Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Magmatic systems beneath Ashikule volcanic cluster (Western Kunlun, China): insights from compositional and textural features of lavas

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study considered the petrology, chemical composition, texture, and magma temperature and pressure of the volcanic rocks in the Ashikule volcanic cluster (AVC), Western Kunlun, China, to investigate the magmatic systems prior to eruption. The whole rock geochemistry of AVC lavas revealed a wide compositional range that included phonotephrite, basaltic trachyandesite, trachyandesite, trachyte, and acid rhyolite but mainly trachyandesite. The K2O/Na2O ratios were greater than 1, falling into the shoshonite series in a K2O vs. SiO2 diagram. Oxide diagrams showed that intermediate and acidic volcanic rocks have similar magmatic evolutions, mainly related to the fractional crystallization of pyroxene, plagioclase, apatite, and ilmenite. Acidic magma was found as the product of magmatic crystallization in the final stage. Trace element contents indicated that the magma underwent mixing with crustal components in the process of crystallization before eruption. Xishan phonotephrite revealed a different evolutionary series compared with the intermediate and acidic volcanic rocks, highlighting the differences of their magmatic sources. The equilibrium temperature and pressure of phonotephrite were 1146–1316 °C and 0.38–1.70 GPa, respectively, which correspond to a depth of 14–62 km. The equivalent values for intermediate rocks were 1062–1215 °C and 0.22–1.18 GPa, respectively, corresponding to a depth of 8–43 km. Acidic rocks had lower magmatic temperatures (778–889 °C). Active tectonics led to multiple events of magma upwelling, and the magma in each event underwent its own evolution. There were many different components of magma beneath the study area contemporaneously, i.e., multiple magma capsules with different compositions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bi H, Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhu X (1999) History of tectono-magmatic evolution in the Western Kunlun orogen. Sci China Ser D-Earth 42(6):604–619. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02877788

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bie L, Ryder I (2014) Recent seismic and aseismic activity in the Ashikule stepover zone, NW Tibet. Geophys J Int 198(3):1632–1643. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggu230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen J, Xu J, Wang B, Kang Z (2012) Cenozoic Mg-rich potassic rocks in the Tibetan Plateau: geochemical variations, heterogeneity of subcontinental lithospheric mantle and tectonic implications. J Asian Earth Sci 53:115–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2012.03.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chi X, Li C, Jin W (2005) Cenozoic volcanism and lithospheric tectonic evolution in Qiangtang area, northern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Sci China Ser D-Earth 48(7):1011–1024

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deng W (1978) A preliminary study on the petrology and petrochemistry of the quarternary volcanic rocks of northern Tibet autonomous region. Acta Geol Sin 2:148–162 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng W (1989a) Cenozoic volcanic rocks in the Northern Ngari district of the Tibet (Xizang)—discussion on the concurrent intracontinental subduction. Acta Geol Sin 3:1–11 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng W (1989b) Geological investigation on the volcanic group in the Wulukekule (lake), region Xinjiang. Journal of Natural Resources 4(4):349–354 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng W (1991) Geology, geochemistry and age of shoshointic lavas in the Central Kunlun orogenic belt. Scientia Geologica Sinica 3:201–213 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng W (1998) Cenozoic intraplate volcanic rocks in the Northern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Geol Publishing House, Beijing, China (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng W (2003a) Cenozoic volcanic activity and its geotectonic background in west China— formative excitation mechanism of volcanic rocks in Qinghai-Xizang and adjacent districts. Front Earth Sci 10(2):471–478 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng W (2003b) Cenozoic volcanism and tectonic evolution in the Tibetan plateau and its adjacent areas. Seismology and Geology 25:51–61 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ding L, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Deng W, Xu R, Zhong D (1999) Tectonic implication on the lithosphere evolution of the Tibet Plateau: petrology and geochemistry of sodic and ultrapotassic volcanism in Northern Tibet. Acta Petrol Sin 15(3):408–421 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ding L, Kapp P, Zhong D, Deng W (2003) Cenozoic volcanism in Tibet: evidence for a transition from oceanic to continental subduction. J Petrol 44:1833–1865. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egg061

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding L, Kapp P, Yue Y, Lai Q (2007) Postcollisional calc-alkaline lavas and xenoliths from the southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet. Earth Planet Sc Lett 254:28–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2006.11.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elliott JR, Walters RJ, England PC, Jackson JA, Li Z, Parsons B (2010) Extension on the Tibetan plateau: recent normal faulting measured by InSAR and body wave seismology. Geophys J Int 183(2):503–535. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2010.04754.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feng M, Huang J, Tu Y, Huang S (2014) New field evidence from the Ashikule volcano field in Yutian, Xinjiang, NW China. Acta Petrol Sin 33(12):3512–3520 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Guo Z, Wilson M, Liu J, Mao Q (2006) Post-collisional, potassic and ultrapotassic magmatism of the Northern Tibetan Plateau: constraints on characteristics of the mantle source, geodynamic setting and uplift mechanisms. J Petrol 47(6):1177–1220. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egl007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo Z, Wilson M, Zhang M, Zhang L (2015) Post-collisional ultrapotassic mafic magmatism in South Tibet: products of partial melting of pyroxenite in the mantle wedge induced by roll-back and delamination of the subducted Indian continental lithosphere Slab. J Petrol 56(7):1365–1406. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egv040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu Y, Niu Y, Li J, Ye L, Kong J, Chen S, Zhang Y, Zhang G (2016) Petrogenesis and tectonic significance of the Late Triassic mafic dikes and felsic volcanic rocks in the East Kunlun orogenic belt, Northern Tibet Plateau. Lithos 213:205–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2015.05.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jankovics EM, Harangi S, Németh K, Kissa B, Ntaflose T (2015) A complex magmatic system beneath the Kissomlyó monogenetic volcano (western Pannonian Basin): evidence from mineral textures, zoning and chemistry. J Volcanol Geother Res 301:38–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2015.04.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jin X, Wang J, Chen B, Ren L (2001) Stratigraphic and sedimentologic records of the uplifting of the West Kunlun in the Cenozoic. Acta Geol Sin 75(4):459–467 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jin X, Wang J, Chen B, Ren L (2003) Cenozoic depositional sequences in the piedmont of the west Kunlun and their paleogeographic and tectonic implications. J Asian Earth Sci 21(7):755–776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2015.05.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lai S, Liu C, Yi H (2003) Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Cenozoic andesite–dacite associations from the Hoh Xil region, Tibetan Plateau. Int Geol Rev 45:998–1019. https://doi.org/10.2747/0020-6814.45.11.998

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lai S, Qin X, Li Y, Liu X (2007a) Cenozoic volcanic rocks in the Bêlog Co area, Qiangtang, northern Tibet, China: petrochemical evidence for partial melting of the mantle-crust transition zone. Geol Bull China 26(3):305–311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-007-0305-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lai S, Qin J, Li Y (2007b) Partial melting of thickened Tibetan crust: geochemical evidence from Cenozoic Adakitic volcanic rocks. Int Geol Rev 49(4):357–373. https://doi.org/10.2747/0020-6814.49.4.357

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Le Maitre RW, Streckeisen A, Zanettin B, Le Bas MJ, Bonin B, Bateman P, Bellieni G, Dudek A, Efremova S, Keller J, Lameyre J, Sabine PA, Schmid R, Sørensen H, Wooley AR (2002) Igneous rocks, a classification and glossary of terms. (Recommendations of the international union of geological sciences subcommission on the systematics of igneous rocks). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Li S (1991) Study on the geomorphology and quaternary geology of the Ashikule Basin, middle of Kunlun Mountains. Acta Geol Sin 46(2):224–232 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li H, Yang J, Xu Z, Sun Z, Tapponnier P, Jerome VDW, Meriaux AS (2006) The constraint of the Altyn Tagh fault system to the growth and rise of the northern Tibetan plateau. Front Earth Sci 13(4):059–079 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li T, Chen J, Xiao W, Burban DW, Huang M, Thompson J (2011) Using deformation terraces to confine the shortening, uplift and lateral propagation of the Mushi anticline, northern margin of the Pamir. Seismology and Geology 33(2):308–322 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li M, Tang L, Yuan W (2015) Middle Miocene–Pliocene activities of the North Altyn fault system: evidence from apatite fission track data. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 8(11):1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li KB, Lv HT, Pu RH, Cao ZC (2016) Relationships among volcanic and hydrothermal activity and faults from the Shunnan 3-D well zone in the Tadong Area (Tarim Basin, China). Arabian Journal of Geosciences 9(17):692

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, E M (1990) Petrology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in West Kunlun Mountain. Bull Mineral Petrol Geochem 2: 123–124. (in Chinese)

  • Liu J (1999) Chinese volcanoes. Science press, Beijing (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu R (2000) Active volcanoes in China. Seismological Press, Beijing (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, Maimaiti Y (1990) Distribution and K-Ar ages of quaternary volcanoes in West Kunlun Mountain. Sci China Seri B 2:180–187 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu X, Wang J, Zhang Z, Wang Y (2002) Relation between the components of quaternary molasses and uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau-preliminary understanding of the results of measurements of the quaternary pebble composition at the Kokyar section, Yecheng, Xinjiang. Geological Bulletin of China 21(11):759–763 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu H, Li H, Liu D (2015) The major two-stage shortening deformation of the northern Tibet and Tian Shan area since the latest Oligocene. Acta Geol Sin (Engl Ed) 89(5):1546–1560

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mo X, Zhao Z, Depaolo DJ, Zhou S, Dong G (2006) Three types of collisional and post-collisional magmatism in the Lhasa block, Tibet and implications for India intra-continental subduction and mineralization: evidence from Sr-Nd isotopes. Acta Petrol Sin 22(4):795–803 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Molnar P, Tapponnier P (1975) Cenozoic tectonics of Asia: effects of a continental collision. Science 189:419–426

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molnar P, England P, Martinod J (1993) Mantle dynamics, uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, and the Indian monsoon. Rev Geophys 31:357–396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resmic.2008.05.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy MD, Sparks RSJ, Barclay J, Carrol MR, Lejeune AM, Brewer TS, Macdonald R, Black S, Young S (1998) The role of magma mixing in triggering the current eruption at the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat, West Indies. Geophys Res Lett 25(7-8):2112–2123. https://doi.org/10.1029/98GL00713

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan J (2011) Study on tectonic geomorphology in the West Kunlun Mountains and active tectonics in Ashikule area. Dissertation, Institute of Geology Chinese Academy of Geological Science, Beijing, China. 55–72. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

  • Putirka K (2008) Thermometers and barometers for volcanic systems. Rev Mineral Geochem 69:61–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Renjith ML (2014) Micro-textures in plagioclase from 1994-1995 eruption, Barren Island Volcano: evidence of dynamic magma plumbing system in the Andaman subduction zone. Geosci Front 5(1):113–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2013.03.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rickwood PC (1989) Boundary lines within petrologic diagrams which use oxides of major and minor elements. Lithos 22(4):247–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-4937(89)90028-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rowley DB (1996) Age of initiation of collision between India and Asia: a review of stratigraphic data. Earth Planet Sci Lett 145:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-821X(96)00201-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen H, Xu J, Yu H, Zhao B, Ji L (2014) Study on the volcanic edifice and petrology, mineralogy characteristics of Ashi volcano in west Kunlun Mountain. Seismology and Geology 36(1):105–122 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparks SRJ, Sigurdsson H (1977) Magma mixing: a mechanism for triggering acid explosive eruptions. Nature 267(5609):315–318. https://doi.org/10.1038/267315a0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Streck MJ (2008) Mineral textures and zoning as evidence for open system processes. Rev Mineral Geochem 69(1):595–622. https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2008.69.15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun SS, McDonough WF (1989) Chemical and isotopic systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. Geological Society London Special Publications 42(1):313–345. https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1989.042.01.19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tapponnier P, Xu Z, Roger F, Meyer B, Arnaud N, Wittlinger G, Yang J (2001) Oblique stepwise rise and growth of the Tibet Plateau. Science 294:1671–1677. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.105978

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viccaro M, Giuffrida M, Nicotra E, Ozerov AY (2012) Magma storage, ascent and recharge history prior to the 1991 eruption at Avachinsky Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia: inferences on the plumbing system geometry. Lithos 140–141:11–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2012.01.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang J (1998) Uplift of the Karibasheng and Kuzigan granite in the west Kunlun Mountains— evidence from apatite fission track analysis. Geol Rev 44(4):435–442 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang H, Zhang C (2011) Age and geochemical characteristics of quaternary volcanic rocks in the northwestern margin of Tibetan Plateau and their significance. Geol Bull China 30(8):1171–1181 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Wang J, Chin Z, Xiao X, Zhang Z (2004) Formation of Keriya River terraces and uplift of Western Kunlun. Ningxia Engineering Technology 30(8):1171–1181 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Li D, Xiao X, Chi Z, Min L (2006) Late Cenozoic tectonic movement in the front of the West Kunlun Mountains and uplift of the nor thwestern margin of the Qinghai- Tibetan Plateau. Geology in China 33(1):41–47 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Wang J, Xiao X, Chi Z, Wang Y (2009) Piedmont river terraces formation of the western Kunlun, China and their tectonic significance. Geol Bull China 28(12):1779–1785

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei W, Xu J, Yu H, Wei F (2015) Origin of the Ashi volcano, western Kunlun Mountains: evidence from seismic tomography. Front Earth Sci 22(6):227–232 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei F, Prytulak J, Xu J, Wei W, James OSH, Zhao B (2017) The cause and source of melting for the most recent volcanism in Tibet: a combined geochemical and geophysical perspective. Lithos 288–289:175–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2017.07.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu J, Zhao B, Zhang L, Chen Z (2011) Field geological exploration of Ashikule Volcano group in western Kunlun Mountains. Seismology and Geology 33(3):499–505. (in Chinese with English Abstract). https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.0253-4967.2011.03.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu J, Zhao B, Heming S, Chen Z, Zhang L (2014) Geological features and eruption history of Ashikule volcano clusters in western Kunlun Mountain. Acta Petrol Sin 33(12):3521–3530 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu H, Xu J, Zhao B, Shen H, Lin C (2014) Magmatic processes of Ashi volcano, west Kunlun Mountains, China. Acta Geol Sin (Engl Ed). 88(2):530–543. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.12212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu H, Zhao B, Xu J, Wei F (2017) Magmatic processes of Daheishan volcano, Ashikule volcano cluster in the western Kunlun Mountains, China. Acta Petrol Sin 33(1):56–68

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Xiao X, Wang J, Wang Y, Luo Z (2004) Geochemistry of the Cenozoic potassic volcanic rocks in the West Kunlun Mountains and constraints on their sources. Acta Geol Sin 78(4):912–920. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-6724.2004.tb00213.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Xiao X, Wang J, Wang Y, Kusky TM (2008) Post-collisional Plio-Pleistocene shoshonitic volcanism in the western Kunlun Mountains, NW China: geochemical constraints on mantle source characteristics and petrogenesis. J Asian Earth Sci 31:379–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2007.06.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Xu J, Xiao X, Sun H, Zhang L, Chen Z (2014) Characteristics of geology and geochemistry in Daheishan volcano in Ashikule basin, Xinjiang. Acta Petrol Sin 30(12):3531–3538 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng C, Hou G (2018) Identification and stage classification of Precambrian rifts in the Tarim craton, northwestern China. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 11:720

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank He Rong from the Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences for his support and help in electron microprobe analysis of lava samples. We would like to thank Editage [www.editage.cn] for English language editing.

Funding

This work was supported by the Special Projects of the Institute of Geology, CEA (Grant No. IGCEA 1307, and IGCEA1904) and Natural Science Foundation of China (41342344).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Observation and Research Station of Jilin Changbaishan Volcano, Antu, 133613, China

    Hongmei Yu, Jiandong Xu, Bo Zhao & Feixiang Wei

  2. CEA Key Laboratory of Seismic and Volcanic Hazards, Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration (CEA), Yard No.1, Hua Yan Li, Chaoyang District, 100029, Beijing, China

    Hongmei Yu, Jiandong Xu, Bo Zhao & Feixiang Wei

Authors
  1. Hongmei Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jiandong Xu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Bo Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Feixiang Wei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hongmei Yu.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Domenico M. Doronzo

Electronic supplementary material

ESM 1

(XLSX 17 kb)

ESM 2

(XLSX 15 kb)

ESM 3

(XLSX 42 kb)

ESM 4

(XLSX 25 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Yu, H., Xu, J., Zhao, B. et al. Magmatic systems beneath Ashikule volcanic cluster (Western Kunlun, China): insights from compositional and textural features of lavas. Arab J Geosci 13, 528 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05506-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05506-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation