Episodic crustal extension and contraction characterizing the Late
Mesozoic tectonics of East China: Evidence from the Jiaodong Peninsula,
East China
Abstract
During the Late Mesozoic, East China is characterized by a widespread
magmatism, thrusting and folding, extensional doming, strike-slip
faulting, and block rotation. The Jiaodong Peninsula provides a key area
located in East China to understand the episodic intracontinental
extension and contraction, and associated granitoids emplacement. Based
on our structural analysis, magnetic fabrics and gravity modeling,
polyphase deformation and magma emplacement have been recognized within
the Queshan-Kunyushan-Yuangezhuang-Sanfoshan (QKYS) massif of the
central Jiaodong Peninsula. A significant Late Jurassic D1 event,
developed in the northern margin of the massif, was expressed by a
high-temperature, top-to-the-NE shearing. Late Jurassic plutons display
magnetic fabrics corresponding to the D1 structural fabrics and several
NW–SE-trending feeder zones at depth. These results link the
syn-kinematic emplacement of Late Jurassic plutons with regional NE–SW
extensional tectonics. At the south of the massif, a lower-temperature,
top-to-the-SW contractional deformation (D2) resulted from NE–SW
contraction. The D3 shear zone with a top-to-the-WNW kinematics is a
rolling-hinge type detachment fault that exhumed the massif, indicating
NW–SE regional extension. Finally, Early Cretaceous plutons emplaced
into upper crust with a fast cooling rate and formed an inverted drop
shape with concentric magnetic foliations and variably oriented magnetic
lineations. At the light of the previous geochronological results, the
timing of these tectonic events are discussed. The tectonic evolution of
the QKYS massif indicates a process from crustal thickening to
lithospheric foundering in response to the Late Mesozoic plate
convergences.