Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187

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Lithos

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Research Article

Early Mesozoic crustal evolution in the NW segment of West Qinling,

China: Evidence from diverse intermediate–felsic igneous rocks
Hua-Nan Liu a, Xiao-Wei Li a,b,⁎, Xuan-Xue Mo a, Ji-Feng Xu a,c, Jia-Jun Liu a, Guo-Chen Dong a,
Wei Shan b, Yan Zhang b, Kai Wang d,e, Hong-Xia Yu c
a
State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
b
Shandong Institute of Geological Sciences, Key Laboratory of Gold Mineralization Processes and Resource Utilization subordinated to the Ministry of Land and Resources, Jinan 250013, China
c
School of Earth Science and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Hidden Metallic Ore Deposits Exploration, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
d
Research Center for Orogenic Geology, Xi'an Center of Geological Survey, Geological Survey of China, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China
e
Xinjiang Research Center for Mineral Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Continental convergent margins are commonly considered as significant sites for understanding crustal
Received 22 December 2020 reworking and growth, but the geodynamic processes involving crustal growth remain highly debatable. Triassic
Received in revised form 20 April 2021 intermediate–felsic intrusive rocks are widespread in the northwestern segment of the West Qinling orogenic belt
Accepted 23 April 2021
on the NE Tibetan Plateau. These rocks well document the evolution of one branch of the Paleo-Tethys oceans
Available online 28 April 2021
(i.e., the A'nyemaqen Ocean) in East Asia. Here we present a comprehensive study of zircon U\\Pb and Lu\\Hf
Keywords:
isotopic data, along with whole-rock elemental and Sr\\Nd isotopic data to decipher the origins of
Early Mesozoic intermediate–felsic intrusions and crustal evolution of the West Qinling in the Triassic. Two episodes of
Intermediate–felsic igneous rocks magmatism were detected in this study, i.e., the early high-Mg diorite porphyry–granodiorite–granodiorite por-
Crustal evolution phyry assemblage (Episode #1, ~244–230 Ma), followed by a later monzogranite–granodiorite–granite porphyry
West Qinling assemblage (Episode #2, ~228–203 Ma). These two episodes of magmatism are interpreted as products related to
oceanic subduction and continental collision, respectively. In Episode #1, the mafic magmatic enclaves were
mainly mantle-derived and were indicative of magma mixing. The high-Mg diorite porphyries were likely derived
from partial melting of the mantle wedge metasomatized by sediment-derived melts, whereas the coeval grano-
diorites and granodiorite porphyries mainly originated from partial melting of amphibolites with significant ad-
dition of mantle-derived components. By contrast, the granodiorite porphyries in Episode #2 probably originated
from the lower crust-sourced melts with insignificant mantle contribution. The contemporaneous granodiorites
and monzogranites were generated by partial melting of the crustal amphibolites or metagreywackes. The pro-
portion of positive zircon εHf(t) values decreased from Episode #1 to Episode #2, indicating a decreasing tendency
of the mantle or juvenile component contribution. Our study suggests that the addition of mantle-derived
magmas to the continental crust during oceanic subduction processes played an important role in crustal growth.
© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
Compared with other terrestrial planets in our solar system, one of
the Earth's unique features is the presence of the continental crust
(Guo et al., 2019; Kemp et al., 2007). However, the growth and evolu-
tion of the continental crust are topics of considerable debate and re-
main poorly understood (Dong et al., 2020; Hawkesworth and Kemp,
2006; Niu et al., 2013). The continental convergent margins are crucial
sites to decipher the mechanism of crustal reworking, crust-mantle
⁎ Corresponding author at: State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral
Resources, China University of Geosciences, 29# Xue-Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing
100083, PR China.
E-mail address: xwli@cugb.edu.cn (X.-W. Li).
interaction, and continental crustal growth (Guo et al., 2019). Continen-
tal crustal growth is believed to be closely related to subduction-zone
magmatism due to the arc-like incompatible element signature of the
bulk continental crust (see reviews by Jagoutz and Kelemen, 2015;
Niu et al., 2013). However, when and how the new continental crust
was formed along the active continental margins via the variable addi-
tion of juvenile magmas remains a fundamental question in Earth sci-
ences (e.g., Kelemen and Behn, 2016).
One powerful approach to investigating crustal evolution is by inte-
grating studies of zircon U–Pb–Hf and whole-rock Sr\\Nd isotopes of
intermediate to felsic rocks in the continental convergent margins
(e.g., Guo et al., 2019; Kemp et al., 2007). On one hand, the intermediate
rocks indicate the crust-mantle interaction during the geodynamic evo-
lution of the orogenic belt (Zhang et al., 2019). Therefore, the addition of

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2021.106187
0024-4937/© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
mantle-derived components to the felsic magma chambers in the conti-
nental crust can be evaluated by elemental and isotopic evidence. On
the other hand, the majority of felsic rocks are formed by partial melting
of crustal protoliths. The combination of the elemental geochemical
characteristics and zircon Lu\\Hf and whole-rock Sr\\Nd isotopes of
felsic rocks can reflect the average crustal residence ages and composi-
tions of their crustal protoliths (Griffin et al., 2002; Xing et al., 2020).
Triassic intermediate–felsic intrusive rocks are widely exposed
within the West Qinling orogenic belt (WQOB) in the NE Tibetan Pla-
teau and record the evolution from oceanic subduction of the Paleo-
Tethys Ocean (i.e., the A'nyemaqen Ocean) to the subsequent continen-
tal collision between the North China Craton (NCC) and South China
Craton (SCC) (Qiu et al., 2018; Ren et al., 2019; Xing et al., 2020). Conse-
quently, the West Qinling orogen provides an ideal site to unravel the
relationship between geodynamic evolution and continental crustal
growth. However, the petrogenesis of these rocks remains a matter of
controversy (Li et al., 2015; Qin et al., 2010), which hinders our under-
standing of the crustal evolution of West Qinling in the Early Mesozoic.
In this contribution, we present an integrated study of zircon U\\Pb
dating and the geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the
Early Mesozoic intermediate–felsic suites from the Guanse (GS), Lancai
(LC), Changmu (CM), and Zatang (ZT) plutons in the NW segment of
West Qinling. The main objectives of this study are: (1) to systemati-
cally investigate the petrogenesis, (2) to unravel the spatial-temporal
variations, and (3) to discuss the implications for continental crustal
growth of the NW segment of West Qinling during the Triassic.
2. Geological setting and petrology
2.1. Geological setting
The Qinling Orogenic belt (QOB), located in the Central China Oro-
genic Belt (Dong and Santosh, 2016), links the Qilian–Kunlun Orogen
to the west and the Dabie–Sulu Orogen to the east. The QOB was formed
by the oblique collision between the NCC and SCC (Fig. 1a, b) (Hu et al.,
2020). It has witnessed a complicated evolutionary history, including
Neoproterozoic, Paleozoic, and Mesozoic tectono-magmatic processes
Fig. 1. (a) Sketch map showing major tectonic units in the Qinling Orogen and adjacent areas, after Luo et al., 2012 and Huang, 2016. (b) Sketch map showing major tectonic domain in the
Qinling Orogen and adjacent areas, after Luo et al., 2012 and Huang, 2016. (c) Simplified geological map showing the distribution of Indosinian magmatic rocks in the West Qinling Orogen,
(after Luo et al., 2012). Place names: WQ, West Qinling; SG, Songpan–Ganzi terrane; QD (QDM), Qaidam; QL, Qilian Shan belt; EQ, East Qinling; SCC, South China Craton; NCC, North China
Craton; SCS, South China Sea; QT, Qiangtang Terrane; LT, Lhasa Terrane; CB, Cathaysia Block. Data sources for zircon U\ \Pb ages in Fig. 1c from Luo et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2019 and ref-
erences therein.
2
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
(Dong and Santosh, 2016; Xing et al., 2020), forming two significant
ophiolite belts: the Shangdan suture zone in the north and the
A'nimaque–Mianlue suture zone in the south. The QOB can be further
divided into East Qinling and West Qinling (Fig. 1a), separated by the
Huicheng Basin or Foping Dome (Dong and Santosh, 2016).
West Qinling links the Qilian orogenic belt to the north, bounded by
the Linxia–Wushan–Tianshui Fault in the north, and it is adjacent to the
Bayan Har–Songpan–Garzê fold belt and the Bikou block in the south,
bounded by the A'nimaque–Mianlue suture in the south (Luo et al.,
2015; Xing et al., 2020). The A'nimaque–Mianlue suture zone is
regarded as a collisional suture zone representing the boundary be-
tween the convergence of the NCC and SCC (Li et al., 2015; Luo et al.,
2012). Since the Neoproterozoic, the WQOB has witnessed a compli-
cated evolution history with key events, including supercontinent
breakup, seafloor spreading, continent-continent collision, and intra-
plate processes (Li et al., 2015; Xing et al., 2020). The collision of West
Qinling and the SCC occurred along the Mianlue suture during the Late
Triassic, and this oblique collisional event was accompanied by volumi-
nous igneous rocks throughout the WQOB (Dong and Santosh, 2016;
Xing et al., 2020).
The Precambrian basement in West Qinling has been rarely investi-
gated to date (Xing et al., 2020). The oldest exposed crystalline base-
ment of West Qinling is the Paleoproterozoic Qinling Group which is
mainly composed of gneisses, amphibolites, and marbles (Dong and
Santosh, 2016). The exposed Phanerozoic strata in West Qinling are pre-
dominantly composed of Devonian-Cretaceous sedimentary units (Luo
et al., 2012). The Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, which
mostly consist of Carboniferous carbonates, Permian marine clastics
and carbonates, Triassic–Jurassic sandstones, and Triassic volcanic
rocks, are intruded by voluminous Mesozoic granitic bodies (Hu et al.,
2019; Xing et al., 2020).
VoluminousMesozoicintrusiverocksandcoevalintermediatetofelsic
volcanic rocks (mainly 270–200 Ma) (Fig. 1c) are distributed along the
Linxia–Wushan–Tianshui Fault to the north and the A'nimaque–Mianlue
suture zone to the south. These igneous rocks are thought to be produced
in response to the Indonesian tectono-magmatic events (Hu et al., 2019;
Xing et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2004). There are two distinct stages of
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
intermediate to felsic magmatism based on available U\\Pb age data,
corresponding to subduction-related (ca. 252–230 Ma) and collision-
related magmatism (ca. 228–200 Ma), respectively (Hu et al., 2019; Hu
et al.,2020; Xinget al., 2020; Zengetal., 2018).More recently,Jurassic plu-
tons (200–190 Ma) have also been identified, with their possible forma-
tion in a post-collisional setting (Hu et al., 2020). The well-preserved
earlystageofmagmatism(252–230Ma)isassociatedwiththesubduction
of the A'nimaque–Mianlue Ocean. By contrast, the late-stage magmatism
(228–200 Ma) represents a magmatic ‘flare-up’ event occurring in re-
sponse to the combination of both slab roll back, slab break-off and subse-
quent crustal delamination (Hu et al., 2020), or the continuous oblique
collision between the NCC and SCC in the syn-collisional setting (Hu et al.,
2018; Xing et al., 2020; Zeng et al., 2018, and references therein).
The Changmu study area, located in the southeast of the Guide
County, Qinghai Province, is near the northwestern margin of West
Qinling. The exposed strata in this region are dominantly composed of
Triassic to Jurassic sedimentary rocks, Triassic volcanic rocks, and Neo-
gene terrestrial clastic rocks (Hu et al., 2019).
2.2. Field characteristics, petrography, and sample descriptions
Samples were collected from GS, LC, CM, and ZT plutons in the
Changmu area. These four plutons are dominantly composed of
intermediate–felsic intrusive rocks, which intrude into the Early Meso-
zoic sedimentary sequences (Fig. 2). These plutons have an elongated
northwest-southeast shape and cover a total area of ~279 km2.
Fig. 2. Geological map of the Changmu area (after Hu et al., 2019 and Li et al., 2015).
3
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
The GS pluton (ca. 36 km2) primarily contains granodiorites with
minor mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) with mostly lenticular
and rounded shapes and are 4–50 cm in diameter (Fig. 3a). The chilled
border phases in the intrusive rocks are manifested by locally
equigranular fine-grained to aphanitic textures, in contrast to the
medium- to coarse-grained porphyritic textures that dominate the inte-
rior parts of the pluton. According to field and petrological observations,
the intrusive rocks in the earlier stage exhibit deformation
(e.g., foliation) at the margin near the wall rocks. Large euhedral
K-feldspar megacrysts mainly occur in the interior parts of the pluton,
and occasionally display a weak alignment.
The host porphyritic granodiorites are typically composed of 1–5%
K-feldspar megacrysts set in a groundmass of 40–45 vol% plagioclase,
20–25 vol% quartz, ~15% orthoclase, 3–10 vol% amphibole, and 10 vol%
biotite, with accessory minerals such as zircon, apatite, and ilmenite.
Euhedral plagioclase phenocrysts exhibit oscillatory or complex zona-
tion patterns, and occasionally sieve textures, in which euhedral fine-
grained hornblende and biotite crystals are enclosed (Fig. 3b).
The MMEs (Fig. 3a, c) have the same mineral assemblage as the host
granodiorite but have higher proportions of mafic phases
(e.g., amphibole and biotite) and are finer-grained. The MMEs contain
plagioclase (45–60 vol%), quartz (5–10 vol%), K-feldspar (~10 vol%), bi-
otite (10–20 vol%), and amphibole (10–15 vol%), as well as accessory
minerals, such as zircon, apatite, and ilmenite.
The LC pluton (ca. 40 km2) intrudes into the Early Triassic volcanic-
sedimentary sequences (Fig. 2). The coarse- to medium-grained
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al. Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187

Fig. 3. Field photos and photomicrographs of characteristic petrographic features of the Changmu area; (a) showing the sharp contact of granodiorite porphyry and MMEs from the GS
pluton; (b) showing oscillatory zonings of plagioclase phenocrysts texture in granodiorite porphyry from the GS pluton; (c) the MMEs in the granodiorite porphyry display igneous
texture from the GS pluton; (d) showing the sharp contact of granodiorite and diorite porphyry from the LC pluton; (e) showing plagioclase, quartz, amphibole and biotite
phenocrysts in granodiorite from the LC pluton; (f) showing porphyritic texture in diorite porphyry from the LC pluton; (g-h) showing porphyritic texture in granodiorite porphyry
and granite porphyry from the CM pluton; (i) showing plagioclase, quartz, amphibole and biotite phenocrysts in monzogranite from the ZT pluton. Abbreviations: Amp, Amphibole; Bi,
Biotite; Qz, Quartz; Pl, Plagioclase.

porphyritic textures dominate the interior parts of the pluton, whereas
the fine-grained textures mainly occur at the chilled margin near the
wall rocks.
The LC pluton comprises granodiorite and diorite porphyry (Fig. 3d).
Granodiorite is dominated by plagioclase (40–50 vol%), quartz (25–30
vol%), K-feldspar (20–25 vol%), biotite (5–10 vol%), and amphibole
(~5 vol%) (Fig. 3e) with accessory minerals, such as zircon, apatite,
and Fe\\Ti oxides. Diorite porphyry shows a porphyritic texture, and
the phenocrysts consist of plagioclase (5–10 vol%), quartz (5–8 vol%),
amphibole (7–10 vol%), and biotite (2–3 vol%) (Fig. 3f), which together
account for 20–30 vol% of the rock. Sometimes, amphibole megacrysts
with a size of up to 5 cm occur in the diorite porphyry.
The CM pluton (ca. 153 km2) is composed of granodiorite porphyry
occupying the northern part, with granite porphyry distributed in the
southern part. The granite porphyry intruded into the granodiorite por-
phyry, attesting to their temporal relationship (Fig. 2).
Phenocrysts account for 15–30% of the granodiorite porphyry and
consist of quartz (3–5 vol%), plagioclase (10–20 vol%), and amphibole
and biotite (2–5 vol%; Fig. 3g, h). Quartz phenocrysts are commonly
anhedral and sometimes embayed in shape. The granite porphyry
shows a similar mineral assemblage as the granodiorite porphyry ex-
cept a higher proportion of K-feldspar.
The ZT pluton (ca. 50 km2) primarily consists of monzogranite (Fig. 3i)
that is composed of plagioclase (35–40 vol%), quartz (~20–25 vol%),
microcline (30–35 vol%), biotite (~10 vol%), and amphibole (~5 vol%).
Accessory minerals include apatite, zircon, monazite, and ilmenite.
3. Analytical results
The analytical methods are described in the supplementary informa-
tion Text S1. Zircon U\\Pb geochronological data, in-situ zircon Lu\\Hf
isotopic data, whole-rock major and trace elemental data, and whole-
rock Sr\\Nd isotopic data for the above four plutons are provided in
the supplementary information Tables S1–S4.
3.1. Zircon U\\Pb and Lu\\Hf isotopes
We present zircon U\\Pb ages for 5 granodiorite porphyries from
the GS Pluton, 4 diorite porphyries and 8 granodiorites from the LC Plu-
ton, 1 granodiorite porphyry and 1 granite porphyry from the CM Plu-
ton, and 2 monzogranites from the ZT Pluton. For an individual
sample, the zircon εHf(t) values are calculated based on their corre-
sponding weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages. The results of the U\\Pb iso-
tope analyses are listed in Table S1 and illustrated in Fig. S1. The results
of the in-situ zircon Hf isotopic analyses are presented in Table S2 and
plotted in Fig. 4.
As shown in the representative cathodoluminescence (CL) images
(Fig. S1), the analyzed zircon grains from these four plutons are mostly
colorless and transparent and sub-euhedral to euhedral. These zircon
grains range in size from 80 to 300 μm in length, with aspect ratios vary-
ing from 1:1 to 4:1. They show clear oscillatory zoning with high Th/U
ratios of 0.12–1.8, indicating a magmatic origin.

4
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
Fig. 4. Diagram showing εHf(t) values versus U\ \Pb ages (Ma) of zircons from igneous
rocks in the Changmu area and other coeval magmatic rocks in West Qinling. (Reference
data illustrated by grey hollow circles are cited from Deng et al., 2016; Geng et al., 2017;
Guo et al., 2012; Hu et al., 2018; Hu et al., 2019; Huang, 2016; Li et al., 2014; Li et al.,
2015; Li et al., 2013; Lu, 2017; Luo, 2013; Luo et al., 2012; Qiu et al., 2018; Ren et al.,
2016; Wang et al., 2016b; Xing et al., 2020; Xiong et al., 2016; Yang, 2017).
3.1.1. The GS pluton
Among 18 analyses of granodiorite porphyry sample GS13–1-6, 5
analyses give older apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 259 ± 3 Ma, 260 ± 4
Ma, 257 ± 3 Ma, 291 ± 5 Ma, and 1306 ± 16 Ma (Table S1). The re-
maining 13 analyses yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 243 ±
1 Ma [mean squared weighted deviation (MSWD) = 1.5; Fig. S1a],
and their 13 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −4.4 to 2.3,
with corresponding crustal model age (TCDM) (Hf) values of
1554–1125 Ma.
Among 22 spot analyses of granodiorite porphyry sample GS16–1,
one spot exhibits an older apparent 206Pb/238U age of 258 ± 4 Ma. The
remaining 21 analyses show a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 243
± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.35; Fig. S1b), and their 21 Hf isotopic analyses
give εHf(t) values of −1.5 to 3.4, with corresponding TCDM(Hf) values of
1365–1058 Ma.
Among 22 analyses of granodiorite porphyry sample GS16–5, 2 anal-
yses show older apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 263 ± 4 Ma and 276 ±
4 Ma (Table S1). The remaining 20 analyses give a weighted mean
206
Pb/238U age of 242 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.45; Fig. S1c), and their 20
Hf analyses give εHf(t) values of 0.2 to 4.7, with TCDM(Hf) values of
1257–973 Ma.
Among 16 analyses of granodiorite porphyry sample GS13–2-2, 1
analysis shows an older apparent 206Pb/238U age of 272 ± 3 Ma
(Table S1). The remaining 15 analyses give a weighted mean
206
Pb/238U age of 220 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 0.47; Fig. S1d), and their 15
Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −3.3 to 0.8, with corresponding
TCDM(Hf) values of 1463–1201 Ma.
Among 13 spot analyses of granodiorite porphyry sample GS15–5, 2
analyses exhibit older apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 234 ± 3 Ma and 274
± 3 Ma. The remaining 11 analyses yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U
age of 223 ± 4 Ma (MSWD = 0.25; Fig. S1e), and their 11 Hf isotopic
analyses give εHf(t) values of 0.4 to 2.2, with corresponding TCDM(Hf)
values of 1232–1115 Ma.
3.1.2. The LC pluton
Among 24 analyses of the diorite porphyry (sample LC16–1-2), 4
analyses exhibit older apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 263 ± 3 Ma, 258
5
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
± 3 Ma, 257 ± 2 Ma, and 253 ± 3 Ma (Table S1). The remaining
20 analyses show a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 236 ± 1 Ma
(MSWD = 0.43; Fig. S1f), and their 20 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf
(t) values of −7.1 to −3.6, with corresponding TDM values of
1115–1013 Ma.
The 24 analyses of the diorite porphyrite (sample LC16–2-1) exhibit
a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 241 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.16;
Fig. S1g), and their 24 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −6.7
to −4.1, with corresponding TDM values of 1141–1038 Ma.
Among 18 analyses of the diorite porphyrite (sample LC16–3), 3
analyses exhibit older apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 313 ± 3 Ma, 269 ±
3 Ma, and 264 ± 4 Ma (Table S1). The remaining 15 analyses give a
weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 242 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.57;
Fig. S1h), and their 15 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −5.9
to −3.8, with corresponding TDM values of 1116–1032 Ma.
Among 25 analyses of the diorite porphyrite (sample LC16–4), 1 spot
exhibitsanolderapparent 206Pb/238Uageof260±2Ma(TableS1).There-
maining 24 analyses show a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 236 ± 1 Ma
(MSWD = 0.45; Fig. S1i), and their 24 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t)
values of −5.4 to −2.8, with corresponding TDM values of 1099–991 Ma.
A total of 20 zircon spots were analyzed for the granodiorite (sample
LC15–31). Among these, 1 point exhibits an apparent 206Pb/238U ages of
258 ± 4 Ma (Table S1), the remaining 19 analyses show a weighted
mean 206Pb/238U age of 228 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 0.26; Fig. S1j), and
their 19 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −8.1 to −3.5, with cor-
responding TCDM(Hf) values of 1772–1482 Ma.
A total of 20 zircon spots were analyzed for the granodiorite (sample
LC15–35). Among these, 1 spot exhibits an apparent 206Pb/238U age of
259 ± 3 Ma (Table S1), the remaining 19 analyses show a weighted
mean 206Pb/238U age of 231 ± 3 Ma (MSWD = 0.27; Fig. S1k), and
their 19 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −6.6 to −3.8, with
TCDM(Hf) values of 1681–1506 Ma.
Among the 25 analyses of granodiorite sample LC16–1-1, 4 spots ex-
hibit apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 262 ± 3 Ma, 262 ± 3 Ma, 253 ± 2 Ma,
and 263 ± 3 Ma (Table S1), which might represent ages of the
xenocrystic zircon grains. The remaining 21 analyses show a weighted
mean 206Pb/238U age of 236 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 0.67; Fig. S1l), and
their 21 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −11.9 to −4.2, with
TCDM(Hf) values of 2023–1526 Ma.
Among the 25 analyses of granodiorite sample LC16–2-2, 6 spots
exhibit apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 253 ± 3 Ma, 269 ± 2 Ma, 264
± 3 Ma, 264 ± 3 Ma, 262 ± 2, and 274 ± 4 Ma (Table S1), which
might represent ages of the xenocrystic zircon grains. The remaining
19 analyses show a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 237.9 ±
1.2 Ma (MSWD = 0.35; Fig. S1m), and their 19 Hf isotopic analyses
give εHf(t) values of −6.0 to −3.4, with TCDM(Hf) values of
1651–1487 Ma.
Among the 23 analyses of granodiorite sample LC16–8, 3 analyses
give apparent 206Pb/238U ages of 264 ± 2 Ma, 261 ± 3 Ma, and 262 ±
3 Ma (Table S1), which might reflect ages of the antecrystic or
xenocrystic zircon grains. The remaining 20 analyses show a weighted
mean 206Pb/238U age of 244 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.67; Fig. S1n), and
their 20 Hf isotopic analyses give εHf(t) values of −5.9 to −3.8, with
TCDM(Hf) values of 1650–1513 Ma.
Twenty-eight, 24, and 11 analyses of granodiorite samples LC13–6-
4, LC13–7-1, and LC15–6 from the LC pluton give weighted mean
206
Pb/238U ages of 217 ± 1 Ma, 216 ± 1 Ma, and 203 ± 3 Ma
(Fig. S1o, S1p, and S1q), respectively. The 28, 24, and 11 analyses give
εHf(t) values of −10.4 to −2.3, −7.9 to −2.2, and − 4.8 to −2.9, with
corresponding TCDM(Hf) values of 1912–1395 Ma, 1756–1393 Ma, and
1546–1427 Ma, respectively.
3.1.3. The CM pluton
Thirteen and 14 analyses of granodiorite porphyry sample CM13–4-1
and granite porphyry sample CM13–5-1 exhibit weighted mean
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al. Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187

206
Pb/238U ages of 233 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.55) and 217 ± 1 Ma (MSWD
= 0.62) (Fig. S1r and S1s), respectively. The 13 and 14 analyses give εHf(t)
values of −4.7 to 1.9 and − 6.2 to −1.1, with TCDM(Hf) values of
1563–1145 Ma and 1647–1325 Ma, respectively.

3.1.4. The ZT pluton

Twenty and 22 analyses of monzogranite samples ZT13–1-1 and
ZT13–1-6 exhibit a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 214 ± 2 Ma
(MSWD = 0.43) and 216 ± 1 Ma (MSWD = 0.3) (Fig. S1t and S1u)
without older apparent zircon ages. The 20 and 21 analyses give εHf(t)
values of −9.3 to −0.1 and − 6.7 to −2.0, with TCDM(Hf) values of
1846–1257 Ma and 1679–1376 Ma, respectively.
By integrating the lithological assemblages and the zircon U\\Pb and
Lu\\Hf isotopic data, we can subdivide the granitoids from the GS, LC,
CM, and ZT plutons into two episodes (Episode #1 and Episode #2):
(1) the ~244–230 Ma MME, diorite porphyries, granodiorites, and
granodiorite porphyries from the GS, LC, and CM plutons; and (2) the
~228–203 Ma monzogranites, granodiorites, and granite porphyries
from the GS, LC, CM and ZT plutons.

3.2. Major and trace elements

The major and trace elemental data of 63 samples from the GS, LC,
CM, and ZT plutons are listed in Table S3 and plotted in Figs. 5 and 6.
It should be noted that some samples (i.e., LC16–2-2, CM13–3-2, and
GS13–2-4) have both low Zr and Hf contents, which may indicate that
zircons in these sample powders have not dissolved entirely during
the whole-rock trace element analysis. Therefore, the following sections
do not discuss the petrogenesis or magmatic evolution of these rocks
using the above elements (i.e., Zr and Hf) or ratios (e.g., Zr/Hf, etc).

3.2.1. Episode #1
The magmatism in Episode #1 is represented by the MME, diorite
porphyries, granodiorites, and granodiorite porphyries from the GS,
LC, and CM plutons, In the K2O vs. SiO2 diagram (Fig. 5a), the MME sam-
ple (GS16–3-bao) falls into the calc-alkaline field, and the diorite por-
phyries plot within the calc-alkaline to shoshonite series field. Most of
the granodiorites and granodiorite porphyries belong to the high-K
calc-alkaline to shoshonite series except for sample LC16–3 (Fig. 5a).
As shown in Fig. 5b, the majority of these samples are metaluminous
or weakly peraluminous.
The MME sample (GS16–3-bao) from the GS pluton has a low SiO2
content (55.9 wt%) and a medium value of MgO (3.4 wt%), with a
Mg# value of 50 (Fig. 5c). This MME shows a total rare-earth element
(REE) content (ΣREE) of 137 ppm with a moderate LaN/YbN value (11)
and a slight negative Eu anomaly (δEu = 0.7) (Fig. 6a). This result
shows strong enrichments in some large ion lithosphere elements
(LILEs) (e.g., Rb, K, and Pb) and high field strength elements (HFSEs)
(e.g., Th and U) (Fig. 6b), with a high Nb/Ta of 17.4.
The diorite porphyries from the LC pluton display intermediate SiO2
contents ranging from 54.9 to 57. 0 wt%, variable K2O contents of
1.4–4.2 wt%, as well as high MgO contents of 4.4–5.6 wt% and Mg#
values of 59–62 (Fig. 5c). According to the criterion proposed by Lee
and Bachmann (2014), the diorite porphyries can be classified as
high-Mg dioritic rocks. The diorite porphyries have ΣREE contents of
80–255 ppm, with moderately fractionated REE patterns. They exhibit
LaN/YbN values of 5–24, DyN/YbN values of 1.2–1.3, and moderately to
weakly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.6–0.8) (Fig. 6c). They display
enrichment in LILE (e.g., Rb, K, and Pb) and depletion in HFSE
Fig. 5. Major-element based diagrams for igneous rocks in the Changmu area. (a) K2O vs.
(e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti, Fig. 6d).
SiO2 classification, after Peccerillo and Taylor (1976); (b) A/NK vs. A/CNK classification
The granodiorites (LC) and granodiorite porphyries (GS, CM) have after Maniar and Piccoli, 1989; (c) Mg# vs. SiO2 plot, fields and trends after Rapp et al.,
relatively high SiO2 contents ranging from 63.2 wt% to 68.8 wt%, low 1999 and Stern and Kilian, 1996.

6
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al. Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187

7
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
Fig. 7. (a) Plot of whole-rock εNd(t) versus(87Sr/86Sr)i of the samples from the Changmu area (after Hu et al., 2019 and references therein).
to moderate MgO contents of 1.0–3.6 wt% and Mg# values of 41–62
(Fig. 5c). The granodiorites and granodiorite porphyries display ΣREE
concentrations of 102–249 ppm, with flat to moderately fractionated
REE patterns, LaN/YbN values of 9–23, DyN/YbN values of 1.0–1.3, and
moderately to weakly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.5–0.9)
(Fig. 6a, c, e).
In general, the rocks in Episode #1 show similar trace element pat-
terns (Fig. 6b, d, f). Specifically, the MME has a higher Nb/Ta ratio (17)
than those of the diorite porphyries (average 13) and granodiorites
(average 11).
3.2.2. Episode #2
The monzogranites (ZT), granodiorites (LC), and granodiorite por-
phyries (GS) are all calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series (Fig. 5a) and are
mostly weakly peraluminous (Fig. 5b). They have high SiO2 contents
of 66.3 to 69.7 wt%, high K2O contents of 3.0–5.2 wt%, low MgO contents
of 0.9 to 1.5 wt%, and Mg# values of 39–47 (Fig. 5c). They have ΣREE
concentrations of 128–307 ppm, with flat to strong fractionated REE
patterns (Fig. 6a, c, e), high LaN /YbN values of 10–34, and DyN/YbN
values of 1.0–1.4, with moderately to slightly negative Eu anomalies
(δEu = 0.4–0.8).
The granite porphyries from the CM pluton have constant and high
SiO2 contents of 70.6–72.1 wt%, high K2O contents of 4.0–5.9 wt%, but
low MgO contents of 0.5–1.0 wt% with Mg# values of 33–40. They dis-
play ΣREE concentrations of 151–224 ppm, with flat to moderately frac-
tionated REE patterns. They have LaN/YbN values of 11–24, DyN/YbN
values of 1.0–1.2, and moderately negative Eu anomalies (δEu =
0.4–0.6) (Fig. 6g).
In the primitive mantle (PM)-normalized trace element diagrams
(Fig. 6b, d, f, i), the monzogranites, granodiorites, granodiorite
Fig. 6. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns and Primitive mantle-normalized spider diagrams for igneous rocks at the Changmu area. (a-b) granodiorite porphyry and MME from the GS
Pluton; (c-d) granodiorite and diorite porphyry from the LC Pluton; (e-f) monzogranite from the ZT Pluton; (g-h) granodiorite porphyry and granite porphyry from the CM Pluton;
Normalization data are from Sun and McDonough, 1989.
8
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
porphyries, and granite porphyries in Episode #2 show similar patterns
to the rocks in Episode #1. They are enriched in LILEs, such as K, Pb, Sr,
and depleted in HFSEs, such as Nb, Ta, and Ti. Both the monzogranites
and granodiorites (average 9) and the granodiorite porphyries and
granite porphyries (average 7) in Episode #2 have a Nb/Ta ratio of 9,
lower than those of the granodiorites in Episode #1 (average 11).
3.3. Bulk-rock Sr\\Nd isotope analyses
The bulk-rock Sr and Nd isotopic data are presented in Table S4 and
plotted in Fig. 7. The initial Sr\\Nd isotopic ratios were calculated ac-
cording to their weighted mean crystallization ages.
3.3.1. Episode #1
One MME (GS16–3-bao) sample from the GS pluton displays a
(87Sr/86Sr)i ratio of 0.706029, and a negative εNd(t) value of −5.8,
with the one-stage model age (TDM) of 1441 Ma.
The diorite porphyries from the LC pluton have variable (87Sr/86Sr)i
ratios of 0.705774–0.706297 and negative εNd(t) values of −4.2 to
−4.8, with TDM ranging from 1328 to 1063 Ma.
The granodiorites and granodiorite porphyries from the GS, LC, and
CM plutons have variable (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.705102–0.707506 and
negative εNd(t) values of −1.0 to −7.9, with two-stage Nd model age
(T2DM) ranging from 1651 to 1096 Ma.
Except for three granodiorite samples from the LC pluton, the re-
maining rocks from Episodes #1 display variable (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios
and εNd(t) values that are similar to those of the contemporaneous
Meiwu quartz diorites (~241 Ma, (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7074– 0.7080, εNd(t)
= −4.4 to −3.5), Xiekeng diorites (~244 Ma, (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7060–
0.70763, εNd(t) = −2.6 to −1.1), granodiorites (~244 Ma, (87Sr/86Sr)i
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
= 0.7076, εNd(t) = −4.5) (Luo, 2013) and Heimahe granodiorites (235
Ma, (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70725– 0.70701, εNd(t) = −3.8 to −4.8) (Zhang
et al., 2006).
3.3.2. Episode #2
The monzogranites, granodiorites, and granodiorites porphyries
from the GS, LC, and ZT plutons have variable (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of
0.705102–0.708018 and negative εNd(t) values of −1.3 to −6.5, with
T2DM ranging from 1522 to 1101 Ma.
The granite porphyries from the CM pluton have low (87Sr/86Sr)i ra-
tios of 0.703225–0.704345 and negative εNd(t) values of −6.0 to −6.2
with T2DM ranging from 1471 to 1454 Ma.
All the rocks from Episode #2 display slightly lower (87Sr/86Sr)i ra-
tios than and similar εNd(t) values to the rocks from Episode #1. How-
ever, the εNd(t) values from Episode #2 are similar those of the
contemporaneous Wenquan granodiorites (~218 Ma, εNd(t) = −6.0
to −4.5, (Zhang et al., 2006)), Shimen monzonitic granite (~220 Ma,
εNd(t) = −6.0 to −4.5, (Wang et al., 2008)), Pangjiahe and Laowangou
granite porphyries(224–215 Ma, εNd(t) = −5.33 to −3.22, (Ren et al.,
2019)), and Hejiazhuang dacite porphyry (~216 Ma, εNd(t) = −3.9 to
−5.9, (Ren et al., 2018)).
3.4. Hf\\Nd isotopic contour-maps
The contour maps of the zircon-weighted mean U\\Pb ages, the Hf
crustal model ages, and the bulk-rock Nd isotope data for the Early Me-
sozoic intermediate–felsic igneous rocks in West Qinling are presented
in Fig. 8.
The contour maps of the zircon weighted mean U\\Pb dating show
one old-age domain (252–228 Ma) and five young-age domains
(228–200 Ma) (Fig. 8a). The old-age domain is located in the northeast-
ern segment of the West Qinling, parallel to the Qinghai Lake fault,
whereas the major young-age domains approximately located in the
southwestern segment of West Qinling.
The εHf(t) values for the igneous rocks range from −6.5 to +5.5, cor-
responding to TCDM ages spanning from ca. 1650 to 889 Ma (Table S5).
The contour maps of the εHf(t) and TCDM values show three high-εHf(t)
\Pb ages, (b) the zircon εHf(t) values, (c) the zircon TCDM, and (d) εNd(t) values of Early Indosinian igneous rocks in NW segment of West Qinling.
Fig. 8. Contours map of (a) the zircon U\
Data sources are from Table S5.
9
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
(−2.5 to +5.5) and low-TCDM (1650–1450 Ma) domains and two low-
εHf(t) (−6.5 to −2.5) and high-TCDM (1450–850 Ma) domains (Fig. 8b,
c). The three high-εHf(t) and low-TCDM domains are approximately
located along the Qinghai Lake fault (Fig. 12a, b), whereas the two
low-εHf(t) and high-TCDM domains occur in the central segment of
West Qinling.
The contour maps of the εNd(t) values show five high-εNd (t) (−5.5
to −0.5) domains and one low-εNd(t) (−12.5 to −6.5) domain
(Fig. 8d). The five high-εNd domains are approximately located near
the Qinghai Lake fault (Fig. 8c), whereas the low-εNd(t) domains are dis-
tributed throughout West Qinling.
4. Discussion
4.1. Timing of magmatism
In this study, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spec-
trometry (LA–ICP–MS) used for the zircon U\\Pb dating of the 21 sam-
ples from the GS, LC, CM, and ZT plutons yielded variable U\\Pb ages of
244–203 Ma, implying magma emplacement spanning a period of ca. 40
Myrs from the Middle to Late Triassic. These intrusions with long dura-
tions (over tens of millions of years) are widely exposed, including the
Meiwu complex (245–206 Ma) (Luo et al., 2012) and Wulong complex
(235–207 Ma) (Qin et al., 2010) in the QOB and other orogens, e.g., the
Tuolumne Intrusive Complex in the Sierra Nevada Batholith (95–84.5
Ma, Chambers et al., 2020). Meanwhile, prominent age populations of
inherited zircons are identified in the LC pluton and GS pluton cluster
at ~291–253 Ma, 313 Ma, and 1306 Ma. These populations are likely
inherited from the source regions or assimilated from wall rocks (Hu
et al., 2018). Specifically, the widespread occurrence of the inherited
Permian xenocrystic zircons (~291–253 Ma) in the studied samples
probably indicates that the Permian magmatism in West Qinling was
a response to oceanic subduction or a rifting event as proposed by
Zeng et al. (2018).
As shown in Fig. 9, the intermediate to felsic magmatism in West
Qinling could be divided into two distinct groups: ~252–230 Ma and ~
228–188 Ma. Li et al. (2013) and Huang (2016) suggested that the initial
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
Fig. 9. Histogram and probability plot of the ages of granitoids in the WQOB, data sources
are from Hu et al., 2019; Xing et al., 2020; Qiu, 2015; Ren et al., 2016 and references
therein.
collision between the NCC and SCC in the West Qinling orogen started at
~232–228 Ma. The latest paleomagnetism data suggested that the final
continental-continental collision between the NCC and SCC in West
Qinling occurred no earlier than the Middle Triassic (Zhao et al.,
2020). It has been proposed that the intermediate rocks (e.g., MME or
diorite porphyry) with ages older than 235 Ma might be derived from
partial melting of the subducted oceanic slab or interaction with the
mantle wedge during subduction (e.g., Li et al., 2015). Similarly, previ-
ous studies have argued that the Late Triassic magmatic rocks
(~228–212 Ma) in West Qinling formed during the syn-collisional
stage (Zhang et al., 2002; Zhang et al., 2008), whereas magmatic rocks
(~210–189 Ma) are believed to have formed in a post-collisional setting
(Hu et al., 2018; Qin et al., 2008; Xue et al., 2017).
Consequently, the two distinct stages (Episode #1: ~244–230 Ma
and Episode #2: 228–203 Ma) of these intrusive rocks in West Qinling
are best interpreted as magmatism in response to progressive oceanic
subduction and the ensuing syn- collisional to post-collisional stages,
respectively (Hu et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2013; Zhao et al., 2020). The
findings point to a close genetic link between the Early Mesozoic
magmatism and geodynamic evolution in West Qinling.
Fig. 10. Plots of (La/Sm)N vs Ba/Th (a), and (b) Ba/Zr vs Th/Ce (b) for high-Mg diorite porphyries from the LC pluton, illustrating the contribution of sediments or sediment-derived melts
(Hao et al., 2016; Huang, 2016). The data of oceanic basalts and the Continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) are cited from Hao et al. (2016) and Huang (2016) and references therein.
10
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
4.2. Petrogenesis
4.2.1. Episode #1 (~244–230 Ma)
The magmatism in Episode #1 is represented by the MMEs (GS),
high-Mg diorite porphyry (LC), granodiorite (LC), and granodiorite por-
phyry (CM).
Three models have been proposed to account for the origin of MMEs,
including i) the foreign xenolith and restite (Xu et al., 2006), ii) the
mafic cumulates of early crystallization from the same magmatic system
(Chen et al., 2016; Niu et al., 2013), and iii) the magma mixing
(Barbarin, 2005; Wang et al., 2019).
The MMEs from the GS pluton are ellipsoidal, or elongate (Fig. 3a).
They show typical magmatic textures (Fig. 3c) and contain abundant
quenched needle-like apatites, ruling out the foreign xenoliths model.
Moreover, the MME sample (GS16–3-bao) has an unradiogenic εNd(t)
value (−5.8) relative to its host rocks (εNd(t): −4.2) and other granodi-
orites (−4.2 to −1.1) from the GS pluton. As proposed by Chen et al.
(2016) and references therein, the clear isotopic contrast between the
MMEs and the hosts can serve as a line of evidence pointing to
magma mixing. The geochemical features in this study also suggest
that this MME sample probably resulted from magma mixing rather
than mafic cumulates of early crystallization from the host granodiorite
(Chen et al., 2016). In other words, the MMEs and the host rocks were
probably derived from different sources. In addition, this MME sample
shows a lower SiO2 content (56 wt%) but a higher MgO content, with
an Mg# value of 50, precluding the possibility that this MME sample
originated from partial melting of the lower crust (Fig. 5c). Nb and Ta
are not sensitive to magmatic differentiation; thus, the Nb/Ta ratio can
be used as a proxy to trace the possible magmatic sources (Hou et al.,
2015). The MME sample has a higher Nb/Ta ratio of 17.4, similar to
that of the mantle (~17.7, McDonough and Sun, 1995), suggesting that
it probably originated from an enriched mantle source.
First, the high-Mg diorite porphyries in Episode #1 are characterized
by high CaO and MgO contents with Mg# values of 59–62 (Fig. 5c) and
negative εNd(t) (−4.3 to −4.4) and εHf(t) (−7.1 to −3.0) values that are
similar to those of high-Mg diorites, such as the Huoshaodian quartz di-
orite (Deng et al., 2016), Meiwu quartz diorite (Luo et al., 2015), and
Xiekeng pyroxene diorite (Guo et al., 2012; Luo, 2013). These geochem-
ical features indicate that the parental magmas of these high-Mg diorite
porphyries were likely derived from an enriched mantle. Second, these
high-Mg diorite porphyries are also characterized by enrichments in
LILEs (e.g., Ba, Rb, and K) and LREEs, and pronounced depletions of
HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) (Fig. 6c), implying that the mantle source
had undergone significant metasomatism by terrestrial sediments or
fluids (Rudnick and Gao, 2014). Finally, as shown in Fig. 10a, these
high-Mg diorite porphyries exhibit higher values (La/Sm)N at lower
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al. Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187

Ba/Th values in comparison with the oceanic basalts, pointing to the ad-
dition of sediments to the magma source (Hao et al., 2016). In addition,
the plot of Ba/Zr versus Th/Ce (Fig. 10b) also attests to the contribution
of a crustal component to the source region. Note also that the involve-
ment of Permian and Carboniferous crustal materials was perceptible
during magma genesis, as indicated by the occurrence of inherited zir-
cons with U\\Pb ages of ~313 Ma, ~269, and ~ 260 Ma (Fig.S1h,
Table S1).
The granodiorites and granodiorite porphyries from the GS, LC, and
CM plutons mainly plot in the field of partial melting of amphibolites
(Fig. 11a–c), implying a significant contribution of the middle-lower
crustal materials. However, these rocks are characterized by moderate
to high Mg# values (41–62; average 49) that are higher than those of
rocks derived by the partial melting of basaltic rocks (Mg# < 45, Rapp
and Watson, 1995), indicating the addition of mantle-derived compo-
nents. Meanwhile, these rocks possess variable Nb/Ta ratios (9–14)
that fall between those of the global lower crust (8.3) and mantle
(17.7; McDonough and Sun, 1995), indicating an input of juvenile or
mantle-derived components (Hou et al., 2015). They have variable εNd
(t) (−1.1 to −7.8) and εHf(t) (−12 to +4.8), implying mantle contribu-
tion to the magma reservoir. Recently, Moyen et al. (2017) proposed a
new classification scheme to distinguish the source of a given granitic
suite based on the Ca + Al − 3Al + 2(Na + K) − Al + (Na + K). As
shown in Fig. S2, these rocks straddle the dashed line (A/CNK = 1), in-
dicating a mafic source. In addition, the scattered distribution of granitic
rocks in the F–An–Or diagram shows a non-cotectic trend, also pointing
to the diversity of the source rocks (Fig. S3).
In summary, the granodiorites and granodiorite porphyries from Ep-
isode #1 primarily originated from partial melting of amphibolites with
significant involvement of mantle-derived components.

4.2.2. Episode #2 (~228–203 Ma)

The magmatism in Episode #2 is represented by the monzogranite
(ZT), granodiorite (LC), granodiorite porphyry (GS) and granite por-
phyry (CM). All rocks in Episode #2 are enriched in LILEs (e.g. K and
Rb; Fig. 6f) and depleted in HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti; Fig. 6f), similar
to the components of the ancient crust (Rudnick and Gao, 2014).
The granite porphyries from the CM pluton have relatively high SiO2
and low MgO contents with Mg# (33–40), implying insignificant input
of mantle-derived magmas (Deng et al., 2016). Moreover, these rocks
have relatively low Nb/Ta ratios (6–8) that are slightly lower than that
of the average continental lower crust (8.3), suggesting a crustal-
dominated source. In addition, the radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd
isotopic compositions and negative zircon εHf(t) values of these rocks
are consistent with those of the Neoproterozoic Bikou Group in West
Qinling (Fig. 7). These rocks have overall similar compositions as the
melt compositions produced from partial melting of metagreywackes
(Fig. 11a), although minor sample falling into the field of amphibolites
(Fig. 11b and c). Consequently, it indicates a metagreywacke-
dominated source for these granite porphyries, possibly with minor
contribution of the amphibolitic components in the source region.
Compared with the granodiorite porphyries in Episode #1, the LC
and ZT monzogranites and granodiorites in Episode #2 have higher
SiO2 but lower MgO contents, with Mg# values of 39–47 (average 43).
These rocks have Nb/Ta ratios (7.1–9.7, average 8.8) close to that of
the lower crust (~8.3, Rudnick and Gao, 2014), implying insignificant
input of mantle-derived components. These rocks may have been de-
rived from partial melting of amphibolites and metagreywackes as
shown in Fig. 11b and c. Moreover, the proportion of negative εHf(t)
values of these zircon grains from the LC and ZT plutons indicate more Fig. 11. Chemical compositions for the GS, LC, CM, and ZT plutons: (a) Molar Al2O3/(MgO
unradiogenic compositions than the zircons of the granodiorites and + FeOT) (AFM) versus CaO/(MgO + FeOT) (CFM) diagram, modified after Altherr et al.,
granodiorite porphyries in Episode #1 (Fig. 4), pointing to the negligible 2000, (b) (Na2O + K2O)/(MgO + FeOT + TiO2) vs. K2O + Na2O + MgO + FeOT + TiO2
diagram, modified after Kaygusuz et al., 2010, and (c) CaO/(FeOT + MgO + TiO2) vs.
contribution of depleted mantle-derived or juvenile crust-derived
CaO + FeOT + MgO + TiO2 diagram, modified after Douce, 1999.
components.

11
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
The granodiorites of the GS pluton in Episode #2 possess negative to
positive εHf(t) values (−3.3 to +2.2, average 0.1) and slightly
unradiogenic Nd isotopic compositions (εNd(t): ~ −1.1), implying ei-
ther a mantle or juvenile crustal-dominated source. They have low
MgO contents, with Mg# values of ~40 and Nb/Ta ratios of 9.9–12.7
(average 11.1) close to that of the upper crust (~13.4, Rudnick and
Gao, 2014). These characteristics suggest a juvenile crustal-dominated
source. As shown in Fig. 11b and Fig. 11c, these granodiorites plot in
the field of partial melting of amphibolites.
For comparing the results of the experimental cotectic liquids, the
primary magmatic relationships can be identified by plotting the data
in an F-An-Or pseudo-ternary diagram (Castro, 2013). In addition, the
non-cotectic relationships could result from assimilation or contamina-
tion from wall rocks (Castro, 2013). In general, compared with the felsic
rocks in Episode #1, the scattered distribution (the non-cotectic rela-
tionship) of granitic rocks in Episode #2 in the F–An–Or diagram sug-
gests the critical role of crustal contamination (Fig. S3). In summary,
the monzogranites, granodiorite, granodiorite porphyries and granite
porphyries of the CM, LC, GS, and ZT plutons in Episode #2 are derived
from partial melting of the crustal amphibolites or metagreywackes,
with a considerable contribution of crustal contamination. The contri-
bution of the mantle-derived component is negligible. Specifically, the
existence of inherited zircon with ages of 272 Ma and 274 Ma can be
possibly ascribed to the contamination of the Permian crustal materials
during magma ascent.
4.3. Crustal evolution in the NW segment of West Qinling in the Triassic
As a robust tool for understanding crustal growth and architecture in
a large-scale region, Nd\\Hf isotope mapping is often used to constrain
the distribution of both ancient and juvenile continental crusts at depth
(Hou et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2016a; Wang et al., 2018; Yang et al.,
2017). This method has been applied to the cases in the Central Asian
Orogenic Belt (Wang et al., 2009), the Sanjiang Tethyan Orogen
(Wang et al., 2016a), and the NCC (Deng et al., 2018).
The integration of the available geochronological and Nd\\Hf isoto-
pic data (Fig. 8) shows that the majority of intermediate–felsic mag-
matic rocks dated from ca. 252 Ma to ca. 200 Ma in West Qinling. The
data of mantle-derived intermediate rocks are ruled out in Fig. 8c. In
general, the samples have zircon εHf(t) values of −6.5 to 6.1, with corre-
sponding TCDM of ca. 1650–889 Ma for those felsic samples. As previously
discussed (Section 4.1), we subdivided these granitoids into two groups
based on ages and tectonic environments, i.e., the older (252–230 Ma),
Fig. 12. a: Histograms of zircon εHf(t) values of the granitoids from Episode #1 to Episode #2 in the CM, LC, GS and ZT plutons, b: Histograms of zircon Hf isotope compositions of the
granites from Episode #1 to Episode #2 in CM pluton, LC pluton, GS pluton and ZT pluton. Data are from Guo et al., 2012; Luo et al.,2012, 2013; Huang et al., 2016; Li et al.,2013,2014,
2015; Ren et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2016b; Xiong et al., 2016; Deng et al.,2016; Yang et al., 2017; Lu et al., 2017; Geng et al., 2017; Qiu et al., 2018; Hu et al., 2018; Hu et al.,2019; Xing
et al.,2020 and reference herein.
12
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
subduction-related group and younger (230–200 Ma), syn- to post-
collision-related group.
The proportion of zircon εHf(t) >0 from the individual zircon grain
indicates the participation of depleted mantle-derived or juvenile
crustal materials in the magmatic suites (e.g., Guo et al., 2019). We com-
piled the available zircon Lu\\Hf isotopic data from the two stages of the
granitoids to better understand the contribution of the depleted mantle
sources or juvenile crustal sources. Figs. 4 and 12 show that the 252–230
Ma suite of granitoids contains 23% of the positive εHf(t) values, whereas
the 230–200 Ma suite of granitoids possesses only 11% of the positive
εHf(t) values, showing a systematic decreasing trend. In addition,
Figs. 12 and S4 show that more mantle materials with high Nb/Ta ratios
or juvenile crustal materials participated in the formation of granitoids
in the earlier stage (252–230 Ma) than the later stage. Here, we propose
that the input of depleted mantle materials is critical to generate the
early-stage (Episode #1) magmatic rocks during the oceanic subduction
(Fig. 13a, b). Although we cannot quantitatively identify the enriched
mantle contribution in the formation of the felsic rocks in Episode #1,
we can still emphasize that the depleted mantle played a critical role
in continental crustal growth during Episode #1. On one hand, the
mafic magmas derived from the depleted mantle can be repeatedly
injected into the felsic magma mushes. On the other hand, the lower
continental crust beneath West Qinling can also be removed and re-
placed by the mafic magmas derived from the depleted mantle during
the oceanic subduction stage.
Moreover, we further utilized the heat production rate to ascertain
the heat production over time in the Changmu area. Siégel et al.
(2020) established a relationship between the heat production pattern
over time and the zircon εHf(t) values obtained from granitic rocks in
the New England Orogen, Australia, and the authors proved that the
crustal source compositions strongly affected the heat-production ca-
pacity of the partial melts. Reworking of ancient material (as shown
by their Hf model ages) could, therefore, increase the heat production
potential of igneous rocks. In other words, the heat-production pattern
over time mirrors (i.e. is opposite in trend to) the zircon εHf(t) values,
and reworking of Precambrian sources can produce granitic rocks with
higher heat production values. As shown in Table S3, Figs. S5 and 11,
the average heat production rates increase over time for the Triassic gra-
nitic intrusions in the Changmu area, with values ranging from 3.0 (Ep-
isode #1) to 3.9 (Episode #2). The contrasted heat production rates for
these two episodes of felsic rocks (SiO2 = 66–69 wt%) indicate that the
felsic rocks in Episode #2 were probably derived from a more fertile
source. The fertility can be enhanced by partial melting of different
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
Fig. 13. a: Paleogeographic reconstruction of North China Craton and South China Craton from 252 to 230 Ma (after Yan et al., 2019); b: Schematic model for the tectonic evolution of the
West Qinling Tectonic Belt from 252 to 230 Ma, (after Qiu et al., 2018); c: Paleogeographic reconstruction of North China Block and South China Block from 230 to 201 Ma (after Yan et al.,
2019); d: Schematic model for the tectonic evolution of the West Qinling Tectonic Belt from 230 to 201 Ma, (after Deng et al., 2016). Abbreviations: NCC: North China Craton; SCC: South
China Craton; NQ: North Qiangtang, SQ: South Qiangtang, INC: IndoChina, MOB (Mongolia Block), KAZ(Kazakhstan), Si: Sibumasu, IR: Iran, LS: Lhasa, TH: Tethys-Himalaya.
sources (from an amphibolite-dominated source to a metagreywacke-
dominated source) during the crustal thickening in the syn- to post-
collision stage. As proposed by Hu et al. (2018, 2020) and Xing et al.
(2020), both mechanisms, i.e., slab break-off and dehydration of the
subducting slab of the SCC beneath West Qinling, could be responsible
for the partial melting of the continental crust during syn-collisional
orogenesis. The addition of the mantle components in the NW segment
of West Qinling was negligible, and the basaltic magmas probably
mainly provided heat input for partial melting of the middle-lower
crust. However, the mantle-derived rocks occurred in the southeastern
corner of West Qinling during the syn- to post-collision stage (e.g., mafic
dykes) (Hu et al., 2018), and this scenario is beyond the scope of Fig. 8.
Accordingly, we can summarize the overall tectono-magmatic evo-
lution in the NW segment of West Qinling during the Early Mesozoic.
On one hand, the high-Mg dioritic rocks could be produced by partial
melting of the mantle wedge that had been metasomatized by
sediment-derived melts. This process was probably accompanied by a
slab roll-back of the subducting Mianlue–Animaque oceanic plate,
which probably resulted in the upwelling of the asthenosphere at the
same time (Fig. 13a, b; Li et al., 2013; Li et al., 2015; Wang et al.,
2019). Meanwhile, the mafic magmas mixed with the felsic magma
chamber in the upper or middle continental crust beneath West Qinling.
On the other hand, the contribution of the mantle-derived compo-
nents significantly decreased in the felsic rocks from the early stage (Ep-
isode #1) during the oceanic subduction stage to the late-stage (Episode
#2) during the syn- to post-collision stage (Fig. 13c, d). In addition, the
oblique collision between the NCC and SCC led to moderate crustal
shortening and thickening and crustal anatexis of the continental
protoliths that were composed of the subduction-accretionary complex
that was compositionally similar to the Neoproterozoic Bikou Group,
and amphibolites beneath West Qinling. These processes were probably
in response to the underthrusting of the SCC continental lithosphere
during the syn- to post-collision stage (Zhao et al., 2021). The slab
break-off occurred during the late-stage of the Triassic (Fig. 13d) (Hu
et al., 2018, 2020).
Regionally, the subduction-related magmatic rocks indicate a more
significant input of depleted mantle components into the continental
crust according to the high proportion of positive zircon εHf(t) values
13
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
(Fig. 12). Therefore, it seems reasonable that the subduction-related
magmatic rocks played a more important role in the crustal growth
than the collision-related magmatic rocks in West Qinling.
4.4. Crustal replacement compared with other orogens
Studies on global orogenic belts during the Phanerozoic time identi-
fied two contrasting orogenic systems (Collins et al., 2011), namely, the
external orogenic system and the internal orogenic system. The former
is represented by Circum-Pacific accretionary orogens, such as Terra
Australis (Cawood, 2005), the North American Cordillera (Hervé et al.,
2014), and the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (Guo et al., 2019).
In contrast, the internal orogenic system resulted from a collage of col-
lisional mountain belts formed by the collision of continental crustal
fragments and is distributed in Europe and Asia; examples include the
Central China orogen (Dabie Shan) and the present-day Alpine-
Himalayan orogen. To better decipher the possible role of crustal re-
placement in West Qinling, we discuss the mechanisms of crustal re-
placement in two orogenic systems for comparison.
In the external orogenic system, the crustal compositions were mod-
ified and replaced by the emplacement of mafic arc magmas and possi-
bly back-arc basaltic magmas during ongoing slab subduction, leading
to a more “juvenile” continental crust, as has been reported in the
Chilean Cordillera (Hervé et al., 2014) and the Yanbian area in NE
China (Guo et al., 2019). Meanwhile, the tectonically accreted oceanic
arcs within the accretionary prism also contribute to the formation of
these “juvenile” continental crusts (Collins et al., 2011).
The successive juvenile crustal additions during ongoing arc
magmatism result in a diminishing source component of the ancient
crustal remnants and attached subcontinental lithospheric mantle
(SCLM). The intermediate to felsic magmatic rocks in the external oro-
genic system are generally formed by long-term oceanic subduction
along with the replacement of the lower crust and SCLM, resulting in a
long-term shift toward progressively increasing εHf(t) values (Collins
et al., 2011) and a negative correlation between the zircon εHf(t) values
and the emplacement ages (Guo et al., 2019).
By contrast, the granitoids in the internal orogenic system also record
the input of the juvenile crust evidenced by the positive zircons εHf(t)
H.-N. Liu, X.-W. Li, X.-X. Mo et al.
values. However, the following crustal thickening and continental colli-
sion could have terminated the considerable juvenile magmatic input. In
this case, the continental fragments melted during the collisional pro-
cesses due to underthrusting of the continental lithosphere, orogenic
collapse, or lithospheric extension (Liu et al., 2019). These processes
generated magmas that crystallized zircons, resulting in negative εHf(t)
values (Collins et al., 2011). An example is the Himalayan orogeny dur-
ing the Cenozoic (Liu et al., 2019). A positive correlation between the zir-
con εHf(t) values and the emplacement ages from oceanic subduction to
continental collision is expected in the internal orogenic system. This
mechanism is compatible with the Triassic zircon εHf(t) isotopic varia-
tions in the NW segment of West Qinling (Fig. 4). As proposed by
Collins et al. (2011), West Qinling between the NCC and SCC is more
likely to be a part of the typical internal orogenic system due to its suc-
cessively oblique collision between the NCC and SCC during the Triassic
(Collins et al., 2011; Ren et al., 2019; Xing et al., 2020). As proved by Zhao
et al. (2021), the deep seismic data beneath West Qinling identify the
preserved remnant lithosphere of the SCC, and the underthrusting of
the buoyant continental lithosphere probably resulted in the ensuing
exhumation of the overlying high-pressures rocks to the surface. Similar
scenarios have been observed beneath the Himalayas (Collins et al.,
2011 and references therein). As evaluated and summarized by Xing
et al. (2020) and Hu et al. (2020), the retrograded metamorphism of
the Foping granulites and mostly missing of the coeval Late Triassic
strata in West Qinling collectively indicated a tectonic uplift at that
time. The whole-rock Pb isotopes of the Triassic granitoids in West
Qinling also traced the significant role of the SCC during their formation
(e.g., Hu et al., 2019; Xing et al., 2020). Therefore, our study implies that
the underthrusting of the SCC continental lithosphere beneath the NW
segment of West Qinling may be critical to drive zircon εHf(t) toward
negative values.
5. Conclusions
(1) Two episodes of intermediate to felsic rock intrusions in the NW
segment of West Qinling have been identified, mainly compris-
ing (1) the ~244–230 Ma intermediate–felsic rocks represented
by the MMEs, high-Mg diorite porphyries, granodiorites, and
granodiorite porphyries from the GS, LC, and CM plutons, and
(2) the ~228–203 Ma felsic rocks represented by monzogranite,
granodiorites, granodiorite porphyries and granite porphyries
from the GS, LC, ZT, and CM plutons. In these two episodes, the
intrusive rocks witnessed the evolutionary history from oceanic
subduction and syn- to post-collision in West Qinling.
(2) In Episode #1, the MME in the GS pluton probably originated
from an enriched mantle and was indicative of magma mixing.
The high-Mg diorite porphyries in the LC pluton were formed
by partial melting of a wedge mantle metasomatized by
sediment-derived melts. The granodiorites and granodiorite por-
phyries from the GS, LC, and CM plutons mainly originated from
partial melting of amphibolites with involvement of mantle-
derived components. In Episode #2, the monzogranite and
granodiorites from the ZT and LC pluton likely originated from
the lower continental crust. The granite porphyries from the GS
pluton were probably sourced from a juvenile crustal source
component with contamination of ancient terrestrial materials.
(3) The intermediate-felsic magmatic rocks (~244–203 Ma) in the
Changmu area indicate the Early Mesozoic crustal evolution in
the NW segment of West Qinling, characterized by a decreasing
mantle contribution, resulting in the systematic decrease of the
zircon εHf(t) values over time. During the oceanic subduction
14
Lithos 396–397 (2021) 106187
stage, the addition of mantle-derived components to the lower
crust played a critical role in the continental crustal growth.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influ-
ence the work reported in this paper.
Acknowledgments
This work was jointly funded by the State Key Program of National
Natural Science of China (Grant No. 41730426, 91855210) and the Na-
tional Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41872066,
41762006 and 41702069), the Fundamental Research Funds for the
Central Universities of China (2652018121) and the Open Research
Funds for GPMR (Grant GPMR201509). Constructive comments and
language polishing by the Editor-in-Chief Prof. Xian-Hua Li and two
anonymous reviewers significantly improve the quality of our manu-
script. Dr. Jing-Zhao Dou and Yu-Xiao Chen are also grateful for their
constructive suggestions and corrections of our manuscript.
Appendix A. Supplementary data
Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.lithos.2021.106187.
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