
Taylor and McLennan, 1985; or 0.70, Rudnick and Gao, 2005). In
both terranes, average Eu anomalies in the sandstones are lesser
than in the mudrocks (Table 2).
5. Discussion
The above results show that in broad terms the Ulaanbaatar
and Tsetserleg sediments are similar in composition, implying a
common source. However, before provenance and tectonic set-
ting can be determined, the possible effects of modifying processes
must be evaluated. As summarized by Johnsson (1993), the system
controlling the composition of clastic sediments is complex, and
numerous processes can alter sediment composition between the
source, eventual deposition, and after burial.
5.1. Geochemical classification and maturity of the Ulaanbaatar
sediments
Identifying the textural and geochemical maturity of sediments
helps constrain their origin, the influence of weathering, and clay
mineral content (Pettijohn et al., 1987; Herron, 1988; Cox et al.,
1995). The geochemical classification of Herron (1988) shows that
most Gorkhi and Altanovoo sandstones are classed as wackes (WK),
and Altanovoo mudrocks fall on the boundary between the shale
486 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493

30 20
Tseterleg sst
Tsetserleg mst Nb Th
Altanovoo mst R=0.79 R=0.88
Alanovoo mst 15
20 Gorkhi sst

10

10
5

0 0
12 14 16 18 20 12 14 16 18 20
200 300
V Rb
150 R=0.72 R=0.87
200
ppm

100

100
50

0 0
12 14 16 18 20 12 14 16 18 20

Zr Sr
400 800
R=-0.63 R=-0.61

200 400

0 0
12 14 16 18 20 12 14 16 18 20
wt% Al 2O3 wt% Al 2O3
Fig. 4. Harker variation diagrams for selected trace elements (anhydrous-normalized basis) in the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes. Tsetserleg data are from Purevjav
and Roser (2012).

and wacke fields (Fig. 6a). They also fall well within the field for
data from the Tsetserleg terrane. This indicates that the sediments
in both terranes are geochemically and texturally immature, and
hence were likely derived from a tectonically active source area.
The combination of the Index of Compositional Variability (ICV)
of Cox et al. (1995) and the Chemical Index of Alteration (Nesbitt
and Young, 1982, 1984) can also be used to evaluate sediment
maturity and weathering intensity (Long et al., 2012b).
ICV values of >0.84 are typical of major rock-forming minerals
such as feldspars, amphiboles and pyroxenes, whereas values <0.84
are typical of alteration products such as kaolinite, illite and mus-
covite (Cox et al., 1995). The Ulaanbaatar terrane sediments have
ICV values ranging from 0.95 to 1.10, and CIA ratios from 50 to
62. The ICV values are thus greater than PAAS (Post-Archaean Aus-
tralian Shale; Taylor and McLennan, 1985; ICV = 0.85), whereas CIA
is lower (Fig. 6b). This confirms that the Ulaanbaatar sediments are
geochemically immature, and were derived from a weakly weath-
ered source, as discussed in more detail in Section 5.2. Tsetserleg
terrane sediments (data of Purevjav and Roser, 2012) are mostly
classed as immature, although a few samples have lower ICV val-
ues of <0.84, are hence would be regarded as mature. However, the
majority have high ICV ratios of >0.84 and CIA < 64, and overlap the
composition of UCC (Fig. 6b). The Ulaanbaatar data fall within the
field for the majority of the Tsetserleg terrane samples, suggesting
a common immature source for both.
5.2. Source weathering and diagenesis
CIA ratios can be evaluated in A-CN-K space (Nesbitt and Young,
1984), which depicts the relationship between Al2 O3 (aluminous
clays), CaO + Na2 O (plagioclase), and K2 O (K-feldspar). In addition to
displaying weathering trends, this diagram can be used to evaluate
bulk source rock composition, diagenetic effects, and tectonism in
the source.
CIA values are characteristically higher in Altanovoo mudrocks
than in companion sandstones (Fig. 7a), a feature typical of sedi-
mentary terranes. Altanovoo and Gorkhi sandstones fall on or near
the Pl-Ksp tie line and a primary source line constructed from aver-
age values of volcanic and plutonic rocks. The Ulaanbaatar data
overall form a single trend originating from a bulk source com-
position near average dacite and UCC, running towards muscovite
and illite on the A–K edge. The data thus trend away from the
ideal weathering trend (IWT), which theoretically should lie par-
allel to the A–CN edge (Nesbitt and Young, 1984). The deviation
towards illite–muscovite is characteristic of K-metasomatism after
deposition (Fedo et al., 1995), and is a common feature in lithified
sediments (e.g. Roser and Korsch, 1999; Hossain et al., 2010).
Addition of potassium to the Altanovoo mudrocks during dia-
genesis has thus lowered original CIA ratios. This effect can be
overcome, however, by projection from the K-apex through a given
data point until the IWT is intersected, thus yielding original CIA
 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493 487

Table 2
Average REE, Hf, Ta, Th and U abundances (ppm) in sandstones and mudrocks in the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes (this study), compared to UCC (Rudnick and Gao,
2005). Subscript N: chondrite-normalized values. Chondrite normalizing factors from Taylor and McLennan (1985).

Terrane Ulaanbaatar Tsetserleg UCC

Fmtn Gorkhi Altanovoo Erdenetsogt Tsetserleg Jargalant Rudnick and Gao (2005)

Lithology sst sst mst sst mst sst mst sst mst
n 3 4 3 6 6 4 3 3 3

La 38.03 31.08 35.30 31.77 40.98 36.58 45.70 33.90 41.77 31.00
Ce 67.87 60.80 69.90 61.50 79.08 68.93 85.83 69.23 77.20 63.00
Pr 7.69 7.27 8.21 7.30 9.47 8.08 10.10 7.79 9.25 7.10
Nd 28.20 27.05 31.27 28.00 35.70 30.55 37.73 29.53 34.80 27.00
Sm 5.17 5.35 6.10 5.68 7.20 5.90 7.30 5.83 6.83 4.70
Eu 1.24 1.12 1.20 1.29 1.39 1.34 1.53 1.22 1.27 1.00
Gd 3.97 4.08 4.77 4.42 5.68 4.68 5.77 4.70 5.37 4.00
Tb 0.60 0.65 0.77 0.70 0.90 0.75 0.90 0.77 0.83 0.70
Dy 3.50 3.68 4.47 4.05 5.30 4.20 5.13 4.37 5.07 3.90
Ho 0.67 0.73 0.87 0.78 1.00 0.78 0.97 0.80 0.90 0.83
Er 2.00 2.05 2.50 2.25 2.88 2.20 2.83 2.30 2.67 2.30
Tm 0.30 0.32 0.38 0.34 0.44 0.34 0.45 0.36 0.40 0.30
Yb 2.10 2.13 2.60 2.25 2.93 2.35 3.00 2.60 2.67 1.96
Lu 0.35 0.35 0.43 0.38 0.48 0.39 0.49 0.39 0.45 0.31
Hf 5.97 4.55 3.97 4.93 5.32 5.35 6.40 5.87 6.00 5.30
Ta 0.83 0.63 0.77 0.57 0.80 0.70 0.87 0.87 0.83 0.90
Th 16.00 9.25 10.90 7.30 11.70 9.68 11.60 12.67 12.67 10.50
U 3.03 2.08 2.77 1.78 2.50 2.30 2.73 2.63 2.83 2.70
REE 161.7 146.6 168.8 150.7 193.4 167.0 207.7 163.8 189.5 148.1
LaN /YbN 12.26 9.91 9.23 9.59 9.45 10.52 10.30 8.99 10.57 10.69
LaN /SmN 4.61 3.68 3.64 3.52 3.56 3.90 3.95 3.67 3.84 4.15
GdN /YbN 1.55 1.55 1.50 1.59 1.58 1.61 1.56 1.47 1.63 1.65
Eu/Eu* 0.85 0.75 0.68 0.79 0.66 0.78 0.72 0.71 0.64 0.70
Th/U 4.82 4.50 3.94 4.09 4.68 4.29 4.25 4.74 4.47 3.89

ratio (Fedo et al., 1995). After correction for K-metasomatism the
maximum CIA value in the Altanovoo mudrocks is 65 (Fig. 7a).
This is well below the value for PAAS (CIA 70–75), and is there-
fore indicative of weak source weathering. Similar correction of
data for the Tsetserleg terrane derived maximum CIA values for
the Erdenetsogt, Tsetserleg, and Jargalant Formations of 78, 61,
and 63, respectively (data from Purevjav and Roser, 2012). With
the exception of the Erdenetsogt Formation, source weathering in
both terranes is thus weak. However, additional sampling in the
Ulaanbaatar terrane is needed to provide a more comprehensive
paleoweathering history.
The Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) as defined by Fedo et al.
(1995) can also be used to examine the weathering and diagene-
sis of plagioclase. PIA can also be displayed on ternary (A–K)–C–N
plots, which can also indicate original feldspar composition and
identify albitization (Na-metasomatism).
Clustering of the sandstone data on the (A–K)–C–N plot (Fig. 7b)
suggests that andesine was the primary plagioclase in the Ulaan-
baatar source. PIA values in the Gorkhi and Altanovoo sandstones
are low (<60), and maximum values in the mudrocks are <65. How-
ever, the mudrock data spread towards the albite field, suggesting
that albitization may also have occurred during diagenesis. This
may also explain the high average Na2 O concentrations in Ulaan-
baatar lithotypes relative to UCC (Table 1). The Ulaanbaatar data
also fall within the field for Tsetserleg sediments (Fig. 7b), although
PIA values in the latter spread to greater values due to higher CIA
ratios of up to 78 in the Erdenetsogt Formation (Purevjav and Roser,
2012). The overlap of the fields for both terranes suggests a common
source and similar diagenetic history.
CIA values may also be influenced by tectonism, as higher and
more uniform CIA should be produced in stable tectonic condi-
tions undergoing steady state weathering (Nesbitt et al., 1997). In
contrast, active uplift produces a range of CIA values in derived
sediments, as all zones of weathering profiles in the source are
eroded during non-steady state weathering. The very low max-
imum CIA values in both terranes and linear trends in A–CN–K
space indicate they were derived from sources experiencing non-
steady state weathering and active tectonism. Intensity of source
weathering can also be indicated by Th/U ratios, which can increase
above crustal levels during weathering due to loss of mobile U6+
(McLennan et al., 1993). Th/U ratios in both the Ulaanbaatar and
Tsetserleg sediments are low, with all bar two samples falling in
a narrow range (3.65–5.11; Table S2). Most of these samples (28
of 33) have Th/U ratios below the PAAS value of 4.7 (Table S2),
and cluster between the values of average andesite and rhyolite
(Fig. 8). In addition, Ga/Rb ratios generally <0.25 and K2 O/Al2 O3
ratios of ∼0.16–0.28 also indicate weak to moderate weathering in
the sources of both terranes (Roy and Roser, 2013).
5.3. Provenance
Numerous models for the provenance of the Hangay–Hentey
sediments have been proposed, as outlined above. Derivation from
the Precambrian basement of Mongolia, either the Siberian Craton
or north China (Badarch et al., 2002; Jahn et al., 2004; Tomurtogoo
et al., 2005; Kelty et al., 2008) now seems unlikely, as shown
by the general lack of old detrital zircon U/Pb ages (Kelty et al.,
2008; Bussien et al., 2011). The low ICV, CIA and Th/U ratios in
the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg sediments and their distributions in
A–CN–K space described above also suggest a stable cratonic source
is unlikely. Evaluation of provenance based on major element, trace
element, and REE parameters is given below.
As noted in Section 4, average abundances for many elements
in the Ulaanbaatar sediments are similar to those in UCC. This
is illustrated by normalization of lithotype averages against UCC
(Fig. 9). The Ulaanbaatar patterns are generally flat, with only slight
depletions for CaO and MgO among the major elements, marked
depletion or enrichment of several chalcophile elements (Cu, Zn,
As), and strong depletion in the ferromagnesian elements Ni and
Cr. Fractionation between the Altanovoo sandstones and mudrocks
averages is also limited, with the most obvious contrasts being
slight enrichment in chalcophile and ferromagnesian elements
488 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493

Fig. 5. Chondrite-normalized REE plots for Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terrane sandstones (filled symbols) and mudrocks (open symbols). Chondrite normalizing factors from
Taylor and McLennan (1985); UCC from Rudnick and Gao (2005). The grey field on the Tsetserleg terrane plots is the total range in the Ulaanbaatar terrane.

in the latter. This and the more or less flat patterns overall reflects
weak sorting in texturally and mineralogically immature sedi-
ments derived from a relatively felsic source. Patterns for both
the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terrane sediments are very simi-
lar, suggesting they had a similar source. The Ulaanbaatar patterns
also closely correspond with that for average felsic volcanic rock
(Condie, 1993), as previously noted for the Tsetserleg terrane
(Purevjav and Roser, 2012).
Provenance of both sandstones and mudrocks can also be eval-
uated using the major element discrimination scheme of Roser
and Korsch (1988), which classifies sediments into one of four
categories (mafic (P1), intermediate (P2), felsic (P3) or quartzose
recycled (P4) based on bulk geochemistry. The Ulaanbaatar sed-
iments were derived from a relatively evolved source, with data
falling in the intermediate (P2) and felsic (P3) fields, between aver-
age dacite and rhyodacite (Fig. 10). The mudrocks are slightly more
felsic (rhyodacitic) than the sandstones (dacitic), although both fall
on the magmatic evolution trend typical of first-cycle volcanogenic
sediments (Roser and Korsch, 1988; Roser, 2000). They also fall
well within the field for the Tsetserleg terrane (Purevjav and Roser,
2012), reinforcing the similarity between the two, and their inter-
mediate to felsic source.
Immobile trace element ratios (e.g. Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, Ti/Zr, Ce/Sc) are
commonly used to identify the source rock composition of sedi-
ments (McLennan et al., 1993). The use of ratios also overcomes
any dilution effects (e.g. quartz, cements), and can help identify
heavy mineral effects. A Zr/Sc–Th/Sc plot (McLennan et al., 1993)
shows the Ulaanbaatar sediments plot close to UCC and lie along
a primary source evolution trend from average basalt to rhyo-
lite, with samples concentrated at high ratios between average
dacite and rhyolite (Fig. 11a). This confirms the relatively felsic
source indicated by the major element data. Coherence to the
primary source trend is characteristic of first-cycle volcaniclastic
sediments (Roser et al., 2002). The Altanovoo samples trend across
the source evolution trend, with higher Zr/Sc ratios in the sand-
stones relative to the mudrocks (Fig. 11a). This trend is typical
of zircon concentration by hydraulic sorting, as also indicated by
Zr–Al2 O3 variations (Fig. 4). This trend is not evident in Tsetserleg
sediments (Purevjav and Roser, 2012). However, the Ulaanbaatar
data fall well within the field of the larger Tsetserleg dataset
(Fig. 11a).
A Ti/Zr–Ce/Sc plot presents the same pattern: all Ulaanbaatar
sediments fall between average dacite and rhyolite, confirming and
intermediate to felsic source (Fig. 11b). Gorkhi sandstones fall near
rhyolite, along with most Altanovoo sandstones, but Altanovoo
mudrocks are displaced towards average dacite, indicating a minor
sorting effect towards more intermediate composition. The overall
distribution of the Ulaanbaatar samples is again similar to that in
the Tsetserleg terrane, supporting an intermediate to felsic source
for both units. A similar provenance is also indicated by the Hf-
La/Th plot of Floyd and Leveridge (1987). Most of the Ulaanbaatar
and Tsetserleg data fall well within the felsic arc field, with some
 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493 489

A
100 Ka, Gb, Chl
Altanovoo sst (a)
Altanovoo mst
Gorkhi sst
Tsetserleg
terrane
80 Sm Illite
Mu

L
CIA
PAAS

IW
65

60 60 60

Pl G Rh Ksp
Da, Gd, UCC
Di, An
B,Ga
40
CN K

A-K
100 (b)

80

PIA
60

An Ab
By La Ad Og

Fig. 6. Classification plots for the Ulaanbaatar sandstones and mudrocks (this study)
compared to the Tsetserleg terrane (data from Purevjav and Roser, 2012). (a) Classi-
fication plot of Herron (1988), WK – wacke, LA – litharenite; (b) ICV-CIA plot (after
Long et al., 2012b). PAAS range from Taylor and McLennan (1985); UCC from Rudnick
and Gao (2005). ICV and CIA are calculated as:
ICV = (Fe2 O3 + K2 O + Na2 O + CaO + MgO + MnO + TiO2 )/Al2 O3 (wt%)
CIA = Al2 O3 /(Al2 O3 + CaO∗ + Na2 O + K2 O) × 100(molecularproportions);
where CaO* represents the Ca content in the silicate fraction, excluding carbonate
cements.
40
C N
Fig. 7. (a) A–CN–K plot (Nesbitt and Young, 1984) for the Ulaanbaatar sandstones
and mudrocks compared to range in the Tsetserleg terrane. Abbreviations: B, Ga;
An, Di; Da, Gd; G; Rh – average basalt, gabbro, andesite, diorite, dacite, granodiorite,
granite and rhyolite, respectively (data from Le Maitre, 1976); Ka, Gb, Chl, Sm, Pl, Ksp
– kaolinite, gibbsite, chlorite, smectite, plagioclase, K-feldspar (Nesbitt and Young,
1984). IWT – ideal weathering trend. (b) (A–K)–C–N plot (Fedo et al., 1997). An, By,
La, Ad, Og, Ab – anorthite, bytownite, labradorite, andesine, oligoclase, and albite,
respectively. PIA is calculated from the equation:
PIA = [Al2 O3 − K2 O)/(Al2 O3 + CaO∗ + Na2 O)] × 100

samples spreading into the mixed source zone and trending

towards andesitic arc composition (Fig. 11c). 10
Comparison of lithotype REE averages in both terranes with Tsetserleg sst Weathering
averages for Palaeozoic basalt, andesite, and felsic volcanic rock Tsetserleg mst trend
(Condie, 1993) shows a very good match with the average felsic 8 Altanovoo sst
Altanovoo mst
volcanic rock (LaN /YbN 6.86; GdN /YbN 1.28, Eu/Eu* 0.65) (Fig. 12).
Gorkhi sst
Europium anomalies are often smaller than in the average felsic vol-
canic rock, with average Eu/Eu* values of 0.85 and 0.75 in Gorkhi 6
and Altanovoo sandstones, respectively, and 0.79, 0.78, and 0.71
Th/U

PAAS
in Erdenetsogt, Tsetserleg, and Jargalant equivalents. This suggests
presence of a variable mafic to intermediate component, or greater RHY
4 UCC
plagioclase content in the sandstones relative to the mudrocks.
AND
Variable mixtures are also suggested by a GdN /YbN –Eu/Eu* plot
(McLennan, 1989). The Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg sediments plot 2
within a triangle formed by average basalt, andesite, and felsic vol-
canic rock (Fig. 13). Although the total ranges of both terranes are Depleted Mantle sources
similar, Eu anomalies in the Ulaanbaatar sediments are generally 0
smaller than in the Tsetserleg terrane, suggesting a slightly less 0.1 1 10 100
felsic source in the former, as also indicated by major element Th ppm
compositions (Fig. 10).
All geochemical provenance signatures discussed above point Fig. 8. Th–Th/U plot (McLennan et al., 1993). Stars: AND, RHY, PAAS: average
to derivation of both terranes from a source dominated by felsic andesite, rhyolite, and post-Archaean Australian shale, respectively. Arrow indicates
rocks, with a lesser intermediate or mafic component. typical weathering trend.
490 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493

10

(a)
RHY
Altanovoo sst
Altanovoo mst
Gorkhi sst
1
UCC

Th/Sc
DAC
0.1
AND

LSA
Tsetserleg
BAS
terrane

Fig. 9. UCC-normalized major and trace element abundances in Ulaanbaatar ter-

0.01
rane lithotype averages (this study) compared to the range of Tsetserleg terrane 1 10 100
lithotype averages (data from Purevjav and Roser, 2012). UCC normalizing values Zr/Sc
from Rudnick and Gao (2005). The major element values were normalized as wt%
15
oxide, and trace elements as ppm. Average Paleozoic felsic volcanic rock from Condie
(1993).
(b)
5.4. Tectonic setting
10
RHY
The depositional setting of the Hangay–Hentey belt in which the
Ulaanbaatar terrane occurs has been a matter of debate. Sengör and
Ce/Sc
Natal’in (1996) proposed that the basin originated as an oceanic
gulf, developed from Neoproterozoic times, whereas Ruzhentsev
and Mossakovskiy (1996) suggested that it was a post-orogenic suc- 5
cessor basin. Zorin (1999), Martin-Gombojav and Winkler (2007),
Kelty et al. (2008), Orolmaa et al. (2008) and Bussien et al. (2011) DAC
all favoured an accretionary complex origin, and derivation from an AND LSA BAS
island arc system of some sort, or from an Andean continental mar-
gin (ACM) arc. Models for CAOB flysch basins range from island arc 0
with oceanic basement, through island arc with continental base- 0 20 40 60 80
ment, to typical continental margin arc (Kelty et al., 2008). Passive Ti/Zr
margin setting has also been proposed, as summarized by Natal’in 15
(2007), with the Hangay–Hentey basin floored by continental crust, Tsetserleg sst
(c) Oceanic Island
(Tholeiitic)
Tsetserleg mst
Altanovoo sst
Altanovoo mst
10 Gorkhi sst
10 Andesitic Arc
La/Th

P3-Felsic P2-Intermediate Mixed

source
5
RH
5

DA Felsic Mature sediments

RD
0
0 5 10 15
F2 0 AN Hf ppm
P4- quartzose

Fig. 11. Immobile trace element provenance plots (a) Zr/Sc–Th/Sc (McLennan et al.,
1993). Stars: BAS, LSA, AND, DAC, and RHY are average basalt, low-silica andesite,
Altanovoo sst
-5 BA dacite, and rhyolite, as plotted by Roser and Korsch (1999); UCC (Rudnick and Gao,
Altanovoo mst
2005); (b) Ti/Zr–Ce/Sc; (c) Hf–La/Th (Floyd and Leveridge, 1987).
Gorkhi sst P1-Mafic
Tsetserleg
terrane
although this model has recently been dismissed (Kurihara et al.,
-10
2009).
-10 -5 0 5 10
The tectonic setting of the Ulaanbaatar terrane was evalu-
F1
ated using K2 O/Na2 O–SiO2 /Al2 O3 (Roser and Korsch, 1986) and
Fig. 10. Major element provenance discriminant plot (Roser and Korsch, 1988) La–Th–Sc relationships (Bhatia and Crook, 1986). The Ulaanbaatar
for the Ulaanbaatar sandstones and mudrocks compared to the Tsetserleg terrane terrane sediments lie within the A2 evolved arc setting on the
(Purevjav and Roser, 2012). Stars: BA, AN, DA, RD, RH – average basalt, andesite, former, and within the CIA (Continental Island Arc) field on the
dacite, rhyodacite and rhyolite (Le Maitre, 1976), as plotted by Roser and Korsch latter (Fig. 14). These categories are equivalent. On both figures
(1988). F1 = (−1.773*TiO2 ) + (0.607*Al2 O3 ) + (0.760*Fe2 O3 T) + (−1.500*MgO) +
the Ulaanbaatar data also lie within the distribution of samples
(0.616*CaO) + (0.509*Na2 O) + (−1.224*K2 O) + (−9.090); F2 = (0.445*TiO2 ) +(0.070*
Al2 O3 ) + (−0.250*Fe2 O3 ) + (−1.142*MgO) + (0.438*CaO) + (1.475*Na2 O) +(1.426*K2 O) from the Tsetserleg terrane (data from Purevjav and Roser, 2012).
+ (−6.861). Other tectonic discriminants (not illustrated) such as the Th–Sc–Zr
 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493 491

Altanovoo sst ACM

ppm/ppm chondrite 100 Altanovoo mst
8
(a)
Gorkhi sst
Basalt
Andesite

SiO2 /Al 2O3

Felsic volcanic PM

10 4
Tsetserleg sst
Tsetserleg mst
Altanovoo sst
Ulaanbaatar Altanovoo mst
A1 A2
Gorkhi sst
0
La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
K2O/Na2O
Jargalant sst
ppm/ppm chondrite

100 Jargalant mst

Tsetserleg sst La
Tsetserleg mst Altanovoo sst
Erdenetsogt sst
Erdenetsogt mst (b) Altanovoo mst

Gorkhi sst
10
PFV
PM+
ACM
Tsetserleg
CIA
PA
La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu
OIA
PB
Fig. 12. Average chondrite-normalized REE patterns for Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg
terrane sandstones and mudrocks compared to average Paleozoic basalt, andesite Tsetserleg
and felsic volcanic rock (Condie, 1993). terrane

plot of Bhatia and Crook (1986) and the Basicity Index-Al2 O3 /SiO2
scheme of Kumon and Kiminami (1994) yield similar results. On
the former the Ulaanbaatar terrane sediments are classified as CIA,
whereas on the latter Basicity Index values of ∼0.05 to 0.10 yield
EIA (evolved island arc; equivalent to CIA) classification. The Tset-
serleg data itself overlaps with fields for sediments of similar age
in the Chinese Altai and East Junggar blocks (Long et al., 2012a, b;
Yang et al., 2012), as shown by Purevjav and Roser (2012). The geo-
chemical similarities between these four roughly coeval terranes
emphasize the widespread development of subduction systems in
the CAOB in the Paleozoic.
The results clearly suggest that the Ulaanbaatar terrane and the
adjacent Tsetserleg terrane were both deposited in an evolved CIA
setting. The source of both terranes was dominated by felsic mate-
rial, with variable intermediate or mafic components. Based on
1.4
Tsetserleg sst
Tsetserleg mst
1.2 Altanovoo sst
Altanovoo mst
Gorkhi sst
1.0
Eu/Eu*
Th Sc
Fig. 14. Tectonic setting discriminant diagrams (a) SiO2 /Al2 O3 –K2 O/Na2 O (Roser
and Korsch, 1986): A1, A2, ACM, PM – primitive arc, evolved arc, active continen-
tal margin and passive margin, respectively. (b) La–Th–Sc ternary plot (Bhatia and
Crook, 1986). Stars PB, PA, PFV: Paleozoic basalt, andesite, and felsic volcanic rock,
respectively (Condie, 1993); fields OIA, CIA, PM + ACM: Oceanic Island Arc, Conti-
nental Island Arc and Passive Margin + Active Continental Margin.
modal data, Purevjav and Roser (2012) estimated the Tsetserleg ter-
rane was derived from a source consisting mainly of volcanic rocks
(∼55–75%), unroofed tonalite or granodiorite intrusions (∼20%),
and minor sedimentary and metamorphic rocks (<5%). This mix
of lithologies is compatible with that which could be expected in
partially dissected continental island arc.
Kurihara et al. (2009) emphasized the structural and lithologi-
cal similarities between the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes,
and their accretionary complex origin. Detrital zircon U/Pb age
spectra of the two terranes are also alike, with minimal cratonic
contribution (Kelty et al., 2008; Bussien et al., 2011). The combina-
tion of these features and the geochemical provenance signatures
observed here are compatible with a CIA setting. The geochemi-
cal data presented here show the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg rocks

are also compositionally alike, suggesting that both terranes were

PB Eu/Eu*=0.85 derived from the same source arc. Although they could thus be
0.8 regarded as a single terrane, retention of the present terminology
AN is convenient from a geographic viewpoint.
Geochemical immaturity of the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg sed-
0.6 iments and low weathering intensity suggests active uplift and
Tsetserleg
terrane erosion of the source. Small compositional contrasts between the
FV
two, with slightly less felsic chemistry in the Ulaanbaatar suite,
0.4
0 1 2 3 4 could simply be due to varying proportions of intermediate and
felsic volcanic rocks in their sources, or to longitudinal location
Gd N /Yb N
within the arc system (e.g. Murihiku terrane, New Zealand; Roser
et al., 2002). The present day Aleutian arc is a possible modern ana-
Fig. 13. GdN /YbN –Eu/Eu* plot (McLennan, 1989) for Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg
terrane sandstones and mudrocks compared to average Paleozoic basalt (star PB), logue. The Aleutian arc becomes less evolved from the east, where it
andesite (PA) and felsic volcanic rock (FV) (Condie, 1993). comprises a partially dissected continental island arc, towards the
492 N. Purevjav, B. Roser / Chemie der Erde 73 (2013) 481–493
west, where it passes into an oceanic arc dominated by volcanic
rocks. This configuration supplies quartz-intermediate detritus in
the east, and quartz-poor sediments in the west (MacKinnon, 1983).
Such longitudinal variation in an arc would also cause lateral
change in the geochemistry of derived sediments. In the case of
the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes, the former may have been
deposited in a less-evolved segment of the arc system, with a higher
proportion of intermediate rocks in its source.
6. Conclusions
Silurian–Carboniferous sandstones and mudrocks of the Gorkhi
and Altanovoo Formations of the Ulaanbaatar terrane in the
Hangay–Hentey belt are geochemically immature, with a small
range in SiO2 content, and ICV ratios < PAAS. Low (<65) CIA ratios
and A–CN–K relationships indicate derivation from a virtually
unweathered, tectonically active source averaging dacite compo-
sition. Felsic source is confirmed by UCC-normalized major and
trace element abundances, chondrite-normalized REE patterns, and
immobile trace element ratios, with compositions similar to aver-
age Paleozoic felsic volcanic rock. Geochemical compositions of the
Ulaanbaatar terrane sediments are virtually identical to sandstones
and mudrocks from the adjacent and coeval Tsetserleg terrane,
suggesting a common source for both. Major and trace element sig-
natures in both terranes suggest deposition occurred in an evolved
island arc (A2) or continental island arc (CIA) setting. The present-
day Aleutian arc is a possible modern analogue. The geochemical
characteristics of the Tsetserleg and Ulaanbaatar terranes of the
Hangay–Hentey belt sediments are similar to other coeval clastic
successions in the CAOB, illustrating the extensive development of
arcs and subduction systems at the time.
Acknowledgements
The late Professor Dandar Serjkhuu of the School of Geology
and Petroleum Engineering, Mongolian University of Science and
Technology, gave invaluable help during our field sampling, and
made many helpful suggestions. We also acknowledge Professor
Ukhnaa Genden, of the Department of Mineral Exploration, School
of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, for his support with sample
storage and transport, and Dr. B. Dorjsuren for valuable discussion.
We thank the Associate Editor P.D. Roy, John Armstrong-Altrin, and
an anonymous reviewer for their very detailed and helpful reviews,
which we very much appreciated. This work was supported by a
JASSO scholarship for doctoral study (to N.P.).
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