LAUSR

Abstract The Altun–Qilian–Kunlun orogenic system in the northern Tibetan Plateau is considered as the northernmost orogenic collage of the proto-Tethyan domain. Early Paleozoic polyphase tectonothermal events related to the subduction of the proto-Tethyan ocean and subsequent collisional orogeny produced two dominant metamorphic belts: the North Altun (NAT)–North Qilian (NQL) HP/LT metamorphic belt, and south Altun (SAT)–north Qaidam (NQD) UHP metamorphic belt. The NAT –NQL HP/LT metamorphic belt mainly consists of blueschist, eclogite and HP metasediments. Eclogites record metamorphic conditions of 420–550 °C and 21–25 kbar, at 510–460 Ma. The HP/LT metamorphic belt is associated with ophiolite, subduction–accretion complex, and arc magmatic rocks, suggesting that the NAT–NQL is a typical early Paleozoic accretionary orogenic belt. In contrast, the SAT–NQD UHP metamorphic belt is characterized by eclogite and garnet peridotite enclosed within continental orthogneiss and paragneiss. These rocks record UHP metamorphism at T > 700 °C and P > 27 kbar. Geochronology suggests that the UHP metamorphism occurred at 500–423 Ma, and eclogite protolith ages of 850–750 Ma suggest that protoliths are related to Neoproterozic continental rifting. Field relationships, petrology and geochronology suggest that the SAT–NQD UHP metamorphic belt resulted from the deep subduction of continental crust. Moreover, in the SAT–NQD UHP metamorphic belt, two types of HP granulites have been recognized. The first type of HP granulite was formed by overprinting of eclogites during exhumation. The second type of HP granulite has a single metamorphic history and similar age to that of UHP eclogite. Penecontemporaneous metamorphic ages but different geothermal gradients between HP granulites and related UHP eclogite define a possible paired metamorphic belt, which may be considered to be a diagnostic characteristic of collisional orogens. High grade metamorphic rocks in the SAT–NQD commonly record Barrovian type metamorphism, although it remains unclear whether or not all of these rocks have an earlier (U)HP metamorphic history. The low–medium-P Barrovian metamorphism and associated magmatism are about 20–50 Ma later than UHP metamorphism. Newly recognized eclogites in the northern part of the East Kunlun Mountains, to the south of Qaidam basin, have a similar field relationship (enclosed in continental gneiss) and mineral assemblage to the NQD eclogites, and a similar or slightly younger metamorphic age (410–430 Ma). The occurrence of similar continental type eclogites on two sides of the Qaidam basin makes it necessary to reconsider the nature of the Qaidam block. The polyphase metamorphism in northern Tibet can be linked to accretion and collisional orogenesis related to the evolution of Prototethys through the early Paleozoic.