Geochemistry and detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic data reveal the provenance and tectonic setting of the Xujiahe Formation.

ABSTRACT: The depositional age, provenance and tectonic setting of the Xujiahe Formation have been studied, but remain intensely debated. In this study, we focus on the second segment of the Xujiahe Formation (T₃x₂) as a research object. Several sandstone samples from three sections were collected for stratigraphic, geochemical and detrital zircon analyses. Stratigraphic assemblage and features of the three sections indicate a braided river delta depositional setting, and detrital zircon U-Pb dating constrains a Late Triassic depositional age. Whole-rock geochemistry suggests that the sandstones exhibit a low degree of palaeo-weathering and primarily derived from upper crustal felsic rocks. Detrital zircons within these sandstones display uniform age peaks at intervals of 2000-

SUBMITTER: Xie F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12749479 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature