1. Tectonics and evolution of the Tibetan plateau

2. Lithospheric evolution of eastern China

3. Application of non-conventional methods, in particular sedimentary geochemistry, to studies of tectonics

4. Interaction of tectosphere with the other Earth spheres

1. Tectonics and evolution of the Tibetan plateau

1.1.  Late Mesozoic tectonic evolution and growth of the Tibetan plateau prior to the Indo-Asian collision

The elevation of the Tibetan plateau is a revolutionary event in the Earth history, which resulted in change not only of Cenozoic regional and global climate but also of monsoon intensity. A critical aspect for the development of the Tibetan plateau that remains open to intense debate is whether the collision among the Tibetan continental blocks or the subduction of the Tethys prior to the Indo-Asian collision in the Cenozoic contributed to the plateau growth. We propose that an Andean-type orogen could have been present in southern Tibet from the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, but collapsed during the Middle Cretaceous, based on a synthesis of existing structural, sedimentary, geochronological, and geochemical data. The orogeny is marked by north-verging Jurassic–Early Cretaceous thrusting in the Lhasa block, a result of flat subduction of the Yarlung-Zangpo Neo-Tethys that is recorded by a narrow belt of 205–174 Ma adakitic rocks along the southernmost margin of the Lhasa block. Denudation of the orogen produced a thick (up to 15 km) sequence of Jurassic turbidites and molasse-type sediments on the northern Lhasa block. Widespread Middle Cretaceous (135–100 Ma) postorogenic, strongly peraluminous to calc-alkaline, magmatism and extensional deformation in the Lhasa block and an extensive marine transgression in Tibet indicate that the orogen broke down due to extension resulting from lithosphere delamination and asthenosphere upwelling. Meanwhile, the north-dipping subduction of the Bangong Meso-Tethys produced a wide Jurassic–Middle Cretaceous magmatic arc along the southern margin of the Qiangtang block. Findings of 132–108 Ma-aged ophiolites rich with Middle Cretaceous radiolarians in central Tibet indicate that the Bangong Meso-Tethys did not close until the Late Cretaceous. Repeated flat slab subduction of the Yarlung–Zangpo Neo-Tethys occurred during the Late Cretaceous (90–78 Ma) as indicated by the adakites in the southernmost Lhasa block, which, together with the ongoing Qiangtang–Lhasa collision, could have contributed to the growth of the Tibetan plateau (Zhang, 2000, 2004; Zhang et al., 2002, 2004, 2012a).

Mineral chemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry for a suite of latest Cretaceous (~68 Ma) K-rich charnockite and granite from southern Qiangtang in central Tibet support that late Mesozoic subduction–collision contributed to the growth of the Tibetan plateau prior to the Indo-Asian collision. Both plutons display K-rich and magnesian affinities, with enrichment of light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, and pronounced negative anomalies in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, as well as positive anomalies in Th, U, and Pb. The charnockite and granite have (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7056–0.7059 and 0.7068–0.7070, ε_Nd(t) = –0.92 to 0.33 and –2.37 to –1.45, and ε_Hf(t) = 0.3–4.5 and –0.8 to 4.2, respectively. Geochemical characteristics suggest that the two plutons are co-magmatic, although the granite experienced a greater extent of magmatic differentiation during its emplacement; the parental magmas were generated by partial melting of a thickened lower continental crust at 850–1000 °C and 11–15 kbar, corresponding to depths of 40–50 km (Lu et al., 2019a). The charnockite–granite suite provides important evidence for the presence of thickened crust in central Tibet, formed during the late Cretaceous Lhasa–Qiangtang terrane collision (Zhang et al., 2012a, 2017b).

1.2. Tectonic evolution of the Shuanghu Paleo-Tethyan suture zone

The Shuanghu Paleo-Tethyan suture zone is the boundary between the eastern and western Qiangtang terranes. Our work on eclogites and lawsonite- and glaucophane-bearing blueschists in this zone reveals it represents an in-situ Tethyan suture zone (Zhang et al., 2006a, 2006b; Tang and Zhang, 2014). Identification of the Qiangtang flood basalt province that erupted during the Sakmarian–Kungurian with an area of ~6.84 × 10⁵ km² and a maximum thickness of 1.5–2.0 km, indicates that an Early Permian mantle plume could have upwelled beneath Qiangtang and possibly initiated the disintegration of northern Gondwana and the formation of the Shuanghu Paleo-Tethys (Zhang and Zhang, 2017). Dating of collision- to arc-related magmatic rocks and high-pressure metamorphic rocks and sedimentary records indicate a diachronous closure of the Shuanghu Paleo-Tethys ocean (Zhang et al., 2006c, 2011, 2018; Zhang and Tang, 2009; Lu et al., 2017, 2019b).

1.3. Eclogites and other high-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Tethyan suture zones in central–eastern Tibet

Eclogites are high-pressure rocks related to subduction and are key to delineating plate tectonic evolution of Tibet (Zhang and Tang, 2009). For the first time, we worked on the eclogites at Gerze (Zhang et al., 2016) and Tongka (Zhang et al., 2008a) of central Tibet along the Bangong suture zone, respectively, the eclogites (Zhang et al., 2006a, 2006b) and lawsonite- and glaucophane-bearing blueschists (Tang and Zhang, 2014) at central Qiangtang and the eclogites at Baqing (Zhang et al., 2018) of central Tibet along the Shuanghu suture zone, respectively, and the garnet amphibolites at Litang of eastern Tibet along the Ganzi–Litang suture zone (Li et al., 2018), which significantly contribute to the Tibetan and Tethyan geology and tectonics (Zhang and Tang, 2009).

1.4. Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateaus and their role in intra-oceanic subduction, continental marginal orogeny-magmatism and initial elevation of the Tibetan plateau

We identified the occurrences of the remnants of Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateaus, encompassing an area of ~2 × 10⁵ km² in central Tibet. The plateau remnants include large volumes of pillow basalt formed largely by emergent to subaerial eruption, minor ultramafic intrusives and cumulates, exotic blocks of limestone, radiolarian chert, graywacke, and shale. Isotopic and paleontological dating suggest two major plateau eruptive events at 193–173 Ma and at 128–104 Ma, respectively. The basalts are characterized by enrichment of incompatible elements and a wide range of Sr–Nd isotope composition (initial ε_Nd from –3.71 to +7.9, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr from 0.7039 to 0.7076). The trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic data suggest that these basalts are of affinity with those from the Kerguelen and Tethyan plumes, indicative of a plume mantle upwelling origin with involvement of continental material. The wholesale obduction of the Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateaus, along with the dismembered normal oceanic crustal fragments, over the Tibetan continental crust could have given rise to perhaps 2 km elevation of central Tibet during the Late Cretaceous (Zhang et al., 2014).

The Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateaus are becoming conspicuous as giant units on the oceanic floor and have played important roles in both continental marginal orogenesis and Tethys oceanic evolution (Zhang et al., 2017b). Recently, we present mineralogical, geochronological, geochemical and Sm–Nd isotopic data for basaltic lavas from the Namco ophiolite and a high-Mg pillow lava–dyke–gabbro association from the Pengco ophiolite in central Tibet. Zircon U–Pb and Ar–Ar dating reveals that the Namco lavas erupted at ~181 Ma while the Pengco boninitic association formed at ~164 Ma. The Namco lavas display nearly flat rare-earth element (REE) patterns with no Nb–Ta depletions as well as high εNd values, characteristic of oceanic plateau lava. In contrast, the Pengco high-Mg rocks exhibit low REE concentrations below the normal mid-ocean ridge basalt, ubiquitous Nb–Ta depletions and low εNd values, and the dykes and gabbros are characterized by U-shape REE patterns, indicating that they could have derived from a depleted mantle source that was contaminated by sedimentary flux and marking a mid-Jurassic initial intra-oceanic arc magmatism erupted on the Early Jurassic Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateau represented by the Namco ophiolite. Our Pengco boninitic rocks, along with the literature data, indicate a 167–160 Ma boninitic-like initial intra-oceanic arc within the Bangong Meso-Tethys, running from the Shiquanhe area to the Naqu area with a length of ~1000 km, which was uniformly built on the Early Jurassic Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateau. Our literature investigation also indicates a ~175 Ma accretionary orogeny with distinct signature of the oceanic plateau involvements along the southern Qiangtang continental margin, which is manifested by regional metamorphic, magmatic and depositional records. We thus suggest that the accretion of the Early Jurassic Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateau onto the southern Qiangtang continental margin resulted in the extensive orogeny along the continental margin, jammed the subduction zone at ~175 Ma and induced intra-oceanic subduction initiation as well as the intraoceanic infant arc magmatism in the Meso-Tethys at ~164 Ma (Yan and Zhang, 2020).

1.5. Diversified provenance of the Songpan-Ganzi Triassic turbidites and tectonic implications

The Late Triassic Songpan–Ganzi turbidite complex (SGC) on the eastern Tibetan plateau, which covers an area of ~2.2×105 km2, is one of the largest flysch turbiditic basins on Earth (Zhang, 2001). It is juxtaposed with major Chinese continental blocks across several outstanding Tethyan sutures, and is critical to elucidating the tectonic amalgamation of China. However, the provenance of the turbidites remains the subject of intense debate. Petrographic, geochemical, and Nd isotope data for representative turbidites indicate the SGC was divided up into four main zones. The western and middle zones are characterized by easterly paleocurrents, abundant high-pressure (HP)-related dense minerals, and low chemical index of alteration (CIA) and Th/U values (Zhang et al., 2012b). In the western zone, the compositional and textural immaturity of the sandstones suggests limited transport and nearby sources, both light and heavy mineral and lithic fractions indicate dominant metamorphic source rocks and subordinate ophiolitic and sedimentary source rocks, furthermore, the occurrence of C-type garnet, omphacite, rutile, and Si-rutile, and the high-silica content of phengites reveal that the source rocks underwent UHP conditions (Zhang et al., 2008b). In addition, the samples from the western zone have strongly negative ε_Nd values, old Nd model ages, and low ferromagnesian but high felsic contents. The sediments from the middle zone have intermediate εNd values and Nd model ages and trace elemental ratios. No HP-related dense minerals have been identified in the eastern zone, which is dominated by westerly paleocurrents, with intermediate Nd isotopic and geochemical values. The northernmost zone is characterized by high ε_Nd (0) values, young T_DM ages, and high ferromagnesian but low felsic contents. Geochemical and Nd isotopic data all are suggestive of an overall silicic provenance of the sediments, which have not been homogenized by recycling. Several source rocks for the samples are identified, and they include sedimentary rocks, ophiolites, silicic igneous rocks, and HP metamorphic rocks. Nd isotopes and geochemical indices from central Qiangtang, Dabie-Qinling, and Kunlun. The low CIA values and Th/U ratios indicate that the source areas for the western SGC could have been elevated by tectonism and dominated by cool and/or arid climates.

1.6. Mid-Permian rifting in the NE Tibetan plateau

Little has been known regarding ~200-Myr-long geologic history of Central China during the Late Paleozoic between two major continental collisional events marked by ~480–440-Ma North Qinling–North Qaidam and ~230-Ma Dabie–Sulu UHP belts, respectively. Geochronological, mineral chemistry, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data for newly discovered Mid-Permian magmatic rocks in the Gonghe basin on the northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau indicate that magmatism was active at ~270 Ma and shows a bimodal composition including gabbro, diabase and granite. They are both characterized by enrichments in light-rare-earth elements and large-ion-lithophile elements, negative Eu anomalies and depletion in high-field-strength elements, together with similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic signature, suggesting that they likely shared the same magma chamber, and that the felsic rocks were produced by fractional crystallization of the mafic rocks. The high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7061 to 0.7094) and low ε_Nd(t) values (−6.4 to −3.7), as well as Nb–Ta deletions indicate that they were likely derived from enriched mantle metasomatized by subduction-related fluids during the Early Paleozoic. In view of absence of coeval arc-related magmatism in contrast to broad seamount mafic magmatism in the Gonghe basin, the bimodal magmatism is ascribed to an intracontinental rifting event that could have been caused by transtension in Central China since the Mid-Permian, which could have been responsible for the initiation of the Gonghe and Songpan–Ganzi basins (Zeng et al., 2018).

2. Large-scale lithospheric deformation and evolution of eastern China

2.1. Collision–escape tectonics of the North and South China blocks

The E-W-trending Qinling Orogenic belt in central China marks the suture between the North China and South China terrains (the latter includes the whole of South Korea), two major microcontinental terranes of the Eurasian continent. Both middle Paleozoic and early Mesozoic collision zones within the Qinling orogenic belt, and the northward extension of the suture between the North and South China terrains that includes the Tanlu fault zone, have been recognized recently. The Songpan–Ganzi terrain proves to be a continental terrain underlain by Precambrian basement and is geographically very close to the Qaidam terrain. Permo-Triassic strike-slip faulting and rifting developed along the boundaries between the Qaidam and Songpan-Ganzi, the South China and Songpan-Ganzi, and the North and South China terrains. This suggests an escape hypothesis for a Central China terrain that was present between the North and South China terrains during the tectonic evolution of Qinling. In Paleozoic time, the linear fragments of a microcontinental plate between two sutures in the Qinling orogenic belt, and Qaidam and Songpan-Ganzi terrains, all bearing similar basement and early Paleozoic strata, could have belonged to an integrated triangular continental microplate, the Central China terrain, between North and South China. A stable triple junction could have existed around the Dabie Shan between the Central China, North China, and South China terrains. Central China first collided with North China and formed the northern suture of the Qinling orogenic belt in middle Paleozoic time and was gradually extruded westward from between North and South China and then split into the Qaidam and Songpan-Ganzi terrains in Permo-Triassic time, when South China collided diachronously from east to west with North China. The proposed model accommodates the abrupt bend between the Qinling-Dabie belt and the Tanlu belt, the two collisions along the Qinling orogenic belt, and the large-angular rotation of South China with respect to North China, and predicts the Permo-Triassic strike slip faulting and rifting along the Qinling orogenic belt, the western flank of South China, and the boundary between the Qaidam and Songpan-Ganzi terrains (Zhang, 1997, 2001, 2002; Zhang et al., 2007b).

2.2. NE Asian mid-Cretaceous extension tectonic province: initiation by the Perm Anomaly

Early Cretaceous NE Asia represents one of the largest crustal extensional provinces worldwide (> 3×106 km2), marked by various extensional tectonics including metamorphic core complexes, (half) graben basins, and basaltic, granitic and minor ultramafic intraplate magmatism. In addition, the Early Cretaceous Okhotsk oceanic plateau has also been identified in the western Pacific margin of NE Asia. Recently, a reversal to contractional deformation at the mid-Cretaceous has been widely documented in the regime. Clearly, elucidating the Early Cretaceous tectonic extension in NE Asia and its switch to contraction at the mid-Cretaceous is critical to understanding the geodynamic/tectonic evolution of Eurasia. Our literature survey reveals the extension-related Early Cretaceous basalts in NE Asia display distinct mantle plume signature. This, along with the vast areal expanse and temporal–spatial coupling of the intraplate magmatism with the sedimentary basins and the metamorphic core complexes, indicates the extension regime and the Okhotsk oceanic plateau together could be product of the mantle plume upwelling event triggered by the Perm Anomaly on the core–mantle boundary during the Early Cretaceous. Waning of the influence of the mantle plumes at the plume tail stage could have initiated the switch to contractional deformation at the mid-Cretaceous. This correlates with the extrusion of the Okhotsk oceanic plateau to the western Pacific margin (Zhang et al., 2019). The basalts in the Great Xing'an Range geochemically have characteristic features of plume–ridge interactions, likely representing an outcome of the Okhotsk oceanic ridge subduction (Zhang, 2014) superposed by the plume upwelling.

2.3. Penetration of the Yunkai Promontory of South China into Indochina

A comparative analysis of Indochina and South China during the Early Paleozoic indicates the former may be extended to include North Vietnam, part of the Qinzhou tectonic zone and southern Hainan Island. These three regions were traditionally regarded as parts of South China separated from Indochina by the Song Ma suture in Central-North Vietnam. A new suture, called the Dian–Qiong suture, is proposed here, approximately along the southern margin of the present Nanpanjiang basin. This suture is linked to its eastern counterpart in Hainan Island through a NNE-trending dextral transform fault zone (Hepu–Hetai shear zone) along the eastern margin of the Nanpanjiang basin (Zhang and Cai, 2009). The conventional Song Ma suture originally constitutes its western extension and was translated to its present location by sinistral displacement along the Red River Fault Zone during the Tertiary. Upper Paleozoic deep-water turbidites and associated mid-oceanic ridge basalts along the suture in the Nanpanjiang basin illustrate a coeval ocean between Indochina and South China. The ocean was consumed by south-directed subduction beneath Indochina during the Late Permian to the Middle Triassic. This suture zone was finally re-shaped by the indentation between the active margin of Indochina and the irregular passive continental margin of South China during the Late Triassic as well as displacement along the Red River fault zone during the Cenozoic (Cai and Zhang, 2009).

2.4. Destruction of the North China Craton: Lithosphere folding-induced removal of lithospheric mantle

High heat flow, high surface topography, and widespread volcanism indicate that the lithospheric mantle of typical cratonic character of the North China Craton has been seriously destroyed in its eastern half. However, the mechanism of this process remains open to intense debate. Here lithosphere folding induced lithospheric mantle removal is proposed as a new mechanism for the destruction of the craton. Four main NNE–SSW-striking lithospheric-scale anticlines and synclines are recognized within North China east of the Helan fold-and-thrust belt. The lithosphere folding occurred possibly during the Late Triassic through Jurassic when the Yangzi Craton collided with the North China Craton. It was accompanied or followed by lithospheric dripping, and could have possibly induced the lithosphere foundering of the North China Craton. The lithosphere folding would have modified the lithosphere morphology, creating significant undulation in the lithospheric base and thus causing variations of the patterns of the small-scale convection. It also could have provoked the formation of new shear zones liable to impregnation of magma, producing linear incisions at the cratonic base and resulting in foundering of lithospheric mantle blocks. Furthermore, it generated thickening of the lithosphere or the lower crust and initiated the destabilization and subsequent removal of the lithospheric mantle (Zhang, 2012).

2.5. A Mediterranean-style model for early Neoproterozoic amalgamation of South China

A Mediterranean-style model is proposed for early Neoproterozoic amalgamation of South China, based on recognition of the Guangxi promontory on the southeastern margin of the Yangtze craton through a synthesis of geologic, geophysical and chronological data. The model suggests that, while the Guangxi promontory collided with the overriding Cathaysia terrane along the Yunkai orogen during the earliest Neoproterozoic, the convergence between the Yangtze craton and the Cathaysia terrane paused or slowed down, which triggered the upper Rhine Graben-style Kangdian impact rift along the western Yangtze margin and resulted in roll-back of the oceanic slab trapped in the embayments and sequential formation of backarc rifts in the Cathaysia margin during the early Neoproterozoic. This model predicts a complex diachronous Yangtze–Cathaysia collision history, first at the Guangxi promontory at ∼1000 Ma and finally at the Guizhou reentrant at ∼830 Ma (Zhang, 2017).

3. Application of non-conventional methods, in particular sedimentary geochemistry, to studies of tectonics

3.1. Investigation of geochemistry of limestones deposited in various plate tectonic settings: Establishment of proxies for the discrimination of depositional regimes

Limestone, a major part of the global sedimentary succession, susceptible to post-depositional diagenesis. Studies of limestone geochemistry are essential in the discrimination of tectonic settings of basins in which the limestones were deposited. Six Late Mesozoic and one Tertiary limestone successions of Tibet, western China, that were deposited in oceanic plateau, passive continental margin, active continental margin (fore-arc basin, backarc basin and foreland basin) and continental inland freshwater basins were analyzed for their major, trace and rare earth element (REE) composition. This geochemical dataset, in combination with the Deep Sea Drilling Project and Ocean Drilling Program (DSDP and ODP) literature geochemical data regarding limestones deposited in open ocean environments, permitted delineation of the geochemical characteristics of limestones accumulated in these various plate tectonic settings. There is a systematic increase in the magnitude of Ce anomalies of open ocean floor limestones away from spreading ridges to open ocean highs, to passive margins, and to active margins and inland freshwater basins. Open ocean limestones display a narrow range of (La/Sm)n (0.46–0.96), (Sm/Yb)n (0.25–1.96), and (La/Yb)n (0.23–1.38) but high (La/Ce)n (~1.5) whereas the inland + margins limestones display a much larger range ((La/Sm)n (0.43–2.18), (Sm/Yb)n (0.6–2.98) and (La/Yb)n (0.7–2.25) but low (La/Ce)n (< 2). The inland+margins limestones are influenced geochemically upon terrigenous clasts while geochemistry of open ocean limestones is more dependent upon the flux of the hydrothermal Fe–Mn-oxyhydroxides. The control of the tectonic environments of the basins on the limestone geochemistry permits development of proxies for the discrimination of depositional regimes. The REE ratios (i.e., (La/Ce)n, Ce/Ce*) along with other immobile elemental ratios (e.g., Zr/Ti, La/Sc) of limestones provide the best means for the geochemical resolution of all four depositional regimes. A Rb–Sr–Ba triangular diagram is also useful for distinguishing between four tectonic settings. Applications of the immobile geochemical proxies to 39 literature limestone successions demonstrate their validity, independent of diagenetic modification, metamorphism and high siliciclastic content (≤40 wt%) (Zhang et al., 2017a).

3.2. Tectonic evolution of Tibet using sedimentary geochemistry

We conducted pioneering geochemical studies of siliciclastic rocks in order to constrain the tectonic evolution of Tibet. We analyzed (1) secular geochemical variations of the Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic rocks from central Tibet (China), which indicate a tectonic transition from continental collision to back-arc rifting (Zhang, 2004), (2) the Nd isotopes of siliciclastic rocks from Tibet to provide constraints on its pre-Cenozoic tectonic evolution (Zhang et al., 2007a), (3) the whole-rock geochemistry and Nd isotopes and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope systematics of detrital zircons of the Songpan-Ganzi Triassic turbidites, NE Tibet, indicative of diversified provenances and complex tectonic evolution (Zhang et al., 2012b, 2014b, 2014c), and (4) the geochemistry of the siliciclastic rocks from the Jinsa suture zone and the blueschist-bearing Qiangtang metamorphic belt, which indicate the latter is an in situ suture zone (Zhang et al., 2006b).

3.3. Analogue modeling of continental collision

The North China–South China collision during early Mesozoic time formed the Dabie–Sulu UHP metamorphic belt in eastern China, the largest UHP metamorphic belt on Earth. However, no consensus exists about the dynamics of this continental collision. In order to get insights into this process, we performed a series of four analogue models. The experiments used layers of silicone putty and sand mixtures to reproduce the rheological characteristics of four-layer continental lithospheres and two-layer oceanic lithospheres. Based on existing constraints, the models reproduced a thick and cool North China block and a relatively thinner and warmer South China block. The shape of these different blocks was varied in different experiments in order to reproduce the main geometrical boundary conditions suggested in previous models. It is suggested here that, under present knowledge of North–South China lithosphere strengths prior to the collision, South China could not have penetrated into North China. Detachment of South China upper crust from lower crust was not observed throughout the experiments. A model that North China as a rectangular promontory penetrated South China approximately normal to the future Tanlu fault zone was advocated here (Zhang et al., 2006c).

4. Interaction of tectosphere with the other Earth spheres

4.1. Climatic control of the exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure terranes

How the ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes are exhumed to shallow levels but preserving intact relics of the UHP phase assemblages is among the most interesting but challenging topics in geosciences. We investigate all the paleolatitudes where the UHP terranes were exhumed. Our results show that all the UHP terranes in continental collision zones or oceanic accretionary wedges were exhumed within low latitudes (0°–30°), and the average paleolatitude for exhumations of the investigated 43 UHP terranes is ~5.1°N. In contrast, those UHP xenoliths in mantle-derived igneous rocks could be brought to surface at higher paleolatitudes. Furthermore, the pattern of frequency for the UHP terranes exhumed at convergent boundaries is consistent with that of interglacial stages throughout the Earth history, indicating that the UHP exhumation is controlled by the climate and thus suggesting that the exhumed UHP terranes may be useful paleoclimate indicators (Yan and Zhang, 2019).

4.2. Control of the Tarim Large Igneous Province eruption on the formation of Paleozoic hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Tarim basin

The Tarim basin not only is one of the main targets for hydrocarbon exploration in China, but also hosts the Early Permian Large Igneous Province (LIP), thereby providing an ideal laboratory to investigate how the LIP eruptions interact with the petroleum system in the volcanic-affected basins. Six major second-order domes were identified in the first-order dome that involves the entire Tarim LIP, based on seismic probing and lithofacies and stratigraphic observations in boreholes and the stratigraphic sections. These second-order domes are characterized by abundant Permian basaltic dykes and volcanic craters, indicative of the origin from the LIP eruption. They also are the sites of the almost all Paleozoic oil and gas reservoirs in the Tarim basin. Dating on authigenic illites collected from 20 Silurian bituminous and oil-saturated sandstone samples in the Tarim basin, along with literature data, indicates that hydrocarbon charge and emplacement in the Paleozoic reservoirs prevalently occurred during 300–255 Ma, approximately concurrent with the eruption of the Tarim LIP lavas (300–262 Ma). Therefore, we propose that the LIP eruption not only created the second-order domes that provided space for the oil and gas charge but also triggered the rapid release of hydrocarbon through the volcanic vents, thereby controlling the formation of Paleozoic oil and gas fields in the Tarim basin (Zhu and Zhang, 2022).

pdf files will be sent on request

(*corresponding author)

Cui, X., Shi, L., Tang, X., Wang, Z., Wang, J., Cheng, L., Li, L., Wang, B., Han, X., Zhang, K.J., 2024. Provenance and tectonic settings of the lower Permian siliciclastic rocks in central Inner Mongolia: Implications for the evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Marine and Petroleum Geology v. 161, 106641.

Ji, C., Zhang, K.J.*, Yan, L.L., 2023. Hydrothermal metasomatism and solid-phase transfer in petrogenesis of listvenite: the Meso-Tethyan ophiolite, central Tibet, China. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, v. 178, doi: 10.1007/s00410-022-01988-5.

Lu, L., Zhang, Y.T., Li, Z.F., Zhang, K.J.*, 2023. Petrogenesis of the alkali basalt and trachy-andesite suite in the northern Tarim Basin, NW China: Implications for crust-mantle interactions controlled by the Permian mantle plume. Gondwana Research, v. 119, p. 86-103.

Chen, Q.Z., Hu, C.B., Orellana-Rovirosa, F., Zhang, K.J., Zhou, L., Zhang, H., Shi, Y.L., 2023. Geodynamics of progressive growth of arcuate fold-and-thrust belts: Insights from numerical modeling of the NE margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Journal of Structural Geology, v. 175, 104939.

Huang, Q.T., Zhang, C.L., Zhang, K.J., Hua, Y.J., Chen, W.C., Cao, Y.D., Cheng, P., 2023. Interaction of upwelling asthenosphere with oceanic lithospheric mantle in Bangong-Nujiang subduction zone: A new mechanism for the petrogenesis of Nb-enriched basalts. Lithos, v. 448-449, 107172.

Zhang, K.J.*, Huang, Q.T., Wei, J., Uysal, T., Lu, L., 2022. Editorial: Tectonic and Environmental Reconstructions: Perspectives From Geochemistry and Isotopes of Sedimentary Rocks. Frontiers in Earth Science, v. 10, 914962.

Zhou, S.H., Hu, C.B., Zhang, K.J., Orellana-Rovirosa, F., Shi, Y.L., 2022. Tectonic evolution of the Liupan Shan fold-and-thrust belt, NE Tibetan Plateau during the late Cenozoic: numerical simulations. Geophysical Journal International, v. 231, p. 1604–1617.

Yang, P., Huang, Q.T., Zhang, K.J., Kapsiotis, A., Zheng, H., Peng, T.P., Zhou, R.J., Yang, Q.K., Luo, W.X., Xia, B., 2022. Compositional signatures of ophiolitic rocks from the Dongco massif: Novel insights into the evolution of the central Tibetan Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateau. Lithos, v. 416-417, 106660.

Zhu, G.Y., Zhang, K.J.*, 2022. Did the eruption of the Tarim LIP control the formation of Paleozoic hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Tarim basin, China? Gondwana Research, v. 101, p. 224–232.

Li, Q.H., Hu, X.C., Zhang, K.J.*, Xia, B., Ji, C., Huang, Q.T., Zhong, L.F., Zhong, Y., Lu, L., 2022. Tectonic evolution of the northwestern margin of the South China Sea: Insights from geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes of the newly discovered latest Permian granite in the Xisha Islands. Lithos, v. 430–431, 106859.

Tian, R.Y., Zeng, L., Hui, J., Ji, C., Zhang, K.J.*, 2022. Middle Triassic back-arc rifting in central China: Evidence from geochronology, geochemistry and Hf isotopes of basic–intermediate dykes in the Gonghe basin. International Geology Review, doi: 10.1080/00206814.2022.2151047.

Li, Q.H., Lu, L., Zhang, K.J.*, Yan, L.L., Huangfu, P., Hui, J., Ji, C., 2022. Late Cretaceous post-orogenic delamination in the western Gangdese arc: Evidence from geochronology, petrology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of intermediate–acidic igneous rocks. Lithos, v. 424–425, 106763.

Huangfu, P.P., Li, Z.H., Fan, W.M., Zhang, K.J., Shi, Y.L., 2022. Contrasting collision-induced far-field orogenesis controlled by thermo-rheological properties of the composite terrane. Gondwana Research, v. 103, p. 404-423. 

Huangfu, P.P., Li, Z.H., Zhang, K.J., Fan, W.M., Zhao, J.M., Shi, Y.L., 2021. India-Tarim lithospheric mantle collision beneath western Tibet controls the Cenozoic building of Tian Shan. Geophyscial Research Letters, v. 48, e2021GL094561.

Ju, Y., Yu, K., Wang, G., Li, W., Zhang, K.J., Li, S., Guo, L., Sun, Y., Feng, H., Qiao, P., Ali, R., 2021. Coupling response of the Meso-Cenozoic differential evolution of the North China Craton to lithospheric structural transformation. Earth-Science Reviews, 223, 103859.

Hui, J., Zhang, K.J.*, Zhang, J.*, Qu, J.F., Zhang, B.H., Zhao, H., Niu, P.F., 2021. Middle–late Permian high-K adakitic granitoids in the NE Alxa block, northern China: Orogenic record following the closure of the Paleo-Asian oceanic branch? Lithos, v. 400–401, 106379.

Ji, C., Yan, L.L., Lu, L., Jin, X., Huang, Q.T., Zhang, K.J.*, 2021. Anduo Late Cretaceous high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic volcanic rocks in central Tibet, western China: Relamination of the subducted Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateau. Lithos, v. 400–401, 106345.

Jin, X., Zhang, Y.X.*, Whitney, D.L., Zhang, K.J.*, Raia, N.H., Hamelin, C., Hu, J.C., Lu, L., Zhou, X.Y., Khalid, S.B., 2021. Crustal material recycling induced by subduction erosion and subduction-channel exhumation: A case study of central Tibet (western China) based on P-T-t paths of the eclogite-bearing Baqing metamorphic complex. Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 133, p. 1575–1599.

Huangfu, P.P., Li, Z.H., Fan, W.M., Zhang, K.J., Zhao, J.M., Shi, Y.L., 2021. India-Tarim Lithospheric Mantle Collision Beneath Western Tibet Controls the Cenozoic Building of Tian Shan. Geophyscial Research Letters, v. 48, e2021GL094561.

Yan, L.L., Zhang, K.J.*, 2020. Infant intra-oceanic arc magmatism due to initial subduction induced by oceanic plateau accretion: A case study of the Bangong Meso-Tethys, central Tibet, western China. Gondwana Research v. 79, p. 110–124.

Chen, W.Y., Zhu, G.Y.*, Zhang, K.J.*, Yan, H.H., Du, D.D., Zhang, Z.Y., Xia, B., 2020. Late Neoproterozoic intracontinental rifting of the Tarim carton, NW China: An integrated geochemical, geochronological and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic study of siliciclastic rocks and basalts from deep drilling cores. Gondwana Research 80, 142-156.

Hui, J., Cheng, H.Y., Zhang, J., Zhang, K.J., Qu, J.F., Zhang, B.H., 2020. Early Cretaceous continent basalts in the Alxa Block, NW China: geochronology, geochemistry, and tectonic implications. International Geology Review doi: 10.1080/00206814.2020.1734974.

Lu, L., Qin, Y., Zhang, K.J., Han, C.Y., Wei, T., Li, Z.F., Qu, Z.H., 2020. Provenance and tectonic settings of the Late Paleozoic sandstones in central Inner Mongolia, NE China: Constraints on the evolution of the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Gondwana Research 77, 111–135. 

Chen, W.Y., Zhang, Y.J., Zhu, G.Y., Zhang, K.J., Du, D.D., Zhang, Z.Y., Chen, Z.Y., Yan, H.H., Sun, Q.S., Li, T.T., Xia, B., Yuan, Y.J., 2020. Provenance of newly discovered Upper Ordovician black rock units in the West Kunlun orogen, China: Constraints from detrital zircon U–Pb chronology and whole-rock geochemistry. Geological Journal 55, 1529–1545. 

Zhang, K.J.*, Yan, L.L., Ji, C., 2019. Switch of NE Asia from extension to contraction at the mid-Cretaceous: A tale of the Okhotsk oceanic plateau from initiation by the Perm Anomaly to extrusion in the Mongol–Okhotsk ocean? Earth-Science Reviews 198, 102941.

Lu, L., Zhang, K.J.*, Jin, X., Zeng, L., Yan, L.L., Santosh, M., 2019. Crustal thickening of central Tibet prior to the Indo–Asian collision: Evidence from petrology, geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes on K-rich charnockite–granite suite in eastern Qiangtang. Journal of Petrology 60, 827–854.

Yan, L.L., Zhang, K.J.*, 2019. Is exhumation of UHP terranes limited to low latitudes? Journal of Geodynamics 130, 41–56.

Lu, L., Qin, Y., Li, Z.F., Yan, L.L., Jin, X., Zhang, K.J.*, 2019. Diachronous closure of the Shuanghu Paleo-Tethys ocean: Constraints from the Late Triassic Tanggula arc-related volcanism in the East Qiangtang subterrane, Central Tibet. Lithos 328–329, 182–199.

Lu, L., Qin, Y., Zhang, K.J., Han, C.Y., Li, Z.F., Wei, T., Qu, Z.H., Xu, Y.Z., 2019. Petrogenesis of a post-collisional magmatism at the Carboniferous–Permian boundary in central Inner Mongolia, NE China: Insights into the closure timing of the Hegenshan Ocean? International Geology Review doi: 10.1080/00206814.2019.1683767.

Zhu, G.Y., Li, T.T., Zhao, K., Zhang, Z.Y., Chen, W.Y., Yan, H.H., Zhang, K.J., Chi, L.X., 2019. Excellent source rocks discovered in the Cryogenian interglacial deposits in South China: Geology, geochemistry, and hydrocarbon potential. Precambrian Research 333, 105455, doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2019.105455.

Huangfu, P.P., Li, Z.H., Fan, W.M., Zhang, K.J., Shi, Y.L., 2019. Continental lithospheric-scale subduction versus crustal-scale underthrusting in the collision zone: Numerical modeling. Tectonophysics 757, 68–87.

Zheng, H., Huang, Q.T., Cai, Z.R., Zhang, K.J., Liu, H.C., Cheng, C., Lu, L.J.,Yang, P., Yu, S.R., 2019. Early Cretaceous arc granitoids from the central Lhasa subterrane: Production of the northward subduction of Yarlung Zangbo Neo‐Tethyan Ocean? Geological Journal 54, 4001-4013. 

Jin, X., Zhang, Y.X., Zhou, X.Y., Zhang, K.J., Li, Z.W., Khalid, S.B., Hu, J.C., Lu, L., Sun, W.D., 2019. Protoliths and tectonic implications of the newly discovered Triassic Baqing eclogites, central Tibet: Evidence from geochemistry, Sr–Nd isotopes and geochronology. Gondwana Research 69, 144–162.

Zhang, Y.X., Jin, X., Zhang, K.J.*, Sun, W.D., Liu, J.M., Zhou, X.Y., Yan, L.L., 2018. Newly discovered Late Triassic Baqing eclogite in central Tibet indicates an anticlockwise West–East Qiangtang collision. Scientific Reports 8, doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-19342-w.

Zeng, L., Zhang, K.J.*, Tang, X.C., Zhang, Y.X., Li, Z.W., 2018. Mid-Permian rifting in central China: Record of geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of bimodal magmatism on NE Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Gondwana Research 57, 77–89.

Li, Q.H., Zhang, Y.X., Zhang, K.J.*, Yan, L.L., Zeng, L., Jin, X., Sun, J.F., Zhou, X.Y., Tang, X.C., Lu, L., 2018. Garnet amphibolites from the Ganzi–Litang fault zone, eastern Tibetan Plateau: Mineralogy, geochemistry and implications for evolution of the eastern Paleo-Tethys Realm. International Geology Review 60, 1954–1967.

Huangfu, P.P., Li, Z.H., Gerya, T., Fan, W.M., Zhang, K.J., Zhang, H., Shi, Y.L., 2018. Multi-terrane structure controls the contrasting lithospheric evolution beneath the western and central–eastern Tibetan plateau. Nature Communications 9, doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-06233-x

Lu, L., Zhang, K.J.*, Yan, L.L., Jin, X., Zhang, Y.X., 2017. Was Late Triassic Tanggula granitoid (central Tibet, western China) a product of melting of underthrust Songpan-Ganzi flysch sediments? Tectonics 36, 902–928.

Zhang, K.J.*, Li, Q.H., Yan, L.L., Zeng, L., Lu, L., Zhang, Y.X., Hui, J., Jin, X., Tang, X.C., 2017. Geochemistry of Limestones deposited in various plate tectonic settings. Earth-Science Reviews 167, 27–46.

Zhang, K.J., 2017. A Mediterranean-style model for early Neoproterozoic amalgamation of South China. Journal of Geodynamics 105, 1–10.

Zhang, Y.X., Li, Z.W., Yang, W.G., Zhu, L.D., Jin, S., Zhou, X.Y., Tao, G., Zhang, K.J.*, 2017. Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous episodic development of the Bangong Meso-Tethyan subduction: Evidence from elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic geochemistry of arc magmatic rocks, Gaize region, central Tibet, China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 135, 212–242.

Zhang, Y.X., Zhang, K.J.*, 2017. Early Permian Qiangtang flood basalts, northern Tibet, China: A mantle plume that disintegrated northern Gondwana? Gondwana Research 44, 96–108.

Lu, L., Yan, L.L., Li, Q.H., Zeng, L., Jin, X., Zhang, Y.X., Hou, Q.L., Zhang, K.J.*, 2016. Oceanic plateau and its significanecs on the Earth system: A review. Acta Petrologica Sinica 32, 1851–1876.

Zhang, Y.X., Li, Z.W., Zhu, L.D., Zhang, K.J.*, Yang, W.G., Jin, X., 2016. Newly discovered eclogites from the Bangong Meso-Tethyan suture zone (Gaize, central Tibet, western China): mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology, and tectonic implications. International Geology Review 58, 574–587.

Zhang, Y.X., Zeng, L., Li, Z.W., Wang, C.S., Zhang, K.J.*, Yang, W.G., Guo, T.L., 2015. Late Permian–Triassic siliciclastic provenance, palaeogeography, and crustal growth of the Songpan terrane, eastern Tibetan Plateau: evidence from U–Pb ages, trace elements, and Hf isotopes of detrital zircons. International Geology Review 57, 159–181.

Zhang, K.J.*, Xia, B., Zhang, Y.X., Liu, W.L., Zeng, L., Li, J.F., Xu, L.F., 2014. Central Tibetan Meso-Tethyan oceanic plateau. Lithos 210-211, 278-288.

Zhang, K.J., 2014. Genesis of the Late Mesozoic Great Xing'an Range Large Igneous Province: A Mongol-OKhotsk slab window model. International Geology Review 56, 1557-1583.

Yan, L.L., Zeng, L., Li, Q.H., Shi, L.Z., Zhang, K.J.*, 2014. Tectonic and deformation history of the Gyeonggi Massif in and around the Hongcheon area, and its implications in the tectonic evolution of the North China Craton: Comment. Precambrian Research 255, 443-447.

Zhang, Y.X., Zeng, L., Zhang, K.J.*, Li, Z.W., Wang, C.S., Guo, T.L., 2014. Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic tectonic and paleogeographic evolution of central China: Evidence from U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope systematics of detrital zircons from the western Qinling region. International Geology Review 56, 351-392.

Tang, X.C., Zhang, K.J.*, 2014. Lawsonite- and glaucophane-bearing blueschists from NW Qiangtang (northern Tibet, China): Mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology, and tectonic implications. International Geology Review 56, 150-166.

Zhang, Y.X., Tang, X.C., Zhang, K.J.*, Zeng, L., Gao, C.L., 2014. U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope systematics of detrital zircons from the Songpan-Ganzi Triassic flysch, NE Tibetan Plateau: Implications for provenance and crustal growth. International Geology Review 56  35-56.

Zhang, K.J.*, Zhang, Y.X., Tang, X.C., Xia, B., 2012. Late Mesozoic tectonic evolution and growth of the Tibetan plateau prior to the Indo-Asian collision. Earth-Science Reviews 114, 236-249.

Zhang, K.J., 2012. Destruction of the North China Craton: Lithosphere folding-induced removal of lithospheric mantle? Journal of Geodynamics 53, 8-17.

Zhang, K.J.*, Li, B., Wei, Q.G., 2012. Geochemistry and Nd isotopes of the Songpan-Ganzi Triassic turbidites, central China: Diversified provenances and tectonic implications. Journal of Geology 120, 68-82.

Tang, X.C., Zhang, K.J.*, 2012. 40Ar-39Ar geochronology and tectonic implications of the blueschist from northwestern Qiangtang, northern Tibet, western China. Acta Geologica Sinica (English Edition) 86, 1471-1478.

Zhang, K.J.*, Tang, X.C., Wang, Y., Zhang, Y.X., 2011. Geochronology, geochemistry, and Nd isotopes of early Mesozoic bimodal volcanism in northern Tibet, western China: Constraints on the exhumation of the central Qiangtang metamorphic belt. Lithos 121, 167-175.

Wu, W.H., Xu, S.J., Yang, J.D., Yin, H.W., Lu, H.Y, Zhang, K.J., 2010. Isotopic characteristics of river sediments on the Tibetan Plateau. Chemical Geology 269, 406-413.

Zhang, K.J.*, Cai, J.X., 2009. NE-trending Hepu&ndash;Hetai dextral shear zone in southern China: Penetration of the Yunkai Promontory of South China into Indochina. Journal of Structural Geology 31, 737-748.

Zhang, K.J.*, Tang, X.C., 2009. Eclogites in the interior of the Tibetan plateau and their geodynamic implications. Chinese Science Bulletin 54, 2556-2567.

Cai, J.X., Zhang, K.J.*, 2009. A new model for the Indochina and South China collision during the Late Permian to the Middle Triassic. Tectonophysics 467, 35-43.

Zhang, K.J.*, Zhang, Y.X., Tang, X.C., Xie, Y.W., Sha, S.L., Peng, X.J., 2008. First report of eclogites from central Tibet, China: Evidence for ultradeep continental subduction prior to the Cenozoic India-Asian collision. Terra Nova 20, 302-308.

Zhang, K.J.*, Li, B., Wei, Q.G., Cai, J.X., Zhang, Y.X., 2008. Proximal provenance of the western Songpan-Ganzi turbidite complex (Late Triassic, Eastern Tibetan Plateau): implications for the tectonic amalgamations of China. Sedimentary Geology 208, 36-44.

Zhao, T.P., Zhou, M.F., Zhao, J.H., Zhang, K.J., Chen, W., 2008. Geochronology and geochemistry of the c. 80 Ma Rutog granitic pluton, northwestern Tibet: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Lhasa Terrane. Geological Magazine 145, 845-857.

Zhang, K.J.*, Zhang, Y.X., Li, B., Zhong, L.F., 2007. Nd isotopes of siliciclastic rocks from Tibet, western China: Constraints on the pre-Cenozoic tectonic evolution. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 256, 604-616.

Zhang, K.J.*, Cai, J.X., Zhu, J.X., Huang, Z.J., Shen, X.Z., 2007. Early Mesozoic overthrust tectonics around the Tanlu fault zone, eastern China: Implications for the North and South China collision. Journal of the Geological Society of India 70, 584-594.

Zhang, Y.X., Zhang, K.J.*, Li, B., Wang, Y., Wei, Q.G., Tang, X.C., 2007. Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb geochronology and petrogenesis of the plagiogranites from the Laguoco ophiolite, Gaize, Tibet, China. Chinese Science Bulletin 52, 651-659.

Wang, Y.X., Yang, J.D., Chen, J., Zhang, K.J., Rao, W.B., 2007. The Sr and Nd isotopic variations of the Chinese Loess Plateau during the past 7 Ma: Implications for the East Asian winter monsoon and source areas of loess. Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology 249, 351-361.

Gu, L.X., Zaw, K., Hu, W.X., Zhang, K.J., Ni, P., He, J.X., Xu, Y.T., Lu, J.J., Lin, C.M., 2007. Distinctive features of Late Palaeozoic massive sulphide deposits in South China. Ore Geology Reviews 31, 107-138.

Wang, Y.X., Go, L.X., Zhang, Z.Z., Wu, C.Z., Zhang, K.J., Li, H.M., Yang, J.D., 2006. Geochronology and Nd-Sr-Pb isotopes of the bimodal volcanic rocks of the Bogda rift. Acta Petrologica Sinica 22, 1215-1224.

Zhang, K.J.*, Cai, J.X., Zhang, Y.X., Zhao, T.P., 2006. Eclogites from central Qiangtang, northern Tibet (China) and tectonic implications. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 245, 722-729.

Zhang, K.J.*, Zhang, Y.X., Li, B., Zhu, Y.T., Wei, R.Z., 2006. The blueschist-bearing Qiangtang metamorphic belt (northern Tibet, China) as an in situ suture zone: Evidence from geochemical comparison with the Jinsa suture. Geology 34, 493-496.

Zhang, K.J.*, Cai, J.X., Zhu, J.X., 2006. North China and South China collision: Insights from analogue modeling. Journal of Geodynamics 42, 38-51.

Zhang, K.J.*, Zhang, Y.X., Xia, B.D., He, Y.B., 2006. Temporal variations of the Mesozoic sandstone composition in the Qiangtang block, northern Tibet (China): Implications for provenance and tectonic setting. Journal of Sedimentary Research 76, 1035-1048.

Zhang, K.J., 2004. Secular geochemical variations of the Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic rocks from central Tibet (China) indicate a tectonic transition from continental collision to back-arc rifting. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 229, 73-89.

Zhang, K.J.*, Xia, B.D., Wang, G.M., Li, Y.T., Ye, H.F., 2004. Early Cretaceous stratigraphy, depositional environment, sandstone provenance, and tectonic setting of central Tibet, western China. Geological Society of America Bulletin 116, 1202-1222.

Zhang, K.J., 2004. Granulite xenoliths from Cenozoic basalts in SE China provide geochemical fingerprints to distinguish lower crust terranes from the North and South China tectonic blocks: Comment. Lithos 73, 127-134.

Zhang, K.J.*, Xia, B.D., Liang, X.W., 2002. Mesozoic-Paleogene sedimentary facies and paleogeography of Tibet, western China: Tectonic implications. Geological Journal 37, 217-246.

Zhang, K.J., 2002. Escape hypothesis for the North and South China collision and the tectonic evolution of the Qinling orogen, eastern Asia. Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae 95, 237-247.

Zhang, K.J.*, Wang, Q.F., Lu, H.N., Zhang, B.G., Xia, B.D., Wang, G.M., 2002. Intense late Cenozoic crustal shortening in southern Qiangtang, western China. Journal of the Geological Society of India 60, 333-336.

Zhang, K.J., 2001. Is the Songpan-Ganzi terrane (central China) really underlain by oceanic crust? Journal of the Geological Society of India 57, 223-230.

Zhang, K.J., 2001. Blueschist-bearing metamorphic core complexes in the Qiangtang block reveal deep crustal structure of northern Tibet: Comment. Geology 29, 90.

Zhang, K.J., 2000. Trace element and isotope characteristics of Cenozoic basalts around the Tanlu fault with implications for the eastern plate boundary between North and South China: An extended discussion. Journal of Geology 108, 739-743.

Zhang, K.J., 2000. Cretaceous palaeogeography of Tibet and adjacent areas (China): Tectonic implications. Cretaceous Research 21, 23-33.

Zhang, K.J., 1999. North and South China collision along the eastern and southern North China margin - Reply. Tectonophysics 312, 363-366.

Zhang. K.J., 1998. The Changning-Menglian suture zone: a segment of the major Cathaysian-Gondwanan divide in Southeast Asia- Comment. Tectonophysics 290, 319-321.

Zhang, K.J.*, Zhang, Y.J., Xia, B.D., 1998. Did the Indo-Asian collision alone create the Tibetan plateau? -Comment. Geology 26, 958-959.

Zhang, K.J., 1997. North and South China collision along the eastern and southern North China margins. Tectonophysics 270, 145-156.

Hu, Z.W., Chu, Y., Zhang, K.J., 1996. On penetration depth of the Shoe maker-Levy 9 Fragments into the Jovian atmosphere. Earth, Moon and Planets 73, 147-155.