Search Results (72)

Recent updates to the reconstructions of Cenozoic environmental changes (global sea level, temperature, and atmospheric carbon dioxide content) have made it intriguing to compare them to paleontological records for original interpretations. Paleogene brachiopods have remained in the shadow of their Paleozoic–Mesozoic predecessors, and the reactions of their diversity to the Earth’s dramatic changes are poorly understood. The present work aims to fill this gap via a comparison of several diversity and paleoenvironmental curves. The generic diversity was established by stages with two essentially different paleontological datasets, and several fresh paleoenvironmental reconstructions were adopted. It was observed that neither Paleogene eustatic fluctuations nor changes in the atmospheric carbon dioxide content correspond well to the generic diversity dynamics of brachiopods. The changes in the total number of genera and the global temperatures demonstrate similarity at the Danian–Ypresian interval, but not later. The fluctuations in the brachiopod diversity are near the same level during the Eocene–Oligocene, despite strong paleoenvironmental changes, implying the intrinsic resistivity of these organisms to external influences. Additionally, the Cretaceous/Paleogene mass extinction, the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum, and the Early Eocene optimum could enhance the diversity dynamics together with the long-term temperature changes. In contrast, the influences of the Late Danian warming event and the Oi-1 glaciation were not observed. Full article

Türkiye hosts a wide variety of barite deposits that can be broadly classified into two major groups based on their tectonic settings: magmatism-associated and passive margin-hosted deposits. The magmatism-associated deposits include Kızılcaören (F + Ba + REE + Th, Beylikova–Eskişehir), Kirazören (Bulancak–Giresun), and Karacaören (Mesudiye–Ordu). The Kızılcaören deposit formed in relation to the emplacement of a late Oligocene carbonatitic sill, while the Kirazören and Karacaören deposits are associated with the Cretaceous Pontide magmatic arc. Passive margin-hosted deposits occur within various Paleozoic sedimentary lithologies—such as metasandstone, shale, schist, and limestone—and are found in the Taurides and the Arabian Platform. These deposits occur as either concordant or discordant veins. This barite belt extends from Şarkikaraağaç (Isparta), through Hüyük (Konya) and Alanya (Antalya), to Silifke (Mersin), Tordere (Adana), Önsen, Şekeroba (Kahramanmaraş), and Hasköy (Muş). The Paleozoic deposits represent the major barite resources of Türkiye, with an annual production of approximately 300,000 metric tons. Smaller deposits around Gazipaşa (Antalya) contain minor Pb-Zn sulfides. Mesozoic barite deposits are hosted in Triassic dolomites and are associated with Pb-Zn mineralization in the Hakkari region of the Arabian Platform. Pb and Sr isotope data indicate that the barium in these deposits was derived from ancient continental crust. The isotopic compositions of both concordant (stratabound) and discordant (vein-type) barites are generally homogeneous. In northwestern Türkiye, the Sr isotope compositions of the barite deposits align well with those of the Oligocene carbonatite host complex. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratio of the Kızılcaören deposit (0.706‰) is the least radiogenic among Turkish barite deposits, suggesting a mantle contribution. The Kirazören deposit in the Pontide magmatic arc follows with a slightly higher ratio (0.707‰). Triassic barites from the Hakkari region yield ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values around 0.709‰, slightly more radiogenic than coeval seawater. Paleozoic barite deposits show the most radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values, including Aydıncık (0.718‰), Şarkikaraağaç (0.714‰), Hasköy (0.713‰), Kahramanmaraş (0.712‰), Tordere, and Hüyük (both 0.711‰), consistent with their respective host rocks. The elevated radiogenic Pb and Sr isotope values in the passive margin-hosted deposits suggest that the barium originated from deeper, barium-enriched rocks, whereas stable sulfur isotope data point to a marine sulfur source. Moreover, Sr and S isotopic signatures indicate that the Paleozoic sediment-hosted deposits formed in association with cold seeps on the seafloor, resembling modern analogs. In contrast, the Mesozoic Karakaya deposit (Hakkari) represents a typical vent-proximal, sediment-hosted deposit with no magmatic signature. Full article

The Caucasian Sea was among the vast tropical water masses that existed on Earth in the Mesozoic. The knowledge of Kimmeridgian–Hauterivian deposits from the central Western Caucasus can facilitate the understanding of the Caucasian paleogeography at the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition. Taking into account the scale of the study area and its geological complexity, a generalized synthesis of the published information seems to be an appropriate option to propose a tentative paleogeographical model. Some original field and laboratory studies, including the examination of the composition of Hauterivian alluvial sandstones, contribute to this model. Kimmeridgian–Hauterivian deposits crop out in the northern, western, and southern domains of the study area, but older rocks are exposed in its central and eastern parts. The Caucasian Sea covered the study area in the early Kimmeridgian, but a large land appeared in the late Kimmeridgian and existed until the end of the Hauterivian despite certain shoreline shifts. The land was eroded deeply, with exposure of pre-Upper Jurassic rocks, including Precambrian–Paleozoic crystalline complexes, and the sedimentary material was delivered to an alluvial plain on its periphery. The registered sea–land interplay was controlled tectonically. Full article

Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic granitoids in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB) provide critical insights into the complex and debated relationship between Paleo–Tethyan magmatism and tectonics. This study presents integrated bulk-rock geochemical and zircon isotopic data for the Xingshugou monzogranite (MG) to address these controversies. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating constrains the emplacement age of the MG to 247.1 ± 1.5 Ma. The MG exhibits a peraluminous and low Na₂O A₂-type granite affinity, characterized by high K₂O (4.69–6.80 wt.%) and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (>350 ppm) concentrations, coupled with high Y/Nb (>1.2) and A/CNK ratios (1.54–2.46). It also displays low FeO^T, MnO, TiO₂, P₂O₅, and Mg^# values (26–49), alongside pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.37–0.49) and moderately fractionated rare earth element (REE) patterns ((La/Yb)_N = 3.30–5.11). The MG exhibits enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; such as Sr and Ba), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; such as Nb, Ta, and Ti), collectively indicating an arc magmatic affinity. Zircon saturation temperatures (T_Zr = 868–934 °C) and geochemical discriminators suggest that the MG was generated under high-temperature, low-pressure, relatively dry conditions. Combined with positive zircon ε_Hf(t) (1.8 to 4.7) values, it is suggested that the MG was derived from partial melting of juvenile crust. Synthesizing regional data, this study suggests that the Xingshugou MG was formed in an extensional tectonic setting triggered by slab rollback of the Paleo-Tethys Oceanic slab. Full article

The Cenozoic Nankang Basin in China records a complex series of tectonic, magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary events associated with the surrounding Shiwanshan, Liuwanshan, and Yunkaishan orogenic systems. The Nankang Basin is a critical location for studying the Cenozoic tectono–sedimentary evolution and strategic mineral resources of the southern Cathaysia Block. We used core samples from multiple boreholes and regional geological survey data to analyze the rock assemblages, sediment types, and sedimentary facies of the Nankang Basin. In addition, we analyzed the detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology, sandstone detrital compositions, heavy mineral assemblages, and major element geochemistry. The detrital zircon grains from Cenozoic sandstones in the Nankang Basin have age peaks at 2500–2000, 1100–900, 500–400, and 300–200 Ma, with most grains having ages of 500–400 or 300–200 Ma. The provenance analysis indicates that the 300–200 Ma zircon grains originated mainly from the Liuwanshan pluton; the 500–400 Ma zircon grains originated from the Ningtan pluton; and the 2500–2000 and 1100–900 Ma zircon grains originated from the Lower Silurian Liantan Formation and Middle Devonian Xindu Formation. This indicates that the provenance of Cenozoic sandstones in the Nankang Basin primarily originates from Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic igneous in the surrounding area, while the regional old sedimentary rocks possibly serve as intermediate sedimentary reservoirs. The detrital compositions of the sandstones and heavy mineral assemblages indicate a change in the tectonic setting during the deposition of the Nankang and Zhanjiang Formations, with a change in the source of the sediments due to the uplift of the Shizishan. During the deposition of the Nankang Formation, the sediment transport direction was to the NNW, whereas during the deposition of the Zhanjiang Formation, it was to the NNE. The uplift of the Shizishan most probably occurred during the late Neogene and early Quaternary, separating the Hepu and Nankang Basins. Full article

Taking the coastal area of Binhai County, Jiangsu Province, as an example, this study first investigated the basic natural geography and the regional geological and hydrogeological conditions of the study area, and then carried out in-depth geophysical prospecting, hydrogeological tests, geothermal temperature monitoring, hydrochemistry and isotope analyses, and other studies based on the results to comprehensively and systematically reveal the genesis mechanism of the geothermal water resources of this coastal area from multiple perspectives. The results showed the following: the geothermal water in this area mainly comes from atmospheric precipitation; the deep east–northwest interlaced fracture is the recharge and transportation channel; the Cambrian–Ordovician carbonate rock layer, enriched by the development of cavernous fissures, forms the thermal storage layer; the underground heat mainly comes from the upward heat flow along the deep fracture and the natural warming of the strata; and the thermal reservoir cover comprises Paleozoic and Mesozoic clastic rocks that have a high mud content and form a thick layer. The genesis mode of this area is as follows: the atmospheric precipitation infiltrates and is recharged through the exposed alpine carbonate fissures in the Lianyungang area, and then it is transported to the south along the large deep fracture under the action of a high hydraulic pressure head; meanwhile, it is heated by the heat flow in the deep part of the fracture and water–rock interactions with the strata occur. Geothermal water with a calculated thermal storage temperature of 83.6 °C is formed at a depth of 2.9 km, which is blocked by the intersection of the northeast and northwest fractures to form a stagnant zone in the coastal area. Full article

Regolith-hosted rare-earth element (REE) deposits are some of the most important types of REE deposits. The relationship between Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic granite and regolith-hosted REE deposits is still poorly studied. Detailed geochronology, geochemistry, and rare-earth mineralogy analyses of Early Triassic granite in the South China Block were conducted. The geochronological results showed that four representative granite samples yielded formation ages of 245 ± 1 Ma, 244 ± 1 Ma, 244 ± 1 Ma, and 244 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The granites show geochemical affinity to A-type granite. They are characterized by enrichment in Rb, Th, and U, are depleted in Ba, Sr, P, and Ti, and show obvious negative Nb and Ta anomalies. They have high light rare-earth element (LREE) and low heavy rare-earth element (HREE) contents, with obvious negative Eu anomalies. They were derived from the partial melting of a sediment source and underwent intense fractional crystallization during the magma evolution process. They contain a certain number of rare-earth-element-bearing minerals, such as monazite, xenotime, apatite, and zircon. Their REE compositions and mineral associations are similar to those of the parent rocks from typical regolith-hosted REE deposits in South China. The highly weathered horizon at the ridge of the granite weathering crust profile has the highest REE content. A comprehensive analysis indicated that the degree of magma evolution, geomorphology, and weathering are important factors controlling the formation of regolith-hosted REE deposits in the area. Full article

The Heilongjiang Complex provides a crucial geological record of the evolutionary history of the Mudanjiang Ocean, making it significant for understanding the accretion process between the Jiamusi Block and the Songliao Block. In this study, we analyzed samples from the Heilongjiang Complex in the Huanan region using zircon U-Pb and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar isotopic dating. The LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results show that the deposition time of the mica quartz schist is Late Triassic (237–207 Ma), while the protolith age of the amphibolite is Middle Triassic (245.5 ± 1.2 Ma). Detrital zircon ages from the mica quartz schist reveal four groups: 155–229 Ma, 237–296 Ma, 485–556 Ma, and 585–2238 Ma. The provenances are related to the magmatic and metamorphic activities at the junction of the Jiamusi Block and Songliao Block. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar isotopic dating yielded a plateau age of 183.40 ± 1.83 Ma for phengite in the mica quartz schist, with the metamorphic ages obtained from zircon U-Pb dating. We identify three major metamorphic events in the Heilongjiang Complex: (1) ~229 Ma, marking the earliest tectonic thermal disturbance in the complex; (2) 207–202 Ma, corresponding to the metamorphic event related to the collision between the Jiamusi Block and Songliao Block; and (3) ~183 Ma, indicating the closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean. Integrating these new findings with the results of previous research on magmatism and metamorphism, we reconstruct the tectonic evolution of the Mudanjiang Ocean from the Late Paleozoic to the Mesozoic. During the Early Permian, the Mudanjiang Ocean had already opened. Between the Middle Permian and Middle Triassic, bidirectional subduction occurred. In the Late Triassic, the Mudanjiang Ocean entered a subduction dormancy period. By the Early to Middle Jurassic, the Mudanjiang Ocean closed due to continental collision, leading to the final positioning of the Heilongjiang Complex. Full article

The Yana–Kolyma collision orogen, Eastern Siberia, is one of world-class gold economic belts, where large gold deposits are localized, mainly in the Upper Paleozoic and Lower Mesozoic clastic rocks. Dike-hosted orogenic gold deposits are found and to a lesser extent studied, but they are important for understanding the structural control of mineralization within the framework of the orogen. Orogenic gold deposits of the Vyun ore field are hosted in Kimmeridgian–Titonian mafic, intermediate and felsic dikes, but they have no genetic connection with dikes. The late formation of deposits led to the fact that previously reactivated polydeformed structures were subsequently mineralized. The study of the structural control of mineralization is also complicated by superimposed late tectonic events. Based on the analysis of collected field materials, this paper presents the results of the study of deformation structures of the Vyun ore field within the framework of the Mesozoic evolution history throughout the geological time of the eastern convergent margin of the Siberian Craton. Four stages of deformations are identified. The pre-mineralization deformations and metamorphic and magmatic events share a common NE-SW shortening (D1 phase), which is related to the subduction of the Oymyakon oceanic slab and collision of the Kolyma–Omolon superterrane from the eastern margin of the Siberian Craton. This first stage is characterized by the superposition of several tectonic events under conditions of compression and progressive deformations (D1/1 and D1/2). Ore mineralization was formed at the end of compression in the same stress field (D1/2). Its structural control is determined by reactivation of older dikes and faults. Dikes are areas of heterogeneous stress and heterogeneous strain, being favorable for the concentration of ore fluids. The metallogenic time of formation of the gold mineralization is synchronous with the tectonic event, which likely reflects the final stages of the Kolyma–Omolon microcontinent–Siberian Craton collision of the Valanginian during crustal thickening. The main impulse of the Au mineralization D1/2 phase coincided with a slowdown in convergence. The post-mineralization tectonic regime was related to the Aptian–Late Cretaceous tectonic transition from compression to transpression. Transpressional tectonics were determined accordingly by W-E (D2 phase) and N-S (D3 phase) stress fields caused by several accretion events in the Cretaceous on the northern and eastern margins of Siberia. D4 phase extensional structures were caused by the opening of the Eurasian Oceanic basin in the Arctic in the Paleocene. The obtained results have a first-order impact on the understanding of the structural control of orogenic gold deposits and their relationship to the evolution of the host orogen. The new findings improve the tectonic knowledge of an area of interest for ore deposit exploration targeting orogenic gold deposits in Phanerozoic terranes of craton margins. Full article

The southwestern region of China is tectonically situated within the Tethyan tectonic domain, with the eastern part comprising the Upper Yangtze Block, while the western orogenic belt forms the main part of the Tibetan Plateau. This belt was formed by the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent arc-continent collision, and was later further modified by the India-Asia collision, resulting in complex geological structures such as the Hengduan Mountains. The lithostratigraphy in this region can be divided into six independent units. In terms of mineralization, the area encompasses two first-order metallogenic domains: the Tethyan-Himalayan and the Circum-Pacific. This study synthesizes extensive previous research to systematically investigate representative rare earth element (REE) deposits (e.g., Muchuan and Maoniuping in Sichuan; the Xinhua deposit in Guizhou; the Lincang deposit in Yunnan). Through comparative analysis of regional tectonic-metallogenic settings, we demonstrate that REE distribution in Southwest China is fundamentally controlled by Tethyan tectonic evolution: sedimentary-weathered types dominate in the east, while orogenic magmatism-related types prevail in the west. These findings reveal critical metallogenic patterns, establishing a foundation for cross-regional resource assessment and exploration targeting. The region hosts 32 identified REE occurrences, predominantly light REE (LREE)-enriched, genetically classified as endogenic, exogenic, and metamorphic deposit types. Metallogenic epochs include Precambrian, Paleozoic, and Mesozoic-Cenozoic periods, with the latter being most REE-relevant. Six prospective exploration areas are delineated: Mianning-Dechang, Weining-Zhijin, Long’an, Simao Adebo, Shuiqiao, and the eastern Yunnan-western Guizhou sedimentary-type district. Notably, the discovery of paleo-weathering crust-sedimentary-clay type REE deposits in eastern Yunnan-western Guizhou significantly expands regional exploration potential, opening new avenues for future resource development. Full article

The Beishan Orogenic Belt, situated along the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, represents a critical tectonic domain that archives the prolonged subduction–accretion processes and Paleo-Asian Ocean closure from the Early Paleozoic to the Mesozoic. Early Permian magmatism, exhibiting the most extensive spatial-temporal distribution in this belt, remains controversial in its geodynamic context: whether it formed in a persistent subduction regime or was associated with mantle plume activity or post-collisional extension within a rift setting. This study presents an integrated analysis of petrology, zircon U-Pb geochronology, in situ Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry of Early Permian granites from the Tiancang area in the southern Beishan Orogenic Belt, complemented by regional comparative studies. Tiancang granites comprise biotite monzogranite, monzogranite, and syenogranite. Zircon U-Pb dating of four samples yields crystallization ages of 279.3–274.1 Ma. These granites are classified as high-K calc-alkaline to calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous I-type granites. Geochemical signatures reveal the following: (1) low total rare earth element (REE) concentrations with light REE enrichment ((La/Yb)_N = 3.26–11.39); (2) pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.47–0.71) and subordinate Ce anomalies; (3) enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs: Rb, Th, U, K) coupled with depletion in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs: Nb, Ta, P, Zr, Ti); (4) zircon ε_Hf(t) values ranging from −10.5 to −0.1, corresponding to Hf crustal model ages (T_DMC) of 1.96–1.30 Ga. These features collectively indicate that the Tiancang granites originated predominantly from partial melting of Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic crustal sources with variable mantle contributions, followed by extensive fractional crystallization. Regional correlations demonstrate near-synchronous magmatic activity across the southern/northern Beishan and eastern Tianshan Orogenic belts. The widespread Permian granitoids, combined with post-collisional magmatic suites and rift-related stratigraphic sequences, provide compelling evidence for a continental rift setting in the southern Beishan during the Early Permian. This tectonic regime transition likely began with lithospheric delamination after the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian collisional orogeny, which triggered asthenospheric upwelling and crustal thinning. These processes ultimately led to the terminal closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean’s southern branch, followed by intracontinental evolution. Full article

The Luang Prabang (Laos)–Loei (Thailand) metallogenic belt is located on the northwestern margin of the Indochina Block. It is one of the most important gold–copper metallogenic belts in Southeast Asia. This region underwent tectonic and magmatic evolution in the late Paleozoic-Mesozoic period within the Paleo-Tethys realm, resulting in complex metallogenic processes. Consequently, epithermal Au-Ag, porphyry-skarn Au-Cu, and hydrothermal vein-type gold deposits were formed. However, the genetic type of the vein-type gold deposits is still not fully understood. The relationship between the three types of gold deposits and the regional tectonic evolution has not been summarized up until today. We summarize the previous mineralization characteristics and exploration data of commonly known deposits and combine them with new evidence and ore deposit insights from our recent studies on the source and evolution of ore-forming fluids in the region. We confirm that the hydrothermal vein-type gold deposits in the belt are typical orogenic gold deposits. Based on previous regional tectonic-magmatic-metallogenic studies, metallogenic characteristics, and temporal and spatial distribution of three types of typical gold–copper deposits in the belt, we synthesize and establish a regional metallogenic model related to the subduction-closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent continental–continental collision process, resulting in the formation of epithermal Au-Ag during the late Permian-early Triassic subduction, porphyry-skarn Au-Cu in the early–middle Triassic period during the closure of the ocean, and orogenic Au during the late Triassic collision. Since there are few reports on the geochemical characteristics of gold–copper deposits and their related magmatic rocks, the potential for gold–copper mineralization and their links to the magmatic rocks in the belt still needs further study. Full article

The Bohai Bay Basin is a typical marginal basin with complex internal structures and abundant oil and gas resources, exhibiting unique marine geological characteristics and processes. Based on seismic profile interpretation and balanced cross-section techniques, this paper presents a comprehensive systematic study of the structural combination and tectonic evolution of the Neo-Mesozoic–Cenozoic superimposed basin in the southern Bohai Bay Basin. The research findings indicate that the area exhibits four types of structural properties, including compression, extension, strike-slip, and thrust structures, along with thirteen fundamental styles. Building upon this foundation, research has been conducted on the tectonic evolution and formation processes during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. Based on the effective correlation between hydrocarbon generation and tectonic evolution phases, a three-phase model was proposed as “early anticline-controlled oil accumulation-primary reservoir formation, mid-stage fault adjustment-secondary reservoir formation, late-stage block modification-multiple phase petroleum accumulation”. Our model explains the composite reservoir system in the Neogene–Mesozoic era, characterized by multiple-stage structural oil and gas accumulation, coexistence of primary and secondary hydrocarbon, and various types of oil and gas reservoirs. This study elucidates the controlling effects of structural characteristics and evolution on oil and gas accumulation under marine geological conditions, providing a theoretical basis for the efficient development of oil and gas resources in marginal basins. Full article

The Indo-Burma Range (IBR), as one of the youngest accreted units in the Eastern Neotethys, plays a crucial role in understanding the interactive relationships between the Gondwana supercontinent and its rifted microcontinents in SE Asia. However, its basement nature and tectonic evolution remain debated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive structural analysis across six sections within the IBR and correlated Late Triassic flysch units between the Western IBR (Pane Chaung Formation) and the Tethyan Himalaya. Within the Mindat section, the eastern segment of the Pane Chaung Formation unit displays top-to-east vergent overturned folds, indicating eastward backthrusting, in contrast to the prevailing top-to-west vergence structures in Kalemyo, Natchaung, Magwe and the western segment of the Mindat flysch unit. By reconstruction of this backthrust sheet, a megathrust separates the Pane Chaung Formation unit in the footwall to the west from schist units in the hanging wall to the east. The Pane Chaung Formation unit in the Western IBR and its counterparts in the Tethyan Himalaya share common characteristics, including herringbone cross-beddings, Carnian–Norian Halobia fossils, and dominant detrital zircons of 220–280, 500–620, 900–1000, and 1100–1140 Ma. Alongside the Paleozoic strata and Precambrian one-stage model ages of Mesozoic dikes, as evidenced by ɛ_Nd (t) (−13.4 to −0.1) and ɛ_Hf (t) (−24.2 to −0.1) in the Tethyan Himalaya, these facts suggest that the major tectonic units of the Western IBR–Tethyan Himalaya are the result of the amalgamation of a microcontinent with the West Burma Block. The transition from OIB to E-MORB and N-MORB, the rapid deepening of sedimentary waters, and the presence of the 155–152 Ma Indian ocean crust collectively indicate that the microcontinent rifted from the host East Gondwana as a fragment of the Argoland archipelago in the Late Jurassic. This identification sheds light on the orogenic processes of the doublet subduction zones in the Indo-Myanmar orogenic belt. Full article

Western Guangdong, a part of the South China Block, has a complex geological history characterized by significant magmatic, metamorphic, and tectonic activities. This dynamic geological past, particularly during the Mesozoic era, created favorable conditions for the formation of various mineral deposits, including Au, Ag, Cu, and Pb. This makes the region a key area for precious metal resources in China. Despite extensive metallogenic studies, detailed structural information for western Guangdong remains insufficient, highlighting the need for further investigation. Thus, effective delineation of deformation periods is crucial for revealing geodynamic history and understanding regional tectonic activities, which are extremely important for guiding mineral exploration. This work focuses on the outcrops of granitic plutons in the Yingde–Guangning area of western Guangdong to establish the structure–tectonic setting. The tectonic events likely shaped the widespread Paleozoic–Mesozoic granitic bodies, which record extensive information on regional tectonic evolution. To achieve the primary objective, systematic identification and kinematic analysis of the various stages of structural traces, such as foliations and joints, have been conducted. This research proposes, for the first time, that the western Guangdong area underwent four distinct tectonic stages: (1) Early Paleozoic NW-SE compression phase; (2) Triassic NE-SW compressional stress; (3) Jurassic NW-SE compressional force; and (4) Cretaceous NW-SE extension stage. In metallogenic terms, the NW-SE trending auriferous veins of the Yingde–Guangning region were mostly formed during the Triassic NE-SW compression stage, whereas the NE-SW trending vein-type gold mineralization developed during the tectonic regime transformation from Jurassic NW-SE compression to Cretaceous NW-SE extension. This research emphasizes that systematic tectonic geological studies of regional granites can effectively guide mineral prospecting. Full article