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Seismically imaged lithospheric delamination and its controls on the Mesozoic Magmatic Province in South China

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  • Haijiang Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China, School of Earth and Space Sciences
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Qing-Tian Lü

    (Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences)

  • Xiao-Lei Wang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Shoucheng Han

    (University of Science and Technology of China, School of Earth and Space Sciences)

  • Lijun Liu

    (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

  • Lei Gao

    (University of Science and Technology of China, School of Earth and Space Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences)

  • Rui Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, CUGB)

  • Zeng-Qian Hou

    (Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences)

Abstract

The current lithospheric root of the South China Block has been partly removed, yet what mechanisms modified the lithospheric structure remain highly controversial. Here we use a new joint seismic inversion algorithm to image tabular high-velocity anomalies at depths of ~90–150 km in the asthenosphere beneath the convergent belt between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks that remain weakly connected with the stable Yangtze lithosphere. Based on obtained seismic images and available geochemical data, we interpret these detached fast anomalies as partially destabilized lower lithosphere that initially delaminated at 180–170 Ma and has relaminated to their original position after warming up in the mantle by now. We conclude that delamination is the most plausible mechanism for the lithospheric modification and the formation of a Mesozoic Basin and Range-style magmatic province in South China by triggering adiabatic upwelling of the asthenosphere and consequent lithospheric extension and extensive melting of the overlying crust.

Suggested Citation

  • Haijiang Zhang & Qing-Tian Lü & Xiao-Lei Wang & Shoucheng Han & Lijun Liu & Lei Gao & Rui Wang & Zeng-Qian Hou, 2023. "Seismically imaged lithospheric delamination and its controls on the Mesozoic Magmatic Province in South China," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-37855-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37855-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George Zandt & Hersh Gilbert & Thomas J. Owens & Mihai Ducea & Jason Saleeby & Craig H. Jones, 2004. "Active foundering of a continental arc root beneath the southern Sierra Nevada in California," Nature, Nature, vol. 431(7004), pages 41-46, September.
    2. A. Levander & B. Schmandt & M. S. Miller & K. Liu & K. E. Karlstrom & R. S. Crow & C.-T. A. Lee & E. D. Humphreys, 2011. "Continuing Colorado plateau uplift by delamination-style convective lithospheric downwelling," Nature, Nature, vol. 472(7344), pages 461-465, April.
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