Jing Chen , Dapeng Li , Jiarun Tu , Jifeng Xu , Huan Kang , Jianzhen Geng , Benyan Xu , Chao Zhang , Dongping Wang
{"title":"Paleoposition and initial rifting of the Yangtze Block in Columbia Supercontinent: Discovery of Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic metasediments in the Ailaoshan Metamorphic Belt","authors":"Jing Chen , Dapeng Li , Jiarun Tu , Jifeng Xu , Huan Kang , Jianzhen Geng , Benyan Xu , Chao Zhang , Dongping Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Supercontinent cycle is one of the most spectacular processes that govern the assembly and dispersion of continental blocks globally and drives intensive crustal-mantle interactions. Numerous magmatic and sedimentary records documented the involvement of the Yangtze Block and the Ailaoshan Metamorphic Belt (AMB) to the southwest in the Precambrian supercontinent cycles (i.e., Columbia and Rodinia). However, the paleoposition and geodynamic processes of the Yangtze Block in the Columbia cycle remain controversial. Moreover, whether and how the AMB participated in the Precambrian Columbia and Rodinia cycles remain largely disputed. In this paper, we report the first identification of the Paleoproterozoic-Mesoproterozoic <em>meta</em>-sediments within the AMB that was intruded by Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks locally. This provides a prime opportunity to resolve the above issues through sedimentary correlation and comparison. Our comprehensive zircon trace element and U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic study on these <em>meta</em>-sediments in the AMB allow us to reach the following conclusions. The youngest magmatic zircon age populations indicate these <em>meta</em>-sediments deposited during the Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic. Therefore, they are the oldest geological records in the AMB that have ever been reported. These Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic <em>meta</em>-sediments in the AMB share uniform zircon U-Pb age peaks at ∼ 2.3 Ga and 1.85 Ga. Circa 1.6–1.4 Ga age population and an increase of the ca. 2.5 Ga population are also detected in the Mesoproterozoic sample. These <em>meta</em>-sediments in the AMB could be most plausibly interpreted as the southwestward extension of the contemporaneous depositions in the SW Yangtze Block given their identical depositional ages, age distribution pattern, and source areas with concurrent strata in the SW Yangtze Block. Accordingly, the Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks in the AMB should document the southward extension of the supra-subduction zone along the northern to western margin of the Yangtze Block. Lines of evidence reveal that the SW Yangtze Block and the NW Laurentia shared an adjacent paleoposition in Columbia. Changes of detrital zircon <em>ε</em><sub>Hf</sub>(<em>t</em>) values, Eu/Eu* and <sup>176</sup>Lu/<sup>177</sup>Hf ratios trends through time support the onset of an extensional tectonic at 1.75 Ga in the SW Yangtze Block. Matched magmatic and sedimentary records documented the onset of early rifting processes at 1.75 Ga in the SW Yangtze Block and the NW Laurentia during the breakup of Columbia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"141 ","pages":"Pages 13-25"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143376837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shi-Heng Bai , Yu Huang , Zhi-Jie Feng , Matthew J. Brzozowski , Yao-Hui Jiang , Ru-Xiong Lei , Chang-Zhi Wu
{"title":"Granitoid genesis and related rare metal mineralization of the Shihuiyao Rb–Ta–Nb deposit in the Southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China","authors":"Shi-Heng Bai , Yu Huang , Zhi-Jie Feng , Matthew J. Brzozowski , Yao-Hui Jiang , Ru-Xiong Lei , Chang-Zhi Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Shihuiyao deposit, located in the southern Great Xing’an Range (SGXR) in China, is an important Rb–Ta–Nb polymetallic deposit hosted by Li–F-bearing granites in the eastern portion of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, its emplacement history and petrogenesis, and mechanisms of rare metal enrichment remain controversial. This study presents a systemic petrographic, geochronological, mineralogical, and geochemical study on mineralized amazonite-bearing albitized granite, albitized granite, and greisen, as well as barren biotite granite in the Shihuiyao deposit. Uranium–Pb geochronological results for zircon, columbite-group minerals, and cassiterite demonstrate that both emplacement and mineralization occurred between ca. 145–140 Ma. The high TE<sub>1,3</sub> values, and low Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios of the biotite granite suggest that it crystallized from a highly evolved magma. Based on the late-stage crystallization of Fe-rich biotite, the depleted ε<sub>Hf</sub>(t) values of zircon (+6.5 to + 8.3), and the elevated bulk-rock F and alkali contents, it is inferred that the parental magma to the biotite granite originated from the partial melting of residual granulite-facies rocks within the lower crust. The distinct Zr/Hf, K/Rb, and Y/Ho ratios of barren and fertile granitoids suggest that they evolved independently as these ratios typically vary continuously within a magmatic system. The presence of snowball quartz, fluorite, and topaz suggest that the mineralized granites formed within a magmatic–hydrothermal system enriched in Na, F, and H<sub>2</sub>O. Such a Na-, F-, and volatile-rich melt (represented by the magma parental to the ore-bearing granitoids) would have separated from a conventional silicate melt (represented by the magma parental to the biotite granite), generating a scenario in which two immiscible silicate melts were present (melt-melt immiscibility). The increasing bulk-rock concentration of Rb, Ta, and Nb from the barren biotite granite to the fertile (amazonite-bearing) albitized granite indicates that melt–melt immiscible processes led to a significant enrichment of rare metals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"140 ","pages":"Pages 264-278"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143379387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aokai Zhang , Yanjie Tang , Jifeng Ying , Chao Ma , Hui Liu
{"title":"Mantle plume- induced subduction initiation: Mechanisms and implications for plate tectonics","authors":"Aokai Zhang , Yanjie Tang , Jifeng Ying , Chao Ma , Hui Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Subduction initiation, a cornerstone of plate tectonics, remains shrouded in complexity and mystery. This study reviews numerical models and natural occurrences of subduction initiation induced by mantle plumes on Earth and other terrestrial planets. We argue that mantle plumes, as non-plate tectonic agents, can initiate subduction in both ancient and contemporary settings without pre-existing lithospheric weaknesses. Our analysis of numerical simulations indicates that far-field stresses and the plume’s tail play pivotal roles in initiating subduction, while lithospheric weak zones and plate dynamics modulate the symmetry of subduction zones. The positioning of oceanic plateaus relative to the mantle plume significantly impacts subduction initiation. This paper also explores additional properties of mantle plumes crucial for subduction zone formation, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of plume-induced subduction initiation and its implications for global tectonics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"140 ","pages":"Pages 205-228"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143125141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bruno Augusto Cabral Roque , Matheus Henrique Castanha Cavalcanti , Pedro Pinto Ferreira Brasileiro , Paulo Henrique Ramalho Pereira Gama , Valdemir Alexandre dos Santos , Attilio Converti , Mohand Benachour , Leonie Asfora Sarubbo
{"title":"Hydrogen-powered future: Catalyzing energy transition, industry decarbonization and sustainable economic development: A review","authors":"Bruno Augusto Cabral Roque , Matheus Henrique Castanha Cavalcanti , Pedro Pinto Ferreira Brasileiro , Paulo Henrique Ramalho Pereira Gama , Valdemir Alexandre dos Santos , Attilio Converti , Mohand Benachour , Leonie Asfora Sarubbo","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen, particularly in renewable forms like green hydrogen and biohydrogen, is critical for decarbonization and sustainable development. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of hydrogen and its versatility in industrial applications, energy storage, and transportation while addressing its potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The PRISMA methodology was applied, systematically analyzing over 25,000 publications and reports from 2017 to 2024, focusing on cutting-edge production methods like electrolysis and biomass conversion. Hydrogen production processes are explored, including water electrolysis, a clean method powered by renewable energy, and biohydrogen routes utilizing biomass and organic waste through thermochemical and biological conversions. These innovations align with global decarbonization targets, reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like steel and aviation. The study also highlights hydrogen’s evolving global market, with investments exceeding USD 680 billion and expanding project portfolios in Europe, North America, and Asia. Green finance, via tools like green bonds and sustainability-linked loans, is identified as essential for scaling hydrogen technologies. By integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, hydrogen projects ensure socio-economic benefits, including job creation and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, hydrogen is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 6.5% by 2050, making it a key element in climate strategies. In conclusion, this study offers a thorough overview of hydrogen’s role in achieving net-zero emissions. Its findings highlight the important interplay between technological innovation, market dynamics, and sustainable finance, providing actionable insights to aid in policy formulation and strategic decision-making. By harnessing hydrogen’s potential, society can advance the energy transition and promote a resilient, low-carbon future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"140 ","pages":"Pages 159-180"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143055223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Changjun Li , Lixin Zhu , Xuri Dong , Changxing Zong , Daoji Li
{"title":"A comprehensive evaluation of pelagic microplastic pollution in surface water near the Xisha Islands of the South China Sea","authors":"Changjun Li , Lixin Zhu , Xuri Dong , Changxing Zong , Daoji Li","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2024.12.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2024.12.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pelagic microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in seawater worldwide, driven by global ocean currents and atmospheric circulation. A comprehensive evaluation of MP pollution in surface water near Xisha Islands of the South China Sea was conducted using a typical Manta trawl. The results indicated that the average abundance of MPs in this region was 0.61 ± 0.87n/m<sup>3</sup>, demonstrating significant spatial heterogeneity. MPs were primarily composed of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The average size of MPs was 1.95 ± 1.18 mm and approximately 90 % of all MPs were smaller than 3.80 mm. Additionally, there were significant differences in MP size between different shapes and polymers. The average sizes of MPs in shape of line and polymer of PS were largest. The type and ecological risk level of MP pollution in the water near Xisha Islands were classified as L-L (low MP abundance with low MP diversity) region and minor-risk, respectively, according to the microplastic diversity integrated index (<em>MDII</em>) and potential ecological risk index (<em>PERI</em>). Based on the map of ocean currents, the convergence effect of eddies may be a significant driving force behind the accumulation of MP pollution at individual stations. Our findings have enhanced the understanding of the current status, sources, and ecological risks of MP pollution in the South China Sea, providing valuable data and theoretical support for the promoting of MP pollution control in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"140 ","pages":"Pages 135-145"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143055323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tectonostratigraphic framework of early-Cretaceous hydrocarbon-bearing deep-water architectures, divergent plate margins, NE-Arabian Sea: Spectral decomposition-based density-thickness-constraint lateral variability static reservoir simulations","authors":"Muhammad Tayyab Naseer","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2025.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lowstands prograding wedges (LPWs) and basin floor fans (BFF) are the hottest areas for stratigraphic-based consortiums of hydrocarbon explorations. These stratigraphic traps are developed during the extensive fall of the sea, and subsequent, very slow rise inside the Lowstands system tract (LST). Hence, they mark the paleo-shelf-break and structure closure along the deep-water depositional systems (DWS). However, Pakistan exists on the verge of diverging plate boundaries, which have signified traverses of Horst and Grabens geological structures along normal faults. NW-SE aligned wrench faults, local-to-regional scale transverse fractures, and together with intensely fluctuating NE-Arabian rising sea levels have collectively constrained the development of tectonostratigraphic architecture throughout slope-to-basin floor patterns. Subsequently, the full spectrum seismic amplitude-based volumes (FSM) generate ambiguities in the quantitative prediction of DWS. This research utilizes the broadband prompt spectrum waveform-originated thickness and density-controlled inverted velocities and density basin simulations (TDVDRS) of the Cretaceous system, NE-Arabian Sea. However, these FSM attributes failed to image the laterally continuous and possible gas-bearing sediments due to a poorly resolved thickness of 6 m. This thickness was below the tuning thickness threshold of 14 m for this source-hydrocarbon play. The TDVDRS have predicted 15 m thick aggradational parasequences of the top seal, 13 m thick progradational-to-retrogradational lateral seal, and 12 m thick progradational shale of bottom sealing configurations. An angular unconformity was resolved at the top of Horst and Grabens structure at depths of 3240–3270 m and pseudo-thickening [PT] [m]: pseudo-density [gm. /c.c.] [PD] of 11–23-m: ∼2.05–2.25 gm. /c.c during falling sea-level. This process has replaced the younger erosional sediments at the compacted bottom and adjacent seal configurations. This workflow has strong tectonostratigraphic implications for diverging the NE-Arabian Sea, which may serve as an analogue for developing the world’s gigantic divergent plate margins.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"140 ","pages":"Pages 279-298"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143430336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lianjie Zhao , Yu Zhang , Kofi Adomako-Ansah , Matthew J. Brzozowski , Hao Zeng , Chenghua Shi , Yongjun Shao , Hongtao Zhao , Hongjie Shen , Xu Wang , Shuling Song , Xiyue Zheng
{"title":"Decoupling of Au and W mineralization in the Xiangzhong Metallogenic Province (South China): Insights from the Xingfengshan Au–W deposit","authors":"Lianjie Zhao , Yu Zhang , Kofi Adomako-Ansah , Matthew J. Brzozowski , Hao Zeng , Chenghua Shi , Yongjun Shao , Hongtao Zhao , Hongjie Shen , Xu Wang , Shuling Song , Xiyue Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2024.12.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2024.12.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Xiangzhong Metallogenic Province (XZMP) in South China is one of the most important Au–Sb–W metallogenic domains in the world. Gold and W mineralization in XZMP are commonly coupled, however, the Xingfengshan Au–W deposit is characterized by skarn W mineralization that is overprinted by sheeted quartz vein-hosted Au mineralization. Garnet U–Pb dating provides a maximum age limit for W mineralization at 214.8 ± 3.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.8), while biotite Ar–Ar dating indicates Au mineralization occurred at 205.2 ± 0.4 Ma (MSWD = 0.96), confirming that Au and W mineralization were decoupled. This is supported by the elevated temperature of the Au mineralizing event demonstrated by chlorite geothermometry (W = 291–346 °C vs. Au = 351–416 °C). Arsenopyrite, the main Au-hosting mineral, can be divided into three generations — Apy-1, Au-enriched Apy-2, and Apy-3. Gold occurs as invisible Au in Apy-1 and Apy-2, but as visible Au coexisting with Apy-3. The abundant chlorite, biotite, and ilmenite inclusions in Apy-1 and Apy-2, and low δ<sup>34</sup>S<sub>V-CDT</sub> values (Apy-1 = −8.82 to −8.44 ‰, Apy-2 = -9.57 to −7.69 ‰) suggest that they formed by fluid–rock interaction. Apy-3 is enriched in trace elements (e.g., Co, Ni, Cu) and has lower δ<sup>34</sup>S<sub>V-CDT</sub> values (−12.56 to −12.03 ‰), indicating the involvement of late-stage oxidized magmatic-hydrothermal fluids in its formation. This fluid remobilized invisible Au from Apy-2 and precipitated it as visible Au associated with Apy-3. The close spatiotemporal relationship between mineralization at Xingfengshan and the Baimashan composite pluton, the S isotope composition of pyrite (−4.94 to 1.18 ‰), and the metallogenic affinity of granites together suggest that the W and Au mineralization are genetically associated with the Longcangwan two-mica granite and Longtan biotite granite of the Baimashan composite pluton, respectively. This study highlights the complexity of regional Au–Sb–W mineralization in the XZMP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"140 ","pages":"Pages 118-134"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143055221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mikalai Filonchyk , Michael P. Peterson , Liming Zhang , Lifeng Zhang , Yi He
{"title":"Estimating air pollutant emissions from the 2024 wildfires in Canada and the impact on air quality","authors":"Mikalai Filonchyk , Michael P. Peterson , Liming Zhang , Lifeng Zhang , Yi He","doi":"10.1016/j.gr.2024.12.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gr.2024.12.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive and have major implications for continued climate change. They pollute the air hundreds or even thousands of kilometers from where they occur. This study uses ground-based data and satellite monitoring to examine the air quality implications of the wildfires in Canada from May 11–14, 2024. Data from NOAA-20/VIIRS and FIRMS showed that a large smoke plume developed in British Columbia. Fire radiative power (FRP) data showed that intense wildfires sometimes exceeded 4000 Megawatts (MW), consistent with significant pollutant emissions. The most intense wildfires were recorded on the 11th and 13th of May when daily FRP of 108.45 GWh and 220.82 GWh were recorded from 659 and 581 fire points, respectively. Estimated total emissions of CO<sub>2</sub>, PM<sub>2.5</sub>, CO, CH<sub>4</sub> and NO<sub>x</sub> showed that May 13 saw the highest level of pollutant emissions, with CO<sub>2</sub> at 1.7358 Megatons (Mt). Meanwhile, ground-level PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations in the area with the most intense fires, on the Alberta border with British Columbia, reached 949 µg/m<sup>3</sup>. NOAA-20/VIIRS aerosol optical depth (AOD) data showed that on May 11, the maximum AOD of 5 occurred in British Columbia and Alberta, moving eastward by May 12, affecting regions in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario and parts of the US bordering Canada. The results demonstrate that wildfires can release large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere, significantly affecting air quality. The research highlights the need to establish effective systems for responding to extreme situations associated with these fires and to implement measures to mitigate their negative impacts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12761,"journal":{"name":"Gondwana Research","volume":"140 ","pages":"Pages 194-204"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143125142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}