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Detrital Zircon U–Pb Geochronology as an Indicator of Provenance in the Zhiluo Formation of the Western Ordos Basin, China

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Abstract

Detrital zircon grains were collected from six samples of sedimentary rock from the Middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the western Ordos Basin of China. U–Pb isotopic geochronology data were measured and used to assess the provenance and directions of sediment transport of these grains. Five age populations were recognised amongst the U–Pb age spectra: 2700–2034 Ma, 1999–1426 Ma, 1296–636 Ma, 556–323 Ma, and 315–207 Ma. Each of these groups corresponds to one or several potential sediment sources around the western Ordos Basin. Based on these data and the spatial distribution of the six collected samples, we interpret that the material of the Middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the western Ordos Basin was mainly derived from the northern margin of the North China Craton and the Qilian Orogenic Belt. In addition, the eastern margin of the Alxa Block contributed as a sediment source for certain regions. Detritus was transported via two major supply directions to the western Ordos Basin, and this basin was connected to the Hexi Corridor during the Middle Jurassic. In conclusion, our results are consistent with the closure of Palaeo-ocean and the formation of the orogenic belt.

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Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41330315) and Special Items of China Geological Survey (Grant Nos. 12120113039900 and 12120114009201).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China

    Wei Luo & Zejin Shi

  2. State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, China

    Chiyang Liu

  3. College of Geology and Environment, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, 710054, Shaanxi, China

    Xiaochen Zhao

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  1. Wei Luo
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C.L. and Z.S. had the idea for the study, with W.L. primarily responsible for the written text. X.Z. contributed to acquisition of U–Pb data.

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Correspondence to Chiyang Liu.

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Luo, W., Shi, Z., Liu, C. et al. Detrital Zircon U–Pb Geochronology as an Indicator of Provenance in the Zhiluo Formation of the Western Ordos Basin, China. Arab J Sci Eng 46, 587–600 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-020-04993-7

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