Paleo‐ to Mesoproterozoic Tectono‐Magmatic Events Recorded in the Huwan Complex from the Dabie Orogen, Central China: Evidence from Petrology and U‐Pb Geochronology

Abstract

To better understand the Precambrian tectonic evolution of the Dabie Orogen in the northern margin of Yangtze Block, we present geochronological data for metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks in the Huwan Complex. A total of 385 detrital zircon LA‐ICP‐MS analyses for metasedimentary rocks yielded three 207Pb/206Pb age populations: 1.50–1.80 Ga, 1.81–1.87 Ga and 1.93–2.0 Ga, providing a maximum depositional timing of ca.1.50 Ga; while metafelsic volcanic gneisses yielded protolith U‐Pb ages of 1893 ± 54 Ma. The peak ages are remarkably consistent with the tectonothermal events that occurred in the northern Yangtze Block, indicating the presence of Paleo‐ to Meso‐proterozoic magmatism in the Dabie Orogen. The age range of 1.93–2.0 Ga correlates with the Paleoproterozoic collision; the age range of 1.81–1.87 Ga coincides with the period of the post‐orogenic extension; and the age range of 1.50–1.80 Ga Ma is interpreted to associate with an extensional regime. Zircon cores with age of 1732–1965 Ma have εHf(t) values ranging from ‐11.70 to ‐2.47, indicating that juvenile crust involved in their magma sources. Owing to the similar age spectra, we proposed that the nucleus of the Dabie Orogen was close to the Yangtze Block since the Paleoproterozoic. The Huwan Complex has an intimate affiliation to the Yangtze Block. The Huwan complex was not only experienced the Paleo‐Tethys ocean subduction and collision, but also recorded Paleo‐ to Mesoproterozoic tectono‐magmatic events in the Dabie Orogen.