Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (166)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = lithospheric field

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
22 pages, 34153 KiB  
Article
Study on Lithospheric Tectonic Features of Tianshan and Adjacent Regions and the Genesis Mechanism of the Wushi Ms7.1 Earthquake
by Kai Han, Daiqin Liu, Ailixiati Yushan, Wen Shi, Jie Li, Xiangkui Kong and Hao He
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(15), 2655; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17152655 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 135
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed the lithospheric seismic background of the Tianshan and adjacent areas by combining various geophysical methods (effective elastic thickness, time-varying gravity, apparent density, and InSAR), and explored the genesis mechanism of the Wushi Ms7.1 earthquake as an example, which [...] Read more.
In this study, we analyzed the lithospheric seismic background of the Tianshan and adjacent areas by combining various geophysical methods (effective elastic thickness, time-varying gravity, apparent density, and InSAR), and explored the genesis mechanism of the Wushi Ms7.1 earthquake as an example, which led to the following conclusions: (1) The effective elastic thickness (Te) of the Tianshan lithosphere is low (13–28 km) and weak, while the Tarim and Junggar basins have Te > 30 km with high intensity, and the loads are all mainly from the surface (F < 0.5). Earthquakes occur mostly in areas with low values of Te. (2) Medium and strong earthquakes are prone to occur in regions with alternating positive and negative changes in the gravity field during the stage of large-scale reverse adjustment. It is expected that the risk of a moderate-to-strong earthquake occurring again in the vicinity of the survey area between 2025 and 2026 is relatively high. (3) Before the Wushi earthquake, the positive and negative boundaries of the apparent density of the crust at 12 km shifted to be approximately parallel to the seismic fault, and the earthquake was triggered after undergoing a “solidification” process. (4) The Wushi earthquake is a leptokurtic strike-slip backwash type of earthquake; coseismic deformation shows that subsidence occurs in the high-visual-density zone, and vice versa for uplift. The results of this study reveal the lithosphere-conceiving environment of the Tianshan and adjacent areas and provide a basis for regional earthquake monitoring, early warning, and post-disaster disposal. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 20260 KiB  
Review
Geodynamic, Tectonophysical, and Structural Comparison of the South Caspian and Levant Basins: A Review
by Lev Eppelbaum, Youri Katz, Fakhraddin Kadirov, Ibrahim Guliyev and Zvi Ben-Avraham
Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080281 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
The Paratethyan South Caspian and Mediterranean Levant basins relate to the significant hydrocarbon provinces of Eurasia. The giant hydrocarbon reserves of the SCB are well-known. Within the LB, so far, only a few commercial gas fields have been found. Both the LB and [...] Read more.
The Paratethyan South Caspian and Mediterranean Levant basins relate to the significant hydrocarbon provinces of Eurasia. The giant hydrocarbon reserves of the SCB are well-known. Within the LB, so far, only a few commercial gas fields have been found. Both the LB and SCB contain some geological peculiarities. These basins are highly complex tectonically and structurally, requiring a careful, multi-component geological–geophysical analysis. These basins are primarily composed of oceanic crust. The oceanic crust of both the South Caspian and Levant basins formed within the complex Neotethys ocean structure. However, this crust is allochthonous in the Levant Basin (LB) and autochthonous in the South Caspian Basin (SCB). This study presents a comprehensive comparison of numerous tectonic, geodynamic, morphological, sedimentary, and geophysical aspects of these basins. The Levant Basin is located directly above the middle part of the massive, counterclockwise-rotating mantle structure and rotates accordingly in the same direction. To the north of this basin is located the critical latitude 35° of the Earth, with the vast Cyprus Bouguer gravity anomaly. The LB contains the most ancient block of oceanic crust on Earth, which is related to the Kiama paleomagnetic hyperzone. On the western boundary of the SCB, approximately 35% of the world’s mud volcanoes are located; the geological reasons for this are still unclear. The low heat flow values and thick sedimentary layers in both basins provide opportunities to discover commercial hydrocarbon deposits at great depths. The counterclockwise-rotating mantle structure creates an indirect geodynamic influence on the SCB. The lithospheric blocks situated above the eastern branch of the mantle structure trigger a north–northeastward movement of the western segment of the Iranian Plate, which exhibits a complex geometric configuration. Conversely, the movement of the Iranian Plate induced a clockwise rotation of the South Caspian Basin, which lies to the east of the plate. This geodynamic ensemble creates an unstable geodynamic situation in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 25056 KiB  
Article
Mineral Chemistry and Whole-Rock Analysis of Magnesian and Ferroan Granitic Suites of Magal Gebreel, South Eastern Desert: Clues for Neoproterozoic Syn- and Post-Collisional Felsic Magmatism
by El Saeed R. Lasheen, Gehad M. Saleh, Amira El-Tohamy, Farrage M. Khaleal, Mabrouk Sami, Ioan V. Sanislav and Fathy Abdalla
Minerals 2025, 15(7), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070751 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Magal Gebreel granitic suites (MGGs) using petrological (fieldwork, petrography, mineral chemistry, and bulk rock analysis) aspects to infer their petrogenesis and emplacement setting. Our understanding of the development of the northern portion of the Arabian [...] Read more.
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Magal Gebreel granitic suites (MGGs) using petrological (fieldwork, petrography, mineral chemistry, and bulk rock analysis) aspects to infer their petrogenesis and emplacement setting. Our understanding of the development of the northern portion of the Arabian Nubian Shield is significantly improved by the Neoproterozoic granitic rocks of the seldom studied MGGs in Egypt’s south Eastern Desert. According to detailed field, mineralogical, and geochemical assessments, they comprise syn-collision (granodiorites) and post-collision (monzogranites, syenogranites, and alkali feldspar rocks). Granodiorite has strong positive Pb, notable negative P, Ti, and Nb anomalies, and is magnesian in composition. They have high content of LREEs (light rare-earth elements) compared to HREEs (heavy rare-earth elements) and clear elevation of LFSEs (low-field strength elements; K Rb, and Ba) compared to HFSEs (high-field strength elements; Zr and Nb), which are in accord with the contents of I-type granites from the Eastern Desert. In this context, the granodiorites are indicative of an early magmatic phase that probably resulted from the partial melting of high K-mafic sources in the subduction zone. Conversely, the post-collision rocks have low contents of Mg#, CaO, P2O5, MgO, Fe2O3, Sr, and Ti, and high SiO2, Fe2O3/MgO, Nb, Ce, and Ga/Al, suggesting A-type features with ferroan affinity. Their P, Nb, Sr, Ba, and Ti negative anomalies are in accord with the findings for Eastern Desert granites of the A2-type. Furthermore, they exhibit a prominent negative anomaly in Eu and a small elevation of LREEs in relation to HREEs. The oxygen fugacity (fO2) for the rocks under investigation can be calculated using the biotite chemistry. The narrow Fe/(Fe + Mg) ratio range (0.6–0.75) indicates that they crystallized under moderately oxidizing conditions between ~QFM +0.1 and QFM +1. The A-type rocks were formed by the partial melting of a tonalite source (underplating rocks) in a post-collisional environment during the late period of extension via slab delamination. The lithosphere became somewhat impregnated with particular elements as a result of the interaction between the deeper crust and the upwelling mantle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 9399 KiB  
Article
An Investigation of Pre-Seismic Ionospheric TEC and Acoustic–Gravity Wave Coupling Phenomena Using BDS GEO Measurements: A Case Study of the 2023 Jishishan Ms6.2 Earthquake
by Xiao Gao, Lina Shu, Zongfang Ma, Penggang Tian, Lin Pan, Hailong Zhang and Shuai Yang
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(13), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17132296 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 421
Abstract
This study investigates pre-seismic ionospheric anomalies preceding the 2023 Jishishan Ms6.2 earthquake using total electron content (TEC) data derived from BDS geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. Multi-scale analysis integrating Butterworth filtering and wavelet transforms resolved TEC disturbances into three distinct frequency regimes: (1) high-frequency [...] Read more.
This study investigates pre-seismic ionospheric anomalies preceding the 2023 Jishishan Ms6.2 earthquake using total electron content (TEC) data derived from BDS geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. Multi-scale analysis integrating Butterworth filtering and wavelet transforms resolved TEC disturbances into three distinct frequency regimes: (1) high-frequency perturbations (0.56–3.33 mHz) showed localized disturbances (amplitude ≤ 4 TECU, range < 300 km), potentially associated with near-field acoustic waves from crustal stress adjustments; (2) mid-frequency signals (0.28–0.56 mHz) exhibited anisotropic propagation (>1200 km) with azimuth-dependent N-shaped waveforms, consistent with the characteristics of acoustic–gravity waves (AGWs); and (3) low-frequency components (0.18–0.28 mHz) demonstrated phase reversal and power-law amplitude attenuation, suggesting possible lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere (LAI) coupling oscillations. The stark contrast between near-field residuals and far-field weak fluctuations highlighted the dominance of large-scale atmospheric gravity waves over localized acoustic disturbances. Geometry-based velocity inversion revealed incoherent high-frequency dynamics (5–30 min) versus anisotropic mid/low-frequency traveling ionospheric disturbance (TID) propagation (30–90 min) at 175–270 m/s, aligning with theoretical AGW behavior. During concurrent G1-class geomagnetic storm activity, spatial attenuation gradients and velocity anisotropy appear primarily consistent with seismogenic sources, providing insights for precursor discrimination and contributing to understanding multi-scale coupling in seismo-ionospheric systems. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 11244 KiB  
Article
On Applicability of the Radially Integrated Geopotential in Modelling Deep Mantle Structure
by Robert Tenzer, Wenjin Chen and Peter Vajda
Geosciences 2025, 15(7), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15070246 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 250
Abstract
A long-wavelength geoidal geometry reflects mainly lateral density variations in the Earth’s mantle, with the most pronounced features of the Indian Ocean Geoid Low and the West Pacific and North Atlantic Geoid Highs. Despite this spatial pattern being clearly manifested in the global [...] Read more.
A long-wavelength geoidal geometry reflects mainly lateral density variations in the Earth’s mantle, with the most pronounced features of the Indian Ocean Geoid Low and the West Pacific and North Atlantic Geoid Highs. Despite this spatial pattern being clearly manifested in the global geoidal geometry determined from gravity-dedicated satellite missions, the gravitational signature of the deep mantle could be refined by modelling and subsequently removing the gravitational contribution of lithospheric geometry and density structure. Nonetheless, the expected large uncertainties in available lithospheric density models (CRUST1.0, LITHO1.0) limit, to some extent, the possibility of realistically reproducing the gravitational signature of the deep mantle. To address this issue, we inspect an alternative approach. Realizing that the gravity geopotential field (i.e., gravity potential) is smoother than its gradient (i.e., gravity), we apply the integral operator to geopotential and then investigate the spatial pattern of this functional (i.e., radially integrated geopotential). Results show that this mathematical operation enhances a long-wavelength signature of the deep mantle by filtering out the gravitational contribution of the lithosphere. This finding is explained by the fact that in the definition of this functional, spherical harmonics of geopotential are scaled by the factor 1/n (where n is the degree of spherical harmonics), thus lessening the contribution of higher-degree spherical harmonics in the radially integrated geopotential. We also demonstrate that further enhancement of the mantle signature in this functional could be achieved based on modelling and subsequent removal of the gravitational contribution of lithospheric geometry and density structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 9142 KiB  
Article
Petrogenesis and Tectonic Significance of Middle Jurassic Mafic–Ultramafic Cumulate Rocks in Weiyuanpu, Northern Liaoning, China: Insights from Zircon Geochronology and Isotope Geochemistry
by Yifan Zhang, Xu Ma, Jiafu Chen, Yuqi Liu, Yi Zhang and Yongwei Ma
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060651 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
The tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean and the destruction mechanism of the North China Craton (NCC) are still controversial. In this study, we conducted zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope analyses on the Weiyuanpu mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the eastern segment [...] Read more.
The tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean and the destruction mechanism of the North China Craton (NCC) are still controversial. In this study, we conducted zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope analyses on the Weiyuanpu mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the eastern segment of the northern margin of the NCC to discuss their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. The Weiyuanpu mafic–ultramafic intrusions consist of troctolite, hornblendite, hornblende gabbro, gabbro, and minor diorite, anorthosite, characterized by cumulate structure. The main crystallization sequence of minerals is olivine → pyroxene → magnetite → hornblende. The zircon U-Pb ages of hornblendite, hornblende grabbro, and diorite are ~170Ma. Geochemical characteristics exhibit low-K tholeiitic to calc-alkaline series, enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREE) and significant large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), and depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE). Sr-Nd isotopic compositions are ISr = 0.7043–0.7055, εNd(t) = −0.7 to +0.9, and zircon εHf (t) values range from +3.4 to +8.7. These results suggest that the source region was a phlogopite-bearing garnet lherzolite mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids. The study reveals that the northeastern margin of the NCC was in a back-arc extensional setting due to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean during the Middle Jurassic, which caused lithosphere thinning and mantle melting in this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 7th National Youth Geological Congress)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5080 KiB  
Article
Study on 2007–2021 Drought Trends in Basilicata Region Based on the AMSU-Based Soil Wetness Index
by Raffaele Albano, Meriam Lahsaini, Arianna Mazzariello, Binh Pham-Duc and Teodosio Lacava
Land 2025, 14(6), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061239 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Soil moisture (SM) plays a fundamental role in the water cycle and is an important variable for all processes occurring at the lithosphere–atmosphere interface, which are strongly affected by climate change. Among the different fields of application, accurate SM measurements are becoming more [...] Read more.
Soil moisture (SM) plays a fundamental role in the water cycle and is an important variable for all processes occurring at the lithosphere–atmosphere interface, which are strongly affected by climate change. Among the different fields of application, accurate SM measurements are becoming more relevant for all studies related to extreme event (e.g., floods, droughts, and landslides) mitigation and assessment. In this study, data acquired by the advanced microwave sounding unit (AMSU) onboard the European Meteorological Operational Satellite Program (MetOP) satellites were used for the first time to extract information on the variability of SM by implementing the original soil wetness index (SWI). Long-term monthly SWI time series collected for the Basilicata region (southern Italy) were analyzed for drought assessment during the period 2007–2021. The accuracy of the SWI product was tested through a comparison with SM products derived by the Advanced SCATterometer (ASCAT) over the 2013–2016 period, while the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was used to assess the relevance of the long-term achievements in terms of drought analysis. The results indicate a satisfactory accuracy of the SWI, with the mean correlation coefficient values with ASCAT higher than 0.7 and a mean normalized root mean square error less than 0.155. A negative trend in SWI during the 15-year period was found using both the original and deseasonalized series (linear and Sen’s slope ~−0.00525), confirmed by SPEI (linear and Sen’s slope ~−0.00293), suggesting the occurrence of a marginal long-term dry phase in the region. Although further investigations are needed to better assess the intensity and main causes of the phenomena, this result indicates the contribution that satellite data/products can offer in supporting drought assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2086 KiB  
Article
Seismogenic Effects in Variation of the ULF/VLF Emission in a Complex Study of the Lithosphere–Ionosphere Coupling Before an M6.1 Earthquake in the Region of Northern Tien Shan
by Nazyf Salikhov, Alexander Shepetov, Galina Pak, Serik Nurakynov, Vladimir Ryabov and Valery Zhukov
Geosciences 2025, 15(6), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060203 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 394
Abstract
A complex study was performed of the disturbances in geophysics parameters that were observed during a short-term period of earthquake preparation. On 4 March 2024, an M6.1 earthquake (N 42.93, E 76.966) occurred with the epicenter 12.2 km apart from the complex [...] Read more.
A complex study was performed of the disturbances in geophysics parameters that were observed during a short-term period of earthquake preparation. On 4 March 2024, an M6.1 earthquake (N 42.93, E 76.966) occurred with the epicenter 12.2 km apart from the complex of geophysical monitoring. Preparation of the earthquake we detected in real time, 8 days prior to the main shock, when a characteristic cove-like decrease appeared in the gamma-ray flux measured 100 m below the surface of the ground, which observation indicated an approaching earthquake with high probability. Besides the gamma-ray flux, anomalies connected with the earthquake preparation were studied in the variation of the Earth’s natural pulsed electromagnetic field (ENPEMF) at very low frequencies (VLF) f=7.5 kHz and f=10.0 kHz and at ultra-low frequency (ULF) in the range of 0.001–20 Hz, as well as in the shift of Doppler frequency (DFS) of the ionospheric signal. A drop detected in DFS agrees well with the decrease in gamma radiation background. A sequence of disturbance appearance was revealed, first in the variations of ENPEMF in the VLF band and of the subsurface gamma-ray flux, both of which reflect the activation dynamic of tectonic processes in the lithosphere, and next in the variation of DFS. Two types of earthquake-connected effects may be responsible for the transmission of the perturbation from the lithosphere into the ionosphere: the ionizing gamma-ray flux and the ULF/VLF emission, as direct radiation from the nearby earthquake source. In the article, we emphasize the role of medium ionization in the propagation of seismogenic effects as a channel for realizing the lithosphere–ionosphere coupling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precursory Phenomena Prior to Earthquakes (2nd Edition))
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7133 KiB  
Article
Subduction Dynamics of the Paleo-Pacific Plate: New Constraints from Quartz Diorites in the Fudong Region
by Jijie Song, Yidan Zhu and Xiangzhong Chen
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060562 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
The Yanbian area of Jilin Province is situated in the eastern segment of the southern margin of the Xing-Meng Orogenic Belt, representing a region that has been superimposed and reworked by the Paleo-Asian Ocean and Circum-Pacific tectonic event. To determine the emplacement age [...] Read more.
The Yanbian area of Jilin Province is situated in the eastern segment of the southern margin of the Xing-Meng Orogenic Belt, representing a region that has been superimposed and reworked by the Paleo-Asian Ocean and Circum-Pacific tectonic event. To determine the emplacement age and petrogenesis of the quartz diorite in the Fudong area of Yanbian, Jilin Province, and to investigate its tectonic setting, petrographic studies, zircon U-Pb geochronology, whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic analysis, zircon Hf isotopic analysis, and detailed geochemical investigations of this intrusion were carried out. The results indicate that the Fudong quartz diorite has: (1) A weighted mean zircon U-Pb age of 186 ± 1.7 Ma, corresponding to the Late Early Jurassic; (2) geochemically high concentrations of Sr (average: 1146 ppm) and Ba (average: 1213 ppm), and enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE), along with notably high Th/Yb and Rb/Y ratios; (3) geochemically, the quartz diorite is enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Ba, K) and light rare earth elements (LREEs), while being depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Ta, Ti). These features are consistent with magma formed in a subduction-related setting. In summary, the Fudong quartz diorite formed within an active continental margin tectonic environment associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. Its primary magma likely originated from an enriched lithospheric mantle that had been metasomatized by fluids released from the subducted slab. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

31 pages, 4555 KiB  
Article
The Roles of Transcrustal Magma- and Fluid-Conducting Faults in the Formation of Mineral Deposits
by Farida Issatayeva, Auez Abetov, Gulzada Umirova, Aigerim Abdullina, Zhanibek Mustafin and Oleksii Karpenko
Geosciences 2025, 15(6), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060190 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 596
Abstract
In this article, we consider the roles of transcrustal magma- and fluid-conducting faults (TCMFCFs) in the formation of mineral deposits, showing the importance of deep sources of heat and hydrothermal solutions in the genesis and history of deposit formation. As a result of [...] Read more.
In this article, we consider the roles of transcrustal magma- and fluid-conducting faults (TCMFCFs) in the formation of mineral deposits, showing the importance of deep sources of heat and hydrothermal solutions in the genesis and history of deposit formation. As a result of the impact on the lithosphere of mantle plumes rising along TCMFCFs, intense block deformations and tectonic movements are generated; rift systems, and volcanic–plutonic belts spatially combined with them, are formed; and intrusive bodies are introduced. These processes cause epithermal ore formation as a consequence of the impact of mantle plumes rising along TCMFCF to the lithosphere. At hydrocarbon fields, they play extremely important roles in conductive and convective heat, as well as in mass transfer to the area of hydrocarbon generation, determining the relationship between the processes of lithogenesis and tectogenesis, and activating the generation of hydrocarbons from oil and gas source rock. Detection of TCMFCFs was carried out using MMSS (the method of microseismic sounding) and MTSM (the magnetotelluric sounding method), in combination with other geological and geophysical data. Practical examples are provided for mineral deposits where subvertical transcrustal columns of increased permeability, traced to considerable depths, have been found; the nature of these unique structures is related to faults of pre-Paleozoic emplacement, which determined the fragmentation of the sub-crystalline structure of the Earth and later, while developing, inherited the conditions of volumetric fluid dynamics, where the residual forms of functioning of fluid-conducting thermohydrocolumns are granitoid batholiths and other magmatic bodies. Experimental modeling of deep processes allowed us to identify the quantum character of crystal structure interactions of minerals with “inert” gases under elevated thermobaric conditions. The roles of helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen in changing the physical properties of rocks, in accordance with their intrastructural diffusion, has been clarified; as a result of low-energy impact, stress fields are formed in the solid rock skeleton, the structures and textures of rocks are rearranged, and general porosity develops. As the pressure increases, energetic interactions intensify, leading to deformations, phase transitions, and the formation of chemical bonds under the conditions of an unstable geological environment, instability which grows with increasing gas saturation, pressure, and temperature. The processes of heat and mass transfer through TCMFCFs to the Earth’s surface occur in stages, accompanied by a release of energy that can manifest as explosions on the surface, in coal and ore mines, and during earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geophysics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 22036 KiB  
Article
Petrogenesis and Tectonic Significance of Miocene Volcanic Rocks in the Ahlatlı–İspir–Erzurum Region, Türkiye
by Mehmet Ali Ertürk and Cihan Yalçın
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050485 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
The İspir–Ahlatlı region in northeastern Türkiye, situated within the Eastern Pontides, hosts significant Miocene trachy-andesite volcanic rock exposures. This work seeks to elucidate their petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic compositions to enhance comprehension of their genesis and tectonic significance. Geochemistry reveals a transitional affinity, [...] Read more.
The İspir–Ahlatlı region in northeastern Türkiye, situated within the Eastern Pontides, hosts significant Miocene trachy-andesite volcanic rock exposures. This work seeks to elucidate their petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic compositions to enhance comprehension of their genesis and tectonic significance. Geochemistry reveals a transitional affinity, an enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs), and a decrease in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), suggesting a subduction-modified mantle source. Geochemical variations and fractional crystallisation trends indicate that the parental magma underwent significant differentiation, likely involving the fractionation of amphibole, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase. As supported by recent thermal modelling studies, the presence of intermediate volcanic rocks without associated bimodal suites in the study area may reflect elevated geothermal gradients and lithospheric delamination during post-collisional extension. The signatures indicated that the trachy-andesites originated in a post-collisional extensional environment after the closing of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and the ensuing tectonic reconfiguration of the Eastern Pontides. The reported geochemical traits correspond with post-collisional volcanic phases documented in various sectors of the Alpine–Himalayan orogenic system, such as the Eastern Pontides, the Iranian Plateau, and the Himalayan Belt, reinforcing the notion of a subduction-influenced mantle source. These findings increase the comprehension of magma formation in post-collisional settings and offer novel insights into the geodynamic context of the area. This research improves the understanding of post-collisional volcanic systems, their petrogenetic evolution, and their role in regional tectonic processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 12852 KiB  
Article
Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Geochemical Constraints of Tiancang Granites, Southern Beishan Orogenic Belt: Implications for Early Permian Magmatism and Tectonic Evolution
by Chao Teng, Meiling Dong, Xinjie Yang, Deng Xiao, Jie Shao, Jun Cao, Yalatu Su and Wendong Lu
Minerals 2025, 15(4), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040426 - 19 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 391
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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 εHf(t) values ranging from −10.5 to −0.1, corresponding to Hf crustal model ages (TDMC) 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
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 12156 KiB  
Article
The Mantle Structure of North China Craton and Its Tectonic Implications: Insights from Teleseismic P-Wave Tomography
by Weiqian Yu, Wei Wei, James O. S. Hammond, Cunrui Han, He Tan and Haoyu Hao
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040786 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 588
Abstract
To study the mantle structure of the North China Craton (NCC) and its tectonic implications, in particular, the evolution of the rift systems in the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), we used teleseismic data recorded by 250 portable seismic stations to invert for the [...] Read more.
To study the mantle structure of the North China Craton (NCC) and its tectonic implications, in particular, the evolution of the rift systems in the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), we used teleseismic data recorded by 250 portable seismic stations to invert for the P-wave velocity (Vp) structures of the mantle beneath the NCC. Our results show a large-scale low-Vp anomaly in the shallow mantle and high-Vp anomalies in the deeper upper mantle beneath the eastern NCC, with fine-scale high-Vp anomalies at the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary, indicating multi-stage lithospheric delamination during the Cenozoic. In the Yan Mountains (YanM), an east–west striking high-Vp anomaly between 60 to 200 km depths and low heat flow suggest the preservation of a thick mantle root. In the TNCO, high-Vp bodies in the upper mantle and the upper part of the mantle transition zone (MTZ) are imaged. The shallower high-Vp anomaly located beneath the Shanxi–Shaanxi Rift (SSR), along with an overlying local-scale low-Vp anomaly, indicates local hot material upwelling due to lithospheric root removal. The India–Eurasia collision’s far-field effects are proposed to cause lithospheric thickening, subsequent root delamination, and the formation and evolution of the SSR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ocean Plate Motion and Seismic Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

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 622
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)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 17013 KiB  
Article
Utilising Macau Science Satellite-1 Data and Comprehensive Datasets to Develop a Lithospheric Magnetic Field Model of the Chinese Mainland
by Yan Feng, Xinwu Li, Yuxuan Lin, Jiaxuan Zhang, Jinyuan Zhang, Yi Jiang, Qing Yan and Pengfei Liu
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(7), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17071114 - 21 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 441
Abstract
We incorporated a comprehensive dataset encompassing recent measurements from satellites such as the Macau Science Satgellite-1 (MSS-1), Swarm, and CHAMP, as well as aero and ocean magnetic measurements, alongside ground-based data from 1936 to 2000. This amalgamation is the basis for constructing a [...] Read more.
We incorporated a comprehensive dataset encompassing recent measurements from satellites such as the Macau Science Satgellite-1 (MSS-1), Swarm, and CHAMP, as well as aero and ocean magnetic measurements, alongside ground-based data from 1936 to 2000. This amalgamation is the basis for constructing a lithospheric magnetic field model of the Chinese mainland, employing the three-dimensional Surface Spline (3DSS) model. Additionally, we used the World Digital Magnetic Anomaly Map (WDMAM)-2.1 and CHAOS-7.13 models to address data gaps horizontally and vertically. To evaluate the efficacy of the new model, we compared it not only with established models such as SHA1050, NGDC720, and LCS-1 but also with the new model excluding the MSS-1 data. The results show a high agreement between the 3DSS model and other global models at a spatial resolution of 0.05°. Furthermore, we inspected the rapid variations in the magnetic field with increasing altitude, demonstrating a smooth transition across the altitudes covered by the three satellites. Error analyses reflected the importance of MSS-1 data, which contributed notably to modelling by capturing finer-scale magnetic structures. The increased data availability correlated positively with the model’s accuracy, as evidenced by the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), registering an optimal value of 0.02 nT. The new model reveals additional geological details in southern Tibet, northeastern Inner Mongolia, and the adjacent areas of Liaoning and Jilin provinces, which are not discernible in other global models. The relationship between these anomalies and heat flow in northeastern China appears less evident, suggesting a complex interplay of orogenic processes and surface mineralogy in shaping these magnetic signatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Satellite Missions for Earth and Planetary Exploration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop