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Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
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Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 3276

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ming Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Earth Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
Interests: Tethyan Ocean evolution; Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; ophiolite; tectonic evolution

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Tethys was a vast Mesozoic Ocean situated between the Northern Laurasian and Southern Gondwanan continents. Its complex evolution, encompassing the Proto-Tethys, Palaeo-Tethys, and Neo-Tethys stages, resulted from the convergence and dispersal of Gondwana's northern margin. The closure of the Tethys left extensive plate suture marks, forming the Tethys tectonic domain, stretching from Northeastern Australia to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Burma Ranges, across the Tibetan Plateau and Iranian Plateau, westward into the Mediterranean, and reaching Western Europe. This vast region (approximately 15,000 km long and 5,000 km wide) represents the most comprehensive area of continental geological phenomena globally, a highly concentrated area for Earth science research, and a region exceptionally rich in mineral and hydrocarbon resources. The Tethys domain has recorded a series of major tectonic events, including block accretion and suturing, subduction initiation and collision, continent–continent collision, and collision–subduction superposition. Studying this region is crucial for understanding continental breakups and aggregation, oceanic opening and closure, and deep Earth dynamic mechanisms. The Tibetan Plateau, in particular, preserves a nearly complete geological record of the Proto-Tethys, Palaeo-Tethys, and Neo-Tethys, directly linking its early formation and evolution to that of the Tethys. This has led to the Plateau's designation as a "natural laboratory for plate tectonic theory", making it a long-standing focus of international geoscientific research. Recent advancements in understanding the Tethys' evolutionary history, particularly regarding its opening and closing times, basin scale, and characteristics, have renewed interest while simultaneously raising critical new scientific questions. These include ongoing debates on the Tethys’ classification, uncertainties surrounding the geodynamic processes driving basin transformations, and the need for further research on the subduction and closure processes of the Tethys during different periods, including their resource implications. To address these questions, this Special Issue invites original research on the tectonic evolution of the Tethys. The focus areas include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the opening processes and geodynamic mechanisms of the Tethys at different stages; (2) the scale and evolutionary processes of its various basins; and (3) the timing, location, geological resources, and environmental impacts of the Tethys’ subduction and closure.

The Special Issue welcomes submissions from researchers worldwide, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Tethys Ocean's evolution and its implications for the Earth's geological history.

Prof. Dr. Ming Wang
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Tethys
  • Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
  • tectonic evolution
  • geochronology
  • geochemistry

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 15713 KiB  
Article
Magma Mixing Origin for the Menyuan Granodioritic Pluton in the North Qilian Orogenic Belt, China
by Shugang Xia, Yu Qi, Shengyao Yu, Xiaocong Jiang, Xiangyu Gao, Yue Wang, Chuanzhi Li, Qian Wang, Lintao Wang and Yinbiao Peng
Minerals 2025, 15(4), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040391 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 362
Abstract
Magma mixing or mingling is not just a geological phenomenon that widely occurs in granitoid magmatism, but a complex dynamic process that influences the formation of mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and the diversity of granitic rocks. Herein, we carried out a comprehensive study [...] Read more.
Magma mixing or mingling is not just a geological phenomenon that widely occurs in granitoid magmatism, but a complex dynamic process that influences the formation of mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and the diversity of granitic rocks. Herein, we carried out a comprehensive study that encompassed the petrology, mineral chemistry, zircon U-Pb ages, Lu-Hf isotopes, whole-rock elements, and Sr-Nd isotope compositions of the Menyuan Granodioritic Pluton in the northern margin of the Qilian Block, to elucidate the petrogenesis and physical and chemical processes occurring during magma mixing. The Menyuan Granodioritic Pluton is mainly composed of granodiorites accompanied by numerous mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and is intruded by minor gabbro dikes. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating reveals that these rocks possess a similar crystallization age of ca. 456 Ma. The Menyuan host granodiorites, characterized as metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, belong to subduction-related I-type calc-alkaline granites. The MMEs and gabbroic dikes have relatively low SiO2 contents and high Mg# values, probably reflecting a mantle-derived origin. They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light, rare earth elements (LREEs) but are depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs), indicating continental arc-like geochemical affinities. The host granodiorites yield relatively enriched whole-rock Sr-Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.7072–0.7158; εNd(t) = −9.21 to −4.23; εHf(t) = −8.8 to −1.2), implying a derivation from the anatexis of the ancient mafic lower continental crust beneath the Qilian Block. The MMEs have similar initial Sr isotopes but distinct whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions compared with the host granodiorites (87Sr/86Sri = 0.7078–0.7089; εNd(t) = −3.88 to −1.68; εHf(t) = −0.1 to +4.1). Field observation, microtextural and mineral chemical evidence, geochemical characteristics, and whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic differences between the host granodiorites and MMEs suggest insufficient magma mixing of lithospheric mantle mafic magma and lower continental crust felsic melt. In combination with evidence from regional geology, we propose that the anatexis of the ancient mafic lower continental crust and subsequent magma mixing formed in an active continental arc setting, which was triggered by the subducted slab rollback and mantle upwelling during the southward subduction of the Qilian Proto-Tethys Ocean during the Middle-Late Ordovician. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau)
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21 pages, 6656 KiB  
Article
A Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf–O Isotopic Study of the Early Silurian Shandan Adakites in the Longshoushan Area: Implications for the Collisional Setting of the Proto–Tethyan North Qilian Orogen, Northwest China
by Zhihan Bai, Yang Yang, Xijun Liu, Pengde Liu, Gang Chen, Xiao Liu, Rongguo Hu, Hao Tian, Yande Liu, Wenmin Huang and Yao Xiao
Minerals 2025, 15(4), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040352 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
The North Qilian Orogen experienced a series of late Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic tectonic events, including the opening and closure of the Proto-Tethyan Qilian Ocean, as well as post-subduction processes. This study investigated the Shandan adakites in the Longshoushan area of the North [...] Read more.
The North Qilian Orogen experienced a series of late Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic tectonic events, including the opening and closure of the Proto-Tethyan Qilian Ocean, as well as post-subduction processes. This study investigated the Shandan adakites in the Longshoushan area of the North Qilian Orogen, focusing on zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions. The Shandan adakites yield ages of ca. 446–440 Ma, suggesting they crystallized during the collision between the Alxa and Qilian blocks following the closure of the Proto-Tethyan North Qilian Ocean. High Sr/Y (40.9–117) ratios and enrichments in light rare earth elements indicate that the Shandan adakites were formed by partial melting of thickened magnesian lower crust. They have relatively rich εNd (t) (−7.66 to −6.32), εHf(t) (3.30 to −12.4), and δ18O (5.34‰–7.52‰). Zircon Hf–O and whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopes confirm significant contributions from the ancient crust and mantle-derived melts, suggesting complex crust–mantle interactions in their magma sources. We propose that the Shandan adakites formed during the (early) post-collisional stage of orogenesis. Based on regional geological evidence and previous studies, we suggest the Alxa and Central Qilian blocks collided during ca. 446–440 Ma, leading to the thickening of the lower crust. After ca. 440 Ma, the tectonic setting of the Northern Qilian Orogen transitioned from a collisional to a post-collisional stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau)
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22 pages, 20086 KiB  
Article
Zircon LA-ICP-MS Dating and Geochemical Characteristics of Rhyolites from the Qushi Area, Tengchong Terrane, Yunnan Province
by Xiong Mo, Chen Gong, Yan Shang, Jinglong Wu, Jialin Wu, Ronghui Qi, Xiaofeng Wang, Qi Guan and Xu Kong
Minerals 2025, 15(3), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030315 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 341
Abstract
The Qushi rhyolites, situated in the eastern sector of the Tengchong terrane, are critical to understanding the Early Cretaceous tectono-magmatic evolution of the Eastern Tethyan Tectonic Domain. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology indicates crystallization ages of 118.3–120.5 Ma, with Ti-in-zircon temperatures of 641–816 °C [...] Read more.
The Qushi rhyolites, situated in the eastern sector of the Tengchong terrane, are critical to understanding the Early Cretaceous tectono-magmatic evolution of the Eastern Tethyan Tectonic Domain. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology indicates crystallization ages of 118.3–120.5 Ma, with Ti-in-zircon temperatures of 641–816 °C (mean = 716 °C), representing the Early Cretaceous magmatic activity in the Tengchong terrane. Inherited zircons within the rhyolites yield a zircon age of ca. 198.5 Ma, with corresponding Ti-in-zircon temperatures of 615–699 °C (mean = 657 °C), implying the potential presence of an Early Jurassic igneous basement beneath the Qushi region. Geochemically, the rhyolites are classified as calc-alkaline and weakly to moderately peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.07–2.86). These rocks display signatures typical of acidic magmas, marked by significant enrichments in light rare earth elements (LREE: La and Ce) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE: Rb, K, Th and U) while simultaneously exhibiting depletions in high-field-strength elements (HFSE: Nb, Ta, Ti, and P) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE). Trace element signatures further reveal marked depletions in Sr (12.4–244.7 ppm) and Ba while displaying enrichments in Zr and Hf. These geochemical features, including the huge range of the Sr content and A/CNK ratios, suggest both I-type and S-type granite affinities. The Early Cretaceous volcanism of the Qushi rhyolites is likely attributed to the combined effects of subduction and the closure of the Meso-Tethyan Ocean (MTO). This volcanic activity is interpreted to result from subduction-related processes associated with the MTO, potentially involving slab rollback, slab break-off, and subsequent asthenospheric upwelling. The formation of these rhyolites may also be linked to the final closure of the MTO, characterized by the Late Cretaceous collision and amalgamation of the Burma and Tengchong terranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau)
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22 pages, 7341 KiB  
Article
S-Type Granites from the Guomang-Co Area in Central Tibet: A Response to Early Paleozoic Andean-Type Orogeny Along the Northern Margin of East Gondwana
by Yuhe Zhang, Ming Wang, Changsheng Yu and Zhenglong Li
Minerals 2025, 15(3), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030284 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 430
Abstract
The Proto-Tethys Ocean existed between Gondwana and Laurussia during the late Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic. As part of the northern margin of East Gondwana, the Lhasa terrane records subduction-related processes of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. This study analyzes mylonitized granites from the Guomang-Co area [...] Read more.
The Proto-Tethys Ocean existed between Gondwana and Laurussia during the late Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic. As part of the northern margin of East Gondwana, the Lhasa terrane records subduction-related processes of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. This study analyzes mylonitized granites from the Guomang-Co area in the central Lhasa terrane, focusing on their major and trace elements, U-Pb age values, and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopes. Geochemical and isotopic data consistently indicate S-type affinity derived from Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary sources, and likely formed in a syn-collisional setting. Combined with previous studies, the granites are interpreted as products of the Early Paleozoic Andean-type orogeny along the northern margin of East Gondwana, which indicate southward subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean during the Cambrian–Ordovician. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau)
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22 pages, 28128 KiB  
Article
Mafic Intrusions in the Cuona Area, Eastern Tethyan Himalaya: Early Kerguelen Mantle Plume Activity and East Gondwana Rifting
by Chunxi Shan, Zhiqiang Kang, Feng Yang, Chengyou Ma, Zedong Qiao, Zonghao Liu, Jizhong Mu, Lingling Wu and Lu Zhou
Minerals 2025, 15(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030281 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 408
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of Mesozoic ocean island basalt (OIB)-like igneous rocks in the Southern Tibetan Himalayan Belt provides important constraints on the rifting of East Gondwana. This study undertook a petrological, geochronological, and geochemical investigation of mafic intrusive rocks in the Cuona area [...] Read more.
The widespread occurrence of Mesozoic ocean island basalt (OIB)-like igneous rocks in the Southern Tibetan Himalayan Belt provides important constraints on the rifting of East Gondwana. This study undertook a petrological, geochronological, and geochemical investigation of mafic intrusive rocks in the Cuona area of the eastern Tethyan Himalayan Belt. The mafic intrusions have OIB-type geochemical signatures, including diabase porphyrite, gabbro, and diabase. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the diabase porphyrite formed at 135.0 ± 1.6 Ma. The diabase porphyrite and gabbro are enriched in high-field-strength elements (Nb and Ti) and large-ion lithophile elements (Sr and Pb) and experienced negligible lithospheric mantle or crustal contamination. The diabase is enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g., La and Ce) and depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs, e.g., Ru, Zr and Ti). In general, the mafic intrusions exhibit significant light REE enrichment and heavy REE depletion and have no Eu anomalies. Whole-rock neodymium (εNd(t) = 1.55) and zircon Hf (εHf(t) = 0.60–3.73) isotopic compositions indicate derivation of the magma from enriched type I mantle. We propose that the diabase porphyrite and diabase formed in a continental margin rift setting, influenced by the Kerguelen mantle plume, and represent magmatism related to the breakup of East Gondwana. However, the gabbro formed in a relatively stable continental intraplate environment, likely derived from deep magmatic processes associated with the Kerguelen mantle plume. Our results provide new constraints on the early activity of the Kerguelen mantle plume and offer insights into the breakup and tectonic evolution of East Gondwana. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau)
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19 pages, 7027 KiB  
Article
The Northernmost Effects of the Neo-Tethys Oceanic Slab Subduction Under the Lhasa Terrane: Evidence from the Mazin Rhyolite Porphyry
by Zhuosheng Wang, Nan Wang, Zhibo Liu and Xudong Ma
Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121292 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 809
Abstract
The India–Asia collision represents the most significant geological event in the formation of the Tibetan plateau. The subsidence of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab and the closure of the ocean basin were precursors of the India–Asia collision. The Linzizong volcanic formations, which range in [...] Read more.
The India–Asia collision represents the most significant geological event in the formation of the Tibetan plateau. The subsidence of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab and the closure of the ocean basin were precursors of the India–Asia collision. The Linzizong volcanic formations, which range in age from the late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic (70–40 Ma), are widely distributed across the Lhasa terrane and are considered products of the closure of the Neo-Tethys oceanic basin and the India–Asia collision. Here, we report a newly identified series of rhyolite porphyries, which share similar age and geochemical features with typical Linzizong volcanic formations. These porphyries are the northernmost extension of Linzizong volcanic formations discovered to date. Zircon U-Pb dating suggests that they formed between 58.8 and 56.1 Ma. These porphyries are characterized by high SiO2 (75.04%–77.82%), total alkali (K2O: 4.71%–5.03%), and Na2O (2.54%–3.63%) values; relatively low Al2O3 (12.30%–13.62%) and MgO (0.13%–0.33%) values; and low Mg# values (15.8–25.7). They also exhibit strong enrichment in light rare earth elements ([La/Yb]N = 3.76–11.08); negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.10–0.32); Rb, Ba, Th, U, and Pb enrichments; as well as Nb and Ta depletions. The samples have relatively low εNd(t) values (−6.0 to −3.8) and variable zircon εHf(t) values (−6.3 to +3.6). These features suggest they originated from the remelting of the juvenile lower crust of the North Lhasa terrane under high-temperature and extensional conditions. We propose that the Mazin rhyolite porphyries resulted from mantle-derived magma diapirism, triggering juvenile lower crust remelting during Neo-Tethys oceanic slab rollback at the onset of the India–Asia collision. These findings provide new insights into the magmatic processes associated with early collisional tectonics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau)
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