Scientific article
English

Crustal architecture, accretionary evolution, and mineralization in the southern Central Asian orogenic belt (Solonker-Alxa region, Inner Mongolia) from the Paleozoic to early Mesozoic

First online date2026-06-09
Abstract

Understanding continental crustal architecture and its control on mineral systems is fundamental to the earth sciences. Here we integrate zircon U-Pb geochronology, whole-rock Nd-Hf isotopes, lithogeochemical data, and regional metallogenic records from Cambrian to Triassic magmatic rocks across the Solonker-Alxa region of Inner Mongolia to define crustal domains and their metallogenic significance. Two contrasting isotopic provinces are identified: (1) an enriched domain [εNd(t) < −4, εHf(t) < 0] encompassing the North China Craton−Alxa Block and (2) a depleted domain [εNd(t) > −4, εHf(t) > 0] typifies the Central Asian orogenic belt (CAOB). These domains are separated by the Chifeng-Bayan Obo fault, the area north of Chaganhua, and the Quagan Qulu-Tebai fault. Crustal thickness patterns show a belt of thinned crust (<40 km) along the Mandula, Solonker, Ganqimandu, Yingba, and northern Enger Us fault zones, marking the boundary between the Mongolia collage and the Tarim-North China collage. Variations in crustal thickness suggest that the Alxa Block is a distinct Precambrian terrane, separate from the North China Craton. The protracted subduction-accretion and slab rollback of the Paleo-Asian Ocean have driven significant crustal growth in the Solonker-Alxa region, with juvenile crust contributions estimated at 37% in the southern CAOB. Crustal maturation and felsic differentiation resulted from polyphase melting events involving mafic lower crust, oceanic crust, and the middle to upper crust. A systematic correlation exists between isotopic domains, crustal architecture, and metallogenic distribution. Depleted domains with thin crust (<50 km) preferentially host porphyry Cu (± Au), epithermal Pb-Zn-Cu, and volcanic massive sulphide-type Cu deposits, whereas enriched isotopic domains and their peripheries contain porphyry Mo, skarn Cu-Fe, vein-type Au deposits, and magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposits, indicating genetic links to ancient crustal recycling and metasomatized lithospheric mantle. This synthesis provides a coherent tectono-metallogenic framework for the Solonker-Alxa segment of the southern CAOB and offers guidance for mineral exploration.

Citation (ISO format)
GAO, Qiang et al. Crustal architecture, accretionary evolution, and mineralization in the southern Central Asian orogenic belt (Solonker-Alxa region, Inner Mongolia) from the Paleozoic to early Mesozoic. In: Geological Society of America bulletin, 2026. doi: 10.1130/B38888.1
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Journal ISSN0016-7606
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