2017 Meng Et Al

Geol. Mag. 155 (1 ), 2018, pp. 149–173.

c Cambridge University Press 2017 149
doi:10.1017/S0016756817000632
Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Ji’an Group and

their significance for the tectonic evolution of the northern
segment of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, North China Craton
E N M E N G ∗ †, C H AO - YA N G WA N G ∗ , Z H UA N G L I ‡, YA N - G UA N G L I § ,
H O N G YA N G ∗ , J I A C A I ∗ , L E I J I ∗ & M E N G - Q I J I N §
∗ Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, P.R. China
‡The Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University,
Beijing 100871, PR China
§Xi’an Centre of Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710054, China
(Received 16 March 2017; accepted 24 June 2017; first published online 24 July 2017)
Abstract – In this paper we present new petrological and whole-rock geochemical data for the Palaeo-
proterozoic metasedimentary rocks in the upper part of the Ji’an Group within the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt,
China, as well as zircon U–Pb age dates and in situ Lu–Hf isotope data. The new data improve our
understanding of the original nature of the metasedimentary rocks, further providing insights into their
tectonic setting and the evolutionary history of the northern segment of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt. The zir-
cons can be divided into two groups, viz., one of magmatic origin and the other of metamorphic origin.
Zircon U–Pb dating gave mean or statistical peak ages for the magmatic zircons at 2035, 2082, 2178,
2343–2421, 2451–2545, 2643–2814 and 2923–3446 Ma, and mean peak ages for the metamorphic
zircons at 1855 and 1912 Ma, which indicate a maximum depositional age of 2.03 Ga and two-stage
metamorphic events at c. 1.91 and 1.85 Ga for the metasedimentary rocks. Geochemical data show
that (1) the protoliths of these rocks were mainly sandstones, greywackes and claystones, together with
some shales; (2) the main sources of the sedimentary material were Palaeoproterozoic granites and
acid volcanic rocks, with minor contributions from Archaean granitic rocks; and (3) the sediments
were deposited in an active continental margin setting. Moreover, along the northeastern margin of
the Eastern Block of the North China Craton there is evidence of ancient crustal materials as old as
3.76 Ga, and multiple crustal growth events at 3.23–3.05, 2.80–2.65, 2.54–2.45 and 2.28–2.08 Ga.
Keywords: Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, Ji’an Group, zircon U–Pb dating, Lu–Hf iso-
topes, tectonic setting, Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt
1. Introduction Precambrian basement of the NCC consists of Eoar-

chaean to Palaeoarchaean (3.8–3.2 Ga), Mesoarchaean
The accurate identification of ancient orogenic/active
(3.2–2.8 Ga), Neoarchaean (2.8–2.5 Ga) and Palaeo-
zones within Neoarchaean–Palaeoproterozoic cratons
proterozoic (2.5–1.8 Ga) metamorphic complexes that
and understanding their tectonic settings are mat-
are covered by unmetamorphosed Mesoproterozoic
ters of great scientific significance because they can
caprocks (Bai, 1993; Wu et al. 1998; Zhai, Bian &
provide insights into the formation and evolution of
Zhao, 2000; Zhai, Guo & Liu, 2005; Santosh, Sajeev
ancient cratons and the geodynamic processes of con-
& Li, 2006; Santosh, 2010; Zhai et al. 2010); and (2)
tinental plate convergence and dispersal (Zhai & San-
the formation and evolution of this craton can be re-
tosh, 2011; Zhao et al. 2012). The North China Craton
lated to three major Palaeoproterozoic mobile belts,
(NCC) is the largest and oldest craton in China, con-
that is the Khondalite Belt, the Trans-North China
taining ancient zircons and/or rocks as old as 3.8 Ga
Orogen and the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt (Zhao et al. 2001,
(Liu et al. 1992; Song et al. 1996; Wan et al. 2001,
2005), alternatively named the Liaoji, Jinyu and Feng-
2005; Liu, Wan & Wu, 2007), and it has been a hotspot
zhen belts (Zhai & Peng, 2007; Zhai & Santosh, 2011,
for research into the early Precambrian period (Shen
2013), which tectonically divided the NCC further into
et al. 2005; Geng, Shen & Ren, 2010; Nutman et al.
four sub-blocks (the Yinshan, Ordos, Longgang and
2011; Sun et al. 2012; Zhang et al. 2012; Zhao & Zhai,
Langrim). Although many controversies remain, there
2013; Zheng, Xiao & Zhao, 2013). In the past dec-
is increasing agreement that the Khondalite Belt and
ade, a great deal of petrology, elemental and isotopic
Trans-North China Orogen represented two Himalaya-
geochemistry, structural geology and, in particular, iso-
type continent–continent collisional belts, of which the
tope chronology has been undertaken on the NCC,
formation of the Khondalite Belt between the Yinshan
and there is increasing agreement that: (1) the lower
and Ordos blocks led to creation of the Western Block
at 1.95 Ga (Zhao et al. 2003, 2010; Xia et al. 2006a,b,
†Author for correspondence: mengen0416@126.com 2008, 2009; Yin et al. 2009, 2011, 2014; Zhao, 2009;
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https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
150 E . M E N G A N D OT H E R S
Li et al. 2011; Wang et al. 2011), the formation of the evolution, geochronology and tectonic deformation of
Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt between the Longgang and Langrim the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt if we are to reach a comprehens-
blocks gave rise to the Eastern Block, and the Western ive understanding of its formation and evolution in Pa-
and Eastern blocks were then united along the Trans- laeoproterozoic time. Moreover, a systematic compar-
North China Orogen to form the coherent NCC at c. ative study of the lower Precambrian rocks within the
1.85 Ga (Wilde, Zhao & Sun, 2002; Zhao et al. 2002, Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt and adjacent regions is also neces-
2008a,b, 2012; Kröner et al. 2005; Wilde & Zhao, sary, particularly with regards to the nature of their
2005; Liu et al. 2006; Zhang et al. 2006, 2007, 2009, protoliths and tectonic histories. In this context, we
2012, 2015). systematically studied the petrology, zircon U–Pb geo-
However, the formation and evolution of the Jiao– chronology and Lu–Hf isotopes, and elemental geo-
Liao–Ji Belt remains controversial, with respect to chemistry of the metasedimentary rocks in the upper
its material composition, tectonic attributes and geo- part of the Ji’an Group in SE Jilin Province. Our new
dynamics (Jiang, 1987; Zhang, Yang & Liu, 1988; analytical results enable us to discuss protolith form-
Li et al. 1997, 2003, 2011, 2012; Zhao et al. 2002, ation and metamorphic ages, source properties, pet-
2003, 2005, 2012; Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Wan et al. rogenesis and tectonic setting, and then constrain the
2006; Santosh, Sajeev & Li, 2006; Santosh et al. 2007, tectonic history of the Palaeoproterozoic Jiao–Liao–Ji
2009a,b; Santosh, Wilde & Li, 2007; Li & Zhao, 2007; Belt, as well as the formation and evolution of the early
Wang et al. 2011, 2015; Zhai & Santosh, 2011; Meng crust in this region.
et al. 2013a ,c, 2014; Liao et al. 2016).
Some researchers consider that the Jiao–Liao–Ji
2. Regional geology
Belt represents a continent– or arc–continent colli-
sional belt, along which the Archaean Liaobei–Jinan The Palaeoproterozoic Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt lies in the
Complex (Longgang Block) in the north and the eastern part of the Eastern Block of the NCC, which is
Liaonan–Nangrim Complex (Nangrim Block) in the dominated by Neoarchaean rocks with minor Mesoar-
south collided to form a coherent block in Palaeo- chaean and Palaeoarchaean components (Zhao et al.
proterozoic time (Hu, 1992; Bai, 1993; Bai & Dai, 1998, 2006; Lu et al. 2008; Wu et al. 2012). In gen-
1998; He & Ye, 1998a,b; Faure et al. 2004; Lu et al. eral, this belt lies between the Liaobei–Jinan Complex
2006). In contrast, based on analyses of volcanic rocks, (Longgang Block) and the Liaonan–Nangrim Com-
granitoids and metamorphic P–T paths, another school plex (Nangrim Block), and trends NE–E in a belt-like
of thought interprets it as a Palaeoproterozoic intra- distribution, extending from Gaixian in the southwest,
continental rift zone along the eastern continental mar- through Dandong to Tonghua in the northeast (and fur-
gin of the NCC (Zhang & Yang, 1988; Peng & Xu, ther east into the northern Korean Peninsula), with its
1994; Peng & Palmer, 1995; Yang et al. 1995; Liu et al. southern segment extending across the northern Bohai
1997; Li et al. 2001, 2003, 2005; Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Sea into eastern Shandong (Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt; Fig. 1;
Li & Zhao, 2007). Such controversy has arisen be- Li & Yang, 1997; Li et al. 2001, 2005, 2011; Zhao
cause the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt is made up of diverse ma- et al. 2001, 2005, 2007, 2011; Li & Zhao, 2007). Re-
terials and has a complex tectonic history. It contains cently, some scholars have suggested that the Palaeo-
not only thick Palaeoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary proterozoic Wuhe Group in the Bengbu and Huoqiu
successions, but also a large number of Archaean– areas of Anhui Province is the southwestern extension
Palaeoproterozoic granitic rocks, gneisses and meta- of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, based on newly obtained iso-
mafic rocks of various types (e.g. Jiang, 1987; Zhang, topic age data (Guo & Li, 2009; Liu et al. 2009, 2015;
Yang & Liu, 1988; LBGMR, 1989; JBGMR, 1991; Wan et al. 2010; Liu & Wang, 2012; Wang et al. 2013).
Bai, 1993), and it has undergone a complex series of The Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt comprises mainly sediment-
metamorphism and deformation (Li et al. 2003, 2005). ary and volcanic rock successions that were meta-
Moreover, the latest research shows that the middle morphosed to greenschist to lower-amphibolite facies
segment of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt extends eastwards in association with the emplacement of granitic and
to the southeastern coastal area of Liaodong Penin- mafic igneous intrusions (LBGMR, 1989; JBGMR,
sula (Meng et al. 2013a ,c; Liu et al. 2015), and 1991; Lu, 1996; Li et al. 1997, 2001, 2003; Lu et al.
the northern segment extends northeastwards to the 2004a,b, 2005, 2006; Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Li &
Kwanmo and Nangrim blocks (previously considered Zhao, 2007; Tam et al. 2011, 2012; Wang et al.
Archaean) on either side of the Machollyong Group 2011; Dong et al. 2012). According to research on
in Korea (Zhang et al. 2004, 2016; Wu et al. 2016). the rock assemblages, stratigraphy and tectonics, the
The rocks in the belt have all been transformed by Pa- belt can be divided along the line of Gaixian–Taziling–
laeoproterozoic thermal events, suggesting that the ex- Meadowian–Aiyang into a northern zone, which com-
tent of the Palaeoproterozoic Jiao–Liao–Ji mobile Belt prises the Fenzishan, North Liaohe and Laoling groups
might have been wider than originally thought, and on (Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Li et al. 2005; Zhao et al.
this basis it can possibly be redefined as the Liao–Ji– 2005; Lu et al. 2006; Zhou et al. 2008; Tam et al.
Chao Belt (Wu et al. 2016). 2011, 2012), and a southern zone that consists of the
All this means that many more integrated studies are Jingshan, South Liaohe and Ji’an groups (He & Ye,
needed on the stratigraphy, petrogenesis, metamorphic 1998a,b; Li et al. 2005; Zhao et al. 2005). These two
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Metasedimentary rocks in the Ji’an Group 151
Figure 1. (Colour online) (a) Tectonic location of the NCC. (b) Precambrian regional geological map of the Eastern Block in the NCC,
modified after Zhao et al. (2005). The location of Figure 2 is indicated by the rectangle. WB – Western Block; EB – Eastern Block;
TNCO – Trans-North China Orogen; YB – Yinshan Block; OB – Ordos Block.
zones are possibly separated by ductile shear zones and nature is open to question (Lu et al. 2006). Overall,
faults (Li, Yang & Liu, 1996; Liu & Li, 1996; Liu et al. the South and North comprised by these groups are
1997). Of these groups, the South and North groups currently considered to be separated by ductile shear
were originally referred to as the Liaohe Group, gen- zones and faults (Li, Yang & Liu, 1996; Liu & Li,
erally showing a transition from a lower arkose and 1996; Liu et al. 1997, 2015; Li et al. 2005). With re-
volcanic-rich sequence, through a carbonate-rich se- gard to the metamorphism as shown in Figure 4, cur-
quence, to an upper argillaceous-rich unit as shown in rent studies show that the North Liaohe and Laoling
Figure 3a (LBGMR, 1989). However, further studies groups followed a clockwise P–T trajectory, whereas
show that some spatial variations in different locations the South Liaohe and Ji’an groups followed a coun-
exist within the Liaohe Group, and thus suggest that terclockwise P–T trajectory, and thus these two zones
the South and North groups are used, the former be- have been considered to have formed in different set-
ing characterized by large amounts of volcanic rocks, tings or in different parts of a common setting (Bai,
while the latter is characterized by more clastic and 1993; Lu, 1996; Bai & Dai, 1998; He & Ye, 1998a,b;
carbonate rocks (Zhang, Yang & Liu, 1988; LBGMR, Li et al. 2003).
1989; JBGMR, 1991; Lu, 1996). For the Ji’an and The subject of the present study, the Ji’an Group,
Laoling groups, they are generally considered to be the is exposed mainly in the Tonghua area in the south-
same as the South and North Liaohe groups according eastern part of Jilin Province in the northern seg-
to the most recent geological studies (Lu et al. 2006; ment of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, and exposures in
Meng et al. 2017, in press), although the definition and the Qinghe, Caiyuan and Heping areas are par-
composition of them has changed over the past three ticularly complete (Fig. 2). The Ji’an Group, from
decades since their establishment (Zhang, Yang & Liu, the base upwards, can be divided into the Mayihe,
1988; LBGMR, 1989; JBGMR, 1991; Lu, 1996). Un- Huangchagou and Dadongcha formations (Fig. 3b).
fortunately, owing to intense deformation (Li et al. Of these, the Mayihe Formation is characteristically
2005), the original contact relationship between these boron-bearing, and its main rock types include various
groups or the further formations within them is still altered felsitic and granitic rocks (traditionally named
obscured (Liu et al. 2015) and their true stratigraphic ‘variable granulite-palygorskite’), dolomitic marble,
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 2. (Colour online) Geological sketch map of southeastern Jilin Province in NE China (modified after JBGMR, 1991), indicating
the locations of representative samples.
Figure 3. Lithostratigraphic units of the (a) Liaohe and (b) Ji’an groups (after JBGMR, 1991; Li et al. 2005)
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 4. Metamorphic P–T paths of Palaeoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary rocks (after He & Ye, 1998b; Li et al. 2003)
serpentinized olivine marble, boron- and iron-bearing bearing biotite–plagioclase gneisses, garnet-bearing
serpentinite and amphibolite, among others. The quartzites, and quartz-bearing mica or muscovite
Mayihe Formation is basically the same as the Lieryu schists. Details of sampling locations, lithologies and
and Gaoguyu formations of the South Liaohe Group mineral compositions are shown in Figures 2 and
in the southeastern part of Liaoning Province. The 3b, and the main characteristics of these rocks are
Huangchagou Formation is characteristically graphite- described as follows.
bearing, and almost all the rock types contain some Biotite–plagioclase gneiss. Fresh surfaces of these
graphite, including graphite-bearing biotite schists rocks are mainly grey or grey-black, and they have a
and gneisses, graphite- and diopside-bearing felsitic medium-grained granoblastic texture with a variable
granitic rocks, graphite-bearing Ca–Mg-silicate rocks, grain size of 0.3–1.8 mm, displaying a gneissic struc-
and graphite-bearing marbles and amphibolites. These ture (Fig. 5a). Minerals present are composed of pla-
strata are basically the equivalent of those in the gioclase, biotite, quartz, some aluminium-rich miner-
Dashiqiao Formation of the South Liaohe Group, als such as cordierite and garnet, and small amounts of
though the lithologies are slightly different (Lu et al. opaque minerals (Fig. 5b). Of these, the biotite makes
2006). The Dadongcha Formation is characteristic- up 20–25 % of the rock, is light green–brown in col-
ally Al-rich, and the main rock types are biotite– our, subhedral, orientated and with grain sizes of 0.5–
plagioclase gneisses, garnet–sillimanite–plagioclase 0.9 mm. The quartz makes up 25–30 %, and forms
gneisses, monzonitic gneisses, cordierite–sillimanite– granular mosaics with grain sizes of 0.3–1.2 mm. The
plagioclase gneisses and biotite felsitic rocks, inter- plagioclase is subhedral–anhedral, granular and with
calated with thin-bedded quartzites and feldspathic grain sizes of 0.4–1.8 mm, and makes up 40–45 % of
quartzites. The strata in the Dadongcha Formation the rock. The content of the subhedral cordierite and/or
are basically similar to those of the Gaixian Forma- garnet is relatively small (5–10 %), and they are 0.5–
tion as shown in Figure 3 (LBGMR, 1989; JBGMR, 2.0 mm in grain size. In addition, the main accessory
1991). minerals are zircon and magnetite.
Amphibole-bearing biotite–plagioclase gneiss.
Fresh surfaces on this rock type are grey–black
3. Samples and petrographic characteristics
or greyish green, and the rock has a medium- to
Rock samples selected for this study were collected fine-grained (0.5–1.5 mm) granoblastic texture and
from the major rock types of the metasediment- gneissic structure (Fig. 5c). The minerals present
ary rocks in the upper part of the Ji’an Group, include plagioclase, biotite, quartz, K-feldspar, am-
mainly biotite–plagioclase gneisses, amphibole- phibole and small amounts of opaque minerals
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 5. (Colour online) Representative field photographs and photomicrographs showing the petrographic features of metased-
imentary rocks in the study area. (a, b) Biotite–plagioclase gneiss. (c) Amphibolite. (d) Garnet-bearing quartzite. (e, f) Quartz-
bearing mica/muscovite schist. Amp – amphibole; Pl – plagioclase; Crd – cordierite; Q – quartz; Bt – biotite; Ms – muscovite;
Grt – garnet.
(Fig. 5c). The biotite makes up 20–25 % of the rock, Garnet-bearing quartzite. The fresh surfaces of
and is light green–brown, subhedral–anhedral, ori- these rocks are grey–white or greyish, which display
ented and with a grain size of 0.2–0.7 mm. The a medium- to fine-grained granoblastic texture and a
quartz makes up 15–20 % of the rock, and is granular massive structure. The dominant mineral is quartz (90–
with a grain size of 0.3–1.2 mm. The plagioclase is 95 %) with small amounts of garnet (< 5 %), and both
subhedral–anhedral and granular, with a grain size of of them are rounded or irregularly shaped with a vari-
0.3–1.0 mm, and it makes up c. 30–35 % of the rock. able grain size of 0.3–1.8 mm (Fig. 5d). In addition,
The K-feldspar is subhedral–anhedral and granular, there also exist a few opaque minerals, such as zircons
with a grain size of 0.4–0.9 mm, and it makes up and magnetites.
c. 5 % of the rock. The amphibole is light green in Quartz-bearing mica/muscovite schist. Fresh sur-
colour, has a grain size of 0.3–0.8 mm, and makes up faces of these rocks are mostly greyish-white or
less than 5 % of the rock. The main accessory minerals grey, and they are fine-grained, with a granular,
are zircon and magnetite. lamellar crystalloblastic texture and a well-developed
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
schistosity (Fig. 5e, f). The mica schists and muscov- procedures and data processing methods can be found
ite schists have similar minerals, and both of them in Song et al. (2010) and Liu et al. (2008).
are composed of biotite, muscovite, plagioclase, quartz
and small amounts of magnetite. Of these rocks, the
4.b. In situ Lu–Hf isotope analyses of zircon
content of muscovite is relatively high (25–30 %) in
the muscovite schists, but less than 10 % in the mica In situ zircon Hf isotope analyses were performed us-
schists. The biotites are subhedral with grain sizes of ing a New Wave UP213 laser coupled to a Neptune
0.2–1.0 mm, and they make up 5–10 % of the rock. The multiple-collector ICP-MS at the Laboratory Centre,
quartz grains (50–55 % of the rock) form granular mo- Xi’an Centre of Geological Survey, Xi’an, China. De-
saics, with grain sizes of 0.3–1.2 mm. The plagioclase tails of the instrumental conditions and data acquisi-
is subhedral and evenly distributed, making up 5–10 % tion procedures are given by Wu, Yang & Xie (2006)
of the rock and with grain sizes of 0.3–0.8 mm. and Hou et al. (2007). A stationary laser ablation spot
with a beam diameter of either 40 or 55 μm was used
for the analyses. The ablated material was transported
from the laser ablation cell using helium as a carrier
4. Analytical methods gas, and then combined with argon in a mixing cham-
ber before being introduced to the ICP-MS plasma.
4.a. Zircon U–Pb dating
Corrections for 176 Lu and 176 Yb isobaric interferences
The samples were crushed and zircons were separated on readings for 176 Hf used the values of 176 Lu/175 Lu =
using conventional heavy liquid and magnetic separ- 0.02658 and 176 Yb/173 Yb = 0.796218, respectively
ation methods at the Langfang Regional Geological (Chu et al. 2002). Instrumental mass bias was correc-
Survey Institute in Hebei Province. Zircon grains were ted by normalizing Yb isotope ratios to 172 Yb/173 Yb =
picked out and pasted on the surface of an epoxy resin 1.35274 (Chu et al. 2002) and Hf isotope ratios to
disc with the aid of a binocular microscope. After pol- 179
Hf/177 Hf = 0.7325, using the exponential mass frac-
ishing the grains, they were examined under trans- tionation law. The mass bias behaviour of Lu was
mitted and reflected light. Cathodoluminescence (CL) assumed to follow that of Yb. Details of the mass
images of the zircons were collected on a HTA- bias correction protocols are described by Iizuka &
CHI S-3000N scanning electron microscope (SEM) Hirata (2005), Wu, Yang & Xie (2006) and Hou et al.
with a GATAN Chroma CL probe at the Beijing (2007). Zircon GJ1 was used as the reference stand-
SHRIMP Centre, Chinese Academy of Geological Sci- ard and yielded a weighted mean 176 Hf/177 Hf ratio of
ences, Beijing, China. Zircon U–Pb dating and in 0.282008 ± 27 (2σ) during this study. This ratio is in-
situ analyses of rare earth elements (REEs) were car- distinguishable from a weighted mean 176 Hf/177 Hf ra-
ried out with an Agilent 7500a quadrupole inductively tio of 0.282013 ± 19 (2σ) obtained by Elhlou et al.
coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and a (2006) for this standard. The individual Hf isotopic
Neptune multiple-collector ICP-MS coupled to a laser analyses were made directly on top of the U–Pb ab-
at the Laboratory Centre, Xi’an Centre of Geological lation pits. For this paper, all representative concord-
Survey (Xi’an), and the State Key Laboratory of Geo- ant and sub-concordant zircons with age discordances
logical Processes and Mineral Resources, China Uni- of < 5 % (which we consider to be reliable and were
versity of Geosciences (Beijing), China. A 193 nm ex- used in binned frequency histograms) were selected
cimer laser was focused on the surfaces of the zircon for Hf isotope analyses. All Hf isotope data are repor-
grains with an energy density of 10 J/cm2 . The laser ted with an error of 2σ of the mean, and the values
beam diameter was 30 μm and the repetition rate was of εHf were calculated using a 176 Lu decay constant of
5 Hz. Helium was used as a carrier gas to transport the 1.865 × 10–11 yr–1 (Scherer, Münker & Mezger, 2001).
ablated aerosol to the laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP- Depleted mantle model ages (TDM ) were calculated
MS). Each set of eight sample analyses was bracketed based on the measured 176 Lu/177 Hf and 176 Hf/177 Hf ra-
with analyses of zircon standards 91500 and GJ-1, and tios with reference to depleted mantle with present-
the glass standard NIST612. Each spot analysis com- day values of 176 Hf/177 Hf = 0.28325 and 176 Lu/177 Hf =
prised the acquisition of c. 5 s of background data and 0.0384 (Griffin et al. 2000). Average continent crustal
45 s of sample data. 207 Pb/206 Pb, 206 Pb/238 U, 207 U/235 U C
(TDM ) model ages were calculated for the magma
and 208 Pb/232 Th ratios were corrected for instrumental source using the initial 176 Hf/177 Hf ratio of the zir-
isotopic and elemental fractionation effects by using con and assuming a mean crustal 176 Lu/177 Hf value of
the analyses of zircon standard 91500. Trace element 0.015 (Griffin et al. 2004).
concentrations and U–Pb isotopic compositions were
calculated using the program GLITTER 4.4.1 and cor-
4.c. Major and trace element analyses
rected using 29 Si as an internal standard and NIST612
as an external standard. Common Pb was corrected fol- To avoid the effects of weathering, the samples col-
lowing Anderson (2002). Weighted mean U–Pb ages lected in the field were examined under the micro-
and concordia plots were processed using ISOPLOT scope so that relatively fresh samples could be selec-
3.0, with uncertainties quoted at the 2σ and 95 % con- ted for geochemical analysis. All whole-rock samples
fidence levels (Ludwig, 2003). Details of the analytical were crushed in an agate mill to ∼ 200 mesh, after
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 6. (Colour online) Classification diagrams for the metasedimentary samples, modified after Simonen (1953), Herron
(1988), Gromet, Dymek & Haskin (1984) and McLennan et al. (1990), respectively. (a) (al + fm) – (c + alk) versus Si diagram.
(b) Log(Fe2 O3 /K2 O) versus log(SiO2 /Al2 O3 ) diagram. (c) La/Yb versus REEs diagram. (d) La versus Th diagram.
the removal of altered surfaces. Major and trace ele- 5. Analytical results
ments were determined using X-ray fluorescence spec-
5.a. Whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry
trometry (XRF; Rigaku RIX 2100 spectrometer) and
fused glass discs, and by using ICP-MS after acid Previous studies have shown that the rock assemblage
digestion of samples in Teflon bombs. All the ana- of the Ji’an Group is basically the same as that of
lyses were done at the National Research Centre for the South Liaohe Group in the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, and
Geoanalysis, Chinese Academy of Geological Sci- the lower part of the Mayihe Formation contains a
ences, Beijing, China. Major elements and the trace large amount of metavolcanic rock (JBGMR, 1991).
elements Zr, Sr, Ba, Zn, Rb and Nb were determined The upper Huangchagou and Dadongcha formations
using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and the are characterized by thick successions of metasedi-
instrument used was a Japan Science-3080 with errors mentary rocks with minor metavolcanic rocks, which
of < 0.5 %, and a Rigaku-2100 spectrometer with an is also consistent with our field investigations and
error of Ba = 5 % and other elements < 3 %. The the fact that our samples fall mainly within the sedi-
other elements, such as V, Co, Cu, Pb, U, Th, Ta mentary area on the ((al + fm) – (c + alk)) versus Si
and Hf, were determined using ICP-MS. The REEs discrimination diagram for protolith types of meta-
were analysed (with errors of < 5 %) using ICP-MS morphic rocks (Fig. 6a; Simonen, 1953). Moreover,
after REEs were separated using cation-exchange tech- these samples have generally undergone a low de-
niques. Moreover, the trace elements in zircon were gree of hydrothermal alteration and metamorphism
analysed using LA-ICP-MS. Analytical uncertainties (JBGMR, 1991), which would have affected mobile
for LA-ICP-MS trace element analyses were ± 10 % elements such as K, Rb, Th and U (Taylor & McLen-
for elements with abundances lower than 10 ppm and nan, 1985; Bhatia & Crook, 1986; McLennan, Taylor
c. ± 5 % for elements with abundances higher than 10 & McCulloch, 1990), and this is supported by the
ppm (Meng et al. 2013a ; Zeng et al. 2011). large variations in their contents, as shown in the
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 7. (Colour online) (a) Chondrite-normalized REE and (b) primitive-mantle-normalized trace element patterns for
samples of the metasedimentary rocks. Normalizing values are after Boynton (1984) and Sun & McDonough (1989),
respectively.
primitive-mantle-normalized spider diagrams (Fig. 7b; 0.85 and 0.21, so these samples fall mainly within
online Supplementary Material Table S1 available at the arkose and wacke fields on the diagram of Her-
http://journals.cambridge.org/geo). Nevertheless, with ron (1988), with just a few falling in the shale field
respect to the indicators normally used for assessing (Fig. 6b).
the alteration-independent index of geochemical vari- Chondrite-normalized REE patterns for these
ations (Pearce, Ernewein & Bloomer, 1995), the low metasedimentary rocks are characterized by relative
values of LOI (loss of ignition < 3 %) in our samples, enrichments in REEs (REEs = 83.64–511.62 ppm,
the absence of Ce anomalies, carbonization or silici- average = 233.44 ppm), distinct fractionation of the
fication, the collinear trends of MgO and TiO2 , the light and heavy REEs ((La/Yb)N = 5.54–79.61 with
analytical data for the high field strength elements an average value of 16.51), enrichments in LREEs
(HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, Y, Zr and Hf) (Meng et al. (79.38–485.83 ppm, average = 214.59 ppm), flat
2017) and the REE versus Zr plots (online Supple- HREEs (4.26–32.50, average = 18.85 ppm) and ob-
mentary Material Table S1 available at http://journals. vious negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.26–0.89, except
cambridge.org/geo), we infer that these elements, as for two unusual analytical spots with values of 1.79 and
well as the transition metals (Cr, Co and Ni), were im- 2.73) (Fig. 7a; online Supplementary Material Table
mobile in our samples. In other words, much of the S1 available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo).
geochemistry of our metasedimentary samples was un- Primitive-mantle-normalized trace element dia-
affected by weathering, transport, diagenesis, altera- grams show that these rocks are relatively enriched
tion or greenschist- to lower-amphibolite-facies meta- in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. Rb, Ba,
morphism, and therefore the geochemical data can be K and Pb) and strongly depleted in HFSEs (e.g. Nb,
used robustly to constrain the source characteristics, Ta, P and Ti) (Fig. 7b). Moreover, all the samples ex-
petrogenesis and tectonic setting (Taylor & McLen- hibit relatively strong linear correlations between SiO2
nan, 1985; Bhatia & Crook, 1986; McLennan, Taylor and each of Th, Y and Zr, suggesting that HFSE con-
& McCulloch, 1990). centrations were related to and controlled by felsic
The chemical compositions of the 39 samples of source components, and were relatively immobile dur-
metasedimentary rock from the upper Ji’an Group ing weathering, diagenesis and low-grade metamorph-
are listed in online Supplementary Material Table ism (Lahtinen et al. 2010). On a diagram used to
S1 (available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo). Al- distinguish the origins of sediments (La/Yb versus
though the rocks of different type have variable major REEs; Fig. 6c), our metasedimentary samples ap-
element compositions, they all have similar geochem- pear mainly to have been sandstones, greywackes,
ical characteristics (Fig. 6). The contents of SiO2 range claystones and shales. This is generally consistent with
from 51.28 to 74.53 wt % (average 62.43 wt %), sim- the protolith identified from Figure 6d, which shows
ilar to the shale average of 62.00 wt % (Condie, 1993). a La versus Th diagram, used principally for dis-
Their TiO2 , Al2 O3 , CaO, Na2 O, K2 O, FeO, Fe2 O3 and tinguishing Archaean from post-Archaean sediments,
MgO contents (in wt %) are 0.34–1.05, 11.45–25.81, indicating that the protolith was mainly sediment of
0.17–3.53, 0.39–3.84, 0.97–7.00, 1.20–4.53, 0.18– post-Archaean age, with minor amounts of Archaean
2.52 and 0.98–5.07, respectively (online Supplement- material. These features are also generally consist-
ary Table S1 available at http://journals.cambridge. ent with the geochemical properties of metamorph-
org/geo). Their log(SiO2 /Al2 O3 ) values vary between osed sedimentary rocks in the upper part of the South
0.31 and 0.79, and log(FeOT /K2 O) values between – Liaohe Group in the southwest of the study area
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 8. Representative CL images of selected zircons from the metasedimentary rocks in the study area. The dashed circles delimit
the areas of LA-(MC)-ICP-MS analytical sites; the corresponding 207 Pb–206 Pb ages and their εHf values are shown.
(our unpub. data), suggesting they could have similar Th/U ratios (0.29–1.43) indicate formation by crys-
sources of sediment. tallization from a magma (Hoskin & Ireland, 2000;
Belousova et al. 2002). One exceptional grain had
an unclear internal structure and a low Th/U ratio
5.b. Zircon U–Pb dating
(0.02), indicating a metamorphic origin (Tomaschek
U–Pb ages for zircons from specimens of garnet- et al. 2003; Dubińska, Bylina & Kozłowski, 2004).
bearing biotite felsic gneiss, amphibole-bearing The dating results show that 71 of the 90 analyt-
biotite–plagioclase gneiss, biotite–plagioclase ical results are located on or near the concordant
gneiss and quartz-bearing mica schist that were line (Fig. 9a), with the concordant 207 Pb–206 Pb ages
collected from the metamorphosed supracrustal varying from 1854 to 3446 Ma. Of these, the date
rocks in the upper part of the Ji’an Group in of 1854 ± 21 Ma represents the metamorphic age of
southeastern Jilin Province are presented in on- a zircon, while all the others are the ages of mag-
line Supplementary Material Table S2 (available matic zircons. Among the analyses, three of the zir-
at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo). Hf isotopic cons with the youngest magmatic ages of 2044–
data for the concordant zircons are listed in on- 2053 Ma yielded a 207 Pb–206 Pb weighted mean age
line Supplementary Material Table S3 (available at of 2048 ± 23 Ma (MSWD = 0.05), and this repres-
http://journals.cambridge.org/geo) and Figure 8 shows ents the maximum possible depositional age. The
CL images of representative zircons. other magmatic zircons had 207 Pb–206 Pb concordant
Sample TH30-2 is a medium-grained garnet-bearing ages of 2077–3446 Ma, with peak ages at c. 2079,
biotite felsic gneiss sampled from a site located 1.3 km 2148, 2273, 2368–2421, 2451–2545 and 2670 Ma
to the southwest of Toudao County (i.e. west of Qinghe (Fig. 9a). There were also two even more ancient
Town in southern Tonghua City; 125° 12 33.38 E, zircons with ages of 2923 and 3446 Ma. In sum-
41° 30 25.45 N; Fig. 2). Zircons from this sample are mary, we consider that the maximum possible depos-
mainly euhedral–subhedral, columnar or rounded, and itional age of the protoliths of these garnet-bearing
60–120 μm in size. The CL images show that al- biotite felsic gneisses is 2048 Ma, and the rocks
most all the grains are dark grey or bright, and dis- were metamorphosed at 1854 Ma. The 2077–3446 Ma
play oscillatory growth-zoning (Fig. 8a). Their high ages represent magmatic zircons with ages that are
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 9. (Colour online) U–Pb isotopic compositions of zircons from metasedimentary rocks in the study area.
206
clearly older than the depositional age of the original Pb weighted mean ages of 1854 and 1906 Ma, while
sediment. all the other magmatic ones have 207 Pb–206 Pb ages
Sample TH42-3 is a medium- to fine-grained between 2021 and 2053 Ma, with a weighted mean age
amphibole-bearing biotite–plagioclase gneiss sampled of 2038 ± 10 Ma (n = 13, MSWD = 0.31) (Fig. 9b).
from a site 0.4 km to the north of Changchungou We consider, therefore, that the maximum depositional
County (i.e. west of Huadian Town in south- age of the protolith of this sample is c. 2038 Ma, and
ern Tonghua City; 125° 34 18.89 E, 41° 19 09.99 N; that the sediments were metamorphosed at 1854 and
Fig. 2). Zircons from this sample are mainly subhedral 1906 Ma.
and short or long columnar, plate-like or irregular in Sample TH49-1 is a medium-grained biotite–
shape. The grain sizes are 70–120 μm. The CL images plagioclase gneiss sampled from a site located 0.5 km
and trace element analyses show that the zircons have south of Xiaodongcha County (i.e. northwest of Li-
complex internal structures, indicating a range of ge- uye Town in northern Ji’an City; 125° 59 57.17 E,
netic types (Fig. 8b). Of these, the columnar or plate- 41° 18 41.11 N; Fig. 2). Zircons from this sample are
like grains with growth zones or stripe-like absorption mainly subhedral, spindle-shaped, short, columnar or
patterns have high Th/U ratios (0.64–1.31), indicating granular, and the grains range in size from 40 to
a magmatic origin (Hoskin & Ireland, 2000; Belousova 120 μm. The CL images show that the grains can
et al. 2002), while the grains that are grey, homogen- be divided into two groups: one with grey homogen-
eous, columnar, cloudy or dappled, with bright edge eous features, and the other with dark-grey homo-
structures, have low Th/U ratios (0.01–0.13), indic- geneous rims and irregular cores with stripe-like ab-
ating a metamorphic origin (Tomaschek et al. 2003; sorption or growth zones (Fig. 8c). The first group,
Dubińska, Bylina & Kozłowski, 2004). The dating res- and the rims of the second group, have low Th/U ra-
ults were obtained from 20 analyses located on or tios (0.03–0.14), suggesting a metamorphic origin (To-
near the concordant line, with 207 Pb–206 Pb ages vary- maschek et al. 2003; Dubińska, Bylina & Kozłowski,
ing between 1846 and 2053 Ma (Fig. 9b). Of these, 2004), while the cores of the second group have
the metamorphic zircons have the lowest two 207 Pb– relatively high Th/U ratios (0.26–1.43), suggesting
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
magmatic crystallization (Hoskin & Ireland, 2000; Thus, we consider that the maximum possible depos-
Belousova et al. 2002). The dating results show itional age for the protoliths of these quartz-bearing
that 74 of the 90 analyses are located on or near mica schists is 2037 Ga, that the sediments recorded
the concordant line (Fig. 9c), with 207 Pb–206 Pb ages two-stage metamorphic events at c. 1859 and 1919 Ma,
varying from 1885 to 2935 Ma. Of these, the 35 ana- and that the 2070–3446 Ma ages represent magmatic
lytical spots on metamorphic zircons gave the low- zircons that are clearly older than the depositional age
est ages in the age spectrum, with 207 Pb–206 Pb con- of the sediment.
cordant ages of 1885–1915 Ma and a weighted mean In summary, the petrology, zircon U–Pb geochrono-
age of 1901 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 0.44 (Fig. 9c), which logy, microstructures and trace element analyses of the
suggests the metamorphism of the sedimentary pro- metasedimentary rocks of the upper Ji’an Group show
tolith of the biotite–plagioclase gneiss took place at that the zircons from different samples are very sim-
c. 1901 Ma. The youngest magmatic zircons have ilar in terms of their age spectrum characteristics, in-
207
Pb–206 Pb ages varying from 2033 to 2039 Ma, yield- ternal structures and compositions, which means they
ing a weighted mean age of 2037 ± 21 Ma (MSWD = are all comparable in terms of the timing of protolith
0.04; Fig. 9c), and this represents the maximum pos- formation, metamorphism and the compositional char-
sible depositional age of the sedimentary protolith of acteristics of the source rocks, which in turn means
the biotite–plagioclase gneiss. All the other magmatic they can all be discussed together, as a whole. The
zircons have concordant ages of 2070–2460 Ma, with analytical results show that all the concordant ages
peaks at 2080, 2153, 2198, 2272, 2353 and 2460 Ma as in these samples gave the following mean or statist-
shown in Figure 9c, and there are also three even more ical peak ages: 1855, 1912, 2035, 2082, 2178, 2343–
ancient zircons with ages of 2690, 2790 and 2935 Ma. 2421, 2451–2545, 2643–2814 and 2923–3446 Ma
The 2070–2935 Ma ages represent magmatic zircons (Fig. 10a).
with ages that are clearly older than the depositional
age of the original sediment.
Sample TH49-5 is a fine-grained quartz-bearing
5.c. Zircon Lu–Hf isotope data
mica schist, also sampled from a site located 0.5 km
south of Xiaodongcha County (i.e. northwest of Li- Garnet-bearing biotite-felsic gneiss (TH30-2). In this
uye Town in northern Ji’an City; 125° 59 57.17 E, specimen, the metamorphic zircons with ages of
41° 18 41.11 N; Fig. 2). Zircons from this sample are c. 1854 Ma have an εHf (t) value of –7.92 and a cor-
C
mainly subhedral, short or long, columnar, rounded or responding average continent crustal (TDM ) model age
irregular, and with a size range of 40–120 μm. The of 3.03 Ga. The magmatic zircons with peak ages of
CL images show that most of the zircons fall into two 2048 Ma have εHf (t) values and (TDM C
) model ages of
groups: the first has core–rim structures where the ir- –2.92 to –0.93 and 2.74–2.86 Ga, respectively. The
regular cores are grey or light-grey and display weak other magmatic zircons with ages of c. 2079, 2133–
stripe-like absorption, and where the rims are grey 2168, 2367 and 2450–2545 Ma have εHf (t) values of
and homogeneous; the second group is made up of +6.52 to +9.20, +5.76 to +7.27, –5.18 to +3.54 and
single grains that show weak growth-zoning (Fig. 8d). –5.63 to +8.05 (further divided into –5.63 to –0.35
The trace element analyses show that the grey homo- and +1.19 to +8.05), respectively, and corresponding
C
geneous rims have low Th/U ratios (0.02–0.09), sug- (TDM ) model ages of 2.11–2.28, 2.30–2.37, 2.73–3.29
gesting a metamorphic origin (Tomaschek et al. 2003; and 2.52–3.36 Ga (3.05–3.36 and 2.52–2.94 Ga). The
Dubińska, Bylina & Kozłowski, 2004), while all the zircons with ages of 2643–2698 Ma have εHf (t) val-
other zircon types have high Th/U ratios (0.22–2.55), ues of –1.07 to +2.68 and +6.53 to +7.43, and (TDM C
)
suggesting a magmatic origin (Hoskin & Ireland, 2000; model ages of 2.98–3.20 and 2.70–2.74 Ga, respect-
Belousova et al. 2002). The dating results show that 71 ively. The two oldest zircons with ages of 2923 and
of the 79 analyses are located on or near the concordant 3446 Ma have εHf (t) values of –0.55 and –0.19, and
line, with concordant or sub-concordant 207 Pb–206 Pb C
(TDM ) model ages of 3.39 and 3.76 Ga, respectively
ages between 1859 and 3234 Ma (Fig. 9d). Of these, (online Supplementary Material Table S3 available at
the metamorphic zircons display two distinct ages: a http://journals.cambridge.org/geo).
207
Pb–206 Pb weighted mean age of 1919 ± 9 Ma (n = Amphibole-bearing biotite–plagioclase gneiss
17, MSWD = 1.60), and a single age of 1859 ± 23 Ma. (TH42-3). In this specimen, the metamorphic zir-
All the other ages are for magmatic zircons, and among cons with ages of c. 1854 and 1906 Ma have εHf (t)
these, 12 analyses with the youngest ages of 2020– values of –0.41 to +2.45 and –3.15 to +0.53, respect-
2048 Ma yielded a 207 Pb–206 Pb weighted mean age ively, and corresponding average continent crustal
of 2037 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 0.38), which we take C
(TDM ) model ages of 2.56–2.68 and 2.52–2.77 Ga.
to represent the maximum possible depositional age The magmatic zircons with a peak age of 2038 Ma
of the sedimentary protolith. All the other magmatic have εHf (t) values that fall into two groups of +3.16
grains show concordant ages of 2069–2493 Ma, with to +6.94 and –3.69 to –0.89, with corresponding
C
ages at c. 2088, 2123–2242, 2288 and 2351–2493 Ma (TDM ) model ages of 2.24–2.46 and 2.72–2.90 Ga
(Fig. 9d). Moreover, there were four even more ancient (online Supplementary Material Table S3 available at
zircons with ages of 2666, 2814, 3054 and 3234 Ma. http://journals.cambridge.org/geo).
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 10. (Colour online) (a) Zircon U–Pb age spectra t(Ma), and (b) εHf (t) versus T(Ma) diagram for analysed zircons from the
metasedimentary rocks in the study area.
Biotite–plagioclase gneiss (TH49-1). In this speci- ics of these zircons can be discussed together, as a
men, the metamorphic zircons with ages of c. 1901 Ma whole. Zircons with mean or statistical peak ages of
have εHf (t) values of –3.22 to +3.13 and (TDMC
) model 1855, 1912, 2035, 2082, 2178, 2343–2421, 2451–2545
ages of 2.36–2.77 Ga. The youngest magmatic zir- and 2643–2814 (Fig. 10a) have Lu–Hf isotopic char-
cons with a peak age of c. 2037 Ma have εHf (t) val- acteristics that give corresponding εHf (t) values of –
ues of +3.21 to +8.78 and (TDM C
) model ages of 2.11– 7.92 to –0.41, –3.22 to +3.29, –3.69 to +8.78 (fur-
2.46 Ga. The other magmatic zircons with ages of ther divided into –3.69 to –0.89 and +1.97 to +8.78),
c. 2080, 2121–2277, 2353 and 2460 Ma have εHf (t) +5.40 to +9.76, +3.11 to +9.60, –5.18 to +4.82, –
values of +5.40 to +8.59, +1.79 to +9.60, –0.17 6.95 to +8.05 (further divided into –6.95 to –0.35 and
to +4.82 and +1.65, respectively, and correspond- +1.19 to +8.05) and +6.53 to +7.79 (except some
C
ing (TDM ) model ages of 2.15–2.37, 2.15–2.48, 2.61– analyses with –1.07 to +2.68), respectively. The cor-
C
2.93 and 2.89 Ga. The three oldest zircons with ages responding average continent crustal (TDM ) model ages
of 2690, 2790 and 2935 Ma have εHf (t) values of are 2.56 to 3.03, 2.37 to 2.77, 2.11–2.90 (2.72–2.90
+7.77, +7.79 and –0.76, respectively, and correspond- and 2.11–2.53 Ga), 2.08 to 2.37, 2.15 to 2.57, 2.61
C
ing (TDM ) model ages of 2.67, 2.75 and 3.41 Ga (on- to 3.29, 2.50–3.44 (3.05–3.44 and 2.52–2.94 Ga) and
line Supplementary Material Table S3 available at http: 2.67–2.83 (except some analyses with 2.98–3.20 Ga),
//journals.cambridge.org/geo). respectively (Fig. 10b; online Supplementary Mater-
Quartz-bearing mica schist (TH49-5). The meta- ial Table S3 available at http://journals.cambridge.org/
morphic zircons with ages of c. 1.91 Ga have εHf (t) geo). The ages of the oldest zircon grains (2923–
values of –2.71 to +3.29 and (TDM C
) model ages of 3446 Ma) can be subdivided into groups of 2923–
2.37–2.76 Ga. The youngest magmatic zircons with 2935, 3054–3234 and 3446 Ma, which have corres-
peak ages of c. 2037 Ma have εHf (t) values of –3.06 ponding εHf (t) values of –0.76 to –0.55, +4.79 to
to +7.38 and (TDM C
) model ages of 2.18–2.87 Ga. The +5.59 and –0.19, and (TDM C
) model ages of 3.39–3.41,
other magmatic zircons with ages of c. 2088, 2123– 3.15–3.23 and 3.76 Ga, respectively (Fig. 10b; online
2288, 2351 and 2468–2493 Ma have εHf (t) values of Supplementary Material Table S3 available at http:
+5.81 to +9.76, +3.11 to +9.36, +4.60 and –6.95 //journals.cambridge.org/geo).
to +0.98, respectively, and corresponding (TDMC
) model
ages of 2.08–2.35, 2.17–2.59, 2.62 and 2.96–3.44 Ga.
The oldest zircons with ages of 2666, 2814 and 3054– 6. Discussion
3234 Ma have εHf (t) values of +1.68, +6.81 and +4.79
to +5.59, respectively, and (TDM C
) model ages of 3.05, 6.a. Nature of the protolith of metasedimentary rocks in
2.83 and 3.15–3.23 Ga (online Supplementary Mater- the Ji’an Group
ial Table S3 available at http://journals.cambridge.org/ Previous studies have shown that the upper Ji’an Group
geo). in SE Jilin Province, in the northern segment of the
To summarize, the zircon geochronology results for Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, is characterized by thick succes-
different samples have a high degree of similarity, as sions of metasedimentary rocks, which now consist of
mentioned above, and likewise the Lu–Hf isotope data several types of schist, gneiss and marble, with some
for coeval zircons with different origins, and in dif- metasandstones and metasiltstones (JBGMR, 1991).
ferent samples, have similar Hf isotopic features. We The analyses of 39 samples of these metasediment-
conclude, therefore, that the Hf isotopic characterist- ary rocks show that they are generally enriched in
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 11. (Colour online) (a) ICV versus CIA diagram (after Nesbitt & Young, 1984 and Cox, Lowe & Cullers, 1995) and (b) La/Th
versus Hf diagram (after Floyd & Leveridge, 1987) for metasedimentary rocks in the study area.
Al2 O3 , depleted in CaO and FeOT , have K2 O/Na2 O CIA values lower than 50, while residual clays have
values of > 1, and contain garnet and cordierite, all values close to 100 (McLennan et al. 1993). The
of which are consistent with a metasedimentary origin metasedimentary rocks from the upper Ji’an Group
(Fig. 6a). Together with the fields in which these rocks have CIA values of 54.86 to 72.87 (average = 65.41;
plot on various discrimination diagrams (Fig. 6b, c), online Supplementary Material Table S1 available at
we consider that the protoliths of the metasedimentary http://journals.cambridge.org/geo; Fig. 11a), which
rocks in the upper Ji’an Group were mainly medium- are higher than the value for fresh upper contin-
to fine-grained clastic sediments dominated by sandy, ental crust (UCC = 48; Rudnick & Gao, 2003) but
wacke and claystone material, together with some lower than the values for Post Archaean Australian
shale. Shale (PAAS = 70–75; McLennan et al. 1993), im-
plying a relatively low compositional maturity and
relatively weak weathering of the protolith (Nesbitt
6.b. Provenance of metasedimentary rocks in the Ji’an & Young, 1984; Fedo, Nesbitt & Young, 1995;).
Group The Index of Compositional Variability (ICV, mol
Although the chemical compositions of clastic sed- (Fe2 O3 + K2 O + Na2 O + CaO + MgO + TiO2 )/Al2 O3 ;
imentary rocks depend on the compositions of the Cox, Lowe & Cullers, 1995) is an important para-
source rocks, and may be affected by processes such as meter for quantifying the maturity of sediments
sorting during transport, diagenesis, chemical weath- and revealing the tectonic setting (Cox, Lowe &
ering and regional metamorphism (Nesbitt & Young, Cullers, 1995; Roser et al. 1996). In general, sedi-
1982; Bhatia & Crook, 1986; Roser & Korsch, 1986; ments with low ICV values were probably derived
McLennan et al. 1993; Cullers, 1994a,b; Fedo, Nesbitt from a mature sedimentary source with large amounts
& Young, 1995; Fedo, Eriksson & Krogstad, 1996), the of clay minerals, indicating a recycling of sediment in
fact that some chemical substances are relatively im- a passive tectonic setting. On the other hand, clastic
mobile (e.g. Al2 O3 , TiO2 , REEs, Y, Th, Nb, Zr, Hf, sediments with high ICV values indicate the circula-
Ta and some LILEs such as Rb, Ga, Cs), but may by tion of immature sediments in an active tectonic setting
enriched during weathering (Nesbitt & Young, 1982, (Cox, Lowe & Cullers, 1995; Roser et al. 1996). Our
1984; Harnois, 1988; McLennan et al. 1993), allows samples have relatively high values of ICV (mainly >
those chemicals to be used as a basis for discuss- 1; online Supplementary Material Table S1 available
ing protolith compositions, provenance and tectonic at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo; Fig. 11a), and,
setting. together with their relatively low CIA values (lower
CIA values (Chemical Index of Alteration, CIA = than PAAS), this indicates that the protoliths were de-
mol (Al2 O3 /(Al2 O3 + CaO* + Na2 O + K2 O)*100, rived from a weakly weathered sedimentary source in
where CaO* refers to the CaO present in silicate an active tectonic setting. The geochemical features of
minerals; Nesbitt & Young, 1982) have been widely these metasediments are also consistent with a mainly
applied to quantifying the degree of weathering (Nes- acidic arc source, but there was some input from
bitt & Young, 1982; Long et al. 2008). If there is ancient crustal material, as indicated by Figure 11b
pronounced chemical weathering in the source area, (a diagram based on Floyd & Leveridge, 1987), and
feldspars would have been preferentially decomposed, a minor contribution from Archaean sediments is
leading to enrichments in Al2 O3 and depletions in indicated by trace element compositions (Fig. 6d) and
K2 O and Na2 O. In general, fresh igneous rocks have the existence of a few ancient zircons (Fig. 9).
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
The transition group elements V, Cr, Co and Ni 6.c. Protolith formation and metamorphic ages of
are compatible elements that tend to be concen- metasedimentary rocks in the Ji’an Group
trated in mafic–ultramafic rocks during magmatic
differentiation, and HFSEs (e.g. Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf) are Many studies have reported the depositional ages of
relatively stable (Hofmann, 1988; McLennan, Taylor metamorphosed Palaeoproterozoic crustal rocks in the
& McCulloch, 1990). In general, mafic rocks have Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, but this research was concentrated
values of Ti/Zr >> 50 and Cr/Zr > 1, and Th/Cr, mainly on the South and North Liaohe groups of
Th/Sc, La/Sc and La/Co ratios of 0.018–0.046, 0.05– Liaoning Province. For example, Luo et al. (2004,
0.22, 0.43–0.86 and 0.14–0.38, respectively. In con- 2008) considered the maximum depositional ages of
trast, the values of these same ratios in felsic rocks the protoliths of the South and North Liaohe groups to
are < 20, < 0.5, 0.13–2.7, 0.84–20.5, 2.5–16.3 and be 2.03 Ga, and that both groups of rocks were meta-
1.8–13.8, respectively (Cullers, 2000). Our analytical morphosed at c. 1.93–1.90 Ga, as indicated by U–Pb
results for the metasedimentary rocks in the upper dating of zircons in biotite schists, mica schists and
Ji’an Group show that these same ratios have values biotite gneisses. Li et al. (2015) considered the depos-
of 3.01–36.67, 0.02–0.93, 0.10–4.21, 0.25–6.13, 0.96– itional age of the protolith of the North Liaohe Group
18.81 and 0.56–19.27, respectively, which are differ- to be 1.98–1.90 Ga, based on a geochronological study
ent from those of mafic rocks, but similar to those of of three metasedimentary rocks. Meng et al. (2013b)
felsic rocks. This geochemical evidence is a further determined a depositional age of 2.03–1.89 Ga for
indication that the upper Ji’an Group metasediment- the South Liaohe Group, based on a geochronological
ary rocks were derived mainly from an acidic mag- study of the upper sedimentary rocks. Lu et al. (2006)
matic rock source, and is consistent with the previ- proposed a maximum depositional age of c. 2.0 Ga for
ous observation that almost all samples fall within the the protoliths of the South and North Liaohe groups,
acidic arc source on Figure 11b (Floyd & Leveridge, and proposed that the rocks in both areas were meta-
1987). morphosed at 1.85 Ga. Although there are some dif-
The zircon dating results for our metasedimentary ferences in the proposed timing of events, it seems to
samples show the existence of numerous magmatic zir- be generally agreed that the deposition of the proto-
cons with ages of 2020–2545 Ma (peaks at 2035, 2082, liths in the North and South Liaohe groups occurred
2178, 2343–2421 and 2451–2545 Ma), along with a between 2.03 and 1.90 Ga. There has been less re-
few grains with even older ages of 2643–3446 Ma search on the depositional age of the Ji’an Group, al-
(online Supplementary Material Table S2 available at though Lu et al. (2006) suggested that the depositional
http://journals.cambridge.org/geo; Figs 9, 10a). The ages of the protoliths of the gneisses and amphibolites
relatively young set of ages is consistent with the fell between 2.13 and 1.98 Ga; however, these dating
ages of K-rich granites in southeastern Jilin Province results are flawed because of marked Pb loss and the
(c. 2084 Ma), the Liao’Ji granites (2176–2143 Ma; fact that the amphibolites only contained metamorphic
Lu et al. 2004a,b, 2006; Li et al. 2005; Wan et al. zircons. An amphibolite from the Ji’an Group yielded
2006; Li & Zhao, 2007), meta-mafic rocks in central a metamorphic age of 1864 ± 8 Ma (Wang et al. 2015).
Liaodong Peninsula (2.17–2.15 Ga; Hao et al. 2004; Liu et al. (2015) suggested a depositional age of 2.10–
Li & Chen, 2014; Meng et al. 2014; Li et al. 2015) 1.95 Ga for the Ji’an Group metasediments, based on
and metavolcanic rocks within the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt a geochronological study. However, in all these studies
(2.19–2.16 Ga; Li & Chen, 2014; Yang, Chen & Yan, the nature of the protolith of the metamorphic rocks
2015; Chen et al. 2016; Meng et al. in press). The was not fully investigated, and the attributions of ages
older sets of zircon ages (from relatively few grains) are therefore open to question. In addition, the vari-
are similar to the ages of inherited or captured zir- ations in the determined depositional ages are also rel-
cons within the rocks mentioned above, the ages of atively large.
rocks in the Liaobei–Jinan Complex to the north and Our study of the metasedimentary rocks from the
the Liaonan–Nangrim Complex to the south (3.85– upper part of the Ji’an Group has allowed us to es-
2.50 Ga; Liu et al. 1992; Song et al. 1996; Wu et al. tablish the characteristics of the sedimentary proto-
2005, 2008; Liu, Wan & Wu, 2007; Zhang et al. 2011; lith (Fig. 6a). Zircon CL images, trace element ana-
Meng et al. 2013c ), and the ages of magmatic de- lyses and U–Pb data show that all zircons with ages of
trital zircons in the metamorphosed supracrustal rocks 1861–1846 Ma (peak at 1855 Ma) and 1926–1889 Ma
of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt (Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Lu (peak at 1912 Ma) are grey, homogeneous or cloud-
et al. 2006; Zhang et al. 2011; Meng et al. 2013a,b; like in appearance under CL, and they have low Th/U
Li et al. 2015; Liu et al. 2015; Wang et al. 2015). ratios (Figs 8, 9), indicating a metamorphic origin
Taking into account all the geochemical evidence dis- (Tomaschek et al. 2003; Dubińska, Bylina &
cussed above, we consider that the original sediments Kozłowski, 2004). These two peak ages of metamorph-
of the metasedimentary rocks in the upper Ji’an Group ism are also consistent with the ages of metamorph-
were derived mainly from Palaeoproterozoic gran- ism of the metavolcanic rocks in the lower Ji’an Group
ites and coeval acidic metavolcanic rocks, with minor (Meng et al. in press), the above-mentioned South and
contributions from granitic rocks in the Archaean North Liaohe groups (Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Lu et al.
basement. 2006; Meng et al. 2013b ), the meta-mafic rocks in the
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
mid-eastern part of Liaodong Peninsula (1.91 Ga; Li repeatedly modified by other workers (Li et al. 2003,
& Chen, 2014; Meng et al. 2014) and the two ages of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012; Hao et al. 2004; Luo
metamorphism (1.9 and 1.87–1.85 Ga) for the Palaeo- et al. 2004, 2008; Li & Zhao, 2007). The general view
proterozoic Nanpu Group in the Nangrim Block of the is that the Palaeoproterozoic metamorphosed crustal
Korean Peninsula (Zhao et al. 2016), all of which in- rocks in the Liao–Ji area represent the volcanic and
dicate the wider region underwent two metamorphic sedimentary deposits within a continental rift system,
events at 1.91 and 1.85 Ga. that the Longgang and Nangrim blocks were origin-
All the other zircons with concordant ages ranging ally part of a single continental block, and that the
from 2020 to 3446 Ma display growth zones or stripe- formation of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt was related to the
like absorption patterns under CL, which, together early Palaeoproterozoic opening of this intracontin-
with their high Th/U ratios, indicate a magmatic ori- ent rift system and its closure in late Palaeoprotero-
gin (Hoskin & Ireland, 2000; Belousova et al. 2002). zoic time. The main evidence for this model includes:
Online Supplementary Material Table S1 (available (1) the Liao–Ji granites being A-type granites that
at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo) shows that the formed during the early stage of rifting (Zhang, Yang
youngest peak ages for these magmatic zircons vary & Liu, 1988; Sun et al. 1993; Peng & Palmer, 1995;
from 2020 to 2053 Ma (peak at 2035 Ma, Fig. 10a), Li et al. 2003; Li & Zhao, 2007); (2) the felsic rocks
which is also consistent with our unpublished data for (traditionally called leptynites and leptites) and am-
metasedimentary rocks of the Laoling and Guanghua phibolites within the Liaohe Group being representat-
groups, and of the North and South Liaohe groups ives of a bimodal volcanic rock assemblage (Sun et al.
(2.03 Ga; Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Meng et al. 2013b; 1993; Peng & Palmer, 1995; Li et al. 2001, 2003); (3)
Li et al. 2015). Moreover, this peak age is also con- the South and North Liaohe groups having developed
sistent with the geochronological results for metased- structures related to early extension and late compres-
imentary rocks in the Jiande area of Korea (peak at sion (Li et al. 2005); and (4) the South Liaohe and Ji’an
2.02 Ga; Liao et al. 2016). All these pieces of evidence groups having followed a low-pressure counterclock-
point to a maximum depositional age of 2.03 Ga for wise P–T path (Lu, 1996; He & Ye, 1998a,b).
the protoliths of the metasedimentary rocks in the up- Continental-arc–continent collision model. This
per Ji’an Group, and two metamorphic events at 1.91 model, first proposed by Bai (1993), involves the South
and 1.85 Ga. In addition, older magmatic zircons with and North Liaohe groups belonging in common to
ages of 3446–2069 Ma have been recorded (Figs 9, either the south margin of the Longgang Block (Bai,
10a), and these ages are also clearly consistent with 1993; Wang et al. 2011, 2015) or the north margin
those of the metasedimentary rocks in the Macholly- of the Nangrim Block (Faure et al. 2004; Lu et al.
ong Group of Korea (Liao et al. 2016), indicating that 2004a,b; Lu et al. 2006). The main evidence for this
they all may have been derived from Neoarchaean– model includes: (1) considering the Archaean Long-
Palaeoproterozoic granitic rocks, as well as the meta- gang and Nangrim blocks to be significantly different
morphosed crustal rocks mentioned above (Luo et al. in their rock assemblages, ages and metamorphism, so
2004, 2008; Zhao et al. 2005; Lu et al. 2006; Li & that the Longgang Block has ages of 3.8–2.5 Ga with
Zhao, 2007; Yang et al. 2007; Wang et al. 2011, 2015; granitic rocks dominant, as well as a granulite facies
Zhang et al. 2011; Meng et al. 2013a,b,c, 2014; Li & metamorphism (Wu et al. 1998), while the Nangrim
Chen, 2014; Liu et al. 2015). Block has ages of 2.50–2.44 Ga, with quartz diorites
and tonalites dominant (Sun, Lin & Ge, 1992), as well
as an amphibolite-facies metamorphism; (2) consider-
6.d. Tectonic setting of Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary
ing the metavolcanic rocks and mafic intrusions within
rocks of the Ji’an Group
the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt to be the products of arc mag-
Two main models have been proposed to explain the matism (Bai & Dai, 1998; Faure et al. 2004; Lu et al.
tectonic history of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt. The first is 2006; Wang et al. 2011, 2015; Li & Chen, 2014; Meng
that formation of the belt involved the opening and et al. 2014; Li et al. 2015; Chen et al. 2016); (3) con-
closing of an intra-continental rift along the eastern sidering the North Liaohe and Laoling groups to have
continental margin of the NCC (Zhang & Yang, 1988; followed a medium-pressure clockwise P–T path (He
Peng & Palmer, 1995), and this model has received & Ye, 1998a,b).
support from previous studies (Chen, Li & Zhang, Continent–continent (terranes) collision model.
2003; Li et al. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006; Luo et al. This model was proposed by He & Ye (1998a,b),
2004, 2008; Zhao et al. 2005; Li & Zhao, 2007). The and they point to obvious differences in the rock
second model is that the belt represents a continent– assemblages and metamorphism of the South and
or arc–continent collisional belt (Bai, 1993; He & Ye, North Liaohe groups, which should therefore be-
1998a,b; Faure et al. 2004; Lu et al. 2006; Wang et al. long to different continental margins. In other words,
2011, 2015; Li & Chen, 2014; Meng et al. 2014; Li the Longgang and Nangrim blocks were two inde-
et al. 2015; Yang, Chen & Yan, 2015; Chen et al. pendent blocks before Palaeoproterozoic time, and
2016). the formation of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt was re-
Rift opening and closure model. This model was first lated to the 1.9–1.8 Ga collision between these two
proposed by Zhang, Yang & Liu (1988) and has been blocks.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
Figure 12. (Colour online) Tectonic discrimination diagrams (Bhatia & Crook, 1986) for the analysed metasedimentary rocks in the
study area. (a) Co–Th–Zr/10 diagram. (b) Sc–Th–Zr/10 diagram. (c) Ti/Zr versus La/Sc diagram. OIA – oceanic island arc; CIA –
continental island arc; ACM – active continental margin; PM – passive continental margin.
These various views give rise to the following ques- features, and the formation of them could be also re-
tion: In what tectonic setting did the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt lated to subduction.
form? Although our whole-rock geochemical and zir- However, although the Palaeoproterozoic rocks
con U–Pb and Hf isotopic data are not able to unequi- mentioned above show the geochemical features of
vocally resolve this controversy, the data do provide arc-related magmatism (Li et al. 2015; Chen et al.
constraints on the above models. As mentioned above, 2016; Liao et al. 2016), such studies were un-
our metasedimentary samples are enriched in LREEs, able to account completely for the regional tectono-
depleted in HREEs, have negative Eu anomalies, relat- metamorphic differences (Li et al. 2005) and obscured
ively high ratios of La/Sc, La/Y and Ti/Zr, and low ra- contact relationships (Liu et al. 2015) within the North
tios of Sc/Cr, all of which suggests sedimentary rocks and South zones of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt. All these
that were deposited in an active continental margin studies, taking into account the occurrence of middle
setting (Bhatia & Crook, 1986; Long et al. 2008). Palaeoproterozoic A-type granites and coeval meta-
Moreover, the values of δCe in these samples vary morphosed mafic rocks in the northeast of the study
between 0.84 and 1.28, which is significantly higher area, which probably formed in an extensional tectonic
than at mid-ocean ridges (0.29) or in basaltic basins setting (Li et al. 2003, 2004, 2005; Hao et al. 2004; Li
(0.55), but similar to continental margin basalts (0.90– & Zhao, 2007; Li et al. 2015; Meng et al. 2014; Chen
1.30; Bhatia & Crook, 1986; Murray et al. 1990). et al. 2016), and also provided an important source
These observations are also consistent with the high for the sediments of the Ji’an Group, lead us to the
ICV and low CIA values of our samples, which in- following inferences: (1) the regional Palaeoprotero-
dicate an active tectonic setting (Fig. 11a; Floyd & zoic and late Archaean granitoids older than 2.17 Ga
Leveridge, 1987) and an acidic arc source (Fig. 11b; formed the basement to the younger metamorphosed
Floyd & Leveridge, 1987). In tectonic discrimina- sedimentary rocks (Li et al. 2003, 2006, 2011, 2012;
tion diagrams such as La/Sc–Ti/Zr, Th–Co–Zr/10 and Luo et al. 2004, 2008; Li & Zhao, 2007), and proto-
Th–Sc–Zr/10 (Bhatia & Crook, 1986), nearly all our liths of the latter formed in a complex tectonic setting;
samples plot in or around the field of an active con- (2) subduction existed within the northern segment of
tinental margin (Bhatia & Crook, 1986; Long et al. the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt in middle Palaeoproterozoic time
2008) (Fig. 12). In addition, lots of latest studies on the (Li & Chen, 2014; Meng et al. 2014, 2017; Li et al.
continuous calc-alkaline metavolcanic rocks within the 2015; Yang, Chen & Yan, 2015; Chen et al. 2016),
Ji’an (Meng et al. 2017) and South Liaohe groups (our and eventually led to the collision and amalgamation
unpub. data), a clockwise metamorphic evolutionary of the Longgang and Nangrim blocks to form a coher-
P–T trajectory on Al-rich gneisses of the Ji’an, South ent and uniform block; (3) such an amalgamation in
Liaohe and Jingshan groups (Liu et al. 2015), middle the southeastern part of Jilin Province could not be fin-
Palaeoproterozoic meta-mafic rocks in the centre of ished before 2.03 Ga, i.e. the protolith formation age
Liaodong Peninsula (Li et al. 2015; Li & Chen, 2014; (i.e. 2.03 Ga) of the metasedimentary rocks in the Ji’an
Meng et al. 2014; Yang, Chen & Yan, 2015; Chen et al. Group, and these rocks in the studied area formed in an
2016) and adakitic granites with ages of c. 1.90 Ga in active continental margin tectonic setting.
the central–eastern Liaodong Peninsula (Wang et al.
2015), indicated the existence of the Palaeoprotero-
6.e. Constraints on crustal growth and the evolution of the
zoic subduction within the northern segment of the
northeastern margin of the Eastern Block
Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt. Taking all the above into account,
we consider that the protoliths of the metasedimentary The closure temperature for Hf in zircon is so high
rocks in the Ji’an Group have arc-related geochemical that it is unaffected even by later magmatic processes
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
or high-grade metamorphism, except when rim over- et al. 2002; Kröner et al. 2005) regions. All these data
growths form (Kinny, Compston & Williams, 1991; indicate a significant event that involved coeval juven-
Kinny & Maas, 2003). Consequently, zircon Lu–Hf ile crustal growth accompanied by limited recycling
isotope studies are an excellent way of tracing and of older crustal rocks. The zircon population of 2431–
deciphering magmatic sources and petrogenetic pro- 2343 Ma displays εHf values from –5.18 to +4.82 and
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cesses, and hence tracing the history of crustal growth (TDM ) model ages of 3.29–2.61 Ga (clearly older than
(Wu et al. 2007). This is similar to the use of whole- their U–Pb ages), which suggests an input from both
rock Nd isotope model ages, although the model ages reworked and juvenile crustal material (Fig. 10b; on-
can be disturbed under certain conditions (Gruau et al. line Supplementary Material Table S3 available at http:
1996; Moorbath & Kamber, 1998). //journals.cambridge.org/geo).
The Lu–Hf isotopic results suggest that these zir- The main zircon population with ages of 2288–
cons have a variety of magmatic precursors, which is 2069 Ma have positive εHf values (+1.79 to +9.76)
consistent with their complex 207 Pb–206 Pb and (TDM C
) with (TDM C
) model ages of 2.74–2.08 Ga, and plot
model ages (Figs 9, 10). Zircons with ancient ages close to the depleted mantle evolution line (Fig. 10b;
of c. 3446 and 2935–2923 Ma have negative εHf val- online Supplementary Material Table S3 available
ues (–0.19 and –0.76 to –0.55; Fig. 10b) as well as at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo), which indicates
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older (TDM ) model ages (3.76 and 3.41–3.39 Ga; on- that these zircons crystallized from magmas that were
line Supplementary Material Table S3 available at http: derived directly from the partial melting of coeval
//journals.cambridge.org/geo), indicating two crustal juvenile crust, indicating a significant and continu-
recycling events and suggesting that their main sources ous Palaeoproterozoic crustal growth event. The zir-
were Neoarchaean to Palaeoarchaean crustal rocks, in con population with ages of 2053–2021 Ma have εHf
spite of the lack of exposures of any such rocks with values and (TDM C
) model ages of –3.69 to +8.78 and
these ages in the immediate area. Zircons with ages 2.90–2.11 Ga, and the wide range of εHf values and the
of c. 3234–3054 Ma have positive εHf values (+4.79 C
relatively old (TDM ) model ages indicate both the re-
to +5.59) and most plot close to the depleted mantle cycling of an older crust and the addition of juvenile
evolution line (Fig. 10b; online Supplementary Mater- crustal material (Fig. 10b; online Supplementary Ma-
ial Table S3 available at http://journals.cambridge.org/ terial Table S3 available at http://journals.cambridge.
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geo). These features and their (TDM ) model ages of org/geo). The metamorphic zircons with a peak age of
3.23–3.15 Ga (close to their U–Pb ages; Fig. 10) in- 1855 Ma have εHf values that vary from –7.92 to –0.41
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dicate that these zircons crystallized in magmas pro- and (TDM ) model ages of 3.03 to 2.56 Ga, which are
duced during the partial melting of a coeval juven- much older than their U–Pb ages. Likewise, the meta-
ile crust. Most of the εHf values for zircons with ages morphic zircons with a peak age of 1912 Ma have εHf
of c. 2814–2643 Ma are +6.53 to +7.79, but some values that vary from –3.22 to +3.29, and (TDMC
) model
values are in the range –1.07 to +2.68. These two ages of 2.77 to 2.37 Ga, which are much older than the
sets of values plot close to the depleted mantle and U–Pb ages. Therefore, these data for the metamorphic
chondrite evolution lines, respectively (Fig. 10b; on- zircons indicate two-stage metamorphic events at c.
line Supplementary Material Table S3 available at http: 1.85 and 1.91 Ga (Fig. 10b; online Supplementary Ma-
//journals.cambridge.org/geo). These features, com- terial Table S3 available at http://journals.cambridge.
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bined with their (TDM ) model ages of 2.83–2.67 Ga org/geo). Based on the above observations, and tak-
(consistent with their U–Pb ages) and 3.20–2.98 Ga ing into account the regional geological data for the
(Fig. 10), indicate that the rocks were derived mostly Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt and neighbouring regions (i.e. the
from the partial melting of coeval juvenile crustal ma- northeastern margin of the Eastern Block in the NCC),
terial (of Neoarchaean age), with limited inputs of we consider: (1) that ancient crustal material as old as
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older Mesoarchaean crust, as indicated by the (TDM ) 3.76 Ga existed in southeastern Jilin Province or ad-
model ages of zircons with ages of 3234–3054 Ma jacent areas, comparable to the ancient zircons and/or
(Fig. 10). The εHf values of zircons with ages of c. rocks in Anshan, northern Liaoning Province (3.8 Ga;
2545–2451 Ma are mainly in the range of +1.19 to Liu et al. 1992; Song et al. 1996; Wan et al. 2001,
+8.05, but a few are in the range –6.95 to –0.35. The 2005; Liu, Wan & Wu, 2007); and (2) there were mul-
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corresponding (TDM ) model ages are 2.90–2.54 and tiple events involving crustal growth, with the main
3.44–3.05 Ga (Fig. 10b; online Supplementary Mater- events taking place at 3.23–3.05, 2.80–2.65, 2.54–2.45
ial Table S3 available at http://journals.cambridge.org/ and 2.28–2.08 Ga, and with two-stage metamorphic
geo), respectively. These features suggest that the zir- events taking place at c. 1.91 and 1.85 Ga (Fig. 10b;
cons crystallized from magmas derived from the par- online Supplementary Material Table S3 available at
tial melting of Mesoarchaean to Neoarchaean juvenile http://journals.cambridge.org/geo).
crustal material, with small contributions from older
crustal rocks, which is consistent with studies of mafic
volcanism in the Lushan region (Liu et al. 2009) and
7. Conclusions
tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneisses in
the Luxi (Du et al. 2003, 2010; Wang, 2009), Jiaodong Our geochemical, isotopic and geochronological study
(Jahn et al. 2008) and Fuping and Hengshan (Guan of the metasedimentary rocks of the upper Ji’an Group,
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632
SE Jilin, NE China, has led us to the following Chen, B., Li, Z., Wang, J. L., Zhang, L. & Yan, X. L.
conclusions. 2016. Liaodong Peninsula ∼2.2 Ga magmatic event and
(1) The protoliths of the metasedimentary rocks in its geological significance. Journal of Jilin University
the lower part of the Ji’an Group within the northern (Earth Science Edition) 46 (2), 303–20 (in Chinese with
English abstract).
segment of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt were mainly sand- Chen, R. D., Li, X. D. & Zhang, F. S. 2003. Several prob-
stones, greywackes and claystones, together with some lems about the Paleoproterozoic geology of eastern
shales. New zircon U–Pb data indicate the maximum Liaoning. Geology of China 30, 207–13 (in Chinese
depositional age of the protoliths to be 2.03 Ga, and with English abstract).
the sediments recorded two-stage metamorphic events Chu, N. C., Taylor, R. N., Chavagnac, V., Nesbitt, R. W.,
at 1.91 and 1.85 Ga. Boella, R. M., Milton, J. A., German, C. R., Bayon,
(2) The source of the original upper Ji’an Group sed- G. & Burton, K. 2002. Hf isotope ratio analysis using
multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spec-
iments was mainly Palaeoproterozoic granites and co- trometry: an evaluation of isobaric interference correc-
eval acid volcanic rocks, along with minor contributions. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry 17,
tions from granitic rocks in the Archaean basement. 1567–74.
(3) The protoliths of the metasedimentary rocks in Condie, K. C. 1993. Chemical composition and evolution
the upper part of the Ji’an Group were formed in an of the upper continental crust: contrasting results from
active continental margin setting. surface samples and shales. Chemical Geology 104, 1–
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Cox, R., Lowe, D. R. & Cullers, R. L. 1995. The influ-
of ancient crustal materials as old as 3.76 Ga, mul- ence of sediment recycling and basement composition
tiple crustal growth events that took place along the on evolution of mudrock chemistry in the southwestern
northeastern margin of the Eastern Block of the NCC United States. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 59,
at 3.23–3.05, 2.80–2.65, 2.54–2.45 and 2.28–2.08 Ga. 2919–40.
Cullers, R. L. 1994a. The chemical signature of source
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Acknowledgements. This research was supported finan-
rived from metamorphic rocks in the Wet Mountains re-
cially by the National Natural Science Foundation of
gion, Colorado, USA. Chemical Geology 113, 327–43.
China (Grant Nos. 41572169, 40725007, and 41202136),
Cullers, R. L. 1994b. The controls on the major and trace
the China Geological Survey Programme (Grant No.
element variation of shales, siltstones, and sandstones
12120114021601, 12120114021401, 12120114061901), the
of Pennsylvanian–Permian age from uplifted contin-
Basic Scientific Research Foundation of the Institute of Geo-
ental blocks in Colorado to platform sediment in Kan-
logy, CAGS (J1507), and the State Key Laboratory of Geo-
sas, USA. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 58, 4955–
logical Processes and Mineral Resources, China University
72.
of Geosciences (Beijing).
Cullers, R. L. 2000. The geochemistry of shales, siltstones,
and sandstones of Pennsylvanian–Permian age, Col-
orado, USA: implications for provenance and meta-
Supplementary material
morphic studies. Lithos 51, 181–203.
To view supplementary material for this article, please Dong, C. Y., Ma, M. Z., Liu, S. J., Xie, H. Q., Liu, D. Y.,
visit https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756817000632. Li, X. M. & Wan, Y. S. 2012. Middle Paleoprotero-
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Geol. Mag. 155 (1 ), 2018, pp. 149–173.

Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Ji’an Group and

1. Introduction Precambrian basement of the NCC consists of Eoar-

Gongshan block in the northern Indochina continent— geochronology of Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary

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