New Paleomagnetic results from Late Triassic limestone of the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane: Implications for the closure of the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean

• Published in: Palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology, 2025-01, Vol.657, p.112610, Article 112610
• Main Authors: Yu, Liang, Yan, Maodu, Domeier, Mathew, Li, Bingshuai, Shen, Miaomiao, Guan, Chong, Fu, Qiang, Xu, Wanlong, Xu, Zunbo, Niu, Zhichao, Zhang, Dawen, Yang, Liye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Eastern Qiangtang Terrane; Late Triassic limestone; Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean; Paleogeographic reconstruction
• ISSN: 0031-0182
• DOI: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2024.112610

To constrain the drift history of the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane and the closure time of the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean, we conducted a paleomagnetic study of Late Triassic limestones in the Qamdo region of the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane. The results of the rock magnetic, petrographic, and reversal test indicate the limestones carry primary magnetizations. Our new paleomagnetic data provide a Late Triassic paleopole of 30.9°N, 161.4°E (A95 = 8.4°), which corresponds to a paleolatitude of 35 ± 8.4°N for the study area. Integrating these data with existing paleomagnetic results and geological evidence, we determine that the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane was situated at a relatively constant paleolatitudinal position without significant N-S displacements during ∼230–209 Ma. We conclude that the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean in the Qamdo region had already closed before ∼221 Ma, and likely around ∼230 Ma. •Rock magnetic, petrographic, and reversal test indicate the Late Triassic limestones carry primary magnetizations.•New limestone paleomagnetic results provide a robust Late Triassic paleopole of 30.9°N, 161.4 °E (A95 = 8.4°).•The closure of the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean was constrained before ∼221 Ma, and most likely occurred ∼230 Ma.